CHAPTER 3

ANNIE's POV:

This is it! A new morning in the Philippines... I would've woken up feeling great if I could stay longer in this country, but then I remembered Dad and Mom are already making me go home. They don't want me to stay here for a few days, supposedly for my safety. But since I don't want to waste this opportunity, I definitely won't follow Dad's wishes. I don't want to miss the chance to explore the Philippines before I go back. Maybe I'll just sleep in a different hotel that they don't know about, so I can go sightseeing.

"Good morning, Senyorita Annie... Don Javier is asking you to come down. He'd like you to join them at the dining table for breakfast," greeted our housemaid at the mansion, who knocked and entered my room.

I smiled and nodded in response to the maid.

Before I left the soft bed I was lying on, I managed to comb my hair to look presentable to Mom. I didn't want Mom to think I was neglecting myself. I'm known as the daughter of a successful business owner here in the Philippines, so I need to maintain a good image to keep our family's reputation in good standing. So I'll start with small things, so wherever I go, I won't tarnish my parents' name. My parents are such perfectionists about everything. Especially Mom, she wants me to look gorgeous always.

So, after combing my hair, I stood up and left the room. I found them talking seriously. And as usual, it was all about business. Before, only Dad was into business, but he'd infected Mom with the bug. Business seems to be their bonding activity now.

"It seems serious? What's going on today, Dad?" I blurted out, unable to stop myself from asking.

I kissed them hello first, then sat next to Mom.

"Annie my dear, why haven't you changed your clothes yet? Look at yourself, aren't you hot in that? You slept for hours, but you didn't even change out of yesterday's clothes?" Mom said, and my outfit was the first thing she noticed.

See? That's Mom. Even with my clothes, she wants me to be immaculate.

I was so tired from the trip that I forgot to even take a quick shower and just went straight to sleep.

"Mom, come on, I don't stink. Besides, what's the point of changing clothes if my flight back to Canada is today?" I told my mother, emphasizing the word Canada.

She just rubbed her forehead, and she and Dad exchanged glances.

"There are many problems here in the Philippines, Annie. Your dad and I have received a lot of threats. And you are their target... And to make you believe me, here. Read this," Mom said, taking the paper Dad was holding and giving it to me.

I saw my name on it. It warned them to take care of me, or it might be their last day with me. This threat indeed made me feel a bit scared.

But I couldn't give in to fear. This probably wouldn't happen because there are many guards watching the mansion, and I'm sure Mom will have people accompany me when it's time for my flight.

But I want to have a vacation, how can I possibly get away? Instead of focusing on the threat, what I'm thinking about now is my plan to unwind here in the Philippines, even just for one day.

"Mom, don't believe that. They're doing that so you'll shift your attention to me. They're just messing with your minds, Dad. Besides, I studied martial arts. So they can't just easily take me down, you know," I told them.

"Hija, even if you study martial arts, you can't do anything if they use guns... So please, listen to your daddy and me... After this breakfast, take a bath, and we'll send you to Canada. No buts, Annie," Mom concluded the conversation.

I just took some food from the table to start eating breakfast. I had nothing more to say because I really wasn't leaving for Canada right away. I wanted to travel first, and I could only do that if I could escape the sight of the guards who would accompany me to the airport.

After ten minutes, I put down my spoon and fork and excused myself.

"I'm done eating... I'm going to take a bath. Just enjoy and continue your breakfast," I said.

I didn't finish my meal because I was racing against time. It also took away my appetite when all they talked about was my leaving the Philippines. It was like they were disowning me and didn't want me here anymore. So I wouldn't force myself to stay in this mansion either, because all they cared about was their business. They didn't even ask what would make me happy or if I needed them.

That's probably how my parents are now. Only money and their name matter to them. So I'm not surprised why many businesspeople are angry with them. Dad is very competitive. They want to be on top.

I took a bath and got myself ready. I was wearing a black coat and fitted black pants. I also applied red lipstick and eyeshadow.

After that, I went downstairs again. I didn't bring my luggage because I have plenty of clothes in Canada. And it would be useless to bring my other clothes. Besides, I don't want to carry a lot because I plan to go to a famous island here in the Philippines. Many people say the view there is beautiful. And it's perfect for summer. Just like now, the weather is very hot, so I need to step on white sand and drink fresh coconut juice while looking at the beautiful waves of the sea. I really love that kind of scenario.

