Novels by Marianne Arias

The car arrived outside St. Claire's big gate. Pinagbuksan si Hans ni Tacio ng pinto at lumabas kaagad ang binata. He tugged his tux down and preened his hair."Good morning, Sir Hans!" bati ng guwardiya sa kaniya nang nakangiti."Good morning," he replied, emotionless.Pumasok na siya sa loob ng St. Claire. Sinalubong siya ng tanawing ang mga bata ay abala sa pagtatanim at paglilinis ng bakuran. He roamed his eyes around, wondering if he could see a familiar face of a woman.Lumabas ang mga madre mula sa kusina. Kaagad nilang nakita si Hans na nakatayo 'di kalayuan mula sa kanila."Sir Hans!" nagagalak nilang tawag.Hans looked at them. Tipid siyang ngumiti saka tinaas lang ang kamay."Good morning, Sir Hans," bati ng mga madre sabay yuko sa koreano. Ganoon din ang ginawa ng binata."Good morning. I just made a sudden visit," Hans stated,

Sheika went home straight and checked her bank account. Lagpas limampung libo na rin ang naipon niyang pera. Maybe that was enough to buy a lot or kahit downpayment lang muna. Naghanap siya online ng binibentang lupain. Puwede na siguro ang malapit sa dagat. Puwedeng maglaro doon si Israel. She found one pero sold na pala. Sayang naunahan na siya. It was even perfect for sunset viewing. Sa baybayin kung saan doon lulubog ang araw. May kumatok sa pinto niya. She closed her laptop and stood up. Pinagbuksan niya kung sino man iyon. Bumungad ang pagmumukha ni Immanuel. He was sad, or more like felt sorry for Sheika. "I'm all ears, Sheika," ani Immanuel. Tipid na ngumiti ang dalaga at bumalik sa kaniyang higaan. She sat on the edge of her bed, Immanuel followed. "Isaiah can't tell me what happened to you. It would be better if I'll ask you directly."

Vans, who was sitting comfortably on his chair, slid the paper against the table, reaching it towards Sheika who was standing across from him."I have signed your resignation letter, Chef Fernando. I hope it will give you peace," Vans stated and brought his legs down. Tumayo siya at inayos ang kaniyang necktie. "It's an honor to work with you. For the short span of time I have witnessed how incredible you are as an employee. I am saddened for your sudden resignation but I can't hold you if you really want to go. I respect your personal issues."Yumuko si Sheika sa harap ni Vans."Thank you, Sir Vans. I know things aren't good between us but I still respect you as a person.""May I know what is your next plan? Are you planning to look for another job?""I don't have any plans yet, Sir Vans, but this is for the better.""Won't you regret resigning?"Sheika s

Pumasok na si Sheika at dala na niya ang resignation letter. Alam naman niyang wala si Sir Vans ngayon pero nagbabasakali pa rin siya. Wala kasing sekretarya ang koreanong 'yon unlike kay Hans. Iaabot nalang sana niya sa sekretarya."Magreresign ka na pala, chef? Bakit naman?" tanong ni Donny na nalungkot nang mabalitaan ang pag-resign ng chef."May kailangan lang akong asikasuhin. Ayoko namang madamay ang restaurant dahil doon.""Eh kailan ka babalik, chef? Mamimiss ka namin dito."Malulungkot din naman si Sheika sa pag-alis niya. Napamahal na siya sa restaurant. But some things were needed to end before they break and hurt her.Sheika smiled weakly. "I'm not sure, Donny. But, I'm really honored to work with you all. I can say I grow as a person and also as a chef. Marami akong natutunan mula sa inyo."May namuong luha sa mata ni Donny. Pinalis niya kaagad iyon at ngumiti

"Your Appa told me you once handled your restaurant and now you're taking over the company," pahayag ni Ms. Ryu habang mabagal na ngumuya ng kaniyang pagkain. Ang dalawang kamay ay abala sa paghihiwa ng lutong karne."Yes, but he let Vans run the restaurant instead. He kicked me out of the restaurant."Natigil sa pagnguya si Ms. Ryu dahil sa narinig. Ang pagkakaalam niya, sabi ni Lans Estrabo sa kaniya ay si Hans ang umalis sa restaurant dahil gusto niyang patakbuhin ang real estate nilang negosyo. Sino ba talaga ang nagsasabi ng totoo?"Is that so? Maybe you did something to displease him," tantiyadong sabi ng dalaga."I never, not even once, I failed Appa. Things have changed now.""I'm sorry to hear that."Nilapag ni Ms. Ryu ang kaniyang kubyertos."Is there something I can help?" she asked him.She wanted to help beca

