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Kabanata 15
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Kaugnay na kabanata
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 16
KABANATA 16Elias' POVHindi ko na siya tiningnan pa habang siya ay bumababa at umaalis dahil agad ko na ring iniwan ang lugar. Sa pagpipigil ng galit, umuwi ako sa aming condo ni Atasha, pinipilit na kumalma bago ako pumasok sa loob. Pagkapasok ko, nakita ko siyang nakaupo sa bar island, umiinom ng wine habang nakatutok sa kanyang laptop.Tila ba may kakaibang enerhiya sa paligid na nagpahiwatig kay Shang na ako'y nasa malapit. Dahan-dahan siyang humarap sa akin, ang kanyang mga labi ay yumukod sa isang matamis na ngiti. Subalit, hindi ko sinuklian ang kanyang ngiti; nanatili akong walang anumang emosyon sa aking mukha. Agad niyang napansin ang aking kawalan ng reaksyon at ang kanyang ngiti ay unti-unting naglaho. Tila ba isang bulaklak na dahan-dahang nagsasara sa pagdating ng gabi. Inangat niya ang baso ng wine at marahang uminom, bago niya muling itinuon ang kanyang tingin sa akin."May problema ba?" tanong niya, ang kanyang boses ay puno ng pag-aalala at kainosentehan.Malalim a
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 17
KABANATA 17Atasha's POVLahat ng makita kong gamit sa loob ng condo ay wala akong pinalagpas, lahat winasak at binasag ko. I screamed, I cried, I poured out all the anger and pain that I was holding in my chest. Tila isa akong bomba na bigla na lang sumabog sa isang iglap at hindi ko alam kung paano papakalmahin ang sarili. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang panginginig ng mga ugat ko sa galit, at sa pagkakataong ito tila hindi ko na kilala ang sarili ko. Nanggagalaiti ako sa galit! Hindi ko pinansin ang sakit na dulot ng mga sugat sa aking mga palad, na ngayo'y sugat-sugat na at may tumutulong dugo mula sa mga bubog na aking nadampian. Sa kabila ng lahat, hindi ko rin napigilan ang pag-agos ng luha na kasabay ng dugo mula sa aking mga kamay—parehong simbolo ng sakit na pisikal at emosyonal na aking nararamdaman.Tahimik kong pinagmasdan si Elias, ngunit hindi siya lumingon at sa halip ay nagtungo siya sa cellar upang kumuha ng alak. Naupo siya sa bar island at tahimik na nagbuhos ng alak sa k
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 18
KABANATA 18Atasha's POVSa kahabaan ng highway habang pauwi ay naging matulin ang pagmamaneho ko, seryoso at nakatuon lamang ang atensyon ko sa kalsada. Until now, I still can't believe the words he uttered because I never expected that he felt that way towards Jocelle. When his last words resonated in my mind again, my grip on the steering wheel tightened even more.In a moment of emotion, I quickly pulled over the car to the side. Almost in a trance, I looked at Elias from my side as he peacefully slept due to intoxication. As I stared at him, I couldn't help the tears that flowed from my eyes. Questions flooded my mind immediately.How could you do this to me, Elias? Nagkulang ba ako sayo? How dare you to be attracted to other woman? Wala kang karapatan na maakit sa ibang babae, dahil ni minsan hindi ko nagawang maakit sa ibang lalaki. You are being so unfair! I just let my tears flow, burying my face in the steering wheel, and softly sobbing. Sa loob ng apat na taon, wala akong
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 19
Kabanata 19Atasha's POVI am staring blankly while here in the office, drowned in thoughts about what’s happening between me and Elias. About his wrong confession to me at the bar, especially when I woke up this morning. I was about to wake him up, but was surprised because Jocelle’s name suddenly came out of his mouth. Is he still being haunted by Jocelle even in his sleep?So instead of continuing to wake him up, I lost interest. I also wanted to wait for him to give me a ride to work, but my pride eats me. It's difficult when my pride takes precedence because even though I really want to talk to him, my pride comes first.Sa hindi ko inaasahang pangyayari, halos isang buwan nang ganito ang kalagayan ng relasyon namin ni Elias. Hindi kami nag-uusap at nagpapansinan kahit na magkasama kami sa iisang bubong. Ako ay lumipat na rin ng kwarto sa ibaba at doon na natutulog. Wala nang kahit anong effort si Elias na makipag-usap sa akin. Hindi rin ako makapag-first move dahil sa tingin ko
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 20
