“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
Tahimik si Tala habang nililinisan ni Knoxx ang mga natuyong bakas ng dugo sa kanyang kamay. Now that the effects of adrenaline were slowly waning, ramdam na ramdam niya ang panginginig ng kanyang mga kamay at tuhod.She’s weak. But not too weak to keep her composure in front of Knoxx.Alam niya kahit na tahimik ito gaya niya at seryoso sa paglilinis ng sugat niya, hindi naaalis sa isip nito ang mga tanong na nais nitong mabigyan ng kasagutan. Questions she must answer whether she’s ready or not.Knoxx released a slow breath and gently let go of her hand. “There, all clean,” anito bago nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya.She forced a smile and met his beguiling brown eyes. “T-thank you,” sagot niya bago marahang pinagsalikop ang mga kamay.Silence fell between them for a while and it’s too loud her chest felt heavy. Maya-maya pa, hinayon niya ng tingin hospital bed ni Atlas na ilang hakbang lang ang layo sa settee na kinauupuan nilang dalawa ni Knoxx.“Hindi ka ba magtatanong?” untag niya k
“Speak,” sersyosong sabi ni Knoxx kay Tala matapos siya nitong igiya sa hospital suite kung saan siya nagising kanina. He was just a few inches away from her and she can almost feel the withheld anger radiating from him.Mabilis niyang hinamig ang sarili at sinubukang umatras nang makailang ulit. Knoxx is too much for her, lalo pa at tila nakapagkit ang mga mata nito sa kanya. She wanted to create a space between them to keep her composure before she answers his endless questions.“W-where do you want to start?” alanganin niyang tanong maya-maya. “Start from the very beginning. Why were you looking for a husband that night?”She bit her lower lip and carefully embraced herself-- recalling her desperation that fateful night when they met that has lead them were they are now. “M-my Dad wanted me to marry someone I… I don’t like. The idea was to basically make me agree to the life they wanted me to have. And… and I don’t want that.” She released a slow breath, her lips quivering slightl
Tahimik si Tala habang nakaupo siya sa gilid ng hospital bed ni Atlas. Nakatitig siya sa anak niya subalit wala roon ang isip niya. Nasa ipinagtapat ni Knoxx kani-kanina lang.The royal family of Maritria has an unknown enemy they’ve been dealing with for the past decade. Knoxx explained that all men from his family who has a claim on the throne have faced deadly mishaps in the past. And the family believes that it was the same unknown enemy who killed the past two previous kings. “The box you received is a warning. Kung sino ang makakatanggap ng box, danger is near him. The fire in your penthouse was intentional, Tala. Alam na ng kaaway namin ang tungkol sa ‘yo at kay Atlas. They are targeting, our son.”Wala sa sarili siyang nakapahawak sa kamay ng wala pa ring malay na anak. Knoxx’s words are echoing in her ears, sending her to the edge worry and fear.She could never believe how her and her son’s life have changed so much in just a few days’ time. Now that she’s in the dreadful
“Knoxx, you can come closer,” aya ni Tala sa lalaki nang manatili ito sa pwesto nito ilang hakbang ang layo mula sa kanila ni Atlas. He looked like he was unable to move, staring at her and her son with a conflicted look on his face.Honestly, maging siya, hindi niya rin alam kung ano ang dapat niyang maramdaman. Because of the complications between them, she had long stopped dreaming that someday, she’d be able to introduced Knoxx to her son. Why, a week ago, she’d never thought she’d met Knoxx again. Besides, ang alam niya nag-asawa na ito, may sarili nang buhay at pamilya. Bakit pa siya manggugulo?But at that moment, while her son’s wide-eyed gaze was centered to Knoxx, hindi niya mapigilan ang matuwa dahil alam niya, hindi man nagsasalita ang anak niya, he was longing for a father too. Isang tatay na noon ay hindi niya maibigay o maipakilala man lang.But now that Knoxx is there, everything seems… surreal. Did she really wish that hard that even though she had long stopped wishi
“What? Princess Olivia’s cousin was the same guy random guy from the bar five years ago?” mataas ang boses na tanong ni Elle kay Tala habang kausap niya ang kaibigan sa cellphone via video call.Tumawag ito sa kanya business number na siyang gamit niya ngayon matapos niyang ibalita sa Mommy niya na gising na si Atlas. Nagrereklamo ang kaibigan niya dahil ayaw raw itong papasukin sa ospital upang sana tignan ang kalagayan nilang mag-ina. She then explained that it’s probably part of the security measures done by Maritrian security team. And when her friend asked the reason what does the Maritrian security team has to do with her and Atlas, she was compelled to tell her friend the truth.“Why didn’t you tell me?” may himig hinanakit na tanong ulit ng kaibigan.She huffed and sat on the chair at the waiting area of the floor she was in. She was followed there by Red and Luis, her own bodyguards, who were just a few steps away from she was seating.Lumabas siya ng hospital suite ni Atla
“Why are you making this haste decision just now, Tala? Basta ka na lang sasama sa isang lugar na hindi ka pamilyar? Buti sana kung mag-isa ka lang. Isasama mo pa ang apo ko! You’re all grown and a CEO at that but it seemed like you’re back to your teenage rebellious phase all over again!” gigil na sabi ng Daddy niya. Nasa private room sila ng coffee shop na nasa ibaba lang ospital. Kasama nila roon ang Mommy. Since she cannot go too far away sa utos na rin ng royal security team, pinili na lang niyang doon sila mag-usap-usap na mga magulang. She took in a few calming breaths before she answered. “I’ve been to Maritria, Dad. And people there are… nice. Nakilala ko na rin ang iba sa mga kamag-anak ni Knoxx. They are one of the nicest and humblest people I’ve known. Besides, three months is—“ “A long time. Three months is a long time, Tala Eloise. Anong gagawin niyo doon ng apo ko? What if that bastard prince would knock up again and leave you just like what he did for the first time
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