I’m not sure what Martin’s goal is. If he wants to teach me, he shouldn’t do it this way. My hands clenched, but I took a deep breath before returning my gaze to the target.Although it is still a fake, there is a picture of the Villalobos. My fists right away shook as I glanced at the pictures of the Villalobos family pinned to the target.Martin said, “I’ve been watching your shooting practice for a while,” but I stayed silent. “I noticed you were nervous about holding the gun, so I instructed my staff to make a picture of the enemies, so you could focus on what you were doing.”I took a step back and shook my head because I wasn’t ready to see them again, not even in pictures. What is Martin thinking? I’m doing great in training! He no longer has to do this to me!He grabbed my hand, but I evaded him and pointed at him, frightened.“I’m not ready to face them, even with their pictures!” I yelled. And turned away because it made no sense to continue my training.“How can you take re
When we arrive at a venue where I shall be present.They invited Martin to become an investor in the upcoming company. He brought me along to teach me more about business strategies and how to fool high-ranking individuals.“Ana.”I took a deep breath and swallowed. Even though I've learned from other sources, it’s still different in real life. It’s no longer a game, since this is where I can show whether I’ve learned anything in my few months of training.Martin asked, “Are you okay?” I nodded and tried a grin at him.Do I look okay? Even though I’ve planned off time, I’m still worried.“Don’t worry, this is your first mission; you must win the hearts of high-ranking people for the company you will establish,” he said as he took my hand. I took a deep breath as I glanced at our hand.“I know, but it’s different when you’re in front of well-known individuals here; it’s intimidating, but I can handle it,” I said. He smirked and flicked onto my forehead, making me giggle.“You’re with m
ANA’s POV(“At the auction, there will be expensive items for sale. Buy the best design and the best accessories, Ana. Don’t lose to those who attended the event today, outdo them. Martin will look after you.”)When I heard Paris speak, I put my hands over my ears. Because I was worried about what was going to happen, I took a deep breath. I know I’ve prepared, but I can’t help but be worried, especially since this is the first task I had.As the event’s host took the stage, the audience applauded. I’m still not sure what he said; all I remember is that he started bringing stuff out to sell tonight. Martin was holding my hand, so I turned to face him.“Don’t worry, Ana; I’ll be by your side, and you’ll remember everything we taught you,” he whispered, so I nodded and cleared my mind of any bad ideas.I spotted one necklace among all the products for sale.“Damn it.”When I heard Martin curse, I lost my attention on the jewelry and looked at him, but he seemed restless. What is going o
THIRD POVAna traveled overseas for several months for her plan. She gained international recognition through her company, and plenty offered to invest, but she only chose a few partners.“Ms. President.”Ana lifted her sleeping mask, but when the sun’s rays struck her face, she closed her eyes.“We are now in the Philippines, Ms. President.”Before her secretary assisted her off the plane, she smiled and stretched her arms. But it surprised her that so many reporters were waiting for her.“If I was still an ordinary person, there wouldn’t be cameras or reporters waiting for me like this,” she joked as she grabbed her suitcase. “How will they react when they see me?” she wondered as she raised her gaze to the sky. “Perhaps it’s like seeing a ghost… Oh, it’s not like that because I am a ghost to them. Exciting, isn’t it, Cullen?” she asked her secretary, who nodded and just grinned at her before bowing and assisting her inside the airport.They even came to a halt because a group of m
CHLOE’s POV“Sir Mateo! You’re back!”“Sir Mateo, how is life in Manila?”“Are you going to run for mayor, Sir Mateo?”When I arrived at the Villalobos mansion, I instantly winced at the sight of people holding and hugging my husband.Have they properly cleansed their hands? They still smell strongly of sweat. Disgusting! I just gripped my child’s hand tighter because they had germs.“Welcome back, Mrs. Chloe!”When they neared, I winced.“She has such a beautiful skin!”“What else would you expect from a rich girl who may inject her skin?”I came to a halt because they were making fun of my skin tone. I approached the hacienda’s two staff members.“What did you say?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at them. They were in a panic because they appeared to be terrified of me and bowed down in front of me.“I-I’m so sorry, Mrs. Chloe.”I only winced and rolled my eyes at them before clinging to Mateo and entering the mansion. When we walked inside, I grabbed some alcohol, since they might hav
CHLOE’s POVMateo stepped out of the car as we arrived at the square. He didn’t even open the door for us, so I took a long breath to calm myself before getting out of the car with my son. People stared at us, so I grinned back.“OMG! Sir Mateo and Ma’am Chloe!”“They’re such a lovely couple!”I just waved at them and ran after Mateo to grab his arm. He shows we got problems. I’ll take a deep breath and continue.“Mr. and Mrs. Villalobos!”We came to a halt in front of the person who had blocked our path. I smiled at him, but it vanished as Mateo took my hand off his arm as he approached the old guy.Damn! Mateo, you really want to shame me!Even though I felt frustrated by what Mateo was doing, I forced myself to raise my brow at the people who were chattering about me so that I didn’t seem to be a loser. Mateo has been acting like this since we married.Mateo smiled as he said, “Mr. Zamora, you're here.” Mr. Zamora nodded and put Mateo on the shoulder.“Of course, your family invit
