Chapter: Chapter 84“We are so proud of you, Elora. You know if I was in your place and I experienced all of that, I wouldn’t survive. It’s just… it’s too much. But you, you are so strong that you got through it all.” Jane smiled at me sweetly, the sadness in her eyes showing. There was a softness in her voice, the kind that wrapped around your heart like a warm blanket, comforting and reassuring. “Auntie would be so proud of you. She’s not with you, but I know she’s always looking out and taking care of you. You grew up independently and yet you’re so successful in life now.” Kate said, her words gentle but firm, full of admiration. Ang mga salita nila na humaplos sa aking puso, parang isang malambot na kamay na unti-unting nagbubura sa lahat ng lamig at lungkot na matagal kong nadama. Hindi ko maiwasan na maging emosyonal sa kanilang mga salita. Kahit na marami akong pinagdaanan, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako na may mga tao na nagmamahal sa akin at laging nariyan para sa akin. They comforted me, they hea
Last Updated: 2025-11-14
Chapter: Chapter 83The first light of dawn crept softly across the sky, painting the horizon in pale golds and soft pinks. The world was still half-asleep, wrapped in that fragile silence that exists only before morning truly begins. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking against the dim glow filtering through the window.Aaron’s arm was still draped over me — heavy, warm, comforting. Azi was between us, curled up like a little kitten, his soft breathing calm and steady. For a moment, I just lay there, listening. The quiet hum of the ceiling fan, the faint rustle of the curtains, the distant sound of waves brushing against the shore.It was that kind of silence na hindi nakakailang. It didn’t demand anything. It just existed — gentle, patient, full of peace.I turned slightly and looked at Aaron’s face. His lashes rested softly against his skin, his lips parted a little as he slept. There was something so human about seeing him like that — unguarded, calm, vulnerable. Years had added faint lines near his eye
Last Updated: 2025-11-10
Chapter: Chapter 82The drive from the cemetery was quiet. Walang nagsasalita sa amin, pero ramdam ko ang init ng kamay ni Aaron sa kamay ko habang nakahawak siya sa manibela. His thumb brushed against my skin once in a while, a small gesture that said more than any word could. The silence wasn’t heavy this time—it was comforting. It was the kind of silence that made you breathe slower, that made the world feel gentle for once.Azi was sitting in the backseat, humming softly as he looked out the window. Minsan napapangiti ako habang pinagmamasdan siya sa rearview mirror. His little fingers traced shapes on the glass while his eyes followed the trees passing by. His innocence, his laughter—it was the kind of light that made everything feel okay again, even after a day that felt so emotionally draining.After a while, Aaron glanced at me. “Do you want to stop somewhere before heading home?”I blinked, still lost in thought. “Where do you have in mind?”He smiled faintly, that familiar softness in his eyes
Last Updated: 2025-11-05
Chapter: Chapter 81The morning sun was soft and gentle as it filtered through our curtains, touching the walls with a faint golden glow. The air felt calm, yet my chest felt heavy. It was the day I decided to finally face the past—to visit my parents’ resting place again.“Where are we going, Mom?” Azi asked, his small voice breaking through my thoughts as I zipped his little jacket. His wide, innocent eyes looked up at me, full of curiosity.“We’re going to visit your grandmother,” I replied softly, smiling at him even though a small ache throbbed in my chest. “Remember what I told you yesterday? We’ll bring her flowers.”He nodded eagerly and wrapped his tiny arms around my waist. I chuckled softly, hugging him back. That warmth… It always reminded me why I had to keep moving forward.I’m trying. Every single day, I’m trying.Kahit na masakit pa rin, kahit na minsan pakiramdam ko ay bumabalik ang lahat ng sakit, I’m learning to accept it little by little.Because I have to.I have to accept the pain i
