10 years agoPuno ng kaba ang dibdib na pinagmamasdan ni Tala ang test paper niya sa katatapos lang na Math exam nila kaninang umaga. Naroon siya sa ilalim ng puno, sa isang bench naghihintay ng sundo. She went away from any crowd as possible. Ayaw niyang may makakita sa papel na hawak niya. All her classmates were rejoicing earlier. Pero hindi niya yon nagawa. Why? She failed the test yet again. Pangatlo na iyon. At mahigpit na ibinilin sa kanya ni Mr. Torres, ang Math teacher nila na kapag nakakuha pa siya ng isang failing grade sa anumang test sa subject nito, ipapatawag na nito ang Mommy at Daddy niya, bagay na ayaw niya sanang mangyari kahit na kailan. Paano, sa kanilang magkakapatid, siya lang ang mahina sa numbers. Mayumi and Dakila are both Math geniuses since they were kids. Hindi gaya niya na halos isumpa ang numbers and all related subjects to it. She hates numbers. They are complicated and they don't interest her a bit. Well she didn't hate the subject outright. Sinubuk
Present DayNang magmulat si Tala, una niyang namulatan ang puting kisame at puting dingding ng silid na kinaroroonan niya. Was she in a hospital or...Hospital. Agad siyang pinanlakihan ng mga mata nang maalala ang mga pangyayari kanina bago siya nawalan ng malay. She remembered the confrontation she and her parents had. She remembered the extreme pain she felt in her tummy. She even remembered when she bled as soon as they arrived in the hospital. She went in total panic, fearing for the life of her child. he last thing she remembered was they gave her a shot of something that made hercalm down and eventually, sleep. Tahimik niyang ipinagala ang tingin sa silid na kinaroroonan niya. She was alone. Wala sa sariling bumaba ang isang kamay niya sa kanyang tiyan. Worry engulfed her in an instant. Maya-maya pa, hindi na niya napigilan ang maluha. She's worried abour her child. She knew she cannot forgive herself should something happens to her baby. Agad siyang napabaling sa direksiy
Tala can’t help but smile as she watches her cousin Charlie and Gael slow-dancing on the makeshift dancefloor by the beach house. After many months of postponement, Charlie and Gael got married again today. Given the security threats Gael had faced in the past months, the wedding is very private, only for them— close relatives and friends. But nevertheless, the occasion was joyous. If not for the pitiful looks the rest of the clan were giving her, she would’ve been genuinely happy too. Kaya ayaw na ayaw niyang uma-attend ng parties e. She doesn’t want other people’s pity. Because whether they believe or not, her life had never been clearer than now. Now that she’s having a baby, she knew she cannot mess around anymore. She has to ensure her baby’s future. How? She's still figuring that out. “Tala?” anang pamilyar na tinig sa kanyang likuran. Agad siyang lumingon. She saw Gray’s smiling face as he walked towards her. Karga-karga nito ang halos apat na buwang gulang pa lamang na anak
Maingat na isinasalansan ni Tala ang mga gamit niya sa luggage niya. Ngayon ang flight niya papuntang New York—the place where she’ll have a fresh start.Nang sabihin niya sa Grandma at Mommy niya na sa New York na ang tuloy niya imbes na sa California, hindi tumutol ang mga ito. They even arranged everything for her. Her mother pulled all her connections and looked for an apartment for her. And lola naman niya ang naghanap mismo ng katulong na pwede niyang dalhin doon. Hindi kasi agad makakasunod ang Mommy niya sa kanya dahil laging sinusumpong ng asthma si Mayumi lately. Mag-iisang linggo na ring nasa Maynila ang Mommy niya dahil nga sa kapatid niya. And she understands. Mayumi has always been sickly kahit noong mga bata pa sila. Mas kailangan nito ang Mommy nila kaysa sa kanya. Isa pa, si Mayumi ang tunay na anak. Nahihiya siyang makihati pa ng atensyon.She surveyed her eyes on her room. She groaned when she see that everywhere was a mess. Ngayon lang din niya kasi binuksan ang mg
