A Dark Shadow

Chapter 1 : Deal “Iona Del Roman.” The only daughter of a Businessman named Romano Del Roman. The same man who went bankrupt because of his cunningness and addiction towards gambling. The same man who sold all of his properties just to lose on a game. The same man who got caught off from his investors because of stealing from them. The same man, who put her daughter as a payment for his stupid and evil acts. “Papa, bakit si Ate pa? Why it has to be her? How could you do this to your only daughter!” Tal was angry at Papa. The tone of his voice doesn’t lie. Nalaman na niya ang tungkol sa usapan ni Papa at ng isang kinikilalang taong pinagkaka-utangan niya. He made a deal with him. He will spare him and forget about his debt but in return, he will give him his only daughter. That he will give me to him. After knowing all of it, I was silently crying all night. Hoping that he would change his mind. Hoping that it was just a stupid show but it isn’t. I was hopeless. I was lost. Hindi ako kumain kagabi. Nawalan na ako ng gana para bumangon at kausapin pa siya. I studied psychiatry and I am aware about my mental state is in jeopardy. I hate him! Ang gago niya. “I’m sorry, Iona. Pasensya at walang nagawa si Mama ha?” I look at Mama who had a set of new tears on her eyes. She kept on apologizing to me even though it isn’t her fault. Si Papa yung may kasalanan eh! Gusto kong marinig mula kay Papa yun, Ma! “I know your Papa didn’t want to give you to him either but he doesn’t have any choice. Ipapakulong siya, Iona. We both know that he has a fear when it comes to closed cells.” “Inisip ba niya ako, Ma? Tell me, did he even think of what that man would do to me? Baka papatayin niya ako, Ma. He would do something bad to me and we both know that!” I caught her off immediately. It wasn’t my intention to raise my voice at her. She was about to say something when we heard some cars screeching and engine noise. I quickly shoved my head to a pillow, resisting myself not to cry. They’re here. He’s here. Mama rush downstairs while I was frozen in place. So this is it. I’m already hopeless. Kailan pa ako naging pambayad ng karantaduhang hindi ko naman ginawa? I’m screwed indeed. With heavy, shaking legs I still went downstairs. I don’t have any rights to protest Papa. He was the first person who supported me on my studies. He supported me on everything I wanted. So this is a payment for everything. All those years of wasting my time studying ended up, me being a slave of a man. Since, money is a big deal to him, he can auction his daughter just to have the wealth he wants. He doesn’t care. “A deal is a deal, Mr. Moretti.” I heard papa say. I was standing on the stairs when I caught the eyes of a man, standing in front of Papa. He has these blue set of orbs, perfect contoured nose, thin lips, sharp jaw and handsome in over all s*x-appeal. I would say his handsome, but it doesn’t mean I want to be carried away by him. He looks so handsome on his polo that his wearing. But I couldn’t find myself liking him. I saw the side of his lips turned up while staring at me. Crap. “Mr. Del Roman. I’m not the man whom you think I am. I’m Ashkin Matteo Moretti.” He then turned his head towards my dad who’s quite staring at him. His voice was cold but yet pleasing to hear. A sudden thought came to my mind. His face is quite familiar to me, but I couldn’t pin point it out. Ashkin Matteo Moretti— “So I assume that your brother doesn’t want to see me.” Dad joked but I couldn’t see happiness in his eyes. I was blinded to the fact that his selling me instead of listening to their conversation. I’m mourning for my freedom here, Papa! “Yes, he doesn’t. I’m here to pick up the payment, Mr. Roman. If she doesn’t want to go with me then I’ll have to use force.” His cold stares we’re giving goosebumps. Yet here I am. Having no choice but to go with him. Dalawang taon na lang eh! Two years from now, then I’ll be a licensed doctor! Then this came. “No. You can’t have her unless you give me the contract first!” Papa’s voice echoed. I was stopping myself from crying again. So he’s pursuing to sell me. What kind of a father is he?! “With all due respect, only your daughter could sign the contract. My brother doesn’t want to be unauthorized to be with her.” As he handed me a piece of paper with some words on it that I know would ended up, me being harmed. I swallowed thickly while gazing at dad who’s emotionless at this point. It made me nervous even more. I want to be selfish. I want to say no to him! But I don’t want Papa to end up in jail! I reached for the pen from him and sat down at the nearest chair right next to a table. My hands we’re shaking. I just want to end this. I’m old enough to fight for