THE LAST CHAPTER
Enjoy reading!

3rd.

He could hear minimized voices having serious talk around him but he couldn't fathom anything even a word. He had regained his consciousness back for quite a while now but he chose to just close his eyes and pretended to be asleep.

His mind was completely blank. It was like he's on the wilderness, alone and empty. He felt like his body was floating on midair. Even his heart was surprisingly calm and still. He felt nothing, only nothing.

Thanks to the voices around him, he thought he would become deaf without them. The silence within his whole being was deafening.

But the truth was... he was just afraid to open his eyes and face the reality. The fear living in him built a wall around his heart and mind, trying to take him away from pain. He was perfectly numb.

He wanted to throw away that reality and forever live in the wilderness. The reality that could make his heart goes wild then dies. The reality that he wishes never happened. The reality that his heart even his mind refused to accept.

He was in denial. Zync was in denial of his reality.

"Pati ba naman ikaw, Tamara? You could have done something to stop Reina from doing that fvcking stupidity! Fvck that love! Fvck her selflessness! Why does she have to fvcking do that?! Gano'n niya ba kamahal si Tari na pati sa kamatayan ay sinamahan niya ang makasarili niyang kakambal?! Mas pinili niya ang babaeng 'yon kaysa sa mga batang naghihintay ng isang ina?! Paano na lang ang mga bata?! Paano na lang si Zync? I don't understand why is this happening to us. Akala ko tapos na, bakit pa nangyayari 'to?" todo-todo ang pigil ni Sia para lang hindi bulyawan ang kausap.

She was standing in front of Tamara who was sitting on the couch near the table. Tamara was just looking boringly at the window, not minding Sia's whimps.

"Siraulo ba siya?! Bakit siya sumama kay Tari eh alam naman niyang may bomba na nakatanim sa kakambal niya?! She knew that her voice will activate the bomb, why did she let Tari hear her voice?! Why did she let that fvcking explosion happen if she could have prevented it and save both of their lives?! Hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin masundan ang likaw ng mga utak ninyong magkakapatid! Masyado niyong sinasaktan ang mga taong nasa paligid ninyo! Lalo na si Reina! Pinoprotektahan niya nga ang lahat pero palagi niyang pinapasakit ang damdamin naming mga nagmamahal sa kaniya!"

Patuloy pa rin sa paglintaya si Sia, hindi alintana ang mukhang tinatabingan ng bandages. Ni hindi na nito naalalang hindi niya puwedeng puwersahin ang muscles sa mukha sa paggalaw dahil hindi pa tuluyang naghilom ang dinaanan ng surgery.

"Napakahirap intindihin niyong mga Clementin. You all have fvcking attitude problems. Ang hari na napakatigas ng puso. Si Lady Kataleya na sadistang ina. Si Morisette na isang baliw. Si Tari na inggitera at makasarili. So Reina na masokista at ikaw na-"

"Are you done?" bagot na tanong ni Tamara na hindi man lang tumitingin kay Sia. "Or I will make you done?"

Natigilan si Sia at umiiwas ng tingin kay Tamara.

"Clementin nga." Bulong ni Sia saka napapagod na napatingin ito kay Zync na nakahiga sa kama.

"I'm outta here. Just make sure, you'll explain everything to Zync. Don't leave him hanging. I knew you won't tell me what Reina's plan was but please, at least let Zync know. I'm tired of seeing him like a fool." And with that, Sia left the room.

After minutes of silence, Tamara spoke.

"Stop pretending you're asleep. You're making yourself stupid."

Zync felt like he was being pulled back to reality when he heard Tamara. The calm beats of his heart went rugged. His blank mind was again corrupted with the painful reality.

The wall that kept him numb shattered into pieces. The fragments of reality came rushing in his veins contaminating his whole being. It was like millions of needles pricked all over his body, waking his senses back to the real world.

His hand balled into fists and his jaw clenched. A supressed cry stocked up on his throat.

"If you really love my sister, you have to trust her. She knew what she's doing. She's been sacrificing everything for others and I believe she won't make those sacrifices end up into nothing." Tamara's voice was far from its natural cold and dead tone, now, she was speaking in a calm and comforting way.

Tears fell from his tightly closed eyes. Aside from Tamara's voice, he could still clearly hear the deafening explosion that broke his heart together with his own voice whispering Reina's name. Pain was slowly dominating him.

