“Khrystal!” Nexus called me. He was looking evidently amazed and happy when he saw me coming in to the resort my former classmates chose to meet.He quickly stood up from the table where they were gathered and patted Jared who was on his side—a reason for him to stand up as well. They went to me and gave me a hug. In the corner of my eyes, I saw some girls glared at me. I don't give a damn about that. In the few years I have studied with them, I got used to their accusing stares."Nexus told me you were going but I didn't actually believe it. Knowing you, you'd rather hang out in the room than deceitful act like you are friends with the people here," Jared laughed in a low tone. "By the way, you look hot," he added—a little bit loud this time—and chuckled.I only grinned at him. I don't know how I was considered hot for my looks. I only wore a black fitted crop top shirt that I paired with a white tennis skirt and white shoes. Because I was in a hurry to escape from Agustine and didn'
I could almost hear the crashing of the waves on the far shore because of the intense silence that enveloped our table. Everybody were speechless and didn't know what to say to Agustine's answer. I could see the others carefully looking at me, guessing what the man in front of me was talking about."Do you want to join us?" Drea broke the silence.I couldn't avoid but look at her. I know that she is completely aware of what Agustine just said but she just ignored it. I don't know if I should thank her for breaking the silence or be pissed because I can sense her rudeness and negative criticism against me.Just like what Agustine did earlier he briefly looked at Drea and turned back his full attention to me."Can I join?" he asked politely.I swallowed the lump in my throat but I was still unable to speak. The little annoyance that I felt for my old classmate was immediately shifted to nervousness because of Agustine's existing presence. I know for sure that they'll talk ill about me.
"Done?" Agustine asked when I came out of the restroom and then scanned me from head to toe.I could only answer with a simple nod and look away—feeling a little lonely. I am now dressed in the clothes he lent me. It was a little big on me so I tucked the first hem inside the skirt and left the back part hanging down. We are a bit far from my former classmates who have continued to drink a while ago, so my attention is focused only on him."Are you mad?" he asked hoarsely and caught my eyes.I swallowed slowly and shook my head for an answer.How could I be angry with him when he was able to defend me in front of all of them?"Why did you turn off your phone?" he asked softly.I tried to clear my throat. "H-how did you know my whereabouts?" I asked—stuttering—instead of answering.My heart was beating rapidly because of his presence. I didn't expect that we would meet this soon. I haven't even spent twenty-four hours away from him and this, he immediately followed me!"I called your d
"Sorry, Dad. I just had a sudden visit with somewhere, so I couldn't say goodbye," I stated as I talked to my father through the phone.I heard him sigh. "Don't do that again, it's very unprofessional," Dad preached—embarrassment automatically crept inside my system. "Anyway, did you already talk with Mr. Revelar? Was there a problem with the project? You are using his phone so you're still with him?" he asked a series of questions.I don't know what to answer his questions first. I briefly glimpsed Agustine who was driving seriously; His eyebrows met with a deep thought. I couldn't help myself because he did not even glance at me."Some designs were just rechecked for the hotel. There was no problem, we are on our way back to the city after I stopped by the house for some of my things that were left behind," I answered and bit my lower lip for lying ."No," Daddy said immediately. "It's already late. You stay with us first and come back here tomorrow morning," he added.I sat up and h
"Are you... comfortable here?" I bit my lower lip as I was standing outside the guest room.After Agustine and I had eaten earlier, I immediately invited him to go up to the second floor of the house to show the guest room where he would stay. I know he's tired already. With every movement of his eyelashes, I could feel the fatigue there. I wasn't afraid or worried that the room was not in order because I knew that Daddy had the maids fix it.Agustine nodded at me sparingly. "Are you going to sleep now?" he asked hoarsely.I didn't answer right away because I didn't know if I would be able to sleep right away. His eyes remained with me. It was as if he was waiting for me to answer no to his question.When he probably noticed my hesitation to answer, he narrowed the distance between us and then hugged me. Even though I was surprised, I didn't fully show it. I remained standing straight as his arms embraced my waist."I miss you," he whispered hoarsely.Something warm caressed my heart w
The days passed quickly. It's been almost a week since Agustine and I made up. So far I could say that our relationship was going smoothly. I'm also trying to find time to introduce him to Daddy as my boyfriend but his meetings are always out of town."Are you done?" Agustine asked as he stood in front of my table.I couldn't avoid rolling my eyes at him then took the last folder that I was going to distribute. "My car will be damaged because of you," I said as I grabbed my bag.Since we returned to the city, Agustine has been picking me up from work. I know the other employees notice how close we two are, but even so, I haven't heard any bad words from them. It's when I realized, changing environment was really a big deal.I couldn't help but think about my plan to leave. The business deal was already settled. Maybe in more than a month the hotel will be fixed. I can leave after that. But... why am I having second thoughts now?Don't I want a new life?Like the place where I work, I
