Natulala si Sofia sa kanyang narinig. Hindi niya inaasahang hahamunin siya ni Oliver just to make her confess. Naguguluhan tuloy siya. If she spill what she hide, maaaring magalit sa kanya ang binata dahil dito at hindi lang iyon. Baka maisipan pa nitong patayin siya pagnagdilim ang paningin nito. 'What should I do?' She thought to herself, feeling desperate.While gathering her thoughts, her mobile phone started ringing, snapping her out from her dilemma. Sinagot niya ito and temporarily ignored her furious fiance. Her father's name appeared on her screen which caused her to sigh in relief. She cast a glance at him and waved her mobile phone in front of him while speaking."Dad is calling me, Ollie.""Answer it." He demanded coldly , glaring daggers at her.Marahan naman itong sinagot ng dalaga sa harapan ng binata."Dad," Sofia choked."Umuwi ka ngayon din." Was her father's curt demand and the line went on beeping. Hindi man lang siya binigyan ng pagkakataon na sumagot. Basta-bast
Paulo met them halfway and was about to take action in a defensive mode but Ruella gestured her hand telling him silently that she's fine. Sofia passed by them in a hurry and left without looking back while crying."Paulo, go fill the task I told you. We'll be there in the study." She instructed indifferently as she led Oliver in her study room.Bumitaw sa kamay niya si Oliver after slamming the door shut. "Okay ka lang?" Tanong nito and it seemed like he was asking her with genuine concern.Ruella's heart instantly skipped a beat. She nodded and turned around but Oliver yanked her back to face him. Lumakas tuloy ang kabog ng dibdib niya at sa hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan napatitig siya sa mukha nito. Gaya ng dati, wala pa rin itong pinagbago. Hindi niya talaga alam kung anong meron siya na wala sa iba. Bakit nahirapan siyang magmove-on at palitan ito sa puso niya sa after all the heartaches that she gained from him."Bakit ganyan ka makatitig? Naalala mo na ba ulit na mahalin ako?"
Meanwhile on the other hand…Sofia rushed home while crying her eyes out. Muntik na nito ibangga ang kanyang kotse sa kanilang gate buti na lamang at nakuha niyang apakan ang preno bago pa siya tuluyang tumama sa bakal."Ma'am Sofia!"Nagulat sa kanya ang kanilang guard at hindi nito mapigilang mapasigaw sa sobrang nerbiyos."Open the goddamn gate!" Sofia roared pagkababa pa lamang ng kanyang bintana. Tumango naman ang guard at dali-daling binuksan ang lagusan. Pumasok ang dalaga at humarurot papunta sa kanilang bahay. Malakas niyang hinampas ang kanyang pinto pagbaba ng sasakyan at tumakbo na sa living room habang umiiyak. Nadatnan nito ang kanyang mga magulang na nakaupo habang nanonood ng balita sa tv, both seems like waiting for her."Mom," Sofia began to sob loudly as she ran to her mother, hugging her tight."Dios mio, ija! Bakit ka umiiyak, ha?" Her mother, Mrs. Castillo rubbed her back soothingly as she asked."Ollie, he…" Sofia suddenly stopped herself from spilling out her
Ruella's head was now starting to throb. Hindi niya akalaing aabot siya sa point na nagtatago na siya ng lalaki sa kanyang kwarto. Bakit nga ba? Hindi niya maipaliwanag ang dahilan ng kanyang pagkabalisa. Kung tutuusin, Paulo was only one of her men and she shouldn't feel anxious when she got busted like this but somehow she felt bothered for some unknown reasons. She felt guilty for Tommy even if they weren't in a proper relationship. She felt like she was cheating on him."Manahimik ka muna dito, pwede ba? Saglit lang 'to." She instructed the shirtless CEO who refused to sit on her bed."I won't lay in your bed." He groaned as he kept on pacing back and forth. He was obviously displeased with the woman's arrangement but he couldn't do anything to avoid it. If not for the fact that he was aiming something else to keep her by his side, he wouldn't agree to her plea. Sa pakiwari niya ay nagmumukha siyang kabit na pinipilit itago ng dalaga mula sa kanyang asawa which made him feel terr