"I'm leaving, Dad... Take care here with Mom. But please, don't neglect your health, okay? I love you both," I said sweetly.

"You too, hija... Focus only on your studies, okay? Don't be stubborn anymore. Don't come home until your dad and I tell you to," Mom said.

"Noted, Mom," I replied briefly.

"Alright, Annie, you might miss your flight... Two bodyguards will accompany you. They'll take you to the airport to ensure your safe departure," Dad said.

I knew he wouldn't let me leave without company. But I could easily evade the two bodyguards watching me; I could trick them later.

Once I got into the car, one bodyguard sat next to me in the back, and the other was in front, next to the driver. I just scrolled on my phone, looking for the exact place of the island I was going to.

When we arrived at the airport, I got out. But as I walked inside, the two bodyguards were still trailing me. So I faced them and told them off.

"I'm already fine and safe. You've safely brought me to the airport, so you can leave and go back to the mansion... So you don't need to follow me," I said calmly to the two.

"But Senyorita Annie, Don Javier wants us to watch you until the plane takes off before we leave," one of them stated.

I chuckled slightly and, at the same time, handed them the check I had prepared earlier in my room.

"I am not a kid anymore. So please don't treat me like one. It's embarrassing to those who see me. They'll think I'm too babied and spoiled... I am safe here. There are many people, and I'm sure no one will cause a scene here. So here, go on. This is for you," I said sweetly.

Though they hesitated, they still took the check I offered. I smiled and waved goodbye to them. I pretended to line up for the Canada flight. And when I saw them leaving the airport, I changed my path.

I'm going to Palawan today. And no one can stop me from having a vacation here in the Philippines... I put on my mask and lined up for the Palawan flight. As I got on the plane, a man in black sat next to me. He also had two companions, but they sat in different seats.

At first, I didn't pay much attention to him because I'm not a judgmental person. But then I started to feel something strange because when I got off the plane, they were staring at me differently. All three of them were with me earlier, and they still weren't leaving me alone. It was obvious they were following me everywhere I went.

I just braced myself now because I didn't want to succumb to fear. I gripped the sling bag I was carrying tightly to make sure they couldn't take it from me. My cell phone and ATM card were inside, which I could use at any time. My phone couldn't be separated from me either because I could ask for help if the three men behind me did something bad to me.

They looked like bad people; they had strong builds, many tattoos, and a prison-like appearance that truly made them untrustworthy.

I quickened my pace. I was waiting for a car to pass by that I could ride, but then a van stopped in front of me. To my shock, a man suddenly pointed a gun at me, and the men who had been following me pushed me into the van.

Mom and Dad were right; I had no chance against a gun.

I don't know their motive for kidnapping me. Is this because they know I am Don Javier's daughter? They probably need a ransom, because this is exactly the reason for people who don't want to work hard; they want instant money.

"What do you want from me? Please don't hurt me. If you need money, here are my ATM cards; there are millions saved in my bank accounts that you can take... Just don't hurt me. Please don't hurt me," I pleaded, my voice full of supplication.

But they just laughed as if they hadn't heard my plea.

"You're beautiful, Miss... But we'll be in big trouble with the boss if we keep you alive. He wants us to take your breath away," one of them said.

Whose boss are they talking about? And why do they need to kill me? What did I do to him?

"Y-you're going to kill me? F-for what reason? Why does your boss want to kill me? I just got back to the Philippines. I don't even know you guys," I said, tearfully.

"You, you haven't done anything wrong. But your parents have... Do you know that many businesspeople approached the boss just to eliminate you? Because they want revenge on Don Javier. And you are their target... So, our apologies, but killing is our job," said one man, whose face was very intimidating.

His companions laughed again after he spoke. Their laughter sounded utterly demonic. This might be my last day. All I wanted was to have some fun before returning to Canada. But it seems I won't even set foot in Canada again because of this.

My tears finally flowed, and I couldn't stop them anymore. This might be my karma for being so stubborn. I didn't listen to Mom. I didn't obey them. Instead, I took action that put me in danger.