Simula
"He's known for being a headache to his family, but it differs when It comes to me..."I was already laying on the bed, and he's on top of me. We're both fully clothed, but we can sense a full-boosted desire in each other's eyes.Napalunok ako habang nilalakbay ng aking mga mata ang kanyang mata, pababa sa kanyang labi. He's also doing the same. After some seconds, his eyes and mine met.The desire is still there-it even heightened more. I saw his adam's apple moved because of a gulp.His hands moved upward-while it was placed inside my T-shirt. Unti-unti iyong tumaas, na labis na nagpa-pikit sakin. It wasn't because of the feeling. I closed my eyes to control myself, and finally do the right decision at the moment."Stop..." I murmured. Sa sobrang hina niyon ay mapaghahalataan na maski ako ay hindi sigurado sa isinatinig 'kong salita. Tila isa iyong bulong, isang pagpigil, na hindi nais ng taong nagsalita na marinig ng iba.Ngunit napatigil niyon ang binata.Naramdaman ko ang sunud-sunod na paghinga niya ng malalim, dahilan para sandali akong mapapikit bago tuluyang sinalubong ang tingin niya. His eyes-this is the pair of eyes that got me.Whenever those pair of eyes are on me, I cannot understand my next actions. I feel like I've been put under a spell whenever his eyes lands to mine."You really want to stop...at this moment?.." He asked, sounding so unsure and questionable.I gulped once more, before nodding. "Y-yeah." I said as I look away. "I think...this is too much for the night..." I added.Hindi ako nakarinig ng sagot mula sa kanya sa loob ng ilang segundo. Nanatili siyang nasa ibabaw ko.Next thing I've heard is a loud sigh coming from him. And that bothered me."D-do you want to...continue?" I asked. Of course I want to hear his side. I mean, we're now at the middle. I will understand if he's frustrated because of my sudden pull back.I actually expect him to be angry. To get annoyed. To feel irritated about me, because that is the reactions I've watched and read on some dramas and romance books."I won't continue if you don't want to continue," He suddenly said that caught my attention. Natagpuan ko siyang nakangiti sa akin. "I'm not the type who forces someone just to do my bidding. I will respect your decision..." Aniya, bago tuluyang umalis sa ibabaw ko. Naupo ito sa dulo ng kama, nakatalikod mula sa akin.Agad din akong bumangon upang mas tanawin ito.I can hear his short and silent breathing-probably trying his best to contain and control himself.Habang ako naman ay inayos ang strap ng suot 'kong bra, na kanina ay nasa bandang braso ko na.Nang maayos ang sarili ay ibinalik ko ang tingin ko sa kanya. Nanatili pa rin siyang nakatalikod.Is he angry?Iniisip nya ba na pinaasa ko sya or niloko ko sya?I looked down. I guess I need to say something for him to not misunderstand me.I take a deep breath."Markus... please don't think that I did this just to-""I did not, and I won't think that way. I'm sure you have your reasons. And, Its actually too fast. I understand you," He said, not letting me finish my words.I sighed once again. "Hindi ka talaga galit?""Why would I?" He asked back, before finally looking back at me. Our gaze once again met. "If I'll do this with you, I should have your full consent first. If you don't want, then I'll respect it." Aniya, bago ako nginitian.Somehow, his words made me feel at ease and the heaviness in my heart lightened a bit.But then, there's still remaining questions inside my head that I need to let out."Markus..." I called."Hmmm?" He hummed.I look on my hand. "If I...If I hadn't stop you, will you still go on?" tanong ko, na muling nakabalik ng atensyon nya sa akin.Kitang-kita ko ang gulat at pagtatanong sa kanyang mata.I need answer.And I hope he can answer me well.I don't want to hate him. Magaan ang loob ko sa kanya. I want him to be my friend. My only male friend.Isang minuto siguro ang lumipas ngunit nanatiling tikom ang bibig niya habang ang mata ay nasa akin pa rin.Sa pag-aalala na baka hindi nya malinaw na narinig ang tanong ko ay nagpasya akong ulitin iyon."If I hadn't stop you earlier, will you still continue?"And without a single heart beat passing, Markus answered me."Yes." Walang preno niyang sagot, na ikinagulat ko."W-what?" I asked, stammering.Markus stared at me deeply."I'm a man, Liz. I have