KABANATA 20Atasha's POV"Atasha, I'm starting to ask myself if I loved the right woman."I was staring at Elias after he said those words to me. It felt like a knife had pierced my heart because of what he said, especially when I saw how coldly he looked at me. But I forced myself to hide the pain I felt, taking a deep breath. "Are you already drunk?" I asked nonchalantly before passing by him. But he quickly grabbed my arm. "Why did you do this to me? Do you want to ruin me with Dad?" he asked seriously, confusing me. I looked into his eyes, "What are you talking about, Elias?" His jaw clenched and he let out a heavy sigh, "Don't act like you did nothing wrong! I know you're the one behind this, Shang!" he yelled at me, causing me to be surprised by the sudden raise of his voice. I remained looking at him, full of confusion about his accusations against me. What is he saying? I don't remember doing anything. What is he accusing me of doing? "I don't know what you're talking ab
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 21
KABANATA 21Elias' POVIt has been over a week since the confrontation with Atasha, and until now, she remains in the condo even though I told her I wanted space. It seems like my words meant nothing to her; she acted as if she wasn't affected at all. However, I can truly feel the significant change in our relationship, and I don't know how Atasha can tolerate this situation.I know that our relationship is no longer happy, not like before when I always looked forward to her presence. Now, I loathed her, and I want to end things with her. I am no longer happy, and I don't know if it is still right for us to stay together. For that entire week, I remained silent, and she did the same towards me.While I was at work, I just kept myself busy with office tasks. And when Dad said that he would settle everything about the wedding, I knew that no matter what I said, his decision would not change. And now, I know that in a short time, Atasha will fulfill her dream of getting married. I want t
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 22
KABANATA 22Atasha's POVI am currently in the main kitchen teaching basic cooking skills to the interns when Zylee entered. "Chef, your future in-laws are in the VIP guest area," she informed me. I was immediately puzzled about what they were doing here."Take over for me here, you handle them," I instructed her before leaving the kitchen.I quickly went to the office to change my uniform to formally meet them. I also instructed the other waitresses to prepare food for them. After that, I headed to the VIP guest area to face them. Although, I still had no idea why they were here, perhaps they had something important to tell me."Atasha, darling!" Tita Stella greeted me as soon as she saw me."Tita," she hugged me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Tito, it's good to see you," I greeted my future father-in-law with a smile."It's good to see you too, Atasha iha," tugon ni Tito Hector."If you don't mind, what brings you here?" Tita Stella gently held my hand and gave me a reassuring
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 23
KABANATA 23Atasha's POVNatapos ang buong araw na trabaho, pagod akong umuwi sa condo. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang nakakapagod sa araw na ito, yung trabaho ba o yung sobra sobrang pag-iisip. As I sat on the sofa, a sudden thought crossed my mind - I felt like having fun tonight. I was tempted to go to the clubhouse and get drunk. Though I hesitated because it's not in my nature to go out at night, especially without Elias, I decided to proceed with my plan.After taking a shower, I quickly got dressed. I put on a sexy night-out dress that fit me perfectly before I finally left the condo. This is the first time I'm going to the clubhouse without Elias. But for now, I'm going to try to party alone since he hasn't been home for several days and I have no idea where he's been staying. Just a few minutes later, I arrived at the clubhouse that we often frequented during college. I entered and was immediately greeted by the loud music. As usual, the place was still bustling with people a
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Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Wakas
