"I can explain, Luke..." she panicked, her voice trembling with urgency and desperation, wanting for him to understand. Chloe’s words were uttered in a rush; each letter was emphasized to convey her sense of pleading as she struggled to elaborate her thoughts knowing that he could harm her or kick her out. Her revenge would be put to waste if she didn’t do this right and Chloe knew she must do it right no matter what. Sweat glistened on her forehead even though the night was cold sipping through her nakedness, her breaths coming in short gasps as she searched for the right words to say it to him, her emotions slowly betraying. Her hands were clasped tightly, as she attempted to face him.
"We have all night for you to tell me why my wife's face is plastered on your body," he responded slowly, his earlier sweetness and warmth gone. The man standing before her now seemed ready to go for the kill if necessary.
Chloe swallowed. How could she possibly convince him of my in
As his eyes landed on her face, Luke couldn't shake the oddness of seeing Ruby before him. How had this woman managed to deceive him so thoroughly? He hated himself for not picking up on the clues sooner. Was he truly that dense? This was supposed to be his wife, and it was concerning how easily he had been fooled. Luke reflected on his belief that he could see through people's facades and lies, realizing now how foolish he had been to think otherwise.Though her words evoked certain feelings within him, he could not allow himself to make the same mistake. “This woman is an impostor,” he thought firmly. “Is she working alone? Does she have any other contacts? A syndicate working behind the scenes?”. He has no answer to these questions yet and until he does he could not afford to trust.She suddenly bit her lips, trying to suppress a cry as she wiped her tears away. Her actions caused her to loosen her grip on the sheet, the only thing covering h
Chloe opened her eyes, grimacing as she felt the soreness in her body. The sun's rays beaming brightly through the window made her squint her eyes as she shielded them using her hand. Turning around, she saw the empty side of her bed, Luke was gone, he probably left on the brink of dawn but the traces of what happened to both of them last night were evident on the sheets. A spot of blood stained the mattress and Chloe wanted to cry out of frustration at her weakness and her miscalculation on how dangerous Luke was. His seduction and charm always made her feel uneasy but witnessing how he maneuvered, bewitching her last night was straight terrifying. She did not even fight harder. Dahan-dahang bumangon si Chloe at walang pag-aatubilng naglakad patungo sa banyo, she didn’t bother covering her nakedness anymore, she wasn't sure if she was able to get enough rest. She couldn't count how many times Luke had made love to her. As she watched herself in the mirror, her face
Hindi naglaon ay umalis na din ang ina ni Luke, Chloe roamed her eyes around wondering if she should be informing him of his mother’s visit. She does not want to lie anymore so she would need him to deal with the complications on his side of the family. She was pulled back to the present state when she heard Zoie calling her again."Mommy, Mommy! Can I wear my pink dress?" sabi nito habang hinahatak ang tupi ng kanyang damit."Of course, I will fix your hair too so that you'll look pretty," she answered, and Zoie smiled from ear to ear.Chloe was standing in front of the mirror and was contemplating what she'd wear. She does not know where Luke will take them so she wants to make sure that she wears what's appropriate based on the occasion. She went through the closet and thought that wearing something fancy was a bit much so she decided to wear a simple halter body-con neck dress that hugged her flattering figure. She applied light makeup and fixed her ha
When they arrived at their destination, Luke was assisting both Choe and Zoie as they traversed to the building rooftop where the restaurant was located, Chloe thought that it was the longest elevator ride she had ever experienced, each floor seemed to carry them closer to the heavens. The colossal building stretched upward, and Chloe couldn't help but feel a sense of awe looking at the structure. The beautiful glow of the city below was breathtaking. When they finally stepped out of the elevator they were ushered into this expansive space of modern architecture, bath in the natural glow of the moonlight, they were guided to their table and Luke whispered to Chloe. “Do you like the place?” he asked. “Yes, of course, this place is stunning” she commented. A gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the tantalizing aroma of gourmet cuisine and the faint music in the background. "Wow!" Zoie verbalized amazed to see the view. “Look at the stars Daddy!” she
Chloe twirled around in front of the mirror, feeling a bit silly but also incredibly excited. Finally having the opportunity to see her dad was everything she ever wished for. For some reason, Lucille managed to isolate him from the world, even changing his phone number. Sneaking around and warning him of what was coming had become incredibly difficult. But now, being able to go with Luke openly and see him made her feel overjoyed. This day had finally arrived!Chloe decided to wear a red dress that hugged her body perfectly. Since she started carrying Ruby's face, she found herself mimicking her style of dressing especially when there were events she needed to deal with the public, something Chloe wouldn't do regularly. But flaunting her sexiness and showing a bit of skin made her feel empowered. Initially, she didn't think she would enjoy it, but Chloe eventually became comfortable with her ability to flirt, especially with Luke. She smirked confidently as she admired herse
