WHERE IS ISH ANN GRAY

CHAPTER 6

Who are you?

This was far from over.

Sino ka ba talaga

I couldn't shake off this growing feeling of familiarity. May kung ano sa kanya yung kilos, yung katawan, even the way he moves na parang kilala ko na dati. But his voice, that deep, controlled tone... it’s nothing like I remember.

Could it be...? I thought to myself.

Wrauderick?

Biglang bumalik sa akin ang mga alaala namin noon. I was just a teenager back then young, naive, and and it's just supposed to be puppy love.

I grew up in the small, sun-baked town where fields stretched endlessly, and the scent of fresh earth mixed with the crisp, fresh province air.

He was the quintessential cowboy a man who lived and breathed the rugged life of the province.

Wrauderick had the kind of rugged handsomeness that drew attention without him even trying. He looked like he had just stepped off the set of a Western movie , with that strong, cowboy appeal that made him seem both dangerous and irresistible. His tall, broad-shouldered frame towered over most people, and his body, honed from years of hard work and outdoor living, was all lean muscle, like he could break someone in half with just a twist of his wrist.

His jawline was sharp, strong, with that perfect scruff that added to his rough-around-the-edges charm. His eyes? A piercing shade of dark brown that could melt through you, with an intensity that felt almost too familiar, like he knew everything about you before you even spoke. Hindi mapagkaka ilang gwapo siya

His hair was the perfect mix of messy and controlled, the kind of tousled, chestnut brown that looked as though it had been wind-blown across a mountain range giving him that "just-got-off-the-horse" vibe.

There was something about the way he moved slow, deliberate his presence commanding attention with every step, yet he carried himself with a quiet, unspoken confidence.

Wrauderick had a swagger about him, a blend of arrogance and charm that was impossible to ignore. When he smiled, which wasn't often, it was with a crooked, knowing grin, as if he was always five steps ahead of everyone else.

He was the kind of man who would have no problem taking charge in any situation, and he was the type to make you feel like you were the only one who mattered in a room full of people until he wanted to control you. The kind of man who could make your heart race with a single glance, but also make you feel trapped with every word. You couldn’t tell if you were in love with him or terrified of him, but either way, he’d make sure you’d never forget his presence.

He was the kind of man who could stop conversations with a mere glance,

and his deep voice was often the subject of hushed admiration among the women of the town.

He was ten years older than her, and for years, she had looked up to him as a figure of admiration from a distance. She was just a little girl back then, with braids in her hair and dirt on her knees, while he was already a young man on the rise, with a quiet confidence that came naturally.

She would often catch him riding his horse through the town, . He would always offer her a passing smile, one that made her heart flutter even though she didn’t fully understand why. She Also made him want to ride a horse, and one time he offered her a ride on his back but then she was just child for him but her he was a man, a man whom he admire from afar ,

Wrauderick was everything she wanted strong, capable, and undeniably handsome. But at that time, he was focused on his own future, leaving the province to study in the city, leaving behind all the small-town life he had known. she almost forgot about him She, too, followed the same path, leaving the province behind to pursue her studies. Within that year a lot of things happened In the five years that passed, their paths never crossed again. She didn't even think about seeing him again somehow, She grew up , and focused on her education, trying to push aside her childhood crush on him that she almost forgot about it anyways but

But then, at 18, she came back to town for a short visit. That’s when she saw him again. Wrauderick was no longer the carefree young man she remembered.

He had grown into a man with a matured one , his presence even more intense than before. His once quiet confidence now seemed like something darker, something that pulled at her in ways she didn’t fully understand. At 28, Wrauderick was a freaking damn Hot And for reasons she couldn’t explain, he suddenly wanted her.

He pursued her relentlessly.

She lije the idea of it tho who would not right your childhood crush was pursuing you as of the moment who would not be overwhelmed by that?

What began as casual, flirtatious encounters soon escalated into something far more intense.

He was possessive, gusto niya siya lang, she remembered how he reacts when she got out in the house wearing comfortable clothes , he wanted to see her in a decent clothes always, always wanting to know where she was, who she was with, and what she was doing. It was flattering at first his attention made her feel special, wanted. But as time went on, it became worse. He would show up unannounced, call her constantly, and demand her attention in ways that felt less like love and more like control.

At first, she convinced herself it was just his way of showing affection. After all, he said he loved her how could that be wrong?

But as his behavior escalated, she started to feel trapped. She had dreams, ambitions, and a life outside of him. She wasn’t ready to settle down, to give up her future, to be someone’s wife. But Wrauderick didn’t understand that. To him, it wasn’t about giving her space; it was about claiming her as his own. His need for control began to overshadow everything else.

He wanted her. He wanted her body, her time, her attention and he wanted it all now. But she wasn’t that kind of girl. She was innocent, preserving herself for marriage, wanting her first time to be something special, something that would mean the world. She was just 18, too young to fully comprehend the weight of what he was asking, but old enough to know she wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment. Still, Wrauderick didn’t take no for an answer.