WAKASAtasha's POVIt’s been a month since bumalik kami ni Celsius sa Pilipinas! We flew back together, kahit na ilang beses ko na siyang sinabihan na mauna na siya, ayaw pa rin niya. Hinahanap na siya sa work, pero dahil siya ang boss, wala talagang choice ang secretary niya kundi hintayin kami. Nagtagal pa kami sa Seoul for over a week bago kami nag-decide umuwi.Ngayon, isang buwan na ang nakalipas at hindi pa rin siya umaalis sa tabi ko. Alam na niya lahat ng contacts ko, alam niya kung saan ako nakatira, at pati restaurant ko. Honestly, hindi ko alam paano niya nagagawa 'to—imagine, taga-Antipolo siya pero araw-araw siyang pumupunta sa Batangas para makita ako.Nasa restaurant ko siya palagi, nag-aabang hanggang matapos ang shift ko para ihatid ako pauwi. Halos di ko na nagagamit yung kotse ko kasi lagi na lang niyang kinukuha at hinahatid ako. Tapos, just yesterday, binilhan niya ng condo yung sarili niya, malapit lang sa akin! I was totally shocked.I mean, who would've thought
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 40
KABANATA 40Atasha's POVI can feel the chill here at Namsan Tower; ang lamig dito sa gabi! Hindi ako handa, at hindi ako nagdala ng makapal na coat. My breath fogs in the air as I huddle against myself, gazing out at the beautiful city of Seoul.After a moment, naramdaman kong ipinatong ni Celsius ang coat niya sa balikat ko. "Here, mukhang hindi ka komportable sa lamig," he said, smiling as he settled beside me. "Kanina pa tayo naglilibot.""Yeah, you're right," sagot ko, sabay buntong-hininga. "Aren't you freezing? Ibibigay mo ‘to sakin?" I asked with concern.Kahit na suot niya ang thick sweater with a high neckline, alam kong hindi sapat iyon para labanan ang tindi ng lamig. Iba kasi ang chill dito sa Korea—parang mas tumatagos, unlike sa Italy na mas tolerable."Not really," he replied, giving me an assuring smile. "Pero next time, magdala ka ng coat para hindi ka lamigin," paalala niya, gentle but sincere."Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," sabi ko, grateful for his thoughtfulness
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 39
KABANATA 39Atasha's POVRamdam ko ang tension habang nagtitipon kami ng ibang contestants sa stage. Halo-halong emosyon—kaba, excitement, at saya. Sampu kaming nakatayo, ready na harapin ang challenge. Sa first round, kailangan naming magluto ng Bolognese, isang classic Italian pasta na favorite ng marami.Nasa harapan ako ng stove ko, at parang nasa isang eksena ng pelikula. Ang bango ng mga ingredients—matamis na kamatis, malambot na karne, at mga fragrant herbs—pumapalibot sa akin. Pero kahit gaano kasarap amuyin, hindi ko maalis yung kaba.Yung ibang contestants, mukhang seasoned pros. Kita mo sa mga gamit nila na sanay na sila sa ganitong competitions, at may ilan sa kanila, mukhang kilala na sa culinary world.Pero confident ako. Matagal ko nang sinasanay ang sarili ko sa kusina, at Bolognese, kahit hindi ko 'signature dish,' is something I know I can nail."Buongiorno, everyone! Welcome to the 'Pasta Passion' competition! We’ve got a fantastic group of chefs ready to wow us wi
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 38
KABANATA 38Atasha's POVIlang linggo na ang lumipas at sobrang dami nang nangyari, lalo na sa pagitan nina Shuen at Diovanni. Hindi ko maiwasan ang mag-isip sa mga naririnig kong balita tungkol sa kanila. Pinatuloy ko si Shuen sa condo ko after ng insidente, pero di nagtagal, nagdesisyon siyang maghanap ng sarili niyang apartment. Alam kong kailangan niyang magsimula ulit, pero sobra akong nag-aalala para sa kanya.Habang nasa opisina, hirap ako mag-concentrate. Paulit-ulit akong nagbubuntong-hininga, at masakit ang ulo ko sa kakaisip ng mga sinabi ni Shuen. Naalala ko ang mga luha niya at ang sakit na dulot ng mga kasinungalingan ni Diovanni.Gusto ko sanang sugurin si Diovanni, iparamdam sa kanya kung gaano kasakit ang mga ginawa niya. Parang sina Elias at Diovanni-pareho silang sinungaling at manloloko. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit parang nasa dugo na nila ang magpaiyak ng babae. Pero alam kong hindi lahat ng de Marcel ay ganito. Tulad ni Alphonsus, na mukhang mas matino at na
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanta 37
KABANATA 37Atasha's POVAfter two years...Dalawang taon na ang nakalipas simula nang mangyari ang lahat. Si Jocelle at Elias ay kasal na ngayon, and according to what I’ve heard, masaya sila kasama ang kanilang nag-iisang anak na babae. Pero honestly, wala na akong balita sa kanila at hindi ko na rin ito pinapansin.Nang ikinasal si Elias sa iba, I decided to cut all ties with the de Marcels. Tuwing may imbitasyon si Alphosus sa family gatherings or birthday parties nila, hindi na ako dumadalo. Wala na akong dahilan para pumunta, kasi tapos na ang lahat para sa akin at kay Elias.Mula noon, wala na silang narinig mula sa akin. I accepted na tapos na ang relasyon namin. Natutunan kong hindi na umasa at hindi na muling tumingin sa mga alaala ng nakaraan. Sa bawat luha na tumulo, nagdesisyon akong hindi na muling lumingon pabalik.Ipinilit kong maghilom sa sarili kong paraan. Umiiyak ako sa sakit, and each time, para bang unti-unti akong nalalambot at nawawalan ng pakialam. Tuwing naii
