روايات بقلم lady.serene

Celeste Years Later If someone told me years ago that my mornings would start with shrieks, small footsteps racing across hardwood floors, and a husband muttering prayers under his breath… I would’ve laughed.But that was before my life became beautifully unrecognizable.Before I became a mother of three.Before I became this version of myself — softer, fuller, steadier, the kind of happy that settles deep in the bones.This morning began the same way every morning began in the Calix household: with chaos.Tiny, adorable, unstoppable chaos.“Daddy! Daddy, he took it again! He did it again!” a voice shrieked from the hallway.I didn’t even need to look to know who it was.Amara, our eldest, barreled into the room, hair halfway undone, wearing her favorite pink pajamas covered in cartoon clouds.“Daddy, tell Seth to stop stealing my things! It’s mine! He didn’t ask permission!”I blinked, still half asleep.Sebastian blinked, fully tortured.“Amara,” he sighed, “sweetheart, it’s seven

CelesteThe lights of the reception dimmed slowly, like the night was finally ready to rest after carrying so much joy.The last notes of the band faded, leaving only the soft, distant hum of the ocean. I stood near the exit of the beachfront hall, still holding my bouquet—even though it had long wilted from hours of dancing and hugging and crying.It was the kind of exhaustion that didn’t weigh me down.The kind that wrapped around me like something warm and full and overwhelmingly real.“Mommy!”I turned just in time for Amara to run into my arms, her tiny floral shoes almost tripping over the sand scattered from the shore. Her hair was loose from all the dancing; her flower crown had slid to one side hours ago and stayed there, stubbornly crooked.I crouched carefully—my gown making tiny rustling sounds—and held her close.“You sleepy, baby?”She nodded against my neck. “I wan’ to stay with you… but my eyes are… heavy.”Sebastian appeared behind her, chuckling low. “Tireless all aft

Sebastian I was not a man who unraveled.I’d built an empire from the ground up, survived markets that swallowed seasoned CEOs whole, and negotiated with men who smiled like allies and struck like serpents. My life had been a never-ending battlefield where weakness was a luxury I could never afford.And yet—Standing here, on this sun-lit beach that had been transformed into a cathedral of glass, flowers, and ocean breeze…Waiting for the love of my life…My entire soul was trembling.The aisle stretched long before me, covered in clear panels filled with frozen white petals. Above it arched a tunnel of roses woven so densely that sunlight filtered down in scattered, celestial beams. Beyond that tunnel was the set of double doors—massive, white, adorned with trailing vines—that hid the most important moment of my life.People whispered around me—old friends, business partners, high-profile guests, the most influential families I grew up with—all perfectly dressed, all acting composed

Celeste Two Months LaterMorning didn’t break softly—it unfurled in a quiet shimmer, like the sun itself understood that today wasn’t ordinary. Today wasn’t just my wedding day… it was also my birthday. And somehow, the universe decided to combine the two biggest moments of my life into one breathtaking, terrifying, overwhelming day.I woke up before my alarm, though I barely slept at all. My heartbeat had been its own kind of restless knocking all night, a mix of nerves and surreal excitement that kept me turning beneath the silk sheets. I stared at the canopy above me for a long moment, letting the stillness settle around me.This villa—the bridal villa—was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Set on the highest cliff of Seb’s private island, it had floor-to-ceiling glass walls that opened directly to the endless blue of the ocean. From where I lay, I could see the water rippling with the first hints of sunrise. Gold, soft pink, and a pale, glowing lavender spread across the horizon like

CelesteAfter days of cold hospital air, machines beeping beside me, and that constant underlying fear that something could go wrong, stepping out of the hospital doors felt like waking up from the longest nightmare. The air was warm, the sky clear, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I could breathe without feeling pain or panic clawing at my chest.Sebastian was gripping my hand tightly, as if afraid I might vanish if he loosened his hold. His other hand carried the small bag containing my discharge papers and the few belongings Alexis had brought. He kept glancing at me—every few seconds—checking if I was okay, if I was walking fine, if I was breathing fine, if the world was treating me fine.“Stop worrying,” I whispered, nudging him with my shoulder.He didn’t even try to deny it. “Not happening.”I smiled softly, the kind of smile that carried gratitude and exhaustion all at once. “I’m really okay, Seb. I’m just… tired.”His brows pinched slightly, but he nodded. “Yo

