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KABANATA 45
Huling Na-update:
2024-11-14 15:23:36Kaugnay na kabanata
Under His Possession KABANATA 46
7 months later…JANIYA'S P. O. VI WOKE WITH A JOLT, A SHARO PAIN SHOOTING THROUGH MY LOWER ABDOMEN. IT WAS LIKE A KNIFE TWISTING, A SENSATION SO INTENSE IT SOLE MY BREATH. Umupo ako agad. Sobrang bilis mg tibok ng puso ko na parang kakayanin na no'n na kumawala sa ribs ko. Pawis na pawis din ako—malamig na pawis. Lumipad din 'yung tingin ko sa bedsheet na hinigaan ko—basa 'yon na para bang naihi ako na ewan."Ryuu!" malakas kong sigaw. Nagpa-panic na 'ko, biglang hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. That's why I thought of calling Ryuu. Nasa kabilang kwarto s'ya at hindi ko pa alam kung maririnig n'ya 'ko at magigising s'ya agad. "Ryuu, gising!"Mayamaya pa, lumitaw na s'ya sa pinto. His eyes fluttering open, his face a mixture of sleepiness and confusion."What is it? Ang aga-aga pa," he asked, his voice thick with sleep."The babies," I gasped, my voice trembling. "The babies... they're coming!"The realization hit him like a wave. Suddenly, his eyes widened in alarm."Ngayon n
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-14Under His Possession KABANATA 47
JANIYA'S P. O. VTAHIMIK SA KABUUAN NG BAGONG UNIT NA NALIPATAN NAMIN NI RYUU. HALOS TATLONG BUWAN NA RIN MULA NANG LUMIPAT KAMI RITO PAGKATAPOS NA PAGKATAPOS KONG MANGANAK. Amoy na amoy sa buong paligid ang halu-halong samyo ng baby powder, milk formula, at konting halimuyak ng lavender na choice of fragrance ko sa nursery room ng mga bata. There were three bassinets in total—one for each baby. As for me, my body is still recovering from the marathon of a pregnancy. Medyo matagal ang proseso ng pagpapagaling ko dahil na rin siguro sa bukod sa triplets ang naging anak ko ay normal delivery pa silang lahat.Napaupo ako habang pinapanood ang payapang pagtulog ng mga anak ko.Chase, the eldest, was a spitting image of SV, his dark hair already thick and unruly, his eyes the same piercing silver gray that had once captivated me. Cross, the middle child, was a mix of both SV and me, with his olive skin and his sharp cheekbones. And Cameron, the youngest, was a mirror image of SV, his feat
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-14Under His Possession KABANATA 48
1 year later…JANIYA'S P. O. VTHE AROMA OF FRESHLY BAKED BREAD AND COFFEE BEANS FILLED THE AIR, A COMFORTING SCENT THAT HAD BECOME THE SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE. I stood behind the counter of Ryuu's bakery, my hands moving with practiced efficiency as I served customers, my mind a whirlwind of to-do lists and deadlines.It had been a year since the arrival of my triplets, Chase, Cross, and Cameron. A year of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and a constant battle against the chaos that came with raising three rambunctious toddlers. A year of juggling motherhood with my journalism studies, a year of balancing my dreams with the reality of my situation.Hindi madali ang lahat. Sino ba kasing nagsabi na madali? I was exhausted, my body aching, my mind constantly on edge. But I persevered. I have to. Fueled by a fire that burned deep within me, a fire that had been ignited by the cruelty of SV and the gruesome acts of his then-girlfriend, Giulia. I would never forget how they had tr
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-14Under His Possession KABANATA 49
5 years laterJANIYA'S P. O. VFIVE YEARS. FIVE YEARS SINCE THE CITY LIGHTS REFLECT IN OUR EYES, A TESTAMENT TO OUR SHARED SUCCESS. Sa loob ng limang taon na lumipas, masasabi ko na lalo pa kaming nag-grow. I finally finished my degree in journalism; and I am now working for the largest and prominent news network in all of the world. Puro pa controversial news and cases ang naa-assign sa akin—bagay na pinapangarap ko lang noon. As for Ryuu, bukod sa coffee shop na dating business n'ya ay nag-venture rin s'ya sa iba pang business. And eventually, most of the risks that he took eventually succeed. At sa mga anak ko naman, they grew to be handsome and kind. Although iisang problema lang ang nakikita ko—habang lumalaki sila ay lalong nagiging significant ang similarity ng features nila kay SV. Hindi nagkatotoo 'yung sinabi ni Ryuu na hindi magtatagal at s'ya na ang magiging kamukha ng tatlo.As of our status, we're still just friends. Single friends.That day, I went home feeling puzzled
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-14Under His Possession KABANATA 50
