Novels by Klayz Abun

“Happy birthday, my love.” Mabel handed Devlin a small package.“Another gift? I thought you had already given me one at the manor.” “That was my Christmas gift to you, this is my birthday gift. “ Devlin was so used to Mabel gifting him with portraits done by different local artists in Baguio that he expected another one for Christmas this year. It has been three years since he and Mabel celebrated the season here in her hometown and they have been coming back every year for the celebrations. Her Christmas gift to him was a fruit cake jokingly reminding him of his birthday a long, long time ago when he decided to change his life for the better. The fruitcake was much better because Mabel baked it just for him. He stared down at the package in his hand, it is rectangular, probably A4 in size.

The day before their scheduled flight back to the UAE, Rain and Ami prepared a farewell party for them and a happy announcement as well. They were all happily nursing their after meal coffee when Rain and Ami stood and gaining the attention of everyone present, announced in unison “We are expecting!” The manor erupted into cheers as the house helpers were also included in the party. Rain remained standing as he helped Ami to sit down. “After our marriage in the UAE, Ami and I despaired of ever having a child, Ami especially as it caused her sadness when she didn’t get pregnant immediately. It probably was just stress. When we got married again here, she was more relaxed, more at peace with her surroundings and that probably helped her and me. We hope next year if the Lord wishes, there will be more little patters of feet running around the manor. “ He said the last looking at Devlin an

After the Christmas and birthday celebrations, Devlin and Mabel were thrown into wedding preparations. It would have been better if they go home to each other’s company but considering the church’s mandate that they abstain from intimacy for a week before the wedding, Devlin always ended up frustrated and aching in bed. It did not help that Mabel was taken to her maternal home in the city. The only concession they were given was a few stolen kisses whenever they see each other. They were careful not to get carried away by their passion because they both knew how frustrating and painful it was to not succumb to their passions. Since they both loved cakes, they arranged to meet up in one of the famous bakeshops in town. She wanted velvet cake,he wanted cheesecake so they asked if the bakeshop could make them a velvet cheesecake for their wedding. As an experimen

They reached Baguio thirty past eleven. Rain brought them straight to the manor. Mrs. Claudia Gonzales was about to go to bed after waiting for the two to get home when she heard voices. She recognized Mabel’s. “Oh, am I dreaming? Could it be?’ She rushed down to the salon and stopped in her tracks when she saw her.It is indeed her but with other guests? “Mabel, is it really you? Why are you home and Mr. Devlin, this is quite a surprise.” Mabel moved forward to her aunt’s outstretched arms and gave her a hug. “It is a long story auntie but I would like to introduce you to Mr. Devlin’s mother and his two sisters. “Mrs. Devlin this is my aunt, Mrs. Claudia Gonzales. Auntie this is Mrs. Devlin and her two daughters, Louisa and Shauna.’ As the ladies came forward, Mrs. Gonzales could easily see the resemblance to Devlin.

Two days after Mabel’s episode, Devlin thought he got everything planned. Mabel was busy packing stuff into their suitcases. Although she had trepidation regarding flying, she resolved to face her fears. It was exhausting crying over and over something that has already happened. After that night of Devlin leaving the apartment in annoyance and irritation, she made sure she’ll never allow anxiety to get to her once more. She is in a country where safety is paramount and Devlin saw to it that she is not without any companion when he had to deal with business on his own. Eliza was kind enough to be with her. The sheikha did not mind as she too was slowly letting go of the reins to Farinah. Farinah is only 18 but with a bright mind as hers, she soon was able to handle things on her own. They hired another person as directress to the nursery Ami left in her care. Farinah is still in university but with all her energy and excellent time

Bathed and fed, Mabel reclined comfortably on Devlin’s bed or more or less on Devlin. She still felt lethargic but she was grateful for Devlin who was holding her tightly as if fearing she would disappear again. He was also nuzzling her neck and every now and then nibbles on the length of her neck. She would shiver with pleasure and he seemed to enjoy it as he kept doing it. She moved their clasped hands towards her lips and kissed his knuckles. She will enjoy whatever simple pleasures he will shower on her. Whatever the outcome of this temporary arrangement, she would take it wholeheartedly. She loves him and no matter what he decides, she’ll take it willingly. After a while, Devlin slid her slowly on the bed and told her not to move. In actuality, her nearness is causing him trouble down south and he has one important task to do before they proceed. He sat d

