Inosente. Birhen. Santo. Ilan lamang iyan sa mga katangiang mayroon si Coreen kaya naman madalas siyang pagkaisahan ng mga tao sa paligid niya. Nang pagbintangang kabit ng kaniyang amo ay walang-awang pinatalsik sa trabaho at laglag ang balikat at nakayukong lulugo-lugong naglakad sa kalsada. Dahil sa tadhana ay natanggap siya sa isang bagong trabahong hindi niya inakalang papasukan; ang maging maid ng isang arogante, barumbado, bastos at masungit na si Royce Sullivan dahil na rin sa pangakong malaking sahod. Isang misteryosong lalaki na ayaw ng human contact at literal na nagtayo ng isang malaking salamin sa pagitan nilang dalawa. Ngunit bakit nga naman hindi lalaki ang sahod kung sa unang araw pa lamang ay halos humiwalay na ang kaluluwa niya sa inis sa binata? Idagdag pa na sinamantala ni Royce ang kaniyang kahinaan at inalok siya ng isang deal para mabayaran ang operasyon ng kaniyang kapatid. Pero paano kung madarang siya? Paano kung magustuhan niya ang ginagawa? Paano kung... maging pangahas siyang hawakan ang binata at tawirin ang espasyo na naghihiwalay sa kanila? Ang kaniyang ka-inosentehan kapalit ng malaking halagang hindi niya matatanggihan. Puri, dangal at yamang itinataglay ay iaalay ba sa lalaking ni hindi siya man lamang magawang hawakan nang hindi nakasuot ng gwantes?
View More"Sorry, Charlotte! This may not be the best timing, but I’ve decided your little sister will replace you as the Mistress of the Hawks family!"
Charlotte's heart sinks as her father's words reverberate through the room. A hollow feeling spreads through her chest. Her biological parents—her own flesh and blood—want to give her half-sister the life she had always been promised. Charlotte Milestone, the eldest daughter of the Milestone family, is seen by everyone as a princess born with a golden spoon. But beneath the façade of luxury and privilege, she feels more like Cinderella. Her younger sister, Rachel, is four years her junior and a constant reminder of their mother’s betrayal. Their mother had cheated on their father, and when Rachel’s father—her mother's lover—died in a tragic accident, Charlotte’s father took their mother back out of misguided love. Rachel’s arrival changes everything. Charlotte gradually becomes an outsider in her own home. Her parents’ neglect grows more apparent as Rachel skillfully uses her charm to win their favor. Despite this, Charlotte always chooses to forgive, believing that family should not hold grudges. Today is supposed to be a joyous occasion. She has been looking forward to wedding shopping with her long-term fiancé, who has just returned from abroad. She has waited patiently for his return so they can finally start their life together. Now, her father’s announcement shatters those plans. Charlotte stares at him in disbelief, watching as he sits comfortably on the couch, a soft smile playing on his lips as he gazes at Rachel, who is now twenty and a freshman in college. Rachel shyly tucks her hair behind her ear, looking every bit innocent, like a white lotus in bloom. “Why, Dad?” Charlotte asks under her breath, ignoring the splitting pain in her heart. She has been looking forward to getting married and starting a family of her own. She has only ever seen her fiancé in a photo and hasn’t even met him yet. And now, her father wants to destroy her dream. “It’s simple! Brian Hawks told his parents that he doesn’t want to marry someone a little too old. He prefers your sister!” Charlotte purses her lips, staring at her father, who is sitting comfortably across from her. The pain in her heart tightens like a vice, but she knows there’s nothing she can do. “Besides, Sister, you aren’t suitable for Brother Brian. He’s smart, handsome, and intelligent. When I met him, he said he didn’t want someone like you!” Rachel says, her tone hostile, a smirk tugging at her lips. Her attention, however, is on her freshly manicured nails. “You met him?” Charlotte asks in disbelief. Today was