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22 - Christmas Ball
Last Updated:
2024-09-27 09:31:13
NicaPantasiaThis chapter is unedited. Kaya maraming grammatical errors, misspelled, missing words etc. So please bear with it. Thank you, and enjoy reading!
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9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 23 - Danger
Warning: English ahead! So, Josh’s POV is written in English. Grammatical errors are everywhere! Misspelled, missing words, etc. please bear with it as this is my first draft.JOSH DEPIERO/JOSIAH EROS LUCHESÉI tried to compose myself as Adeline kept nagging me with her endless chatter. It was my first day of school, and the fact that I was sitting beside her only intensified the butterflies in my stomach. My heart raced uncontrollably, each beat echoing in my ears like a drum. I couldn’t help but feel insane for being this way, but there was something about her energy that made everything else fade away.Adeline became my Tagalog tutor, but the truth is, I already knew how to speak Tagalog. It was just too much fun to see her reaction every time she got annoyed or frustrated when I pretended not to understand what she was teaching me. Her eyebrows would furrow, lips pursing into a tight line, and she’d let out an exasperated sigh.“Josh, it's kumain! Not kumayan!” she’d correct me fo
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JOSH DEPIERO/JOSIAH EROS LUCHESS I stared at Adeline, who’s playing my hands enthusiastically. She’s doodling my hands, and I let her mess it with permanent pens. This side of her is cute. “What do you want to be when you grow, Josh?” She asked. Just to be with your side, Adeline. I wished nothing but us. “Hmm, what do you mean?” I gently asked. She lifted up her gaze on me and squinted her eyes. I chuckled seeing how cute she is when she does that. “I mean once we graduated from highschool. What course do you want to take?” What to say to her? “Do I need to take that?” I asked trying to be innocent, and then she laughed. Oh. Her laughs is really music to my ear. She is the reason why I chose this peaceful life, even though the hell is still chasing the fvking sake out of me. “Of course, Josh! Kailangan. For your job—well, mukhang mayaman ka naman, do you even need to work?” she narrowed her eyes on me, but then she chuckled. I stared at her. The more I spend time with Adel
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JOSH DEPIERO/JOSHIAH EROS LUCHESÉ “Oh no, I found you brother.” Joshua said in his deep and menacing tone. I shot a death glare towards my brother but he devilishly played the gun on his head, scratching it like a crazy maniac. Doon ko napansin ang pagbigat ng katawan ni Adeline. She collapsed. “Era!” Melpomene’s scream pierced the chaos, drawing both Joshua’s and my attention toward her. “Stop doing this, Joshua. We’re brothers. How could—” I said, trying to calm the whole situation. “If you didn’t escape, this won’t happen, Eros.” His voice cracked with pain, a sound so familiar yet foreign in this moment. I knew, deep down, this was my fault. Our father never treated us equally. He was always more focused on me, grooming me as the heir to his empire—a role I never wanted. But Joshua, who was constantly overlooked, resented me for it, and it twisted him. Joshua was desperate to prove himself, desperate to please our father in ways I never cared to. I knew that if he broug
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I had a dream. A very bad dream. Tumatakbo daw ako at may mga lalaking humahabol sa akin. Kaliwa’t kanan ang pagputok ng mga baril at tanging pagtili at pagsigaw lang ang nagagawa ko habang tumatakbo palayo sa kanila. Iyak rin ako ng iyak habang nagdadasal na sana may tumulong sa akin. Funny. Because I’m not religious, pero sa pagkakataong iyon ay nasubukan kong magdasal. I’m in danger. What the heck? I was celebrating a wonderful Christmas ball with Josh, binigyan niya pa ako ng kwintas. Kwintas… Kaagad akong nagising nang maalala ang kwintas. Nagising? Am I sleeping with my conscious thoughts? Nakaramdam ako ng pananakit ng ulo nang kaagaran akong napabalikwas. I muttered a curse due to a severe headache. Ilang beses kong iniling ang ulo ko para mawala ang pananakit, pero mas lalo lang ata akong nakaramdam ng hilo. “Era!” Narinig ko ang boses ni Cali kaya kaagad kong nilingon ang kapatid ko. She’s… crying? Why? “Thanks, God.” she muttered as she held my both hands and she
