"Your grace, someone calling you from the Philippines."Napaangat ang tingin ko mula sa mga papeles at tinitigan ang nakayukong babae sa harapan ko. Mabilis kumunot ang noo ko sa narinig at tinanggal ang suot na salamin sabay sandal sa upuan. Kumurap-kurap akong iniisip ng mabuti kung tama ba ang narinig ko.Someone calling me from the Philippines?Tumaas ang sulok ng aking labi at tumawa ng mahina sabay ngiti kay Aria, my butler."What he said?" I asked her.It's a miracle that he called me and alam kong may gusto itong sasabihin sakin o ipapagawa. Knowing that old hag, he won't call me without any reason. Ano kaya ang kailangan nito at sa loob ng sampung taon ay ngayon lang ito tumawag after I decided to cut my ties with his clan. I'm already an independent woman and I made my name in the business industry here in Europe. Sa loob ng sampung taon ay hindi ako humingi ng tulong sa kanila kahit isang piso lamang. I stand on my own feet. I used my voice and brain."He wants you to go ba
I was eighteen when I escaped from them—those who were part of my chaotic past. It was exhausting and difficult, yet I managed to flee. It wasn't easy, especially since they didn't want to let me leave their place, a land filled with painful memories.I used to be an obedient woman, too innocent back then, letting them control me. I was too kind, thinking it was part of my identity, but I was wrong. I was an illegitimate child, not accepted by my father's family because they believed I tarnished their reputation. So, they hid me as a servant and gave me a different surname. I felt sad at that time for not bearing my father's surname, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was one of the reasons why my papers were processed quickly, allowing me to carry my mother's surname and change my name. This marked the beginning of significant changes in my life.I closed my eyes and felt the familiar breeze I thought I'd never experience again. I secretly smiled, opened my eyes, and
Serrano FamilyOnce, I treasured them the most, knowing they were my family despite their toxic behavior towards me. The Serrano name, once a source of pride and belonging, now carried a heavy burden of memories and pain.I looked at them, and it was impossible not to be flooded with memories. I glanced at the grand staircase where I used to sit and watch the lavish parties my half-siblings would attend. I remembered how I longed to be a part of their world, to be acknowledged and accepted.But the Serranos had never truly accepted me, believing that I was the product of a scandalous affair, an embarrassment to their prestigious name. They had hidden me away, forced me into a life of servitude, and treated me as if I were invisible. I had grown up amidst opulence, yet I was denied the most basic of human rights—love and acceptance.As I stood there, memories of the past washed over me like a torrential rainstorm. I remembered the countless times I had witnessed their grand celebration
MargaretMy old name. I wanted to be angry and annoyed by that name, but my grandmother gave it to me. She was the one who named me Margaret. She also handled my birth certificate when she found out I didn’t have a name. I remember when I was four years old, and she took me to the municipal office so I could finally have a name and surname.I also learned that my biological father had tried to prevent it, reminding her that he didn’t want me to carry his surname, so I ended up with Lacson, my grandmother’s last name. She always told me that one day I would change my name and surname. I knew she was pleased when I did as she had said, as if she had known my future. She knew about my mother. That was the first thought that came to mind when I discovered my true identity. And now, she has arranged my marriage to an Azcárraga, and I don't know what will happen after this. I’ll just wait until I learn their conditions and why they agreed. I’m sure my biological father had something to do w
