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Chapter 5: The Fine Print (Part 1)
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-02-07 21:53:07"Ano'ng ginawa mo?!"
Napapikit ako sa lakas ng boses ni Tita Baby. We were sitting in her small apartment, kung saan ako tumutuloy minsan kapag late na ang shift ko. It was almost midnight, pero kailangan ko talagang makausap siya. "Tita, please..." I gestured to her neighbors. "Baka magising sila." "Magising?!" She threw her hands up. "Dapat nga sigawan kita ng mas malakas para magising ka sa katangahan mo!" "Hindi po 'to katangahan." I clutched my coffee mug tighter. "It's... a business decision." "Business?" Tita Baby looked like she wanted to strangle me. "Isa, anak, marriage contract 'yan. Hindi purchase order!" Kinwento ko sa kanya ang lahat – from the coffee incident hanggang sa dinner kanina. Every detail, including 'yung three million advance payment for Jenny's treatment. "Sampung milyon..." Tita Baby whispered, finally sitting down. "Diyos ko, Isa. Alam mo bang delikado 'to?" "Alam ko po." I stared into my coffee. "Pero si Jenny..." "Si Jenny ang dahilan kung bakit dapat mong pag-isipan 'to ng mabuti!" She grabbed my hands. "Paano kung masaktan ka? Paano kung ma-in love ka? Paano kung-" "Hindi po ako mai-in-love," I said firmly. "Never po." "Hay nako, Isa." She shook her head. "That's what they all say." Before I could respond, my phone buzzed. Alexander. "9AM tomorrow. Don't forget." Followed by another text with an address – some high-end business district building. "Siya ba 'yan?" asked Tita Baby, noting my expression. "Opo. May meeting daw bukas." "Hmph." She crossed her arms. "Gusto ko siyang makita." "Tita naman..." "Kung pakakasalan mo 'yan, dapat ko siyang ma-meet!" She stood up. "Sabihin mo sa kanya, invited siya for dinner this weekend." "Ha?!" I nearly dropped my phone. "Tita, hindi po pwede-" "Bakit hindi? Takot ba siyang kumain sa simpleng bahay?" Her eyes narrowed. "O baka naman hindi ka niya kayang ipakilala sa ordinary tao?" "Hindi po ganun!" Though honestly, I had no idea how Alexander would react. "Sige po, tatanungin ko." "Good." She patted my cheek. "At least let me see kung worthy ba 'tong pinasok mong kaisipan." That night, lying in Tita Baby's guest room, I couldn't sleep. The contract terms kept running through my mind: Public appearances together at least twice a week... Must live in the Del Rosario penthouse... No unauthorized media interviews... Must attend all family functions... No disclosure of contract details EVER... My phone lit up again. "Wear something corporate tomorrow. No coffee shop uniform." Napabuntong-hininga ako. "Yes po, Sir Alexander." "And Miss Santos?" "Po?" "Don't call me Sir Alexander. Just Xander will do." Ha? "Pero sir-" "If you're going to be my wife, even just on paper, we need to be less formal. Xander. That's an order." Natawa ako. "Ordering me to be less formal? Ironic po yata, SIR." Three dots appeared, disappeared, then: "Just go to sleep, Isabella." "Isa na lang po. If we're being less formal." This time, his reply made me smile: "Goodnight, Isa. Try not to spill coffee on anyone tomorrow." The next morning, I arrived at a sleek office building exactly at 8:45 AM. Suot ang hiram na corporate outfit galing kay Tita Baby, thank god we're the same size. I tried to look confident as I approached the reception. "Good morning, I'm-" "Isabella Santos," the receptionist smiled. "Yes, you're expected. 42nd floor." The elevator ride felt endless. When the doors opened, I found myself in what looked like a law firm – all glass walls and expensive art. "Miss Santos?" A sharp-looking woman approached me. "I'm Attorney Claire Martinez. Please, follow me." Pumunta kami sa isang conference room kung nasaan si Alexander – I mean, Xander – was already waiting with two other lawyers. "You're early," he noted, sounding almost approving. "Better than being late po." I sat down where Attorney Claire indicated. "Let's begin." One of the lawyers opened a thick folder. "Miss Santos, this is the final version of your marriage contract with Mr. Del Rosario. We'll go through each section in detail."Bab terkait
