Nobela ni Chantria

CALLUM’S POV “How’s life of being a married man again?” I sip to my coffee before looking at Austine in front of me. “I can’t explain the feeling, Austine…” I answered. “Still reminiscing how we started,” It’s been what? A year now, since Patricia and I got married. Our relationship flowed so well. I’m still managing the company while Patricia is on her clinic. Ngayon, nagulat ako sa biglaang pag bisita ni Austine at kapatid kong si Ram sa’kin. Narito kami sa garden. Patricia was not at home, she was just going out to buy something. Austine is sharing some of his and Jess misunderstanding. “She’s asking for a break up?” I asked in surprise. “Why?” Lumihis ng tingin si Austine. “She wants to settle down already and you know I’m still not ready…” Natahimik kami Ram. Kaibigan ko siya at mahalaga si Jess kay Pat, hindi magandang mag hiwalay sila. “Bakit ba hindi ka pa ready?” ani Ram. “You two not getting younger anymore. Syempre, naiinggit ‘yon at naiisip na magpakasal-“ “Ayaw

CALLUM’S POV“Finally, you got her again. We’re happy for you,”I smiled at Austine, who were my best man again beside me while we were waiting for the big and elegant door to open. I roamed my eyes around and can’t help but to smile seeing our families together.“Thank you, bro…” bumuga ako ng hangin at pinagdaop ang palad. “Kinakabahan ako,”Natawa si Austine. “Ngayon ka pa ba kakabahan? Totoo na ang nararamdaman niyo ngayon. Unlike on the first wedding, you two look so stiffed,”Yeah, I remember that. How the beautiful Patricia glared at me while we’re exchanging vows. How we pretend that we love each other but today? There’s no pretending anymore.Today is our wedding day. Today will be one of the best day of my life for sure.“Dalawang beses na kayo ikakasal,” biglang sabi ni Austine. “Ngayon, naiinggit na si Jess. Sana walang pangatlo, ha”“Why don’t you marry her, then?” I asked confused.I frowned when I saw a hesitation in his face. “Alam mo naman na hindi pa ako ready. My bu

CALLUM’S POV“Callum, I swear, this is a silly idea!”Hindi ko pinansin si Austine na nakasimangot sa tabi ko. Nandito kami ngayon sa parking malapit lang sa clinic ni Patricia.“Come on, go outside. Do it!” pag pilit ko kay Austine na lumabas ng sasakyan ko.I pointed to him Patricia’s car just in front of us.“Damn, bakit ba kasi ako sumama sayo!” he gasped dramatically. “I can’t believe you come up with this corny idea-““Just shut up and do my favor,”I pushed him until he opened the door irritatingly.“Sa lahat ng humihingi ng pabor, ikaw ang makapal ang mukha!” usal niya. “Fuck, I don’t know you anymore. Ganito ka pala ka-corny pagdating sa pag-ibig. You’re whipped!”Natawa ako dahil nakasimangot siya’ng lumapit sa sasakyan ni Patricia. Tumingin muna siya sa paligid bago binutas ang gulong ng sasakyan. I smiled secretly. Perfect!Austine is still frowning when he returns.“Damn, I’m done! Wag mo na ulit ako idadawit sa ganitong bagay!”I tapped his shoulder before he left me her

CALLUM’S POV“Callum, I’m really sorry. I didn’t want to make that happen…”Umalingawngaw ang pag iyak ni Zara habang nakayuko sa harap ko. I didn’t expect her to be my visitor this morning.“Patricia’s right, I was too desperate. To get you, to snatch you from her,” she continuously sobbed. “The loss of your child makes me so guilty to what I did. I can't sleep at the thought of you both grieving,”Nag tiim bagang ako habang pinanonood siya.“What will I do with your sorry if she leaves? She left me and you can’t do anything about it,” malamig kong sabi.I saw her shoulder shaking. Hindi ako naaawa sa kanya.“Why are you here, anyway?” I asked harshly. “I don’t want to see you! I fucking hate you, Zara!”“I’m here to apologize, C-Callum-““I don’t need that,”In the middle of crying, she took something from her bag. She’s trembling and handed it to me, I didn't accept it so she just put it on the table.It was the supposed evidence against the Mr. Laurier. The recordings and some pic

