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CHAPTER 28
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2024-10-29 19:42:56I 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
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"You want mango shake?" Janice asked.We just finished our classes and we passed the new cafe near the school. Janice wanted to eat ice cream but I insisted on trying something in the café. But now, I don't think I can drink anything anymore. Coldness spread all over my body. My mind went blank.If only a few years had passed when I saw that, I wouldn’t be hurt like this. I wasn't dumb. Gossips about my mother, Priscilla Escareal, having multiple affairs with different man hurt. I ignored what I heard because I believed Mommy couldn’t do that to us. But to see her with my own two eyes was too much. It's only been almost two months since Daddy died!"Audrey, what about you?"Tears pooled my eyes. I was forced to sit on the bench outside the cafe. When Janice saw my tears she approached in a panic."Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong? Don't you want to be here anymore?"I cried even more."I saw Mommy, Jani
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"What do you want, Miss Escareal?" the saleslady in the cafeteria asked."Chicken meal and mango juice," I replied while glancing at Janice. "What about you?""Beef steak meal. Soda as well."I paid after giving us the order. We were back at the table when I saw a grade ten just entering. Just a short distance away, I recognized him immediately. Her eyes scanned the cafeteria briefly. He stopped looking at me. Now that I'm in grade eleven, I'm used to talking about Mommy. This time, she's having an affair with a married man again. I was not surprised by that."Drey, Hanna is coming," Janice said."Let her be," I said indifferently and put my tray down the table.Hanna angrily stopped across from our table. I did not turn to him."You thick faced bitch! Are you happy that your mommy is ruining the family, huh? And you're not satisfied yet! You've really seduced my boyfriend! You're both like your mommy's snatcher!""Don't even s
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"Your driver hasn’t arrived yet?" Janice asked. We were in front of the gate and he had just arrived to pick us up. She was looking at me worriedly. I knew he didn’t want her to be the first to leave especially and something happened. She knows me too well I always have a hard time deceiving her. He knew very well what I was doing."You go first."Her eyes narrowed. "Are you sure? I'll just wait for your driver to arrive.""Edu texted that he’s still fixing the tire. You might get scolded if you take too long, so you should go first.”"Fine. Just go home, okay?”I nodded.Actually, I intentionally texted Edu not to pick me up. I don’t want to go home because I’ll just remember what Mommy was doing. I am out of her filthy doings, but why am I also affected? I was disgusted and wanted to speak ill of him. If only not because of her, I wouldn't have to deal with these shits.I looked at the hand
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"Let me go," I demanded."You fought before. Are you going to fight now? Is that your hobby, huh?""None of your business!"With his hard grip I did nothing when he pulled me away from there. We stopped in front of the parked cars and he just let me go. I could no longer see Klyde from there."You shouldn't be very impulsive," he said sternly."I don't need your opinion about my actions. I'll do what I want!""And where will your stubbornness pick you up? He was on the verge of hitting you!""I hope you just let it go, then. You think I'm too weak and I couldn't take it? Then you're wrong! I can handle myself!""Really, huh?" he challenged, there was a diminution in the way he looked at me."Why are you interfering? It's not because you're my friend's cousin that you can scold me! You're not my brother, Rustov!"He closed his eyes tightly and wept bitterly. He sighed deeply after a short while and looked at me dar
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"Did someone fight with you recently? Who will I kick out of your school?"When it comes to Mommy about the troubles I get involved with at school she always says that. Even though she is busy with many others, she still knows what is going on in my life somehow. I will always get what I want if I'd only tell her. But unlike before, I don't ask for anything. And I don't tell her to manipulate anything for my sake.I just don’t answer and let go of the anger. Even if I told him to kick that out, what else could he do?That girl is her lover's daughter. I doubt if he can do that. Besides, that wasn't the first incident. I'm used to it.Mommy asked more about it. But with my vague response, he eventually stopped as well."Ate, did you see my pink handkerchief with my name embroidered on the upper part?" I asked Ate Delia."Is that your favorite? I've already washed all your handkerchiefs. I was surprised when I didn't see it, eh."
