SLOAN“Good morning, Mrs. Velasco. I am Henry, your personal butler that Mr. Velasco assigned,” sabi ng lalaking nasa labas ng unit namin nang tanungin ko kung sino siya.He was wearing formal attire that consisted of a black tailcoat with matching trousers, a white dress shirt, a black bowtie, black dress shoes, and wayfarer sunglasses.Oo nga pala. I almost forgot. Nagbilin pala sa ‘kin kanina si Dominic bago siya umalis na magkakaroon ako ng mga bodyguards at personal butler habang wala siya. This wasn’t new to me anymore because, when I was in college, I had many bodyguards following me everywhere to watch over my every move.Kinuha ni Henry ang iba kong dalang gamit. Pagkababa namin sa lobby gamit ang elevator ay kaagad kaming lumabas at sumakay sa sasakyan na nakaabang sa labas. Siya rin ang magda-drive. Pupunta na kasi ako ngayon sa Velasco Metal Corporation para sa first day ko bilang acting CEO.I knew that Dominic would leave early, so I woke up early too. He was surprised t
SLOAN“S-Simon?”I didn’t know what to feel as I looked at the man, whom I hadn’t seen in almost four years. He had matured. He had grown taller and become more handsome. Malayong-malayo siya sa Simon no’ng college kami.“Sloan? What are you doing here?” he asked, confused.I blinked. “I should be the one asking you that. What are you doing here?”Tumayo siya ng tuwid at saka binaling sa akin ang buong atensiyon niya.“Well, as you can see, I’m here for a business meeting,” he said. Inayos niya pa ang suot na white long sleeve na parang inabot ng ilang oras para plantsahin dahil wala roong makikitang gusot.“So you’re the representative from SteelTech Solution?”Kumunot ang noo niya at saka tumango. “Ah, yes. Pa’no mo nalaman?”I cleared my throat. “I am the acting CEO of Velasco Metal Corporation. Ako ang makaka-meeting mo.”“Ano?!” bulalas niya. “Pa’no nangyari ‘yon? Akala ko si Mr. Dominic Velasco ang makaka-meeting ko ngayon.”“He had an important appointment abroad. Anyway, can w
SLOANI slowly opened my eyes when I felt a little cold that I thought was coming from the air conditioner. I sat down on the bed. With one eye closed, I looked around at the place where I was now.Bumungad sa akin ang modern room na white and sky blue ang pintura. There are indoor plants and aesthetic furniture that are properly placed in the room. There are also minimalist paintings hanging on the wall.Where am I?Malinaw kong naalala kung ano’ng nangyari kagabi. I was kidnapped!Suot ko pa rin ang damit ko kahapon. I tried to look for my handbag, but it’s nowhere to be found! I need to call Dominic and tell him what happened!I combed my hair with my fingers out of frustration and then got off the bed. Tumingin ako sa digital clock na nakapatong sa putting bedside table. It’s already 8:04 AM.Maglalakad na sana ako papunta sa pinto para lumabas ngunit hindi ko na natuloy nang bumukas iyon. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ko kung sino ang niluwa no’n.“D-Dominic?” I muttered in dis
SLOANI couldn’t take my eyes off him while my heart was beating so fast, as if I were running in a marathon. But the truth is, I was just sitting there, gazing at him.I made him happy? How?Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling ang galak na umusmong sa dibdib ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Tila gustong tumalon ng puso ko sa saya dahil sa nalaman ko.“P-Pa’no kita napasaya?” I asked curiously.I know such things shouldn’t be asked, but I can’t help it! I want to know.Dominic took a bottle of beer from the cooler and opened it using the can opener. Tumungga muna siya no’n at tumingin sa bonfire na malakas pa ang apoy.“Your presence itself made me happy, sweetheart,” panimula niya at tumingin sa ‘kin.Ang kaninang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko ay mas lumala pa. It became more wild and unstoppable.I gulped. “W-What do you mean?”“You know, ever since you came into my life, it feels like I’ve found a purpose to live. You’re the reason why I wake up in the morning to continue my life. You’re
