Madaling-araw na nang lumabas ng silid si Gael. Outside of the hotel room he was met by Gray and two more guys that looked familiar to him. Their eyes instantly widened when they saw him. "G-Gael," anang isa. "He doesn't remember any of us, Jacob," mabilis na paliwanang ni Gray sa lalaki bago bumaling sa kanya. "They are Charlie's bodyguards. Hindi ka nila kasi nakita kanina. Sa kanila ko ibinilin si Theo Mondragon." Agad na kumuyom ang mga kamay niya. The mere mention of the guy's name sent him to the edge immediately. "Where is that a*shole?" he asked, his brows furrowing further. "Axel and Jacob handed him to the authorities just a few minutes ago. I will go to the police camp where he is temporarily detained later for follow-up and to give my statement too. Don't worry ako nang bahala kay Theo Mondragon," paniniguro ni Gray sa kanya. "And what about Stanley Dominguez?" tanong niya ulit. "Authorities are already after him. He'll have his punishment in no time." He g
Nagmamadaling umibis ng sasakyan si Charlie pagkatapat na pagkatapat niyon sa isang restaurant sa loob ng mall. She had an overtime today at work dahil na rin sa dalawang araw siyang um-absent after her drugging incident. Sa totoo lang, to say that her family was angry with what happened was an undestatement. Her family was livid! After learning about the incident, her Grandma, Uncle Joshua and Uncle Kiel wanted to send her to California right there and then. That was after they went straight to the Secretary of Justice to ask for help and make sure that the Mondragons and Mr. Dominguez will pay for their crimes. Mabuti na lang napakiusapan niy ang mga ito na h'wag muna siyang pabalikin sa California at least for another 2 weeks. Kritikal kasi para sa recovery plan ng SSL Cruise ang susunod na dalawang linggo kaya hindi siya pwedeng umalis. She wanted to make sure that the initial phase of the recovery plan is well executed to ensure its success. Mabuti na lang pumayag ang mga
"Thank you, Charlie. I have never opened so many gifts in my life!" excited na pahayag ni Jasmine nang matapos na ang party. Halos sila na lang ang naiwan sa venue. Nagpaiwan siya dahil hindi niya nagawang kausapin ang kaibigan bago mag-umpisa ang party dahil late na siyang dumating. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Jas. Next stop, welcome home party after you gave birth," aniya, nakangisi. Mabilis na nalukot ang mukha nito, suminghap nang di oras. Natawa naman siya. Kahit kailan talaga, apprehensive pa rin ito pagdating sa mga events. "Breathe, Jasmine. I was kidding," sabi niya, lalo lang lumabi ang kaibigan. Mabilis siyang bumaling sa dumaan na waiter na may bitbit na tray ng champagne flutes. She grabbed two glasses and drank it all in one go, one after the other. "Hey, that stressed huh?" ani Jasmine. She slowly nodded, magkasabay na ibinalik sa tray ang mga champagne flute bago muling kumuha ng isa pang baso na may laman. "Exactly," sabi niya. "Charlize?" anang baritonong
Charlie carefully watched Gael as he sipped from his cup of coffee. She was sitting opposite him at a round nordic style table inside a coffee shop that doesn't seem to have much customers, just them. And even at that point, she still doesn't know what made her say yes to his invitation. The man lived and breathed to make her life miserable.'He is also the one who helped you with your need', mabilis na dugtong ng isang bahagi ng isip niya. She secretly rolled her eyes with the thought. So ibig bang sabihin no'n lagi na lang siyang magpapasalamat dito tuwing magkikita sila?Biglang siyang nanggigil sa naisip."One thank you is enough,"she mumbled unknowingly. "What's that?" pukaw na tanong nito sa kanya. Kumurap-kurap siya. "N-Nothing," aniya bago marahang dinala ang tasa ng kape sa bibig niya, cursing herself secretly. She doesn't like what's happening to her. She's acting like a fool in front of Gael all suddenly when she vowed to hate him till forever for everything he had