"H-how could I trust her when she always breaks my heart?" Finally, he found his weary voice. Sinambit niya ang mga katagang iyon habang mariin pa ring nakapikit. "S-she did this many times already, Tamara. Palagi na lang ganito ang nangyayari sa amin. She's always leaving me behind hanging. I don't know how I could trust her. I-I don't know."

"And that only means, you don't really trust her. Instead, you trust your broken heart."

Dahil sa narinig ay napamulat si Zync kaya mas malayang tumulo ang kaniyang mga luha. Bumangon siya at sinandal ang likod sa headboard ng kama.

"W-we're wearing different shoes, Tamara. You don't know how I feel." He said, slightly pissed off. "S-she said she loves me but she's sorry. Ang sakit-sakit, Tamara. Sobrang sakit dahil pinaparamdam sa akin ni Reina that she doesn't trust me. Kaya paano ko siya pagkakatiwalaan kung siya ay hindi naman nagtitiwala sa akin? Palagi na lang niyang sinosolo ang lahat. Mahirap bang sabihin sa akin ang mga plano niya? Ilang beses niya na akong iniiwang ganito."

Nilingon niya si Tamara na nakatuon pa rin ang mga mata sa bintana.

Mahina itong natawa, "Oh c'mon. I thought you are a smart guy? Don't you see what lies behind those sacrifices Reina had made?"

"W-what? Sorrow? Pain? Grief? Sadness? What lies behind her sacrifices is me, being left with pain. Hindi lang ako ang palagi niyang iniiwan, Tamara. Pati ang mga bata. Ni hindi ko alam kung paano sila haharapin at sabihin kung ano ang ginawa ni Reina. Yes, she's selfless but you know what? She's more selfish of being selfless." Mahina lang ang boses niya pero puno ng panunumbat. "Napakamakasarili niya, Tamara."

Napailing si Tamara na tila diskumpyado sa sitwasyon ni Zync, "Kung gano'n, ang liit naman ng tingin mo kay Ate. I'm disappointed."

Nagsalubong ang kilay ni Zync at pinahiran ang luha. Naiinis siya kay Tamara dahil tila wala pa rin itong pakialam sa paligid. Hindi niya alam kung paano sasabayan ang takbo ng utak nito.

Zync wanted to find a hint of worry or even concern on Tamara's face but there's none. She's still proud with her apathetic face.

But still, Tamara's presence was at least giving him a little consolation from the excruciating pain he's now fighting.

"H-how can you say that? You don't even look you have the interest to care about other people's lives. You're a woman and you don't know how a man would feel if he was left broken by his love, you don't know how because I can't even think that you're capable of loving."

Mabagal na lumingon si Tamara kay Zync. Nagtama ang mga mata nilang dalawa. Bahagya siyang natigilan. Her eyes were void of any emotion, she still have those dead eyes. But her gaze was telling something deep, there's a caged voice inside those orbs wanted to be heard.

"I don't need to be in your shoes to feel how you feel. You don't know me, Zync." She said coldly, "I'm not a man, yes, but I am a human too... like you."

Napapikit si Zync nang hindi makayanan ang titig ni Tamara, "Kung naiintindihan mo nga ako, you could tell how big my fear is, the fear on how I should face our children unbroken."

"Or how you should face your tomorrow with a broken heart?" tanong ni Tamara.

Mapait na napangiti si Zync, "That's not even included in my list, Tamara. I've been in this situation for a lot of times but my fear now is bigger because I am not the only one who she had abandoned. There are three little hearts would possibly break if they'd found out that their mother left them again."

"She did not abandon you, Zync." Tamara said with a sigh.

"Then where is she, Tamara? Why did she choose to chase Katarina instead of staying with us? She's so unfair. Kailan niya pa kami mapagtutuunan ng pansin? Palagi na lang kaming nasa huli ng listahan ng prayoridad niya. Hindi ko na alam kung hanggang kailan ko kakayaning magparaya para sa iba."

Tumulo muli ang luha ni Zync, nanginginig ang kaniyang mga labi.