supposed to be her first time meeting her fiancé. She had planned to go shopping with him. And yet, her sister has already met him. “Well, since Dad has announced everything, there’s nothing left to hide. Brother Brian and I have been dating for three months. I’m already going to be a mother. I’m two and a half months pregnant.” Rachel smirks, patting her stomach. Charlotte’s fingers tremble as she stares at her sister, her gaze filled with a mix of pain and hatred. She has never asked for anything from her parents. She had always been okay with whatever they decided for her. She had even accepted the engagement between the two families, willing to marry a man she didn’t love. Over time, she learned to love him, dreaming of a happy family. “So she seduced him. And you knew about it, Dad?” Charlotte asks in a calm, almost detached voice. She shakes her head and closes her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. “Why are you acting like your sister stole your husband? Whether it’s her or you, what does it matter? She’s pregnant with Brian’s child. She deserves the position! Now listen to my other announcement.” Her father’s voice is filled with indifference. To him, all that matters is profit and making money. He doesn’t care about his daughter’s feelings or the fact that he’s destroying her hope of a wedding. Charlotte keeps her eyes shut, feeling the sharp, twisting pain in her fragile heart. She can’t move past the fact that her family doesn’t care about her feelings at all. They treat her like a toy, and she still doesn’t understand why she always gets this kind of treatment from them. "You all must have heard about the Rodriguez family. Yesterday, I had a meeting with them. They have two sons and want one of my adorable daughters to be their daughter-in-law. This is great news for us, isn’t it?" Her father says, his voice filled with pride, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Charlotte keeps her mouth shut. Right now, she has lost all interest and hope in getting married or building a perfect family. "What? Isn’t that the richest family in our state? Are you serious?" Rachel exclaims. She seems to know about the Rodriguez family. “Why didn’t you tell me before? That family is much better than Brian’s! I always wanted to marry into that family.” Her voice rises with disbelief. “But you’re already pregnant with Brian’s child. You should be grateful you’ll marry him,” her father replies with a smirk. Rachel raises an eyebrow, trying to grasp his meaning, but disappointment flickers across her face. It’s clear she’s unhappy that she won’t get to marry into the Rodriguez family. Meanwhile, Charlotte is lost in thought. She knows a little about the Rodriguez family; she had once dreamed of working in their fashion design department. But she could never join. Now, she’s just an employee at Sunshine Company. “So, is Sister going to marry into that family?” Rachel asks, puffing her cheeks angrily. She’s obviously upset at the idea of Charlotte marrying into a wealthier family than she will. “What do you say, Charlotte? This is a huge opportunity for our company! Being in-laws with them could make our company skyrocket!” Charlotte’s uninterested gaze settles on her father, who is already daydreaming about the financial benefits of an alliance with the Rodriguez family. Her soft hands curl into fists. Her tears hover at the edge, threatening to fall, but her expression remains blank and empty. “Can I refuse your wish, Dad?” Charlotte asks softly. After seeing her family’s behavior for years, she thinks she deserves better than what she’s endured. She has always worked hard to be the perfect daughter, striving to make her parents happy, only to be met with neglect. It’s time for her to follow her own wishes. A deafening silence fills the room. Her father and Rachel look at each other in disbelief. They aren’t used to her defiance. To them, Charlotte has always been a loyal, obedient