CRIS'S POV
We had just entered the condo when I saw Jay walking toward the living room. Suddenly, she collapsed halfway.
I panicked.
I rushed to her, caught her in my arms, and carried her to her room, gently laying her on the bed.
Then I immediately called the doctor.
Soon, she arrived and examined Jay. After a few minutes, she spoke,"She collapsed due to exhaustion and weakness. It seems like she hasn't eaten for at least a day. She needs rest—both physically and mentally."
"Thank you, doctor. I'll take care of her," I said.
After she left, I sat beside Jay.
"It was my biggest mistake leaving you alone for so long," I whispered. "You've become the weakest version of yourself, Jay. I never imagined seeing you like this, baby… but don't worry. From now on, nothing bad will happen to you. I'm here—and this time, I'm not leaving you. No matter what."
I let her rest and walked out.
Opening my laptop, I had already made up my mind—I would uncover every secret and make those bastards pay for what they had done.
Three hours passed.
I kept working non-stop—digging out information, calling agents, forcing them to spill the truth. Most importantly, I searched for the past she had forgotten.
And I knew I could find everything.
Because when it comes to investigation and hacking—no one can beat me.
She doesn't know it yet, but I'm far better than those Edrix and Rory from her section.
After all, I own the biggest investigation company in the world.
After another hour, I was done.
I went to check on Jay—she was still asleep. Knowing she'd wake up soon, I headed to the kitchen and started preparing food for her.
A little while later, she walked in, still half-asleep.
"Morning, sleepyhead," I said sarcastically.
"It's still night, Kuya. I think my amnesia transferred to you," she replied in a sleepy, mocking tone.
"By the way… when did I fall asleep? I don't remember," she said, sitting on the kitchen counter.
"You really do have amnesia, silly. You collapsed. The doctor said you hadn't eaten anything. What, were you on a hunger strike?"
"Really? I don't remember… but right now, I don't care. I'm starving. Give me food."
"Yes, yes. Here you go," I said, placing the food in front of her.
As expected, she finished everything in less than five minutes.
Honestly, she's something else.
Later, we both sat on the sofa. I asked her what happened at school and at the Fernandez house.
She told me everything—her voice low, breaking.
"Kuya… what did I do wrong to deserve all this?"
"You didn't do anything wrong, Jay… but it was also your mistake."
Her eyes widened in shock.
I turned serious.
"You were never like this. You're not the Jay I've known for so long. You were strong—someone who would fight anyone who crossed the line. But you lost yourself. You're letting people walk all over you. You're letting them use your kindness. Get a grip, Jay… you're forgetting who you are."
She stayed silent, absorbing every word.
After a while, she spoke.
"You're right, kuya. I became weak… I lost myself. I kept helping others, getting involved in their problems—but I forgot about my own. I became vulnerable… naive. I depended on them."
Silence filled the room again.
Then she spoke once more—this time her voice firm.
"But this time, I won't repeat my mistake. I'll show them the Jay they knew is already gone. I'm not weak or naive anymore. I don't need their protection. I can protect myself. I can handle my own problems… and I'll make them realize the mistake they made."
"That's my girl," I said with a smile. "From tomorrow, we start a mission—Jay Jay 2.0."
"Sure. New Jay Jay… in progress."
"Good. But for now, get some rest."
"Yeah… finally, this day is over. Believe me, it's the longest day of my life."
I smiled. "Alright, go sleep."
"Goodnight, CCTV," she teased.
"Hey! Don't start again. I told you not to call me that."
"But it suits you—you're always investigating."
"That's because I'm good at it."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night. Goodnight."
She ran toward her room.
"Goodnight… Barracuda.