Novels by Deryl Chalman

CHAPTER 49 Agnes looked at David with eyes brimming with tears. Her beautiful green eyes looked like the misty forest of Winshord Castle moors. She was seating across from him inside a small cafe that operated twenty-four hours a day near the bus station. The cafe was deserted, except for the sleepy worker of the establishment and an aged man snoozing at a corner.Her hand was twisting the yellowed table cloth, as she nervously face David. “It’s okay if you will not forgive me,” Agnes said without preamble as the silence stretched between them.“You cause so much pain to your family and friends. I’m not sure whether I should wring your neck out of madness or just hugged you out of relief that you are still alive.”“David, I will not explain why I disappeared, only that I have a very valid reason that I cannot reveal.”David's jaw tightened in anger. “How could you say that Agnes? You of all people should know that what you

CHAPTER 48 “Duvier! What are you doing here?” Barbara tumbled into his arms as he bumped unto her. Chris gasped as he stared at the grinning elderly woman batting her eyes at him coyly. He pulled her up while looking around for Agnes. “Where is she---” “Who?” Barbara stared at him confusedly. He stopped himself from blurting Agnes' name. Instead, he collected himself and tried to smile, covering his blunder. “Lady Elizabeth, I need to see her.” “Ah…” Barbara stared at him for a long time. She got the feeling it was not Lady Elizabeth he was looking for. She wondered if the nosy

CHAPTER 47Agnes pulled down the hooded jacket to cover her face. She was embarking n a surprised if not most unpleasant decision of her life --- to visit her sister in the hospital. She had been hiding from her past until now when she saw her sister rushed to the hospital. Even her aunt and Barbara did not know that she was going to make this trip back to her old world. Yet, the idea of Lea being sick drove her with worry. Her sister was always healthy and she was not known to get sick easily. She wondered what drove Lea to get sick. She just wants to take a look at her secretly and disappear afterward.The hospital was surrounded by reporters and onlookers. All waiting for the news of the famous star. She can see flowers on the entrance filing up and letters of well-wishers. Agnes stopped. She wondered how to get inside without being noticed. The chance of her being seen was high yet only when she can see her sister would make her feel at peace.

CHAPTER 46 Lina or Agnes in her real-life dropped the baking pan she was holding as she saw the news on the television. The anchor grimly announced the news about Lea Walden being rushed to the hospital by her fiancee, Chris Duvier. “The couple who been dating for a long time was last seen together in Duviers penthouse. It was rumored that Chris Duvier, the billionaire proposed to the beautiful actress tonight. Yet. Something had happened when the actress Lea Walden collapsed and was rushed to the hospital with her loving fiancee in tow. Stay tuned for more news.” “Are you alright, Lina?” Lina stumbled and tried to sit down on one of the stools near the counter. Worriedly, her assistant baker touched her forehead. “You seemed not well. Why don’t you go home and I will finish the baking here.” She sig

CHAPTER 45 The man put down the dossier of Lina Summers in front of the billionaire, Chris Duvier. The private agent which was hired months ago was surprised with the request and thought, he hit the jackpot. And he did. He cannot believe what he found out about Lina Summers---he has no doubt who she was. “Everything about her was in that document. The real Lina Summers died when she was very young. Ms. Agnes Duvier just took her name.” “Changing one’s identity was expensive and few correct connections. Agnes cannot do that. Even if she was a Walden, her connection cannot reach that point. How did she do it?” “Barbara Barry pulled all the strings.” The detective said gravely. “Her connection was enough to cover up your wife’s supposed death. The boat was her personal property and the reporter who broke the first news was her people.”

CHAPTER 44 Lady Elizabeth, listened to the panic-stricken voice of her friend as she told her about Chris Duvier's presence in Riverside. She was numb. The possibility, of being discovered did cross her mind. She was ready to face the consequence but when it happens for real, her knees buckled with apprehension. Chris Duvier is an exacting man. A dangerous enemy. What he hates most were liars like them. They managed to dupe one of the most powerful men in the country. It looks like the wheels had turned. Time to pay up for their misdeeds. She remembered too clearly when Agnes returns home from her visit to Chris Duvier. She was trembling when she entered the library where Lady Elizabeth was conducting her business. Agnes sat down at the big wing chair silently watching her. “What happened, child?” She looked in alarm at Agnes whose eyes were very red from c

