There are texts from Janice, Enzo, Ate Dulce and a few other trusted in the business. Even Rustov texted. I did not reply to them and called Ate Dulce."Audrey! Where's Ma'am Priscilla?" she asked, panicking."A lot of reporters here! Even Madam's secretary, no one can answer! What, is it true that you are in Biliran?"I close my eyes emphatically."I don't know where Mommy is. I tried to call her too, but she was out of coverage.""Oh, Audrey! The business has gone downhill this past month, and then there's another scandal. I'm sure many clients won't continue! Maybe your new investors will disappear!"I didn’t go to school that day. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind with the amount of news coming out on the internet. That is pure evil. The media is too much to deny what is happening. All of those are pointing at us! I know Mommy is wrong, but they should conduct further investigation!The following day, I still heard nothing from Mommy. I expect him to act on it soon. I know how
"Is it true that you're in a relationship with Rustov Melgarejo, Audrey ?!" Mommy's voice echoed throughout the study.I just got home and my housemate told me she was waiting for me at the study. I was no longer surprised that he found out and why he reacted this way. Mommy is a socialite with never ending prejudices for the people below us."It's true," I replied coldly.Her brows furrowed, eyes widening in shock, disdain and anger. I saw how his hand trembled as he laid the champagne flute on the table. Her unforgiving eyes were screaming for many hurtful words."What are you thinking, Audrey ?! I thought Imelda's son just made a mistake, but now you're here, admitting that it's true! This is unbelievable! How did that become your boyfriend? A bastard and slap-""Don't call him that!""Why? It's true that he's a bastard! He's a disgrace to the Melgarejos so he's just rubbish! If you just like Melgarejo too, you should have picked Orio or Thiago! I taught you to be a woman with clas
The rain began to fall. The tighter my grip on my chest, the less air I get. I was crying so much as the rain poured hard. I got wet but I didn't care.Maybe because of the cold and grief, my emotions poured out even more. The image of him leaving me behind like that was playing over and over again in my mind.I would have almost sunk into the sand if only someone hadn’t held my arm. I looked up and even with tears welling up in my eyes I met Kuya Edu.He was holding an umbrella as he pulled me up. I wanted to withdraw the arm but I was too weak."What are you doing here? I'm not sending you!" I tried to shout but it ended up like a forced whisper.My driver did not speak. Instead, he led me to our car.I ended up locking in my room that day. I had a fever that night but no one knew. I already made myself look very pitiful in front of Rustov. That was enough showcase of my weakness.I closed my eyes tightly and hugged myself. I didn't care about how I was trembling in cold, or how I w
"What are you saying, Rustov?" my voice rose in spite of the painful lump in my throat. I was shocked, hurt and frustrated."You didn't call me back! You didn't reply to my texts! Then that's what you're going to say now? What kind of a jerk are you, huh?" I tried to steady my voice but in the end, it also screamed.He did not say a word, his gaze dark. My tears are flowing but he just stared at me ruthlessly, immobile and cold.I wanted to slap him and hurt him but I was too weak. I was lost these past days. I'm hurt and tired. He was the first person I expected to hug me in the midst of pain, how could he himself be able to hurt me like this?"Call me whatever you want, Audrey. But this is the best for both of us–""How can you say that it's the best for me when I'm hurting ?!""Should I be responsible for your feelings?"My lips parted. His words stung."W-We both committed this relationship! So why not?"He averted his eyes and his mouth tightened."Look, we've already talked abou
"You can't humor me," I said and started eating."I'm not making you laugh. I'm just telling the truth.""By the way, congrats on your graduation. We haven't heard.""Thank you."I ate quietly. I entertained some calls after. I was in the middle of calling Ate Dulce when I saw a breaking news on TV. It was as if I had landed on the seat and let go of the cellphone.Priscilla Escareal of Escareal Holdings, the socialite behind the huge drug den in Biliran, caught hiding in a private island in Visayas."So it's true ... she's just hiding," I whispered to myself."How could she do that!" I shouted angrily."Calm down, Drey ..." Kirk said."How can I calm down? Daddy has worked hard to grow all our business! Now everything is a mess! It's all a mess! I can't even defend myself against the allegations because I have a feeling Mommy really did it all! I didn't believe at first ... but now, the truth is in front of me! Kaya paano ako kakalma? ""Look. I'm sure we can figure out a solution or
