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CHAPTER 7

Author: Eyah
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-11-27 16:58:30

It's been weeks since I first notice those eerie men in black who seem to follow me. And right there and then, I know I have to end this. And I'm more than dedicated to do so.

As I adjust the collar of my dress, I could feel the air hung thick with tension. My reflection staring back at me from the mirror. Nakatayo sa likod ko si Kyree. Kahit kalmado s'ya, halatang-halata at ramdam na ramdamnkonpa rin na kinakabahan s'ya. Kahit no'ng ngumiti na s'ya. That didn't change the fact that he's so nervous. Nagmumukha tuloy s'yang naiihing daga.

"Madam, sure ka na ba rito? Pwede pa naman tayong mag-back out," he asked. Pumipilantik na naman s'ya.

"Tigilan mo 'ko, Kyree. As if gusto ko rin gawin 'to. To set the records straight, I don't want to do this either. But I have to.” Tinitigan ko s'ya ng matalin sa pamamagitan ng salamin. "Kaya tigilan mo na 'ko sa pag iinarte mo. Let me remind you—here lies your job. It's the only way to catch him. Kaya umayos ka."

I know that what my plan was audac
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  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 8

    A month had passed since the encounter I had with Damon on the rooftop bar. The memory of his chilling words, his unsettling aura, still lingered in my mind. I had tried to move on, to focus on my work, to pretend that the whole ordeal was just a bad dream. But the constant shadow of fear, the knowledge that I was being watched, never left me.Pagkatapos no'n, wala na namang naging paramdam si Damon. Kagaya ng dati, bigla na naman s'yang naglaho na parang nabula. Nawala at parang hindi na naman nag-eexist sa mundo.Then, one morning, I woke up to a phone buzzing relentlessly. It was Damon, his name flashing across the screen. I was more than determined to ignore his calls, especially after everything that has been done. Lalo na at lahat ng unwanted encounters namin na nagtatapos sa kama, lahat ng 'yon ay nag ugat sa isang tawag. But despite my determination, something about the sheer number of missed calls, the insistent buzzing, made me pick up.His voice, a familiar mix of amusement

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 9

    The air hung heavy with the scent of pine needles and the faint, sweet aroma of cinnamon. Damon, his brow furrowed in concentration, carefully arranged the last of the carefully chosen Christmas ornaments on the grand fir that dominated the living room. He glanced at his grandparents, their faces aglow with the warm light of the crackling fireplace. They were smiling, their eyes crinkled with genuine joy, their hands clasped together in a gesture of contentment. He felt a surge of relief wash over him. He had done it. He had convinced them.Three days ago, when they had arrived at their cozy cabin nestled amidst the snow-dusted pines, Damon had been met with a wave of apprehension. His grandparents, with their old-fashioned ways and unwavering belief in the sanctity of tradition, had been hesitant about their grandson’s unconventional lifestyle. They had raised an eyebrow at his choice of career, his penchant for traveling, and his unconventional living arrangements.Damon, however, h

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 10

    The air in Soirye’s small apartment hung heavy with the scent of stale coffee and unwashed laundry. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant, chaotic energy that usually filled the space. Six months had passed since Damon had left for the Philippines, and the silence that had settled over the apartment was deafening. Soirye, perched on the edge of her worn-out couch, stared blankly at the flickering television screen. The news droned on in the background, a cacophony of words that seemed to blur together, devoid of meaning. Her gaze drifted to the framed photograph on the coffee table, a snapshot of Damon and her, arms slung around each other, their faces lit with a shared joy. It was a reminder of the laughter, the adventures, the unspoken bond that had connected them.A wave of longing washed over her, a bittersweet ache that tugged at her heart. She missed Damon’s infectious laughter, his quick wit, his unwavering presence. She missed the way he could effortlessly fill a room with h

