Prologue | Echoes of the Past

THEY say scars tell stories, and as I traced the jagged line etched across my skin, I knew mine was a tale woven with shattered dreams and relentless heartache. Each curve and crevice held a memory, a reminder of the battles fought and the strength it took to survive.

"Mommy, are you done yet?" my sweet little angel called out from outside the bathroom, their voice carrying a mixture of impatience and excitement. I couldn't help but chuckle at their eagerness.

Muli ay napatingin ako sa aking imahe sa salamin at ngiting hinaplos ang peklat sa aking puson bago nagpasyang lumabas sa banyo.

I took a moment to compose myself before stepping out into the warm glow of the room. The soft carpet under my bare feet provided a comforting sensation as I made my way towards my child's voice.

Sometimes, I can't help but feel like a character in a poorly written story, destined to endure a multitude of tragedies along a dark path, full of thorns. It's as if the world conspired to test me, throwing one challenge after another in my direction. My life seems to be filled with countless twists and turns, feeling unfortunate throughout my existence as if my whole being is a curse.

Minsan nga ay napapatanong na lang ako. Baka naman ay may balat ako sa pwet?

But through it all, I have managed to persevere, clinging onto the flickering light of hope that refuses to extinguish within me.

I had always believed that I was accustomed to pain, convinced that no matter the hardships I faced, I would remain unfazed. But destiny had other plans for me, deciding to play with me again, intertwining my life with that of a man on one fateful night.

It was a meeting that would change everything, shattering the fragile peace I had managed to rebuild.

His intense and penetrating gaze that seems to be luring me into his enigmatic realm. His dangerous allure and his touch that weakened my knees that night, making me beg for more as if I couldn't help myself but get drawn into the very thing I am completely aware of that could destroy me.

Right. . . It all started that night of my eighteenth birthday.

The air was thick with anticipation as I stepped into adulthood, my heart brimming with dreams and aspirations. Little did I know that the path I had set upon would be fraught with heartbreak and unexpected challenges.

Kung maibabalik ko lang ang oras ay sana hindi na lamang ako tumakas nang gabing iyon. Sana ay itinulog ko na lang.

Sana ay hindi ko siya nakilala. Sana ay hindi na ako nagpasakop pa sa kanya. Sana ay hindi ko siya pinakasalan. . .

I couldn't help but lament silently. That thought left a bitter taste in my mouth, a bitter reminder of the regrets that lingered within me. But regret, I realized, was an indulgence I could ill afford. I had to focus on the present, on protecting the one thing that mattered most in my life.

"Mommy, are you okay?" my daughter's concerned voice snapped me back to reality. The way she looked at me, with those eyes that mirrored her father's, stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within me. It was both a blessing and a curse, a constant reminder of the past I yearned to escape.

She may bear my resemblance, but her gaze carried his presence. In her innocent eyes, I saw the potential for a future free from the chains of the past. She was my ray of light, the embodiment of hope in a world that often felt bleak.

I guess fate did spare me. After everything I had been through, when I felt utterly alone and on the verge of giving up, she came into my life, giving me a ray of hope.

Her laughter and unconditional love breathed life into my weary soul, reminding me that there was still beauty to be found amidst the pain.

This child saved me from drowning in overwhelming pain and darkness.

Never did I imagine that after escaping my husband's clutches, I would find my true home. In the aftermath of that tragedy, when I believed I had nothing left.

I never thought I would be able to stand up again with their help after getting badly beaten by life.

I guess finally letting him go and running away was the best decision I ever made. Not just for myself, but for both of us. I couldn't possibly raise my daughter alongside a man who would only bring her pain and danger. She deserved better, and I was determined to give her the life she deserved.

Kaya namin ng wala siya. Kinaya nga namin ng walong taon. Hindi namin siya kailangan. Masaya na ako sa buhay ko ngayon.

Hindi siya kailangan ng anak ko. At gagawin ko ang lahat maprotektahan lamang siya.

"Mommy are you okay?" pangungulit pa ni Lazaraiah habang nakanguso sa akin.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at nanggigigil na pinisil ang kanyang pisngi na ikinanguso nito.

"Of course I am, my love," malambing kong saad saka masuyo siyang hinalikan sa noo bago siya binuhat.

