Nestor's POV .It's crazy how much one person can affect you. It's enough to stop your world from revolving. "Ba't nga ba kayo nandito?" I sat down and drank my beer. They all look at me like I'm a criminal in hiding. "Oo nga ba? Ba't ba tayo nandito?" si Nathaniel. Umupo na siya sa tabi ko sabay inom sa beer. I chuckled and laughed a little bit. As expected, I can't trust Nathaniel. He's the only person here because of his little business. But I expected the rest of them to be elsewhere in the city. "Why the hell are we even here?" Elizalde snorted and laughed. I did the same and shake my head. I never expect them to be here, to travel this far for me. Malayo ako sa Pilipinas at hindi ako maniniwala na ako lang din ang sadya nila rito sa Texas. Yes, I was probably right about what I thought before that I was in hiding like a criminal. I'm hiding from Papa, and Mama knows that. The Dela Merced seems okay with what's happening, but the deal was still going. Hindi ko lang alam k
Rizalyn's POV."H-Hi, Miss? May I help you?"Tumaas ang isang kilay ko at napangiwi ako sa sarili nang matitigan ko ang mukha ni Raquel.Heck, hindi niya ako kilala? Isip ko.She looked at me suspiciously and then cleared her throat. The smile on her face indicates that she doesn't know me."What can I do for you, Miss? Is there anything you would like to eat?" Ngiti niya na parang sira.Napaawang na ang labi ko.Tsk, wala na talagang pag-asa ito."Ate Raquel. . ." mahinang saad ko at napakurap ako sa sarili. Tinangal ko na ang suot na sunshades at ginulo ko lang din ang blonde na buhok ko. Ngumiti ako. At least man lang makilala niya ang ngipin ko."Rizalyn!?" Namilog ang mga mata niya at napatakip-bibig ito.See? That works, baby! My mind speaks. Kilala niya ang ngipin ko!"Oh my goodness me! Ano ba'ng ginawa mo sa sarili mo bata ka!?" Pamaywang niya.Akala ko pa naman ay super hug ang ibibigay niya dahil tatlong taon kaming hindi nagkita. Pero ang talak niya agad ang welcome greet
Rizalyn's POV.The beauty of nature reminds me of how wonderful my life is here in Panglao. I looked at the mini resort that Papa bought me two years ago. I couldn't be more thankful I've made this choice as I happily live here with all the nicest people. Pasimpli ang ginawa kong pagbanlaw sa damit na nilabhan ko. Puro panty ko ito, dahil wala akong tiwala sa washing machine. I hummed to the loud music from the wireless, and Madonna's song played as the material girl. My lips twisted when I remembered what I had to do today. Ang dami ko pang gagawin at nag day off sina Santa at Esteban, nag-date siguro ang dalawa. Nang matapos ay mabilis akong naligo at nag-ayos sa sarili. Kailangan ko pang pumunta at tumawid sa islang ito para makarating sa sentro ng syudad. Kung bakit naman kasi ito ang pinili ko? Ay hindi ko alam, pero hindi ko naman pinagsisihan ito. Papa offered me a few Islands where I could start my own business. There were a few excellent resorts in Palawan, but I chose
Nestor's POV. The hardest thing about knowing you don't love me is that you spent so much time pretending you did. "Which Island?" My brow lifted while looking at the catalogue that I was holding. If it weren't for Papa, I would never consider this. But this is my way of starting a new chapter in the business. I'm glad my parents finally cut off the deal about my marriage to the Dela-Merced. Glorisha was still in contact and so clingy. It's not like I don't like her, but that wedding was cancelled two years ago, and here she goes again, trying to win my heart. It wasn't just my fault. I discovered she was having an affair with Romeo, the son of a politician in Mexico. "The island beside Carmella's island, this one." Turo ni Martina. My brow crossed again while looking at the sketch map plan I held. My eyes were riveted to the other g****e earth map on the laptop. I compared the two, and I am more attracted to Carmella Island. "Hindi ba ito kasali?" Turo ko sa isla. "Ay, hindi.
