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Chapter Fifty-Four
Huling Na-update:
2025-02-22 06:40:31
Kaugnay na kabanata
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Five
Andrew’s POVGinabi na ako sa Casa Reyes kakahintay kay Amanda na umuwi. Si Audree ay nakiusap na magstay ako ng kaunti pa upang makita ko ang mommy niya, at pabor din sa akin iyon dahil gusto kong makausap si Amanda. Alas siyete na ng gabi nang dumating si Amanda. Nagulat siya nang makita akong nandun sa dining area ng dormitory kasama si Audree.“Andrew? Ano'ng ginagawa mo dito?” Amanda asked, clearly startled by my presence.I could see her reaction, and it was clear that she wasn’t ready for the conversation or the questions that I had. But I knew I had to do it. I needed to talk to her about everything that had happened—and about our daughter.“Mommy, si kuya pogi ang naghatid sa akin pauwi galing school,” sabi ni Audree, nakangiti habang palapit kay Amanda.Tumaas ang kilay ni Amanda, mukhang naguguluhan. “Kung kani-kanino ka sumasama, diba sinabi ko na si Ate Miranda ang magsusundo sa’yo?” pangaral niya kay Audree.Di ko na rin napigilan. “Huwag mo siyang pagalitan, Amanda. Ako
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-23Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Six
Amanda’s POVI watched Andrew, his gaze fixed on the pictures in the photo album I’ve held onto for years. Every image, every snapshot of Audree was a piece of time I had carefully collected—her first smile, her tiny hands, even her sonogram, all of it was there. It felt like a sacred collection of moments; ones I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand. But as I saw his face, the way his eyes lingered on each photo, something inside me shifted.I pulled the album out to show him, thinking I was sharing a memory, but instead, I saw the raw pain in his eyes. I felt this wave of guilt wash over me, a heaviness that I hadn’t anticipated. In my desire to preserve these moments, I hadn’t considered how much I had taken from him. I had experienced the joy of Audree’s early days, the moments that a first-time father should have been there for, and in doing so, I had unknowingly robbed him of that.It wasn’t intentional. I never meant to keep those moments from him, but somehow, I had. I ha
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-24Love Amidst Deceit Prologue
It was Sunday, a day meant for rest. I left the mansion early to attend Mass, following my usual Sunday routine. I would visit the church that my family and I used to attend when they were still alive. Now, I go alone, offering prayers to remember and honor them. After Mass, I would have a brief chat with Aling Andeng, a sampaguita vendor outside the church whom I met when I returned to the Philippines. She has become like a mother to me. She once told me that she lives alone and supports herself, so I make it a habit to buy a sampaguita from her whenever I can.“Mauna na ako, Aling Andeng, may lakad pa ho kasi ako. Salamat po pala dito sa libreng almusal,” nakangiting sabi ko sa kaniya. “Nako, wala iyon. Oh siya, mag-iingat ka ha!” sabi niya, na sinagot ko ng tango.Hindi pa ako nakakalayo ng simbahan nang mag-ring ang cellphone ko. It was Mando; agad ko itong sinagot. “Hinahanap ka ni Mayor, may kailangan daw kayong pag-usapan,” he said, sounding a bit hurried.“Okay! Pauwe na ako
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16Love Amidst Deceit Chapter One
Selena’s POVI forced a sweet smile as I entered the crystal-studded ballroom. I attended a charity gala with Agustin and Mando; it is one of his million ways to secure the upcoming election. The theme of the party is Mystery Gala, and I am wearing a black sequined, body-hugging floor-length dress and a black mask that just covers my eyes.From a distance, I saw Leonardo, dressed in a black tuxedo and wearing a mask almost identical to mine. He was looking at me, smiling as if nothing was wrong. I would have felt a flutter in my chest, if only I hadn’t discovered the depth of his betrayal. I ignored him and turned my attention elsewhere. I pretended he was nothing to me. I knew he wouldn’t mind, and he’d understand if I told him I was just being careful, in case he decided to confront me. We both knew why we were there. He was there to negotiate with Agustin's opponent, and I was there to accompany Agustin, playing the part of a faithful right-hand person.I was standing next to Agust
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Two