Humigingal na ibinagsak ni Gael sa counter ang walang laman na bottled water. He consumed the contents of the whole bottle in one go in an effort to calm his racing heart. It was four o'clock in the morning and he just woke up from another nightmare. He dreamed of it again. That same freakin' dream with Charlize in it and asking for his help. He was able to ran after her this time, subalit hindi niya ito naabutan. But he knew a person from behind her was pulling her away from him. He saw the figure, it was man. A faceless man to be exact.At kung ano na naman ang ibig sabihin niyon, hindi niya alam. Didn't he already save Charlize from that perv Mondragon? Is the dream signaling him that something bad will happen to her? Was she in trouble again? Just how many enemies do they have? He huffed. Frustration filling his chest once again. After that incident with that perv Theo Mondragon, hindi na siya laging mapakali. His chest hurts everytime he thinks about her. His heart pushes h
"Just pull the car over right there," utos ni Charlie kay Gael. Itinuro niya ang palikong daan na ilang metro na lang ang layo sa kanila. She wanted to get off near the park they used to frequent to when they were still together. Mas malapit kasi iyon sa mansiyon. Axel and Jacob knows that place. It's still one of her safe places. Sometimes, when she wants to be alone that's her go to place. "To whom are you running from to anyway?" tanong ni Gael, amusement in his voice. "Was that your crazy ex-boyfriend?" dugtong pa nito Muntik na siyang mapabungisngis. Crazy ex-boyfriend. Why, the description suited him so well! She suppressed a laugh. "No. It's my secretary." He chuckled. "You know what, I totally get you. I ran away from Hugo from time to time too. The guy is giving me nightmares sometimes with the endless documents he lets me sign and the boring meetings he'd always put me into," natatawang kuwento nito habang pinapabagal ang takbo ng sasakyan nito. "Hey, I'm good he
Agad na natigilan si Charlie sa sinabi ni Gael. She bit her lower lip to prevent herself from sobbing. She can almost feel the sadness in his voice and her heart went to him in an instant. There she was thinking how Gael's life was easier than she was because he was not burdened by anything from his past, their past. But looking at Gael now, she never thought how miserable was the life he'd been living for the past half a decade because he doesn't know anything about the life he had lived. "I'm sorry," umpisa niya. "I'm not sorry for what you think my father did that made you live your life this way. I still believe that he's innocent. But I am sorry because I thought your life was easier than mine when it's not." Her lips quivered, willing her tears not to fall. Gael just looked at her, the deep sadness in his eyes lingered. That made her reach for his hand. "The day will come when you'll remember everything, Gael. You'll remember me, you'll remember us, and every single thing th
"It's been a little over a week now. How was the initial roll out of SSL Cruise's recovery plan?" tanong ng Uncle Joshua niya kay Charlie. They were talking via video call dahil wala ang tiyuhin niya. Sinundan nito ang pinsan niya na anak nito sa Paris. "I will send the reports to you, Uncle Josh. I don't want to sound bragging but it's looking good," nagmamalaking balita niya. Her uncle chuckled. "It should be. That's the last chance for SSL Cruise. Anyway, I will not keep you anymore. Send me a copy of the report. I'll read it before I sleep." "Alright. Take care, Uncle Josh," aniya bago pinutol ang tawag. Agad niyang hinarap ang laptop niya at mabilis na in-email sa tiyuhin ang hinihingi nitong report. Matapos niyon, hinayon niya ng tingin ang malaking bintana sa opisina niya. It was overlooking the sea for she's at her port office of SSL Cruise. None of the five cruise ships they own are at port. And it has only been a little over two weeks since the recovery pland has
Dahil na rin sa pagod sakakaiisip at kakaiyak, tuluyang nakatuog si Charlie. Nang magising siya, madaling-araw na. She can’t believe she slept that long and missed dinner!Dinner. Shes' not supposed to miss any meals!She secretly groaned, realizing what she did.That has sent her to the edge of panic and relief all at the same time. Sandali siyang nakiramdam. Gael wasn’t cuddling her like he used to. She turned to her side carefully and she saw her husband sleeping on his side too facing away from her. Napalabi siya. Mukhang nagtampo na talaga sa kanya ang asawa.Hindi bale, today is officially their anniversary. She can tell him her secret now.Mabilis niya itong niyugyog. “Gael, wake up,” she whispered.He groaned, shifted slowly and lied on his back. Singkit ang mga matang tumingin ito sa kanya. “W-What? What is it?”Umusog siya kaunti palayo rito. “You have to get up. I’ll tell you something.”He huffed and clicked his tongue. Subalit bumangon din. Sandali itong bumaling sa orasa
