GRAYAs consciousness slowly returned to me, the haze of pain and disorientation began to dissipate. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dimly lit room. A surge of discomfort coursed through my battered body, every movement reminding me of the brutal beating I had endured.I blinked several times, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Gradually, the figures in the room came into focus. Standing near the doorway were the stoic bodyguards, their eyes fixed on me with a mix of concern and vigilance. Z, my ever-loyal friend and confidant, leaned casually against the wall, a mischievous glint in his eyes."Well, well, look who decided to wake up. I warned you, Gray, and now you owe me 1 million pesos and a new car for this little ordeal." Ang mapang-asar na boses ni Z ang bumungad sa akin na pinaresan pa ng ngitimg-aso na napaskil sa labi niya na nakapagpataas ng kilay ko."Is that so?" Matipid kong sagot, may bahid ng kawalang-interes ang boses ko.Z let out a chuckle, a knowing g
GRAYIsang linggo matapos ang kaguluhan, bumalik ako saglit sa Manila para huminga at ayusin ang ilang mga gusot— sa trabaho, sa negosyo, pati na ilang mga connection at endorsement na nanganib dahil sa kagagawan ni Edison.I was in the kitchen, sitting on the sleek island countertop, savoring the rich notes of my all-time favorite Filius wine as it danced across my palate. The deep crimson liquid cast a captivating glow against the pristine marble surface, a momentary respite from the harsh realities that consumed my world. It was in the midst of this rare indulgence that the intrusive ring of my phone shattered the tranquil ambiance.Sa isang kontroladong buntong-hininga, inilapag ko ang baso at inabot ang cellphone, ang malamig na haplos nito ay tila nagpapaalala sa bigat na sumasabay sa bawat galaw ko.Ang pangalan ni Talitha ang nagliwanag sa screen, na hinihimok akong sagutin ang tawag. Nag-aatubili, pinindot ko ang accept button at itinaas ang telepono sa aking tainga, ang akin
WARNING: : This chapter contains explicit adult content and is intended for mature audiences only. Reader discretion is advised.GRAYNaiwan kami ni Jessica sa loob ng opisina, ang mahinang liwanag ng desk lamp ay nagdulot ng mapang-akit na ambiance, na nagpapataas ng tensyon sa pagitan namin.Napangiwi ako nang maramdaman ko ang sakit sa balikat ko. Tumayo si Jessica sa harapan ko, puno ng pag-aalala at galit ang mga mata niya. Ang kaniyang mga salita ay hiniwa sa hangin, dala ang bigat ng kaniyang pag-aalala"Tell me, what happened?" Halata sa boses ni Jessica na pinipilit niya na huwag magpakita ng emosyon."Ambush, pinagbabaril ang kotse ko. Mabuti nga at ito lang ang natamo ko," nakangiti kong tugon."Na-ambush ka? Pero hindi ka man lang tumawag ng tulong? Grayson, ano ba?" Her tone were firm but I know she was worried."Si Yza, that crazy ass woman. Siya ang may pakana," nailing kong wika.Her cold eyes mets mine— nagbago. "She's dangerous and you're still keeping her, matino
JESSICAMy heart raced with worry as I hung up the phone with Tali, Grayson's secretary. The news she had just delivered sent a jolt of fear coursing through my veins. Grayson, the man I loved and admired above all else, was in danger. Without a second thought, I abandoned my plans for the day and made my way to FiuScent.Grayson and I had been through so much together—his rise to power, his battles, and his triumphs. I had witnessed his coldness, his unwavering determination, and his strength. And through it all, I had been by his side, not just as a friend, or a business partner, nor as his personal lawyer but also as someone who is silently loving him from a far. The depth of my feelings for Grayson went beyond words. He was my rock, the one who understood me like no one else. I had seen the darkness that resided within him, and yet, I loved him fiercely. I admired his resilience, his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of his world with a cold resolve.So when I received
