I am still in love with youI got carried away by his warmth that I did not realize I had fallen asleep. The feeling was unfathomable. I feel like no one could ever lay a finger on us anymore. I feel like there is a strong and great shield built around us that no one could ever break in. My life was at peace already but right now...Jake has told me, through his touch and warmth, the real definition of peace. For a moment, I forgot about Jerkson and the family that we built. For a moment, I forgot about our marriage. For a moment, I wished it was Jake who's my husband and that thought alone...bring happiness at the same time pain on my heart.Si Jerkson ang nasa tabi ko noong mga panahong kailangan ko ng karamay. He helped me to stand up again and he made me believe in love again. Na kahit na nadapa man ako ng ilang beses, may pagkakataon pa rin ako para bumangon ulit at magmahal ulit...kahit hindi kasing lalim ng pagmamahal na naranasan ko sa ibang tao noon.Naalimpungatan ako dahil
Promise"You're joking," This is his only possible reason on why he said those things to me. He must be just joking around huh? Dahil hindi pwede. I remember the times he had pushed me away from them. I remember the times when he always let me feel unloved and unvalued. I remeber every single hurtful thing and word he had done and said to me.At ngayon...sasabihin niyang mahal niya ako? Na mahal niya pa rin ako? Sino'ng niloloko niya? Walang sino man ang kayang manakit ng taong minamahal nila. Kaya hindi ko maintindihan si Jake kung bakit niya sinasabi ang mga ito ngayon sa akin."I'm telling the truth, Ash--""Y-You hurt me a million times back then," I looked straightly on his eyes. I can see remorse in his eyes but it won't turn back the time. "I-Is that the way you love?""I had to do that to protect you and your family!""No! You had to it for Allison and for yourself!" Pareho kaming hinihingal dahil doon. I took a look at my daughter on the bed and she's still sleeping. Ibinal
Betrayed"Why don't you stay here for a while?" Jake asked me.Andito kami ngayon sa kitchen habang si Snow ay naghahanda sa taas dahil kailangan na rin naming umalis. Jerkson has messaged and informed me that he'll petch us. Inaasahan ko na rin naman iyon dahil alam ko namang hindi pwedeng dito na kami tumira.I already told Snow about it and she looks happy with it. She said she misses Jerkson so much and she's happy that we'll be together again. Ngayon ko pa lang sinabi kay Jake para na rin makapagpaalam sa kanya nang maayos. "Jake, we have our own house and Jerkson is waiting for us,""I can ensure that Snow's safer here, Ash." Nginitian ko siya. I appreciate his help and effort but we can also ensure Snow's safety more than he could ever give. "She's also safe in Celzuis House--""But she's more safer here, Ash!" Mariin niyang saad. Napakunot ang noo ko nang mapansin ang taranta sa kanyang mga mata. Huminga siya nang malalim at ipinikit ang mga mata, kinakalma ang sarili. "I'm
Touched my Heart"Where do you wanna go?" Jake asked me.Hindi ko siya sinagot. Hindi na rin naman siya nagtanong pa ulit. Hindi ako makapaniwalang magagawa ni Jerkson iyon sa akin at sa maliit na pamilyang binuo namin. I can't understand why he had to do it when he could easily tell me that he wants out of this loveless marriage already? Why does he have to cheat on me huh? Then...he really chose that girl? Of all the people? Alam niya ang atraso sa akin ni Allison. Alam niya ang lahat ng paghihirap na dinanas ko kaya...bakit sa kanya pa? I am not contemplating that cheating will be fine if he did this with another girl instead of Allison. I juat want to ask why Allison? Because really? It added more pain to the betrayal that he did to us.I wiped the tears on my face when the car stops in front of Jake's house. Batid kong nakatingin siya sa akin dahil ramdam ko ang mabigat niyang titig. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko siya titingnan. He must be very hurt huh? The girl whom he is in lov
