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Chapter Sixty-Two
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-11 04:04:20
Bab terkait
Love 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Six
Selena’s POV"Good morning," bati ko nang makababa ako ng kwarto. Nakahain na ang almusal at naroon na sina Mando, Agustin, at Andrew, nagsisimula nang kumain."Good morning, kain na, maaga tayong aalis ngayon," sabi ni Agustin. Nakaupo na si Mando sa usual kong upuan kaya wala akong ibang choice kundi tumabi kay Andrew.Agad akong napatingin sa kanya nang maramdaman ko ang pagtitig niya sa akin."Good morning," sabi niya at binigyan ako ng makahulugang ngiti. Hindi ako sumagot at nagsimula na akong mag-sandok ng pagkain.Abala ako sa pagkain nang bigla kong maramdaman ang mainit na palad na humahaplos sa hita ko. Nagpumiglas ang puso ko at mabilis akong napatingin kay Andrew, binigyan siya ng matalim na sulyap. Ngunit hindi siya nagpakita ng kahit anong pagkabahala, at tila hindi siya naapektuhan sa titig kong iyon. Maya-maya, naramdaman ko na paakyat na ang kamay niya. Kuminig ang katawan ko, kaya’t ibinaba ko ang hawak kong kutsara at pasimpleng inalis ang kamay niya mula sa hita k
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Seven
Andrew’s POV“This is such a great portrait, Andrew! Thank you so much!” Patty said, her smile practically reaching her ears as I handed her the finished portrait of her. She even gave me a tight hug out of sheer happiness.“I’m glad you like it,” I replied, smiling back. There’s something so fulfilling about seeing my clients happy with my work. It always gives me an extra boost of confidence and makes me even more dedicated as an artist.“I love it! I’ll definitely refer you to some of my friends,” she added.“Thank you for that, I will really appreciate it.”“As a thank you, let me treat you a dinner tonight,” she invited me in such a sweet way and then clung to my arm.“I am sorry Patty; I still have other things to take care of after this. I need to head home ASAP.” I told her, almost sounding too bad, that I couldn’t make it to the invitation, but honestly, I just wasn’t that interested. It was getting late, and I really wanted to head home because I already missed Selena.As soo
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-25
Bab terbaru
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Sixty-Two
Amanda’s POVMatapos ang mahabang araw na magkasama sila Andrew at Audree, nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob na makipag-usap kay Andrew. Lumubog na ang araw at malapit na siyang umalis. Hinalikan niya si Audree sa pisngi bago ito pumasok ng dorm, saka bumaling sa akin. Ngumiti ako sa kanya bago ako nagsalita."Andrew," panimula ko. "Gusto ko lang mag-sorry sa nangyari kagabi. Tama ka, at mali ako. Sana maging maayos tayong dalawa para kay Audree. At huwag kang mag-alala, kung akala mong inaagawan ka na ni Calvin ng pwesto kay Audree, hindi iyon totoo. Inintroduce ko lang siya kay Audree bilang kaibigan dahil gusto ko munang magkaayos kayong dalawa.""Don't worry, Amanda," sagot niya, "hindi mo kailangang mag-sorry. Ako ang may kasalanan sa nangyari kagabi. Pasensya na sa mga nasabi ko." Mahinahong ngumiti siya. "Na-appreciate ko na iniisip mo 'yung mga ganitong bagay para sa akin."Ilang sandali ng katahimikan ang namagitan sa aming dalawa, hanggang sa nag-salita siya muli."Gusto ko san
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Sixty-One
Amanda’s POVCalvin came by today at Casa Reyes, and I introduced him as just a friend because I didn't want to confuse Audree, especially since Andrew and I are still figuring out the right time to tell her that Andrew is her dad. It's a sensitive situation, and I want to make sure everything falls into place smoothly.What I really appreciate about Calvin is how understanding he is. He fully accepts that I have a child, and more than that, he's genuinely open to making compromises to develop a meaningful connection with Audree. It’s not easy, but his willingness to put in the effort means a lot.Today, he came with a small gift for Audree, and it was so sweet to see how quickly they clicked. It felt natural, like there was this unspoken bond forming between them. It made me feel hopeful for the future, knowing that he’s not just accepting my situation but is actively trying to be a positive presence in Audree’s life.We were having breakfast when I suddenly saw Andrew walking toward
