STELLA
He’s still looking down on me, as if mocking me. It’s infuriating, but there’s nothing I can do. I just have to accept the fact that I’m short and he’s tall.
I hate it. I hate him.
He smirked. “Oh, you poor, poor child—keep your filthy hands to yourself,” he said. “You shorty.”
“Yeah, yet the last time you were begging me to spit on you!” I snapped. But again, his smile widened.
“You know, Stella, I really have this bizarre kink where I get turned on every time a short person spits on me.”
Huh!
What the hell?
But before I could say anything, he suddenly turned to the door of his room. In a hushed voice, he said, “Oof. Someone’s here. Stay here.”
And just like that, he swiftly left, shutting the door behind him.
I simply sat on the edge of his plush bed. Until I stood again, looking at the strange things that caught my eye.
His room is truly different. This isn’t the luxurious kind from the outside. It’s just... a messy room with weird things that move around. Also, it’s quite dark in here, but it feels comforting. It smells good—like flowers.
What a weird guy.
Suddenly, the door opened again. I almost jumped in surprise as Isaac entered, irritation clear on his face. And yeah... I still don’t know what to call him—Nullus or Isaac. Since his father calls him Isaac. But whenever I call him that, he doesn’t get upset or anything.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“Your father’s looking for you. He said you should come home,” he said casually, lying down on his bed and ignoring me completely.
My eyes widened. I rushed out immediately, down the stairs, and saw Papa standing at the entrance of the open door. He wore his uniform, and the worry on his face was evident.
“Papa!” I embraced him tightly. I closed my eyes as he hugged me back, feeling his gentle kiss on my head.
“We’re going home. Are you okay?”
I nodded. As I pulled away from Papa, I glanced up at the stairs. Isaac was there, watching us with his arrogant look. Once again, he seemed annoyed.
“Have fun borrowing my wife,” he said to Papa. “And be careful, something might happen to our baby.”
HUH?!
“Hey!” I snapped. “Keep your mouth shut! What baby?!”
“Oh, you don’t remember?” he asked slowly, a mischievous smile forming on his lips. Before he could speak again, I quickly pulled Papa out of the door. He’s making stories to irritate me again! I don’t even know why he’s enjoying this!
“You’re sleeping with that guy?!” Papa asked as we walked away.
“No! I sleep on the floor you just stepped on!” I quickly retorted.
“I know he’s a handsome man, but don’t forget the lives he’s ruined and—”
“Papa!” I glared at him. “Stop! I told you we’re not—whatever!”
That irritating man! And to call me his wife while I’m dressed like this! I’m just a maid! But this is a good thing. Somehow, I know I’ll escape this place. It’s something I’ve wanted from the beginning.
“How did you convince him, Papa?” I asked, unlocking the gate we passed through weeks ago.
“It wasn’t me, it was his father who ordered,” he said. He turned to me and ruffled my hair. “Good job staying alive.”
I managed a small smile.
Yeah... good job, I guess.
I sighed in relief as we exited the cemetery where Nullus once kept me. There were waiting vehicles outside, and I finally felt the heavy fatigue hit me.
We got into the car. It was full of military personnel, and all I wanted was to go home and rest. However, Papa leaned in and whispered, “We’ll head to Malacañang before we go home, Stella.”
I simply nodded. I leaned against the window, and before I knew it, I had fallen asleep during the entire ride. When I woke up, I wasn’t prepared for what I saw.
We couldn’t get into the car because of the crowd. Media and curious people surrounded us. Some were holding placards with my name. “STELLA, WANTED.”
But—
“What’s going on, Papa?” I asked, shocked. But he didn’t respond. He remained silent, sitting quietly beside me while holding my hand.
Do they really believe—believe that I’m in league with Nullus? After all the weeks of torment from that man—after all the times I tried to stop Nullus—this is what people think?
That’s fucking bullshit!
Fuming, I watched the shouting crowd outside. Since Papa broadcasted my disappearance—the forced abduction—the public thinks...
“Do you believe them too, Papa?” I asked, pulling my hand away from his grip. “Do you know what’s happening to me under Nullus’ rule?”
Bitterly, I stared at Papa in the rearview mirror. He remained silent. My anger was bubbling inside me, so strong that I wanted to cry and rage, but I couldn’t.
“I just want to go home,” I said firmly. “Take me home, Corporal.”
I couldn’t bear to call him my father anymore.
****