Ang alipores niya ay nanlalaki ang mga mata, puno iyon ng inggit at paghanga. And her job is to flatter Leandra. "Oh my gosh, Leandra! Ang bait naman ng kuya mo, he must be fond of you. I heard that the CEO of companies are very busy and yet, he is here to pick you up!" Tila punong-puno ng paghanga at inggit ang boses niya. Leandra's vanity and narcissistic side was immediately validated by her follower. Kaya lalo naman lumabas ang yabang niya. She smirked and crossed her arms, looking arrogant and proud. "Right? Of course he's fond of me. Spoiled nga niya ako, I can control him because he loves me the most!" His brother loves him but not to the extent that he spoils her. And she could not definitely control her brother! Disciplinarian type nga ito kaysa sa Mommy nila. But she won't tell that, of course. "Gosh, I really envy you, Leandra. Nasa sayo na ang lahat. You're so pretty, you have a good family background, and your brother really loves you! And gosh, I have never tried
Lawrence's eyes darkened. Umigting ang panga niya. The corners of his mouth twitched unconsciously hearing the words she said. Ibang-iba na si Audrey ngayon. The woman in front of him had changed so much that she dared to speak to him in such a tone. It was cold and indifferent. Bagay na hindi niya kinasanayan. Audrey was really gentle and warm to him when they were still married. Why can't he see that woman anymore?Nang hindi agad makakibo si Lawrence ay halos mapailing si Audrey. Wala na siyang interest na manatiling konektado dito. Ayaw niya na makausap ang lalake. She was ready to leave. Unexpectedly, nang humakbang siya para umalis na ay bigla nitong hinila ang kamay niya. His big hand held her wrist. Lawrence is known for being impatient, lalo na ngayon. Hinila niya pabalik si Audrey, bahagyang may pwersa dala na rin ng inis niya. The force on his hold, left finger marks on her fair skin in an instant. "What—"Audrey pushed his hand away from her wrist. Hinawakan niya a
Hindi malayo ang apartment na tinitirahan niya mula sa university kaya nga nilalakad lang niya iyon but for the first time, Audrey felt a little tired and drained. Pagdating sa apartment niya, wala rin siyang gana magluto for her dinner. Wala rin siyang gana kumain. To cool herself, kumuha siya ng can ng beer sa refrigerator niya saka pabagsak na umupo sa sofa. She felt a little irritated and she could not tell why. Sigurado siya sa sarili niya na hindi na mahal si Lawrence. Kahit kaunting pagkagusto rito ay wala na. He's nothing to her pero sa mga ginagawa nito for the past days, she's beginning to hate him. Simula nang mag divorce sila, palagi ng nagpapakita ang lalake sa kaniya. Hindi niya naman kailangan ang presensya nito. She really wants a peaceful life for herself, away from him and his family. Ngunit ang mga ito yata ang lumalapit sa kaniya, pati na rin si Lawrence. Kaya iritado talaga siya pati sa sarili niya. Nakakairita dahil bulag yata talaga siya noon para mainlove s
Napaangat ang tingin ni Regan sa tinuro ni Saint. He saw Audrey with her best friend, seated at a table. Sa paligid nila ay nagsimulang lumapit ang mga lalake na halatang may hindi magandang balak sa kanila. Regan remained calm, his watchful eyes were laced with coldness. Sa kabilang banda, pansin na ni Audrey ang paglapit ng ibang mga kalalakihan, mukhang alipores ng lalake na namimilit sa kanila. And although the tension was starting to rise, wala man lang nagtangka na sumaway sa mga kalalakihan para protektahan silang dalawa ni Lucy. After all, those gangsters were known in that place for being terrible people who love trouble. Walang gustong madamay sa gulo ng mga lalake na 'yon. Ang kanina pang namimilit sa kanila ay tinitigan si Audrey. Mas lalong naging mayabang ang dating nito nang dumating ang mga back-up niya. He's trying to intimidate the two ladies. "Huwag niyo ng tanggihan ang imbitasyon ko. You can ask people around about my reputation in underworld. I am Scar and I
