Exhausted. I'm not sure if that word would fit my current situation. All my strength left my body the moment I arrived home. It's already been a week, and I'm still in pain, of leaving him.

Most people say that the one who leaves is the one at fault. They speculated that when someone leaves the other, it's most likely because that person found a better one. And so they are proclaimed a cheater. Or in different cases, it's probably because that person lost his feelings towards his partner.

In my case, it's the latter. Yes, I left. But because he no longer loves me. It has always been one of my mottos to never force yourself to someone. Which, in contrast to the quote of someone I'm not familiar with. "Give your all to someone even if you don't receive the same energy." I don't know who stated that sentence, but unfortunately, it only works for those kind-hearted people. I'm not letting someone drain all my energy without receiving at least a bit of their kindness.

I deserve to have the same treatment.

I laid on my bed and scrolled to Facebook using my phone. I was entertained for so long that I did not even realize what time I arrived to compare the time I've been resting. Without further notice, the Wi-Fi connection dropped, and loading the specific photo in my newsfeed might take minutes to be completely viewed. Not until I saw my reflection through my phone because my FB was in dark mode.

I looked at my reflection for about a minute, reimagining things in my head, answering all my what if's.

"I pity you." Was the words I told myself as I realize my tears falling. I truly loved him, and I am thankful that he was honest. He lost his feelings because a long-distance relationship was too much for him.

I can't blame him. As my professor stated, never blame someone if their type of liking is shorter distance. I can love him endlessly. Giving him every piece of me became my hobby. My cousin was right. You need to love yourself more, so when the time comes that things have gotten out of hand, at least you can stand for yourself.

And here I am, once again picking every piece of me…

As I drowned myself in thoughts. I was alerted by my phone ringing.I answered the call only to hear someone crying.

"Rein? Your brother is in the hospital!"

Since when have my life become this eventful?

I am conscious, but as I opened my mouth, no words came out. How do I even describe this feeling? From all scenarios that happened this year?

I first calmed myself before having the courage to ask. "Where is he?"

"We're at Loren Hospital. Your uncle is at the police station, negotiating with the police. You must hurry!"

"At the police? Wait, I'm on my way."

I quickly reached for my purse and worn my shoes. I still haven't changed my clothes, but it's fine.I dash outside the house and waited for a taxi.

What happened? Police are involved. Did he do something wrong? I need to find out.

I made it safely to the hospital and went to the emergency room. Panic is kicking inside me, and I begin to feel anxious. I searched for my brother and aunt, but they are nowhere to be found.

I went back the front and asked a nurse. Even she doesn't know the person I'm looking for.

"You're looking for Philip Sandoval? He was discharged earlier about an hour ago." Another nurse interrupted.

My face can't hide the confusion and disbelief. Just what the hell? An hour ago? Well, it definitely took me an hour to get here, considering that Loren Hospital is so far from home.

Then where are they? I dialed my aunt's cellphone number, and all it said was it's out of coverage area.

I went outside the hospital, the wind blows gently through my face, and I took a deep breath. They probably went back to aunt's home. They should have texted me if they were discharged.

I left the hospital and waited for the bus. Travelling through taxi costs too much.

About an hour and a half, I arrived at aunt's home. It's already 10pm. Her house is a bit secluded, so neighbors are a bit far from them. Lights are off. They must be sleeping.

How intriguing? Why are the balcony lights off? They usually turn it on and leave it till morning.

I turned on the flashlight in my cellphone and used it to light my way as I entered the gate. Nothing seems wrong here.

I faced the front door and was suddenly anxious again. Why do I feel tense?

I find the strength to simply knock on the door. I received no response. They must be in deep sleep. It's definitely an exhausting day. I knocked again three times, and still no response. I'm biting my lower lip, feeling nervous as I rotated the door knob only to figure out it wasn't locked.

The tension kicks in, and I panicky open the door. I reached for the switch to turn on the lights, and when I did, the place was a mess. Every house furniture, gadget, books, and painting were scattered.

It appears like a fight happened, and the house was searched?

I felt fear. There's even blood in the cabinet and drops of blood onto the kitchen.

I started hearing my heartbeat as I slowly walked and followed the blood. The kitchen was also ruined. I should call the police, and help me find my family.

However, before I could dial the emergency number. Someone covered my mouth, and the scent made me sleepy.

-After a few minutes

I gasped for air, realizing I'm still alive and still in my aunt's house. The tension in the atmosphere was not removed, for I am surrounded by men.

"You are Rein E. Sandoval, Yes?"

With a muscular body and a handsome face, the man in front of me right now definitely looks like the boss of this gang. He asked if the name he mentioned was mine, and so I nodded.

" I am Chester Joseph Kingston, and your brother Philip E. Sandoval killed my brother."

He disputed. My eyes widened in shock. Wait, my brother killed someone? That is preposterous! My brother could never do such a thing!

