When Manang Minda got the wheelchair for me, she immediately handed it to Ken, and I found myself being lifted and seated in the wheelchair by him. I felt nervous as our faces were close together due to the unfamiliarity of the situation. I didn't speak again to avoid any misunderstandings on his part.
Once I was settled in the chair, he pushed the wheelchair, and we headed to the swimming pool in their garden. "Is this where you want to be?" he asked me gently, making me look up at him. "Yes, this is fine." "I'll stay with you. It's hard for me to leave you alone, especially in your condition." He sat on a nearby bench, which made me slightly embarrassed because I felt like it became their obligation to take care of me when we were practically strangers. While I was lost in thought, I was surprised when he started speaking, causing me to look at him right away. "Do you remember your name?" As he asked that, I also pondered why he said that and realized I couldn't recall my actual name or who I truly was. "Don't think about that for now. What's important is that you're alive and in stable condition. Perhaps now isn't the time to find out what truly happened to you, but you need to heal until you're completely well." I remained silent, filled with numerous questions in my mind about my true identity and why I ended up like this. I couldn't remember anything, not even my name. Tears that had been welling up in my eyes finally fell. "I brought you to the hospital here in Manila to continue your recovery. Due to the impact of your fall and hitting rocks, your head and body were severely injured, causing memory loss that led to a coma. When you were stable enough, I brought you home because I couldn't take care of you well in the hospital. Manang was the one who took care of you; don't worry, she bathed and dressed you, so you have nothing to fret about." Ken's words left me feeling dejected, both physically and emotionally. Despite trying to remember, I couldn't recall a single memory, not even my name. This news caused me to break down in tears and cover my mouth as I let out the pain I had been feeling in my chest. I felt Ken's arms enveloping me, comforting and soothing me. Manang Minda and the other helpers also watched, their eyes filled with sadness. I felt tremendous pity for myself at that moment and immense gratitude towards Ken and everyone who helped me slowly recover from what I had been through. Though my mind was filled with questions, I knew I would eventually uncover the truth behind everything. But at that moment, one thing was clear in my mind - I needed to heal and regain my strength so I could achieve everything I wanted and also assist Ken in discovering who I really was. I hoped that my situation wasn't the result of a crime, leading me to this point without recognizing myself fully. I had numerous bruises on my body, and my feet were still injured, making me feel lost and clueless about what truly happened to me. "Everything will be fine. Stay strong, and we're always here to help you. I promise to assist you in finding out the truth behind what happened to you, so don't cry." Upon hearing Ken's words, I felt genuine concern and sympathy, which only made me cry even more, overwhelmed by the care and support surrounding me.As I started to feel better and had released all the pain I had been feeling, we finally headed to the kitchen to eat. Ken assisted me in moving to a chair, where I could begin eating.Ken patiently attended to me, serving me food and rice, which made me feel embarrassed by his gestures. However, while we were all eating, I noticed that all the helpers who served him were eating at the same dining table.I felt something different about him—I admired his demeanor, realizing he was not like the other bosses who needed to eat first before their helpers. It dawned on me that even during these times, there were people like him who valued everyone equally."You have been in a daze for a while. Just eat a lot and fill yourself up," he said, making me realize that I had been staring at him the whole time.With that, he stood up from his seat and drank some water. "I'm full. I'll just go to your room to fix your bed," he announced.At that moment, Manang Minda got up and quickly drank some wa
