“They found a note next to Mr. Anthony’s body, Miss Azora. According to what was written, Mr. Anthony was tired and wanted to end his life.”
End his life?
My eyes widened as I looked at the police officer who spoke. “He wasn’t the type to commit suicide!”
“Shut up!” Jenica interrupted me. “Don’t make up stories, Azora! Anthony killed himself because of so much distress! He killed himself!”
“But…” I bit my lip. “But he wasn’t suicidal-”
“I said shut up!” Jenica shouted. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I heard him yesterday. He was so frustrated because he wasn’t given an inheritance by his father! He even fought with his sibling over the phone!”
I fell silent at Jenica’s words. Anthony never mentioned anything like that to me. He just said he was tired and wanted to rest for a while. I didn’t expect his family problems to be so heavy.
“He didn’t tell me,” I whispered.
Jenica wiped her wet cheeks. “Of course! I heard it all over a phone call, so it’s no surprise that he didn’t tell you.”
I avoided eye contact. I suddenly felt ashamed in front of Jenica because of what I learned. I was his girlfriend. He could have told me about his problems. But why like this? Why did I have to learn about his issues from someone else?
I lowered my gaze. Moments later, I heard a knock on the office door. Professor quickly opened it.
I raised my eyes slightly to see the newcomer. The man in his mid-50s had an unfamiliar face. His eyebrows furrowed, devoid of any trace of a smile.
I noticed the Campus Director rise from his seat. “Mister Clasiso,” he greeted the newly arrived man. I held my breath. I quickly lowered my gaze and clenched my fists. My heart raced upon realizing that Anthony’s father was here.
I hadn’t expected him to come here. I wished I hadn’t come to cooperate with the police!
“I don’t believe that it was a suicide,” Anthony’s father stated firmly.
I swallowed hard. What would he do? Would he request an autopsy for Anthony’s body? What if the cause of his death was revealed?
“Mister C-Clasiso,” Jenica sobbed. “My condolence, S-Sir.”
I caught a glimpse of him looking at Jenica. “Thank you, Miss.”
I swallowed. I wanted to offer my condolences, but my voice failed me. I couldn’t even open my mouth out of fear.
I was afraid that if I spoke in front of him, he would learn my secret. No. He shouldn’t know the truth, or else the consequences would be unimaginable.
“Mister Clasiso,” the Campus Director called out. “We’re very sorry for what happened to your son, Anthony. I’m very sorry, Sir. It was the University’s fault. We did not manage our students very well. My condolence, Mister Clasiso.”
There was a few seconds of silence from Anthony’s father. I discreetly glanced at him from the corner of my eyes.
He didn’t know that I was Anthony’s girlfriend, so I wasn’t surprised if he didn’t recognize me. It was probably better that he didn’t recognize me. It might just cause more trouble.
“I want a thorough investigation,” Anthony’s father said sternly to the police. “Do everything you can to investigate what happened. And bring me an autopsy report.”
A chill ran down my spine. His words only made me more afraid. If that was the case, they would find out the true cause of my boyfriend’s death.
Numbness enveloped me. I sat on the floor for minutes, picturing my father’s furious face. What if he gets imprisoned? What if everyone finds out that my father killed Anthony? What about me? What kind of life awaits me?
I couldn’t recall what happened afterward. All I knew was that I found myself walking towards the crime scene.
Upon arrival, I saw police officers. There were three of them. Yellow tape surrounded the area. And not far from where Anthony was last night, a news reporter stood.
I furrowed my brows. The reporter seemed to be from a nationwide news network. And it looked like she was doing a live coverage. How did a news reporter manage to enter the University?
I glanced at the police. They were inspecting the area. And as I watched them, I suddenly remembered the gift I had for Anthony.
I held my breath. Where did I hide the gift box?
“The son of the renowned personality Evan Clasiso was found dead in a University here in Cebu City. According to the police, Anthony Clasiso committed suicide due to problems he could no longer bear. The police are currently investigating the crime scene, examining all angles if there’s still a reason why the victim decided to end his own life. Justice Secretary Victor Dumbag said that the IATF is alarmed by the rising suicidal incidents in the country. He urged religious leaders to help address the phenomenon. This is Lala Fera, for One Day News.”
My chest tightened as my heart raced. Once they find my gift for Anthony, the police will surely turn their attention to me. No, I shouldn’t let them find it!
I scanned around. Where? Where did I put my gift?
I took a step forward but was halted by a police officer who spotted me. “Don’t come any closer, Miss. The investigation isn’t over yet.”
“I s-see…” I nodded from where I stood.
“Miss, go back over there.”
I averted my gaze and turned around. Just as I turned, I saw a pair of dark shoes. As I lifted my gaze, I saw Anthony’s face. I quickly stepped back. “A-Anthony?”
He furrowed his brows. I closed my eyes tightly and opened them again. Mr. Clasiso’s face replaced Anthony’s. I froze.
“Did you just call my son’s name?” he asked.
My lips parted. My heart pounded faster. “S-Sir…”
He took a step forward. I stepped back. His eyebrows furrowed deeper. “I heard you calling my son’s name. Who are you?”
“I…” I took a deep breath. “I’m…”
“Answer me!” he demanded authoritatively.
“I’m Anthony’s girlfriend, S-Sir!”
“Anthony’s girlfriend?”
His expression darkened even more.