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Epilogue
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9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 1 - Mine
As I entered the company, my secretary and other board members followed closely behind me. I was engrossed in my phone, scrolling through the negative feedback about our cruise ships."Bakit ang dali lang sa kanila ang manghusga ng basta-basta? Hindi ba nila alam na ang laking damage ito sa kompanya ko?" I thought bitterly. Our cruise ships have been on top since our great grandfather established the company. We have always provided excellent service to our guests and passengers, earning numerous awards over the years. And now, problems about our cruise ships' bad service are spreading like wildfire? What is wrong with these people?!My grip tightened on my phone as I walked towards the elevator, the anger simmering just below the surface. I was furious about the tainted reputation of our cruise ships."Miss Cali, there's someone who wants to invest," Monica's voice interrupted my thoughts."So? That's not my work, Monica. Let Era handle it," I snapped at her, continuing my stride tow
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 2 - The Investor
He lifted me up against the wall as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I wrapped my legs around him too. I missed him. I really do.In the heat of the moment, Thad gently carried me to the nearby couch, never breaking our kiss. The urgency between us intensified as our hands explored each other's bodies, tracing every curve and edge. His touch ignited a fire within me, and I responded eagerly, craving more of his closeness.As we continued to kiss, time seemed to slow down, and the world around us faded into the background. Each kiss became deeper and more intense, fueled by desire and a shared longing. Our hearts beat in sync, echoing the passion that burned between us.Eventually, we broke apart, breathless and flushed with desire. Thad's eyes met mine, filled with a mix of tenderness and hunger."Your body can't lie to me, Cali," he said in a rugged and husky voice. I bit my lips and avoided his stares. Fuck. What did I do?"I was drunk. And you take advantage of it!" I said, almos
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 3 - Sorry
I bit the inside of my cheek when I saw Thaddeus. Him? Investing in my company? Was this some ridiculous joke?"Good afternoon, Cali," he greeted with a smile. I glared at him and was about to walk away when he reached out and grabbed my hand. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through my veins.His touch brought back memories—intense and passionate moments we once shared. Despite my resolve to keep things professional, his presence stirred emotions I thought I had buried long ago."What do you think you're doing?" I said, trying to pull my hand away, but he held on firmly."Cali, please," he said earnestly, his eyes searching mine. "Let's talk. Give me a chance to explain."I hesitated, torn between the past and the present, between my business instincts and my personal history with him. Finally, I nodded reluctantly."Fine," I replied, my voice firm despite the turmoil inside me. "Let's talk, but keep it professional."He nodded, releasing my hand slowly. We sat down at the table,
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 4 - The Captain
Pagod na pagod akong humiga sa kama ko. Nakita kong tulog na si Zen nang makarating ako kaya hindi ko na siya ginising pa.Nang makapagpahinga ako saglit ay kaagad din akong tumayo para maligo. Lutang na lutang akong naliligo at hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto na ako nasa loob ng banyo.His words lingered on my mind. He ran into accident? Why... Why I didn't know about that? Totoo bang naaksidente siya?Maaga akong nagising at naabutan ko si Zen na pinapakialaman ang mga box at paperbags na nakatambak sa living area. Pati mga nalantang bulaklak ay inayos niya para itapon sana nang pigilan ko."Just leave it there, Zen."Napaangat naman ng tingin si Zen at tumaas ang kilay. Nagtataka kung kaninong galing iyon. Wala naman kasing card or pangalang nakalagay doon."May pupuntahan ka ba? May trabaho pa kasi ako." Sabi ko. Ramdam ang pagod sa boses ko.Hindi kasi ako nakatulog ng maayos dahil sa paulit-ulit kong naalala ang nangyari sa elevator, sa sasakyan niya maging sa mga sinabi niya sa
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 5 - By The Bay