daughter. This is the first time she’s ever said no to something that matters so much to them. “So, you want to disappoint me? Do you think I’ll be happy seeing you throw away the chance to catch a goose that lays golden eggs?” Mr. Milestone yells, slamming the glass of wine he’s holding onto the table. Charlotte flinches, but inside, her heart laughs with mocking bitterness. Her father only sees her as a trade deal, a means to make money. Her own family, her sister, and even her fiancé have mocked her. They’ve been laughing at her all along, even when she was excited about getting married. Now, once again, they want to marry her off to someone for financial gain. They don’t care if the man she marries is a drug smuggler or a playboy. All her family cares about is money. “You’re getting married today, this afternoon. It was decided by your mother before we announced Rachel’s wedding with Brian. You’re moving in with your new husband today!” he declares. It’s hard for Charlotte to keep going. She wants to end her relationship with her parents and sever the trust and respect she once had for them. She wishes for a little respect, a little consideration for her opinions. She wants them to understand that she’s disappointed in them. But she knows this isn’t a fantasy world where she can stand up to her parents and be a rebellious daughter. She was raised to obey, to say yes to everything her parents decide. She doesn’t want to make them unhappy, but she desperately wants them to see how unhappy she is because of them. Yet, there seems to be no way to make them understand. They are obsessed with money and fame. “I understand, Dad. I’m happy with whatever you want me to do. It’s okay to get married today,” she replies, sounding exhausted. She forces a smile, feeling like a clown mocking herself for how hopeless she has become. She can’t say no, even to the things she hates."Who the f*ck is this?" Galit na tanong ni Royce na akmang hahawakan na naman siya bago siya makalayo sa tabi bito. "Babe, alis na tayo. Don't be like this. Let's talk, okay?" Isang madamot na ngiti ang pinakawalan ni Coreen sa gawi ni Royce. "Ngayon sa wakas ay naalala mo na ako. Ngayong gusto kong lumayo sa tabi mo." Natatawa at naiiling niyang turan bago humakbang palapit sa pinto ng sasakyan ni Kurt na nakabukas na para sa kaniya. "Once you get in his car, I can't promise you what will happen. Let's see what I'll do, woman." May halong pagbabanta sa boses na sabi nito at natigilan siya bago ito muling nilingon. Ipinakita niyang hindi siya nasindak sa banta nito. "Watch me." Sabi niya rito bago pumasok sa kotse ni Kurt. Pagkasara ng pinto ay umikot si Kurt at naupo na sa tabi niya. Napansin ni Coreen na napatingin ito sa mga kamay niyang humigpit ang pagkakahawak sa bag niya. "Where to?" Tanging tanong nito na ipinagpasalamat niya. "Sa bahay, pakiusap." Tipid niyang tugo
Lumipas ang gabi na si Coreen ay naiilang na nakaupo kasama ang pamilya ni Royce dahil wala siyang magawa kundi titigan si Royce, at ang 'Madam' nito nag-uusap ng sobrang lapit na halos magkapalit na ang mga mukha. Ilang oras pa ngang nawala ang dalawa at nagpapasalamat si Coreen na nandiyan si Zyke para i-entertain man lang siya. Pero hindi siya nandito para rito, 'di ba? Nandito siya para sa date niya, ang lalaking nagtangay sa kaniya rito. Pero may kasamang iba ang nasabing birthday boy. Sa kabila ng nararamdamang inis, selos at lungkot, sinubukan pa rin niyang maging makatwiran. Pamilya nito iyon, isang mas matanda na iginagalang nito nang husto. Isang taong mas matagal nang kasama ni Royce at marahil ay kasama nito sa mga pinagdaanan nito noon. Sinubukan niyang intindihin kahit habang kumakain, si Royce ay tumabi kay Madam at hindi sa kaniya. Sinubukan niyang makita ang mga ito na parang tunay na magkapatid na nag-uusap at nagba-bonding. Pero nang ilang oras na ang lumipas mul
