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11. Mighty and dignified.
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"Lara!" natutuwang bati ni Kylene nang makita siya. "Akala ko pati ikaw ay sinisante! Mabuti naman at suspension lang sa 'yo!"
Napakunot-noo siya. Suspension? Suspended ba siya dapat? Iyon ba ang pinalabas ni Migo sa opisina?Gayunpaman ay hindi na siya nagsalita pa tungkol doon. Alangan namang sabihin niya rito na wala lang siya sa mood kaya hindi siya pumasok."Sino ang natanggal?" aniya."Si Lizzie. Pati na si Kendra," tugon nito. "One-third ng department natin suspended kahapon."Napaisip si Lara. Paano nalaman ni Migo ang nangyayari sa kanya roon eh kagabi lang naman siya nagsabi? At dahil lang sa naiinis siya.But he had fired them in the morning when she hadn't said a word to him yet.Totoo nga kaya ang sinabi nito? Na may pakialam ito sa nangyayari sa kanya roon dahil asawa siya nito?'Dapat lang, Lara. Siya ang nagpasok sa 'yo sa sitwasyong ito. He should be responsible,' sabi ng makatwiran niyang utRelated chapters
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 12. Painful reminder.
Migo didn't come home that night. But it wasn't like he was supposed to anyway. Sixteen years nga itong hindi umuwi, 'di ba? Magtataka ba siya dapat sa isang gabi? Lara tossed and turned on her bed hanggang sa mag-umaga na lang na hindi siya nakakatulog. What's wrong with her?It was just that she kept thinking about Miguel the whole night without a reason why. Lutang na bumangon siya at naligo. "Miss Lara, may sakit ka ba?" Puna ni Auntie Rosette habang sinisilbi ang almusal niya. Dinama pa nito ng likod ng palad nito ang noo niya."Wala po," nangalumbaba siya. "Did Migo come home, Auntie?" "Hindi," binigyan siya nito nang nagtatakang tingin. "Wala naman siyang sinabi na uuwi siya. Malamang ay nasa condo niya siya." "Saan ang condo niya, Auntie?" tanong niyang kumukuha ng pagkain kahit na alam naman niyang hindi sasabihin sa kanya ni Auntie Rosette kung saan umuuwi si Migo. "May problema ka ba, Miss Lara?" sa halip ay nananantiyang tanong nito
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 13. Her ghost.
Lara was supposed to call Uncle George para magpasundo. But at twelve midnight, she found herself beside Chester while crying.Si Tasya dapat, pero out of the country ito bigla. Kaya heto, si Chester ang nagtyatyaga sa kanya. Hinihintay siya nitong matapos umiyak dahil narealize na nitong kahit anong tanong ang gawin nito, hindi niya sasabihin ang dahilan ng kanyang pag-iyak. "I feel weird watching you cry," sabi nito na ubos na ang tisyung paisa-isa nitong inaabot sa kanya mula pa kanina. "First time kitang makitang umiyak and I'm dying to know who the f*ck made you to be like this! This isn't you, Lara!" She felt weird crying in front of him too. Pero anong magagawa niya? Tila balong ayaw nang tumigil sa pagluha ang mga mata niya. Heaven knows she wanted to tell Chester the reason for her tears. But she couldn't bring herself to. Kilala naman niya ito, matalik na kaibigan pa nga ng maraming taon. May tiwala siyang hindi siya nito tatawanan o
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 14. Not a chance.