Protect"I want a divorce," I said with an intern voice.Ito ang bungad ko kay Jerkson pagkapasok niya sa loob ng aming bahay. Naka-upo ako sa isa mga couch dito sa aming sala habang umiinom ng wine. This is my first time drinking alcohol again after 6 years. Sa loob ng anim na taon na iyon ay ang dami nang nangyari. There were a lot if changes happened in the world and the people around it.Tiningnan ko nang deretso si Jerkson sa kanyang mga mata. Isa na siya sa mga ito. Pansin ko ang pangi-ngitim ng ilalim ng kanyang mga mata. Papikit-pikit ang mga ito, tila sobrang bigat ng kanyang mga talukap. Halata ang puyat, lungkot, at pagsisisi sa kanyang mga mata.Looking at his eyes, in spite of the betrayal he did to me, my heart still hurts for his situation. Nakaawang lamang ang kanyang bibig habang ang kanyang mga mata ay nililibot ang buo kong katawan, tila sinasaulo ang lahat ng sa akin. It seems like he's looking at me through my soul.He gave me a small smile. "Is that what you want
Fight TogetherIt seemed an endless ride, with our heart beatings fast. I was hugging Snow tightly as Jake drove the car in the fastest way he could. Kanina pa may sumusunod sa amin at may kutob na kaming sila ito. They are after us, especially my child. But no, I won't give them what they want."Mom, a-ano po ba talagang nangyayari!" Snow shouted nervously. We are both crying in the back seat—she's crying because she's scared...and I am crying because I couldn't do anything but hug her. Jake took a glance at us and I saw the worry in his eyes. I looked at the rear view mirror and I saw the two black SUVs running after us. "S-Shhh, andito lang si m-mommy, hmmm?" I said, consoling her.Patuloy lang siya sa pag-iyak at sa bawat paglabas ng kanyang hikbi sa kanyang maliit na labi ay binibiyak ang puso ko. I closed my eyes tightly as I held her in my arms. My phone rang and I saw Jerkson's name on it. Umusbong ang galit sa buong sistema ko nang makita ang pangalan niya roon.How dare hi
Finished"Every corner is secured, there is no corner where we can choose to go through with. Mukhang pinaghandaan talaga nila 'to nang mabuti." I said on my earpiece.I am here at the Voltzki House, observing everything that's happening in it. I learned that Jake already have no control with Voltzki House after his family died...but I doubt it. By just looking at it, he can't control the Voltzki House because all of the men here are from Allison's family. Loyalty remains huh?Sa una, hindi pumayag si Jake na ako ang pumuntang magmanman dito. But I told him I am skilled at this. For years that I spent at Celzius House as Jerkson's husband, I've learned how to be a skilled person, how to hold a gun and shoot, how to kill using a bow and arrow, and on how to drug all people in just a snap. At first, I thought I won't be able to use these skills but I'm wrong...because here I am, getting a use of these skills.There's a fear that I'm feeling right now. It's my first time using it in a s
Warmth and TouchNakakulong na sina Allison at ang pamilya nito pati na rin si Jerkson. Jerkson's father was very sorry at me but I told him he's not at fault. Bumagsak ang Mafia Houses nina Jerkson at Allison dahil sa insedenteng iyon. Jake's Mafia House came back stronger and more powerful. It turned out that most of the soldiers, men, and guardians of Voltzki House were impresoned by Allison and Jake doesn't know any of those.Sa loob ng isang buwan, marami na ang nagyari. I finally had the urge to go back here in the Philippines, in spite of my bad memories here. Pero hindi ko rin naman maipagkakaila na mayroon ding mga magagandang alaala akong naiwan dito kasama ang mga dati kong kaklase, Mama Nicole, mga kaibigan ko, at lalo na kasama ang mga magulang ko.I sighed deeply as I gathered all my strengths to finally visit my parents. Dahan-dahan akong naglakad papunta sa puntod nila. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko sa paligid at may nakita akong isang babaeng tila nakita ko na noon pa.
