GRAY"Jess?" mahinang sambit ko matapos ang sagupaan kanina."G-Gray... h-hindi ako... makahinga " Naninikip ang puso ko sa pag-aalala, at walang pag-aalinlangan, inilagay ko ang baril ko sa upuan at lumipat sa gilid niya. "Hold on, Jessica," aniko, pinipilit kong maging matatag ang boses ko sa kabila ng takot na bumabalot sa puso ko."Am I going to die?" Nanginginig nang husto ang boses ni Jessica, nanlalaki ang mga mata sa kunwaring takot habang nakatingin sa mga mata ko, "Hindi," sagot ko. "You're not going to die okay," aniko at dahan-dahan ko siyang inihiga a sa kandungan ko "Hold on, Jess."Mahina siyang tumawa. "Mabuti naman," sabi niya sa pagitan ng kanyang paghinga, Habang patuloy na nagmamaneho si Arthur patungo sa pinakamalapit na ospital, maingat kong tiningnan ang mga sugat ni Jessica. Dalawang bala ang tumama sa kan'yang kaliwang balikat, at ang isa ay tumama sa kanyang kanang braso. Ang pagdurugo ay tila mapapamahalaan, ngunit alam kong kailangan namin kaagad ng med
GRAYAng mukha ng kunwaring pagiging inosente ni Yuri at ang takot sa kanyang mga mata ay paulit-ulit na naglaro sa isipan ko . Lalo nitong pinapalakas ang galit at determinasyon na alamin ang katotohanan. Nawalan na ako ng pamilya, hindi ko hahayaan na pati si Jessica mawala rin sa akin. Hindi ako makakapayag na pati siya madamay sa kasakiman ng kapatid kong 'yon.Habang nakatuon ako sa daan, ay nag-vibrate ang cellphone ko. Nang tignan ko ito ay tumambad sa akin ang dalawang chat notification ni Tali. Ngunit hindi ko masyadong binigyan ng pansin sa una, ang mga mata ko ay napako sa wallpaper. Picture namin iyon ni Jessica, two years ago noong mas masaya pa ang mga panahon. The picture on my phone was a cherished memory from our time in Boracay. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow on the powdery white sand and the turquoise waters of the ocean behind us. Jessica and I stood close together, our bodies slightly leaning into each other, our smiles radiant and genuine.Jess
JESSICAI lay in the hospital bed, my mind still reeling from the events of the past few days. The car chases, the gunfights - it all felt like a blur. I couldn't believe how quickly my life had taken a dangerous turn, and Grayson, the man I loved, was right in the midst of it all.Nag-flash sa aking isipan ang mga imahe na nangyari kagabi - ang mga umaaligid na sasakyan, ang mga umaalingangaw na tunog ng mga putok ng baril, ang palitan ng mga putok ng mga tauhan ni Grayson at ng mga armadong lalaki. Noon pa man ay alam ko nang mapanganib ang buhay niya, ngunit ang masaksihan ko ito mismo ay ibang-iba. Kinikilabutan ako na isipin ang mga panganib na kinakaharap niya araw-araw. Ngunit sa gitna ng takot at kawalan ng katiyakan, naroon din ang pagmamalaki sa aking puso.Si Grayson ay isang maaasaha, matapang , malakas. Ang pinrotektahan niya rin ako, inilagay ang sarili sa paraang masama para mapanatili akong ligtas. Alam kong maswerte ako na nagkaroon ng isang tulad niya sa buhay ko
GRAY "Sir, ayos ka lang po ba?" Tanong ni Tali, her voice tinge with worry. "For now, yes," I replied, giving her a reassuring nod. "But stay here and keep watch over her. I don't want her to be alone. Babalik din ako." "Of course, sir. I'll stay right here. Mag-iingat po kayo," wika ni Tali. Nilingon ko si Jessica, marahang hinaplos ang pisngi niya. "Babalik ako kaagad," bulong ko. Sa mabigat na puso, lumabas ako ng kwarto, kasama ko na sina Tim at Melvin na nagbabantay sa labas ng kwarto ni Jessica sa pagbabalik ko sa sasakyan. Alam kong nasa mabuting kamay si Jessica dahil nasa tabi niya si Tali, ngunit hindi nito nabawasan ang pag-aalalang umuusok sa aking kaloob-looban. "Everything alright, boss?" tanong ni Arthur habang papalapit ako sa sasakyan. Tumango ako, abala pa rin ang isip ko sa pag-aalala kay Jessica. "Yes, she's safe for now. Let's go meet with Mr. Peñoloso." Si Ramon Peñoloso ay isang kilalang negosyante, kumpadre ng lolo ko. May-ari siya ng mga hotet at bar
