Chapter 1

"What really happened back there? Wala ka man lang talagang magkwento, ano?" My mother, who's been ranting for almost half an hour now, asked irritatedly.

I sighed. "Mommy, ayos lang ako. Stop ranting about the accident. Mas lalo mo lang ipinaaalala."

We were here at my room, having a talk since she wouldn't calm down the moment she learnt I'm harassed. Maraming dumalo sa akin kagabi pagkauwing-pagkauwi ko pa lang galing sa club.

The mysterious guy, who I preferred to call my savior, guided me home until I was safe. He even called the police to arrest those men who almost abducted me.

Hindi ako makapaniwalang gano'n kabilis ang mga nangyari.

"Hindi kita maintindihan! I'm your mother and it's my nature to be worried about you! Pero ngayon damang-dama ko ang pagiging walang kwentang ina dahil hindi ko man lang magawang mag-open up ang akin ko sa akin!"

Truth is, I can't understand myself either. Given the fact that I'm shocked, I can't understand why I feel like something has exploded inside me.

Oh, crap. Why can't I just move on and stop thinking about that nonsense?

"You're okay now." The mysterious man assured me. Napatitig ako sa kulay berde niyang mga mata dahilan para mapalunok ulit ako.

He dialed his phone and called someone. I was staring blankly at him, a little shaking from the traumatic experience I just encountered, as I feel my heart's ramming against my chest even though I'm safe now.

This is unbelievable. Kanina lang, masaya akong kasama ang mga kaibigan tapos ngayon muntikan na akong makidnap! Can things be any worse than now?

May dumating na mga pulis. Napalingon ako roon at nakita ang armadong mga pulis at medic na patungo sa aming direksyon, isang bagay na pumukaw sa atensyon ng marami.

The man ordered them to take those three knocked-out guys while the medical team's checking if I have any injury.

Nang masigurong wala naman akong tama o kahit ano, konting mga gasgas lang dulot ng pagkaladkad sa akin, pinayagan na rin akong umuwi.

I thought to take my leave but I don't have the stomach to do that without thanking the man in a proper way. Tumingin ako sa banda niya. He's talking with the cops. Papalakad na sana ako palapit nang magawi ang tingin niya sa akin. My mouth was left open.

He arched a brow. Damang-dama ko ang hiya na nanuot sa aking mga ugat. He continued talking again with the cop and walked towards me when they're done.

"Do you want something?" His voice was a bit raspy. Wala pang kaemo-emosyon.

"Uhm..." Clearing my throat, I bit my lips, feeling a little shame on my part. "Gusto ko lang na... magpasalamat sa p-pagligtas mo sa akin. If it's not to you, something probably happened to me."

He remained stoic, though. Hindi ko nga lang inaasahan ang mga susunod niyang sabihin.

"Don't bother. I didn't do that for you. I don't even care do you at all. Those guys are messing with someone I knew so I taught them a lesson. Save your thank you, Miss."

He left me with a parted lips, widen eyes feeling the shock with a little bit irritation. All I could do is to watch him confidently took his way out of the scene as he drew everyone's attention.

Tanging pag-usok na lang ng ilong ang nagawa ko. I can't believe him! Siya na nga itong pinasalamatan, siya pa itong nagyayabang?!

Sabihin ba naman sa mukha ko na wala siyang pakialam sa akin? Who told him to care for me, though?! Epal.

"Kelsey! Kinakausap kita!"

Tinignan ko ang aking ina. I rolled my eyes then went to the bathroom, banging the door harshly. Damn it! That man really annoyed the shit out of me. As the cold water runs down through my body, I am killing him on my head. Napakaarogante, ang yabang masyado! No wonder why he seems to be alone!

Nag-ayos ako nang matapos maligo. Luckily Mom wasn't there so I kinda felt relieved. Tinignan ko ang mga damit sa aking closet bago napagpasyahang isang high-waisted jeans at isang mini beige top ang suotin. I paired it with pumps and a coat. Itinali ko rin sa bun ang buhok ko.

Nagpasya akong bumaba na.

"Saan ang lakad natin ngayon, Kels?" Ani Tito Raymond nang makitang ayos na ayos ako.

I smiled humbly. "Lunch meeting lang sa lawyer ni Daddy, Tito. You know, starting to pay all my dad's debt."

