ZARIA's POV7 P.M.Kanina pa ako kinakabahan. Naisip ko na ito na ang chance para masabi ko kay Khiana ang totoong nararamdaman ko sa kanya na matagal ko ng itinatago. I'm here at Primo Bar since 6pm to wait for her. I'm excited and anxious at the same time.Panay ang tingin ko sa pintuan para tingnan ang mga pumapasok sa tao. Pagkalipas ng limang minuto ay nakita ko ang pamilyar na lalaki na naglalakad papunta sa gawin ko. My forehead creased, I don't know what he's doing here. Why is he in front of me? What does he need?"Ryker? What are you doing here?" I asked.Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit si Ryker ang nasa harapan ko ngayon himbis na si Khiana.My heart was thumping frantically in my chest as I stood up. Hindi ko man lang naisip na pwedeng hindi si Khiana ang kausap ko sa telepono kung hindi si Ryker."Nasaan si Khiana?" tanong ko."She's not coming," he said in his deep voice. "Because it was me who texted you, not her."Biglang nagsink-in agad sa utak ko ang sinabi niya. I
RYKER's POVI AM SO DAMN IRRITATED!I could see from Khiana's eyes that she's sad that her old friend was leaving. Hindi naman niya kailangan sa buhay niya ang babaeng 'yon dahil nandito naman na ako. She's just a hindrance to the both of us.I need to calm down. I am being needy.Yes, I wanted Khiana all for myself.No one can look at her. No one can touch her. Just me."She's mine..." I said under my breath.I bit my lower lip. Maybe my celibacy was the reason I suddenly became obsessed with Khiana. I haven't touched a woman for a long time, and when we had sex, it felt so amazing that I lost my shit. She made me forget my name.Mabilis ako na nag-type sa cellphone ko ng message. I won't be meeting her tonight.To: KhianaI am quite busy...I won't be able to see you tonight.Wala pang isang minuto ay nag-reply na siya sa akin.From: KhianaOkay! Take care!But I lied. Hindi totoong busy ako. I just wanted to be alone and try something new again. Gusto ko lang muna mapag-isa at masi
RYKER's POV"WHY THE HELL HE'S HERE?Nakaupo siya sa sofa sa living room ng hotel suite ko. He's leaning on my couch and relaxing as if he's very comfortable. As if it's his place. Binato ko siya nang masamang tingin.After Khiana and I made love, agad na nagpaalam ako na babalik sa suite ko. Then, this is what's waiting for me? I don't want to see his face or hear his voice. Alam ko na hindi na naman siya titigil sa pangangaral niya sa akin. T'saka baka pinadala pa siya ng pamilya ko para sirain na naman ang kasiyahan ko. I am so fucking tired."To talk to you, obviously.""What do you want, River?"He's River Villanueva, my best friend. We're the same age, and just like me he's a business owner. He's more serious than me, and I can say... more boring. But to be fair, madalas si River ang taga-linis ng kalat ko. He doesn't support my bad decisions, pero kapag ginawa ko na ay wala naman siyang magawa. Tinutulungan niya pa rin naman ako.I remember one time na siya ang nagbail-out sa a
KHIANA's POV"I'M KHIANA'S EX-BOYFRIEND."I didn't expect him to be here. He's the last person I can think of that will go to this place. Ano pa ba ang gusto niya? When he cheated on me, natapos na ang relasyon naming dalawa. Wala ng kailangan pang balikan."I don't care who the fuck are you! Fucking stay away from her!" Ryker shouted at him.Akmang susugurin pa siya ni Ryker pero mabilis ko 'tong pinigilan. This will do no good. Lalo na at nasa harapan pa kami ng hotel at maraming tao ang pwede makakita sa amin at sa nangyayari at nakakahiya 'yon.Nakita kung tumayo si Levi. "I don't also give a fuck if who you are," maangas na sabi nito. "I am here for Khiana. I'm going to talk to her. Who are you anyway?""Fuck you!" sigaw ni Ryker."Her rebound? Her new boytoy?" Levi smirked.Dahil sa sinabi niya ay nakatikim tuloy siya ng sapak mula kay Ryker. Tingin ko ay kaunti na lang at mababasag na ang mukha ni Levi sa bigat ng kamay nito. But it seemed like it didn't affect on him. He is st
KHIANA's POVI AWOKE TO THE SENSATION OF RYKER'S ARMS being wrapped around me, as well as the sense of the warm rays of sunshine that were coming in through the window. The events of the previous evening had been amazing, and as I grew closer to him in my sleep, I couldn't help but smile. Hindi ko alam kung may makakapantay ba sa nagMy joy, however, did not last for very long...The sudden ringing of my phone jarred me out of my state of pleasure. I stifled a moan since I didn't want to answer the question and spoil the mood. But I couldn't ignore the voice in my head telling me to look into it. Agad ng tiningnan ko ang caller ID, it was Eliz.Napakunot ang noo ko. Eliz is my close friend kaya alam ko na hindi 'to morning person. Bakit niya ako tatawagan ng ganito ka aga?For some reason, I felt nervous. I even hesitated to took the call. Before giving a response, there was a little pause during which my heart pounded rapidly in my chest."Hello?" I spoke out, scarcely raising my voic
