Chapter 13

Chantria

During the whole flight, I tried to sleep. But every time I close my eyes, the things I think about would bother me. There are just too many things messing with my mind.

That's why I put my earphones in my ears and just listened to the music. I just looked out the window while on the plane. My flight will be about fifteen hours, so I distracted myself by listening to music, reading, and playing on the phone.

The guy next to me slept for almost the entire flight. I can't help but feel envious. I hope I can also sleep like that. Since the incident, I haven't had a good night's sleep.

When I looked in the mirror, there were eye bags under my eyes. But instead of paying attention to that, it's as if it doesn't bother me anymore. I'm also to blame for why I look like a panda now. When Chanel sees this, she will definitely tease me again.

I stopped what I was playing when I remembered her.

There is no one to tease me anymore. I can’t spend time with my family every day. And that's not all. Both of us are no longer together.

My tears flowed again because of the memories that came back to my mind. I can't believe that our trip to Maldives will be our last. I can't believe that I will never be able to go on a vacation again with my twins. Even if I wanted to, it would not be possible.

I looked away when the person next to me looked at me. All of a sudden, I started crying here. But what does he know? What do the people around me know about what happened to me? Nothing.

From now on, I have to hide from everyone who I really am. Dad wants me to hide in the Philippines until I can finish my studies. And according to him, he needs to eliminate all threats to my life before he gives me the company.

I know I'm running away from what's happening to me right now. I know I'm running away. But if this is the only way, I will accept it.

I don't have to take my revenge right now. I need to be strong before I pay whoever did this to my twin. Because I admit that I don't have enough strength to save anyone right now. Even I am not yet able to protect myself against the Messina organization.

When we were in danger, all I did was cower in fear. All I did was whimper and cry. The only thing on my mind was to escape and pray that someone would come to help the three of us. But Carleigh was there to protect us.

That's why right now, I need to become stronger. I need to equip myself with everything I can and everything that's necessary for my revenge.

"Have you landed safely, Chantria?" asked dad on the other line.

I'm currently using a burner phone to call dad. According to him, this is the only way we can talk. At least for now. And I still don't know how often we can talk. I'm not even sure when I'll hear his voice again after this.

"Yes, Dad. I'm looking for that Iwatani guy you told me about.” Weird name, I know.

I looked around to find my supposed bodyguard here in the Philippines. There were quite a lot of people inside the airport which made my search more difficult. Because I'm not that tall.

"Okay. I already told him about your arrival, and he knows what you look like. Remember, you need to hide your identity. No one should know who you really are. I've made you fake IDs and stuff you'll need so you don't have to worry about anything."

"I know, Dad. You told me that a hundred times before I left there. No need to repeat.”

I heard his deep breathing on the other line. I can even imagine his worried face on the other line. "I wanted to stay with you and Chanel, but I know it's not possible. I'm sure their attention is still on me."

I didn't speak. I don't want to talk about those m-rderers right now.

"Anyway," he continued, "I need you to always stick to Iwatani. You'll live as their neighbor. And you'll tell people that you're from the States and lived there for years. That way, people won't be suspicious, especially since you have a different Filipino accent."

I nodded even though he couldn't see me. "I know. So, this Iwatani guy will be my neighbor, slash, bodyguard. What does he look like? I don't think he's here."

"He's tall, dark, and handsome." I almost laughed at dad's description of him. I'm not sure if he was just kidding or if he was serious.

"Dad, there are a lot of tall people here who are dark and handsome. What do you even mean by handsome? I don't know what your type of handsome is."

He chuckled. “You'll see a serious-looking guy there. The only person who isn't smiling while waiting at the airport.”

I don't know why, but because of that description by dad, my gaze fell on the only man who looked bored while looking at the people coming out. When I noticed that he was staring at me, I slowly approached him.

I'm not sure if he is Iwatani or not. He didn't even wave or anything to say he knew me. He just frowned while looking at me. Maybe later I'm just assuming. Although, he's the only one who doesn't smile at those waiting. Others will almost jump for joy every time they see someone they know. And he was the only one looking at me.

"Ahm..." I approached him. "Are you, perhaps, Iwatani?"

"I've been waiting for you. Come with me.”

He helped me pull my two suitcases. Even a big bag that I was carrying was easily lifted by him since I was struggling earlier. I just didn't speak and followed him.

This Iwatani guy looks like he's the same age as me. If he will be my bodyguard, this is not what I expected. What I think of whenever a bodyguard is said is someone in their thirties or older and with a large build.

I noticed his big muscles on the back of the t-shirt he was wearing, but that's not the type a bodybuilder has. It's just the right size. He is also tall, brown, and undeniably handsome.

Dad and I seem to have the same definition of handsome.

I just shook my head because of what I was thinking and got into the back of the car that he opened. He put my things in the back before getting into the passenger's seat. The driver was different, but I didn't ask.

"Welcome to the Philippines, Ma'am Seanne," greeted Iwatani. I think he's the only one I know who welcomes anyone as if it's against his will. Cute.

I smiled at him. “Thank you, Iwatani.”

Dad already told me about him. Iwatani knows who I really am, and what my name was then and now. Besides being my neighbor and bodyguard, I will also be with him at the school I will attend.

Dad really sticks to protecting me at all times. And I'm just praying that the guy who will watch over Chanel will be this strict too. She's too reckless and hard-headed for this. She might rebel or she might be able to escape from her guard. I can't help but worry for her safety.

Bulacan State University is a famous school, at least here in the province. Many people study here, and the most popular course is engineering. Students here often top the board, which is why I wasn't surprised when dad enrolled me here. Although I'm taking up business management.

Also, dad said that this is where mom graduated, so this is the school she chose.

Our trip home was quite long. Thankfully, I was able to take a nap in the car anyway. At least I have enough strength to meet Iwatani’s mother. I heard his mom is a Filipina, while his dad is Japanese. I guess that explains his weird name.

"We are almost here, Ma'am Seanne," said Iwatani.

"Just call me Seanne. We seem to be the same age."

"I can't do that. Your daddy is still my boss."

I heaved a sigh. "I insist. We will be together for a long time so no need to be too informal."

He didn't speak after what I said so I didn't speak anymore either. I just shrugged and let him go. Maybe he is still shy in front of me. Dad's bodyguards are often like this. At first, they are shy. Maybe it's because of the state of our lives, which is sad because there is a gap.

When we got to Malolos, I immediately saw how beautiful the place was. For a province, the things, and places I see are too modern. There were as many people as in Manila the last time I went. There is also a train railway that I think is going to Manila.

There are also e-trikes and e-jeeps passing by, and cars that emit polluted air like this car we're riding are just too frequent. I think this is the first thing I want to get now that I live in the same house by myself, an e-bicycle.