He laughed a little. "Must've been rough for you. But well, I know you can do that, Kels. You're my brother's daughter after all."

Ngumiti na lang ako sabay tumalikod. However, I stopped when I remembered something. "Tito."

Hinarap niya ako. "Yes, Kelsey? You need something?"

"Uh.. about the incident yesterday," I bit my lip. Damn, I can't do this. "Well, you've heard what happened. I don't want to talk about it but.. do you, perhaps, have any idea who saved me? The mysterious guy with furrowing eyebrows, deep-green eyes and muscular body? I just want to thank him for what he did. I think I owe him one."

He smiled, eyes are a bit suspicious, though. "He's Thaddeus Trimarco. Nakatira malapit lang dito. You see the mansion over there?" He pointed out the big huge mansion near us. Tumango ako. "That's theirs. Ang laki, 'no? His parents are both bussiness persons so is he, but more ruthless. He mastered martial arts, a black belter in taekwondo. Maswerte ka nga dahil siya ang nakakita sa iyo kagabi. Kung iba 'yon, naku, baka napaano ka na."

"I-I should really thank him then.." sabay pilit kong tawa, nagsisinungaling kahit pa nagpasalamat na ako sa napakaaroganteng lalaking iyon.

Nagpaalam na ako at sumakay sa sasakyan. Although while driving, my mind's heading somewhere. Recalling what happened and thinking what my uncle had just said, my impression on him wouldn't change. Kahit pa siya ang dahilan kung bakit walang nangyaring masama sa akin. I still hate him to the nuts!

Ipinarada ko ang sasakyan sa tapat ng restaurant na pinili ko para mapag-usapan ang last will ni Daddy kasama ang kanyang laywer. Agad na kumaway sa akin si Atty. Santos pagkapasok ko pa lang. I headed to his table.

"Ms. Lafuente! It's nice meeting you. I'm a fan!" He offered his hand. Nakangiting tinignan ko iyon. "Nakukwento ka sa akin ng ama mo."

"Thank you, Atty. The pleasure is mine. Let's seat." Umupo na kami. I called the waiter to take our orders and when we're done, I became serious. "Shall we start?"

He presented me my father's last documents. Matiim kong binasa lahat ng iyon. All of his properties, earnings, bank accounts and all, he's transferring it to me! Hindi ako makapagsalita habang tinitignan lahat ng iyon sa harapan ni Atty. Santos.

"Before he died, your father contacted me for his last will. He wanted you to keep all of his wealth, lahat-lahat. It's like he knew he's gonna die.."

A tear fell from my ears. All this time, I thought my father didn't care to me at all that he isolated himself days before he died. Akala ko noon kung anong problema. Iyon ay dahil sa pagkakabaon niya sa utang at ang nalalapit na pagbagsak ng kumpanya.

My poor dad... he must've felt so lonely.. as if no one's there to comfort him...

"Saka ko lang rin nalaman na pinaplano niyang ibenta ang ilan sa mga lupain niyo. He even sold half of his shares to the company's board while some remains on him. I checked his files and learned that he has a huge debt to a man called Vladimir Zinchenko. It might be the reason why he got depressed."

"Pa'no naman siya nagkautang sa lalaking iyon?"

"Gambling problems. Your father almost all of his wealth because of that. Nabalitaan ko pa ngang itinaya niya ang bahay na itinayo niya para sa kanila ng mommy mo rito sa Isabela."

Napamaang ako. I didn't know they have a house here. I never asked. Simula nang maghiwalay sila, sinubukan kong h'wag nang banggitin si mommy o ang anumang bagay na may kaugnayan sa kanya. I have seen how my father desperately loved him so I can't bear to add his suffering.

"Can I know the place, Atty?" Tanong ko at nakangiti namang binigay sa akin iyon ni Attorney.

Ilang bagay pa ang napag-usapan namin, mga deal na napagkasunduan at ang proseso ng paglilipat sa akin ng yaman ni daddy bago ako nagpaalam na. I waved at Attorney Santos before hopping inside my car.

While driving, my phone vibrated. Sinagot ko agad ang tawag.

"Kelsey Lafuente, speaking."

