Agustin’s POVKatatapos lang ng meeting ko with my potential client from Malaysia, at naging maganda naman ang takbo ng aming usapan. Talaga namang namangha sila sa kalidad ng drogang inooffer ko sa kanila. Of course, it’s one of the best since si Jorge, na isang mahusay na cook mula sa Mexico, ay may mataas na kalidad ng trabaho at sigurado akong kami ang pipiliing supplier ni Mr. Azman. Kung ikukumpara sa ibang mga bansa na may kakayahang mag-supply, hindi siya magkakaroon ng problema sa pakikipag-negosyo sa akin. Dahil sa aming lokasyon, mas madali at mas accessible ang pagpapadala ng produkto kumpara sa ibang bansa.Patapos na ang kampanya, halos ilang araw na lang at eleksyon na, kaya medyo nagmamadali na ako sa pagkuha ng mga loob ng tao. Alam ko naman na ako ang mananalo, dahil ilang beses na akong nilabanan ni Miguel Sandoval, pero ni isang beses, hindi siya umabot sa kalahati ng boto ko. Malakas ang kumpyansa ko na ako pa rin ang pipiliin ng mga tao pero gusto ko lang maging s
Leonardo’s POVToday is election day, but more importantly, it’s the day we’re supposed to invade Agustin's drug laboratory in Palawan. Everything’s been set in motion. The leak of Agustin's darkest secrets went through last night—just before the election. I’ve made sure the voters are rethinking their choice. Now, we wait.But something feels wrong. Amanda has been dodging my calls for days. I don't know where she is. It’s unlike her to just disappear like this.I was seated, taking in the view of the city, when Vania entered our condo. Her presence always seemed to keep me grounded, though today, it only added to the tension."What now? Do you have any leads on where Amanda is?" I asked, my tone almost demanding. I wanted answers.Vania sighed, looking troubled. "I can't find her. The last time she was with Agustin was a week ago. But I did get a CCTV footage from the convention where Agustin's son graduated. She was with Andrew."I looked at her, my impatience growing. "And?"She h
Selena’s POVKinakabahan ako habang papasok ng detention room. Sa tulong ni Bea, nakakuha ako ng suporta para sa mga pinaplano ko. Wala na akong pakialam kung ano man ang magiging kahihinatnan ng lahat ng ito para sa akin. Handa na akong harapin ang lahat, wala nang atrasan. Ang gusto ko lang ay matapos na ang lahat ng ito, at higit sa lahat, matulungan si Andrew.Flash back . . ."Amanda, kanina pa kita hinahanap, anong nangyari sa'yo?" tanong ni Bea nang makita akong gulo-gulo ang buhok at gusot ang damit habang pumapasok sa unit niya."Bea, nakita ko siya. Buhay siya!" Napahawak ako sa braso ni Bea, parang hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa mga nangyari."Sino?" tanong niya nang maang."Ang nanay ni Andrew, yung anak ni Agustin. Nabasa ko ang diary ni Agustin, Bea. Pinagtangkaan niyang patayin si Andrea Carillo. Akala ng buong mundo, matagal na siyang patay, pero buhay siya.""Sigurado ka ba? Nasaan ang diary?"Pumasok ako sa kwarto ko at kinuha ang leather notebook, tapos ito'y inabot ko
Selena’s POVNapakaraming tao sa hospital—ilang mga nagra-rally at mga reporters na gustong makuha ang panig ni Andrew dahil sa pagputok ng balita na ipinakalat ni Leonardo kagabi. Ngayon ang araw ng eleksyon, at nakita ko sa balita kanina na isinugod sa hospital si Agustin. Hindi ko maiwasang magdiwang dahil sigurado akong nagulantang siya sa pagkasisiwalat ng mga baho niya.Nagpunta ako sa hospital upang harapin si Andrew, kailangan ko siyang makausap. Kailangan niyang malaman ang tungkol sa kanyang ina. Nakasuot ako ng puting damit, itim na pantalon, at baseball cap para itago ang aking pagkakakilanlan.“Ano ang masasabi mo sa kumakalat na balita tungkol sa iyong ama?”“Totoo ba na muntik na siyang atakihin sa puso nang kumalat ang balita tungkol sa sikreto niya?”Kitang-kita ko ang pagkabalisang ni Andrew dahil sa dami ng mga reporters na nakapaligid sa kanya. Alam kong nahihirapan siya dahil hindi siya sanay sa ganitong klase ng atensyon. He doesn’t want this kind of attention.B
