JAY'S POV
Jay – What?
Cris – You really have a birdbrain, Jay. Mission Jay Jay 2.0. Did you seriously forget already?
Jay – No… I didn't.
Cris narrowed his eyes at me, clearly unconvinced.
Cris – Yeah, sure. Now listen to me carefully.
Jay – Okay.
He crossed his arms, his voice suddenly turning serious.
Cris – First—fix yourself. Right now you look like a half-dead zombie who hasn't slept in years. Second, focus on your health. Both mental and physical. You need to become stronger, Jay. Third, learn fighting again—but this time professionally.
He paused, staring straight into my eyes.
Cris – And last but not least… never let them think you're naïve again. Let them believe you're always two steps ahead.
His words sank deep into my mind.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then I nodded slowly.
Jay – Sure, kuya. I'll do as you say. This time… everyone will see the new Jay Jay.
I hesitated before adding quietly,
Jay – But there's one more thing. I want to learn driving too.
Cris smirked.
Cris – I'll teach you.
A small smile appeared on my face for the first time in days.
Jay – Thank you, kuya. You're the best.
Cris – I know.
He stood up and stretched lazily.
Cris – Alright then. Mission Jay Jay 2.0 officially starts now. First—we're going shopping. Then you're going to the parlour.
Jay – Okay. Let's go.
The next seven days passed like a storm.
Everything changed.
I started taking care of myself—properly this time. My appearance, my health, my mindset.
When I looked at myself in the mirror now, I almost didn't recognize the person staring back.
I looked better.
No… I looked beautiful.
It felt strange realizing that I had hidden this version of myself for so long.
I didn't go to school the entire week.
Part of me said I was preparing myself.
But deep down… I knew the truth.
I was avoiding them.
Because I wasn't ready to face those snakes yet.
Every day, I trained for six to seven hours under professional guidance.
The first few days were brutal.
My muscles screamed in pain. My body felt like it was being torn apart.
But I didn't stop.
Pain was nothing compared to betrayal.
By the end of the week, my confidence had changed completely.
Now I could easily take down seven or eight people within minutes.
Not because I wanted to fight.
But because I refused to be weak again.
I also started meditating.
At first, it felt pointless.
But slowly… my chaotic thoughts began to calm.
The anger.
The heartbreak.
The humiliation.
Everything that had happened over the past few days had shaken my world.
Meditation became the only thing keeping me from breaking apart.
Meanwhile, I ignored everyone.
Messages.
Calls.
Voicemails.
I didn't reply to any of them.
Instead, I bought a new phone and a new SIM card.
If they wanted to find me now, they would have to try much harder.
Still… there were two people I couldn't avoid forever.
My so-called fiancé.
And that ulopong Edrix.
I had to break the engagement.
And I needed answers about that app.
Today was Sunday.
For the first time in a week, I decided to leave my condo and breathe some fresh air.
The nearby park was quiet and peaceful.
I sat down on a bench, letting the cool breeze brush against my face.
For a moment, everything felt calm.
Too calm.
Then suddenly—
"Did you miss my handsome face?"
I turned around.
Percy was walking toward me with his usual confident grin.
A small sigh escaped my lips.
Of course it was him.
He sat beside me without waiting for permission.
Percy – This isn't fair, Jay. You've been ghosting me for an entire week.
He dramatically placed a hand on his chest.
Percy – I thought you missed my handsome face. I was planning to take you out. But you ignored all my calls and messages.
He looked at me with fake sadness.
Percy – I'm lucky I ran into you today. Otherwise, you would've disappeared forever.
I rolled my eyes slightly.
Jay – I'm not ghosting you, Percy. I just stopped using that number. I needed space… and I didn't want messages from the Fernandez family or Section E.
I pulled out my phone and showed him the new number.
Jay – Here. This is my new number. But don't you dare give it to anyone else.
He raised his hands dramatically.
Percy – Yes, ma'am.
Then his expression turned more serious.
Percy – But Jay… why did you suddenly cut ties with the Fernandez family?
My expression hardened immediately.
Percy – They've been looking for you everywhere. They even tracked your location once. When they found out you were living in a condo, they decided to give you space.
I looked away.
Jay – They already know why.
My voice turned cold.
Jay – If you want answers, ask Angelo. I'm not talking about it.
Percy sighed.
Percy – Fine. I won't push you.