After we finished eating, Ken immediately came to my room to take me. I didn't want to bother him with carrying me, but I knew I couldn't refuse, knowing that I couldn't really refuse his help.Upon our arrival in my room, he gently laid me on the bed and sat beside me, opening up a conversation."Are you full?" he asked."Yes.""Great. In that case, get some sleep," he said, preparing to leave the room. However, I couldn't help but speak up, as I also wanted to talk to him and express my personal gratitude for all the help he had given me."Wait a minute..."He slightly paused upon hearing my voice, then turned to face me again."Do you need anything else?" he inquired."Not at the moment, but I just wanted to thank you for all the help you've given me," I replied."It's okay. No problem at all. Just focus on getting better so that you can fully recover," he reassured me."I just wanted to thank you personally because if it weren't for you, who knows what might have happened to me. I
As Dave descended from his car, holding a bouquet of flowers, he walked slowly towards a grave site and gently placed the flowers down."How are you, Love? I hope you are happy wherever you are," he expressed as he sat on the grass and lit a candle."I miss you, Ellaine. I wish you were here to hear everything I say to you. But you know, Ellaine, ever since you were gone, it feels like a thorn pierced my heart; it's so painful for me to accept the truth that you're really gone. I often look for you because I miss the times when we were always together, especially the moments when we shared dreams for our future. It's a pity that just when we were close to getting married, that's when you left," Dave emotionally shared, tears flowing freely."Forgive me if I didn't do anything. I know it's painful for you to die without justice, but don't worry; I promise to do everything to give you the justice you deserve," he continued, the tears he had been holding back finally falling down."I for
After Dave dropped off Josephine at her house, he headed to meet his client at an upscale restaurant. When his client, Mr. Johnson, arrived, Dave respectfully greeted him and offered him a seat."Good morning, Mr. Johnson.""Good morning, Mr. CEO. Have a seat," Mr. Johnson replied, and they proceeded to order their meals."While waiting for our food, I just want to give you this renewal contract," Dave mentioned as he handed over the documents."Oh, thank you. I probably don't need to read it. Haha. I've signed your contract before, and I am very satisfied with your service, especially with Ellaine," Mr. Johnson mentioned Ellaine's name, which brought a hint of sadness to Dave as he remembered his fiancée."Yes, because of her, our business prospered, and it was because of her that we closed many deals, including yours," Dave responded, reminiscing about Ellaine's contributions."It's a shame that she passed away without receiving justice," Mr. Johnson expressed his thoughts."Yes, bu
After taking a deep breath, Dave stood up to talk to Josephine. "Could you please call me or have one of my helpers assist you before entering the house next time?" Dave requested, trying to remain calm. "Why are you looking at me like I'm a thief now?" Josephine reacted defensively. "It's not like that, Josephine, but you're already in my room, and this is my privacy. I'm just letting you know so that you won't do it again next time," Dave explained. "Okay, I'm really sorry if you were upset. I won't do it again, so you don't have to worry," Josephine apologized. "That's good to hear," Dave replied. Josephine went downstairs feeling a bit embarrassed by Dave's reaction. Dave followed suit, joining her at the dining table. "Have you had breakfast?" Dave inquired. "Yes..." "Are you mad?" "No." "You don't seem mad, but I hope you understand why I corrected you. I hope you understand that," Dave said. "I've always understood you since Ellaine's passing, so you don't have to
