Rayden admitted to Madam Lara that the girl was his former sweetheart. She supposedly divorced him since he was only a fisherman and Isabelle stood to gain nothing from him."Is that so? Poor you. So you want to go abroad because you want to rise in life?" questioned the madam."That's right." Rayden bent down, as if he detested Isabelle's affection."But what's worse is that Rosalinda caught you. She brought you to Joe's power to make you a slave. You were really unlucky, Rayden. You were already caught by the syndicate..." Madam Lara laughed, but it changed when she remembered something: "We're in the same place right now."Rayden's head dropped back as he asked, "What do you mean we're in the same place?""We're in the same situation because I'm alone in this mansion; I'm lonely and have no companion; my only hobby is going to bars and playing casino games." The champagne glass was passed to the little table, and tequila was added.Rayden scoffed," I just now know that the cool Mad
Renante was astonished when his friend stopped him. It frowned. He stared at his companion with curiosity."Is there a problem, Rayden?" Renante inquired."Let's not do it. I feel a little guilty for Madam," Rayden replied gently."What about the captives? Are you just going to let them die at the hands of that broken boss Joe?" determined Renante's language.Rayden breathed a sigh of relief, "maybe there's another way? Let's talk to Boss Joe again about making us do something different? Maybe he'll understand.""Rayden, Boss Joe isn't like that. He's not the guy you think you're going to beg for. That lump looks like money." Renante promised definitely.A moment of quiet engulfed the surroundings."What are you afraid of, ah? Madam's guards aren't here inside the house...""Renante, I feel sorry for Madam. She is not the person we think is bad. She is different. She is sophisticated when she acts and speaks but she also has feelings. Can you imagine that, huh?" Rayden's words to a bu
"Alright, I'm willing," Madam Lara responded."Thank you very much, Madam. But, will you give us the jewels?" asked Rayden.Madam thought before responding."I'll take care of it…"Renante inquired, "So, what are we going to do, Rayden?"Before moving on, they exchanged glances. Rayden and Renante are currently outside Madam Lara's residence. It was past eleven o'clock at night, so there were very few automobiles on the road passingby.They strolled a few meters away from Madam Lara's house and came to a stop at a corner. Renante seemed uneasy."Buddy, what are you looking at there, huh? Are you looking for something?" Rayden inquired.Renante continued to stare into the horizon, "I'm just waiting for someone.""Who?""Boss Joe's car. The driver who delivered me said he would only return to me by midnight.""Are they still coming?""They will come. I'm sure..."The two waited on the Bermuda Grass, waiting for someone to pick them up. They looked up, and the notes unfolded in front of
After opening the door, Boss Joe entered his office with two staff members. He signaled for them to just stand in the corner near the door. He drew Rayden close and sat down."Come on, you two." He motioned to them.Renante was hesitant to sit, so Rayden sat first."What, are you going to sit down or not?" Boss Joe scoffed at Renante.Renante sat down, saying, "Yes, that's it.""What is going on with you, and why are you so worried?" the boss asked, his eyes narrowing."Ah… Nothing.""It's like you saw a ghost, huh?"Renante didn't respond and instead gazed at Rayden. Rayden briefly approached employer Joe, telling him about the jewelry he and Renante had received."That's what you've been waiting for," Rayden remarked."Good, let's see." Boss Joe handed over the bag containing the jewelry.His eyes widened when he noticed them. He took a piece. He first took the necklace with white pearls and a diamond at the end."Wow," he said, "this is so beautiful. Do you think it would suit my b
"Hurry up before Boss Joe's men catch up with us!" Rosalinda exclaimed to the captives who at that time were still sleeping in their dorm."What's going on?" Erning asked Boyet when rose up from the bed and turned to him."Brother Rayden said we're going to run away," Boyet promised Erning.Erning was overjoyed when he heard what Boyet had said.They immediately got ready at that time. According to Rosalinda, they move quietly so that they don't disturb the sleeping guards too much."Are they ready?" Rosalinda asked with a watchful tone."Yes." Rayden nodded."Alright, let's go. Let's all take it easy. Let's meet at the gate..."Rosalinda was about to leave but Rayden grabbed her arm."Wait a minute!" Rayden said weakly."Why?" Rosalinda immediately turned her gaze to Rayden."I thought we were going to follow you, but where are you going?""Let's separate here first. I'll make sure the guards won't notice us. I'll just give you a signal if you can go through the main gate, okay?"Ra
Rosalinda's arm was grazed by a bullet when they shot. Rayden came over and help her."Are you alright?" Rayden looked at Rosalinda's arm, "you have shot""Don't worry. It's far from the gut," she replied."We have to get them back.""All right!"While Renante was waiting for Rayden, he sensed someone pointing at his head. He paused and turned around."No!" Renante insisted."Come back!" Boss Joe calls Renante to retreat.When Rayden and Rosalinda returned to where they had left their comrades, they discovered Boss Joe with his men, kneeling Renante, Boyet, and some captives. The others remained on the sidelines as Boss Joe's gang surrounded them."Just stay there! And put down your guns!" Boss Joe eased the trigger of the gun aiming at Renante's head, "otherwise this guy's head will explode.""Rayden! Rosalinda! Help us!" Renante begged the two.Rayden and Rosalinda reluctantly lowered their guns."I really can't believe that you would betray me, Rosalinda. I thought you were loyal t
