Chapter 12 - Unexpected Visit
First thing in the morning, ang wardrobe ko nga ang pinagdiskitahan ni Ander. We are having breakfast by the balcony when a parade of cars and SUV parked in our garden. Hindi kami nagkikibuang dalawa. Not that I want to talk to him. He's also busy with his paper works as well, and I heard he's planning to have another visit in Naples, Palermo, and Rumini. Something about transfers of firearms and another gang wars.Pinagmasdan ko ang pagbaba ng mga tao mula sa sasakyan at hinawi ang buhok. I'm still dressed with my silver night gown, and a velvet white robe. I looked at Ander and saw him watching his people as well, like a god from Mount Olympus. Only that he's hotter, harsher, and more manipulative."They're here to fix your wardrobe."He glanced at me. Nang makitang matalim ang tingin ko sa kanya ay agad niya ring binawi ang tingin niya."You're really pushing this, huh?""Yeah... Your clotheChapter 13 - The Ex-Girlfriend"Mommy,"I am still shocked that my mother's here. Her unexpected visit added tension in my weary emotions. First, because of Ander and all my thoughts about him and this arrangement... My feelings. Then now, she's here.Why is she here?Bakit may nararamdaman akong iba? Don't get me wrong. I love seeing her. I always love being with her, but her visit is slightly off. Considering her state, her supposed vacation...the time.At nasaktuhan pa na nag-aaway kami ni Ander... at nakainom pa ako!Ander gently held my elbow, urging me to greet my mother. I sighed and went to her.Niyakap ko ang ina. Sa likuran niya ay napako ang mga tingin ko. Naroon ang kanyang mga bagahe. Ibig sabihin ba ay hindi siya tumuloy ng Paris?"What are you doing here, Mommy?""Did you drink?""We did, Tita." ani Ander.I glanced at him. Hindi ko kailangan na iligtas niya ako rito. Alam naman n
Chapter 14 - FoundApparently, Serena — Ander's ex-girlfriend and Ander's parents are staying for a longer period in Manila. Ander insisted that they must stay in their own mansion, and never, on his own words: interfere with out married life.Somehow, it appalled me."You could have let them stay here you know..." Ginala ko ang tingin sa aming sala.We were just about to go to Casino Real. Make appearances, and he'll drop me off to Rockwell for my meeting with Selena.We're both dressed of navy blue tops. Naka puting mini skirt at thigh high boots ako at nagdala ng Dior saddle bag."Huwag na." he answered."Why?"Nilingon niya ako. Seryoso at mapagmatiyag ang mga tingin — halos tila nang-uusisa ito at binabalak na basahin ang isipan ko. Sandali pa niya akong tinignan at humalukipkip. Nagtaas ako ng kilay at ngumiti pero agad ring napawi nang magtanong siya."Do you seriously want to live with my ex-gir
Chapter 15 - Some ConsequencesWhy did my brother ended up dead? Who killed him? And why?Bumuhos ang mga tanong sa isipan ko habang nasa biyahe kami papunta sa condo. May parte sa akin na iniisip na baka kasalanan ko. Ako ang nagpadakip sa kanya. Ako ang nag-umpisa nito. May iba nga lang na tumapos.Pero ang tanong, sino?Galit kong tinignan ang telepono ko. Kanina ko pa tinatawagan si Selena at ang mga tauhan namin pero ni isa walang sumasagot. Every second, I grew impatient and anxious. My brother just died... Possibly murdered. But by who? Tauhan ba namin? Ni Ander? O may iba pang kalaban?"A-ander... We need to go and see them-""Stay right there, per favore." aniya at pinigilan ako sa pagtayo.I heard he told his bodyguards to keep the building secured. Pinacheck niya rin si Mommy at pinapadala na niya rito. He called a few people on his phone and talked to them in various languages I couldn't understand and grasp.
