POV: MonteHe has been trying to call Ericka since earlier, but she's not answering. Now he can't reach her at all. Where did she go?According to Marie, Ericka left in a hurry, and her eyes were swollen. Is it because of what she confessed? Damn, I'm so stupid. What's her plan?He went to her desk. Files were scattered. He went through them, and one paper caught his attention. Addresses? Why did she write these? They all seem familiar until he realizes whose address it is. Almira's! Is she planning to find that woman?He grabbed his coat and rushed out. "Miss Marie, cancel my appointments. I have something to take care of." Then he ran towards the elevator."What's happening with that couple? It's like they're avoiding each other," Marie whispered to herself.The elevator is so slow. In his estimation, it feels like the elevator is supporting Ericka, delaying his descent. As soon as he reached the ground floor, he looked for his car. It wasn't there."Where are you, Mang Turing," irr
"The first address she went to was closed. Locked from the outside. It meant no one was there. She followed the condo in Pasay.After parking her car, she hurriedly got down and headed to the condo lobby. Those who lived there seemed wealthy. There were beautiful chandeliers and uniformed staff. It felt like a hotel.She saw the reception area. The lovely woman there greeted her."Good morning," she greeted."Yes, ma'am, good morning. What can I do for you?" the receptionist asked warmly."Is Miss Almira Madrigal here?" she inquired.""For a moment, ma'am," she checked on the computer. "Yes, ma'am, who are you?""A friend.""May I know your name, ma'am?""Ericka Reyes."The receptionist furrowed her brow, "Ericka San Miguel?""Ye---yes," she wasn't sure why the receptionist recognized her. Perhaps from watching the news and seeing her on TV."Room 10-B5, ma'am.""Can I go up now?""Yes, ma'am.""Thank you," she smiled at the woman."Welcome po, ma'am," the receptionist replied with a
She opened her eyes. There was a device attached to her body. She was wearing oxygen. "What happened? Am I in the hospital again? Since we got married, this is the third hospital for me. I must be really unlucky."She saw Monica sitting nearby. She raised her hand to get her attention."Ericka!" Monica approached her. "How are you?""Where's Monte?""He left. Said he had somewhere to go. What happened to you?"Tears were all she could manage. It seemed serious. She removed the oxygen and sat up. She felt strong; at least that's how she felt."What happened?""They haven't told me yet. The doctor said you just had a shortage of oxygen. I thought you were pregnant when they called me." She sighed. "Bernard and the others are acting strange. I feel like they're hiding something from me."She bit her lip. "Should I tell her?""I went to see Almira," she looked up."Oh? Why would you visit that girl?""There's-- there's..." her mouth trembled. 'How do I begin?'"There's what?" Monica prodd
Monte walked down the hallway of their house, unsure whether to tell his grandfather about what happened or not. On his fourth turn, Ericka emerged from their room."What are you doing?" she asked, standing at the door and watching him nervously.He nervously bit his thumbnail. "How do I start with grandpa? What if... what if he gets angry?""It's not your fault since you didn't know," Ericka reassured, approaching and placing her hands on his shoulders."But...""I've been hearing whispers for a while now. What's going on here?" The grandfather stepped out of the room, looking concerned."Grandpa!" They both exclaimed in surprise.They approached as if they had seen a ghost... what is it?" he inquired."Uh... well... grandpa... we have something to tell you," he stuttered."What's going on? Is it important?" he grinned, "Do I have great-grandchildren now?""Let's discuss it in the study room," suggested Ericka."Alright, it seems like it's something important," he walked ahead.They
Almira closed the door of her condo with a sly smile. The señor seemed easily fooled, thinking he'd found Almira Madrigal. After snipping a lock of the child's hair, she retrieved the one she had taken from the Monte household. Returning to the señor, she maintained her grin."If we can prove this is my grandchild, we'll do what's right," the señor's words echoed in her mind.Feigning concern, she asked, "What about Ericka?""I know how to handle her," the señor confidently replied.Her smile widened, a masterpiece of deception."You will bring luck to my life," she praised the child, acknowledging the power of wealth and intimidation.She knew that the one she tasked would do everything she instructed. She wouldn't be disappointed, unlike someone like Khaye Dominguez. If she were still alive, she might have spilled everything to the police.She placed the child in the playpen and called the elderly housekeeper."Why, ma'am?" the housekeeper asked."Get ready. You're going home. The s
A week passed...POV: ErickaShe was in the garden, watering plants when someone called at the gate."Ma'am, letter for you," said the courier standing in front of the gate."Thank you," she received it, 'confidential? Addressed to grandpa.'She took it to the study room where the elderly couple was reading reports that day."Grandpa, there's a letter," she handed the sealed envelope to the old man.He examined it, "This is the result of a DNA test."Her heart pounded as if it were drumming. Her hands and feet grew cold. Despite the cool aircon, she was sweating profusely."Are you okay?" Monte whispered, helping her to sit."Yes," she replied, though she wasn't ready for what she was about to hear.The old man furrowed his brow, looking at them."Take a look," he motioned as he sat up.They approached. Tears streamed down her face. 99.9999999 percent. The child was Monte's. Even Monte felt a chill. 'What have I done?'"Both of you, sit down," the elder said. They complied."Give me s