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 6: The Fine Print (Part 2)
Ang sumunod na tatlong oras ay napaka-intense na legal discussion na ngayon ko pa lang naranasan. Every clause, every condition, every possible scenario was covered. "In the event of pregnancy..." began one lawyer. "Not happening," Xander and I said simultaneously, kaya nagkatinginan kami ng panandalian. "Nevertheless," the lawyer continued, "we need this clause. Any child conceived during the contract period will be..." "Skip this part," Xander ordered. "Next section." "Social media guidelines," Attorney Claire read. "Miss Santos must maintain appropriate online presence. No controversial posts, no personal revelations, no-" "Wait," I interrupted. "Does this mean na kailangan kong burahin ang mga social media accounts ko?" "We'll create new ones," Xander explained. "Managed by our PR team." "But my students follow me," I protested. "My online teaching-" "Will end after the wedding," he said firmly. "Pero-" "Non-negotiable." His tone left no room for argument. Ng mag a-apa
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 7: Meet Your Fake Fiancée
"Miss Santos, paki-ulit nga po...""Isabella.""Sorry po. Isabella, dapat po kasi mas mahinahon ang paglalakad. Isa-dalawa, isa-dalawa... ay naku!"Napaupo ako nang matisod sa sarili kong paa. One hour na akong nagpa-practice maglakad with this "social coach" na si Mrs. Dela Cruz, pero wala pa ring improvement."Miss Isabella," buntong-hininga niya. "Paano kayo magiging Mrs. Del Rosario kung hindi man lang kayo marunong maglakad nang maayos?""Pasensya na po," I muttered. "Hindi po kasi ako sanay sa ganitong sapatos."Tinuro niya ang four-inch heels na suot ko. "Ito po ang pinakamababa sa collection ni Sir Alexander para sa inyo. May six inches pa po.""Six?!" Namutla ako. "Ate, baka mamatay po ako!""Hay naku," Mrs. Dela Cruz checked her notebook. "Sige, break muna tayo. Maya-maya pa ang table manners training."Thank God. Umupo ako sa malambot na sofa sa gitna ng malaking training room. One week na akong nagti-training dito sa "preparation center" ng Del Rosario family. Walking less
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 8: Learning to Lie (Part 1)
"And three, two, one... Ms. Santos, paki-ngiti naman po!"Pilit kong pinigilan ang pag-twitch ng labi ko habang nakatitig sa camera. Two hours na akong naka-upo sa harap ng PR team ni Xander, practicing my "media smile" daw."Ms. Grace," sabi ko sa PR head niya. "Hindi po ba pwedeng natural lang?"Umiling siya. "No, no, no. Your smile needs to be perfect. Consistent. Hindi 'yung minsan malaki, minsan maliit. The media will analyze everything."Lord, ayoko na."Let's take five," announced Ms. Grace. "Isabella, review mo 'yung script about your love story ha?"Tumango ako habang binubuklat ang blue folder na binigay sa akin. Inside were pages of our "official story" - kung paano kami nagkakilala, first date, proposal... lahat scripted."Having fun?"Nagulat ako nang biglang dumating si Xander, naka-three piece suit as usual. "Ikaw ba, nag-enjoy ka din dati sa ganito?""I grew up with this." Umupo siya sa tabi ko. "Sanay na.""Swerte mo naman," I muttered. Binasa ko ulit ang script. "Oh,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 9: Learning to Lie (Part 2)
