More than a month has passed, and I never had any contact with Denver. I do not have my phone with me as per Daniel's favor. I only have my belongings and some canvases I could use to paint. Daniel also sent me groceries and necessities.



He also left me in a small yet comfortable house. It was far from civilization. Only a few houses were here, and in fact, people here look like they do not live the same as those from the city. They have a simple life and farming and fishing are one of their sources of income.



There are also small buildings allotted for healthcare facilities and political reasons. They also have a hall for social gatherings and events. This place was a small administrative subdivision or barrio.



It was peaceful living here. The grass, fresh air, morning breeze. Let alone the sunset that I always admired. It was sort of calming yet still felt unsatisfied as I know this is not the place I belong.



I presume that this was the better choice. I always remind myself that it was for the betterment of everyone. Especially for Denver. But I still have all the doubts and what-ifs. Those uncertainties bug me every time.



Did I make the right choice? Did I make it for those people I want to cherish? For my family? For Denver? For myself?



Am I selfish?



I've already decided what I want and expect the unexpected, but these thoughts still linger in the back of my head. I don't want to regret it but it's hurting me along the process.



All those days I am not with my husband just felt tortured. I have been dependent on him since he was already part of my system. I do not know if he will permanently be part of mine. It still pains me every time I think of him. The thought of leaving him is like betraying him. I promised, but I broke it.



“I started it, but she will be the one to end it.”



These were Denver's own words. It was true that I would be the one to end this marriage with him. Just a few days ago, I already signed the annulment papers that Daniel send me. It was his plan. I ended what was between us.



I do not know what Denver's reaction to it. I don't want to know even though Daniel is insisting on telling me. I don't want to hear any news about my husband. It will just hurt me.



I didn't tell my sister or my parents about it. My parents don't even have the slightest idea that I got married. As per Carmienne, she's been busy with her modeling career. I do not have their numbers too. But I will go back home soon after the annulment process.



All those mixed emotions and overthinking led me to this ending. I still let go of Denver. I can't always keep myself under his protection. He's been enduring a lot of pressure that he didn't tell me.



I am not sure if I can endure it for a long time. The longing I am feeling right now truly tells me that a part of me doesn't want to let him go. It just, circumstances happen. Fate interferes and I chose to run away. To leave everything behind. And to break my promise.



“One kilo, sir,” I said to the old vendor while pointing to the mangoes on the table.



“Oh, here!” He handed me a piece of plastic with my mangoes before I paid for it. I smiled at him and left.



I am at the market to buy some ingredients for my fruit salad. Someone invited me to their feast held at the grand hall. People here are very friendly and hospitable I made some friends, some are elders, and most are around my age.



“Shammie!”



And one of them is Liene Flores. She has black hair, is petite, and has gray eyes. With her features, she's really a foreigner. Though, with the way she dresses, she can hide it.



“Hey.”



“I will help you with those!” she looked thrilled with the plastic bags I am carrying. He took some to help me carry it. These are for the feist later. “I've been craving for salad.”



“Okay.” I smiled. We walked our way to my small house. Liene was telling me about her school life when she bumped into someone. Some fruits fell on the ground because of that impact. I immediately helped her while the person who bumped into her also helped us too.



“What the—”



Liene was about to burst out when she stopped midway. Lips parted while she looked in front of her. I glanced back but I was more surprised when the person who bumped Liene knew me. He was staring perhaps with his usual cold gaze.



“K-kian? W-what...”



“You dropped these, miss.” He handed the mango he was holding and diverted his gaze to Liene who was already blushing at the sight of the guy. While I was stoned at my place, bewitched, and shocked. “Let me help you.”



“U-uh... no!” Liene stutters but is completely dazed. She shook her head. “Thank you, but we can handle these.”



“Oh.” Kian cold voice resonated. He took a quick glance at me before he nodded. “If that's the case, then I'll get going.”



He left without looking back. Liene followed him with a look while I was still stunned that I saw him here.



H-how? How did he find me?



“Shammie? You okay?”



I kept my face stoic and glanced at her. She was smiling at me as if she saw something that fascinated her. It was visible in her eyes as they looked like they were twinkling.



I nodded at her. “Yeah.”



“Let's go?”



We went back to my small house to prepare for the feast. Most of the time, Liene would sleep here with me whenever she has free time. Her father is always busy on their small farm and her mother will always bring us some picked fruits from their garden. They are such a happy family.



“I've always wanted to be a flight attendant, Shammie.” We were in the middle of making the salad when I saw her smile at me. “I am so grateful that my parents are so supportive that they let me take my chosen course.”



“Good for you, Liene.”



“I never imagine meeting you, though. You know that Carmienne, your sister, is famous in Clivette.”



“Yeah, she's been focusing on her modeling career.”



“But did you know?” she asked. “She likes Jake Hart, right?”



I shrugged.



“I told you; I will be an exchange student at Clifford High University. It was also said that Jake Hart will also be like in his last year.”



I gasped and suddenly looked at her. “Really? Since when he became an exchange student?”



“This opening. The admin told us that he went there early, around December last year to start.”