Selena’s POVBagsak ang kanyang balikat habang nakaupo sa silya at nakaposas ang dalawang kamay. Napatingin siya sa direksyon ko nang marinig niyang magbukas ang pinto ng kwarto. Biglaang nagdilim ang kanyang mukha nang makita ako. Nakangiti akong lumapit sa kanya at naupo sa harapan niya. Ipinatong ko ang aking mga kamay sa lamesang nasa pagitan naming dalawa.Pagdating ko sa detention office, napakaraming reporters ang nag-aabang sa labas kanina. Lumabas na sa balita na ako ang nagsuplong kay Agustin at magtetestigo ako laban sa mga anomalyang ginawa niya. Sigurado akong alam narin ito Andrew, iniisip ko pa lamang ang reaksyon niya sa ginawa ko ay nang hihina na ako. Importante siya sa akin, pero mas importante sa akin ang pag hihiganti ko para sa magulang ko. Tatanggapin ko na lamang ang galit niya sa akin.“Amanda Perez Marquez!” he said, gritting his teeth in anger as he stared at me.“That’s me,” I answered, holding my head high. “It’s nice to see you here. I’m really excited to
Selena’s POVPuno ako ng galit at takot, takot na takot sa maaaring mangyari kay Andrew. Sinabi ni Leonardo na mag-meet kami sa isang liblib na lugar at pinaalalahanan akong mag-isa lang pumunta, walang pulis. Pumunta ako doon mag-isa, hindi ko sinabi kay Bea dahil natatakot ako para sa buhay ni Andrew. Hindi siya dapat madamay dito—he’s an innocent person. I couldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to him.Agad kong natunton ang lugar na ibinigay sa akin ni Leonardo—isang abandonadong lugar at madilim. As soon as I arrived, two armed men greeted me, their presence cold and foreboding. Wordlessly, they led me to where Leonardo was. He was sitting with Vania, a sinister smile spreading across his face as he looked at me. Nang makita ko si Andrew, parang nawala ang hininga ko. Nakatali siya sa isang silya, walang malay, at ganap na walang kalaban-laban. My body screamed to rush to him, but before I could move, the two men stepped in and blocked my way.“Please, Leonardo, let Andrew
Andrew’s POV"Malaki ang atraso ko sa'yo, Andrew. Alam kong hindi ko dapat ginawa lahat ng iyon." Her voice cracked as she spoke, and I saw the pain in her eyes. “This is the least I can do for you. I will get you out of here, and I hope someday you will find it in your heart to forgive me for everything, Andrew. I know I hid my identity, I betrayed your dad, but everything I’ve shown you, personally, it's all been true. I’m telling you this now because I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance again in the future. I love you, Andrew. With you, I can be the person I want to be, and I didn’t want to keep pretending. Thank you for the memories." The sincerity in her voice made it harder to stay angry, to hold on to everything I’d been feeling.She helped me untie the ropes around my feet and wrists, and as soon as she was done, I helped her with hers. But before we could leave, Vania appeared, and she clashed with her.Selena quickly snatched the gun from Vania’s hand, pointing it direct
Andrew’s POVToday is the trial, and I made my way to court to be there, to support my dad. I know he needs me more than ever right now. But I’m torn—I’m not sure how to feel about what’s happening. Dad’s lawyer told me that the main witness is Selena, and she’s still in the hospital. Part of me feels a sense of relief, knowing she can’t testify, which could work in Dad’s favor. But another part of me is filled with so much uncertainty, wondering what this all means for him, for us, and if this will really be enough to change things. At the same time, a part of me is worried about Selena. I don’t know what’s going on with her, or how all of this is affecting her, and I can’t help but feel concerned.All rise for the presence of Judge Rodriguez. Agad na napatayo ang lahat ng nasa loob ng kwarto, at hindi ako mapakali sa kung ano ang pwedeng mangyari."Your Honor, the main witness isn’t present because she is still in the hospital and in critical condition, but we have another witness t
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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