needs. But that needs doesn't mean I'll let it win against my moral. If you didn't stop me earlier, I will continue thinking that we both want it too. But since you ordered me to stop, then I'll stop because I respect you." aniya, na hindi ko alam ngunit ikinapatak ng isang butil ng luha galing sa aking mata.He may be a headache to his family, but for me, he's a treasure I intend to keep beside me. In this lifetime.The Unwanted Engagement: Date started: July 21, 2021Chapter 1"You should marry him Eliza. Sya na lang ang natitirang pag-asa ng kuya mo! Pamilya na lang nila ang handang tumanggap satin!" My father said to me. He looked very persistent. Nanginginig ang kamay nya dahil sa matinding pagkakahawak sa lamesa. Nanatili naman akong nakayuko. Pinipilit intindihin ang winika ni Papa. "Bakit ako pa, Pa? Markus has an elder sister. Sya na lang at si kuya ang ipakasal tutal si Kuya naman ang dahilan kung bakit tayo humaharap sa ganitong sitwasyon ngayon! He is the reason so he should be the solution!" matigas na sagot ko, na mas ikinangini g ng kamay ni Papa. "Elizabeth!" Galit nitong tawag sa pangalan ko. Halos napuno ng katahimikan sa kusina dahil sa sigaw na iyon ni Papa. Kahit ako ay unti-unti ng tinatablan ng takot, ngunit pinili 'kong wag magpahalata. I need to stand firmly. This is for my freedom, and also for Markus'. "Nasa kulungan ngayon ang kuya mo kaya kahit gustuhin man nya wa
Chapter 2I know that everything will change after that day. Pinaghandaan ko na iyon, at ang kaba na baka hindi sumipot si Markus sa nakatakdang pamamanhikan ang nangingibabaw sa isip ko. Ilang araw na magmula ng araw na iyon at hindi na muling nagpakita si Markus. I just know that Tito Jordan sent him a message regarding this family affair, but we've got nothing for a response. "He will come, iha. Markus considers you as his friend. Hindi ka nya ipapahiya sa harap ng pamilya namin at pamilya mo," Tita Mel said. Markus' mother. I smiled to hide the nervousness that I think is too obvious to be noticed by all the people around me. "Ayos lang ako, Tita. No need to worry about me..." wika ko naman upang mapanatag ito. Tita Mel lifted her hand and put those messy hair of mine behind my ears. "Simula bata magkasama na kayo ni Markus, kaya naman kampante kami na ikaw ang makasama nya sa mahabang panahon, Elizabeth. I know that he loves you, and you two will be happy," Tita added, that i
Chapter 3The night ended peacefully. That's how I will describe the engagement party. Bukod sa pagbibigay ng pekeng ngiti sa mga taong dumalo ay wala na kaming iba 'pang ginawa. Nakatingin ako buong gabi kay Markus, pilit na binabasa ang reaksyon niya. He talked casually to all the people around us, laughing with them. But to me, he suddenly turns quiet. Sometimes, I tried to strike a conversation with him but he ended up walking away—to catch up with some of his friend. Hindi ko naman sya magawang habulin, takot na may makapuna sa pagiging ilag nito sa akin. "Thank you for this memorable night, Melly. We really am thankful to you and your family, lalo na kay Markus. Hindi nyo alam kung gaano kalaking tulong ito para sa pamilya namin," Mommy said before hugging tita Mel. Tapos na ang party, at kasalukuyang kami na lang ang natitira dito sa mansion. "Of course, we really treats you as our family Beth. Hindi namin kayang panoorin na lang kayo na tuluyang sirain ng mga issue at ng k
Chapter 4Today is the wedding day. Everyone around me screams excitement, including my parents and Markus' s. Halata ang saya sa mga mukha nila, habang pinapalibutan ako sa loob ng Hotel Room kung saan nagaganap ang Pre-wedding shoot. "Dahan-dahan ang pag-angat ng tingin sa camera, Miss Aragon. You're exquisite gown suits your pretty face very well." ani ng videographer na binigyan ko lamang ng maiksing ngiti bago bumaling sa mesa kung nasaan ang phone ko. The pre-wedding photoshoot started at 4 am, and its now 4:45 already, but I still cannot be at ease. I am afraid. Kagabi, upon arriving here at the hotel, I received a call from Tita Mel saying that Markus cannot be found. Hindi ako mapakali sa kakaisip at sa takot na baka hindi ako siputin ni Markus sa simbahan. "Can you leave us for a minute? I just want to have a talk with our daughter," ang tinig na iyon ni Mommy ang nakapagpa-balik sa akin sa kasalukuyan. Napalingon ako sa direksyon na kinaroroonan ng parents ko at nila Ti
