“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
Tahimik si Tala habang nakamasid siya sa labas ng bintana sa private room na naroon sa loob mismo ng opisina ng hari. Prince Adrian, Knoxx’s father, has been doing the duties of the head royal there for the past days being the next in line to the throne. At doon siya idiniretso ni Knoxx matapos siyang muling pagtangkaan ni Argus sa work room niya.Argus.She closed her eyes and opened them again slowly, balling her fists afterwards. There was an endless darkness outside—as if mirroring what she feels inside. She still cannot wrap her head around the fact that it was indeed Argus who abducted her. He was her friend. He had shown her care when no one in that damn palace was. But then again, don’t betrayals come to those people who are closest to you?She heaved a sigh, clasping her shaking hands together. Tatlong beses na siyang pinagtangkaan ng mga kaaway ng pamilya ni Knoxx. Una ang pagsunog ng mga ito sa bahay niya sa New York. Pangalawa, ang pag-kidnap ni Argus sa kanya. At ang pang
Tala was silent as she watched people come and go inside the palace—all frantic to stop the fire consuming the east wing. Nasa labas na sila ng palasyo, sa mismong lawn sa harap niyon. Kasama niya roon ang ilan pang miyembro ng royal family na kani-kanina lang ay nagtatalo. She really didn’t know what happened as she was still reeling from what Argus had done earlier that day. But she overheard that a small fire suddenly broke out from the library at kasama nitong natutupok ang isa pang silid na nasa tabi nito. She shot a glance at Prince Adrian, Knoxx’s father, who was talking to one of the officers from the fire department. Kasama nito sina Ares at Knoxx. It has been like that for a few minutes now. At hindi man niya maintindihan masyado ang pinaguusapan ng mga ito, she can surely see the frustration and disappointment from the face of Knoxx’s father. Hinigpitan niya ang yakap kay Atlas na noon ay karga-karga niya. Mabuti na lang at nakaidlip na ito. Napagod na siguro sa kakaiyak
Naalimpungatan si Tala dahil sa malakas na boses na nag-uusap mula sa kung saan. She opened her eyes and the modern of ceiling of Knoxx’s penthouse greeted her. Agad siyang bumaling skay Knoxx na katabi niya sa kama subalit wala ito roon. Napilitan na siyang bumangon. She looked at the clock at the bedside table. It read two thirty in the morning. They just arrived at the penthouse four hours ago and yet her husband is nowhere in sight again. She quickly got out of bed, put on her robe and got out of the room. Madilim sa salas subalit may ilaw siyang nakita sa private office ni Knoxx. With silent steps, she walked over at the door which was luckily slightly ajar. She was still a few steps away from the room but she can already hear the voices speaking aloud. “And why would I do that? I don’t want to play games anymore, Ares!” It was Knoxx who was apparently speaking with his older brother Ares. Saglit siyang nagtaka. Anong kailangang sabihin ni Ares kay Knoxx na hindi na nito mahi
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