Chapter 16 - The Wake"Sleep tight. I'll fix this. I promise." That's what Ander told me before he went out of my room.Hindi na ako umimik. Sobrang daming gumugulo at bumabagabag sa akin. Kahit ang sarili kong konsensya ay tinatalikuran talaga ako. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi sa sarili na dapat malungkot ako sa nangyayari. Pero wala akong maramdaman na. Hindi ko alam kung namamanhid ba ako. Ang tanging nararamdaman ko lang ay pagkabahala at takot na mahuli ako nina Mommy sa ginawa ko. Because God knows they won’t let this slip away. They can disown me.I sighed. Tinitigan ko ang kisame at naramdaman ang tuluyang pagsarado ni Ander sa pinto ko.Ni hindi na ako nakapagpasalamat sa kanya. But God knows how grateful I am because of him. Hindi ko alam kung dahil ba nasa isang mababang punto ako ng buhay ko ngayon kaya masyado ko siyang na a-appreciate.I tossed and turned around
Chapter 17 - AssuranceKung sinampal ko kaya 'to si Serena? Tutal deserve naman niya?I stared at the altar in front of me. My mother is talking, but I couldn't make out everything she's saying. All I can hear is my erratic heartbeat, the peddling noise outside that I couldn't even understand. The flashes across the room, and the slow burning murmurs of the people around us as they agree to what my mother is saying."Corelle," Marahang hinaplos ni Ander ang siko ko. Napatingin ako sa kanya.Sa sobrang paglalakbay ng isip ko, halos wala na akong matinong maisip. I can't afford to lose my cool now. I can't let anyone see how chaotic and messy my life is right now.For sure, they'll question everything and everyone around me. Ang unang sisi rito ay kay Ander. Siyempre, siya ang asawa ko... Siya ang unang-unang titignan ng mga tao."What?" I mouthed.He looked at me — his eyes are overshadowed with questions. I kne
Chapter 18 - F Day[Warning: SPG]"And you managed to prepare dinner?" I peered inside our kitchen. When we came home, he told me to take a warm bath — and I did. Ngayong pinabababa na niya ako, naabutan ko siyang naghahanda ng pagkain namin.He didn't call for our chef. He's doing it. Ander style. With his black apron on, a white shirt underneath and a black gym shorts. He looks very casual. Very different from his facade in the outside world."Parang natatanggal na talaga ang angas mo ah?" I smirked tauntingly.Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang mga ginawa niya para sa dinner namin. I am not very familiar with what's on the table, but I figured it's everything Italian. "I thought we're just going to fuck tonight?"Nilapitan niya ako pagkahubad niya ng apron at pagkalapag ng dessert. "We'll do that.""After this?""After this," He nodded and licked his lower lip."Oka
Chapter 19 - Wine TeasingAnder booked a one week vacation somewhere in Capri, Italy. I told him that it's not necessary. Ayaw ko rin namang makahanap na naman ng dahilan ang media para pagpiyestahan ang mga buhay namin. Ayaw ko rin na nangingialam sila sa buhay namin na para bang sila ang nagpapakain at nagpapalamon sa amin. Baka kasi masilip ng mga tao na nagpapakasasa ako sa masarap na buhay ko habang nagluluksa pa rin ang mga magulang ko sa pagkawala ng kapatid ko.I've read articles that I lack sympathy. That I'm not grieving. The comments are condescending and degrading. I wonder if how they really can see right through me, or they just have this perception of me?Umihip ang pang hapong hangin at inayos ko ang aking sarong. I'm in my aquafina bikini. Ander's topless, with his shades on and a board shorts. Hindi na ako nag-post ng pictures namin dahil baka mamatay na sa inggit ang mga tao sa Pilipinas."I'll see you again in a week." ani Ande
Chapter 20 - He's BackWhen we came back to Manila, we are immediately bombarded by reports. To be honest — we look like a celebrity couple. Dressed with an all black ensemble suit, Andee held my waist with care as he navigated and guided me towards the exit door where our cars are waiting for us."We'll be using separate cars. I still need to go to Casino Real.""Yes, and I have a pamper day."Maauna akong umuwi dahil isa lang naman ang appointment ko sa Aivee. Gusto ko sanang Kaya lang, baka pa ako makapunta sa paroroonan ay namataan ko na ang dagat ng tao na tiyak na naghihintay sa amin. Mabilis kong binaba ang shades ko at mas lalong nagtaka.Hindi ko ineexpect na ganito karami!We are not informed!"Mr. and Mrs. Caruso, anong masasabi niyo sa naging pahayag ni Serena Machiavelli?"With just the mere mention of her name, the goosebumps all over my body sent a terrifying chill on my spine.Bakit ba nababanggit ang pangalan niya?"What?""S