JANIYA'S P. O. VTHE HUMID AIR OF MANILA CLUNG TO MY SKIN, A STICKY REMINDER OF THE LONG FLIGHT AND THE WHIRWIND OF EMOTIONS I'VE BEEN BATTLING SINCE LANDING.Kahit naka-oo na ako kay Ryuu, hindi ko pa rin mapigilang makaramdam ng kaba at pag aalangan. But despite all those, naisip ko na lang na abalahin na lang ang sarili ko habang nandito pa ako. I have a mountain of tasks to tackle, a tight deadline looming over my head, and three rambunctious toddlers to juggle. The triplets, my own personal hurricane of energy, were thankfully safely tucked away with Ryuu, my ever-reliable “babysitter”. Ryuu, with his quiet strength and unwavering patience, was a godsend. He always understood the pressure I was under, and he always offered a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on, and a calming presence that helped me navigate the chaos.Today, I was scheduled to meet Ryuu's client, an older Italian-Filipino man named Mr. Alveoli. According to Ryuu, he was a prominent businessman, a potential invest
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-16Under His Possession KABANATA 52
JANIYA'S P. O. V THE DAYS FOLLOWING MY UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER WITH SV HAS BEEN A BLUR OF UNSETTLING COINCIDENCES.SV seemed to have become a phantom, appearing at the most random of places, like a mischievous spirit playing a game of hide-and-seek with my sanity. Sa grocery store, sa park, minsan kahit sa bakery o sa kung saan pang lugar. Pasalamat ko na lang din na tuwing magkrukrus 'yung landas namin ay hindi ko kasama ang mga bata.I tried to dismiss the thought that SV has been following me intentionally. I am trying my best to think that everything is is just a product of my overactive imagination. But the frequency of these encounters, the way he seemed to appear at the most unexpected moments, was starting to feel deliberate. It was as if he was trying to send a message, to remind me of his presence, to draw me back into the vortex of our past.I couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching me, that he was somehow involved in my life again. It was a chilling thought, a feelin
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-16Under His Possession KABANATA 52
STRIKE'S P. O. VTHE FIRST TIME I SAW JANIYA AGAIN, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, A FAMILIAR SPARK IGNITED WITHIN ME. It was a spark of curiosity, a flicker of something deeper, something I couldn't quite define. It was as if a dormant part of me, a part I thought I'd buried deep within, had suddenly awakened.She was different, of course. The youthful innocence I remembered was replaced by a womanly strength, a quiet confidence that radiated from her. But her eyes, those captivating eyes, held the same spark, the same mischievous glint that had captivated me years ago. Because yes, after having several thoughts about my past with Janiya and how I felt for her all these years made me conclude a thing—I indeed liked her. Or maybe, I loved her. For real. Masyado lang akong binulag ng galit ko sa ama n'ya at sa katotohanan na masyado pa s'yang bata noon.But now, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was a puzzle I needed to solve, a mystery I needed to unravel. My curiosity grew with each pas
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-16Under His Possession KABANATA 53
JANIYA'S P. O. VKATITILA LANG NG ULAN. WE'RE CURRENTLY IN THE LIVING ROOM—THE TRIPLETS LINED ASLEEP ON THE SOFA. Paalis na sana kami kanina; kaso hindi natuloy dahil sa malakas na ulan na biglang bumugso. I couldn't risk my children's health and I don't want to compromise our saftety. Kaya imbis na tumuloy ay nagpatila na lang kami ng ulan sa bahay. Hanggang sa nakatulog na nga ang mga bata at kami ni Ryuu ay tahimik lang na nakabantay sa kanila."I can't believe it," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the soft hum of the ceiling fan. "The audacity he had to introduce that woman to me again. As if hindi s'ya kasama sa mga sumira ng buhay ko no'n.”Ryuu reached out, his hand resting gently on mine. "I know," he said, his voice filled with a quiet strength that always calmed my anxieties. "And it's a lot to take in."He knew, of course. Lagi naman. Naiintindihan n'ya ako palagi at isa 'yon sa mga pinagpapasalamat ko."Anyways, about your business. What are we going to do?" I a
Huling Na-update : 2024-11-16
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Under His Possession EPILOGO
