"Let me go!" Monica shouted at Rizza."You beast, you have a tracker!" Rizza pulled her by the hair, almost ripping her scalp.She cried in pain, unable to resist and forced to follow Rizza's direction. They passed by numerous casualties, some lifeless."Rizza!" Almira called, "Have you seen that monster? Come on, let's escape!""I can't, I can't leave them," Rizza refused, handing Almira something. "Hold onto this!""Rizza!!!" Almira pleaded as she was dragged by the hair. "Please don't!""Stick together. No one gets left behind! Even if it costs my life to help them!""But..." Almira couldn't speak as Rizza pushed her."Almira!!!" Almira fell to the ground as Rizza's forceful push let go of Monica.They witnessed Rizza being shot repeatedly until she fell.Hurriedly, Harry approached Monica, embracing his wife tightly."Love!" Harry hugged her, removing his jacket and putting it on her. "Are you okay? Your cheeks are swollen.""I'm okay, love. Thank God you found me," she tearfully
Monte continued to gaze at his grandfather's grave. The influence of money was evident; no issues about their lives surfaced. They were well-known in the business industry, like a celebrities. However, due to media payment, no articles could be published anywhere.He mourned in silence, accompanied by friends and Lovie.He remembered feeling the same when Erica was buried. Everything he loved disappeared, taken away from him. Was he such a cursed person?Tears flowed uncontrollably until people dispersed. Only he and his friends remained. Monica cried inconsolably. They loved the old man for his kindness. Harry was beside her, comforting his wife. Bernard stayed close to Marie, their relationship still unconfirmed but apparent to him.He noticed Lovie, eyes closed, leaning on his shoulder. What happened between them back then?***Flashback***He was outside the room when he noticed a girl carrying a lot of stuff. He decided to help her, and as he saw the books, he couldn't resist askin
His cellphone rang. It was Monica."Oh, how are you?" he greeted her.'Are you busy?'"Not really, why?"'Good, I'm in the elevator. Bye.'"This girl is really weird," he murmured, shaking his head.It had been two months since his grandfather passed away, and it was the first time he would see Monica again after she was taken by her parents to another country to unwind. They had talked on the phone, and Monica seemed anxious in their last conversation. Perhaps she couldn't wait to share her stories.The door opened, and there was Monica. She was wearing pants and a blouse, an outfit she rarely wore when meeting him. She was a fashionista."Monte," she looked serious."Why?" he asked."I'm sorry," she hugged him, and he felt her wet clothes."Why are you crying?" he patted her back. He guided her to sit on the sofa in his office's corner. He grabbed tissues and water from the mini fridge. "Have a drink first.""I couldn't tell you right away," she took a breath. "Almira confessed ever
"Wait... what am I doing here?" he asked as he stood up. He looked at his body, he was naked "Who undressed me?"Lovie stopped the cart beside him and sat facing him. "It's me. You were vomiting a lot last night. Bernard was a bit drunk too. Luckily, my friends and I happened to be there and saw you."He held his head; the pain seemed to intensify. "Where are my clothes?""Just got washed. I'll get them later. You want to eat?" she smiled before leaving his side and heading to a table with two chairs.She set the table, presenting the food she brought. Everything was arranged neatly, like in a restaurant. He remembered his wife. 'My wife used to be this meticulous, especially when it comes to setting things up. Some women probably share similar gestures, especially if educated.'"Let's eat," she smiled. He couldn't leave his seat as he was undressed. "Oh, I'm sorry..." the woman took something from the closet, "here, wear this robe for now."He turned away while putting on the robe. Sh
"Seven years swiftly passed. Ericka sat in a chair facing the ocean. The resort she bought has made significant progress, largely due to her savings. She managed to grow the business she inherited, now overseeing a restaurant.She hired staff from the cooperative she established for the locals. Only the manager, supervisor, and HR knew her as the owner; others believed she was a financial advisor and cooking trainer.Her business thrived for three years, having been sold at a low price by the previous owner who couldn't make it profitable. In her business experience, she found that success comes with dedicating time.When she planned to work abroad and left Manila, her plans changed upon discovering relatives in the Bicol region. Witnessing the hardships, she suggested establishing a cooperative. Her funds became the foundation, earning trust from many.Lost in thought, children approached her—a girl and two boys, around six years old."You're playing in the water again," she greeted
She observed her sleeping children in the same room, realizing that she needed to expand their home due to their growing size. Construction had already begun on her new house next to the resort. Each child would soon have their own room.It had been seven years since she left Monte without a word. She chose to relocate to the province, far from her former neighbors.Fortunately, Felipe, the old bank manager, came to her aid. He was the first person she called upon leaving. Perhaps due to his deep affection for her, he resigned to assist her. Knowing they wouldn't be together romantically, he was content to see her every day and even wanted to acknowledge her children, despite her resistance.The kids grew up calling him "daddy," leading others to assume he was their father. Felipe met a tragic end when he returned to Manila. On his way back, a truck collided with his vehicle, and he was pinned by a mixer, resulting in his immediate death.They wept together like a family, and it felt
The flow of their day looks good. She left for a meeting with investors, leaving Jerome in charge of the guests. She gained valuable insights from the San Miguel company, applying them effectively. Jerome's communication skills and quick learning proved to be a significant asset.Foreign investors arrived to discuss the hotel and rental apartment expansion plans. Considering the demand for comfortable workspaces due to the rise in remote work, she decided to offer bed spacing. Her experience served as a solid training ground, and with trusted employees by her side, introducing herself to the investors felt timely.Impressing both male and female investors, she didn't entertain any ulterior motives when shaking hands."Miss Ricka, you are so smart and beautiful. How come you do not have a husband?" asked Mr. Sully, a renowned businessman."That is not my priority, sir," she smiled. "I want to build a company that supports all my employees and charities.""You are so kind-hearted," Mr.
Jasmine Delgado, twenty-seven, single, is nearing the completion of her college degree with only a few units left. While her IQ is average, she possesses a wealth of work experience. The speaker is considering her for a personal assistant role in their office, expressing concern for Jerome, who reads Jasmine's mind about files. Jasmine's past work includes being a crew member at fast-food establishments, where she earned the title of most outstanding employee.She then checks the files of Aurora Rivera and discovers that her father is a significant shareholder in their company, holding ten percent of the shares. Impressed by Aurora's humble personality, being an interior designer providing decor, she sees an opportunity to build an interior team for hotel projects.The next day, Aurora and Jasmine arrive early, only to be surprised by the presence of Chloe, Blessie, and Lian. Blessie makes a remark about Jasmine, implying she is associating with someone less fortunate. Chloe adds a pl
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