Sariel's point of view It's chilly in here. On my forehead, I am beginning to feel dread. There is a demand for a thicker comforter. As I was ready to stand up, I noticed a rustling sound coming from within the restroom. Just wait. At this moment, I am the only person present in the room. How was that able to take place? Does it look like there's a cockroach inside? If there is, I am terrified of it. On the other hand, I have to get up and look for a blanket. I didn't mind the rustling that was going on inside, so I got up and headed to the closet. But before I can open the closet, there's another rustling, and this time it's different, like someone is in there, not a cockroach. I felt shivers running through my veins. My heart leaped in my throat, and I lunged for the vase. But it's too late. I can feel the barrel at my temple—cold and hard. "Do you believe you can be a princess living here?" "And so, you and that Ventura are lovers, ha," the man rasps, his voice ringing wit
Maddox's point of view "Wala ka na talagang ginagawang tama at nang-iistorbo ka pa ano?" I hissed, gritting my teeth. Her mouth snapped shut. She then closed her eyes, like her temple throb got worse. "Just leave me here; I didn't ask you to take care of me," she spit back, twitching her nose. Damn. It wasn't my intention to ever say those words. I just can't, ugh. There are times when I completely lose my mind, and when I look at her, I can't help but think about my parents. Sariel was riding in the car with her Tito. It's true that I blamed her. And maybe I was fueled by my rage.Her explanation is something I want to hear, but I'm not ready. During the time span, she lied to me each and every time I pushed her. From what I think, she does not have trust in me. Kung sana sinabi niya sa akin ng maaga natulungan ko pa siya. I have her as a captive; if Finn Dixon is indeed responsible for everything, then she will be bound to remain with me until I am able to capture Finn Dixon.Nag
Sariel's point of view My father's murder in front of me is such a horrific nightmare that I can't bear to open my eyes and let the darkness rule me. It is painful to see him getting in the way. My uncle was laughing at us, as if he didn't think we were related or half the same family. Paulit-ulit nalang 'yung panaginip ko nang magkasakit ako. There's Maddox about halfway through my line, my eyes begin to well up with tears, and he consistently speaks to me in a manner that has the potential to shatter me into a million pieces. The words he utters every second, minute, and hour leave me speechless. He never failed to remind me of this, and he would always say, "Given that, I would love to see your pain. That is something that I will do anything in my power to make sure happens. You will experience the same kind of suffering as I did when my parents passed away. It is my goal to bring you down with me." How can he cause me pain with his words, yet at the same time, he will tak
Sariel's point of view Magkasama kami ni Maddox dumating sa company building nila. Sa paglabas palang namin ng elevator ay bungad kaagad ang mga photographers nila at reporters. On the other hand, those photographers and reporters stand out as the most reliable people from the company. It is also for the purpose of making headlines for their company. Sana nga hindi ako masama sa cover ng magazine nila. As soon as we exited the elevator, Maddox ensured that I made my way to his friends' table before heading towards their mini stage. I then followed one of their ushers to a table where Maddox's brothers and friends were seated. I took a few deep breaths, then looked away from them and sat down next to Owen.Everyone would be observing us, eager to share gossip and pass judgment. To hell with it! Is there a significant amount of gossip going on at this event? They are not familiar with me. However, this could be because I am the only person Maddox's family and friends are unfamiliar wi