POV: ErickaShe didn't know what was on her mind as she stood in front of Almira's condo unit. The elderly man was hospitalized due to a heart attack. While in the ambulance, he kept repeating the name Miguel. Thus, she left the hospital to visit Almira since the doctor hinted that the señor might not last long. The old woman needed to be with her grandchild.She pressed the button several times, but no one answered. "Is there no one here?"Fifteen minutes had passed, and the door remained closed.She decided to go to the reception. The woman she first saw was not there."Miss, is there no one in Miss Almira Madrigal's unit?""Give me a second, ma'am. I will check," she smiled and pressed the keyboard. "Ma'am, Miss Madrigal is not here.""Any hint where she might be?""The instruction is... hmmm, out of town for one week.""Ah, I see. Thank you."She left the building. Her mind was exhausted, thinking about the elderly man in the hospital. 'I need to talk to Almira.'She was about to
POV: MonteHe was surprised by the strength his grandfather displayed. Children indeed bring immense joy. He was happy as Almira brought their child for his grandfather to see."Thank you for your understanding, Almira," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder."It's nothing," she replied, holding his hand, "for grandpa.""Just a moment, I'll just call Ericka," he said, retrieving his cellphone from his pocket and dialing his wife's number.The number you have dialed is incorrect."Huh? How is it incorrect? We were texting just a while ago," he wondered silently.He tried again.The number you have dialed is incorrect.'How could it be incorrect? We were texting just a while ago. Is my phone malfunctioning? I'll check later. The important thing is that grandpa is awake.'He returned to his grandfather, who had tears in his eyes. Shortly after, the doctors arrived and checked on his grandfather."It's a miracle, Mr. San Miguel," the doctor said to him. "Just the other day, he had almos
That incident caused a major scandal, making headlines worldwide, especially in the business world. Mrs. Dominguez was caught attempting to leave the country for Singapore.The news about Monye's involvement in the scandal was abruptly cut. The company took swift action to protect its reputation.Numerous complaints flooded the police station where the suspects were held.Many families were affected by the fallout, and initially, there were support for Shaina. However, the men who gathered at the police station were shocked to find not just two of them, but five! Shaina had left them all, leading to an unexpected twist in the story.According to the report, the suspects will be charged with syndicated e****a to prevent them from getting out of prison.*******The car horns outside their gate were continuous. Everyone was outside grilling food, getting ready for a pool party. She pressed the remote to open the gate, and those who arrived without cars entered."Did you guys ride in taxi?
The NBI plugged in a different USB and played the video.The suspects were engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to what was unfolding."Watch a movie," he called their attention.As they looked at the screen, their faces turned pale, as if they had seen ghosts."W-what's that?" Erick asked."That's you... when you set me up," he replied. "You all look so handsome and beautiful in prison. You'll be even more handsome and beautiful when you're behind bars."They all stood up simultaneously, about to flee. The NBI agents came out and prevented their escape."I-I'm innocent...You raped me!" Shaina screamed.The door opened. Ericka entered with her friends."What did you say to my husband?" his wife asked, her eyes glaring with anger."I-I was ra--"Paaaal!!! paaaak!!!Ericka delivered a couple of slaps to Shaina."You're not the kind of woman my husband would have. He doesn't fall for sluts!" she exclaimed in rage."Who are you to insult me like that?" Shaina exclaimed, trying to bre
Monte discreetly attached a small camera to his coat, neatly concealed in a brooch. He also had a tiny recorder attached to his glasses.He was set to meet Shaina at Mi Unica Hija, a restaurant. After a few minutes of waiting, she arrived, confidently striding toward him."Hi, my dear," she greeted, attempting to give him a cheek kiss, but he blocked her. "You're so unfriendly. Do you have a nice surprise for me?""Why?" he asked."Why what?" She rolled her eyes."Why did you do this to me?""Hey, I didn't do anything to you. Is it my fault you got too drunk? I just took you home, but you undressed me. I could have filed a rape case against you, but I enjoyed it. It was delightful.""I have a high alcohol tolerance; I don't easily succumb to a little drink.""Did you bring me here just to interrogate me?""Why did you pass our pictures to my wife?""You're difficult to talk to. I just submitted my proposal, and you rejected it right away. We wouldn't be in this situation if you had gi
