This will be the last part of Chasing Hell.
Thank you so much. Cheers!
Now Playing: This I Promise You byNSYNC.
EPILOGUE
Vanessa's Point of View
I could immediately see the site where he was working. The building would be completed in a few months. It was a bit messy, and even though I was still inside the car, I could already hear the roar of the engines all around me.
I paid for the taxi before getting off.
The wind blew my hair around, so I held onto my dress because they might get a glimpse. They're lucky if they can see the sky right away.
I looked at the high heels I was wearing.
I don't fit in this place.
It's too dusty and there are too many men.
"Miss? Do you need something?"
I looked at the man who came towards me. His body was covered in sweat and he was fanning himself with his orange... helmet? I don't know what they call that thing they wear on their heads.
"Who is that?" His colleagues teased him.
God! I hate this place.
I was about to speak when I saw a man standing not far away. His back was to me; he was talking seriously to someone, pointing at something.
He was looking at paper and they were laughing.
I looked at the young man who was still waiting for my answer. "Thank you," I just answered, because I didn't know what to answer either.
"Miss, your money!"
I just ignored it and walked away. He still didn't see me because he was busy talking to them.
But unfairly, even though he had his back turned, I could clearly see the width of his back.
I stopped to fix my dress. I also fixed my hair and checked my face again with the mirror I brought to see if there was any dirt on it.
I took a deep breath before approaching him and quickly hugging him from behind.
"I miss you so much, Je."
I almost cried with joy. Finally, after all the time he had been away from me...
Now I can hug him again.
"Miss? Wait..."
I was speechless when he turned around. "Oh---Shit. Shrek?" I exclaimed.
His nose was big and his cheeks were chubby. His teeth were also black from smiling... He wasn't Jerome.
"You hugged me." The smile widened on his dry lips. "Hold me accountable," he added.
I stepped back. "W-What? The nerve of this--- Shrek!" I shouted.
My whole face turned red with anger and embarrassment. I thought it was Jerome. I just thought it was him because of his posture.
"Is there a problem here?"
I automatically looked behind me where a man I knew well was standing, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked at me.
"Engr. Marquez? This woman is like this. She just hugged me all of a sudden. She thought I was her type."
I ignored him because I couldn't take my eyes off Jerome, who was frowning. God... Is this really him? Why is that? His attitude seemed to have become cold.
"Vanessa?"
It felt like something was stuck in my throat when he mentioned my name, and the fact that... his voice was so cold.
He looked at Shrek before looking back at me. I was even more stunned when he grinned.
"You just went to another country... and your standards for men have immediately risen?" he said, laughing.
"Wow! I'm so embarrassed for you! Are you trying to be cool? You feel like you're all that? You're so stupid!"
He laughed and called all the workers. I couldn't wipe the annoyance off my face, especially because of what he said.
"Do you see this woman?" He pointed at me.
"She's head over heels for me." He grinned after saying that.
I couldn't help myself anymore. I took off one of my heels and threw it at him.
He shook his head at me before picking up my heel. He walked over to me and knelt down in front of me. I just stared at him as he gently lifted my foot and put the heel back on.
I almost fainted from excitement because of what he did.
"Vanessa?" He called out to me. "I'll just say this now... Your feet stink." They all laughed after he said that.
My eyes widened and my entire insides trembled. "What a fucking jerk!" I shouted.
It's a waste of my time to come here. It's a waste.
All my effort in beautifying myself—and going straight here right after we landed at the airport—was a total waste.
I was ready to leave when he suddenly hugged me from behind.
"I miss you, Vanko. I miss teasing you."
All my anger towards him disappeared because of that. You still haven't changed. You're still so sweet. You're so sweet, you taste like sugar. Pest!
"In English please..." I requested.
"I am not speak English. Me is not American."
I laughed because of what he said. Jerome hugged me tighter.
"Ssshh... Don't laugh. I might not be good in English... But, I am best in bed--- I mean, I am best in Math. Yeah, Math. See? I'm now a professional engineer."
"I'm proud of you," that's all I could say at this moment.
"Same to you, grandma."
"Jerome!"
I was surprised when he pulled me away from the crowded area. "You're too exposed," he whispered.
He pulled me into the black car. I knew it was his based on the perfume he was wearing, which I could smell as soon as I got in.