Kanina pa pinagmamasdan ni Tala ang kagagawa pa lamang niyang sketch ng gown na gagawin niya para sa isang sikat na Hollywood actress na susuutin nito para sa isang awards night. The black gown was lacking something. She just cannot figure it out now that she had just finished drawing it. Maybe because her eyes and brain are exhausted. Why wouldn’t she? The awards season in Hollywood is just six months away. And there are at least twenty actresses who had expressed their intent to wear her brand on multiple awards night. That would mean she had to make an average of 60 gowns in total and counting! No wonder her creativity is failing her. She’s more than stressed. She is exhausted to the core! But she’s already at the top of her game. She’s already living the dream— design dresses that would make people beautiful. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Limang taon na ang nakararaan nang tanggapin niya ang apprenticeship sa isang fashion house sa New York. Her life was in a mess
“Mommy!” agad na sigaw nia Atlas pagkadating na pagkadating ni Tala sa high-end apartment niya. Her son stood and ran towards her. She quickly caught her 4-year old son in her arms and gave him a gentle squeeze. “I miss you, sweetheart,” aniya bago pinupog ng halik ang pisngi ng kanyang anak. Her son’s giggle quickly filled the four corners of the house. Pakiramdam niya nawala ang pagod niya sa maghapon nang narinig niya ang taw ang anak niya. She kissed him some more before she finally let him go. “Tell me what did you do? Are you a good boy today?” tanong niya habang karga-karga ito patungo sa upuan. “I learned about integers today and I wrote until 500. Ms. Agatha said I’m good and gave me this.” Ipinakita nito sa kanya ang star sticker sa damit nito na may nakasulat na very good. Napangiti siya. Mukhang nage-enjoy talaga ang anak niya sa homeschool sessions nito. Mabuti na lang nahanap niya agad si Ms. Agatha, her son’s homeschool teacher who specializes in teaching gifted chi
Kanina pa pinagmamasdan ni Tala ang tasa ng kape na nakasilbi sa kanyang harapan. Subalit wala roon ang isip niya. Nasa biyahe niya mamaya patungong Maritria.Ilanga raw na siyang hindi pinapatulog ng biyahe niyang iyon. If only Elle did not bombard her with questions she cannot and will not dare answer when she expressed her intent to withdraw from the said project, hindi na sana siya tutuloy.Maritria is a small place as per her research. At hindi malabong magkita sila ni Knoxx doon lalo na kung ang magiging kliyente niya ay ang mismong pinsan nito!Again, she groaned inwardly. Maisip pa lang niya ang posibleng pagkikitang iyon, parang gusto na niyang h’wag ulit tumuloy at magtago na lang sa kung saan kasama ng anak niya. Kaya lang, naka-oo na si Elle kay Princess Olivia. Ang pangalan na ng kumpanya nila ang nakataya. At hindi niya pwedeng sirain ang pangalan ng brand niya dahil lang natatakot siyang muling makita ang ama ng anak niya.This is the first time that she’ll be working
Tala slowly took in a lungful of breath as she anxiously watched Princess Olivia study the wedding gown designs she made based on the demands of the princess. She made three gown designs last night as soon as she arrived at her hotel in Maritria.The exhausting 9-hour trip to the country did not make her sleeping easy. Lalo kasing tumindi ang pagte-tensyon niya nang lumapag ang private airplane ng Star Airlines sa Maritria. If she was anxious when she left New York, she was more anxious and fidgety now.Heck! She’s always on the look-out if Knoxx was anywhere near. Paranoia was getting the better of her and it instantly messed up with her psyche. She was even contemplating on going back home to her son the minute she arrived at the hotel. Her emotions went haywire last night. Mabuti na lang at naisipan niyang mag-sketch.The tasked helped her to calm down and focus on the task at hand. That’s how she managed to make three wedding gown styles for Princess Olivia to see today, their fi