Celeste Nicholas moved to the other side of the bed, careful not to crowd me. “Don’t ever do that again,” he muttered, though his voice shook. “Passing out, getting kidnapped, almost dying—Celeste, my heart can’t handle that.”I let out a weak laugh, even though my throat tightened. “I didn’t want any of it to happen either…”Alexis sniffed, blinking rapidly before placing the bag of clothes on the couch. “I brought some of your things. And… and snacks. But I don’t know if you’re allowed to eat snacks so—” Her eyes widened as she turned to Sebastian. “Sebastian, is she allowed?”“For now, only what the doctor permits,” Sebastian replied, his tone gentler than usual when speaking to her. “But thank you, Alexis.”She nodded quickly, her relief mixed with guilt as her gaze returned to me.Theodore stepped closer, posture straight but eyes impossibly soft. “You are family,” he said quietly. “Do not forget that. We almost lost you.” His jaw tightened. “I am grateful we did not.”Emotion r

Umupo na kaming lahat at nagsimula na. Doon ko na rin napansin ang napakaeleganteng set up ng lamesa para lamang sa dinner na ito. The table was a masterpiece of elegance. The long dining table was draped in a luxurious white tablecloth that flowed gracefully to the floor. A delicate table runner in a soft, shimmering gold ran down the center, catching the light in the most enchanting way.Ang bawat place setting ay maayos na nakaayos: puting dinner plates sa ibabaw ng elegant na charger plates. Ang cutlery, shiny at polished, ay nakaayos ng maayos—mga fork sa kaliwa, at knives at spoons sa kanan. Ang mga baso, crystal clear at kumikislap, ay nakalagay sa itaas ng mga knives—water glasses at wine glasses, bawat isa ay naka-set na maayos. Ang mga napkin, naka-fold sa magandang hugis at nasa silver napkin rings, ay nagbibigay ng dagdag na sophistication.The ambient lighting was perfect, with dimmed chandeliers and softly glowing candles creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Gentle,

Allison convinced me to join the dinner, and so I did. I already informed Enzo na pupunta ako, as well as Maxine. Napatawag pa nga si Maxine sa sobrang tuwa dahil tinanggap ko ang invitation niya. Si Enzo na rin ang susundo sa akin mamaya at sabay kaming pupunta sa bahay nila Maxine. Alas otso ang dinner kaya nang mag-sais ay naligo na ako. Binilisan ko na ang pagkilos at baka kami ay ma-late sa dinner. Nakakahiya naman kung agaw atensyon ang pagdating namin. Balita ko’y nandoon rin daw ang ibang mga pinsan ni Gael, at kasama rin ang kapatid na babae ni Maxine. Ofcourse, hindi mawawala ang presensya ni Gael sa dinner na iyon kaya kailangan kong paghandaan ang pagpunta ko. Tonight’s dinner is special, and I wanted my outfit to reflect myself. I’m wearing this gorgeous white dress that makes me feel like I’m walking on a cloud. It’s off-shoulder, with a sleek one-line collar that frames my shoulders perfectly. The fabric is soft and stretchy, hugging my curves just right and falling i

I tried. I tried telling him the truth about the past. I was willing to tell him everything already. Tungkol sa naging sakit ko, sa pagbubuntis ko, at sa rason kung bakit tinanggap ko ang perang inalok sa akin ng mama niya. Because after all, I’ve realized that he deserves to know the truth. Gusto kong aminin na lahat sa kanya so we could both live in peace. At para makamit niya na rin yung peace of mind niya. But he didn’t let me explain. At ang mas masakit pa ay inisip niyang nagpabuntis ako sa iba when in fact, siya lang ang lalakeng nakagalaw sa akin. At sa loob ng pitong taon na magkahiwalay kami, wala akong ibang minahal na iba. He was the only person that I loved. Tama nga lang ang desisyon ko na iwan siya noon dahil kung sinabi ko na sa kanya noon ang tungkol sa pagbubuntis ko, baka hindi niya ako paniniwalaan at hindi niya matatanggap ang batang nasa sinapupunan ko. This may be selfish but I’m still thankful na hindi na nabuhay si Nathaniel. I don’t want him to get hurt by