PATRICIA’S POV“Doc, ano po ang update kay Miss Bella? Banned na po siya rito di ‘ba?I nodded to Nurse Aubrey as I studied my patient's urine test results this morning.“Yeah, I’m sorry about last week. Nakita niyo pa,”Hindi ko masyadong iniisip si Bella dahil sabi ni Callum, si Mrs. Velasquez mismo ang kumausap dito para tigilan na kami.So far, my interactions with Callum was good. Last week, we go out for a dinner. He still gives me flowers, we even visited Agatha. What we’re doing are so far to what I was thinking before. Akala ko...hindi na ‘yon mauulit. Akala ko mananatili na lang kaming iwas sa isa’t isa.“Ayos lang, doc. Mukhang okay na kayo ng asawa niyo,”I smiled with her term. Hindi na ako sanay na kilalanin si Callum bilang asawa dahil ilang taon kaming nagkahiwalay. Pero ngayon, pinararamdam niya sa’kin lahat ng bagay na hindi ko naranasan dahil lumayo ako.He also went to our house and talked to my parents.He asked permission to pursue me again. Knowing my parents ar

PATRICIA’S POVSeven years ago, I told myself to focus on my career, becoming a doctor. I thought it would be my priority through the years but when I came back here, a lot had changed.I can't understand myself anymore. I thought...I'll never feel anything for Callum. I just fooled myself.Ngayon, parang tanga ako’ng naghihintay ng pag punta niya rito sa clinic ko! I keep looking outside my office.“Patricia, stop it!” I whispered to myself.Pinilit kong mag focus sa trabaho. Ayaw kong maapektuhan ito ng mga iniisip ko. But minutes just passed, I just found myself staring at my phone and waiting for his reply, damn it!“Ano bang nangyayari sa’kin…” naguguluhan kong bulong.Tumayo ako at lumabas sa office.Natagpuan ko sila Nurse Aubrey na abala sa pag inject sa mga babies na kararating lang. Lihim pa ako’ng napasulyap sa labas ng clinic pero malinis doon.Bumuntong hininga ako bago nag asikaso sa ibang pasyente. Nakalimutan ko saglit ang iniisip. Natuwa ako sa mga batang paslit na pi

Rouge’s POVWhen I was young, I thought life would be better when I grow up, when I was able to stand up for myself. I thought I would live my life to the fullest but when my parents died, my life became miserable, messy and unworthy. “Please, Rouge. Don’t show me that bored reaction of yours again! Nasa kalagitnaan tayo ng meeting para sa bagong project ng kompanya!” Halos mapatalon ako sa upuan nang malakas na kumalampag sa long table ang mga papeles. Nag angat ako ng tingin at natagpuan ang matalim na mata ni Tito Benedict. I looked around and saw the horrible reaction of everyone inside even our stockholders so I sat properly and smiled forcefully.“What is it again, Tito? Sorry, I didn’t hear it carefully-““Didn’t hear it carefully or you’re just not paying attention? You are the damn CEO so act like one, Rouge!” he shouted angrily as if I’m being too much to him. “This is an important meeting so cooperate. Marami ka pang aasikasuhin pagkatapos nito.”I sighed heavily. I under

DOMINIQUE’S POVMaraming nangyari sakin sa loob ng isang linggo at sa lahat ng nangyari na ‘yon ay pare-pareho lamang…mga problema. Hindi ko alam kung sinumpa ako para magkaroon ng problema araw-araw at hindi maubusan. Ang nangyaring away sa pagitan namin at magulang ni Mike ay hindi ko makalimutan at sa tuwing naaalala ko ‘yon, gusto kong isampal sa kanila na hindi naman talaga namin kailangan ng tulong nila.I hated them for insulting us and being so irresponsible for their child's act!“Dominique, sundin na lang natin ang gusto ng kapatid mo…”Nilingon ko si Mama na nakaupo sa sofa habang pinanonood akong matapos kumain dahil papasok na ako sa trabaho. Nangungusap ang mata niya kaya hindi ko mapigilang pilit na ngumiti. “Ito na naman ba tayo, Ma?” pagod kong tanong. “Kung ayaw nila na panagutan si Diana, magandang kasuhan natin sila dahil paniguradong may laban tayo lalo na at menor de edad pa lang siya. She's only 16! Mali po ba ang opinyon ko?”"Maganda nga iyon pero... hindi iy

