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KABANATA 17
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2024-11-27 14:41:04Related chapters
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 18
The refrigerator hummed a low, comforting drone, a symphony of cold air and the promise of sustenance. It was a fortress of food, a testament to her newfound obsession. The shelves were overflowing, a cornucopia of carefully curated delights: stacks of colorful fruits, rows of meticulously arranged vegetables, a rainbow of cheeses, a symphony of sauces, a chorus of condiments. It was a feast for the eyes, a culinary wonderland, a testament to her newfound obsession. It wasn't just about food, it was about control. Control over her own life, her own space, her own emotions. She had started small, filling the shelves with the essentials: milk, eggs, bread. But then, the obsession took hold. She found herself drawn to the aisles of the supermarket, her cart overflowing with exotic fruits, artisanal cheeses, gourmet sauces. She was buying things she wouldn't normally buy, things she didn't even know how to cook. It was a way to fill the void, to distract herself from the fear that clun
Last Updated : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 19
The city lights blurred into a kaleidoscope of color as Cali navigated the familiar streets, her car a tiny island of warmth in the cool evening air. The day had been a whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and the constant pressure to perform. Her mind was a jumbled mess of numbers, reports, and the ever-present weight of responsibility. She pulled into her driveway, the familiar sight of her house a beacon of comfort in the growing darkness. Exhaustion washed over her, a wave of weariness that threatened to engulf her. She fumbled with her keys, her fingers clumsy from fatigue. The house was dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the streetlamps filtering through the windows. She didn't bother turning on the lights, her body craving the embrace of darkness. She kicked off her shoes, her movements sluggish, her mind still reeling from the day's events. As she walked towards the kitchen, the familiar scent of coffee hit her, a comforting aroma that promised a moment of resp
Last Updated : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 20
The silence stretched, a taut thread connecting them across the dimly lit kitchen. Cali, her initial surprise replaced by a simmering curiosity, waited for the man to speak. He stood there, his hands still clutching the half-eaten sandwich, his eyes wide with a mixture of apprehension and a strange kind of vulnerability. Finally, he spoke, his voice a low rumble, tinged with a hint of Italian accent. "I'm Lewis," he said, his words hesitant, as if unsure of how she would react. "Lewis Rossi."He took a step forward, his gaze meeting hers. "I'm Italian," he explained, as if reading her thoughts. "Half-Filipino, actually." He gestured towards his face, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "My mother was from Manila."He took another step, closing the distance between them. The air crackled with a strange energy, a mix of tension and anticipation. "I... I got scammed," he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "On Finder. You know, the dating app?" He looked at her, his eyes search
Last Updated : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 21
The weeks that followed were a strange mix of normalcy and the extraordinary. Cali, her initial fear replaced by a burgeoning curiosity, found herself drawn to Lewis, the man who had become a ghost in her house. He was a fascinating enigma, a man with a past shrouded in mystery, a man who had found solace in the abandoned mansion, a man who had become her unexpected friend. They spent their evenings together, sharing stories, laughter, and the quiet comfort of companionship. He would tell her about his life in Italy, his family, his dreams, his heartbreak. He would talk about the scam, the betrayal, the loss, the pain that had driven him to seek refuge in her house. She, in turn, would share her own stories, her struggles, her aspirations, her fears. She would talk about her work, her family, her dreams, her loneliness. They were an unlikely pair, two souls from different worlds, brought together by a series of strange circumstances. But they found a connection, a bond that transce
Last Updated : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 22
The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air, a comforting scent that wafted through the house like a warm embrace. Cali, her heart light with the anticipation of another evening with Lewis, was humming a tune as she set the table, her fingers tracing the delicate pattern of the tablecloth. The house was filled with the quiet hum of contentment, a symphony of soft laughter, shared stories, and the gentle clinking of silverware. Lewis, his culinary skills a testament to his Italian heritage, had prepared a feast, a spread of pasta, salad, and bread that promised a delicious and comforting meal. She had just finished setting the table when the doorbell rang, a jarring sound that shattered the peaceful tranquility of the evening. She frowned, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn't expecting anyone. She walked towards the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob, her mind racing with a sense of unease. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest, and opened the door.
