Love or Vengeance

Chapter 8: Stolen Glances, Hidden Plans

Louise's POV

As soon as I parked the car I was using, I immediately spotted the crowd. A surge of anxiety hit me, and my heart started pounding faster the moment I saw how many people were there.

From outside, I could clearly see that everyone was dressed in casual attire. I tried calling Kiera first, but it was Christian who answered and told me everything was ready. My nerves spiked even more when I saw Mr. Grim Reaper smiling and chatting with the newcomers.

What is he doing here?

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when—

Target Spotted!

All the nervous energy that had been building up inside me suddenly disappeared the instant my eyes landed on Judas's angelic face. But it wasn't awe or admiration that took its place—it was fury. A deep, smoldering anger began to rise from the pit of my stomach, spreading through my chest like wildfire. My fists clenched at my sides, and for a brief second, I could feel my composure slipping. How dare he stand there looking so serene, so innocent—like he hadn't shattered everything I once held dear.

But I couldn't let my emotions take over, not now. I took a deep breath, steadying the storm within me. My plan was too important, too delicate to risk being ruined by a moment of unchecked rage. So I swallowed my fury, straightened my posture, and masked my feelings with a cold, practiced calm. Tonight wasn't about revenge—not yet. Tonight was about control.

"If I didn't know you, Judas, I'd honestly think you were a saint," I muttered before stepping out of the car. As soon as I got out, I was hit by the loud party music blasting through the air.

As much as I wanted to steer clear of Mr. Grim Reaper, it was too late—he had already spotted me.

What are you doing here?" he asked firmly. I suddenly felt a wave of sadness—so he really didn't want to see me.

"Did you seriously come all the way to Cebu just to follow me?"

"Uh... what?"

"Stop pretending like you don't know," he snapped, clearly annoyed. Before I could even respond, Kiera and Christian arrived and quickly pulled me away from Mr. Grim Reaper.

"What is wrong with you, Louise? You were standing there with your mouth wide open!" Christian said, clearly irritated.

"Geez... earlier you were the one who was dumbfounded when you saw me," Kiera smirked. She really did look stunning in that simple black dress.

"So, how's it going? Has anyone confessed yet?" I asked Kiera.

"Yep... earlier Christian made a big scene with his love confession to me," she said, blushing as Christian turned his back on us. Kiera and I laughed, and that's when I found out—they're officially together now.

I suddenly remembered the house I bought in Manila—meant as a gift for when they eventually got serious... Hahaha, looks like it won't go to waste after all I'm already planning the wedding.

Miss Cupid WINS!!!

The stage they set up was a large rectangular platform, decorated in a classic style—simple yet elegant.

"Besty, come backstage! It's about to start," Emilie suddenly appeared, catching me off guard. I hadn't even noticed her because I was so lost in thought.

"Okay," I replied, following her. I greeted everyone with a smile, "Are you all ready?"

"You! Are you ready?" I immediately thought of Judas—hahaha, I've been ready for a long time.

I nodded in response.

I then heard Emilie start her emcee duties. She called out the two shop owners, but I didn't pay much attention to who they were. I fixed the part of my hair that the wind had messed up earlier and retouched my makeup.

The band members were all dressed in white, while I wore a black coat. The backup dancers were in black dresses. Since the band members were also good dancers, they joined us on stage, which really excited me.

"I'm proud to introduce to all of you my best friend who agreed to perform at this event, so let's enjoy and have fun, everyone!" With that, the lights on the stage went out—a signal for us to come out and take our positions.

I stepped into the center of the stage and gripped the microphone fixed on its stand. Three sharp clicks of the drumsticks echoed in the silence—and in an instant, the entire stage burst into light. Yet I remained still, head bowed, letting the tension simmer just a moment longer.

Now Playing: Better Than Revenge by Taylor Swift

Now, go stand in the corner and think about what you did (Ha)

Haha, time for a little revenge

I lifted my gaze and looked Judas straight in the eyes. I saw his expression suddenly change, his face paling. I smiled at him sweetly—so sweetly, I hoped an ant would bite him and he'd drop dead.

Some of the audiences were already headbanging to the music, while others were dancing along.

I glanced around and noticed they'd set up a stage with chairs below it. Evil grin The entire Judas family was seated in the second row... very good.

I averted my gaze from Judas, not wanting anyone to notice, but I still glanced at him subtly. There was no denying the nervousness in his eyes, which secretly pleased me.

More and more people joined in and started dancing. I saw Emilie, already busy recording videos.

