Chapter sixty one: A Gathering of Families and Unveiled SentimentsMarisse and Anthony arrived at the grand Montenegro mansion, a sprawling estate that exuded elegance and opulence. The occasion was the long-awaited reunion of Anthony's family, who had returned from living abroad. As they stepped into the backyard, a picturesque scene greeted them—a vast expanse of greenery, adorned with a magnificent swimming pool and surrounded by loved ones.Laughter and chatter filled the air as Marisse and Anthony joined the lively gathering. The relatives of Anthony, some familiar faces and others meeting Marisse for the first time, welcomed them with open arms. The aroma of delicious food, prepared by the skilled hands of the mansion's maids, wafted through the air, enticing their taste buds.Marisse felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she navigated the sea of new faces. She was grateful for the warm reception from Anthony's relatives, who embraced her as part of the family. The vibran
Chapter sixty two: Confronting the Past and Healing WoundsAfter bidding farewell to Anthony's relatives and leaving the Montenegro mansion behind, Marisse and Anthony returned to their penthouse in Manila. Dalawang araw rin ang inilagi nila sa mansion. Gustuhin man ng dalawa na magtagal at mag enjoy pa kasama ng pamilya ay hindi puwede dahil ng trabahong naiwan nila. Wala pa naman din pasabi si Marisse na hindi s'ya makakapasok ng dalawang araw. The echoes of laughter and cherished moments spent with family lingered in their hearts as they settled back into their daily routines.....The next morning, as Marisse prepared to return to her boutique, a sense of anticipation filled her. She was eager to immerse herself in her work, to create and bring her artistic vision to life. Anthony, too, resumed his responsibilities at Montenegro Company, their shared passion for their respective careers fueling their drive.....Pagkahatid kay Marisse sa loob ng office nito ay nagpaalam n
Chapter Sixty three: A Visit from the Past and a Refusal to ForgiveKinabukasan, Anthony, himself consumed by the preparations for the upcoming golden anniversary of Montenegro Company. He's so busy. Sobrang daming gawain. Abala siya dahil CEO siya ng Kompanya. Ayaw naman niyang biguin ang kanilang mga kamag-anak at pamilya. Though, next next week pa naman ang anniversary. Puspusan lang ang preparations niya. The demands of the event had kept him busy for the past few days, leaving little time for anything else. The weight of responsibility sat heavily on his shoulders as he worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the milestone celebration.Meanwhile, in her office, Marisse focused on her own tasks, determined to make progress despite the distractions that lingered in her mind. Halos lahat ng invited sa upcoming golden anniversary ng Montenegro Company ay sa kaniya nagpapagawa ng gowns. Busy na rin ang kaniyang staffs sa pagsagot ng tawag o appointment ng mga customers, sa panana
As the golden anniversary celebration of Montenegro Company unfolded in all its grandeur, time seemed to slip away in a whirlwind of festivities and joy. Marisse and Anthony, though not together in the midst of the bustling hall, found themselves immersed in the moment, each fulfilling their respective roles.Anthony, the CEO of Montenegro Company, was a beacon of leadership and dedication, ensuring the success of the event with his unwavering commitment. His presence commanded respect and admiration, as he stood at the forefront of the celebration, delivering a heartfelt speech alongside the directors of each office. Maaga pa lamang, halos wala pa yata siyang tulog ay umalis na agad siya sa penthouse, just to make sure that everything will went fine and smooth. Meanwhile, Marisse arrived at the event with Nanay Lydia and Lyka, their trusted maid together with Nanay Lydia's daughter, who had become like family. Hapon na nang makarating sila sa event hall. Imbitado rin kase ang securi