Left with no choice to make, Ruella gave in to Oliver's persistence. They eat lunch together while he discusses the important key points about their work for the rest of the week. They were professionals after all, thus the two pushed aside their conflicts in between and even agreed to create an annual team building activity in the next couple of days para sa pagkakaisa ng mga empleyado sa bawat department ng OLYMPUS.Ruella stared at him while speaking, looking all baffled. Shoving her food into her mouth, she murmured questioningly, "I thought you're starving? Why do you keep on talking?""I'm starving but I would like to discuss this matter with you while eating." He stated."Oliver, we can discuss the rest of the plan after lunch, alright? Let's get this done first." She directly stated while resuming shoving her food to her mouth."Sige. Sabi mo eh." He nodded in agreement and went on resuming eating as well.It took them half an hour to finish their meals and now, Ruella as the o
Makalipas ang isang oras… Nahimasmasan din ang dalaga at gumanda na ang pakiramdam. Bumangon siya mula sa kama at nagpunta sa kanyang banyo upang maghilamos ngunit naalala niya ang suot na tshirt under her cardigan jacket kung kaya't naghubad ito at sinuri ang pinagmamayabang ni Oliver na brand.Napangiti siya habang nakatitig sa initials na nakasulat sa likod ng tag. Akalain ba naman nito na meron siyang naitabing limited editions of men's shirt from the same person in her wardrobe at the mansion? She was fond of wearing huge shirts ever since kaya naman minsan nung nagpunta overseas ang kanyang ama upang mag-attend ng designer's convention ay pinamili siya nito ng ilang piraso. Sealed pa ang mga iyon simula noong pagdating at nakatago lang sa kanyang drawer. Hindi niya ito nagalaw dahil nagkataong umalis siya sa puder ng kanyang ama noon. Para sa kanya ay magandang opportunity ito upang mapalitan ang damit ng binata at nang hindi na siya nagkaroon pa ng utang na loob sa kanya ngun
Chairman Castillo and Oliver's discussion about Sofia took a few hours before it came to an end. As a father who loves his daughter dearly, he asked for Oliver's help to encourage his daughter to talk as soon as possible and Oliver agreed without hesitation. Though he didn't feel any sort of affection towards Sofia, he still wanted her to be safe before he cancelled their engagement. Whether Ruella accepted him or not, he still was adamant to remain single in the end. He felt guilty for wasting Sofia's life waiting for him. Sinubukan niya namang mahalin ang dalaga ngunit hindi niya talaga kayang turuan ang kanyang puso. It still beats for the Ventura lady at wala siyang magawa kundi sundin ito dahil sawang-sawa na siyang mamuhay na malungkot."I'll talk to her tomorrow, Uncle. Be at ease. Gagawin ko ang lahat para sabihin niya sa akin kung sino ang kanyang nabundol noon." Oliver assured him confidently."Maraming salamat, Ijo. Alam ko talagang sayo lang makikinig si Sofia dahil umii
The woman was none other than Ruella. Kasalukuyan siyang nasa tabi ng ama, nakikipag-usap ng biglang tumawag sa Don ang isa sa kanilang mga tauhan sa warehouse informing the big boss that a woman was seeking out for their item. The man was ecstatic to announce that it was their generous client.Nakikinig lamang ang dalaga noong una ngunit bigla siyang nagkainterest ng marinig ang pangalan na 'Sofia Castillo'. She stared at her father intently. Knowing that his daughter holds a deep grudge about his client, he handed his mobile to his daughter para siya na lamang ang makipag-usap sa tao. Mabilis na gumana ang utak ng dalaga due to her extreme eagerness na paglaruan ang nasabing client. Her efficiency made the Don impressed dahil hindi ito nagpakita ng kaunting pag-aalinlangan sa kanyang mga sinasabi. She was planning to overdose that person which he found very satisfying."Give her what she wants. Let her indulge." She commanded coldly as the new plan suddenly played in her mind."Mi