Chapter 36 - ChildishNow that the folder is missing, I can't get hold of my parents. Ayaw rin akong payagan ni Ander na pumunta sa kanila. Doon mas lalong umangat at tumaas ang suspisyon ko na alam niya ang tungkol sa folder.Na siya ang kumuha nito. Pero bakit niya kukunin? Because my mother is probably right. She's right about Serena and Ander. Tapos ngayon, pinagbibihis ako ni Ander dahil pupunta kami sa wedding anniversary ng parents niya!His parents who wants me dead!"You don't want me to see my parents, but you want me to attend your parents' wedding anniversary? That is plain bullshit, Ander.""You're mad..."Of course I am mad! I am livid to an extent!He sighed.Pero hindi ko siya binigyan ng pagkakataon na magsalita. Imbes ay mas lumapit ako sa kanya. Kahit na alam kong ako ang mas lamang ngayon — hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng kaba.After all, this is a very dangerous game. I a
Chapter 35 - MissingNakatulala ako sa kisame samantalang tulog pa rin si Ander. Hindi ko naman siya masisisi dahil galing pa siya sa biyahe tapos nag pagod pa kami kagabi. Gusto ko siyang lingunin. Gusto kong kausapin at pagmasdan siya habang natutulog siya.Pero hindi ko ginawa. Hindi ko siya nilingon. Nanatili ang mga mata ko sa kisame — pilit na inaaayos ang mga iniisip ko ngayon.It really sucks to be an overthinker.Minsan, ayaw mo naman talagang mag-isip nang mag-isip pero hindi talaga maiwasan."Hmm," Dinantay ni Ander ang kamay niya sa aking tiyan. Napasinghap ako at napakagat sa labi habang unti-unting naramdaman ang pagtaas ng balahibo at ang pagkalabog ng dibdib ko.If this is a normal day, I would push him. If I am still the same bratty and immature girl I was when I married him, I probably howl at him right now. But instead, I stared at his arm on my stomach. Willing it to remove itself, but it d
Chapter 34 - How Long[Warning: SPG]"Ander... hmmm..." I bit my lower lip.Kanina ko pa pinipigilan ang sarili. Ayaw kong mag-ingay. Ayaw kong ipahalata na sabik na sabik ako sa kanya. Ayaw kong ipakita na sa ilang linggo na wala siya rito ay nanabik ako at nangulila.Hindi.Pero heto ako ngayon, spread widely like a spider web. I know hindi magandang reference iyon pero wala na akong maisip na iba. He continued eating me.Tama.Kinakain niya ako ngayon...Pikit mata kong tinakpan ang bibig ko. Ilang sandali pa ay nararamdaman ko ang nalalapit na pagsabog. Kumapit ako sa buhok niya at bahagyang inangat ang katawan, mas lalong dinidiin ito sa kanya."Ander!" I called. Trying to hold the tiniest thread I'm weaving.Pero mukhang pabigay na ito.Nanghihina na ang bawat kalamnan ko. Wala akong nagawa kundi ang umungol at magpaubaya sa sarap.I can literally see star
Chapter 33 - ColdThe truth is, I am so scared to open the folder."Tignan mong maigi 'yan." ani Mommy.Paano kung ayaw ko?Gusto kong isatinig 'yon kaya lang tila nawalan na ako ng gana. Lugmok at bagsak ang balikat ko habang naglalakad palayo kay Mommy.Deep down, I know I am scared. I am sad and disappointed. A part of me learned to trust Ander... Kahit kaunti at kahit kakarampot — kahit pa sabihin ko sa sarili na hindi ko siya lubusang mapagkatiwalaan... ngayon, mas lumalaba ang totoo.That a part of me... has learned to trust him."Ma'am? Ipahahanda ko na po ba ang sasakyan?" tanong ng kasambahay nang matagpuan ako sa lanai.I told them that I will visit the ranch. Para na rin sana makapaglibang ako mamaya, at ngayon — tingin ko ay malabo na na makapag-enjoy pa ako dahil sa folder na hawak-hawak ko."Yes, please.""Sige po. May dadalhin po ba kayo gamit?"Umiling ako at
