JAY'S POV:
When I stepped inside my home, Tita greeted me. I greeted her back, then headed to my room to freshen up.
God, I need this moment alone. Standing by the window, I lit a cigarette, my mind drifting back to the deal—the deal with Aries
That stupid pact. Why did I even make it?I want him here. He's my brother. I want to be with him. But he hates me, for reasons I can't fathom. What did I do?
I wish I could fix us. That's why I requested him to come. Foolish hope. Looks like fate had other plans. If he shows up, I move out—no chance to bond. Perfect timing, universe. Just perfect.
After finishing the smoke, I sprayed the room to mask the scent and went to the kitchen for something to eat. Can't let them smell it on me—not yet.
Tita Gemma was cooking. I approached her.
"Hey, Tita," I greeted.
"Hey, Jay. You want something?" she asked.
"Well... I'm hungry."
"Oh." She handed me some snacks.
I took them and ate at the dining table. Tita's snacks always hit different. Comfort in crumbs.
"Where's Kuya?" I asked.
"He's at the office. He'll be back for dinner. Why? Need to ask him something?"
"No," I replied, shaking my head.
Not yet. Timing's everything. After finishing, I returned to my room and tackled some work.
A while later, Tita called me for lunch. Halfway down the stairs, I heard a voice.
"Mom!"
I froze.
Glancing at the door, I saw Aries standing there with his luggage. He actually came. Heart pounding like a drum. Deal's on. Tita rushed out from the kitchen. Spotting him, she enveloped him in a hug. He hugged her back. Look at them. Family. The one I crave. I descended the stairs.
"Aries, you know how much I missed you. Why did you leave the house?" Tita said, on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I won't leave again," Aries replied.
We all gathered at the dining table. Aries sat across from me. Eyes locked for a split second—cold as ice. I met his gaze.
Kuya arrived and joined us, taking the seat beside Aries. Tita sat on Aries's other side—she'd missed him terribly.
We started lunch. Tita fussed over Aries like he was her own son, piling food on his plate and even feeding him bites. She's pouring all her love into him.
I'm jealous of him. He gets so much care, I but I, I'm seen like a stranger. Typically, I am. She's not my mom. She's not my mom. She didn't adopt me like Aries. She didn't look after me. So, yes. She doesn't need to do it. I won't blame her. I blame my mom. Lets not talk about her
Tita is so generous; even though he's not her blood, she treats him like one. Kuya ate in silence, occasionally glancing their way. He's suspicious too. Good.
Halfway through my meal, I spoke up. Now or never.
"Kuya, I want to tell you something.
He looked at me,"Yes?"
I took a deep breath, staring at my plate. Heart racing. They'll hate this.
"I want to..." I paused, glancing at him, then Aries, then Tita.
Aries's stare burns. He knows. Kuya and Tita watched expectantly. Aries looked caught off guard— happy about it but shocked.
"I want to live separately," I said.
Kuya shouted, "What?!"
Tita's eyes widened in shock.
"But why? Have you gone mad?!" Kuya demanded.
"I took this decision after thinking a lot, Kuya." Lies. It's the deal. Freedom's price.
"Jay, dear, why do you want to leave?" Tita asked softly.
Her voice twists the knife.I stayed silent. Can't tell them the truth.
"I won't allow it," Kuya said firmly.
"Kuya, please. I can take care of myself. I want to be independent."
"No!"
"Kuya, please."
"You think this is funny? It's dangerous. If anything happens to you—"
"Nothing will happen," I cut in. "I can take care of myself. Please, Kuya."
Even after an hour of begging, he wouldn't budge.
"Kuya, please..."
"Okay, fine. I'll agree when you score 100 on your exams."
"Really?" Gotcha. Challenge accepted.
"Yes."
"Make sure you keep your word."
I headed to my room.I chuckled. Happy or sad? Both, twisting inside. But I'd leave this house either way. I could score 100—I was sure of it. I'm smarter than they think. Acting dumb keeps me safe.
At the window, I lit another cigarette. I closed my eyes as the cold breeze brushed my face. Smoke curls like secrets. These upcoming exams were my deadline—for escaping restrictions, limited happiness, and buried truths.
I gazed at the stars, shimmering like diamonds. Distant, untouchable. The sky was breathtaking, the moon casting its glow like a perfect jewel. Stars and moon—ornaments adorning the night.
Only if they knew...