After taking a deep breath, Dave stood up to talk to Josephine. "Could you please call me or have one of my helpers assist you before entering the house next time?" Dave requested, trying to remain calm. "Why are you looking at me like I'm a thief now?" Josephine reacted defensively. "It's not like that, Josephine, but you're already in my room, and this is my privacy. I'm just letting you know so that you won't do it again next time," Dave explained. "Okay, I'm really sorry if you were upset. I won't do it again, so you don't have to worry," Josephine apologized. "That's good to hear," Dave replied. Josephine went downstairs feeling a bit embarrassed by Dave's reaction. Dave followed suit, joining her at the dining table. "Have you had breakfast?" Dave inquired. "Yes..." "Are you mad?" "No." "You don't seem mad, but I hope you understand why I corrected you. I hope you understand that," Dave said. "I've always understood you since Ellaine's passing, so you d
After taking a deep breath, Dave stood up to talk to Josephine. "Could you please call me or have one of my helpers assist you before entering the house next time?" Dave requested, trying to remain calm. "Why are you looking at me like I'm a thief now?" Josephine reacted defensively. "It's not like that, Josephine, but you're already in my room, and this is my privacy. I'm just letting you know so that you won't do it again next time," Dave explained. "Okay, I'm really sorry if you were upset. I won't do it again, so you don't have to worry," Josephine apologized. "That's good to hear," Dave replied. Josephine went downstairs feeling a bit embarrassed by Dave's reaction. Dave followed suit, joining her at the dining table. "Have you had breakfast?" Dave inquired. "Yes..." "Are you mad?" "No." "You don't seem mad, but I hope you understand why I corrected you. I hope you understand that," Dave said. "I've always understood you since Ellaine's passing, so you d
After taking a deep breath, Dave stood up to talk to Josephine. "Could you please call me or have one of my helpers assist you before entering the house next time?" Dave requested, trying to remain calm. "Why are you looking at me like I'm a thief now?" Josephine reacted defensively. "It's not like that, Josephine, but you're already in my room, and this is my privacy. I'm just letting you know so that you won't do it again next time," Dave explained. "Okay, I'm really sorry if you were upset. I won't do it again, so you don't have to worry," Josephine apologized. "That's good to hear," Dave replied. Josephine went downstairs feeling a bit embarrassed by Dave's reaction. Dave followed suit, joining her at the dining table. "Have you had breakfast?" Dave inquired. "Yes..." "Are you mad?" "No." "You don't seem mad, but I hope you understand why I corrected you. I hope you understand that," Dave said. "I've always understood you since Ellaine's passing, so you d
Matapos ang emosyonal na pag-uusap sa opisina, hindi na napigilan ni Evalyn ang pag-alis nang may sama ng loob. Nakaramdam siya ng lungkot at pagkalungkot sa nangyari, na tila hindi pa kayang tibagin ng kanyang puso.Nang lumabas si Evalyn mula sa opisina, nararamdaman niya ang bigat ng kanyang damdamin. Ang sama ng loob at panghihinayang ay bumabalot sa kanyang puso, na tila hindi niya alam kung paano ito haharapin.Naglakad si Evalyn nang may pagkalumbay sa kanyang mga hakbang. Ang mga alaala ng nakaraan at ang mga saloobin ngayon ay nagdudulot ng kalituhan at lungkot sa kanyang puso.Sa bawat hakbang na kanyang tinatahak, unti-unti niyang naiisip ang lahat ng mga pangyayari at mga saloobin sa opisina. Ang pag-alis niya ay nagdulot ng lungkot at panghinayang sa kanyang puso, at tila hindi pa niya kayang maayos ang kanyang nararamdaman.Sa gitna ng kanyang paglalakad, naramdaman niya ang pag-asa at pangarap na sana balang araw ay magkakaroon ng linaw at katahimikan ang kanyang puso.
