"Ma'am, hindi po talaga puwede" ani ng katulong ng mga Acosta sa akin nang nasa tapat na ako ng gate nila. "Please, Yaya, let me in" mariin na ani ko rito. Psh, takot sa mga Acosta. "Ma'am, hindi po talaga puwede" ulit ng katulong. "Tatabi ka ba o tatabi ka?" Tanong kong muli rito. Nakakayamot na. Nakakaubos ng pasensya. "Ma'am" mahinang anas nito. Wala na akong nagawa pa, mabilis na akong puwersang pumasok sa loob ng bahay nila. Kasama ko rin ang dalawa kong guard. Syempre, hindi naman ako bobita para hindi magsama ng guards. "Ohhh, anong ginagawa ng magandang babae rito sa mansion namin?" Agad na tanong ni Adrian. Prente itong nakaupo sa bench sa harap ng swimming pool nila habang walang soot na damit. "Miss me?" Tanong muli nito. Isang malalim na buntong hininga naman ang ginawa ko. "Hindi ikaw ang ipinunta ko rito, I'm here because of your Dad, so, where is he?" Tanong ko, wala nang paligoy-ligoy pa. "Aray" ani nito habang umaakto na nakahawak sa bandang puso n'ya. "Sa
"Guards, okay na. Kaya ko na mag-isa, dito na lang kayo" ani ko sa dalawa kong kasamang guards nang makarating na kami sa tapat ng pinto ng library ng mga Acosta. Matapos kong masabi sa kanila iyon ay mabilis ko na ring ipinihit ang pinto para pumasok na sa loob. "Have a seat, Miss" ani ni Glenn habang prenteng nakaupo sa kaniyang swivel chair, ang kaniyang paa ay nakataas pa sa mesa. Umupo naman ako sa upuan rito."First of all, nandidito ako para sabihin sa'yo na tigilan mo na ako. Hindi na ako ang dating Marisse na tinatapak-tapakan n'yo lang. Kayang-kaya ko na kayo" ani ko rito nang makaupo na ako. Mabilis namang umayos sa pagkakaupo si Glenn. Napatawa naman ang lalaki sa sinabi ko. "Anong nakakatawa?" Inis na tanong ko rito."Talaga? Kayang-kaya mo na kami? Kayang-kaya mo na ako?" Tanong nito habang natatawa pa. "Yes, hindi ko lang kayo napantayan. Nahigitan ko pa kayo" taas noong sagot ko rito."Because of what? Dahil ng boyfriend mong cheater?" Sunod-sunod na tanong nito
Habang nasa byahe papunta sa aking boutique ay hindi ko maiwasang mapaiyak. Ang sakit. Sobrang sakit. Dalawang lalaki na aking minahal.....Hindi ko akalain na mararanasan ko rin ang sakit at pait na naranasan ko noon sa piling ni Martin. "Ma'am, dito po" ani ni Danica nang makarating na ako sa aking boutique. Agad akong sumunod sa kaniya. Nang makarating kami sa customers waiting area ay doon, nadatnan ko ang fiance ni Martin, si Andrea. "Let's talk sa loob ng office ko" walang buhay na ani ko rito. Hindi ko na siya hinintay pang makapagsalita dahil mabilis na akong naglakad papunta sa loob ng aking office.Nang madaaan ang lugar kung saan nakuhanan ng footage ang dalawa ay hindi ko na muling mapigilan na umiyak. "Is everything okay?" Mahinang tanong ni Andrea sa akin. Nasa loob na kami ng office ko. S'ya ay nakaupo sa tapat ko habang parang pinagmamasdan ang bawat galaw ko. Saglit kong pinawi ang luha na pumatak na naman sa mga mata ko. Nang mapawi ko ito ay ngumiti ako ri
"Thanks, my idol" sagot ni Andrea. And then, a moment of silence happened between us. Nagtagal pa siya ng mahigit kalahating oras bago niya napag-isipan na lumabas na sa office. She shared a lot about her. "I am so sorry talaga, Marisse" ani nito habang naglalakad na kami palabas sa boutique ko. "You don't have to say sorry. Hayaan mo na" ani ko na lamang. Nakakarindi na rin na puro “sorry” na lamang ang naririnig ko. Bago pa man kami makalabas sa boutique ay mabilis na lumapit na sa amin si Danica. Informing us na there's a lot of people outside the boutique. Kabilang na roon ang mga press. "Anong nangyayari?" Naguguluhang tanong ni Andrea sa secretary ko. "E ma'am, nakita ko po sa internet na may isang paparazzi po na nagpost ng picture" panimula ni Danica. "Picture po iyon ni Ms. Andrea na pumasok po sa loob ng boutique natin, tapos, ayan po" dagdag pa nito. Napatingin naman ako kay Andrea, hinihintay ang desisyon ng babae. "I'll go outside" ani ni Andrea maya-maya. "Wha
