"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
Charlie kept shifting on her seat. Bakit hindi? Aside from the fact that she's tensing because of Gael's presence smothering her still despite him eating silently beside her, it was the first time in weeks that another person, aside from her bodyguards and Gray and Jasmine, learned about Gael's return. Well, they're not romantically involved anymore but still... Gael wronged her. Her family will go after him now that he's back. Lalo na kapag nalaman ng mga ito na ito ang nasa likod sa tangkang pagpapabagsak sa SSL. Her family will retaliate, she's sure of that. That's why she's been keeping the truth about Gael's return. Gusto na niya sanang umiwas sa gulo. But Eric Samaniego is a family friend. He has worked closely with her family before and is still close with her parents even now that he has retired from intelligence work. She's sure one of these days he will talk to them and then... there will be more chaos again. She will be forced to answer the endless questions inside h
"Thank you for the dinner, Gray and Jasmsine. It was nice talking with you too, Sir Eric," ani Gael bago bumaling kay Charlie. His eyes bore instantly on her and she cannot look away. Aside from the natural pull his gray eyes had on her, her mind was preoccupied. Iniisip niya ang sinabi ni Jasmine sa kanya that Sir Eric is theorizing that someone might have deliberately fed Gael false information to make him hate her and put her family in a bad light. Kung totoo man 'yon, sino naman? Did their enemies try to use Gael against them? Her father has gained several business rivals in the past. But they were just healthy competitors, trying to do their business. Hindi rin niya maisip na pakana na naman iyon ng mga Mondragon. They don't play that way. They attack head-on. So, who? "Hindi ka pa sasabay? I can drive you home if you'd like," pukaw ni Gael sa kanya maya-maya. Kumurap siya mabilis na hinamig ang sarili. "Thanks for the offer but I-I'm good. I have my bodyguards with m
"What happened?" tanong ni Gael nakadirekta kay Jacob na nasa tabi ni Charlie. "Mukhang nag-overheat. Ipapa-check na sana kasi 'to dapat e kaso ginamit pa rin ni Axel ngayon," naiiling na sagot ni Jacob bago bumaling sa kanya. Charlie can almost figure out what he wanted to say next that's why she shook her head. "Do you want me to take you home, Charlize?" ani Gael, verbalizing what Jacob had in mind. She shot glance at Gael before returning her gaze Jacob. "You go. It's better be him than some stranger driver out there," ani Jacob, pabulong. She wanted to protest because clearly, Jacob doesn't really have any idea what he is saying. How can she be safe with Gael? Her emotions are all on edge whenever he is around. She's tensing up like some old robot needed to be drenched in oil just to function. Not to mention, Gael has threatened her many times before she had already lost count! "For Levi," sabi ulit ni Jacob. She released a slow breath. Right. She needs to go home as
"Charlie, are you even listening?" anang Grandma Liza ni Charlie sa kanya. Mabilis siyang nag-angat ng tingin sa kanyang lola na noon ay kasama niyang nag-aagahan sa family house nila sa Tagaytay. That's where she spent her weekend. She wanted to be away from the city for a while. Away from all her cares. Away from Gael. It was a beautiful Sunday morning. But she doesn't feel beautiful at all. She looks like shit and still feels conflicted. Why wouldn't she? She just learned that her stupid heart still loves Gael. How could she do that? How could her stupid heart do that? Hindi man lang ba siya nadala? Gael is her family's enemy now. Were his threats not enough to make her unlove him? How can she fall for him again-- the man who abandoned her for money? The cause of all her heartaches? She released a slow breath and collected her thoughts. "Sorry, Grandma. I was thinking about... What's your question again?" aniya. Her Grandma studied her face for a while and reached fo
Puno ng kaba ang dibdib ni Charlie habang pinagmamasdan niya ang floor counter ng elevator. She was on her way to Gael's penthouse. Doon nila napagkasunduang magkita ngayong gabi para sa pag-uusapan nila. Bumaba ang tingin niya sa envelope na hawak niya. Humigpit ng hawak niya roon. She doesn't know how Gael will react on it but she knew now what must be done.And that is her doing the right thing for her and her son. Nang bumukas ang pinto ng lift, tahimik niyang binagtas ang hallway hanggang sa marating niya ang mismong pinto ng penthouse. She was hesitant for a while. Until she mustered the strength to press the doorbell.Ilang sandali pa, bumukas ang pinto at bumungad sa kanya ang bulto ni Gael. He was wearing his casual jeans and shirt. His gray eyes are dancing as he looked at her, like she was his favorite person in the world. On his face, his familiar smirk. 'Dammit! Why does he has to look so good?' lihim niyang reklamo, lalong lumakas ang pagkabog ng dibdib.Niluwangan
Gael was staring blankly at the document in front of him. He had been staring at it for the last hour and yet he doesn’t seem to comprehend any single word written on it. The past three days had been the same. Pumapasok siya sa Crown Bank subalit lumilipad ang isip niya. He cannot think straight nor function well when his mind was preoccupied by Charlize. His thoughts are always for her, most from the night he insulted her. He knew he shouldn’t have said what he said. But he was angry when he served him their divorce papers. Kung bakit, hindi niya alam. For the past five years of his life he lived and breathed with only one thing in his mind, ang pabagsakin ang mga Sandejas dahil sa kasalanan ng mga ito sa kanya. He still wanted that. His mind was still set on bringing justice to what happened to his T’yo Berting—to him. But his heart, his damn heart doesn’t seem to agree with his mind anymore. Why, the fcking thing won’t stop beating for her! He had never felt that way for Lena
"Are the documents I've asked you to prepare now ready?" tanong ni Gael kay Hugo. Magkapanabay silang naglalakad ng assistant patungo sa opisina niya sa Crown Bank. "Yes, Sir. It's already in your office," mabilis na sagot nito. "Good. What about that thing that I've asked you to do?" aniya alanganin. Alanganing umiling si Hugo. "She said she won't see you anymore, Sir. And that's final," anito sa mababang tinig. A slight shot of disappointment rose from his chest. He'd been meaning to talk to Charlize for days now, subalit ayaw na talaga siya nitong kausapin. Kaya naman si Hugo na ang inutusan niyang gumawa ng paran para sa kanya. But even that, failed. He knew she has every right to be angry at him-- he's a damn confused jerk who cannot control his emotions when it comes to her. But... he really needs to talk to her, even for one final time. Nagpasya na siya, sa itinakbo ng mga pangyayari sa nakalipas na ilang araw matapos niya itong insultuhin nang huli silang magkita, a
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