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KABANATA 2
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2024-06-15 14:54:58“HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME, CALISTA?! HOW DARE YOU DISOBEY ME?!”
Kusang tumulo ang luha ko habang unti-unti kong nararamdaman ang sakit ng malakas na paglapat ang palad ni Daddy sa kaliwang pisngi ko. I was still in shock.
“D-Dad, why?” puno ng pagtataka kong sabi at tinitigan siya sa naluluha kong mga mata. Gulung-gulo ako. I don’t know what was happening. ‘Di ba, dapat natutuwa siya dahil nakuha ko ang investor na matagal niya nang gustong mapa-oo?
“EXPLAIN THIS TO ME, CALISTA. RIGHT NOW!” sigaw niya sa akin. Kasunod niyon ay naghagis siya ng ilang piraso ng may-kakapalang papel sa akin---maybe those were pictures.
Tumama sa akin lahat ng papel na inihagis niya. One of those was even able to leave a thin paper cut on my cheek, same cheek where he slapped me. Aray.
Yumuko ako at isa-isang pinulot ang mga larawan na nagkalat sa sahig. And when I saw those, I stood more shocked. Saan niya nakuha ang mga ito?
Those pictures starred me wearing a simple plain blue shirt paired with white pants. In one of the photos, I was with my best friend Sharina. Ang sumunod ay si Calvin naman ang kasama ko. He’s my boyfriend, pero hindi alam nila Daddy ang pakikipagrelasyon ko sa kanya. Pero ang mas nakapagdulot ng kaba sa akin ay ang lugar kung saan nakuhanan ang mga larawan na iyon. It was all taken while I am still in the Contessa Fashion School---a charity-ran fashion school found several kilometers away from where I live. Rural area na ang kinalalagyan ng school na iyon, which I chose personally dahil ayokong may makakilala sa akin at matunton ako nina Daddy o ng kahit sino na nakakakilala sa totoong ako.
Pero paano napasakamay niya lahat ng larawan na ito? Am I being followed?
“ANO, CALISTA? BAKIT HINDI KA MAKASAGOT? TELL ME WHAT THESE PICTURES ARE ABOUT!” sigaw niya ulit.
Napalunok ako. Dali-dali akong nag isip ng alibi na maidadahilan para mailihis si Dad sa katotohanan na kusa nang sumampal sa kanya. O kusa nga ba?
“D-Dad, kasi---”
“I DON’T WANT REASONS, CALISTA. PALIWANAG MO ANG KAILANGAN KO! ANONG KALOKOHAN ITO?!”
Napapitlag ako. His voice intensified more as he shouted those words to me.
“I… WAS ONLY THERE FOR A PROJECT CHARITY!”
Nakagat ko ang ibabang labi ko nang kusang lumabas sa bibig ko ang mga salitang iyon.
“Ano?” turan niya, mas mababa at kalmado na ang boses niya kumpara kanina.
This is is, Calista. Mali, pero ito na lang ang makakapitan mo para hindi ka mabuking ng wala sa oras. Just take this for now. For your dreams, for your passion.
I cleared my throat. Marahan ko ring pinunasan ang luha na naglandas sa mga pisngi ko kanina. Then I smiled a bitter smile.
“I WAS JUST THERE FOR A PROJECT CHARITY I HAD,” paninindigan ko. “I… Our professor asked us to conduct a project charity and make a documentation out of it afterwards. N-Nagkataon lang na while scrolling on my social media, I saw a post about that… poor fashion school. They’re claiming that they were experiencing difficulty in raising a fund to buy additional materials for their studies. All that they have to raise was… a few thousand pesos. Fifty, maybe? Naisip ko na hindi naman ganoon kalaki ang hinihingi nila, plus judging on the students’ looks and the place’s state, I know na madali silang magtanim at mag-express ng utang na loob. So, I chose them as my subject. And this pictures, are from press. Kasabay ng pagpunta ko roon ay nagpadala ako ng press. Naisip ko lang, pupunta na lang din naman ako doon, might as well hit two birds with one stone. Matatapos ko ang project ko, at the same time ay makakapag-ambag ako sa good publicity nating mg Sy. `Seems like effective ‘yung naging plano ko.”
Habang sinasabi ko ang mga katagang iyon ay unti-unti rin akong nakaramdam ng panliliit. I didn’t mean to humiliate my beloved school and the kindhearted students studying their with me. It’s just that… wala na akong choice!