Nang biglang lumitaw sa harapan ni Angel ang isang matandang lalaki na may ngiti sa labi, hindi niya maiwasang mapahinto at mapangiti rin sa kanya."Angel, anak! Kamusta ka na? Napakalaki mo na pala!" bulalas ng matandang lalaki, na tila labis ang kasiyahan sa kanilang pagkikita."Wow, Lolo! Ikaw ba 'yan? Ang tagal na nating hindi nagkita. Namiss kita!" sagot ni Angel, na puno rin ng kasiyahan sa kanyang boses.Tumango si Lolo Wang, "Oo, anak. Namiss din kita. Salamat at dumalaw ka. At salamat sa pag-alalay mo sa akin. Napakabuti mong apo."Napangiti si Angel, "Walang anuman, Lolo. Gusto ko lang na maging masaya ka. At masaya rin ako na makita kang masaya."Nagpatuloy sila sa kanilang paglilibot sa garden, habang nagkukuwentuhan at nagtatawanan. Sa bawat sandali ng kanilang pag-uusap, lalo pang lumalim ang kanilang samahan at pagmamahalan bilang apo at lolo.Sa pagdating ni Angel sa mansion ng kanyang lolo, hindi lang siya natuwa sa kagandahan ng lugar kundi mas lalo pa siyang napalap
Nang biglang lumitaw sa harapan ni Angel ang isang matandang lalaki na may ngiti sa labi, hindi niya maiwasang mapahinto at mapangiti rin sa kanya."Angel, anak! Kamusta ka na? Napakalaki mo na pala!" bulalas ng matandang lalaki, na tila labis ang kasiyahan sa kanilang pagkikita."Wow, Lolo! Ikaw ba 'yan? Ang tagal na nating hindi nagkita. Namiss kita!" sagot ni Angel, na puno rin ng kasiyahan sa kanyang boses.Tumango si Lolo Wang, "Oo, anak. Namiss din kita. Salamat at dumalaw ka. At salamat sa pag-alalay mo sa akin. Napakabuti mong apo."Napangiti si Angel, "Walang anuman, Lolo. Gusto ko lang na maging masaya ka. At masaya rin ako na makita kang masaya."Nagpatuloy sila sa kanilang paglilibot sa garden, habang nagkukuwentuhan at nagtatawanan. Sa bawat sandali ng kanilang pag-uusap, lalo pang lumalim ang kanilang samahan at pagmamahalan bilang apo at lolo.Sa pagdating ni Angel sa mansion ng kanyang lolo, hindi lang siya natuwa sa kagandahan ng lugar kundi mas lalo pa siyang napalap
Matapos ang emosyonal na pag-uusap sa opisina, hindi na napigilan ni Evalyn ang pag-alis nang may sama ng loob. Nakaramdam siya ng lungkot at pagkalungkot sa nangyari, na tila hindi pa kayang tibagin ng kanyang puso.Nang lumabas si Evalyn mula sa opisina, nararamdaman niya ang bigat ng kanyang damdamin. Ang sama ng loob at panghihinayang ay bumabalot sa kanyang puso, na tila hindi niya alam kung paano ito haharapin.Naglakad si Evalyn nang may pagkalumbay sa kanyang mga hakbang. Ang mga alaala ng nakaraan at ang mga saloobin ngayon ay nagdudulot ng kalituhan at lungkot sa kanyang puso.Sa bawat hakbang na kanyang tinatahak, unti-unti niyang naiisip ang lahat ng mga pangyayari at mga saloobin sa opisina. Ang pag-alis niya ay nagdulot ng lungkot at panghinayang sa kanyang puso, at tila hindi pa niya kayang maayos ang kanyang nararamdaman.Sa gitna ng kanyang paglalakad, naramdaman niya ang pag-asa at pangarap na sana balang araw ay magkakaroon ng linaw at katahimikan ang kanyang puso.
Matapos ang emosyonal na pag-uusap sa opisina, hindi na napigilan ni Evalyn ang pag-alis nang may sama ng loob. Nakaramdam siya ng lungkot at pagkalungkot sa nangyari, na tila hindi pa kayang tibagin ng kanyang puso.Nang lumabas si Evalyn mula sa opisina, nararamdaman niya ang bigat ng kanyang damdamin. Ang sama ng loob at panghihinayang ay bumabalot sa kanyang puso, na tila hindi niya alam kung paano ito haharapin.Naglakad si Evalyn nang may pagkalumbay sa kanyang mga hakbang. Ang mga alaala ng nakaraan at ang mga saloobin ngayon ay nagdudulot ng kalituhan at lungkot sa kanyang puso.Sa bawat hakbang na kanyang tinatahak, unti-unti niyang naiisip ang lahat ng mga pangyayari at mga saloobin sa opisina. Ang pag-alis niya ay nagdulot ng lungkot at panghinayang sa kanyang puso, at tila hindi pa niya kayang maayos ang kanyang nararamdaman.Sa gitna ng kanyang paglalakad, naramdaman niya ang pag-asa at pangarap na sana balang araw ay magkakaroon ng linaw at katahimikan ang kanyang puso.