Kiniliti ko pa ito na ikinahagikhik niya. Natawa din ako doon.

Tila ba isang musika sa aking pandinig ang kanyang mga halakhak.

In that moment, the worries that burdened me seemed to dissipate, replaced by the sheer joy of being a mother.

"Are we going to a ball, Mommy? Can I be a princess?" Lazaraiah Grace's eyes widened with excitement, her voice bubbling with anticipation.

Magulo siya habang inaayusan ko pero natatawa na lang ako dahil sa kacute-an niya.

"Prinsesa ka naman talaga namin diba?" ngiti ko habang inaayos ang buhok niya.

"Then Nicholai is a prince too!" tuwang tuwang sambit niya, tinutukoy ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid na si Nicholai.

"Yes, my love, both you and Nicholai are our handsome prince and beautiful princess," pambobola ko pa dito na ikinalapad ng kanyang ngiti sabay talon.

"Zara, behave. I'm still fixing your hair," pag saway ko sa kanya na ikinangiti nito.

"Hehe. . . Churi mommy!" masigla niyang saad pero makulit pa din, na nagpailing na lamang sa akin.

"Mommy oh my g! Are you a fairy god mother po ba? I look like a princess! Look! Look!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement as she slipped into her dress.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I playfully pinched her nose. "Ang cute cute mo talaga! Pakiss nga si mommy," natutuwang sambit ko saka mahigpit itong itong niyakap.

Tinadtad naman ako ni Lazaraiah ng halik na nagpahagikhik sa akin na pinanggigilan pa lalo siya.

"Mommy, I'll show my outfit to Daddy, Moma, Tito and Nicholai!" excited nitong saad na ngiting ngiting ikinatango ko.

"Of course, my darling," I giggled, giving her permission to go and share her radiant presence with our loved ones.

Muli ay hinalikan ako nito sa pisngi. "I love you mommy!" malambing nitong saad saka mahigpit akong niyakap.

"I love you too baby," masuyo kong saad saka niyakap ito pabalik.

Napapikit ako doon. Parang kailan lang noong unang buhat ko sa kanya.

Marami akong napagdaanang sakit. At nang inaakala kong tuluyan ko ng natakasan ang nakaraan at handa na akong humarap sa mga susunod pang hamon ng buhay ng mag isa ay isang surpresa naman ang pagdating niya.

She is a blessing I did not expect, but I will forever be grateful for. Siya ang pinakamagandang nangyari sa buhay ko.

At hindi ko maaatim kung isang araw ay kunin siya sa akin. Hindi ako kailanman makapapayag, kahit sino o ano pa siya ay hindi ko isusuko ang anak ko sa kagaya niya.

"Are you crying mommy? Or are your eyes just sweating?" kyuryosong tanong niya na ikinangiti ko lamang at umiling.

"My eyes are just sweating. Mainit kasi," natatawang sambit ko. " Go to them na anak, mommy will just prepare, before we go," dagdag ko pa.

Malapad ang ngiting tumango ito sa akin. "Okay po mommy! I'm sure you will be pretty po just like me! Because we're both pretty!" msasigla pa nitong saad bago nagtatakbo palabas.

Nailing na lamang ako saka nagsimula ng mag ayos. I began preparing myself for the evening, already having done my hair and makeup earlier in the bathroom. Now, I slipped into an exquisite evening dress, custom-tailored by a renowned fashion designer.

The dress was a work of art, a testament to elegance and sophistication. It embraced my figure with a delicate grace, accentuating every curve. Intricate lace adorned the bodice, intertwining with shimmering sequins that caught the light, creating a dazzling spectacle. The neckline, tastefully plunging, added a touch of allure to the ensemble.

With each step, the floor-length skirt swirled around me, its layers of ethereal fabric floating like a dream. The color was a captivating midnight blue, reminiscent of the enchanting night sky, casting an air of mystery and allure.

While gazing at my reflection, I no longer saw any trace of Santa Maria Deogracia. All I could see now is Serena Santillan, far from that Maria, Serena will not let anyone trample over her again. She stood tall and unyielding. She will not let her guard down nor let anyone break her.

Walong taon na ang nakararaan. . .

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga bago lumabas sa aking silid.