Nang makita ko ang unti-unting paglambot ng ekspresyon ni Daddy ay nakahinga na rin ako ng maluwag kahit papaano. Thank goodness, he bit my story!
Lumapit siya sa akin at marahang hinawakan ang pisngi ko na nasampal niya kanina. Sumasakit pa rin iyon at sa hula ko ay namumula pa rin, idagdag pa ang paper cut na nalikha ng pictures na inihagis niya sa akin kanina.
“I’m so sorry, anak. I guess, I judged you the other way. I also didn’t mean to hurt you,” marahan na niyang saad habang marahang hinahaplos ang pisngi ko.
He also drew me closer to him gently, hugging me with all his heart. Muli ay kusang pumatak ang luha ko. Partly because I missed having this serene moment with him. And partly because my heart still aches, dahil hindi ko magawang magsabi sa kanya ng totoo dahil sa takot na hadlangan niya ako sa totoong pangarap ko. I was sad and hurting knowing that he wouldn’t be supporting me if he got to know what my heart beats for real. Ni hindi ko nga mai-share sa kanya ang totoo na gusto kong maging sa future ko. I maybe the perfect daughter in her eyes, pero kapalit naman noon ay ang pagsasakripisyo ko sa totoong ako.
“I’m really sorry, anak. Let me make it up to you, okay?” he said once again in his most gentle voice. “Babawi ako. And one more thing, alam ko na ‘yung kay Mr. Saavedra. You just make me the proudest dad ever, anak. You proved to me once again that I was able to shape you and raise you to be the best among all the vast fortune heirs and heiresses in this world. Hindi ako nagkamali sa iyo, anak.
Hearing those words made my heart instantly melt. But it still hurts.
Clap… Clap… Clap…
Napapitlag ako matapos balutin ang office ni Daddy ng mababagal na pagpalakpak.
“Aww, what a sweet father and daughter bonding,” sabi ng isang babae habang patuloy pa rin sa pagpalakpak. Knowing that familiar and irritating voice, kahit hindi ko lingunin ang babae ay alam ko na agad kung sino iyon---si Monica.
Lumayo ako kay Daddy para pasimpleng punasan ang mukha ko na basa pa rin ng luha.
“I can’t believe that you’re still fond of your perfect daughter after finding out what she’s been doing all this time,” sabi niya pa. Tumigil na siya sa pagpalakpak pero humahakbang na siya ng dahan-dahan palapit sa amin ni Daddy.
Hindi nakawala sa pandinig ko ang bawat salitang sinabi niya. Sabi ko na nga ba.
Siya at ang magaling niyang ina na naman ang nasa likod ng leaked pictures na iyon. As always. May nagawa kasi akong ikaaangat ng tingin sa akin ni Daddy, kaya inaasahan ko na rin na gagawa rin sila ng hakbang para pawalang-bisa iyon. I just didn’t thought that it will be this bad.
But I can’t be seen by her being so affected. I have to stand on my alibi, dahil kung hindi ko malulusutan ito ay alam kong babalik ang galit ni Daddy sa akin. Mas lalala pa dahil malalaman niyang nagsinungaling ako, all to support my disobedience of his orders.
“Are you really that desperate, Monica? Lumamang lang ako ng konti, you already spun into action to ruin my image on my father’s eyes?” nang-uuyam na wika ko. Nginitian ko pa siya ng mapang-asar. “Kawawa ka naman pala. Pero kung gusto mo---kayo ng mommy mo---na mas nakakaangat kayo lagi, bakit kaya hindi na lang kayo umakyat na sa langit para secured na ang highest spot niyo?”
Panandalian akong tumigil sa pagsasalita para tingnan ang mukha niya na halatang pikon na pikon na. Her face was slowly flushing red, as well as her ears and the upper part of her neck. Nagtatagis din ang mga ngipin niya habang matalim na nakatingin sa akin.
“Sabagay. Duda ako kung sa langit nga kayo mapupunta once na mamaalam kayo sa mundong ibabaw. For what you’re doing, feeling ko nakahanda na ang special catering na si Satanas mismo ang nagpaka-punong abala para may grand entrance kapag bumagsak na kayo roon,” pagtatapos ko.
“You…!” Umakma siyang susugurin ako para sampalin. Ibinaling ko ng bahagya ang mukha ko, naghihintay sa paglapat ng palad niya sa pisngi ko.