"When did you come back?"
"Just now... Aren't you happy?"
It was like he wasn't happy about my return. Even though he hasn't...
I admit I can't help but feel hurt.
"Do you think I'd be happy with you being gone for two years?"
Our contract was extended because Zein liked us there. In fact, they didn't want to let us go.
"But, I'm back."
"And you're never leaving again," he said firmly while looking into my eyes.
"I can make a room where we can live without going out, Van. Don't make me do that."
His face scrunched up, making me laugh.
"Yes. Shall we go?"
His forehead furrowed. "I-I'm not ready yet, Van. Don't do it. We have to get married first," he said seriously.
I was momentarily stunned by what he said.
...before understanding what he was referring to.
I smiled... You want a beginner? Okay. I'll show you how it should be done.
"But we can still do it even though we're not married. We'll use contraceptives."
I saw him swallow hard, which made me laugh softly.
"Hmmm... Where is Zein?"
I laughed at his question. I'm actually getting better at this.
"I don't know. They just said we'll see each other later," I replied while looking at myself in the rearview mirror.
I also felt his gaze on me, so I looked back at him.
"Is Ace invited?" he asked suddenly.
I was stunned from touching up my face because of what he said.
"Nope... Ace wasn't invited."
Matthew's Point of View
I don't know what to feel. I don't know what to say first. I feel like I'm going to faint from nervousness.
"Matt? Why are you here?" The surprise in Angel's eyes was obvious when he saw me standing outside their gate. "Come in." He opened the gate for me.
I couldn't move right away. I was so nervous. I was sweating. What the hell?! I'm still trying to admit that I'm nervous. Tss.
I sat on the sofa. He excused himself and said he would just get me something to drink.
"Juice." She placed it on the table in front of us before sitting next to me.
"Are you okay?" She asked worriedly when she noticed I couldn't move much. "Matt!"
"Y-Yes. Why are you yelling?"
I almost lost my hearing when she shouted at me. She laughed before taking a sip from her glass, so I had no choice but to take the juice she offered.
"What do you need?" I didn't understand her question because I couldn't take my eyes off her lips.
Damn.
"Matt, are you in trouble?"
"Nothing."
I just stared at her lips, wet from the juice. I couldn't even taste what I was drinking because of her lips... Damn.
"Angel?"
"Matthew Hart. What exactly is your problem?"
"I don't know how it happened."
"W-What? Hin---" I quickly grabbed her face and kissed her lips.
I felt like she was shocked at first until she kissed me back. Why did I only taste the juice on her lips? I was thirsty, and it felt like her lips were the only thing that could quench it.
Damn... I've never been this thirsty in my whole life. I've never been this addicted to this fucking feeling, and I think... I've fallen in fucking love with an angel.
"M-Matt... Why?" She asked while looking into my eyes, clearly confused. "I thought you wanted us to be just friends? You're messing with me again." I saw the edge of tears in her eyes.
I held her cheek and caressed it.
"Angel, I think I can't. I don't want us to be just friends. I want to hug you. I want to kiss you. I want to love you more than friends... Can we cross the line? Together"
Tears rolled down her cheeks. Nothing could have made me happier than seeing her nod and cry.
"Matt... Please. Let's cross the line... Together."
She quickly grabbed my lips. I secretly smiled. Damn. I never thought I would love her. I thought that was all I could do, but as time went on, the barrier between us gradually broke down.
"I love you... Matt."
"I love you more... My angel."
Allison's Point of View
With all the pain I've experienced—with all the pain that has befallen me that almost killed my character—I never thought I'd be happy again.
Yes. Even though I was overwhelmed with sadness over what had happened, there was one person who was always there for me. He always scolded me when he saw me being stupid.
When I was lost, I suddenly felt him hugging me. He's the best thing that ever happened to me.
I couldn't help but cry as I watched Mommy and Daddy laughing with Shark.
"We have a new baby," Daddy laughed when Shark snorted.
My son looked at me as if asking for help to get him away from them...
My parents are treating him like a child. That's what he hates the most.
"Zein?" I called to Zein, who was focused on her laptop.
She looked at me. "What are your plans for later?" I asked.
She closed her laptop and came closer to me. She grew taller, and her hair grew longer.
"Nothing. Just having fun with my friends."
"Are we all just friends?" I teased.
