It's my writing anniversary tomorrow. Thank you for being a part of my 7-year journey as a writer. I am excited to share more stories with all of you. Once again, thank you, my dazzlers!
She was pacing inside the hidden bunker, waiting for Genevieve’s confirmation that indeed she had convinced Prince Knoxx to come home that day. The prince wasn’t supposed to stay out of the country for that long. She only needs him out of the country for a while because she needed to drive the commoner and her son away from Maritria, which she did successfully through her well-planned schemes. But not even Genevieve’s assurance that she will keep an eye on the prince while he’s away can bring her any relief. The princes needs to come home, now! Because the farther he is from her sight, the more she is pushed to the edge. And she cannot afford to be distracted right now. Not when today is the day she had been waiting for all her life—the day when she will rearrange everyone’s fate and take back what’s rightfully hers.She took in a sharp breath and willed herself to calm down. Few moments more, the door to the bunker creaked open. She turned and saw Viscount Romanos standing on the do
“Voi(You)! Ti sei rincoglionita? (Are you out of your mind?)” Prince Adrian huffed, his face contorting in shock and anger. Sinubukan ni Knoxx na pigilan ang ama sa pagkumpronta sa kanilang kaaway subalit mabilis siyang tinignan ni Ares at umiling. He took in a sharp breath and willed his emotions at bay. “You have served the royal family for years. You comforted me and my siblings when we lost our mother. You stayed with my father—"“I stayed because your father was promised to me!” gigil na putol ni Lady Karolina kay Prince Adrian, mabilis na inilabas ang baril sa purse nito at itinutok sa kanilang kamag-anakan.“No!” Knoxx heard Olivia sobbed. Mabilis nitong niyakap ang ina nito. Siya man ay iniharang ang sarili sa harap ng kanyang ina na noon ay ayaw bitiwan ang kanyang ama. Agad siyang tumingin kay Ares. Makahulugang tumingin sa kanya ang kapatid, marahan ding umiling.He cursed under his breath. He doesn’t understand the full breadth of what’s happening but there’s one thing
Tala was suddenly awoken by the loud crashing sound she heard from the other room, Mayumi’s room. Upon sitting up on her bed, her senses were on high alert almost immediately. Napatingin siya kay Atlas na katabi niyang natutulog. Pupungas-pungas itong naupo sa kama. “M-mommy,” tawag nito sa kanya bago sumiksik sa dibdib niya. She held her son and tried to comfort him. But when she heard another shrilling scream coming from her sister’s room, agad siyang napatayo mula sa kama. Soon after, she heard shouting and hurried footsteps from the hallway. “Let go of my daughter, whoever bastard you are!” narinig niyang sigaw ng Daddy niya sa labas. “I said let go of my daughter now!” Subalit imbes na sumagot ang kung sino mang kausap ng Daddy niya, isang putok ng baril ang muling yumanig sa buong kabahayan. Napatili na siya. Nagmamadali siyang tumakbo sa kanyang walk-in closet bitbit si Atlas. Once there, agad niyang ini-lock ang pinto at wala sa sariling sumalampak sa sahig. Her knees wer
Maliwanag na nang magmulat si Tala. Malakas ang buhos ng sinag ng araw mula sa bintana at nasisilaw siya. On instinct, she groaned and tried to block the light with her hand. Noon niya napansin na mayroon siyang swero. And with that, all the memories from last night’s horror flooded her mind. Agad siyang napasinghap.“Sweetheart, gising ka na ba?” anang Mommy niya mula sa kung saan. Ilang sandali pa, lumapit ito sa kanya at umupo sa gilid ng hospital bed. Agad na hinaplos ng Mommy niya ang buhok niya bago ginagap ang kanyang kamay. “I’m so glad you’re awake now, Tala,” mangiyak-ngiyak na pahayag ng Mommy niya.“H-how long h-have I been here, Mom?” tanong niya sa paos na tinig.“Around half a day,” sagot ng Mommy niya, pilit na ngumiti.12 hours. She’s been out for 12 freakin’ hours!Napakurap-kurap siya, trying to calm her herself but to no avail. “Where’s Atlas, Mom? And Grandma? I have not seen her last night! What happened to Grandma and—““Hush, sweetheart. They are fine. Atlas is
“Listen to me, Knoxx. We cannot just barge in there and tell them you want to see Tala. There are a lot of things that need to be discussed first,” tuloy-tuloy na paalala ni Ares kay Knoxx habang nasa loob sila ng lift sa Angelicum Hospital. They are on their way to the floor where Tala is confined. Pero mula kaninang papunta sila roon hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin tumitigil ang kapatid niya sa pagkumbinsi sa kanya na ‘wag munang ituloy ang pagpunta niya roon.That does not settle well with him. His family’s safety was jeopardized. Again. He will not just sit in the corner and watch.“And that’s what we’re going—talk to them, now! I will not go by another day not seeing my family, Ares. If they want things to be discussed first, pagbibigyan ko sila kahit ngayon din,” aniya, humugot ng malalim na hininga.Sandaling natigilan si Ares bago, “The family hates you, Quint told me. It’s not the right time to talk to them, brother.”He balled his fist, gritting his teeth. “You are with me, yo
“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
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
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.
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