Sariel's point of view Pagkatapos ng event ay pupunta na nga kami sa mansion nila Owen to celebrate his mother's birthday. Sinama nga talaga niya kami lahat. Hindi na nga sana ako sasama pero wala na akong choice, baka kaladkarin pa ako ni Maddox, kapag nag-inarte pa ako. "Sariel, gusto mong sa akin ka na sumabay?" Tanong ni Owen. Sasagot na sana ako, pero may humapit na sa bewang ko. Umismid naman ako, dahil alam ko naman kong sino 'to. "She's coming with me," Maddox cooed. Napataas naman ng kamay si Owen na parang nagsusurrender na. "Fine, she's all yours," Owen cracked a laugh, then went to his car. "Let's go," Maddox spat, then led the way where his car is. "Okay lang naman na hindi na ako sumama, mag-tataxi nalang ako pauwi ng bahay," sabi ko. I'm just trying my best, lang naman, baka pumayag. Pero nagkamali ata ako dahil parang sinindihan ko lang 'yung apoy niya sa bunganga para bugahan ako. He clenches his jaw and exclaims, "Shut up, or else I'm going to keep you at the
Sariel's point of view Naghintay lang ako ng ilang minuto para pahupain 'yung nararamdaman ko bago lumabas, pero nang paglabas ko ay may kaguluhan na nagaganap. I focused my eyes in that way, and when I finally caught a glimpse of the person, my eyes widened. It's Aster, and she's having an argument with a girl. Sunny, too, is by her side. What kinky are they doing? Nilapitan ko naman sila. Pero nagulat nalang ako ng biglang itinulak ng isang babae si Aster. Tinulungan ko naman kaagad si Aster para tumayo. "Hey, are you okay?" I ask her, her eyes sparkling with anger. I took a deep breath because it looked like I was the one who was to blame. Tatayo na sana kami ng may bumuhos ng wine sa kanya. Everyone gasps, including me. Damn it, ani bang kasalanan ni Aster para gawin nila 'to sa kanya? Binalingan ko naman ang babaeng bumuhos sa kanya ng wine at sinamaan ng tingin. Tumayo ako ng tuwid at nilapitan siya. "Ano bang problema mo?" I hissed, gritting my teeth. I'm so furious. "L
Sariel's point of view Nandito kami sa isang guest room. sighs. Hindi ko na muna inalala 'yung nangyari kanina. May ikukwento raw muna si Meli sa akin. We are both sitting on the bed, facing each other. "Hey, so? What can I do for you that you can't do for me?" I ask, smiling ear to ear, clasping our hands together. I just miss her so much. "Loka-loka ka talaga ano na sasabihin ko kay kuya nyan," she says, frowning. Oh? Nawala naman tuloy ang ngiti ko. "Hindi ka naman nun kakainin eh, mahal ka nun." I gently tap her back to comfort her. "Haists... ewan ko sayo." Meli rolled her eyes "Tsaka pag pinalayas ka ng kuya mo, tawagan mo agad ako, sasamahan kita kina Sister, maganda ka naman eh, t'yak na maraming mayayaman na ampo--" she interrupted me by slapping my mouth jokingly. "Shunga, 'di gagawin ng kuya ko yun, dyan kana nga," she was about to get up but stop her. She turned and glared at me. "Yes?" "Yes, kajan, ano naman gagawin mo ngayon?" "Going to wa
Sariel's point of view Pagkatapos naming mag-usap ni Meli the day when Owen's mother's birthday ay nakipag-usap na rin ako kay Lowe at sa iba pa naming kaibigan. Si Maddox and Aster? Umuwi na sila ng maaga, pinaiwan lang ako. Wala naman akong magagawa dun. Ngayon nandito lang kami sa bahay, kasama ko si Lowe. Hindi ko na alam if nasaan na naman si Maddox. "Ahhh ang sakit! tama na!" pagmamakaawa ko sa kay Lowe. "Tssk. This is what you want right?" He snorted. Wala talagang paki kung nasasaktan na ako, e. Sh*t grabi makasubo akala mo naman maliit yung sinusubo sakin. "Tangina... Dahan-dahan lang! nagmamadali? May pupuntahan ka? may pupuntahan?" Irita kong asik sa kanya. "Tssk... ginulo-gulo mo ako tapos mag rereklamo ka riyan? Isusubo ko na 'to ng buo sayo, makikita mo." Tang na juice naman Lowe. "asdfghkl!" Tatayo na sana ako pero pinigilan niya ako. aww nakailang mura na ba ako?! Jinigpitan niya lalo yung ginagawa niya sa buhok ko, at sinagad yung sinubo niyang saging sakin.
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