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21: A Month After
Huling Na-update:
2024-11-30 07:53:03Kaugnay na kabanata
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 22: Fight and Flight
I blinked at him. “What?”“You need to learn how to defend yourself,” he said matter-of-factly. “The next time someone points a gun in your direction, I want you to know exactly what to do.”I stared at him, my jaw dropping. “Are you serious? You just got shot, and now you want to play sensei on a rooftop?”“Yes,” he said simply. “Now, take off your coat. Let’s get started.”“Alejandro, this is ridiculous,” I muttered as I stood in front of him, my arms awkwardly raised in what I assumed was some kind of defensive position.His shoulder looked stiff as he rolled it back, the edge of a bandage peeking out under his shirt. He moved like someone who’d decided pain was optional.“No, what’s ridiculous is how bad your stance is,” he said, smirking.I rolled my eyes. “You’re impossible.”“And you’re stalling.” He stepped closer, his good hand gripping my elbow to adjust my posture. His touch sent a jolt through me.“Feet shoulder-width apart,” he said, his voice low, his breath warm against
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 23: Cracks in the Armor
I stumbled through the automatic doors, Alejandro right behind me. My pulse thundered in my ears, drowning out the chaotic sounds of phones ringing, monitors beeping, nurses rushing past. For me, everything was muffled, distant, like I was moving through water. I clutched the counter, leaning in to address the nurse.“Ruth Farrell,” I said, breathless. “She was brought in earlier. Stroke.”The nurse barely glanced up. “Your name?”“Estella Farr—De Luca” I said, barely able to string words together. “Her daughter.”“And your relationship to the patient?”I blinked, my mind scrambling. “I just said—daughter. She’s my mother.”She nodded and typed something into her computer, her fingers clacking with an irritating calmness. “She’s stable, but the doctor is still evaluating her condition.” She paused, glancing over at Alejandro as if sizing him up before adding, “You’ll need to wait until he’s done.”“I—” I stepped back, disoriented, as if the words had struck me physically. The word of
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 24: Cracks in the Armor II
“My father was a mean drunk,” Alejandro began, his tone detached, as though recounting someone else’s life. His gaze was fixed on the chipped wall across from us. “The kind who didn’t stop at breaking bottles—he had to break people too. I don’t remember a time when my mother wasn’t covering up a bruise or an excuse for him.” I stayed silent, my chest tightening as his words unfolded like a wound reopening. “He was good at hiding it when people were watching,” he continued, his voice sharpening. “But behind closed doors, he didn’t hold back. My mother bore the brunt of it.” My chest tightened. “And you? Alejandro’s lips pressed into a thin line, his jaw twitching. “He had no problem turning it on me when I got old enough to ‘get in his way,’ as he’d put it. But mostly, I had to watch. I had to watch him destroy her, piece by piece.” I swallowed hard, unsure if I should speak, but the look on his face stopped me. He wasn’t done. “She tried to shield me from it, I guess she th
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 25: Graves and Ghosts
Ruth was still in the hospital, her condition stabilizing but far from ideal. The doctor insisted she stay under observation for a while longer. It had been a week since the stroke, and while she occasionally came around, the moments were fleeting. Her speech was slurred, limited to a few words at best, and her side was almost completely immobile. “She’s responding well to treatment, but recovery will take time,” the doctor had told me yesterday. “It’s crucial to keep her stress-free. Her Alzheimer’s complicates things, but the physiotherapy sessions we’ve started should help over time.” Alejandro visited with me a few times, staying quiet but present, his hand occasionally brushing mine when the silence grew too heavy. Now, I was standing in front of a mirror getting ready for Carl Whitman’s funeral. I felt the stares before I even stepped out of the car. The low hum of whispers as Alejandro held the door open for me. “They’re staring at you, not me,” he murmured, his hand b
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-30Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 26: Power Play
