Erykha Sunshine.What a short-tempered engineer.I almost twisted my lips in dismay as I looked at him, walking back and forth while talking to someone in the line. I should be going home right now, right? I should be. Kanina pa ako rito, at tapos na ako sa pinapagawa niya. Akala ko ba may family lunch gathering siya, eh, lagpas alas dose na.Ang inakala kong janitress ay PA pala.Oh, well, not bad, as I don't mind this job. I'm okay with this. It's a big bonus twist, and I didn't expect this."Excuse me, Sir?" I interrupted with a signaled in hand.Nahinto agad siya at kunot-noo akong tinitigan. He paused talking to someone in the line when I signaled the time using my hand."You have a lunch with family, remember?" I said in a whisper signed. Kahit papaano ay alam ko kung paano mag sign language, dahil pinag-aralan ko ito.Tumango agad siya at tiningnan ang oras sa relo na suot niya. Napansin ko agad ang relo niya. Ito lang yata ang magarbo at mahal sa lahat ng nasa katawan niya.
Erykah Sunshine.What the hell?Nabilaukan ako sa sariling laway nang marinig ito mula kay Glenn. Kumurap ako at hindi ko inalis ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Seryoso siyang nakatitig sa mga magulang niya at mas lalong humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko.Straight away, I converted my stare at the people around us, especially his parents."What did you say?" Glenn's father asked in a stern voice. His eyes were deadly serious."Oh, my..." Glenn's mother gasped and covered her mouth in shock.Yeah. It's bloody, oh my god!I looked back at Glenn, asking for an explanation. But all I could get from him was a tightening stare that almost havoc my troubled heart.I want to contest and explain to them because that's the right thing to do. That's what my mind told me, but something is stopping me, and it's my heart.Kaya na imbes na ipagtangol ko ang sarili ay ngumiti akong tinitigan si Glenn at ang mga magulang niya na parang wala sa sarili."Pasensya na po kung nabigla namin kayo ni Glenn. We
Erykah Sunshine.Tawang-tawa si Nanay habang kumakain. Nakikinig lang siya sa kwento ko at namula na ang mukha niya sa kakatawa."Nay, ano po ang nakakatawa?""Wala, anak. Congratulations! May trabaho ka na. May asawa ka pa! Ayaw mo ba?" Ulit na tawa niya.I rolled my eyes and shook my head. It's not funny, like how Nanay wants me to laugh at my misery, thinking that Glenn is an absolute jerk.Yes. He is a damsel jerk in distress!"Huwag kang mag-alala, Eres. Bukas na bukas iba na ang mundo mo. Malay mo, baliw lang ang amo mo, at baka bukas ay babalik na ulit ang dating anyo niya. Kaya kumain ka na. Malamig na ang sabaw."Napatango na ako at mahinang napabuntong-hininga sa sarili. Baka nga tama si Nanay. Sadyang may tupak lang siguro ang engineer na iyon, at baka bukas ay okay na siya, at siguro makakalimutan na niya ang lahat.Oo, tama nga naman. Itulog ko nalang ito, at tiyak okay na sa pag-gising ko.MAAGA AKO NGAYON SA OPISINA. Dinaig ko pa yata ang in-charge sa reception dahil
Glenn Mondragon.I know it won't be easy, but I guess Eres's personality will make it easier for me. It's better to give this contract to a stranger than to someone who knows me and my family. Eres is just perfect for the rule.My brows furrowed as I read my mother's message on the phone again. She reminded me of tonight's dinner with the family. They want to know Eres, and now I am left with no choice but to woo her again and make amends with her."The contract is simple, Eres. You will work as my PA, and our relationship at work is secret. There's no need for them to know that you are my secret wife." I started the moment I stopped the car and parked it in my designated basement spot. She looked at me in confusion, and I understood that."Ano? Are you joking, right?""No. I'm not. Come on. I'll show you around." I smiled slightly and stepped out of the car. Hindi ko na siya pinagbuksan dahil sa iba si Eres kung kumilos. Mukhang kaya niya namang gawin ang lahat. Nakasunod siya sa a