Then he looked at me carefully.
Percy – But I do have one request.
Jay – What?
Percy – I want you to meet someone.
Something in his tone made my stomach tighten.
Jay – Who?
He pointed behind me.
Percy – Turn around.
When I looked back…
My entire body froze.
David.
My blood instantly started boiling.
Without thinking, I stood up.
I was about to leave.
But Percy grabbed my wrist.
Percy – Please, Jay.
His voice was softer now.
Almost pleading.
Percy – I know you're angry. But just listen to him once. I'm not asking you to forgive him.
He squeezed my hand slightly.
Percy – Just hear his explanation… please. Do it for your brother.
I looked at his face.
He was pouting like a child.
Annoying.
But sincere.
With a tired sigh, I sat back down.
David stopped a few steps away from us.
He looked nervous.
Good.
He should be.
David – I'm sorry, Jay.
His voice was low.
David – I'm not here to ask for forgiveness. I just want to explain my side… and Ci-N's.
I stared at him coldly.
Jay – Then speak.
My voice sharpened.
Jay – But don't lie again.
He nodded slowly.
David – Ci-N and I were forced into that plan. We never wanted to be part of it. But we couldn't go against him.
He swallowed.
David – You know how Keifer is.
My hands slowly clenched.
David – We thought the plan had already stopped. That's why we didn't tell you anything. We didn't want to ruin our friendship.
A bitter laugh escaped my lips.
Jay – Friendship?
I looked straight into his eyes.
Jay – You were forced. Fine. You thought the plan stopped. Fine.
My voice dropped lower.
Jay – But tell me something, David.
I leaned forward slightly.
Jay – Who gave you the right to hide the truth from me?
He looked down immediately.
Jay – You had a choice.
My voice trembled slightly.
Jay – Both of you had a choice.
I pointed at him.
Jay – You could have told me the truth. But you didn't.
My chest tightened.
Jay – You chose to keep me in the dark… just like everyone else.
Silence fell between us.
Jay – The pain you caused me won't disappear just because you said sorry.
David nodded slowly.
David – I know.
His voice cracked slightly.
David – We know what we did was wrong. And we don't expect you to forgive us easily.
He pulled something out of his pocket.
David – But we'll earn it. Even if it takes days… weeks… months… or years.
He handed me a card.
David – We won't give up.
A tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it.
I quickly wiped it away.
Jay – What is this?
David – Ci-N's birthday invitation.
He gave a small smile.
David – He made it specially for you.
He stepped back.
David – It's your choice whether you come or not.
I looked at the card silently.
Jay – I'll think about it.
After that, we left the park.
Jay – Percy… how is Papa?
Percy – He's fine.
Too quickly.
I narrowed my eyes.
Jay – Are you sure?
Percy – Of course. What could happen to him?
I didn't push further.
Not yet.
But I knew something was wrong.
Jay – Can you give me his number?
Percy hesitated for a second.
Then he handed it to me.
After Percy left…
I dialed the number.
The phone rang.
Once.
Twice.
Then—
Papa – Hello? Who's this?
My entire body froze.
It had been so long since I heard his voice.
Papa – Hello?
My throat tightened.
Jay – Papa…
My voice came out almost as a whisper.
Jay – It's me.
Jay – Jay Jay.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then—
Papa – Jay… my child.
His voice trembled.
Papa – I miss you.
My eyes filled with tears.
Jay – I miss you too, Papa.
Papa – I'm sorry.
His voice broke.
Papa – I'm so sorry for leaving you.
I shook my head even though he couldn't see it.
Jay – You don't need to apologize.
My voice softened.
Jay – I know it wasn't your fault.
Papa – Still… I left you alone.
Jay – No.
I wiped my tears.
Jay – Mama threatened you. I know that now.
I took a deep breath.
Jay – But don't worry anymore.
My voice became stronger.
Jay – I'll come see you soon.
There was a pause.
Then his voice filled with hope.
Papa – Really?
Papa – But your mother never let me contact you…
Jay – Leave that to me.
I smiled slightly.
Jay – Just wait for me, Papa.
Jay – I'll come soon.
After the call ended…
I stood there quietly.
The wind moved through the trees.
For the first time in a long while…
A genuine smile appeared on my face.
Because I finally understood something.
I wasn't trapped anymore.
I was free.
And this time…
No one would control my life again.