Chapter Sixty Five: A Journey of Reflection and Healing Reminder: Trigger Warning ahead! Kung hindi kayang basahin, skip, hehe. After the heartbreaking announcement from Anthony's mother, Tita Shirley, Marisse's heart felt heavy with a mix of emotions - confusion, sadness, and a profound sense of loss. The unexpected news had shattered her world, leaving her grappling with the reality of the situation. With tears streaming down her face, Marisse made her way out to the hall, seeking solace in the quiet darkness of the night.Mabilis na naglandas ang kaniyang mga luha, mabilis rin niyang hinanap ang kaniyang sasakyan. Good thing at siya ang nag drive ng sasakyan nila nina Nanay Lydia at Lyka. Nasa kabilang sasakyan naman ang mga guards. As she drove aimlessly, the weight of the revelation weighed heavily on her mind. The thought of Sharmaine's pregnancy and Anthony's admission that they didn't have a relationship left Marisse feeling adrift, lost in a sea of unanswered questions and
"Nay, 'tay, magandang umaga po. Nakaluto na po ako ng ulam" masiglang bati ni Marisse sa mga magulang ng makita nito na palapit ito sa kanila. "magandang umaga din anak" may ngiti sa labing tugon ng mga magulang nito. "Ah, sya nga pala 'nay, 'tay, susunod po ako mamaya sa inyo sa taniman, ipaghahanda ko po kayo ng meryenda at tanghalian, sabihan nyo na rin po na h'wag ng magbaon sina Mang Tomas, ako na po ang bahala sa kanila" dugtong ng dalaga. "napaka-sipag naman ng anak namin, kaya mahal na mahal kita e" usal ng ina ni Marisse sabay yakap sa kaniya. "Naku, Vanessa, dapat itong nakababata mong kapatid ang gayanin mo. Huwag puro ka diyan gala at inom, ano ba 'tong batang to" sermon ni Inay sa aking nakatatandang kapatid na si ate Vanessa. marami ang nagsasabi na magkasalungat daw kami ng ugali ng ate ko. kung ako ay raw ay mabait, masiyahin, walang arte at matulungin, si ate naman daw ay matapobre, laging nakasimangot, naglalakwatsa at nag iinom kasama ang mga kaibigan. "oh edi
Masaya naming pinagsaluhan ang mga pagkaing dala-dala ko. naririto kami ngayon sa kubo. "sarap naman ng luto mo, Marisse. puwede ka nang magtayo ng sarili mong karinderya, tiyak magiging successful din kaagad" nakangiting usal ni Mang Jun saka uminom ng tubig. "salamat, Mang Jun! hayaan nyo po balang araw ay magtayayo po ako ng sariling karinderya" sagot ko naman. Kalahating oras, nang makatapos kami sa pagkain ay agad na bumalik sa kanya-kanyang gawain ang mga trabahador, pati na rin sina Nanay at Tatay. Nang maiwan ako ay naisip ko na naman si ate. Papaano nya nagawa ito sa amin. Bata pa rin siya, at hindi ito tama. Para makapag libang kahit saglit ay iniwan ko muna sa kubo ang mga lagayan ng pagkain, saka nagtungo papunta sa taniman. Nagpasungkit ako kay Aries ng ilang pirasong hinog at hilaw na mangga. Ang may ilan ring saging na naroon. Pinili ko na lamang na iwanan sa kubo ang mga hinog na saging para may makain sila, samantalang ang hilaw naman ay iuuwi ko sa amin mamaya. P
Ako naman ay naiyak na lamang muli sa nangyari saka dali-daling inayos ang sarili at ang kusina. Pagkatapos kong mag ligpit ng kalat ay dali-dali akong nagkulong sa kwarto, saka muling umiyak. Dahil sa kakaiyak ay nakatulog agad ako. Malamig na dami ng hangin ang dumampi sa balat ko dahil hindi ko pala naisarado ang bintana sa aking kwarto. Agad akong tumingin sa salamin. Hindi naman ako halata na umiyak, kaya naman ay maari na akong lumabas. Gabi na, nandidito na ang aking mga magulang. Ngunit bago pa man ako makatayo mula sa kama ay napadaing na lamang ako dahil masakit ang gitna ko. "Mukhang napagod ang dalaga namin ah, sarap ng tulog mo kanina anak e" bungad sa akin ni Nanay. "Hindi na kita ginising kanina, baka maistorbo kita. Oh sya, kumain ka na" dugtong pa nito. Nginitian ko naman ito saka umupo. "Kayo po ba, 'nay, 'tay, kumain na po ba kayo?" Tanong ko sa mga ito. "Oo anak, kakatapos lang namin" sagot ni Tatay. "Si ate po ba, kumain na?" Tanong kong muli. "Ah, oo an