Ruella's eyes blazed with fury as she stood before Don Antonio, the revelation about the DNA test results kept messing with her head. "You knew all along, didn't you?" she spat, her voice venomous. "You know Sierra wasn't your real daughter."Don Antonio's expression remained impassive, but a hint of guilt flickered in his eyes. "I had my suspicions," he admitted. "But I need proof."Ruella's anger boiled over. "And what about my mother's death? she demanded. "Sierra's mother was behind it, wasn't she?"Don Antonio shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Ruella. I don't know. It didn't cross my mind that your mother's death was intentional. The doctor's findings about her death were just the same as your daughter's that's why I...""It's because my mother paid the doctor to give false findings," Sierra chimes in. "But she killed him after that to wrap everything up."Ruella's face twisted in rage. Facing Sierra, she spat, anger radiating from her voice. "You'll p
Ruella stared at Sierra, her eyes crinkling with amusement as she dealt with her inner doubts."No!" Sierra screamed, her face twisted into a snarl. She growled. "That's not true! I'm his daughter!"Ruella scoffed. Disgust was evident in her eyes as she retorted. "Well, that's what your mother said but who knows? A lot of possibilities could happen when Dad wasn't around."Sierra's face turned ghastly pale. Shame was eating her whole but she refused to admit it. That secret had long been forgotten since her mother died. She was sure of it since she promised to get rid of her biological mother to keep things wrapped between the two of them.Sierra was confident that Ruella knew nothing about her past and was just trying to manipulate her emotions. She rolled her eyes and spat. "I'm certain that I'm his daughter but how about you?""Oh, Sierra," Ruella said, her voice dripping with fake concern. "I'm a hundred percent sure of that since I've got a lot of people to prove such fact but lo
Several days later...Ruella's tires screeched as she took the final turn, her eyes fixed on the mansion where Sierra was detained by her men. Her heart was heavy, aching weight in her chest, still reeling from Tommy's funeral. She didn't just lose a friend but a potential partner, a brother figure, and most of all the possible father of her child. These realizations took a toll on her emotional turmoil causing her to lack sleep every night.She slammed the car door shut behind her and stormed towards the entrance, her anger and grief boiling over. The doors burst open as she flung them wide, and she strode inside, her eyes blazing with fury."Sierra!" she screamed, her voice roared off the marble floors.Sierra emerged from the shadows, a smirk twisting her lips. "Well, fancy meeting you again sister. Hows Tommy? Have you sent him my regards before burying him six feet under?"Ruella's eyes narrowed, her hands clenched into fists. "You're going to pay for what you did, Sierra!"The a
Ruella's eyes snapped wide open in shock. Her heart beating rapidly as she took in the scene in front of her.She thought that this could be her last. The end of her life and the baby in her womb but someone rushed to take the stab from her.Her lips trembled and fear crept within her. Tommy had come to save her."Tommy!" She mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. "What... What are you doing?"Tommy's blood started dripping from his stomach. Clutching his wound, he forced a smile as he faced Ruella. "I told you. I'll always protect you, Rue."Sierra's aim at his chest stopped as soon as she realized that it was Tommy who rushed to aid Ruella. Her hands trembled and the knife fell on the ground. She rushed to check on him. Worry was etched on her messy face but his other hand stopped her from getting closer."Don't you dare get close, Sierra!" He warned, his face twisted murderously. Then he snapped his fingers, summoning all the men he had taken with him, and ordered. "Take this b
Ruella's gaze was locked on the figure. She forgot her surroundings as she walked through the crowd. Meanwhile, Oliver, who had seen the same figure, panicked. He rushed after her, but his face turned pale when she vanished. He scanned the area, but he couldn't find her anywhere.Oliver took out his phone and dialed Ruella's number, but he remembered that he had taken her mobile phone earlier. The mild ringing in one of his racer suit pockets proved he still had it since she had not taken it from him.He mentally cursed himself for taking her phone. If he hadn't done such a possessive stunt earlier, he would've been able to contact her easily by now. Feeling frustrated, Oliver dialed his subordinate's number, but nobody answered to his dismay. The ringing went on for about a few minutes and after what seemed like forever, he finally heard the voice he longed to hear."Boss," The familiar voice echoed."Why was Sierra here?! I thought I made it clear to you to keep an eye on her?" Ol