Nakabalik na ng restaurant si Vans at tulad ng sabi ni Hera sa kaniya ay hihintayin siya. But when he saw her, he was filled with surprise."I thought you went home already, Hera," Vans said, knitting his brows in confusion. Natagpuan niya ang dalaga na nakaupo mag-isa sa isang mesa.Hera faked a sweet smile and stood up. Yumuko ito silbi bilang galang. "I told you I will wait for you here, Sir Vans. It's okay.""God, you took all the troubles for me. Anyway, what is it that you want from me?"Gustong matawa ni Hera dahil sa choice of word ni Vans. As if she wanted something from him. Like a thing.Hera took a deep breath. "Can we talk in private?"Muli na namang nabigla si Vans. This woman was full of surprises! How far can she go for him? Hmm.Vans smirked. "Yeah, sure."Vans led the way to the private room. Su

Few days after that, Royal and I decided to fly back to Italy. He was the one who suggested me this. It might help me heal emotionally and mentally."I'm sorry I have to drag you in this kind of trouble," I said to Royal apologetically. "This is not what I want.""Shsh," he interrupted me, placing his index finger on my lips. "We don't want this but we have to do this. This is for your sake.""I hope they will forgive me for doing this.""If they really love you they will understand. Let them realize that."I felt sorry for not choosing my mother but at the same time, I can't do what she wants me to do. I am not happy. I am not happy without Royal.We visited my grandmother and told her everything. She got mad at her daughter but she also understood her. She said it was for my sake but it's not right that she is against my relationship with Royal."I'll just prepare our meal, baby," Royal told me and kissed my cheeks before he went to

I was done with my fourth masterpiece. I did it for two weeks because I had to define every detail of it. I made sure I didn't rush it."The Mocetti-Venturi will be launching their new businessline this week. We should be there, Alpha," Mom told me."Yes, Mom," I replied.I lost all my hope when Ria asked me to let go of Royal. I felt how broken she was, so desperate to plead me. No one has ever done it to me."When do you want to launch your exhibit? Do you like us to launch it online too?""Sounds good to me, Mom. Whatever you think is good.""Okay," she smiled sweetly. "I'll take care of everything.""Thank you, Mom."In most probable case, Mocetti-Venturi will be there too. As much as I don't want to see them, Mom will invite them anyway.After that, I told Mom I'll just have my coffee on my favorite shop. I went there alone, looking for some inspiration.I ordered tall Caramel Macchiato. Lately I can finish t

"O-Ouch," I grunted when the cold ice pierced through my face.I received two slaps from Mom and it created a handmark on my face. It was painful like a burnt skin."What happened, Alpha?" Nanny asked as she gently tapped the cold compress on my skin."Mom found out I am in a relationship with Royal.""Really?" She sounded surprised.I nodded. "That's why she's so mad upon discovering it. Royal and I had a fight and Mom saw us. She snatched me from Royal.""Oh dear," she whispered worriedly."Mom said she will send me back to my grandmother. Please help me, Nanny.""What shall I do with that? What can I help?""Tell Royal to wait for me. Escaping from this house seems impossible right now. I'd probably lose everything.""Royal trusts you, Alpha. For sure he will understand the situation."

My phone kept ringing. They were probably looking for me. I didn't know where was I but I felt safe here. I didn't want to see them. "Excuse me?" I looked up and saw a stranger in front of me. Just like Riley, he was also wearing a tux, a formal attire to be exact. He looked like he was attending a wedding tonight. "Yes?" I replied. I tried my best to sound fine. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt what were you doing here but this place isn't good for you, lady. It's cold here." "I know... but please just let me stay here." He removed his coat and wrapped it around my shoulder. He was so kind but I didn't know who he was. "What's your name, lady?" He asked. "Alpha," "I'm James." He offered me his hand for a shake. I accepted his big hand and shook mine with his. It was only a couple of seconds

"Did you find your friends here?" Mom asked as I went back to our table. "No, Mom, but I met a Venturi." "Really? Who was that?" "It's Jude Venturi." "Oh," her lips formed in O shape. "That young man. Was he nice to you?" "Yes, Mom. He told me Riley is his cousin." "Yes, dear. And what else? Did he invite for a dance? A chitchat?" I chuckled. She must be problematic. "Nah, ain't interested." Half an hour passed when my parents excused themselves. They wanted to greet some Mr. Venturi's friends. I was left alone in table. I sighed under my breath. I suddenly felt the urge to go home. This party was petty. I wasn't enjoying. If it's not because of my parents, I certainly wouldn't be here. "Alpha?" A voice of a man called me from behind. I quickly turned around to see who was that.

