Chapter 4.1

Alkaid and Damian as usual talking about girls. The awkwardness comes out more while Alejandro is just quiet and watching. Only speak when needed. They offer me but I refuse. Instead, I just kept on chewing on the barbecue they bought at the grill shop.

"About Aristotle ..." My mind was incited when I heard Celestina mention Aristotle's name.

"Is it okay that he's here?"

I couldn't instantly answer her question. Because even I, ask myself. But it's a better question if it's okay for Aristotle to be here at home where I am. I knew in my heart that I was to blame so he hates me. I still can’t understand why he agreed to stay here. Maybe he wants revenge? Or he just doesn't care about me anymore because he already moves on. I breathe in with the thought. I handed over the liquor Nieva had given me and drank.

"Of course. There's nothing wrong with him staying here tonight," I replied before having another barbecue.

"You just thought that. I've known him for years. Even though I haven't been with him, I've heard something from him. And it wasn't quite good for your sake," Nieva said.

"Everyone knows the history of Mercader, Reyes, and Lecaroz. So that's how they think ill of you when everyone knows you're a Mercader," Damian said.

I can’t blame them if they think that way about Mercaders especially me. I won't please them either. My family set me free to live freely and I won’t waste that opportunity. What is planted in their brain, so be it. I don't want to beautify the image just because of what they say.

"We came from a family of politicians, however, it doesn't mean we can't be friends." Celestina hissed. "I can't understand other people's mindset. They want us to stay away from you," she laughed. "Just because you're a Mercader."

I know that too. I am the reason why Celestina chooses to stay away from the crowd. Since Celestina was a child people around her want her to stay away from a Mercader if she one. She can't understand the political rivalry. She hates the system. We hate the system.

"You're being hard on him, Nieva. He's nice. He helps other people without dragging his background," I defend him.

Nieva almost choked when Sin laughed out loud.

"Nice? He's not even smiling, eh!" Nieva mumbled.

"Damn, whipped! Don't pamper that one. You'll just be disappointed. Do you still love him?" Sin teased.

Sin's smile faded when I didn't answer.

I nodded, "No." and averted my gaze from him.

"That's impossible, Sin. Six years had passed. Besides, she's contented with her own family right now." Celestina commented and put her head to Alejandro's shoulder.

"It's going to be a long time here, Robin. Maybe Ricci will be upset when he finds out you have another man in your house besides us?" Sin asked before drinking his shot. I was slightly surprised by what he said. What does he mean by that? He will last for another day here? All I could think was that he was just on vacation in Marinduque and chose to live abroad.

"Ricci and I? We don't have that kind of relationship. We're friends," I chuckled.

Alkaid smirked. "Does he know?"

"How about Grunt?" I turned to Sin, I was taken aback.

They all laughed at me for being speechless. My cheeks redden because I knew what they were referring to.

"Oh! Everyone who was not loved, sleep!" Sin exclaimed while looking at me.

"S-shut up!" I hate them. Sin knows how to ruin one's mode.

I glared at Sin as I stood up when I felt dizziness. When I entered the room I looked at the clock. 11 pm. I should sleep.

Alkaid and Astrud's voices woke me up, they were still up. My throat feels dry and thirsty.  Surely, in their state, they would sleep in the hut as drunkenness eat them. I went out of the room to get some water.

"Why are you still awake?" I almost jumped in shock when Aristotle stepped by my side. He wasn't smiling so I knew he didn't want to see me. Who would be happy to see the woman who ruined your life? I watched the man standing near the refrigerator. My cheeks grew heated as he lifted his eyebrows at me.