Ika-10 na ng buwan ngayon, bagaman binabagabag pa rin ng ala-ala ang sinabi ni Glenn kahapon, pinilit ko pa ring bumangon nang magaan ang loob. Ganoon si Anthony e, kahit sobrang gabi na, kahit sobrang busy n'ya, hindi maaring wala siyang surprise para sa aming dalawa. "Good morning, ate" bati ni Lyka nang makita ko ito na naglilinis sa bahay. "Good morning, sipag mo naman" ani ko rito. "Ako lang 'to, ate" ani nito sa akin saka natawa. "Wala ka bang pasok ngayon?" Tanong ko rito saka naupo sa couch na naroon. "Wala, ate. Next week pa ako magkakapasok" sagot nito. "Talaga? Bakit?" Tanong ko. "One week break namin" sagot nito. Tumango na lamang ako at hindi na umimik pa. Nang makatapos sa pagkain ay tumungo na akong muli sa kwarto namin ni Anthony saka naghanap ng masosoot. Nais ko sanang puntahan si Anthony mamayang hapon. Sa ngayon, dito na lang muna ako sa penthouse. Si Danica na muna ang bahala sa boutique. Alam na naman noon ang kaniyang gagawin. It was a day I always l
Kinabukasan, nang magising ako ay ramdam na ramdam ko kaagad ang sakit ng ulo ko. D*amn. Kahit masakit ang ulo ko ay pinilit ko pa rin na makabangon. But, wait. Where am I? As I regained some semblance of consciousness, I found myself in a dimly lit room, her hands bound and her heart filled with fear. "Where am I?" Pasigaw na tanong ko. Baka may nag uwi lang sa akin kagabi. Pilit na inaalala ko ang lahat ng nangyari kahapon. From betrayal by my own boyfriend, bar, kissing other guy, hanggang sa Van.... Tama, white van na basta na lamang ako hinila ng mga taong sakay roon papasok sa sasakyan. "Hello, gising na po ako. Where am I?" Sigaw kong muli. Ilang sandali pa ay bumukas na ang pinto ng kwarto na kinaroroonan ko. Pumasok roon ang isang lalaki. It was Adrian. Adrian, with a sinister smile on his face, approached me, relishing in his victory. I guess this guy had sinister intentions for me, planning to do something terrible to me, of course, ano pa nga ba ang aasahan nati
Marisse slowly regained consciousness, her eyes fluttering open to the sterile white walls of an unfamiliar room. Confusion washed over her as she tried to piece together what had happened. It took a moment for her surroundings to register - she was in a hospital.From what she witnessed sa office ni Anthony, bar, white van, Adrian, pag ligtas sa kaniya ng nakatatandang kapatid niya, at sa taxi....As her gaze shifted, Marisse's heart skipped a beat when she saw Anthony sitting by her bedside. The pain of his betrayal resurfaced, but she couldn't ignore the concern etched on his face. Nanay Lydia, her trusted maid, stood nearby, her eyes filled with worry. Next to her was Lyka, Nanay Lydia's daughter, who had become like a little sister to Marisse over the years. Darwin and Patricia, Anthony's cousin, completed the unexpected gathering."Salamat po at gising ka na, anak" ani ni Nanay sa akin saka mabilis na nalapitan ako. "Kamusta ka, ate?" Tanong ni Lyka. "Omg ka, beshy, kamusta k
As the days passed, Marisse and Anthony began to rebuild their relationship slowly. The air between them started to clear, and their conversations became less strained. Their interactions were cautious at first, filled with unspoken apologies and silent promises. But as time went on, they found themselves sharing smiles, soft conversations, and even the laughter. Marisse noticed the sincere effort Anthony was making to regain her trust, and it gave her hope. They were far from perfect, but they were making progress, and that was a start.One day, Marisse decided to visit her boutique. Anthony offered to drive her, and Marisse agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to spend time together outside the confines of their home. Marisse sat in the passenger seat, as always.Kasama rin nila ang guards ni Marisse. Mahirap na, alam nila na mainit ngayon ang mata ng kalaban sa kanila lalo pa at hanggang ngayon ay nakakulong pa rin si Adrian. As they drove down the road, they enjoyed the comforta
One week later..... As we arrived back in the Philippines, the warm embrace of our homeland welcomed us with open arms. Sinundo pa kami nina Mommy and Daddy, Mama and Papa namin ni Anthony. Present din doon si Patricia at ang kaniyang anak, maging si Angelo. The familiar sights and sounds of our surroundings filled their hearts with a sense of nostalgia and belonging, a reminder of the roots that anchored them to the land they called home. As they settled back into the rhythm of their lives, a sense of peace and contentment settled over their family, a testament to the enduring bonds of love and connection that held them together. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a joyous surprise awaited Marisse and Martin, a gift that would fill their hearts with anticipation and excitement. The news of Marisse's pregnancy for their second child spread like wildfire, a beacon of light and hope in the midst of their everyday routines. The echoes of laughter and celebration filled
