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AngelDays passed, and I finally started my online classes. It was fine because Salvatore made sure I had everything I needed. He bought me a laptop and a new cellphone, and I learned from Mauro that Angelo was also fully equipped. In a conversation with my brother, I discovered he was now attending a private school.I was so happy because, at last, my brother and I could study. It felt like a dream, which seemed impossible to achieve when living with Aunt Anacleta. I never imagined that things would improve after she used Angelo and me to pay off their debt.Meanwhile, the last time something happened between Salvatore and me was the morning after my first time. I don't know if he lost interest or what, but he still kisses me often, and at night, we still sleep next to each other, with him holding me tightly as if I would disappear from his side. I don't know what changed or why he hasn't tried anything again.I enjoyed what we did, but that's not why I'm wondering. Of course, with ho
AngelI didn't expect my relationship with Salvatore to go smoothly initially. But somehow, I started to trust him. He still frequently went out, and whenever he did, I couldn't help but feel anxious, fearing that something might happen to him.It was noon, and my class had just ended when Salvatore suddenly entered our room. I smiled at him before standing up from my seat and kissing him. "You're early," I said as our lips parted."I didn't leave. I was just downstairs." I frowned, thinking he had left earlier and gone somewhere."Okay, do you have something to do?" I asked."Yes, I'm leaving. I'm going to buy some clothes," he replied as he walked to the walk-in closet, presumably to change, so I just waited for him to finish.When he came out, I asked, "Are you going to a party later?"He's wearing a simple, long-sleeved polo shirt rolled up to his elbows and denim jeans, making him look even more handsome. I swallowed hard because his chest was clearly defined."Yes.""Are you goin
AngelI don’t know exactly what I should feel. It’s like a painful weight on my chest. He said he would only be around men, but why is a woman beside him? Is this why he seems different? Who is that woman, and why do I always see her with Salvatore? They aren’t just together—they’re always kissing. Am I not enough? Is she the reason nothing’s been happening between us again? Or maybe they’re having an affair, and that time he was with me, she just wasn’t available?I lay in bed, feeling empty, and decided to just sleep. I had planned to wait for Salvatore, but there was no point. I’d just look like a fool waiting for him when he already has someone beside him, and he’ll probably be home by morning anyway.The next day, I woke up with a heavy feeling. When I looked beside me, Salvatore wasn’t there, and there was no sign he had slept there either. My suspicions were probably right—they were together.Even though I didn’t feel like it, I forced myself to get up for class. I can’t let my
Angel He didn’t say anything after I said that and just stare at me. “What did you say again?” he asked, furrowing his brow. “I want to work,” I repeated, keeping my gaze on him. He clenched his jaw before running his hands over his face. I felt a bit of fear, worried that I might have angered him too much and he might do something to me. But then I realized that something like that might happen if he got tired of me and kicked us out—me and my brother. “Has there ever been a time when you or Angelo didn’t have food?” he asked, holding back his anger. “No.” “Is there something you need that I haven’t provided for you or your brother?” In terms of material things, no, there wasn’t. Everything was available in his house. But security—security for a lifetime—was something I wanted him to provide for me. But I couldn’t tell him that. I took a deep breath before answering, “None.” “Give me a good reason why you’ve told me you want to work.” He was still trying to control his anger,
AngelEven though I was annoyed and had to serve them, I couldn’t do anything about it. After getting their order, I brought it to the kitchen before getting back at them with glasses and a pitcher of water.“Water, Ma’am?” I asked the woman with a smile. She seemed too focused on Salvatore to even look at me, so I poured her some water.When I turned to Salvatore, I didn’t even get a chance to speak because the woman interrupted me. “No need to ask him; I don’t like any woman talking to him,” she said with a hint of threat. I decided to follow her.“As you wish, Ma’am,” I said with a smile, then left to wait for their order at the counter. I would if I could avoid serving them, but that wasn’t possible.I tried not to look at them but couldn’t help myself. Pretending to glance around, I saw Salvatore all eyes and ears on the woman, listening attentively to whatever she was saying.I looked down in embarrassment, thinking he might look at me, too. Maybe he’d sneak a glance. But I was w
AngelI approached them to stop the old spoiled woman from causing a scene.“And you’re back,” she said with a grin. “Do you need anything else, Ma’am?” I asked after deep breaths, trying not to show my frustration. “I need water and do it fast.” “Okay, Ma’am.” I glanced at Benedict and pulled him away toward the water dispenser. I grabbed the pitcher nearby, filled it with water, and returned to table number 9. “Here’s your water, Ma’am,” I said while carefully pouring it into the glass before her. I felt she was about to do something bad, so I prepared myself. I wasn’t wrong. As soon as I saw her grin and stand up, I knew what was coming. I watched as she threw the water in my face. “That’s for calling me old, you good-for-nothing!” She was about to slap me, but I stopped her hand. What she had done was already too much for her unreasonable anger. “Ma’am, you’re a customer, but I’d like to remind you that our establishment has CCTV cameras that can be used to file a case again
