"Are the documents I've asked you to prepare now ready?" tanong ni Gael kay Hugo. Magkapanabay silang naglalakad ng assistant patungo sa opisina niya sa Crown Bank. "Yes, Sir. It's already in your office," mabilis na sagot nito. "Good. What about that thing that I've asked you to do?" aniya alanganin. Alanganing umiling si Hugo. "She said she won't see you anymore, Sir. And that's final," anito sa mababang tinig. A slight shot of disappointment rose from his chest. He'd been meaning to talk to Charlize for days now, subalit ayaw na talaga siya nitong kausapin. Kaya naman si Hugo na ang inutusan niyang gumawa ng paran para sa kanya. But even that, failed.He knew she has every right to be angry at him-- he's a damn confused jerk who cannot control his emotions when it comes to her. But... he really needs to talk to her, even for one final time. Nagpasya na siya, sa itinakbo ng mga pangyayari sa nakalipas na ilang araw matapos niya itong insultuhin nang huli silang magkita, alam na
"To what reason do I owe you this visit for, Ms. Schulz?" seryosong tanong ni Charlie sa babaeng kaharap niya.The woman was wearing a black tailored dress that perfectly hugs every curve of her body. Her blonde hair was shorter than from the picture Gray had sent her when she had Gael investigated earlier. The woman stands statuesque in front of her in the middle of her office, looking at her with controlled fury in her eyes.This is the woman Gael loved, she reminded herself. The woman whom he'd get to spend the rest of his life with. The woman who will take her place in Gael's life.A wave of hurt rose from her chest. After all these years... after everything... in the end, she will still lose Gael. The woman smirked. She remained unfazed though and maintained her eye contact. "I don't have all day," seryosong pukaw niya sa babae na sigurado siyang minamata siya nang palihim kaya kanina pa ito tahimik.The woman forced a smile. " You know my name. I'm sure you know by now who a
Charlie nervously walked over at the makeshift stage where all the new members of the business circle will be inducted... by her. Out of all people, siya pa talaga ang napili nilang tawagin para mag-induct sa mga bagong members ng grupo! When will fate stop making her a joke? There are more well-deserved people in the crowd to do that. Why does it has to be her?! She took in a sharp breath and collected herself. Tapos na, natawag na siya. She has to do what she needs to do. Get this done and over with then you can get the hell of here, she convinced herself. Uncle Nate, the son of Mrs. Cobarrubias, took her hand and helped her climbed up the makeshift stage. Once there, she quickly get done with the task nang hindi siya tumitingin sa mga bagong miyembro ng grupo. Kaya lang nang magsimulang kamayan ng mga officers ang mga new members, she was forced to do it too. That’s when she saw Gael. He was wearing a blue suit that perfectly accentuates his well-built frame. He wore his d
"What do you mean let's talk? What part of I don't want to talk to you can't you understand,Gael? Pwede ba, lumabas ka na lang. Leave me be!" Charlie yelled, anger swiftly running in her veins."I really need to tell you a few things," mabilis na sagot nito, tunog desperado subalit wala siyang pakialam. She scoffed. "I am not interested with anything that you will say, Gael. They mean nothing to me so--""I'm sorry," mabilis nitong putol sa kanya. "I am an asshole for saying those things to you. You were never a lose nor a cheap woman, Charlize. And believe it or not, I respect you."Sandali siyang natigilan. Alam niyang hindi siya dapat nagpapaniwala sa mga sinsabi ni Gael. He is her enemy after all. But she can hear the sincerity in his voice as his eyes bore on her. His stormy gray eyes wore a blanket of gloom in them, and some other emotions she cannot name.She huffed. "That's rich coming from the person who never fails to threaten and insult me every chance he'd get. Pero sige,
