REGRET (Broken Series 1) English

EPISODE 6

ROSABELLA

I stopped entering the building when I saw Leonardo. He was sitting on the bench with a serious expression. I deeply sigh to suppress the nervousness that I am feeling right now. I pretended I didn’t see him as I passed by with him.

“Rosa!” His voice echoed through the hallway. I rolled my eyes and stopped walking. I faced him as if I hadn’t seen him. I saw some of the employees turn their heads with us, particularly toward Leonardo, who looked enraged at that moment. His eyes almost spitfire because of anger. I met his gaze with anguish. Why did he get mad? I am already here.

“Where have you been?” His question made my forehead crease.

“I have told you where I am going,” I spoke with a boring expression.

“I contacted the nearest branch here, but you were not there, and no one named Rosabella filed for a new ID. Tell me, where have you been?” He murmured with a wrinkle on his brow. His expression is filled with bewilderment. I need to get through this.

“I know you are going to do that. I went to another branch. Why is it a big deal for you if I leave? Maybe it’s not a loss in your company if I work for half a day. Well, you can even leave important things to do for a day. Why? For your girlfriend?” Even though I promised myself I would be calm, I couldn’t. I was annoyed by the look on his face. I wanted to slap him, but I just stopped myself. I clenched my fist.

“Of course, she is my girlfriend. She is more important than anyone else. She is more important. Don’t change the subject. We have a lot of work to do now. I told you someone would take care of. . .” he couldn’t finish what he was saying when I turned my back on him. I didn’t want to argue with him because we were just going back and forth. I’m here to continue my work and he’s still angry.

I felt his presence behind me. I didn’t move even though he glanced at me. After exiting the elevator, I went straight to my table. I heard the door slam shut. I can’t believe it! Why does he seem so angry that it should be me? I’m the one who’s aggrieved by this, not him. I blew air to calm myself down.

Leonardo never left his office. Maybe he was mad at me. So what now? It would be better if he didn’t tease me anymore. I stood up to go home. I hadn’t even gotten far when the door to Leonardo’s office opened. I just glanced at it and walked straight in. I felt his hand holding my arm. “Rosa, go home and sleep.” I let out a breath. After he yelled at me earlier, did he still feel like letting me sleep in his condo?

“I don’t want to.” I refused. I threw away his hand that was holding my arm. Even the touch of his skin made me feel disgusted. I guess I was really attracted to him.

“I am sorry sa sinabi ko kanina. Please, Rosa.” He pleaded.

“No. I don’t want to be with you. I hope you respect what I wanted,” I said and turned my back on him.

I felt his touch on my arm before I had even gone very far. He took hold of my arm and dragged me into the elevator.

“Leonardo, let go of my arm! Did you hear what I said that I don’t want to go with you? Don’t you understand what I said?!” I hissed at him.

He grinned and added, “Yes, I understand. But I don’t accept the word I don’t want to,”

I told him bluntly, “Okay, fine! But don’t touch me anymore. You’re annoying.” I became even more irritated when he simply laughed at me.

I wasn’t in the mood when I got into his car. I closed my eyes and reclined in the chair. Today I felt like I was exhausted. I was unaware that I had dozed off.

Leonardo’s voice stunned me. I was in bed already. I overheard him on the phone with someone, despite my reluctance to listen to their conversation. He was on the phone, and I listened to what he had to say.

“I love you, babe.”

It wounded me every time I heard the word 'I love you' from that woman. I was envious of her as Leonardo made time for her in spite of his hectic schedule. I felt the warm liquid in the corner of my eye. To keep him from hearing my loud sobs, I covered my mouth.

I’m sorry, sweetie, because your dad is the reason I cry every time. I gave a little sniffle. When I felt Leonardo’s embrace, I bit my lip hard.

He said, “I’m sorry, Rosa,” He kissed my cheek. I heard the door open and close.

Leonardo was gone from my side when I awakened. So, he left. He must have slept at his girlfriend's house. Why else was I in this place? I was forced to sleep here by that man. I let out a sigh. To prepare a meal, I headed to the kitchen. I had to eat breakfast and drink milk. My OB-GYN had forbidden me from drinking coffee. She said coffee was bad for the baby.

My phone rang. Leonardo called. I was under stress again, so I didn't respond. Early in the morning, he annoys me. He doesn't care about me. I'd rather concentrate on myself. My phone continued to ring. I let it ring. The number of times it had rung is unknown to me.

Leonardo was seated in my swivel chair when I arrived at the office. He was staring at a piece of paper in his hand with a furrowed forehead. I knew what he was holding, and I became anxious.

Why did I leave the letter of resignation on my table? I was so stupid. I was planning to resign while he was in Italy. While he was still in the country, I knew he wouldn’t let me go. However, I’ll be the one who will follow.

“What is this?!” he asked me when he noticed I was standing before my table.

“Of course, paper,” I said, as if I was joking. But my joke didn’t work because his handsome face darkened even more.

“Rosa, I’m not here for a joke! I am asking you what the meaning of this resignation letter is?” I gasped. He was getting impatient with me.

“I want to get out of here and go somewhere, be happy, and have a peaceful life,” I said calmly. He stared at me like I was an evil person. My eyes widened as he tore the paper in front of me. I grabbed it from him.

“Why did you tear it?! I worked so hard to do that, and now you tear it?! Don’t I have the right to leave here?!” I lashed out at him. As I felt a little pain in my stomach, I held it in. Leonardo stood up and grabbed my arm tightly.

“You’re not leaving here! No one is resigning! The conversation is over!” he exclaimed before turning away from me. My fists clenched.

“You can’t stop me, Mr. Romano if I want to resign. This is my life, not yours! You have no right to decide my life. This is my life!” I smashed my palm into the table. It made noise. Leonardo turned to face me. He glanced at me for a bit before saying...

“My answer is still no!” he remarked before entering his office. I sat down in the swivel chair. He was very unfair. He intended to hurt me. I didn’t want to feel this way, and the pain was practically breaking my heart. I bit my lip as tears began to fall.

I held my stomach as it stung. Oh God, I hope nothing horrible happens to my baby. To relieve the ache, I first calmed myself down. I took my water bottle. I sipped it and felt relieved.