See you in the next chapter!
Salvatore"Shouldn't I be going to HR? Why do I have to come here?" Angel asked as soon as she stepped in while I put the folder in my desk drawer."You know your hiring process wasn’t normal." I didn’t bother explaining further and just pointed her to the receiving area in front of my desk. I stood up to follow her because it looked like she had no plans of doing what I wanted.I placed the folder containing her contract on the center table before casually sitting down and waiting for her. I heard her sigh before finally seeing her walk over and sit on my right side. At least she still knew her place when it came to me."Read and then sign."She took the folder and started reading. Everything was fine at first, but soon, her forehead creased."I already said I’d only stay for a year," she said, looking at me with a creased forehead."Are you that confident the project will be successful within a year?" I asked."Yes. And if I can finish it earlier, I will," she replied."Then sign. Wh
Angel"Mommy, how's work?" Savinna asked curiously. We were in the living room, having just finished dinner. I was preparing their laptops for their online classes. I looked at her and then at Savanna, who was also watching me."It's okay, why?" I replied casually. I didn’t want them to notice anything unusual about me. They're really quick to pick up on things, and once they do, they won’t stop asking questions."Nothing. You just feel... different." I looked at Savinna again and frowned at her response."What do you mean, different?""You usually tell us what happens to you when you go out. Even when you just go to the grocery without us, you’d still tell us how the cashier was either beautiful, annoying or too slow.""Oh, that? There’s nothing to tell because Mommy didn’t really do much today except draw," I reasoned. It's getting harder to make excuses with them. They're both smart, and I think they inherited that from their father. I remember Mauro once told me that Salvatore grad
AngelI thought I had finally escaped from Nadia, but as soon as I stepped out of the design department, she awaited me. Turns out, it wasn’t true that I’d be staying in Salvatore’s office permanently. It just so happened that my desk hadn’t been delivered yet, so he let me stay there temporarily.“I really can’t get away from you, huh?” I asked with a smile.“And did you really think you could?” she replied before linking her arm with mine. I kept walking, and of course, she followed.“Are you going to come with me to my home?” I asked.“And what do you think? I already told my mom I’m staying over.” I laughed at her response and had no choice but to book a Grab.“Mommy!!!” Savinna yelled excitedly as soon as Nadia and I entered the condo. Savanna, on the other hand, just quietly followed her sister.“Hello, girls…” I greeted them, kneeling down with my arms open for a hug. “Meet Aunt Nadia.”“She’s Aunt Nadia?” Savanna’s eyes widened. I always told them stories about my best friend a
SalvatoreI threw my phone away the moment Angel ended the call. I was so frustrated because it felt like she really didn’t want to talk to me or discuss the past. I understood her anger, but I wished she would try to understand me and give me a chance, even once.I was excited to come in today, hoping to see her, but I found out she wouldn’t be here. I needed to find a way to talk to her alone, where she couldn’t escape. Even if I had to kidnap her and lock her in my condo.“What’s wrong with you? You look like a restless cow,” Mauro said as he entered my office, watching me pace back and forth. “And why is your phone on the floor?”“Angel’s not coming in.”“That’s it? And you threw your phone because of that?”“You don’t understand. She won’t talk to me.”“Well, that’s normal. Why don’t you just be more patient? You knew this would happen, right?” he replied, and I know that.“But there’s David waiting in the background.” Mauro let out a deep sigh, picked up my phone, walked over to
Angel"Si," Angelo said when he saw me. I had called him earlier and found out he was still in school, so I told him to meet me after class. At first, he couldn’t believe it when I told him who I was. It's a good thing I was using Nadia’s number; otherwise, he probably would’ve just hung up."Angelo," I replied. He had grown so much; he was practically a full-grown man now. Tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged me tightly. I could feel how solid his body was; it was clear he hit the gym regularly. At eighteen, anyone would think he was already in his twenties."Wow, you’re even bigger than me! I thought your class ended later. Why are you here so early?" I asked as we pulled apart. I took a closer look at him, and he did the same, still shocked by my sudden appearance."I couldn’t wait any longer. Why did it take you so long to show up?" His voice carried a mix of sadness and frustration. I couldn’t blame him. I hadn’t contacted him or Nadia at all. I planned to wait until everythin
AngelThe next day, I went to work early, hoping I'd catch a glimpse of Salvatore. But that didn't happen because he wasn't there. I wanted to ask Mauro, but I didn't want him to get any ideas or feel awkward, so I decided to wait for Salvatore to show up on his own.A week passed, and Salvatore still hadn't come in. If Mauro hadn't seemed so cheerful every time I saw him, I would've thought something bad had happened."Mom, I thought you were going to let us meet our daddy?" Savanna asked one Saturday while we were just at home."I haven't talked to him yet. He hasn't shown up at work.""What do you mean he hasn't shown up? Did something bad happen to him? Why don't you ask Aunt Nadia or Uncle Angelo?" my daughter asked, looking worried.That made sense, but I felt too embarrassed to ask. "I'm sure nothing bad happened. His friend at the office seems fine.""Are you sure?" Savanna asked, frowning. I just smiled and nodded."Don't worry, I'll take you to him when the time is right, oka
Angel"If I could turn back time, I’d change how I pushed you away. Believe me, baby, I had my reasons." I stayed silent, just staring at him while remembering what Angelo told me. Salvatore still loved me, and his feelings for me never changed."Yeah, and one of those reasons is that you already like someone else," I replied. I begged him to tell me that he still loved me, not to push me away, and that's what he told me.He quickly shook his head. The tears still filled his eyes and now streamed down his cheeks."It's you," he said in a hoarse voice."Me?""I only like you. Ever since I first saw you, you’ve been the only woman I liked.""Who’s this woman you’re talking about then?""It’s you. I just said those things so you’d leave, so you could get angry at me, hoping you'd not get hurt." I couldn’t help but laugh a little at what he said."So, you thought I wouldn’t get hurt if I was mad at you instead of heartbroken?"He lowered his head after I said that. He didn’t answer, maybe
Angel"Are you done?" I asked, trying to stay strong even though all I wanted was to hug him right then and there. I hated seeing him like this. He looked helpless, so far from the Salvatore I used to know."Baby, please..." he begged."I listened to you," I said. "But if you think I’ll forgive you just because I heard your explanation, you’re wrong. You could’ve talked to me and explained everything before you decided to push me away and break my heart into pieces. You could’ve asked me if I was willing to help with whatever plan you had. But no-""I just didn’t—" He tried to cut me off, but I didn’t let him."If you’re done explaining, you can leave. I have things to do." I put my feet down and stood up, but he suddenly hugged me, making me uncomfortable since he was on his knees, burying his face against my stomach."Baby, please…" he whispered, so I quickly grabbed his hands to free myself. Who knows what might happen next? Oh, Gosh!"Let me go, Salvatore," I said, looking down at
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