In the peaceful embrace of the garden, Marisse, Martin, and their son Matthew found solace and joy in the simple moments of life. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, their bond deepened, their love growing stronger with each passing day."Happy birthday, anak" bati ko sa aking anak na ngayon ay ipinagdiriwang namin ng ika pito niyang kaarawan. Matthew grown into a big and gentle man. One day, nang makauwi na siya sa bahay galing sa school, nagkwento ang anak ko na mayroon daw siyang inaway sa school. At first, napagalitan ko siya, I just don't want my child na lumaking basagulero, pero noong nag explain na siya, namangha ako. Hindi ko lubos akalain na sa murang edad ng aking anak, marunong na siyang mag tanggol sa iba. Ani ni Matthew, inaway n'ya raw ang isang kaklase niyang lalaki dahil inaway raw ang kaklase nilang babae. "Bakit ba inaway yung girl, anak?" Tanong ni Martin sa tabi ko habang nandito kami ngayon sa Salas. "E kasi naman Dad, may ipinapagawa
Two years later.....As I stood in the bustling kitchen of my successful restaurant, the aroma of culinary delights wafting through the air, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Sa wakas, Nanay, Tatay, natupad ko na po ang pangarap ko noong bata pa ako. May sarili na akong restaurant. The echoes of my dark past, now relegated to the shadows of memory, resonated in the background, a reminder of the trials I had overcome and the strength I had found within myself. The news of Glenn Acosta's confinement in a psychiatric ward and Adrian's incarceration brought a sense of closure and relief to me, a chapter of pain and suffering finally coming to an end. Dahil sa kahihiyan ng pamilya, ang ginang ni Glenn Acosta ay nawala na na parang bula at walang tao ang nakaka alam kung nasaaan iyon. The people who had once cast shadows over my life were now held accountable for their actions, their presence fading into the background as I embraced a future filled with hope and redemption.
As I stood at a distance, hidden from view, my heart heavy with the weight of regret and longing, I watched Marisse, the high school crush who had once captured his heart, walk down the aisle towards a future that no longer included mine. The echoes of our shared dreams and successes, now overshadowed by the darkness of our past mistakes, resonated in the space between us, a haunting reminder of what once was and what could have been.I was crying. Imbitado ang buong angkan namin, pero ako lamang itong hindi pumunta. Napatawad na din ni Marisse sina Mama at Papa. Everyone was in peace now.In the quiet of my soul, I grappled with the memories of a love that had bloomed and withered, a bond that had weathered the storms of life only to crumble under the weight of betrayal and loss. The image of Marisse, radiant and resplendent in her joy, stirred a mix of emotions within him, a tumultuous blend of regret, longing, and acceptance.Ang g*g* ko. Nagawa ko pa na saktan siya. Akala ko, hang
Vanessa's POVAs I stood at the threshold of a new chapter in my life, my heart brimming with gratitude and humility, for the past few years, noong mahigit apat na taon na nasa kamay ng mga Acosta si Marisse, doon, I reflected on the journey that had led me to this moment of redemption and reconciliation. The echoes of my past mistakes, the shadows of betrayal and regret that had once clouded my existence, now seemed like distant memories as I embraced the forgiveness and acceptance that Marisse had extended to me. Minsan, pakiramdam ko, sa dami ng pagkukulang at kasalanan ko sa kaniya, hindi ko deserve na mapatawad niya, o mapatawad ng pamilya niya. I still clearly remembered back when we were young, si Marisse palagi ang apple of the eye nina Nanay at Tatay. Inggit na inggit ako sa kaniya dahil pakiramdam ko, hindi pantay ang pagtingin nila sa amin. So, nag rebelde ako. 'yung pang tuition ko, ginagastos ko lamang sa kung ano-anong bagay, 'yung mga kaibigan ko, iniwan ko dahil kun
