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31 - The End To A New Beginning
Last Updated:
2024-10-08 09:03:07Related chapters
9 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 32 - Game To Play
I lazily stared at my reflection in the mirror, eyes half-lidded, while my personal stylist shuffled through racks of dresses, attempting to find something “appropriate” for tonight's private dinner with the Malcoys. My hairdresser was busy meticulously curling and pinning my hair, making sure every strand was perfectly in place. “How about this one, Miss Era?” Sylvia asked cautiously, holding up a simple white dress. It was modest, almost too modest—definitely not my style. My eyes narrowed as I raised a brow, my lips curling into a faint smirk. Napaatras naman si Sylvia, nanginginig ang mga kamay habang nakahawak sa dress na pinakita nito sa akin. “Really, Sylvia?” I drawled, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “How long have you been working with me now? A year? Two? And you still don’t know what I prefer?” I leaned forward, eyes locked on hers through the reflection of the mirror. “Or are you just trying to get yourself fired?” Namutla naman si Sylvia habang itinabi ang damit sa g
Last Updated : 2024-10-099 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 33 - Drinks To Offer
Ayokong matali nang kanino-nino lang! Not that I haven't been enjoying my life. Pitong taon akong nakakulong sa pugad ni daddy kaya ayokong magpakasal ng basta-basta. Not with someone I don’t know at all. “Heck no. Why would I do that when I can have you forever? No. I will not call off our engagement and our wedding.” Kainis! Akala ko pa nalan ay makukuha ko na. “No then. Madali akong kausap.” I pushed him lightly and fixed myself. Nag-lipstick din ako dahil natanggal iyon nang halikan niya ako. Just before I could leave the bathroom, Gabriel grabbed me and pinned me to the wall. Sinamaan ko ng tingin ang lalaki but he rashly kisses my neck. “You’re mine, Era.” He said in between his breaths. I smirked wider as I let Gabriel do whatever he wanted with my body. He roughly squeezed my thigh and pulled me closer until our bodies pressed together. He groaned when he felt the heat of my body against his, but I yawned. Napaka-boring. His other hand made its way to my chest, roughly
Last Updated : 2024-10-109 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 34 - Watching
My eyes widened as I heard him calling me Adeline. Walang ibang tumatawag sa akin no’n kun’di si Josh lang. And now seeing him in front of me feels like a dream—or maybe a nightmare. Kaagad akong tumayo para maglakad palabas ng club. Pero hinahabol ako ni Josh. “Adeline, wait!” But I didn’t stop. Bakit ba siya nandito? Anong ginagawa niya rito? Of all places? Paano niya ako nahanap? But then, I realize that he’s the son of a mafia boss. He has all of his resources. Pero bakit ngayon pa? Sampung taon na ang nagdaan, bakit ngayon pa kung kailan tahimik na ng buhay ko? “Adeline!” Sinundan lang ako ni Josh hanggang sa makalabas kami ng club, and this time, he grabbed my hands. Marahas ko namang hinila ang kamay ko sa pagkakahawak niya. “Do I know you?” I asked irritably. Halos bumaon na ang kuko ko sa palad ko dahil sa higpit ng pagkakayukom ko. “Adeline…” My heart aches whenever he calls me Adeline. Fvk. I should have hated him, just like how I hate Dominic. But fvk. The more
Last Updated : 2024-10-119 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 35 - When I'm With You
Nasa iisang kwarto kami ngayon ni Rian, busy siya sa kaka-scroll ng cellphone niya habang ako naman ay nakatitig sa kesame. “Rian,” tawag ko sa babae. “Hmm,” “I need an advice,” saad ko habang hindi pa rin inaalis ang tingin sa kesame. My mind’s been clouded with questions that I don’t know how to answer—or maybe I’ll keep denying it to myself, kaya hindi ko masagot-sagot. Gumalaw ang kama at naramdaman ko ang pagtitig ni Rian sa akin. “What is it, babe? Tungkol saan?” “He’s back.” I heard her gasps. Ang kaninang nakadapa sa kama ay napaupo na. Tinignan ko siya at nagkalong naman siya ng unan. “Do you still love him?” She asked, her brows furrowed. Napabasa ako ng labi, tsaka muling napatingin sa kesame. “I don’t know. Siguro mas nangingibabaw ang galit ko sa kanya?” Patanong na sagot ko sa babae. “That’s valid. After all, he lied to you.” Rian to give comfort. “He said sorry,” my voice cracked. And from my peripheral view, I saw how Rian’s lips curved to the side. She’s