"What do you want to eat?" tanong ni Gael kay Charlie. Sa harap nila ay ang hilera ng mga tray ng ulam na isinisilbi ng isang roadside eatery kung saan sila kasalukuyang naroon. It was already lunchtime and they were just a few towns away from San Gabriel. Maaga pa lang nang magsabi siya sa mga katulong nila sa mansyon na lalabas siya at pupunta sa bahay nina Jasmine at Gray. Mahigpit niyang ibinilin sa mga katulong na h'wag ipagsasabi sa kahit kanino kung saan siya magpupunta lalo na kina Axel at Jacob. Subalit imbes na sa bahay ng kaibigan dumiretso, nagpunta siya sa dati nilang tagpuan ni Gael. That's where they've decided to meet up. He was already there when she arrived wearing just his casual clothes-- a sport shirt, jeans and rubber shoes. He was laid-back, relaxed-- like the guy she used to know. A perfect for the memory of him she will get to keep after today. "I think I'll just go with that fried boneless bangus and a little bit of that red egg with tomatoes. I haven't
Halos masilaw si Charlie sa pagtanaw sa saranggola niya na pinagtulungan nila ni Gael na paliparin kanina. The pink kite she chose was flying high in the blue sky-- proudly displaying the wish she wrote on it before she let it fly.Wala sa sarili siyang napatingin kay Gael na noon ay nasa malapit lang, abala rin sa pagpapalipad ng saranggola nito.He was smiling from ear to ear. He is a picture of pure joy as he gaze the blue and yellow kite he chose to fly.A bolt of memory flashed through her mind as she remembered the very first time she realised she had a crush on him.She was on the 5th grade and he was already in high school. They don't see each other as often as they did when she was still homeschooled. Saka na lang sila nagkikita tuwing umuuwi siya sa San Gabriel during school breaks. But Gael will always be at their beach house to accompany her. Before Jasmine, she only had Gael as her friend and no one else. She had always seen him as her hero in his long dirty blonde hair,
Alanganing bumaba ng sasakyan si Charlie habang ang mga mata ay nakatutok sa beach house na nasa harap niya. They have arrived in San Gabriel just a few minutes ago at doon sila agad dumiretso ni Gael."I have never been here before, Gael" pag-amin niya habang pinapagala ang tingin sa kubuuan ng lugar.There's a smaller house just a few meters away from the beach house. Luma na ang pinto ng maliit na bahay, halatang mas matagal iyong naroon kaysa sa beach house. It's probably the house of the caretaker, she thought."Who lives here, Gael?" tanong niya sa kasama habang magkapanany silang naglalakad patungo sa harap ng beach house."Me and T'yo Berting. According to reports, we used to live here," anito.Agad siyang bumaling dito. Nakamata pa rin ito sa beach house na parang wala namang tinatanaw.Nang umihip ang panghapong hangin mula sa dagat sa 'di kalayuan, unti-unting pumikit si Gael.She didn't look away. She just watched him.Was he trying to recall something? A memory? A feelin
Charlie was reeling as soon as she allowed Gael to taste and nip her lips. Every uncertainty, every fear, every reason that tells her why they cannot be together, limot na niya ang lahat ng mga iyon.All that mattered was that moment with Gael and the scorching fire of passion slowly consuming her.Maya-maya pa, bumaba ang mga labi ni Gael sa kanyang leeg habang marahang ipinaglalakbay ang isang kamay nito sa ilalim ng kanyang button-down blouse.She instantly whimpered when she felt his warm hand on one of breast. He fondled it before giving her now sensitive peak a not so gentle squeeze. The sensation ripped right through her and made her core clenched more with need.Maya-maya pa, muli nitong ibinalik ang mga labi nito sa kanya. She met his lips with equal need and passion, knowing in her heart that after today, she will never have him this way ever again.It’s her last chance to be that intimate with Gael, her husband whom she will give away after today.Gael quickly tore his mout
“Again? Pero puno pa ang fridge niyan, love. Nakita ko kagabi nang bumaba ako sa kitchen,” reklamo ni Gael kay Charlie nang muli siyang maglagay ng dragon fruit sa cart. They were out grocery shopping in a local grocery store in Cancun. They have been staying there for a week now in celebration of their second wedding anniversary. It was a trip she didn’t really want to take at first because she easily gets tired lately. But when Gael told her that she will call the shots every time, she was in in no time. She rolled her eyes and faced him. “Can’t you get it? I’m not buying them for me to eat. I’m buying it because they looked cute,” pagrarason niya, muling naglagay ng dalawang piraso pa ng nasabing prutas sa cart. Gael huffed. “Should I buy you a dragon fruit farm?” “Of course not!” sabi niya, muling naglakad sa aisle ng prutas na kinaroroonan nila. “What about a grocery store then? You want me to purchase this grocery store for you?” Namawaywang na siya at hinarap ang asawa.