myself, but when it comes to Papa, my whole defense system starts to malfunction. “JUST SIGN IT, IONA!” I quivered even more as I heard Papa’s voice. I was holding back my tears but failed at last. Why Papa?! What did I do for you to treat me like I’m just a business to you!? “Shut the f-ck up! Your scaring your own daughter, Mr. Del Roman.” A husky- baritone voice stopped them from moving especially stopped me from breathing. I noticed a figure more taller than the guy named — Ashkin. He had this aura which gave me more fear not to sign it. Just by the looks of him, he is the brother of Ashkin. “Iona Del Roman.” The way he pronounce my name felt like it was the most beautiful name he ever heard. I stood up right in front of him. I noticed how small I was compared to him. I’m facing his chest! His muscular chest! I took a few steps back just so that I can see his face. I flinched at how he stared at me using those green orbs of his. Just like Ashkin, he had those features, sharp jaw, a perfect nose and other than that. He is freaking handsome! Plus those stubbles which made him look more hotter. But something in his presence which made me liked him unlike Ashkin. Sana mabait. Sana mabait! “See something you like?” he asked, as his brows furrowed while a smirk plastered at his sexy, reddish, edible lips— the hell is wrong with me? I shook my head to answer his question and end up my thoughts about him. “L-Listen...I know if I don’t sign this you’ll send Papa to jail.” I looked at him while he softly nod his head. Gulping non-stop since I couldn’t get off of him in my head. “If— I’m the payment of this then, fine.” I immediately closed my eyes as tears we’re starting to clog. “But please, please. Don’t hurt my brother, please give them the life that you took from them. That’s the only favor that I want from you.” I finally opened them, looking at him pleading. Our life was never been the same as before, a lot of men would chase just to kill us. Tal was almost killed because of an accident. Mama was suffering from severe mental depression at her age. While Papa, is in grave danger because of gambling. While I, got bullied mentally and physically. It actually is quite the opposite how I studied psychiatry while dealing my mental health. So if I die in the arms of a dangerous man, might at least be worth it. I stared at the contract for seconds then began signing it not reading every single word of it. I handed it to him, which made him grin in victory. “A-Atee… You don’t have to do this.” Tal who’s standing right next to Mama looked at me worriedly. I don’t want to leave, Tal. Pero wala akong magawa! “Next time Mr. Del Roman. Don’t do stupid things that may cause your family’s lives.” His voice turned cold. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko ngayon. Kung ano ang gagawin nila sa akin. I know he will make me as his slave. Dun naman ako pupunta diba? Isang hinahangaan ng ibang tao, matalino at mabait na si Iona ay magiging isang alipin ng isang mamamatay na bilyonaryo. Bullcrap. “Just like what we’ve talked. Your properties including your house will be returned to you. None of my men would hunt you down and thirty percent of your wealth will also be returned but in exchange, your precious only daughter as a payment.” His tone didn’t even change as he looked at Papa. “A deal is a deal, Mr. Moretti.” I couldn’t believe at Papa who was smirking, he didn’t even bother to apologize to me. As expected from Mr. Romano Del Roman, who cares about his money more than his family. How cruel! I saw his angry look towards Papa but I didn’t bother saying anything to Papa. I’m mad at him for doing this to us. We deserve better. Bakit ba kasi napunta lahat sa ganito? I was emotionless walking with my hands on each side as the man guided me towards his car. Now I noticed how many they are, how many guns they are holding. I was right then. If I said no, they would have killed us for sure. “I wouldn’t bother going into your house, Bro. I’m staying at my friend’s house so you could enjoy the night with your woman.” I heard Ashkin say, winking while looking at him. I stilled hearing it for a few seconds. Anong ibig sabihin niya? Sana hindi ko nalang yun narinig! I remain quiet ever since I left from the house. I am sitting right next to him who’s driving, his attention on the road. I am playing my fingers just to reduce how nervous I am right next to him. After hearing what his brother said to him, my fear succumbed me even more. I gaze at him who’s brows were furrowed still looking at the road. Maraming ‘what if’s’ sa utak ko ngayon. Maraming dahilan kung bakit gusto kong umalis sa kinauupuan. I want to just disappear from this. From him. Ever since I met Ashkin, I knew he was