Last Updated : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 23
The days melted into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into a rhythm of shared routines and unspoken understanding. The house, once a sanctuary of solitude, had become a haven of shared laughter, quiet conversations, and the comforting scent of home-cooked meals. Cali, her initial apprehension replaced by a growing sense of comfort, found herself falling into a rhythm with Lewis. He was a constant presence in her life, a silent observer, a confidant, a friend who had become an indispensable part of her daily routine. He would greet her at the door each evening, his smile a beacon of warmth in the fading light. He would prepare her favorite meals, his culinary skills a testament to his Italian heritage, his touch a comforting presence in the kitchen. They would share stories, laughter, and the quiet comfort of companionship, their evenings a tapestry woven with shared dreams, unspoken desires, and the unspoken bond of friendship. He would be there for her, a silent suppor
Last Updated : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 24
The rain lashed against the windows, a relentless symphony of nature's fury. Inside, the house was a haven of warmth and comfort, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of cinnamon and cloves. Cali, curled up on the couch with a book in hand, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace, felt a sense of contentment wash over her.Lewis, his presence a comforting presence in the room, was seated beside her, his hand resting gently on hers. They were a strange pair, two souls from different worlds, brought together by a series of strange circumstances, their lives intertwined in a way that defied logic and reason. He was a ghost, a secret, a hidden presence in her life, but he had become an indispensable part of her daily routine. He was her friend, her confidant, her companion, her anchor in a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable. They had fallen into a rhythm, a comfortable routine that had become the fabric of their lives. They would wake
Last Updated : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 25
The air hung heavy with unspoken words and the lingering scent of jasmine, the moon casting long shadows across the living room where Cali and Lewis sat. They had been silent for a while, the comfortable rhythm of their evenings disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Calvin. Lewis, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace, felt a knot of unease tighten in his stomach.He had heard it in her voice, a subtle shift in her tone, a hint of longing, a flicker of something he couldn't quite define, but that made his heart clench. It was when she spoke about Calvin, her voice laced with a nostalgia that he couldn't quite understand. She had spoken of their shared past, their childhood dreams, their first love, and Lewis had felt a pang of jealousy he hadn't anticipated.He knew she was a good person, a kind soul, a woman who had been hurt in the past, but he couldn't help but feel a possessive pang of jealousy. He had found solace in her house, in her company, in their shared
Last Updated : 2024-11-27
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To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 70
CALI'S P. O. VThe scent of freshly baked bread and cinnamon filled the air, a comforting aroma that mingled with the laughter of my son, Lewis, as he toddled around the kitchen, his chubby hands reaching for the colorful toys scattered on the floor. It was a scene of domestic bliss, a far cry from the sterile white walls of the Hong Kong hospital waiting room five years ago. Five years. Five years since Niccolo had walked back into my life, his eyes filled with regret and a desperate hope for a second chance. Five years since I had taken a leap of faith, a chance on a love that had once been shattered. Five years since we had built a life together, a life filled with laughter, love, and the sweet chaos of family.We were married now, our vows whispered under a canopy of blooming cherry blossoms, a symbol of new beginnings. Our wedding was small, intimate, a testament to the journey we had taken, the scars we had overcome. Hana was our maid of honor, her eyes sparkling with joy as sh
