Carmella.It's confusing and torturing me. Because of this, I didn't have a good night's sleep last night. I was out of sorts, and I couldn't think straight."Paano na ngayon iyan? Alam ba ni Brodie?"Nagtagpo ang kilay ko habang nakatitig kay Butter ngayon. Ininom ko na ang kape at napangiwi ako sa sarili."Ba't ang pait? I didn't order an expresso, Butter. Kainis ka na naman eh!"Natawa agad siya at umikot na sa counter pabalik sa puwesto niya."Cappuccino with four sugars?" She sweetly offered. "Akala ko mapapansin mo agad na expresso ang binigay ko sa 'yo. Hindi! Kasi iba ang tumatakbo sa isip mo. Iniisip mo ang ex ng buhay mo." Hinawi niya agad ang buhay niya at saka napabuntong-hininga na ako. Tinikman ko na ang kape at parang naalimpungatan ako sa sarili."He was abducted? By who? Do you believe it? Huh, sounds suspicious, okay?"Naupo na si Butter at tinitigan lang ako. Napalingon ako sa paligid at wala siyang ibang customer rito maliban sa akin."Is business that bad?" I cha
Carmella.Kung may isang bagay man na gusto kong baguhin sa buhay ko, ay iyon ang burahin ko sa ala-ala ang mukha ng ina ko. Ba't pa siya bumalik? At ano ang plano niya? What the hell she wants from us after all? How dare she!"Carmella, can we talk, mia figlia?"I scoffed in silence without looking at her. I wish I hadn't shown up today, but why is everything twisted this week?"What for?" I whirled around to see her, and the look on her face made me want to vomit somewhere."Mia figlia, I know it's late, but - ""Oh? Late?" I cut her off. I have no heart when it comes to her, and she can't blame me for that."I can't remember that I have a mother. What's with you?" Tumaas ang kilay ko at namuo ang puot at galit sa puso ko. "Naubusan ka na ba ang pera at bumabalik ka na ngayon kay Papa? Huh, ang hanep ah. O baka naman, iniwan ka ng mga lalaki mo, at bumabalik ka sa lalaking pilit na nagmamahal sa 'yo sa kabila ng kapalpakan mo!" Tiim-bagang ko, at nag-aapoy ang titig ko sa kanya. Um
Brodie."Aren't you going to tell me what's bothering you?" I held her hand, and she sighed."I'm alright, Brodie. I'm fine. Good night." She rolled over and kept her distance from me.Ngayon lang yata ito at naninibago ako. Madalas malambing si Carmella at lahat ng gusto at ayaw niya ay agad niyang sinasabi sa akin. Pero hindi ngayon. Masyadong mailap siya na parang may tinatago.Nakatulog na siya at hinayaan ko na. Ako naman ang hindi makatulog ngayon, kaya tinawagan ko pansamantala si Nathaniel sa Australia."Elizalde will help you. Give him a ring, Brod. He is open to your proposal. Have a go. There's nothing wrong with it anyway. It will be your stepping stone in joining the Wranglers."My jaw tightened as I rested my back on the balcony's porch. I might be going to the Philippines if Elizalde will accept the deal."Thank you, Nath. I will call him tomorrow.""That's good, bro. By the way, how's your brother? Is he doing okay there?""Yes, he is. We catch up a few times.""I see
Carmella."Aray. . ." Mahinang napahawak ako sa ulo at napaupo akong bahagya."Are you okay, mahal?" Ang boses ni Brodie ito at wala sa sariling tinitigan ko siya.I was furious today. I woke up not in my best mood, and when I opened the fridge to drink something cold, the food coming from Axton with a note on top of it made my blood rise.Hindi pa ako okay sa Mama ko, at kay Papa, at nakikisali pa talaga si Axton. Huh, kalukuhan talaga!"Where am I? T-Teka lang." Tumayo ako at inalalayan ako ni Brodie. Nahinto akong saglit nang mapagtanto ko na nasa hospital ako ngayon."I'm not sick, Brodie. Let's go home," I said, sliding my feet into my slippers."Carmella, you need a little rest, mahal. You are stress." Hawak ni Brodie sa kamay ko. Nasa harapan ko na siya. Tumingala akong konti para matitigan ang mukha niya at purong pag-aalala ito. Napayuko ako at tinitigan ko na ang sariling paa.I hate it because I discovered something that I shouldn't have known. Axton was kidnapped, and it