Rizalyn's POV . "What? Anong kalokohan iyan, Mandy?" Tumaas ang kilay ko nang marinig ang nakakawindang na offer niya. "My Island is not for sale, Mandy. Kakabili ko lang sa isla at hindi pa ito bukas sa publiko. Magbubukas pa ako!" pagtatama ko. Kalokohan naman kasi. Sino ba ang may sabi na ibebenta ko ang Carmella Island? E, binili ko nga ito dahil nagustuhan ko ang isla sa kabila ng kakaibang kwento nito. "Ayaw ko, kahit na triple pa ang presyo!" Inis na tugon ko sa sarili. Sino ba kasia ng baliw na handang mag-aksaya ng pera? E, sa ayaw kong ibenta. "And I'm not selling my mini-resort too. Kahit papaano ay kumikita naman iyon. Kaya okay lang. Salamat sa offer pero ayaw ko." Pinatay ko na ang tawag at ngusong napabuntonghininga sa sarili. Talagang sinusubukan ako ng tadhana ngayon dahil kulang ako sa pinansyal na bagay. I don't want to ask for more money from Papa. I have used the funds he gave me and bought Carmella Island. The construction hasn't started but I'm getting
Nestor's POV. "Settle yourself here and manage the business. Do that at least," si Mama sa akin. "Ma, I have other plans in mind, and. . ." "So, gusto mo pa rin ba'ng matali sa mga Dela Merced? Glorisha is making her move again and wants you back. She's making her way back into the records, Nestor. And sooner or later, your father will agree to this again. Okay lang ba sa 'yo ito?" I paused a step forward after hearing it. I came here to give Mama my respect because it's her birthday. Ang tagal na din na hindi ako bumisita sa mansyon dahil marami akong ginagawa. I should have flown to Cagayan de Oro immediately, but I changed my mind because of her. "Ma, it's my life. My heart. My choice. Papa has given me three years, and I still have a year for that." "And after that? Kung hindi mo pa rin makita ang babaeng hinahanap mo? Paano na? Magpapakasal ka na ulit kay Glorisha?" Pilyang ngiti niya at hinaplos lang din ang likod ko. "Anak, kilala kita. I know that it was you doing who t
Rizza's POV . I am disappointed because Papa has discovered that I am here in Manila. It was Mr Raven's face I saw at the arrival area. I was about to contest, but the look on his face was like my father would kill him if I did not go with him. Kaya imbes na maghintay ako kay Vanny ay wala na akong nagawa kung 'di sumunod na lang sa kagustuhan ng ama ko. "Ipapabalik ko si Mr Ravens sa terminal. Hintayin mo na lang, okay? Sa boarding house mo ako titira at hindi sa palasyo ng ama ko. Kakausapin ko lang si Papa," tugon ko kay Vanny sa kabilang linya. "Okay. Sige maghihintay ako. Byee!" Patay niya sa tawag. Nganga ang ginawa kong pagtitig kay Mr Ravens ngayon. Hindi siya sa akin makatingin at panay ang lunok ng laway niya sa sarili. Alam niyang hindi ako masaya sa set-up na ito. Nang makarating sa magarbong bahay ni Papa, ay pinabalik ko lang din si Mr Ravens sa terminal ng airport para kay Vanny. Kawawa naman si Vanny. Naghintay sa akin ang bruha. Iyon nga lang huli siya sa pagsu
Rizalyn's POV. "Hawak na!" Sigaw nila. I was blindfolded, but both of my hands were free. Someone guided my hand and rested them on his shoulder. He smells great, fresh manly woody scent. My hands rested on his chest. It was lovely, a perfect broad chest by the look of it. I pressed my lips together as I didn't want to smile too much. Kanina pa kasi hindi mapawi ang ngiti sa labi ko dahil maiingay ang mga kasama ko sa likod. Nang sandaling magdikit ang katawan namin, dahil bahagyang may tumulak sa katawan ko sa kanya, ay naramdaman ko agad ang kakaibang pakiramdam sa loob ng puso ko. This is exciting! I had never been so excited at this game for so long. Stupida na kung stupida. Wala na akong pakialam. Lalagpas na sa kalendaryo ang edad ko kung magiging Maria Clara pa ako. And besides, I am no longer a virgin. I have no regrets when I gave myself to Nestor. Siya naman ang gusto ko at hindi ko pinagsisihan iyon. Pero sana, sa lalaking gusto akong mahalin, ay gusto kong malaman
