Maddox's point of view"What the hell?" The corners of my eyes widen."Surprise? Let's go horseback riding." Lowe nudges at me."Bobo ka ba? We have a serious threat that we must face tomorrow, and you want to go horseback riding?" Sabi ko sa kanya at sinamaan siya ng tingin."Chilax, man. Tutulungan naman kita bukas, if things have all gone wrong, all we have to do now is freaking ride a horse." He chuckles and puts his hands on the girl's shoulder. Matagal na niyang nakilala si Sunny dahil dun sa horse racing na lagi naming pinupuntahan.Well, we also have our own private Haven for horseback riding, dahil mahilig talaga kaming magkakapatid sa kabayo. Palagi rin niya dinadala si Sunny doon. So, what can I say?"How did she end up here?" I inquire. indicating to Sunny. "Oh, I already texted her to come here while Daddy discussed the tea," he exclaimed. I gave him a stern look and said, "What the hell is tea? Do you think it's some kind of joke?" Humagalpak naman siya ng tawa. Nakakat
Sariel's point of view"Umayos kayo, humanda talaga kayo pag nag-hasik kayo ng lagim sa best friend ko. I will really kick you out of the house," I heard Meli threatening them. I got to laugh at her threat. Mahal na mahal talaga ako ng bff ko."Easy, insan. Hindi naman kami pumunta rito para mag-hasik a.k.a. ng lagim," a man wearing a V-neck shirt said it with a raised hand. Naka round-necked shirt naman 'yung isa. The two women are wearing crop tops."Pumunta lang kami rito para ayain kayo para mag horseback riding, ano, dun sa Haven ng rest house nyo," sabi ulit nung naka V-neck shirt."Hindi mo ba alam kung gaano ka hyper ang dalawang 'to? Sakay na sakay na 'yan sila," he said, pointing at the two girls and wiping his invisible sweat.Lumingon sa akin, 'yung babaeng naka white crop top. She's also munching on her lollipops. She took the lollipops out of her mouth and smiled at me. I smiled back at her. Nilingon naman ako ni Meli at napailing."Come on in, Baka magbago pa isip ko at
Sariel's point of view He groans and fixes his intense gaze on me, saying, "I am unable to stop staring at you. I got to tell you, you look amazingly hot.""Are you— trying to flirt with me?" I ask to taunt him. Pero parang luluwa na ata 'yung mata ko dahil parang ako mismo nilalandi ko rin siya.With a flirtatious tone, he asks, "What are you going to say if the two of us went somewhere else?" Oh no. We're not some type of slut here, come on.Nginisi-an ko nalang siya. "Come on, hindi tayo nagkita the second time around to flirt.""Because you're a little tease, wala ka pang ginagawa pero—" he says with a pause."What?""Nevermind, come on, and let's get this fucking horseback riding over with us so we can do something else later," pagkakasabi niya nun, sumakay narin siya sa kabayo niya. I maintain a calm and balanced posture while sitting deeply in the saddle. To keep light contact with the horse's sides, I relax my legs.I'm getting ready to signal my horse with a smooth voice. My
Maddox's point of viewI was about to kiss her until my sister interrupted us. I want her, I just wanted to taste her lips since it's as if they're whispering to me, imploring me to kiss them. Kakakilala palang namin pero I don't mind marami pa namang pagkakataon para mas makilala ko pa siya lalo, and I don't think she's particularly dangerous, dahil nga bestfriend siya ng kapatid ko. This time, I trust her.But when I first met her in Jungle K, I knew she was the right woman for me and someone I wanted to tie the knot with. Hindi ko pa naranasang manligaw pero para sa kanya gagawin ko. Is this what they mean by "love at first sight?" Damn. It's insane, but I don't care. I am going to pursue her, no matter what happens. Pagkatapos naming manuod ng Netflix ay umuwi narin kaming lahat. Marami pa kasing gagawin kinabukasan. Hinatid ko si Nyx sa bahay niya kasama si Sariel, sa bahay daw siya ni Nyx matutulog dahil gabi na kami natapos manood. Ang kailangan ko lang gawin ngayon ay ayusin