"Good job today!" Ms. Grace packed up her things. "Remember, always stick to the script. Kung may unexpected questions, refer to Sir Alexander. And please, practice your society smile!"Pagkaalis niya, bumuntong-hininga ako. "Xander, sigurado ka sa'kin? Feeling ko mabubuko agad ako.""You did well today.""Nambola ka pa!" Tinapunan ko siya ng tissue. "That thing about my 'fire' and dignity... grabe ka!""I meant that part."Natigilan ako. "Ha?""Your dignity that day," he said, suddenly interested sa phone niya. "It was... admirable.""Ah..." Bakit ang bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko? "Well, 'yung sinabi ko din about the hospital visit... totoo 'yun."He looked up. "Really?""Mm-hmm. Nagulat ako nun eh. The way you were with Jenny..." I smiled at the memory. "Para kang ibang tao.""I am a different person," he said quietly. "When I'm not being Alexander Del Rosario.""I noticed." Tumayo ako. "Mas gusto ko 'yung Xander version mo.""Careful," he warned, but he was almost smiling. "Baka
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 10: Family Dinner sa Mansion
"Ate, sure ka ba sa suot mo?"Napatingin ako sa salamin. Naka-simple lang akong midi dress at flat shoes. "Bakit, mukha ba akong katulong?"Tumawa si Jenny mula sa video call. "Hindi naman! Pero diba sa mansyon ng future mother-in-law mo 'yung dinner?""Hay naku, mas gusto ko ngang mag-jeans eh." Inayos ko ang shoulder bag ko. "Kung pwede lang.""Grabe ka. High society na 'to, Ate! Main branch ng Del Rosario family!""Kaya nga kinakabahan ako eh..." Napaupo ako sa kama. Thirty minutes nalang bago sunduin ako ni Xander. "Paano kung hindi nila ako magustuhan?""Imposible 'yun!" protesta ni Jenny. "Maganda ka, matalino, may work-""Na barista?""At ESL teacher!" dagdag niya. "Tsaka may breeding ka kaya. Si Mama at Papa, kahit mahirap tayo, pinalaki tayong maayos."Napangiti ako. Tama siya. Proud ako sa pagpapalaki sa'min nina Mama at Papa.Knock knock!Napatalon ako. "Nandyan na siya!""Go na!" excited na sabi ni Jenny. "Text mo ko kung ano mangyayari ha?"Pagbukas ko ng pinto, natigilan
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-11The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 11: The Other Woman (Part 1)
"Naku, ang sweet ni Sir Xander!" kilig na kilig na sabi ng nurse habang binabantayan si Jenny. "Every night na po ba siya bumibisita?"Nahihiyang tumango ako. One week na since 'yung disastrous family dinner, at talagang gabi-gabi na siyang dumadalaw kay Jenny. Minsan may dala pang pagkain, minsan gadgets para hindi ma-bored ang kapatid ko."Grabe, sana all!" tawa ng nurse. "Mabuti at nakahanap ka ng ganyang klaseng CEO, Ma'am Isa!""Nako, wag ka masyadong maniwala diyan kay Ate Claire!" singit ni Jenny. "Marketing strategy lang 'yan ng future brother-in-law ko!""Jenny!" Pinandilatan ko siya."Joke lang!" Pero kita kong nag-aalala siya. "Oh siya, balik na ko sa modules ko. Dami pang homework!"Pagkaalis ng nurse, hinampas ko ng unan si Jenny. "Ikaw ha, kung ano-ano sinasabi mo!""Bakit? Totoo naman ah!" She looked at me seriously. "Ate... sigurado ka talagang hindi ka...""Hindi ako ano?""Na-fa-fall?"Natigilan ako. "Jenny naman. Alam mo namang may kontrata lang kami.""Oo nga." She
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-13The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 1: The Spilled Coffee Incident