Rizalyn's POV . "And I can't believe you did that. Tsk, iba talaga ang nag-iisang Rizalyn Joy Borres Dela Merced - Ferrante ano?" Belinda looked at me with amusement, and I shook my head. "Oh well, nagmana lang naman ng ugaling baliw sa ama natin," lihim na sagot ni Glorisha sa gilid. Ininom niya agad ang wine niya. "Ang sabihin mo nagmana sa kabaliwan mo," si Belinda kay Glorisha. "Para kang si maleficent," dugtong niya. "Excuse me? Are you talking to me?" Taas ng kilay ni Glorisha kay Belinda. Pinaikot ko na ang mga mata ko at napabuntonghininga na ako sa sarili. "Excuse me girls. Pupuntahan ko muna ang mga anak ko." "Sama ako! May anak din kasi ako!" Tingin ni Belinda kay Glorisha. Sabay kaming napatingin ni Belinda sa tiyan ni Glorisha at napakurap ako sa sarili. Umiwas agad si Belinda ng titig sa amin dalawa at saka nagkukunwaring walang nangyayari. "Give me that! You supposed not to drink wine!" Awat ni Belinda. Kinuha niya ang baso sa kamay ni Glorisha. "Non alcoholi
Rizalyn's POV.Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala sa lahat. Nestor was born here in France, down the countryside where his mother business started. I know that Nestor mother is businesswoman and she worked hard in everything.Bata palang daw si Nestor ay tanging sina Nanay Neneta at Tatay Prestino took care of him. Hindi sinunod ng ina ni Nestor ang apelyedo niya sa ama dahil simula't sapul palang noon ay iba na ang relasyon ng mga magulang niya.He already accepted fate as early as when he was born. Kaya pala pagdating sa dalawang anak namin, ay iba siya. Nakikita ko ito, at alam ko na sa kabila ng abala niyang mundo sa negosyo ay hindi niya nakakalimutan ang dalawang bata.He doesn't mind it if he forgets about me, but not the kids. He can sleep on their room overnight without thinking of me. Mas gusto niyang maka-bonding ang mga bata sa gabi, bago sila matulog at madalas ay natutulog siya sa tabi ng dalawa.Ito lang din ang pamamaraan niya bilang isang ama.He told m
Nestor's POV."Saan pa talaga tayo papunta, Nestor?"Kanina pa siya mapilit at tahimik ako sa sarili. Every now and then I gave her my comfort smile while holding her hand.I know things are rough between us as I got busy because of attending to the business needs. But what's the point of everything if I have an unhappy wife beside me?The things that had happened enlightened me to work hard for my family's happiness, not mine.Napagtanto ko na unti-unti na pala akong lumalayo sa asawa ko, at hindi ko na siya nabibigyan ng panahon sa sarili. Simula kasi nang maisilang si Lovella ay binigay ko na ang espasyo at oras ni Rizalyn sa kanya.I stopped asking her to go out with me for a dinner date because she started to become busy with the kids.I always got home late because of work. And during weekends, I seldom attend our family gatherings. However, I spent a good quality time with the kids. We still ended up sitting in different positions.Wala nga naman talaga kaming quality para sa
Rizalyn's POV . "Come here and do more of these." Pilya ang ngiti ko habang hawak ang bola. Akala niya siguro totoong mangingisda kami. Hindi ano! Maglalaro lang kami sa toy world digital game rito. It has the same as what we had inside the timezone. Iyon nga lang, medyo malaki rito at marami kang pagpipilian. Naalala ko pa noon noong una akong naglaro sa time zone noon dahil bumagsak ako sa Mathematics na subject. Math 101 lang naman iyon at pinakasimpli sa lahat. Hindi kasi ako magaling sa numero, pero kalaunan ay nagustuhan ko na. Lalo na kapag negosyo na nag pinag-uusapan. 'If you can't play with numbers, you should know how to play your enemy's mind.' Ito ang katagang iniwan ni Papa bago silang dalawa bumalik ni Mama sa Pransya. Kalahating taon na yata na wala na akong balita sa kanila. Pinutol kasi nila ang bawat komunikasyon sa aming tatlo, ako, si Belinda at si Glorisha. Napagod si Papa sa buhay at gusto na niyang gawin ang lahat ng gusto niya kasama si Mama Irene. Kaya
Nestor's POV . "I want to clear up everything, Nestor. This is only plain business. You can trust me. I will be good to you." My jaw tightened while reading the last page of the document. I don't have any legal person with me, but Cathy has Atty Jammerson behind her. Kilala ko siya, siya ang isa sa mga personal na Atty ng kompanya ng Papa niya. I used to play golf with Cathy's father long time ago. Sumasama ako noon sa bawat linggo ng pagtitipon ng mga malalaking negosyante sa Pilipinas. My father was member of it, and most of the time, I joined him. And that's how I know most of them in the background. "Once you seal the deal, Nestor, I will seal everything I promise immediately." The excitement on her face was visible. She couldn't wait for me to sign it. I gritted my teeth, feeling uneasy about it. I told Rizalyn about this last night but didn't tell her the exact reason. She knows I will be working with Cathy but does not know the time frame. Gusto ko sanang sabihin lahat sa