"Ma'am, let's go home," said Kuya Edu who looked up at the black car.I nodded tiredly. I felt drained."You're here to ride, Ma'am. I'll just return the SUV."I got into the backseat. I leaned back and blinked emphatically. By the way, even before Kuya Edu started the car, my cellphone rang loudly. I haven't even looked at who called and you just answered with your eyes closed."Hello, Audrey ..."I was shocked to hear Kirk's voice. But his voice was kind of strained."What is it?""They're in the hospital Ate Diana.""W-What?" I was startled. The pain I was feeling was replaced with so much fear."What the fuck are you saying, Kirk?""Velez Hospital. Come here. I will explain everything to you," he said seriously."There's a chopper going there. You can use that to come here.""W-What's going on? Is Ate okay? Zach and Sia? Are they fine? Answer me!""I think it's better if you see it for yourself."I cut the line and immediately ordered Kuya Edu to hurry back to the mansion. I was j
"It's you. You're too uptight. It's just your job that you're always doing so you don't know what's going on around you," he laughed."You're going to a seminar next week, right? Let's leave Manila together. How many days have you been there?""Three days or four. Maybe I'll talk to the agent for the property," I said."Are you going to a hotel? I have a condo. It's big and has three bedrooms. You can sleep there if you want."My eyebrows rose."In your condo? You mean, where do you bring your women? No thanks. I can pay for my hotel. I might get sick there.""Woah. It's serious! I don't bring them to my condo, Drey. I'll book a room, you know. I'm the one who's feeling good after all?""For all I know, you just have a plan for me."His jaw dropped and laughed hysterically. Of course that's just a joke. All these years, Kirk was with me and I am aware of his pure intentions.Back then, I never thought we would be this close because I really didn’t like him. But I found an unexpected f
After talking to the principal, I left his office. I took a deep breath and turned down the pathway out through the row of doors. One more turn and I saw who was waiting for me at the corridor.Frowning and frowning, Zach kicked the plastic bottle at his feet. His hair was a bit messy and there was still a stain on his uniform. He was staring darkly at the bottle, looking so pissed. When he looked up at me, his expression softened and he straightened up."I'm sorry about it, Tita."I approached and adjusted the folding of his collar."I told you, didn't I? I don't want you to get into a fight, Zach. You shouldn't have punched that kid.""But I was pissed!"I stared at him."About what? Because he teased you about being an orphan?""No. I'm not pissed about that because that's true. I'm pissed because he called you crazy!"I sighed."And you know that I'm not, right?"He averted his gaze. "Of course."My life felt like hell after Ate Diana's death. I can't talk. I can't eat. I didn’t e
"You know what, darling? It makes me a little sad that I have to pass you on to another man. I had barely known you for a few days, but here you are, getting married very soon." Father laughed. "But do not get me wrong. It is okay to marry. I am fine and I am also glad too that there was someone like Ares who was there for you when I was not there. I will always be thankful to him, and I support your marriage with all my heart. And I think I know what could hush my little sadness away. You should give me grandchildren as soon as you are married.""That will not be a problem, Your Majesty," Demitri responded to the latter part of Father's speech. I looked sharply at him but he only stared back at me with gentle and loving eyes. How could I not love this very adorable man, anyway? Anyone in my shoes would certainly break her principles in order to be with him just like what I did. Loving Demitri is worth it. He is all worth it. And I am so lucky to have him as my man who would love me t
Raja slowly vanished and returned to a red smoke. It then went back to my necklace, and all I was able to do was watch the last trace of him vanish in thin air.‘Raja, are you there?’ I asked through our mind link, hoping that he’s just in the necklace and still could talk to me.But his response didn’t come. Not even his usual growl when he doesn’t feel like answering my question or when I’m doing something stupid. All I hear was silence. Empty silence that made me feel so cold inside.“Your annoying pet is now sealed, dear Ophelia. He can’t interfere my business anymore,” Ren said evilly.With tears in my eyes, I tried to talk to Raja again, but there was no answer. He was really sealed into endless sleep and I don’t have the least bit idea how to awaken him. Even King Arthur and Queen Romina thought that there was no way to awaken David. They said that the seal can only be broken by the one who did it, but in this case, I doubt if Ren would do me such favor or I could force him to.