AngelMy manager sent me home early, saying he'd clock me out since the workday was almost over. I thanked her and started getting ready to leave.As I walked toward the ride stop, I glanced at a convenience store. Without thinking twice, I went in, even though I had no idea what I would buy. I headed straight to the back, where the drinks were, and grabbed a beer without much thought.I don't drink because I don't like the taste, but I couldn't help it this time. I was upset with Salvatore. Honestly, I'm way better looking than that old spoiled woman! So why was he looking at her and not me?After paying for the beer and some snacks I picked up at the counter, I sat on one of the chairs inside the store. There were seats outside, but I didn't want to risk it—who knows if some crazy person would pass by and mess with me.I started drinking the beer with my snack, which I was glad I bought because the drink was really bitter. How do people even like this stuff? And they drink it like wa
Mature ConntentAngelAs I opened my eyes, my head hurt like it was being pounded. I looked around and noticed I was alone in the room. I glanced at the bedside table and saw from the alarm clock that it was almost ten a.m., widening my eyes."Shit! I'm late for class!" I jumped out of bed, which made me feel even more dizzy, as if everything was spinning. I sat on the bed to steady myself before standing up again. What came into my head last night that I decided to drink? Annoying Salvatore, why did he have to show up in my workplace with that old spoiled woman? But it's just beer. Is this really its effect on everyone?I went straight to the bathroom and quickly took a shower. While doing that, I couldn't help but wonder what happened last night. I shook my head when I couldn't remember anything. I don't think I did something that is out of the ordinary. I mean, even if I didn't have my parents growing up and my aunt and uncle were both evil and didn't care about me, I still know wha
Angelo“You’re turning nineteen soon, man. What do you want for your birthday?” Sid asked. We were here at his private resort in Laguna after I left my brother Mau’s condo to give him and Nadia some time alone.“Wait, don’t tell me you want your sister’s friend? I can’t give her to you, man!” he blurted out, laughing. He knew how head over heels I was for that girl, who, unfortunately, preferred older guys over someone as young as me. Then again, I couldn’t blame her. If I were in her shoes, I’d also choose someone eight years older than me and that's her.“Idiot! I know she’s way out of my league.”“So, what is it then?” he pressed.“Nothing in particular. I’m happy that my sister and I are together again, and she’s happy with her husband, Salvatore. I guess my only wish is to finally graduate so I won’t have to rely on them anymore.”“As if that’s true! Look, I know how hard you work at your part-time job. I admire you for that. Even though people are willing to support you all the
Salvatore“Papa, will Grandpa like us?”“Of course, Savinna,” I replied. Our family was in the car on our way to the prison to visit Dad. Even though I didn’t want the twins to be exposed to violence, I still owed my father, he was the reason I was with my wife and kids.I didn’t want to deprive the old man of the chance to love his grandchildren, especially if this was the only thing I could do to make him happy while he was inside.I looked at Angel, who was smiling at me. I had asked her if it was okay to introduce the twins to my father, and she immediately agreed.I had already told her what had happened, except for the part where Dad took the blame for my mistakes. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell her, but I had promised my father that only the two of us would know. He told me to wait for the right time before telling my wife. For now, he wanted me to just let things be.“What are you doing here, you idiot?” Dad asked, eyes wide in surprise when he saw us. I glanced at the t
SalvatoreAngel and I finally got married, and I became the happiest man in the world.I could see the joy on the face of the woman I love the most and on the faces of the twins.David arrived with his brother Dom, his sister-in-law Erika, and the other people who had helped Angel when we were apart.My heart was overflowing with happiness. But right now, I was nervous because Sandicho, Angel, and Angelo were about to have a conversation."You can do this," I told my brother.I had advised him to talk to the siblings before the wedding if he wanted to, but he refused. He was afraid he might get too emotional or that Angel would get mad, which could ruin the occasion.Of course, I wouldn't let that happen. But since he seemed really anxious, I didn't force him."Go inside," I said.We were standing in front of my small office at home, where the siblings were already waiting. I was sure Angel would forgive him. After all, she still loved me even when she thought I was the one responsibl