RYKER's POV"KHIANA?"I awoke feeling foggy and confused about where I was. When I opened my eyes, I saw that there was nobody in the room. When I noticed that there's no traces of Khiana, I immediately got out of bed. Napasilip ako sa orasan at namilog ang mata ko nang makita ko kung anong oras na.Fucking 2 p.m.I didn't expect to oversleep that long. Last night with Khiana was amazing and I couldn't put it into words. I want to have more nights like that with her. I am sure that I'll never forget that night. It was memorable and just fucking unforgettable."Khiana? Are you there?"Naglakad ako papunta sa bathroom para tignan kung nando'n ba siya. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita na wala kahit anong senyales ni Khiana. I roamed around my suite and saw no traces of her, and for some reason... My suite feels empty.At first, I believed that Khiana had most likely returned to her own room, so I hastily got dressed and went downstairs to check for her. However, I did not expect what I saw
KHIANA's POVI AM SO TIRED.Hindi ko na alam pa ang gagawin ko. These past few days have been so hard for me. Hindi ko alam kung saan pa ako kukuha ng lakas para magpatuloy. Nakakapagod na. Pagod na ako. But, hell, I can't even fucking rest.I sat still in the living room of our house, obliviously fixating on the wall in front of me. What had taken place was incomprehensible to me. I was left with the sense that I had no one to turn to for support. Kahit na binibisita ako ni Tiffany and Eliz palagi para kumustahin ako. Pero hirap na hirap pa rin ako sa sitwasyon ko. Hanggang ngayon ay nanghihina ako."Khiana, saan ka pupunta?" tanong sa akin ni Eliz."Kikitain ko iyong parents ko ngayon. Nakahanap na ako ng libreng abogado para sa kaso nila. This will be a great help," sabi ko at binigyan siya ng maliit na ngiti."Alright. Mag-ingat ka ah."Sa harap ng presinto ay nakita ko na nandoon na ang lawyer na nakausap ko. Nasa early 40's pa lang si Attorney. Mabait at may simpatya siya. Kitan
RYKER's POV"I WANT TO SEE KHIANA AGAIN."While I was sitting in my car, I couldn't help but stare at the structure that was in front of me. Through the help of a private investigator, I was able to track down Khiana's friend Tiffany and get her address. I have traveled all the way from the suburbs into the heart of the city, to the neighborhood, and I am now parked in front of Tiffany's house, a part of an apartment complex.I felt a mixture of fear and excitement as I stepped out of my car and took a few deep breaths before proceeding. I have always been someone who is willing to take chances, and while I was aware that chasing Khiana constituted taking a chance, I was unable to stop myself from doing it. Mahal ko siya at sigurado na ako sa bagay na 'yon. Kaya handa akong gawin ang lahat para bumalik siya sa akin.Maglalakad na sana ako ng bigla naman tumunog ang cellphone ko. I rolled my eyes as I picked up the call. This is the last time I am picking up his call! Hindi na talaga t
RYKER's POVI could feel the adrenaline pouring through my veins as my memories began to resurface. I recalled being abducted, having my eyes covered, and being thrown into the back of a vehicle. I didn't know where I was headed or what would happen to me. I was only aware of my fear and isolation.I could hear voices and footsteps moving closer and closer as the vehicle traveled for what seemed like hours. I prepared for the worst and pondered if this was the time when my life would end."Sino kayo?" sigaw ko sa kanila."Ang ingay mo! Wala ka ng pakialam kung sino man kami!" sigaw nang isa sa kanila.After that they cover my mouth with duct tape. For them to get information, I underwent beatings and torture. I was compelled to divulge my family's location and our financial situation. The gang members were using all means at their disposal to try and get information out of me and were pursuing me aggressively."Ang swerte naman pala natin, galing sa mayaman na pamilya ang batang 'to."
