Sa loob ng restaurant na kinaroroonan nina Mike at Shantal mabilis itong nag-order ng pagkain nila. Binigyan siya nito ng bulaklak na kadalasang ginagawa nito tuwing niyayaya siya ng date. Pakiramdam niya nagbago ang pakikitungo nito sa kanya. Ang bawat kilos nito ay kakaiba kesa sa dati ng nasa US pa sila. Nakita niya ito noong kasal nila na nandoon at halos madilim ang mukha nito ng araw na iyon.
Ngayon pakiramdam niya sinisikap nito bawiin ang atensyon niya dahil madalas na itong nagme-message sa mga social media accounts niya. Sinabi niya rito ang mga plano niya against Brent kaya marahil umaasa itong magkaroon sila ng chance to be, with each other. Ngunit ang puso ni Shantal ay parang may kung anong puwang na hindi kayang punan ni Mike even noong panahon ng high school day’s nila na niligawan siya nito. Sumunod ito sa kanya sa America ngunit sadyang naging mailap siya kay Mike. Pumay
Shantal was still shivering at that moment when she heard Brent car sound, leaving away from their home. She can’t understand her emotion, he hated him so much yet when she heard his confession an hour ago her heart seemed to feel pity for Brent. Ngunit may mga plano siya at kailangan na niyang bawiin rito ang para sa kanya. She needs to find evidence that Brent had an evil plan against her and he had another woman. She can’t convince her father to allow her to file an annulment case against him without a shred of solid evidence that she could present to her father and even to the court.Naguguluhan ang isip niya bakit bigla siyang nakaramdam ng konting awa kay Brent kanina ng makita niya itong umiyak at lumuhod sa harapan niya. Alam niyang pagpapanggap lang ang ginagawa nito para makuha ang loob niya. Dalangin niya bago bumalik ng mansyon ang Daddy Edward niya makakakuha siya ng evidence
Matapos maghanda ng snacks at maiinom ni Brent bumalik siya sa sala. Naabutan niyang nagbabasa ng magazine si Agent Santos.“Kain ka muna, kukunin ko lang ang laptop ko sa kwarto para maisend ko yung copy ng evidence sa lawyer ko. He asked me to send it para makapag-process na siya ng request for a warrant of arrest. Tiyak aabutin ng ilang oras bago tayo makakaalis dito.” sabi ni Brent sabay lapag ng dala niyang tray.“Salamat po. Sige, Sir Brent antayin na natin. Gawin niyo muna yung dapat ninyong gawin, dito lang ako.”Mabilis na siyang nagtungo sa kwarto bitbit ang folder at usb drive na dala ni Agent Santos kanina. Nagsend kaagad siya ng copy nito kay Atty. Moran. Mabilis naman itong sumagot sa email niya at sinabihan siyang within the day sisikapin nitong makakuha ng warrant of arrest pa
He felt so tired the whole day yet he wanted to come to the office early the next day. He had gone for two days but it was very productive. Soon, he will achieve the right justice for his father’s death. Tumagal man ng halos apat na taon pero di siya nawalan ng pag-asa. Bukas makalawa haharapin niya ang asawa niya sa loob ng opisina, inisip pa lang niya ang paghaharap nilang dalawa bumibigat na ang pakiramdam niya. Habang tumatagal lalong lumalala ang galit nito sa kanya, she misunderstood him, accused him several times without any basis. It was a tiring cycle of their lives, yet he loved her so much. He just wishes things will turn out better after she knew that the person behind their parent's death was Celso Chan. Humiga na siya sa kama at muli sinubukan niyang tawagan ang cellphone ng Daddy Edward niya but it still off. He tried to call his assistant, Allan.Ilang ulit na niya