Ang mga dumating na pulis ay agad rumesponde. The police officers took control of the situation quickly. Hindi naman nagtagal ay nanumbalik na sa normal ang bar kaya nakapag-enjoy na muli ang mga customer. Dahil na rin sa marami ang mga witnessess sa nangyaring gulo at may kumuha rin ng video, hindi naman nagkaroon ng kaparusahan kay Audrey at Lucy. They were just taken to sit for a statement. Nagkaroon din ng negotiation para sa compensation sa may ari ng bar at na-release din naman agad sila. Paglabas ng dalawa sa police station ay agad nilang namataan si Saint na nakasakay sa kotse nitong naka-park lang do'n sa harap. Seeing the two of them coming out of the station, Saint rolled down the window and waved at them. "Hop in, ladies!" he enthusiastically invited them. Audrey could vaguely see the delicate outline of the man in the back seat through the rolled down window. Nag hesitate pa siya nang una pero hinila na siya ni Lucy palapit sa kotse, hindi man lang nagdalawang isi
Audrey was overwhelmed by the unexplainable emotion she was feeling. She tilted her head to one side, sinusubukan na iwasan iyon para matigil na si Regan sa ginagawa niya. "Stay still," Regan's deep voice sounded to her ears. Audrey froze for a while. Napakurap siya. "K-kaya ko naman 'yan, Mr. Vasquez. Ako na," aniya sa nauutal pang pananalita. "I'm almost done here, just stay still," he ordered gently. Obviously, walang balak na tumigil si Regan Amadeus. He really wanted to tie her hair by himself. His hands were light and careful. He focused on what he was doing. Audrey's hair was thick and really healthy. Mabigat iyon sa kamay niya ngunit malambot. It felt very good on his hand. The night breeze carried the sweet fragrance of her hair, invading his nostril. Napabuntong-hininga ang lalake. From his angel, Regan could clearly see Audrey's fair and slender neck. He clenched his jaw as he realized that it was particularly attractive for him. His eyes darkened slightly. Tumaas
Matatawag pa ba na ebidensya ito kung halos buong picture ay naka-blur at siya lang ang tanging malinaw? It looks forced just to accuse something. Idagdag pa ang katotohanan na ang picture na 'to ay nitong nakaraang araw lang. Obviously, on a date na divorce na sila ni Lawrence. At kung hindi man sila divorced pa ni Lawrence, this picture still doesn't mean anything. Pasakay lang naman siya sa kotse, it's nothing malicious and relevant to be even considered as evidence for cheating! Ang maganda lang ay this time, hindi na ito basta bastang pinapaniwalaan ng mga nakakakitang estudyante. Although there were few unpleasant comments and doubts, may iilan pa rin na nagsasabing huwag maniwala agad dahil malamang ay paninira lang na naman ito. She swiped the post lightly and saw the comment section. "Sino kaya ang kalaban ni Miss Audrey this time? It's possible she's in trouble again. Bakit lagi na lang siya ang pinagtitripan dito sa forum? This one isn't even considered as evidence,
Inayos lang muna ni Audrey ang mga gamit niya sa office at naghanda na para pumunta sa meeting. She calmed herself down, also preparing mentally for the possible argument that she will have a few moments from now. Paglabas na paglabas niya ng pinto ng office niya ay siyang pagdating ni Reina na tumakbo patungo roon. Her expression was really mad. "Ate Audrey!' Nagkasalubong sila. Her pretty face showed annoyance. "Nakita mo na ba 'yung post sa forum ng website? I am sure it's Leandra again! Hindi na talaga tumigil ang babae na 'yon," napipikon nitong sinabi. Reina was so sure that it was Leandra Villafuente who was behind it. Wala namang ibang gagawa at ta-target sa Ate Audrey niya kung hindi ang babae na 'yon. It is always her!Nginitian siya ni Audrey. Magaan iyon at nakakakalma. She was glad that she had someone who cares for her. Bata pa man si Reina pero talagang protective ito sa kaniya. It warmed her heart knowing that this little lady adoreds her. She extended her
Half an hour ago, Audrey wanted to cook some noodles in the kitchen. Sinubukan niya kaso talagang sumakit ang legs niya dahil sa mga paso niya kaya tinawagan na lang niya ang bestfriend niyang si Lucy. Pagdating nito ay alalang-alala ang babae. Audrey had no choice but to tell everything to Lucy. Lahat ng nangyari ay kinwento niya sa matalik na kaibigan, simula sa nangyari sa kompetisyon, sa pagsabuy ng mainit na tubig ni Leandra sa kaniya, and even the fact that Lawrence went to infirmary with such request and demands.Kaya naman gigil na gigil si Lucy matapos marinig ang buong kwento ng nangyari. "Ang mga hayop na 'yon talaga! 'Yang si Leandra, ayaw ko na talaga sa babae na 'yan noon pa. When you're still her sister in law, she bullied you and treated you as if you are her nanny. Ngayon na divorce ka na sa gagó niyang kuya, talatang pinapakialaman at kinakalaban ka pa rin niya. Ang pangit-pangit talaga ng ugali ng babaeng 'yan, sobra na!"Napailing si Audrey saka bumuntong-hininga.
