Chapter 13

"Ris, thank you for coming here with me—"

I couldn't let him finish because I've been itching to ask this question ever since, "Why did you leave with saying goodbye to me?"

My voice was almost a whisper, and my vision was getting blurry, but I held myself back and averted my eyes from his.

I felt his intense stare at me. When I looked back, I saw guilt cross his eyes. I smiled bitterly and grabbed my water bottle.

"It's okay, you don't need to answer it. You're entitled to that."

"I didn't know I'll stay long in Manila, Ris." He uttered after a long silence. He reached for my hand, yet I was quick to put my hand below the table. "Believe me, Ris. I was about to go back here in Antique to study, but I was left with no choice. Mama's sick and confined to the hospital for months. Our business is also at stake so I have to cooperate with my brother."

"At least you should have told me you're leaving after that day!"

I saw ho