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39. Pictures.
Huling Na-update:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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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
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 44. Leave us.
Nahigit ni Lara ang hininga nang sa pader sa likuran nila ni Chester tumama ang kamao ni Miguel. Sa wall kasi kumuha ng suporta sa pagtayo ang kaibigan niya kanina. Nang humarang siya ay huli na para pigilin ang momentum ng suntok. Sa halip na sa kanya tumama iyon, Miguel chose the wall behind her. Hindi humihinga at malalaki ang mga mata ni Lara habang nakatingin sa nagbabagang mga mata ng asawa niya. If looks could kill, baka hilahin na lang silang dalawa ni Chester palabas ng booth na iyon habang parehong wala ng buhay na nakahandusay sa sahig. Gano'n kasama at kanakakatakot ang tingin ni Miguel. Kaya kahit alam niyang nasaktan ito, natakot siyang lumingon para tingnan ang kamao nito. Miguel didn't flinch, but she was sure he was hurt. "Move, Lara," mababa ang tinig pero mariin at may warning na sabi ni Miguel. "P-please," napahikbi siya. "Don't hurt him.""Move away, d*mn it!" sigaw nito na halos ikatalon niya. Nagulat na lang siya nang bigla siyang itulak palayo ni Cheste
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 45. Kiss.
"This is not the way home," hindi na niya napigilang magsalita nang mapansing hindi naman pauwi ang daang tinatahak nila. "I badly wanted to rest. Please just take me home!" Hindi tumugon si Miguel. Bagkus ay tila babaliin nito ang manibela sa higpit ng pagkakahawak nito roon.Naiinis at naiiyak na si Lara. Pagod na siya sa lahat ng drama sa araw na iyon. "Where are we going?" tanong niya makalipas pa ang ilang sandali na hindi pamilyar sa kanya ang dinadaanan nila. Para pa ngang papalabas na sila ng lungsod. "Just shut up and quit asking, Lara!" Tila ubos din ang pasensya na sagot nito. "Bakit? Wala na rin ba akong karapatang malaman kung saan mo ako dadalhin? I am tired of obeying your orders, Miguel!" puno ng sama ng loob ang tinig na sabi niya. "Obeying my orders? Kailan ka ba sumunod? Since this day started, wala ka nang ginawa kundi kumontra at ipagpilitan ang gusto mo!" Galit nitong sagot. "You never listened to me!""Dahil ayoko na! Stop treating me like I don't have my o
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 46. Defensive.
Papalubog na ang araw pero wala pa rin si Miguel. Nakaupo sa buhanginan sa tuyong parte ng dalampasigan si Lara at pinapanood ang napakagandang kulay ng kalangitan habang unti-unting nawawala ang liwanag ng araw. Growing up as a city girl and neglecting travel opportunities, she was awed by nature's magnificence. Siguro kung noon pa niya nalaman na may bahay si Miguel na malapit sa dagat, baka lagi siyang naroon. Kwento kanina ni Mommy Mabel, ina ni Miguel, ipinagawa umano iyon ng asawa niya para rito. Pero maganda man ang lugar at hindi ito nagkulang sa alin mang materyal na bagay, malungkot ito dahil bibihira raw na nagpupunta roon ang anak nito. "Matagal ko nang sinasabi na dalhin ka niya rito," lumabi pa ang ginang. "Pero lagi niyang sinasagot na hindi pa tamang oras. Masaya akong makilala ka sa wakas, Lara."Kahit siya man ay masayang alam nito ang tungkol sa kanya. Marami sana siyang gusto pang itanong. Tulad ng kung nasaan ang ama nito o kung may mga kapatid ba ito. Pero pin
The Billionaire's Kryptonite 47. Another kiss.
"Why would you be?" she asked. Hindi siya naniniwala. Bakit naman ito magseselos? May nararamdaman ba ito para sa kanya? Wala naman, hindi ba? Then hindi pagseselos ang nararamdaman nito. It must just be his ego being bruised by her closeness with Chester. Bumalatay ang sakit sa kanyang mga mata nang mag-iwas ng tingin si Miguel. Sinasabi na nga ba niya."Stop being rude to Chester and I'll let you and your friend do your thing. I just hope that you'd get a good night's rest whenever you remember my sister," she walked away after that. Hindi naman na ito humabol. Kaya lalong nawasak ang puso ni Lara. For a moment she thought there was hope for them. Had he answered her and not looked away, she shouldn't have been feeling hurt now.Miguel was not sure of his feelings. He loved Lena. He was protective of Meredith. And he claimed he was jealous of Chester's closeness to her. Yet, he couldn't confirm when asked. He couldn't give her a reason why. Ano, trip lang? Mainit lang sa mata ni
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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
