Kabado si Tala habang hinihintay niyang mag-load sa screen ng cellphone niya ang app ng banko niya. She had just entered her bank details, hoping that at this time, maari na niya iyong magamit gaya nang dati.Halos dalawang araw na mula nang makaharap niya si Quint sa kanilang supposed date. Ganoon na rin katagal na nagkukulong siya sa kanyang hotel room because of some unexplained dizziness.She’s been living off to egg drop soup and clam chowder from the hotel’s restaurant for two days now. And though she would want to order for some other food from her favorite restaurants within Milan, hindi niya magawa dahil naka-freeze pa rin ang mga bank accounts at credit cards niya. But today, she’s hopeful na baka inayos na ‘yon ng Daddy niya dahil nagawa na naman niya ang pinapagawa nito, ang katagpuin si Quint.However, when the ‘declined’ message popped up on her phone’s screen again, she almost threw her phone off the window! Bakit ayaw pa rin niyong gumana? What does her father want to
“Elle, thank god you answered!” bulalas ni Tala nang sagutin ng kaibigan ang tawag niya.She barely slept last night monitoring the news. And she can’t help but be anxious for her friend. Wala itong ibang pamilyang kasama sa Paris. And based on the news last night, pinag-iinitan ang lahat ng may koneksyon sa uncle nito, politikal man or personal.“T-Tala,” Elle replied in a frail voice. Her friend sounded exhausted.“A-are you well? Please tell me you are. What happened to your uncle is all over the news. I’m worried about you,” dire-diretsong sabi niya.Elle realesed a slow breath. “I am fine, Tala. I just arrived here in Canada. My Daddy arranged a special flight for me to come here. It was a good thing we were given a heads-up to what would happen. That Pierre is a traditore "W-what does Pierre had to do with t-this?" alanganin niyang tanong."He testified in favor of Unce Gio's political rivals. It expedited the process of impeachment. That lying sonafabitch! He used my uncle t
Tulala si Tala habang binabaybay ang daan pabalik sa hotel na tinutuluyan niya. She had been feeling numb ever since the doctor dropped the news that she’s pregnant.How can she be pregnant now?Apparently you had sex with a prince. Hot and wild sex. Many times! paalala ng isip niya.She bit her lower lip. She knew that. Pero…She cannot be pregnant right now. She’s still fighting for the life she wanted. She doesn’t even have a job!Well she had an apprenticeship. But then, the pay she’d get from there wouldn’t be enough to raise a baby. That is, kung gusto pa siyang kunin ng fashion house na pinag-apply-an niya gayong ilang linggo na siyang hindi nagpapakita doon dahil nga nagtatago siya.And then there’s that compromise with Quint. Wala sa sarili siyang napatigil sa paglalakad. Her chest felt heavier as confusion and dread enveloped her altogether.Now that she’s pregnant, she had all the more reasons to refuse marrying Quint. At kahit na alam niyang lalong magagalit ang Daddy ni
“Why are you still up, Tala? You cannot stay this late with your condition,” malumanay na saway ng Grandma Liza ni Tala sa kanya. She was at the balcony of her grandparent’s house in Tagaytay, silently sketching the night sky while she’s seating on one of the chairs in there. She had grown accustomed drawing the same sky for the past few days since she had arrived there. It’s calming and it’s making her forget of her troubles for a while. She turned and gently smiled at her grandmother who was already walking towards her, sa kamay nito ang knitted shawl na ibinigay nito nang tuluyang makalapit sa kanya. “It’s cold. I don’t want you to get sick. A pregnant woman cannot get sick. Maaapektuhan ang baby,” sabi pa ng lola niya habang inaayos ang shawl sa mga balikat niya. Nang masigurong maayos na iyon, pinakatitigan siya nito, umupo sa katapat na upuan sa harap niya at marahang inabot ang pisngi niya. The gesture warmed her heart. She had never felt so welcomed in any place in a whi
"What?!" anang Daddy ni Tala sa kanya, ang mga mata lalong naningkit. Kaya naman imbes na sumagot, lalo siyang napaatras, afraid of what her father might do to her. Her mother gave her an apologetic and worried look."Mabuti pa siguro, doon ka na muna sa kwarto mo, Tala. Mag-uusap lang kami--""No! She's not going anywhere hanggang hindi niya nasasagot ang mga tanong ko!" gigil na putol ng Daddy niya sa mga sasabihin pa sana ng Mommy niya. "Didn't you hear what she said? You daughter is pregnant, Ana!" singhal nito bago muling ibinalik ang mga mata sa kanya. "I need the name. Tell me who knocked you up, young lady! Now!"Humagulgol na siya, muling napasulyap sa Mommy niya at marahang umiling. "I-I d-don't know," ani sa pagitan ng paghikbi.She will never tell them who's the father of her baby. Labas na si Knoxx sa buhay niya. Bumubuo na rin ito ng sarili nitong buhay bakit pa siya manggugulo? What they had was a mistake. Her mistake. Siya lang. Kaya anumang kunsikwensiya sa nagawa
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
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