Kakaiba man ang naramdaman ni Coreen ay hindi naman niya ito ipinahalata at bagkus ay pilit pa ring ngumiti habang isa-isang tinitignan ang pamilya ni Royce."Baby, meet my family. Mi familia, meet my woman."Nakaramdam ng dismaya si Coreen dahil inakala niyang sa wakas ay maririnig na niya mula sa lalaki ang pangalan niya, ngunit hindi pa rin pala. Umaasa ba talaga siyang tatawagin na siya nito sa pangalan niya? Hindi inalis ni Coreen ang ngiti sa labi at kumaway. "Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat."Hinayaan niyang igiya siya ni Royce palapit sa pamilya nito. "Meet my second brother, Anibal." Pagpapakilala nito na nakaturo sa isang lalaki na nanatiling nakaupo habang ang mga paa ay nasa mesa. Gwapo rin itong lalaki ngunit nakasimangot. Si Anibal ay itim ang buhok na may tattoo sa kaliwang leeg at mga daliri. Nakasuot ito ng puting polo na tatlong butones lang sa ibaba ang nakasara kaya naman kitang-kita ang ang dibdib nito. Hindi ito kasing-bagsik at nakakatakot na gaya ni Uriah per
"After you, my lady," mala-ginoong turan ni Royce matapos siyang pagbuksan ng pinto ay matamis na ngisi sa mukha. Halos hindi pa rin makapaniwala si Coreen at nakatulala at naglalaway lang sa limo. Buong-buhay niya ay hindi pa niya ito nakita ng personal at madalas ay sa mga palabas lamang. Tapos ngayon ay sasakyan siya sa isa! "Kailangan ba talagang ganito ka-bongga?" Nakita niya ang sarili niyang nagtatanong kay Royce. Hindi ba sila masyadong humihingi ng atensyon? Simpleng party lang naman kasama ang pamilya nito at hindi awards night ang pupuntahan nila... hindi ba? Gayunpaman ay natagpuan niya ang sariling pumapasok sa loob at awtomatikong naglibot ang mga mata niya sa loob. Umusog pa siya upang si Royce naman ang makasakay sa tabi niya kahit na malaki naman ang espasyo ng sasakyan. "Trust me, woman. Normal lang ito. Wala pa nga sa iba kung tutuusin. Marami ka pang makikitang ganito mamaya." Kinibot lang ni Coreen ang labi bilang sagot at patuloy na pinag-aralan ang loo
Lumabas si Coreen na nakataas ang ulo at nakapamaywang. Nang iiling na sana si Royce ay itinaas niya ang kanang kamay. "My body. My choice." Mataray niyang sabi sabay taas ng kanang kilay at hinawi ang buhok bago tinignan ang staff na naghihintay. "Ito ang kukunin ko, Miss. Salamat." "Sure, ma'am. Ihahanda ko na po ang resibo." Nakangiting sabi nito bago umalis. Aware naman si Coreen na ang ipinapakita ni Royce ay ang possessive side nito pero hindi papayag doon si Coreen. She let Kurt do that before but she never felt happy about it and this time, isusuot na niya ang gusto niya. Kung naisusuot ng mga lalaki ang kahit na anong gusto nila, dapat ganooj din ang babae. Napapikit siya nang maramdaman niyang hinila siya nito palapit sa katawan nito at pinaraanan ang leeg niya gamit ang ilong nito. "Defiant, but that is exactly what I like about you," sabi nito sa medyo paos na boses bago nagpakawala ng mahinang pag-angil, at napangiti siya sa sinabi nito. Tinunton nito ang kurba ng kat
"Ano?" Tanong niya sa parehong pagkalito at gulat. "Nabibingi ka na ba? Have I been f*cking you too hard?" Nakangisi at sarkastikong tanong nito at kumuha naman ng isang unan at ibinato ito kay Royce. Isang linggo na ang nakalipas mula nang magkasundo silang dalawa na mag-date bago pumasok sa isang mas seryosong relasyon, at isang linggo na rin mula nang mawala ang kanyang virginity. Isang mabilis na linggo na rin ang nakakalipas mula noong hiniling sa kaniya ni Royce na matulog sa kama nito. Oo, hiniling. Gayunpaman ay hindi rin naman talaga nagreklamo si Coreen. Nagustuhan niya ang ideya ng pagtulog sa tabi nito, sa mga bisig nito, sa yakap nito. Dahil alam niyang hindi pa rin talaga stable ang isip niya para matulog mag-isa. Sa kabutihang palad, tumigil ang mga bangungot ngunit may mga pagkakataong makikita niya ang kanyang sarili na malalim ang iniisip o nakatitig sa wala, at huhugutin lang siya ni Royce mula sa kanyang ulirat. Tumawa si Royce bago ibinalik iyon sa kanya kay
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