"Are you sure everything is okay? We can simply reschedule the appointment so you can relax," Don remarked worriedly. They are now in Don's office preparing their next move, which will take place in three days. Annalia recently learned that Marcel's restaurant will launch its doors in a few short days. She already has a clear picture of what will take place on that day. Since the previous evening, Annalia has been working on putting together her game plan. She pondered the various things she could do to cover their tracks so that Marcel wouldn't observe what they were doing. For the time being, all she needs to do is elaborate further on these intentions for Don and Silas. "I'm fine, Don. It hasn't swollen up too much, "Annalia promised. After Adam had brought Annalia to the S.S. company, he insisted on placing her in a wheelchair to prevent the swelling in her legs from becoming even more severe. However, Annalia promptly declined it and decided to rely on the personnel working insi
"What on earth do you think you are doing? Let go." The demand came from Annalia. Adam was muttering something incomprehensible to her as his hand was busy trying to divert her attention away from the reality that he had no business being there in the first place. "I want you." The unexpected outburst from Adam causes Annalia's eyes to widen, as though the statement shouldn't have been made under such circumstances. She takes a few breaths as she feels Adam's bulge prodding her abdomen; although she tried to ignore it, it was distracting. Additionally, Annalia is affected by this! "No. Let go now, Adam. I will accompany you to your room. God, you stink," Annalia groaned while making an effort to appear as though the situations in which she found herself had no effect on her. Even though they may have progressed a great deal further, Anna is not going to allow Adam to have another shot at beating her in this non-existent relationship with him. She is making an effort to avoid him! "
3 days ago... "Why didn't you inform me about the guns that were being transported here in the Philippines?" The question was posed by Adam as soon as he had entered their mansion. Marcel was currently perched on the couch, holding a newspaper in one hand and reading it with the other while his legs were crossed. Before Adam arrived, the man was too concerned to pay attention to what he was doing. Adam was fuming with rage to an extreme degree. He can no longer put up with his father's negligence, and now Marcel has exploited Adam's identity in connection with the illegal firearms he has been peddling on the black market. It would appear that Marcel is unconcerned in the matter. That infuriated Adam even more. Adam called out "Father." in a booming voice. Marcel threw down the newspaper he was reading and stared at Adam with a face completely void of expression as if he was unfazed by the fact that Adam was enraged at him. Before getting up, Marcel threw the newspaper down on the e
At precisely seven o'clock in the evening, Antonio and Anna stepped to the entrance of the venue. There were already a lot of people there, and most of them were businessmen and businesswomen working for luxury and well-known brands both in the Philippines and around the world. Annalia witnessed several politicians at this gathering, and she speculated that the majority of these men were Marcel's associates in his illicit enterprise. Annalia was accompanied by Antonio as they made their way to their seat, where they were seated before the host began the program. Annalia is often looking at her phone to see if there are any new messages or notifications. Don assured her that he would get back to her as soon as they were settled into their new site. Even though she is making a concerted effort to keep her poise and remain composed, she cannot help but be anxious about what may occur later. Her sole hope is that they will be successful in what they are doing. After a time, everyone sto
Suddenly, Adam heard gunfire outside the vehicle. Adam was on the verge of exiting his vehicle when Alister stopped him. They exchanged questioning eyes with one another as they glanced at each other. Something is going on. Instead of allowing Adam to descend, Alister decided to go down and check out what was going on. After a minute of waiting for Alister in the car, Adam got frustrated that he hadn't seen him. Adam began to worry for Alister, so Adam took his handgun out of the automobile for self-defense and stepped out of the car cautiously. After Adam walked from the car, he discovered some of their men struggling to shoot other armed men while others were lying on the ground and bleeding. Adam noticed someone approaching him while holding a gun, but he was fast to pull the trigger and shoot the man before the bullet could reach him. He crouches down, making an effort to conceal himself behind the enormous truck, and moves stealthily towards the direction of the commotion. When
Annalia gazed at him in wonder as she watched him looking at her intently. She was at a loss for words and didn't know how to respond to the young man without appearing suspicious. It will just strengthen his suspicions of her. Instead, Anna looked at Adam with stubborn and stern eyes to prove that she was unaffected by his presence. "Adam, I don't understand what you're trying to convey. I have no idea what the problems are in your life, and I couldn't care less. So, can you now let me go?" Annalia remarked with a lethargic expression and nonchalance. It would appear Adam did not budge at all and continued to tighten his grip on Annalia's hand, which caused her to make an agonizing grunting sound. Despite the pain in her wrists, she attempted to make an effort to release herself from Adam's hold. Anna is reaching the point where she can no longer contain the feelings of yearning and pain that trouble her heart, and at any moment, she will explode. Before giving his response, Adam
