CALISTA'S P. O. VThe drive home was a blur, the city lights blurring into streaks of color as I navigated the familiar streets. But my mind was far from the road; it was consumed by the mystery of the man at the cemetery, the man in black who had left a single white rose on my child’s grave.The encounter had left me unsettled, a chilling premonition of danger that clung to me like a second skin. It was a cryptic message, a silent threat, a disturbing reminder of the power Niccolo wielded, the reach of his influence, the lengths he was willing to go to to control me.But it was the mystery of the man's identity that truly unsettled me. It couldn't have been Niccolo. He didn't know I was pregnant; at mas lalong hindi n'ya alam at imposible n'yang malaman na nagka miscarriage ako. The only people who knew about my pregnancy and the miscarriage were my family, Calvin, and the medical professionals who had treated me. So, who was this man? And what did he want?My mind raced, trying to p
CALISTA'S P. O. VThat night, I couldn't sleep. The quiet hum of my laptop was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. The encounter at the cemetery, the mysterious man in black, the single white rose—it had all fueled my obsession, my determination to uncover the truth, to understand the forces at play. And that led me down a rabbit hole, a deep dive into the world of the Fibonaccis.My research began with the basics, the public information readily available online. Rexia and Solomon Fibonacci, the infamous power couple at the helm of a vast, sprawling criminal empire. Their names were synonymous with power, wealth, and ruthlessness. But as I delved deeper, beyond the surface-level information, I uncovered something more, something more sinister, something more personal.I discovered that Rexia and Solomon had two children, two heirs to their criminal empire. Niccolo, the elder son, was already well-known, his reputation preceding him like a dark shadow. But the younger ch
CALISTA'S P. O. VThe information I’d uncovered hung over me like a dark cloud, a chilling reminder of the world I’d stepped into, the danger I’d unknowingly embraced.It was a world of power, wealth, and ruthlessness, a world where the lines between right and wrong were blurred, where morality was a luxury few could afford. And I, unwittingly, had been playing in this world for far too long.A wave of amazement washed over me, a sense of disbelief that such a world, such a level of depravity, could actually exist. The Fibonacci family, their vast criminal empire, their intricate network of accomplices and collaborators—it was all so surreal, so unbelievable, that I found myself questioning my own sanity. Akala ko kasi dati, sa mga novel lang may gano'n. It felt like something out of a movie, a twisted, dark fantasy. But it was real. It was my reality.And the irony was crushing. I, a simple fashion designer, had unknowingly lived in the very house where one of the biggest raids in the
CALISTA'S P. O. VDahil nasa journey na rin naman ako ng pagre research tungkol sa mga Fibonacci, sa dating may ari ng bahay na nabili ko, nilubos lubos ko na. I called for Pamela and asked if we could meet. Buti na lang at pumayag s'ya.The cafe was quiet, the low hum of conversation a gentle backdrop to the gravity of our conversation. Pamela sat across from me, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a look of concern. I’d sought her out, driven by a need to share my discovery, to confirm my suspicions, to unravel the mystery surrounding the mansion I now called home.I recounted my findings, the details of my research into the Fibonacci family, the revelation of Niccolo’s identity, the history of the raid that had taken place within those very walls. I spoke of the anonymous tip, the sudden abandonment of the property, the lingering sense of unease that had haunted me since I’d moved in.Pamela listened intently, her eyes widening with each revelation. She already knew the history
CALISTA'S P. O. VPagkatapos ng naging pag uusap namin ni Pamela, bigla kong naisipan na tawagan at kamustahin din si Jelai.Pero inabot na ako ng siyam siyan ay hindi pa rin s'ya sumasaglt. Kaya naisipan kong tawagan ang isa pang tao na alam kong may contact din sa kanya.I dialed Mama Zyco’s number, my fingers trembling slightly. I needed his help, his perspective, his guidance.Mabuti na lang at sinagot n'ya rin agad 'yung tawag.“Mama Zyco,” I began, my voice hesitant, “Kamusta po kayo? I just wanted to ask if you’re free to visit Jelai. Hindi kasi s'ya sumasagot sa akin, eh. So, I just think of visiting her instead na lang. I know she’s back home in Leyte.”There was a moment of silence, a heavy silence that hung in the air, a silence that felt charged with unspoken anxieties. Then, Mama Zyco’s voice, usually so vibrant and full of life, was subdued, tinged with a sadness that sent a shiver down my spine.“What do you mean, ‘back home in Leyte’?” he asked, his voice low, her tone
CALISTA'S P. O. VHindi na ako nagsayang ng oras. Pagkatapos ng naging pag uusap namin ni Mama Zyco, nag schedule agad ako ng leave para makapunta sa luagr kung nasaan si Jelai. Sa Batangas. The news of Jelai’s family’s death hung over me like a dark cloud, a heavy weight that pressed down on my chest. Mama Zyco’s words echoed in my ears, a constant, painful reminder of the loss and the unspoken grief. I had to see Jelai, to offer my support, to share my condolences, to understand her silence, her deception.Hindi ko talaga alam ang nangyaring 'yon sa pamilya ni Jelai. Wala s'yang binanggit at hindi ko rin naman nahalata sa kanya na may pinagdadanan s'ya. Our enrire bond abroad, lahat ng araw na lumipas, masaya lang s'ya. She's the usual her. Kaya hindi ko lubos maisip na may pinagdadanan na pala s'ya. May nangyari na palang hindi maganda sa pamilya n'ya.The drive to Batangas was a blur, my mind racing, my heart heavy. I replayed our conversation, our shared moments, our unspoken bon
CALISTA'S P. O. VThe quiet of Jelai’s apartment was a stark contrast to the bustling city I’d left behind. The air was calm, the atmosphere peaceful, a welcome respite from the turmoil that had consumed me for so long. As we sat talking, sharing stories, offering comfort, a sense of normalcy settled over us, a shared space where two friends could connect, could confide, could plan for the future.Jelai, ever observant, noticed my absence from the fashion scene. Her question, though simple, held a depth of concern that warmed my heart.“Cali,” she began, her voice soft, her tone laced with curiosity, “Bakit… Bakit parang wala na 'kong nakikitang news about you lately? I mean, sa fashion world? Parang wala ka ring bagong labas na designs? Anong nangyari? Huminto ka na? Early retirement?”I sighed, a wave of exhaustion washing over me. The past few months had been a whirlwind of emotions, a rollercoaster of events that had left me drained, depleted, yet strangely invigorated. The loss o
CALISTA'S P. O. VThe afternoon sun cast long shadows across Jelai’s small apartment, the air filled with a sense of quiet contentment, a shared feeling of peace and understanding. Our conversation had been a balm to my wounded soul, a source of comfort in the face of overwhelming grief and uncertainty. Jelai’s unwavering support, her understanding of my pain, her willingness to return to my side—it had all been a source of strength, a renewed sense of purpose.As we prepared to end our conversation, a sense of finality settled over us, a quiet acknowledgment of the unspoken promises, the unsaid commitments, the shared future we were building. The weight of the past few months, the burden of my grief and anger, seemed to lift, replaced by a sense of hope, a renewed sense of purpose.“Jelai,” I said, my voice soft, my tone filled with unwavering conviction, “I’m going back to fashion design. Hindi man agad agad, pero babalik ako. I still have a lot to do with my father’s company. But I
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.