Maddox's point of view "What the hell? Are you serious? Saan mo naman napulot ang idea na 'yan?" Kenzie's the one to ask about his crazy plans."Luh, at least may naambag akong plano, ano," he sneered gritting his teeth."Sige nga parinig ng plano nyo?" He snaps. Pero walang sumagot sa kanya at parang may biglang dumaan na uwak sa gitna namin.His stupid plan is to set up Finn Dixon with his major client tonight by mixing bogus products. "So? Are you in or nah?" he asks, as if he lacks patience today."Wait... How did you know that he had his client meet up tonight?" Kenzie inquires.Lowe turned to gaze at me."Ask Kuya." I shrug my shoulders."Knight," I say briefly."Oh, by the way, where is he?""Probably busy with his dirty little secret," I say with a giggle."I agree," Chandler grunts. Then nag agree nalang din 'yung iba. We've planned how to successfully set them up. We all make sure that Finn Dixon breaks down after that. Hindi lang naman kasi ako ang naging biktima niya, pa
Maddox's point of viewMatapos ko silang bulyawan ay sinuri ko ulit ang mga nakahandusay. We can't get inside the building for the fact that it's completely covered in fire. Hindi naman kasi nakapasok dun sina Chandler at Owen for sure nandito lang sila sa labas. I heard someone groan. I turn to see where it is. When I realized who it was, I raced over to him. He's lying on the ground, as if someone has hit him. It's Chandler. "Hey, are you hit or what?" I wonder."Naah, I'm fine; I just stumbled upon stupid sh*t," he says, moaning. I helped him get up and walk to where the two fools were."Did you see, Owen? We came back here because you two aren't in there in the vehicle," I say with a quip."I saw him go on the south when the bomb explodes. I think he's going back right now. There's a lot of men exchanging fire. In order for me to stay alive and safe, I have to play dead," he said with a grimace."Where's Owen?" Tanong ni Kenzie ng makarating kami sa kinaroroonan nila."At the sou
Sariel's point of view I went to where Morphy sat. I saw him sitting on a folding chair with two women. Errr, what a douchebag asshole! Well, I'm kind of not typing that guy, I'm just irritated by his presence. His eyes lit up when he saw me, kaya agad siyang tumayo at naglakad papunta sa akin. Hindi man lang siya nahiya sa mga babae niya na naiwan doon."Hi, Sariel! I'm glad tito made you come here," he said with a wide grin on his lips. Of course he is. He snaked his hand around my small waist and guided me to where his friends were. Pinaupo niya ako sa table nila kung saan lahat ng kaibigan niya ay mga lalaki na mukhang naka limang gramo. Just kidding.But his friends have looks, tho. He's also handsome, but he's not really my type. I have a future, na. Pinakilala niya ako sa mga kaibigan niya, isa-isa. Hindi nagtagal, may mga babaeng lumalapit sa mga lalaking kasama ko sa table namin.Murphy handed me a glass of cocktail juice, so I took it and drank it. He was next to me, at kul
Sariel's point of viewI looked at that man, and I swallowed because of the way he looked. He was like a god that came from Greek Olympia, as if he came here for Bellatrix. I suppose he's six feet tall? His features are well-known curves that seem to have been carved just for him. Okay, wait, I already have a future hubby. And that was Maddox crossing my mind. Oh, he's been trespassing on my poor mind. I shot Bellatrix a look, and she just grinned at me."Btw, Bestie. This is Chandler, my fiancé," he introduced the man. Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya, pero hindi ako nagdalawang isip na iabot ang kamay ko at magpakilala."I'm Seraphena Ariel. Call me Sariel, Bellatrix is my best friend," I said with a sly smile. Akala ko, hindi niya tatanggapin ang kamay ko, but Bellatrix nudged at him. Hmmm, I smell something ununderstandable. But it's not obvious from his stance."Btw, I just saw you here, so I approached you. I know it's not a good meeting, but I'll get back to you. I'll text you later.