Pero hindi nangyari iyon dahil mabilis na nahawakan ni Daddy ang nakaamba niyang kamay. Hinila niya si Monica at marahas na iginilid.
“Stop, you two! Wala na bang pagkakataon na magsasama kayo nang walang nagaganap na pagtatalo?!” awat pa ni Daddy.
Hindi ako kumibo. Tiningnan ko lang si Monica habang nakangiti pa rin ako na puno ng pang-aasar.
“At ikaw, Monica. Your sister here already explained her side. Na-misinterpret lang ang actions niya---”
“And you believe her just that?!” Tumawa si Monica na para bang naghi-hysterical na. “Poor you, Papa!”
Papa? Bigla ay parang gusto kong matawa. How dare her address my father “Papa”, ‘tapos pagtataasan niya ng boses na para bang pinagsasabihan ito?
“I believed her because she said something that made me believe her!” sagot ni Daddy.
“Really? What if I showed you something that would make you rethink your decision of believing her, hm?” hamon ni Monica.
Showed you something?
Agad na namang kumabog ang dibdib ko sa kaba. What was it that Monica has to show my father? Kung nagawa niyang matunton ako sa CFS at palihim na makakuha ng mga larawan ko habang nandoon ako, I’m sure she has something more in store that will ruin my figure in Dad’s eyes.
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang ilabas niya ang isang brown envelope. Pabagsak niyang nilapag iyon sa table ni Daddy.
“Ikaw nang bahalang humusga sa perpekto mong anak,” hamon niya pa.
Kinuha agad ni Daddy ang envelope na nilapag ni Monica. Habang binubuksan niya iyon ay mataman ang pagkakatitig niya sa akin.
I felt like I’m gonna lose my breath anytime now. Parang gusto kong agawin ang envelope na iyon kay Daddy bago pa man niya makita ang kung anong laman niyon. But it was too late.
Hawak na ni Daddy ang ilang piraso ng papel. At habang nakatitig siya sa mga iyon ay unti-unting bumadya ang galit sa mukha niya. Hanggang sa napamura siya.
Napapikit na lang ako ng mariin, naghihintay sa mga masasakit na salitang nakaamba niya nang sabihin. I know that he could possibly hurt me more than what he just did minutes earlier.
“Your daughter right here isn’t really going in a prestigious, private academy. Instead, she goes in a cheap, charity-ran fashion school. She doesn’t want to be a business woman and run this company in the future. All that she wants is to design and make some… trashy, unbranded attires. So not chic,” Monica said, a proud grin was carved on her lips. “But you know what’s more shocking? ‘Yung tuition niya na dapat ay para sa pag-aaral niya sa business school, ipinanlimos niyang lahat sa pipitsuging fashion school na pinili niyang pasukan. How disgusting was that?”
Dahan-dahang umangat ang tingin sa akin ni Daddy. His deadly glare just proves how furious he is, obviously to me.
“D-Dad, I can explain---”
“Para saan pa, Calista? For you to make another vicious lies?” mahina ngunit mariing putol niya sasasabihin ko pa. “I trusted you enough, Calista. I favored you in everyhing. I always took your side. And this is how you repay me?”
I wasn’t able to answer immediately as the only thing I could afford to do is to swallow the huge lump that seems to be forming on my throat.
“D-Dad---”
“Now that it seems like you’re already ruining your future, I guess I have to take actions in order to save you from your crazy antics.”
Napanganga ako.
Bagamat kalmado siya ay ramdam ko pa rin ang hindi niya maitatagong galit. The veins in his forehead were visible. Tila puputok na ang mga iyon. Tiim-bagang din siya habang sinasabi ang lahat ng mga salitang binitawan niya.
“With regards to the deal our family had with the Cervanos, you have to replace Monica. That’s the only way I could save you from ruining your life,” tila desidido na niyang saad.
The deal with the Cervanos that he was talking about was an arranged marriage. Nakipagkasundo siya na isa sa amin ni Monica ang ipapakasal sa panganay na anak ng mga Cervano kapag dumating ang panahon na nasa legal na kaming edad. Hanz Cervano was already seventeen years old. Ako naman ay sixteen at si Monica ay fifteen pa lang. The Cervanos wanted the younger one, that was why Monica was chosen to be his future bride instead of me. Pero ngayon, mukhang sa akin na nakatakdang mangyari ang nakaambang kapalaran ni Monica. And I just couldn’t make that happen.
