Chapter 33

People who deny the truth refuse to live in reality.

---

Alerted by the lurking man behind their shadows, Wil did not chase but kept an eye on the man. He had seen him before and had caught looking at Aralina before.

"What is it you're looking at?"

Aralina looked back, trying to see what Wil was intently staring at, but she had no clue as to whom he had his eyes on.

"Did you find another beautiful girl

Before answering, Wil fixed his vision on Aralina's eyes, keeping constant contact with her.

"Certainly... it's impossible not to look at someone worth admiring."

His eyes did not shift. Wil was dead serious about keeping eye contact with Aralina like he wanted a staring challenge. The one who will avert their gaze will lose.

"You're saying that, yet you're looking at me. Aren't you supposed to be looking at somebody else?

"Aren't I supposed to be admiring a woman's beauty?"

From afar, Mary and Neil had their eyes on the two, confused as to what they were doing, intently staring at each other without saying anything

"Do you think those two could become lovers?"

"I guess so. I mean, when did Ara approach anyone before? As I see it, the two of them becoming a thing is highly likely."

Wil must not look at Aralina's kindness as something else, like love. He must not assume and misinterpret Aralina's intention of befriending him, Neil, and Mary.

"Just because Aralina is being good to Wil, doing what she normally doesn't, doesn't make him special. She could be doing it entirely because she is bored. Or, she might just really want to have people to be friends with."

Men are simple creatures. If a woman ever shows us kindness, gives us some of her time, prioritizes us, or compliments little things about us, we'd surely start to form something for her

"All you have to do is make a man think he is special and you have him dancing in your palm already. You see, we need simple love. Care for us, makes us feel important, and we'll be all yours."

"Isn't that what I basically did? Are you not afraid that I only did that to make you fall for me?" Mary curiously asked, wondering what Neil would answer.

"If you did that only to make me fall for you without any plans of genuinely reciprocating my feelings, then I only have myself to blame for it. I believed you, thinking that you loved me the same way that I did. And if ever it was like that, all I can say is my love for you was real. I didn't fall for you because you're beautiful. It just happened. My reason for loving you is indescribable. I can't put it in words."

Bewildered and dumbfounded, Mary could not utter a word nor respond to Neil's opinion and his love for her.

"I knew I wasn't wrong when I chose you, Neil. They see you as the musclehead type of bully who often lets his fists do the talking but there is so much more to your personality than what people see and hear."

Mary and Neil were not the type of couple that showed public affection but this time was different, swayed by the moment, thus embracing each other. They did not realize that those who were once staring were now the ones getting stared at.

"Public display of affection. What a lovely couple."

Casually and naturally Mary and Neil released each other's arms from themselves. They were not embarrassed but felt somewhat proud to have each other on their side.

Hunger strikes the four of them, especially Aralina who eats a lot due to her condition, thus directing everyone to a seafood restaurant

***

Twenty minutes have passed ever since Mr. Ramos entered the Mall and had already placed about two of the four bombs he was supposed to place around the Mall.

"Those bombs. The timer had already been set."

The Mall of Asia, located in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines, is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It covers a total floor area of approximately 589,891 square meters (about 6.35 million square feet). The mall features a wide variety of retail stores, dining options, entertainment facilities, and attractions, including an IMAX theater, an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, and the SMX Convention Center. Its large size and diverse offerings make it a major tourist and shopping destination in the region.

Blowing it up completely would take more than four explosives but it seemed that whoever was forcing Mr. Ramos into doing it had other plans for the Mall and its goers. What that plan was still unknown even to Mr. Ramos.

"Time is running out, Mr. Ramos. You're taking a while to set up the bombs. It should be easy for a swindler like yourself."

"Lots of people are coming in and out. It's so hard to find the right timing to set up the explosives!"

"You have the gun! Get yourself an assistant or two! Why the hell are you not using your head when you're supposed to?!"

The caller then hung up the phone after blasting a curse in Mr. Ramos' ears because of his incompetence. He was able to swindle hundreds of thousands without getting caught. Coercing others into helping him should be a walk in the park.

Sigh, Mr. Ramos put his phone back in his pocket and continued with the dirty work.

***

At exactly 2 PM, the Mall's signature chime played throughout the entire grounds. In restaurants, clothing stores, arcades, and even in the ice skating rink.

[Attention dear shoppers! As we are a spontaneous and collaborative persona, the SM Mall of Asia had an abrupt big event for you! Kindly make your way towards the stage to those who are interested. The program will start in five minutes. Have spontaneity, be courageous!]

"Sounds mysteriously interesting! Let's go!"

Intrigued by the sudden announcement, lots of mall goers headed on their way to the big stage emptied for the purpose of satisfying their curiosity as they wondered what awaited them.

~