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 69
CALISTA'S P. O. VThe air in the hospital waiting room crackled with tension. Mabilis lang natapos ang operasyon kay Ayi Hana and it was successful. Mabilis lang at walang naging kahit anong aberya kaya hindi ko na kinailangang mamroblema. Kung may pinoproblema man ako ngayon, 'yun ay si Niccolo at si Calvin na bigla ring lumitaw dito sa ospital. I could have understand kung sa ospital sa Pilipinas lang sila biglang sumulpot nang halos sabay. But no! It was Hong Kong, for crying out loud!And since they met each other, I could already sense a silent storm brewing between them. I stood between them, a fragile bridge over a chasm of hurt and unspoken words. Niccolo, his face etched with regret and a desperate hope, looked at me, his eyes pleading for a chance, a second chance. But Calvin, his face a mask of icy resolve, stood firm, his gaze unwavering."Niccolo," Calvin said, his voice low and dangerous, "You think you can just waltz back into her life, after all this time and expect e
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 68
CALISTA'S P. O. VThe sterile white walls of the hospital waiting room seemed to amplify the silence between us, a silence thick with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. Niccolo stood before me, his face a canvas of regret and longing, his eyes pleading for a chance, a second chance. But the chasm between us, carved by years of silence and the bitter sting of betrayal, seemed insurmountable.Ilang beses ko na s'yang pinaalis pero mukhang wala s'yang balak na makinig. Lalabas at papasok na lang ulit ako sa hospital room ni Ayi Hana ay nandoon pa rin s'ya sa labas—naghihintay.Kaya para matigil na s'ya sa ginagawa n'ya, naisip ko nang harapin s'ya for once and for all."Cali," he began, his voice husky with emotion, "I know I messed up. I know I hurt you. But I've changed. I've spent years regretting my choices, wishing I could turn back time."His words washed over me, a tidal wave of regret and longing. I knew he was sincere, I could see it in his eyes, in the way his shoulders sl
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 67
CALISTA'S P. O. VThe whirring of the airplane engine was a constant hum, a lullaby against the backdrop of my anxiety. Beside me, Ayi Hana slept, her hand clutching my own. Her face was peaceful, oblivious to the turmoil swirling within me. It was a journey I’d never imagined taking, a pilgrimage fueled by guilt and a desperate hope. I was taking her to Hong Kong, not for a holiday, but for a miracle. I had arranged everything for Ayi Hana’s surgery, a chance for her to see the world again after years of darkness. Dahil oo, nabulag s'ya. It was an accident—pero aksidente na alam kong sinadya ni Margaret ng anak n'yang demonyita na si Monica.The flight was long, filled with a mix of anticipation and dread.Finally, Hong Kong. The air was thick with humidity, the city a symphony of honking taxis and bustling crowds. I felt a strange sense of displacement, a feeling of being both a stranger and a strong, independent woman who is willing to do everything for the woman who stood as her
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 66
CALISTA'S P. O. VThe air hung heavy with the scent of jasmine and the soft murmur of prayers. I stood at the threshold of Ayi Hana's room, my heart pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird. It had been months since I last saw her, years since the scandal that had ripped our family apart. Months since I had last called her "Ayi."She sat by the window, her frail hands clasped in her lap, her face etched with a weariness that spoke of years of sorrow. Her eyes, once bright and welcoming, were now clouded with a milky film, the light of life dimmed."Ayi Hana," I whispered, my voice trembling.She turned, her head moving slowly, her lips curving into a faint, sad smile. "Cali," she said, her voice a raspy whisper. "You've come."I stepped into the room, the worn, familiar scent of sandalwood and incense washing over me. I knelt beside her, my hand reaching out to touch hers. It was cold, frail, a stark contrast to the warmth I remembered."I'm so sorry, Ayi," I said, my voice choked