Brodie."And where are we going, Carmella?" I asked formally while holding her hand tightly. I don't know what's happening, but it seems like I already had an idea.Napansin agad namin ang iilang tauhan ng ama niya sa paligid at hinahanap kami. Tumakbo kaming mabilis at nangunguna ako na hawak ang kamay niya.While running, there's a lot going on in my mind.Kasalanan ng ama ni Carmella kung bakit hindi natuloy ang kasal nila noon ni Axton.I have nothing against Axton. He met Carmella before I knew her, and I understand that. But he is getting in my way now with my wife, and I will not tolerate it. I will not give him a chance for that.And for Carmella's father, I'm a victim of this. Perhaps Carmella's father already knew that I was connected to Axton.Dammit! It sounded selfish and complicated."Uuwi na tayo. Pero hindi sa bahay mo. Ayaw kong malaman ni Papa kung nasaan tayo. Let's go to Lorenzo first and see if he could help us. Then I will see my father."Mabilis ang lakad namin
Carmella.Ilang beses ba akong tatamarin? Wala akong gana, pero gutom naman."Slow down, Carmella. Walang aagaw ng pagkain mo," si Venette sa harapan ko.Panay ang nguya at subo ko. Marami akong iniisip, pero hindi ko alam kung saan magsisimula. Galit ako, at ang unang taong gusto kong makausap ay si Papa. Pero ayaw kong pumunta sa kanya. Ayaw kong makita si Mama."Thank you." I smiled as I looked at Venette.Inabot niya sa akin ang preskong orange juice at tinikman ko agad ito. Napawi agad ang ugaw ko."Where's Brodie?" I looked around while chewing my food."Pinapunta ko sa Studio na kasama si Baxter.""What? Are you kidding me?" I paused and drank my juice."Carmella, your husband will do everything to keep you no matter what. So, please let him be. And besides, your father can't do anything. He can't harm Brodie, and you know that."Naupo na si Venette at pinaikot ko na ang mga mata. Mukhang sinabi na yata ni Brodie ang lahat kay Venette. Ang mga iilang sekreto na hindi ko sinabi
Brodie . "I love her, and I'm willing to trade what's left in me. I don't want you to tear us apart. I know it was a deal. We made a deal. I didn't see this coming, and I'll take responsibility for everything." My jaw tightened as I looked at Carmella's father. Mapangahas ang pagpunta ko rito, at hindi ito alam ni Carmella. Kailangan kong bumalik agad sa kanya, dahil ayaw kong mag-alala siya. "It's not me to decide for that, Brodie," he sighed. "It's my daughter, and you know that." Napayuko ako at napakuyom kamao. "She's worried, and it stresses me out. I wish I could help." "As I've said, I'm not the right person to decide, Brodie. If my daughter loves you more than you think, then, she will keep you." Sumeryoso ang mga mata niya sa akin at taim-tim niya akong tinitigan. "You don't know her that much. She may look placid, but she's not. She knows how to rule the clan but chooses not to do it. She's a ruler in a woman's body, Brodie. . . If you love her, then, you must love her
Carmella.Mahigpit ang hawak ni Brodie sa kamay ko at natawa ako sa ekspresyon nang mukha niya."I didn't run away. I just visited Papa for a reason. Ano? Tiningnan mo ba ang mga frozen goodies na binigay ni Butter.""Yes, I did. And it's not healthy."Humalik siya sa kamay ko at mahigpit na pinisil ito. Nakatitig siya rito at sadyang natunaw ang puso ko.I love the look he has right now. It seems unreal, but Brodie is probably in love with me. Kahit hindi man niya sinasabi ito ay nararamdaman ko naman."The festival is in two days. I want us to go to the Baltimore.""Oh, really?"I lost my smile and sighed. I have my plans and there's no backing out. I will not let my father hinder anything I wanted. Kahit pa sabihin niyang labas na ako sa misyon na ito, ay gusto ko parin na malaman ang totoo."No, mahal. I'm sorry. I'm looking forward to the festival. Besides, a lot of my friends are attending. It would be a good opportunity for me to catch up with the clan. It will be peaceful, tr
Diezel.I hold the result in my hand, and my heart races as I read it. The twins are indeed mine, and a copy was also sent to Anastacia via the Captain of the Villa.Wala akong duda. Alam kong akin silang dalawa. Malaki ang hawig namin ni Zev, at si Skye? Namana niya ang mga mata ni Mama. Although she looks like more on Anastacia, but her eyes belong in my bloodline.Skye's smile and her deep dimple clearly reflect my traits. In contrast, Zev resembles a male version of Anastacia, yet his facial structure and lips share my characteristics. He may not have the deep dimple like Skye, but when he smiles, he retains that version of me.I need to go back. I'm done with everything and have made new arrangements with the heads regarding work. They can reach me online, and I can do my work online."Why are you not joining me for the food tasting today, honey? Hindi mo pa rin nasusukat ang damit mo. Kailan ka ba bibisita roon? Ikaw na lang ang kulang."I'm talking to Caterina on the phone. Sh
