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CHAPTER 31
Huling Na-update:
2024-11-27 17:07:59Kaugnay na kabanata
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 32
The air in Soirye's office was thick with the scent of stale coffee and the hum of overworked computers. The city outside, a cacophony of noise and activity, was barely a whisper through the soundproof windows. She sat at her desk, a fortress of steel and glass, surrounded by stacks of papers, half-finished reports, and the glow of multiple computer screens. The world of entertainment, a world she had built and shaped with her own two hands, was a relentless machine, demanding constant attention, constant vigilance. She was the conductor of this orchestra, the one who orchestrated the rise and fall of careers, the one who dictated the narrative of public perception. But despite the power she wielded, despite the demands of her job, her mind kept drifting, a constant hum of anticipation in the back of her thoughts. She was counting down the hours, the minutes, the seconds until she could finally leave the office, until she could finally be with Damon.The day had been a whirlwind of
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 33
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the bustling streets as Soirye emerged from the office building, a sense of relief washing over her. The day had been a marathon, a relentless assault on her time and energy. But now, as she spotted Damon's car parked at the curb, a smile bloomed on her face."Hey, you," Damon greeted, his voice laced with warmth as he opened the car door for her. "Ready to go?""Ready as I'll ever be," Soirye replied, her heart lighter than it had been all day.He helped her into the car, his touch a comforting reminder of the life they shared, the life that was a sanctuary from the chaos of her work. As they drove, the city lights began to flicker to life, a tapestry of neon and incandescent glow against the darkening sky."I was thinking," Damon said, his voice a gentle murmur, "we could hit the gym tonight. It's been a while since we last worked out together."Soirye's eyes lit up. "I'd love that, Damon. It's been way too long."She loved going to the gym
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 34
The air hung heavy with the scent of summer, a mix of exhaust fumes and blooming frangipani, as Damon steered their car towards the familiar neon glow of their favorite frozen yogurt shop. The gym session had left them both energized, their bodies pleasantly fatigued, their spirits soaring. Now, they craved a sweet reward, a moment of indulgence before heading home."I'm craving something cold and creamy," Soirye said, her voice laced with a playful sigh.Damon grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know what to do, my love."He pulled into the parking lot, the car's headlights illuminating the brightly colored storefront, a beacon of sugary delight. As they stepped inside, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of frozen yogurt, a symphony of fruity flavors and creamy textures."What are we having tonight?" Damon asked, his voice a low rumble as he scanned the array of toppings.Soirye, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, pointed towards the back of the counter. "I'm think
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 35
The city lights blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors as Damon navigated their car through the quiet streets, the late-night air thick with the scent of jasmine and exhaust fumes. It was almost midnight, the moon a pale disc hanging low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the sleeping city.Soirye, nestled against Damon's side, felt a wave of contentment wash over her. The day had been a whirlwind of activity, a mix of work, laughter, and shared intimacy. Now, as they pulled into their driveway, a sense of peace settled over her."Home sweet home," Damon said, his voice a gentle murmur as he reached for her hand.She smiled, her heart filled with a warmth that spread through her body like a gentle fire. The car, their sanctuary, their secret world, had been the stage for a passionate encounter, a whirlwind of desire that had left her both exhilarated and exhausted.As Damon turned off the engine, the silence of the night seemed to amplify the lingering heat of their shared exper
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 36