Chapter 5JOY'S POV"May alam ka ba kung saan siya nakatira?" Iyan ang bungad 'kong tanong kay Zhai ng pumanhik ito sa kwarto ko, dito sa mansion. Tinaasan naman ako nito ng kilay, "Bakit ka curious? Guguluhin mo pa rin?" My brows definitely curled at her question. "What? Guguluhin? Zhai, I deserve to know where he is since fiance niya ako!" "The engagement is off, Joy." tunog paalala na wika nito sa akin, na ikinairap ko naman. "They did that without my consent!"Naupo naman si Zhai sa aking tabi, sunod ay pinangunutan ako ng noo. "Tita Marcella said that you don't like your fiance, kaya nga nila iniurong ang supposed to be engagement, kaya bakit ganito ka umasta ngayon?" may halong pagtatakang tanong nito, habang ang buong atensyon ay nasa akin. "Don't tell me na-inlove ka na agad sa fiance mo?" "Ofcourse not!" Giit ko. With matching actions pa."Really? Eh bakit interesado ka atang makita?" "Nagulat kasi ako sa naging desisyon nila Mommy, sobrang nakakabigla." Wika ko, "And
Chapter 6It isn't right to always push yourself towards someone---lalo na kung alam mo na wala sa diksyunaryo ng taong iyon na tanggapin ka. That's what I buried in my mind after seeing Markus and Kate on that hotel's lobby together. Ayoko nang ipilit ang gusto ko, dahil sa huli ay ako lang naman ang masasaktan. Ako lang ang makakaramdam ng sakit dahil sa patuloy 'kong pag-asa na baka magkaroon kami ng pag-asang dalawa ni Markus. Instead of pushing myself---I chose to just leave Manila and fly to Boracay alone. This sounds lonely, but this is the reality. This is my real situation, the aftermath of my choice. Tatanggapin ko, dahil iyon ang dapat, at iyon naman din talaga ang mangyayari."Enjoy your stay, Ma'am!" One of the resort's staff welcomed my arrival, and I just gave her a small smile before continuing to walk towards the hotel building where my room is located. When I arrived on my room, I immediately laid on the bed as if tiredness suddenly escalated inside my body. I clos
Chapter 7"What's your plan, then?" Chad asked after a long silence. Napaangat naman ako ng tingin sa kanya. "Anong plano ang tinutukoy mo?" pagtatanong ko naman. "I mean, while staying here, what do you plan to do? Nandito ka na, malabo naman sigurong pipiliin 'mong mag-stay sa suite mag-isa." Chad spoke. Now that he mentioned that, ngayon ko lang nga naalala kung ano nga ba ang gusto 'kong gawin dito. I've been occupied by Markus' recent actions, to the point na hindi na pumasok sa isip ko na mag-enjoy sa lugar na ito. "I don't have any idea, Chad." I honestly answered before releasing a reluctant smile. "Maybe like what you said, I'll just stay in my suite for the rest of my stay here---""And I cannot let you do that," Chad intervened. "You are here in Boracay, you should at least enjoy." He added, before releasing a heavy sigh. "I won't tell anything to anyone, Eliza. Itatago ko ang tungkol dito sa pamilya mo at pamilya ni Markus, but then I hope you'll learn to focus on maki
Chapter 8Following Markus's instruction, agad na rin akong lumipad mula Boracay pabalik ng Manila. It was sudden but Chad coincidentally said that he already finished his work and business at Boracay, so he could fly back with me. He booked a flight for the two of us and did his best to make our flight enjoyable. Halos puro kwentuhan at tawanan lang ang ginawa namin buong byahe. Even after the long journey, pagbaba namin ng eroplano ay nag-alok pa siyang ihatid ako sa bahay na regalo nila Mommy at Daddy, kung saan naroon daw ngayon si Markus. And of course, dahil hindi ko alam kung saan ang bagong lugar na iyon ay hindi na ako tumanggi pa sa alok nya. After several hours of drive from NAIA, sa wakas ay huminto na ang kotseng kinalululanan namin sa isang cream and brown combination modern house. Two-storey iyon at may rooftop din which made me smile since I really love doing star gazing and watching the moon alone. "Thank you for accompanying me here, Chad. I really appreciate all