Agad siyang yumakap sa Kuya Lawrence niya at agad siyang umiyak, hindi pa rin nauubos ang luha mula kanina. "Kuya, please! Palabasin mo ako rito. Ayoko dito! Please, kuya. I don't like it here, I don't belong in this place!" Ang ina niya ay tinignan siya, awang awa at tila nadudurog ang puso para sa anak. "Alalang-alala kami sayo ng kuya mo, Leandra. As soon as we heard the news that you were in trouble, we immediately went to find that bîtch to release you from here, but she refused to let you out no matter what! And that Vasquez, I think he is determined to protect Audrey. And were you even thinking? Bakit kinalaban mo pa talaga si Reina knowing na isa siyang Vasquez!? How dare you mess with their family!" "Mom! I was wrong, I know I was wrong! Please get me out of her quickly! All the news tomorrow will definitely be about me being taken away by the police! How embarrassing would that be? I don't want it! Kuya, you will definitely help me, right?" Punong-puno ng luha ang m
Maingat ang paghawak ni Regan kay Audrey. Tila ba babasagin siya na kailangan talaga ingatan. Kahit sa pagpapasakay nito sa kaniya sa kotse ay talagang dahan-dahan upang hindi masagi ang mga paso niya. After getting in the car, Audrey could see the condition of her legs clearly. After applying ice, her legs were now swollen. Napabuntong hininga siya habang pinagmamasdan iyon. Regan sat in the driver's seat, and he felt a little guilty seeing her wounds even clearer. After all, he was the one who gave Audrey the thermos cup, and he also put the hot water in it. If he hadn't given her the thermos cup, perhaps this situation wouldn't have happened. Wala sanang maitatapon na mainit na tubig si Leandra kay Audrey. There was a deafening silence in the car. Pansin ni Audrey ang malalim na pag iisip ni Regan. "What are you thinking about? Parang ang lalim," aniya sa magaan na boses. He didn't have this expression in the infirmary just now. Could it be because of th
"Keep it on for a while longer," ani Regan, tinutukoy ang ice pack na nagbibigay ginhawa kahit papaano kay Audrey sa sitwasyon niya. After a while, just as the ice was removed, the door of the infirmary was pushed open loudly. Pumasok ang pamilyang Villafuente, nangunguna ang ina nila na sinundan ni Lawrence at Gayle. Kasunod nila ang ama ni Gayle na sumama roon. "You, bitch! Give me back my daughter! Pinadampot mo siya sa mga pulis! Kausapin mo sila ngayon at ipa-release mo si Leandra!" Sinigaw iyon ni Thelma habang dinuduro siya. On the other hand, Lawrence was somewhat calm and rational. Nabigla pa siya mang makita ang lagay ni Audrey ngunit nang makita si Regan Amadeus sa tabi niya ay nagbago ang ekspresyon nito. "Sobra na ang ginawa mo, Audrey! We can apologize to you, mamghihingi ako ng tawad sayo para sa kapatid ko pero kaya hindi mo na kailangan na ipadampot siya sa mga pulis! Call the police now then tell them to release her, then we will negotiate later to
Leandra came back to her senses. Napatayo siya, nanlalaki ang mga mata. "No, you can't do that to me!" she screamed like a madman. Tinignan niya ang principal. "You must not call the police on me! If you call the police, my life will be over! Hindi pwede. I am also from the Villafuente family! My brother is on the school board. Hindi niyo pwedeng kalimutan 'yon!" she cried. Absolutely not! Hindi siya papayag. Never in her life did she imagine that she would be brought to the police station.Her eyes were full of tears. They must not call the police! Siya rin ang nag-iisang babaeng anak ng Villafuente. She's their princess and she had all the people's attention in their city. Once they called the police on her and she went to jail, she would be ostracized by all the rich families and she would inevitably become the target of their scorn. Pati pamilya niya ay damay at talagang malalagot siya sa kuya niya no'n. Principal Lee hesitated a little... after all, the Villafuentes w
