SAN SERVANDOPara siyang dinuduyan sa pagod. Kararating lang niya sa New York pero hindi pa nag-iinit ang pang-upo niya ay sumakay na uli siya ng eroplano pabalik ng Pilipinas. Only this time, he boarded a private plane. At ngayon, nasa harap niya si TJ. Ibinigay nito sa kaniya ang isang brown envelope. The air was dry and just like his current surroundings— his light is dimming. Darkness is starting to consume him. He can feel his rage building up, and yet, P is on top of his list. He wants her safe no matter what. Kahit galit ito sa kaniya at hindi pa sila nakapag-uusap nang maayos, mahal na mahal pa rin niya ito. At alam niya, hinding hindi na siya magmamahal ng kahit na sino bukod kay P. Would she cry once he's gone? Maybe. Or maybe he will just be a memory. Because he is not going to sit idle and wait for his family to take more from him, he had enough. Hinayaan na niya ang mga ito na kontrolin ang buhay niya, and the little time he had with P beginning to slip away from his han
His room is dark and even the moon refused to come out. Only a tinge can be seen in the black sky. Imbes na sa kama siya mahiga ay sa isang silya niya napiling umungkot. Nagmasid siya sa labas at tiningnan ang malaking property sa harap niya. He has seen it during the day. It's massive. The beautiful landscape and the elegantly crafted fortress. It's too big for him, but somehow— the place is warm and inviting. Namalayan na lang niya ang pamimigat ng mga mata. Ang pagal niyang katawan ay sinukuan na siya at nagpadala siya sa antok at pagod na kanina pa lumulukob sa kaniya. Nagising siyang pawisan at mataas na ang araw. No one woke him up. He had a dream last night and P was in it. Parang ayaw na niyang magising dahil sa panaginip ay kasama niya ito. It's funny how she was still mad at him in his dream. Kahit panaginip ay ayaw siyang pakisamahan. Nang maalala niya na hindi pa sila tapos mag-usap ni TJ ay kaagad siyang nagtungo sa banyo. He has clothes here and a few things. They have
TJ wishes he can tell him more about his family but that was it. Aside from the society, his only family is P. Wala na ang mga tunay niyang magulang, at maging ang nag-iisang bunsong kapatid. Alejandro and Antonello were not his brothers— they were his cousins. The man who raised him is his uncle. Kung tutuusin, pamilya sila. Siguro kahit hindi siya tanggapin ng buo ng mga ito ay mauunawaan niya. They fed and clothed him all those years. They provided a roof over his head. Ang sabi ni TJ, he was the same age as the baby in the photo. The baby died and he was the replacement. Kaya pala tuwing titingin sa kaniya ang kinalakihang ina, may lambong ang mga mata nito. Her real baby passed and she can't even talk about it in the open. It was almost as if that baby never existed. He's been in San Servando for a month while TJ's men work in New York. Burong buro na siya. Daig pa niya ang na-house arrest kahit na malaya naman siyang lumabas ng bahay at magpunta sa karatig bayan. Apparently, h
"No, you didn't." He stiffened when he heard her voice. "You should get going before something happens to me again." Her words stung. This is what he was afraid of. "I know you're upset—" "You have no idea." P cut him off without warning. "I don't know why you're still here. We're done, Alessandro." "Why don't you turn around and say it to my face." Matapang lang si Pietra dahil nakatalikod ito sa kaniya. Pietra sat in bed and reached for the lamp. Light flooded the room. Her eyes landed on his face and even in anger, Pietra can still take his breath away. She's beautiful in and out. "We're done." The woman didn't even flinch. He knew Pietra was going to give her a hard time, but he didn't expect Pietra to be this brutal. He apologized. Didn't he? Shit. Ni hindi niya maalala kung nagsorry na siya kanina o hindi pa. Baka nga hindi pa niya nagagawa. "I already said I'm sorry." He took his chances. Bahagyang tumaas ang isang kilay ni P at mabilis na tumayo. Hinila pa nito ang
With tears, P nodded and said yes many times. She didn't care that he didn't have a ring with him. Siiil siya ng halik ni P at saksi ang apat na sulok ng kwarto sa intensidad ng pag-iisa nila. They were both trying to catch their breath when he heard P laughing on his neck. "What is so funny?" "Nothing. I just remembered something from the past. I can't believe it came true." "Finally." He snorted. Akala niya ay hindi pa rin ito aamin. "Finally what?" Maang-maangan pa rin si Pietra, but he figured two can play this game. Dinaganan niya si P at siniil ito ng halik. His kisses were soft and tiny— just the way she likes it. Pinapasabik niya ito at nang iarko ang likod ay alam niya ang nais ni P. He licked one nipple and teased it. He did the same to the other one. He didn't suck on it like he usually do. "Ale." Pinigil niya ang matawa nang marinig ang pagrereklamo nito. Bumaba ang mga halik niya sa tiyan nito hanggang sa maabot ang nasa gitna ng mga hita. His thumb softly caressed
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
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—
"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
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