"Noong una niya akong tinalikuran at iniwan, halos mabaliw ako sa kakaisip kung nasaan na siya o kung kamusta na siya pero kinaya ko dahil napakalaki ng tiwala ko sa kaniya. Ilang taon din akong naghintay, pero ang nangyari ay naging tanga ako sa katotohanan dahil ni hindi niya kayang magpakilala sa akin. Kung hindi pa sinabi sa akin ni Morisette ang lahat, hindi ko pa malalamang siya ay si Katareina. She made a lot of restrictions sa kung ano'ng mayro'n kami, pakiramdam ko hindi na ako makagalaw dahil sa takot ng mga desisyong ginagawa niya."

Zync sobbed.

"Kaya takot na takot ako noong umalis ulit siya para makipaglaban sa Triad, hindi ko alam kung saan ko hinugot ang lakas ng loob kong labanan ang takot na 'yon. And now... harap-harapan, Tamara. Sa mismong harap ko pang mas pinili niya si Katarina kaysa sa mga anak namin, kaysa sa akin."

Ilang ulit na binagsak ni Zync ang nakakuyom na kamao sa kama.

"N-nakita niyo naman 'di ba kung ano ang ginawa ni Katarina sa amin? Nakita niya naman 'yon 'di ba? Sinaktan ng kakambal niya ang sariling mga anak pati na ang anak namin na si Zyncai na sobrang bata pa, nakita niya naman 'di ba ang sitwasyon ni Pula, nakita niya kung ano'ng kahayupan ang ginawa ni Katarina sa amin. Pero bakit? B-bakit mas pinili niya ang kakambal niya kaysa sa amin?"

Nilingon niya si Tamara na matamang nakatingin sa kaniya.

"Kami naman 'yong nasaktan ah pero bakit gano'n ang ginawa niya? Mas diniin niya pa ang sakit na nasa puso ko. B-bakit siya gano'n, Tamara? Ang sama-sama ng loob ko. Ngayon lang kami nagkitang muli pero iniwan niya agad ako. Kaya hirap na hirap akong pagkatiwalaan siya. Napakahirap niyang mahalin, Tamara. Sobrang hirap." Humagulgol si Zync.

"If she has to choose, she doesn't want you end up hurting, Zync."

"Then why? Why did she choose leaving me with this kind of pain?"

"You've been fighting in this cruel life for quite a long time, Zync, since you and Ate Reina met. Use your broken heart as weapon to face this another quest for the both of you. Everything will fall into their right places when the right time comes."

"W-when would that be? Dadating pa kaya ang panahon na kami ang uunahin niya? Okay lang kung ako ang masasaktan at magparaya pero paano ang mga bata? Hindi ko kayang makita silang nagpaparaya ng atensyon ni Reina para sa iba. They need a mother, Tamara. I don't want them to grow up without her on their side. I need her, Tamara. I need my wife."

"They will grow up with a mother guiding them, Zync. Bear that on your mind." Tamara said calmly.

"T-then tell me, Tamara." He said nervously, "Where is my wife? What happened to my Reina? What is her plan?"

A rare smile broke into Tamara's lips, "She's fixing things for the benefit for the both of you and the kids." She said knowingly.

**

Different kind of beautiful flowers scattered on the waves of the blue mysterious ocean. They were like stars on the deep waters blooming as if radiating the beauty of life.

The colors of the flowers symbolize the diverse kinds of people and their ways on how they live their lives with different sizes of waves.

The sea breeze blew mixed with the fragrance of the flowers. The sun was up but calm enough not to hurt anyone's skin.

It was fine peaceful day.

Zync heaved a deep sigh as he look over the horizon.

Days, weeks, months... a year passed by since that explosion happened. Still, Reina didn't come back. No trace of Reina was found. No hint of her track was left even Tari's except for the debris of the seaplane.

Yet, Zync was still hoping to see her again. He believes that Reina will come back.

The world has risen again and everybody was enjoying the peace and freedom. Slovenia regained its sovereignty under the temporary reign of Tomeo with the guidance of King Malachi.

But... the world, everyone, the kingdom of Slovenia were waiting for their queen as Zync was waiting for his wife.

"When will you come back to me, my Cherié?" he asked the wind.

Nabigla si Zync nang may yumakap sa kaniya ngunit agad ding napangiti. Yumuko siya upang makita ang mga ngiti ng tatlong anak.

"Mama will come back to us, Papa/Daddy." Sabay na saad nina Arra, Arri at Zyncai.

Seeing the hopeful smiles of the three kids made him more optimistic and upbeat to see Reina soon.

"I know..." nakangiting sagot niya, "She will."