I cough in dismay. " That's absurd! My brother would never do such an act!"

Chester furrowed his eyebrows. He was visibly annoyed by what I said.

" But he did." He calmly argued.

"So, Ms. Rein Sandoval. Tell me where your brother is, and I will spare your pitiful life."

His eyes definitely darkened, I can already tell that he's the leader of all villains. Those eyes full of disdain and hate are ready to chew me skin and bones.

THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW

The splashing of water can be heard across the hall. The only man swimming has an athletic body, a prominent jawline, and luscious lips. Matching these characteristics with piercing eyes.

"You're scheduled to meet, Mr. De Chavez this afternoon." A deep voice echoed the whole notatorium.

Chester continues to dive in the water before completely leaving the pool.

He wore his towel and left the notatorium. Walking straight to the kitchen, he was welcomed by maids ready to assist him with his food.

The oldest maid adjusted the chair for Chester, and he sat down to eat breakfast.

The house chefs waited for his positive response. With only a single spoonful, he left the table.

This is to be expected. He never stays for long when he eats. The amount of food he ate was enough for him to last till lunch.

The staff rearranged everything and started cleaning.

"Email Mr. De Chavez to hide. I'll give him the whole day. As time runs out, you know what to do."

His secretary nodded and stayed outside the bedroom. Until Chester is ready to leave for work.

It is already 4 in the afternoon. The day is almost over, but it will only be the beginning of something monstrous.

" This 7pm I'll be having dinner with Lance. He will give me all the documents. After that, you may end him."

Chester intimidated his secretary, like it was a sign to do a clean job.

"You want me to kill your brother?"

Chester opened his eyes, remaining seated on his upholstered swivel chair.

It was silent.

His secretary no longer awaited his response and only replied, "I will do so."

He quietly left Chester and prepared everything.

From the highest perspective in the highest building in the city, people are like miniature toys playing by their schedules. Chester drank his wine and continued to watch the view.

Alas! Time is nearing 7pm. He elegantly wore his coat and fixed his necktie, ready to leave his office.

He walked out of his office with only the sound of his footsteps across the hallway as each light turned off the moment he passed through like a scene from a horrifying movie with the predator ready to eat his prey.

The moment he left the building, rain started pouring slowly. At the exact time his service arrives. With guards back and front, he made his way to the passenger seat.

The long ride went smoothly.

"Welcome, Mr. Kingston! You are the first to arrive. Please allow me to guide you to your private room."

The restaurant has an authentic Japanese style. His brother requested this be the place to exchange information.

The door of the private room opened. The staff placed all the delicacies on the table and left.

However, before the sliding door closed, a man wearing a black hoodie and cap entered the room with a folder in his hands. He tossed it to the table!

Chester did not even bother picking the envelope. Instead, he reached for his phone and dialed Elvin's number. His secretary.

It did not take long before Elvin arrived and investigated the folder.

As expected, it's not the documents he wanted. It was only a letter and a warning.

Before Elvin could execute the man, he was shocked when it opened it's jacket surprising them with a time bomb ready to explode in 2 minutes.

Elvin, without hesitation, dashed and stabbed the offender's throat using his index and middle finger.

The man cough and was in pain gasping for air. In just a few minutes of suffering, the man lost consciousness. Elvin then took this opportunity to dispose of the bomb.

Upon finishing his work, he opened the envelope. "It says here that your brother was killed by a man named Philip Sandoval." Elvin announced.

Chester remained calmed and elegant despite the situation.

"Trace this man's location, and everyone related to him. Contact Edgar and tell him to investigate everything about Lance." Chester ordered.

After identifying Rein as the sister of the suspect, Philip Sandoval. Thus, they arrived at their current situation.

"Were you the one responsible for the damages in this house?" Rein asked as she held her purse tightly, trying to act strong.

Rein was alarmed by the sudden cock of gun and the moment she looked up, she's at gunpoint.

She blinked several times, and her breathing became heavy. For one last blinked of her eye, she directly looked to Chester's eye and said, "I don't know where my brother is, and I am sure he dare not do such an act." Straightforward she claimed.

Chester snapped his fingers, and an acolyte snatched the purse and phone of Rein. He then handed it over to another assistant, and instantly, they hacked through her phone. They then gave it to Chester.

'It's the same mobile number, her brother, aunt and uncle. Useless messages and hideous and unnecessary photos.' Chester thought.

"If you won't tell me where your brother is, I might as well kill you." The cold-blooded man stated.

There was no sign of compassion in his eyes. It was blazing with passion and hatred.

"You're going to kill me?" Rein asked as she tried to smirk.

"You can't kill me. If you do, how will you catch my brother? She uttered fiercely.

"Miss Rein E. Sandoval, your life means nothing to me. There are plenty of ways to find your brother." Chester replied.

"Using me to find him would be easier. You can even use me to threaten him. " Rein followed.