“Are you ready?” tanong ng Mommy ni Charlie sa kanya. She filled her lungs with air and gave her mother a slow nod. “Yes,” she replied smiling. Gumanti ng ngiti ang Mommy niya, nangingilid ang luha. Masuyo pa nitong inabot anag kanyang pisngi. “I wish you all the happiness in the world, sweetheart.” “Thanks, Mom,” sabi niya bago niyakap ang ina. They stayed like that for a while bago sila nakarinig ng katok sa pinto. “Hey, the music’s starting and all the guests are waiting. Don’t tell me may balak ka pang itakbo ‘yang anak mo, Sam,” said her father’s familiar voice outside the door. Natatawa nilang binitiwan ng Mommy niya ang isa’t-isa. Sandaling nitong pinunasan ng panyo ang gilid ng mga mata nito bago siya muling nginitian. “Let’s go. Your Dad cannot wait to give you away… officially,” pabirong sabi ng Mommy niya bago inabot sa kanya ang kanyang bouquet. When her mother opened the door to her room, she was met by her father’s loving gaze. “Finally,” anito, nakangiti. He gave
It was a manic day for Charlie. No. It was chaos spelled in all caps. She was supposed to wake up an hour ago for her scheduled appointment. But because she and Gael stayed up late yet again last night, there she was rushing to fix herself so she could run to where she’s heading to for the day. “Hey, slow down, beautiful. You’ll hurt yourself,” nakangiting sabi ni Gael sa kanya, sumandal pa sa hamba ng pinto ng walk-in closet niya—looking so handsome with just his lounge pants on and nothing else. “Go away, Gael. You know I cannot be late today,” sabi niya habang naglalagay ng sunscreen sa mukha. She’ll need lots of those sa pupuntahan niya. Gael chuckled. “Bakit, hindi ka naman late a. You still have at least an hour and a half to spare.” She scoffed and picked up her blush powder. She won’t wear her full make-up today. “An hour and a half spare that I’ll spend for travel. You know how’s Manila traffic in the morning, Gael. It’s one of the worse and I can’t afford to be late toda
Sandaling namanhid si Gael sa kanyang nasaksihan. Panandalian niyang kinumbinsi ang sarili na imahinasyon niya lang ang lahat. Na nasa maayos na lagay si Charlie at walang kaguluhan na nangyayari sa mismong araw ng kanilang kasal. He even tried to blink a few times—willing the dreadful scenario away from his head. But when he opened his eyes, his bride, his wife still laid there on the cold ground, bleeding.With his chest constricting, he tried to stand up, wanting to go to Charlie as soon as he can. But his bodyguard nearby kept him from doing so. Anger burned his skin in an instant. He had to go Charlie and no one, not even the damn death god himself could prevent him from doing so.He turned himself onto the ground, lying on his back, and gave the bodyguard hovering over at him a straight jab to the jaw. Napaupo ito, bago siya mahilo-hilong binitiwan. He took that chance to crawl his way to Charlie, who fell near the entrance of the church. ‘I like the water, Kuya Gael. Can you t
Kanina pa nasa harap ng salamin si Gael subalit panay pa rin ang pag-aayos niya sa kurbata ng kanyang suit. The damn thing just won’t align!Frustrated, he took it off altogether and huffed.He’s anxious for some unknown reason. Gray, who arrived last night, said at it must be the wedding jitters but he refuses to believe so. He’s just on edge because he didn’t get to see his wife and son for hours now. Sneaking in at Charlie and Levi’s hotel room crossed his mind a few times last night. With his skills as a former elite boduyguard, he could do that with no sweat involved. But his grandfather gave him a talk about keeping his word and just wait until it’s time for them to meet at the altar again. Subalit naging sobrang napakahirap niyon sa kanya dahil sa iisang hotel lang silang naka-check –in na mag-anak—just different floors. Idagdag pa na talagang makulit si Tala at panay-panay ang pagbabantay sa mag-ina niya, h’wag lang niyang makita ang mga ito.Gray told him to have a little dr