Jake's POVWala na akong ibang hihilingin pa sa buhay ko. I am with my lovely wife. My dream. My daughter. The twins needed to go back to Spain because I already passed the throne to them. They aren't my real sons yes but they deserve it. At alam kong mapro-protektahan nila ito nang maayos. And its legacy will always be its legacy. Its principle will be always there to guide them. And we're just here to give them advice. "Daddy, does it look good?" Napalingon ako kay Snow nang itanong niya iyon. Hindi ko maiwasang mangiti nang makitang suot niya ang regalo ko sa kanyang unicorn-themed na costume dress. Lumapit ako sa kanya at lumuhod para maglevel ang mga mata namin."Yes, honey. You look beautiful," I chuckled. "Where's your mommy?"Ngumiti siya sa akin. "Nagbibihis pa, dad." Tumingin ako sa taas ng hagdan bago nagpasyang puntahan na siya roon. "Stay with Manang for a while hmmm? I'll just look for your mommy."She happily nodded her head at me then went to the kitchen, where Manan
Ash's POV"Oh anyare sa'yo?" Hindi ko pinansin si Gizelle at Jessica. Dumeretso ako sa upuan ko at saka roon nagmukmok. It's been a week since Jake and I broke up. Hindi naging madali sa akin noong una pero sa mga sumunod na araw, I finally learned to accept it. Isa pa, hindi naman kami nag-break ng may sama ng loob sa isa't-isa. But of course, it was still painful for me. Ito ang unang beses kong makipag-relasyon. This is also the first time I fell in love. Of course, may mga nagugustuhan na rin akong iba noon pa pero iba itong nararamdaman ko kay Jake. It's beyond crush. And I know for sure that it's love. Naramdaman ko ang pag-upo ng dalawa sa katabing upuan ko. Magkakatabi lang kami ng mga chairs kaya naman ramdam ko talaga nang naupo sila."Psst," sabay kalabit sa balikat ko. "Ano ba, inaantok ako," palusot ko. I heard them laugh and that made me look at them. Tiningnan ko sila nang masama pero tumawa lang sila. Gizelle then bumped my shoulder. "Ano bang meron? Hindi ka nama
Jake's POVI don't know much about love. I was a newbie. I didn't know how to handle a relationship. I was always conscious if I was doing the right way or not. And sometimes, I don't find myself being head over heels to someone, and yet I do. I know that I am ruthless and dangerous. I don't have a heart to any other people. If I would kill, I wouldn't hesitate to do it. But I know my limit. I don't just kill someone because I want to and I also need to consider the rules of Voltzki House as well as the Organizaçion. Pero hindi ko maintindihan ang sarili ko nang mandilim ang paningin ko kay Allison nang oras na nasa rooftop kami. I couldn't hold on! I couldn't stop my self! My anger had taken over me and at that moment, I felt like no one could ever stop me from hurting that girl! She's my friend, yes but I couldn't take her saying bad things to Ash! More on in front of my family! And much more in front of me!"Don't...you...ever...try..." I darkly told her. I held her jaw and nec
Jake's POVMany would think that I am fortunate because we are wealthy. But looking back at my childhood, I was so unfortunate. Unlucky. "Don't be weak, Jake! Shoot it! Kill it!" My mother shouted from behind.I am holding the gun while pointing it to my target—the wild pig. My hand is trembling as I try to keep my posture because I am scared that my mother would punish me if I fail this task. I adequately measured the distance and the speed of the wild pig before letting the bullet out of this gun. And I hit it. I heard my mother's clap. But I couldn't look at her and join her in her happiness...because I just killed an animal.I am a killer. I killed an animal. I killed a wild pig. I am a killer. Paulit-ulit iyong tumatakbo sa isipan ko. My mother is saying something to my elder brother, Blaze, about something. Pero wala sa kanila ang focus ko. Nakatutok lang ang mga mata ko sa baboy ramo na pinatay ko. I saw the blood rushing through the wild pig's body. I saw it trembled when
