At exactly 7:00 pm, Tommy and Ruella arrived at MS Hotel. Pagkababa ng kanilang sasakyan, they began to entwine their arms like real couple as they entered the entrance allocated for VIPs only. Nagdatingan na din ang mga bisita at nakasunod ang mga ito sa kanila. Pagpasok pa lamang ng pinto ay sinalubong na siya agad ni Sofia kasama si Oliver. "Miss Ventura, Mr. Torres, I'm glad you came." She greeted them with a bright smile. However, that didn't last long when she ran her eyes at the latter's appearance. "You look deadly gorgeous, Miss Ventura. Thanks for coming." She praised her sourly. The dress Ruella wore was the one she was looking for but the manager said that it was taken by someone else. It never occurred to her that she would be seeing it wrapped around her voluptuous body like it was tailor-made for her. 'This b*tch is so damned annoying!' She thought while clenching her fists hard. Ruella smiled seductively in return and said, "Oh, it's rare for you to do this ki
"Dinner is about to start," Ruella grumbled under her breath as they walked towards their designated table."I want to take you somewhere..." Tommy whispered in her ear."Where?" She asked him."Sa lugar kung saan masosolo kita," he replied with a devious smirk."Hmm, gusto ko sana yan kaso lang..." She halted in the middle of her statement when she caught sight of Joseph, storming in and Tommy followed her gaze. "I must respect what's written in the contract..."Tommy's jaws clenched at the sight of him. How he badly wants to throw a punch at that face for marrying the woman he loved so much but he can't. Ruella would feel upset if he go against her will therefore he had to grip himself until everything ends just as she promised him."Hmm, then I should be contented with this for now..." he sighed with frustration evident in his voice."That's what I ask you. Until then we can have so much time whenever you want..." She whispered back."Will you be able to go with me if I want us to
When Oliver entered the door, Sofia abruptly came to get him."Ollie, come. Dad wants you to meet my brother." She squealed in excitement.Oliver just smiled helplessly as he couldn't bring himself to say that he already met him just a couple of days earlier and that he was standing next to Ruella like something was happening between them. "You seemed so happy..." he whispered."I'm not." Sofia denied. "I just don't want to kill the vibe. I haven't seen my father laugh like this before. I mean, I always make him feel bad.""I'm glad to hear that you began considering your father's emotions. Please keep it up." He said lightly."I just realized that I've been too selfish for acting so immature. I don't want to be left alone, Ollie." Sofia almost teared up as she spoke. "Kaya susubukan ko if that what makes my father happy.""Alright. Let's go meet him."Ngumiti lamang ang dalaga habang papalapit sila sa kinauupuan ng dalawa.When Joseph looked up, his gaze met Oliver's, and for a mome
Sofia was both agitated and anxious seeing Andrea standing beside her nemesis kaya naman hindi niya napigilan ang kanyang sarili. She finally lost her temper in front of everyone and because of it, she passed out due to her immense anger.Her parents were shocked by her aggressiveness as well as Oliver. He hurried to take her to the hospital.Joseph and Ruella followed to the hospital while Andrea was instructed to return to her place.She waited silently outside while Joseph went to get her something to drink.The door to the ward opened and Oliver stalked off."Why are you still here?" He asked her."What's wrong with her?" She asked back."She's emotionally unstable sabi ng doctor." Ruella stood up lazily and said, "Hmm, I'm relieved. At least she's alive. Makakatulog ako ng mahimbing kahit papaano."Tatalikod na sana siya ngunit kinapitan ni Oliver ang kanyang braso. "Sandali, I'm just curious.""Tungkol saan?""Why do you have to hire Andrea when you know she is Sofia's friend?"
Hearing Oliver's words, her hold on her pen tightened but she didn't say anything. She just stood up from her seat and went to her pantry to make a cup of coffee. Then she brought it in front of him."Here you go...""Salamat."He briefly replied before he brought it to his nose. "This really smells so good and relaxing..." Dagdag pa nito bago tuluyang tikman ang kape.Ruella then went back to her seat and resumed signing the documents, ignoring him.Makalipas ang ilang segundo, tumunog ang kanyang telepono.Sinagot niya ito nang makita ang caller ID."Dad," She greeted."I'm going on a business trip. Will you be able to handle everything on your own while I'm gone?" Her father asked at the other end of the line."Biglaan naman yata 'to. Which country are you heading?" Tanong ni Ruella."I'll tell you when I get there. As of now, I want you to focus on whatever you planned. I'll handle the rest.""Dad," Ruella suddenly went emotional. "Anong oras ang flight mo?""In two hours.""I'm s
After dropping two consecutive calls, nagpatuloy sa pagmamaneho si Ruella papunta sa airport. This time, her concern doubled thus she speed up like a racer.Her secretary was silently clutching his seatbelts while his eyes were tightly shut.Ilang minuto lamang ang kanyang ginugol at nakarating din sila. Dali-dali itong lumabas sa kanyang sasakyan at tumakbo sa loob upang habulin ang kanyang ama leaving her secretary after giving out a few instructions.Dumiretso siya sa private room kung saan madalas nagpapalipas ng oras ang kanyang ama at hindi naman ito nabigo. Nakita niya itong nakaupo at kasalukuyang may kausap sa telepono.She silently took the seat beside him and waited till his call gets done."I'm leaving the country at hindi ko alam kung kailan ang balik ko. Yes, Ruella is in charge of everything." She heard him say and she wondered whom he was talking to."I'm sorry." She heard him giving out an exasperated sigh. "I may be her father but I don't mean to interfere in her pri
Since taxis are forbidden from entering Ventura's mansion premises, bumaba ang dalaga sa labas ng gate at sumilip ito sa maliit na awang, about to press the buzzer."Miss Rue?""It's me,"The guard on duty seemed too startled at her abrupt appearance but still opened the gate for her.She murmured her thanks before she proceeded to walk toward the house, however, the guard tried to catch up with her."Miss, I... I have something to tell you." He stuttered and Ruella halted in her tracks, wondering what he was about to say."Miss... Miss Sierra," He seemed hesitant to go on as if he was having a hard time containing whatever running in his mind."What about her?" Ruella asked curiously."She... She performed a little reunion inside..." The guard stammered seemingly nervous as he confessed."Reunion?" Ruella repeated and asked. "With who?""With... With your siblings..."No wonder, the guard looked nervous and frustrated. He broke Don Antonio's rule and even if it's unintentional, the l
Oliver couldn't describe how he felt. A lot of questions began forming in his head and either Sofia or Ruella can answer but he doubt if one of them would be honest enough to tell the whole story. However, he must at least try to find the answers to those bugging questions or he might go crazy.He called Sofia out then they went to a place where they could talk in peace. Sofia who was panicking earlier, manage to calm down her inner turmoil and decided to act naturally. Without showing any signs of disorientation, she smiled at him and asked."Ollie, what's the occasion?""Wala lang. Naisip ko lang na lumabas kasama ka. In a few days, I won't be able to do this kind of stuff with you so I took advantage of this rare opportunity." He replied trying to sound casual as he used to be. "Na-nagkita ba kayo ni dad?" Tanong ni Sofia.Tumango si Oliver ng marahan before he faces her. "What was he talking about, Sofia? He said that the incident this morning was related to that accident last y
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