He took her one more time after a couple of hours. They showered quickly and his woman fell asleep shortly. Natulog si P na may ngiti sa labi. It was not until seven in the morning when he felt her glued to her side. Mainit ang katawan nito at nanginginig. P wore his old shirt to bed at sinabihan niyang huwag na magsuot ng panty. She grinned at him and did what she was told."Baby, are you okay?" bulong niya kay P. "I'm c-cold." Nang hipuin niya ang noo nito at leeg ay napakainit. Titingnan niya sana ang temperature nito kung gaano kataas ang lagnat nang maalala na wala siyang thermometer. Hindi naman kasi siya sakitin at siya lang mag-isa sa bahay. Most likely, he would just take a paracetamol and be done with it. But now, it's different. Hindi na lang sarili niya ang kailangan isipin. There will always be P to consider. Kung bakit ito biglang lalagnatin ay hindi niya alam. Sa tagal ng pananatili niya sa Pilipinas, narinig na niya ang kwentuhan ng ibang tao. Those were random stran
It's been hell of a week for him. P was in a foul mood the whole time. Dalawang araw din itong nilagnat at hirap umihi. Kahit sina Magnus ay sinungitan nito kaya ang dalawang bantay ay palaging tumityempo ng pagbisita sa kanila. Sa wakas ay magaling na si P. Her mood is much better and now focusing on her pile of work. Maya't maya rin ang tawag ng mga team members nito sa New York and it's not even eight in the evening in the Philippines. Oras sa New York ang sinusunod ni P kapag may pending na trabaho. "Hey, why don't you take a break and go for a drive with me?" aya niya sa nobya.Kanina pa ito alas sais nakaungkot sa harap ng laptop nito at hindi siya magtataka kung tuluyan manlabo ang mata sa dalawang malaking monitor. He cooked dinner for them at muntik na lumamig dahil ayaw nitong iwan ang ginagawa. "Drive where?" tanong nito sa kaniya na hindi man lang siya tinapunan ng tingin. "I don't know. Grab some street food? Parang gusto ko ng adidas.""Chicken feet?""Yes. You can h
Pinanindigan ni P ang natitirang dalawang linggo at wala siyang nagawa sa nobya. Hanga rin siya sa self control nito. But as soon as his punishment ended, s'ya naman ang nagparusa kay P— masarap na parusa. "Do you really need to be away that long?" Nasa airport siya ngayon. Inihatid niya si P kasama nina Magnus. Isang linggo ang mga ito sa New York para sa trabaho ni P. She had to do site visits and talk to clients. Iyon ang deal na hiningi nito sa company bago sumama sa kaniya sa Pilipinas. "It's just a week. Akala mo naman isang buwan akong mawawala." Pinarolyo pa nito ang mga mata. "Kapag nainip ako, susunod na lang ako sa 'yo roon." Tumawa si P. "Gastador ka rin 'no? May I remind you that you have a business to run. Besides, aren't you supposed to see Tay? May ginagawa kayong gamot 'di ba? Hindi pa yata tapos 'yon." "Yes, I know. I'm meeting him in about three days." "Okay. Basta walang babae." Kumunot ang noo niya. "Tsk. Nagdadala ka raw ng babae sa lab noon—" "That w
Before Anton can say anything back, nagpaalam na siya sa kapatid nang marinig ang call waiting sa kabilang linya. He was hoping it was P. “Tell me you’re Pietra.”Napatawa ang lalaki sa kabilang linya. “I am Pietra.” Nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses ay nakahinga siya nang maluwag. “Rob.”“I am glad you still have your screws on. What’s going on with you, Gambino? It’s only been several hours.”“She promised me that she will call me as soon as you guys land.”“She couldn’t,” sagot nito sa kaniya.“Why not?”“His brother is here.” Inisip niya kung sino sa mga kapatid nito. “Lucian.”Si Lucian ang panganay na kapatid ni P, pero ano ang ginagawa nito sa New York? Ang alam niya, hindi ito lumalabas ng Italy madalas. Lucian’s timing is impeccable too. “He is here with a friend and they called just before the plane took off. Lucian was already there as soon as the door opened so none of us had the time to call you.”“But is she okay?”“Of course she’s okay. Why wouldn’t she?” He felt bet