KHIANA's POV"WELCOME HOME!"Finally, the both of us can be together again. We can finally be happy. Mahigpit akong niyakap ni Ryker. Kalalabas niya lang sa mental institution. He's finally okay and better right now."Are you real?" he asked me as he touched my face. "You're so beautiful."Naiiyak na hinawakan ko ang kamay niya na nakahawak sa pisngi ko. "I am real and I am yours." Hindi na ako makapaghintay at binigyan ko siya ng halik. "You know, I missed you so much.""I missed you too. Damn! Ni hindi ko nga alam paano ako nakatagal do'n ng wala ka," sabi nito sa akin."Ryker, I have a surprise for you!" I said ."What is that? I'm excited!" saad nito pero halata sa kanyang mukha ang kaba."Close your eyes!" I said.Umiling 'to kasabay nang pagtawa. "Alright!"He followed my order when I told him not to open his eyes. Then, from the room, I pushed the two cribs with wheels. When I already brought them in the living room I told Ryker to. "Open your eyes., baby"Nakita ko ang pagkagu
KHIANA's POVI will for him no matter how long it is. That was my promise to myself. Kahit maging mahirap at matagal man ang proseso ay kakayanin ko. Alam ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko. Ryker and I will be together soon.And I can't wait for that time to come."Tomorrow, you will be the wife of River Villanueva. Kaya huwag kang magpuyat," sabi ko kay Tiffany. Kabado siya sa gaganapin niyang beach wedding bukas. "Kalma ka lang muna ha!" dagdag ko pa.Nasa Vista Verde kami ngayon at ito ang napili nilang venue ni River. Around 100 to 150 lang naman ang bisita sa kasal nila. They want a simple yet memorable wedding. Syempre kahit simple lang 'yong wedding nila ay hindi papayag si River na cheap lang. Kaya sinigurado nito na rentahan ang buong beach ng resort ni Ryker."Yes, sissy! Kinakabahan lang talaga ako."Inirapan ko namnan siya. "Bakit ka pa kinakabahan? Na baka hindi ka siputin ni River?" pang aasar ko sa kanya."Khiana!""Heto naman! Hindi ka mabiro. Matulog ka na! Huwag ka magpaka-
KHIANA's POV"I won't give up to our relationship!'Ang dami kung na realize sa mga nangyayari sa amin. Ngayon ay mas lalo ko lang napatunayan kung gaano katatag ang pagmamahalan naming dalawa. Hindi ko inakala na aabot kami sa ganitong sitwasyon, na handang isakpisyon ni Ryker ang buhay niya para lang sa kaligtasan ko. Sobrang mahal niya ako, mahal na mahal.Halos walang tigil ako sa pag iyak nang makarating kami sa hospital, sobrang pag aalala ang namumutawi ngayon sa buong sistema ko. Hindi ko kakayanin sa oras na may mangyaring masama kay Ryker."Khiana, huwag kang mag alala dahil sigurado akong magiging maayos lang siya. Masamang damo ang gagong 'yon kaya makakaya niya 'yan."Alam kung pinapagaan lang ni River ang pakiramdam ko pero hindi pa din mawala sa isip ko ang makaramdam ng takot. "Thank you, River." mahinang saad ko."Don't think too much. Mahal na mahal ka no'n kaya hindi 'yon papayag na maiwan kang mag isa,"Saglit na nagpaalam muna sa akin si River para bumili ng kape
RYKER's POV"Hillary kidnapped Khiana!"I was panicking when I called River to inform him what happen and asking for a help. Nagulat ako nang paglabas ko sa convenience store ay wala na si Khiana. Hanggang sa nabasa ko ang pinadalang message sa akin ni Hillary. Damn, woman! Is she insane?From: HillaryKhiana is with me.If you want her alive, go to this addressBye!I can't believe that she has the guts to abduct my fiance! I don't know that she'll stop that low. Alam kung gusto niya na ako lang mag isa ang pupunta sa lugar na sinabi niya pero hindi naman ako tanga para sundin ang bagay na 'yon. Pupunta ako do'n pero sinigurado ko na alam na ng kaibigan ko ang gagawin."Fuck that woman!" I screamed.My thoughts were going at a breakneck pace as I drove to the spot she had texted me about. I was at a loss to comprehend what she wanted from me, as well as her motive behind this. Hindi ko alam na magiging ganito siya ka desperada ngayon, dahil lang ba sa tinanggihan ko siya? Masaya na