Erykah Sunshine.What the heck? Oh, my goodness!I can't believe I agreed to this type of agreement. I never in my wildest dream would someone, a stranger, for instance, come to me and offer me this type of setting out of the blue.Nanginig ang tuhod ko nang makalabas sa gusali na kung nasaan ang penthouse niya. Napahawak ako sa dibdib at humugot nang malalim na hininga.Wala na si Glenn. Nauna na siyang umalis dahil may tumawag na kliyente sa kanya. Babalikan niya raw ako mamaya at dito kami magkikita sa penthouse niya.I don't need to go back to the office anymore as he will not be around there. He doesn't want me to accompany him to meet this new client because he wants me to pack all my things and move them to his place.This is insane. It's too fast, but I have no choice. I know this is crazy, but it is temporarily the solution to my problem.It's been months since I left home without knowing what was happening there. I don't want to know about them because I know my stepmother
Erykah Sunshine.Nerve crackling. . . este, wracking.Nanginginig ang tuhod ko at sadyang pinigilan ko lang ito. Peke akong ngumiti sa mga magulang niya, at malamig pa sa ice candy silang lahat makatingin sa akin.I cleared my throat and glanced at Glenn beside me.Naghahanap ako ng kakampi, pero mukhang wala akong maasahan kay Glenn. Dahil katulad din siya ng mga magulang niya. . . malalamig sila.Maraming pagkain at ang sasarap nito. Pero hindi ako matutunawan sa gabing ito. Puno ng kaba ang puso ko at ang katahimikan nila ay dumadagdag lang sa pag-aalala ko ngayon."How did the two of you meet?" Cheska asked. I didn't expect that it was coming from her. I anticipated Glenn's parents would ask me that, but I was wrong."Uhm, we-we meet in New York," pekeng ngiti ko. Nakatitig ako kay Glenn, dahil siya naman ang katabi ko, pero mukhang wala siyang narinig. Panay lang ang pag-subo niya at ganoon din ang mga magulang niya."New York? I see. . . That's explained why kuya always go over
Erykah Sunshine."It's not Singapore but Hong Kong," I corrected.Napaigting ang panga niya habang nakatitig ng husto sa akin. Bumaba ang tingin niya sa labi ko."Okay, Hong Kong.""Yes," I mumbled and looked away. It was a minute of silence, and my mind was totally blank. I was close to telling him that we should stop this madness, but now? It's getting insane."Glenn?" Ibinalik ko ang tingin sa kanya. "Let's think about it first. I-I mean, getting married is not a joke. I don't know your plan, and I don't understand why you're doing this. If you are doing this to prove that you have moved on with your feelings from Saber, then don't do it. . . This is not right."Ayaw kong isipin niya na opurtunista ako. Oo, desperado na ako ngayon, at tama lang ang dating ni Glenn sa buhay ko para masolusyonan ang problema ko sa madrasta ko. Pero hindi parin tama ito.Marriage is sacred. It should be performed when two people are in love, which is not our case.He looked away and sighed.Gwapo si
ButterfliesZebedee Glenn."The hell, Glenn. What are you thinking, bro? Is this the best solution you could offer to your parents' needs?" Diezel looked at me in dismay.I shut my eyes and rested my back on the recliner. I'm not listening to him anymore. I'm so tired today. My mother knows what's happening. Matalino si Mama at hindi ko siya masisisi sa mga bagay na ganito. Iba nga lang si Papa. Okay lang sa kanya ang kung ano, basta meron.That's how easy my father is."You are lucky to have such a cool father."Naupo si Diezel sa isa pang recliner sa tabi ko. Isinandal ang likod at pareho na kaming nakatitig sa madilim na langit.Diezel was right. My father was cool and was opposite to my mother."Anong sabi ni tita?""Ayaw niya. She's against Erykah," sagot kong nakapikit ang mga mata."Can't blame tita for that. She likes Saber for the family. Why can't you go back with her? I heard the engagement was call-off."My jaw tightened. I'm not listening to Diezel again. I'm a man in my