The bathroom door eased open, letting a warm wave of steam roll out into the bedroom. She stepped into the room, her bare feet silent against the cold tile floor. Droplets of water clung to her skin, catching the dim light from the bedside lamp. Her gaze settling on the figure sprawled on the bed, his chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of sleep. For a moment, she just watched him. The sheet barely clinging to his waist. A corner of her mouth lifted. Vulnerable was exactly how she liked him She untied the robe around her and let it slip to the floor without a sound. Barefoot, bare everything, she padded to the bed and climbed onto it, the mattress dipping under her weight Her knee pressed into his side as she straddled him, her hands trailing lightly over his chest. “Wake up,” she whispered, her tone sweet, almost affectionate. He stirred, his eyes blinking open, hazy and unfocused at first, but when they landed on her, they sharpened. A lazy smile spread across his
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-01Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 27: The GIA
I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my heart hammering against my ribs It was hard to keep up. The SUVs swerved through traffic like they owned the damn road. My foot pressed harder on the accelerator. “No way I’m losing you,” I muttered, weaving through cars and ignoring the angry honks behind me. As they made a sharp left turn, I jerked the wheel, tires screeching in protest. One of the SUVs slowed, and for a split second, I thought they might have noticed me. My stomach churned as I eased off the gas. But then it picked up speed again, and I exhaled sharply, forcing myself to focus. The license plate of the last SUV came into view. I read it aloud under my breath, committing it to memory: GIA-7546. “GIA,” I frowned. “Global Investigative Authority? What the hell is this?” The convoy finally pulled into a massive building that looked like it had been plucked straight out of a government conspiracy movie. I rolled to a stop at a safe distance and watched as the agents drag
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-02Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 28: The Break-in
Stay out of this? Like hell, I would.I slipped into the estate through the hidden safety door Alejandro had shown me shortly after our fake engagement. He’d called it a precaution, just in case. “When you know your exits, no one can trap you,” he’d said.The safety door leads to the panic room was concealed behind an unassuming panel of ivy-covered wall, located at the rear of the property. From there, a narrow hallway led straight into the main house. He’d made me memorize the sequence to unlock it, “just in case.” Now, I was glad I’d paid attention.My steps echoed softly against the cold floor. The estate loomed silent and empty, wrapped in yellow tape and barricades like some distorted gift.No patrol cars. No techs combing the place. Just eerie quiet. If this was supposed to be an active investigation scene, it didn’t feel like oneI crouched by the edge of the patio, pulling off the disposable shoe covers I’d worn to avoid leaving tracks. They’d probably already dusted the plac
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-03Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 29: Shadows in the Frame
The cameras were no ordinary models. As their sleek website boasted, had thermal sensors, night vision, and a self-contained storage unit immune to tampering. If they’d been active during the timeline of the supposed murder, the footage was my best shot at proving Alejandro’s innocence. But there was a catch. A problem. I couldn’t just call SafeHouse Systems to extract the footage—not without alerting the GIA and making this whole thing blow up before I had concrete proof, before I get what I needed. I have to do it myself. But I needed someone who could tell me what to do. Alejandro always said you couldn’t fight fire with kindness; you needed a bigger flame. Right now, I was willing to burn everything to the ground if it meant saving him. I couldn’t do it alone. I pulled out my phone, hesitating before dialing. I hated making this call, but desperate times didn’t leave room for pride. “Ricky?” I whispered into the line once it connected. “Estella? It’s been years. What—” ” I
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-03
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Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 56 – The Calm Before the Break