The atmosphere in the ballroom suddenly shifted as everyone stopped what they were doing and turned their attention to the hosts of the night. Luke and Chloe did the same too, watching as David Reyes and Lucille descended the staircase together, greeting guests with smiles and welcome. David was wearing a tuxedo with tailored sharp lines which Chloe knew was Lucille’s choosing, she dressed his dad with designer brands from head to foot, polishing his look for her own display. David never likes the sparkles of clothes and jewelry, he usually wears boring old suits which garners a hefty comment from her stepmother, but tonight they complimented each other’s look which was intentional. Lucille’s gown was a couture of a popular designer; it has a rich navy fabric that has a mesmerizing effect. Her dress flowed gracefully as she walked through the crowd capturing their attention towards her. She also added a massive piece of jewelry hanging on her neck and ears, Lucille
Chloe was blinded by the massive lights from the reflector and the non-stop shutter of the camera, Lucille’s store set up a temporary studio so they could do photoshoots for her new collection. It was buzzing with activity as the crew members set up the needed devices, while the others meticulously created the set for the agreed concept, the backdrop had the details that made Chloe appreciate their creativity. Chloe had been there for almost three hours now, the hair and makeup took a while, mirroring the story that the photographer wanted to capture. She breathed in and out trying to calm herself. “This is too much of a hassle,” she thought.Ryan, a renowned photographer, was consumed in his little world while he fine-tuned the lighting and experimented with different angles to achieve his goal, he is still deciding whether he should be using soft diffused light, or dramatic shadows to add depth to his photos, after everything was in place the photoshoot be
In a cozy hotel bar, Martin sat, his hand wrapped around a glass filled with whiskey on ice. His breathing ragged while he managed the turmoil within him. With each sip, his face savors the alcohol slipping through his throat, warming his body. Napatingin si Martin sa nakahelerang mamahaling mga bote ng ibat-ibang klase ng alcohol sa may estante. In front was the bartender standing there confidently, greeting the other guests and taking their orders. This was the same bar where Ruby and he spent time, away from the prying eyes of other people. This place is superb in maintaining privacy. With the sound of the clinking glass and the subtle laughter from behind him, Martin groaned, he missed Ruby, he missed her scent, the feel of her soft lips. This place brought him sanctuary and memories of everything they planned together. He closed his eyes and remembered the very first time his eyes laid upon her haunting beauty. It was a get-together event in the Ramirez manor, all the business
Luke watched, almost in a daze, as she plucked a flower from the ground and tucked it behind her ear, mirroring the action with Zoie. The little girl giggled as the flower brushed against her earlobe. "It tickles," Zoie commented, her laughter filling the air. Luke's mind went blank as he mindlessly dropped the book he was holding. He felt himself standing up, his movements slow and deliberate, as he walked towards the figure in front of him, unable to tear his gaze away. Nakatuon ang kanyang mga mata sa imahe nito afraid that it might just be a figment of his imagination. Luke swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to breathe. As he approached them, his shocked expression was so evident that even Zoie noticed it. His hands trembled uncontrollably, and cold sweat began to form on his forehead as he tried to process the surreal sight before him. "Daddy, meet my friend. She's so pretty..." Zoie exclaimed, her innocent excitement evident as she touched the woman's
One morning, after months of relentless searching and heartache, Luke found himself seated at the rocky beachfront, gazing out at the horizon with a heavy heart. Lost in his thoughts, he felt a gentle touch on his face, like the soft caress of tiny hands. Napalingon si Luke dito at mataimtim na nakangiti. "Daddy, is mommy gone?" Zoie's innocent voice pierced through the morning air, her question hanging conveyed a sense of longing and uncertainty. Luke felt a heavy weight settle in his chest at Zoie's question, and he had to swallow hard before responding to his daughter. "Mommy is out there somewhere," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "We may not be able to see her anymore, but she's in a better place now," he replied, his words tinged with both sorrow and acceptance. The truth of her mother's passing might be difficult for Zoie to fully comprehend at her young age. Ruby may not have been the perfect mother for Zoie, but she was still her mother, nonetheless. Despite their d
Luke extended his arms towards Lucille trying to ease her from making any harsh decisions. As Luke's gaze fell upon the older woman, a sense of dread washed over him, causing his features to contort with fear. His eyes widened in horror, reflecting the realization of the danger they were facing. His breath caught in his throat, and his body tensed, ready to spring into action to protect Chloe from the impending threat. Despite his efforts to remain composed, his trembling hands betrayed the overwhelming fear coursing through him. Every fiber of his being screamed with urgency, urging him to act swiftly to prevent the unthinkable from happening. "I recommend you take no step further Mr. Ramirez if ayaw mong aksidente kong maitulak si Chloe dito sa bangin. It's going to be a terrifying fall below this cliff, "she threatened. Luke raised his hand surrendering to her demands. "What do you want Lucille?" He asked. Toni is standing at his side habang nakikiramdam din ito sa sitwasyon kung