1 month later… JANIYA'S P. O. VThe courtroom was a symphony of whispers and hushed conversations. The air crackled with tension, a palpable energy that vibrated through the room. Giulia, the woman who had orchestrated the accident that had nearly taken my life, sat before the judge, her face a mask of defiance. "Your Honor," the prosecutor began, his voice a steady drone. "The evidence is clear. The defendant, Giulia, acted with malice aforethought, deliberately causing a car accident that resulted in serious injuries to the plaintiff, Janiya.”He recounted the events, the meticulous planning, the calculated actions, the chilling indifference to the potential consequences. I sat in the witness stand, my heart a heavy stone in my chest, reliving the terror of that fateful day."The defendant," he continued, "has shown no remorse for her actions. She has exhibited a complete disregard for the law and the well-being of others. She is a danger to society and must be held accountable fo
Under His Possession KABANATA 92
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe air crackled with anticipation, a symphony of laughter and whispered secrets. The sun, a benevolent witness, bathed the garden in a golden glow, illuminating the scene with a warmth that mirrored the love that pulsed through the air. It was my wedding day, a culmination of a journey filled with heartache, healing, and ultimately, a love that had triumphed over every obstacle.My reflection stared back at me, a vision of happiness in a white gown that flowed like a gentle waterfall. My heart, once burdened with pain, now swelled with a joy so profound it threatened to spill over.Earlier that day, as I stood before the mirror, my hand resting on my swollen belly, the doctor had uttered the words that had sent a wave of pure bliss through me. "Congratulations, Janiya," he had said, his smile mirroring the joy that illuminated my face. "You're going to be a mother of four.""Four?" I echoed, my voice filled with disbelief and delight. "Are you sure?""Absolutely," he
Under His Possession KABANATA 91
JANIYA'S P. O. VOras matapos ang naging pag uusap namin ni Ryuu, si Strike naman ang hinarap ko. The hospital room, once a sterile haven of recovery, was now transformed into a haven of love. The air was thick with the scent of lilies, their white petals mirroring the crisp white sheets that enveloped me. My body still bore the scars of the accident, my spirit felt stronger than ever.Strike sat beside me, his hand gently holding mine. His eyes, filled with a love that could melt glaciers, held mine captive."Janiya," he began, his voice a soft melody that resonated deep within me. "You know, I've been thinking..."I chuckled, a light, tinkling sound that echoed in the quiet room. "You're thinking again? Baka maubos na braincells mo n'yan, ha?” I teased, my voice laced with affection. "Anywats, what's on your mind?"He smiled, a smile that could rival the sun's brilliance. "Well, I've been thinking... about us.""About us?" I echoed, a playful eyebrow raised. "You know, I've been th
Under His Possession KABANATA 90
JANIYA'S P. O. VPag alis ni Strike ay dumating din agad si Ryuu. Hindi ko alam kung tinawag ba s'ya ng una, but whatever happens, I'm glad that he's here. Para maayos na ang lahat once and for all. Ryuu sat beside me, his hand resting on mine, his eyes filled with a warmth that soothed the ache in my heart."Janiya," he began, his voice soft and gentle. "I'm so glad that you're awake now. At masaya 'ko na nakakabawi ka na ulit ng lakas mo kahit papaano.”Ngumiti ako ng tipid.I squeezed his hand, tears welling up in my eyes. It felt like an eternity since I'd last seen him, since I'd last felt his presence."Ryuu," I whispered, my voice hoarse from disuse. "I… I have something to say. M-May gusto 'kong sabihin pero hindi ko alam kung paano ko sisimulan. I'm… I'm aso sorry. I'm so sorry for everything."Agad na kumunot ang noo ni Ryuu. Parang nagtataka s'ya sa mga sinasabi ko."S-Si Strike,” banggit ko. "He's… He proposed.”Suddenly, his smile fade. Kitang-kita ko rin kung paano bigl
Under His Possession KABANATA 89
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe hospital room was a haven of quiet, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring my vitals. Strike sat beside me, his hand resting on mine, his eyes filled with a tenderness I hadn't seen in years. "Janiya," he began, his voice husky with emotion. "I know you're awake now. I know you can hear me."I squeezed his hand, a wave of warmth spreading through me. It was strange, this feeling of comfort, of safety, in his presence. It had been so long since I had felt this way.He talked about the weeks we'd been apart, the fear, the uncertainty, the overwhelming love he felt for me. He talked about the triplets, their constant chatter, their innocent faces filled with longing for their mother.Sinabi n'ya rin kung ga'no s'ya nagsisisi ds mga maling nagawa n'ya at sa lahat ng sakit naiparanas n'ya sa akin. He apologized for everything, his voice thick with remorse."I know I messed up, Janiya," he said, his eyes pleading. "I know I hurt you. But I never