I heard an exaggerated gasp over making my forehead creased,  looked at the caller's ID. "Kelsey! I'm sorry ngayon lang ako nakatawag! M-My father grounded me after the incident believing I was involved in what happened to you! Isa pa hindi ka na namin nakausap ni Gemma kagabi. My Dad dragged me out while Gemma said you're surrounded with cops and she's kinda scared about what happened. I am really sorry, Kels."

Bumuntong-hininga ako sa sinabi ni Ruby. I'm not blaming them, nor anyone. Wala rin namang mababago kahit manisi pa ako. I should've been more careful instead. Hindi na dapat ako nagpakalasing.

"Oh, gosh. I should be the one sorry for the trouble, Ruby! Nagalit pa tuloy si Tito sa iyo." I gasped to ease my mind. "But don't worry about it. Tell Tito it's unexpected and you have nothing to do with it. Magkaibigan tayo kaya alam kong hindi ikaw ang may gawa niyon."

"Pasensya pa rin talaga, Kelsey."

"How about Gemma? What happened to her next?" Pangangamusta ko sa iba pang kaibigan.

She sniffled. "Ayon. Sinisisi ang sarili sa nangyari. You almost got abducted for Pete's sake! That's why she thinks it's her fault! Kung hindi ka daw niya niyaya na sumama, wala sanang mangyayaring ganito."

Napailing-iling na lang ako. What happened to me was traumatizing, yes, but I blame no one for that. Hindi inaasahan iyon. Nobody knew that those guys were planning something bad to me.

"Tell her it's not her fault. Wala namang mababago kahit magsisihan pa tayo kung sino ang may kasalanan." I then took a deep breathe, avoided my thoughts of the arrogant man since I suddenly remembered him. Umirap ako sa kawalan.

If ever I see his face again, I'll punch it to the core. Hard. 'Yung talagang manunuot sa buto ng gwapo niyang pagmumukha ang sakit. Kesahodang siya pa ang nagligtas sa akin. It won't change the fact he's an cocky hot guy!

"Iyon nga ang paulit-ulit na sinasabi ko! Buti na lang nahimasmasan din kanina." She said that as if it's a relief. Rinig ko pa ang paghalakhak niya sa kabilang linya. "Ano palang nangyari kagabi? Ikaw, a, balita ko ang gwapo daw nang naglitas sa'yo! Makalaglag panty daw sabi no'ng mga nakakita! Por que maganda ka kailangan gwapo rin ang knight in shining armor? Jusmiyo, di kita kinakaya!"

It's the utter astonishment that suppressed me to mouth even a word. Pakiramdam ko nag-init ang dugo ko dahil sa sinabi niya. Damn, why can't she just forget about that? If she finds out what kind of a jerk that sexy yet cocky man is, she won't say these compliments!

Iniiwasan ko ngang isipin tapos pinaalala pa.

"It's not like that.." well, I didn't expect that man would still occupy even my friend's mind. Inis akong bumuga ng hangin sabay liko ko ng manibela sa pupuntahan. "Geez, why do we need to talk about him?"

"Because he saved your life! That dashing attractive man with a defined muscular body saved your life!" Ngayon pa lang naiimagine ko na siyang pinanlalakihan ako ng mata, nangungumbinsing dapat akong magalak dahil isang pribilehiyo ang mailigtas ng lalaking iyon.

I sneered.

I focused on the road, already lost my interest. "Okay. Nagpasalamat na ako-"

"Thank you lang? Hindi mo man lang kinuha 'yung pangalan?" Naging kuryoso siya bigla. "He didn't even ask for your number? I mean, maganda ka. Sobrang ganda. Imposibleng hindi man lang iyon nabighani pagkakita sa iyo."

My forehead creased, annoyed, as I drove my way to the forest. Napalilibutan ng matatayog at malalagong puno ang daan kaya mabagal lang ang patakbo ko.

"Dapat ba? E, mukhang hindi naman siya interesado. I also think a 'thank you' is enough." I said that in the most bitter way I didn't know I could say.

"Ano ka ba? You should've atleast invited him to your house! Parang pasasalamat ba kumbaga."

"Kailangan pa ba 'yon?"