Leonardo’s POVI finally woke up from a long sleep when I heard my phone ringing. My eyes were still closed as my hand fumbled around the side table next to the bed, searching for my phone. I picked it up as soon as my fingers made contact with it."Hola!" I answered, still with my eyes shut."It’s Vania, idiot! Amanda told me you’ve been ignoring her calls." Vania’s voice came through the line, irritated. "There’s a Charity Ball tonight that you need to attend. She said Miguel Sandoval will be there.""I was out having fun last night. I’ll call her later. Bye." I hung up.I opened my eyes, the pounding in my head a reminder of how much I drank last night. I’d gone to a drug party with some old friends here in the Philippines. They must’ve missed me because they gave me a Russian hooker as a welcome-back gift. It wasn’t the first time, and I wasn’t the type to turn down a gift—especially when my friends had paid five thousand dollars for her.For me, having sex with another woman othe
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Three
Andrew’s POVHindi ko itatangi na noon, ayoko talaga kay Selena nang unang beses ko siya makilala. Kung paano siya magsalita, kung paano siya gumalaw, kung paano niya dalhin ang sarili niya, at kung paano niya ako pagalitan at pagsabihan tuwing binibigyan ko ng sakit ng ulo si Dad. Akala ko noon ay masyado siyang nagpapabida sa trabaho, dahil gusto niyang mapansin siya ni Dad. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit ang init ng ulo ko tuwing nandiyan siya, pero ngayon, naiintindihan ko na. Siguro ay dahil gusto ko siya para sa akin, at hindi para kay Dad. Kaya naiinis ako kapag nakikita kong nagtatawanan sila sa tuwing may pinag-uusapan silang dalawa. Parang may inggit ako na hindi ko kayang ipaliwanag noon. Siguro, natatakot akong ilayo niya ang loob sa akin ni Dad, at natatakot ako magustuhan siya ni Dad. Dahil gusto ko siya.I’ve come to understand myself better now. I've realized that Selena isn’t my enemy. She holds meaning in my life—her strength, beauty, and care for me remind me that
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Four
Selena’s POVSa tuwing madadatnan ko si Agustin sa kaniyang opisina madalas ko siyang naabutang nag susulat, kagaya na lamang ngayon. Sa isang blue leather notebook, madalas ko siyang makita na hawak iyon. At sa tuwing may mga tao sa paligid niya ay awtomatiko niya itong isinasara. Pakiramdam ko ay may itinatago siya sa notebook na iyon."Nakausap ko na po ang campaign manager niyo, andito na lahat ng mga detalye ng inyong kampanya pati na ang target budget at mga platform idea na maaari niyong magamit." Paliwanag ko sabay abot ng isang folder sa kanya. Agad niya itong kinuha mula sa akin at pinasadahan ng tingin ang nilalaman nito."Salamat, pag-aaralan ko ito lahat mamaya. Mauna ka na nga pala umuwi dahil may aasikasuhin kami ni Mando tungkol sa pera. Paki-bantayan na lang rin si Andrew, bukas na kami makakauwi." Sinagot ko lamang siya ng isang tango habang nakangiti.Tamang tama dahil kung wala si Mando at Agustin ngayong gabi ay malaya akong makakagalaw at maghalughog sa studyroo
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-16Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Five
Selena’s POV"I want you tonight, Selena." His voice was a whisper, low and intense, and those words seemed to hang in the air long after our lips parted. A rush of heat flooded through me as he stepped closer, pulling me toward him, and before I knew it, we were in his bedroom.His fingers found the hem of my blouse, lifting it slowly, almost reverently, as though he was taking his time to savor every inch of the moment. My hands moved of their own accord, helping him, the sensation of his touch on my skin making everything else fade away. It was like a spell I couldn't break.Soon, we were both standing there, vulnerable and exposed, our bodies bare before one another. There was a brief pause, the air thick with anticipation, before the world seemed to narrow down to just us. It wasn’t just physical—it was a moment of connection, raw and real, like everything else had fallen away, leaving only the tension between us.He was staring at me, his gaze filled with admiration, and I could
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-25
Pinakabagong kabanata
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Six