Last Updated : 2024-10-129 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 36 - Ghost
Josh and I reached his condo. Ayaw niyang dalhin ko siya sa condo ko at baka matunton daw ako ng mga humahabol sa amin. Eh kung sana hindi lang siya lumapit sa’kin baka tahimik pa rin ang buhay ko hanggang ngayon! Dumadaing ang lalaki habang inaakay ko siya papunta sa sofa niya. Halos ayaw tumigil ang dugo niya sa kakaagos dahil natamaan siya ng bala kanina sa balikat nang sagipin niya ako.I feel bad! Pero kasalanan niya naman kung bakit ako nasa panganib! Dinamay niya ako! Tahimik lang ako nakatayo sa tapat ng airport, tapos hihilahin niya ako para idamay?!“Kit?” iritable kong tanong. At naging nurse pa nga ako. Instead of having a beauty sleep right now, ay nag-alaga pa ako ng batang pasaway!Ngumuso naman siya sa direksyon papuntang kusina. Napa-poker face ako sa ginawa niya. Pero napatawa lang ito ng mahina.“Call Meredith,” aniya.Napataas naman ang kilay ko sa utos niya. “Hindi mo ako sekretarya para tawagan ang pinsan mo!”Muli siyang tumawa pero may nagsalita sa likuran ko
Last Updated : 2024-10-139 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 37 - Stares
“Era! Wake up! Wake up!” Rinig ko ang boses ni Mel tsaka ramdam ko ang pag-alog ng kama ko dahil sa patalon-talon nito. Nahihilo naman ako sa ginagawa niya, kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin, pero napahagikgik lang ang babae. I groaned in annoyance, turning my body to the other side to avoid her, but suddenly felt arms wrapping around me. A soft giggle followed, and I instantly recognized it. “Babe, stop with your wet dreams already,” Rian teased, her voice laced with amusement. “You’ve been moaning and groaning in your sleep.” When I opened my eyes, I saw her smirking at me, her eyes full of playful mischief. Napaupo si Mel sa tabi ko at tinusok pa ang gilid ko. “Gosh, Josh is looking so hot now than before. I mean with his yummy body, I swear! I could’ve been taste—” Before she could finish her sentence, Rian smacked her lightly on the back of her head. “Huwag kami, Mel! Stop dreaming about him! You’ve got your own Tristan! Josh is all Era’s now. Si Tristan ang pagnasaan mo, h’w
Last Updated : 2024-10-149 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 38 - Auction
Tumikhim ako, pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili habang mahigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa baso ng wine. I took a slow sip, hoping the warmth of the alcohol would calm the rapid beating of my heart. Josh’s touch, however, only made it worse. His hands, warm and possessive, trailed over my body in a way that sent shivers down my spine. It was as if every inch he touched ignited a fire within me—one I wasn’t sure I wanted to extinguish. Hinarap ko si Josh at napaatras naman ito ng bahagya, pero hindi parin nawawala ang pilyong ngisi sa kanyang mukha. “Don’t tell me you want to invest in our company?” Giit ko sa lalaki. He moves further away from me as he grabs the small towel on the couch and dry his hair with it. “If that will make me have you,” he said casually. Inis akong naglakad papuntang lamesa kung saan ko pinatong ang mga papeles na kailangan niyang pirmahan para maging investor na ito sa kompanya namin. I was about to tear the paper in front of him, when he spoke. “I was
Last Updated : 2024-10-159 Muses Series #2: Love & Lies 39 - I'll Live For You
Hindi ko alam kung matutuwa ba ako sa ginawa ni Josh. Magpapasalamat ba o ano? Do he think na makukuha niya ako sa ganito? Well, maybe. I’m just starting. Hindi ko inaakalang ganito kayaman si Josh! Mas mayaman pa ata ang lalaki kesa sa akin.The host and his assistant walked towards us to give us the black diamond necklace worth two billion US dollars that he bidded. 370 lang last offer ni Tim, tapos ginawa niyang two billion? Pwede namang five hundred lang, bakit inabot pa ng billion? Kumita pa ang organizers ng event na ‘to. Tsk.Josh’s bodyguards surrounded us when Josh picked the necklace from its red velvet box. Nakangiti niya naman akong hinarap tsaka naglakad papuntang likod ko para isuot sa akin ang kwintas. I instinctively touched the necklace, feeling the cool black diamonds, small and intricate, surrounding the large central pendant. It was beautiful, no doubt about that—heavy, but in a way that made me feel its importance.The host’s lips curled, with amusement in his fa
Last Updated : 2024-10-16
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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