Madam Lara left the other captives behind because she could not fit them all in her two cars. The younger ones only rode and the older ones walked. Led by Rayden and Renante, they made their way through the forest. Carrying some flashlights, they turned their way."Rayden! Just a second!" Renante growled. "Let's rest first. I'm tired.""Alright. Me too… Oh you guys! Get some rest too!" Rayden said the other escaped captives.They were in a dense forest at that moment. Coming from a long walk and chase, who doesn't get tired? Everyone sat on the ground while others leaned against the trees."Wait, someone should be watching. Boss Joe's men might come suddenly," said Renante.A captive named Kanor volunteered to be the scout for them."I, Rayden, will take care. Go to sleep," Kanor replied."Alright, be careful." Rayden patted Kanor's shoulder.Meanwhile, Madam Lara's five men had run out of ammunition. They knew they couldn't hold out for much longer."Shit, what do we do now?" one of
Rayden and his comrades, fueled by the knowledge that safety was within reach, pushed themselves to move even faster towards Paktol village. Their weariness forgotten, they could practically taste the hope that awaited them.However, their pursuers, Boss Joe's men, were equally determined to capture them, their eagerness driving them to the brink of recklessness.As the group darted through the forest, their hearts pounding in their chests, one of Boss Joe's men caught sight of them. Without hesitation, he took aim and fired a shot, but his aim faltered, and the bullet whizzed harmlessly past Rayden and his companions."Keep running! Don't slow down!" Rayden shouted urgently, his voice filled with determination. "We're almost there, just a little further!"The adrenaline surged through their veins, pushing them to their limits. Their legs burned, and their breaths came in ragged gasps, but they refused to give up.Each step brought them closer to the sanctuary of Paktol village, where
Rayden remained hidden in his makeshift alcove as a group of men approached, their voices growing louder as they drew near. With a sinking feeling in his stomach, he realized they were accompanied by a captive woman.Peering cautiously around the corner, Rayden watched as the men roughly pushed the woman forward, her hands bound behind her back. She stumbled, almost falling to the ground, but they yanked her upright again, laughing cruelly.Rayden's heart raced as he struggled to comprehend what he was witnessing. It was clear that the woman was in trouble, and he knew he couldn't just stand idly by and do nothing. But he also knew he needed to be careful – confronting the men head-on could put both himself and the woman in even greater danger.As the group drew closer, Rayden pressed himself further into the shadows, weighing his options. He needed to find a way to help the woman without alerting the men to his presence. But as he watched their rough treatment of her, he knew he coul
Rayden's heart was filled with compassion as he set out to assist the old man he had encountered begging in front of the grand jewelry hotel. Recalling the potential value of discarded items at the junkyard, he embarked on a mission to gather goods that could be sold to provide aid to the destitute stranger.As Rayden observed the old man, his heart swelled with empathy. He couldn't bear to see someone suffering and neglected, especially in such dire circumstances. With determination in his stride, Rayden resolved to make a difference, even if it meant starting small."I can't just stand by and do nothing," Rayden muttered to himself, his voice resolute. "There must be something I can do to help this poor soul."Reflecting on the discarded items he had seen at the junkyard, Rayden devised a plan. "I'll gather as much as I can from the junkyard and sell it. With the money I earn, I can buy food and essentials for the old man. It's not much, but it's a start."With his plan in place, Ra
Rayden wandered the streets, his thoughts consumed by the weight of his responsibilities and the promises he had made. As he passed by a bustling restaurant, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment when the waitress informed him that there were no job vacancies available.Rayden approached a small grocery store next, hoping for a chance to inquire about any job openings."Excuse me," Rayden said politely to the shopkeeper behind the counter. "I'm looking for work. Do you have any positions available?"The shopkeeper glanced up from his paperwork, assessing Rayden with a discerning eye. "Sorry, we're not hiring at the moment," he replied curtly.Rayden nodded understandingly, though disappointment flickered across his features. "Thank you for your time," he said, turning to leave.Disheartened but undeterred, Rayden continued his search, determined to find a means to support himself and his family. He ventured further into the city, his eyes scanning the storefronts and esta