Lena was in the bathtub for hours now. She was watching the tiny drops of water coming out of the faucet as they join the already cold water she was soaking her body in. On the background, she can hear the news from the old TV— the dreadful news she had been hearing for her entire week now. Gael is getting married again… to his wife Charlize. When Gael broke up with her more than a month ago after he had learned about her deceit, she had always been on the run since. Her father and the authorities were after her. She cannot afford to get caught. Especially not by her father. She just knew that when her father would find her, he’ll punishher for ruining his plans. And with her state right now, she knew she'd die with just one blow. Tears fell from her eyes as her heart wracked with pain. She remembered the days when her life was better, when she had so much hope, and when she was still loved. Oh how she wished she could go back. For now, she had lost all of those and slowly losing
“You did what?” hindi na napigilan pa ni Charlie ang magtaas ng boses dahil sa sinabi ni Tala.They were at the private office of her husband. Doon niya ito dinala upang makapag-usap silang dalawa ng pinsan nang masinsinan. Kaya lang, ilang minuto pa lang tumatakbo ang usapan nila, pakiramdam niya gusto na niyang sumuko. “I got married,” pag-uulit ni Tala. “H-he's a prince," alanganing dugtong nito, namumutla.Her eyes widened even more. Did she hear her right?"I’m sorry, what?"Tala released a slow breath. She looks flustered as she was. "Knoxx is a prince of a small country called Maritria. It’s somewhere in the Mediterranean. I don’t know more than that. I stopped my research the minute I’ve learned that his family was related to the British royals.”She paled and gasped aloud. "You married into royalty?!" she asked in disbelief, her voice a notch higher.She had always known her cousin to be troublemaker, wild like how the world put it. But Tala really outdid herself this time.
“Des Auge (Eyes).” “D-des Auge.” “Die Nase (Nose).” “Die N-nashie.” “No, schatzi. It’s die Nase.” “Die N-nase.” “Very good, Levi! You are a fast learner just like you Dad.” Nagmamadaling lumingon si Levi kay Charlie. Her son’s eyes were sparkling with pride. “You heard that, Mommy? Grampy said I learn fast like Dadddy!” Charlie chuckled and walked over at the bed where Levi and Aksel were. She reached for her son’s cheeks and gave it a gentle pinch. “I heard that, sweetheart. Now why don’t you go with Jacob for a while and let me help Grampy with his food,” aniya. Mabilis na ibinalik ni Levi ang mata kay Aksel at nagmano sa matanda. “Bis später, Grampy! (See you later, Grampy!)” bibong sabi ni Levi bago lumabas sa silid ni Aksel. “You raised a really smart boy, Charlie,” ani Aksel nang sila na lang dalawa ang naiwan sa silid nito. "That's because you are a great teacher, Aksel. Don't you agree?" she said as she helped Aksel sit on the bed. The old man chuckled and spoke som
“Here, have some coffee,” ani Charlie habang ibinababa sa harap ni Gael ang tasa ng kape na siya rin ang may gawa.Nag-angat ng tingin si Gael sa kanya. His eyes, just like the few days that have passed, was distant—gloomy. It was as if she's not there. O mas tamang sabihin na nasa iba ang isip nito. He forced a smile. “Thanks, love,” anito bago tahimik na dinala ang tasa sa bibig nito.She released a slow breath and sat on the chair in front of her husband. They were at the balcony of the Bernstein mansion. It was already late afternoon and the sun was beginning to set on the horizon. But she feels like Gael’s day was just about to start.Ito kasi ang nagbabantay sa lolo nito sa gabi. Mula nang dumating silang mag-anak sa Germany halos tatlong araw na ang nakararaan, hindi na natigil sa pag-aalala si Gael sa lolo nito. Why wouldn’t he? The old man was shot on the chest by one of the three butlers in the mansion, whom, they had found out later on, had been working for Alaric for the