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JOSH DEPIERO/ JOSIAH EROS LUCHESSÉ “Eros!” I turned around and saw Meredith who’s running towards me. I turned to see her sprinting toward me, her face twisted in distress. She was out of breath by the time she reached me, so I grabbed her by the arms to steady her. “Si… Si Sienna…” she stammered, struggling to catch her breath. Her chest heaved as she tried to get the words out. “What’s with Sienna, Mer?” I asked, my voice hard, but my insides churned with unease. I fought to stay calm, but I could feel the tremors spreading through my body, not out of fear, but sheer, uncontainable anger. Just the mention of Sienna’s name sent a surge of rage through me, my mind immediately darting to Adeline. Kita ko ang kaba sa mga mata ni Meredith, she’s pale and tense, as if the news she was about to say is something that’s out of control, and the silence she’s giving now is making me more worried. “What is it, Mer?” I demanded again, more forcefully this time. Napansin ko ang p
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Nagising ako sa isang hindi pamilyado na lugar. Nakahiga ako sa isang malambot na kama, may mga bahid ng dugo at dumi ang suot kong damit. Kaagad akong napabalikwas nang maalala kong kasama ko sila Cali at Mel kanina, pero nang ilibot ko ang tingin ko sa paligid ay hindi ko sila nakita. “Cali… Mel…” tawag ko sa mga kapatid ko. Kinakabahan ako. Mukhang maayos naman ang lugar ko, pero hindi ko makita ang mga kapatid ko. Did something bad happen to them too? Are they hurt? The gunshots… blood… our driver and bodyguard died… How about my sisters? Nasaan sila… Tatayo na sana ako nang may naramdaman ako sa paa ko, at nang tignan ko iyon ay may kadenang nakatali sa magkabilang paa ko. What the heck?! Ano ito?! Bakit kailangang nakatali ang mga paa ko? Anong akala nila makakatakas ako?! Teka… Am I kidnapped? “Sorry, missy but you’ll be my hostage.” Shit! Naalala ko ang babae! Sino iyon?! “Cali! Mel!” Sigaw ko. Naiiyak ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Abot langit na tal
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Halos hindi makapali si Eros sa loob ng kanyang sasakyan habang tinatahak ang daan papunta sa lugar kung nasaan si Era. Nahanap na nila si Era at nagmamadali itong puntahan ang kanyang pinakamamahal. Doble ang kaba nito sa mga samu’t saring lumalabas na katanungan sa kanyang utak. “Does she hurt?” “Is she fine?” “Did Sienna do something to her?” Halos mabaliw si Eros sa loob sa kakaisip kay Era. At habang lumilipas ang bawat segundo, alam niyang nanganganib si Era. “Faster!” Pagalit nitong utos sa drayber nito. Napatingin naman sa kanya ang bodyguard nito mula sa rear mirror, at halos hindi niya na makilala ang kanyang amo sa pagiging aligaga nito. Eros is much different now, he’s scared, troubled and his whole body is trembling in nervousness. Inaalala niya si Era, kung ligtas pa rin ba ito hanggang sa ngayon. He failed as his boyfriend. He failed to protect the woman she loves the most, and now, Era is being held captive by the vicious Sienna—one of the most fear
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Abot langit ang kaba ni Erato sa narinig nito na kung hindi niya papatayin si Eros, ay silang dalawa mismo ang papatayin niya. And Erato knows that Sienna is not joking. She may not know her personally, but she knows what that woman is capable of. Pinakitaan na siya ni Sienna kung paano nito laruin ang kutsilyo ng wala kahirap-hirap, kung paano nito patayin ang ibon ng nasa kanya ang atensyon, kung paano nito itapon ang kunai blades sa kanyang direksyon na hindi man lang siya natatamaan. And now that Sienna is holding a gun, she will not think twice to aim the gun at her head, and with one wrong move, she knows she’ll be lying on the coffin, lifeless. “Why are you doing this?” Era asked, her voice trembling but firm, eyes burning with anger and desperation. “What did we ever do to you?” Sienna chuckled darkly, flicking her gun casually. “You exist. That’s all it takes. Eros chose you, not me. And I hate losing.” Her smile faltered for a moment. Namumula ang mga mata at tenga ni S
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9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies Epilogue