"You humiliated me!" When Marcel saw the news of what had occurred the previous night, he grew increasingly furious and roared. They have now made their way to AMA Entertainment, where Marcel hid out for the time being after the swarm of media showed up. When Marcel's event was abruptly ruined by some armed individuals, in addition to the carelessness of his people, he felt a great deal of fury. And what infuriated him the most were the weapons that had been left in the truck and the fact that no one had even considered rushing it out of his restaurant to hand it over to his client. Marcel cannot control his impulse to hurl objects that he can see. Felix and Antonio were merely standing by, gauging the point at which Marcel would become calmer. "What is the current status with the weapons? Has it been dispatched yet?" As Marcel stared at Felix, he asked the question. Felix grew alert because he knew that Adam was designated to be in charge of the firearms. However, he continued to re
Annalia went totally still as she took in what she had just seen, and she reflexively put both palms to her lips while her eyes widened in panic. Her body appeared frozen even though she was trembling. Annalia could see how the scourge weapon struck Adam as he coughed up blood. On Adam's bare torso, the bruises and cuts caused by the spikes of the lash were glaringly obvious. She desperately tried to go to the young man but she could not. Her mind could not absorb what she was seeing at this very moment. Annalia had only been waiting by the front door for a few seconds when she heard the sound of a car horn. She slipped away in a hurry and hid in an utterly dark room. It had tarps that covered the shattered objects inside. She was trying not to make any noise, so she covered her mouth to conceal her heavy breathing. "Where is he?" After hearing that voice, Annalia's eyes widened in disbelief and confusion as she processed what she had just heard. It turned out to be Antonio's voice!
Present… Two months had passed since Annalia's awakening, and during that time, she had made remarkable progress in her recovery. Her physical wounds had healed, and she had regained her strength and vitality. With the help of physical therapy and regular check-ups with her doctors, she was well on her way to returning to her old self. Adam, Silas, and Don had been by her side every step of the way, providing emotional support and encouragement. They had all but put their lives on hold to focus on Annalia's recovery, and it had paid off. They were proud of her progress and knew that she was a fighter. On the other hand, after spending some time in Switzerland, visiting the gravesite of his dear friend who had passed away, Adam was excited to return home to the Philippines. Although the trip had been emotionally difficult, it had also given him a sense of closure and peace. As he packed his bags and prepared to leave, he thought back on the years he had spent in Switzerland, struggl
Adam didn't realize that he had fallen asleep and thankfully the nurse woke him up. He is not allowed to stay inside. When Adam got out, he immediately saw Don and Silas sitting on a bench. Adam couldn't look at them because he was so ashamed and sorry for what he did."Adam," Silas called him. "What happened? What did the doctor say?”The three of them looked at each other before Adam glanced at Annalia from the outside."She's pregnant. 2 weeks," Adam softly said. He knew Don and Silas already knew that that's why he didn't expect a reaction from them. Adam looked back at Don before lowering his gaze to surprise the two."What, Adam? What happened? Why is she lying there?” Don continuously asked."She had surgery because of the internal bleeding caused by force trauma," Adam started explaining. He can hear them cursing Marcel while Don punched the wall beside him. Adam continued speaking, "She didn't have a pulse when I saved her and brought her here to the hospital, but they manage
Adam waited anxiously for hours outside the operating room, his mind racing with a thousand different scenarios. Finally, the door swung open, and the doctor emerged, looking exhausted.Adam approached the doctor nervously and asked, "Is she okay?"The doctor looked at him for a moment before replying, "Yes, she is. But there were some complications during the surgery. We managed to resolve them, but it was touch and go for a while there."Adam felt a wave of relief wash over him as he heard the doctor's words. Knowing that Annalia was okay and that the surgery had gone well lifted a heavy weight off his chest. He had been so worried during the long hours of waiting, fearing the worst, but now he felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders."Thank goodness," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "I was so worried."But now until Adam saw how the doctor's face turned serious; Adam's heart skipped a beat. "There's something else I need to tell you.” The doctor said, his tone gra