Last Updated: 2025-11-03
Chapter: Chapter 80The sound of birds outside the window woke me up. Morning light filtered through the thin white curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Azi was still asleep beside me, his tiny hand resting on mine. I watched his peaceful face for a moment — his lashes fluttering slightly, his lips curved into a faint smile.It’s strange how something so small, so ordinary, can bring so much peace. For the first time in a while, I didn’t wake up crying. The ache was still there, yes — but it wasn’t as sharp anymore. Parang unti-unti na lang siyang nagiging kirot na kaya ko nang tiisin.I carefully got up, making sure not to wake Azi. As I stepped out of the room, I found Aaron in the kitchen, still in his loose gray shirt and pajama pants, busy frying eggs while humming softly to himself. The smell of coffee and toasted bread filled the air.He turned when he heard me. “Good morning, baby,” he greeted, smiling warmly. “Did you sleep well?”I nodded, rubbing my arms lightly. “Yeah… a little bett
Last Updated: 2025-10-30
Chapter: Chapter 79“How are you feeling, my love?” Aaron’s voice was soft, almost a whisper, as he sat beside me on the bed. His hand reached for mine, warm and gentle, and he pressed a kiss on the back of my palm. His eyes met mine, full of concern and quiet sadness. I forced a small smile and nodded slowly. “Yes, I’m feeling a little better now,” I murmured, though even I could hear the uncertainty in my voice. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi pa talaga. Apektado pa rin ako—sa isip, sa puso, sa buong pagkatao ko. Hindi ko alam kung alin ang mas nangingibabaw sa akin ngayon: ang lungkot, ang sakit, o ang daan-daang tanong na wala namang kasagutan. Kahit na wala akong malinaw na alaala tungkol sa magulang ko, alam kong mahal ko sila. Somewhere deep inside, I feel that connection—yung hindi mo kailangang alalahanin para maramdaman. I know they cared for me, that they loved and protected me when I was still just a baby, fragile and innocent. Alam kong ginawa nila ang lahat para sa akin. Pero kahit gano’n, hin
Last Updated: 2025-10-25
Chapter: Epilogue"Doll? What's the matter?" I stopped when I heard Accius' voice. Napalingon ako at nakita si Accius na pumasok sa aking kwarto. I smiled and sat on the couch in my room. He sat beside me and kissed my forehead. I suddenly realized how exhausted I was. I let my body rest on him. Sumandal siya sa backrest habang ako ay nakasandal sa kaniyang katawan. I buried my face on his neck. The warmth in his body was relaxing. His arms were wrapped around my waist. I felt his other hand enter under my shirt. Mas naramdaman ko ang init ng kaniyang palad sa balat ko habang humahaplos ang kaniyang kamay sa aking likod. "How's the twins? Tulog na ba?" I asked while relaxing in his body. He hummed and kissed the top of my head. "They're already sleeping. They wanted us to have a time together," he said. I chuckled. Nagtagal kami na ganoon hanggang sa hindi ko namalayan na nakatulog ako. Nagising na lamang ako nang mag umaga na. Bumaba ako at nakita si Accius na naghahanda ng pagkain sa lamesa. “G
Last Updated: 2023-08-04
Chapter: Chapter 45Galing ako sa kusina patungo sa living room ng bahay nang madatnan ko ang tatlong mag-aama na magkakasama roon habang masayang nag-uusap. The twins look so hapy with their big smile while talking with their father. Tutok naman si Accius sa kanilang mga sinasabi habang may mga ngiti sa kaniyang mga labi. Maya-maya pa ay nakaramdam na nang antok si Archer kaya nagtungo na ito sa kaniyang kuwarto. Sirena was in her Dad’s arms. Nakatulog na ito sa mga bisig niya habang kandong ito. Nag-angat ng tingin sa akin si Accius at tumayo habang maingat na buhat sa si Sirena.“Where’s her room?” Dinala ko siya patungo sa room ni Sirena. He gently put Sirena on her bed. Inayos ko na lang ang pagkakahiga niya at hinalikan siya sa noo. I turned at Accius who were staring at us. Papalabas na kami sa room ni Sirena nang bigla siyang magsalita. “Let’s talk, Doll.”I nodded and we headed to the veranda of my house. Pinagdiklop ko ang aking mga kamay at pasimpleng sumulyap sa kaniya na nasa malayo ang t