*****

The night has come and the biggest celebration of the month will take place in Buevo City Mainland. After five months of preparations, tonight, everybody will experience and behold the momentous Third Anniversary of Trifecta Empire.

Punong-puno ng iba't-ibang dekorasyon ang pinakamalaking bulwagan ng Ynca Peninsula Hotel. The motif is gold, white and black thus the people who'll attend the party should follow the motif. The main colors of the decorations are platinum, silver with a touch of white and gold. Everything was so elegant.

The hall is well-lighted by those gigantic chandeliers. Service attendants were all over the place preparing for the party, they're all wearing black formal suit with their pleasing and hospitable personalities.

Halatang pinaghandaan ang gaganaping party ngayong gabi.

Nakangiting lumapit si Sia na siyang punong abala ng party sa F and B supervisor 1.

"Is everything settled?" tanong niya rito.

Sia looks so stunning with her white with gold lining gown, her hair was brushed up but her protruding belly makes her more beautiful and attractive.

The ruined beauty of Sia was now back and ready to flaunt tonight.

"Yes, Lady Iseah." Nakangiting tugon ng babaeng supervisor.

"Good. Ayokong may magutom na bisita ngayon. Kapag may nakita akong post sa facebook na napasma sila sa party na ito, ikaw ang ha-huntingin ko." Pagbabanta niya. Imbis na matakot ay natawa lang ang F and B supervisor.

"Don't worry, Lady Iseah. Ready na ang buffet table at marami pang naka-reserba sa kicthen."

"Okay." Taas noo niya itong tinalikuran. "Stay still, baby. You'll surely gonna enjoy the party. Maraming foods ngayon" Aniya habang hinihimas ang malaking tiyan, napahagikhik pa siya nang makita ang mahabang buffet table na sobrang dami ng pagkain. "Ako ang pumili para sa menu, baby."

"Well, well, well." Napalingon si Sia sa nagsalita sa kaniyang likuran.

Pula was standing meters away from her, beautifully fixed in white with black linings and sequins embroidery. She was wearing a halter gown with a sexy slit on her left leg. Her tattooed skin was saying hello to its guests. Her heavy make-up suits well with her outfit.

Ngunit hindi ito magpapatalo kay Sia. Pursi Lanarri's protruding belly was making her more beautiful as well.

"Masiyado ka yatang maaga? Wala pang seven ah." Mataray na saad ni Sia saka ito inirapan.

"Babantayan kita. Baka kasi ubusin mo ang handa ngayon." Sabat ni Pula na napairap din.

"Ako pa ba?! Ako pa?" tinuro ni Sia ang sarili. "Mas malaki ang tiyan mo oh kumpara sa akin." Nanlalaki pa ang butas ng ilong.

Nakangusong niyuko ni Pula ang malaking tiyan, "Tatlo sila kaya malaki, ano ka ba?! But... mas matakaw ka sa kaysa sa akin kahit isa lang 'yan." Pinandilatan ni Pula si Sia,

"Hindi 'no." hinimas ni Sia ang tiyan at sinamaan ng tingin ang kausap.

"Oh shut up. Mas matakaw ka kaya sinabi ni Al sa amin na ikaw lang ang umuubos sa supply sa mansion." Asik ni Pula.

Nanlisik ang mga mata ni Sia, "Sino ba kasing tanga at gago ang humalay sa 'yo?! Bubugbugin ko siya! Nabuntis ka lang, hindi mo na ako nirerespeto ah!"

"Hindi ka naman kasi ano... ano..." hindi matuloy-tuloy ang gustong sabihin ni Pula. Nanlalaki pa ang butas ng ilong nito.

"Ano?!" hamon ni Sia na nakangisi.

"Hindi ka kawespe-wespeto!" bulyaw ni Pula sabay duro kay Sia.

Tumawa naman si Sia nang malakas. "Fvck. Buntis ka na't lahat-lahat, bulol ka pa rin?"

"Eh ano ngayon sa 'yo?!" asik ni Pula sabay lakad papalapit kay Sia. Inagaw pa nito ang bitbit na tray ng isang server at ihahampas na sana kay Sia.

"Stop! Mag-aaway na naman ba kayo?! Ano ba?!" napalingon ang lahat sa kanila dahil sa malakas na sigaw na 'yon.

Natigilan ang dalawa at nakangusong napayuko. Umuusok naman ang ilong ni Zync habang nakatingin sa dalawa.