familiar to me. Ashkin Matteo Moretti — a famous model at Italy, Spain and US. There was a rumor that his eldest brother was a killer and a dangerous man. It seems the rumor was true. I’ve read lots of magazines about him. Since Xiana— one of my friends has a huge crush on him. She’ll be jealous knowing that I’ve already met her crush. A sigh escaped from my lips, thinking that I wouldn’t meet them again. The car suddenly turn left at a village which is bigger than any villages I saw. This village is huge, I mean pretty huge. Estimating, probably its twenty hectares. There are eight mansions with different architectural designs. So these are what billionaires' houses looks like. “Signore, il signor Martinni vuole incontrarla per la firma del contratto.” [Translation: Sir, Mr. Martinni wants to meet you for the signing of the contract.] “Digli di mandarmelo.” [Translation: Tell him to send it to me.] I didn’t bother listening to what they are saying since I don’t understand any of it. His man then opened the car door. I quickly went outside of the car. “Open the gates.” He commanded to one of the security personnel who was also under his control. I didn’t look at him, but my head was still laying low. I don’t know what will happen to me. Will he force me to do that nasty thing like what his brother meant? Of course I wouldn’t let him. I have the rights to be selfish about my virginity. Both of us were still quiet while walking. He didn’t wait for me but he just kept on walking further from me while I’m here, just following everywhere he goes. He then finally stopped in front of a giant wooden door. With just a knock from him, the door suddenly opened. “Iho, vieni qui e mangia. Ho cucinato per te!” [Translation: Iho, come here and eat. I cooked for you!” A woman, maybe at her late forties greeted us. She still looks young with her black dyed hair. I noticed how she was looking at me with shock and excitement. Expected ba ako? “Thank you, Tia Elena but I still have work to do. Can you please guide her to her room?” he said, still emotionless. Its been minutes ever since I left home. I feel homesick already. He left me with Tia Elena, I still kept my head low. Shy yet embarrassed. “Wag kang matakot iha, mabait yang si Cael” She said that made my jaw dropped. I suddenly look at her with disbelief. “M-Marunong ka pong mag-tagalog?” I was so shocked to the point that I stared at her for a minute. She slightly nodded to answer me. Mabuti at may kasama ako ditong marunong mag-tagalog. But that still doesn’t mean that I’m safe. “Filipina ako iha. Medyo marunong lang ako mag-Italian at Ingles pero Filipina talaga ako.” Aniya na nakangiti. Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala sa pinagsasabi niya. Hindi talaga halata na isang Filipina si Tia Elena. Morena, medyo matangos ang ilong at medyo light-brown ang kaniyang mga mata. Hindi talaga halata. “Hindi halata, Tia. Siguro mas maganda ka pa sa akin noon sa ganitong edad ko.” I honestly complimented her. Mahina lang itong natawa at umiling. I’m not aware of my own beauty at all. At the age of twenty, I’m still adapting to what the world wants to welcome me. Maybe because I lost consciousness for four years. “Tara na. Nandun sa itaas ang kwarto mo.” She said while her left hand is at the back of my shoulder. I wryly smiled at her, she reminds me of Mama. I hope she’s okay. I hope they’re doing fine now that no one would come to their doors and threaten them. As for Papa, I hope his happy selling his daughter. May his conscience tore him apart. I found myself entering a vintage, beige room. My favorite color! The room has a lot of storages and decorations. It actually feels cozy and pleasing to the eyes. “Ito yung kwarto mo iha. Nalinis ko na yung buong kwarto. Ito kasing si Cael, excited na makuha ka.” “Po?—” I was caught off when Cael himself entered the scene. He was wearing a plain black shirt, making his muscles in full show. His very alluring, I would guess a lot of women would want to bed him. He was carrying some bags, plenty of bags. “Here’s your bag and I bought you some clothes. Tia Elena will help you arrange them. And come downstairs, let’s eat dinner.” His voice was still deep yet I know his hiding his emotions from me. I suddenly grabbed the bags from him. Thoughtful— yet mysterious. Sana parati nalang siyang ganyan. “Th-Thank you.” I thankfully smiled at him. He didn’t even respond, he just nodded his head and leave. It feels a little awkward to take this. Siguro babayaran ko rin ito. “Tutulungan na kita, Iha.” Tia Elena offered. I slightly nodded and smiled at her. Even if I’m unaware of what the future would be, of what this path may bring me. Unlike before, hopeless is on my second vocabulary now.