I leaped and attacked Ren aggressively. Raja followed my move, probably thinking that he should finish Ren off before I lay my hands on him. But to my surprise, the hall’s floor turned to ice and I heard another growl, from an unfamiliar dragon this time. An ice dragon went in and attacked Raja. I saw how Ren smirked with satisfaction etched in his eyes, so I figured that the dragon must be his.“Surprised, sweetheart? You see, I am also a dragon summoner. The two of us are the same. We fit for each other. I guess it’s what they call destiny?”“Destiny, you fool! What did you do to them?! Where is Demitri?!” I yelled and lifted my hand in the air. My blazing sword appeared and I held onto it tightly as I sauntered forward.I lashed my sword in the air, creating waves of fire, but he blocked it so fast with his wind blades.“I heard you are pregnant? One month? Two? It’s not visible yet so I wonder. I suggest you should just kill that child. Its father is dead, after all. You can bear
I adjusted my posture before following Raxon to see who was knocking. I was somewhat uneasy because of what just happened."Hi Rax!" It was a beautiful woman, maybe on her mid-twenties. It had a big smile but when it came to me the look suddenly disappeared. Raxon's admirer, huh? Maybe, they are close. It just went in and went straight to the room."Katrina."She looked at him again and smiled sexily. He openly glared at Raxon's body which I almost felt. The fool, on the other hand, doesn't seem to care if anyone sees him naked."I heard you were coming, so I went right away."I couldn't escape the fact that her breasts were almost bulging because of the clothes she was wearing. I was overwhelmed with irritation. Just when I'm on the verge of leaving them, Raxon held my waist. I notice the sourness of the woman's face because of that."Yes. We want to take a vacation for a while. By the way, this is Amara. My fianceé." Katrina's mouth dropped open, obviously startled. Even I was also
"I've seen you a few times at social events, but I always lose the chance to talk to you. Well, you look so stiff and distant. Looks like you don't want to get close .." He chuckled. Not interested of talking with him, I just smiled a bit."Are you ---""Amara." His words were drowned by Raxon's voice. I turned around. Standing with an authorative stance, he looked at me darkly. His forehead was furrowed, as if someone didn't like what he saw."You done?"He nodded once. He came closer to me and offered his hand. I immediately reached for you and stood up."Who is he?" He was looking at David. Eyes were cold, nothing can be seen but indifference for the person in front."Is he with you France?" David, now also standing. I nodded slowly."Raxon Bermudez, right?""Yes.""David Ardiente." It reached out its hand. But Raxon just glanced at it and then turned to me as if he had no intention of accepting it."Your clothes are already sent in the villa. You should change." My eyes almost wid
I was greeted by facilitators entering the seminar venue. I saw many acquaintances before. Mommy's friends were even there. Even though the smile was formal at me, I could see the judgment in their eyes. I understand it. It's been like that these years."It's good that your business is up and running, hija?" An older woman with a cunning look smiled at me. Her air wasn't friendly at all."That's good. Tito Demitri's expertise in business was a great help.""Oh! If so, it's true that you're marrying the second successor of Salamedas?"What?Even before I could recover, another elder approached. I never had a chance to answer the question because they had a new topic. I just excused myself and found a chair.The seminar was held in a five star hotel. My plan would have been to just book there so I wouldn't have to travel. But Kirk's offer is also okay. I really need to reduce the cost especially and more will be needed in the factory. So it's reasonable.There is a little more program b
Whatever happened to us then is no longer with me. It's been eight years. The amount of things that have happened in my life. And I can't almost remember how it felt. All I know is, I was so hurt when he left me. I was also very angry. But maybe because of too much problems, I eventually went numb and forgot about it."Uh, good afternoon. Are you the owner of RM Tower or just an assistant?" I asked first.He didn't look shock when he saw me. It was as if he was expecting that. Of course, for sure the agent mentioned my name! But why didn't the agent even say the owner's name? And I didn’t even ask?"I'm the owner, Miss Escareal.""Oh ..."It is not impossible that he acquired properties within those people."I'm sorry. The agent didn't tell me and I didn't ask. So ... order first?"I called the waiter."Sorry. I ate my lunch first. I hope it's okay with you," I said formally."It's fine."Even when the waiter was on the side, his gaze remained on me. If not lang the waiter laid the m
After talking to the principal, I left his office. I took a deep breath and turned down the pathway out through the row of doors. One more turn and I saw who was waiting for me at the corridor.Frowning and frowning, Zach kicked the plastic bottle at his feet. His hair was a bit messy and there was still a stain on his uniform. He was staring darkly at the bottle, looking so pissed. When he looked up at me, his expression softened and he straightened up."I'm sorry about it, Tita."I approached and adjusted the folding of his collar."I told you, didn't I? I don't want you to get into a fight, Zach. You shouldn't have punched that kid.""But I was pissed!"I stared at him."About what? Because he teased you about being an orphan?""No. I'm not pissed about that because that's true. I'm pissed because he called you crazy!"I sighed."And you know that I'm not, right?"He averted his gaze. "Of course."My life felt like hell after Ate Diana's death. I can't talk. I can't eat. I didn’t e
"It's you. You're too uptight. It's just your job that you're always doing so you don't know what's going on around you," he laughed."You're going to a seminar next week, right? Let's leave Manila together. How many days have you been there?""Three days or four. Maybe I'll talk to the agent for the property," I said."Are you going to a hotel? I have a condo. It's big and has three bedrooms. You can sleep there if you want."My eyebrows rose."In your condo? You mean, where do you bring your women? No thanks. I can pay for my hotel. I might get sick there.""Woah. It's serious! I don't bring them to my condo, Drey. I'll book a room, you know. I'm the one who's feeling good after all?""For all I know, you just have a plan for me."His jaw dropped and laughed hysterically. Of course that's just a joke. All these years, Kirk was with me and I am aware of his pure intentions.Back then, I never thought we would be this close because I really didn’t like him. But I found an unexpected f