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AngelMy heart felt like it dropped when I heard the loud bang. Instinctively, I closed my eyes and clung to Salvatore. I was about to scream when suddenly, the lights flicked on, and a song filled the air.“Happy birthday to you!”“Happy birthday to you!”“Happy birthday, happy birthday, Happy birthday to you!”I opened my eyes wide, staring at the crowd in front of me. I had come here thinking I’d just see my brother, but to my surprise, Nadia was also here, beaming at me.“Happy birthday!!!” they all shouted in unison, jolting me back to reality. My gaze quickly darted to Salvatore beside me, who was smiling at first but then shifted to a confused frown.“You really didn’t know what day it was today?” he asked, puzzled. That’s when it hit me—it was my birthday.I slapped my forehead, glancing over at my brother and friend.“Happy birthday, big sis Angel,” Angelo greeted as he came closer, holding a cake with a lit can
SalvatoreAngel is truly unique. Out of everything she could have forgotten, it had to be her birthday. That only meant one thing: she was truly selfless. She never thought of herself, only of the people who mattered most to her.I breathed a sigh of relief when Mauro convinced Nadia to come. Fortunately, he thought to video call Angelo, and she willingly joined him.I knew Nadia was shocked by what Angelo told her about Angel and me. I couldn’t help but think about it now. “That damn Mauro!” I cursed right as my friend walked in. I was in my office, waiting for Angel’s online class to finish.“What? What did I do?” he asked, looking at me with confusion.“You’re asking? What am I supposed to do now? Why did you tell Angel she was filling out a marriage application?”“I couldn’t think of anything else, and didn’t I already tell Angelo that you were her husband?” he replied, scratching his head. “Why? Don’t you want her to be your wife?” he a
MauroShit. I didn’t expect Salvatore to be this sharp now. Angel really has that effect on him. I quickly left his office because I didn’t want to answer any of his questions—especially if they were about Nadia.I still can’t figure out what came over me at that moment when I suddenly kissed that girl. Damn! She’s young. Like really young. She’s the same age as Angel, and I feel embarrassed that I’m having these strange feelings for her.I don’t want to end up like Salvatore, who I know is struggling. I understand what he’s scared of, and I know it’s valid. He badly wanted to shout what they had to the world—just like the time when he thought Arturo approved of his relationship with Victoria.He was so happy back then. He pushed himself to finish school just to make Victoria proud. Her high social status motivated him, especially since her father was highly respected in our town.What neither of us expected was that it was all a lie. From the start, I didn’t approve of Victoria for h
MauroWhen I got to the living room, I saw Nadia sitting there with her eyes closed. I scratched my head, wondering whether I should wake her. I stared at her for a bit, unable to swallow hard because she looked so beautiful. Damn, maybe that "bucket line of suitors" thing is real after all.I let my eyes linger on her beauty, but I instantly regretted it when she opened her eyes and caught me."What are you staring at?" she asked, fixing herself."What else? Your drool!" Knowing she would respond to my teasing, I quickly turned my back to hide the grin spreading across my face. I couldn't help it—she was just so gorgeous."What drool? You're making that up!" she yelled, following behind me as we headed through the back since it was a quicker route to Angelo."Your place is huge," she said once we stepped outside. I glanced back at her and saw her head turning all around, taking it in."Careful, you might twist your neck," I warned. "And by the way, this isn't even mine. I'm just borr
Mature ContentAngel I couldn't stop smiling after my birthday celebration. It was the first time I celebrated since my parents passed away. I had practically forgotten the day because it always felt like any other day for me. Only Nadia and Angelo would remember and greet me back then, but I just treated it like a normal day.But this time, it felt different. It was a simple gathering with just us, but it was so special to me because of the effort they put in—especially Salvatore. It made me fall for him even more. Whenever we're together, I always want us to sit close, especially when he's at home.It's been a few months since Salvatore and I started living together, and I can say I'm really comfortable with him now. At first, I was scared because he seemed intimidating, especially during our first meeting. But now, I'm used to his moods and feel at ease around him.I learned he's possessive and jealous and told me that himself. I don't mind avoiding other guys because I feel the sa
AngelHeaven, I'm in heaven! Geez... I never thought I'd feel this kind of happiness. Everything is clear now, and I'm so happy. Salvatore loves me, and I love him too. I also know that he and Victoria were done for a long time, so whatever that spoiled woman does won't affect me anymore. I'll fight for our relationship no matter what. Can you believe it? It's been seventeen days already!I'll count every day we're together because I'm excited. Of course, he's my first boyfriend, and I'm his second girlfriend. It's fine that Victoria was first because I'll ensure I would be his last and the only woman he desires.It's Saturday, and since I don't have online classes, I'm hanging out with Nadia. Like before, one of Salvatore's men dropped me off."You're really happy, girl!" Nadia teased, grinning at me."Is that bad?" I shot back, knowing my smile was practically splitting my face in half."Why? Is your marriage confirmed already?" she joked. I froze, realizing I wasn't sure what happen
AngelWe were still eating when I got a message from Salvatore.Salvatore: Where are you?Angel: At a fast-food place in the mall, eating.Salvatore: Who are you with?I looked around and wondered if someone was following us. He knew I was with Nadia, but he seemed sure there was someone else with us and had a hunch he already knew it was David."Is something wrong, Angel?" David asked, also looking around."Nothing, I just realized how crowded it is today.""Yeah, it really is," he agreed before I went back to looking at my phone.Salvatore: Why are you not answering?Angel: I'm sorry. I was talking to someone. David's here, too, eating. But it was just by accident that we ran into each other.I had to explain quickly, just in case he thought of something else. He could get so jealous.Salvatore: What is he doing there? What time are you going home?Angel: Nadia still wants to hang out. Do you want me to go home now?He took a while to reply as if he was thinking hard about what to sa
Mature ContentNadia“David’s going to give us a ride,” I whined as Mauro and I walked to the car.“David, David,” he mocked, clearly annoyed. “Are you two close now? It’s Sir David to you, and you better show respect. He’s older than you.”“Please, I just called you Mauro, and you look much older than David anyway,” I shot back. He suddenly stopped walking, which made me stop and look at him.“Don’t tell me you don’t have the keys?”“Go home on your own,” he said, storming off toward the car, leaving me stunned. What just happened?“Go home alone? Fine, I’ll go home alone!” I muttered to myself as I turned away. Did he think I couldn’t take care of myself?The problem with older guys is they’re so moody. They’re hard to read and never just say what’s bothering them. I rubbed my temple as a wave of dizziness hit me.I wasn’t drunk, but I could handle myself. My friends and I used to drink like champs after doing our group projects. I made it to the street corner and stood there waiting
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