Surprisingly, Miguel didn't confront Lara the next morning. Maaga raw itong umalis sabi ni Uncle George.Lihim na nagpasalamat si Lara. Wala kasi siyang dahilang naisip kung bakit late siyang umuwi nang nagdaang gabi. Hiling na lang niya na sana ay hindi naman sa opisina siya nito sermonan. Pagkatapos mag-almusal ay pumasok na rin siya sa trabaho. Mabuti rin na hindi na gaanong namamaga ang mga mata niya. Mukha na lang siyang puyat at hindi dahil nag-iiyak siya kagabi."Lara, ipasok mo 'to sa boardroom," utos sa kanya ni Ashley na bahagya pang nanginginig na iniabot sa kanya ang isang folder. Napaangat siya ng tingin mula sa ginagawang report. "Dalian mo," sabi pa nito.She sighed and accepted the folder. Nakasalubong pa niya si Leonie na yuko ang ulo pagkalabas sa boardroom kung saan ongoing ang executive staff briefing bago ang quarterly Board meeting mamaya.Dahil sa hitsura nina Leonie at Ashley, parang
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 15. Hearing problems.
It was Saturday. Lara's loneliness brought her to Lena's grave once again. Gaya ng dati, sumalampak lang siya sa harapan ng puntod habang kinakausap ang namayapang kapatid. "Hindi ko alam na kapag nagkita pala kami, aaraw-arawin niya akong pagagalitan. Am I a bad girl, ate? Did I fail to make him proud of me kaya ganito siya sa akin?" Tinuyo niya ang luhang nakatakas mula sa pagpipigil niya."Hindi ako iyakin, ate. Alam mo 'yan, 'di ba? Kahit hindi naman ako naalagaan ni Mama, it was fine as long as you're beside me. I miss you…" At gaya pa rin ng dati, hindi na naman niya namalayan ang oras. Nakatulala na lang siya roon dahil ubos na rin naman ang mga sumbong niya sa ate niya. Kaya naman nagulat siya nang maramdamang may kasama na siya sa loob ng mausoleum. It was Migo. Katatanggal lang nito ng sunglasses nito nang malingunan niya. At tila ba first time niyang nakakita ng gwapong nilalang, saglit pa siyang na
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 16. Birthday gift.
Migo was apologizing? Katapusan na ba ng mundo? Hindi makapaniwala si Lara. Napatingin talaga siya sa kasama na nasa daan na ulit ang atensyon. "What? Cat got your tongue?" tanong nitong panaka-naka siyang sinusulyapan. "I'm not sure if I heard you right," sagot niya na nasa mukha talaga ang hindi pagkapaniwala kay Miguel."I think I really need to tell Rosette to schedule you a visit to your ENT doctor." Napapailing pero natatawang wika nito. "I'm not deaf, Migo," pagtatanggol niya sa sarili. "Hindi lang ako sigurado. This is not you, aren't you always mad at me? Bakit ka nagso-sorry?" "What do you remember of me when you were young, Lara?" With that question, Lara's mind automatically wandered to sixteen years ago. "Hindi ako galit sa 'yo," patuloy nito nang 'di siya sumagot. "Hindi kita aalagaan nang mahabang panahon kung galit ako." She let him talk habang nasa nakaraan ang utak niya. Rememb
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 17. More gifts.
"Galing kay Migo ang lahat ng 'yan?" Hindi makapaniwala si Lara. It was already her birthday. Maagang dumating sa mansyon ang ilang delivery vans na naglalaman ng iba't ibang mga supplies para sa orphanage na pupuntahan niya mamaya. Siya ang nalula. Kasi marami na rin siyang pinamili nang nagdaang araw. Pero at the same time, she felt happier and more excited. Natitiyak niyang malaking tulong iyon sa orphanage na hindi naman ganoon karami ang benefactors. "Regalo raw sa 'yo ng asawa mo," nakangiting turan ni Auntie Rosette na kagaya niya ay abala dahil paalis na sila para naman sa pamamahagi nila ng cookies sa mga bata sa lansangan. This time, dinagdagan niya rin iyon ng packed meal mula sa isang sikat na fast food chain. Since Migo told her not to be frugal, she spent a huge portion of her savings for her birthday celebration this year. Nag-pack na rin sila ng groceries para sa mga less fortunates. "Wow! 'Andami!" aniyang
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 18. Wedding anniversary.