Amanda’s POVI watched Andrew, his gaze fixed on the pictures in the photo album I’ve held onto for years. Every image, every snapshot of Audree was a piece of time I had carefully collected—her first smile, her tiny hands, even her sonogram, all of it was there. It felt like a sacred collection of moments; ones I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand. But as I saw his face, the way his eyes lingered on each photo, something inside me shifted.I pulled the album out to show him, thinking I was sharing a memory, but instead, I saw the raw pain in his eyes. I felt this wave of guilt wash over me, a heaviness that I hadn’t anticipated. In my desire to preserve these moments, I hadn’t considered how much I had taken from him. I had experienced the joy of Audree’s early days, the moments that a first-time father should have been there for, and in doing so, I had unknowingly robbed him of that.It wasn’t intentional. I never meant to keep those moments from him, but somehow, I had. I ha
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Five
Andrew’s POVGinabi na ako sa Casa Reyes kakahintay kay Amanda na umuwi. Si Audree ay nakiusap na magstay ako ng kaunti pa upang makita ko ang mommy niya, at pabor din sa akin iyon dahil gusto kong makausap si Amanda. Alas siyete na ng gabi nang dumating si Amanda. Nagulat siya nang makita akong nandun sa dining area ng dormitory kasama si Audree.“Andrew? Ano'ng ginagawa mo dito?” Amanda asked, clearly startled by my presence.I could see her reaction, and it was clear that she wasn’t ready for the conversation or the questions that I had. But I knew I had to do it. I needed to talk to her about everything that had happened—and about our daughter.“Mommy, si kuya pogi ang naghatid sa akin pauwi galing school,” sabi ni Audree, nakangiti habang palapit kay Amanda.Tumaas ang kilay ni Amanda, mukhang naguguluhan. “Kung kani-kanino ka sumasama, diba sinabi ko na si Ate Miranda ang magsusundo sa’yo?” pangaral niya kay Audree.Di ko na rin napigilan. “Huwag mo siyang pagalitan, Amanda. Ako
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Four
Andrew’s POVI could hardly hold back tears when I read the results of the DNA test I had ordered. Audree... she’s my daughter. The weight of those words hit me like a ton of bricks, overwhelming me with emotions I didn’t know I could feel. A mix of shock, disbelief, and a deep, overwhelming love flooded my chest. All this time, I had wondered and doubted, but now, the truth was laid out in front of me. The little girl who had unknowingly captured my heart was my flesh and blood. But as much as my heart swelled with the realization, there was also a growing anger and confusion. Amanda had kept this from me, hidden our daughter from me for years. I needed to talk to her, to understand why she chose to keep Audree away from me. What could have driven her to make that decision? How do I step into this role of a father after everything that’s happened? I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew one thing for sure—I needed to confront Amanda.I went back to Audree's school, but this time, e
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Three
Amanda’s POV“Sigurado ka na ba dito sa desisyon mo, Amanda?” tanong sa akin ni Bea habang kumakain kami sa bar area. Bumisita siya rito sa Casa Reyes kasama si Tita Lara para kamustahin ang mga staff.“Oo, Bea, sigurado ako,” sagot ko, sinisikap na mapanatili ang kalmado sa kabila ng kalituhan sa loob ko."Bakit bigla mong naisipan makipag-date?" she pressed, her curiosity evident.I had asked for her help earlier, borrowing some clothes and makeup because I told her I had a date in two days.“Naisip ko lang na gusto ko sanang mabigyan si Audree ng kumpletong pamilya,” I reasoned, trying to sound confident, though deep down I wasn’t entirely sure about the path I was choosing."Bakit hindi mo na lang sabihin kay Andrew ang tungkol sa kanya?" Bea asked, her tone softer, as though she were suggesting the simplest solution."Speaking of Andrew, I met him," I confessed, the weight of my words settling heavily between us."What? Wait, how?" she asked, shock evident on her face."He was th
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Two
Andrew’s POVSumunod na araw, bumalik ako sa school ni Audree. May dala akong laruan at mga pagkain, at matyaga kong inantay siya sa may waiting shed kung saan siya nakaupo kahapon. Maya-maya lang, nakita ko na siya papalapit sa akin, at ang saya ko nang makita siyang papalapit na.“Ikaw si kuya pogi kahapon, diba? Ano pong ginagawa niyo dito? Sinusundo niyo po ba ang anak niyo?” tanong ni Audree nang malapitan ako.Umiling-iling ako habang nakangiti, “Hindi, may binisita lang ako na kaibigan dito.”“Ah, okay,” sagot niya nang inosente, sabay tinanong ako. "Ano po yang dala niyo?"“Meron akong laruan at pagkain para sa iyo, Audree," sabi ko, habang inabot sa kanya ang dala ko. "Gusto mo ba?"Ang mga mata ni Audree ay kumikislap nang makita ang mga laruan at pagkain. "Wow! Salamat, kuya! I like it!" Sinimulan niyang tignan ang laruan nang masaya. Habang naglalaro siya, nakaupo ako sa tabi niya, habang nag kukwentuhan kami."Anong paborito mong laro, Audree?" tanong ko, habang binibigya