Anastacia.Late na nga. Ang dapat sana na ay uuwi ako ay hindi ko magawa. Sa huling pagkakataon ay gusto kong bumisita sa opisina. Hindi ko nakita si Diezel pagkatapos ng event. Umalis na siya kasama ang mga kaibigan niya. Hindi ko man lang naibigay ang regalo ko. Kaya naisip ko na puntahan ang opisina niya sa huling pagkakataon at iwan ang regalo ko sa mesa niya.Wala ng tao. Wala na rin ang guwardiya ng kompanya. May iilang CCTv naman sa monitoring entrance, at siguro ay nag-break lang ang night shift na gwardiya. Pumasok na ako.Sa elevator pa lang ay ramdam ko na ang bigat sa dibdib. Nakakalungkot, dahil sa loob ng limang taon ay iiwan ko na ang kompanyang bumuhay sa akin. Marami akong ma-mi-miss, at syempre kasama na si Diezel. Pero tama lang ang desisyon na ito. Ayaw ko ng lokohin ang sarili ko. Ayaw ko ng umasa pa, dahil wala na naman akong aasahan sa kanya!The office is dark when I entered, but the windows are open. The air gives a cold chills and the light from the moon giv
Diezel.SadMy jaw tightened as I read the inventory signed by Anastacia. She is finalizing her work, and in a few days, she will be completely gone. I sighed. I could feel my shoulder slammed as I stared into her name.Damn, why do I feel regret? What is this feeling?"I know I shouldn’t tell you this, Dez, but let her go," Joel said, shaking his head and looking very serious.Joel Monteverde is my full-time buddy and bodyguard in this business. He's not supposed to do the job, but when my late father requested it, and when he heard that it was me he was serving, he agreed.Isa rin siya sa stockholder ng kompanya. Matalik na ka-sosyo ni Papa noon sa negosyo ang Papa niya at magkaibigan na kami noon paman. Pareho kaming nagtapos ng combat training sa Russia. Anim na buwan din iyon, at pagkatapos ay wala na akong balita sa kanya, hanggang sa heto, personal na driver/buddy ko.Joel is half Italian-Filipino, and the tradition of choosing a wife has impacted both of us."But, I'm feeling
Anastacia.Abala ang isang linggo ko sa preperasyon ng nalalapit na event sa kompanya. Sa susunod na linggo na ito magaganap, at ito na rin ang panghuling araw ko rito.I dressed up casually the way I wanted now. And as always, I get to work as possible for the transfer and training. Napapansin ko na rin na hindi na naghuhubad si Diezel at pormal na siya manamit.Simula nang gabing iyon, pagkatapos sa rest house niya ay nag iba na siya ng ugali. Hindi na siya ngumingiti. Wala na ang dating mood niya tuwing umaga na kumukanta. Hindi na niya ako binabata, at palagi siyang wala dahil abala na sa mga meeting sa labas.Hindi na rin siya natutulog rito sa opisina niya, at napansin ko rin na wala na ang mga gamit niya sa loob. Wala na ang mga personal na gamit niya, at isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito. Hindi na siya kailanman matutulog sa opisina.The changes made me sad for a reason, but then again, they also provided me with some breathing room. At least he will no longer spend the night he
Anastacia's POVCannot.Bumagsak ang panga ko nang makalabas ng kotse. Nasa rest house niya kami. Medyo malayo nga naman ito sa syudad. Kulang kulang nasa tatlong oras.I was hungry back then, but I sleep from it. Natulog ako at hinayaan na si Diezel, at nagising na lang nang maramdaman ko na hindi na gumagalaw ang sasakyan.Wala siya sa loob ng sasakyan ng magising ako. Kaya heto, bumaba na ako para hanapin siya.Ito ang pangalawang pagkakataon na napadpad ako rito sa rest house niya. Ang una ay noong ipinagawa niya ito. Hindi pa iyon tapos, pero ngayon? Nakamamangha na ang hitsura ng rest house villa niya.I walked closer to see the ocean. Diezel's magnificent yacht is a beauty. The long pole it has holds beautiful sparks of rainbow lights. My lips pursed, and my heart began to feel the warmth. Sa tagal ko na siyang kilala ay alam ko na ang lahat tungkol sa buhay niya. Kahit pa siguro kulay ng brief niya, ay alam ko!I'm not just a mere secretary working under him because I'm obse
Anastacia.Akala niya siguro ay babae ang ipapalit ko sa pwesto ko? Huh, nagkakamali siya!I had enough of all the girls he dated. At kung babaeng sekretarya ang ipapalit ko ay tiyak magpapa-fiesta lang si Diezel dahil ilalantad lang din niya ulit ang kalahating hubad niyang katawan!Akala mo naman kung sinong perpekto Adonis!Oo, perpekto na, okay? May ibubuga naman ang katawan niya at hindi ako magsisinungaling na pinapantasya ko ito. Walang araw na hindi ko inisip kung ano ba ang pakiramdam kapag nahawakan ko ito ng totoo.I can't deny the fact that he can easily melt me and make me wet myself. It's always his fault why I have to pack three panties every day!Nababasa ako at madalas akong nagpapalit dahil sa kanya. I wear panty liners, but I hate the feeling of it when I'm actually wet! It's uncomfortable."Gaga ka rin ano?" Mabilis na ininom ni Tin ang tubig. Kabado siya at mukhang susunod na yatang siyang mag-resign pagkatapos ko."Ba't ako, Tacia? Dios ko naman, gurl! Mamamatay