EPILOGUEJOSIAH EROS LUCHESSEIt took me years to clean up the mess. I confessed my sins, knowing I’d never be seen as a good man in the eyes of God. But for Adelaide and Josh, I’ll do everything to leave the mafia world behind and create a better life for my family. I kept following her, but I didn’t know how to face her. So, I focused on building my career instead. I became the CEO of DePiero Enterprises—a company my mother inherited, which was on the verge of bankruptcy ever since my father died. I worked tirelessly, clawing my way up, sacrificing everything to earn enough to spoil my family. They deserve nothing less, and I’ll do whatever it takes to give them the life they’re worthy of.I finally showed up to our son. Talking to him was fun; he’s so much like her—so talkative and full of life. He even stood up for a little girl who was being bullied—just like Adeline always did whenever she saw someone in trouble. I couldn’t help but chuckle, watching him grow into such a good
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 64 - Sienna
JOSIAH EROS LUCHESSE“Adeline, don’t leave me, hmm?” I pleaded, wrapping my arms around her from behind.She chuckled softly, turning to face me as she set the paintbrush back in its holder. Cupping my face gently, a sweet smile spread across her lips.“Baka nga ikaw pa ang mang-iwan sa’kin,” she teased. “Kapag iniwan mo ako, hinding-hindi na kita tatanggapin sa buhay ko, Josh. Kahit pa magmakaawa ka at suyuin ako. No. Never. Kaya don’t leave me.”Napatawa ako ng marahan sa sinabi niya at inayos ang hibla ng buhok na nakaharang sa kanyang mukha. I pulled her closer and sat down on the couch, letting her rest against me. “You love me so much, huh?” I teased.Napaismid naman siya. “Asa ka.”But I couldn’t help but laugh when she rested her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her small frame, holding her close. She was so tiny and delicate, yet she was the strongest and most independent woman I’d ever known.“Subukan mo talaga, Josh… Iiyak at magagalit ako. At kahit na mahal n
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 63 - Confrontation
ERATO ADELINE DEVIN-LUCHESSE “Mommy! Mommy, wake up!” Napaungol ako nang marinig ko ang boses ni Josh, tsaka ako gumulong sa kabilang kama, para magpatuloy sa pagtulog.“20 minutes, Josh. Inaantok pa si mommy, call Mommy Nia to fetch you here, okay?” Saad ko tsaka muling napaidlip, at bago pa tuluyang mapalal ang tulog ko nang maalala ko ang nangyari kagabi, kaya naman ay napabalikwas kaagad ako ng upo.Napatawa si Josh sa ginawa ko, pero napaungol ako dahil sa sobrang kirot ng ulo ko. Napahawak pa ako sa ulo at inipit iyon na para bang kapag ginawa ko ay mawawala na ang sakit sa ulo ko.“Fvk.” mura ko nang hindi mawala-wala ang sakit no’n.“What’s fvk, mommy?” Muli akong napaungol dahil sa tanong ni Josh kaya napaupo ako ng maayos at tinignan ang anak ko. Medyo nahihilo pa at dalawa siya sa paningin ko.I grabbed my son’s arms and pulled him closer to me.“That’s bad words, anak and you can’t say that to anyone. So please, refrain yourself from cursing okay?” Saad ko sa anak ko ha
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 62 - Husband
ERATO ADELINE DEVIN-LUCHESSE “You seemed drunk, Lady. Can I drop you to your home?”Hindi ko siya pinansin at tumayo para sana bumalik na lang sa hotel, dahil mukhang wala pang balak magsiuwian ang mga kasama ko nang natapilok ko kaya napadaing ako sa sakit.“Are you okay?” Puno ng pag-aalala niyang saad tsaka ito napatayo rin para lapitan ako.“Back off,” matigas kong sabi sa lalaki nang simulan niya akong hawakan.He chuckled again. “You’re really cute when you’re drunk, my Adeline.” My Adeline. Sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko nang marinig ang pagtawag niya sa pangalan ko. His voice. That voice. It tugged at memories I thought I had buried long ago. Pilit kong inihilig ang ulo ko para mawala ang pagkakalabo ng paningin ko at nang medyo luminaw na ay napaatras ako nang makilala kung sino iyon.But before I could stumble, his arm circled my waist, steadying me, pulling me closer. His breath was warm against my face, sending shivers down my spine.“Nakakatampo, mahal,” he murmured,
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 61 - At The Bar
ERATO ADELINE DEVIN-LUCHESSETitig na titig ako kay Josh habang mahimbing itong natutulog sa tabi ko. Sinuklay ko ang kanyang buhok na medyo humahaba na dahil nakalimutan kong dalhin siya sa barber para sana pagupitin siya.Hindi ako makatulog. Josh’s words keep replaying on my mind like a broken cassette. Is that real? Eros went to see him? Bakit sa kanya lang? Bakit sa’kin hindi? Ano ba talaga totoo? Is he alive? Gusto kong panghawakan ang sinabi ng anak ko, na baka nga buhay si Eros lalo na nang sabihin ni Lander na IP address ng internet mula sa condo ko ang ginamit para mai-send ang video na iyon sa cellphone ko.Hindi ko na alam. Gusto kong maniwala na baka nga buhay pa si Eros. Pero bakit hindi niya pa rin ako nilalapitan? Nakakatampo. Nakakagalit.Buong maghapon akong naglinis ng condo ko. Naglaba, naghugas ng mga linis na pinggan, paulit-ulit na pagva-vaccum sa bahay. Pero kahit anong gawin ko para mawala lahat ng tungkol sa sinabi ni Josh ay hindi maalis alis sa utak ko. “E