The morning light, a pale, ethereal glow filtering through the blinds, gently roused Soirye from her slumber. She stretched, a contented sigh escaping her lips, but the movement was met with a wave of discomfort. Her body felt heavy, achy, and strangely swollen. A blush crept up her cheeks as she remembered the night before, the whirlwind of passion that had left her feeling both exhilarated and utterly spent.Damon, still asleep beside her, stirred, his hand reaching out to brush her hair. She felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling of contentment that was both familiar and intoxicating."Morning, my love," he murmured, his voice a husky whisper.She smiled, her heart fluttering with a mixture of affection and embarrassment. "Morning, Damon."He leaned in, his lips brushing against her cheek, his breath warm against her skin. She closed her eyes, savoring the feel of his touch, the scent of his cologne, the warmth of his presence."You're beautiful," he whispered, his voice laced
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 37
The insistent ringing of a phone sliced through the quiet morning, jolting Soirye awake. It wasn't hers. It was Damon's, lying on the nightstand beside her, the screen illuminating his sleeping face. She fumbled for it, the insistent ringing a jarring intrusion into their shared slumber. "Hello?" she rasped, her voice thick with sleep.A high-pitched giggle met her ear. "Damon, are you there? It's me, Chloe."Soirye's heart plummeted. Chloe. The name echoed in her mind, a name she'd heard Damon mention casually, a name he'd never introduced as anything more than a friend. But the playful lilt in Chloe's voice, the way she spoke to Damon with a familiarity that bordered on intimacy, sent a chill down Soirye's spine."Damon? Are you awake?" Chloe persisted, her voice laced with a hint of concern. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm going to be late tonight. I have this big meeting with my boss, and..."Soirye's eyes darted to Damon's face, still peaceful in sleep. He hadn't stirred, ob
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride CHAPTER 38
The morning sun streamed through the window, painting the room in a warm, golden light. But for Soirye, the world outside was shrouded in a thick fog of hurt and anger. Damon was still asleep, his face peaceful, oblivious to the storm brewing within her. She lay beside him, her body rigid, the warmth of his presence a cruel reminder of the betrayal she felt.The memory of Chloe's voice, laced with a playful intimacy, replayed in her mind, each word a fresh stab of pain. She had been living in a world of her own making, a world where Damon was hers, completely and utterly hers. But Chloe's phone call had shattered that illusion, revealing a truth she never wanted to face.Damon stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He smiled at her, a sleepy, loving smile that only fueled her anger. "Good morning, love," he murmured, reaching out to stroke her cheek.Soirye flinched away, her heart hardening. "Don't," she said, her voice flat, emotionless.Damon's smile faltered. He sat up, his brow furro
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27The Contract Bride KABANATA 39
Ang hangin ay mabigat na may amoy ng mga karayom ng pino at ang mahinang, matamis na aroma ng kanela. Si Damon, na nakakunot ang noo sa konsentrasyon, ay maingat na inayos ang huling mga napiling palamuti ng Pasko sa malaking puno ng pino na nangingibabaw sa sala. Sinulyapan niya ang kanyang mga lolo't lola, ang kanilang mga mukha ay nagliliwanag sa mainit na ilaw ng nag-aapoy na tsiminea. Nakangiti sila, ang kanilang mga mata ay nakakunot sa tunay na kagalakan, ang kanilang mga kamay ay magkahawak sa isang kilos ng kasiyahan. Naramdaman niya ang isang pagdagsa ng kaluwagan na dumadaloy sa kanya. Nagawa niya ito. Nakumbinsi niya sila.Tatlong araw na ang nakalipas, nang dumating sila sa kanilang maaliwalas na kubo na nakabaon sa gitna ng mga puno ng pino na natatakpan ng niyebe, si Damon ay sinalubong ng isang alon ng pag-aalala. Ang kanyang mga lolo't lola, na may kanilang mga lumang paraan at matatag na paniniwala sa kabanalan ng tradisyon, ay nag-aalangan tungkol sa hindi pangkar
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