Chloe's breathing stops momentarily when the main door opens and gives way to the menacing presence of her stepmother. For the second time, Lucille beat her in this contest of wit and Chloe felt her knees weakened. She finds herself yet again in this situation where she becomes the pawn of her stepmom's twisted game. Her eyes went to the smirking faces of Lucille, Martin, and Rebecca. She was about to utter some words when two additional presences emerged from behind. Chloe can't help feeling a sense of panic, these were the two men who abducted her from her home and torched her alive in the cabin months ago. They were smiling at her, mocking her entire being, this was every nightmare that haunted him each night, and this now became her reality. She whimpers. "Well, well, well... Akalain mong you were under my nose all along patiently waiting for an opportunity to strike back. you were slowly penetrating my circle, lurking, watching me fail. I bet you prayed each night so I could fal
Luke was certain that they had narrowly escaped death, and he felt immense relief when reinforcements finally arrived that night, securing the perimeter. Toni was swiftly taken to the hospital and received proper medical attention. Luke's parents were furious when they learned of the ordeal, and they made him promise never to put himself in harm's way again. He accepted their admonition and put the memory behind him. However, his bond with Toni endured. Even after Luke inherited his father's business, he ensured that Toni and his family were well taken care of. He offered Toni a job, and their friendship flourished over the years. As Luke's business expanded and he started his own family, his priorities shifted. His interactions with Toni became less frequent, but their mutual respect and trust never wavered. Despite the passage of time, their connection remained strong, a testament to the enduring bond forged in the crucible of adversity. "Utang ko sa yo ang buhay ko, kung sa hinah
Chloe uttered softly as she tried not to prove her captors. She would try to play the innocent card until she could figure out how she could flee from this place. "When I woke up after the incident, I already had this face on me. I didn't know... they switched out bodies identifying me as Ruby," she uttered truthfully not breaking eye contact. "So, Luke knew all along that his wife was dead? Did he plan to have you assume Ruby’s role then?" Rebecca jumped into the conversation, and a hint of disgust registered on her face. Choe saw how Martin flinched. "He probably didn't know either. The rescuers, the medical team, they all just assumed I was Ruby Ramirez, and the one who died was Chloe," she explained, attempting to justify the confusion and divert Rebecca's attention away from involving Luke in the conversation. Napapikit ng mata si Chloe nang maramdaman niyang unti unting sumisikip ang mga kamay na nakahawak sa kanyang mukha ng biglang mabanggit ang pangalan ni Luke. "You shoul
Rebecca paused and met her eyes. "Well, I guess I just want to talk to you since we do share something in common. Our beloved Luke..." she smiled abruptly. "The connection between us is undeniable, sharing the same man we both love, is just a profound thing, don't you think?" Chloe felt a sudden rush of heat on her cheek. She's provoking her and so far, it's working. "Why are you doing this? When will you stop? How often must Luke turn you down until you realize your worth? You know he's married, right?" she tried to reason out. A sharp gaze went Chloe's way, but Rebecca was quick to hide it as a sultry laugh echoed in the bar loudly. It was a little showstopper that made Chloe check her surroundings, she breathed when no one paid attention. Madalang lang din ang tao sa mga oras na yun giving them their much-needed privacy. "You are such a hypocrite I can't believe it! And is it okay for you to take on the role of his wife? The damsel in distress, the poor girl in need? And you da
Isang matunog na tawa ang namamayagpag ng biglang hindi mapigilan ni Martin ang kanyang sarili. He was sitting right across from Lucille Reyes and listening to her story intently as it completed the puzzle that had burdened his mind for some time. The investigation that he had for that mysterious woman on the night of the accident came to light after the report was out and he stumbled upon Chloe Reyes and her relationship with her stepmother Lucille who very interestingly owns the clothing line that Ruby is modeling currently. Too much of a coincidence. Hindi mapagtanto ni Martin ang kanyang swerte ng hindi man lang naging mahirap sa kanya ang pakikipag-ugnayan kay Lucille and set this meeting up, he anticipated a little bit of resistance and caution from this woman but apparently, she was equally curious about Ruby Ramirez too, na parang bang hinihintay niya ang pagkakataong ito. "Kaano ano ka ulit ni Ruby?" Lucille asked while sipping her hot coffee. "You can say we are close fri
When Chloe entered the familiar confines of their house, she suddenly felt a sense of belongingness, ito ang bahay kung saan siya lumaki, lahat ng anggulo ng kanilang mansiyon ay kabisado niya, this was her playground when she was just a little girl. She closed her eyes, greeted by the same scent she was used to. Trailing the living room of their old home Chloe could see the same marble polished against time. It was nostalgic, all her memories came back to life. She just loved the natural light hitting brightly through the massive glass window, she smiled, and they still used the sheer curtains that her father liked. Not much had changed with the furniture and its arrangement, the soft sofa was still there with a cozy armchair that overlapped the window, except for the old coffee table, that was adorned with books and other trinkets, that one was gone, Chloe realized. It’s like time went still from the last time she was here. When she made her presence known at the Reyes mansion she