"Why, Ma?" Jewel swallowed hard, not believing what her mother had said. "We can take the land title back from them. And we have been planting and reaping harvests on Aisle for ten years so it's possible to take it back when they let us use the Aisle for ten years!""That's because your father asked the Mayor. The Hernandez already has a lot of land so they let us plant and harvest in Aisle. But that doesn't mean they will allow us forever. So your father and I had planned to marry you off to the Mayor's son to make sure that our clan will not lose ownership..." Her mother smiled softly. "For the sake of the next generation of our clan, Jewel.""Maybe we can buy the Aisle again!"Donya Belinda shook her head. "You can only buy a title if the current owner sells it, Jewel. We can't take it back until the Hernandez decides to sell, but how long should we wait for it? We don't want to pass on to you and your children the weight of the Aisle's responsibility.""But you married me off to G
She gave a last look for the mansion she grew up to before entering the pick-up. All her belongings were in the back of the car and the car stereo was ringing loudly. In fact, her ears were almost shattered by the noise but she remained silent and stared out the window.The driver glanced at her in the rearview but did not waste his saliva to ask if she was okay. That's better. Jewel was not in the mood to speak. A part of her wanted to go back to the mansion but there was also part of her who wanted to go back to Gideon's house. She was confused.The part that wanted to go back to Gideon's house was partly afraid of what she found out earlier. And the part that wanted to go back to the mansion's the part that's ashamed of what she found out -- the truth of those strange red marks on her skin.She was confused, didn't know if she regret that she put on the camera or be relieved because she knew no one's raping her every night?The volume of the music lowered. "Maam, same house in Cans
It was way too early in the morning. The sun had not yet risen but Gideon's spirit was wide awake. He was sitting in a hotel lobby while leaning on his back and facing his cellphone, typing a text message for Jewel.'Good morning, Jewel. Do you want to taste dried mangoes? I'll buy you some.'That's what he wanted to send to the woman but he couldn't press the send button. He just stared at the letters like an idiot.He is currently in a private hotel somewhere in Bogo City, just kilometers away from Medellin, at the hotel he spent the night. This is where he and Angela's older brother Arnel met, and this is where he plans to leave the car.Arnel insisted that they should take a bus. And he agreed. After all, they were going to a getaway conference. It would be better if he will took off some of his comforts for better experience.When he heard Arnel's voice, he put the cellphone in his pocket, stood up, and slung his backpack into his back. He no longer sent Jewel the text message.A
He slung the backpack on his back and followed Arnel down the bus. The sunlight kissed his cheek."Analisa's house is near Poblacion Market. She offered to take us to the camp," Arnel said."I see."Arnel turned to him for a moment. "Angela told me you've already talked to Analisa.""Yes." He clutched the backpack in the back and looked around. "We've settled. There's no fight between Analisa and I.""No fight?" Arnel laughed. "You just told me you got along. And the woman was hurt. You gave her false hope."Gideon nodded. sighing. "My fault.""Well you know, Gid." He gestured for him to follow. Gideon walked after him. "She was your girlfriend but you got married without letting her know. Pitiful lady. She did hope you'll return to Mantalongon after few months.""I've already apologized to Analisa." He sighed. "Let's not talk about that."Arnel just shrugged his shoulders and fell silent. Gideon suddenly felt sad for Analisa and Jewel.He didn’t let Analisa know he was getting marrie
Note: Chapter 45 contains preaching about sins (Biblical representation).~The night was cold and the moon was round in the sky. They are currently sitting around a bonfire just on the edge of the sea shore. There were almost ten of them sitting around the big bonfire, smiling and laughing. Someone even sang a song that was familiar to Gideon.A smile tugged the corner of his lips. How many years did he last attended such occasion? The peace, the genuine smile and happiness, the honesty, the warm embrace... these were one of the things that he missed.His head snapped on Analisa's direction, and saw the woman smiled and laughed as she stared at the bonfire. Arnel was next to her telling a story. Gideon's lips curved into a smile. He's happy that Analisa can smile despite their conversation earlier this morning."Do you think Analisa's pretty?" the man seating beside him asked.Gideon looked sideways. "You like her?" "She's not bad."He looked at Analisa who was happily chatting with
Gideon felt cold sweat trickled down his back as he continued listening to Zion. He felt stuffed, guilty, and ashamed. All of his words sounded exactly for him who was hiding his vices from the public. "Gid," Arnel called in a whisper but because he had good hearing due to military training, he still heard him. He looked sideways and their gazes met. Arnel gestured to Analisa and it took him a few moments before he understood what the man was saying. They both secretly looked at Analisa and Gideon immediately averted his gaze.He remembered that Analisa was a sex slave of some rich business tycoon in Cebu. But after he saved her from an operation in Talisay and met Christ, she changed her life.But Analisa confessed that she felt shame and guilt that's why she can not fully approach the throne of grace with confidence. He had prayed for her, and he hope now that Analisa do not have the same mindset she had years ago.The irony of it all, it was he who needs prayers to overcome his
Warning: Language might be disturbing to some readers. Please beware.~The house was silent as his footsteps echoed in the living room. After the gathering, Gideon drove back to Mantalongon with a light heart. He had completely let go of his vices and while thinking of what he did to his wife and all of those quarrels, he felt guilty. The truth? He had no right to condemn Jewel when he himself was also addicted to x-rated materials."I don't know what happened, Sir. But Senyorita locked herself inside the room."Gideon turned his gaze to Dalya who was walking beside him. The maid was in tears and could not look directly at his eyes. He cleared his throat. "In my room?"The woman nodded. Gideon put the backpack on the sofa and he looked up at the top of stairs. "Get our lunch ready. I'm going to see her," he said."Ah, Sir..." Dalya bit her bottom lip. "She was in your room since last night. She didn't eat dinner and I don't know why Senyorita is m-moaning.""Moaning?" His two eyebrow
"We're still not on good terms so don't start a fight," she hissed at him.Gideon sighed. "That's too much, I know. But Jewel, you did that to yourself.""I just want to sleep with you yet you accused me of being a whore? How dare you!""I didn't. You misunderstand my words."Jewel's face crumpled at him but before she could refute him, a woman came out of the house. It was inappropriate to argue with her husband in front of other people so she shut her mouth up. The woman has a reddish brown hair and hazelnut colored eyes. She waved at them and took a big step towards the small gate of the house, separating them from the house. "Gideon, I'm glad to see you!" the woman grinned happily when she came out of the gate and hugged her husband.Jewel's heart skipped a beat. Who is this woman hanging around Gideon? First, Elise. Second, Julie. And who is this third one?"Angela," Gideon greeted with a smile. Jewel blinked as she watched the two of them hugging each other in front of her. S