I halted in my steps and looked around. Phoenix’s dad? Why is he calling me? No, how did he even got my number? 
"Do you want something from me?" 
That came out to me without thinking. It's kinda rude but I think they don't earn my respect, especially to the state of how Phoenix turned out to be because of them. 
I know that this is a family matter, and I should mind my own business, but I have to listen to his parents' side and don't be biased.
"I know your relationship with my son. Whatever it is, I demand you to stop it." He said, straight to the point. “He’ll get married soon.” 
Marry? They are still up to their deal with Phoenix no matter what he says? 
I couldn’t help but get angry. I really feel Phoenix’s wrath towards him.
 "Excuse me sir, but who are you to stop us?" I said calmly. “It’s your son’s life.” I’m not sure what I am to Phoenix, but I have a little hope. I want to fight for him. 
"Oh, I know everything, Sereia. I have eyes there.” His father answered. “It’s best if you stop that relationship with him early on."
I sighed. This man is really stubborn. I don’t care if he’s a CEO of a multimillionaire corporation. He’s a bad father figure. 
"I'm sorry sir, but the decision is up to your son. He told me stories about you, and I know this is a family matter but Phoenix is in pain. You hurt him so much that he didn't want to come back to your life anymore.” I said and he was silent.
I continued, “I also want to help you fix your family, but you are torturing him for forcing him to choose a decision.” 
"Name your price.” He suddenly said. 
I furrowed my eyebrows at that, “What?”
“It’s money that you’re after, right? I know your schemes. Just because my son is hurting, you think you understand him but you don’t. It’s money that you want from him.” He said, and I gasped at that.
What the hell is this man talking about? I feel my heart racing in anger, my head boiling. 
I swear, if only I was not speaking with him through the phone right now, I’ll probably be in the news tomorrow for breaking his face. 
“I’m right, aren’t I? You’re manipulating him. You’re a bad influence on him. You need to leave.”
I scoffed.
What kind of nonsense is this? 
I feel like getting dumber the more I talk to him.
“Painting me as the villain sir? Is that all rich people think about? Money?” I asked, firing back at him. I won’t let myself be dragged down. He chose the wrong person. 
“Sorry to break it to you, but without money in this world, you are nothing.” 
“How dare a lowly child like you talk back to me? Do you know I can put you in prison in just a snap of my fingers, young lady?” He said, not believing what I said. 
I smirked. Screw it. Screw the rich people. I had enough of this world and for people like him who think highly of themselves. 
Rich people think the world is about money. They think they can always get what they want. They are too driven by greed. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. I’m tired of this damn system. 
“Everything can be bought with money! I can even buy your whole life! Just stay away from my son!” 
I clicked my tongue, now smirking. “Tsk, you’re just getting desperate now knowing your son only listens to me,” I said. “I feel pity for you.” 
Hanging upon him, I could feel Phoenix’s father cursing at me. I don’t care about him. 
I didn’t notice that I bit my lip too much from anger that it got wound. 
I sighed, now deciding. 
My time staying here is over anyway. I should return home now for Phoenix to think clearly. 
I'm doing this for him, not for his dad.
The idea of him getting married just to regain his land’s investors hurt me. I feel someone tugging in my heart.
I need to leave here. I need to say goodbye to him. This is the only way for now. 
****
The next morning, I woke up early to pack my belongings.
I wanted to stay. I really do. 
But the situation will get worse if I don’t. 
 I have to leave. 
No matter what, I really need to.
 I have to disregard what I promised Phoenix yesterday. I may have a choice not to follow his parents' command of me, but it's also my decision. 
It's for Phoenix to have a clear mind. 
I hope he’ll understand.
 I really want him and his parents to patch things up and to do that, this is the only way.
And that is leaving him.
I tried hard not to make a sound while carrying my bag when I  saw Phoenix standing at the bottom, holding a cup of coffee with his hand.
"Where are you going?" He asked, noticing the bag in my hands. 
I gnashed on my lip. Now what? He caught me. 
Guess I don't have a choice but to tell him the truth. "I am going home."
His mouth hung open in shock and scowled at me, "Why?" He asked.
"Because I decided to give up on regaining this land. I don’t want it anymore.” I answered, which is kind of true.
“I won't stay here forever, Raziel. I have a job there and my boss is looking for me." At this point, I’m clearly lying to him. 
Phoenix blinked at me, processing what I was saying. "But you said that you won't leave me." He muttered, his eyes looking at me with so much hope.
I gulped, feeling guilty. What should I say now? He really won’t let me go…
And I’m afraid that one word from him and I would risk it all. 
This is bad. I need to hurry before he changes my heart.
"Promises are meant to be broken, Phoenix."
He shook his head, almost begging me now, "Can you please not leave me…not right now, please. I need you."
I avoided his gaze. "You should marry Mr. Buenaventura’s daughter!" I brought up. 
“I didn't agree to marry her," He answered and rested his forehead on mine. “It’s you that I want to marry, Sereia. Please don’t do this to me.” 
I pushed him away, "No! You must get married…for your land!"
He sighed, now pursing his lips. 
 "Did my parents ask you a favor again? Sereia, tell me, did they give you money?” He asked, his eyes holding an emotion of betrayal. “You listened to them? I thought you were on my side."
I clenched my jaw in anger but I inhaled to calm myself down, " They didn't bribe me Phoenix. I'm not that low. I am doing this of my own will."
He snorted at me and massaged his temples, disbelief was written on his face. "Really Sereia?" Really? You’re betraying me like this?” 
I just kept quiet, wanting to turn away from him when my phone rang. 
"Hello?"
I felt heavy breathing before my mom’s panicked voice spoke up from the other line, "Sereia! Your grandfather!" 
I glanced at Raziel who was looking at me, still disappointed. I averted my gaze and instead focused on carrying my luggage. “What? What happened to him, mom?” I asked firmly.
Mom couldn’t answer me as I heard her sobbing. 
I sighed,  "I'm coming home, mom." 
With that, I hung up my phone and quickly walked to the door when Phoenix blocked my path. 
He was looking at me worriedly, “What happened? Is there something wrong?” 
I checked the time and shook my head, “No, nothing is wrong. Stop blocking the door and let me leave, Phoenix.”  I demanded, now angry.