Oliver stared deeply into her eyes with undeniable desire etched on his face. "I swear," he grumbled. His voice turned huskier with each second. "My self-control was about to snap if you kept doing this, Rue."Ruella took a step back and blinked. It was not that she couldn't read his expression, but she was embarrassed to point it out. Her face reddened slightly as she looked away, trying to divert their attention from the thought they both had in mind."Why are you here, Oliver, and how did you know I am here?" She suddenly became curious, recalling that she hadn't told him about her joining this race."Dad called me," Oliver sighed. "I was supposed to take you home by now, but I know you'll refuse me, so I considered accompanying you instead."It was rare for him to be this considerate. In the past, it had always been her who used to yield over some things but now, everything seemed to have been changed. It amused her how the tables turned in her favor this time.She raised her eyeb
The loud screeching of his tires caught the massive attention of people heading in and out of the race track. Everyone looks at his car in awe. Their eyes focused directly on his windshield, trying to catch a glimpse of him but Oliver didn't notice this. His attention was solely focused on his phone."Come again, Uncle?" He asked, wondering if he heard him correctly since Sofia was in jail.Before this, he hadn't received any updates about her being taken to the hospital so how is it possible that she is out there fighting for her life? What happened?"Sofia is in critical condition," Mr. Castillo repeated, and since the police had already briefed him about Sofia's involvement in the incident, he also explained according to his knowledge.Hearing his subtle explanation, Oliver's face turned cold. He remained silent until the older man finished talking. Taking the details into consideration, he finally said. "I can't make it right now, Uncle. I'm busy but I'll be there as soon as I'm
In the race track, Ruella was summoned out of her team's private lounge for a quick interview, and out of courtesy for them, she agreed though she hadn't tried facing the camera. Wearing her signature sunglasses, she dragged herself out immediately.A lot of reporters came running as soon as they spotted her coming out. They look trailed and ecstatic at her fully geared-up appearance. She got most men's attention once she stood not far away from the race track.Her long cascading brown hair was blown by the impact of racing cars passing by adding a sense of amazement to everyone. They couldn't take their eyes off her. It was as if they saw a goddess descending from no one knows where."Miss Ventura," One of the reporters began to ask. "Since when did you start showing interest in car racing?"Ruella thought for a while before she answered. "Since I was fifteen."They all gasped, unable to believe her words. One reporter then came forward to ask her another question."The Annual Racing
"She never said anything about it," Oliver flatly replied. "I don't want to meddle in your affairs right now but you've got to get her as soon as possible," Don Antonio said hurriedly. "Her Aunt was freaking out right now!""Is that Oliver?" He even heard Aurora's loud voice in the background which meant that she was indeed throwing a tantrum. "Tell him to get his wife right now or I'll do it on my own!"Don Antonio sighed helplessly. "You heard her. You've got to hurry before she calls someone else to take her away from that race track!"Holding his phone, Oliver didn't know how to react. From the way Don Antonio speaks, he seems a little scared of Aurora which makes him quite baffled.His mind immediately wondered. 'When did he allow Aurora to boss him around?'After quite some time, Oliver's thoughts became steady again once the line was dropped dead and Emman's confused face came into his view.Startled, he blinked several times before he snarled. "What are you doing?""When are