Chapter 32 - The SuspicionI am annoyed with my mother the whole day. Iniisip ko pa lang na magtatagal ako rito at hihintayin lang ang pagbabalik ni Ander, gusto ko na lang tumakbo palabas ng estates at kumawala.When you outgrow certain people in your life, you'll realize how much a part of you — hates them. Nakatitig ako sa mga magulang ko na umiinom ng kape. Parehas na tahimik at tila ba naninimbang sa tensyon na mayroon kami. Kanina ko pa sila pinagmamasdan. Ni isa sa kanila ay hindi man lang nag try na mag-initiate ng usapan. Ni hindi man lang nila ako matignan nang matagal.Have we really been so damaged and scarred?It went like that for days. Bagot na bagot ako. Halos malibot ko na ang buong estates. Madalas, naroon ako sa hardin — sa labas. Nag-aaral din akong magluto. Minsan naman ay bumababa ako sa dagat at naliligo roon. I mostly eat alone. Ayaw kong sabayan ang mga magulang. Ni hindi rin ako makahanap ng tamang tiyempo para
Chapter 31 - Talk"Are you gonna be alright here?"Inaantok kong sinulyapan si Ander. After a tiring session at the gym, and after discerning all our plans in the next few weeks, we went home... Ate dinner... At siyempre, may pa dessert pa kami sa kama.Tumikhim siya dahil natagalan ako sa pagsagot. Lumapat siya sa paanan ko at marahang hinaplos 'yon na tila ba maamong pusa na naghahangad at nanghihingi ng atensyon."Concern ka masyado, hubby..." I chuckled. I know too well that it will surprise him.Ngumuso siya at humalukipkip. Mas lalong nadepina ang muscles ng kanyang dibdib at ang ng nga braso. Topless siya ngayon, rason kung bakit kitang-kita ang ilang geometric at Roman Numeral tattoos niya. Bumagsak ang tingin niya sa katawan kong balot na balot ng kumot."Hubby..." he echoed. "Baduy.""Wow! Kumusta naman sa'yo na gusto love ang tawagan!""For publicity.""Famewhore," pang-aasar ko.
Chapter 30 - The Answer"What? Pakiulit nga."I blink abruptly. I took a step backward, trying to get enough space so I can think clearly. Somehow, when he's near... my mind's always clouded. Ni hindi ako makapag-isip nang maayos. Palagi siyang nariyan at nakakabit na ata sa utak ko.He wants me to get rid of my pills.With that, I am sure.Nagbibiro lang ba siya? Sinusubukan ako? Titignan kung kakagat ako? Is this one of his tactics?"I thought we don't like kids?" dagdag ko nang nanatili siyang tahimik.Parang tila gusto na rin niyang bawiim ang sinabi. Siguro, nalilito at naguguluhan na rin siya sa sarili niya. Ako, naloloka na ako sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung biro nga lang ba talaga 'to! What if hindi? What if iyon na nga lang ang nakikita niyang tanging paraan?But then again, why would his parents hate me to the bones? Do they really loathe me that much to kill me?"Ander!"
Chapter 29 - PillsMaaga kaming nagising ni Ander kahit na medyo inumaga rin kami sa ginawa namin bilang mag-asawa sa papel.Maigi na 'yung malinaw.Inayos ko ang roba ko at tuluyang umupo sa upuan sa aming teresa. Si Ander ay medyo namumula-mula dahil sa iniy ng sikat ng araw. Inayos niya ang t-shirt niya at nilapag ang cellphone sa harapan ko. Napatikhim kami parehas."So, how's Serena?"He just got off the phone with Sage, and I am sure that it's not looking good.Nagtataka nga ako. If Serena is such a threat, and an enemy — why would Ander bother to save her?There is an answer at the back of my head. Bitterness crept like poison ivy — causing me to frown. I know this is not the right way to start my day. A bad mood would kill all the thunderstorms my way.I sighed as I look at our breakfast. Hindi ako naghanda niyan. Hindi rin si Ander. It is probably Lisa."She's fine.""Gising na?"
Chapter 28 - SlowI don't even know why I felt so odd, so stingy... So off when I heard Ander's voice. Etched with concern. With worries, with uncertainty... Doubt, frustrations...And it echoed to my own voice of reason — telling me to continue doubting him.And to tell myself the inexplicable truth."Serena got shot."It kept on playing in my head. How his voice has that sudden edge, bladed with confusion as if he's doubting his own... That he needed help somehow, because he didn't want to fuck it up. After all, this is Serena's life we're talking about."Corelle, let's just go." Kinuha ni Selena ang kamay ko pero umiling lang ako at binitawan ang radio.Everyone's sense of urgency did not even gave me the adrenaline. I just stood there, a bit frozen and my heart's frantic beats aren't for the commotion. It was for the cold hard truth.Napalunok ako at tinitigan ang Casino Real sa harapan. Naroon na ang ilan p