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The insides of the house was clean, that was the first thing I noticed. The furnitures are made of wood, mostly. There are a few picture frames hanging on the wall. There are also Rustov awards since elementary. He is really excellent when it comes to academics.I don’t even know how he manages to balance acads and sports. He was into basketball during high school. I keep track of her games because Janice is always watching and she always takes me with her.He was good so eventually in senior high, he became team captain. While in college, rugby football was played. We can only watch once because of the class. And based on what I have seen, he's really good at it.I realized how much we differed from the state. I am not active in any sports. I am not in the honor roll, either. And thinking of it now, I realized the only thing I had with him was wealth. The amount I lack. If I don't have my parents' money, I have nothing, no one would bother respect me. Whi
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"Is Thiago busy too?" I asked Rustov as our staff unloaded the leathers.He nodded. "Every summer and there are only occasions when they come home."Well, I've heard of that. His two siblings are both studying in Manila so he only came home once. I've known those two since I was a kid. As often as seen at social gatherings. When they were in high school, they left Manila for maybe a bigger university."Let's go to the office first. I prepared a snack," I said and glanced at the workers."Okay," he replied low.“Ate Dulce,” I called. "You're here first."She nodded. I was ahead of the walk. Some of our female workers drifted their eyes at my back. I knew immediately what they were looking at. I was about to tell them to focus on their works, but I restrained myself. I might just look worse.Entering the office, I gestured to him the chair. There is food ready on the small table in the middle."I thought your Mommy wa
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I don’t remember when I invited a guy out. But I really want to try that kind of event again. And I only have one person in mind that I'm comfortable with except for Janice and Enzo. Just Rustov. He's not my type of company but passable.I don't know when I started feeling comfortable around him. Maybe in our little interactions. Although I know he has his own judgments of me, he doesn't treat me badly so it's okay.Rustov:What? Go out? Are you drunk, Audrey?I stopped looking for something to wear.Me:There seems to be a party in town tonight. I want to come and I want you to accompany me.His reply took a while. I had already chosen what to wear when he texted again.Rustov:I can't be with you. I'll be with my friends.I stopped and sat down on the ottoman, disappointed. I can already choose what to wear and after all, he won't let me? He knew I had no one else to be with! And what? He will be with his
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Dangerous Haven CHAPTER 28
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
Dangerous Haven CHAPTER 27
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."
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"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 you
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"A-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 a
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"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
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"Look at you. Its cute!" at the same time I will show the picture of baby Sia to Rustov.I've been with Ate for the whole semester break and I'll just be back. I couldn't go while he was in labor so I was a little guilty. Besides that, I also plan to tell him about Klyde's girlfriend Sia for a few months now. I had a lot of chances to tell her, but I just couldn't keep up. She seemed very happy, I don't have the courage to spoil her happiness."Yeah. She's cute and pretty," Rustov said. We sat under a coconut tree, in front of their plantation."That's because her aunt is pretty."His eyes drifted at me. He tilted his head and stared at me intently. Then, his lips curved into a mischievous smile."Why? You don't agree?""You're beautiful, of course ..." he said softly.I stifled a smile."Who's prettier than Kiara and me, then?"He groaned."You don't have to compare yourself to her, Audrey. That's just my friend.
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June when class started. High school is two weeks ahead of college so for two weeks Rustov always picks me up. By the way, when their class started, he couldn't take me anymore. We have different schedules. And often, his class was until five or six o'clock while my dismissal was always at four o'clock.I insisted that I could just wait for him so that at least we could go home together. But he don't like the idea of me waiting for him. I got dismayed of the new situation. However, he consoled me that we can meet during Saturdays, if we are both idle. And we can meet sometimes in school, too. At lunch breaks and if there is vacant time. Even if it was a little against my will, I couldn't do anything.Janice and I were in the cafeteria with a few classmates to discuss a group work while eating. The question didn't just enter my brain because the eyes were on the other table. Rustov was there with friends, and of course Kiara. I was bothered a bit. I think we should ha
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"You did well ..."I sniffed and held back a smile. I averted my face and looked out to sea. It was Friday, so we had a little time to talk. We headed straight to the Dales after class. Though, I got conscious thinking that maybe he noticed how tensed I was during the oral defense."Really?" my sarcastic question.He nodded, suppressing a smile."Your smirks made me feel like you were secretly mocking me.""I wasn't ... I was just ... amazed."I raised an eyebrow at him and ambushed him to stand but he just pulled me closer to him. Now I'm sitting in between his legs. He was behind me as I was slightly tilted."Don't lie to me. I was so nervous before! I'm sure I didn't look amazing at all! Maybe you're silently making fun of me in your head!"He laughed and shook his head."And what, your question is just simple! I told you don't be easy on me. I want it harder!""Harder?" he echoed softly."Yes! Why, don'
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Staring at him deeply, little by little, I slowly began to understand everything. I rejected him not because I don't like him on that level. I was afraid. I was so afraid to break my own principles. I was afraid that I might end up being enslaved by my emotions. I was afraid I'd end up getting consumed by that feeling. I put him on the pedestal because that’s what I think is right. I let my mind control everything that I ended up lying to myself.I'm afraid that once I gamble, I won't be able to give up. Because now, I realized I am very, very infatuated with him. And I fear the fate of how I feel. Because this time, I know I can't hold back anymore. I couldn't even hold it when I was still in denial, how much more now that I finally accepted that I do like him?"You chose your clothes?" Rustov asked as he raised his hand behind my back. I shivered when I felt the warmth of his hand against my bare skin."Mommy did ..." I said almost mutely."Are yo