“Dad, please huwag mong gawin sa akin ito. I can’t be married to anyone---”
“Why? Because of… some guy named Calvin? Your boyfriend na nag-aaral din on the same school as you?” putol ni Monica sa akin. “Grabe ka na talaga, sissy. I don’t know what happened to you, pero parang nasobrahan ka naman na yata sa katangahan. You studying in a charitable school in exchange for a more prestigious academy is forgivable and understandable, okay. Exchanging business career to pursue some trashy dream---”
“BEING A FASHION DESIGNER ISN’T A TRASHY DREAM, MONICA,” mariin kong saad.
“Whatever,” sagot niya naman at inirapan ako. “But yes, you heard it right, Papa. Your daughter right here, is having a secret relationship with someone who’s poorer than a rat.”
Muling ibinaling ni Daddy ang tingin niya sa akin. And this time, I could say that he is even furious.
“Don’t you worry, Monica. Calista will be breaking up with that boy and she will marry Hanz Cervano---”
Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.
“WHAT?! NO!” sigaw ko na puno ng pagtutol. “I would understand you meddling with my life and my studies. Pero huwag niyong idamay dito si Calvin---”
“It is what it is, Calista. YOU’LL BE MARRYING HANZ BECAUSE THAT WILL BE YOUR LAST RESORT OR YOU WILL LEAVE ME NO CHOICE BUT TO DISINHERIT YOU.”
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“Y-YOU’RE GOING TO DISOWN ME JUST BECAUSE… I-I FAILED TO BE YOUR PERFECT DAUGHTER? JUST BECAUSE I COULDN’T MARRY THE ONE YOU CHOSE FOR ME?”Hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng hinanakit dahil sa mga nasabi ni Daddy. Naiyak na lang din ako dahil sa bigat ng mga sinabi niya.“You don’t understand, Calista. You should’ve just told me the truth instead of telling lies after lies. Nasubukan ko pa sanang intindihin ka---”“No, Dad. You’ll try, yes. Pero hanggang doon lang. You never really got to understand me. Dahil para sa iyo, lahat ng gustuhin ko ay makakasira sa akin. While you, I have to do everything you want because that is what’s right.”Hindi ko alam kung saan ako humugot ng lakas ng loob na sabihin iyon sa mismong harapan ni Daddy. I could see how he transitioned from being furious to being shocked. Even Monica’s face showed disbelief. Hindi ko naman sila masisisi dahil sa tanang buhay ko ay ngayon lang ako naglakas ng loob na sagutin at kontrahin si Daddy. I was always “Miss Well-Be
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“NANDITO NA TAYO.”Inayos ko pa ang itsura ko bago ako tuluyang bumaba at lumabas ng tricycle. Gaya rin ng sabi ni Kuya Tirso kanina ay hindi na ako nag-insist pa na magbayad.“Thank you, Kuya,” sinsero ko na lang na saad kasabay ng isang matamis na ngiti.Tumango siya. “Sige na, pumasok ka na.”Nagpasalamat pa ako ng isa pang beses bago ako nagsimulang maglakad palayo.Pero mayamaya lang din, hindi pa ako nakakalayo ay narinig ko na sumigaw siya ulit. He shouted my name so loud, that even though I was already several feet away from him, I still got to turn my back.“Mag iingat ka!”Hindi ko alam pero nang sabihin niya ang mga katagang iyon ay nakaramdam ako ng kakaibang kilabot. I am already at my boyfriend’s house. Kaya mag iingat ako saan?Umiling-iling na lang ako at pilit na iwinaksi sa isip ko lahat ng negatibong bagay na pumasok doon. Baka jino-joke time lang ako ni Kuya Tirso. Papadilim na rin kasi pero wala pa ring nakabukas na ilaw sa bahay nina Calvin. Maybe, Kuya Tirso thou
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NANG ARAW NA UMALIS AKO SA BUILDING NG MGA SY AY IYON NA RIN ANG HULING BESES NA TUMUNTONG PA AKO SA KAHIT ANONG PAG AARI NILA. Hindi na rin ako kumontak pa o nakibalita sa kahit sino sa kanila. Kahit kay Ayi Hana. I already got rid of my phone and bought something cheaper. Ngayon, ang contacts ko na lang ay sina Tatay Tirso, Nanay Belen, at Pamela. They all offered me their home as my temporary shelter, pero ako na lang din ang kusang tumanggi. Ayoko rin kasing ma-attach pa sa kahit na kanino, especially that I knew how kind-hearted they all were. Tsaka paalis na rin ako pa-France in a few days now.Dalawang araw mula ngayon ay gaganapin na ang graduation ceremony sa Contessa Fashion School. And yes, I still continued taking my studies there. Bagay na hindi at never kong pagsisisihan dahil bukod sa mahal ko talaga ang fashion designing, ay dahil din sa CFS kung bakit nakatakda na akong makapasok sa pinto na pwedeng maging daan para maabot ko ang mga bagay na pinapangarap ko para sa c