SLOANNaging abala ang lahat kinahapunan dahil sa kasal namin bukas ni Dominic sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Almost everyone was helping with the food preparations and setting up the venue, which will be held at the beach.We are currently at Aling Julma’s house to sew the white dress that I will wear tomorrow and to fix the fresh white flower that they are arranging to become a flower crown.Dominic is outside, helping with cooking the food along with the other men. They said we will be sleeping here on the island so that we won’t get tired going back and forth from Isla Cala Azulada to here.“Naku, excited na talaga ‘ko sa kasal ninyo bukas, Ma’am Sloan,” nakangiting sabi ni Aling Julma habang naggugunting ng putting tela. Siya raw ang kilalang mananahi sa Isla San El Paso.“Halos lahat naman yata ay excited sa magaganap bukas, mare. Ang huling malaking selebrasyon pa yata rito sa isla natin ay noon pang grumaduate si Puni ng Cum Laude sa kolehiyo sa Maynila,” sabi naman ni Aling Hele
SLOANI’ve experienced a beach wedding before with Frederick, and I didn’t feel anything that day but sadness and disappointment. But today, as I walked on the white sand, wearing only my flip-flops, a simple white dress, and a fresh crown flower, it felt like I was walking on clouds.Ang buhangin na nilalakaran ko ay may nagkalat na petals ng mga iba’t ibang bulaklak at sa dulo nito ay naroon ang arkong altar kung saan naghihintay si Dominic at si Mayor na siyang magkakasal sa amin sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Nakatayo lang ang mga residente ng Isla San El Paso habang nakangiting nakatingin sa amin. Lahat sila ay nakasuot ng puting damit. Mapababae man o lalaki.I gulped when Dominic and I locked eyes. He was looking at me intently, like I was the only one he was seeing, and not minding the people around us. Ang gwapo niya sa suot niyang puting button down long sleeve at saka itim na slacks. Nakasuot lang rin siya ng flip-flop kagaya ko.Ang itsura niya ngayon ay malayong-malayo sa it
SLOANKinabukasan ay umalis na nga kami ng Cebu kagaya ng sabi ni Dominic. Leaving San El Paso was not easy for us, especially because I could really feel the sadness of the people there when we told them that we had to leave.Naiintindihan naman daw nila na aalis talaga kami, hindi lang talaga raw nila inaasahan na mapapaaga. Nangako naman kami na babalik kapag nagkaroon kami ng libreng oras. We are currently inside Dominic’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class car, heading to his penthouse. Gumamit kami ng private plane na pag-aari ni Dominic kaya mabilis kaming nakarating dito sa Manila.“Ano’ng oras tayong pupunta sa Pangasinan?” basag ko sa nakakabinging katahimikan na kanina pa bumabalot sa loob ng sasakyan.He glanced at his wrist watch and said, “Two hours from now. Magpapahinga muna tayo at mag-iimpake ng mga gamit na dadalhin natin doon.”Sumulyap rin ako sa suot kong rose gold na wrist watch. It’s already ten in the morning, so we’ll leave around one in the afternoon.“How long will we
SLOANI gulped hard while looking at her dangerous eyes that were darting into me. Kung nakakamatay lamang ang tingin, malamang kanina pa ‘ko nakabulagta sa sahig at hindi na humihinga dahil sa paraan ng pagtingin niya sa akin.“Ang kapal naman talaga ng muka mong maglakad-lakad ng malaya pagkatapos ng pagpapabayang ginawa mo sa anak ko, ano?” galit niyang turan.I quickly averted my gaze and stood up. My knees and hands were trembling because of nervousness. I could feel my forehead sweating because I could sense the sharpness of Tita Fina’s gaze.“I-I’m sorry po. A-Aalis na lang po ak—”“At sino ang nagsabi sa ‘yo na pwede kang umalis habang kinakausap pa kita? Bakit? Natatakot ka bang marinig ang mga sasabihin ko kasi totoo?” she cut off.Nag-angat ako ng tingin ngunit mabilis ding umiwas. Kaparehas niya ng mata si Frederick. Naalala ko kung paano sa ‘kin tumingin noon ang anak niya kapag galit siya sa trabaho at sa akin ibubuntong ang init ng ulo niya.I closed my eyes tightly to