The morning sun filtered through the makeshift shelter as Rayden stirred from his sleep. Blinking away the remnants of dreams, he found himself alone in the modest dwelling. Stepping outside, he noticed Janice diligently sweeping the area clean."Good morning, Janice," Rayden greeted, his voice carrying the softness of the early hour. "Where are Father Juan and the children?"Janice paused in her sweeping, her dark eyes meeting Rayden's gaze. "They've gone to trade," she replied, a hint of weariness evident in her voice.Rayden nodded, understanding the rhythm of their daily routines. With a sense of purpose, he resolved to make the most of the day ahead, knowing that each moment was precious on his journey towards a brighter future.Rayden's words hung in the air, carrying the weight of their impending farewell. Janice's eyes reflected the sadness that echoed in her voice as she processed Rayden's decision."Are you leaving, Rayden?" Janice asked, her tone tinged with melancholy.Ray
As they sat around the modest dinner table, the warm aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, mingling with the sounds of lively conversation and laughter. Rayden savored each bite of the simple yet delicious meal, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging in the midst of this makeshift family."So, Rayden, where do you come from?" Father Juan asked, breaking the pleasant silence that had settled over the room.Rayden paused, his thoughts drifting back to his past, to the life he had left behind. "I come from a town not too far from here," he replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "But I've been away for a while now, trying to find my way in the world.""And what brings you here, to our humble abode?" Janice inquired, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.Rayden smiled, grateful for their warmth and hospitality. "I must admit, I found myself lost and alone tonight. But stumbling upon your home feels like a stroke of luck," he confessed. "You see, I've been searching for something—perh
Rayden found himself standing amidst the humble surroundings of the old man's residence, a squatter area that spoke volumes about the resilience of its inhabitants. Surprised by the simplicity yet warmth of the place, Rayden's curiosity piqued as he awaited what awaited him inside.The old man's call brought forth two children and a girl, approximately Rayden's age of sixteen. Despite the modesty of her attire, Rayden couldn't help but be captivated by the girl's beauty, which seemed to radiate from within, untouched by the hardships of their surroundings.As they exchanged greetings, Rayden felt a sense of kinship with this makeshift family, drawn in by the genuine warmth and camaraderie that enveloped them.Despite the challenges they faced living in the squatter area, there was an air of resilience and hope that filled the space, infusing Rayden with a newfound sense of gratitude for the simple joys of life.Sitting down for dinner, Rayden found himself engrossed in conversation wi
Four years had passed since Rayden and Eloisa had embarked on their journey together. Now, they were a family of four, with two beautiful children filling their home with laughter and joy. Rayden and Eloisa had built a life together, supported by the love and guidance of Eloisa's parents.Their days were filled with simple pleasures and cherished moments, as they watched their children grow and flourish. Rayden worked hard to provide for his family, while Eloisa took care of their home with warmth and dedication.Rayden rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. The blaring car horn had jolted him awake once more, pulling him back to reality. As he glanced around, he was met with the grim sight of his surroundings—a desolate place cluttered with garbage, illuminated only by the dim glow of streetlights.He found himself situated on the side of the road, amidst piles of trash and debris. Nearby, he spotted a group of young traders sifting through the refuse, scavenging
As Jose hastily arranged his bed, the rest of the family gathered their belongings, preparing to leave room 123. Their hearts were light with gratitude and hope, yet a sense of anticipation lingered in the air as they stepped out into the corridor.Outside the room, they were met with a flurry of activity, with hospital staff bustling about attending to various tasks. They observed as a new patient was wheeled into the ICU, surrounded by medical professionals, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.Amidst the commotion, Aling Maria turned to her family, her voice filled with relief and gratitude. "We can leave now, my dear ones. Let us go forth with hearts full of thanksgiving and faith in the divine."Eloisa nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. "Yes, Mama. We have witnessed a miracle today, and our faith has been strengthened. Let us carry this light with us as we journey forward."Rayden placed a comforting hand on Eloisa's shoulder, his gaze reflecting the solemnit
As Doctor Gonzales and Nurse Susie entered Mang Jose's room, they were greeted by a scene of jubilation and relief. The family surrounded the bed, their faces lit up with smiles and tears of joy as they witnessed Mang Jose's remarkable recovery."Wait! What does this mean?" Doctor Gonzales asked, his brow furrowed in confusion as he surveyed the room."We're leaving, doc, because we don't have money to pay for the operation," Eloisa replied, her voice tinged with resignation.The doctor's expression softened as he regarded the family with sympathy. "I understand," he said gently, his tone filled with compassion."But the patient? Why did you go up there? You should just be lying down," the doctor added, his concern evident as he noticed Eloisa's presence at her father's bedside.Eloisa exchanged a glance with her family members, their eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and resolve. "We couldn't just sit idly by, doctor. We had to do something," she explained, her voice firm wi