“You're familiar with this guy?”



That was the first thing I heard as soon as I finished my dinner. I chose to go to the kitchen to eat. My food has always been delivered by the maids. While Daniel would be out of town during the day. I glanced at him who was in front of me as he was looking at some pictures. A laptop was in front of him, and piles of documents were on the table.



It's been three days since Daniel told me everything. It still disappoints me that I didn't get that information personally from my husband. After Daniel explained it to me, I still feel it was not the whole truth. That I need to know more.



He left me alone to process everything and to give me time. I understand what he meant by that 'captive'. It's more like helping them indirectly. Denver's always been focused on their missions but after he met me, his attention was divided. Our situation made him distracted, and Daniel saw it as a casualty since my husband is a big asset to their gang.



I understand that, and I want to help them. But I can't accept the first half of the favor he wants. To leave Denver. I can't do that. I promise my husband that I won't leave him. I saw how he looked so scared when I found out about him being a gangster. He expected that if I knew that side of him, I would be scared and leave him. He doesn't want that, and I don't want that either.



And I can't accept that leaving him might be the only option I have right now. Maybe... Maybe, there are other choices I need just so I can help them. Just to lessen the casualty of their cold war.



Every time their gangs are exposed to the city, it will always bring chaos. Regardless of who started it first, they will still make collateral damage, and it's the lives of people.



I don't know why they have this war between them. And the authorities can't even interfere. These gangs might be powerful that they are untouchable.



“Sharmienne?”



“Huh?” I spaced out. I heard him sigh and put down the picture he was holding. He then took the plate that I used. He cleaned everything in front of my table before he casually sat back on his chair in front of me.



“You've been thinking of what I said yesterday?” He ruffles his hair before typing something on his laptop. He didn't give me a look, but he knew I was observing him. “Am I right?”



“Yes... I can't do that, Daniel.”



I glanced at the picture he lifted earlier. I reached for it, and I was totally shocked when I saw it. A picture of a guy wearing a hoodie shirt with a cap was talking to a girl.



The guy was familiar and the surroundings. It's in C.H.U. From this angle, it can't visibly see the girl he was talking with, but I know that physique. It was me! And then, realization struck me, this guy is my classmate.



“Zian?”



Daniel fixed his position and glanced at me. As if he heard a magic word and now his full attention was on me. He arched his brow and glance at the picture I'm holding.



“So, you know him?” he asked.



“Not personally, we just bumped in one time, but I never talk to him again.”



He shrugged. “He's part of The Hawk, beware of that.”



“H-how?”



“Denver's been spying on him since you transferred to C.H.U. You didn't notice that he's kinda suspicious?” he said and focused again on his laptop. That gave me the time to reminisce about how he's part of a gang. Zian looked rugged and arrogant to me, but I never thought he was a gangster.



“Not everyone you see can be trusted, Mrs. Velasquez.” I heard Daniel utter, still focused on his laptop. “Those people who are close to you can also be the ones to betray you. Protect your heart.”



“I am asking you that favor because I know you're the only one who can do that. We can't control Denver and his plans. The gang knows that it will ruin him completely. We're just avoiding the damage it will cause him and his relationship with you.”



“But I promise that I won't leave him, Daniel,” I said. Just by the thought of my husband almost crumbling inside. I miss him already. “I don't want to break him completely.”



“Promises are meant to be broken.” He scoffed.



“You're just bitter,” I mumbled. He just smirks.



“I am trying to let you understand our situation, Mrs. Golieza. Denver doesn't know my plan. I was saving time to keep this plan and do my friend a favor by keeping you safe.” His eyes focused on me for a second. It's as if he's been thinking. The bags under his eyes were almost visible. “Denver is my friend, Sharmienne. But it is the first time I saw him like this. He's close to being ravaged because of your situation. He's been juggling life and death just to protect you. And that is why I am here to help him secretly. Though he doesn't have any idea about my plans.”



“You keep this a secret? Why?”



“It would be a waste if he interferes. I am doing this behind his back and even my gang doesn't know that I'm keeping you captive.” He chuckled when he looked away. “They may think that I am a traitor now.”



He leaned back on his sit and close his eyes. He looked tired and sleepless. I don't want to burden him. I understand some parts of his plans, but I can't fully grasp them. Yet, I am not hesitant. Daniel's been loyal to Denver and my husband trusts him. I should trust him too.



There must be something behind his plans. My mind tells me. But if staying away from Denver will make him focused on his job and duties, then I will surely do Daniel's favor. Yet I feel guilty.



Leaving my husband is the most difficult decision I have made yet. It was frustrating and excruciating. Hearing Daniel's statements about Denver being busy fixing my problems hurts me. The company problem was given to him. Our marriage tied him completely to me, removing his youthful freedom. A part of me was guilty. I was at fault that all of these were snatched from him. It justified his hate for me before. It my vision clearer because of these realizations.