KABANATA 22: PartySLOAN“Do you think this gown looks good on me, Dom?” I asked Dominic, a little worried, as I stood in front of the full-length mirror, holding the gown I’d be wearing to Daddy’s party later.I’m usually confident when it comes to choosing my outfits because that’s one of the things I’m only good at, but I don’t know why I’m feeling self-conscious right now.Nakita ko sa repleksiyon ng salamin na tumayo si Dominic mula sa pagkakaupo sa gilid ng kama at saka lumapit sa kinatatayuan ko. He wrapped his arm around my waist from the back and rested his chin on my shoulder. Our eyes met in the reflection of the mirror.“You’re always beautiful, wife. Kahit ano ang suutin mo bagay sa ‘yo,” he said gently and smiled.I felt my cheeks warm up because of what he said. I rolled my eyes at him para matago ang pamumula ng pisngi ko dahil sa pambobola niya.He smirked. “You’re being a little bitchy na, huh?” he teased, pinching my nose.“Dominic!” I chided him, but he laughed and
SLOAN“Oh my god, Trice! The Philippines still hasn’t changed, it’s still hot as fucking ever. I hope I won’t get any darker here because I’m sure my manager will freak out if my skin gets any darker,” Avianna ranted exaggeratedly, her eyes widening while pulling her pink suitcase.“Why? I think tan skin looks good on you, Avi,” I said. Kakalabas lang namin ng NAIA terminal airport dahil sinundo ko siya.Nagkaroon si Avianna ng pagkakataon na makapunta rito sa Pilipinas para sa kaniyang one week vacation and para mabisita niya rin daw ako. She informed me last week through the phone that she was going to visit me here and have some relaxing vacation. Ang huling punta niya kasi rito ay eight years old pa lang kami no’n and my mom was still alive back then. Madalas ay ako ang bumibisita sa kanila sa Croatia kaya kahit papaano ay naging close kaming dalawa.“I know, right? I always try out filters that give me a tan skin look, and I am starting to get really obsessed with it.” She pouted
SLOAN“Lahat ng problema ay may solusyon. Lahat ng problema ay nagagawan ng paraan. Kaya sana parehas ninyong lawakan ang inyong isipan kung sakaling dumating ang mga pagsubok na iyon.”Ito na ba ang pagsubok na tinutukoy ni Lola Pining no’ng minsang pumunta kami sa Isla San El Paso?I just realized now how difficult it is when you don’t have someone to turn to during times like this. I want someone to talk to so I can share what’s running through my mind right now, but who would I talk to? Wala naman akong kaibigan. Once again, I’m feeling the familiar loneliness again, which I haven’t felt for the past three months.“Kumusta, ma’am? Nagustuhan po ba ni sir—” Lila furrowed. “Teka, ayos lang po ba kayo, ma’am?”I looked at Lila and smiled forcefully.“Y-Yes. I’m fine. Magpapahinga lang ako sa kwarto,” sabi ko at nilagpasan siya. Dire-diretso ako paakyat sa pangalawang palapag, hindi binibigyang pansin ang mga nakamasid na mata ng mga kasambahay.Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako nagkakagan
SLOANDays had passed smoothly. A week after getting back from Pangasinan, we moved to the mansion Dominic bought in Forbes Park.Nauna na doon ang mga gamit namin at pinaayos niya na sa mga kasambahay ang mansion para raw wala na akong aalalahanin pa.“It’s not really necessary to have maids anymore, Dom. I can do household chores, can't you see?” I argued while he was driving.He sighed. “It’s a mansion, sweetie. It means it’s huge. You can't clean that mansion alone, okay? Besides, you're my wife, not my maid,” he said calmly.“Yeah, pero kaya ko naman kasi…” pagpipilit ko pa.“No.”“But—”“Sweetheart, no.”Ngumuso ako. Kanina ko pa siya kinukulit na huwag nang mag-maid dahil dagdag gastos lang iyon ngunit ayaw niya talagang pumayag. Yes, I know that he has tons of money, and the salary he'll give to the household staff is just a pittance to him, but still hindi ko mapigilang manghinayang.I took a deep breath. “Fine,” pagsuko ko.He smirked in victory. Ganiyan siya palagi kapag si
SLOANI almost killed him… I almost killed my own husband. I didn’t know. I didn’t know that he was allergic to shrimp. If I just know… hindi ko na sana siya pinakain no’n.Tahimik lang ako habang nakaupo sa sofa at nakatingin kay Dominic na nakahiga sa hospital bed. He’s stable now and has been transferred to the VIP room. The doctor said it’s a good thing he was brought to the hospital quickly before the situation got worse.Davina, Attorney Delmundo’s twin sister, was sitting next to Dominic’s hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand as she watched him sleep.Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling ang sakit na bumalot sa dibdib ko habang pinapanood siya. Ako dapat ang nandoon. Ako dapat ang may hawak ng kamay ni Dominic habang hinihintay siyang magising. Ako dapat ang una niyang makikita pagbukas ng mga mata niya pero pakiramdam ko ay wala akong karapatan pagkatapos ng nangyari.Ako ang nagdala sa kaniya sa ganitong sitwasyon. Gusto kong mainis kay Dominic dahil alam niya naman na all
