Gigil na gigil si Shantal ng bumalik siya sa kwarto niya. Nagagalit siya dahil hinalikan siya ni Brent. That was her first kiss and Brent took it without her permission. “ Ahhhhhhhhhhhh…Asshole!!!!!!!!!!!...” pinagbabato niya ang mga unan at sinubsob ang mukha sa kama. Di niya akalaing paparusahan siya ng binata sa ganong paraan. Di niya namalayan bigla rin siyang gumanti ng halik dito. Tumakbo siya ng banyo at muling naligo para kalmahin ang nararamdaman niya.
Galit siya kay Brent pero di niya maintindihan ang sarili bakit nagawa niyang magresponse sa halik nito kanina. She felt so crazy thinking about it. Hanggang sa matapos siyang maligo at bumalik sa kama di pa rin niya makalimutan ang nangyari. Paulit-ulit na bumabalik sa isip niya ang eksenang iyon. Ayaw siyang dalawin ng antok. Pakiramdam niya nakadikit ang mga labi ni Brent sa labi niya. Kinuha niya ang cellphone at noon la
Nagmamadaling umuwi si Shantal sa mansyon nila at dali-daling nag-impake ng gamit niya. Buo na ang kanyang desisyon na bumalik ng US. Sa sobrang sama ng loob ayaw nya ng magpaalam pa sa ama. Tinawagan na rin niya ang kanyang PA para maipagbook sya ng ticket pabalik ng US. Di na rin siya nag abalang magpaalam pa sa yaya niya dahil wala ito sa bahay ng dumating siya.On the other side, Brent felt so much embarrassed after what had happened. Some of the employees looking at him with accusations. He wanted to scream to death to ease his pain but he definitely can’t do it because it was Shantal who treated him that way. He had to understand her reaction about the share transfer as it supposedly belongs to her.Edward Rodriguez never says any words after what had happened because he doesn’t want also that Brent will feel so
Life goes on to both Brent and Shantal. They are able to achieve plenty of recognition in their chosen field. Rodriguez's group of companies has become one of the country's most renowned businesses. Share revenue increased 25% from the previous years. Edward Rodriguez remains to be the chairman of the board while Brent is the current appointed President. Employee benefits increased as well. Brent gained respect from them because he worked hard to make things possible. It’s been 3 years since the accident took Cecilia and Mang Cardo’s life remains unsolved. Brent still secretly continues hiring someone to investigate the case.Meanwhile, Edward Rodriguez invited him to dinner. He came late because he had to attend a short meeting with their finance team. Pagdating niya sa location ng restaurant na sinabi nito nandon din ang lawyer ng company.
Sunday ng gabi ang oras ng biyahe ni Brent patungong US. Maaga pa lang hinatid na siya ni Edward at Mang Danny sa airport. Habang nasa Departure area ng NAIA Terminal 1 abala siyang tinitingnan ang cellphone ng may biglang tumabi sa kanyang babae.“Hi! Is this seat taken?” Nag-angat siya ng tingin. Napansin niyang Pinay ang babae ngunit halatang may pinag-aralan base sa suot nitong signature dress at bitbit na LV bag. Stunning beauty that took everyone’s attention the way she walks.“ It’s vacant.” Brent smile a little while responding to the woman.Umupo ito at nagtanong na naman sa kanya na nagpapahiwatig ng interest. “ You’re bound to US?”Brent: Yeah, sort of. Actually, I have an important
Nang sumunod na araw bumalik na ng Pilipinas si Brent. Sinalubong siya ng driver sa airport. “ Manong Danny, si Uncle po?”“Naku sir may meeting ata sa labas kasi po nagpahatid sa akin kanina sa Makati Shangrila.” sagot ng matanda. Matraffic ang kahabaan ng kalsada kaya gabi na ng dumating sila ng mansyon.Tanging si Yaya Santina lamang at ang mga katulong ang naghintay sa kanya. “ Welcome home Brent!” bati ng matanda.Lumapit siya rito at nagmano. “Salamat Yaya Santina. Wag mo na po akong ipaghanda ng pagkain kasi busog pa po ako. Pakisabi nalang sa ibang katulong na iakyat na po lahat ng gamit ko. Bukas ko nalang po ibigay ang mga pasalubong ko sa inyong lahat.” sabi niya sa matanda .Kinabukasan, maaga
Hulog sa malalim na pag-iisip si Brent. Gusto niyang sumigaw pero di ito ang panahon para isipin ang nararamdaman niya. Tiwala siya sa mga plans ni Edward dahil alam niyang parating firm ang decision nito. He will cross the bridge when he gets there. Shantal will be his wife soon and he should not feel angry nor jealous to Mike Chan’s proposal.Sa kabilang room naman biglang nakaramdam ng pagkahilo si Edward kaya agad niyang tinawag ang assistant niyang si Allan. Mabilis itong pumasok sa opisina niya. “ Sir ok lang po ba kayo? Dalhin ko po kayo sa hospital” si Allan na lumapit rito ng makitang naka tungo ito sa table.“ Yeah, please inform Doctor Cruz immediately. Do not make any noise and avoid anybody’s attention specially Brent.”“Yes sir,