“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. “You
“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 her
“Ate, sa ‘yo na po ito,” anang sampung taong gulang na batang babae sa kanya. The girl was handing her a big white gumamela flower she probably picked near the gate of the orphanage. Napangiti siya, bahagyang yumuko bago tinanggap ang bulaklak na inaabot ng bata. “Talaga, akin na lang ‘to… ano nga ulit ang pangalan mo?” “Chamy po, ate.” “Salamat, Chamy.” The child gave her a soft smile in return. Akma na sana itong tatakbo pabalik sa mga kalaro nito sa ‘di kalayuan nang pigilan niya ito. “Ano nga palang gusto mong maging paglaki mo, Chamy?” The child beamed at her.“Gusto ko pong maging nurse, Ate!” Sandaling nangunot ang noo niya. “Bakit naman nurse, Chamy?” “Gusto ko po kasing alagaan si Lolo Gael d’yan sa kabilang building.” Lalong nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. “Lolo Gael?” Mabillis na tumango si Chamy. “Gael lang po kasi ang alam niyang banggitin. Kaya Lolo Gael.” Tumuwid siya ng tayo, hinayon ng tingin ang building ng carehome sa mga matatanda na naroon din sa compoun
It was a manic day for Charlie. No. It was chaos spelled in all caps.She’s running late from her appointment “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.“Go away, Gael. You know I cannot be late today,” sabi niya habang naglalagay ng sunscreen sa mukha. 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 today. Nakakahiya sa orphanage at carehome! At lalong nakakahiya kay Ate Sophie.”It’s true, kasama niya sa pagpunta sa bahay-ampunan at carehome ang kapatid ni Jasmine ngayon. Siguro, kung hindi lang kapapanganak ni Jasmine, baka kasama rin niya ito ngayon.Visiting orphanages was a thing she had been d
Gael jumped out as soon as the car pulled over infront of the police station. Doon sila dumiretso nina Gray at Jacob mula sa simbahan. Aside from Lena, wala nang sino pa mang nasaktan sa masamang insidente na plinano ni Alaric. And it was more than a relief for him. Now he can focus on one thing, ang puntahan si Charlie sa mismong police station.Pahapyaw nang sinabi ni Jacob sa kanya kung ano ang nangyari, subalit hindi pa iyon buo. And not only does he need to talk to Charlie for the full details but he also needs to see his wife to calm the lingering worry in his chest. The picture of Lena dying in his arms was still vivid iin his memory. And he cannot stop thinking that, it could've Charlie dying in his arms and...He shook his head, willing the unwanted thoughst away. Charlie is fine, he convinced himself before picking up his pace. He was at the director’s office in no time. Agad naman siyang hinarap ng pinuno ng kapulisan. Sandali niya itong kinausap at sinabi nito mismo sa ka
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
Hindi matapos-tapos ang pagsipat ni Charlie sa sarili niya sa lifesize mirror na nasa kanyang hotel suite. Hindi pa rin siya halos makapaniwala na naroon nga siya at ikakasal ulit kay Gael. This time in a church and in the presence of their family. Well, some of their family. But nevertheless their families are present and that’s the most important thing.She looked down at her ring finger. The emerald engagement ring and the ink she had five years ago are there, a testament of everything she had gone through loving Gael. But she’s glad she finally made it right there at that very moment, when she can declare to the whole world that Gael is hers as much as she is his. That in the world of broken promises and dreams, of heartaches and of tears, Gael is her always—the one she will keep on choosing to love as long as she breathes.Her phone rang, immediately stopping her train of thoughts. Agad na nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya nang mag-register sa screen ang pangalan ni Gael. She picked
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