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
Chloe was panting loudly habang pilit niyang pinapakalma ang kanyang sarili. She tried to heighten her senses as the two men who kidnap her tightly put her in blindfold habang nakatali ang dalawa niyang kamay. She tried to wriggle to ease the pain on her wrist pero hindi man lamang lumuluwag ang pagkakatali nito. She heard their murmur. "Ano ang kailangan nila sa akin? Ransom?" She thought to herself. Her fear is an understatement. She wondered kung sino ang may pakana nito at kung bakit. She was confused about how they entered the house without alerting the alarm system. The last thing she expected na magiging ganito ang kahihinatnan ng kanyang gabi. She was in bed reading her books when a loud thud was heard downstairs. Chloe wondered at first if the helpers were back. It was out of the blue na pinayagan ng kanyang madrasta na bigyan ng pahinga ang lahat ng drivers at yaya nila. She thought it was odd but didn't mind calling her out about it. Bothered by the unusual sound Chloe
A loud painful scream echoed the walls of the cabin ng mahulugan si Chloe ng nagliliyab na kahoy mula sa bubong. It landed on her face, and she felt the horrifying burn on her skin. "Help me!" She shouted as her life depended on it. She's losing her will to live, she's now feeling dizzy as the thick smoke penetrates her lungs. Her voice sounded far as her consciousness slowly departs. "I'm going to die." She thought again inwardly. She was about to give up nang bigla niyang makita ang bitak sa pader, the integrity of the wood had weakened and she just needed to gather the last resort of her energy to kick it off and flee. Chloe coughed painfully as she tried to concentrate on her actions. She pulled the broken chair across the tiny room and with all force ibinato niya ito papalabas ng cabin. She heard the wood crack, and she used that as an opportunity to usher herself out from the burning inferno. She felt the cold air mixed with the heat when she could now see the darkened area wh
"There were burn marks on her face and arms. We can do a simple graft to heal her skin but that can take years." The doctor uttered explaining the situation to the man in front of him. "So, what will be your recommendation doc?" He asked, his tone was devoid of emotion."You know your wife, Mr. Ramirez. As her guardian, do you consent that we do plastic surgery with her?" the physician asked.Luke sighed. "Kung iyan ang magpapakalma kay Ruby once she wakes up then I think that would be the best choice." He replied. His wife regards beauty as the only precious thing in the world, she is selfish and borderline narcissistic, kung makikita ni Ruby ang damages ng aksidente sa kanyang katawan Luke can already anticipate how this would impact her permanently. Her fragile state of mind would be intolerable, so he better anticipate it ahead of time. He has no patience to listen to her complaints and self-loathing.His mind was set on what options to take after that conversation with the surge
One morning, the same warm nurse went in and was smiling at Chloe. She was doing her usual rounds, and she immediately took Chloe's vital signs and checked her fluids. "How are you feeling today?" she asked, not expecting that she could verbally respond. Chloe nodded as she tried to smile underneath her dressings. The nurse then checked her lymph nodes and very carefully told her to try to speak. Chloe tried to clear her throat and a breathy sound came out. She swallowed wanting to ease the discomfort. “Let's try again. Why don't you try to say Hi to me?" the nurse told her. Chloe then attempted to produce the word; when she did, she was extremely happy when she finally heard her voice. "Hi," she whispered. It was hoarse but undeniably her voice. She smiled. "We will practice more on this so don't strain yourself. But today, today is a good day for you." She excitedly said and Chloe waited for her news eagerly. "We are going to remove your bandages at last. You can now see yours
The plan she had thought of for days continued to hunt her, replaying in her mind the pros and cons of what the consequences would be if she decided to push for it. “But what about Ruby's family?” she asked herself, a deep sense of remorse hit her chest, the nagging thought kept her awake for days now. Chloe knew that what she was doing was wrong, immoral, and dishonest, a part of her was conflicted and ashamed for even entertaining it, however, she has a family to protect too. “Someday Ruby, I will ask for forgiveness, and I will make amends for what I did to you for the rest of my life. I promise you that” she whispered. After she confronts her wicked thoughts and tries to reconcile with them, her mind prompts the image of Ruby’s alluring husband. If she would assume her life, she would have to deal with him no matter what. In hindsight, the married couple has issues. No wonder the handsome husband looked at her with contempt and a sneer of disapproval; his words were harsh and c
Chloe tries to ignore the nagging feeling when out of nowhere Luke speaks. "Zoie, you have not said hi to Daddy yet" Luke uttered breaking the spell. "I am jealous of Mommy now," Luke said na may halong tampo sa kanyang boses, he even pouted his lips adding to the effect. Chloe carefully observed a different version of Luke as he interacted with his daughter. His usual scornful look that she had grown accustomed to was now replaced with warmth, longing, and admiration. She watched as his eyes spoke volumes, expressing his emotions that she had not seen before, and Chloe couldn't help but feel a sense of tenderness wash over her as she watched the genuine affection he held for his child. He must have loved his daughter very much. "I miss you, Daddy! I love you!" Zoie turned her attention to her father this time, Luke scooped her in his arms and embraced her tightly. "You are a big girl now! You are growing so fast!" he commented, and Chloe was mesmerized by the exchange. She real
"I'm sorry" she replied softly, her heart heavy with understanding. She was sorry for Luke who had to put up with his wife. She was sorry for Zoie who probably didn't feel the love and affection from her mother. "Isn't that a bit late now?" Luke’s words pierced like daggers, aiming to maim her. "Why are we still married anyway?" She blurted out unexpectedly, instinctively covering her mouth, wanting to suppress the words. A feeling of regret washed over her. Chloe knew she had no right, no right whatsoever to interfere in this relationship. At that moment, she wished she could disappear into thin air. Strong hands were on Chloe's shoulder as he held her close. It was almost painful how tight his grip was. "You are hurting me" she whispered, habang may takot sa kanyang mga mata. Luke slowly loosened his grip, yet his eyes were full of malice, penetrating her soul. "I don't know what charade you are pulling now. If it weren’t for Zoie and your sick games of manipulation, I would fil
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