Ito ang kwento ng isang dalagang nag ngangalang Angel De Leon hindi nya totoong pangalan. Bata pa lamang si Angel ay lumaki na sya sa may tabing dagat kasa-kasama ang kanyang nanay Elena at Tatay Ramon kaya naman sadyang kinasanayan nya na ang buhay sa probinsya at ang buhay sa tabing dagat.Masipag at masunuring bata si Angel kaya naman mahal na mahal sya ng kanyang mga magulang dahil tanging sya lamang ang nag iisang anak ng mga ito,bukod sa pagiging masipag at masunuring bata ay labis rin ang kanyang angking talino at kagandahan kaya naman maraming kalalakihan sa kanilang lugar ang nagtatangkang ligawan sya dahil sa kanyang taglay na alindog.Bagamat nasa 24 years old na sya ay marami pa ring kakulangan sa kanya lalo na at sobrang layo talaga ng kanilang probinsya sa lungsod kaya naman kahit pa nakakapag aral sila sa probinsya nila ay salat pa rin sya sa kanyang mga kaalaman lalo na pag dating sa teknolohiya.Kaya't dahil sa hirap ng kanilang buhay ay tumutulong sya sa kanyang mga ma
Sa pagitan ng mga hinagpis at pagdurusa, sa kabila ng pagkabigo at sakit, walang pigil na sumunod si Simon kay Shaina. Ang kanyang puso ay puno ng pangungulila at pangungulila, handa siyang humingi ng patawad at ipaliwanag ang lahat sa taong mahalaga sa kanyang buhay.Sa pagtahak sa mga daan ng kanyang puso, sa pagtakbo patungo sa direksyon kung saan si Shaina ay nagtungo, ramdam ni Simon ang bigat ng kanyang mga pagkakamali. Ang takbo ng kanyang puso ay nagpapahayag ng takot at pangamba sa posibleng reaksyon ni Shaina.Nang makarating siya sa kanilang tahanan, nakita niya si Shaina na nakaupo sa tabi ng bintana, ang mga mata'y puno ng luha at pagkabahala. Hindi na siya nag-atubiling lumapit at humarap kay Shaina, "Mahal, patawarin mo ako. Ako'y nagkamali at hindi ko sinasadya ang lahat ng ito."Sa bawat salita ni Simon, ramdam ni Shaina ang pagmamahal at pagsisisi sa bawat pagkukulang. Ang kanyang mga mata'y naglalaman ng kahalo ng lungkot at pag-asa, ng sakit at pagpapatawad.Hindi
Sa kakaibang kasalanang ibinubunyag at mga sikreto ng pamilya Alvarez, mahuhumaling ka sa pagtuklas ng lihim ng kanilang nakaraan. Ang pagtuligsa at pag-ibigang samasamang nagpapalit sa kwento, naglalayo't naglalapit, magbubukas ng pinto sa mga kapanapanabik na pangyayari't pagbabago.Sa bawat hadlang ay may pahiwatig ng bagong panimula, nagbibigay-silbi sa pag-unlad at pagbaguhin ang takbo ng kuwento. Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok, ang pag-ibig at katapatan ang nagtataguyod sa pagpapalakad ng kwento, nagbibigay ng bagong kahulugan sa kahulugan ng pagmamahalan at pamilya.Ang paghahabi ng bawat tagpo at pangyayari, ang pagtabi ng ego at pangarap, ang pagtanggap at pagtutulungan, nauukit ang kwentong ito sa malalim na kamalayan ng bawat mambabasa. Sa bawat pagkawala'y may bagong pagtuklas, at sa bawat paghihiwalay ay may bukas na panibagong pagsasanib.Ang kakaibang pagsasama ng pag-ibig at pagnanasa, kasinungalingan at katotohanan, kasalanan at pagbabago, ay nagbibigay-buhay sa kasaysayan
Chapter 2: Ang Lihim sa Likod ng NgitiHabang naglalakad si Evalyn sa hardin, napansin niya ang isang liham na nakapatong sa isang mesa sa ilalim ng isang puno ng mangga. Ang liham ay nasa isang sobre na may eleganteng sulat-kamay. Kuryoso, kinuha niya ito at binasa."Mahal kong Evalyn," ang simula ng liham. "Alam kong hindi dapat ako magsulat sa iyo ng ganito, ngunit hindi ko na mapigilan ang aking damdamin. Ang aking pag-ibig para sa iyo ay lumalaki araw-araw, at hindi ko na kaya pang itago ito. Sana ay maunawaan mo ang aking nararamdaman."Nagulat si Evalyn. Hindi niya alam kung sino ang nagsulat ng liham na iyon. Sino ang nagmamahal sa kanya? Hindi ba sapat ang pag-ibig ni Simon para sa kanya?Nang makita ni Simon ang kanyang asawa na nagbabasa ng isang liham, lumapit siya at hinanap kung sino ang nagpadala nito."Sino ang nagsulat nito, mahal?" tanong ni Simon, ang kanyang boses ay may bahid ng pag-aalala."Hindi ko alam," sagot ni Evalyn, ang kanyang mga mata ay naglalak