Chapter 25Upon reading the caller's name, parang biglang nabalot ng awkward atmosphere ang paligid naming dalawa. I know that Markus knew that I saw the caller ID, and he's now hesitating to take the call. I don't want to act bitter, first of all because I don't have the right to be bitter. I looked out for awhile, waiting for the ringing end. And when it ended, I sighed."You should've answered it and acted like I am not around," I said.Markus continued driving. "Maybe it's not important---"His phone suddenly rang once more that stopped him from talking. Di katulad nang nauna, hindi na ako nag-abalang balikan ng tingin ang monitor para lang alamin kung sino iyon, dahil malakas ang kutob ko na si Kate pa din iyon."You can answer it. Baka importante," I commented, pushing him to do what he should do. Bakit ba niya bibigyan ng importansya ang magiging reaksyon ko kung sagutin man nya ang tawag hindi ba? Kailan pa ba sya nagkaroon ng pakialam sakin simula nang ikasal kami?I felt hi
Chapter 24"She's... without a doubt pregnant, Mr. Perez." Dr. Legazpi told Markus after checking the test results she instructed me to do. "Cravings and changes to her likes are usual," she added. Napapikit ako ng mariin dahil duon. This was supposed to be my secret! Bakit ba kasi nagkita pa kami ni Markus kanina, at bakit ba kasi matalino sya?! Gosh!"I'll recommend some vitamins and healthy foods that could help your wife and the baby. Nagsisimula pa lang naman kaya hindi pa gaanong mahihirapan ang misis mo, pero kailangan pa din ng pag-iingat, lalo't unang beses pa lamang ni Mrs. Perez ito," Dr. Legazpi added. "I understand, Doc. Thank you," Markus replied."Maiwan ko muna kayo. Babalik ako dala ang mga recommendations ko," paalam ni Dra. bago agad na umalis.When she left, awkward silence surrounded me and Markus. Napapakagat labi na lamang ako habang panay iwas ng tingin sa lalaki. The fact that he knew my situation now, at alam 'kong alam niya na anak namin ang dinadala ko, I
Chapter 23"Are you pregnant?" Markus continued asking while we were both walking on the way to my car. Kanina pa ako pana'y pikit ng mariin."I already told you I'm not pregnant! This is for my driver's wife, ako na ang bumili dahil bababa din naman ako. Buntis ang asawa ng driver ko kaya pwede ba Markus, tantanan mo ako!" sabat ko habang mas binibilisan ang paghakbang. Ilang lakad na lang ay nasa kotse na ako nang sakto namang bumaba ang driver upang pagbuksan ako ng pinto. Sesenyasan ko pa sana itong wag nang bumaba ngunit huli na."Di na po ba kayo papasok ng coffee shop, Ma'am?" Tanong nito sakin bago pinansin ang presensya ni Markus. "Magandang umaga po, Sir Markus." "Good morning. Is your wife pregnant?" He suddenly asked my driver. I almost butt in but my driver spoke fast. "Hindi naman po, sir. Masyado na po kaming matanda para magdagdag pa ng anak. Bakit nyo po naitanong?" may pagtatakang balik-tanong naman nito. "Well, someone said that your wife's pregnant. But then, I
Chapter 22"You'll be here? I mean, you'll stay here from now on?" Di ko napigilang tanong ng makita si Markus dito sa loob ng kompanya namin. Nakasuot ito ng office wear with matching black leather shoes. May suot din itong reading glass na talaga namang naging dahilan para ma-highlight ang mala-italyanong itsura nito.His nose is so freaking good to look at! "Yes," He said before putting his gaze on the workers working for his office. "Your dad requested for me to stay here, and my Dad told me to focus here first since he can handle our company well alone. Your Dad told me that maybe you needed some help in handling the company, so I just obliged." Mahabang paliwanag naman nito. Wala sa sarili naman akong napakagat-labi na nasundan ng pag-iwas ng tingin sa binata. Bakit naman ngayon pa 'to nangyayari kung kailan sobrang iniiwasan ko sya? Is this the real definition of the saying that 'you can run, but never escape?' Lord naman, imbes na si Chad lang ang dapat problemahin ko, din
Chapter 21I STAYED ON MY ROOM FOR THE REST OF THE DAY after that quick conversation I had with Markus. Hindi na din naman ito nag-abala pa na muli akong kausapin or puntahan sa kwarto para i-initiate ang tungkol sa nangyari sa pagitan naming dalawa kagabi. I just stayed alone and continued thinking of the happenings going on between me and Markus, and the people around us. I realized how wrong I was for dragging Chad's name in our situation. I should've alibid other things. I get up from my bed to just walk back and forth and think of the wrong action I made earlier. Bakit ba iyon pa ang sinabi ko? Ano na lang ang iisipin ni Chad kapag nalaman nya'ng ginamit ko ang pangalan nya sa gano'ng sitwasyon? Its like I just used him. Tapos, pag nakarating pa sa kanya ang tungkol sa sinabi ko, baka mailang pa sya sakin pag nagkataon. We're already business partners. He's an investor of our company tapos gano'n bigla. "Ugh, Elizabeth! What are you thinking anyway? Sa dami ng pwedeng rason, b