POV: ErickaShe watched Monte from the window of the room. He remained motionless, kneeling for what felt like half an hour.Noticing the rain starting to pour, she observed Monte still not moving.As the rain intensified, he just extended his hands. Suddenly, her conscience pricked.She grabbed a towel before gently leading him inside, ensuring her husband had something to wrap around himself as they entered the house.Ericka went downstairs, grabbed the hanging umbrella, and silently walked out of the house.She shielded her husband from the rain. Monte lifted his gaze."Come on, it's getting cold there," she smiled at him.He smiled back but struggled to stand. Ericka supported him."I thought you'd let me freeze," he said, visibly shivering."I'm not that cruel. Besides, you're my husband. The father of my children. Would I want you to disappear?" she replied. "Let's go inside; you need to warm up.""She handed him the towel. Then, they entered inside."I really thought you could
Monte was taken aback by the discoveries about his supposed bar buddies. Little did he know, they harbored dark intentions towards him. He found a newfound admiration for his wife, realizing her intelligence. Over the years, he hadn't noticed Shaina's true nature, but Ericka, whom he had met only once, quickly uncovered the deceit of those around him.They watched the video detailing how he was deceived by those shameless individuals. Monte San Miguel felt the sting of betrayal. As he observed, he saw a blank expression on his wife's face—she seemed unwilling to show them her pain.The NBI began, "Shaina Alfonzo is the niece of Mrs. Dominguez, Khaye Dominguez's mother. They've run out of clients, hence their desperate actions. They've deceived not just a hundred people, but many more." They laid out photos that had circulated online, revealing the extent of their deceit."What's our first move, sir?" Ericka asked at the NBI."We'll expose them with their own tricks. Their deceitful ac
"Really?" She was genuinely surprised by what she learned. "So, most likely, they're seeking revenge against us?""Yep," Bernard confirmed."That's why Shaina and Khaye have different last names. Shaina's father's sibling is Khaye's mother," Monica explained."Does Mrs. Dominguez have something to do with this?" she inquired."They started a business after Monte kicked her out. However, their equipment is expensive, so Shaina and the others in the office do setups like this. Due to shame, some remained silent, especially the elderly. They made a mistake with Monte; there's a detective in the family," Monica shared."I won't allow anyone to ruin my children's lives, Monica. So, whoever it is, I'll fight back," she declared, pointed her."But your husband is also foolish, right? Didn't even communicate properly," Bernard pointed out."If you two are together, there's no problem," she responded."He won't be able to leave the house. Marie will handle that," Monica assured."He's brave, l
At the bar they visited, the security was friendly, and after a call to the manager, Molly's charm worked its magic to convince them to view the CCTV footage."Come on, it's for my sister's family. It'll be ruined if we don't find out the truth," she said, holding onto the manager's arm."It's against our policy, unless it's urgent," he replied."Can you take it? The kids losing their dad? She's pregnant with twins, for heaven's sake.""Bu—""Come on, handsome," Molly even pinched the guy's cheek."Alright, let's go inside," he finally gave in.Molly winked at her sister, "Let's go, sis.""You and your flirting," her sister scolded."It's okay, it got us what we needed," Molly chuckled in response.They focused on the CCTV, and the manager quickly located the video they were looking for."So, sir entered here around 7, and he passed out around 9," he pointed out her husband's in and out times."Which table were they at?" she inquired."Hmmm, let me see..." he scrolled, "there... five
"Where are we going, sis?" Molly asked. "Why are we in such a hurry?""We're heading to your brother's office," she replied, "we just need to check on something.""Your husband must have done something foolish, right?" Molly teased her."Hhhaaah" She let out a heavy breath, "park on the side."They stopped by the roadside. She took out her cellphone and showed Molly a picture of her husband with Shaina."Holy shit! Is that for real?""Yes, Monte admitted it to me. Someone sent it just now. I know that place, the penthouse in the office building. We're going there." She answered."Legit? Did he fool you?""He claims he doesn't remember, but I'll find out the reason. I didn't come back here to be fooled by anyone. Let's go!"Molly started the car. The parking attendant approached them. As they got out of the car, the guard stopped them."Why?" she asked."Do you have an appointment?" the guard inquired."No. She's the wife of the owner!" Molly answered.The two guards, who seemed new, c
Her husband hasn't messaged, perhaps busy. She doesn't bother him; she's the type of spouse not demanding of time.After lunch, she bids farewell to the kids and Molly before heading to rest."Okay, Mom, take a rest," Macky hugs her, followed by Moneth and Mico."Don't give Tita Molly a hard time, okay?" she advises them."Don't worry, Ate, I'll take care of them," Molly smiles at her. "Just rest, you've tired yourself cooking.""Thank you, Molly. Alright, stay there," the kids wave as she climbs the stairs.Entering her room, she takes her book, sits on the edge of the bed, and leans against the headboard.Her cellphone rang. She picked it up without looking, and upon opening it, her face turned red with anger!A picture of her husband sleeping next to Shaina, both without any clothes.Quickly, she grabbed an ice bag from the mini-fridge, placed it on her head, and returned to leaning against the bed's headboard."So, working overtime, huh? You're in trouble with me," she said, but sh