GRAYThe shrilling tone of my phone pierced through the silence of the room. My heart raced as I reached for it, and noticed that Manang Bida was the caller.Si Manang Bida ay ang mayordomma ng mansyon, matagal na siyang naninilbihan sa pamilya ko simula noong binata pa ang Lolo ko."H-Hijo," she said, her voice trembling. "P-Pasensya na po, Señorito Gray sa pagtawag ko ng ganitong oras. May nangyari lang po kasi.""What happened, Manang Bida?" I asked."Ano po kasi... 'yong bahay nila Señorita Lucille... inatake.""Inatake?" Napabangon ako mula sa sofang kinahihigaan ko. "Paanong inatake?" "P-Parang massacre po, ser. May pitong saksak po ang señorita, si Sir Nate naman po ay dalawampu't isang saksak." Patuloy ni Manang Bida.My heart sank at the news, and I could hardly believe what I was hearing."The kids, h-how about the kids?"May dalawang anak sina Lucille at Nate, sina Luigi, 13 years old at Nasha na six years old pa lang. "Nakatakas po ang mga bata, sa awa ng Diyos. Walan
GRAY I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. I needed answers, and I was determined to find them, no matter the cost. I already settled the hospital bills and made arrangements for Jessica discharge, making sure everything was in order.Kailangan ko na magmadali para umpisahan na ang pag-iimbestiga sa kasong ito bago pa mahuli ang lahat— mula sa pagkamatay ng Mama ko at ni Grace, mga binasurang kaso laban kay Edison, Yuri's involvement, 'yong ambush, 'yong massacre na nangyari kina Lucille, everything."Thank you for staying with her," sambit ko. "Wala po 'yon, maliit na bagay," tugon naman niya na nakangiti habang isinasara ang pinto.I was about to spoke when someone intervene, it was Zero— Nate's older brother."Grayson, do you already know what happened?" tanong niya nang makalapit."Yes, I got a call from Manang Bida," I replied. "It's a terrible situation." "I'm worried about the children, especially Nasha. They've been through so much. I don't know how to prot
JESSICAThe memory of that conversation with Señora Diana weighed heavily on my mind as I stared at the diary before me. Kanina, noong dumating si Tali. Iniwanan muna ako ni Gray kasama si Señora Diana sa study room ni Don Charles. Pasimpleng ibinigay ng señora ang diary, she wants me to keep it. She knew my friendship with Lucille, at alam niya na isa ako sa pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga apo niya.But she ask me to keep this diary away from Gray, she knew how ruthless and cruel Gray can be lalo na kapag nalaman niya ang katotohanan. Aside from this diary, she also handle me a small box. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang laman ng box, but I'm sure those things we're something personal.Nanatiling misteryo ang intensyon ni Lucille, at hindi ko maiwasang magtaka kung bakit ako ang pinili niya para magtago ng mga bagay na ito.“She knows very you well, e lagi ka kayang nasa mansion mula noon up to now. Sinusundan-sundan si Gray at ayaw pakawalan," mapang-asar na wika ni Monique sa kabilang linya.“An
GRAYI can't believe Yuri was behind all this, siya ang dahilan ng lahat, the cold realization gnawed at my insides. Anger surged through my veins as I clenched my fists, my mind racing with thoughts of revenge. As I rose to my feet, determined to confront my sister and make her pay for her sins— natigilan akong bigla nang marinig ko ang nanginginig na boses ni Jessica. "G-Gray," Jessica called out, "something's wrong with my stomach."I turned to face her, my pregnant girlfriend, holding her belly— worried. Panic mingled with my anger, and I rushed to her side. "What is it, Jess?" I asked.She winced, gripping my arm for support. "I-I don't know, basta masakit siya. It feels like... like something's not right."Frustration and fear welled up within me. I knew I couldn't leave Jessica in this condition, yet the burning desire for justice against Yuri tugged at my conscience."Gray!" She exclaimed, her voice rising in pain. "I need you here with me."I took a deep breath, torn betwe
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. "