Under His Possession KABANATA 88
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe sterile white ceiling seemed to mock me, a stark reminder of my predicament. My body felt like a leaden weight, each breath a struggle. I was trapped, a prisoner in my own mind, watching the world go by from a distance. The weeks blurred into one another, a hazy tapestry of whispered conversations, hushed footsteps, and the constant hum of machines. I knew they were there, hovering over me, their faces etched with worry, their voices filled with hope. Strike, Ryuu, Mamay, my father, his new family, even my best friend, they all came to visit, to tell me stories.But I couldn’t respond. I couldn’t even open my eyes. I was a ghost, a silent observer in a world that seemed to be moving on without me.One day, a familiar voice, gentle and laced with concern, broke through the fog. Ryuu. He was sitting beside me, his hand resting on mine.“Janiya,” he said, his voice soft. “I know you can hear me. I know you’re in there.”He spoke of the triplets, their laughter echoi
Under His Possession KABANATA 87
The hospital room was a sanctuary, a haven of quiet calm amidst the storm that had ravaged their lives. Janiya sat by the window, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sterile white walls. She watched the city unfold below, a bustling tapestry of life that seemed to mock the stillness of her own world. Two weeks had passed since the accident, two weeks since the world had almost ended for her. She had been given a second chance, a miracle that had left her reeling, her heart a fragile vessel, her mind a swirling vortex of emotions. She had woken up to a world of love and support, a tapestry of faces that had become her lifeline, her anchor in the storm. Her mother, Mamay, her unwavering rock, her source of strength and unconditional love. Her triplets, her reason for being, her tiny miracles, their innocent eyes reflecting a love that transcended words. And then there was Ryuu, his presence a constant in the chaos, his love a quiet, unwavering force that had held her
Under His Possession KABANATA 86
Parang nag-aapoy ang hangin, puno ng tensyon, isang nakakakuryenteng pakiramdam na mabigat sa paligid. Ang ambulance bay, na karaniwang magulo pero kontrolado, ay naging parang digmaan, isang kumukulong kaldero ng galit at lungkot. Si Ryuu, galit na galit, ay nakatayo lang ilang dangkal ang layo kay SV, nakakuyom ang mga kamao, at nag-aapoy ang mga mata. “Tanga ka!” sigaw niya, parang ungol ang boses niya. “Ikaw dapat ang nagbabantay sa kanya! Ikaw dapat ang nagpoprotekta sa kanya!”Si SV, maputla at payat, puno ng guilt at takot ang mga mata, ay hindi umatras. “Hindi ko alam,” nauutal niyang sabi, halos pabulong lang. “Hindi ko nakita ang trak. Napakabilis ng pangyayari.”“Hindi 'yan dahilan!” Singhal ni Ryuu, lumapit pa siya, amoy na amoy ang dugo at pawis sa hangin. “Ikaw dapat ang nasa tabi niya! Ikaw dapat ang nag-iingat sa kanya!”“Alam ko, alam ko,” pagmamakaawa ni SV, nakataas ang mga kamay na parang sumusuko. “Pasensya na. Pasensya na talaga.”Pero parang bato ang tainga ni
Under His Possession KABANATA 85
Ang hangin parang nag-aapoy, puno ng hilaw na emosyon—kalungkutan, galit, at desperasyon. Ang ambulance bay, na karaniwang magulo pero kontrolado, ay naging parang digmaan, isang kumukulong kaldero ng galit at lungkot. Si Ryuu, galit na galit, ay nakatayo lang ilang dangkal ang layo kay SV, nakakuyom ang mga kamao, at nag-aapoy ang mga mata. “Tanga ka!” sigaw niya, parang ungol ang boses niya. “Ikaw dapat ang nagbabantay sa kanya! Ikaw dapat ang nagpoprotekta sa kanya!”Si SV, maputla at payat, puno ng guilt at takot ang mga mata, ay hindi umatras. “Hindi ko alam,” sabi niya, halos pabulong lang. “Hindi ko nakita ang trak. Napakabilis ng pangyayari.”“Hindi 'yan dahilan!” Singhal ni Ryuu, lumapit pa siya, amoy na amoy ang dugo at pawis sa hangin. “Ikaw dapat ang nasa tabi niya! Ikaw dapat ang nag-iingat sa kanya!”“Alam ko, alam ko,” pagmamakaawa ni SV, nakataas ang mga kamay na parang sumusuko. “Pasensya na. Pasensya na talaga.”Pero parang bato ang tainga ni Ryuu. Dahil sa galit,