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Sixty
Andrew’s POVHindi ko talaga maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko nang makita ko si Amanda kanina na kausap si Calvin. Parang may kutob ako na siya nga ang dinidate ni Amanda, yung taong binanggit ni Audree. Pero ang talagang nagpa-bother sa akin ay yung mga ngiti nila sa isa’t isa at yung mga kilos nila na parang komportable na sila at sanay na sa isa’t isa. Hindi ko maiwasang mag-isip kung gaano na ba nila kakilala ang isa’t isa at bakit parang sobrang tiwala si Amanda sa lalaking iyon. Parang may koneksyon silang hindi ko kayang ipaliwanag, at hindi ko matanggal sa isip ko yung pakiramdam na iyon. I felt frustrated, confused, and oddly betrayed all at once. It was a feeling I couldn’t shake, no matter how hard I tried.Nanatili akong tahimik hanggang sa makarating kami sa Casa Reyes upang ihatid sila. I was doing my best to keep my composure because I didn’t want to cause a scene in front of our daughter.“Thanks, Andrew.” Amanda spoke to me first after I dropped her and Audree off at
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Nine
Amanda’s POVI didn’t know what to feel when Audree told me that we were going to the park with Andrew. I wanted to say no, but I could see how excited Audree was to go out with Andrew. I didn’t want to be selfish, so I agreed and got her ready early.Just the thought of the three of us being together, like a family bonding, was driving me crazy. I didn’t know what could happen or how to handle the situation. But then, I realized this might be good for Audree. Maybe this will help her get closer to Andrew, so when the time comes, it won’t be as difficult for her to know the truth—that Andrew is her real dad."Amanda, are we okay?" Andrew asked, his voice soft, as we sat on the bench waiting for Audree to return from buying ice cream."Yeah, we're fine," I answered quickly, glancing at him but quickly looking away. I had been avoiding his gaze for a while now. I didn’t know why, but even after all this time, there was still something about him that affected me in a way I couldn’t expla
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Eight
Andrew’s POVSabado ngayon at walang pasok sa school si Audree, kaya maaga akong nagpunta sa Casa Reyes para makita sila ni Amanda. Nangako ako kay Audree na dadalhin ko siya sa park, kaya't hindi ako makapaghintay na magkasama kami. Nakita ko online na may boulevard park sa Dumaguete, at kailangan naming sumakay ng barko papunta sa kabilang isla, kaya maaga akong umalis at nagtungo doon.Pagdating ko sa Casa Reyes, nakita ko si Audree at si Amanda. Si Audree ay nakaupo sa harap ng salamin habang tinatalian ni Amanda ang buhok niya. Pinagmamasdan ko silang dalawa, at hindi ko maipaliwanag, pero parang may kakaibang saya na bumabalot sa puso ko. Habang tinitingnan ko sila, nakaramdam ako ng init sa dibdib — hindi ko alam kung bakit, pero may isang espesyal na pakiramdam sa mga simpleng sandaling ito.Hindi ko alam kung gaano katagal akong nakatayo sa may pintuan, ngunit nung napansin ni Amanda na nandiyan ako, ngumiti siya at nagsalita. "Andrew, good morning," sabi niya, medyo magaan n
Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Fifty-Seven
Andrew’s POV"Please take good care of Audree, Andrew. If you plan on bonding with her, please make sure you take her home before 7 p.m." Amanda reminded me."Thanks, I will," I replied as I held Audree’s hand and led her to the car. I couldn't help but feel a shift in Amanda’s demeanor. It was strange, because just last night we were talking normally, and now it felt like there was some distance. I didn’t know why, but I decided not to overthink it and just let it be."Later, susunduin kita sa school. Gusto mo bang magpunta sa ibang lugar? Pinaalam na kita kay mommy mo," tanong ko kay Audree na nakaupo sa passenger seat."Wala naman masyadong mapapasyalan dito, kuya pogi. Gusto ko po talagang pumunta sa park," sagot niya nang malungkot."Sige, next time dadalhin kita sa park," sabi ko, sinusubukang pasayahin siya. "Pumunta na lang tayo sa isang lugar kung saan may masarap na pagkain mamaya. May gusto ka bang kainin?""Chocolate cake po, kuya pogi!" sagot niya, sabay ngiti."Chocolate
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