She frowned before raising an eyebrow at me.
"Just friends. Ate, I'm not with you or whoever you're referring to," she said, annoyed.
I laughed because of her rudeness, and I couldn't help but hug her. My lips trembled because, despite what I had done, she couldn't make me hate her. She loved me more, and that...
...was what I was most grateful for.
I'm lucky because I had a sister like Zein Shion, who is willing to understand you even when you don't understand yourself. She's the kind of woman who will love you completely and accept your whole self.
"Happy birthday, sissy. I love you," I whispered.
"Thank you for everything." I couldn't help but tear up as I said that.
"That's nothing, sister. I love you too," she whispered. "But I'm sorry... I love him more than you." We laughed after she said that.
She and Ace haven't met yet. Damn, Zein. If only you could see Ace now, I'm sure you'd be drooling right away.
"You're really not going?" Mom asked Zein, who was back focused on her laptop.
Mommy was holding my hand.
This is heaven. This is the reward for my sacrifices and my steadfastness. Finally, my suffering is over. We will face another new phase. But I can only say one thing... No matter how big the problem we face, we will be able to overcome it, and when we overcome it... That's when we will feel the satisfaction that no one can bring us down. No one can destroy us.
I just watched Mommy and Daddy playing in the park with Shark, who was clearly irritated. They even bought him a balloon. You can do it, Shark. I laughed when Shark let go of the balloon out of annoyance.
I accidentally glanced at a man standing not far from me. He was wearing a jacket and a hood.
Even though I couldn't see his face, tears spontaneously fell from my eyes. My whole body trembled as...
He took off his hood.
"R-Raze..."
I couldn't move from where I was standing. I was so shocked that I didn't realize he was already approaching me.
"How are you?" He smiled at me.
I still couldn't speak, and all I felt was tears. I couldn't believe that after so many years... Finally, he's back.
"R-Raze..."
He laughed. "I'm going to be tough, right? I hope you like it because I've been thinking about it for years." He laughed again.
"I could tell you a thousand jokes, but I want you to know one single truth..." He smiled at me and held my hand.
"Baby, I love you..." He whispered.
I still couldn't speak.
"Am I that handsome that you're speechless? Hey. After all, my handsomeness is truly jaw-dropping."
I couldn't help myself from hugging him. At the same time, I was crying. I felt so much loss... I felt complete again.
"Sorry, Allison. Sorry for what I said to you." He pulled away from me and faced me. He wiped the tears from my eyes. "Everything I told you was a lie. Do you think I would let you take my virginity if I didn't love you?" he boasted.
"Sorry, Raze..."
"It's okay, baby. I know I'm a jokester to you, but hopefully, this time... Can we get serious? Can we start over?"
"Hey!" I was surprised when Shark suddenly pushed me away from Raze with a frown. "Why did you hug mommy?!" he shouted.
I smiled...
"P-Paw?! Where did you take my beloved cat?!"
"He's already mine!"
"What?! No! Give me Dark back!"
"No way!"
Raze looked at me. "Is this your child?" he asked me, and I could see that he was hurt. "You didn't tell me you already had a child," he said sadly.
"Raze..."
"It's okay. I'm alright, baby. I can still love you even if you're already a shark."
"Baby, meet my son... Shark Silvenia."
He froze at what I said as tears fell from my eyes again.
"W---What?"
I nodded again. "Daddy Raze, I want you to meet our son..." I repeated.
I don't understand anything anymore because I'm feeling so happy right now. All I know is that Raze picked up Shark and spun him around.
I think... This is the happiest thing that has ever happened in my entire life. I couldn't wish for more, just their acceptance is enough.
We'll start another chapter of our life... The new beginning...
Zein's Point of View
I quickly got out of the car and walked into the bar we rented. Even though I was just at the entrance, I could already hear the loud stereo.
As soon as I entered, birthday greetings greeted me. These were my classmates from college and some from high school. At the end of the table, Vanessa was waving.
"Happy birthday, Zein." Vanessa kissed my cheek. "I don't have a gift, don't look for it," she whispered, laughing.
"Happy birthday, Zein." Matt greeted, holding a wine glass. "Cheers!" he added.
I immediately noticed Jerome smiling. "I don't have a gift either. But if you guys build Ace's house, I'll take care of it." He laughed after that.