Leaving my sanctuary, I stepped out into the embrace of my children's excited voices.

"Mommy!" masiglang bati sa akin ng mga bata na ikinangiti ko.

"Zara, Nicholai. You both look wonderful," masayang sambit ko na ikinatawa ng dalawang chikiting.

"You look like a fairy, Mommy!" Nicholai exclaimed, his eyes filled with wonder.

Looking at him now, all dresssed up; he looks just like his father, my now husband—Levi Miranda.

"Woah, you take my breath away, Serena," Levi complimented, a genuine smile illuminating his face.

I playfully rolled my eyes, teasingly responding, "Oh, please!" before laughter filled the room.

"Kinilig ka naman?" ngisi nitong ikinasimangot ko saka pabirong hinampas ang braso nito.

"Let's go, nauna na ata sila mama," naiiling kong saad na ikinatango nito.

"Are you really sure about going? I heard he's been invited—"

Pinutol ko ang sasabihin niya. "Hush, don't say bad words," irap ko.

"Weather he attends or not is not my business Levi. He's not the reason I'm attending this event," I stated firmly, my irritation palpable.

"I'm just worried. What if he does something?" bakas ang pag aalalang bulong nito sa akin.

"Oh he wouldn't dare Levi. Not to a Santillan, so don't worry about these things and let us just enjoy this night. Importante ito kay Kieran, kaya kailangan ay dumalo tayong lahat," sambit ko pa.

Napa buntong hininga lamang ito saka tumangong pinisil ang kamay ko. "If you say so. But I will stay with you throughout the night just to be sure."

His words brought a smile to my lips. "I know. That's why I'm not worried," I replied, gratitude lacing my voice.

With our children in tow, we left our home, embarking on the journey to the ball where my cousin's exhibit was being held.

Upon arriving at the venue, we were greeted by the expansive hall exuded an air of magnificence, while the presence of influential figures, powerful families, esteemed politicians, and renowned celebrities added to the allure of the event.

Sa dami ng tao ngayon, siguro naman ay hindi ko na makakadaupang palad pa ang lalaking iyon.

Oh god forbid, I wouldn't meet him here.

The grand ballroom shimmered with a kaleidoscope of lights, a symphony of chandeliers casting a soft glow upon the ornate decorations. The air crackled with anticipation as guests adorned in exquisite gowns and tailored suits mingled in graceful harmony. Laughter and the clinking of glasses reverberated through the opulent space, creating an ambiance of sophistication and intrigue.

"Kids don't run around okay? Let's wait for your tito Kieran's speech," paalala ko sa mga ito.

"Hmm. . . Kay!" masiglang sagot ng mga ito habang nakaupo lamang sa table na nakalaan para sa amin.

Kieran's speech started. Masaya kaming nakikinig sa kanya. Tuwang tuwa din ang mga anak kong nakikita ang tiyuhin nila sa stage.

Nagpalakpakan ang lahat nang matapos siyang magsalita saka siya lumapit sa amin nang may masayang ngiti sa kanyang labi.

"Ang makata naman masyado," biro kong ikinahalakhak nito.

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, may I have your attention, please?" I heard the emcee, calling the attention of the guests for the next speaker.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, it is with great pleasure that I introduce a man whose name has become synonymous with power, wealth, and influence in the world of luxurious hotels and casino. Please welcome to the stage, Mr. Lazarus Lombardi!"

That made me pause. As if for a moment I have forgotten how to breath at a mere mention of that name.

I stayed seated at the periphery of the ballroom, my heart pounding in my chest, my eyes fixed on the stage where he would soon make his entrance. The man I had spent years trying to forget, my ex-husband, Lazarus Lombardi, was about to deliver a speech.

Naramdaman ko ang marahang pagpisil ni Levi sa aking kamay na ikinangiti ko lamang at tinanguan siya.

The emcee's voice echoed through the ballroom, cutting through the chatter like a knife "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, I am honored to introduce to you a man whose name resounds across the globe, a true visionary in the realm of luxury hospitality and extravagant entertainment. Brace yourselves as we welcome the legendary Mr. Lazarus Lombardi, the enigmatic founder and CEO of Lombardi Hotels and Casino, an empire that stretches its influence even across the vast expanse of the world's oceans, with the exquisite Lombardi Cruise line."