"Did you know Miss Rein E. Sandoval, I wasn't mad that my brother was killed. I'm becoming this person because I did not get to kill my own brother."

Rein's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. 'Are you telling me you want to find my brother not because you wanted justice to your brother. But because you wanted to kill mine for your pleasure?' is what she thought.

"How amusing of you to try and fool me with your words, merely to survive." Chester continued.

"You're coming with me." And with that, Elvin hid the gun and forced Rein to follow them.

The droplets of rain were the only sound she can hear inside the car.

She was sitting at the back, and Chester was in the other car.

The atmosphere was becoming heavy every second it lasted. And before she knows it, they arrived.

She was expecting something horrifying out of a horror movie. Like in this rainy night, there should be thunder and darkness welcoming her. Rather, what she was welcomed was lights illuminating the massive mansion.

As the car drives to the entrance, Rein is visibly in awe of the wealth. And that made her think. This powerful man can grasp people in the palm of his hands.

"How dignified to the eyes who see the surface yet cruel to those who were oppress." she whispered.

She gets out of the car, not letting her guard down.

"Treat her as a guest."Chester ordered, continuing to walk inside the mansion.

"Treat her as a guest."

'THAT'S DEFINITELY WHAT I HEARD! SO, WHY THE HELL AM I LOCKED UP IN A PRISON CELL!' is what's running through Rein's mind.

It was dark and cold. She's not even sure if there's someone else in this dump place.

"LET ME OUT! YOU ******* ASSHOLE LET ME OUT!" Rein shouted furiously!

As long as they arrived, she was confident that she'll be treated right. But the master of the house is no fool. She was too naive.

Rein decided to stop yelling. "Even if I do manage to get out from this prison, how am I supposed to escape the mansion?

I might be welcomed with guns ready to pierce my body. For now, I'll accept this. He'll come and talk to me soon."

"Why did you do that? Pitiful girl. If you don't want her, then I can take her." A sweet silvery voice echoed through the hallway.

"When did you arrive?" Chester asked.

The sound of heel clacks and from the darkness of the night emerge a beautiful maiden with her face visibly seen as she steps into the brightness of the moonlight.

"The moment you told your men to treat her as a guest. " She smirks.

"This is no place for you. Leave." Chester declared as he entered his bedroom.

"But you are my fiancée, how can you say that?"

That was the last draw. He grabbed her by the shoulder and dragged her to reach the first floor. And then he pushed her outside the main door of the mansion.

"You and I don't have any relationship. Leave before I kill you."

The woman had no choice but to leave defeated. He was shocked by Chester's behaviour that it left a mark to her.

Morning came, but the ground is still wet. It only stopped raining when the sun was near to shine.

Rein sneezed in frustration as what happened yesterday continues to irritate her.

"I can't believe what a jerk that man was! I hate him to death. If I ever got the chance, I'll be sure to torture him, make him feel excruciating pain! Grrr, I'm so mad! huhu, why are things not looking bright for me? I don't know where my family is! I lost my boyfriend! and now I'm close to losing my life!"

Her feelings kept on changing every minute she overthinks. Not until she was alerted because someone had arrived.

Only the footsteps of one person can be heard. And every time it gets louder, Rein's heart feels like it'll explode.

Alas! It's Chester. It brought relaxation to Rein when she saw him because it's only Chester. Within a few minutes of digesting it, She once again panicked! Because it's Chester!

She analyzed him from head to toe and was relieved that he seemed weaponless as he was only wearing a robe.

He opened the gate to the prison underground.

"Get out." He remarked.

It was a glimpse of hope for Rein. It wasn't obvious, but her eyes glimmered in hope that he would let her go.

She went out quietly and slowly, trying not to offend him.

Chester suddenly pushed her and pinned her to the wall and purposely had eye contact with her.

Rein's face was visibly red, and she felt her heart beating so fast. She's nervous about what will happen.

"Don't calm down. Just because I haven't killed you means you're safe. I have a role for you to play." He said so casually.

"I-I'll do what I can do."

'What matters for now is to survive. I swear to all Gods in hell that I will torture you in the future, you arrogant jerk!' Rein thought.

"Follow me." He ordered as they continued to exit the secret prison.

"Starting today, you'll work here. You're not allowed to leave unless your brother shows up."

Rein's eyes widened in shock. This isn't right!

"I can't do that! I'm still in college. The next academic year will be this August! you can't lock me here." Rein Protested.

"Then go study and return here right after. I'll have my men watch over you. " Chester stopped walking and turned around to face her. "I dare you to do something funny, and both you and your brother are dead meat." He glared at Rein and left her in disbelief.

She stamped her feet like a child and sighted in frustration. She continued to follow him, and she was welcomed by another maid.

"Starting today, you'll be in my care, Ms. Sandoval." An old maid was smiling, greeting her.