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Epilogue

Author: NicaPantasia
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-07-29 09:40:37
Warning: This chapter includes explicit sexual content and discussions of intimacy between characters. Reader discretion is advised.

THADDEUS DELA VERA

As our friends left after the party, nagkakaundagaga kami sa paglilinis ng bahay ni Cali. Ako ang naghuhugas, habang siya naman ay nag va-vaccum kahit na may cleaning bot na umiikot sa buong lapag.

Hindi daw kasi enough iyon at kailangang mabusisi siya sa paglilinis ng bahay para sa health ni Anchor. Lalo na't may asthma si Anchor.

While living with her for a few weeks, I noticed her maturity. Maybe being a mom and raising Anchor by herself makes her even more mature, strong, and independent.

Pero kahit na ganon, kabado parin ako na baka hindi niya ako kailangan sa pagpapalaki kay Anchor dahil nakaya niyang wala ako ng mahigit tatlong taon.

"What are you thinking?" Pagbabasag ni Cali sa mga iniisip ko.

Umayos ako sa pagkakaupo ko sa kama habang si Cali naman ay nagtutupi ng mga tuwalya.

“Do you need me, baby?” I asked. I bit my lips, fe
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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 towa

    Huling Na-update : 2024-07-18
  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   2 - The Investor

    He lifted me against the wall as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I wrapped my legs around him too. I missed him. I 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 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, almost shouting. But he jus

    Huling Na-update : 2024-07-18
  • 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,

    Huling Na-update : 2024-07-20
  • 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 in my mind. Did he run into an 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 n

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  • 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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-07-21
  • 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.

    Huling Na-update : 2024-07-21
  • 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 my first project after taking the position of 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 saakin

    Huling Na-update : 2024-07-22
  • 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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-07-22

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  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   Epilogue

    Warning: This chapter includes explicit sexual content and discussions of intimacy between characters. Reader discretion is advised.THADDEUS DELA VERAAs our friends left after the party, nagkakaundagaga kami sa paglilinis ng bahay ni Cali. Ako ang naghuhugas, habang siya naman ay nag va-vaccum kahit na may cleaning bot na umiikot sa buong lapag.Hindi daw kasi enough iyon at kailangang mabusisi siya sa paglilinis ng bahay para sa health ni Anchor. Lalo na't may asthma si Anchor.While living with her for a few weeks, I noticed her maturity. Maybe being a mom and raising Anchor by herself makes her even more mature, strong, and independent.Pero kahit na ganon, kabado parin ako na baka hindi niya ako kailangan sa pagpapalaki kay Anchor dahil nakaya niyang wala ako ng mahigit tatlong taon."What are you thinking?" Pagbabasag ni Cali sa mga iniisip ko.Umayos ako sa pagkakaupo ko sa kama habang si Cali naman ay nagtutupi ng mga tuwalya.“Do you need me, baby?” I asked. I bit my lips, fe

  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   45 - Sweet Home

    Warning: This chapter includes explicit sexual content and discussions of intimacy between characters. Reader discretion is advised.THADDEUS DELA VERAPabalik na kami ng Europe nang may nangyaring hindi namin inaasahan."Captain! The ship is sinking!" My first mate said as he went inside to my room. Nagpapahinga ako saglit dahil halos twenty hours na akong walang tulog dahil sa paiba-iba ang panahon, lalo na't umuulan na ng snow.Kaagad akong nagbihis at lumabas para puntahan ang bridge, but as soon as I went out of my room, everyone was panicking. Crew members were running in every direction, passengers were screaming, and the sound of water rushing through the hull was growing louder.Kinuha ko ang radio sa pantalon ko para iinform ang mga direktors na pakalmahin ang mga pasahero. My hands trembled slightly as I spoke, trying to maintain a steady voice despite the panic."This is the Captain speaking. I need all directors to inform the passengers to stay calm and proceed to their l

  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   44 - Together

    THADDEUS DELA VERANilibing si mama. Hirap na hirap akong bumangon dahil ang hirap bumangon ng wala ng dahilan para mabuhay. Pero tulad ng sabi ni Rafael, lalaban ako. Ilang buwan na akong umiiyak at feel ko hindi maubos-ubos iyon dahil sa sunod-sunod na nangyayari saakin.The house was taken away from me. Wala akong nadala kundi ang sarili ko at mga dokyumento at iilang mga damit. Hindi ko na sinabi sa mga kaibigan ko dahil sobrang dami na nilang naitulong saakin at hindi ko na alam kung paano bayaran lahat ng iyon.Ang alam nalang nila ay may tinitirhan ako. Nakakatawa kung paano ako umabot sa ganito. Wala nang natira sa perang iniipon ko na para sa apprenticeship ko dahil nagamit ko iyon sa libing ni mama.Napatambay ako sa labas ng convenience store, kumakain ng tinapay at nagbabasa ng libro para sa exam."Thad?" Nanginig ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Dustin. Pag-angat ko ay kasama niya si Andrei at mukhang lasing na."Bakit dito ka nag-aaral?" Napangiti ako sa tanong ni Dustin