Pag-gising ko, insaktong may kumatok sa pintuan. Napatingin ako sa dingding at hinanap ang orasan. Nang makita ko ito, I found out it was already noon. Mabilis akong bumangon at tinungo ang pintuan habang inaayos ang sarili to face who is knocking on my suite.Pagbukas ko, nakita ko ang isang staff na may dalang pagkain. Nakangiti ito sakin habang may kislap ang mga mata makita ako nasa harapan niya."Good afternoon ma'am! It's lunchtime." bati nito sakin na kinangiti ko."Good afternoon too! Thank you for the service. You can put it on the table."tugon ko sa kanya.Tumabi ako at hinayaan siyang makapasok tulak ang isang trolley na puno ng pagkain. Napaisip naman ako kung sino ang nagbigay permiso sa kanya na hatdan ako ng pagkain dito sa suite. It's Aria.Alam na alam niya talaga ang galawan ko kapag pagod.The aroma of the food filled the room, and it was evident that they took pride in their culinary offerings. After his job, nagbigay siya ng masuyong ngiti bago umalis sa suite dal
With a dash of excitement, I decided to step inside the DIOR Boutique. The moment I entered, the air was filled with an alluring blend of fragrances, a testament to the luxury that surrounded me. The boutique's interior was a masterpiece of design, featuring soft lighting that accentuated the elegance of the displays. Exquisite racks of clothing, perfectly aligned, showcased a variety of DIOR's creations, each piece a work of art in itself. The attention to detail was astounding, from the intricate stitching to the quality of the fabrics. As I wandered deeper into the boutique, I couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship of the accessories on display. The handbags, shoes, and jewelry were nothing short of breathtaking, each piece exuding style and sophistication. A friendly sales associate approached me with a warm smile, ready to assist. Their professionalism was evident as they inquired, "Good afternoon, ma'am. How may I assist you today?" I returned the smile and replied, "Can
What.the.h*ck.As far I remember wala akong naging kaibigan noon kahit na kakilala. So, why does he know about me? And, come again? Gold d*gger clan? Does he mean the Serrano Clan? Excuse me, I do not belong to that clan.I raised an eyebrow, refusing to let his condescending tone affect me."Excuse me, but I don't recall asking for your opinion, and I certainly didn't invite your judgment. And don't talk like you know everything. Otherwise, this is my own money and I suggest you mind your own business."I could feel the tension rising, but I refused to back down. His arrogance and presumptuousness didn't sit well with me, especially when he knew nothing about my circumstances or intentions.He's handsome. A devil*lish handsome. I can't deny that.As I met his intense black eyes, I couldn't help but acknowledge his striking appearance. He stood tall at around 6'5, towering over most people in the vicinity. His commanding presence demanded attention, despite the disheveled, jet-black h
I was taken aback by his sudden comment about my attire. It was clear that this man was both direct and domineering, but this was crossing a line. I had dressed modestly for this day and hindi ko naman hawak si tadhana para magkita kami. Anong masama sa cle*vage ko? Kung makaasta parang ngayon lang niya nasilayan ang cle*vage ng isang babae. I raised an eyebrow, refusing to let his arrogance go unchallenged. "Excuse me? My choice of attire is my own, and I won't be dictated to by anyone, including you." He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Listen, Margaret, we're about to discuss a contract that binds us together in a marriage of convenience. We must present a united front, and your current attire doesn't convey that. I'm not asking you to change who you are; I'm asking you to consider our situation." Anong situation? "We will just discuss the contract na pinagsasabi mo dyan. My cle*vage wasn't a big deal for this meeting kaya wag kang putak ng putak dyan tungkol dito." sabi k