Anastacia.Talagang hindi niya ako binigyan ng pagkakataon na makapagpahinga ano?Nagtagpo ang kilay ko at seryoso kong tinitigan ang dalawa sa iilang mga tao sa loob ng bahay ko. Maaga pa lang ay ginising na ako ng ingay sa labas.The group of medical team together with Diezel's lawyer and some security, including our barangay captain and police were here early and that shocked me!Hindi kabilang si Diezel sa kanila. Wala siya. Mabuti nga, dahil kung nandito siya ay tiyak sinampal ko na.The lawyer spoke to me first and explained the process, and I could only agree to it. They're calm, okay, and collective, and the barangay captain is a good friend of mine. We had a good talk.Ang kambal lang ang medyo nalilito sa sitwasyon. Hindi ko inaasahan na ganito kabilis gagawin ni Diezel ang lahat. Wala pa akong sinabi sa mga bata. Wala pa silang alam! At ngayon na nasa haparan nilang dalawa ang isang nurse at doctor ay nalillito na ang kambal.Hindi nila alam kung para saan ito, at kung bak
Diezel.I sat stiffly in front of my two beautiful kids while Anastacia was making me coffee. I put on my best smile amidst the chaos inside my heart.I was nervous as hell when I landed in Cagayan de Oro. Reeve was with me, and we came together here.Malapit lang ang bagong hotel na pinapatayo ni Reeve rito at may bahay bakasyonan din siya, at doon ako pansamantala titira.I drove here with high hopes of seeing Anastacia and was shocked by everything. I didn't know we were having twins. I didn't know everything, and that pained me more.It deeply hurts me. I feel sorry, not for myself, but for the kids in front of me. I know I was an asshole, and I can't blame Anastacia for that. But for her not to tell me that she was pregnant was indeed selfish! How could she do this to me? Why is this happening? And the kids? Damn it.Iniwas ko saglit ang tingin sa dalawa at saka nahagip nang mga mata ko ang buong paligid.Simpli ang bahay na ito. Walang espesyal at normal ang lahat. Malaki ang l
Anastacia."What are you doing here?"Iba na ako sa dati. Hindi na kumakalabog ang puso ko dahil excited ako na makita siya. Iba ang noon, at iba ito ngayon. May halong takot na bawat pintig na pinapakawalan ng puso ko sa kanya. Wala na akong tiwala.Taas noo ko ulit siyang tinitigan sa mata."Are you lost? Mukhang nasa maling bahay ka yata?" I chuckled.His jaw ticked, and he looked at me coldly. His piercing eyes were like a dagger that straight cut right into me."So, this is where you are hiding?" He gritted.Kinabahan ako at napahigpit ang hawak ko sa pinto. Hindi ito nakabukas ng maayos dahil hinawakan ko naman. Kabado ako sa kung ano man ang makita niya sa loob. Kaya bago pa mangyari ito ay mas mabuti hindi na niya makita pa.“Excuse me? Did you say I was hiding?” I chuckled softly and pulled the door closer to me.Ako na lang ang nakikita niya ngayon at hindi na ang loob."Hindi ako kailanman nagtago, Diezel. I'm living here comfortably, away from those people who don't want
Anastacia.I looked so terribly ugly as I looked at myself in the mirror. I'm stressed and problematic with money, and here I am... sick.Simula pa lang noong nakaraang linggo ay hindi na maganda ang pakiramdam ko. Hanggang sa heto, bumigay na nga ang katawan ko.The kids are home because it's summer school break—no school for them and no summer activities. I felt sorry for my kids not attending any summer activities, but I'm short on money, and the bills are piling up. Isali mo pa ang butas sa kisame ng kwarto ko. Mabuti na lang at summer ngayon at hindi uulan.Skye and Zev asked me why I did not enroll them in swimming lessons. Sinabi ko na lang na kulang ang pera ko, at agad naman na intindihan ng dalawa ito. Nakakaawa nga, dahil lahat ng mga kaklase nila ay may ginagawa at sila? Heto nasa bahay.Hapon na nang nakaramdam ako ng gutom. Instant noodles ang kinain ko, kasama ang kambal. Nilagyan ko ng gulay at dalawang itlog ito, at masaya na ang dalawa. Para sa kanila ay masarap na
