Mag-log inShare
KABANATA 33
Huling Na-update:
2024-11-27 14:45:55Kaugnay na kabanata
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 34
The silence in the apartment was deafening. Cali stood in the middle of the living room, surrounded by empty boxes, each one a testament to her relentless purging. Niccolo’s presence, once so pervasive, had been systematically eradicated. His favorite worn leather jacket, gone. The framed photo of them on their first trip to Venice, vanished. Even the chipped mug he used for his morning coffee, now a distant memory. Everything that reminded her of him, everything that whispered his name, had been mercilessly banished.Except for one thing. One undeniable, burgeoning presence that pulsed with life within her. A life that was half Niccolo, half her. A life that was a constant, unyielding reminder of the love they once shared, the love that had now turned to ashes.She placed a hand on her stomach, the familiar swell of her pregnancy a strange comfort, a strange burden. The baby kicked, a tiny, insistent nudge. It was a feeling she had never known before, a feeling that was both exhilara
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 35
The familiar scent of cinnamon and baking bread greeted Cali as she stepped into her family's home. The warmth of the kitchen, the comforting chaos of her siblings' laughter, and the sight of her mother bustling about, stirring a pot of something delicious, all felt like a balm to her soul. But as she settled into a worn armchair, a sense of unease began to creep in. Her father, usually the first to greet her with a boisterous hug, was nowhere to be seen. Her mother, her usually sunny disposition clouded with a hint of sadness, simply offered a tired smile and a quick kiss on the cheek. The air, normally thick with the familiar hum of family life, felt strangely quiet.Later, as the family gathered for dinner, the silence was broken by her younger brother, Ben. "Dad's been staying at the office a lot lately," he said, his voice laced with concern. "He even brought his sleeping bag."Cali's heart sank. Her father, a man who thrived on the warmth of family, the comfort of home, wouldn'
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 36
The truth hit Cali like a physical blow, leaving her reeling in a whirlwind of disbelief, anger, and betrayal. Her father, the man who had always been her rock, her confidante, the embodiment of stability and love, had betrayed her mother, had betrayed their family, with their own Ayi Hana.The revelation, whispered in hushed tones by Margaret, felt like a betrayal of everything she had ever known. Ayi Hana, a woman who had been a part of their family for as long as Cali could remember, a woman who had cared for them, nurtured them, and loved them like her own, had become the object of her father's affections.The image of her father, her strong, dependable father, in the arms of Ayi Hana, a woman who had always been a source of comfort and warmth, was a jarring, almost obscene, violation of trust. It was a betrayal that went beyond the bounds of infidelity, a betrayal that pierced the very core of their family unit.Cali's initial reaction was one of raw, unbridled anger. She wanted
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 37
The news of her father's bankruptcy hit Cali like a tidal wave, washing away the fragile hope she had clung to. The once-thriving business, a source of pride and stability for their family, had crumbled under the weight of debt and bad investments. The family home, a symbol of their prosperity, was now threatened with foreclosure.The weight of responsibility settled heavily on Cali's shoulders. She had always been the pragmatic one, the one who saw the bigger picture, the one who understood the importance of financial security. Now, she felt a fierce determination to salvage what was left, to protect her family from the devastating consequences of her father's failure.She rolled up her sleeves, diving headfirst into the wreckage of her father's business. She poured over financial statements, negotiated with creditors, and explored every possible avenue for restructuring the debt. She worked tirelessly, fueled by a mixture of love, loyalty, and a fierce determination to save her fami
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 38
The air in the house, once filled with the comforting hum of family life, was now thick with tension. The weight of their father's bankruptcy, the loss of their home, and the constant reminder of their diminished fortune hung heavy in the air. Cali, still reeling from the emotional turmoil of her father's betrayal and the loss of her own home, found herself navigating a minefield of unspoken resentments and simmering anger.The third month of her pregnancy brought with it a wave of hormonal vulnerability, leaving her more susceptible to the emotional undercurrents that swirled within their family. The constant reminder of her own loss, the loss of her baby's father, the loss of their future together, left her feeling fragile, easily triggered.One evening, as Cali was sorting through a box of old clothes, she noticed a familiar, expensive designer bag missing. It was a bag she had bought for herself during a particularly good period in her life, a symbol of her own hard work and succe
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 39
The silence in the house was deafening. It wasn't the kind of silence that spoke of peace or quiet contemplation; it was the silence of a storm that had passed, leaving behind a wreckage of shattered dreams and broken promises. The air, thick with the lingering scent of fear and grief, hung heavy, a constant reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded.Cali sat in her room, her back against the cold, unforgiving wall, her gaze fixed on the empty space where her baby's crib once stood. The loss, the pain, the overwhelming sense of guilt, threatened to consume her. She had lost her baby, her own child, because of her anger, because of her inability to control her emotions.The thought of kicking her sisters out, of severing the ties that bound them, of escaping the suffocating weight of their shared grief, was a tempting siren song. She could leave, start anew, build a life for herself, free from the burden of their broken family.But the memory of her father's pledge, a promise whispered
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 40
A year had passed since the devastating fall, a year marked by a whirlwind of grief, healing, and a quiet, steely resolve that had taken root within Cali. The loss of her baby, the shattering of her dreams, the betrayal of her father, and the fractured relationships within her family had left an indelible mark on her soul. Yet, amidst the pain and the heartache, a new strength had emerged, a fierce determination to rebuild her life, to forge a path forward, to reclaim her own sense of purpose and power.Her fashion empire, once a passion project, had blossomed into a thriving business, a testament to her talent, her resilience, and her unwavering dedication. The success of her designs, the recognition she received, the accolades she earned, were all a balm to her wounded spirit, a reminder of her own worth, her own strength.But even as her career soared, the shadow of her past, the pain of her loss, lingered. Niccolo, the man who had broken her heart, the man who had fathered her chi
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 41
The air crackled with excitement as the final model sashayed down the runway, the culmination of months of tireless work, sleepless nights, and a fierce determination to create something truly spectacular. Cali's fashion show, a celebration of her burgeoning empire, had been a resounding success, a testament to her talent, her vision, and her unwavering dedication.The applause, the cheers, the adulation of the crowd, all washed over her in a wave of euphoria. She had done it. She had conquered her fears, overcome her doubts, and achieved a level of success that had once seemed impossible.As the last notes of the music faded, the crowd dispersed, leaving behind a hushed silence, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air. Cali, her heart still pounding with adrenaline, stood backstage, surrounded by her team, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of pride and exhaustion.The celebration, however, was short-lived. As she stepped out of the venue, a wave of unease washed over her. The fami
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-27
Pinakabagong kabanata
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
