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35. Brotherly kiss.
Huling Na-update:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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The Billionaire's Kryptonite 36. Rules.
Lara was discharged from the hospital after three more days. Sa loob ng tatlong araw na 'yon, doon natutulog si Migo. May pagkakataon pa nga na nagising siyang nasa kalagitnaan pala ito ng isang online business conference. Pumili na lang ito ng background na hindi mahahalatang nasa ospital ito. Ito pa nga ang nag-sorry sa pag-aakalang nagising siya gawa nang pakikipag-usap nito. She shook her head and just watched him silently, …and admiringly.Miguel was a busy man. At naappreciate niya na nag-effort pa rin itong bantayan siya kahit sa gabi na itutulog na lang sana nito nang maayos matapos ang busy nitong araw sa opisina. He told her not to worry about him. But did he know that she wasn't worrying about him? She was worrying for herself. For her vulnerable heart that was slowly but surely falling in love with her husband. "When you need anything, just call Rosette. Alright? 'Wag mong pwersahin ang sarili mong magkikilos," bilin ni Migo na hinatid siya sa silid niya. "May paa nam
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 37. For the time being.
Hindi na nagkaroon sina Lara at Tasya ng pagkakataon na makapag-usap. Pinalayas na kasi ni Migo ang kaibigan niya after dinner. Hindi naman literal, pero sinabi ng asawa niyang late na at kailangan na niyang magpahinga. And Tasya being sensitive enough, nagpaalam na ito sa kanya at nagsabing tatawag na lang kinabukasan.Hindi tuloy malaman ni Lara kung magpapasalamat ba siya dahil naligtas siya pansamantala sa question and answer portion with Tasya o maiinis dahil nagdedesisyon si Migo para sa kanya.But she couldn’t argue with him kaya nanahimik na lang siya kahit sana gusto niya itong sitahin sa pagsusuplado sa kaibigan niya.“I need to fly to New York tomorrow,” sabi ni Migo habang paakyat sila sa second floor kung saan naroon ang silid niya. “I’ll be gone for two weeks straight.” “Hmn,” tanging nasambit niya. Nalungkot siya sa loob niya pero tulad ng lagi niyang tinatatak sa isipan niya, ang bawat pagkakataong hindi sila magkikita ni Miguel ay makabubuti para sa kanya. Mas mahira
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 38. News.
It had been a week since Miguel left for New York. Batong-bato na si Lara. Si Tasya naman ay hindi na niya nakausap dahil nabusy rin ito sa trabaho. Ang nurse na hinire ni Migo kahit hindi kailangan ang kinakausap niya lagi. Naipakwento na nga niya ang buhay nito. Malapit na rin niyang makabisado ang relationship issues nito sa boyfriend nito.Kapag gusto naman niyang matulog, pinagce-cellphone na lang niya ito sa tabi. Sa totoo lang, wala naman talaga itong ginagawa. Mapagbigyan na lang si Migo kaya pinabayaan na lang niya.Her life was becoming boring with each passing day. With her injured arm, she doubted that her life would be back to normal soon. Pero naiinip na siya.Kaya naman nang tumawag si Tasya nang sumunod na Linggo, gano’n na lang ang saya niya na makakwentuhan ito. Sayang hindi rin nagtagal dahil sa larawang pinadala nito."Nakita ko si Mr. Villareal kasama ang magandang babae na iyan," sabi pa ni Tasya na ka-video call niya. Lara was staring at the photo of Miguel and
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 39. Pictures.
For the longest time, Miguel had maintained a private life. Walang maski anong litrato nito ang makikita online. But in just one night, the internet feasted with the news that he was getting married. And several hours later, nothing was done to take it off. Kaya naniniwala si Lara na totoo ang balita. She knew Migo, he could easily remove the news if he wanted to. But he didn't. "Madam, ano ba kasing iniiyak mo?" tanong ni Nurse Beth na bagamat nag-aalala na ang tinig, mayroon pa rin iyong bahid ng kuryusidad. "Hinahanap ka na ni Auntie Rosette. Mamaya umakyat na 'yon dito. Parang 'di siya naniniwala sa akin na tinatamad ka lang bumaba eh," dagdag nito.Ayaw niya kasing magpakita kina Auntie Rosette at Uncle George na gano'n ang itsura niya. Kaya nautusan niya ang Nurse na mag-alibi para sa kanya.Kanina pa nga rin siya nito pinipilit kumain. Pero wala talaga siyang gana. Wala siyang ibang maramdaman kundi sakit. Mistula na lang siyang naghihintay ng sintensya niya. Maybe Migo wil
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 40. Good enough.