I furrowed. It means it was not a coincidence that we saw him there. He was really an exchange student?



Maybe that's also the reason why my sister is there too? She knew that Jake would study at my school. Does The Falcon know this? Perhaps, Denver? or Daniel...



I bit my lips as I can't focus well. There are a lot of questions in my mind.



It's already March and a few months from now, Jake will be in his last year... Is that it?



“What course did he take?” I curiously asked.



“I am not sure... Aeronautics?”



“Pilot?” If that's the case, it would be four to six years.



“I wish I could also meet your sister. She's really a beauty, just like you.” She smiled. My focus was already on what she said and just chuckled. I chose to ignore it as she will just mumble things if I will deny that.



Night came and people already assembled om the grand hall. I was carrying the salad we made. We saw Liene's parents in the corner. In front of them was a set-up table with a bunch of different food. I greeted some of my neighbors before I made my way.



Loud music, fun dancing, and a cheerful crowd. I was enjoying myself the whole time. Banderitas were installed above, and lights aligned with it making the hall bright in the middle of the night.



I sad smile plastered on my lips as I imagined Denver with me, also enjoying the feast. I heaved a sigh and roamed my eyes around to divert my attention.



A familiar guy standing behind the tree with arms crossed was the first one I noticed. He didn't even intend to hide his face and just pretend as if we did not know each other.



“Shammie!”



I glanced at Liene who was now wearing a white flowery dress. It really suits her and complements her skin color. She was smiling at me but then followed where I was looking at. Her cheeks blushed immediately then looked at me.



“He's been eyeing you earlier, huh,” she uttered. She also noticed that?



“I know him,” I mumbled before I excused myself to where Kian is.



As soon as I get close, I noticed how he stood up straight and stared at me. He reached for my arms and immediately embraced me.



I let him hug me. After a few seconds, he let go. I looked at how he is. A visible black under his eye, and disheveled hair. He's not wearing his eyeglasses right now.



“What happened to you?” I asked. He did not look the same as before. But still, he's handsome despite the sleepless look and tired eyes.



“I will explain later, can I come to your house?” he asked. I nodded and grabbed his hand before we made our way to my small house. I didn't look back in Liene's direction.



I have a lot of questions for my friend. Why he's here and his reason. It was clear to me that I needed to do this because I don't want to be Denver's distraction. But Kian... I don't know.



As soon as I opened the door of my house, Kian immediately sat on the monobloc chair inside the living room. He caressed his thighs as if they were aching and looked at me as if asking for help.



I helped him remove his shoes and socks.



“I've been on standby since morning,” he uttered.



“Who told you to keep standing there? You could have talked to me.”



I thought he would pretend as if he didn’t know me. I was still shocked that he was here. But my priority right now is him.



“Carmienne is worried. She wants you to go back home.”



“I can't...”



I pursed my lips and sat on the other chair beside him. I sighed heavily thinking of my decisions.



“I can't face everyone yet.”



“We don't understand why you're doing this, Sha. You want to protect someone?” Kian uttered. I nodded but not only for that reason.



“Daniel talked to me. He asked for a favor that I couldn't resist. He has a point, Kian. I would be a distraction to my husband.”



“So, it's true that you signed the annulment papers?” His voice was serious that I can't even determine how he managed to keep me enlightened. As if his question was the answer to my doubts.



“It's my way to help him,” I said. My chest is constricted with unknown emotions.



“You have other options, Sha. Not this.” He heaved a sigh and suddenly flicked my forehead. I glanced at him with furrowed brows. “You're young and naive.”



“I am...”



“You didn't consider your husband's feelings? How about those people who also want to protect you? You will just leave them?”



I can't keep looking at him now. He makes sense but I will still stick with my decisions.



“It's okay if you want to protect those people you love... but sometimes, you can't protect them by leaving them.”



“I just want him to choose his work over me, Kian. A lot of people are still in danger. I want him to prioritize that. I can manage myself.”



“But how about him, huh?” He arched a brow. He leaned on his sit and looked at the window where the feast was ongoing. “How about his feelings for you? You won't consider that?”



“His feelings might change over time, Kian.” I sadly smiled at that thought. It would be really painful if it is to happen, but I will still try to accept our fate. And I don't think mine would change. He will always be my first and last love.



“I hope you won't regret this, Sha.” He flashed a kind smile when I glanced at him. I kept myself calm even though his words struck me. He caressed my hair. “I might not know half of your reason, but I will support you.”



I nodded and smiled at him. “I want to help Denver's gang, Kian. And this favor would do. I also want to give justice to my cousins' de*ths. Daniel told me that he will help us.”



His stares stayed longer on mine as if he was thinking something. He nodded afterward. “If that's the case, the more reason why I will stay with you.”



“How did you find me?” I asked.



“What am I here for? To keep guard on you.” He winked. “I will hide you from everyone, including your parents. Though, they know why you're doing this.”



“Huh?” I furrowed. “How?”



“Daniel Saavedra was the one who told your parents about this, Sha.” He flashed a smirk at me. “He planned this very thoroughly.”