CHAPTER 12 The pirates have become a part of Gabi’s life. She could not imagine her life without these men who worship the sea. They treated her like their own and some professed undying support for her. Even Arik, who seldom smiles, suddenly becomes her bodyguard and he followed her everywhere. She caught him smiling when she tried to joke around. The pirates were too nice and they laugh at her joke and antics even though she felt like it was only to appease her and make her happy. Juan doted on her like a father and Juanito, the young son who kidnapped her treated her like she was family.When dinner time came, she was always treated like a VIP that even her future husband cannot help but comment to Juan.“How did you ever come to have meat, tonight in the middle of the sea?”, Theo said amusedly.Juan blushed, “We slaughtered my chicken.”“Your chicken, the one, I been asking you to disposed have at last meet his demise. Who would have know

CHAPTER 11 Gabi felt she was in a washing machine. The turmoil of her sudden engagement affected the whole pirate crew. True to Theo’s words, she was treated like a queen. They seem to look at her like manna from heaven to the point that when one pirate requested an additional ration of bread she end up, asking Theo about it. When he allowed an additional bread for the whole crew, she become a star overnight. Five days ago when she accepted his proposal, he have become more caring about her needs and she realized the Captain have a heart of gold. He deeply cared for his people and treat them like family. He was the first one to risk his life for them. No wonder, the pirates followed him blindly like he was God himself. The faith and trust they give him were not lost with Gabi. She also started to feel the same as the pirates. Never once, did he take advantage of her. He treated her with much special care, that she missed those kisses he stole from her. Theo was also avoiding

CHAPTER 10 Before she could even fathom what was her next action, she threw a punch at the man who she hated with all her being right now. It landed on one of his cheeks. He touched it gently, but his eyes glittered fire. The men below who saw everything stop what they are doing. Some even make a sign of the cross. Deafening silence descended on the pirates as they saw him being punched by a woman. They waited for his move. The bird squawked from above as if sending a warning to her.Without a word, Theo’s arms snaked out on her and fold her to his hardened body and before she could even react, he kissed her. The kiss took her by surprise. Gabi could not even think, the only thought she had was how the kiss was so good she wanted more. Her lips melted with his and her arms pulled him closer to her. All her being felt alive.They scream and the laughter of the pirates full back her to reality. Gabi pushed him, as the full force of her action

CHAPTER 9 Gabi woke up feeling seasick due to the movement of the boat. She can hear the creaking of the woods and the laughter and banter of the pirates outside the captain's room. She groaned and lay down on her tummy to press the nauseating feeling she felt. It seems everything was moving, including her mood. She closed her eyes to shut off the moving space as the boat rocked from massive waves. "Oh God, I'm going to be sick." She groaned. She felt like vomiting, but the idea of doing the unthinkable with Theo's cabin could blow his fuse. After hijacking his bed and making him sleep on a hammock, Gabi was stretching his graciousness. She remembered very clearly what happened last night. She was laughing so hard while crying at the same time. Theo watched her calmly until she subsided from momentary madness."Are you okay now?" Theo asked gently. "I feel I'm in a beater. The stress of being in this situation was too much for m

Chapter 8 Gabi stayed still inside the jute sack. She was already awake when the two kidnappers hauled her on the horse. Gabi tried to wiggle her way out, but her hands and feet were tied too tight. This incident must be a horror movie, she thought hysterically. Losing her life before she could go home paralyzed her with fear. Goodness, she would die not being kissed! "Hauled her up, gently!" she heard an elderly voice command the younger man, but its warning was too late; he dropped her like a sack of potato to the floor. Gabi bit the cloth tied to her mouth to stop herself from gagging on her saliva."Dios Mio! Can't you be more careful?""I'm sorry, Senor." He heard the apologetic voice of the young man. "Is she still alive?" A hand tried to feel her heartbeat. Gabi squirmed to avoid the hand he put on her breast. The man laughed, "Well, it looks like she is still breathing."Footsteps were coming. The two men fell silent a

CHAPTER 7 Oscar was dumbfounded at Gabi's story. They were seated under a mango tree away from the noisy merriment of the fiesta. When she told her about her story, he almost walk-out on her. "Do you think I would believe such lies, Senorita?" He gulped the wine. She looked at him calmly. She understands his first reaction when she tells him about his misfortune—especially coming from someone in his future. "I wished it is a lie, Senor. But it is the truth. You're going to give up all your wealth by gambling. After your foolish decision, your family will suffer, not until with my father. He managed to rise above from the total despair of our family." "For your information, senorita, your s