KHIANA's POVWhat the hell is he doing here?As I saw Ryker and River approach Tiffany's apartment, my heart was pounding like crazy. Anong ginagawa nila rito? Bakit sila nandito? Ano pang kailangan nila? Ryker walked towards me and hugged me tightly. I was confused, mad, and hurt at the same time. Why is he hugging me after he cheated on me?"Stay away from me!" I pushed him away. "Umalis ka na rito!""Khiana, please,""Please, what? Stay away from me!" sigaw ko. Parang kahit anong oras ay bibigay na ang puso ko. "Ayoko na! Sumama ka na kay Hillary!""No, baby! I don't know what Hillary told you but listen to me first," he said, almost begging.Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at pinakita sa kanya ang sinend ni Hillary. Hindi ko namalayan na tumulo na pala ang luha ko habang pinapakita ko sa kanya ang mga pictures. "Tignan mo 'yan! You're cheating!""Ehem..." Biglang tumikhim si River.Napalingon ako sa kanya. Kasalukuyan siyang nakasandal sa pader at nakahalukipkip. "What?" I asked, angri
HILLARY's POVKhiana stormed out of Ryker's apartment, her face contorted with rage and pain. I instantly took a photo of her leaving the condo. I permitted myself a little grin as soon as she was out of sight. Finally, my plans are working! Hindi ko na kailangan pang maghintay dahil nangyayari na ngayon.Ryker has been my fuck buddy for years, ever since we met in college. We had a short affair that never developed into anything meaningful. We parted ways after graduation, then met again a few years later. I never forgot about him and I've always been in love with him. When we reunited a few years back, I knew I wouldn't let him go this time.The only issue was Khiana. She'd entered his life!Sinira ng babaeng 'yon ang lahat ng plano ko. Ang plano ko na paibigin si Ryker at ako ang babaeng aayos sa kanya. That didn't happen because of that Khiana bitch. Ugh! How I hate her so much!"I still can't believe him." I said to myself.HIndi ako makapaniwala na ang isang babaeng tulad lang n
Khiana's POV"KHIANA, HE'S A DANGEROUS MAN."As I entered the bar, I could feel my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I had a goal in mind, and I was unwavering in my commitment to accomplish it. I wants to fix our argument.Matapos niya makausap ang Uncle niya ay puno na ng tanong ang isipan niya. Wala man lang nabanggit si Ryker tungkol sa bagay na 'yon. That's why she confronted him. But, this is what happened. They end up arguing and they're on the brink of breaking their relationship.Ilang araw na ang lumipas ng huli naming pag uusap. Hindi siya umuwi sa bahay at kahit mga tawag ko ay hindi niya sinasagot, alam kung nagalit siya sa akin pero hindi ko naman ginusto na mag away kaming dalawa. Gusto ko lang siyang tulungan na maayos ang kanyang buhay. Nalaman kung madalas siyang nandito sa bar, I had been counting down the time until this moment for what seemed like an eternity. It was necessary for me to inebriate him and then bring him back to his condo. It was the only way for
KHIANA's POVUNCLE TOLD ME TO CONTACT HIM WHEN I NEEDED HIM.After what happened in the restaurant, I tried to talk to Ryker. But, he's not saying anything. Wala akong nakuha sa kanyang kahit anong impormasyon. He's not answering my questions. Nililihis niya bigla iyong topic o kung hindi kaya aayain niya akong makipag-sex.'Did I make the wrong decision?'Hindi ko na alam pa ang gagawin ko. I am so tired, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Hindi ko na alam kung kakayanin ko pa ang mga nangyayari sa akin ngayon. Everything felt so fucking heavy! I am tired! So fucking tired! Can't I catch a break?"Where are you going?" Ryker asked."To my work." I lied.Nang marinig niya iyon ay tumango na lang siya. "Alright. Take care!"Nagsinungaling ako kay Ryker at nagpaalam na ako sa trabaho ko na hindi ako papasok ngayon dahil may importante akong pupuntahan. Ang totoo niyan ay kakausapin ko si Uncle Lucio, kailangan kung malaman ang totoo tungkol kay Ryker at alam kung sa kanyang ko lang