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 60 - Stranger
ERATO ADELINE DEVIN-LUCHESSEPagkauwi ko ay naabutan ko si Josh kalaro si Nia at Thalia, habang tulala naman si Poly sa sofa. Sobrang kalat ng sala dahil sa daming laruan na nakakalat, maging mga coloring materials din ni Josh ay nakakalat.“Mommy!” sigaw ng anak ko nang makita niya akong naglalakad papalapit sa kanila.“Baby! How’s your day? Did you have fun?” tanong ko sa anak ko, pero napaungol naman sa inis si Poly kaya napalingon kaming lahat sa kanya. “That bastard! Lagot siya sa’kin kapag nakita ko siya ulit! Argh!” Sigaw nito, kaya napatingin ako kina Thalia, but they shrugged their shoulders at muling binalik ang atensyon kay Josh.Hinubad ko ang heels ko at sinubukang buhatin ang anak ko pero hindi ko na kaya dahil ang laki na niya. Natawa naman sila nang makitang nahihirapan na akong buhatin ang anak ko. “Mommy you don’t have to carry me anymore! I’m big na kaya!” Ginulo ko naman buhok ni Josh. “You’re still mommy’s baby,” naluluha kong saad. Lumapit naman si Josh sa’k
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 59 - Move On
ERATO ADELINE DEVIN-LUCHESSE“The IP address was tracked at your condo, Era.”At my condo… Nanghihina akong napaupo sa swivel chair ko dito sa opisina ko matapos kong puntahan si Lander para ipatingin ang mga videos na nasa cellphone ko. Hindi pa rin ako mapakaniwala sa sinabi niya. Tracked at my condo? Hindi ko alam kung matatakot ba ako o matutuwa na malaman kong nasa paligid lang si Eros o baka naman e minumulto lang ako ng lalaking iyon.“Miss Era, may ipapadagdag ka pa ba na decorations para sa birthday ni Josh?” tanong ni Agatha na siyang sekretarya ko.Napaisip ako. At tatango na sana nang maalala ko ang mga videos ni Eros para sa anak namin. “Wait,” aniya ko tsaka ko kinuha ang cellphone kong nasa bag ko.“I have some videos here from his dad. Make sure that you will play these after the birthday song,” utos ko sa kanya.“Copy, Miss Era. Anything?”I leaned back in my chair, tapping the tail of my pen against the table as I stared blankly ahead. “Is the security tightened?” I
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 58 - Videos
ERATO ADELINE DEVIN-LUCHESSE“Mommy! Mommy!” Nilingon ko si Josh na tumatakbo papalapit sa’kin bitbit ang pirasong papel at lapis. Ningitian ko siya at binuka ang magkabilang braso ko para yakapin ant anak ko.“What is it, baby?” My voice is sweet as honey while smiling at him.“Mommy, look!” Josh said with enthusiasm in his voice.Kaagad itong nakarating sa’kin at pinakita ang kung ano sa kanyang papel. Nang makita ko iyon ay napakagat ako ng labi na isang family picture na pala namin iyon.There’s his grandpa, grandma, his Mommy Cali and Daddy Thaddeus together with Anchor, Talon and Talia, Mommy Kleio, Mommy Ali, Mommy Mel and Daddy Tristan, Mommy Lia, Mommy Athena, Mommy Poly, and Mommy Nia and most especially, his dad Eros na siyang katabi naming dalawa.“Mommy, where’s daddy?” Malungkot na tanong anak ko. Binitawan ko ang ballpen na hawak ko dahil may mga pinipirmahan akong papeles, para buhatin ang anak ko at iupo siya sa kandungan.Josh is now four and in the next two months
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 57 - You're My Smile
ERATO ADELINE DEVIN-LUCHESSEHawak ko ang daliri ko kung saan nakalagay ang singsing na sinuot ni Josh no’ng araw ng kasal namin habang malayo ang tanan sa bintana. Hindi ko pa rin makalimutan ang lahat. Sariwa at masakit pa rin.“Era! Maghanda ka na! Jusko kang bata ka!” sigaw ni mommy nang buksan niya ang pintuan ng silid ko tsaka ito pumasok at lumapit sa crib na katabi ng kama ko. Marahan niyang binuhat ang anak ko, kaya lumapit ako sa kanila.“Nako, anong oras na! At hindi ka pa nagbibihis, bilisan mo! Aalis na tayo ng maya-maya,” stress na saad ni mommy.Bago pa ito makaalis ay niyakap ko siya kasama ang isang taong gulang kong anak. “Thank you, mom.”“Umayos ka, hindi ko forte ang drama! Stress na ako sa kadramahan niyo ni Cali! Bilis, magbihis ka na at baka mahuli pa si Josh sa araw ng birthday niya!” singhal ni mommy sa’kin tsaka ako kumawala sa pagkakayakap.Mabilis namang nakalakad si mommy palabas ng kwarto ko. Alam kong iiyak na naman iyon, kaya nagmamadali siyang umalis