THIRD POVTheir honored guest arrived. Everyone was silent, staring at her as she walked… The only sound you could hear was her heels.Her allure captivated all men, young and old. Even the event’s host hesitated to speak. Their visitor couldn’t help but giggle at the reactions of those she passed.She hesitated as she walked past familiar faces from her past. The sight of those who had caused immense damage to her life reignited her anger.“Ms. Mystica,” Martin called out, catching Ana off guard. She continued walking, pretending not to hear.“Please, give a warm welcome to Ms. Mystica!”Ana’s arrival caused the crowd to extend their applause for a few additional minutes. Gracefully, Ana curtsied like a princess while Martin guided her towards the stage.“Oh wow! I recognize her!”“Yes, she’s the one!”“She’s the sole purchaser of the million-dollar necklace!”“Oh my goodness! Is she truly that affluent?”The investors in San Alfonso whispered among themselves, unable to fathom that
CHLOE’s POVMateo and I just stood there, stunned, when we saw the girl in front of us. She can't possibly be alive. She’s been dead for a long time.I took a few steps back as I observed people whispering to us.“Oh my goodness! Is she the mayor’s daughter-in-law?”“Is she still alive?”“I thought she had died.”I shook my head, knowing that what we were witnessing was not true. I still can’t believe she’s alive. She only calls herself by that name!“A-Ana…”I was astonished and shocked to see my husband almost faint when he saw the woman pretending to be in front of us.Mom Caridad and I exchanged glances because Ana had surprised her and become pale.“Yes, I’m still alive.”My eyes widened as I returned my gaze to her, who was already beaming at us. Because my fists were shaking, I hid it behind me.How on earth is she still alive?“Is it any surprise I’m still alive? Am I really dead in your eyes?” Ana smiled and glanced at us. “Aren’t you glad I’m still here, dad and mom?”I know
“First-degree attempted murder of Ana Bernardino, Mrs. Chloe Villalobos is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment…” I closed my eyes and smiled when I heard those words. I tightly held Martin’s hand as we listened to the final verdict. Furthermore, I glanced at Chloe’s parents and saw them crying while embracing her. I then looked behind me where Mateo was seated. Even with a hat and a mask, I recognized his posture. He glanced at me but quickly looked away. I sighed and turned to Martin, giving him a smile. “And for Mrs. Caridad Villalobos, the charges are mounting: first-degree murder of Stella Montes, Tasing, Don Ignacio Montes, and Don Martinez, first-degree attempted murder of Ms. Ana Bernardino, and reckless imprudence. She is found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.” The crowd erupted in cheers as they continued to support my father in court upon hearing the verdict for Caridad. I smiled through tears, feeling the long-awaited justice finally
There was chaos in San Alfonso when a fire broke out in the entire town. Martin held on to his waist as he watched the Villalobos mansion burn, worrying about Ana. “Damn it!” he shouted and kicked the rock in front of him. The firefighters, police, and his cousin arrived. “You!” he immediately grabbed Tyron’s collar, who raised his hands. “Is this Ana’s plan? I know you’ve been secretly meeting for a plan! Damn you!” Tyron blocked his arm, thinking Martin was going to hit him. “Bro, this is not her plan, believe me. But she changed her mind quickly! She just ordered my men to burn Don Ignacio’s house and all the Villalobos' properties. This was not part of her plan, but I feel like she also wants everything to end. I apologize for keeping it from you because I’m more loyal to Ana, he-he,” Martin nudged Tyron, who stepped back but grinned. “They’re not here for Ana but for Caridad and Chloe,” they both turned to the police. “Mrs. Caridad Villalobos and Mrs. Chloe Villalobos, you
“I am sure you will be pleased with my projects if you elect me as the mayor of this town.” The crowd applauded in agreement with the projects, except for the demolition of my parents' mansion. Levi was about to step down from the stage when a video suddenly appeared. His eyes widened, and the crowd whispered as the video showed the former chief who handled my father’s case. (“I was ordered to arrest Don Ignacio for a crime he didn’t commit. Don Ignacio is innocent and is actually kind to people, always helping the poor.”) (“Who ordered you to arrest Don Ignacio?”) (“I-I-It was Don Levi… He also ordered us to beat Don Ignacio while in prison and make it look like he committed suicide to hide the truth… I hope Don Ignacio forgives me for betraying him, the one who appointed me as the chief of police.”) The whispers grew louder as Caridad panicked. I was stunned by the video, clenching my fists. (“Why is Don Ignacio being blamed for a crime he didn't commit?”) (“To prevent him