Marcel was swift on his feet and managed to break free, fleeing from the scene with all his might. As soon as Marcel broke free and attempted to escape, Don and Silas sprang into action, pursuing him with all their might. They were equally quick to give chase, At the same time, they gave orders to Adam's men to prepare for Marcel's capture, instructing them to secure the area and prevent him from running. “Delatorre! Don’t you ever think of escaping from us!” Don shouted using the horn speaker. With the police close behind him and Don and Silas closing in from either side, Marcel's options were limited. He looked around frantically, searching for any means of escape, but it was clear that he was trapped. As he realized that he had nowhere left to run, he slowed down and eventually came to a stop, panting heavily. Despite Marcel's attempts to outrun his pursuers, his luck had run out, and he was apprehended by the officers alongside Don and Silas. It was clear that his attempted esca
Adam went to the abandoned house by himself, his mind consumed with guilt over the terrible deed he had committed. He had killed Annalia's family and knew he could never make amends for his actions. As he walked through the darkened halls of the empty house, Adam could feel the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. The memories of that fateful night played over and over in his mind, tormenting him with the knowledge of what he had done. He had thought that killing Annalia's family was the only way to protect his father from the danger Marcel posed, but now he knew that he had been wrong. The guilt of his actions was overwhelming, and he felt as though he could never be forgiven. But still, he continued through the abandoned house, searching for her. This is the only way he could do to Annalia after what he had done to her. Perhaps, he thought, if he could find some way to atone for his sins, he could finally find some peace. As he walked, his mind raced with thoughts of what he
"It's been a while since I called you that," Marcel said, provoking Annalia to remember her past. And he was winning because she remembers her past when this monster destroyed her. "I have known your true form for a long time—one of the children of one Armand Vergara, my brother." Yes, the only sibling you ever had and killed, you monster! Annalia's mind is in chaos, she wants to attack Marcel and kill him on the spot, but she stops herself from doing so. "But thanks to your father's uncle, Philip Vergara, I was able to find out about the only child of my brother being alive. Apparently, you took all the possessions of the Vergara and made him insane.” The way Marcel said is as if he was blaming her for getting and inheriting the riches of his father. It was hers before and why the hell would she steal it? She didn't! Suddenly, a realization hit Annalia. Don and Silas… They are the ones who keep it. "But money is power, right? People can be bought anytime," Marcel said. This time he
For the past few days, Annalia isolated herself from work and people that even Don couldn't stop her as well. She went through a lot of researching, seeking, and investigating Marcel and his family. He needs to get information that is very much needed for her plan again. And for her career, Annalia is aware that her career is slowly being crushed by the number of scandals exposed by the media, people, and Marcel. She knew Marcel is still doing his job to bring down her career totally. And right now, she doesn't care anymore. She can take it back either way. And for Marcel, she'll make sure Marcel won't get what will destroy him. "Annalia, it's already late at the midnight. You should take a rest," Don said when he saw Anna busy with her laptop. She is currently staying at their residence, the Santiago mansion. Annalia knew that when she was there in her penthouse, the paparazzi and media might follow her. Worse could happen in that place. "I am fine, Don. I slept earlier in the afte
While everyone was celebrating, Marcel couldn't know what he was feeling. Everything seems moving so slowly and their voices echo loudly in Marcel's ears. Armand never spoke this to me. He thought to himself. Marcel watched everyone being happy and clapping at the announcement made by his brother, Armand. But he was the only one who didn't feel happy about this news. Marcel became anxious as many situations played in his brain as if he already knew what would happen in the future. "Dad? Are you okay?" Antonio's voice brought Marcel back to reality. "Huh?" "We're going to take pictures. Come on, everyone is waiting for you," Antonio said as he turned his attention to the people who were laughing as they took positions one by one for the picture taking. "Marcel, brother! Come here!" Armand called him. Marcel cleared his throat and forcefully smiled at his brother. "O-oh yes. I'll be there," Marcel uttered. Marcel fixed his suit while dismissing those thoughts. Maybe he can talk to
6 years ago… The mansion of the Vergara family was busy preparing for the celebration they will have this evening. Apparently, Armand wanted to have a special event before he'll announce the important announcement to his family and the people. His wife, Lorraine Vergara, was in the kitchen helping their cook and maids with the preparation. She also wanted to cook her specialty, the adobo, which is her family's favorite. On the other hand, his children also helped arrange the furniture in the living room and decorate the flowers—which were ordered by their mother. Heather, their youngest, was in the garden cleaning the dried fallen leaves and also cutting the long grass. She always enjoys helping their maids in cleaning their garden. Armand smiled watching his family being busy helping the people in their house. That's what makes him proud of his family. Despite being blessed with privileges, they are still able to help others whether they are maids or strangers. "Sir, where should we