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 was starting to drift off to sleep when the shrill ringtone of my phone shattered the silence. Irritated, I reached over to the bedside table and picked up the call without bothering to check the caller ID."What is it?" I asked, my voice laced with annoyance."Fiumara, si Sabino 'to," ani boses mula sa kabilang linya . "Handa na ang pangalawang parusa ni Atty. Hart sa'yo."Atty Elliot had already informed me about the impending second punishment, so I wasn't surprised by Sabino's call. Atty Hart, the head of one of the rival factions, was always looking for ways to assert his dominance and strike fear into his enemies. It wasn't the first time we clashed, and I knew it wouldn't be the last."Sige, pupunta na ako. Tell me the exact location and time," wika ko. Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa telepono."Ime-message na lang kita."With that, the call ended, leaving me with a lingering sense of anticipation. Atty Hart's punishments were known to be brutal and unrelenting, and
JESSICAMahigit anim na oras na yata ang nakakalipas mula nang umalis si Gray. I couldn't help but let my imagination run wild with the possibilities of what he could be doing. The dangerous world he lived in always left room for uncertainty, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he might be in trouble. Hindi ko maiwasan na mag-alala, matakot, at mangamba para sa kaniya.I got up from the sofa in the living room, my worry growing with each passing moment. I needed answers, and the first person I thought of was Talitha, Grayson's secretary. Alam niya ang lahat ng schedule ni Grayson, sa kaniya ko rin nalalaman lahat ng errands ni Gray. "Hello, Ms. Jessica," bati niya sa halatang inaantok na boses."Hi, Tali. I'm sorry, nagising yata kita? Pasensya ka na" tanong ko."Okay lang po Miss, napatawag po kayo? May problema po ba?""Yeah, Itatanong ko lang sana kung may nakaschedule ba na meeting si Gray, ngayong araw? He's been gone for a while, and I'm starting to get worried."There was
JESSICAAng liwanag ng umaga ay nasala sa mga kurtina, na nagliliwanag sa silid. Umaga na pero gising na gising pa rin ang diwa ko. Nakatulog na ako saglit, mga isa o dalawang oras ngunit ang pag-aalala ko kay Grayson ay patuloy akong hinihila pabalik sa kamalayan. On the other hand, Grayson js sleeping peacefully on the bed. Habang nakaupo ako sa tabi ng kanyang higaan, hindi ko maiwasan na balikan ang mga pangyayari kagabi— 'yong nakita kong dalamhati sa mga mata niya, ang kahinaan na ipinakita niya nang umuwi siyang sugatan at pagod. Ito ay side ni Grayson na kakaunti lamang ang nakasaksi, at nag-iwan ito ng hindi maalis na marka sa puso ko.Grayson stirred slightly in his sleep, and I leaned closer to check his temperature. Bumaba na ang lagnat niya ngunit may sinay-sinat pa rin . I sighed, knowing that he needed proper medical attention, but convincing him to go to the hospital was going to be a challenge.Matigas ang ulo niya kahit noon pa."You should rest," ani Grayson
GRAYAfter two days of being in bed due to high fever, I finally felt like I was getting back on my feet. The nightmares and guilt still lingered, but with Jessica's unwavering support, I found the strength to face each day.Back at work in my office within the mansion, Tali prepared for an online meeting with the key members of FiuScent's charity event. The digital interface sparked to life as the online meeting commenced, and I could see the virtual faces of my team members on the screen. Eva, Luis, Bea, Alwyn, and Farida were all present and ready for our discussion."Good morning, everyone," I greeted them with a smile, Let's get started."Si Evaleen Santos, ang Chief Operating Officer ang nagsimula, . "As we've discussed before, the auction will be a significant part of the charity event. We'll be reaching out to celebrities, influencers, and business tycoons to encourage their involvement as donors and bidders""Their participation will not only raise the event's profile but als
JESSICA Kanina pa ako palakad-pakad sa kwarto ni Grayson, tumatakbo ang isip ko sa pag-aalala. Matapos kong malaman na gusto ni Yuri na makipagkita kay Gray, hidni na ako napantaga. I knew Yuri was no ally, and her sudden request for a face-to-face meeting with Grayson set off alarms in my head. I trusted Grayson's instincts, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Yuri might have ulterior motives. Matagal ko na siyang pinamamanmanan, after the tragic death of Gray's mother and sister. Habang naghihintay ako, tumunog ang phone ko na may message mula kay Jerald, isa sa pinagkakatiwalaan kong investigator. Noon pa siya nakasubaysabay sa mga aktibidad ni Yuri, at simula noong pumasok si Yza sa eksena ay nakakabahala ang kanyang ulat. I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself, as I scrolled through Jerald's message. He had compiled evidence of Yuri's questionable dealings, but he cautioned that more investigation was needed to fully understand her intentions. Tumatakbo ang i
JESSICANaalimpungatan ako sa pagtulog nang isang dahil sa mga katok sa pinto mula sa labas ng kwarto. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, at nang bumalik ang malay ko, naramdaman ko ang mainit na presensya ni Grayson sa tabi ko. Isang malabong ngiti ang sumilay sa aking mga labi nang maalala ko ang hilig na pinagsaluhan namin kagabi.Nadiligan na naman ang petchay ni Iska. Nagpatuloy ang katok, mas apurahan sa pagkakataong ito, madaling nagbukas ang mga mata ni Grayson. Sa isang buntong-hininga, nag-aatubili siyang kumalas sa akin at bumangon mula sa kama.Ang kanyang hubad na anyo ay isang makapigil-hiningang tanawin sa liwanag ng madaling araw."Sino 'yon?" bulong ko, mabigat pa rin ang boses ko sa pagtulog.Grayson didn't answer, he just gave me a small smile before grabbing his boxer shorts from the floor, he put it on before heading towards the bedroom door. I watched him, my heart skipping a beat at the sight of his broad shoulders and muscular frame.Pagbukas niya ng pinto, sinalubong
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. "