SLOANAfter I bought pasalubong for Yaya Basya and Ate Beeba here in Nepo Mall, I looked for a restaurant because I plan to bring lunch to Dominic at the factory.I don’t know the exact address of the VMC factory here, but there’s Google Maps naman and the company Dominic works for is well-known, so I know I won’t have a hard time finding it.Tumigil ang paa ko sa harap ng Yankee Bites isang American restaurant na nadito pa rin sa loob ng Nepo Mall.Kung tama ang pagkakaalala ko, half-American si Dominic kaya sigurado ako na miss niya nang kumain ng American cuisine.Pagpasok ko sa restaurant ay medyo maraming tao. Most of them are Americans who probably missed eating the American foods that they’re used to.I walked toward the counter. Dadamihan ko na lang siguro ang order ko para sabay na kaming mag-lunch ni Dominic.“Good noon! What do you want to have, Ma’am?” nakangiting tanong ng babae sa counter.I looked at the countertop menu and read the available dishes.“C-Can I have Jamba
SLOANI gulped hard while looking at her dangerous eyes that were darting into me. Kung nakakamatay lamang ang tingin, malamang kanina pa ‘ko nakabulagta sa sahig at hindi na humihinga dahil sa paraan ng pagtingin niya sa akin.“Ang kapal naman talaga ng muka mong maglakad-lakad ng malaya pagkatapos ng pagpapabayang ginawa mo sa anak ko, ano?” galit niyang turan.I quickly averted my gaze and stood up. My knees and hands were trembling because of nervousness. I could feel my forehead sweating because I could sense the sharpness of Tita Fina’s gaze.“I-I’m sorry po. A-Aalis na lang po ak—”“At sino ang nagsabi sa ‘yo na pwede kang umalis habang kinakausap pa kita? Bakit? Natatakot ka bang marinig ang mga sasabihin ko kasi totoo?” she cut off.Nag-angat ako ng tingin ngunit mabilis ding umiwas. Kaparehas niya ng mata si Frederick. Naalala ko kung paano sa ‘kin tumingin noon ang anak niya kapag galit siya sa trabaho at sa akin ibubuntong ang init ng ulo niya.I closed my eyes tightly to
SLOANKinabukasan ay umalis na nga kami ng Cebu kagaya ng sabi ni Dominic. Leaving San El Paso was not easy for us, especially because I could really feel the sadness of the people there when we told them that we had to leave.Naiintindihan naman daw nila na aalis talaga kami, hindi lang talaga raw nila inaasahan na mapapaaga. Nangako naman kami na babalik kapag nagkaroon kami ng libreng oras. We are currently inside Dominic’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class car, heading to his penthouse. Gumamit kami ng private plane na pag-aari ni Dominic kaya mabilis kaming nakarating dito sa Manila.“Ano’ng oras tayong pupunta sa Pangasinan?” basag ko sa nakakabinging katahimikan na kanina pa bumabalot sa loob ng sasakyan.He glanced at his wrist watch and said, “Two hours from now. Magpapahinga muna tayo at mag-iimpake ng mga gamit na dadalhin natin doon.”Sumulyap rin ako sa suot kong rose gold na wrist watch. It’s already ten in the morning, so we’ll leave around one in the afternoon.“How long will we
SLOANI’ve experienced a beach wedding before with Frederick, and I didn’t feel anything that day but sadness and disappointment. But today, as I walked on the white sand, wearing only my flip-flops, a simple white dress, and a fresh crown flower, it felt like I was walking on clouds.Ang buhangin na nilalakaran ko ay may nagkalat na petals ng mga iba’t ibang bulaklak at sa dulo nito ay naroon ang arkong altar kung saan naghihintay si Dominic at si Mayor na siyang magkakasal sa amin sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Nakatayo lang ang mga residente ng Isla San El Paso habang nakangiting nakatingin sa amin. Lahat sila ay nakasuot ng puting damit. Mapababae man o lalaki.I gulped when Dominic and I locked eyes. He was looking at me intently, like I was the only one he was seeing, and not minding the people around us. Ang gwapo niya sa suot niyang puting button down long sleeve at saka itim na slacks. Nakasuot lang rin siya ng flip-flop kagaya ko.Ang itsura niya ngayon ay malayong-malayo sa it