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Chapter Thirty-Nine
Huling Na-update:
2025-02-15 03:38:26
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Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty
Andrew’s POVNapagdesisyunan kong maglaan ng oras kasama ang mommy ko. Ang dami kong tanong. Labing-dalawang taon ko siyang inisip na patay na, na hindi ko na siya muling makikita. Tinanong ko siya kung ano ang nangyari sa mga taon na iyon, bakit hindi niya ako sinubukang hanapin at kausapin."Maniwala ka, Andrew, walang araw na hindi kita naiisip. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, iniisip ko pa rin ang kapakanan mo. Natakot ako sa kung anong kayang gawin ng tatay mo. Hindi niya tayo papayagang magka-buhay ng tahimik, at ayokong madamay ka o masaktan ka niya. Kung nasa poder ka niya, sigurado akong wala siyang hindi kayang gawin para protektahan ka. Ni minsan hindi ka niya inilabas sa publiko, at iniisip ko na baka mas makakabuti iyon para sa iyo,” paliwanag ni mommy, patuloy ang pag-agos ng luha sa kanyang mga mata.“Anong nag udyok sa iyon para lumbas at tumestigo laban kay dad?” Tanong ko sa kaniya.“Si Selena.” Napakunot ang noo ko.“Kilala mo si Selena?” Tanong ko sa kaniya.“Napakabait n
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-15Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-One
Amanda’s POV5 years later . . .“Amanda, nag-usap kami ni Tita Lara, mapapaaga daw ang dating ng mga guest diyan sa resort. Instead of tomorrow, darating daw sila ngayong araw, pero hindi ko naitanong kung anong oras,” sabi ni Bea sa kabilang linya.“Nako, hindi pa naming tapos linisin yung tatlong kwarto sa taas dahil late din nag-check out yung huling guest. Don’t worry, lilinisin na naming agad para makapagpahinga sila agad pagdating nila,” sabi ko kay Bea sa kabilang linya at ibinaba ko na ang tawag upang simulan ang paglilinis sa mga kwarto, habang naglilinis ng mga banyo at dining area si Manang Selya at Ate Miranda.Kasalukuyan akong naninilbihan sa family resort nila Bea dito sa Siquijor. Limang taon na ang nakakalipas simula nang tinalikuran ko ang lahat, at tinulungan ako ni Bea at Tita Lara na magsimula muli. Hindi naging madali ang lahat, pero unti-unti rin akong nakabangon sa tulong nilang dalawa. Bigla na lamang akong nawala, umalis, at iniwan ang siyudad. Mas gusto ko
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-16Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Two
Amanda’s POVPagkatapos kong pakalmahin ang sarili ko, lumabas na ako ng kwarto upang tumulong sa mga gawain, lalo na’t marami ang lulutuin na inorder ng mga guest. I’d be seeing Andrew here at the resort, along with the other guests he brought along—a group of twenty people. Ate Miranda mentioned that Andrew had shared he’d be hosting a one-week art workshop here with his students. I could hardly believe how far his talent had taken him. It felt surreal to think of the man he had become, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for him. I knew how deeply he loved art, and seeing his success, I could feel that every step he took toward his dreams was driven by that unwavering passion. It was as if all the struggles and sacrifices had led him to this point, and I couldn’t help but marvel at his journey.Maybe seeing him for a week wouldn’t be so bad after all. I’d endure his presence, and once it’s over, I could return to my normal life—the life I’ve carefully rebuil
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-16Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Three
Amanda’s POV"Pero gusto kong malaman kung bakit bigla ka na lang nawala, Amanda," he said. His voice trembled slightly, and I felt a sudden stiffness in my chest. His eyes searched mine, pleading for an explanation."I have my reasons, Andrew. I’m sorry for leaving without a word," I replied, my voice soft but sincere. "The situation was so chaotic... You got hurt because of me. Your dad ended up in prison. I thought the best thing was to stay away, to not testify. I thought it would be better for everyone... I have so many regrets. I’m truly sorry. If leaving was the only choice I had, I took it."Andrew stayed quiet for a moment; his expression unreadable. "It’s okay. There were other witnesses who helped convict him," he said, his words flat and detached."I’m still sorry," I whispered."It’s okay," he repeated, his tone colder now. "He’s dead. He killed himself in prison."I froze, shocked by his words. I didn’t know this. I hadn’t asked. I had told Bea I didn’t want to hear anyt