“You did good today,” he said when we stepped into the elevator.I nodded, my arms crossed over my chest. My testimony had been brief and to the point, my words replaying over and over in my head. It was the first time I’d stood in a courtroom as a victim even though it was a private hearing.“Thanks,”He didn’t say anything else, and I didn’t look at him.When the elevator doors slid open, I stepped out first, the click of my heels echoing in the hallway.I didn’t wait for him as I headed into the penthouse. I’d already removed my heels by the time he walked in, shutting the door behind him.“You’ve been quiet since we left the hearing,” he said, watching me from across the room.“I’m tired,” I replied, kicking my shoes into the corner. “It’s been a long day.”“You’re lying,” he said simply.I froze for a second before forcing myself to move again, walking toward the kitchen. “I’m not lying,” I said, opening the fridge. “I just don’t feel like talking.”His hand caught the door befor
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 55 – Claudia’s Desperation
The courthouse was full.Cameras flashed, reporters shouted over each other, and a crowd of onlookers craned their necks to catch a glimpse of Marco Valdez, the fallen prince of the Valdez empire. Marco was dragged out of the courthouse by two officers, his wrists cuffed, his shirt wrinkled, and his hair disheveled. He looked nothing like the smug, polished man he once was. His scarred cheek was flushed red, his limp more pronounced as he stumbled under the officers’ grip. He looked like a man dangling at the edge of a cliff, holding on with one hand—and it was satisfying as hell to watch.This was supposed to be a simple transport—either back to jail or to another hearing, depending on how today went. The court had been swarmed with reporters, some leaning so close they practically tripped over the officers’ feet“Mr. Valdez, do you have a statement?” one reporter shouted.“Marco, how do you feel about your mother’s arrest and charges? Did you really abuse those women?” screamed ano
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 54 – Breaking Chains
I think I like Alejandro.No. I know I like him.It hit me as we walked back from the lake. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t have to. It was the way he stayed close without smothering me, the way his hand would brush mine, just enough to remind me he was there.And when he kissed my hair and told me he was proud of me—God, it broke something inside me.I didn’t realize how starved I was for those words. For someone to look at me and see more than my past, more than the mess Marco had made of my life.But I couldn’t let myself feel this way.It wasn’t real.This wasn’t a love story. This was a business transaction—a marriage of convenience designed for just revenge.I glanced at the sleek gold ring on my finger, the symbol of our contract. A contract that didn’t specify how long the marriage would last, but the implication was clear: once the Valdez family was destroyed, we’d go our separate ways.That was the plan.I wasn’t supposed to care.I wasn’t supposed to notice the way his ja
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 53 – Cracks in the Walls
Estella When we reached the edge of the lake, I pulled the small urn from my bag.Ruth’s ashesAlejandro stayed back as I approached the water, my hands trembling as I unscrewed the lid.“Thank you for being my mother,” I whispered. “For loving me when I didn’t deserve it. For being the only light in my life.”The ache in my chest was unbearable, but I tilted the urn, letting the ashes scatter over the water. The wind caught them, carrying them out over the lake, the gray disappearing into the golden hues of the setting sun.“I’m sorry,” I choked out, the tears spilling over. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you.Tears slipped down my cheeks, but they didn’t feel heavy.Alejandro stepped closer, his hand brushing against my back.“She’d be proud of you,” he said quietly.I turned to him, my heart full and broken all at once. “Thank you. For everything.”His hand slid to my cheek wiping a tear, his touch gentle but firm. He pulled me closer, his eyes searching mine before his lips met mi
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 52 – Public Enemy
It’s finally happening. The Valdez empire was crumbling faster than I expected.The world turned against Helena Valdez in record time.By the time we returned home, the storm we unleashed had reached every corner of the world. Social media exploded with clips of the bloodbath—both figurative and literal. News outlets ran breaking updates every hour, replayed the footage on a loop.The headlines weren’t kind.“Helena Valdez Exposed: Adulteress and Murderer.”“Corporate Queen or Cold-Blooded Killer?”“Blood on the Valdez Throne: Justice for Mark Parker.”Within hours, the public was demanding blood—Helena’s blood.“Hang her!” someone screamed during a live broadcast. Protesters chanted for justice, their signs held high with phrases like Murderer and Blood Money Empire outside every Valdez headquarters.Helena had fallen from grace in spectacular fashion, and honestly, it was beautiful to watch.But what really turned the tide was Parker.It didn’t take long for the world to connect the