Kung hindi pa nakatanggap ng tawag si Lucian ay baka napaamin na siya nito. Sinenyasan siya ni Lucian na matulog na at importante ang tawag na natanggap nito. Ang totoo, hindi niya alam kung paano sasabihin sa kapatid ang tungkol kay Ale. The expression he saw at his face when Lucian asked about the Gambino family was enough to send her shivers.Alam niya ang tungkol sa lumang kasunduan ng dalawang pamilya dahil sinabi sa kaniya iyon ng kanilang ama noong sumapit ang 18th birthday niya. However, it didn't stop her from looking for Ale and they found each other.The next morning when she woke up, Lucian was gone at maayos na nakatiklop ang blanket sa sofa. He left her a note on the coffee table at wala na rin doon ang mga tasang ininuman nila ng tsa kagabi. She picked up the note and read. You don't need to tell me his name— I already know. All that matters is that you're happy. Just know that if he hurts you in any way, I am going to break his face in more ways than one and no one wi
At The ModernShe arrived ten minutes early at the restaurant but the client was already there. The man is punctual. However, Philip Coulter seemed to be… too Italian with those dark eyes, olive skin and high cheekbones. Hindi nalalayo ang edad nito kay Ale.“Good afternoon, Ms. Profaci.” Tumayo ito mula sa silya nang dumating siya. It was the staff who ushered her in that pulled the chair for her. “Good afternoon, Sir.” Sinadya niyang huwag idagdag ang apelyido nito. He can’t be Philip Coulter like he claimed. She had time to get a good look at the database. Tinawagan niya ang isang IT na nirekomenda ng Ate Georgina niya noon. “I hope you don’t mind but I ordered for us.”“It’s fine. I am not very hungry anyway.” Only Ale can order food and other things for her and she won’t mind. “Still tired from the trip?” Hindi niya sinagot ito. “Steve told me you just landed yesterday and you’ve moved overseas. Philippines, right? My mom is a Filipina.”He was being extra friendly and that’s
“I am not expecting anything. I just really want to get your services with the house at Lexington.”“Good.” She took the table napkin and used it to wipe her lips. “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?” Nang umiling si Alejandro ay kinuha niya ang pagkakataon na ‘yon para magpaalam.“So are you taking the job?”“If you agree to my terms, I just might.”“Spoken like a true Profaci.” She kept her poker face on. “Then state your terms. I’d like to hear them.”“First, never discuss nor involve anything personal with this job. I don’t care if Alessandro is your brother, you do not mention him to me. Today is the first and last day you’d talk to me about him. Second, I will prepare two designs and any changes will be discussed with me. However, I will not be here to supervise everyday once the renovations start. I can commit to a week per month. That’s my deal with the company and I am not changing it for you no matter how much you offer me. You and I both know that I do not need t
Hindi niya alam ang binabalak ng kapatid. P is amazing at what she does. However, Alejandro could have hired someone else to do the job. Imposible naman na si Gabriella ang may gustong kunin bilang interior designer si P. Malakas ang kutob niyang may binabalak ang kapatid niya at may kinalaman sa kaniya ang ginagawa nito. Nagpaalam na si P at pinatulog na siya pero heto at alas singko na ng umaga ay gising na gising pa rin ang kaniyang diwa. Hindi na siya makatulog kahit ano'ng gawin niya kaya pupuntahan niya si Taylor sa condo nito ng maaga. Doon na rin siya magkakape at bubulabugin niya ang kaibigan. He took his car keys and overnight bag that he prepared for the other day. Since it's still early, he didn't hit traffic and was there in less than twenty minutes. Usually, it's about a forty-five minute drive. "Ale?" Pupungas-pungas na bungad sa kaniya ni Tay. "What time is it?" Tinawagan niya ito nang makarating siya sa parking lot. Instead of buzzing him, he opted for a call to ma
