"What do you mean they are not coming? I'm being held here against my will and you don't care?" mataas ang boses na reklamo ni Tala sa manager ng hotel na tinutuluyan niya. Anger and desperation now pulsing in her veins. At kahit na anong gawin niyang pagtitimpi, hindi na niya magawa. She needs to get out of there. she needs to go home to her son!Kanina, kinausap niya ang hotel staff na naghatid ng pagkain niya, binilinan niya ito na gusto niyang makausap ang manager ng hotel. She would've not resorted to that if only the two royal guards guarding her room would listen to her reasons. Kaya lang, kahit na siguro umiyak siya ng dugo, tila bingi ang mga royal guards sa pakiusap niya. Kaya naman sa manager na siya ng hotel nakiusap. Subalit gaya ng mga guards, ayaw din siya nitong tulungan. She was then forced to use the phone directory sitting at the corner of the suite and called the cops through the landline. Agad siyang nabuhayan ng loob nang sabihin sa kanya ng pulis na nakausap
Tala froze at Ander's question. Now that she realized that the royal assistant was near, she cannot help to think kung gaano karami sa usapan nila ng anak niya ang narinig nito.Napalunok siya sa naisip, lalong tumitig sa lalaki. She cannot tell him about Atlas. She cannot tell anyone related to the royal family about her son. Who knows what would the royal family do when they learned about Atlas? She's not being selfish. She just wants to protect his son.Mabilis niyang hinamig ang sarili. Kumurap siya, tumikhim. "T-thank you. H-here's your phone," aniya bago iniabot pabalik sa lalaki ang cellphone nito.Tumango ito, muling isinuksok ang cellphone sa bulsa nito. “So, again, who’s Atlas?” tanong ulit nito.Dammit! He just won’t let it go, naisip niya.She lifted her head a fraction, trying to look unfazed by the man’s question. “I don’t to want answer your question, Sir. I guess even prisoners have the right to remain silent, don’t we?”Tipid na ngumiti ang lalaki. “Very well, I won’t
Knoxx released a slow breath as he watched the children's choir of the orphanage he was visiting sing their special number prepared for the day. That's the third event he had to attend to for the day in replacement of his brother Ares. His father and mother will attend the benefit ball tonight. And Olivia was with him the whole day, working on their royal duties. If he'd be honest, royal duties bore him. Not that he doesn't want to help his people. He really does with all his heart. He is a Stavropolous. Nakamulatan na niya ang tumulong sa kapwa dahil ang pamilya niya ang itinuturing na leader ng kanilang bansa. But should he had a choice, he'd rather spend his time in other things that interest him, like that car prototype his team from Nebueluse had emailed last night. He could also study that proposal from another car parts manufacturer that was willing to work with all his specifications. Or probably, he could go back to the hotel and visit her feisty prisoner, his wife, Tala Eloi
Tensiyonado si Tala habang kandong siya ni Knoxx. Nakakatatlong subo na ito ng pasta sa kanya and she’s trying so hard not to run away and run herself on the bathroom. Why? Her emotions were all over the place. She cannot even think straight. Maybe it’s the confusion or it’s the fear. She’s not sure. It was the first time in five years na siya ang inutusan at hindi siya ang nag-uutos. That instantly shuts down her logic. Bagay na ayaw niya sanang mangyari. Because given their previous encounter, she knew too well what happens when she’s not thinking straight while Knoxx is around. She wouldn’t want to make another mistake does she? Kaya nga siya naroon sa sitwasyon na iyon ngayon dahil sa katangahang nagawa niya limang taon na ang nakararaan. Besides, she should be angry at him. She must. Ikinulong siya nito sa loob ng hotel room niya kaya hindi siya makauwi. Dapat lang na magalit siya rito. But… their proximity, his scent and his ways were drawing a very different response from h
“Father, we need to talk,” bungad agad ni Knoxx sa kanyang ama nang marating niya ang Nyseleum House, the official house of his family. “Glad you’re here too, Mother. I have an important thing to discuss to both of you,” patuloy pa niya makahulugang tumingin sa kanyang ina na noon ay inaayusan na ng hair stylist nito para sa ball na dadaluhan ng mga ito. He watched as his mother talked to her hair stylist. Ilang sandali pa, maingat na lumabas sa silid ang hair stylist at ilan pang tauhan ng kanilang pamilya. He himself gently closed the door after them. Nang sila na lang ng mga magulang niya ang naiwan sa silid, he stared at them for a while, contemplating on how he will break the news to them. Realizing there ain’t no other way to tell them the truth, he took in a sharp breath and said, “I’ve found her. I’ve found my wife.”“What do you mean you’ve found her? You mean you’ve realized that Genevieve is really the one for you and you’re only finding it out now, is that it?” asked Prin
Knoxx was pacing impatiently inside what used to be Tala’s hotel suite. Katatapos lang niyang kausapin ang Pinay hotel staff na tinali at binusalan ni Tala bago ipinahiga sa kama nito at kinumutan upang magmukhang naroon pa rin ito sa hotel at hindi ito tumakas. Kinuha rin ni Tala ang damit ng hotel staff upang malaya itong makatakas nang hindi nasisita ng mga guards. On the way there to investigate the matter himself, he cannot begin to imagine how his wife had done it to the hotel staff. He knew Tala had mastered her self-defense training since she was eight, according to the files Knight had sent them. She could easily overpower any lady who hadn’t had any self-defense training. But what puzzles him was, wala man lang narinig na kung anong ingay sa loob ng hotel suite. Any person who’s being taken hostage would surely ask for help. But after talking to the hotel staff, naintidihan na niya kung bakit. Tala made a deal with the hotel staff in the amount of ten million pesos in exc
“Are we there yet?” naiinip na tanong ni Knoxx kay Ander na noon ay nasa manibela at siyang nagda-drive ng sasakyan niya patungo sa building kung saan naroon ang penthouse ni Tala.He had just arrived in New York a few minutes ago with only one thing on his mind, to bring Tala with him back to Maritria.Based on their intel, Tala arrived there a few hours ago. And though he took the royal plane to fly non-stop from Maritria to New York, he’s not sure kung madadatnan niya sa bahay nito si Tala. He just hope he does.Hindi alam ng pamilya niya na lumabas siya ng bansa. His mother would surely freak out once his family learned that he travelled while their family received another threat from their mystery enemy. That’s why he must be quick with his purpose. He needs to be back home before anybody would find out that he’s gone.“Just a few more blocks, Sir,” ani Ander, muling binilisan ang pagpapatakbo.He took in a sharp breath and occupied himself by looking at the window. The night is
A blinding white ceiling and the smell of antiseptic. Those were the first things Tala had become aware of when she opened her eyes.Ilang beses siyang kumurap, pilit niyang hinahagilap sa isip niya kung anong nangyari at tila siya nakatulog nang matagal. But her mind was blank. She cannot recall anything. Noon niya ipinaikot ang tingin niya sa silid na kinaroroonan niya. That’s when she realized she had an IV line connected to her left arm.Hospital. She’s in a hospital. But why was she in—Her train of thought went into a full stop when her memories came rushing back inside her head. She remembered her stay in Maritria and her brilliant escape from Knoxx. She remembered packing Atlas’ things because they were going back to the Philippines to hide. She remembered the box and the black smoke.And then…Napasinghap na siya, tuluyang lumuha nang maalala ang anak niya. She passed out at the Emergency Room of the hospital worrying over her unconscious son!Mabilis siyang nagpalinga-linga
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