Diezel.Ask.I kept pacing back and forth.She's not here yet. What is happening? Why the hell is she late today? Is she applying for a job at the other companies? Damn this.I paused, taking a deep breath to calm myself, but my temper refused to settle down. I had a lot on my mind, and it was driving me crazy.Maaga pa naman, pero pinagpapawisan na ako. I arrived early today, and it was still dark when I got to the office. I didn't sleep here last night because I stayed at Reeve's place. I need to calm down a bit so I can think more clearly."Is she not yet here, Tin?" My brows latch as I look at him."W-Wala pa, Sir…" His lips quivered.Damn again!I glanced at the others, who were rattling in their seats. I slammed the door of my office and paced again.I'm feeling edgy, like my skin is itching for something, and I can't take it.Tatawagan ko na sana siya, pero biglang bumukas ang pinto at ang mukha niya agad ang nakita ko."Good morning, Sir Dennis Ezequil!" She widely smiled as
Diezel's POV.I can still feel my blood. It's boiling to the point of no regrets. Damn this! Why am I feeling this way? It's better for her to go. I should let her go, but why the hell I can't accept it?"What the hell, Dez? Slow down, gorilla. Plano mo bang ubusin ang dalawang kahon ng beer?" Reeve chuckled. He grabs one beer from the ice chest and drinks it."Woah, that tastes good. Thank you." He sat down beside me as he wiped the sweat on his forehead.Kanina pa siya abala sa ginagawa at hinayaan ko lang na matapos siya, dahil ayaw ko siyang ma-esturbo. Tinatapos niya ang treehouse sa bahay bakasyonan nila rito. Medyo malayo ito sa syudad, at dalawang oras ang maneho. But its all worth it. The place is quite, covered in thick green and there's no neighbors around, because Reeve owns half of the mountain.Melissa is heavily pregnant. After trying for so long, finally, after seven years, the two will soon have a little bundle of joy.And how lucky is that? They're expecting to have
Anastacia.Tame."You're kidding, right?" He smug, not believing in what I just said."No. I'm not, Sir!"He smirks and shakes his head."Okay, I understand. How much do you want? Would another ten percent increase in your salary work?"Namilog ang mga mata ko.Noon pa man, sa tuwing gusto kong mag resign ay hindi siya pumapayag, at tinataasan ang sweldo ko. At ako naman na tanga, ay walang nagawa. Inisip ko rin na malaki-laki rin ang sweldo, kaya hindi na ako nagpatuloy. Pero iba na ngayon! Iba na ito!"No, Sir…" Napailing ako."Hindi ko na po tatangapin ang increase sa salary. Malaki na po ang naitulong ninyo sa akin noon, at—""Okay, twenty percent increase, Tacia," he looked at me desperately.Bumagsak lang ulit ang panga ko at hindi na ako makapag salita.Bahagya siyang umayos at saka tumingala sa kisame."You are driving me crazy. So, this is what you want, right? A twenty percent increase? Okay! That's fine with me, Tacia. I can give you that," he smiles proudly as he convinc
Anastacia.Resign.With a heavy heart, I rolled up my last document with him and inserted my resignation letter.Matagal ko na itong pinag-isipan. Tama na ang limang taon ko sa kompanyang ito. Nakaipon na ako ng pera at bibilhin ko na ang dream house na gusto ko.I want to live in the countryside, where birds chirp freely, and the breeze is fresh and pleasant. I am tired of city life and want to settle down in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle.May nakita na akong property na nagustuhan ko sa Bukidnon. Walang kapit-bahay iyon at medyo okay lang ang laki ng lupa. May konting ilog sa gilid, at may iilang puno sa paligid. May harden din ito.Gusto kong mag tanim ng sarili kong gulay at prutas. Gusto kong mamuhay ng tahimik at walang gulo. Gusto kong manatili sa isang lugar na walang nakakakilala sa akin. Gusto ko ang simpling buhay...Gusto ko na maging masaya na ako.Ang bahay na iyon ay medyo may kalumaan na, pero nakatayo paring matibay. Dalawang palapag iyon at sakto