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1 year later… DAMON'S P. O. VThe air hung heavy with the scent of lilies and the damp earth of the cemetery. I placed the basket of flowers, a vibrant splash of color against the grey headstones, in front of the grave. "It's been almost a year. I'm still missing you. I still miss you…” I whispered, my voice hoarse with unshed tears.I stood there, staring at the inscription, my mind a jumbled mess of grief and guilt. I should have been beside her sooner. I should have been beside her every day, holding her hand, telling her how much I loved her. But I was lost in my own world, oblivious to the pain she must have felt in her final days.I turned away, my eyes searching the horizon, as if looking for someone who was no longer there. The sun, a pale disc behind the clouds, cast long shadows across the cemetery, making the world feel even more desolate.Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind, a familiar warmth radiating through my body."Damon," a voice, soft as a whisp
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DAMON'S P. O. VThe morning sun streamed through the window, painting stripes of gold across the bedroom floor. I stretched, a contented sigh escaping my lips. The night before, the night we had rediscovered each other, the night we had rekindled the flame of our love, felt like a dream. But the ache in my muscles, the lingering warmth in my heart, the contented smile on Winter's face as she slept beside me, were all too real.I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb her. She looked so peaceful, so serene, her face illuminated by the soft morning light. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, the warmth of her skin sending a shiver down my spine."Good morning, My Soirye," I whispered, my voice husky with emotion. "I love you."She stirred, a sleepy smile gracing her lips. "Good morning, Damon," she murmured, her voice soft as a whisper. "I love you too."I lingered for a moment, savoring the warmth of her presence, the feeling of her hand in mine. But the scent of bacon wafting fr
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DAMON'S P. O. VThe humid air of the Philippines clung to us like a second skin, a comforting embrace after the long flight. We were home, back in the place where our love story began, a place that held the echoes of our laughter and the whispers of our dreams. The house we rented was small, a modest bungalow perched on a hill overlooking the ocean. It wasn't fancy, but it was ours, a haven away from the world's chaos. The air was thick with the scent of salt and jasmine, a symphony of smells that filled me with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years.I chose this small place over my mansion for so many reasons. Una na ro'n ang peace of mind ni Soirye. Especially when she said that she is not yet ready to face the paparazzi. Hindi pa s'ya handang bumalik sa mga mata ng publiko. And I want to keep it that way either. At least, hanggang sa gumaling lang s'ya. I also don't want her life to be feasted by media. Dahil baka lalo lang makasama sa kanya.Darkon, our son, was a whirlwind of
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 59
DAMON'S P. O. VJust like what I told Soirye—Winter—or whatever the hell she wants me to call her, I picked her up even before the clock strikes seven. The air hung heavy with the scent of dried leaves and aroma of coffee, the kind that clung to you like a nice memory. Soirye stood before me, her face pale under the harsh fluorescent lights of the café, her eyes wide and defiant. My hand, still tingling from the force of my grip, ached with the memory of her weight in my arms."You know," I began, my voice rough, "you could have just told me. No need for all this.""Told you what?" she countered, her voice a tight wire. "Told you I adopted someone's child and I am living with him now as if he was my own?""You know what I'm talking about," I said, my patience wearing thin. "That adopted kid you're saying. The one you've been hiding. Alam ko na akin s'ya.""He's not hidden. Do you have proof na tinago ko nga s'ya?" she said, her voice rising. "He's just... he's just my son.""Your son
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 58
DAMONVS P. O. VThe wind whipped through my hair, carrying the scent of salt and something else, something familiar. I stood on the cliff edge, the vast expanse of the ocean spread before me, a mesmerizing symphony of blue and white. It's been years. Five years, three months, and six days; to be exact. I am not into counting of days or what. But ever since she left, I just found myself counting every day that goes by. With a tiny hope burried within me that says someday, she'll be back. Hindi man ngayon, pero someday. Balang araw.As I stare at the scenery, despite its beauty, my gaze was drawn downwards, to a small figure tugging at my sleeve.A boy, maybe five years old, stood there, his face etched with worry. He wasn't crying, but his eyes, wide and pleading, spoke volumes. They were the same shade of gray as mine, the same worried crease between his brows. He also keep begging as he attain eye contact with me. And the moment it happened, my heart skipped a fucking beat."Why do