Napalunok ako habang sinasabi ni Antonio ang mga salitang iyon. Sa kabila ng galit at determinasyon kong labanan siya, hindi ko maalis ang kirot na unti-unting bumabalot sa puso ko. Paano kung tama siya? Paano kung magbago ang lahat kapag nalaman ni Rome ang totoo? Ipinikit ko ang aking mga mata, pilit na tinatanggal ang mga pagdududang sinisimulan niyang itanim sa akin. Mahal ako ni Rome, alam ko iyon. Pero sapat na ba ang pagmamahal na iyon para harapin ang katotohanan na matagal ko nang itinago? "You're lying," mahina kong sabi, ngunit nanginginig ang boses ko. "Rome is not like you. He loves me, and he loves our child. Kahit ano pang sabihin mo, Antonio, hindi mo kami kayang sirain." Lumapit si Antonio, mabagal ngunit puno ng awtoridad, hanggang maramdaman ko ang malamig niyang hininga sa gilid ng aking tainga. "Oh, Esmeralda," bulong niya. "Do you really believe that? Love has limits, hija. And when those limits are tested by betrayal, it crumbles. Tandaan mo 'yan." Bigla
"Hindi ako papayag, Antonio. I will not do that. I'm not your puppet anymore! Bakit hindi ang anak mong si Agnes ang gumawa niyan?" Tumingin ako kay Ate Agnes. "Hindi ba, ate Agnes?" Diniin ko ang pangalan niya. Nakita ko kung paano namutla at napatras siya habang nagtaka naman ang buong pamilya. Nakita ko kung paano nilingon ng papá si ate na naiiling na lumingon sa kanya. "I..I don't know what she means, dad. Kung anuman ang sasabihin ng gag*ng niyan, don't believe her! She's making me her target." Nagulat ang lahat sa naging reaksyon ni Agnes. Hindi ko napigilan ang mapangisi, kahit pa nanginginig pa rin ako sa galit at takot. “Target? Ate Agnes, bakit ka naman kakabahan kung wala kang itinatago?” Seryoso kong tanong, tinitingnan siya diretso sa mga mata. "Stop it, Margaret!" Singhal ni Agnes, ngunit halata sa boses niya ang kaba. "You don’t know what you’re talking about!" “Really? Wala akong alam?” Hinawakan ko ang mga tali sa kamay ko, pilit na nilalabanan ang pangh
Lumayo ito at humalakhak na parang demonyo. Sumabay ang mga anak niya't asawa tila natutuwa sa nangyari. Natutuwa silang makita akong wasak at durog. Para bang nanonood sila ng isang palabas na sila mismo ang nagsulat at dinidirek, at ako ang bida sa kanilang trahedya. Napakapit ako nang mahigpit sa mga tali sa kamay ko, pilit pinipigilan ang pangangatog ng aking katawan. Ayokong ipakita sa kanila na nadadala ako sa kanilang mga laro. Napatingin sa akin si Lilian at binigyan niya ako ng matamis na ngiti. "Don't cry, Ate Margaret? You're strong, right? Why so mad? Why are you crying? Don't tell me, you love him? Aw! So sad. Kawawa ka naman." Hindi ko siya pinansin. Ngunit biglang bumaba ang tingin nito sa aking tiyan. Bumalot muli ang takot sa buo kong katawan sa posibilidad na mangyari. Ngumisi si Lilian, puno ng panunukso at kasamaan. "Oh, what's this?" aniya, tinutukoy ang tiyan ko. "Don't tell me... you're carrying his child?" Napatitig ako sa kanya, pilit iniipit ang takot
Lumapit siya nang bahagya at tumigil sa harapan ko, yumuko para tumitig nang diretso sa mga mata ko. "Guess what, hija?" bulong niya, ang boses niya’y malambing ngunit puno ng pananakot. "You’re not married to Azcárraga, Margaret." Parang may bumagsak na bomba sa paligid ko. Ang utak ko’y nagsimulang maglikot, pilit inaalala ang lahat ng nangyari. Hindi maaari. Ang kasal namin ni Rome... ang lahat ng iyon... "You’re lying," madiin kong sabi, pilit pinapakalma ang sarili. "Lahat ng sinasabi mo ay kasinungalingan!" Ngunit tumawa lang siya, malamig at malutong. "Lying? Ako? Hija, ang totoo lang ang sinasabi ko." Tumuwid siya ng tayo at naglakad muli paikot sa akin. "I fake your marriage, Margaret, and never submit your marriage certificate. Wag kang magalit. Tinulungan na nga kita eh. Hindi ba't ayaw mong maikasal din sa kanya? And I think, ganun din siya." Nakangiti ito. "Naalala ko tuloy kung paano sumama ang mukha niya. Kung gaano siya kagalit malaman niyang ikakasal siya sa
Nagising ako sa dilim, malamig ang paligid at naramdaman ko ang bigat sa buong katawan ko. Unti-unti akong nagkamalay, pilit inaaninag ang paligid kahit na parang umiikot pa rin ang paningin ko. Amoy kong may kahalong amag at metal sa hangin—isang lugar na malayo sa anumang pamilyar sa akin. Naramdaman ko ang mahigpit na gapos sa aking mga kamay at paa. Nakaupo ako sa isang malamig na upuan, at ang mga tali sa akin ay tila hindi matitinag kahit anong pilit kong igalaw. Ang tiyan ko ang unang pumasok sa isip ko, at napakabilis kong ibinaba ang tingin sa sarili ko. Salamat sa Diyos, ligtas ang baby ko. Pero hindi ko maikakaila ang kaba sa dibdib ko. "Hello? May tao ba rito?" tanong ko, kahit alam kong malabo akong sagutin ng kahit sino. Tahimik. Sobrang tahimik, maliban sa tunog ng mga patak ng tubig sa di kalayuan. Napahinga ako nang malalim, pilit iniipon ang lakas ng loob. Kailangan kong tumakas. Hindi pwedeng magtagal ako rito. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, narinig ko ang mahi