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 65
Ang hangin ay mabigat sa amoy ng basang aspalto at ang malayo at patuloy na ugong ng trapiko sa lungsod. Nakaupo si Cali sa tapat ni Calvin sa isang maliit, madilim na cafe, ang kanyang puso ay tumitibok sa kanyang dibdib, ang kanyang isipan ay nagmamadali sa isang pakiramdam ng takot. Pumayag siyang makipagkita sa kanya, ang kanyang pagkamausisa ay nanaig sa kanyang pagkabahala. Wala siyang ideya kung ano ang gusto niyang pag-usapan, ngunit alam niyang mahalaga ito.Kumilos siya nang kakaiba kamakailan, ang kanyang mga pagbisita ay mas madalas, ang kanyang tingin ay mas matindi, ang kanyang kilos ay mas nagmamadali. Sinisiyasat niya si Lewis, alam niya iyon, ngunit wala siyang ideya kung ano ang kanyang natagpuan. Sinubukan niyang huwag pansinin ito, itulak ito sa gilid, ituon ang pansin sa kaligayahan na natagpuan niya kasama si Lewis, ngunit ang totoo, natatakot siya.Tumingin siya sa kanya, ang kanyang mga mata ay puno ng isang halo ng galit at pag-aalala. Huminga siya nang malali
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 64
Naglaho ang mga ilaw ng lungsod sa isang kaleidoscope ng kulay habang minamaneho ni Calvin ang mga pamilyar na kalye, ang kanyang sasakyan ay isang maliit na isla ng init sa malamig na hangin ng gabi. Ang kanyang isipan ay isang magulong gulo ng mga numero, mga ulat, at ang palaging naroroon na bigat ng responsibilidad. Ngunit ngayong gabi, isang ibang uri ng presyon ang kumakagat sa kanya, isang walang humpay na sakit na lumalaki sa bawat lumilipas na araw.Sinisiyasat niya si Lewis, hinuhukay ang kanyang nakaraan, sinusubukang maghanap ng isang bagay, anumang bagay, na magpapahiya sa kanya, na magpapaalinlangan kay Cali sa kanyang damdamin para sa kanya. Pinatatakbo siya ng isang halo ng paninibugho at pagiging mapag-angkin, isang pangangailangan na kontrolin siya, upang maangkin siya, upang maibalik siya sa kanyang buhay. Siya ay isang lalaking nahuhumaling, isang lalaking nabulag ng kanyang sariling mga pagnanasa, isang lalaking handang gawin ang anumang bagay upang makuha ang gus
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 63
Ang amoy ng inihaw na bawang at mga halamang gamot ay pumuno sa hangin, isang nakakaaliw na amoy na naglalakbay sa buong bahay, isang pamilyar na simponya ng lutong bahay na pagmamahal. Si Cali, ang kanyang puso ay magaan sa paghihintay ng isa pang gabi kasama si Lewis, ay humuhuni ng isang awit habang inaayos niya ang mesa, ang kanyang mga daliri ay sumusunod sa masalimuot na disenyo ng tablecloth.Kakatapos lang niyang ayusin ang mesa nang tumunog ang doorbell, isang nakakagulat na tunog na nagwasak sa payapang katahimikan ng gabi. Kumunot ang kanyang noo, ang kanyang puso ay tumalon. Wala siyang inaasahan.Naglakad siya patungo sa pinto, ang kanyang kamay ay nakalutang sa doorknob, ang kanyang isipan ay nagmamadali sa isang pakiramdam ng hindi mapakali. Huminga siya nang malalim, ang kanyang puso ay tumitibok sa kanyang dibdib, at binuksan ang pinto.Nakatayo sa beranda, ang kanyang mukha ay naiilawan ng mainit na sinag ng ilaw sa beranda, ay si Calvin. May hawak siyang isang palum
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 62
Ang liwanag ng umaga, na sumisilip sa manipis na kurtina, ay nagpinta sa silid ng isang malambot at mahiwagang sinag. Si Cali, ang katawan niya ay mainit pa rin mula sa init ng nakaraang gabi, ay nakahiga sa kama, ang kanyang mga mata ay nakatitig sa kisame, ang kanyang isipan ay naglalaro sa mga pangyayari ng nakaraang gabi.Ang halik, ang pagnanasa, ang lakas ng kanilang damdamin, ay nag-iwan sa kanya ng pakiramdam na parehong masaya at nalilito. Naging malinaw siya kay Calvin, sinabi niya sa kanya na hindi na siya babalik sa kanya, na nagpatuloy na siya, na nakahanap na siya ng kaligayahan sa kanyang buhay.Ngunit siya ay patuloy, ang kanyang tingin ay hindi nagbabago, ang kanyang paghawak ay isang pamilyar na sensasyon na nagpadala ng isang alon ng init sa kanya. Hinalikan niya siya, isang halik na nagising sa isang natutulog na bahagi ng kanyang pagkatao, isang bahagi na nabaon nang malalim sa kanyang puso.Tumugon siya, ang kanyang katawan ay sumuko sa kanyang paghawak, ang kany