"Kung hindi lang kayo parehong buntis, I would ban you in my party!" saway niya sa dalawa, "Isang plate lang kayo mamaya."

"Damot." Sabay na angil ng dalawa saka mabilis na lumayo kay Zync.

Napabuntong-hininga si Zync at napakamot ng ulo. Lumapit naman si Ryleen sa kaniya saka may pinabasa sa kaniya ang programme sa party.

Pagkatapos itong basahin ay ibinalik niya ito kay Ryleen na may ngiti, "Good job, Ryleen at mabilis mong nai-revise 'yan."

Kanina lang ay inutos niya kay Ryleen na palitan ang ginawang programme ni Sia dahil puro kain lang ang ginawang program nito. Naglakad si Zync tungo sa elevator nang humahangos na lumapit sa kaniya si Al kaya natigilan siya.

"Zync!"

"What's wrong?"

"Ang mga anak mo nawawala!"

"What?!" nagwala ang tibok ng kaniyang puso at wala sa sariling napahawak sa leeg kung nasaan ang peklat ng malalim na sugat niya na gawa ni Tari dalawang taon na ang nakakaraan.

"Papunta na rito ang limo na lulan ang mga bata nang harangin daw sila at tinangay ang tatlong bata. Si Ah-ah lang ang naiwan." Sabay na napalingon ang dalawa nang umiiyak at patakbong lumapit sa kanila ang panganay ni Al.

"Daddy! Bakit hindi nila ako sinama?! Ang daya-daya nila. Pakyu silang lahat! Sinabi ko sa ninja na isama ako pero sabi niya hindi raw ako kasali. Ang bad nila! Bakit sila Ate Arra lang! Tapos... tapos... tapos... iniwan nila ako sa car. Pati 'yong driver at body guards isinama nila. Nag-count ako up to ten kasi akala ko nagtagu-taguan lang kami at ako ang taya pero hindi ko sila nahanap. Pakyu sila talaga. Very pakyu, Daddy." pagngunguwa ng anim na taong si Allius Hosea. Kinarga ito ni Al at pinatahan.

"Al, what happened to my kids?" mahinang aniya ngunit kinakaban din. Ilang beses nang may nagtangkang kumidnap sa mga bata at natatakot si Zync na baka makaranas na naman ang mga anak ng karahasan gaya noon.

"Somebody took them, Zync."

Dahil sa narinig ay nawalan nang malay si Zync.

**

Pagpatak ng 6:45 ng gabi ay napuno na ng bisita ang bulwagan maliban sa mga VIPs. Malaki ang ngiting tinungo ni Sia ang stage at tumayo sa podium.

"Good evening everyone!" aniya sa microphone. Nakuha naman niya ang atensyon ng lahat. Nakangiti ang lahat sa kaniya. Halatang masaya rin sa mga oras na ito. "I'm so glad that you made it to be with us tonight. Let's just wait for more fifteen minutes then the party will start." Bumaba siya at sinalubong naman siya ng kaniyang assistant.

Halos lahat ng bisita ay mga empleyado ng Trifecta, mga business associates nila, mga politicians, may ilan pa na galing noble and elite class family sa Europe, mayroon ding mga prinsesa at prinsepe ng mga kaharian. Marami ring media na nagkalat ngunit mas marami ang mga securities.

Masaya ang lahat at tila walang tensyon na nangyayari sa paligid. Ngunit hindi si Zync na kanina pa paroon at parito sa loob ng suite na inaakupa. Maya't-maya rin ang kalikot niya sa cellphone upang tawagan ang mga inutusang tauhan upang hanapin ang mga anak.

Gusto niya sanang hindi na ituloy ang party ngunit mahigpit itong tinutulan ng kaniyang ina na si Ynca pati na ni Mojica lalo na't dumating na sa venue ang mga royal blood at malalaking tao na invited sa party.

Sinubukan niya ring umalis ng hotel ngunit pinigilan din siya ng ina. Isa siya sa mga importanteng tao sa party dahil sa pagiging CEO ng Trifecta. Kailangan niyang humarap sa mga tao. Pero nangingibabaw pa rin sa kaniya ang pagiging ama kaysa sa pagiging businessman.

Gusto niya nang magwala pero Al assured him na magiging okay din ang lahat. Ito na rin kasi ang personal na nagbigay order sa team na magre-rescue sa mga bata sa unknown kidnapper.