Nakapagbihis na si Lara. Habang nakatingin siya sa salamin ay hindi siya makapaniwala sa babaeng tumitig sa kanya pabalik. She had never worn anything fancy before. Kahit naman kasi lumaki siya sa guardianship ng bilyonaryo, she kept a low key life. Naroon kasi parati ang paniniwala niya na walang kan'ya sa lahat ng mayroon siya. Everything was Miguel's. Ngayon, pumayag siyang magbihis dahil unang-una, Migo said so. For a while, she returned to the old Lara who wanted to please him. Ayaw niya itong i-disappoint. Not tonight."I really look like you, ate," aniya nang matagalan ng nakatitig sa salamin. Hindi naman sa ayaw niya. On another occasion, she would be ecstatic to have grown resembling the sister she adored so much. Kaso, her face would keep reminding Migo of Lena. Hindi rin naman sa ayaw niya. She just thought she would not have her own identity in the eyes of Migo. Lara heaved a sigh. Sa halip na hayaang ilugay ang buhok niya na siyang laging ayos ni Lena noon, inipon n
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 19. Beautiful lady.
Lara thought that after that night, mas magiging maayos sila ni Miguel. Pero ganoon pa rin. Formal ito sa kanya sa opisina. Para ngang mas pumormal pa.Hindi naman sa nagkaroon sila ulit ng pagkakataong makapag-usap, marami kasi silang trabaho nang sumunod na Lunes. Kahit siya ay hindi magkandatuto sa ginagawa. Pero ang dalawa niyang kasama, may panahon pang magflirt sa bagong dating na assistant ni Miguel. Lara remembered him to be Jaxen Gordon, ang lalaking dumating noon sa kasal nila ni Migo. He came from the US where he attended a two-week business summit on Migo's behalf. Kaya wala ito nang malipat si Lara sa pagiging secretary ni Migo. When he saw her kanina, hindi naman ito nagulat. But he politely smiled at her. Malamang alam nito ang bawat desisyon ng amo nito, her promotion included. Nang magkaroon sila ng pagkakataong saglit na makapag-usap na wala sina Leonie at Ashley, he addressed her as Mrs. Villareal. "Lara will be fine, Mr. Gordon," sabi niya."I cannot call my w
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The Billionaire's Kryptonite FINALE
Seventeen years ago, Lara did not understand why she survived a massacre and her family didn’t. Even when her mind was etched with the face of their killer, all she ever thought was giving justice to their deaths. She knew she would see him again. And she was not wrong. Almost two decades passed, their paths crossed again. Now that she stood at the witness stand and she could see the horror in Stefano’s eyes, Lara was convinced that God allowed her to live for that very purpose. To make Stefano pay for the crimes he committed. Kanina, nang makita siya ng lalaki, labis ang gulat nito. Siguro nga, talagang inisip nito na patay na siya. Well, hindi niya ito masisisi. Nakita nito ang kalagayan niya noon dahil ito ang may kagagawan kaya siya tinamaan ng bala. Pero sorry na lang ito, hindi pa niya oras. Lara swore an oath to tell only the truth. At iyon din naman ang ginawa niya. But she was surprised by her own composure. She didn’t break down even when she recalled everything that happ
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 85. Fated.
“Stop crying, I’m not dead yet.” Hindi malaman ni Lara kung matatawa siya o madadamay sa pag-iyak ng dalawa niyang emosyonal na mga kaibigan. After a week and a half since she almost died, Miguel finally allowed her friends to know about what happened to her and visit her.“Shut up!” nagkukusot pa ng mga matang ani Tasya. “You always do this to us! I’m scared the next time, we’ll just be mourning over your dead body!”“Lara, how could you not tell us? We get it that we might not be able to protect you like your husband could, but aren’t we your friends? At least let us know about what’s going on with you,” seryoso na dagdag ni Chester. His eyes were red from tears earlier. “I’m sorry,” aniya. “Hindi ko naman sadya na hindi talaga sabihin—”“I asked you!” agaw ni Tasya. “You didn’t tell me! Kung alam ko lang na delikado ang gagawin mo no’n, I should have never agreed to help you! Nagsisisi ako na hinayaan ko na hindi ko alam ang plano mo!”“Tash, sorry na… I didn’t want to tell you
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 84. A good reason.