As I stood inside the hallowed halls of the church, my heart beat with a rhythm that echoed the memories of a love long lost and found once more. The soft strains of music filled the air, a melody that wove a tapestry of emotions and longing around him as I watched Marisse, radiant and resplendent, walking down the aisle towards me. She's so perfect in her fitted wedding gown made out of diamonds. She's so gorgeous, everything about her is so pretty. Idagdag pa ang napaka ganda at perpektong kanta na sumasabay sa lakad niya, sa saliw ng musika at isang violin na tinutugtog ng kaibigan kong seaman. One step closerI have di*d everyday, waiting for you Darling don't be afraid, I have love you for a thousand yearsI'll love for a thousand more~Time stands still Beauty and all she isI will be brave I will not let anything take awayWhat's standing in front of meEvery breath, every hour has come to thisOne step closer~In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, the year
Author's Note: Hello, thank youuuu so much po sa lahat ng nakarating hanggang dulo, sa lahat ng nagbabasa hehe. I love y'all po🥹 nasa dulo na po tayo, oo. Hindi ko pa siya matawag na epilogue kasi mayroon pang POV ang ilang characters. Happy reading po.___________In the aftermath of the tumultuous events at the café, after a month, Marisse and Anthony finally found themselves face to face once more, the wounds of betrayal and heartache still fresh in their minds. The air between them crackled with unspoken words and shattered dreams, the weight of their shared past bearing down on their fragile connection.As they stood in the quiet solitude of the park, their conversation turned bitter and painful, each word a dagger that pierced the fragile bond that once held them together. Marisse's voice trembled with resolve as she declared that she no longer needed Anthony in her life, that she could bear the weight of her child's future alone."Kamusta ka?" Panimula ni Anthony habang pare
"Ano bakit parang nakakita ka ng multo?" Tanong ni ate Vanessa sa tatlong babae na nasa harap namin. "T-this is not true. Hindi i-ikaw si Marisse" nauutal na ani ng babae sa amin habang maluha-luhang nakatingin. "Ano! Ilabas mo ngayon ang tapang n'yo. Mga duwag" sigaw muli ni ate Vanessa sa kanila. "Sharmaine, tara na" bulong ng babaeng naka short hair sa babaeng sinampal ni ate Vanessa kanina. So, her name is Sharmaine..."P-patay ka na" naiiyak na ani nito. "Ano, kaya ka ba nawala dahil pagkaraan ng ilang taon, guguluhin mo ang pamilya namin? Kukuhanin mo sa amin ng anak ko si Anthony? Naghihiganti ka ba sa ginawa ko, sa ginawa namin?" Sunod-sunod na tanong nito habang umiiyak. "Shocks" bulong ng isang babae malapit sa amin. "Ano, takot ka girl? Kasi nagpabuntis ka sa lalaking hindi ka naman mahal, napilitan pang magpakasal sa'yo si Anthony dahil diyan sa k*landi*n mo" ani ni ate Vanessa habang nakataas pa ang kanan na kilay. "Alam mo, bakit ka ba sabat ng sabat. E si Marisse
As I woke up the next day, a wave of dizziness washed over me, sending a rushing to the bathroom in a panic. The sensation of something strange pressing against my stomach made my heart race, and before she knew it, she was doubled over, vomiting in a whirlwind of confusion and fear."What the. Wala naman akong masyadong kinain kagabi" ani ko habang nakaupo na sa loob ng bathroom ko. Amidst the chaos of my bathroom, a soft knock on the door interrupted her turmoil. "Nak, breakfast is ready. Halikana, sabayan mo na ang Mommy at Daddy mo bago sa pagkain bago sila umalis para magtrabaho" Yaya Dulce, the family maid, stood outside, her voice gentle yet concerned as she announced that breakfast was ready. My mind spun with a mix of emotions as I tried to compose herself and face the day ahead."Ayos ka lang ba diyan? Gusto mo ba pumasok ako?" Tanong ni Yaya Dulce nang hindi agad ako nakasagot. "A-ayos lang ako, Yaya. Medyo masakit lang ang tiyan ko kasi hindi ako nakakain ng ayos kagab