“Excuse me?! Say it again?” biglang tanong ni Catherine kay Shantal. Si Brent naman ay nagulat sa sinasabi niya. Di niya alam kung bakit sila nito inaakusahan.“Oh, pretending to be deaf? What’s your name again, Miss Mistress?” she mocked her.“Hey, what are you talking about? Shantal, please stop this nonsense issue you’ve blurted out.” sita ni Brent sa kanya.“Mistress? Are you referring to me? Shantal Santillian?” biglang tayo ni Catherine mula sa upuan at matapang na sinalubong ang tingin niya. Binalewala nito ang sabay na pagsinghap ng mga kasamahan sa office ng marinig ang sinabi ni Shantal“Yes! Did I talk to anybody else aside from you? Aren’t you a mistress of my husband and you really
Pasado alas-sais na ng gabi ngunit nananatiling nakaupo lamang sa madilim na bahagi ng sala si Brent. He felt so much pressure about the arguments between him and Shantal. He wants to approach her again but he doesn't have the courage to do it. He grab the car keys and went down to the parking area, driving his car going to Erick’s house. He only had his best friend who is always willing to listen every time he got a problem. Sunud-sunod na doorbell ang naririnig ni Erick sa main gate nila. Mabilis siyang lumabas at binuksan ito, nagulat pa siya ng makita ang sasakyan ni Brent. Matapos nitong magpark ng kotse sa garahe sinalubong niya ito kaagad.Bakas sa mukha nito ang labis na kalungkutan.“Dude, are you okay?” Erick asks him“No, dude! Can I stay here tonight?” Brent replied
Ilang araw na ang lumipas ngunit di nagawang pumasok ni Brent sa company. Dala ng labis na pagdadalamhati nanatili siya sa loob ng condo. Sa pagkawala ni Edward parang nawalan na rin siya ng ganang bumangon sa bawat araw. Ilang araw na siyang natutulog at di bumabangon sa kama, ayaw niyang mag-isip at madilim ang buong kwarto. Hindi rin siya nag-abalang magcheck ng kanyang social media account. He wanted to be alone in silence, thinking makes him feel lazy and tired.Samantala, naisagawa na ni Celso Chan ang lahat ng plans niya. Dala ng sobrang takot ng dalawang tao na pinapadukot niya nag-produce ang mga ito ng fake evidence at Audit Report pointed out Brent, as the person behind those suspicious transactions and who took the money from Rodriguez Group of Companies. According to Celso’s plan, he plotted a frame-up situation to force Brent to abdicate his position as Chairman of the Board. Pinuntahan
Sa Mansyon ng Chan masayang ibinalita ni Celso kay Mike ang mga naganap sa kompanya. Matapos ang naganap na emergency meeting narinig nilang lahat na ipinag-uutos ni Shantal ang dismissal ni Brent mula sa kompanya. Gagawin ito kinabukasan in front of public media which will be a live stream in the whole country.“Dad, what did you say? Is that true that tomorrow there will be an announcement in the Rodriguez Group of Companies? Does uncle Edward approve all Shantal’s decisions?” tanong ni Mike sa ama.“Nothing to worry about Edward, dahil anak niya ang gumawa ng pasya and I’m pretty sure he knows everything. And it turns out that all my plans go well, dahil naniwala siya doon sa binigay kong fake evidence na ginawa ng Finance Head, bukas ng umaga mawawalan na ng credibility ang mayabang na si Brent Santillian.” na
Malakas na bulungan ang pumuno sa paligid ngunit walang naglakas loob na sumunod kay Brent. Sinundan lamang ng tingin ni Allan ang papalayong si Brent. Gusto niya itong ipagtanggol ngunit batid niyang wala siyang magagawa ng mga sandaling iyon. Si Mica na nasa isang sulok hilam ang mata sa luha at labis na hinagpis ng masaksihan ang lahat ng kaganapan. Tila ba isang palabas na tanging nagbibigay ng masakit na alaala sa bawat nakasaksi nito. Mabilis siyang bumalik sa office nila at kinuha ang cellphone at nag-send ng message kay Brent.Mica’s Message:“Sir Brent, I know you are innocent and a good man. I can’t stand my feet to save you against their accusations because I am just a nobody's secretary that has been serving you for how many years. I saw your effort to make this company expand faster than before, and I al
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