"Malamang! Sabi ng isang kaibigan ko na nakakita, talagang gwapo daw! Adonis, perfect na perfect ang pagkakalikha! 'Yung tipong malayo pa lang, hulog na hulog na 'yang puso mo. Kaya kung ako ikaw, I would really invite him to come over. Tapos hihilahin ko sa kwarto ko tapos do'n ko papaligayahan!"

"Ruby!"

My cheeks burned. I felt like all my blood went up to my head. Tuloy ay tatawa-tawa siyang pinapakinggan ang pagkailang ko sa kabilang linya. I rolled my eyes, still blushing though.

"Sige na. Ibababa ko na 'to. Mamaya na lang tayo mag-usap dahil may aasikasuhin pa ako. Bye, Ruby."

She's still laughing. "Bye, Kels. See yah when I see yah!"

Ibinaba ko na ang tawag pagkatapos ay pinarada ang sasakyan sa tapat ng lumang gate ng lupain ni Daddy. The road's too pit so I decided to park here. Lumabas ako nang sasakyan at tinignan ang kinakalawang na gate at ang nakasulat doon.

'You are my home'.

Pumasok ako sa loob. Puro tuyo'y dahon ang nagkalat sa sahig. Mga  patay na puno at halaman na nalanta na dahil hindi naalagaan ng mabuti. Kahit ang magarang fountain na mayroong dalawang maliit na anghel na tila nagsasayaw, wala nang tubig at puno na ng dumi.

Talagang napabayaan na ang lugar na ito.

My eyes went to the simple wooden house. Isang palapag lang iyon, gawa sa mamahaling kahoy lahat ng bahagi. I found myself walking inside as I wander around the place. It's cozy. Unlike outside, this place maintained its beauty. There are cobwebs, some dust probably because it lacks of cleaning. Ang mga furniture ay natatakpan ng mga puting telang puno ng alikabok.

Suddenly, my gaze drifted to a frame near me. My lips then parted when I'd realized it's my father, younger version of him, hugging my mother as if she's the most important thing for him. They were smiling widely, eyes are full of such happiness, tellling how much they love each other, something that made me realize how broken my family was.

He built this place for my mom, for them. Funny how fate played them. Pinaglaruan ng tadhana, pinuno ng pagdadalamhati, sakit, panghihinayang at pagsusumamo. Hoping things would turn back the way they were.

I wonder what my father must've felt. He surely did suffer. I saw him once crying, one month after my Mom had left. He was holding their wedding picture as his tears fell down. Bata pa ako no'n kaya inosente pa sa mga nangyayari. Nito ko lang napagtanto na sobrang sakit pala no'n sa aking ama.

I smiled sadly as regret crept inside me. I never knew Dad has gambling problems. He never told me for he considered me as his most precious diamond. He had supported me on my career, helped me on my studies and cheered me up whenever I was on the brink of giving up. Nakapanghihinyang, he didn't even give me the chance to take care of him when he's old, just like what we always talked about. He didn't let me hug him for one last time. Bakit kailangang maaksidente pa siya?

"I missed you, Dad... so much..." I cried my heart out.

Pinalis ko ang aking mga luha saka napagdesisyunang maglinis. I can't just cry here as I reminisce my memories of him. Mas madadama ko lang na wala na nga talaga siya.

Kumuha ako ng walis at sinimulang tanggalin ang mga supot ng gagamba. I even covered my nose since it's really messy. Tumutulo na ang pawis ko pero pakiramdam ko maalikabok pa rin. Lalo na ang sahig. It took me an hour before I'd finish. Nagpahinga ako nang kaunti at sinunod naman ang labas.

Makalipas ang mahigit tatlong oras, natapos rin ako. I looked at the place, satisfied with the result, nakapameywang at basa na ng pawis. Pumunta ako sa sasakyan para kumuha ng mga damit tapos ay pumasok sa loob ng maliit na bahay para makaligo.

As the water runs down through my body, I reminded myself I need to focus. This is my only way to save our family from despair that has been waiting for us since my father's death. Masyadong malaki ang utang niya, mahigit sampung milyon at wala akong kaide-ideya kung kailan at paano kami sisingilin ng lalaking nagngangalang Vladimir Zinchenko.

Nasa labas ako, nakaupo sa isa sa mga upuan, tinatanaw ang kagandahan ng lugar na pinalilubutan ng mga puno, nang halos mapatalon ako dahil may lumitaw na isang matapang pusa sa aking harapan.