"Yeah, thank you for watching my kids," sabi ni Euphie, ang ngiti nito puno ng pasasalamat habang hinaplos ko naman ang pisngi ni Atlas na nakayakap ngayon sa kanyang hita. Napakagiliw ng bata, at kitang-kita sa mga mata niya ang kasiyahan. Tumingin ako sa likuran niya at napansin ang dalawa pang bata—si Apollo at Ares—na nakayakap din sa hita ng kanilang ama, parang ayaw nilang pakawalan ito. Ang kanilang maliliit na kamay ay mahigpit na nakapulupot, na para bang doon lang sila ligtas. Samantala, ang panganay na si Z ay tahimik lang na nakahawak sa kamay ni Euphie. Walang sinabi ngunit makikita sa kanyang tingin ang pagiging mapagmasid at protektibo, kahit sa murang edad. Halata na siyang tumatayong kuya sa kanyang mga kapatid. Napangiti ako at tumingin kay Euphie. "Hindi biro ang magbantay sa apat na bata na iba-iba ang gusto. Pero salamat talaga." Ngumiti si Euphie, halatang sanay na sa likot ng mga bata. "They’re angels, really," sagot niya, habang hinihimas ang ulo ni Atla
Ang conference room ay puno ng reporters—may mga flashing cameras at mikroponong nakatutok kay Antonio Serrano, ang patriarch ng Serrano family. Nakaupo siya sa likod ng podium, suot ang isang matalim na ngiti na tila nagpapakita ng kumpiyansa at kapangyarihan. Ang press conference na ito ay tinawag upang sagutin ang mga usap-usapan tungkol sa biglaang arranged marriage ng anak niyang si Margaret kay Rome Benjamin Azcárraga, ang pangalawang apo ng kilalang Azcárraga family. "Gentlemen, ladies of the press," panimula ni Antonio habang dramatikong nilinisan ang lalamunan, "narito ako upang linawin ang mga espekulasyon tungkol sa kasal ng aking anak na si Margaret kay Mr. Rome Benjamin Azcárraga. Ang Serrano at Azcárraga families ay matagal nang may espesyal na koneksyon. Ang kasal na ito ay simpleng patunay ng matibay na ugnayan na iyon." Nagkaroon ng mahinang bulungan sa silid, pero may isang matapang na journalist ang nagtaas ng kamay. "Mr. Serrano, may mga balita na ang kasal a
My morning started like any other—quiet and structured, just the way I liked it. Rome had already finished preparing breakfast by the time I stepped out of the bedroom, the rich aroma of brewed coffee and freshly cooked food filling our penthouse. The triplets were scattered across the living room, each lost in their own little worlds, while Ares sat solemnly in a corner, carefully arranging his toys with the precision that only he seemed to have inherited from his father. I had just finished fastening my Cartier watch when a soft knock interrupted my peaceful routine. Rome glanced at me, his brow slightly furrowed in curiosity. "Expecting someone?" he asked, voice low yet commanding. I shook my head. "Not really." Making my way to the door, I opened it to find Urania, my ever-dramatic and vivacious cousin, standing in her usual radiant self. She looked like she had stepped out of a fashion magazine with her backless floral dress and glowing complexion. I wasn't surprised, thoug
"So, siya ang mastermind sa nangyari?" tanong ko ulit kay Rome. Nasa loob kami ng sasakyan. Hindi mawala sa isipan ko ang nangyari kanina lamang. I don't understand kung bakit nandun siya. Sinadya ba niyang magpakita o nagkataon lang na nandun rin siya? Kung nagkataon na nandun lang siya, for what naman? Wala akong nakita na may kasama siyang iba bukod sa siya lang talaga mag-isa. He even wore a black suit, like he came from an important meeting sa lugar na iyon. I don’t think this is coincidence. Sumakit ang ulo ko. I doubled my efforts to avoid stress because I’m pregnant, pero dahil sa kanya, baka hindi ako makatulog kakaisip ng mga tanong. Napatingin ako kay Rome, na seryoso ang mukha habang nagmamaneho. Alam kong may iniisip rin siya, pero hindi niya sinasabi. Typical Rome—silent but calculating. "I can't say for sure," sagot niya sa huli, breaking the silence. "But he's too smart to show up without a purpose. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s connected to everything happenin