"Tasya has got nothing to do with the pictures, Miguel. Don't make my best friend suffer for something that she didn't do."Lara pressed the send button and sighed heavily. Para siyang sinasakal sa ginawa niya. Ayaw niyang mag-initiate ng confrontation kasi hindi pa naman siya nito tinatawagan tungkol sa balitang kinasasangkutan nito.She just hoped na sana maging klaro ang intensyon niya. That she messaged him first for Tasya's sake and not because she wanted an explanation from him about his affairs. Halos tumalon palabas ang puso niya nang tumunog ang phone niya. She received a reply from Miguel. "I know what I am doing, Lara." Muli siyang napahugot nang malalim na buntong hininga. Nilingon niya si Tasya na kagat-kagat ang ibabang labi nito habang hinihintay ang sasabihin niya. "I have to go now, Tasya. I promise you that I'll do everything I can," paalam niya sa kaibigan. Kailangan niyang kausapin si Miguel. Hindi message o email. Kung hindi man personal dahil nasa New York pa
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 41. For you.
They didn't talk about Meredith Jones. But Miguel's words were enough for Lara to put her mind at ease. He told her not to believe the news. That meant it wasn't true. Later that evening, Tasya called to thank her. Naayos na raw ang problema at wala na ang mga threats mula sa kanilang investors na mag-pull out. "I owe you, Lara," humihikbi pa rin si Tasya. "What will I ever do without you? Paano na kung hindi kita kaibigan tapos napasok ako sa gulo na 'to? Saan ako pupulutin kapag pinalayas ako ng mga magulang ko?" "That's what you get for trusting so easily," paninisi naman ni Chester. Kasama nila ito sa video call. At hindi nito itinago ang disappointment sa kaibigan nila. "Chester!" Pinandilatan ito ni Lara ng mga mata. "Don't blame her anymore!""Tama naman kasi siya," sabi naman ni Tasya. "I'm sorry for dragging you in my mess, Lara." "Wala 'yon. Okay na. Be careful next time, alright? Baka sa susunod, ikaw na ang mapahamak." "Listen to Lara, Tasya. At bawas-bawasan mo ang
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 42. Brat.
Lara knew that it was impossible for Miguel to feel the same way for her. Tanggap niya iyon kaya nga kahit mahal niya ito hindi niya sinasabi. But there was only one reason that made her accept that her husband couldn't learn to love her.And that's Lena. His love for Lena. Kasi alam niyang totoo at malalim ang pagmamahalan ng mga ito na hinadlangan lang ng pagkakataon. But what they had was something Lara believed na hindi niya mapapantayan. Maliban sa kadahilanang iyon, wala na siyang tatanggaping ano mang rason. Gaya halimbawa ng hindi mamatay-matay na isyu nito at ni Meredith Jones, ang hindi nito pag-deny sa balitang iyon sa publiko, at ang mas nakakainis sa lahat, Miguel arrived in the country together with the woman.Kung hindi pa sapat, iniuwi nito sa mansyon si Meredith Jones! At ngayon nga ay masama ang mukha na nakatitig lang siya sa dalawa. "Listen first, Lara—" tangkang paliwanag ni Migo."No!" Mariin niyang putol. Wala siyang pakialam kung magmukha siyang bastos sa ha
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 43. In his arms.
Ibang bar nga ang pinuntahan nila. Although typical na maingay, madilim at mausok, mayroon naman iyong ikalawa at ikatlong palapag. Sa ikalawa sila tumuloy at naroon na umano si Chester. "Dito tayo para hindi maingay," sabi ni Tasya. "Hanggang second floor lang afford ng membership namin. Sa third floor ay super VIP na. Magjo-jowa muna ako ng bilyonaryo para maafford ko," biro nito bago sila huminto sa tapat ng isang saradong pinto. Kumatok muna ang nagguide sa kanila bago sila nito ipinagbukas ng pinto at nagpaalam na rin pagkatapos."Antagal naman talaga ng mga prinsesa," reklamo agad ni Chester na may hawak na menu ng mga pagkain ang inumin. "Traffic," si Tasya ang tumugon.Tahimik nga roon at sa totoo lang, parang wala sila sa isang bar. Cozy, malinis at mabango. Walang amoy ng usok. "So, bakit may urgent na naman tayong pagtitipon? Kailangan ko pang pauwiin ang kasama ko para lang puntahan kayo," pag-angat nito ng tingin, bumakas ang matinding pag-aalala sa mukha nito pagkakit
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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