Last Updated: 2023-07-26
Chapter: Chapter 44“What do you mean, Mommy?” I got their full attention now. “Do you want to meet your father?” maingat kong tanong. “We can meet our Dad, Ma?” Archer’s confused little voice. I nodded. “Yes. baby. If you two want that, then, we will.” “Of course, Mommy! That’s my dream.” I can see how excited she is. Ganoon din si Archer na may ngiti sa mga labi. “Can we finally meet our Dad? Is that okay?” I nodded at Archer to assure him. It’s Sirena’s dream, and Archer’s wanted it for a long time. Hindi ko alam na ganoon nila kagusto na makilala si Accius. I don’t know what his opinion would be if he found out that we have twins. Back then he wanted to have kids with me. Nagbago kaya ‘yon? But after all. I’ll respect his decision. I’ll accept his words and decision. I hide them from him. Days passed. Hindi ko pa rin nakakausap si Vienna. I'm not visiting her in the mansion and I'm too busy at my office to see her. Nasabi rin ni Mommy na busy siya sa kumpanya. "Mr. Vasquez visited earlier, Ms
Last Updated: 2023-07-01
Chapter: Chapter 43"Mommy. Abuela and Abuelo are here na? We will go to their mansion to visit?" Sirena asked while fixing her ribbon clip in her hair. "Yes, Sirena. And remember what I've told you? You'll meet your Tita Vienna. My sister," I smiled. "Will she like us?" Sirena tilted her head and looked at me with her innocent look. "Of course, baby." When we arrived at the mansion, Mom was already there, waiting for us with the foods she cooked. Tumakbo ang dalawa patungo sa kaniya. Mom hugged both of them. Tuwang-tuwa na makita ang kambal. Mabilis niyang ma-miss ang dalawa kaya paniguradong miss na miss niya na ang dalawa. She adores the two more than me. But that's fine with me, they can love my kids more than me. Ang gusto ko lang ay ang mahalin nila at iparamdam iyon sa dalawa. I don't care about myself anymore. All I care about is my kids. "Hi, Mom. Where's Dad and Vienna?" I asked when U noticed that she's the only one here. She sighed. "Papunta na ang Dad mo. I told him that he should free
Last Updated: 2023-07-01
Chapter: Chapter 42“Niccolo. It’s been a long time. I’m happy to see you again.” Napaiwas ako ng tingin nang ilahad ni Dad ang kaniyang kamay upang makipag kamayan ngunit tinignan lamang iyon ni Accius. “I need to go with Dollina now. It’s nice meeting you again.” He said in a formal way. “Ah, already? Dad?” Vienna interrupted. “Oh, right. Niccolo. You already know her, right? She’s Vienna, my daughter. Sadie’s older sister. I hope you two will get along since we’re together here in our company."“Ah, hi. It’s nice meeting you, Niccolo. I’m Vienna,” Vienna smiled shyly. I can’t tell if she’s intimidated by his presence. Accius just nodded at her and turned at me. I knew he wanted to leave together with me but I should come with my father and sister. They came here unexpectedly. Nagtungo na kami sa opisina ni Dad. I told Accius that I’ll just massage him. I should be with my sister first. “Anyway. I wanna see your office, Sadie. Should we go there?” Vienna said. “Sure. Dad will come with us?” She s
Last Updated: 2023-06-29
Chapter: Chapter 41“Ma.” Archer smiled at me and gave me a hug. “Nasa room pa rin ang kapatid mo?” tanong ko. Tumango siya. “I think she’s doing her homework, Ma. I’m done with mine and I’m just reading my book now.”“That’s good. Tell me if you need something.” He nodded. Tumayo na ako at akmang aalis nang magsalita siya. “You said you’ll explain, Ma.” Natigilan ako. I gulped and tried to calm myself. “He’s one of our business partners, Archer.” I caressed his head. He slowly nodded. “Business partner,” ulit niya sa sinabi ko. “He looks like… someone I know though.” He tilted his head. “Really? Did you see his face clearly?”He shook his head. “No. I did not since you’re far from here.”I nodded and sigh in relief. “Alright. Continue reading your book.”“But… I saw him kiss your forehead, Ma. Does a business partner do that?” He asked casually. Muntik na akong masamid sa sarili kong laway. D*mn, how could I explain that? “No, anak. I–” He smiled. “It’s okay, Ma. I shouldn't have ask
Last Updated: 2023-06-29