Angel"Mommy! Mommy!" the twins shouted as I stepped out to the pool area. We had finally moved in, and just as I expected, they were the happiest about our new home."We really love our new home!!" they said in unison, making me smile. Since Salvatore had gone out, it was just the three of us at home. Some of his trusted men from his mansion in Pampanga were with us, and most importantly, Naty, who was overjoyed to see me.I felt at ease knowing that Salvatore trusted the people around us. Besides, I had been with them before and knew they were reliable. They had their own quarters located at the back of the house."Don’t stay in the water too long, okay?" I reminded them. But I knew that they would still do as they pleased no matter what I said.I placed Naty's prepared snacks on the table and sat down, facing them. It was better to keep an eye on them in case something happened."If you get hungry, get out of the pool and eat, okay? Don't just keep swimming!" I called out."Yes, Mom
AngelSalvatore assured me that everything was fine now, so I believed him. The most important thing for me was my children’s safety. I didn’t want to live in fear, worrying that someone might suddenly take the twins away from me."Baby..." Salvatore called out. It was our second day staying at his condo, but we hadn’t talked since arriving. I was afraid that if I asked again, he wouldn’t tell me what really happened and get mad at me."Are you still mad at me?" he asked. I took a deep breath, smiled, and answered."I'm not mad at you," I said. He sat beside me and asked again."Then why aren’t you talking to me?""Because you might find me annoying and get upset," I admitted, making him lower his head."Just like you, I could never be mad at you. I'm sorry if I made you feel that way by refusing to answer your questions. I just feel guilty—""You don’t have to feel guilty. What happened wasn’t your fault.""But I know it happened because of me—""It happened because of his anger. Wha
SalvatoreI brought Angel to my condo. She looked okay now, though there were still traces of bruises from the slaps and punches she got from that demon, Narciso.She had so many questions about him, but I chose not to answer them yet. I felt like everything that happened to her was my fault.When she woke up in the hospital, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I really thought I was going to lose her forever. I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle that.“Can I stay in the bedroom?” Angel asked as I was about to let her sit on the sofa.“Okay,” I replied and led her to my room. “If you need anything, just tell me.”She just nodded and lay down. I noticed she was avoiding me. Was it because I wasn’t answering her questions?I stepped out of the room but left the door slightly open so I could hear if she had nightmares again.Yes. She had nightmares. Like she was reliving what happened to her over and over. But every time I woke her up, she wouldn’t say anything. She claimed she wasn’t
AngelMy eyes felt heavy, but I forced them open. Slowly, because I could feel the pain, it was as if they would tear apart if I pushed too hard.What happened? I thought that was the end for me. But the pain all over my face and body, as well as in my stomach, told me I was very much alive.The bright light stung my eyes when I finally managed to open them fully.“Baby…”“Sal—” I stopped immediately because even my lips hurt when I tried to say his name.“I’m here, baby. Don’t try to speak if it hurts.”I slowly turned my head toward him and saw his tearful eyes watching over me. They were red as if he had been crying.I noticed his hand lifting as if he wanted to touch my face, but he hesitated. Why? Did he know how much pain I was in?“T- Tw- ins…” I winced and shut my eyes because of the pain.“Shh… Please don’t talk yet, okay? The twins are fine,” he said, but then I remembered what that devil of a man said, and fear gripped me instantly.I shook my head as tears streamed down my
Angel“Who are you? Why are you doing this to me? What did Salvatore ever do to you to deserve this?” I asked. He still wouldn’t introduce himself or tell me his reasons so I could understand him.He stood up from the other side of the bed and walked toward me. He grabbed my chin and tilted my face up to him. Even though I was nervous and scared, I didn’t let it show. I also didn’t struggle. I wanted to appear strong so he wouldn’t get angrier.“What do you think Salvatore will feel when he finds out I’ve already claimed you?” he asked, his sinister laughter making my eyes widen.“I want him to feel what I felt when he fucked Victoria, even though he knew she was already my wife! I want him to know how it feels to watch the woman he loves give herself to another man while he’s left seething in anger, taking it out on someone who only ever loved him!”He’s… Victoria’s husband? Since I left the Philippines, I have never bothered to know what has happened to them. I didn’t even ask about
Salvatore“Someone told me that someone was investigating Angel and that her uncle and aunt were found dead,” Sandicho said.“Are you sure about this?” I asked. Mauro just stayed quiet, listening to us.“I’m the one in Pampanga, so I know what I’m talking about.” I looked closely at my brother, whose face was also full of worry. “That’s why you have to make sure your wife is safe.”When Angel arrived at my office earlier, we were already discussing the news my brother brought. That’s why we’re here at my condo now to talk about it. I didn’t want Angel to see Sandicho just yet; she might wonder why he suddenly showed up. More importantly, I didn’t want to scare her.Sandicho is currently staying at my mansion in Angeles. Ever since we fixed our family’s issues, I let him come and go freely.We’ve always been close because we both thought our dad only cared about his organization. But we were both wrong.When Angel left, I focused on handling her parents’ case. I let everyone believe I w