Chapter Sixty three: A Visit from the Past and a Refusal to ForgiveKinabukasan, Anthony, himself consumed by the preparations for the upcoming golden anniversary of Montenegro Company. He's so busy. Sobrang daming gawain. Abala siya dahil CEO siya ng Kompanya. Ayaw naman niyang biguin ang kanilang mga kamag-anak at pamilya. Though, next next week pa naman ang anniversary. Puspusan lang ang preparations niya. The demands of the event had kept him busy for the past few days, leaving little time for anything else. The weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders as he worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the milestone celebration.Meanwhile, in her office, Marisse focused on her own tasks, determined to make progress despite the distractions that lingered in her mind. Halos lahat ng invited sa upcoming golden anniversary ng Montenegro Company ay sa kaniya nagpapagawa ng gowns. Busy na rin ang kaniyang staffs sa pagsagot ng tawag o appointment ng mga customers, sa panana
As the golden anniversary celebration of Montenegro Company unfolded in all its grandeur, time seemed to slip away in a whirlwind of festivities and joy. Marisse and Anthony, though not together in the midst of the bustling hall, found themselves immersed in the moment, each fulfilling their respective roles.Anthony, the CEO of Montenegro Company, was a beacon of leadership and dedication, ensuring the success of the event with his unwavering commitment. His presence commanded respect and admiration, as he stood at the forefront of the celebration, delivering a heartfelt speech alongside the directors of each office. Maaga pa lamang, halos wala pa yata siyang tulog ay umalis na agad siya sa penthouse, just to make sure that everything will went fine and smooth. Meanwhile, Marisse arrived at the event with Nanay Lydia and Lyka, their trusted maid together with Nanay Lydia's daughter, who had become like family. Hapon na nang makarating sila sa event hall. Imbitado rin kase ang securi
Chapter Sixty Five: A Journey of Reflection and Healing Reminder: Trigger Warning ahead! Kung hindi kayang basahin, skip, hehe. After the heartbreaking announcement from Anthony's mother, Tita Shirley, Marisse's heart felt heavy with a mix of emotions - confusion, sadness, and a profound sense of loss. The unexpected news had shattered her world, leaving her grappling with the reality of the situation. With tears streaming down her face, Marisse made her way out to the hall, seeking solace in the quiet darkness of the night.Mabilis na naglandas ang kaniyang mga luha, mabilis rin niyang hinanap ang kaniyang sasakyan. Good thing at siya ang nag drive ng sasakyan nila nina Nanay Lydia at Lyka. Nasa kabilang sasakyan naman ang mga guards. As she drove aimlessly, the weight of the revelation weighed heavily on her mind. The thought of Sharmaine's pregnancy and Anthony's admission that they didn't have a relationship left Marisse feeling adrift, lost in a sea of unanswered questions and
Still Anthony's POV"Please, tell me, Doc, how is she? I'm her boyfriend po" pakilala ko sa mahinanong tono ng boses. "Sasabihin ko na lang po sa inyo ang buong detalye, once na makarating na po kayo dito. But now, ito lang ang masasabi ko. She's in critical condition" ani ng Doctor. A loud gasps comes from my family. Matalim ko namang tingnan ng masama si Mama. Nang masabi iyon ng Doctor ay wala na akong inaksaya pang sandali. Mabilis na akong naglakad palayo sa kamag-anak ko, palabas ng hall. "Anthony, where are you going? Son, come back here" sigaw ni Mama ngunit hindi ko na s'ya pinakinggan pa. "Darwin, samahan mo si Anthony" sigaw ng kung sino. Probably one of my Tito. Nang mahanap ko ang sasakyan ko ay mabilis na akong pumasok roon. Kapapasok ko pa lamang ng sumulpot si Kuya Darwin roon. "Ako na ang magdadrive" ani ni Kuya sa akin. Pagod na tumango na lamang ako at mabilis na nakipagpalit ng pwesto sa kaniya. Nang makaayos na kaming dalawa ay mabilis na si Kuya'ng nag d