CHAPTER 15 The long walk towards the center of Eden where the Tree of life and Knowledge were located and where the serpents live was the longest tiring walk I have experienced. The sunset from the horizon and the moon rising on the other side lighted our path towards where the Beast lay waiting for us. The animals and plants seemed quiet as we strode towards the center. I hold my fathers’ hand as if seeking his warmth for comfort. Victor Grey grip my hand to reassure her. Samuel was exceptionally quiet and alert as we got nearer to the Tree. My legs were getting heavy from the walk. It seems that every time we took a step, my body was getting weaker. My heart beat fast, and I prayed for Mateo to come as he saved me at the river spirit. Would he come? &nbs

CHAPTER 14 Victor Grey was lying on the floor unconscious. He was sleeping like a child inside an energy dome that sapped off your strength slowly. There were no bars of steel nor any barrier in the prison of Eden, only strange energy that would surround your body, sipping your fuel slowly and absorbing it for his consumption. It feeds on prisoners' fears and insecurities. The more dangerous the prisoner, the color of the power will become bluer, showing the intensity of his sins. My father had only a soft glow, meaning he was not a dangerous man. I ran towards him and called his name softly. "Papa, please wake up," I whispered tearfully. His skin has turned ashen. "Do not put in your hand inside, Sam," My brother warned me. He looked around for the guards, who were strangely not around. Something was not right. "We need to find the

CHAPTER 13 I lay down flat at the cold marble stone. Beside me was Samuel, crouching low. The gala had already ended, but the two of them remained. When Samuel offered me a choice, of course, I jumped into his offer. I prefer to stay with Samuel, who I've known all my life. I like to stay with Mateo, who was the cause of my mother's death. "You know, I'll always choose you, Samuel. You are, after all, my brother." Samuel smiled triumphantly and looked at Mateo." You heard her. She chooses me." Mateo smiled mockingly, "For now, I let you have Samantha, but you know the truth, Samuel. She always belongs to me."&nbs

CHAPTER 12 My heart started pumping. Both Samuel and Mateo tried to block me by their bodies by pushing me behind. My brother gripped my hand tightly while Mateo crossed his arm, trying to look cool. The Enlightened stopped in front of us. I have been wondering how they looked. They seem a myth than reality, but tonight, the three most powerful beings are in front of us. I tried to peer, but the two angels, keep blocking my sight. "What a surprised, the two of you in one room." I recognized the voice immediately. Once you hear the voice, you cannot forget it. It was calm, relaxed, and soft but hinting of authority that can bring tremors to your body. "Father, good evening," Mateo said softly, equally self-assured. "I invited Samuel to join us." A female voi

CHAPTER 11 I felt uncomfortable with the gown chosen for me. The dress was fiery red that glowed like one every time the cloth caught the light from the chandeliers above. It was beautiful to see, except for how revealing it was that I felt like I was walking naked. When Mateo saw me in this dress, he took a double breath and tried not to look affected. But I saw his expression before he could hide it. "Let's go." He said coldly. After the incident with dinner, he has been cold and distant with how he treats me. I tried to ignore him too, but I was aching inside. Inside the car, he said monotonously, "There are few rules as a human companion in our world Samantha. If a human approaches you, you are free to interact with him or not because you are equals. However, members of the inner sanctum must be treated with respect. You cannot deny them a request unless it harms each other. Understand?" "Yes, but what about the enlightened?"

CHAPTER 10 He was looking at me thoroughly like a specimen in a petri dish. His dark blue eyes roamed my face intently as if memorizing every inch of me. I squirmed at the assault of his gaze. Then, he moves closer to me. I trembled in fear, and my heart ripped my chest in pain. I gasped then, he touched my chest, and my heartbeat gently beat like it was in peace again. "At last, I've seen you. Your mother was beautiful, but I never imagined how exquisite you are until now. "He touched my face gently. "I wonder all these years how you look like, and now here you are." "Your name is Mateo, right?" I asked while squirming away from his touch. "You're the seer seeker." "Yes, Samantha Grey. I am Mateo, and I'm a seer seeker." He crossed his arm and continued to study me. My foolish heart seemed to beat a little faster as he locked his eyes on mine. "You've seen us in the Dammed place." I whispered, knowing the answer full well, but I just ne