“I hated Math. Pero ayaw maniwala ni Dad. He said that Math is easy, na tamad lang daw talaga akong mag-aral kaya lagi akong bumabagsak,” ani Tala habang kumakain siya ng grapes mula sa fruit platter na nasa trolley sa malapit.“Pero tama naman ang Daddy mo. Math is easy. You just need to know what you should do with the numbers and you’ll always find the answer,” komento ni Knoxx na nasa tabi niya. They were still in bed, with just the blanket covering their naked bodies underneath.They just spent the whole day sleeping, making love, and sharing endless secrets…again.Nalukot ang mukha niya bago siya pumulot ng isang piraso ng grapes at isinubo iyon kay Knoxx. “You’re only saying that because you did not struggle with numbers growing up. I hate Math. Well, except for whatever math there is that helps me produce money. But those complicated equations… I’m 30 and I’ve yet to find out the relevance of those in my daily life,” aniya, tunog reklamo. Knoxx just chuckled and pinched the ti
“Where are we going, Knoxx?” takang tanong ni Tala habang magkahawak-kamay silang naglalakad patungo sa isang bahagi ng palasyo, malayo sa kanyang dating kwarto. They arrived there in the palace just a few minutes ago. At hindi gaya nang unang apak niya roon, walang sumalubong ni isa sa kanila. Kung sadya o talagang sinabihan ni Knoxx ang mga naroon, she doesn’t know. But one thing she knows, mas pabor sa kanya na hindi muna niya makikita ang mga kaaanak ni Knoxx na nakatira roon. She may still be recuperating but her she knew her anger will make her act inappropriately yet again if she she's any of the royal family.“I asked my father if I can use the spare area here. Ares and I used to share this space here whwenever we’d come home from university. It is more spacious and private. It has three bedrooms and a common living area. It would be perfect for the three of us—you,me and Atlas,” paliwanag nito, patuloy pa rin sa paglalakad, marahang pinisil ang kanyang kamay. Kumurap siya. “
Tala took a few calming breaths before she knocked on the sturdy door in front of her. She looked at the royal guard and the footsman behind her and they both gave her a forced smile—like a warning that whatever was waiting for her on the other side of that door will surely be her doom. Not really the kind of comfort she was looking for.Ilang sandali pa, tuluyan nang bumukas ang pinto. Bumungad sa kanya ang isang lalaki na sa tantiya niya ay halos kaedaran ng tatay ni Knoxx. The man was tall and carries a great deal of intimidation in his eyes. Kung hindi siya nagkakamali, ito si Lord Byron, the head adviser and courtier of the King.The man quickly gave her a once over and her stomach churned. Maya-maya pa, niluwangan nito ang pagkakabukas ng pinto, pumihit paharap sa hari at nagsalita.“Ms. Sandejas has arrived, Your Majesty,” anunsiyo nito sa hari.The king turned to face her. He studied her for a while bago, “Come in, Ms. Sandejas,” anito sa awtorisadong tinig. She carefully too
“Tala, are you okay?” untag ni Knoxx kay Tala habang naghahapunan silang mag-anak. Hapon na nang makauwi si Knoxx mula sa isang charity event na dinaluhan nito at ng mga magulang nito or as per what Ander had told her. Ander said that the family’s royal duties must not cease to assure to negate any rumors should news about her abduction should surface. Hence, after her conversation with the King, she spent the entire day alone, regrettably, with her thoughts. “Y-yes. O-of course! Why?” Alanganin siyang nag-angat ng tingin rito. “Atlas was asking if he could visit the royal academy tomorrow. He said there are books he wanted to read from there,” paliwanag ni Knoxx, bahagyang nakakunot ang noo. Kumurap siya, mabilis na bumaling sa anak na nakaupo sa tapat niya. Sandali niyang pinaglipat ang tingin sa mag-ama bago, “O-of course! But Red and Rosa will be with you at all times,” aniya sa anak. Atlas beamed at her. He picked a piece of grape from his plate. “Thanks, Mommy!” anito bago
