Prologue

DISCLAIMER _ This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

NOTE: This story contains mature content and use of exaggerated and strong use words that are not suitable for young-minded readers.

This story is about having the courage to take risks. Happy reading!

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PROLOGUE

"MOMMY, is uncle Wayzz already here?" Panglimang beses na tanong ng anak ko nang makatapak kami sa lupa. We finally arrived at Ninoy's International Airport and we're now waiting for Wayzz. Its been five years since I last stepped in this country's soil. I'm back, finally back. 

Nagsimula kaming maglakad palabas para doon hintayin ang sundo namin. Habang naglalakad kami ay bigla nalang bumitaw sa pagkakahawak ang anak ko sa akin at may itinuro sa kung saan.

"It's uncle Wayzz's car!" He ran towards that destination where he was pointing at. Hindi ko na nagawang pigilan siya at nakapasok na siya sa sasakyan. Naging alerto ako. It's not Wayzz's car! Kahit naka stiletto ako ay nagawa kong tumakbo patungo sa sasakyan na 'yon, baka kung ano pang mangyari sa anak ko. He's the only thing I have, my only gem.

Mabuti nalang at hindi umandar ang sasakyan. Nang malapit na ako sa kinaroroonan ng sasakyan ay bigla nalang lumabas ang anak ko habang nakangiti at may nagniningning na mga mata. What just happened? I gave him a confused look but he just ran towards me and hug me. Kahit naguguluhan ay kinarga ko siya at pinisil-pisil ang ilong niya.

"Bao, what you just did earlier is not good. What if those people are kidnappers? You should be more careful next time or mommy will be very angry at you, understood?" He tilted his head like he doesn't understand what I am saying.

"Just don't enter in someone's car, that's what I am trying to say. There are many bad people in this world, you should take good care of yourself in the future," dagdag ko pa at ningitian niya lang ako.

"Don't worry, mommy. I am strong and genius and besides, I know your number so I can contact you anytime." He seems so proud to say those words so I secretly rolled my eyes. I'm just worried, you know.

"Addison Takeshi, is that you?" I turned my back as I heard a familiar baritone man's voice. As I turned my back, I saw the owner of that baritone voice and glared at him. Ibinaba ko muna ang anak ko at inambahan ng suntok si Wayzz.

"Punyemas kang lalaki ka, alam mo ba dahil d'yan sa kakupagan mo malapit nang makidnap ang anak ko?" Kinurot ko ang kaniyang tagiliran hanggang sa magsawa ako.

"Mommy, why are you hurting Uncle Wayzz?" Inosenteng tanong ng anak ko at ningitian ko lang siya ng pagkatamis-tamis.

"I'm not hurting your uncle Wayzz. I'm just so so excited to see him, sa sobrang excited ko ay gusto ko siyang pilipitin sa leeg hanggang sa hindi na siya makahinga." Siniko ko si Wayzz para sumabay nalang. My son cannot understand tagalog, he only speak english and mandarin.

"Yes, Bao. Your mom is so excited to see me because she really missed me, right Addi?" Inirapan ko nalang siya at nauna nang sumakay sa sasakyan ni Wayzz. Alam ko ang plate number ng sasakyan niya kaya alam ko ring sasakyan niya 'to.

LIANDRE's POV

"Kilala mo ba 'yong batang yun, Mr. Shen?" Tanong ng driver sa kalagitnaan ng byahe. I suddenly remember that kid's face. His eyes looks like that woman's eye, could it be.. Malakas ko ipinilig ang ulo ko at mukhang napansin iyon ng driver ko.

"No," sagot ko at tumango siya. Then, I heard him murmured something.

"Hindi ba? Para nga kayong mag-ama eh, sabagay, hindi naman kayo magkapareha ng mga mata."

Mag-ama? Ano kayang pakiramdam ng maging ama? Ano kayang pakiramdam ng may pamilya?

ADDISON's POV

"Uncle Wayzz, do you know, I meet a handsome guy in the airport." I rolled my eyes when my son started talking while we're on the road.

"Bao, stop talking. You might distract your uncle." Mahinahon na sabi ko and as expected, he didn't listen. That's my son, he listens to no one when it comes to gossips. Saan ba nagmana 'tong batang 'to?

"Is he more handsome than me?" tanong naman ni Wayzz kaya napa-irap ako sa kawalan at nagsalita.

"Hindi ka naman gwapo, tss." Mahinang bulong ko pero sapat na para marinig niya iyon. Duh, magkatabi lang kaya kami habang nasa likod ang anak ko.

Lumingon ako nang kaunti para tingnan ang anak ko. Nakatingin siya sa taas, parang nag-i-imagine. Ngumiti ako at bumaling kay Wayzz na abala sa pagmamaneho.

"I think my son is thinking thoroughly so that he can't hurt your feelings. We both know that Bao is not that so honest."

"Addi naman eh, kahit ngayon lang, support me as your friend." Pag-iinarte niya at inirapan ko siyang muli. Ibinaling ko nalang ang paningin ko sa labas. I saw a big billboard, andoon si Scarlet at ang kaniyang bagong asawa. Napabuntonghininga nalang ako. Ang dami na talagang nagbago.

"He is as handsome as you are, uncle." Dinig kong sabi ng anak ko at bahagya pa itong tumawa.

"Nice. I'll give you something expensive when we arrive at your new home." Here we are again, he's spoiling my kid like he always does.

"Yey! Thank you, uncle. You're the best," after that topic, biglang tumahimik ang palagid. Silence enveloped us. I sighed.

"Mommy?" Pagbasag ng anak ko sa nakakabinging katahimikan.

Nilingon ko siya at hinaplos ang pisngi niya. "Yes, Bao?"

"Remember when you told me that my daddy is living here?" He started talking with a longing face. I feel pity for my son. Hindi ko siya naipakilala sa ama niya, selfish na kung selfish but I don't have plan to introduce him to his father.

"Can we meet him? Promise, I'll be a good boy." He even raised his left hand to promise.

"Is mommy not enough for you?" I asked in a low tone of voice. Bakit mo pa siya hinahanap? Your dad is a demon.

"Of course not, mommy is the best but I want my daddy." He pouted while looking at me, waiting for my answer.

I took a deep breath before I speak. "Your dad is dead." Sorry, Bao. This is for your own sake. I bit my lower lip cuz I am not that good at lying. I am expecting him to cry but he didn't.

"So, can I find another daddy?" He asked excitedly kaya naman ay kinunotan ko siya ng noo.

"What for? I can take good care of you, I can give you what you want, I can—"

"So that we both can protect you. Mommy, I want a daddy to protect you when I am not on your side." He said dramatically which makes my heart melt. I'm so lucky to have you, Bao.

You are my only gem and I will do everything to keep you.