When 7 pm fell, the party has started.

"A glamorous evening ladies and gentlemen," bahagyang yumuko si Siaa bilang paggalang, "To our special guests from their respective kingdoms and countries, welcome to our humble home, the Philippines, mabuhay! Everyone is requested to stand. Behold and be amazed as we open our dear Trifecta's third year anniversary celebration."

Kasabay ng pagtayo ng lahat ay ang pagdilim ng buong paligid. Niyakap din ng malamyos na musika ang buong hall. Ngunit imbis na matakot ang mga bisita ay namangha ang lahat nang nagsilitawan ang mga electric butterflies na may iba't-ibang kulay na dekorasyon na tila nakadapo sa mga upuan, mesa pati sa dingding.

Kakaiba rin ang mga pakpak ng mga electric butterflies dahil tila maliliit na pakpak ng anghel ang mga ito. Agaw pansin din ang logo ng Trifecta na umiilaw sa stage.

Mas lalong namangha ang lahat nang nagsiliparan ang electric butterflies tungo sa kisame. Dahil sa ilaw nito ay naging dim-lighted ang buong hall.

Nagsinghapan ang lahat nang biglang umilaw ang sahig at tila umurong ang carpet. Bumungad sa mga bisita ang isang napakalaking aquarium na kinatatayuan ng lahat. Mga iba't-ibang makukulay na lamang dagat ang bumati sa kanila lalo na ang mga magagandang isa na tila nagpapakitang gilas sa mga taong nakadungaw.

May iba pang muntik nang matumba dahil sa gulat na isang transparent glass lang ang kinatatayuan. Ngunit agad inalalayan ng mga service attendant ang mga nagulat na bisita.

"You may now take your sit."

Sa gitna ng pagkamangha ng lahat ay muli nilang narinig ang boses ni Sia.

"We are all here to celebrate Trifecta's third year anniversary. Trifecta has been a big name ever since it was built three years ago. We all know that, the empire took a special place in business world with such a short time... it is because of the efforts of the people behind Trifecta. Many jobs were given, many opportunities were offered to people to have a chance to enjoy a better life through Trifecta... and I am proud to say that I am one of those who benefited the kindness of Trifecta. Most especially, Trifecta has been one of the world's foundations after the travails we experienced in the hands of the evil..."

Kasabay ng pagsasalita ni Sia ay ang slideshow ng pictures ng epekto ng karahasan ng Triad sa mga bansang sinakop. Hindi mapigilan ng ilan na mapaluha sa imahe ng nakaraan.

"Many died, many had risked their lives, and many had sacrificed. We were disturbed, we're pained, we're ruined and we're destroyed but did you ever lose your hope? And if you did, you are not here. You are all here because you never lose your hope..."

"Trifecta was built in a soul purpose of protecting the humanity. Each and every one of you here in this gathering had witnessed how we suffer and fight to take back the freedom we deserve. Trifecta was one of the many plans that our heroine formulated to preserve the wonders that God created for humankind..."

"And now, look at yourself, the smile in the face of someone beside you, the laughter of the children... those things were just few out of immeasurable blessings that God has given us because our faith didn't falter. The life you are living now is the trophy that you won in that fight..."

"Trifecta had built more than 10 thousand rehabilitation centers and more than 1 thousand villages for housing projects all over the world in the three years to help the people of God to rise up again. But we must not forget that without these three big corporations, Trifecta will never be at our side..."

Ang logo ng Remedy Internationals ang lumabas sa slide show.

"Remedy Internationals has been one of the leading tech hubs all over Asia for more than 35 years since the late patriarch of Remedy family started the company. And now, let's give a round of applause as we welcome the current CEO of Remedy Internationals, Mr. Matt Remedy."

Bumukas ang pintuan sa entrance ng hall. Doon tumuon ang spot light.

"Together with him are his handsome and beautiful children... Mr. Mattheus Remedy and Fragrance Ryleen Remedy."

Nagsitayuan at nagpalakpakan ang lahat nang magsimulang maglakad sa red carpet ang mag-aama. Napapagitnaan ng ama at ng kapatid si Ryleen habang nakaangkla ang dalawang kamay sa mga braso nito. Nakangiti sila maliban kay Mattheus na seryoso lang ang mukha habang nakatuon ang mga mata sa isang mesa na nasa pinakagilid.