“I think our baby is moving…”Lara laughed softly at what Miguel said. Nasa tiyan niya ang kamay nito at dinadama iyon kahit hindi pa umuumbok. “Is that so?” Alam naman niyang imposible iyon dahil ilang linggo pa lang naman ang sanggol sa sinapupunan niya. But she didn’t have the heart to correct him. Migo was just excited. “Then get ready, Migo. I’m sure paglabas niya ay isa siyang makulit at malikot na bata!”“Maganda rin, mabait, matalino, matapang at mana sa mama…” Miguel smiled gently at her. That warmed her heart. Lara was happy, so happy. “You want a daughter?” “Kahit son o daughter, ayos lang. Ang importante, pareho kayong maging maayos ng anak natin.” Umusod ito para masuyo siyang hawakan sa kanyang pisngi. “I love you, sweetheart…”“I love you too, Miguel…” Miguel bent to kiss her lips softly. Gustong maiyak ni Lara. She could feel her husband’s love for her and she was ashamed that she caused him to worry too much then. Pero sa kabila nang padalos-dalos na pagpayag n
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 83. Finally.
“Sometimes I wonder why I am still alive. Is it for you to spoil me with visits like this?” Meredith rolled her eyes at him. Nakasandal lang ito sa headboard ng hospital bed nito nang abutan niya. “Araw-araw kang narito, Migo.”“It’s for you to realize that there’s someone who is not yet ready to lose you,” Miguel answered, lightly pinching his friend’s cheek. “As if!”Hindi fatal ang mga gunshot wounds nito dahil nakasuot naman ito ng bulletproof vest. Pero tinamaan kasi ito sa braso at balikat. She was just recovering now from her wounds. Pero ang sakit nito, patuloy na lumalala. “Have you made up your mind yet?”Meredith sighed. “Matagal na akong nakapagdesisyon, you know it. So, I don’t understand why you’re still trying to convince me every day.”“Mer, until you’ve tried everything, it’s not yet over. Besides, do you really want to leave me now?” pangongonsensya niya.“Cut it out,” natatawa nitong saway. “Hindi mo ako madadala sa ganyan. Alam ko na masaya ka na. Hindi mo na ako
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 82. Taste of hell.
“You should’ve just killed me,” mapait pero unremorseful na sabi ni Stefano.“We’re not the same, Stefano. I am not a killer,” tugon niya. Kalalabas lang sa ospital ng pinsan niya, pero sa kulungan ito idiniretso. Stefano’s arms were both gone. Gayunpaman, hindi kakikitaan ng pagsisisi ang lalaki sa lahat ng ginawa nito.“You are so full of yourself, Miguel. Darating din ang araw mo!” “Ang mahalaga, dumating na ang sa ‘yo. Show even a little remorse, Stefano. You killed not only the woman you claim to love, but also your own blood!”His cousin laughed bitterly. “You killed them.”“I didn’t. It was your selfishness and love for money that killed them. You killed them, Stefano.”“I’m the bad guy now?” Tila naiimposiblehan pa ito.“You’ve always been,” sagot niya. “Even before we met, you already ruined Lolo’s trust in you. Wala akong kinalaman sa lahat ng sinasabi mo na naging pagbabago. You made all the changes yourself.”Tumawa ulit ito. “Pwede kang tumanggi, Miguel. You didn’t. You
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 81. In a flash.