DOMINIQUE’S POVNatuod ako.Umawang ang labi ko at hindi makapaniwala sa narinig kay Rouge. I glanced at Andrew’s side and even he was surprised! Did Rouge just accused us flirting?! “Excuse me, Sir?” sabi ko na puno nang pagtitimpi, I clenched my fist. “What did you just say?”Halos patayin ko na si Rouge sa talas ng tingin ko sa kanya habang nahihimigan ko ang hindi pagiging komportable ni Andrew. “He just help me just so you know!” I can’t help but to shout. “How dare you accused us?!”“Because that’s what I’m seeing,” mariin at baritono ang boses na sabi niya. “You had the guts to deny it, huh?” Pagak akong natawa at naramdaman ang kamay ni Andrew sa braso ko kaya nilingon ko siya.“Hey, calm down. He’s still our boss,” Andrew whispered and looks in trouble then glanced at Rouge. “UH, sir…sorry for that but I just really help her. Sorry if you misinterpret it but I saw her struggling outside so I offered a help,”Halos hindi mapakali ang mata ni Andrew sa pagpapaliwanag kay Rou

DOMINIQUE’S POVI don't know how I managed not to punch Rouge after what he did. Pagkatapos ko mag pahinga saglit sa clinic ay bumalik na rin ako sa trabaho kahit medyo masakit parin ang ulo ko.Tingin ko nga, lalong sumakit ang ulo ko dahil kay Rouge.Ang nurse naman sa clinic ay kakaiba ang tingin sa’kin bago ako makaalis. I feel like she wants to ask me something else, she seems curious about the small cat fight of me and Rouge she saw that obviously gave her a bad impression about me.“Bakit ba bumalik ka agad? Namumutla ka parin, oh!” pangungulit ni Suzette sakin.“Lalo lang sumakit ang ulo ko roon,”“Bakit? Mataray ba yung nurse?” agad niya’ng bulong. “Maganda ba?”Umirap ako. “Puro ka chismis. Mag trabaho ka na lang,”“Ang sungit naman,” aniya.Napahilot ako sa sintido bago umiling. Maybe it's a good idea that I did not go to work. My headache just got worse.My whole day working did not goes so well. Bukod sa naging away namin ni Rouge kanina, mas lalong sumakit ang ulo ko sa

DOMINIQUE’S POVKinaumagahan, nagising ako’ng masama ang pakiramdam. I got a fever. Siguro dahil naulanan ako kagabi.“Bakit ngayon pa,” bulong ko atumupo sa kama.I touched my neck and felt the heat. Tsk, lagnat lang naman ito. May trabaho ako at hindi ako pwedeng umabsent.I stood up despite having a heavy head and left the room. Naabutan ko si Mama na nagluluto ng almusal, as usual. Agad siya’ng lumingon sa’kin at kumunot ang noo.“Dominique, namumutla ka. May lagnat ka?”Hindi pa ako nakakasagot ay lumapit na siya at hinaplos ang leeg ko.“Na’ko, may lagnat ka! Sinasabi ko na nga ba! Hinayaan mo kasing mabasa ka ng ulan kagabi!” aniya at natatarantang kumuha ng gamot.Napailing na lang ako at umupo sa lamesa. Kabisado ko na si Mama. Kung mag react akala mo may malubha na ako’ng sakit, hindi siya titigil hangga’t hindi ako nakakainom ng gamot.Kasalanan ko ba kasing umulan ng malakas kahapon?“Eto ang gamot mo, anak!” dumating si Mama at binigyan ako ng gamot. “Sakto at tapos na ak

DOMINIQUE’S POVI don't know why it happens to me, to feel pressure from someone. All my life, I’ve been so fierce. I don't allow myself to be dominated by someone just because they are better than me.Pero ngayon? Para akong napipi. I’m here sitting right after my boss in his own car.“Are you sure you’re just fine?” Rouge asked while driving. “You’re trembling in cold. Do you want some hot coffee-““No,” I said.Mas humigpit ang yakap ko sa sarili kasama ang malaking towel na binigay ni Rouge. Pinatay niya rin ang aircon ng sasakyan niya kaya mas nahiya na ako’ng mag salita.Sana lang ay walang makaalam tungkol dito, na mag kasama kami. Ayaw kong maakusahan ng kabit.“Are you usually going home alone? Without friend with you? Where’s Ms. Suzette?” he asked as if he’s interrogating me.I let out a heavy sighed.“Ngayon lang ako mag isa dahil may emergency si Suzette kanina,”Sa labas lang ako nakatingin. Malakas parin ang ulan.“Your boyfriend had a car so why doesn't he pick you up-

