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
It didn't take long before they both went out from the supermarket with several bags stuffed on their hands filled with their purchased items.Oliver went directly to his car stuffing his bags on the backseat whilst Ruella also hopped into hers. They drove back to their apartment building. She was trailing behind him.15 minutes passed and they both arrived at the parking lot. Sabay silang lumabas ng kanilang mga sasakyan dahil sa magkatabi lang ito. They both entered the building and ascended on the same lift.Coincidentally, they were alone inside as it ascended on their specific floor.Oliver's eyes rammed curiously on the things she was holding. "What's inside the travelling bag?" He inquired."Nothing much. Just a few things." She curtly responded. Now it was her turn to ram her eyes at the ecobags he was holding. "Ano ba 'yang mga binili mo?" Tanong niya."Hindi ba't sinabi ko na magluluto ako para sa dinner natin?" He reminded her. "Don't tell me, nagbago na ang isip mo?"Some
Castillo's Family VillaTahimik ang na ang buong paligid. Tulog na ang mga kasambahay ngunit sa isang silid ay may isang tao na nanatiling gising.Sofia had her eyes wide open like saucers. She was soaring high. Bangag na bangag siya sa ipinagbabawal na gamot na kanyang nabili makalaan lamang ang ilang oras bago sila nag hapunan.Napag-utusan siyang bumili ng dessert ng kanyang ina sa paborito nitong bakeshop ngunit sa hindi maipaliwanag na dahilan, naisipan niya lamang bigla na dumaan sa kanyang pinagkukunan to ask for a little amount but she never expected that the person was so generous. He had given her a lot and she's more than appreciative of it. Sa panahon ngayon, bihira na ang libre so she grab the golden opportunity at tinanggap niya ito ng walang pag-aalinlangan. She pushed aside her father's and Oliver's warning at nagpadala siya sa tukso.She felt depressed and anxious at the same time. Nahihirapan siyang tanggapin ang mga mga nangyayari, hindi niya alam kung paano siya hu
CDO City, Local airport…It was around half past midnight yet there were still a lot of people busy coming in and going out from the airport due to their flights. Others looked excited while the others painted exhaustion on their faces.Andrea dragged her suitcase nervously towards the exit while blending herself with the massive crowd. She had her head low as she took her slow steps towards the passageway. Kung hindi lamang siya pinagbantaan ni Ruella gamit ang kanyang mga magulang ay hindi sana siya uuwi ng sapilitan. She never thought of her to show up after a year. It was so surprising.She never expected her to stand bilang isa sa pinakamayaman na dalaga sa kanilang lugar. Recalling how the latter acted passively during her difficult times, she couldn't help mocking herself. Ang buong akala niya ay magaling siyang magpanggap ngunit nagkamali pala siya. Mas magaling si Roselle sa kanya. Hindi niya ito nakitaan ng kahit konting flaws para magduda siya sa katauhan nito. She took ev
Ruella raced towards the mansion at full speed, getting thrilled. Habang nasa daan, tinawagan niya ang kanyang tauhan upang alamin ang kanilang lokasyon. Hindi naman siya nabigo at napangiti pa ito ng marinig na ilang metro na lamang ang layo nila mula sa kanyang bahay. Saka lamang siya nagdesisyon na mag dahan-dahan sa pagmamaneho upang mauna sila sa pagdating. She reminded herself that she didn't need to rush over for now because she was already assured that Andrea was now under her mercy. Magkikita at magkikita pa rin naman sila and nobody can prevent it from happening.Magmula ng magising siya sa coma, her mind was occupied by those people's faces who always haunt her whenever she closed her eyes. Ang mga mukha ng nanakit sa kanya at sa kanyang anak ay hindi niya maiwaksi lalong-lalo na ang mukha ng taong bukod tanging pinagkatiwalaan niya ng husto ever since she decided to live alone independently. Ang mapanlinlang na mukha ni Andrea. She had lots of questions to ask and she was
"Anu ba talaga ang naging problema ninyong dalawa, hm?" Oliver asked curiously."Malalaman mo rin sa tamang panahon." Maikling sagot ng dalaga habang tumingin siya sa mukha ng binata. Marahang siyang nagtanong, "What happened to Sofia?"He sighed heavily before he responded. "She was… She attempted to kill herself." Malungkot na saad nito."Ganun ba?" She quired and went. "Perhaps she was struggling to deal with something lately at wala siyang mapagsabihan ng kanyang mga problema kaya naisip niya na gawin iyon…"Oliver stared at her intently for a brief moment before he replied. "I've been trying to ask her but she refused to tell me. Palagi siyang umiiwas sa mga tanong ko…" he sighed and went. "Hindi ko rin alam kung paano siya pagsalutain…""Hmm…" Tumango lamang ang dalaga habang nakikinig but her mind was telling him that, 'Of course she won't tell you that I was trying to get her mad by coming back from the dead!'Recalling the conversation earlier he made with his assistant, Ruel
Meanwhile at the hospital…The doctor was carefully explaining Sofia's condition to Oliver inside the ward."Doctor, kumusta po ang lagay niya?""Her condition was stabilized but we have to undergo further observation para makakasiguro… Masyadong malalim ang mga sugat na kanyang tinamo and she's emotionally unstable…" the physician explained patiently and went on adding."Mr. Mitchell, Miss Castillo has to undergo psychotherapy sessions when she gets better. Baka may mabigat siyang pinagdadaanan na hindi niya masabi sayo o sa kanyang mga magulang kaya naisipan niyang saktan ang sarili…" marahang paliwanag ng doctor sa binata."Doc, was there any circumstances na pwedeng maulit ang nangyari?" He asked.Tumango ang doctor. "Posibleng maulit ang nangyari, Mr Mitchell. I advise you to stay on her side and let her feel that she's not alone… I'm afraid if she did it again, baka hindi na siya maagapan pa..."Oliver pursed his lips for a brief moment and nodded solemnly. "Naintindihan ko doc.
Ruella descended herself out from the elevator, marching towards her apartment door gracefully… So what if he's there waiting for her? Should she chicken out?'Bakit naman ako tatakbo palayo sa kanya? I'm not a coward…' she thought defiantly, getting closer to him.Oliver's eyes slowly opened sensing her presence…"What are you doing here?" She asked, voice sounded flat as she took out her keys from her pockets ready to open her knobs."I'm obviously waiting for you as you can see…" he retorted. "Saan ka nga pala galing?"Natigilan ang dalaga at napatingala ito sa kanya. He was taller than her after all, thus she had to look up just to meet his gaze and it was sharp, deeply penetrating accompanied with his intimidating stance. If they were in the same situation just like before, she would cower and lower herself to submission but now… Their situations are equal… "Aba naman…" she chuckled lightly and quired. "Bakit naging interesado ka na sa mga lakad ko ha? Oliver, anong iniisip mo?"
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