At Shantal’s home in the US….Shantal’s mind we’re being bothered by her Yaya’s message. Sabi nito di maayos ang kalagayan ng ama niya. Tumawag ito at madaling araw na sa US. Di na siya bumalik ng tulog. She needs to come home. Her Yaya is right, It’s been a long time that her mom had died. She thinks that this would be the exact time to return back to her country and take back all her rights on her parent’s company. Though she doesn't have enough knowledge of the entire company operations she knows there are some professional employees who can help her to do it. She will drive Brent out in his father’s company. Panahon na para bawiin niya lahat ng para sa kanya. Busy man ang schedules niya ngunit nagpasya na siyang tanggihan ang ilan pang mga fashion series at commercial contract na dapat niyang gagawin. May sapat na siyang ipon. Batid din niy
Mataas na ang sikat ng araw nang magising si Brent. Tumagos na sa salamin ng bintana ang init ng araw. Narinig niyang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto niya at boses ni Yaya Santina ang tuluyang nagpamulat sa mata niya. “ Brent, bangon na tanghali na kanina pa naghintay si Sir Edward at Shantal sayo. Dinalhan na kita ng pagkain dito sa kwarto mo para di ka na pupunta sa dining room”. Daldal nito habang binubuksan ang kurtina ng kwarto niya.“Thanks, Yaya! Bumangon na rin siya at nagtungo sa banyo. Bababa na rin po ako pagkatapos maligo at kumain.”Matapos kumain bumaba na si Brent at nagtungo sa terrace ngunit wala doon sila Shantal. Nagpasya siyang magtungo sa study room. Kumatok muna siya at ng marinig niya ang boses ni Edward na pinapasok siya pinihit niya ang pinto. Nandoon na rin
Maghahating gabi na ngunit gising pa rin si Shantal. Nakita niyang hinatid ni Erick si Brent. Halatang lasing ang binata kaya mas pinili niyang manahimik nalang muna. Balak niyang komprontahin ito ngunit ng puntahan niya sa kwarto nito kaninang hapon ay wala si Brent. Nakita niyang sinalubong ito ni Mang Danny at hinatid sa kwarto. Siya naman ay pumasok na rin sa room niya. All of a sudden her life turns upside- down. Fate makes Brent her enemy as her husband to be. She had to play the game her Dad been set up. She needs to get what belongs to her. She never feels any empathy for Brent because she thinks the man been sucking the blood and sweat of her parents a very long time ago. Life has been unfair to her because she had to leave her home to prove to her parents that she can able to make them proud. Despite the fact that Brent was so nice to her and she still hated the way he is.
Karga ni Brent ang natutulog na sanggol at abot tenga ang ngiti niya habang tinititigan ang maamong mukha ng bunso nila.“Baby, I’m your Dad, welcome to our family, sweetheart!” bulong nito sa anak.“Love, ibaba mo na ang anak natin baka magising. Kanina mo pa karga iyan!” Shantal called Brent’s attention.“Okay lang Love, magaan naman sya. And I love to watch her innocent face!” He walked over to Shantal’s bed. “Look, she’s beautiful like you. My princess resembled her mom!” he showed a wonderful smile on his face.“Hindi kaba napapagod? Kanina mo pa karga ang baby natin!”“Of course not! She’s my precious princess!” s
Shantal gives her sweet smile to Ivana. She feels pity for her when she sees her face full of tears. Bakas pa sa mga mata nito ang patak ng luha. Napansin niya rin ang mahigpit na paghawak nito sa mga kamay ni Brielle.Kakarecover lang niya mula sa mahabang oras ng kanyang labor period. Inabot ng halos siyam na oras bago lumabas ang bunso niya. Pagod ang pakiramdam niya ng mga sandaling iyon ngunit masaya ang pakiramdam nilang lahat ng masilayan ang munting anghel nilang si Denise. Her little angel gives more joy and overwhelming happiness for both of them. Hindi niya inakalang masusundan ulit si Brielle dahil wala sa plano niya ang magkaroon agad ng baby mula ng biglaang bumalik si Brent sa buhay nilang mag-ina.Parang kailan lang, halos di pa sila magkasundo ni Brent dahil sa mga pangit na memories nila bilang mag-asawa. Bakas sa mukha ng asawa niya ang labis
2 months laterBrent had just landed at Changi International Airport from his two months travel to Shanghai. He’s been waiting for Ryan at the arrival area. Nakita niyang papalapit na ito sa kanya, kasama nito ang fiancee.“Welcome back to Singapore, Sir Brent!” bati nito sa kanya sabay kuha ng luggage niya.“Sorry if I bothered you guys. Nakakapagod sa biyahe,” he said“Hi, sir Brent, kumusta po kayo?” bati ng fiancee ni Ryan“Hello, Samantha. I’m doing fine! How’s your wedding preparation, guys?” he asked after he got inside the car.“Tapos na po, and I’m excited kasi sa isang linggo na