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2 DAYS LATER: GRADUATION DAY “AND FOR THIS YEAR’S VALEDICTORIAN, MAY WE CALL ON STAGE MISS… CALISTA SANCHEZ!”Agad akong tumayo sa kinauupuan ko matapos kong marinig na tinawag ang pangalan ko. Yes, it was me. Sinadya ko talagang sabihin at ipagtanggal ang totoong last name ko na galing kay Daddy. Instead, I opted to “Sanchez”, iyon ang apelyido ni Mommy sa pagkadalaga.Naglakad na ako paakyat sa stage, palapit sa emcee na tumawag sa akin. She also gave way so that I can have my place in front of the mic stand. It was my time to say my speech.“Good morning, everyone. Especially to our teachers, co-graduates, and parents. Originally, Contessa handed me a script for the speech I have to deliver today. But I chose not to go for it and instead, I will say what my heart really wanted to say,” pagsisimula ko.Tumingin din ako sa harapan kung saan nakaupo ang mga teacher at ang head ng Contessa Fashion School. I did it as my way to ask permission. Nakangiti naman silang tumango na para ban
Last Updated : 2024-07-01To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 7
MY FLIGHT WAS SCHEDULED AT EIGHT P.M., PERO ALAS SINGKO PA LANG NG HAPON AY NASA AIRPORT NA AKO. Pagkatapos ng ginawa naming pagsasalu-salo nina Pamela at ng mga magulang niya ay nagpaalam na agad ako. Doon na rin ako nagpaabot ng pasasalamat at iyon na rin ang naging huling pagsasama-sama namin dahil hindi na ako pumayag na magpahatid pa sa kanila sa airport. One reason is that, I don’t want to get involve in such dramatic goodbyes.“Cali? May I take a little bit of your time please before you go on board?”Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. It was Zyco Sefarano. He was a famous fashion designer who used to work abroad; pero mas nakilala siya nang kuning exclusive designer for five consecutive years ng pinakasikat at pinakamataas na antas ng event sa buong international pageantry. Sa ngayon ay turning sixty years old na siya at naka-base na lang sa Pilipinas. May sarili na siyang fashion brand na nagtatampok ng iba’t-ibang world class na styles ng damit, sapatos, at kung anu-ano pa. Siya
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7 YEARS LATER…"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE PACIFIC AIRLINE WELCOMES YOU TO MANILA. THE LOCAL TIME IS 12:04 P.M., PLEASE REMAIN SEATED WITH YOUR SEAT BELT FASTENED AND KEEP THE AISLE CLEAR UNTIL WE PARKED AT THE GATE. THANK YOU.” This is it. Totoo nga 'yung sinasabi nila na ibang-iba ang pakiramdam nang pag-alis sa lugar na pinagmulan mo sa pakiramdam nang pagbabalik mo rito. Now, I can finally conclude that that was indeed true. Paano ko nalaman? Simple. Damang-dama ko na kasi. Right here, right now.I couldn't say that I don't miss a bit of my life here in the Philippines. In fact, maraming bagay akong na-miss na gustung-gusto ko nang balikan at gawin ulit. But that doesn't include my past stupidity and dumb behavior.Bahagya akong napakunot ng noo nang maramdaman ko ang isang kamay na biglang humawi sa buhok ko. When I look at who was it, I saw Jelai. Siya ang bigla na lang humawak sa buhok ko at walang sabi-sabing binawi-hawi iyon. So basically, yes, she's still my "assistant". At
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1 WEEK LATER"WOW! I COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE SAME HOUSE WE VISITED JUST LAST WEEK! ANG GANDA! PARANG HINDI MAN LANG NAABANDONA NOON!”I am in all smiles as I proudly listen to Pamela's compliment. Alam ko naman kasi na totoo ang sinabi niya. Isang linggo pa lang ang nakalilipas ay marami na ring nagbago sa bahay ko. Well, not necessarily 'marami' dahil ang majority ng itsura ng bahay ay pinili ko pa ring i-keep. Maganda naman kasi at aligned din sa taste ko. Isa pa, isa iyon sa mga primary ko na dahilan kung bakit ako na-fall sa lugar na ito in the first place."Pero parang ang laki naman nito para sa iyo. Hindi ka ba… you know? Natatakot or whatsoever?” usal niya.Sa sinabi niyang iyon ay hindi ko na napigilan na matawa."What? Papasok mo na naman ba ang mga presumption mo tungkol sa bahay na ito? I've been here for three days now, Pam. And so far, wala pa naman akong nae-experience na kakaiba. Plus, sobrang peaceful kaya rito,” litanya ko. "Tsaka sino bang nagsabi na mag i
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To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss EPILOGO
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 s
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 112
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