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 57
Sumisilip ang liwanag ng umaga sa manipis na kurtina, nagpipinta ng malambot at mala-anghel na liwanag sa silid. Si Soirye, ang kanyang katawan ay mainit pa rin dahil sa init ng kumot, ay nag-inat nang marahan, ang kanyang tingin ay nahulog sa walang laman na espasyo sa tabi niya. Wala na si Damon, nasa baba na siya, malamang ay kinukumbinsi ang kanyang mga lolo’t lola gamit ang kanyang karaniwang init at pagmamahal. Nakaramdam siya ng isang pangungulila, isang pamilyar na sakit ng sama ng loob, isang paalala ng panlilinlang na kanilang ginagawa.Bumaba siya sa kama, ang kanyang mga paa ay malambot na humakbang sa malambot na karpet, ang kanyang isipan ay tumatakbo na sa mga pangyayari sa araw. Kailangan niyang ipagpatuloy ang panlilinlang, hindi bababa sa para sa kapakanan ng kanyang mga lolo’t lola, hindi bababa sa para sa kapakanan ng panlilinlang. Kailangan niyang magpanggap na siya ang mapagmahal na asawa, ang debotong kapareha, ang masayang babae. Ngunit ang totoo, pagod na siya
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 56
Ang hangin sa bahay ay mabigat sa amoy ng bagong lutong tinapay at umuusok na kape, isang nakakaaliw na amoy na pumuno sa kusina ng init at pakiramdam ng kasiyahan ng pamilya. Si Soirye, nakaupo sa mesa, ang kanyang likod ay tuwid at ang kanyang ngiti ay pilit, ay nakaramdam ng alon ng pagkabahala na dumaan sa kanya. Napapalibutan siya ng init ng pamilya, ng pagmamahal ng kanyang mga biyenan, at ng nakakaaliw na presensya ng tradisyon. Ngunit, siya ay tila hindi akma, parang bisita sa isang mundong hindi kanya.Si Damon, na palaging kaakit-akit, ay nasa kanyang pinakamagandang asal. Binuhusan niya ng atensyon ang kanyang mga lolo’t lola, ang kanyang mga ngiti ay malawak at tunay, ang kanyang tawanan ay malakas at nakakahawa. Siya ang perpektong apo, ang masunuring anak, ang debotong asawa. Naglalaro siya ng isang papel, isang papel na kinakailangan, isang papel na masakit.Si Soirye, na palaging isang aktres, ay ginampanan ang kanyang bahagi nang may parehong paninindigan. Siya ang pe
The Contract Bride CHAPTER 55
Nakakabingi ang katahimikan sa bahay, ang tanging tunog ay ang ritmo ng pagtiktik ng orasan sa pasilyo. Si Soirye, nakahiga sa kama, ang kanyang mga mata ay nakatingin sa kisame, ay nakaramdam ng isang alon ng pagkabalisa na dumaan sa kanya. Ang mga kumot, na malinis at malamig laban sa kanyang balat, ay tila kakaiba, ang amoy ng lavender ay isang malaking kaibahan sa karaniwang amoy ng kanyang sariling tahanan. Nasa kanyang sariling kama siya, sa kanyang sariling silid, ngunit nakaramdam siya ng kakaibang hindi pagiging komportable, na parang siya ay isang bisita sa isang ibang bansa.Ang totoo, siya ay isang bisita sa kanyang sariling tahanan. Si Damon, ang kanyang hiwalay na asawa, ay natutulog sa sopa sa sala, ilang hakbang lang ang layo, ang kanyang presensya ay isang patuloy na paalala ng kumplikadong web ng mga emosyon na nag-uugnay sa kanila. Nagbabahagi sila ng espasyo, ng bubong, ng bahay, ngunit magkaiba ang kanilang mundo.Sumang-ayon silang matulog sa iisang bahay, isang
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Ang amoy ng bagong timplang kape ay pumuno sa hangin, isang nakakaaliw na amoy na tila tumatagos sa buong bahay. Si Soirye, nakasuot ng simpleng sundress, ang kanyang buhok ay nakapusod sa isang maluwag na ponytail, ay nakatayo sa kusina, ang kanyang likod ay nakaharap sa pintuan. Naghahanda siya ng almusal, ang kanyang mga galaw ay mabagal at sinadya, ang kanyang isipan ay abala sa panlilinlang na kanilang ginagawa.Ginugol niya ang nakaraang gabi sa kanyang kama, si Damon ay nasa sopa sa sala, isang maingat na inayos na pag-aayos na sinadya upang lokohin ang kanyang mga lolo’t lola, na naninirahan kasama nila sa susunod na dalawang linggo. Ang panlilinlang ay nakakapagod, ang pagkukunwari ay masakit, ngunit ito ay kinakailangan, hindi bababa sa ngayon. Hindi niya kayang isipin na ang kanyang sariling katotohanan, ang katotohanan ng kanilang basag na relasyon, ay sisira sa ideal na imahe ng kanyang mga lolo’t lola tungkol sa kanilang apo at sa kanyang asawa.Ang tunog ng mga yapak na