"Here, have a drink," said Agustine while handing me a glass of water.My mind was wondering in nowhere, but still I accepted the drink. We are now in the living area of the house. I was sitting on the couch while he remained standing in front of me even after I took the glass from him. I took a sip. I can't look at him because my brain is still full of thoughts.Later, I felt Agustine gently took the glass I was holding and put it on the center table. After that he sat next to me and gently took one of my hands. He let out a sigh as he gently massaged my hand."I will not ask if you are okay because obviously you are not," he said.I knew he was looking at me but I kept my eyes on both of our hands."But can I ask what are you thinking right now? Would you mind sharing it with me?" Although he tried to hide the frustration in his voice, he did not succeed.The edge of my lips rose a little. Slowly, I lifted my eyes and met his gaze. Concern, fear, and sadness. Those were the emotion
"We have to go home, Agustine." I don't know how many times I said that but he just shook his head in response."We're on a date, Khrystal," he uttered.I couldn't help but slap my forehead as I stood in front of him. If earlier I was the one sitting on the couch, now we both switched. Now, I'm the one begging."The longer we drag it out, the worse it gets, Bryll," I said frustratedly.He lazily looked at me. "I told you I can handle that issue. Now, can't we just enjoy our date?"I shut my eyes tight and heaved a deep breath. How does he manage to stay calm during these times? I know he knows that people is already feasting against himnow. The two of us actually. It should be time for us to go home to fix and stop this mess."Bhryll," I called weakly. "You are aware of what's going on, aren't you? The impact of the scandal."He immediately nodded."Then we should go now," I said.He was now the one who sighed. "Can we forget that tonight? Can't we just enjoy this date first?" he aske
*** "SIR, she's back," Miguel informed me. Finally, the day I've been waiting for has arrived. I looked at him and then put down the gym equipment I was holding. I wiped my face for a while then faced him again. "Set an appointment with her. Your earliest," I ordered. He looked at me before leaving in front of me. After five long years, I felt alive again. Damn, woman. You made me crazy. I have no news about her apart from the achievements I hear from other investors. I could not stop myself from smiling every time they are praising her works. I am proud of her. In the midst of the filthy name that rests on her, she managed to bloom in her own way. She's now a respectable architect. A famous one. Can't wait to see you soon, my wife. Sunrise sunrise. I already fixed myself. I almost spilled the mango on my clothes. I am nervous and excited at the same time. "Is she inside?" I frowned and asked the secretary. "Yes, sir." I knocked several times but no one answered.
"How are you, hija?" my mom spoke as we ate our dinner, she's talking to her friend's daughter, Lhea. I don't know why I always need to be present every time she's here. I knew he wanted the girl for me, but I never agreed with his plan. Although, I didn't decline either. I just let my mom think that I am following her orders. Well, as of now, there's nothing wrong with her plan. I'm not in a relationship, I also don't have someone I like. There's no need to oppose. "I'm doing good, Aunt. How about you?" the girl answered. I lazily tilted my head to look at her. She's pretty, I admit it though. We're friends too. Not bad for me. I saw her looking at me, her cheeks flushed when she found me staring at her. "It's okay. Even though I'm stressed here with my son," Mama complained. The girl, Lhea, chuckled. "Why, Aunt? Is there something wrong with your business?" Mom shook her head and looked at me with a sneer. I just remained my stoic face as I continued eating my food. "He's pl
As I peered into the pitch-black abyss, the chilly breeze embraced my body. Even though it's past midnight, I am back on the hospital's rooftop. I've been standing still and pondering things for practically an hour. I'll admit, Agustine's remarks stayed in the back of my head. I experienced conflicting emotions. Happy? Afraid? Bewildered. I let out a sigh and looked up at the stars. We are not a teen anymore. If we have decisions that need to be made, we don't have to go in circles. I suddenly remembered his interview five years ago. I quickly took out my cell phone and tried to find it on the internet. Luckily, it was still there. I'm shaking while clicking on the play button of the video. I held my breath when some reporters started questioning him. "Mr. Revelar, would you confirm that you are the person featured in the audio recording?" "Yes," Agustine answered directly and without hesitation. "Are you being blackmailed that time? Drugged? Or something?" Agustine's face ins