The smell of ammonia was what woke him up. He found himself still on the floor and P was on the bed waiting for him to open his eyes. Ang doktor na tinawag niya ay nagpunta sa bahay para i-check si P. May kasama rin itong isang nurse. Umupo muna siya sa sahig at kahit hilo ay tinangka na lumipat sa kama. Hinaplos ni P ang pisngi niya saka siya ginawaran ng halik sa labi."What happened?" Tumawa si P. "Hinimatay ka." He made a sour face. "I meant—""I'm pregnant. I need to get an ultrasound done but the doctor is thinking I'm about five to six weeks along." He was so happy he couldn't speak. He is going to be a father... Hindi siya marunong humawak ng bata. Paano ba magpalit ng diaper? Okay naman siya sa pagpupuyat. Kahit huwag na siyang matulog sa pagbabantay at—"Ale?" His train of thoughts were suddenly stopped when he heard P's voice."Sorry. You were saying?"Tumikhim ang doktora. "We will give you a few minutes before we take your blood samples." Lumabas ito ng silid kasunod a
P was very patient with him and held his hand every step of the way. Ang hindi niya lang ginawa ay ang pagkonsulta sa doktor. He doesn't need it. What he needs is someone who will listen to him. He realized how he bottled up everything inside and now he's paying for it. He told P every single memory he has growing up— good or bad. P is the only therapist he needs. "So he wasn't always bad to you?" Umiling siya. "He is not really. It's hard to explain. Think of it as I will never be good enough as his son.""Well, that's because you're not his." They were out in the balcony and it's been a couple of months since Alejandro and Gabriella's death.May routine sila ni P na uminom ng tsa sa gabi sa balcony at saka mag-uusap. They had talks before but never like this. This time, he's pouring everything out. Mas madaling maging masaya kapag ni-let go na niya ang lahat ng masasamang pangyayari sa buhay niya. Hindi niya makakalimutan, pero hindi rin niya kailangang alalahanin pa at pabigatin
Hindi matanggap ni Gabriella ang kapalaran na sinapit niya kay Alejandro. They were friends. They grew up together. She can't believe that after everything, he would do such a horrible act to her. It wasn't even because he loved her. Love isn't selfish. Love doesn't envy. Alejandro was blinded by his hate and jealousy to Alessandro. At his young mind, it was instilled that he has to do better so he would be Don someday. He gained it by birthright, but even that wasn't real. "I want a divorce." Gabriella's voice was firm. Napatawa si Alejandro. "You really think you'd be free from me, Gabriella?" "I will do whatever you want, just set me free. I will not tell a soul about your family's secret." She was hoping she would be able to persuade him. Ayaw na niyang makisama sa asawang hindi niya kayang pagkatiwalaan. Masyadong mahaba ang habambuhay. At kung hindi siya pakakawalan nito ay mas nanaisin pa niyang wakasan ang buhay niya. Sa imp'yerno rin naman ang tungo niya. How her life
He and Pietra flew home to the Philippines, but didn't take their original flight. TJ arranged something else for them and made sure they are safe. He asked Pietra for some time before they talk about what happened at ilang araw pagkatapos nilang makabalik sa Pilipinas ay hindi na ito nakatiis sa pananahimik niya."Ale, I know you're grieving your family but sometimes, it helps when you talk about it. I will not hold it against you. I am here to listen," bulong nito sa kaniya matapos yumakap. Ever since they came home, he's been keeping to himself. Aside from spending a few hours in the restaurant, uuwi siya sa bahay para makasama si P. He would prepare meals for the both of them. Inaalagaan niya ito. Pero pagdating ng gabi, nahihirapan siyang matulog. Kahit sa panaginip ay nakikita niya ang pagbangga at pagsabog ng kotse ni Alejandro. Pati ang pagkamatay ni Gabriella ay sumasagi sa isip niya. "If you don't want to talk to me, talk to someone. Please, Ale. I don't want you to get sic
The family is in chaos and he is nowhere near the Gambinos. He followed his instinct and went to New Jersey where P would be. Sana lang ay nadala ito roon nina Rob. Surprisingly, TJ owns a home there at ibinigay niya kay P pati na kay Rob at Magnus ang address nito kung sakaling magkaroon ng problema sa pagbabalik niya. He has never been there so he doesn't know what it's like. Baka nasa isang secluded na lugar ang bahay nito katulad sa headquarters nila sa San Servando. Deep inside he hoped that he wasn't going to use it. He drove despite being tired. His only goal was to see P and be with her. Bahala na kung ano ang kasunod na mangyayari. Driving thru the city was brutal until after what seemed like forever, he reached a family neighbourhood. Bergen County has contemporary homes and the one on the right side at the end of the street was the one he was looking for. It's not secluded at all. In fact, it was a beautiful home if only it's occupied by a couple and their children. Pero