Nestor's POV . I wake up with sharp pain in my head. I opened my eyes, and I smelled a wonderful scent all over me. What the. . . Napabagon ako at nilingon ang paligid ko. Malinis na malinis at halatang pati hangin ay nilinis niya. Umandar na naman yata ang pagiging perpeksyonista niya. 'wear me after you shower yourself!' Nagtagpo ang kilay ko nang mabasa ito. But then, after a few seconds, I smiled when I realized my wife was doing everything for me. I am proud of her. She's the best that happened to me. Bumaba ako pagkatapos maligo at magpalit ng damit. I wore the clothes that she prepared and even the slippers. I felt better after the warm shower. It helped me think a lot better now compared to how I was with myself last night. Ang malakas na tawa ni Nathaniel ang narinig mula sa kusina at nagtapo ang kilay ko. I rememered that the lunatic slept here last night. He dropped me off, but then again, he was too drunk to drive back to his residence. Kaya rito na siya pinagtulog n
Nestor's POV."I don't want a secretive type of relationship, Nestor. May as well tell your wife, as I don't want any conflict. My demands are hectic at times, and it requires your full attention. I want you to know that your focus should only be mine if I want you. I want nothing else, and I don't want anything in the background. So, to avoid trouble, please get your wife's approval. Then, straight away, I will settle all your debt at once."My jaw tightened as we stared. Cathy is not an ordinary woman. I know her. She's precise in all her works, as we were acquainted once. Alam ko kung bakit ako ang gusto niya at alam kung interesado siya sa akin noon pa. She can make a rule which will turn everything upside down. I doubt it if I could control her, but then, it will be the other way around. . . She will be my boss."Ayaw kong magkagulo, Nestor. Kilala mo ako. At kapag sinabi ko na dalawang linggo kitang gustong kasama ay wala kang magagawa rito. Of course, you can call your kids an
Rizalyn's POV."Are you both behaving? Don't give your Tita Vanny and your Nanay a headache, okay? Be good kids!""We will, Mommy! I love you!" si Ezequiel sa akin."And I love you too, Daddy!" si Lovella kay Nestor."Daddy buy me a big teddy bear, okay? Iyong life size, please." At talagang humirit pa si Lovella sa ama niya."I will, darling baby. Don't worry," si Nestor kay Lovella."And what about me? I want a toy too. A toy gun to be precise please," si Ezequil sa Ama niya. Ngumiwi ako. Iba talaga ang gusto ng batang ito. Taliwas sa santong pangalan niya."No guns for you.""It's not even real, Mommy. Ang KJ mo naman, Mommy.""Okay, okay. I will buy one for you, Eze, just look after your sister, okay? Promise me," si Nestor sa kanya."I will, Daddy. Ang kulit nga kanina. Gusto pumunta sa bandang ilog.""Lovella!" I cut of my son Ezequiel when I heard it. Tutubuan yata ako ng nerbyos nito dahil sa anak ko."Where's the yaya's? I want to talk to them now!" inis sa boses ko.Natahim
Nestor's POV."I'm sorry, Nestor. This is the only solution I can offer for you. I know it sounds ugly, but you must choose, and it's all up to you, bro."I gritted my teeth and released a slight air out. Talaga bang wala ng ibang paraan?"I will respect your decision, Nestor. I know what it feels like to lose something you built from scratch. But it's all up to you, bro. You know better than me. You have your wife and kids to think about. And if you tell this all to Rizalyn, I'm sure she will understand everything. It's just that you have no option at the moment."I looked at Bryce's eyes, and it damn hurt my pride. I know I will lose the company, and saving it for the last time with someone's offer never came to mind. But. . . Dammit."Cathy wants you for a cover, and I don't know why it has to be you. The contract is solid. Reread it and think about it, Nestor."My eyes were fixated on the document in front of me. Dalawang kompanya na ang nawala sa akin, at ang huling ito ang pina