I sat next to them and took the glass of wine.
I looked at the dance floor where Cedric was waving at me. "Happy birthday!" he shouted while hugging a woman.
I just nodded.
"Zein, we have a surprise for you." Vanessa was obviously excited because she stood up from her seat.
I was about to ask more questions when I saw who she was holding.
"Mia!"
I almost stumbled to get close to her. She laughed when we almost fell over from my sudden embrace.
"Happy birthday, Zein."
I faced her. I couldn't help but...
I was in tears because I was so happy. "I miss you, Mia. But--- What are you doing here?" I asked while glancing at Dave, who was shaking hands with his acquaintances.
"Can we skip your birthday? And..." She showed me her hand.
My eyes widened when I saw the sparkling ring on her finger.
"Are you engaged? Whoa. That's fast. Congrats."
We went to Van's table and, like me, they were also surprised that the two were engaged. If there's anything I can be thankful for, it's that Mia's family has finally accepted them. They are now legal and have the blessing from the family.
I'm happy for them. They deserved it. They fought and showed that they are grown up and have their own decisions. That's what I admired about both of them.
"Mia is already a graduate, but Dave is the only one studying."
"You, Zein?" I looked at Dave when I heard my name from him. "How are you, LL?" he asked.
My forehead furrowed. "LL?" I asked back.
"Love life..." Vanessa snorted when Jerome snatched the glass of wine from her hand.
I just shook my head before turning to look at Dave. "Lovelife? What's that?" I joked.
"Ampalaya... Haven't you met Ace yet?" Mia said.
I just forced a smile and shook my head. I haven't seen him yet and I haven't invited him yet. It's been two years. I haven't heard from him.
"Ace and I met earlier. You didn't...
"So he was invited?" Matt asked in surprise.
"I-I'm embarrassed..."
"Whoa. That's new," Vanessa teased me, leaning on Jerome's shoulder. "You have something like that?" She laughed at me when I threw the lemon peel at her.
It's like I'm too embarrassed to invite him. For two years, I cut off all communication with him. I knew Ace would find a way to talk to us, but I resisted. I wanted us to live together even though we were far apart.
In two years... Nothing has changed. I'm still the woman who loves him so much. God, I miss him so much.
"Zein... Come on." Cedric forcefully pulled me onto the dance floor.
I just laughed at his mischief. I was about to dance when suddenly the lights around me went out. People started screaming.
"You can have a dance with everyone in this club, but not with my girl."
My hair stood up when the lights suddenly turned back on. I saw Ace holding a control. He showed it to me.
"There are two buttons here." He showed us.
"One is to turn down the power system of this bar, and the other... is to blow up this whole place."
He grinned after saying that.
Instead of being scared, I felt a sense of shame. He was wearing office attire and had clearly just come from their office.
"Which button?" he asked Cedric.
"No... I told you she doesn't dance. You pulled me onto the dance floor. I'm still here."
Ace was about to approach us when two bouncers stopped him. He wasn't invited, so he wasn't allowed to enter.
He raised his eyebrows at me, making me swallow.
He angrily adjusted his office attire before walking out. The bouncers followed him. The entire area was stunned by what Ace had done.
Gatecrasher... Ace Craige.
"That's next..." Vanessa laughed. "Let's bet. Zein will run to chase the ace." I bit my lip because of what she said.
Great! He knew exactly what I was going to do. I was so annoyed that I took off my heels. The people here screamed and then disappeared.
"Go, Zein! For the economy!" Mia shouted.
I ran quickly to chase Ace. I almost tripped because of how fast I was running. I felt like this was my last chance. I felt like if he disappeared now, it would be forever. I wasn't going to waste this chance.
As soon as I stepped outside, a cold wind enveloped my entire body. I was barefoot, so I was even colder.
"Miss, are you looking for the man who came in earlier?" the bouncer asked me.
"Yes. Which direction did he go?" I asked.
"In your heart..."
"What?!" I was annoyed by what was happening and his answer.
The thickness of his face makes me tired.
"He said 'if you ask for directions, that's what I'll answer,'" he scratched the back of his head. "If you want to see him... He said he's at your house..." he added.
I frowned before realizing what place he was referring to. The condo where we lived before.
I ran away, but he said something after me.
"Prepare yourself!"