"Ate, inom ka muna ng tubig. Namumutla ka na."Pinunasan ko ang pawis sa noo habang nakaupo sa plastic chair sa tabi ng hospital bed ni Jenny. Three hours na akong tulala dito, nakatitig sa reseta at hospital bill na nasa table. The numbers kept swimming before my eyes: ₱89,456 for this week's treatment alone."Jenny, paano ba natin—" Naputol ang sasabihin ko nang makita kong tulog na pala siya. Even in sleep, kitang-kita ko ang pagod sa mukha ng kapatid ko. Seventeen years old pero ang dami nang pinagdaanan. Life's unfair that way.My phone buzzed. Text from my online ESL student canceling our 6 AM class. Great. That's another ₱500 gone. Tumayo ako at kinuha ang coffee shop uniform ko. At least may shift pa ako sa The Daily Grind later. Baka kung maaga ako dumating, payagan akong mag-overtime."'Te..." Jenny stirred slightly. "Wag ka mag-overwork ha?""Matulog ka na nga." I kissed her forehead. "Text mo ko kung may kailangan ka."The morning air was crisp as I walked to the coffee sh
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 2: A Fifty-Thousand Peso Mistake
Nakaupo ako sa waiting area ng Del Rosario Tower, pinipilit ang sarili kong huminga nang normal. Lord, bakit ba ako pumunta dito? Dapat nasa coffee shop ako ngayon, nagtatrabaho, kumikita. Hindi naghihintay para makipagkita sa isang CEO na nagmamay-ari ng suit na sinira ko. "Miss Santos?" tawag ng receptionist. "Mr. Del Rosario will see you now." Tumayo ako, pinupunasan ang pawis sa palad ko sa black pencil skirt na hiniram ko kay Tita Baby. Buti na lang at may extra uniform siyang corporate attire mula sa dating trabaho niya. Hindi naman siguro halata na three inches longer sa akin ang skirt? The elevator ride to the 45th floor felt like forever. Pinagmasdan ko ang reflection ko sa elevator mirror – simple white blouse, slightly loose black skirt, flat shoes na medyo pudpod na pero nilinis ko nang mabuti. Mukhang decent naman siguro? "Naku, 'te," bulong ko sa sarili ko. "Ano ba yang pinasok mo?" The elevator doors opened to a massive office floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows e
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-07
Bab terbaru
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 11: The Other Woman (Part 1)
"Naku, ang sweet ni Sir Xander!" kilig na kilig na sabi ng nurse habang binabantayan si Jenny. "Every night na po ba siya bumibisita?"Nahihiyang tumango ako. One week na since 'yung disastrous family dinner, at talagang gabi-gabi na siyang dumadalaw kay Jenny. Minsan may dala pang pagkain, minsan gadgets para hindi ma-bored ang kapatid ko."Grabe, sana all!" tawa ng nurse. "Mabuti at nakahanap ka ng ganyang klaseng CEO, Ma'am Isa!""Nako, wag ka masyadong maniwala diyan kay Ate Claire!" singit ni Jenny. "Marketing strategy lang 'yan ng future brother-in-law ko!""Jenny!" Pinandilatan ko siya."Joke lang!" Pero kita kong nag-aalala siya. "Oh siya, balik na ko sa modules ko. Dami pang homework!"Pagkaalis ng nurse, hinampas ko ng unan si Jenny. "Ikaw ha, kung ano-ano sinasabi mo!""Bakit? Totoo naman ah!" She looked at me seriously. "Ate... sigurado ka talagang hindi ka...""Hindi ako ano?""Na-fa-fall?"Natigilan ako. "Jenny naman. Alam mo namang may kontrata lang kami.""Oo nga." She
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 10: Family Dinner sa Mansion
"Ate, sure ka ba sa suot mo?"Napatingin ako sa salamin. Naka-simple lang akong midi dress at flat shoes. "Bakit, mukha ba akong katulong?"Tumawa si Jenny mula sa video call. "Hindi naman! Pero diba sa mansyon ng future mother-in-law mo 'yung dinner?""Hay naku, mas gusto ko ngang mag-jeans eh." Inayos ko ang shoulder bag ko. "Kung pwede lang.""Grabe ka. High society na 'to, Ate! Main branch ng Del Rosario family!""Kaya nga kinakabahan ako eh..." Napaupo ako sa kama. Thirty minutes nalang bago sunduin ako ni Xander. "Paano kung hindi nila ako magustuhan?""Imposible 'yun!" protesta ni Jenny. "Maganda ka, matalino, may work-""Na barista?""At ESL teacher!" dagdag niya. "Tsaka may breeding ka kaya. Si Mama at Papa, kahit mahirap tayo, pinalaki tayong maayos."Napangiti ako. Tama siya. Proud ako sa pagpapalaki sa'min nina Mama at Papa.Knock knock!Napatalon ako. "Nandyan na siya!""Go na!" excited na sabi ni Jenny. "Text mo ko kung ano mangyayari ha?"Pagbukas ko ng pinto, natigilan