You have touched my HeartThe days are fast slipping away. Parang kahapon lang ay nag-aaral pa ako, working as an escort, pleasuring Jake in any possible way that I could because it's my work to do so...and I was paid for it, being a good daughter to our family, being a volunteer to the organization...that I once was thought helping other people...but turned out as just their facade to hide their illegal doings.I was hurt, Jake didn't wait for me and I thought he cheated and fell in love with Allision...that was why they married each other in spite of me begging. My parents faced a traumatic death experience, I thought Jake did it and blamed for it, I got away from everything and left the Philippines for good. Lived in Spain and gave birth to my hope, my peace, and my happiness, my Snow. I then met Jerkson again...my former classmate. He helped me in everything and he fell in love. He asked me marriage and I accepted it. Snow was kidnapped which resulted for Jake to know about her exi
My WorldKinabukasan ay totoo nga ang sinabi ni Jake dahil 9:00 pa lang nang umaga ay andami nang nakapila sa labas! Hindi niya man lang sinabi sa aking maaga pala ang oras na binigay niya sa kanila!Kaya naman nang pagbuksan ko sila ng pinto ay hiyang-hiya ako dahil pakiramdam ko ay kanina pa silang naghihintay sa labas. Buti na lamang at nakaligo na ako bago pa sila dumating. The twins and Snow are still sleeping while Jake is at the kitchen, he's cooking our breakfast. Pinadagdagan ko ang pagkain para naman may mai-offer kaming breakfast sa mga organizers. I also ordered him to prepare a snack for them in which he obliged. "Uhmm, I'm s-sorry for the inconvenience," nahihiya kong paghingi ng tawad sa kanila. Pinaupo ko muna sila sa mga couch na nasa sala namin habang ang iba ay walang maupuan dahil kulang na ang upuan! I thought iba-iba ang oras ng mga organizers na inimbita niya dahil sabi niya ay may schedule pero hindi niya naman sinabi na ang schedule pala na binigay niya ay y
Deserve"Mommy, we're now going back to the Philippines?" Masayang tanong ni Snow habang naghahanda kami para sa flight namin bukas.We're now going back to the Philippines to immediately start the planning for our upcoming wedding. I want it simply done but Jake doesn't want it. He wants it to be the best wedding of all time."You deserve everything good in this world, baby." I remember the time he said it to me. Kusa na lang lumitaw ang ngiti sa aking labi nang maalala iyon."Mommy?" Napahinto ako sa pagngiti dahil doon. "H-Huh?" I asked my daughter innocently.Kumunot ang noo niya sa akin at ngumuso kalaunan. "Why are you suddenly smiling, mommy? I'm asking po if we're now going back to the Philippines?" Ulit niya sa tanong niya kanina.I awkwardly gave her an awkward chuckle. "Ah, y-yes anak. Your dad and I want to get married in the Philippines," She smiled. "I'm so excited na po!"I laughed at her excitement. Nilapitan ko siya at saka hinalikan sa pisngi. "You love the Philip
Family Time"What exactly did she tell you hmm?"Nakasandal ang likod ko sa kanya habang nakababad kami rito sa bath tub. Katatapos lang namin kanina at napagpasyahan naming magpahinga rito sa tub. It's more comfortable here. Ang mga bula ay pinaglalaruan ko, iniipon ko ang mga ito saka hinihipan nang isahan.Inilapit ko pa ang sarili ko sa kanya dahilan para maramdaman ko ang kanyang pagkalalaki na hanggang ngayon ay matigas pa rin at handa pang lumaban kahit na katatapos lang namin ng dalawang round.Namula ako sa naisip."Na...nag-sex daw kayo kahapon and...uhmm...you two fucked a long time ago...when she was still your fiancé." Pag-amin ko sa kanya.His right hand snaked on my waist while his other hand is putting my hair altogether to kiss my nape. Paulit-ulit niyang pinapatakan ang aking batok at balikat ng kanyang mumunting halik. "It's not true," his husky voice conquered my ears.Hindi ako maka-focus sa sinasabi niya dahil sa paulit-ulit nitong paghalik sa akin. This is the
Marriage ProposalPagkatapos din ng linggong iyon ay lumipad kami papuntang Spain. Snow is a smart kid so even if we don't explain it to her, she will surely know it herself. Kadarating lang namin ngayon sa Spain at dumeretsyo agad kami rito sa Votlzki House para makapagpahinga. The twins were also here. Jake said that he gave the twins their own position in this Mafia House. Sa mga araw na wala siya rito para mamahala, ang kambal ang naging katuwang niya upang mapanatili ang kaayusan dito.Snow wanted us to rest in one room so we oblige. Jake is hugging me from the back while we watch the sun rises in the morning from our balcony. He is throwing small but long-lasting kisses on my neck. I tilted my head a bit to give him more access from kissing me."I always watch the sun because it reminds me of you," he said when he paused at kissing my neck.Napatingin ako sa langit dahil sa sinabi niya. It is so beautiful. The colors around the sun blended exactly with each other to produce suc