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 111
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
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 110
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
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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 choke
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CALISTA'S P. O. VThe reconciliation with my father was a fragile thing, a delicate balance of forgiveness, understanding, and a shared grief. After years of estrangement, of resentment, of unspoken accusations, we finally stood together, embracing, our bodies trembling, our emotions raw. The weight of the past, the burden of the years, the pain of the separation— it all seemed to lift, to dissolve, to fade.“Calista,” my father whispered, his voice thick with emotion, his arms wrapped tightly around me. “My Calista. Anak ko, I’m so sorry.”“I know, Dad,” I replied, my voice barely a whisper, my own tears streaming down my face. “I know.”“I was wrong,” he continued, his voice laced with a genuine remorse. “I was blinded by Margaret, by her lies, by her manipulations. I didn’t see what she was doing. I didn’t protect you. Kayo ng mommy mo. I failed you. I failed our family.”“It’s okay, Dad,” I said, my voice soft, my tone reassuring. “It’s over now. We’re together again. And promis
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CALISTA'S P. O. VThe courtroom was a pressure cooker, the air thick with tension, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. Margaret’s trial had been swift, the evidence overwhelming, the verdict inevitable. Multiple charges, multiple convictions— she was facing a lifetime behind bars, a fitting punishment for her crimes. Monica, her accomplice, her equally culpable daughter, was also being sought, her complicity in Margaret’s schemes now undeniable.The inquest was a formality, a mere procedural step in the larger process of justice. But the tension in the courtroom was palpable, the atmosphere charged with a volatile energy. And then, chaos erupted. Men, their faces masked, their weapons drawn, stormed the courtroom, gunfire shattering the tense silence, sending the room into pandemonium. Margaret’s new boyfriend’s men, I realized with a chilling certainty. Their objective was clear— to make Margaret be able to escape.The scene unfolded in a blur of motion, a chaotic ballet of
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CALISTA'S P. O. VTwo days. It had only taken two days. Two days since I’d sent the evidence to Calvin, two days since I’d confronted Margaret, two days since I’d resolved to channel my anger into action. And now, the call came, Calvin’s voice crisp, his tone controlled. Margaret had a warrant. Her arrest had been swift, almost too easy, facilitated by her very presence in my home. The irony was not lost on me.The details of her interrogation were chilling, the confession even more so. It had been Margaret, my stepmother, the woman who had pretended to care for my father, who had orchestrated my mother’s death. And she’d confessed, not out of remorse, not out of guilt, but out of a chilling, almost gleeful sense of triumph.Her voice, cold and devoid of emotion, echoed in my ears, her words a venomous sting that pierced my heart, ignited my fury. “You’re so clever! Hindi ko naisip na magagawa mo 'to. In fact, hindi ko inisip na ikaw pala ang makaka discover ng mga ginawa ko,” she
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CALISTA'S P. O. VKinabukasan. Sa office. May mga dumating pang bagong ebidensya galing kay Rexia. The digital copies of the evidence arrived as promised, a weighty collection of documents that confirmed Rexia’s account, solidified my suspicions, and fueled my anger. The photographs, the financial records, the communication logs— they were all damning, all irrefutable. Margaret’s treachery, her greed, her ruthlessness— it was all laid bare, exposed, undeniable.Without hesitation, I made copies of everything, ensuring I had a backup before sending the originals to Calvin. He’d promised to review the evidence and take appropriate action, his assurance a reassuring balm to my simmering anger. The weight of responsibility, the burden of expectation— it was heavy, but I carried it with a newfound resolve, a steeled determination.Returning home, I found Margaret and Monica waiting, their presence a stark reminder of the simmering conflict that lay beneath the surface of our uneasy truce.