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-One
Andrew’s POVDalawang araw ang lumipas at hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa isip ko, basta na lang akong nag-book ng flight patungong Dumaguete at bumalik sa Siquijor. Nag renta ako ng kotse at nag-drive papuntang Casa Reyes. Hindi ko alam kung anong pwersa ang nagtulak sa akin, basta ang alam ko lang ay gusto ko muling makita si Amanda at ang anak niya.Dahil ayokong magmukhang invasive, tumigil ako sa isang sulok sa labas ng resort, malayo sa mga mata ng iba. Sana makakita ako ng kahit saglit na pagkakataon na masilip sila ni Amanda.Sakto bandang hapon, sa hindi kalayuan, nakita ko si Amanda at Audree na bumaba mula sa isang tricycle. Ang bata ay nakasuot ng school uniform, habang hawak-hawak ni Amanda ang backpack nito. Mukhang galing lang si Audree sa school. Naglakad sila papasok ng Casa Reyes, at ako naman, hindi ko maiwasang sundan sila ng tingin. When they disappeared from my sight, I drove away. Just catching a glimpse of them
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty
Andrew’s POV"Andrew, let's go to the port, we might miss our flight to Dumaguete," Alexa’s voice snapped me back to reality. I hadn't even realized I had been standing there for a while, staring at the front desk, lost in my thoughts after the moment with Amanda earlier. She has a child. How? How did she have a child? Who's the father? The questions kept swirling in my mind, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to the story.Part of me wanted to talk to her, to ask her all the things I needed to know, but time was running out. I had a flight to catch, and I couldn’t let this moment slip by.Sumakay na ako sa van patungo sa port ng Siquijor, pero parang naiwan pa rin ang isip ko sa Casa Reyes. I couldn’t shake the image of the little girl, Audree. Her innocent face kept replaying in my head. There was this strange pull, this need to know more about her. How old was she? What did she like to eat? What were her favorite toys? I couldn't explain why, but som
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Nine
Amanda’s POVToday is Andrew’s last day at the resort, and I find myself torn between conflicting emotions. Part of me feels a sense of relief, knowing that things will finally return to normal, that the chaos and uncertainty surrounding him will fade away. But there’s another part of me, a quieter part, that feels a deep sadness, the kind you can’t quite put into words. It’s the realization that once he leaves, I won’t see him again, and whatever lingering connection we had will be severed for good.I tell myself that I should be happy, that I should embrace the peace that’s coming, because I know deep down that there’s no future for us, that the past is nothing but a painful memory we can’t bring back. And yet, as much as I try to convince myself, the truth is harder to face. Maybe this encounter, this brief time we shared again, was the universe’s way of allowing us to finally close that chapter — a chapter that, even though we’ve tried to move on from, still lingers in the corners
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Eight
Amanda’s POVThat evening, Andrew became preoccupied with the woman he was with. He didn't join his students for dinner, instead staying with her. They ate together, talking seriously, and I could see them from a distance. I was sitting in one of the lounge chairs by the pool area, feeling a strange mix of emotions as I watched them.Meanwhile, his students were in the function room, busy with indoor games after their meal, but Andrew seemed completely absorbed in his own world with the woman. It was as if he had forgotten about everything else, and it stung to see him so focused on her while I sat there, lost in my own thoughts.I don’t know what it was, but seeing him with someone else made me restless the entire night. I spent hours just staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn’t quiet. It wasn’t until around 4 a.m. that I finally fell asleep, and when I woke up, it was already 7 a.m. The lack of sleep left me exhausted, but my mind kept replaying everything I