Sa mesang iyon ay nakaupo si Morry na nakasuot ng simpleng itim na gown, kandong-kandong ang isang taong gulang na anak nila ni Mattheus. Babae ang kanilang anak na pinangalanan nilang Moreus Luciana. Malungkot ang mga mata titigan ni Mattheus ang nakasuot na itim na bracelet na may kakaibang guhit sa mag-ina. Napadako ang tingin ng lalaki sa sariling braso kung saan mayroon din itong itim na bracelet.

The bracelet they're wearing was called the Bracelet of The Sinner. Pinayagan silang lumabas ng Slovenia ngunit monitored pa rin ang kanilang galaw at kapag magkasalang muli ay ipapatapon na silang tatlo sa Gehenna. Ito ang kapalit sa hiniling na limitadong kalayaan ni Mattheus para kay Morry at sa anak.

Dumiretso sa stage ang tatlo. Nagsiupuan ang lahat nang muling magsalita si Sia at ang logo ng Orlando Conglomerates ang sunod na lumabas.

"Orlando Conglomerates, the multi-billion group of companies which has been our community's most influential institution since 1965. For 53 years, the OC built not just businesses but foundations and charities for the less fortunate, for the aged and for the PWD's. And tonight, let's welcome the youngest and most successful CEO of Orlando Conglomerates and now the Chairman of Trifecta Empire, Mr. Zync Salem Orlando."

Natuon ang spotlight sa entrance.

"Together with him is the respectable and a woman of courage, Madame Ynca Salem-Orlando."

Kalmado ang mukhang nagsimulang maglakad si Zync sa red carpet. Nakahawak sa kaniyang braso si Ynca na nakasuot ng white gown, nakangiti ito. Zync, on the otherhand, was wearing a white suit with a golden tie and white shoes. He looked so fresh and handsome yet intimidating.

Dumiretso rin ang mag-ina sa stage, binati nila ang pamilya Remedy ngunit hindi pa rin maikubli sa mga mata ni Zync ang pag-alala sa mga anak. Yumuko siya at kinuha ang cellphone. Natuon doon ang kaniyang atensyon at hindi na nakinig sa pinagsasabi ni Sia.

Ang huli at pangatlong logo ng ROFIC ay lumabas sa slideshow.

"I've been hearing questions circulating the community about who is the woman behind the multi-billion dollar RO Financial and Investment Company. In the business industry, tycoons were chasing for partnership in this company which based in Greece. ROFIC was established 5 years ago with an anonymous owner who has been aloof to everybody ever since. Sabi ng marami na nakapahirap makakuha ng deal sa kompanyang ito. May ilan pang nagsasabi na ang suwerte-suwerte ng Remedy Internationals at Orlando Conglomerates dahil nabihag nila ang ROFIC."

Maraming nagsang-ayos sa sinaad ni Sia.

"Isang sikreto ang ibubunyag ko sa inyong lahat ngayong gabi. Huwag kayong maingay ha? Atin-atin lang 'to." Sabay bulong ni Sia sa mic. Nagtawanan naman ang lahat.

"Ssssh. Huwag kayong tumawa." Saway ni Sia. "Makinig na kayo dahil sasabihin ko na at wala nang ulitan 'to. Babye ang mga bingi riyan. Hindi ang RI or ang OC ang bumihag sa ROFIC kundi ang ROFIC mismo."

Lumabas sa slideshow ang pinagsamang logo ng tatlong kompanya habang nasa gitna ang logo ng Trifecta.

"ROFIC was the top company assisting RI and OC into innovation and to make Trifecta Empire possible. The CEO of ROFIC is a woman with a brave and kind heart. Without her and her company, there's no Trifecta. She is the brain of this success. She is the one who brought the three big names in unity. All through these years, she never exposed herself to everybody. She remained silent and hid herself behind ROFIC. Everyone is wondering how she looks like or what does even RO in ROFIC stands for."

Napaangat ng ulo si Zync at magkasalubong ang kilay na napatingin kay Sia dahil sa narinig. Lumakas ang tibok ng kaniyang puso. Tila nawala sa isip niya ang nawawalang mga anak.

Dalawang taon ang lumipas pagkatapos ng malaking pagsabog na iyon. Dalawang taon din siyang walang kaalam-alam kung buhay pa ba ang asawa. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang nangyari sa kambal. Wala ring may sinabi sa kaniya si Tamara kahit na nagmakaawa siya rito gano'n din sila Tomeo o kahit na si Ynca ay walang may sinabi tungkol kay Reina.