Kinagabihan, tahimik na nag aabang si Brent sa labas ng opisina ng Rodriguez Group of Companies dahil plano niyang sundan ang sasakyan ni Shantal pauwi ng bahay. He parked his car near the company and stayed inside his car, waiting for Shantal to come out. He still cares about her, yet he chooses not to show up because he had told her that he would no longer bother her again. Nakita niyang sumakay na ito ng kotse at sinundan niya ang pag-uwi nito ng bahay. He saw Brielle at the terrace with Shantal, and he wanted to come back to the house to stay with them, but he dare not break his promise.Tears started to fall down in his handsome face, he missed them so much, and it hurt him a lot seeing his wife and son in a far distance. Halos madaling araw na siya umalis sa harapan ng mansyon. Takot siyang madamay si Shantal at Brielle sa kinakaharap niyang laban. Pagbalik ng condo, nadatnan niyang gising pa si Agen
Brent picked up his luggage and walked towards the door. Hindi alintana ang hapdi ng sugat sa braso niya, dumaan siya sa kwarto ng anak at nadatnan itong mahimbing na natutulog. He walked towards Brielle’s bed and sat down immediately.Tears slipped in his eyes, and he touched Brielle's tiny face. Magkahalong lungkot at pag-alala ang nararamdaman niya ng mga sandaling iyon ngunit kailangan na niyang umalis sa bahay na ito. He & Shantal ended in a tragic way, hindi natupad ang pinangarap niyang bubuo sila ng masayang alaala bago siya umalis sa buhay nito. He planted a soft kiss on Brielle’s face and bid his farewell.“Buddy, Daddy had made the worst decision in life and hurt your Mom. I will no longer be coming back into your life, and this would be the last time I could see you. Thank you fo
Kinabukasan maagang nagising si Brielle at nagtungo sa kwarto nilang mag-asawa. Tulog na tulog pa silang dalawa ng pumasok ito. Mabilis itong lumapit sa kama at lumapit sa pwesto ni Brent.“Daddy, Mommy! Wake up! It’s too late! It’s getting late, why are you still in bed?” boses nito na nangibabaw sa buong kwarto.Mabilis na dumilat ang mata ni Brent at umupo sa kama. “Hmm! My little boy. What time is it?”“Past nine o’clock in the morning, Daddy!” Brielle said cheerfully near his side.“Buddy, come here and lower down your voice, Mommy’s still sleeping,” mabilis siyang bumaba sa kama at kinarga ang anak.“Daddy! Aren’t you going to work
After half an hour Brent decided to head back home. Binilinan niya ang guard sa main entrance na magmasid ng maigi sa paligid. Hindi mawaglit sa isipan ang huling sasakyan na sumunod sa kanya kanina. Nag-aalala siya para kay Shantal at Brielle. Alam niyang tauhan ito ni Celso Chan at pinasusundan siya. Sa susunod na linggo na ang muling pagbubukas ng kaso niya laban dito. Ilang taon na ang nakalipas at hanggang ngayon malaya pa rin itong nakakalakad dahil natigil noon ang pagsampa niya ng kaso laban dito. He promised to send this man to jail no matter how long he will fight against him. Pagpanhik niya ng bahay nakita niyang nag-aabang sa sala si Shantal. Her face looks terrible like a lioness who is in a state of anger.“Where have you been?” she asked him immediately, and her voice sounds pretty bad. In her mind, Brent went to his mistress again.
Rodriguez Group of CompaniesBrent and Shantal are on their way to the company. Tahimik na umupo sa harapang bahagi ng kotse si Shantal ng biglang nagsalita si Brent.“What if the case of Mom’s death a few years ago will reopen? Would you still want the culprit to be jailed?” tanong ni Brent.“What do you mean? Mom’s death was planned? By who?” she asked“Nothing, just forget about it. Let me ask you another question,”“Sure! What is it?”“Are you not wondering why I suddenly disappeared five years ago?” he asks while his eyes are on the road.Matagal nag-
Matapos magligpit sa kwarto ni Brielle bumalik si Shantal sa room niya. Dinampot niya ang Digital Camera na nasa sahig. Ngayon lang niya ito ulit naalala. She sat down in her bed, looking at those photos that were taken a few years ago by Brent during her fashion show in the US. All candid photos of her reminded her younger age. A beautiful young lady who seemed to look so strong but deep inside silently bleeding. She remembered her parents were so busy with their business, giving her all material things in life and allowing her freedom to be enjoyed. Her parents didn't bother to ask her if she's happy and okay.Akala ng mga ito, she enjoyed being an independent child, ngunit may malaking puwang sa puso niya na hindi kayang punan ng pera. Ang atensyon at pagmamahal ng mga ito na napunta lahat kay Brent. She lived a sad life all along. She was so jealous of how they treated Brent right in front of her. Ito