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 9: Learning to Lie (Part 2)
"Good job today!" Ms. Grace packed up her things. "Remember, always stick to the script. Kung may unexpected questions, refer to Sir Alexander. And please, practice your society smile!"Pagkaalis niya, bumuntong-hininga ako. "Xander, sigurado ka sa'kin? Feeling ko mabubuko agad ako.""You did well today.""Nambola ka pa!" Tinapunan ko siya ng tissue. "That thing about my 'fire' and dignity... grabe ka!""I meant that part."Natigilan ako. "Ha?""Your dignity that day," he said, suddenly interested sa phone niya. "It was... admirable.""Ah..." Bakit ang bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko? "Well, 'yung sinabi ko din about the hospital visit... totoo 'yun."He looked up. "Really?""Mm-hmm. Nagulat ako nun eh. The way you were with Jenny..." I smiled at the memory. "Para kang ibang tao.""I am a different person," he said quietly. "When I'm not being Alexander Del Rosario.""I noticed." Tumayo ako. "Mas gusto ko 'yung Xander version mo.""Careful," he warned, but he was almost smiling. "Baka
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 8: Learning to Lie (Part 1)
"And three, two, one... Ms. Santos, paki-ngiti naman po!"Pilit kong pinigilan ang pag-twitch ng labi ko habang nakatitig sa camera. Two hours na akong naka-upo sa harap ng PR team ni Xander, practicing my "media smile" daw."Ms. Grace," sabi ko sa PR head niya. "Hindi po ba pwedeng natural lang?"Umiling siya. "No, no, no. Your smile needs to be perfect. Consistent. Hindi 'yung minsan malaki, minsan maliit. The media will analyze everything."Lord, ayoko na."Let's take five," announced Ms. Grace. "Isabella, review mo 'yung script about your love story ha?"Tumango ako habang binubuklat ang blue folder na binigay sa akin. Inside were pages of our "official story" - kung paano kami nagkakilala, first date, proposal... lahat scripted."Having fun?"Nagulat ako nang biglang dumating si Xander, naka-three piece suit as usual. "Ikaw ba, nag-enjoy ka din dati sa ganito?""I grew up with this." Umupo siya sa tabi ko. "Sanay na.""Swerte mo naman," I muttered. Binasa ko ulit ang script. "Oh,
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 7: Meet Your Fake Fiancée
"Miss Santos, paki-ulit nga po...""Isabella.""Sorry po. Isabella, dapat po kasi mas mahinahon ang paglalakad. Isa-dalawa, isa-dalawa... ay naku!"Napaupo ako nang matisod sa sarili kong paa. One hour na akong nagpa-practice maglakad with this "social coach" na si Mrs. Dela Cruz, pero wala pa ring improvement."Miss Isabella," buntong-hininga niya. "Paano kayo magiging Mrs. Del Rosario kung hindi man lang kayo marunong maglakad nang maayos?""Pasensya na po," I muttered. "Hindi po kasi ako sanay sa ganitong sapatos."Tinuro niya ang four-inch heels na suot ko. "Ito po ang pinakamababa sa collection ni Sir Alexander para sa inyo. May six inches pa po.""Six?!" Namutla ako. "Ate, baka mamatay po ako!""Hay naku," Mrs. Dela Cruz checked her notebook. "Sige, break muna tayo. Maya-maya pa ang table manners training."Thank God. Umupo ako sa malambot na sofa sa gitna ng malaking training room. One week na akong nagti-training dito sa "preparation center" ng Del Rosario family. Walking less
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 6: The Fine Print (Part 2)