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 11

    The silence in the sprawling penthouse apartment was almost tangible, a heavy blanket of unspoken words and unspoken emotions. The city lights, a glittering tapestry of neon and starlight, stretched out before her, a mesmerizing spectacle that held no allure for her tonight. Soirye sat at her expansive desk, her gaze fixed on the financial reports spread out before her. Numbers danced before her eyes, a symphony of growth and success. Her empire, built brick by brick, fueled by ambition and relentless determination, was thriving. Yet, the satisfaction that usually accompanied her victories felt hollow, a bittersweet echo in the vast emptiness that had settled within her.Six months. Six months since Damon had left, six months since the silence had descended upon their lives, suffocating their once vibrant connection. The initial anger had simmered down, replaced by a weary acceptance, a resignation that felt like a heavy weight on her soul.She had tried, initially, to bridge the gap

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 12

    The morning light filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Soirye’s penthouse, casting long, sharp shadows across the meticulously curated space. She sat at her sleek, minimalist breakfast bar, a cup of steaming coffee in her hand, her gaze fixed on the digital tablet in front of her. The screen displayed the latest news headlines, a kaleidoscope of global events, political upheavals, and celebrity gossip. But it was one particular headline that caught her eye, a headline that sent a jolt of anger coursing through her veins. It was a picture of Damon, his arm slung around a stunning woman with cascading blonde hair, their faces lit by the dazzling lights of a Parisian café. The caption read: "Damon Reyes Spotted with Mystery Woman in Paris."Soirye felt a familiar wave of bitterness wash over her, a sensation that had become a constant companion in the months since Damon had left. She had tried to move on, to focus on her empire, to build a life that didn't revolve around hi

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 13

    The city lights twinkled outside Soirye’s penthouse window, a mesmerizing spectacle that seemed to hold a million stories, a million possibilities. But tonight, the allure of the city felt distant, a mere backdrop to the internal battle raging within her.Six months had passed since Damon had left, six months since the silence had descended upon their lives, six months since she had been left to grapple with the wreckage of their relationship. She had tried to move on, to focus on her empire, to build a life that didn't revolve around him. But the shadow of their past, the lingering pain of their separation, continued to haunt her.She had built a fortress around her heart, a wall of carefully constructed indifference, a shield against the world that had once seemed so full of promise. She had thrown herself into her work, her ambition a driving force that propelled her forward. Her company had flourished, its reach expanding across continents, its influence undeniable.But despite he

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 14

    The rain outside mirrored the storm brewing inside her. A steady, relentless downpour that mirrored the tears she’d been holding back for weeks. She stared at the worn-out photo in her hand, the edges softened by countless touches. Damon’s smile, once a beacon of warmth, now felt like a distant memory. “Wala na akong pakialam kay Damon,” she whispered, the words hollow and unconvincing, even to her own ears.She had repeated this mantra for days, a shield against the waves of hurt that threatened to drown her. It was a lie, a desperate attempt to convince herself of a truth she wasn’t ready to face. How could she not care? He was the sun that had warmed her for years, the moon that had guided her through darkness. He was the air she breathed, the rhythm of her heart. And now, he was gone.The apartment felt suffocatingly empty. Every corner held a silent echo of his presence. The worn-out armchair where he’d read aloud, the kitchen counter where they’d shared late-night coffee, the be

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 15

    The fluorescent lights of her office buzzed with an unwelcome intensity, reflecting off the polished surfaces of her desk. Soirye slumped into her chair, the exhaustion of a long day clinging to her like a second skin. She had been running late, a consequence of a particularly demanding client meeting, and she was already bracing herself for the mountain of paperwork that awaited her.As she reached for her coffee mug, a flicker of movement caught her eye. A figure sat in the corner of her office, shrouded in the dim light. She squinted, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized the silhouette. Damon. What was he doing here? And at this hour?“Damon?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise and a hint of apprehension.He looked up, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of guilt and desperation. “Soirye, I’m so sorry for showing up like this,” he said, his voice low and apologetic. “But I need your help.”Soirye’s initial surprise gave way to a wave of annoyance. Damon, with his last

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27

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  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 72

    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

  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 71

    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

  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 70

    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

  • The Contract Bride   CHAPTER 54

    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

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