Diezel.I almost stumble as I exit my car, breathing heavily like a furious beast poised to attack.How dare she hide from me? How dare she lie that she's on pills and wasn't? Fucking dammit!"Sir Diezel. . . "Itinaas ko lang ang kamay kay Martino. Isa siya sa mga bodyguard ng bahay ko. Huminto siya at bahagyang yumuko at hindi na ako sunundan.I walk directly to the second floor where my office library is situated. I need to call someone—someone skilled at locating a person who is in hiding.Damn you, Anastacia!Napakuyom-kamao ako at ramdam ko ang panginginig ng laman. I understand that the odds may not be absolute, but I have a strong intuition that I'm the father. I need to discover the truth.Malamig ang aircon sa sekretong silid na ito, pero tagaktag ang pawis ko. Ito ang unang pagkakataon na bumalik ang ganitong pakiramdam sa akin.Once I activate my code, that will be the end of it. I will go against my grandfather and mother for this."Linus..." I clenched my teeth while en
Diezel.It's damn boring and I can't keep up with the boys schedules. They don't leave me, it's just that I was the one who wanted to be left out.I feel so lost and empty. Something is not right, and it’s a bother to wake up like this every morning. I'm tired of it, and tired of everything."Ciao, figlio mio! I miss you!"I spun my chair back to the door and saw my mother together with my fiancée, Caterina. The two of them look like mother and daughter. They have the same taste when it comes to clothing and food.Magaling magluto si Mama at ganun din si Caterina. Magaling sa lutong italian, at masaya ako dahil natitikman ang mga putahe na parang kay Mama na rin."Honey…" Caterina wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me.I couldn't kiss back, and my lips just stuck still. She then let go and tangled her arms around my mother."I found the right wedding dress! You will love it!" siglang boses ni Caterina. "Oh, I'm so excited! I can't wait!""And I can't wait too, dear. I like my
Anastacia.Is he engaged? Soon to be married? Huh, good on him!After seven years, I never once checked about him or what's happened lately with the company. I don't want to hear any news from them, especially from him.Naging abala na rin naman ang buhay ko. Mahirap magpalaki ng kambal, at kahit ngayon ay nangangarag pa rin ako.Nawala na sa isip ko si Diezel. Hindi na ako interesado, at wala na akong pakialam kung nag asawa na ba siya o nagkaroon na ng maraming anak. Pero nang marinig ko kanina kay Dianne na engaged na siya ay nababagabag lang ako.Ba't ba ako ganito? Hay, naku, Anastacia!I can’t sleep, and it’s after one o’clock in the morning. I’ve already checked all the items I will deliver tomorrow after dropping the twins at school.Nakatitig na ako sa relo sa dingding habang inom ang chamomile tea. Tulog na ang kambal, pero ako? Heto, hindi man lang dinalaw ng antok.Kinuha ko ang cellphone sa bag at saka nag-search sa app tungkol sa kompanya. Dito tumambad sa akin ang mga
Anastacia.My heart raced when I saw Zev's face. He's got bruises around the right eye like someone had punched him in the face."Anong nangyari sa 'yo? Who did this to you?"Napaluhod ako at ininspeksyon ang mukha niya. Hindi ko sila nasundo ngayon dahil delivery ngayon ng orders ko galing Amerika. Ako mismo ang kumuha ng mga ito sa pantalan. Kaya pansamantala si George ang kumuha sa mga bata."Tinanong ko rin, Ate. Pero ayaw magsalita. Ganyan na ang mukha eh. Gusto ko sanang kausapin ang guro nila, pero wala raw. Kaya umuwi na kami."Bitbit ni George ang bag ng dalawang bata. Inilapag niya ito sa gilid at saka namaywang sa likod ko."Patingin nga. Dios ko…" Tumayo ako at kumuha ng maligamgam na tubig. Pina upo ko si Zev at tahimik siyang nakayuko. Samantalang si Skye ay nasa gilid lang. Nakasandal sa dingding at pinagmamasdan kami."Ano ba ang nangyari, Skye? Who did this to your brother?"Siya na ngayon ang tinanong ko. Alam kong matigas ang ulo ni Zev at madalas ay hindi siya na