JESSICAHindi ko namalayan na nakaidlip pala ako, umayos ako ng pagkaka-upo dahil nakaramdam ako ng pangangalay. Ang aking mga mata ay nag-adjust sa madilim na ilaw sa loob ng sasakyan. Napatingin ako sa dashboard clock para tignan kung anong oras na."Ala-una na pala..." bulong ko sa sarili, hindi lang pala idlip ang ginawa ko kung'di mahimbing na tulog. Bahagya pa akong napatulala bago ko nilingon si Grayson, na nakaupo sa driver's seat, ang kaniyang mga mata ay nakatutok sa daan. "Ligtas na ba tayo?" tanong ko."I think so," ani Grayson at nilingon ako "Nailigaw ko na naman sila, sa tingin ko ngayon ay ligtas na tayo."Nakaramdam ako ng saglit na kaginhawahan. Sumandal ako sa upuan, napako ang tingin ko sa mga nadaranang streetlights. Ang tensyon na bumalot sa amin sa aming pagtakas ay dahan-dahang nagsimulang maglaho, napalitan ng isang pakiramdam ng kalmado— pero hindi nagpapakasiguro.Habang nasa byahe kami ay naaninag ko ang pamilyar na berde at puting logo ng isang Starbucks si
JESSICA Nagising ako nang tumama ang sinag ng araw sa mukha ko. Hindi ko pa maimulat anh aking mga mata dahil sa labis na puyat. Masakit ang buong katawan ko, lalo na ang parte sa pagitan ng mga hita ko. Dalawang beses na akong napapasabak sa gera, sana naman ngayon ay makapagpahinga na muna ako. Wala na akong lakas na gaya dati na kahit tatlo o apat na beses kaming magsiping ni Grayson ay ayos lang. Hindi na sanay ang katawan ko. Nang tumagilid ako sa kanang bahagi ng kama ay napag-alaman ko na wala na akong kasama. Grayson is nowhere to be find, his absence leaving a void in the room. But then, I heard the sound of running water coming from the bathroom, indicating that he was taking a shower. A mischievous thought crossed my mind, and a sly smile played on my lips. I decided to pretend that I was still asleep, curious to see what Grayson would do when he emerged from the bathroom. Ibinalik ko sa pwesto ang bedsheet pati na ang asul na comforter na nagsisilbing takip sa hubad
GRAYSONAfter the ambush, I wasted no time in taking action. Swiftly and decisively, I issued orders to my men, instructing them to track down Yza without delay. With a firm and commanding tone, I directed them to apprehend her and bring her directly to me, ensuring that there would be no chance for escape. My authority was unquestioned, and my determination to hold Yza accountable for her actions was resolute. The hunt had begun, and I was prepared to see it through to its end.I shouldn't give Yza a second chance. From the very beginning, I knew I shouldn't have trusted her. She was nothing more than a pawn, someone they used to exploit my vulnerabilities, to try and break through the fortress I had built around my heart. It was a game they played, a sinister plot to unravel the cold-hearted person they perceived me to be.The anger simmered within me, threatening to boil over, but I suppressed it with the icy control I was known for. My reputation as a cold-hearted mafia boss had b
GRAYSONAfter leaving the lower deck, Jessica and I made our way up to the third floor of the luxurious yacht. This level housed the master bedroom, a space where I often retreated to when I needed a moment of solitude. Tonight, however, there would be no respite as I sat at the desk, facing the laptop that displayed scattered documents pertaining to the recent events.Habang pinag-aaralan ko ang mga impormasyon pumasok si Jessica sa silid, may dalang tray na may bote ng alak, dalawang wine glass, at isang plato ng pasta. Kilalang-kilala niya ako, alam niya na mas gusto kong magtrabaho habang kumakain at umiinom ng wine."Here you go," aniya nang ipatong ang tray sa bakanteng bahagi ng lamesa..I glanced up, momentarily distracted from the stack of papers before me. A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I took in the sight before me."Thank you," aniko na nay ngiti sa labi.Ipinagsalin ako ng wine ni Jessica sa wine glass. The deep red liquid cascaded smoothly, the aroma