As the song came to an end, I took the microphone from the stand, and someone from backstage quickly stepped in to carry it away. I walked toward the band behind me and gave them a warm smile—they returned it with the same enthusiasm.

Then, the sound of the drums rose again, beating steadily. One by one, the other instruments joined in, building up the rhythm until the full harmony filled the air once more.

Now Playing: The Story of us by Taylor Swift

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a young girl beaming with joy, singing along with me word for word. Her energy was contagious. I gave her a wave and a bright smile—and to my delight, she waved back enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Throughout the entire song, I maintained my charming, playful act on stage—strutting gracefully like I was on a runway, all while keeping steady eye contact with the audience, never once breaking the connection.

The audience erupted in applause the moment the song ended, their cheers echoing through the venue like thunder. The energy was electric, and their enthusiastic clapping sent a wave of satisfaction through me.

"Thank you so much!" I said gratefully to the audience, my voice still catching some of the adrenaline. "This next song is specially dedicated to my dear friends, Kiera and Christian." I looked over to where they stood at the side of the stage, smiling proudly.

"You know, it's really tough being a cupid for you two," I said with a chuckle. "But hey, I hope you two get married soon!"

The crowd let out a mix of laughter and cheers as I gave them a playful wink and got ready to perform the next song.

Someone handed me a stool and an acoustic guitar. I carefully took my seat in the middle of the stage, the spotlight now warm and soft—much more intimate than before.

I strummed the first few chords gently, the familiar notes of You're Still the One by Shania Twain filling the air. The energy in the crowd shifted—everyone quieted down, drawn in by the slower tempo and emotional atmosphere. I looked toward Kiera and Christian again, this time with a softer gaze.

"This one's for the two of you," I said quietly into the mic, then started singing:

When I first saw you, I saw love

And the first time you touched me, I felt love

And after all this time

You're still the one I love

Hmm, yeah

Looks like we made it

Look how far we've come, my baby

We mighta took the long way

We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"

But just look at us holdin' on

We're still together, still goin' strong

My voice carried through the venue with calm sincerity, and for a moment, it felt like time slowed down.

I closed the song with a few soft, lingering strums—each one fading gently into the quiet. The final chord hung in the air like a whisper, delicate and full of meaning. I let the silence settle for a moment before lifting my gaze and smiling warmly at Kiera and Christian. The crowd remained hushed, soaking in the emotion, before a gentle wave of applause began to rise, growing into a heartfelt ovation.

I felt someone put an arm around me, and judging by the touch, it was Christian.

"You're spacing out again... it's embarrassing if you're always like that when he's around," he whispered, so I playfully hit his arm.

"Don't be a troublemaker," he said, helping me walk backstage.

"You're so annoying, Christian."

"What happened?" Kiera asked as she approached us.

"I was just telling her not to zone out when her crush is right in front of her," Christian replied.

"Yeah, don't be like that, it's embarrassing," I said with a pout, then went over to Emilie, leaving them laughing behind me.

I took my dress from Emilie and changed into a simple white dress. My eyes immediately searched for Judas, who was preparing to leave with his family.

I quickly went outside and followed Judas, who was separated from his family by the car. I stood in the dimmest part of his parking spot.

I watched how he said goodbye to his children and wife. When he passed in front of me, I grabbed his collar and slammed him against the wall, surprising him at first but then he smirked.

"So, the Billionaire's Eyes is back," he said cockily. I smirked back and stared at him sharply, filled with anger.

"You once told me my eyes were pretty... because 'they're Billionaire's Eyes.' Now, look straight into my eyes and memorize them from now on, because we will meet again. I didn't come back for nothing. Always remember that." I pointed to the car where his family just left. "You look so happy. I envy you." I stared deeper, sharper.

"You came for revenge, huh?" he laughed sarcastically. "As if you can," he challenged me with a daring grin.

"Like I said, memorize these eyes, because we will meet again." I let go of him and started walking back inside the café.

My chest tightened with anger—sharp, constricting, like something clawing from the inside trying to get out.

I pressed my hand over my heart, breathing slow and deep.

I clenched my jaw, forcing the storm inside me to settle. It was like holding back a wildfire with bare hands. But I had to. I had to stay in control.

Because if I didn't, she would.

Allejah.

The name alone felt like steel against my tongue.

"I'll do it," I whispered to myself.

I won't let her take over again—not until it's the final moment. The final reckoning.

Until then, I will carry the weight.

For our mother.

..............................................

Hi-Yu