I’m not drunk. Yes, I drank alcohol, but I’m definitely not drunk.I lied when I said I needed rest. The truth is, I want to know more about her past. If she doesn’t want to answer my questions about our past, then I’ll find a way to learn about what happened back then.When I met her again at the engagement party, I didn’t know how to feel. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to show her that I am happy now, that I was able to live happily even though she left me. I wanted to show that I am already more successful than her. But I couldn’t. It felt like the seven years I spent trying to forget her were wasted because the moment I saw her again, what I felt was relief knowing she’s doing so well and that fate allowed our paths to cross again.I couldn't sleep that night because my mind was filled with unanswered questions. I know it’s not right, especially since I’m about to marry Maxine, but I still find myself wanting to understand why Michaela left me.As soon as I entered her room, I was

“Gael, anong ginagawa mo rito?” He looked at me straight to my eyes. “You really don’t care, do you?”“If this is about our past again, please, kalimutan mo na ‘yon. Gael, you’re getting married already! Hindi na mahalaga kung ano ba ang nangyari.”Bigla niya akong nilapitan. “Michaela.” Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang braso ko. “I need to know the truth so I can live in peace.” His expression suddenly changed. It became soft, and calm. Malayong-malayo sa Gael na nakausap ko kanina. Malayong-malayo sa Gael na nakaharap ko kagabi. At this moment, parang kaharap ko ang Gael na nakilala ko seven years ago. The soft, sweet, and gentle Gael na sobrang minahal ko. I was about to answer him nang biglang bumukas ang pinto ng elevator. Mabilis kong inalis ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa mga braso ko saka nagmamadaling lumabas. Hindi ko maintindihan ang sarili ko. Shit. Akala ko tuluyan ko nang naibaon sa limot ang naging nakaraan namin. I didn’t see this coming. I wasn’t prepared. Halos twent

Hindi ko siya iniwan. I was left with no choice. I had to choose myself over him. I had to be selfish at that time. Hindi ko intensyon na iwan siya nang walang paalam. Mahal na mahal ko si Gael at hindi naging madali para sa’kin na gawin iyon pero kailangan. I gulped, my heart was racing so fast. He pinned me on the wall sabay sarado niya ng pinto. Lalong nagwala ang puso ko sa kanyang ginawa. Ramdam ko ang panginginig ng mga binti ko. He’s trying to catch his breath. Alam kong pinipigilan niya lang ang kanyang sarili na saktan ako o sigawan ako. Nakatingin lang ako sa dibdib niya. Wala akong lakas ng loob na mag-angat ng mukha dahil hindi ko yata kakayanin na makipagtitigan sa kanya. I would met by his deadly eyes. “Michaela,” tawag niya sa pangalan ko. “Minahal mo ba talaga ako? Or you were just after my family’s wealth?” Napakunot ako ng noo’t labag man sa kalooban ko’y inangat ko ang mukha ko para makita siya. “What the hell?!” singhal ko. “What made you think na pera niyo ang

Isabella The office hummed quietly, a low, persistent rhythm that matched the city beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Sunlight spilled across the dark wood of my desk, catching the edges of folders stacked with careful precision. Each sheet, each blueprint, each report was a tool—another piece of the infrastructure empire Elias and I had built, another advantage I could wield.Elias had stepped back after the Emily incident, letting me take the lead without comment. He was there, always, but invisible unless needed. I preferred it that way. Focus mattered more than company, more than theatrics.I leaned back slightly in my chair, opening the first folder labeled Thorne Enterprises – Strategic Overview. The smell of fresh ink and polished paper was almost comforting, a quiet reassurance that at least some things in the world could be organized, controlled, and understood.The pages were meticulous: project timelines, regulatory approvals, financial reports, partnership agreements, i