Tala slowly gave her reflection on the mirror a once over. On her was a black silk dress; an exquisite diamond necklace Knoxx had given her on their anniversary; and of course her favorite pumps produced by her very own brand, Stella. She tried, but she cannot help herself but smile. Why wouldn’t she, life has been so good to her for the past two years. After that heartfelt reunion she and Knoxx had at her parent’s house in Manila, she officially became Mrs. Stavropolous, again, that very same day. After her parents and the rest of her family came back from their quick tour at Asteri Island, that is. Hindi niya alam na sa buong panahon na asar na asar siya kay Knoxx dahil hindi ito nagpapakita sa kanya, pasimple na pala nitong hinahanda ang kasal nila with the help of her Auntie Sam and her parents. Yes, her parents did a great part on the display of ‘sea-of-roses’ inside their house. Her father proudly admitted that himself right after the wedding. Knoxx then had decided to move h
Tala's heart instantly hitched, turning around as quick as she could. And there she saw him, under the bright morning sun, just a few steps away from her, the prince who’ve swept her off her feet since their crazy wedding night, Prince Knoxx Iossif Stefanos Stavropolous. She quickly gave him a once over and he never disappoints! Her prince is as handsome as ever. He grinned, making her eyes roll in fake annoyance. Agad siyang namaywang. “Why are you here? And where are the people of this house? What did you to my parents, Knoxx? And Atlas, where is my son?!” sunod-sunod niyang tanong sa mataas na tinig. Knoxx gave her a heart-stopping smile, making her want to rush to him for a hug. But she stilled herself. She must not let logic falter now. They must talk. They must. “You don’t have to worry, mi bella. Everyone’s safe. And regarding your question, I came here to explain—“ “I already know everything. Everything,” she said, cutting his words. He paused and stared at her for a whil
“Arise, shine, Star Princess!” anang pamilyar na tinig ng Mommy ni Tala na siyang nagpagising sa kanya. She gently opened her eyes and the warmth of the morning sun coming through the big windows of her bedroom greeted her. Pasimple siyang nag-inat at umayos ng pagkakahiga sa kama. She saw her mother arranging another bouquet of pink Ecuadorian roses on the vase on top of the bureau inside her room. “Another one?” she asked, gently pushing herself to sit on her bed. Her mother smiled. “Yes, princess. Your husband doesn’t miss a day,” anang kanyang ina bago muling ipinagpatuloy ang pag-aayos sa mga bulaklak. Husband. She still can't believe that the arrogant prince made her go through all the tears and heartaches for nothing. Knoxx is still her husband or so her father had told her. These days, her parents are openly discussing about Knoxx, especially her Dad. And she is more than relieved to know that despite his absence, Knoxx is slowly making his way through her parents' hearts.
Knoxx heaved a sigh as he stared at his phone, recalling the brief conversation he just had with Tala. Talagang ayaw pa rin talaga siya nitong kausapin. Well, with his wife’s temper he knew that the whole ‘getting-back-together’ plan he had in mind would surely be a feat. But that doesn’t mean he is giving up. He’s just… being considerate given Tala’s condition.Olivia had given her last night an earful of dos and don’t’s when it comes to dealing with pregnant women. At totoong nakinig siya. He clearly remembered how his bratty princess of a cousin reminded him over and over again that pregnant women must always have things their way. And that’s what he just did. Hopefully, that by giving in with Tala’s wishes for now, lumamig na rin ang ulo nito sa kanya at tuluyan na siyang kausapin pagbalik niya sa Pilipinas.Pagbalik niya sa Pilipinas.He sighed and put his phone back to his pocket. Pagkatapos niyon ay pinagmasdan niya ang royal ring sa kanyang palasingsingan. His Majesty gave it
“Yes, Genevieve seduced me and I gave in. I allowed her to fool me and get the better of me. I-I’m sorry,” said King George, still lying down on his hospital bed. Makahulugang nagkatinginan sina Ares at Knoxx, sharing the same gleam of anger in their eyes towards their enemies who had made them suffer for years. Kararating lang nila mula sa Pilipinas at doon sila sa ospital dumiretsong magkapatid. At first Knoxx was conflicted to leave Manila. Bakit hindi, inaayos pa niya ang gusot sa kanila ni Tala tapos aalis siya? If it wasn’t for his mother’s persuasion to go home, baka nagpa-iwan na siya. But he’s glad he did go home. Because if he didn’t, he would’ve missed the clan’s meeting and his Uncle George’s confession. Yesterday, they were informed that his Uncle George had already opened his eyes. But the doctors didn’t allow any member of their family to talk to him just yet. They had to make sure that the King’s condition is stable and that he is ready to receive visitors. It took a