I was just staring at myself in the mirror while everyone around me was busy. I can’t wait to see them all embarrassed by what I’m about to do. “You’re gorgeous,” I smiled when I saw Uncle Max behind me. “Am I?” he grinned and nodded at me. He lowered his head to align our faces as he put his hand on my shoulder. “Te pareces a tu mamá (You look just like your mom)" he said as we looked at our reflection in the mirror. “¿En realidad? ¿Me parezco a ella? (Really? Do I look like her?)” I smiled and turned to him. “Oh, I am actually studying how to speak Spanish to be able to communicate with you,” I added and looked back at the mirror. He ran his hand through my hair. “hasta luego (See you later)” and kissed me on the cheek, so I just smiled and nodded at him. A few minutes passed before I was left alone in my room. I stood up to look at the gown I would be wearing. This night is special for the town of San Alfonso because it is the thirty-fourth anniversary of Levi and Caridad and
CHLOE’S POV“Where are you going again, Mateo?”“You don’t care!”I fell silent because I didn’t want to ask any more questions that might hurt me.“We need you here! The election is coming soon!”He glared at me and pointed at my head. “I don’t care whether Dad wins or not!”“Come on, Mateo!”He ignored me and just went down the stairs. He seemed rushing. I looked at my watch and grabbed the keys to my car because I was going to follow him, maybe because of Ana again, why he was rushing.I bit my lip as I followed Mateo’s car and wondered why he was going to the falls. Damn. Perhaps he’s with another girl again?He parked the car, so I stopped mine not far away. I got out of the car and took heavy steps to make sure that girl knew she could fight for Mateo.When I reached the falls, I could hear the water flowing.“Ana! Sorry, I’m late!”Ana? My eyes widened when I saw Ana in a two-piece bathing suit bathing in the falls. I stepped back a bit behind the bushes so they wouldn’t know I
“Martin, please?” I pleaded with him on the other line because he is currently in Spain but will be coming home tomorrow.(“I said no. We already discussed this,”) he replied.I kicked in frustration because he would rather not agree to my plan.“I have to do this, Martin… Please, babe?”I didn’t know how to persuade him. I might have to kneel and unzip his zipper. Annoying!(“Shut up. You can’t manipulate me like that, Ana,”) he said.I rolled my eyes and let out a deep sigh. “Fine! I hate you!”(“What the hell—”) he didn’t finish his sentence because I’ve been annoyed with him since earlier. He’s the one flirting with others. Damn you, Martin.I glanced at my phone, and he was calling again, but I ignored his call and turned off my phone to make him feel my annoyance. He’s the one stressing me out, not Mateo.“We’re here,” Alexis said.I just nodded to Alexis and got out of the car. It’s been a long time since I last visited them.I placed the flowers I prepared for Alexis and lit a
Ana locked herself in her room for days after learning the truth from Detective Paul. Her anger towards the Villalobos only intensified.The election was approaching, and she couldn’t wait to bring down the family responsible for her parents' death. She was determined to get back what was rightfully hers.Standing up from her bed, she pulled back the curtain and noticed that the guards outside the mansion had doubled.She grabbed her shawl and wallet and descended from the terrace of her room because she had somewhere she needed to go. When she left the mansion, she quickly hailed a tricycle and told the driver where she wanted to go.The tricycle driver hesitated because they needed permission from the mayor to go to the Montes' hacienda, but Ana insisted and offered to pay a large sum.They arrived at the entrance of the hacienda de Montes, and Ana paid the driver all the cash she had before signaling for him to leave, fearing that Levi might still be watching her every move…***“Y
I couldn’t speak when he said that. I don’t know why, but I faced him and saw his smile.“That was made by Don Ignacio, made for his wife, and when they passed away, Don Martinez took it because he knew how important Lady Stella was to his wife and his close friend. I just never expected him to display it at their hacienda. It seems like Don Martinez already knew this would happen,” he said with a shrug, looking back at me. It surprised me to see a tear welling up in his eyes.“D-Detective…”He just shook his head at me. “I’m sorry, okay? I looked for you, believe me. But I found out that the orphanage where I left you was already burned down.”I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening.W-what does he mean?“W-what…” I stopped and looked at his hand holding mine.“Ana… Anastasia Montes is your real name. You are the missing child of Don Ignacio and Lady Stella. You are their child.”I pulled my hand away from him in shock. I-I couldn't understand what he was saying. I shook my head.“H
“We’re here.”The sight of the vast Montes from the hilltop left me speechless. I couldn’t help but notice the two stones that were in front of us.“This is where I buried Don Ignacio and Lady Stella.”I couldn’t speak and just stared at the two stones with their names.“Are you ready to hear what I have to say, Ana?”I looked at the Detective who was gazing into the distance. The wind picked up, so I held on to my hair. I didn’t know why, but my heart was pounding so hard.I knew I was ready, but… why did I feel like I wanted to go back to the hacienda?“Ana.”I blinked and turned to the Detective who was looking at me.“I want to tell you the truth about the tragedy that happened 28 years ago. When they removed the Montes family.”I just stared at the Detective as the wind blew.“Tell me everything,” I said. He just smiled and looked back at the town.“In 1980, Don Ignacio Montes became the town’s second leader because Don Martinez selected him to follow in his footsteps. Don Ignaci