Chapter 169 - On Our First List

Everyone gaped as they gazed at the green fluorescence reflecting against the black light as Atty. Manloza aimed the pen against the set of black diamond rings. The test result convinced everyone that the gift was another indirect announcement that someone was plotting against them.

"The sender choose black because it implies sadness, failure, sorrow, and death while the ring signifies bond and union like marriages. So the hidden message could mean that the avenger is setting out to destroy your marriage," explained Judge Manloza as he joined them in their emotional disturbance.

"Dear," Hayri said, turning his head to Allie, "did Andrew court you back then?"

Allie got startled with the question, unprepared for the sudden shift of their brainstorming. She moved her eyes between Ajie and Hayri, fidgetting about the thought that Cherry was also listening, aside from the fact that such a topic was awkward for all of them. Seeing her discomfort, Ajie cleared his throat and answered on her behalf.

"He started giving her flowers and invited her for dinners, but he never got the courage to confess because, in the first place, he was only pretending. His sole intention was to take revenge against me."

Hayri pulled his brows together, giving it a quick, deep thought before he shared his opinion. "If he did it before, there no reason he won't do it these days."

Cherry raised her voice to share her idea, as well, prompting everyone to look at her. "While we can't take Andrew out of this, I think we should also dig deeper and wider to rule out who could be behind this. If Andrew indeed has nothing to do with this, then we don't want to set the real culprit free."

"Therefore, I realize, first love never dies," Hayri replied, looking at her sideways. When Cherry started to glare at him, he burst out into a peal of laughter, tossing his head back as he giggled. Feeling embarrassed, Cherry rolled out a table napkin and threw it out to him, making him laugh harder. Carried away by the momentum of their laughter, everyone laughed as well, worsening Cherry's embarrassment.

"Of course, Che, we will look into all possibilities," Jane assured her as she saw her turning red in shame. 

"You're right," Allie managed to comfort her as well, though she was just recovering from her discomfort.

Mr. Lopez took a turn in the table. He authoritatively addressed everyone. "Let's set aside that one at another time. Today is such an important day to waste. Let's give our blessings to the couple. Anyway, I already have someone do the investigation."

"I also have someone do a separate investigation. Two is always better than one," said Mr. Dioko, who kept his silence during the peak of the tension.

Allie just listened and thought to herself, "Then it's going to be three because I'll have Dino handle this separately."

After a long while, Judge and Atty. Manloza asked to leave ahead. Ajie and Allie walked them out to their car and stayed until they settled comfortably inside. Before Atty. Manloza rolled up the window on her side, she called out and smiled, "Looking forward to your big wedding."

"It's on our first list. We'll have you informed," Ajie replied with a grin as he hooked an arm around Allie's waist. Allie just smiled and nodded politely, saying nothing further to delay them.

The following day, Ajie considered the suggestion of Hayri and his family moved in to live with the Lopez's for their safety. Mrs. Lopez beamed with happiness, her wish to gather her family was finally fulfilled. A child in her home added to her excitement, and she started to become her tutor.

Mary and Sam did not go with them since, as they said, they were not the target of revenge and that they could always visit them if they want. They also wanted to give the Lopez couple a chance to do the parenting they missed for Ajie.

Mr.& Mrs. Lopez held a special dinner on their first night, a thanksgiving to the Almighty for giving them a chance to gather their family again. Ajie was already married when they found him, and so he was already independent and was not expected to stay with them.

"Ajie, Allie, we will be the one to send and fetch Chloe from school so you could focus on your business," Mr. Lopez said as they gathered around the dining table.

Jane chuckled but protested afterward, "It's not fair, dad. You are taking Ajie and Allie's role as parents. You are not also giving me a chance to bond with my niece."

"You're right, dear," Mrs. Lopez replied in a sullen look, " so it means we have to make a schedule to accommodate all of us."

Ajie and Allie laughed out loud; their hearts leaped with inexplicable joy for unexpectedly gaining a new family.

________

Meanwhile, a call went through, jolting Joey to his senses. His heart raced, afraid that the new order would be again aimed at the innocent child he had temporarily abducted days ago.

"Sir."

"Joey, you need to go back to Cebu and wait for my orders there."

"Got it, sir."

Joey packed his things like a bolt of lightning and booked the next flight to Cebu. He wanted to reach the place before he would be occupied with the new task. It had been a while since he last visited his daughter. Ever since he gave his commitment to this boss, he left her under the care of his unmarried sister. She already had recovered well, and her physical status no longer showed any trace of those horrible hospital and rehabilitation days.

A few hours later, Joey found himself at the information desk of a paint factory. He looked straight in the eyes of the receptionist and said, "Miss, I would like to talk to Miss Shiela Ferrer. My name is Joey."

The receptionist felt hesitant but she still managed a polite smile. She opened the chat app and sent a message to Shiela. "Miss Shiela, somebody here wants to see you."

"Who?' came Shiela's reply.

"A man in his fifties, I think. He said his name is Joey."

"Please lead him here."

The receptionist led Joey to an office on the second floor right away and as soon his head popped on the door, Shiela came running to meet him with a squeal.

"You look so happy, my dear," Joey commented after giving his daughter a hug.

"Yes, Pa. I just signed a contract as one of the paint suppliers of Rough Seas Marine Supplies and Equipments."