After a month of medication, Mom finally recovered. I was thankful to God that He didn't take my mother away from me yet. I would still have longer time to be with her. "Mr. Venturi asks us to join to his party tonight," Mom said while we were having our meal. "What party, Mom?" I asked while chewing my food with my mouth closed. "His birthday party, sweety. You know, we're friends with that old man." "We will join the party?" I asked again, as if I hadn't figured out her meaning. "Definitely we will, Alpha. I want to introduce you to the Venturi and our other business partners." "It's the perfect time to let them know that you're having your exhibit again," Dad butted in with a smile, which Mom agreed with. "Does it sound good?" I hesitated to agree with Dad. Exhibit alone sounded good but to meet Ria again was another story. I didn't want to see her again. Not yet. Now that I knew she was still into Royal. "Do you hav

Someone knocked on the door, stopping our moment. I heard a little voice and that's when I realized we left Uno downstairs."Mama?" He called.Jonas and I looked at eacher. We both laughed upon realizing Uno was outside the room. I pulled away from him and marched the way out. I opened the door for Uno."Mama, what's taking you so long?" He asked innocently."Sorry, Uno. I almost forgot you.""Can we sleep now, Mama?""We haven't taken our dinner yet, Uno. Are you sleepy already?""Yes, Mama. Can I sleep beside you and Papa?"I glanced at Jonas. He nodded. I turned to Uno again."Of course, Uno. Mama will just change, okay?""Okay, Mama. Please hurry up."I chuckled. "Sure, Uno."I changed my clothes quickly. After that, I lied next to my little family."Mama," Uno called. He was between me and Jonas."Yes, Uno?""I don't have siblings, Mama?""You want one?""Uh-hu

"I'm home!" I declared excitedly and went inside the house. I looked after Jonas and Uno. I saw them both in the living room while studying. Jonas was teaching his son to read.Uno looked up at me and smiled widely. "Mama!" He called and ran towards me. I lowered my hips so he could reach me."I miss you, baby!" I kissed his cheek."Look, Mama! Papa teaches me how to read!""Oh, that's nice, Uno."I rose to my feet. Jonas welcomed me and kissed me on my cheek as well.I decided to give Jonas another chance to be part of our lives and to give myself another chance to be his partner. Now, we were happy again. Uno was happy to be with his father."Hi, love," I greeted."Are you hungry?""Not much, love. Have you eaten already?""Yup. Before we study.""Okay. I'll just go upstairs to change my clothes.""Can I join?""Huh?"He chuckled. "Alright. You go up now.""Wanna come with me?"

"How are you?" He asked me the moment he started driving."I'm fine. How about you?" I casually answered and asked him the same question."I'm all good. Kinda busy.""Same. Tomorrow we will start the renovation of our restaurant.""I heard that from Baste. You hired Thrante to be your engineer.""You heard it right. Yet, this is a business deal and money is involved."""Our restaurant", what do you mean?""Vince is with me, Joe. We're partners.""Vince what?" He glanced at me."Vince Vega. You know him?""Yeah... the chef?""Yes," I confirmed.Silence followed. I glanced outside the window, wondering where he was taking me."Where are we going?" I asked, roaming my eyes outside the car."Anywhere."I peered at his side, "W

We bid our goodbyes to each other after that. Thrante went home to Taguig while I went home to where I originally lived. When I arrived inside the house, I saw Uno singing his ABCD. I went to him and hugged him."How's your study, Uno?" I asked and knelt in front of him.Mommy started tutoring him at the age of three. I reasoned our Uno was still so young to start learning but she insisted. She argued I was three years old when I first learned the ABCD. She believed Uno was smart he could learn easily."I'm fine, Mama. ABCD is fun!" He smiled widely, revealing his complete teeth."Really?" I mirrored his smile because it was contagious. "Can I have a kiss?"He hugged my neck, "Muah!" He planted a long kiss on my cheeks. "Let's eat, Mama!"I pulled away, holding both of his arms."What do you want me to cook?""Pasta! Yehey!"

"We can start the renovation tomorrow," Thrante told me as she checked my blueprint."Thank you, Engineer Marcado," I smiled to her."Congratulations," she shook her hand with mine.After four years of studying culinary arts, finally I had the time to renovate our property here in Manila. Mommy gave this to me as her gift while Dad gave me a brand new car."Coffee after this?" I offered."Sure!" She agreed happily.We went to our favorite coffee shop—not the usual coffee shop where my friends and I went. Thrante and I had our own favorite coffee shop."So, how's life lately?" She started, grinning happily. We already ordered our coffee."I'm so excited to this new restaurant, caz. Like I can't believe this is actually happening!" I clapped in excitement.Eversince I started schooling, I had dreamt this day to happen. I did my best in school and now I finally finished it. And not just that, I would be having a resta

When the call ended, I hoped things would get better for both of us. I sighed heavily as I felt lonely. I missed him in my arms.The truth was, I didn't like this set up. I could not hug him. I could not feel him on my skin. We had a schedule of our talk and we often times talked about Lola Helena. That became the cycle of our lives.But for him I would endure this feeling of wanting him to stay by my side. I knew he was struggling too. He surely didn't like this set up. I had to adjust and understand because he too had needs but he was holding back himself. He endured the loneliness and pain.I brought down my phone on the bedside table. I crawled on bed and lied next to Uno. He now slept next to me so that whenever he would wake up, I didn't need to get up and get him. It would be easy for me to breastfeed him if he would sleep next to me.The following morning, I woke up when I heard a loud bang on the