Sariel's point of view The closure that I've been looking for has come to an end, and Maddox and I are no longer in any danger. It's been a long time. Now we are in the city of Amsterdam. It was at the narrow bridge that Maddox made his second proposal to me. Wala ng mas makakapagpigil sa kanya, e. Tinotoo talaga 'yung biro na mag-propose 'ulit. As for my mother, she has decided to remain in this wonderful place permanently. She has found a Dutch partner here, and I will always be there to support her. She has earned the right to have a life with the man she loves now and to take care of each other, but I will never forget about my father. Gusto ko lang ulit sumaya si mommy gayong siya nalang mag-isa. Ayaw din naman niyang sumama sa amin ni Maddox. I am currently six months pregnant, and Maddox is such a sharp shooter. My second baby, and it's a girl. Minsan nga pinaparinig ko, na sana siya nalang ang nagbuntis kasi ang hirap naman 'yun. Well, I set aside those thoughts. For
Sariel's point of view Everything is going smoothly fine, but when Maddox stormed into my house one day, It feels like we are back again at our storming bekering. "Wow? Akala ko ba nakapag-usap na tayo? Hindi pa pala sapat 'yun. Ano pa bang gusto mo?" "Yeah, I thought so. But you know what? I'm waiting for you to tell me that Mason is my son, but you didn't. So when are you going to tell me that? When he's old and not really knowing me as his father?" He spat. Napatahimik naman ako sa sinabi niya. Hindi ko naman akalain na mas mauuna pa niyang malaman, 'to na dapat ay ako ang nagsasabi sa kanya. It's just that naghahanap lang ako ng timing. Ngayon sana kaso 'yung timing ng pagpunta niya rito sa bahay parang kidlat, ang bilis. Huminga ulit ako ng malalim at tinitigan siya. Buti nalang wala rito ang anak ko, kasama niya si mommy gumala. "So? Can we talk in a calm manner?" I ask, tilting my head. "I'm calm!" He yelled, and I raised my brows at him. "Why are you yelling now?"
Sariel's point of view Well, every day feels different now. Maddox's comments don't intimidate me. Instead, I'm moving forward with what's going to happen. Nakakapagod ng takbuhan ang mga pangyayari, parang lumalala lang nga, e. Palagi nalang kami nagsisisihan. Parang walang katapusan. My phone buzzed. Nang tingnan ko kung ano ay ganun nalang ang pagkunot ng noo ko. Talaga lang ha. Pinaalala pa talaga. Wala na nga atang pakiramdam ang lalaking 'yun. What if nandoon pala ang asawa at anak niya? Tsk. Bahala na nga. 'Meet me at the Jungle K; I know you remember where it is. The place you're held captive with' That was his text message. If he wasn't my son's father, maybe I'd kill him already. Kill him with my love then; I don't want to be brutal anymore. Shame on me. There's a lot of memories in there, Jungle K, that poured out of my heart, expressing my regret and my desire for something or longing. I'm sitting in our modest living room, the moonlight filtering through th
Third person's point of view As Lowe, Mason, and Sariel finished their food, Sariel's son excused himself to go to the bathroom. Lowe and Sariel volunteer to accompany him, but Mason says that he can handle himself. See? Sariel's baby boy is kind of an independent na talaga. Hinayaan nalang siya ni Sariel, masisilayan naman niya ito papunta kung nasaan man ang bathroom. Tsaka, this is a luxurious resto, so Sariel is expecting that there's no bad, evil people lurking there. Lowe, on the other hand, has already seen his brother and is concealing his expression to prevent Sariel from noticing it. Baka mahambalos na talaga siya nito. Initially, Lowe had stated that he would not interfere in their relationship. However, upon witnessing his brother and Sariel's intense longing for each other, despite their denial, Lowe decided to intervene. As for Mason, he's already in the bathroom, one of the cubicles, and once he's done. He got out jumping a little bit; he just was hyper about the f