"I'll take my chances."Kung gaano siya kabilis dumating ay ganoon din siya kabilis na tumalikod sa kapatid at nilisan ang restaurant na 'yon. Magnus and Rob are with P at hindi pababayaan ng dalawa ang fiancee niya. Narinig niya ang pagpukpok ni Alejandro sa kamao nito sa mesa at hindi natutuwa sa ginawa niya. "No wonder you were the least favorite in the family, Alessandro. You've always been different and yet Dad kept you."Alejandro's father only kept him to serve a purpose and that's to bury a secret. He has yet to find out what it is but he already knew that he is not going to like it— whatever it is. "That's fine. I don't care," sagot niya sa kapatid at hindi man lang ito nilingon. His brother knew fully well not to create a scene in public that would tarnish the business. Kaya nga siya ang inuutusan nito noon para magligpit ng kalat. Alejandro doesn't have it in him— he is simply... weak.He started calling P but she wasn't answering. He tried Rob and Morgan but they did not
"What time is it?" tanong ni P sa kaniya. It's been a couple of days since they bought the ring and P has been wearing it proudly. Kahit nang pumasok ito sa opisina at magfile ng bakasyon ay isinama pa siya. Tonight, they are flying home to the Philippines. P will be working for a month then use her two months worth vacation. They are planning to visit Spain and Estefan was kind enough to let them use one his houses. "About one in the afternoon. Why?" "I need to buy some art supplies." "Sasamahan kita." He had a rough night trying to read what he can about his family. Si TJ ang nagsend sa kaniya ng mga dokumento. Inumaga na siya sa pagbabasa at dahil agahan na, nagluto na rin siya ng kakainin nila "No, you should get some sleep. You were busy reading last night. It's best you take a nap. Babalik din ako kaagad. Do you need anything while I'm out?""Maybe some new boxers?" "Pink okay?" Sinamaan niya ng tingin ang nobya. "I'm kidding." P tiptoes and kiss his lips. "I'll take the g
A phone rang and Emma excused herself to take the call outside. She thought about it and weigh the consequences. She didn't want to start a war. Profacis never start a war. When she heard the door opened and shut shortly, she came out of the cubicle and went straight to the sink to wash her hands. Wala siyang balak batiin ang babae at makipagplastikan. Her contract was over and the Lexington home has been taken over by another designer from her firm. Alejandro didn't give a fuss over it and let her rest. By the time she was feeling well, the renovations are done and there's no point in talking to him anymore. "Miss Profaci. Fancy seeing you here. I don't believe I've seen you here before," bati nito sa kaniya na para bang walang ginawang mali. She didn't bother to respond or acknowledge her presence. As much as possible, she wants to maintain her cool. Ayaw niyang sirain ang magandang araw nila ni Ale. They just got engaged, and although there are no details yet for their wedding—
TIFFANY & CO., 5th Avenue They made it to the jewelry store after lunch. P's family has connections so does his. However, they didn't have need to use any of them. Tor knew the manager of the store who owed him his life some years ago. The champagne was flowing and everything just looked sparkly wherever they look. "How many rings am I allowed to get?" nakangising tanong sa kaniya ni P. For someone who didn't want a ring earlier, she's now giggling and excited to pick not just one— but several. She looked like a little kid waiting for Christmas to open her gift. P was simply adorable. "You can have one on each finger if wish. Add each toes if you like too." He flashed her a smile and P grabbed both his cheeks and kissed him on the lips. "Just kidding. I want you to pick one for me, actually." Tumaas ang isa niyang kilay. Kinuha ni P ang kaniyang braso at isinampay sa sariling balikat at sumandig sa dibdib niya. "If I pick it, it doesn't feel romantic." She chuckled. "It would fee