GRAYSONI never thought I'd find myself in a situation like this, sprawled out on a plush bed in a room, surrounded by the subtle scent of roses and scented candle. Jessica's lips are warm against mine, and her fingers trace lazy patterns on my back. The echoes of our recent vows still linger in the air. Sa wakas, kasal na kaming dalawa ni Jessica. She is finally my Mrs. Fiumara.As I deepen the kiss, I can feel the weight of the gold band on my finger, a constant reminder that I am now entertwine with my best friend, now my wife's life."Gray," sambit ni Jessica nang tumigil siya sa paghalik sa mga labi ko. "Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na kasal na tayo."I meet her gaze, "Believe it, Jess," I reply in a low tone. "We made it happen."Her fingers play with the buttons of my shirt as she smiles, the warmth reaching her eyes. "I never imagined a life like this, with a mafia guy as my husband."I gave her a half smile. "Well, believe it, Jess. We're in this together now."She leans
GRAYSON"Listen up, gentlemen," sambit ko para kuhanin ang atensyon ng mga tauhan ko. "We've got a new set of merchandise for our esteemed clients. Mr. Wong, Mr. Lee, Mr. Melendes, each order 200 bottles of the latest. Mr. Chu, wants 700 bottles, and Mr. Monreal, an impressive 1,500 bottles. They want it delivered ASAP. Zamir, I'll assigned you to lead the task immediately. Irwin, Dave, Teng, Tim, Arthur, Stef, and Maicu, you handle the bulk orders. Aldi, take care of logistics. The rest of you," I gestured towards those unnamed associates, "make sure every detail is impeccable.""Yes boss!" sabay-sabay nilang sabi."Great," aniko. "I expect all of you to do the job, discreetly." Tumalikod na ako para umalis ngunit nang alis na sana ako ay naulanigan ko ang mga yabag na tila nakasunod sa akin.Nang humarap ako ay si Zamir ang nasa likod ko, iniaabot niya sa akin ang kanyang cellphone. "It's Mr. Jellal Fitzgerald from FG Enterprises, boss. Says it's urgent."I nodded as I get the phone
GRAYSONTinapos ko lang ang isang linggong burol at libing ni Yuri para walang masabi sa akin ang pamilya ko. Sinubukan ko naman na pagluksaan ang kapatid ko, sadyanh hindi ko lang talaga maramdaman na kaluksa-luksa siya. Nasusuklam ako sa ginawa niya, her reason is not justifiable. Surrounded by the whispers of mourning, I couldn't muster an ounce of emotion. No sadness, no remorse. Just emptiness. Yuri's burial was done— swift, like a chapter closed in a book I never wanted to read. Naroon ako, oo, pero hindi para makiramay kung'di para kamuhian siya kahit na bangkay na siya, and sooner ay madedecompose na tulad sa ginawa niya sa mama ko at kay Grace. Ni hindi ko matignan ang walang buhay niyang katawan.She deserves it.Buhay ang kinuha niya kaya buhay niya rin ang siningil ko. Killing my sister was just business, a harsh reality I had accepted. The numbness had become a loyal companion, shielding me from the ghosts of my past. The Fœdus affiliation demanded a certain indiffere
GRAY The chapel's air felt heavy as Jessica and I walked in, eyes shifting towards the mournful gathering. My family, Señora Diana sat solemnly, Enrico with his wife and kids, Angela beside her secretary Chami, and my niece and nephew, Luigi and Nashi. But Melody, Yuri's daughter, was kneeling by the coffin, tears streaming down her face. Depite of it, I feel nothing. "Sit down, Jess," I whispered, guiding her to a seat. Behind Señora Diana and Angela. I took my place beside her, eyes scanning the room. Yuri's betrayal echoed in my mind; the pain, the anger. But today, I wore the mask of grief, concealing the truth that only I and Jessica shared. "Gray," sambit ni Señora Dianan nang lingonin niya ako. "Wala na ang ate mo." "Opo, señora," tipid kong wika. "Hindi ko akalain na magagawa ni Marco 'yon kay Yuri," saad ni Enrico. "Napakasama niyang tao, ipinagkatiwalaan natin siya tapos ganito lang ang isusukli niya." "Enrico, puwede bang manahimik ka na? Marco is already in jail, l
GRAYThe chapel's air felt heavy as Jessica and I walked in, eyes shifting towards the mournful gathering. My family, Señora Diana sat solemnly, Enrico with his wife and kids, Angela beside her secretary Chami, and my niece and nephew, Luigi and Nashi. But Melody, Yuri's daughter, was kneeling by the coffin, tears streaming down her face. Depite of it, I feel nothing."Sit down, Jess," I whispered, guiding her to a seat. Behind Señora Diana and Angela.I took my place beside her, eyes scanning the room. Yuri's betrayal echoed in my mind; the pain, the anger. But today, I wore the mask of grief, concealing the truth that only I and Jessica shared."Gray," sambit ni Señora Dianan nang lingonin niya ako. "Wala na ang ate mo.""Opo, señora," tipid kong wika. "Hindi ko akalain na magagawa ni Marco 'yon kay Yuri," saad ni Enrico. "Napakasama niyang tao, ipinagkatiwalaan natin siya tapos ganito lang ang isusukli niya.""Enrico, puwede bang manahimik ka na? Marco is already in jail, let the