"And now the most awaited moment that we have been waiting for has come. I will reveal to you what does RO stands for. The name of the company was derived from the name of its owner. Reina Orlando Financial and Investment Company."

Halos lahat ay napatingin kay Zync dahil sa narinig. Para namang sinilihan ang puwet ni Zync. Hindi siya mapakali.

"Each one of you here is blessed to meet the CEO of ROFIC for the first time and now, she's ready to give face. Let us welcome, the queen of Trifecte Empire, Madame Reina C. Orlando."

Nagsitayuan ang lahat maliban sa mga tao na nakaupo sa presidential table. Bumukas ang entrance kasabay ng palakpakan ng lahat ng tao. Lahat ay excited na masilayan ang may-ari ng ROFIC lalo na ang mga business man.

"Together with her are her beautiful children. Yes, you heard it right ladies and gents, she is taken already. Let's also welcome, Kianarrah, Kian Arri and Zyncai Aundrei Orlando."

Napatayo si Zync at gulat na napatitig sa entrance.

Unang pumasok ay ang kambal na sina Arra at Arri. Nakasuot ng magandang princess gown si Arra habang prince suit naman ang kay Arri na parehong gold ang kulay. Hindi muna naglakad ang dalawa. Sumunod si Zyncai na nakasuot ng burnt red suit na may golden tie.

Magkahawak kamay sina Arra at Arri na nagsimulang maglakad sa red carpet habang naiwan naman si Zyncai.

Tuwang-tuwa ang mga bisita habang pinapanood ang mga bata. Halata sa mga mukha nito ang kasiyahan.

Nakangiti naman si Zyncai na parang pinaliit na Zync maliban lang sa asul nitong mga mata na nagmana sa ina.

Nag-iba ang background music at tumugtog ang isang magandang piyesa kasabay ng pagpasok ng babaeng pinakamamahal ni Zync.

She was wearing a burnt red off shoulder flowing gown. Her blazing gown was making her skin look creamier and smoother. Her golden blonde hair was brushed up and some strands of her hair were freed framing her beautiful face. There's a small smile planted on her scarlet lips.

But to the visitor's dismay, she was wearing a half mask, keeping the upper part of her face hidden except for her beautiful and mysterious ocean blue orbs.

She held Zyncai little right hand and together they walk on the red carpet.

Sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso ni Zync lalo na noong nagtama ang mga mata nilang dalawa. Those deep ocean blue orbs in which he thought he would never get to see again but now were looking at him. Those beautiful blue stars which fell from the sky to be owned by him, only for him.

Tila bumagal ang lahat ng galaw sa kaniyang paligid. His eyes were glued as they follow in every step she makes until she found her spot on the stage.

Agad na tumakbo ang kambal kay Zync, yumakap ang mga ito sa kaniyang baywang at sabay na naghagikhikan. Tumigil na ang palakpakan ng mga tao.

Bumitaw si Zyncai sa ina saka nagtatakbo ring lumapit kay Zync at yumakap sa kaniyang hita. Nakangiting nakatingin naman sa kanila ang kaniyang asawa, ni hindi niya magawang alisin ang paningin dito.

Imbis na lumapit sa kaniya gaya sa ginawa ng mga bata ay pumihit ito paharap sa lahat ng bisita at bahagyang yumukod.

Isang singhap ang kumuwala kay Zync nang makita ang napakagandang guhit sa likod ng asawa. Kitang-kita sa suot nitong gown ang kalahati ng pakpak na tattoo nito pati na ang royal insignia nito sa batok.

Indeen, it was Reina. It was his wife, his one and only love of his life.

"My wing regal, my queen, my cherié." He whispered under his breath.

Reina looked over her shoulder to meet Zync's stare. A genuine and sweet smile curved on her lips. With her soft voice, words came out from her mouth which made Zync's heart leaped.

"I missed you, my O... Ouranós mou. Eímai o vasiliás tis ptérygas kai eísai o ouranós mou. Ithela na petáxo ston ouranó... ithela na petáxo se sas."

-End of the Last Chapter-

Thank you for being with me all the way upto here! God bless us all. Watch out for the translation of Reina's words in the Epilogue. Yes, it's Greek.

Wabooo!

Hugs and kisses,
CL with love.