He became obsessed. His once charming smile was replaced by a cold, calculating stare, and the sweet gestures turned into demands. He isolated her from her friends, made her feel guilty whenever she did anything without him. When they were together, it wasn’t just about love it was about ownership. He wanted her to submit to him in every way possible, and he wouldn’t let her go until she did.

She tried to break free. She tried to push him away, tried to run, but he wouldn’t let her. He stalked her, showed up wherever she was, sending messages, calling her anything to keep her from leaving. The harder she fought, the more determined he became. It wasn’t about love anymore. It was about control, about possessing her.

One night, after another heated argument, she finally gathered the courage to leave.

"Ayoko na, maybe Tama Sila Hindi Tayo bagay Ang Bata ko pa siguro para sayo, marami pa akong gustong gawin sa Buhay ko Drek,"

"Hindi ako pumapayag makipag hiwalay Sayo, "

"Hindi mo ba ako narinig? Hindi ko Kaya Yung ganito you're too much for me, "

"No I'm not ! Kung gusto mo hihintayin Kita , Basta wag ka lang mag hanap ng iba , ako lang ,sa akin lang, Ann, "

"I'm too young for you Drek, "

"I'll wait until you graduate then? magpapakasal Tayo pagkatapos mong mag aral -"

"After high school?"

"Ish"

"Ayoko, "

Cause she knows he wanted a wife and live in the province to settle down and that's not the life she wants for herself and she's just starting to explore this is not part of her exploring..

She couldn’t take it anymore. But even then, Wrauderick didn’t let her go easily. He followed her, and the more she resisted, the more obsessed he became. His love turned into a form of ownership

What started as a childhood crush had turned into a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. And now, years later,

she found herself in a situation that felt all too familiar. She couldn’t help but wonder:

had Wrauderick come back for revenge? To finish what he started, to claim her once and for all? Or was this something darker a twisted game where she was once again the prize?

The thought of him still haunted her, lurking in the back of her mind like a ghost from a past she couldn’t outrun. But as the days passed and his presence grew more suffocating, she couldn’t ignore the possibility: Was it him? Could it really be Wrauderick, the man who had once claimed her heart and now threatened to destroy it.

I sighed deeply, closing my eyes. This is insane, I told myself. But there was that nagging thought that refused to go away. Could it really be him?

No that's ridiculous

Nakatingin ako sa kawalan, pilit kinakalimutan ang mga iniisip ko, but the past is like a shadow I can’t shake off. Akala ko si Wrauderick ang dahilan kung bakit familiar ang mask guy na ‘to, pero habang nag-iisip ako nang mas malalim, ibang mukha ang biglang sumulpot sa alaala ko. Keanu?

I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh, remembering such past,

Behind Success

Let's continue guessing who the hell the guy in the masks is I'm not really sure about the two of the guy I mentioned earlier..

Another name pop up in my mind

William?

William had always been a picture of charm and persistence a textbook romantic who could light up any room with his effortless charisma. Known for his flirtatious nature, he had a reputation for being a heartbreaker, the kind of guy who could make any girl feel special but never seemed to stick around. He was sweet, caring, and always the perfect gentleman, but to those who knew him better, he was also seen as a jerk a big flirt who thrived on fleeting attention.

When he set his sights on her, it was different. She wasn’t easily swayed by his charm, not after what Keanu had put her through. Her heart was a fortress, walls built high and fortified with pain. She didn’t trust easily, especially not someone like William, whose history with girls was anything but clean. Yet, he was relentless. He courted her every single day, showering her with flowers, chocolates, and small acts of kindness that were impossible to ignore. No matter how coldly she treated him, he stayed like a loyal dog refusing to leave her side.

“Ang kulit niya,” she would tell herself. “ seryoso ba Hindi siya titigil nahihibang naba siya?”

But William wasn’t just persistent; he also started to change. He stopped flirting with other girls, breaking away from the reputation that had defined him for years.

Friends and acquaintances began to notice.

“Parang seryoso na siya ngayon,” they’d say, and even she couldn’t help but wonder. Day by day, he seemed more genuine, more grounded—like a man who had truly decided to pursue the woman he wanted.

Still, doubt lingered in her heart. Could someone like him really change?

Still, doubt lingered in her heart. Could someone like him, a self-proclaimed flirt with a questionable past, really change? She couldn’t deny that his actions spoke volumes. For months, he had tirelessly pursued her, showing up rain or shine, offering her small tokens of affection and grand gestures that seemed genuine. His once-casual demeanor had shifted into something more serious, almost earnest, like he was a man on a mission to win her heart.

She noticed the changes in him. He no longer flirted with other girls, no longer carried that playful smirk he used to wear so casually around everyone. He seemed focused—on her. His persistence made her pause. Could it be real? Could William, the charming heartbreaker, truly have his sights set on her and no one else?