The door swung open and I was glad that I was saved. There I saw Mel looks shocked when she saw Thaddeus.“Ow, you have a visitor.” Sabi niya sa boses na gulat pero kita ang pilyong ngisi sa kanyang labi. Napairap ako tsaka tumayo at hinayaan si Thaddeus na ligpitin ang pinagkainan ko.“So, what are you doing here?” Tanong ko kay Mel tsaka napaupo sa upuan ko at kinuha ang papers sa kabilang lamesa para ipagpatuloy ang pagbabasa.“When did you got here, Captain?” Mel asked Thaddeus. Captain? Huh? Captain? Ng alin? Pagkakaalala ko Thaddeus wants to be a seaman. Is he a captain now?“Last month.” Nakangiting sagot ni Thaddeus. Napatingin naman saakin si Mel na may kahulugang ngisi.“Ow, and anong ginagawa mo rito? Sinadya mo lang ba si Cali?” Tanong niya pa, pero nakatingin ito saakin kaya iniwas ko ang tingin ko at pinagpatuloy ang pagbabasa ng reports.I made myself busy while they're having a conversation, but I can't help to listen.“Oh, I signed a contract earlier. And I noticed Ca
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 6 - Bracelet
I stared blankly out of the floor-to-ceiling window of my condo, the city lights below flickering in the night. Sipping on a glass of red wine, I found myself unable to settle down for sleep. Zendria wasn't coming home tonight; she had decided to stay over at Andrei's place. Ang landi!I chuckled to myself, shaking my head at Zendria's antics. She was always the adventurous one, unapologetic about her choices in life and love. Part of me envied her carefree spirit, while another part couldn't help but worry about her.The wine tasted bitter on my tongue, matching the swirl of emotions inside me. Thoughts of Thaddeus lingered despite my attempts to push them away. His unexpected visit earlier had stirred up memories I thought were long buried. His new role as a captain added another layer of complexity to the situation. Could I trust him again? Did I even want to?Setting the glass down on the window sill, I walked over to the plush sofa and sank into it, staring at the dimly lit room.
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 7 - Anchored Hearts
Mel, Era, and I are on our way to the airport, where our private plane awaits, ready to take us to Germany. That's where Urania, our newly-built cruise ship, is located. Today is the big day—the inspection. If everything goes well, we will move her to Amsterdam and later to Singapore to serve the Asia-Far east countries.As our car speeds toward the airport, I glance out the window, the cityscape blurring past. The anticipation of the trip fills the air, a mix of excitement and nerves. Mel and Era are discussing last-minute details, ensuring every aspect of the inspection is covered."Do you think everything will go smoothly?" Era asks, her voice tinged with concern."I believe so," I reply confidently, pero may parte parin saakin na kinakahaban, pero hindi ko na iyon pinahalata sa kanila.It's actually my first project after taking the position as CEO. I've worked hard for eight years to fully accomplish our last ship, which is part of the Nine Muses.Kaya naman ay may parte parin sa
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 8 - I Like You
"Because no matter how hard I try to forget you, I just can't, Cali. My heart's anchored to your heart. And no matter how far my ship travels, it will always come back to its home. To your heart, Calliope Anna."I couldn't sleep the whole night. Nakatambay lang ako sa balcony ng kwarto ko dito sa barko at nakatingin parin sa kawalan. Mag aalas kwatro na ng umaga, at kahit namamaga at pagod na pagod ang mga mata ko, ay hindi ko magawang makatulog.Mga kwento at salita ni Thaddeus ang siyang hindi nagpatulog saakin. I... I really shut my world to him. Nilayo ko ang sarili ko sa kanya, sarado ang isip ko sa mga balitang tungkol sa kanya kahit na kating-kati na ibahagi saakin ng mga kapatid ko ang tungkol kay Thaddeus."Ang hirap mo namang mahalin, Cali." His words struck to my mind and heart like a sharp knife. Na siyang nagdagdag ng lalim sa sugat ng nakaraan.Am I really hard to love?"Cali! Cali! May nagkakagusto sa'yo!" Natatawang sabi ni Eros. Inirapan ko siya, pero kaagad niya akon
Pinakabagong kabanata
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts Epilogue
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 45 - Sweet Home
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 44 - Together
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 43 - Broke
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 42 - Anniversary
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 41 - Pride
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 40 - Asar-Talo
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 39 - Crush
9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts 38 - Memories
