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KABANATA 8
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2024-09-11 08:25:14Related chapters
To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 9
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
Last Updated : 2024-09-11To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 10
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
Last Updated : 2024-09-11To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 11
AFTER PAMELA LEFT, I STARTED BROWSING THE INTERNET AS IMMEDIATE AS I COULD.Sinusubukan kong makakuha ng impormasyon tungkol sa sinasabi ni Pam na nangyaring backlash sa mga Sy five years ago. Baka sa pamamagitan no'n, magawa kong mahanap si Ayi Hana. God knows how worried I am about her. Ano na kayang lagay niya, nasaan na kaya siya after everything that happened."Hi.”Upon hearing the voice, I immediately closed the laptop I was using. It was Jelai. She seemed surprise at what I did and on how I reacted. Tumingin pa siya sa laptop ko na puno ng pagdududa."I'm sorry, naabala yata kita. Pero… what's that? Parang ang seryoso mo naman masyado sa ginagawa mo,” nag-aalangang sabi niya. Naglakad siya palapit sa akin."It was… nothing. I'm just doing some research. About the trend. You know, I gotta keep my heads up to the innovation,” pagsisinungaling ko. I look passed her and saw a duffle bag placed on the floor. Sa parehong spot kung saan siya nakatayo kanina. "Anyways, what's with the
Last Updated : 2024-09-23To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 12
AFTER HAVING A WORD WITH THAT PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR, I FELT THE URGE TO LESSEN THE ANXIETY THAT I AM FEELING ALL OF A SUDDEN. SO, I WENT TO MY ART ROOM AND STARTED PAINTING SOME STUFF. THEN I SLEPT AND NOW, I WOKE UP NOT KNOWING WHAT THE TIME ALREADY IS.Natapik ko pa ang noo ko nang mapansin ko ang bahid ng mga pintura na kumapit na sa bedsheet, pillow case, at kumot ko."Damn. I swear, hindi ko na uulitin 'to. Ang matulog o kahit humiga lang sa kama right after I painted and not washing myself first? Never again,” anang isip ko.I was about to head on the bathroom to finally clean myself after hours of being dirty when suddenly, I remembered something. Naiwan ko pa nga pala na makalat 'yung art room ko kanina.Kaya naisipan ko na linisan muna 'yon bago ko linisan naman ang sarili ko. In my messy state, I got off my feet and started walking towards the art room.Handa na akong harapin ang sandamakmak na kalat na naiwan ko sa art room. But to my surprise, I walked into a clean, tidy ar
Last Updated : 2024-09-23To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 13
WITH THE ADDRESS COMING FROM INVESTIGATOR GOZON, MY FATE LED ME TO A TINY APARTMENT ONLY A FEW METERS AWAY FROM THE DUMP SITE.Lumang apartment na iyon—sobrang luma na hindi nga ako sigurado kung macla-classify pa ba as "apartment" ang lugar na iyon dahil sa itsura nito. Sobrang liit lang ng lugar na iyon kung titingnan mula sa loob. It was just like a small room. Gawa sa pinagtagpi-tagping yero at mga sako ang pader. 'Yung bubong naman ay yero rin pero kinakalawang at sira-sira na. Its doors are made of wood scraps. Pinagtagpi-tagpi lang din 'yon para maging pinto. And just like what I've said, ilang metro lang ang layo nito mula sa tapunan ng mga basura at kung anu-ano pang dumi. Marami ring kadikit na bahay ang lugar na tinitirahan daw ni Ayi Hana. But all those houses just looks the same. Maliit, pinagtagpi-tagpi, at… marumi.Sigurado ba talaga 'yung imbestigador na 'yon na dito nga nakakita si Ayi Hana?Never in my mind na naisip kong titira sa ganitong klaseng lugar si Ayi. At l
Last Updated : 2024-09-23To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 14
"HERE'S YOUR COLD GLASS OF ICED TEA. THIS SHOULD BE THE LAST OF YOUR ORDER. MAY I CONFIRM THAT YOU ALREADY GOT EVERY SINGLE ITEM YOU CHOSE FROM THE MENU?”Hindi na ako nag-abalang i-check pa isa-isa lahat ng pagkaing nakahain sa harapan namin ni Ayi. Tumango na lang ako. Umalis naman agad 'yung waiter and the soon as he went away, Aunt Melissa started talking."Grabe namang sobrang dami nito. Mauubos ba natin lahat 'to?” natatawang sabi niya."Uubusin natin, Ayi. We have so much to talk about. Baka nga kulangin pa 'to,” ganting saad ko.Sabay na lang kaming natawa pagkatapos no'n. Pero mayamaya lang din, naging seryoso na ang mukha niya."Before I tell you everything, pwede bang ikaw muna? I wanna know first what happened to you. Really. After that, I'll tell everything to you. No loopholes, pure truth,” aniya.Nag-isip ako sandali. Pero segundo lang at tumango na rin ako bilang pagsang-ayon sa gusto niyang mangyari.Sinimulan ko nang magkwento kasabay ng pagsisimula namin sa pagkain.
Last Updated : 2024-10-28To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 15
RIGHT AFTER AYI FINISHED TELLING ME STORIES, I IMMEDIATELY FELT A SURGE OF EMOTIONS COMING THROUGH ME.Naiinis ako, nagagalit, nagulat… nasaktan?"The day you said you left, I believe that was also the very day your father looked for you. Sa maniwala ka man o sa hindi, hinanap ka n'ya, Cali. He was so worried sick. He went through everywhere searching for you. He went through everything. I even remembered na ilang beses s'yang nabiktima ng mga scammers. Those person who claimed to see and know your whereabouts. Pero in the end, wala pala. They were all just after his money. Anyway, fast forward to your graduation day, nando'n s'ya. I don't know if you see him but he went there. Alam ko dahil sinundan ko s'ya. Hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin maintindihan kung bakit hindi ka n'ya nilapitan at kinausap that very same day. I mean, he already spent a lot looking for you. He was nearly going crazy. Pero no'ng nasa harapan ka na n'ya, hindi man lang s'ya gumawa ng paraan to take you home. B
Last Updated : 2024-10-28To Keep a Homeless Mafia Boss KABANATA 16
The grainy image flickered on the screen of her phone, a stark contrast to the plush velvet curtains and the soft glow of the bedside lamp. It was the culprit, the one who had been lurking in the shadows of her home for weeks. His face, obscured by the darkness, was a mask of anonymity, yet she knew it by heart. Every line, every crease, every flicker of his eyes, she had memorized them from the countless nights she spent watching him through the lens of her portable CCTV. He was there again, his silhouette a familiar specter against the pale moonlight filtering through the window. He moved with a quiet grace, a predator in its own domain. He was so close, she could practically feel his presence, a chilling sensation that prickled her skin. He was in her house, in her space, violating her sanctuary. A wave of anger surged through her, a burning ember in her chest. She wanted to scream, to shout, to confront him, to make him pay for the fear he had instilled in her. But a different e
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