Sariel's point of view After those incidents happened, I've been contemplating what to do. I didn't answer well to my son's question, and I don't like to lie to him either. I need to talk to Lowe. I know he's here because he followed me back to the Philippines after my flight. I'm about to call Lowe, but it seems luck is on me right now; he's calling me already. I swiped the answer button, put the phone in my ear, and walked back to my room. I just checked on my son, and he's still asleep. It's Sunday today, and later in the afternoon we're going to visit sister Jane. "Hey, whats up?" Lowe greeted. I open the door, push it back with my foot, and then head to my bed to settle in. I heave a deep sigh. What should I tell him, then? "Oh, ano na? Parang ang laki naman ata ng problema mo niyan, ah. Abot pa ata rito 'yung pag buntong hininga mo ng malalim," he exclaims and laughs out loud at the other line. I snorted and rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see it. "Scram, tawang
Sariel's point of view After six years, my son has grown up, and I and my mother raised him in the United States for those six years. I was called to the company that my uncle had previously run when it was brought back with us when he was arrested 6 years ago. We'd like to thank our lawyer for that. Now that six years have passed, I'm experiencing mixed emotions. For those six years, there has been someone I trust at the company, so I don't have any concerns. However, right now, they really need me in the company, so I don't have a choice but to bring my mother and son back to the Philippines. I began running the business right away once we got to the Philippines. I'm currently in traffic on my way to pick up my son from school. I merely sighed and drummed my fingers on the stirring wheel, signaling that I was anxious right now. I’m simply frightened that he’ll come out again and wait in the waiting shed, despite the fact that there are guards outside. I’m just concerned that
Sariel's point of view In order to get away from all that was going on in the Philippines, my mother and I settled down in Amsterdam and purchased property there. And now we live in Amsterdam, where we are able to repair the scars that have been in my heart. I was able to kill time by creating whatever I wanted, including a cake, a cookie, and whatever else I desired. There is a small bakery that we own; although it is small, people adore it and absolutely enjoy all of my baked goods. But the only thing that worries me is that a month after I found out I'm pregnant, I'm happy because Maddox is the father of the child. However, I plan to keep it a secret from him, as he harbors a deep-seated hatred for me and believes that retaliation is always on the horizon. Nakaramdam naman ako ng symptoms, pero binaliwala ko lang sa inaakala na palagi lang akong pagod for baking. Kaya nang hindi ko na kinaya nagpacheck-up na ako, kasama ko si mommy. The fruit that happens is the night wher
Sariel's point of view I dialed my mother's number, the second ring, when she picked up. "Hello, dear? You already decided what to do?" She greeted. "Yup? Ready to kidnap me?" I playfully chuckle to myself. "Right away. Wait for me." She chirps, then the call ends. I make sure to leave the less important items behind and bring only the essentials. Isang backpack lang 'yung dala ko. Hindi ko naman balak ipaglandakan na maglalayas ako, na sana aakalain nila na namasyal lang ako rito sa Jungle K. I will miss this place so much. My phone beeps, and when I see my mother's text messages, I cautiously and silently stroll around the back of the house, taking care not to be noticed. They're still in the living room. Nasa hindi lang kalayuan ai mommy hinihintay ako, nagpa booked lang siya ng Grab. Dadaan lang kami kahit sandali sa puntod ni daddy para magpaalam. Nang makalabas na ako ng bahay ay napahinga ako maluwag, buti naman at hindi nila ako napansin. Tinakbo ko na ng tuluy
Sariel's point of view Lumapit nalang ako sa kanila at umupo sa harap ni Maddox. Hindi ko na tinapunan ng tingin ang babae na kanina pa nakatitig simula nang lumingon siya sa akin. Yay, pangit na ba ako sa paningin niya? Namamaga pa kasi ang mga mata ko. Maddox didn't mind it, though. My stomach became more sour as I stared at the prepared foods. My gaze flew to Maddox when he started to speak. "This is Winona, Sariel, and Winona, that's Sariel." He gestures back toward me and Winona. "Winona will be staying here for a moment. Nasa Cebu pa kasi si Meli kasama si Aster, kaya walang makakasama si Winona, I just can't let her stay alone in the hotel. She's just here for a vacation," he explained her reason for being here. I shrug my shoulders, not caring if she stays here or not. Bahay naman niya 'to. "Sure, nice meeting you. Feel free to roam around as you wish. Just don't mind me." I look up at Winona and smile at her. She just smiled back at me. "Thank you, Sariel. Nice mee