Their church wedding was attended by the Sheikh and his wife and also some other friends including Devlin and Mabel. They all flew to the Philippines six months after Rain and Ami married at the Philippine embassy in the UAE. Even Ali and Zaynah were there to witness Rain and Ami’s second marriage vows to each other. They had to endure two nights without intimacy though as per church dictates. Ami did not mind because she is finally living her dreams, getting married in the church with friends and family. She wished her parents and uncle were still alive but she knew they were out there somewhere watching over her. She also knows Rain’s father is watching over his son. Rain has been a wonderful, loving and considerate husband. He has been spoiling Ami over the last six months. Ami started working as the Directress of the new Thamiyn Nursery while Eliza took over as the Sheikha’s new PA. Ami thought Mansour was taken with Fiona when he visited the Philippines but when he met Eliza, ther

Rain’s 1 week leave did not give him more time to spend with Ami as he had been busy contacting his mother for the documents they needed at the embassy. He and Ami just connected via video chat in the evenings before they both go to sleep. He wanted to go to Al Reef and see her personally but he knew Ami has a lot to do before she finally leaves the Sheikha’s employ and lives with him. That is the consolation he kept looking forward to. “My darling Ami, how was your day? I missed you terribly today.” He touched the screen like he could touch her. “I miss you too, my love. Hey, can we use that to address each other? “Ami gave him her most adorable puppy eyes. “Sure, my love. I like that, no I love you, my love. This separation is drivi

Before they left the apartelle, Rain and Ami went to see his Assistant Manager. Ami waited patiently on one of the couches in the waiting lounge of the apartelle but not missing the furtive glances thrown her way by Dana, the receptionist who slept in the Flat before. Ami ignored her, she was just so happy and content that finally, a man saw her true self, and her best friend nonetheless. After 45 minutes and two coffees later, Rain emerged and ignoring Dana went straight to a beaming Ami and kissed her much to the receptionist’s surprise. Ami couldn’t stop blushing. Rain grinned at the receptionist and announced, “You should be congratulating us Dana, this lovely lady, my best friend for a long, long time, finally ended my agony and accepted my love and proposal!” Dana was stupefied. Many of the single female staff will be disappointed but she liked Ami so s

Six months after Rain arrived in the UAE, he and Ami had developed a routine. True to his word, Ami was not allowed to visit him in his flat unless accompanied by Mabel or Mansour. During the UAE National Day holidays in December, Rain had no chance to have a day off. They had a lot of guests and even his accommodation was given up for an elderly couple who came to see the fireworks in Abu Dhabi Corniche. Since their apartelle is near the Corniche, it was fully packed. Rain slept in his office for a week and then came the Christmas holidays and New Year. He discovered how true it is that when you are an OFW, you do not have the luxury to enjoy the festivities. Since he and Ami were busy the whole month of December, they just sent their gifts to each other via courier although Rain has been sending Ami bouquets of Roses and chocolates. After that day she gave him permission to court her.

Wanting to get back to normalcy as much as possible and not dwell on the painful past, Ami threw herself enthusiastically into her work. The Sheikha even commented that Ami was working with a vengeance. Her vivacity doubled or tripled thus attracting more males than Rain would have liked. One of the Sheikha’s clients even attempted to flirt with her, but Ami ignored him. She introduced the guy to another colleague who wants to flirt shamelessly and Ami let them. She just reminded the girl sternly to be very careful and mindful of her actions because she still works for the Al Fahezis. Though the colleague disliked Ami because of her close association with their employers, she heeded her. Ami couldn’t care less if the girl liked her or not. She is one of those people who think they are above others and she has zero tolerance for them but she tries to be very civil. R

Although Ami urged Mansour to go ahead to the UAE, he refused and told her she needed all the friends she had. Mabel wanted to go home to be with her but she couldn’t because she was covering as the Sheikha’s PA in Ami’s stead. The funeral had been a hectic week, after her uncle’s burial, her uncle’s lawyer came and gave Ami her uncle’s last will and testament. She was shocked because she did not know, her uncle actually has a property in the city proper and she was always frequenting it whenever she went downtown. It is now hers and technically she does not need to go back to the UAE to work some more. She has her dream property but she still wanted something that is really hers. Although overwhelmed with this gift, she thanked the lawyer. As soon as the lawyer left, she sought out Mrs. Gonzales and Rain. They were in the manor’s huge balcony where Mrs. Gonza