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-17Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Four
Andrew’s POVI can’t put into words the whirlwind of emotions I felt when I saw Amanda again. When she disappeared, it felt like I had spent an eternity searching for her, the weight of each passing day dragging me further into frustration and longing. Despite everything I poured into finding her, not one of the investigators I hired managed to track her down. Slowly, I had to accept that she was gone, forcing myself to bury the hope that I’d ever see her again. But now, here she was—in Siquijor, of all places. The joy that surged through me when I saw her again was almost overwhelming, a feeling I wasn’t ready for, a joy I never imagined I would experience again. Seeing her brought back so many emotions—so many memories—that I thought I had buried deep inside.When we finally spoke by the seashore, my eyes immediately searched for her hand. I needed to know—was she married? Had she moved on with the life I thought she was meant to have? But when I didn’t see a wedding ring, a strange
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-17Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Five
Amanda’s POVWala akong choice kundi samahan si Andrew mag-stroll, dahil nasabi na niya kay ate Miranda. Pumayag na lang ako para hindi na nila ako usisain. Hindi na nila kailangang malaman ang nakaraan namin ni Andrew; ayoko nang magulo pa ang sitwasyon. Sana matapos na ang isang linggo at bumalik na sa normal ang buhay ko.He borrowed a motorbike that was available for guests to use, and I sat behind him. I carefully held on to his back, and our bodies brushed against each other. I could smell his cologne, which was so masculine. As he drove, I savored the fresh air. It had been a while since I last had the chance to roam the island, especially with how busy I’ve been lately.As the ride went on, I could feel him picking up speed, and the bike swerved more unpredictably. The sudden movement made me grip tighter, and the fear of falling started to overwhelm me. Without thinking, my arms instinctively wrapped around his waist, pulling myself closer to him for balance. The mix of the r
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-18Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Six
Amanda’s POV"Saan kayo galing ni Sir Andrew kahapon? Niyaya ka ba niya makipag-date?" Maria asked curiously the next morning as we were in the laundry area."Oo nga, nakita ko kayo kagabi. Naka-angkas ka sa motor sa likod niya. Mukhang type ka ni Sir Andrew. Napapansin ko nga na panay ang pagsulyap niya sa'yo," dagdag pa ni Ate Miranda, na ikinakunot ng noo ko."Huh? Akala ko ikaw ang nag-sabi sa kanya na samahan ko siya?” I asked, a bit taken aback."Wala akong sinabing ganon," sagot ni Ate Miranda, tumango. "Ang sinabi ko lang sa kanya ay maaari niyang gamitin ang motor para maglibot sa isla.""OMG, so type ka nga ni Sir Andrew, mare! Niyaya ka pang mag-stroll sa isla. Grabe, swerte mo girl!" sigaw ni Maria, na parang tumitili pa.I couldn’t help but shake my head absentmindedly. It seemed like Andrew tricked me yesterday. But why would he do that? Why would he lie and say it was Ate Miranda who suggested I go with him? Did he really want me to be with him? Does he still have feeli
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-19Love Amidst Deceit Chapter Forty-Seven
Amanda’s POVI ended up agreeing to do the portrait, even though I was still nervous about the idea. We were now at the seashore, as one of Andrew's students, Patrick, wanted the portrait to have the sea as the backdrop. I was sitting on a rock, and Andrew was standing behind me, his arms loosely around my waist as he helped support me in the pose. We had been in that position for almost twenty minutes.“You really enjoy playing with me, huh?” I said, trying to keep my tone light, though I couldn't hide the small smile on my face.“I’m not playing with you," he replied from behind, his voice low and soft. "I just missed you so much.”His words sent a jolt through me, and my heart started racing again, just like it had earlier. There was something in his voice, something genuine, that made everything around me feel like it was slowing down. I didn’t know what to do with the overwhelming mix of emotions inside me—confusion, excitement, and the undeniable pull between us that I couldn't
Huling Na-update : 2025-02-20
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