"Khrystal." I felt a faint tap on my shoulder as I heard my mother's voice. I slowly opened my eyes and saw her standing in front of me. I dozed off. I didn't realize that maybe because I was tired. I glanced at Gio and found him still sleeping. Next I looked for Gia. I smiled when Daddy was with her and gave her his peeled apple. "I'm going to buy our food outside first," said Mom. I immediately shook my head and then stood up. "Leave it to me. I'm also going to buy something outside." I faced Daddy and smiled in farewell before leaving the room. I haven't seen Agustine again since he and Lhea had a heated conversation. Where he went, that also I don't know. I took a deep breath while walking. Now that our past has been clarified, I can't help but regret it. Even so, I'm still thankful because what we went through made me stronger. I am not a good for nothing bastard anymore. I have made a name for myself and I have proven myself. If there was something bad about the separation
I tried to smile in front of Gio. "Baby . . ." I could hardly speak. "Mommy needs to tell you something." "What is it, Mom?" he replied weakly. I cleared the lump in my throat and moved a little. I let there be space for my son to see Agustine's presence. Gradually, my son's eyes grew bigger. "S-Sir," he mumbled. It was like my heart was pinched at that moment. I did not try to look at Agustine. I am afraid, sorry, and hurt. I felt him walking towards us. My son's eyes were focused only on him. His father's presence is awe-inspiring and clouding his vision. "Gio . . ." I barely managed to say. "S-son, Daddy . . . he's here for you." His eyes slowly shifted to me. His tears gathered more and more at the corners of his eyes. He could not believe what he heard. Once again, I tried to smile at him. "You don't have to hide anymore, baby . . ." I murmured. Gio's tears eventually began to fall across his face. His lips twitched as he looked back at Agustine. "Hey, buddy," Agustine
"Omg, girls have some class." My gaze shifted when a familiar voice spoke. I frowned when I saw Agustine's mother. She was standing in front with an expensive bag hanging on her arm. She let out a sigh and then walked elegantly towards us. Every sound of her heels as she stomped on the hospital floor did not escape my ears. "Where's my son?" she asked when she's finally in front of me. I stared at her for a second. I can't see any emotion on her face. I could not even decide whether to respond or ask back a question. "Mom." On cue, Agustine arrived. He quickly went to his mother and gently held her arm. "What are you doing here?" he added. "Well, I found out that you are here. Did something happen to you?" his mother was curious. Agustine quickly shook his head and looked at me. Asking for forgiveness even though nothing has happened yet. His throat moved before looking back at his mother. "Mom, please, go home. Let's talk at home. Don't make a mess here," I heard him murmured
I was pacing back and forth—waiting for him to show up—as I held tight on the pregnancy test. Almost two weeks had passed since I found out about it. I did not know what to do; all I knew was. . . I must tell him about our baby. It's been two hours since I got here to the lobby of his condo. As soon as I landed at the airport, I asked the taxi to send me here. I want to go up to his unit, but I am afraid of his reaction. I know he's mad at me, and it might trigger him to be impulsive. If I show up here in the lobby, he can still control because there are people around. I took a deep breath and calmed myself down. I avoided thinking about anything for fear that my child might be affected. I sat on the couch for a while to rest. Right after that, I finally saw him walking. His attention was not on me, but on the floor. I was about to rise from my seat when a child suddenly grabbed his hand. I was even more stunned when his fiancee followed. Our eyes met. I saw shock in her eyes, but
"Aren't you going to talk?" I took a deep breath and turned to face him. It's been almost ten minutes since we went up here on the hospital's rooftop. I invited him here so we can talk peacefully; that's what I believe. "I don't plan to hide them from you," I began. He scoffed. "Really? That's why I recently found out that I have kids," he mocked along with his intense glare. I bit my lower lip and looked away. "I was planning to tell you today." "Today," he repeated and laughed wearily. I screamed when he faced the wall and punched it hard. He let out a few more before looking at me again. I could see the pain and betrayal in his eyes. "You should have informed me right away when you found out you were pregnant, Khrystal! My children almost turned into bastards!" His veins nearly burst while screaming. "How can I let you know about my pregnancy if I thought you already got a family on your own, Agustine?! Do you think I also wanted to acknowledge my children as illegitimates?
My body seemed to be moving on its own. I don't know how to think properly. Even though my knees were shaking, I still managed to run. Lord, please, not my son. "M-Miss, Giovani Dagsinal, please," I asked at the nurse assigned in the emergency ward. "H-He was taken to the operating room," a familiar voice interrupted. I unconsciously made a turn in her direction. Her eyes swelled up. Her daughter was seated at her side, sobbing quietly while her elbow was bandaged. Both of them were seated on a hospital bed."Lhea, why are you here? And what happened to Dianne?" Agustine was curious. Her throat was hardly moving. She gave me a sympathetic glance. She started to say something, but then she quickly stopped.Ultimately, I decided to disregard her. I don't give a damn about her. My son is who I need to see. Agustine was following me, but I did not pay attention to him as I swiftly ran away."K-Khrystal," Mom said when she saw me. I ignored her. I immediately went to Gia who was sitt