Chapter 8: Fresh Start

That night, with my heart heavy with pain and betrayal, I made a decision — aalis na ako. I would cut all ties with my family. I couldn't stay in a house where my existence felt like a burden.

Buti na lang, I had Victoria — my best friend since freshman year. I called her, my voice trembling, "Pwede ba akong pumunta diyan?" She didn't even hesitate, "Of course! Anong nangyari? Are you okay?" I couldn't answer; my voice cracked as tears streamed down my face.

Pagdating ko sa bahay nila, I broke down. I told her everything — from my father's denial to my mother's indifference. Her reaction was instant. "WHAT?! ANONG KLASE SILA?! GOD! I hope they all die and rot in hell!" she screamed, her face red with rage.

I just sat there, crying silently, and she pulled me into a hug. "Hey… it's okay. I’m here, okay? Hindi ka nag-iisa." Her voice was soft, filled with empathy — and for the first time in days, I felt a sliver of comfort.

---

Kinabukasan, we joined her family for breakfast. Her boyfriend, Nikolai, was there — kasama rin ‘yung dalawang kaibigan namin, si James at Alexander. Tahimik ‘yung atmosphere, halatang nakita nila ‘yung maga sa mata ko. No one dared to ask. Victoria squeezed my hand under the table, silently reassuring me.

I barely touched my food, pero pinilit niya ako. "Kain ka. May pasok tayo mamaya." I hesitated before finally admitting, "Vic… I don’t think I can go back to school. I cut ties with my family. Wala na akong pambayad sa tuition." My voice cracked.

Victoria didn’t even flinch. "My dad can cover it," she said casually. "Don't even think about it."

"No, Vic… ayoko kayong maging burden."

"Gaga ka ba? Mayaman kami. Isa kang law student, hindi ka pabigat."

I tried to argue, but she wouldn't take no for an answer. "We’re talking about your future. My dad won’t even notice the money. Just say yes, girl."

---

After breakfast, sumakay kami sa sasakyan ni Nikolai — a pristine white Rolls-Royce Phantom. I've ridden it countless times before, pero each time felt surreal. Nikolai was driving, Victoria by his side, habang kaming tatlo — ako, James, and Alexander — nasa likod.

Tahimik lang ako. I felt out of place. Lahat sila — Nikolai, James, Alexander — galing sa old money. Prestigious families. Ako lang ‘yung anak ng self-made businessman. Sure, mayaman kami, pero it wasn’t the same. My father built his empire from scratch, while theirs were passed down from generations. I couldn't help but feel small.

Nag-uusap silang tatlo pero tahimik lang din si Alexander, as usual. He was always like that around me — awkward, quiet, and distant. I never understood why. Every time we were alone, he’d just… stare. No words. Just silence. It made me uncomfortable.

Habang nasa biyahe, bumalik sa isip ko ‘yung offer ni Victoria. Should I accept? Law school is expensive. Four more years before I could graduate. Kaya ko ba? I glanced at Victoria — confident, beautiful, and bold. Kaya ko rin siguro.

---

Pagdating sa school, I grabbed her arm. "Okay… I'll take your offer." My voice was firm, kahit gusto kong umiyak. "Pero promise ko, pag may trabaho na ako, I’ll pay you back."

Victoria’s face lit up. "YES! Oh my god! Girl, let’s make these college days unforgettable! Woohoo!" She screamed dramatically, catching everyone's attention. Napayuko ako, slightly embarrassed, pero natatawa na rin. The boys chuckled, breaking the tension.

For the first time in days, I felt hope. With Victoria's support — and maybe, just maybe — a chance to build a future without my family, I was ready to start again.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***