JESSICA Halos gabi na, wala nang araw sa langit, madilim na ang paligid pero si Gray... hanggang ngayon ay wala pa. Hindi ko maalis sa akin ang mag-alala. kung nadaan na ba siya at kung ano na ba ang ginagawa niya. Ilang beses ko na siyang sinusubukan na tawagan o i-message pero wala, wala siyang sagot. "Jessica, my dear," si Señora Diana, lumapit siya sa akin, may dala siyang isang basong gatas. "Kanina pa kita hinahanap sa loob, nandito ka lang pala. Anong ginagawa mo rito? Bakit nasa labas ka, hija?""Hinhintay ko lang po si Gray," sagot ko. "Hija, napakalamig dito sa labas. You and the baby should be inside," nag-aalalang sambit niya."I just wanted some fresh air," aniko. Naramdaman ko ang pangingilid ng luha ko sa hindi ko malaman na dahilan. "Is everything alright, Jessica?" she inquired, as settled into the chair next to mine, I glanced at the mansion, as if searching for answers among its ornate details. "I don't know, Something feels off..." "Gray us a busy man, J
JESSICA Halos gabi na, wala nang araw sa langit, madilim na ang paligid pero si Gray... hanggang ngayon ay wala pa. Hindi ko maalis sa akin ang mag-alala. kung nadaan na ba siya at kung ano na ba ang ginagawa niya. Ilang beses ko na siyang sinusubukan na tawagan o i-message pero wala, wala siyang sagot. "Jessica, my dear," si Señora Diana, lumapit siya sa akin, may dala siyang isang basong gatas. "Kanina pa kita hinahanap sa loob, nandito ka lang pala. Anong ginagawa mo rito? Bakit nasa labas ka, hija?""Hinhintay ko lang po si Gray," sagot ko. "Hija, napakalamig dito sa labas. You and the baby should be inside," nag-aalalang sambit niya."I just wanted some fresh air," aniko. Naramdaman ko ang pangingilid ng luha ko sa hindi ko malaman na dahilan. "Is everything alright, Jessica?" she inquired, as settled into the chair next to mine, I glanced at the mansion, as if searching for answers among its ornate details. "I don't know, Something feels off..." "Gray us a busy man, J
GRAYSON I gazed upon Yuri, my half-sister, who had betrayed me. Yuri's eyes met mine, she is still defiant even in her battered state. She is just as ruthless as I am—someone not to be taken lightly. She's a formidable force, a person who demands attention and respect. Her actions speak louder than words, proving she's a force to be reckoned with, much like myself. She is not merely a player; she's a mastermind, orchestrating her moves with a deadly elegance.Yuri's motives remain shrouded in mystery for me, it remained an elusive puzzle. Hindi ko pa rin maintindihan kung ano ang rason ni Yuri para gawin ang karumal-dumal na bagay na 'yon sa Mama ko.Pinaliligiran siya nina Janus, Ely, TJ, at ng iba pa, hinihintayang signal ko para ituloy nila ang nasimulan. Pikit na ang isang mata ni Yuri, dugo na rin ang tumutulo sa noo niya at hindi na pawis."Boss," sambit ni Janus habang pinatutunogang buko ng kanyang mga daliri. "Just say the word, and we'll make her regret every damn thin
JESSICA.Napabalikwas ako nang maramdaman ko ang paggalaw ni Gray mula sa gilid ko, As he stirred, I feigned sleep, letting the sheets rustle subtly. Nagpanggap akong tulog, nanatili akong nakapikit at hindi gumagalaw. "Jessica, love, stay in bed. I have business to attend to," bulong niya at hinagkan ako sa pisngi. Maya-maya pa ay naulanigan ko ang mga yabag ni Grayson na patungo sa banyo ng kwarto niya.I let my breathing slow, suppressing any hint of awareness. His departure, however, didn't escape my senses. The faint creak of the bathroom door signaled his entrance. Nang umalis siya ay doon na ako kinutuban. Bumangon ako at tinungo ang pintuan ng banyo, hindi ito nakasarang maigi. I pressed my ear against the slightly ajar door, straining to catch every word that passed between Gray, at sa tingin ko kausap niya ngayon ang isa sa mga tauhan niya."Zamir, make sure Yuri pays for her betrayal," naulanigan ko ang malamig na tinig ni Gray, wala itong emosyon hidni tulad kagabi. "