“Ano pang tinatanga mo d’yan? I told you to leave, haven’t I?” gigil na singhal ni Tala kay Knoxx. She really cannot believe he’s inside her room right now, and lying on the bed with her, her very own bed! Nasa baba lang ito kanina a, kasama sina President Tuazon at Ares. Paanong naroon na ito agad sa kwarto niya? Pinaakyat na lang ba ito ng mga kaanak niya nang gano’n-gano’n lang? Imposible. Her Dad hated Knoxx’s guts noon pa. And she’s sure her father, hated Knoxx all the more after everything that has happened between her and her ex-husband. So how in the world was he there inside her room—comfortably sitting on her bed looking more handsome than she remembered? She tried to get her wits straight as she questioned herself. But all she could ever think were all the awful—morbid even- thoughts on how Knoxx ended up inside her room. She groaned inwardly as panic and anger instantly rose in her chest.Pagdating talaga kay Knoxx, ni minsan, hindi umayos ang huwisyo niya. Tumikhim si
The dinner was filled with formal talks about business, leading a country and current events. The topics were of his interest but when Atlas finished his food, Knoxx excused himself to spend more time with his son.They were by the receiving room, playing a race game on his son’s IPAD when Joshua approached him again, asking him to step inside the library. Agad siyang nagpaalam kay Atlas at nagsimulang maglakad pabalik sa library. He glanced at Ares who was walking towards the lanai with the rest of the Sandejas family and President Tuazon. His brother grinned at him and gave him a thumbs up. For what, he does not have any idea. Pagdating sa loob ng library, agad na nagsalita ang Daddy ni Tala. “There are three things you must know before we move forward from here. First, I hate you. That won't change even after a million years. Second, I still think you don’t deserve my daughter nor my grandson. Understand?” “I understand, Sir. And the third?” Sandali siyang tinitigan ni Joshua.
Knoxx had been in many difficult meetings and negotiations his entire life. He had been exposed to such since he was younger for he’s been born a leader, one who's supposed to see beyond the mist—composed, level-headed, sure with just about everything. But right there, in front of Tala’s parents, Knoxx felt like he has just been thrown in the water when he doesn’t know how to swim. Nangangapa siya at halos hindi niya alam ang sasabihin. If he’d be honest, his knees were shaking like a fckin leaf. Well, he should be. Noong huli niyang makaharap ang mga magulang ni Tala, nangako siya na iingatan niya ang mag-ina niya. And the events that had led them into that situation clearly proved, he had not been taking care of his family like he promised. He doesn’t even want to lie either or appear to be all righteous in the midst of the chaos. Because at that point, he knew, alam na ng mga magulang ni Tala ang mga nangyari rito sa pananatili nito sa Maritria. He cannot deny any of it. So he wan
“I dont’t know what got into your head and created trouble inside the hospital. Sa pagkakaalam ko, malinaw ang pagkakasabi ko kay Quint na galit sa inyo ang mga Sandejas,” sermon sa kanila ni Kylie habang ginagamot nito ang sugat ni Ares. Naroon sila sa isa sa mga treatment room sa emergency ward. A different doctor, a resident he presumed, was attending to Knoxx and dressing his wounds. “Bakit ako ang pinapagalitan mo? It was all Knoxx’s fault! I had warned him dozens of times—Ouch! Dammit! That’s hurts, Dr. dela Vega!” reklamo ng kapatid niya, panay ang ngiwi habang patuloy si Kylie sa pagdampi ng antiseptic sa sugatang mukha nito. “And it will hurt more if you’d continue complaining, Prince Ares!” gigil na sagot ni Kylie, patuloy sa pagdiin ng bulak sa mukha ng kapatid niya. Ares complained again, louder this time. Knoxx huffed. Why can’t his brother keep quiet? Hindi ba nito nahahalata na sa bawat reklamo nito, siya ring pagdiin ni Kylie sa mga sugat nito? Quint’s cousin surel