Time seemed to stand still as Lazarus emerged from the wings, his presence radiating a dangerous power and allure. Dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, he possessed an air of confidence that commanded attention. My heart lurched as our eyes locked the moment he reached the stage as if his gaze automatically found mine.

The applause erupted like thunder, the sound reverberating through the grand ballroom. As the guests clapped and cheered.

Amidst the applause, Lazarus began his speech, his voice smooth and resonant, captivating the room. Each word rolled off his tongue with practiced precision, weaving a narrative of success, innovation, and an insatiable hunger for greatness.

As Lazarus' speech drew to a close, the ballroom erupted into thunderous applause once more, applause that threatened to drown out the thoughts racing through my mind. I stood there, my fists clenched at my sides.

Nanatili lamang siyang nakatitig sa akin sa buong oras niyang pagsasalita sa entablado. Mga titig na para bang ako lamang ang kanyang nakikita.

My face remained stoic returning him a cold gaze while I calmly sipped in my wine glass, clearly unfazed by the intensity of his darkened gaze. I just averted my eyes as if he is nothing, not giving a single f*ck about him.

Nakikita ko kung gaano humahanga ang mga guests na taimtim na nakikinig sa speech niya.

Kung alam lang ng lahat ng taong naririto kung kung anong klase siyang tao. Kung alam lamang nila ang mga sekretong kanyang tinatago, magagawa pa kaya nila siyang hangaan?

If only they knew that the esteemed billionaire, Lazarus Lombardi they all looked up to is actually that notorious, ruthless mafia boss,

Hellion.

Just the mere sight if his face, reminds me of the painful past I had long fought so hard to bury. It's unbearable.

Eight long years and I still hate him. I regret the fact that I had once begged for his love. That I once carelessly gave him my heart and he returned it all torn and broken. Wala siyang tinira sa akin.

Nailing na lamang ako, ngunit natigilan nang makitang wala na sa tabi ko si Lazaraiah.

My eyes widened as I stood up, roaming my eyes at the whole ballroom only to find them chasing each other, running around with other kids their age.

Napatampal na lamang ako sa aking noo saka hinawakan ang laylayan ng suot na nagmamadaling hinabol ang anak ko.

"Zara!" pagtawag ko sa pangalan nito. Ngiting lumingon siya sa akin dahilan upang hindi niya makita ang dinadaanan at bigla na lamang may nabanggang isang bulto.

"Zara!" I again called her name but paused the moment my eyes found who had stopped my daughter from falling.

Mabilis na tumambol ang puso ko sa sobrang kaba na agad silang nilapitan.

"Thank you po! " I heard her little voice said as she waved at me excitedly.

"Mommy!" she called me happily.

Nagtagpo ang mga mata namin ni Lazarus, ngunit pinanatili ko ang malamig na tingin hanggang sa tuluyang makalapit sa gawi nila.

"Maria. . ." he called my past name.

"Serena," I corrected as I grabbed my child's hand away from him.

"Her name is Zara?" he asked, his face is still unreadable.

Para bang malulunod ako sa lalim ng mga titig niya sa akin kaya naman ay kay Zara na lamang ako tumingin.

"I'm sorry for the ruckus," I uttered, ignoring his question.

"Your daughter? How old is she?" he asked with a darkened gaze.

"She's six," I lied.

For some reason, his eyes flashed dissapointment. But I am probably just seeing things.

As if on cue, Levi walked towards us, with Nicholai in his arms.

"Good evening, Mr. Lombardi. Your speech is great as usual," pormal na bati ni Levi dito.

I saw how Lazarus' jaw clenched as he saw Levi's hand snake around my waist, affectionately pulling me closer right in front of my ex-husband.

"Sorry if my daughter caused you any inconvenience. If you may excuse me, my wife and children seems to need some rest," plastik ang ngiting saad pa ni Levi dito.

Lazarus' gaze darkened as it was still fixed on me, shamelessly staring right at me as if he still possess me. Ignoring, my husband's words.

Damn him!

Mapait siyang napangiti doon habang matalim ang tinging ibinabaling kay Levi. "Wife huh?" umiigting ang kanyang pangang saad.

