"Hija? My dear? Are you okay?" I don't know how many times Manang asked it from outside my door.Even though I don't want to ignore her, I don't have the strength to answer or show my face to anyone. I feel like I'm dirty. Yes, it's my fault that Agustine punished me, it's my fault of what happened to both of us. But I never thought I would get into a situation where I would be attached. I wanted to blame him, but I know I'm at fault too. I did not ask anything about his relationship status.I laughed and leaned on the edge of my bed. I sat on the floor hugging my own legs. My tears don't stop flowing. I replayed everything over and over in my head. From the time we met until what happened earlier.I do not know what to think. So messy. I feel like something is missing, something I don't know. There is a part of my chest that hurts and is afraid of the possibility that he really just played with me like Mommy reminded me earlier.Why did he offer me a relationship if he already has som
I was staring at my door for almost five minutes. I repeated what Mommy said several times in my mind before she went out. I don't know if I should go out or just stay in my room. But I thought, the woman is innocent in everything. If anyone can be called a victim of what is happening, it is her.I have no idea why she is here. Is it to threaten me? To make me look even more ashamed of what I did?I took a deep breath and composed myself for a moment. Maybe I have to finish the mess I made, I have to apologize. After being satisfied with my appearance, I slowly moved to go out. Every step I take seems to squeeze my heart with the fact that I really made a mistake.I immediately saw Agustine's fiancee sitting on the sofa when I got off. Our eyes met. Even though she didn't say anything, I could feel the anger and pain from her eyes. I sat on the one-seater couch that was on the side of where she was sitting when I finally got closer."I'm sorry," I murmured.I spoke first. She automatic
"Khrystal." Nexus stared at me in shock as I stood in the doorway of his house. I decided to come here the moment Agustine's fiancee left the house. I don't know but my body just took the initiative to act. I no longer know what is right and should be done to end all my problems. To get rid of the pain in my chest. I gave him a small smile. "Can I come in for a second?" I asked. He immediately nodded and then stepped aside to let me pass. Just by his worried gaze, I knew that the issue that happened to me had reached him. I have no news about that. I avoided turning on my cellphone, I didn't even look at the television, so I have no idea how much people know about the scandal I was involved in. "Would you like some juice? Tea? Coffee?" he offered me when we got to the living room. I shook my head gently. "Don't. I just need someone to talk to." I finally sat down on the three-seater couch. Nexus stared at me for a moment then sighed. After that he sat next to me. I smiled a litt
"Where did you go?" Mommy Francheska asked when I came home. She had a glass of wine in her hand as she sat on the couch. The epiphany suddenly came back to mind. I can't help but get annoyed and feel awful. I made my way up to her slowly. When I reached her front, I turned and gave her a hard stare. She met my cold gaze head-on. "Why?" I whispered. She raised an eyebrow. She didn't speak and just waited for me to add to what I said. My eyes clouded with tears. "Why did you send me to him, knowing that he's a dangerous person?" I continued. Her face lost all emotion. She slowly distanced her back from the chair and then placed the glass she was holding on the center table. After that she crossed her arms while looking at me. "Are you going to blame me?" she asked again instead of answering my question. I laughed so hard and my tears started to fall. "Did you even think of me as your child?" "You wouldn't be in this household if I didn't accept you as a child." She aver
The familiar heat of the weather touched my skin when I came out of the airport. I was wearing a black crop top shirt underneath my denim jacket that was hanging loosely on my back shoulders, paired it with my ripped fitted jeans—which made me look sophisticated. I roamed my eyes around and a small smile plastered on my lips when I saw my father. He was standing by the side of his car, waiting for my arrival. He didn't notice me yet because he was focused on typing on his phone so I started walking. My heels made a noise every time I stepped on the cement as well as the wheels of the suitcase I'm carrying, so when I was only two meters away from Daddy, he looked up at me. He quickly straightened up and greeted me with a smile. "Welcome back," he murmured as he gave me a hug. I let go of my suitcase and hugged him back. "Thanks, Dad." Daddy slowly let go after a few minutes and then stared at me blankly. He caressed my cheek for a moment before smiling again. I couldn't help but ch
"Are my babies behaving while Mommy is away?" I asked my children softly as we sat in the kitchen—preparing food. I'm sitting between the twins. Gio was on my left while Gia was on my right. They both know how to eat on their own, so I don't have too many problems when it comes to feeding. "Opo," they answered together in Tagalog slang. (Yes) I was stunned for a few seconds when they spoke Tagalog. Ever since the twins grew up and learned to talk, I never heard them like that. Even though I occasionally speak to them in Tagalog, their English is perfect for me. That's why I couldn't help but be surprised, adding that I suddenly remembered someone. I tried to smile at my children and then looked at my family who were watching with a smile. It seems that they have heard the two speak Tagalog because they are no longer shocked by it. I just shook my head and dismissed the memory that entered my mind. It is also good for them to learn to communicate with other children. We started e
It felt like deja vu. How I now ogle the structure as I stand in front of our workplace. The heartbeat I had experienced in the past was still present. The amazement as well as anxiety. I breathed in and out. I took one look at myself before deciding to walk. I can't deny that my nervousness doubled when I entered the company. When I was at home, I had already prepared for the employees' scrutinizing looks, that's why I was surprised when all I saw in their reactions was pure shock. Some of the employees are still familiar to me. There are some that I don't know, maybe they came in when I was gone. I tried to plaster a small smile on my lips. "Good morning," I greeted formally. The employees quickly returned to their respective ways and greeted back. Some of the staff who is wondering about my presence also did the same, maybe they felt that I was one of the higher ups. After that, a woman came right up to me and introduced herself as Daddy's secretary. "I will take you to your
"Mommy? Are you still there?" I couldn't speak. I could not even move. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat as I slowly ended my daughter's call. "Mr. Revelar," I uttered, acknowledging his presence. I almost had several saints to thank because I didn't stutter when I spoke. I composed myself and stood up from my seat. I adjusted my coat before looking at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be distracted. Anyway, you are here for the meeting, right?" I asked the obvious and glanced at my watch. Since this is how he actually was before, I cannot say that he is too early in the meeting. Before or during the meeting's scheduled time, he unexpectedly showing up. I attempted to put my internal dialogue aside and pay attention to him."Have a seat." I pointed to the visitor's chair with an open palm. He went over without saying anything. His legs were crossed as he sat in front. The stress I was feeling in my chest loosened gradually. He was acting professionally, which put me at ea
*** "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