Muntik na akong mahimatay sa gulat!

"Oh my gosh! You startled me!" Sita ko sa kulay kahel na pusa. He innocently started at me, though. "What are you doing here? Do you have a name?"

He was so furry! Mataba siya ngunit mas nagpapataba ay iyong makakapal niyang balahibo.

He meowed.

I caressed his head. Pumikit siya at lumapit sa akin. He began scrubbing himself to me as I felt his fur tickles me. Natawa ako at binuhat siya. Nagpakarda naman!

"What are you doing here alone, you fluffy cat? Alam mo bang maraming wild animals dito na pwede ka na lang biglang atakihin?" Pananakot ko pero humikab lang siya na para bang walang pakialam.

Natatawang tinignan ko ang kanyang collar. It states his name is Caliver, owned by initials TDT. Inignora ko na lang iyon at pinaglaruan ang napakacute na matabang pusang ito!

"Meeooooww!"

Kinikiliti ko siya. He wasn't even trying to bite me! Talagang tinatanggal niya lang ang kamay ko sa kanyang tiyan. He was so amiable.

Nagulat ako nang tumalon siya paalis sa akin. Pinanood ko siyang tumakbo palayo kaya mabilis akong tumayo bago siya sinundan. I found him walking down the rock-formation stairs I didn't knew existing until now. Mariin ang hawak ko sa gilid dahil malumot na ang daan at medyo basa pa.

Pero gano'n na lang ang gulat ko nang pagkababa ko ay makita ang nakapagandang beach sa harapan. The white sand massages my feet as I walked towards it. Hindi tirik ang araw kaya hindi masakit sa balat. I was in total awe, staring at the crystal clear ocean as its waves gently hits the shore, a sight I can't never forget. The sky is blue so is the ocean. Napakaganda ng tanawang ito.

How come I didn't know there's a beach here? This place is full of secrets!

Saka ko lang naalala ang hinahanap kong pusa. I saw him running to the end of the shore. Sa dulo na maraming matutulis na mga bato. Agad akong nagpunta roon, maingat nga lang dahil talagang matutulis ang mga batong naglalakihan na. Konting maling galaw lang ay maaari akong maaksidente.

"Ah..."

I froze when I heard a woman's moan. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at nagtago sa isang malaking bato nang makita ang isang babaeng pinaliligaya ang kanyang sarili habang nakapokus ang paningin sa dagat. Gano'n na lang ang pagkagulat ko nang umahon ang pamilyar na lalaki, ang paningin ay nakatuon sa magandang babae.

The way his eyes hold ruthlessness told me how dangerous he is. Drops of water run down on his chiseled chest, down to his defined abs. He has tattoos on his v-line, making me swallowed hard. I gasped when I saw his nakedness, his member's hanging free proudly. It's not even erected!

I wanted to look away. I can't see this thing, it's too sensual for my eyes! But no matter how I wished to unsee those, I can't understand why I can't look away. It was as if my eyes are locked into his sexy body and his handsome face.

"Thaddeus! Oh!" Tili nung babae nang bigla siyang sunggaban ng halik ng lalaki.

Agresibo. Tila ba hindi sapat ang mga iyon para sa kanya. Marahas niyang tinanggal ang suot na bikini ng babae, bagay na ikinatili nito. I watched them, every move, I have memorized every details as I felt myself going insane staring at him.

Gano'n na lang ang gulat ko nang biglang lumingon sa gawi ko ang lalaki. My eyes widen when he saw me, his eyes are menacing. Umatras ako ngunit nadulas kaya napatili ng malakas.

"Oh my gosh!"

I immediately stood up and ran as fast as I could. With a pounding heart, ramming against my chest. Pero gaano man kabilis ang takbo ko, napasigaw ako nang marahas niyang hagipin ang aking braso dahilan para tumama ako sa kanyang matipunong dibdib.

He was menacing. Mad from what I'd see. Napatunayan ko iyon sa nababasa kong galit at iritasyon sa kanyang mapanganib na mga mata.

"It's you again. A little pervert doll." Walang emosyon ang kanyang pagkakasabi pero sa paraang nakabababa ng pagkatao ko. Evilly, he smirked.

That's when I knew I have no escape with this man. I'm doomed.

Shandreev