“Lena… It’s you… Lena!”Lara was utterly confused. Mistulang baliw na biglang naging maamong tupa si Stefano na nakaluhod pa habang gagap ang mga kamay niya. He was calling her by her sister’s name repeatedly. “Lena, I’m sorry. I’m sorry!” Kinalagan nito ang posas niya at pinaghahalikan ang mga kamay niya. “Are you hurt?” Diring-diri si Lara, but she was too afraid to do anything that might trigger Stefano to do something dangerous to her. “I knew that you’re alive!” He stood up and hugged her. “They all lied to me, Lena!” Nang yakapin siya nito at bahagyang mahila ang buhok niya, that was when it dawned to Lara. Her hair was down. Hindi niya namalayan ang paghulagpos no’n sa pagkakatali niya kanina. At kapag nakalugay ang buhok niya ay kamukhang-kamukha niya ang ate niya. Stefano was not able to differentiate her from her sister for a reason unknown to Lara. What was going on with him?“Alam ko na babalik ka!” Ikinulong nito sa mga palad nito ang mukha niya. Lara couldn’t say
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 80. Warning.
“Stefano!!! Leave my wife alone!!!!!!!!!!”Tawa lang ang naging sagot sa kanya ni Stefano.“Do not hurt her!” “I’ll say it again, Miguel. From this time on, susundin mo lahat ng sasabihin ko. I’ll call you again.”Tapos ay tinapos nito ang tawag. Napasuntok siya sa manibela. Hawak ni Stefano si Lara. It was his fault! Dapat ay sa kinaroroonan ng asawa niya siya sumama. He could have protected her! “Location, Jaxen?” baling niya sa kasama na nasa backseat. His assistant was monitoring their distance from Lara’s last known location. Pagdating nila sa safehouse, mga tauhan niyang paisa-isa na lang ang hininga ang inabutan nila. The traitor knew where to shoot to kill. But what he was not aware of was that one of his comrades was able to plant a tracking device on him. Iyon ang sinusundan nila ngayon hoping na hindi pa nito iyon napapansin at inalis na para iligaw sila. Stationary ito sa kasalukuyan which meant that they were no longer moving. Kung base sa tawag ni Stefano na kasama
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 79. Fooled.
Lara was beginning to feel uncomfortable that she was too comfortable. She was being treated nicely and there was still no sign of Stefano even after arriving for several minutes already. Lima ang bantay niya sa loob ng isang may kaluwagang silid ng isang safe house. Ang dalawa ay nasa may pintuan, nagbabantay. Ang isa na mukhang lider ng mga ito ay nasa may bintana at panaka-nakang tsini-check ang paligid sa pamamagitan ng binocular. Ang dalawa naman ay nasa sulok, naglalaro ng cards. Habang siya ay tahimik lang na nakaupo sa sofa at pinaglilipat-lipat ang tingin sa mga ito na wari ba’y nalilito.Hindi iyon ang address na pinadala ni Stefano sa kanya. Nevertheless, it could just mean that he was trying to confuse her. After all, wala namang may alam ng lakad niya kundi silang dalawa lamang. But then the question was, where the heck was Stefano? Bakit siya nito pinaghihintay?She was calm a while ago, pero nang magsimulang maglabas ng baril ang nasa bintana at sipat-sipatin nito iyon
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 78. Slipped up.
“Are you sure you are going to do this?” “Ngayon ka pa mag-aalala? Please, Miguel, I’m not a child.” Parang nakita pa niyang nagroll eyes si Meredith kahit na boses lang nito ang naririnig niya. She was not a child indeed. Pero hindi niya maiwasang mag-alala. She was going to do a dangerous mission for him and Lara. “Remember to prioritize your safety, Mer.”“You know that I have nothing to lose anymore. This might just give meaning to my life…” “I want you back safe and sound,” tugon naman niya. Alam niya kung ano ang tinutukoy ni Meredith. A few days ago, she confessed everything to him. And he was saddened a great deal. He was losing a friend to a terminal disease. Not that Meredith didn’t fight it. She did. Alone. She didn’t tell anyone until doctors already gave up on her. “If i’ll be back, I want you for myself, Migo. So, don’t ask for it,” biro nito. He let out a low chuckle. Pero totoong malungkot siya. When she told him about her condition, he was shattered. Meredith