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 36
KABANATA 36Atasha's POVI did not expect Jocelle to slap me suddenly. The shock hit me hard, leaving only the sting of her hand on my cheek. I stared at her, confused, while instinctively holding my burning face. Ang init sa pisngi ko mula sa lakas ng sampal.“You have such a nerve to ruin my night! You sabotaged my engagement party!” she screamed at me, her finger jabbing accusingly. “Are you jealous kasi ikakasal na ako kay Elias?”As she shouted, I saw Elias stepping closer to her, quickly pulling Jocelle away from me. For a moment, we locked eyes, and I tried to make sense of everything. After shaking off the shock, I stood tall, determined na ipakita sa kanila na hindi ako naapektuhan ng mga paratang nila. I tuned out the murmurs around me.Kaeon rushed to my side, trying to calm me down. Pero ang galit ko ay umaabot na sa sukdulan.“Jealous? Ano bang meron sa’yo na ikakainggit ko?!” I retorted sarcastically, with a grin on my face.“Don’t pretend you’re not jealous! Ramdam ko a
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 35
KABANATA 35Elias' POVThe office was silent, the only sound my pen scratching against paper as I signed document after document. Suddenly, the door burst open, and my cousin Alphonsus stormed in, anger written all over his face. He held the invitation card I’d given him, his brow furrowed tightly.He slammed the card onto my desk, breaking the quiet with a loud noise. I raised an eyebrow, curious about his outburst."What is this, Elias?" he demanded, disbelief clear in his voice. "You’re engaged? To someone else? Not Atasha? Are you out of your mind? Who is Jocelle Sadejas?!" His words came out in a flood of anger, and I sighed, feeling the weight of his accusations."My fiancée," I replied flatly, trying to brush off his outrage."Fiancée?!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the room. "Is this some kind of arranged marriage? There’s no way Uncle Hector would allow you to marry anyone else! Who the hell is this Jocelle Sadejas?!"I shook my head, dead tired from this confrontation. "
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 34
KABANATA 34Atasha's POV"I'm invited!" I exclaimed, a playful smile forming on my lips. "Is that how you greet your guests?" I teased, my eyes sparkling with amusement as I saw the surprise on his face. "I guess you didn’t know I received the invitation from your fiancée," I emphasized the last word, enjoying the way his expression changed.Nakita kong parang hindi na niya alam ang sasabihin. Imbes na sumagot, umubo siya at umiwas ng tingin. Hindi ko napigilan ang ngiti ko. Mukhang hindi niya nagustuhan ang nangyari. Parang nakita ko sa mga mata niya ang pagtataka, baka may halong selos pa nga.Siguro nagulat siya sa itsura ko. O baka sa kasama ko. Hindi ko alam, pero masarap sa pakiramdam na makita siyang naguguluhan. Sa wakas, kahit papano, naranasan din niya ang sakit na naramdaman ko noong nakita ko siyang kasama si Jocelle."Let's go, Kaeon. Let's enjoy this night," sabi ko habang nakangiti nang pilyo, sabay kapit sa braso niya. Tumingin ako kay Kaz at binigyan siya ng mabilis n
Lost in the Maze: Elias de Marcel Kabanata 33
KABANATA 33 Atasha's POV A week had passed and everything goes smoothly. Elias hasn't visited me at my restaurant after our conversation that day. I'm just thankful that I won't have a hard time avoiding him. I admit, even if I don't realize it myself, there's still some love left for him. Even though we've been apart for almost a month and a half, I still can't easily forget the long time we spent together. It really isn't easy because he's the only man I've ever loved. But I know I really need to forget everything because I know I've already lost. Ever since I found out that Jocelle is pregnant, I knew that I no longer have a fighting chance. As usual, my daily routine involves going to work and immersing myself in tasks to distract from the emotional turmoil within. Each passing day, the weight of reality grows heavier on my shoulders, reminding me of the irreversible changes in my life. Despite sticking to my routine, it no longer brings comfort, as thoughts of what co