I ignored it and immediately hailed a taxi. My heart was beating so fast. Why was I in such a hurry? He wasn't leaving!
I looked at my feet. I just got a new pedicure, and now it's ruined. I hate you, Ace Craige!
Fuck you!
As soon as I stepped outside, I immediately saw the building. People were still staring at me, and I felt so ashamed of myself.
Two guards blocked me, making my eyebrows rise.
"Miss? Beggars are not allowed here."
I laughed at what the guard said. I laughed so hard that I kicked his leg and quickly ran into the elevator.
They chased me, but the elevator just closed. Shit! I was sweating profusely, and my feet were so sore.
Sweetie!
When I got to the unit, I immediately pressed the password. I almost jumped for joy when he hadn't changed the passcode.
When I entered, so many memories came flooding back to me. I missed...this place.
I immediately went to his room.
No one was there to be seen. I just sat on the bed.
I think I went to the wrong place.
I looked in the mirror. I was already crying, I didn't even feel it. Yes, I miss him, so I did this.
Damn! I miss him so bad.
I looked at the bathroom when it suddenly opened. My tears stopped when I saw Ace with his eyebrows raised. Water was still dripping from his hair. He was just covered with a towel. Water was still dripping from his body.
"What are you doing here?"
Tears welled up in my eyes again because of his question.
"What am I doing here?" It's like...
I stupidly asked myself. "Why did I run here barefoot? Why did I chase after the pesky guards of this building? Why am I crying?" I laughed and stood up.
"What am I doing in your room? It's not mine."
I was about to leave when I felt his cold body against my back. I cried because of what he did.
"Just kidding. I was really expecting you here..."
He turned me to face him. I stared into his deep eyes. He smiled, melting away the anger I was feeling.
"I miss you..." He hugged me tighter. "So much," he whispered.
"Is it still me, Ace?"
His forehead furrowed. "Even if you're not beautiful, you're mine," he said.
I slapped his chest, which I wish I hadn't done. The smile on his lips widened.
"Now, you have the right to touch my body, Zein.
You're not just looking at me anymore. You can own me anytime you want, darling."
I blushed at what he said.
"I love you, Ace."
I closed my eyes when he grabbed my lips. I tasted the alcohol on his lips. I got drunk on his kiss, and I lost myself.
"You're finally home..." He kissed me again.
He sat me down on the bed while kneeling in front of me.
I'm feeling a variety of emotions at this moment. I can't explain the happiness I feel.
My tears are the only symbol of my feelings.
"Darling, I couldn't wish for more. Thank you, because you accepted me completely. Thank you, because even though I have sinned against you so many times, you were still able to forgive me..."
"Because I love you... That's all, Ace."
"Zein Shion. Darling, I love you more than who I am and what I have. Will you be my wife? Be my Mrs. Craige."
I laughed because he didn't take out a ring.
"I haven't bought a ring yet..." He scratched the back of his neck. "Okay. I'll propose next time." He stood up again.
Damn! This guy is really innocent.
"Darling, yes. I'm willing to be your wife. I am willing to be your Mrs. Zein Shion—Craige."
I closed my eyes when he suddenly removed the towel that was wrapped around him.
"Ace!"
"Are you ready?"
I kept my eyes closed.
"I've given you two years."
"Let's get married first! You jerk!"
I heard him laugh before I felt his lips on mine. He hugged me and we fell onto the bed together as his lips touched mine.
"Sorry, but I can't. I can't wait for that."
I opened my eyes. Ace had his eyes closed while kissing me. I almost squirmed from the tickle when he kissed my neck down.
I closed my eyes again as tears fell from my eyes.
We were thrown back when someone suddenly knocked on the door. It was so loud that the door almost collapsed.
I looked at Ace, who was smirking. I just laughed as he hurriedly put on his clothes and boxers.
"Alas!" Raze shouted outside. "Alas! I have something to tell you!" he shouted.
I saw Ace grab a baseball bat before going out. I just laughed when I heard their crisp, cheap shots outside.
I just hugged the pillow next to me. With all that we've experienced and been through, I didn't think everything would be okay.
We have a lot more to go through that will test our resilience again. I am ready to face everything.
I won't give up...
I will fight...
I will show you what I can do...
I was stunned when I thought of my name to write.
"Mrs. Zein Asola Shion - Craige."
The end.