  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   43 - Broke

    THADDEUS DELA VERAPagkatapos ng gabing unang pagtatalik namin ni Cali ay mas naging malapit kami sa isa't isa. Halos hindi ko na siya layuan. At wala akong pakealam na kung muling lalapit saakin ang tatay ni Cali.Mahal ko si Cali at hinding-hindi ko kayang malayo sa kanya. Ikakamatay ko.Parehong third-year na kami sa college. Parehong hectic na ang mga schedules kung kaya't hindi kami masyadong nagkikita.Graduating na sana ako ngayong taon, dahil tatlong taon lang naman ang kursong nautical. At isang taon bilang apprentice. Pero dahil sa working student ako, ay naging irregular ako at may mga subjects pang hindi nakukuha.Naging busy ako sa school, projects at trabaho. Minsan nakakalimutan kong replyan si Cali... O sadyang lumalayo lang talaga ako sa kanya...Muli akong binisita ng tatay niya, isang warning nalang ay tuluyang mawawala si Cali saakin at hinding-hindi ko na siya makikita pa.Kahit na busy ako sa sarili ko, hindi ko naman nakakalimutang tanawin si Cali mula sa malayo

  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   42 - Anniversary

    THADDEUS DELA VERASince that day, hindi ko na alam kung paano harapin si Cali. Natatakot ako na kung baka mas lalo ko siyang lapitan ay tuluyang dadalhin si Cali sa Europe.Mabuti nalang naging busy ako sa school at part-time—na hindi alam ni Cali na nagpa-part-time ako, dahil alam kong papahintuhin niya ako.Days before my birthday, Cali texted me.From: My World 💜Thad, are you free next week? Miss na kita. Tapos na ba kayo sa finals niyo? Call me when you're free. I love you!Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa cellphone ko nang hindi ko siya magawang replayan."Bro, basketball later, saan ka pupunta?" Tanong ni Marcos nang makitang nagmamadali akong ligpitin ang gamit ko."Pass, may gagawin ako." Walang emosyon kong sabi sa kanila tsaka nagmamadaling lumabas ng school.Uwian narin ni Cali. Tinanong ko kay Zen ang schedule niya. Nagtataka man siya pero hindi na masyadong nagtanong.Mula sa pwesto ko, kita ko si Cali na kakalabas lang ng gate. Nakakunot ang noo habang titig na titig s

  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   41 - Pride

    THADDEUS DELA VERA"Ma! Magsimula na tayong magtamin ng bulaklak!" Kinikilig kong sabi. Napatingin naman si mama saakin na nagtataka.I mean, sinong hindi, may mga bulaklak naman sa tapat namin, 'yun nga lang hindi magagandang bulaklak tulad ng rosas."At bakit naman? Huwag mong sabihing project, Thadeo! Hindi na uso ang ganon!" Natawa ako sa sigaw ni mama."May liligawan ang anak niyo, kaso mayaman nililigawan, kaya hindi ko mabilhan ng bulaklak, kaya magtatanim nalang." Nakangiti kong sabi kay mama.Lumapit naman siya saakin at pinalo ako ng tabo. "Magtanim ka! Hindi iyong ginugulo mo ako!"Muli akong natawa kay mama, parehong-pareho kay Cali, ang bilis uminit ng ulo. Napaka asar-talo!Kaya simula no'n ay natuto akong magtanim ng mga bulaklak, dumadami na ang tanim ko, kaya araw-araw dinadalhan ko si Cali ng bulaklak, tig iisang stem lang baka maubos agad mamoblema pa ako."Good morning, Cali!" Bati ko nang makita ko siya sa loob ng room, mag-isa palang. Hindi naman kasi uso early bi

  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   40 - Asar-Talo

    THADDEUS DELA VERAIlang linggo na ang nakakalipas, pero natotorpe parin akong kasaupin sa Cali. Paano, laging death glare ang binibigay saakin kapag ako ang may pinakamataas na score sa quiz. Hindi naman ako nakikipagkompetensya sa kanya, sadyang nakakabisado ko lang talaga kaagad ang mga lessons kahit na hindi na ako nagrereview.Lumabas ako para sa lunch kasama ang barkada, kasama rin namin si Zen at Lila, pero si Cali ay nagpaiwan sa loob at nagbabasa ng notes dahil may quiz kami mamaya.Naaawa akong makita siyang ganon dahil tingin ko pinipilit niya ang sarili niyang mag-aral kahit na feel ko talaga na ayaw niya, na para bang may nakapatong sa kanyang balikat na sobrang bigat. At kapag binagsak niya ang mga balikat niya, ay parang ikakabagsak niya rin iyon.May baon akong dala, pero bumili parin ako ng clubhouse sandwich at strawberry milk na lagi kong nakikitang binibili ni Cali para sa kanya. Kahit nabasawan man ang perang baon ko ay okay lang para rin naman kay Cali iyon.Nauna

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  • 9 Muses Series #1: Anchored Hearts   38 - Memories

    THADDEUS DELA VERAI stared blankly at the ocean, where the waves crashed fiercely against the shore. Despite the chaos of the sea, I found a strange comfort in its power. The night was dark, but the moon’s light was so bright that it outshone the stars.The cold breeze brushed against my skin, and I felt a tightness in my chest that I couldn’t quite understand. The calm of the night contrasted with the turmoil inside me, making the moment feel both peaceful and unsettling.“Thad,” I heard a voice and turned to see Jasmine approaching. She wore a thin fabric that barely covered her, shivering slightly in the cold.She sat on my lap, placing her hands on my shoulders, and leaned her head against my chest. “What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice soft.“Nagpapahangin. Ikaw?” sagot ko, halata ang pag-aalala para sa kanya. “Malamig na ah. Sobrang nipis pa ng sinuot mo, magkakasakit ka niyan.”Jasmine lifted her gaze, a hint of surprise in her eyes. She grinned and leaned closer. “A

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