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 51 – The Fall
Estella The room was packed. Every seat in the grand auditorium was filled. Rows of finely dressed elites, journalists, and business executives filled the seats, all there to watch Helena Valdez’s grand announcement. The new chairman of Valdez Enterprises, ascending to her throne after Marco’s “step down.” Marco had been officially stepped down—spineless as ever, letting her take the reins while he hid in her shadow It was laughable. Helena, glowing under the stage lights, stood behind the podium, her sleek white dress screaming power and perfection. Marco lingered beside her, like a battered shadow. His limp was noticeable now, and the burn scar on his cheek was impossible to miss even under the heavy makeup he’d tried to cover it with. I couldn’t stop the flicker of satisfaction in my chest as I leaned back in my seat. “So why are we here, exactly?” I asked Alejandro, keeping my voice low. “Patience, mi estrella.” His tone was smooth, calm, almost bored as he popped a
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 50 – Vows in Silence
Three days.That’s how long it had been since the explosion, since my mother’s lifeless body had been carried out of the flames. Three days since I’d spoken, eaten, or done anything but stare at the same patch of wall.My mind replayed everything on a loop—the stretcher, the white sheet, the sound of the blast, Marco’s smug, bloodied face.I hated everyone. I blamed everyone.Alejandro, for holding me back. The hospital, for being so careless that she got kidnapped under their watch. Marco, for being the monster that destroyed my life.But most of all, I hated myself.For being weak. For falling for Marco’s lies. For letting him control me like I was some pathetic, naive puppet. A mistake that had ruined my life the moment I said yesI blamed myself for being adopted by in the first place. For not having real parents. The knock at the door came again. I ignored it, as I had every time before.This time, it opened anyway.I didn’t need to look to know it was himHe sat down beside me,
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 49 – Unfinished Business
I woke up in the backseat of the car. Everything hurt—my head, my body, my chest—but none of it compared to the gaping wound in my heartA paramedic leaned over me, his hands reaching to check my pulse.“Maam, you need to stay still,” “Get off me! I’m fine.” I hissed, shoving his hands away.“You’re not fine,” he argued. “You’ve—““I said I’m fine!” I snapped, sitting up too quickly, my head swimming. My breath coming in ragged gasps. My body might’ve felt broken, but it wasn’t the kind of broken they could fix.The paramedic hesitated, glancing toward the front seat.Alejandro’s voice came from the driver’s seat. “Back off. She said she’s fine.”The paramedic hesitated before retreating.I sat there, the ache in my chest spreading, deepening. My mother’s face flashed in my mind—the way she used to laugh, her soft smile when she thought I wasn’t looking. And then the stretcher, her body hidden beneath that stark white sheet.I turned to Alejandro. “Turn around.”He didn’t respond, hi
Till Betrayal Do Us Part: Ex-Husband, Ex-Heartbreak 48 – Despair
EstellaAlejandro didn’t speak to me as we left the warehouse, Marco’s screams still echoing faintly in the background. The air outside was cold but it wasn’t enough to cool the fire in my chest—or erase the shame clawing at my insidesHe reached the car first, unlocking it without a word. He stood by the driver’s side, waiting for me to get in. I hesitated, my legs feeling like lead, but eventually, I climbed into the passenger seat.The silence between us was suffocating.Then he got in, started the engine, and pulled away, his movements almost mechanical. His knuckles were tight on the wheel, his jaw locked, his eyes never leaving the road.Not a single glance my way. Not one word.The realization hit me like a punch. What came over me back there?I’d lost control. I’d become someone I didn’t recognize—angry, desperate, violent. And now Alejandro wouldn’t even look at me.Shame washed over me in waves, threatening to drown me. My chest tightened, my hands trembling as I stared at t