Chapter 20I WOKE UP feeling all the soreness I could feel possible. Nananakit ang buong katawan ko, ngunit mas matindi ang sakit duon sa maselang bahagi. Saglit 'kong tinuon ang pansin sa lugar na kinaroroonan ko at nakita 'kong nasa kwarto ako ni Markus. I tapped the space beside me but I only felt the softness of the bed. Lumingon ako upang manigurado at napagtanto ko nga'ng wala akong katabi.Markus is gone.Inilibot 'kong muli ang paningin sa buong kwarto bago saglit na pinakiramdaman ang sarili at nagpasyang bumaba. When my feet landed on the cold tiled floor, I felt the cold slowly going upwards to my entire body. But then I continued getting up to go out of the room. Ilang minuto ay tuluyan na nga akong nakatayo. I checked myself and found out that I am only wearing my undies, nothing else. I tried finding for my clothes at natagpuan ko naman ito sa may bedside table. Nakapatong duon, tuping-tupi. At that moment, I knew that Markus is aware of what happened. Bigla tuloy akong
Warning: This chapter contains mature scenes suitable for 18 years and above. Please read at your own risk. ‼️Chapter 19AT THAT moment, my rational mind has been turned off. Wala na akong ibang inaalala kung hindi ang labi ni Markus na kasalukuyang nakadikit sa akin. I am so into our kisses to the point that I cannot think properly anymore. I am already sitting on Markus' lap while still kissing with him fervently. I felt Markus' hand on my back, softly caressing it but it sent goosebumps all over my body. Every touch from him awakens an unfamiliar sensation in me. It awakens the feelings I buried long time ago for him. Markus' left hand held my chin to kiss me deeper. I opened my mouth a bit so that his tongue can enter mine. When it does, I felt how turned on I was. I can feel my self getting wet as we goes on. Napakapit na ako sa kanyang braso at muling nakipaglaban ng halikan sa kanya. Mukhang lasing na lasing na din si Markus kaya't hindi na rin nya mapigilan ang sarili nya.
Chapter 18MARKUS caught me in his broad arms to prevent me from falling. My head is on his neck while his right arm is all over my waist while the other is holding the railings."Are you okay?" I heard him asked, his mouth is not so far away from my ears which made me feel shiver down my spine. His breath slamming on my bare ears and skin is not good for me. It awakens something within me.With that, when I got fully recovered, I pushed myself away from him and stand straight. "I'm sorry. I'm so clumsy today...sorry." I apologized without even trying to look at him. "Its fine. Lets get downstairs," aniya lamang bago kami tuluyang bumaba. Markus and I went directly towards the living room. I sat on the long sofa alone while staring on the half-filled wine bottle above the table. I checked the alcohol content of the bottle and it says 20%. My heart thump. I'm only used to drinking wine's that has 4.5 to 9% alcohol content. I don't know if I could handle this high, but I don't want t
Chapter 17"Elizabeth, are you okay?" Chad's question pulled me out of my heavy thoughts. Kasalukuyan na kaming nasa labas ng Restaurant kung saan kami kumain. Camille is busy talking to her phone kaya't kami ni Chad na lamang ang naiwang magkasama. It has been 30 minutes since 'that' unexpected moment happened, but my head is still in turmoil.By this time, maybe Markus and Mr. Sanderson is already having their meeting at the conference room of their company, while I'm still here surprised and stocked in that moment."It seemed like you're still surprised about Markus did," Chad once again said which made me turned to him in an instance. My brow furrowed. "W—what?" I answered, trying to act as if I didn't hear him at first.Chad smiled. "Markus seemed good in acting. He could've just become an actor if he wants too. Mr. Sanderson was fooled by his sudden actions," he added. I don't know why but hearing Chad saying that Markus is good at acting makes my heart feel pain. Chad indirec