End of flashback..."Anthony, Darwin, what if magpahinga muna kayo? Look boys, I know wala pa kayong maayos na tulog, nandito naman na kami. Kami na muna ang magbabantay kay Marisse. Go, sleep. Mag book na lang kayo diyan sa pinaka malapit na hotel" suggest ni Tita, Nanay ni Patricia sa amin. "And you, Anthony, huwag mong sigawan ang mommy mo. Hindi gagaling at hindi agad magigising si Marisse kung kay ate Shirley mo ibubuhos ang galit mo" pangaral ng Tito ko na galing pa sa Cebu. "I'm so sorry, Son" ani na lang ni Mama. "Anthony, let's go" ani naman ni Kuya Darwin sa akin. Napatingin lamang ako rito. "What? Titingin ka lang d'yan? Hindi ka ba sasama sa akin para kumuha ng hotel rito at magpahinga kahit saglit lang?" Tanong ni Kuya Darwin sa akin ilang sandali. "Yeah, let's go" pagod at tamad akong tumayo para sumunod na sa kaniya sa paglalakad. ..Hapon na ng magising ako. Agad kong sinipat kung anong oras na mula sa wall clock na nakasabit sa room ko. It's already 5:40 in t
"Anthony, don't get me wrong, anak ha, nandito naman kami ng mga Tito and Tita mo, nandito rin si Darwin, siguro, bukas na bukas rin, kailangan mong pumunta muna sa Manila" ani ni Mama sa akin. "What?" Tanong ko kaagad. "Kami na muna ang bahalang magbantay kay Marisse rito, I promise, we'll keep her safe, mas mabuti kung pupuntahan mo muna ang mag-ina mo roon. Trust me, kung kailangan ka ni Marisse rito, mas kailangan--" Hindi na natapos pa ni Mama ang sasabihin n'ya nang mabilis ko na itong sinagot. "Ma, konting respeto naman sa girlfriend kong nasa ICU. Kagabi ka pa, Mama" sigaw ko rito. "I was just suggesting, anak. Si Marisse, pwedeng bisitahin na lang muna natin 'yan, tutal nandiyan naman s'ya sa ICU, pero si Sharmaine at ang magiging baby n'yo, kailangan ka rin nila anak" ani nito. "Well, hindi ko sila kailangan, 'ma. So, please, stop. Respeto naman" ani ko rito. Magsasalita pa sana si Mama ng sawayin na ito ng Nanay ni Patricia. "Okay, whatever. Kung ayaw mong pumunta d
Third Person POV:"Madame, nakita ko po kanina doon sa Hospital kung paano ipagsawalang bahala at kung paano piliin ni Shirley si Sharmaine kaysa sa kasintahan po ni Anthony, si Marisse" ani ng isa kong katulong, or should I say, spy? "Any record? Video or voice record?" Tanong ko, nangungumbinsi. "Here, Ma'am" ani ng katulong ko. "Wait, madame" ani nito saka pinindot ang laptop na nasa mesa. "Here, watch na madame" ani nito ilang saglit pa ang lumipas. Agad na nag play ang video recording na ito. Kitang-kita sa video ang pagiging childish at pagiging unfair ni Shirley. "Halata" ani ko habang nanonood. Nang matapos na ang recordings ay natahimik ako. Nananatili namang tahimik ang mga tauhan ko na nasa loob rin ng silid. "Anong plano, Madame?" Lakas loob na tanong ni Odessa. Ang aking kanang-kamay. "Proceed sa conference room. Please call immediately our team, kailangan na natin magsagawa ng plano, as soon as possible" sagot ko kaagad. "Sige po" sagot nito saka lumabas na sa
Anthony's POV:"Kuya, pupunta lang ako sa comfort room. Saglit lang 'to, iihi lang ako" paalam ko kay Kuya Darwin nang makaramdam ng pagkaihi. Malalim na ang gabi, tahimik na rin ang buong hospital. May mangilan ngilan pa ring dumaraang hospital staffs. Samantala, ako naman at si Kuya Darwin na lang ang naiwan sa tapat ng room ni Marisse. She's still in coma. "Bilisan mo" tanging sagot ni Kuya Darwin sa akin. Tumango naman ako saka nagmamadaling pumunta pa sa pinaka dulong parte ng hospital, ang cr. "Excuse me, Sir, sarado po ang cr na iyan" ani ng isang babae sa akin nang akmang papasok na ako roon sa cr. Nurse siguro ito rito dahil nakasoot siya ng nurse uniform. Naka face mask din siya. Siguro ay bago lang s'ya rito sa Hospital, o kaya naman ay pang gabi ang duty n'ya. "Ah, ganon ba" sagot ko. Tumango naman ang babaeng nurse. "Saan pa ako pwedeng maki-cr, kung ganoon?" Tanong ko. "Sa taas pa" simpleng sagot nito. "Sige, salamat" ani ko sa babae saka nagmamadaling pumunta sa
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