Genevieve cursed under her breath as she anxiously paced inside her room. She already did what she was told and she succeeded. She should feel at ease now that the King is fighting for his life. But at ease was far from what she feels right now. She let out a small gasp and stopped on her tracks when her cellphone rang. She hurriedly picked it up from the bedside table and answered the call.“Thank god for calling but why only now?” she said as soon as she answered the call. It was her, their leader-- the one who has planned it all.“I was busy tying loose ends meaning. Did they come to you for questioning?” the woman on the other line asked.She slowly shook her head. “As of now, not yet. Should I worry?”Their leader laughed. “Worry is for the weak. Why should you worry? All the odds are in our favor.”She took in a sharp breath. The woman she serves was right. Everything was going according to plan. And she doesn't understand why worry lingers in her chest.“Our plan is nearing it
Tala balled her fists as she faced the hooded figure in front of her. Sa totoo lang, natatakot siya. Subalit alam niyang hindi niya iyon dapat ipakita sa kung sino man ang kaharap niya.“Who are you?” she asked, her voice breaking a little.Ilang sandali pa, gumalaw ang pigura sa harap niya, marahang hinawi ang hood ng suot nitong kapa. Napasinghap siya nang mapagsino ang kaharap. It was Princess Marciana, Knoxx’s mother.“Y-your highness…” bulong niya, nanlalaki ang mga mata.“I asked the viscount to escort you here as soon as I heard that you went to see His Majesty today,” anito, bakas ang pag-aala sa mukha. “Things are getting out of hand but first things first. How are you?” dugtong pa nito.Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. She felt the concern in her voice more than she heard it. At hindi niya iyon halos mapaniwalaan. Princess Marciana cannot stand her. Well, of course, that’s mostly her fault but still, she wonders what changed that the princess was talking to her now with decen
“You looked better. It seemed you’re enjoying stay there,” anang Mommy ni Tala habang kausap niya ito via video chat.Katatapos lang kausapin ng mga magulang niya si Atlas, na dumiretso sa paglalaro pagkatapos. Kaya ngayon, siya naman ang kausap ng mga magulang niya. Well, to be specific, ng Mommy niya. May kailangan daw tawagan ang Daddy niya na tungkol sa negosyo nito. At ten in the everning at that, Philippine Time. Kung sabagay, mabuti na rin ‘yon, mas malaya silang makakapag-usap ng Mommy niya. Her Dad is always on the edge these days. Kaya nga hindi na niya ipinaalam dito ang nangyari sa kanya dahil kung sakali, malaking gulo na naman. And she already have had enough trouble for the past two weeks to last a lifetime.“I am better, Mom,” she said as she saw on a piece of crystal bead on the gown she’s working on.Actually, it was Princess Olivia’s wedding gown. She had it shipped from New York to Maritria so that she can work on it as fast as she could.Pinagbigyan ng ama ni Kno
Tulala si Tala habang pinagmamasdan ang patuloy na pagbayo ni Argus sa pinto ng kanyang work room. Gusto niyang umalis doon, o kahit man lang mag-isip ng paraan upang maipagtanggol niya nag kanyang sarili kung sakaling tuluyang makapasok si Argus sa silid na kinaroroonan niya. Subalit tila siya itinulos sa kinatatayuan niya. at ni hindi niya magawang kumilos.She still cannot believe that it was Argus who've abducted her-- the very person she considered her only friend inside the palace.Agad na napuno ng mga tanong ang isip niya. She even felt stupid as to why she hadn’t had any clue that it was Argus who took her when his eyes were already a giveaway and his absence for a few days too. Maybe because she trusted him and considered him a friend.Stupid! Stupid!“Open the door, la mia stella!” singhal ni Argus sa labas ng pinto, patuloy pa rin sa pagbayo roon.As soon as she heard what he called her, she instantly snapped back to reality and began to move.The nerve of the bastard to c
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