Taas noo niyang tinignan si Leandra. Audrey's eyes became sharper, staring at the lady. "Who told you that?" tanong niya. Leandra's eyes dodged her gaze, but she still said with determination, "Don't worry about who told me that! Anyway, this test paper is the original test questions for the competition. Don't deny it! You helped Reina cheat because you have a good and close relationship with her! Bakit? Dahil gusto mo siyang manalo, 'di ba?" The people present were once again ignited with anger. Muling do'n na-focus ang attention nila, sa pambibintang kay Audrey. If it was really like what Leandra said, Audrey had the audacity in challenging the nerves of each of them. The long-lasting glory of the Department of Psychology has always been because of the annual psychological knowledge competition. And now, someone actually cheated in the school competition! Audrey smiled indifferently and stretched out her hand to get everyone's attention. "Please listen to me... Miss
Miss Vanessa, Professor Henry, the principal and all the judges were shocked and confused when they saw the test questions. They received a new set. Iba iyon sa test questionnaires na natanggap nila kaninang umaga at iyon ang inaasahan nilang gagamitin sa competition. All the contestants only had ten minutes to answer the questions. Pagkatapos ng unang round na 'yon ay nakabibiglang forty na estudyante lang ang nakalusot para sa susunod na round. Reina advanced to the next round while Leandra was immediately eliminated. Halos padabog siyang umexit. Kinuha niya ang bag niya saka galit na galit na kinuha ang crumpled na test paper mula roon. Ang alipores niyang si Gina ay agad siyang nilapitan para aluhin siya. "It's okay, Leandra. This is just a competition. At isa pa, si Audrey ang nag-organize no'n, so it's no big deal!" "Go away, Gina. Layuan mo ako!" she pushed her away as she threw tantrums. Gigil niyang pinunit ang test paper saka iyon tinapon sa kung saan. Iniwan
Tumayo si Regan at kinuha ang pot kung nasaan ang iba pang tsaa na nagawa niya. Umuusok pa iyon. Dinala niya 'yon sa mesa kung nasaan si Audrey na pinagmamasdan siya. "Drink more of this tea. Ubusin mo," saad nito sa kaniya. Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Audrey nang makita ang sinasabi nitong dapat niyang ubusin. "It's too much! Hindi ko 'yan mauubos, Mr. Vasquez." Sa dami no'n ay pwede pa siya ro'n maligo! It's an exaggeration, pero talagang marami iyon. It's impossible for her na ubusin ang lahat ng 'yon sa isang upuan lang. "It's for your health. It will make you feel even better." Regan smiled at her. "For your health." Rong Yu smiled gently. Hindi niya alam kung seryoso ba ito. Napatingin siya sa wall clock saka muling tinignan ang lalake. "Mr. Vasquez, it's already late. You should go home and rest..." Marahan niyang sinabi rito. Tumayo si Regan at tumango. "Remember to drink all of that." He reminder her. Pilit siyang napangiti. Hinatid niya ito sa may pin
Mas naging abala si Audrey sa araw bago ang kompetisyon. Halos tapos naman na ang paghahanda pero kailangan niyang balik-balikan ang mga detalye para masiguro na maayos ang lahat. Naging abala siya at ang mga estudyanteng katulong niya sa pag-organize ng competion sa pag-decorate sa venue kung saan iyon gaganapin bukas. Even Professor Henry was worried and stayed late with them. "Have you already secured the test questions for the competition?" Professor Henry asked. Tumango naman si Audrey. "Opo, Professor. It's already in the safe in the consultation room. I'm the only one who has the key to the safe." Professor Henry nodded. "That's good to hear." Nakangiti nitong sagot sa kaniya. Nang nauna ng umuwi si Professor Henry ay naiwan do'n si Audrey. She tested the various equipment in the auditorium again. She needed to make sure that everything will go as planned. After everything was checked, it was already 11:30 in the evening. Nakahinga nang maluwag s