To ease her mind, she turned to her friends. Kairen, her ever-supportive best friend, encouraged her. “Sis, mukhang nagbago na nga talaga siya . He was what? pursuing for about a year ? . Maybe this time, follow your heart.”

"Talaga ba?"

I'm not also sure about her judgement but if you will just look into William's effort he is really something that someone who deserves a chance

But Yanni, a close guy friend who also happened to be William’s cousin, wasn’t as convinced. "So are you saying you're not convinced about what I told you? "

“I’m not saying masama siyang tao,” Yanni told her, his voice cautious.

“Pero kilala ko pinsan ko. Just… don’t rush into anything. Ingat lang.”

"Well he's being really too nice, that I don't know anymore he is a persistent freak, ugh!"

He just at her knowing he is the most loyal person on earth cause she is treating Kairen the preciously like five years now and yeah who would not want that too?

The conflicting opinions didn’t make her decision any easier. She wanted to believe in William, in his persistence and the sincerity he claimed to have. After all, his efforts over the months were impossible to ignore. He had become a constant presence in her life, showing up even when she tried to push him away.

Finally, after much thought, she decided she would give him a chance. Not a full commitment just a step forward to see where things might go. After everything she had been through, she felt she deserved to see if love could be kind this time.

But just as she was ready to take that leap, everything unraveled.

At a party one night, she overheard William talking to a group of friends. It wasn’t intentional that she wasn’t eavesdropping but his words froze her in place.

“Mahal ko pa rin siya, bruh ” he said, his tone heavy with regret.

“Kung hindi lang dahil sa mga mga usap usapan na yan maybe we are still together right now kung Hindi sana dahil sa mga fake news na ‘yon, kami pa rin sana. I’d drop everything in a heartbeat if she came back bruh I'm on my knees I still love Evelyn so much”

Her heart sank. Every sweet gesture, every kind word, every effort he had made was it all just a distraction for him? A way to pass time while he waited for the girl he truly loved to return?

The pain was immediate and sharp, like a dagger to her chest. She couldn’t believe it. All this time, she thought he was proving himself to her, but in truth, he was still tethered to someone else. The girl who got away.

The realization hit her like a slap. Every sweet word, every promise he made it was all a lie. He hadn’t changed for her; he was just filling the void left by the girl he still loved. And when Kairen found out who William was talking about, she confronted him in a fiery argument that left no room for doubt.

“Buntis na ang ex mo, William!” Kairen shouted. “Move on, tangina! Wala ka nang chance! You know what I even encourage my friend to be with you cause it thought you've changed and there's a room for improvement but no, you're a lot worse gagu ka, ”

"I didn't mean to, wait ... Ish talk to me, "

It was chaos, and she stood there, stunned and heartbroken. William tried to apologize the next day, showing up at her doorstep with the same desperation in his eyes. But this time, she saw through him completely.

“Ish, I’m sorry,” he pleaded. “I made a mistake. Please forgive me. I care about you... I love you.”

"Do you really love me ? "

"Yes I do please , "

He was begging like I'm some kind of God he is worshiping me and showered me with prayers to take him back, but there was never an us to begin with so it's just me and my disappointment towards his action

"I just thought you were real, because you looked so real when you promised everything to me proving yourself, I almost thought you deserved a chance that , I'm heartless if I ignore everything you did , cause will- I appreciate your effort. I know it's hard to please me , but you were really consistent about it, "

May panghihinyang sa bawat salitang binibitawan he cried after that, like he is really crying

"I love you ish"

"You love every girl that flocks on your feet will."

"No please Hindi ko alam mga pinagsasabi ko I guess it's the alcohol talking please don't give up on me, "

"I have no plans to be a rebound, cause the last time I was really devastated when I knew I'm closer to become the side chick, so please spare me with this bullshit you have unfinished business with someone else talk to her about it and move on , maybe you need closure or something, leave me out of it."

"Mahal kita maniwala ka please I'll prove myself again please... "

But his words felt hollow. She didn’t believe him anymore. The man who had seemed so persistent and genuine was just as broken as she was, clinging to someone he couldn’t have while dragging her into his mess.

His persistence turned into obsession. He wouldn’t leave her alone, flooding her phone with messages and showing up wherever she went. He became suffocating, a constant shadow in her life.

Now, as she sits in the luxurious cage of the mask guy’s domain, the memories of William’s obsessive pursuit come flooding back. The way he couldn’t take no for an answer, the way his desperation became unsettling it all feels eerily familiar.

But no William is not this heartless!

He is not capable of anything like this and he's not that smart to plot something this genius doing thing, like mind games things

I know that guy.

I’ve been racking my brain, trying to piece together who this mask-wearing psycho might be. I’ve considered Wrauderick, Keanu, and William. But none of them fit perfectly. There’s one last name that haunts me—