"Good bye, Mr. Lombardi, have a great night," I dismissed in a cold tone as I turned my back on him and left together with my family.

"You okay?" Levi whispered in my ears as soon as we reached our table. Mabilis pa rin ang pagtambol ng puso kong nanginginig ang kalamnan dahil sa tagpong iyon.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Why wouldn't I?"

"I'll just go to the rest room and get ready before we leave, okay?" paalam ko pa.

"You sure you can go alone?" alalang tanong niyang ikinairap ko.

"Ano ako bata? Wala namang mangingidnap sa akin sa cr," natatawang hinampas ko siya sa braso. "Saglit lang ako," ngiti ko sakainatakan siya ng halik sa labi.

Unconsciously, I glanced at Lazarus and if looks could kill. We would be dead by now. Agad akong nag iwas ng tingin. Sumenyas din ako kila mama, hindi kalayuan sa amin na ikinangiti ng mga ito at tumango.

Pagdating ko sa rest room ay doon na lang ako napabuga ng marahas na hangin habang pilit na pinakakalma ang aking sarili.

They already met. . .

Grabe pa din ang kaba ko hanggang ngayon, sa takot na makakahalata si Lazarus na maaaring anak nga niya si Zara.

I can't let that happen. Hindi niya pwedeng kunin sa akin ang anak ko.

Napahilamos na lamang ako sa sariling mukha saka lumabas na ng cubicle.

Ngunit ganoon na lamang ang paggalabog ng aking puso nang bigla na lamang akong may mabunggong isang malaki at pamilyar na bulto.

His intoxicating smell envelopped my nostrills and as I met his burning gaze, peircing right through me, my heart couldn't stop racing.

"Lazarus. . ." I called his name.

Isang mapait at tipid na ngiti ang gumuhit sa kanyang mapupulang labi. "So you still know how to say my name," malamig niyang saad.

Napaatras ako doon saka binalingan siya ng matalim na tingin. "What are you doing here?" malamig kong tanong sa kanya.

"Claiming back what's mine. . ." he whispered as he leaned closer. Bahagyang kumalabog ang puso ko roon, naguguluhan sa kanyang ikinikilos.

"It seems I have allowed you to revel in your freedom for a treacherously long eight years," he grinned, his voice dripping with a mix of desire and sadistic pleasure. A shiver ran down my spine as I involuntarily retreated, my heart pounding in both fear and anticipation. "Do not delude yourself, Maria. No matter what lies you weave, you are still tied to me. Now it's time for you to go home," he declared firmly.

Summoning all my strength, I fixed him with a piercing gaze. "You are married to Santa Maria Deogracia, Mr. Lombardi. Not to Serena Santillan," giiit ko. "My home is out there with my family. My husband Levi and our children. They are the only home I will go back to, not in that hell hole you call a house," matigas ko pang dagdag na nagpadilim sa kanyang mukha.

A chilling smirk played upon his lips as he dismissed my words with a cold retort. "I don't recall requesting your opinion," he sneered, closing the distance between us, his presence suffocating yet undeniably alluring. I instinctively stepped back, feeling the grip of anxiety tighten its hold on my entire being.

"Lumayo ka nga! N—nababaliw ka na ba?" pilit kong pinatatatag ang sariling saad habang inililibot ang tingin sa paligid upang makahanap ng matatakbuhan.

Ngunit natigil ako sa pag atras nang maramdaman ang pader sa likod ko.

"You made me this way Maria," bulong niya sa aking tenga. Naramdaman ko ang init ng kanyang paghingang dunadampi sa aking balat dahilan upang manayo ang mga balahibo ko.

Akmang sisigaw na sana ako nang sa isang iglap ay matakpan nito ng panyo ang aking bibig dahilan upang mabilis akong nanghina.

Tila ba nawalan ng lakas ang paa kong napadausdos ako sa semento. Inaasahan kong babagsak ako, ngunit agad akong nasalo ng kanyang matipunong mga bisig na kumulong sa akin na para bang ayaw akong pakawalan nito.

My vision became blurry and I couldn't lift a finger to even try to run away from his tight grip.

"Let's go home, wife. . ."

That's the last thing I heard before darkness fully enveloped me.