“Would it hurt Denver if I leave? W-would leaving him alleviate the pressure and burden he has on his shoulder?” My voice began to stutter. Daniel opened his eyes. He shook his head and looked down. He can't meet my eyes. “Would it help my husband?”



“I don't know...”



I heaved a sigh. “I've been liking him even before we got married. I already accepted my fate that he wouldn't like me back... But when he does... I-i was happy and grateful that he reciprocates my feelings. It was one of the best moments I could never f-forget.”



My gaze was on Daniel, but it started to get blurry. My shaking hands tried to wipe the shredded tears on my cheeks.



“But I guess... I need to accept that I will be the reason for his downfall. That I can't be with him. I was a distraction.”



“I want to prevent that...” I heard him utter. “It's harsh for me to say this but you're like an illegal drug that made him addicted, Sharmienne. Remember that.”



I nodded. I completely understand that now. It makes sense. Daniel wants me to know that I need to sacrifice. It's painful to hear the truth.



“I apologize if I asked this favor.” He sighed. “You're the only one who can do it.”



“W-what's your plan?” I asked. “You want me out of the picture, right?”



If this is his way of protecting Denver and those who are close to him, then maybe it is the best decision to make. Maybe...



“Sign the annulment paper and don't ever let him see you again.”



An agonizing throb was the first thing I felt. It almost wrecked me. I expected this scenario to happen before but not like this. I expected Denver to give it to me but was more painful to imagine.



His feelings might change over time. When I leave his life, he can have the freedom he wants. He won't be entangled with me.



“Can I really do it, Daniel?”



“You can,” he uttered, not bothered by how I looked. “In exchange, I will help you with your cousins' case.”



My mouth was agape. H-how? How did he know that? Daniel surely has connections, and he can be a big help. I was stuck. Even before he said that I had already made up my mind.



“I will tell you everything once you agree to my favor.”



“Manipulative,” I uttered, not intending for him to hear it. I saw him smirk. “Let me... let me talk to my husband one last time.”



His brows furrowed. “He doesn't have a phone with him, remember?” he uttered. “But I will still fulfill your wish. It's my advance birthday gift for you.”



Oh, I will be nineteen tomorrow. I pursed my lips. Does he even know that? Did Denver tell him?



“Don't crumble when you find out about his real situation. Only then you can decide.”



He tapped something on his laptop before I heard a ring from my phone. It was an unknown number. I looked at Daniel when he stood up and pointed to the living room.



“Talk to him.” After he said that, he left me, holding his laptop.



I tapped the answer button and silence immediately surrounded the whole kitchen. I heaved a sigh and calmed my heart. But when I heard his husky voice, I sobbed silently.



“My wife...” His voice was low and husky. I miss hearing his voice. It's been days since I heard from him.



“Denver, h-how are you?” I tried to calm down. “You won't go home yet?”



I tried to be casual as much as possible. I don’t want him to think that something is wrong.



“Y-you miss me?” He chuckled but groaned after.



“Yes, I miss you, hubby.”



“F*ck!” He cussed as he chuckled. I can hear guys from the other line. “I-i miss you too. You're not mad at me anymore?”



“H-huh? No?”



“You're not sure? You've been avoiding me since my mother and Clyde visited.” I bit my lips because it was true. “As much as I want to see you so bad, I still have a business to do, my wife.” I can hear how his voice softens. “I badly want to cuddle with you.”



“D-denver...”



“D*mn, I miss your voice. Oh, sh*t! That hurts, man!”



“Who’s with you?” I asked. He's groaning again as if he's fighting with someone.



“My friends. They are bullying me!” He sounded like a kid whining. I chuckled but at the same time, my eyes watered. I didn't realize I was crying. I will miss this childish side of him. “H-hey, Sharmienne. Are you okay?”



“Y-yes...”



“I want to see you soon... Wait for me, hmm?” he uttered but it just made my heart throb so much that I almost can't bear it. Why does it hurt so much? “Sharmienne? You still there, wife?”



“Hmm, t-take care, h-hubby. I m-miss you.” I stuttered. I covered my lips with my hands to suppress my sobs. “I love you.”



There was a long silence before the phone hung up. I turned off my phone and removed the sim card from it. I saw Daniel observing me before he sighed and grabbed the phone from me.



“Rest, Sharmienne. I will take it from here... Just rest.”



I nodded. I stood up and slowly went to my room. My leg was healing but I still need to be careful. As soon as I lay on my bed, tears rolled down my cheeks like waterfalls. My heart is throbbing too much. It was all I wanted to tell Denver. I admitted that I love him. I realized that I love him when the thought of losing him is too painful. And it's happening now.



I will miss his voice, his cuddles, his kisses, and his hugs. Everything he made me feel will just be memories. And the last phone call I made with him was my farewell. A painful goodbye.



A few hours before my special day, I made my decision. I will leave everything behind, and that includes my beloved husband.