Isabella The headquarters rose from the city like a statement.Steel, glass, and clean lines—no ornamentation, no unnecessary grandeur. Our company had been built on infrastructure, and it showed. Everything here existed for function, for permanence. Roads, bridges, systems meant to outlast the people who commissioned them.I stepped out of the elevator beside Elias, the doors sliding open to the executive floor.“Good morning, Ms. Reyes.”“Welcome back, Ms. Reyes.”The greetings came naturally, confidently. No hesitation. No curiosity thinly disguised as politeness. These people knew who ran this place.I nodded as I walked, acknowledging without slowing. Elias moved half a step behind me—not subordinate, not equal. Strategic.The office buzzed with quiet efficiency. Engineers bent over blueprints displayed on digital tables. Analysts moved between glass-walled rooms, tablets in hand. This wasn’t chaos. This was momentum.“This floor hasn’t changed,” I said.Elias allowed himself a

Isabella The door closed behind me with a muted click.I didn’t rush down the hallway. I didn’t look back. Whatever remained in that room—memories, ghosts, unfinished apologies—belonged to him now. I had already carried them long enough.The late afternoon air outside felt cooler against my skin as I stepped onto the porch. I inhaled once, deeply. Not to steady myself. I already was.The sound of an engine reached me before I reached the gate. Elias had repositioned the car, just as he always did—close enough to be present, far enough not to intrude.He stepped out as soon as he saw me.One look at my face and he didn’t ask the obvious questions.“Are you finished?” he asked instead.“Yes.”No tremor. No hesitation.He opened the door for me. I slid inside, smoothing my coat, crossing my legs with deliberate ease. The interior smelled faintly of leather and something clean—orderly. Grounded.Elias got in and started the engine.We drove for a full minute before he spoke.“He was ther

IsabellaMy name on his lips felt like a violation.I rose slowly from the floor, my hands leaving the crib with deliberate care, as if I were placing something fragile back where it belonged. I wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand, not bothering to hide the tears that had already fallen. He’d seen enough. There was no undoing that.“You shouldn’t be here,” I repeated, more firmly this time.Gabriel stood frozen in the doorway, one hand braced against the frame as if he needed it to stay upright. He looked thinner than I remembered. Sharper. His hair was a little longer, his jaw darkened with stubble. The sight of him sent a reflexive ache through my chest—familiar, unwanted, dangerous.“I didn’t know you were coming,” he said quietly.I let out a breathless laugh, cold and humorless. “Of course you didn’t. You never knew when I was coming. That was always your problem.”His eyes flicked around the room—the crib, the folded blankets, the soft pastel walls. I watched the moment it

Isabella The car moved quietly through the city streets. Elias drove with his usual calm precision, the hum of the engine beneath us almost meditative. I didn’t speak at first, staring out the tinted window at the familiar skyline, the city that had once felt like home—and now only felt like another stage for what I needed to do.“You want me to take you straight home?” Elias asked after a long silence, eyes on the road.I shook my head slightly. “Not home yet. I… I want to see the old place first.”He didn’t comment immediately, just adjusted the rearview mirror and nodded. “Your old house. The one you left when… everything happened.”“Yes,” I said quietly. My fingers tapped lightly against my leg. “I want to see it. I want to know it’s still mine. For me. Even if… even if it’s just for a moment.”Elias glanced at me, and there was that familiar sharpness in his gaze—sharp, protective, assessing. “You sure you’re ready for that?”I let out a short, almost bitter laugh. “Ready? No. B

GabrielI stayed in the lobby longer than I should have. She was gone, walking away with that impervious composure, heels clicking against the marble like a metronome I couldn’t match. Every step she took was a statement I wasn’t sure how to respond to. Calm. Controlled. Untouchable.I wanted to call after her. To tell her to stop walking, to stop leaving me on the edge like this. But I didn’t. I just watched, silent, my hands tightening into fists at my sides.Her last words lingered: “Whatever else you might think, Gabriel, I am in control. Fully.”Control. She had it now. And I couldn’t decide if that made me relieved… or terrified.I exhaled sharply, dragging the tension from my chest, and turned back toward the building. I needed air, space, to think. To figure out how I’d let her slip through my fingers again.Back at the office, Lucas was pacing like a storm contained by walls, his tie loosened, hands running through his hair. Emily was beside him, arms crossed, eyes sharp, fac