Patricia's POV"It's you…"My eyes were still widened. I can’t believe it. I know that my face shows surprise but I don't see it in her. She looks confident. Zara crossed her arms while still raising a brow. I feel like she’s insulting me with the way she looks.I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. It can't be like this. I need to act normal and professional. Calm yourself, Patricia!"So, you're Patricia Clemente, huh?" she said sarcastically."Yes, w-who are you?" I asked.She smirked. "Stop acting like you don't know me!"She said that in such a bitchy voice that I was instantly irritated. I clenched my hand and walked normally towards her. She raised her eyebrows again when I placed my bag on the sofa."What do you need?" I asked patiently."I'm waiting for Callum to come h

Patricia's POVI want to continue my sleep but the sound of the alarm clock on the side table envelops my ears. I slowly opened my eyes before turning off the alarm."Gosh! It's morning again!" I murmured before getting up.I fixed myself before going out but I was just going down the stairs when I saw a woman standing there. She's turning her back on me, she’s holding a mop and sweeping the floor.I quickly frowned.When she heard my footsteps, she turned to me and that's when I saw her face. Who's this? She's not familiar with me. I stared at her from head to toe, she's just wearing a simple shirt and long pants.I think she is in her mid-40."Good morning, mam," she greeted."Who are you?" I asked cautiously."I’m your maid. Sir Callum let us in here just this morning. We've working with them f

Patricia's POV"I need us to talk,"I caught my breath and stared boldly at Callum. Is what I am doing is right?"About what?" he asked while drinking water.I looked for an opportunity to talk to him and when I saw him going here in the kitchen, I immediately followed him."About...us," I said and my mind was a bit occupied.When I actually talk to him, I lose my words. It feels like his presence always absorbs my courage."You mean about our marriage?" he turned to me. "What about that?"He didn't seem interested based on his reaction so I was irritated."We need to have an agreement," I said calmly. "I realized we haven't talked about it so I think it's about time,"He pursed his lips before raising a brow. "Yeah, I forgot about that too. I'm too busy with the company..."Good thing he knows! If I don't tell him rig

Patricia's POVI keep looking around to make sure no one else is looking and watching my movements. I sat quietly while Raven ordered our food.He brought me here to my favorite Japanese restaurant. At first I wondered why he knew that I like to eat here."Are you sure that’s all you want to eat?" Raven asked softly."Yes…" I smiled shortly before looking around again.I don’t know what I should say or react to what he's doing. I was not comfortable with his stare so I just continued to look around and gently clasped my hand over the table."So it's true..."I turned to him and caught him staring at my hand.Gradually, my eyes widened to realize what he was staring at my hand. He's specifically looking at my wedding ring!"Uh-what are you s-saying?" I'm pretending to be clueless. 

Patricia's POV"What's your plan?"Jess's question piqued my curiosity. We are here in the school field and getting some air because we just finished an activity we did in the laboratory earlier.It was awesome though."Plan about what, Jess?""Duh! I'm just like this silent type but I've been counting the days since you and Callum got married!" she said and showed her phone screen to me."Calendar? Yeah, it's July 14 today…" I said simply.He rolled his eyes and looked disgusted before pointing to today's date itself. I'm right, huh?"You dumb! You're really numb! It's July 14th and you got married on April 14th!" she almost rolled her eyes at me. "It means you've been married for 3 months now!"I just frowned and looked at her in wonder. "Oh, yeah...it's been three months,"I

Patricia's POV"Could you please inform me? Your mom told me that you weren't at their home so I was worried,"Callum's serious voice echoed in the living room.I didn't answer. I remained with my head lowered and fiddling with my fingers. I never thought he would talk to me in such a serious way."It’s just strange that I didn’t see you here. You had my number so I hope that you just called or texted me? So that I got informed?"I couldn't stop myself and answered him. "I'm safe, okay? I fell asleep at Jess' condo and didn't realize the time,"He's too talkative today, huh. I just got home late! But when he comes home at night, I don't say anything."But a guy answered my call earlier. Are you letting someone else hold your phone?" there was an accusation in his tone."Tyrone answered the call bec