CHAPTER 27 HERA WENT back to her condo feeling relieved and happy. Pagkatapos nilang mag-usap ng mga magulang niya, after clarifying things, she went to her kids and spend her remaining time to talk to them. Hindi pa man siya nakakapasok sa mismong condo unit niya ay namataan na niya ang isang pamilyar na bulto ng lalaki. Kahit medyo madilim na ay kilala niya ito. She took a deep breath before walking towards her condo unit. She stopped in front of the door of her condo and was about to open it when a baritone voice of a man suddenly spoke. “Saan ka nanggaling?” Augustus asked while crossing his arms in front of his chest. Pero sa halip na sagutin ito ay kinuha niya ang susi mula sa bulsa niya at binuksan ang pinto ng condo niya. She acted like Augustus wasn’t there. Akmang papasok siya sa loob ng bigla siyang tawagin nito. “Hera—” inis niya itong hinarap at bahagyang lumayo ng mapansing ilang dangkal nalang ang layo nila sa isa't-isa. “So we’re back to first name basis?” Sarcas

CHAPTER 29   HERA is smiling radiantly and was inspired in doing her sketches. Remembering what they had done yesterday makes her shook her head while smiling. Augustus made love with her. He took her from every corner of his house that she can’t even remember where they started at when they ended. Basta nahimatay nalang siya bigla dahil sa sobrang kapaguran. Her legs are even shaking and she’s still sore but she decided to work, kahit panay ang pigil sa kanya ni Augustus na huwag ng magtrabaho.       She’s now feeling at ease when Augustus assures her that he don’t feel anything to Venice. At kanyang-kanya daw ang lalaki.        And now, she has decided to tell him the truth. Alam niyang magagalit ito at susumbatan siya, but she’ll choose to tell him about their kids. Naniniwala siyang mas mangingibabaw ang pagmamahal nito sa kanya kaya mataas ang komp

CHAPTER 31   AUGUSTUS faced Hera's father decently and formally. Talagang pinuntahan niya ito sa teritoryo nito ng mag-isa.        Arison Empire is really a huge place or he could even call it a village. May tatlong mansion sa lugar na pinalilibutan ng matataas at matatayog na mga gate na gawa sa metal. May limang mga hindi gaanong kalakihang mga bahay na pare-pareho ang mga kulay. The place is guarded from the outside and especially inside. Maraming bantay sa labas, mga armadong lalaki na may dala-dalang mga matataas na baril. Pero mas maraming bantay ang loob nito na animo'y anong oras ay may papasok na kalaban.        As Augustus looked at the man’s strict face in front of him, he gulped but tried to look tough. Hera's father’s aura shouts authority and power.        “Mr. Florin, what are you doing

 CHAPTER 33  PARANG isang lantang gulay si Hera habang naglalakad papasok sa kompanya ni Augustus. She can even hear the employees whispering something but she’s too tired to care. Wala pa siyang tulog but she chooses to go in Augustus’ company. For her daughter.    Nagpatuloy siya sa paglalakad hanggang sa nakarating siya sa harapan ng opisina ng CEO. She felt nothing but sadness. She knocked three times before pushing the glass door and went inside the CEO's office. Nakatalikod ito mula sa kanya kaya naglakad siya palapit dito.    “I told you not to disturb me, didn’t I?” Augustus said in a cold tone of voice.    Huminga ng malalim si Hera bago ibinuka ang bibig para magsalita.    “I-It's

 CHAPTER 35  NANIKIP ang dibdib ni Hera sa sinabi ng anak niya. Hero buried his face on Elias' neck. Kaagad itong nag-iwas ng tingin nang magtama ang paningin nila ni Augustus.    She cleared her throat. “B-Baby, he’s your father. Di ba gusto mong makita si Daddy mo?” Sabi ni Hera sa malambing na tono.   “I c-change my mind, Mommy. Ayaw ko na siyang makita. Ayaw ko sa kanya.” Pumiyok ang boses nito saka mahinang humikbi. Nadurog ang puso ni Hera sa pag-iyak ng anak niya at lalong-lalo na nang makita ang pamamasa ng mga mata ni Augustus.   Kaagad niyang nilapitan si Augustus at hinawakan ang kamay nito. Pinisil-pisil niya ang kamay nito na para bang ipinapahiwatig na magiging okay din ang lahat. Augustus just sighed and tried to smile but failed.