Chapter 17 - Assurance
Kung 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 kneChapter 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 21 - The Outcast"Why is he here?"Ander looked at me with ease. It's like he's watching a melodrama film playing in front of him. His forest eyes hinted a sense of pride and victory. Like the one he's capable of giving whenever he conquered another region, another trade, and another gang.But I was too infested with hate and doubts that I couldn't see it at first glance."I said I'll handle everything.""You should inform me about your plans.""When I say I got it — I mean it.""I know, but... This is Guzman...""And I am Ander Caruso, Corelle. Ni minsan, hindi pa ako pumalpak sa mga plano ko."Nagkatitigan kaming dalawa. Igting panga niya akong pinagmasdan na tila ba wala na siyang ibang iniisip kundi ang iniisip at nararamdaman ko.I shifted on my feet and glanced at Guzman's. He's busy looking at our pictures. The one that Ander framed when we got back from different vacations or pa
Chapter 22 - A Quiet TalkIt is chaotic.I was so shocked and stunned. After that little scene, Ander immediately brought me back to the car. I was escorted to our penthouse and I didn't know what to do or what to feel. I am still in a confusion and shocked phase."You should go," Ander handed me to his men. He said something in Italian that I can't quite understand, but I know that the tone of his voice is so serious. Almost like he's warning them.Buong biyahe, wala akong inisip kundi ang tagpo kanina.About Guzman... My parents... Ander's parents, Serena and Selena! I saw that Sage got a hold of her. I need to check on her. Mabilis kong tinipa ang numero ng kaibigan at naghintay sa pagsagot niya ng tawag.I almost ended it. Dahil nakailang ring na ay hindi pa rin niya sinsagot. Nagulat na lang ako nang halos patapos na ay sinagot na niya ito."Selena!""Mrs. Caruso," Nangunot ang noo ko at napa
Chapter 23 - New Arrangements"Good morning,"I glanced at Ander, then looked away. He's the first one who greeted. Quite bit shocked and still feeling a bit unusual I only nodded a bit. I moved a bit, trying to be free from his legs.Dito kasi siya natulog sa parehong kama na pinagpahingahan ko. Nilagyan ko ng harang ang pagitan naming dalawa dahil ayaw kong maramdaman na tila ba sobrag dikit na kami. Pinagmasdan ko sandali ang pwesto namin. Nawala na yung harang na nilagay ko tapos tingin ko pa ay may pagkakataon na nagkayakap kami habang natutulog.I slightly tug at him again. Buti na lang, nakuha niya agad ang gusto kong mangyari. He mumbled his soft apology."A-ayos lang...""It's nice to sleep here.""Medyo mainit...""Really?" There is doubt in his voice. "But you're wearing a see-through night gown, and the air condition's max-""Basta... Dahil siguro sa panahon.""I see."
Chapter 24 - The Message"It's not today."I was panicking. I don't think I have the courage to face Ander's parents, nor to even look at them. They tried to kill me! It's obvious they hate me and it's given that they wanted to get rid of me. It sucks because I know I'm not very likeable, but I did not even do anything to them!I phoned Ander immediately after I receive the list. Iyon nga ang sinagot niya. Na hindi pa naman daw ngayon ang dinner na 'yon.Hindi ko lang alam kung kahit sa kabilang buhay pa 'yon, ay kung tutuloy ba ako. I don't exactly know everything about Ander's plans, but I am going to listen to him as much as possible.Kung tutuusin... Siya na lang ang kakampi ko ngayon."Then when?""Matagal pa.""Kaya nga, kailan? I'm sure may timeline ka ng mga plano mo.""Precisely.""Oh, so-""Just wait, I'll tell you when. I still have a lot of things to accomplish."
Chapter 25 - The Feast"See you soon," I kissed Selena's cheeks as we both stepped out of the mall.Nakahanda na ang sasakyan ko kaya nilabas ko na ang susi ko at sinenyasan muli siya. Isang mahigpit na yakap muli ang binigay niya. Na tila ba may gusto pa siyang sabihin o sadyang namiss lang niya ako.Pero alam ko... mayroon pang ibang dahilan. Ramdam ko rin na malungkot at nangungulila siya. Ilang ulit ko siyang tinanong kanina na tingin ko'y nakulitan na siya sa akin.Sinulyapan kong nag-uusap sila ni Sage — to the point na akala ko nagtatalo sila. I wanted to come to her rescue, but she glanced back at me and nodded — telling me that she got it.I drove all the way back to the penthouse. I was hoping I'd run to Lisa today, and ask her to clean the whole yard. Balak ko sanang mag-invite ng mga kilalang personalidad mula sa book club ni Mommy. It's a great way to maintain my image, and my reputation — as well as showing off how grea