Ang sumunod na tatlong oras ay napaka-intense na legal discussion na ngayon ko pa lang naranasan. Every clause, every condition, every possible scenario was covered. "In the event of pregnancy..." began one lawyer. "Not happening," Xander and I said simultaneously, kaya nagkatinginan kami ng panandalian. "Nevertheless," the lawyer continued, "we need this clause. Any child conceived during the contract period will be..." "Skip this part," Xander ordered. "Next section." "Social media guidelines," Attorney Claire read. "Miss Santos must maintain appropriate online presence. No controversial posts, no personal revelations, no-" "Wait," I interrupted. "Does this mean na kailangan kong burahin ang mga social media accounts ko?" "We'll create new ones," Xander explained. "Managed by our PR team." "But my students follow me," I protested. "My online teaching-" "Will end after the wedding," he said firmly. "Pero-" "Non-negotiable." His tone left no room for argument. Ng mag a-apa
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 5: The Fine Print (Part 1)
"Ano'ng ginawa mo?!" Napapikit ako sa lakas ng boses ni Tita Baby. We were sitting in her small apartment, kung saan ako tumutuloy minsan kapag late na ang shift ko. It was almost midnight, pero kailangan ko talagang makausap siya. "Tita, please..." I gestured to her neighbors. "Baka magising sila." "Magising?!" She threw her hands up. "Dapat nga sigawan kita ng mas malakas para magising ka sa katangahan mo!" "Hindi po 'to katangahan." I clutched my coffee mug tighter. "It's... a business decision." "Business?" Tita Baby looked like she wanted to strangle me. "Isa, anak, marriage contract 'yan. Hindi purchase order!" Kinwento ko sa kanya ang lahat – from the coffee incident hanggang sa dinner kanina. Every detail, including 'yung three million advance payment for Jenny's treatment. "Sampung milyon..." Tita Baby whispered, finally sitting down. "Diyos ko, Isa. Alam mo bang delikado 'to?" "Alam ko po." I stared into my coffee. "Pero si Jenny..." "Si Jenny ang dahilan kung bakit
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 4: Ten Million Reasons (Part 2)
"Good evening, ma'am," bati ng driver nang lumabas ako. "This way po." The car was a sleek black BMW. Sa buong biyahe, pinipigilan kong mangati sa kakanikay ng dress. Hindi ako sanay sa ganitong suot. Puro t-shirt at jeans lang ako usually, minsan dress pero 'yung cotton lang na comfortable. La Scala was everything I expected – fancy, expensive-looking, intimidating. The maître d' led me to a private room at the back. And there he was. Alexander Del Rosario stood as I entered, his eyes quickly scanning my appearance. For a moment, parang may nakita akong appreciation sa expression niya, pero it was gone instantly. "You're late," he said by way of greeting. Tiningnan ko ang relo ko. 7:05 PM. "Five minutes lang naman po." "In business, five minutes can cost millions." He pulled out a chair for me. "Sit." Naupo ako, conscious na conscious sa lahat ng galaw ko. The dress was beautiful pero parang hindi ako makahinga. "Wine?" he offered, already pouring. "Hindi po ako-"
The CEO's Hired Wife Chapter 3: Ten Million Reasons (Part 1)
"Ate, may problema ba?" Napalingon ako kay Jenny na nakahiga sa hospital bed niya. Pangatlong beses na niyang natanong 'yon in the past hour. Hindi ko kasi mapigilan ang pagtitig sa bintana, iniisip kung tama ba 'tong pinasok ko. "Wala naman," sagot ko, forcing a smile. "Pagod lang." "Sure ka?" Jenny tried to sit up, pero pinigilan ko siya. "Kanina ka pa kasi tulala diyan. Tapos hindi mo pa sinasagot 'yung text ni Tita Baby." Naku. Kinuha ko ang phone ko. Five missed calls from Tita Baby, three messages asking nasaan na raw ako. "Anak, kumusta meeting mo? Ok ka lang ba?" "Isa, reply ka naman. Nag-aalala ako." "Isabella Santos, kung hindi ka mag-reply in one hour, pupunta ako diyan!" Napabuntong-hininga ako. How do I even begin to explain this? "Ok lang po ako, Tita. Pag-usapan po natin mamaya?" Immediate reply: "Naku, dapat lang! May kwento ka sakin!" "Ate..." Jenny's voice pulled me back. "Sure ka na wala kang problema?" Tumingin ako sa kapatid ko - seventeen years old pe
