Lahat ng Kabanata ng Owned By Contract : Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

Leonhardt point of view The commotion subsided as the music resumed, as if nothing had happened. The audience, always looking for drama, returned to their cocktails and fake laughs, leaving only whispers behind. Pero may isa lang talaga akong hindi maalisan ng tingin, si Ingrid. I saw it, that wince. She was experiencing physical pain. Despite the fact that her jaw was clenched, everyone could tell what she was thinking from the look in her eyes. She was experiencing discomfort. At ako maniniwala kay Ashlie? That's bullshit. The feeling of guilt tugged at my throat like a piece of glass that I was unable to swallow. Dahan-dahan akong lumingon kay Ashlie, she was still beside me, trying to look concerned. But she was glowing, like some part of her was glad Ingrid fell. She wore a little smile, one that seemed almost like a victory. "Thank you for staying," she whispered to me as she gently placed her hand on my arm. Hindi na ako nakapagsalita. Instead, I grabbed her wrist as gently

Ingrid Alessia’s point of view Our trip to Bora Bora is about to begin, and evening has arrived. Pagkababa ko mula sa elevator, nakita ko agad si Leonhardt sa lobby ng condo, hawak niya ‘yung dalawang maleta naming mag-asawa. Suot niya rin ‘yung beige knitted sweater na alam kong hindi naman niya usual style it's simple soft, and warm. Para bang sinasadyang huwag akong ma-intimidate. “Ready?” tanong niya, at saka lumapit para kunin ‘yung sling bag ko. Tumango lang ako, bitbit ang pilit na katahimikan. Maaga kami sa airport. Business-class treatment, of course. Pero kahit gaano ka-komportable ‘yung lounge, mas iniisip ko pa rin kung paano ako makakalakad nang diretso gamit ang bandaged ankle ko. Medyo maga pa rin, pero at least hindi na sobrang sakit. I kept adjusting my posture, trying not to limp. “Sit here,” sabi ni Leonhardt, pulling out a cushioned chair for me sa lounge area. “I’ll get us something to drink.” “Hindi ako uhaw—” But he was already walking away. A few minutes

Ingrid Alessia's point of view The sand was cool tingling my feet, and Leonhardt’s hand was warm in mine. Okay lang naman kami as we walked, the moon casting silver across the water. Para kaming nasa ibang mundo, haiissht sana ganito nalang palagi malayo sa expectations, away from the agreement, and even farther from the people who kept trying to tear us down. Leonhardt squeezed my hand gently. “Okay na ba talaga ‘yung ankle mo?” I rolled my eyes at him and scrunched up my nose. Sa totoo lang hindi ko na mabilang kung nakailang beses na siya magtanong sa'kin, kung okay na ba 'yung paa ko. “Medyo. Hindi na siya kasing sakit kahapon o kanina. Baka gusto lang talaga nito gumala. You know, paladesisyon din sa buhay.” I looked up at him. “Thanks, by the way. For being different today.” He shrugged, but the smirk on his lips softened. “Baka lang nauntog ako sa feelings ko.” I rolled my eyes again and nudges at him. “Corny mo.” He chuckled, eyes on the horizon. “But you smiled.” I did

Ingrid Alessia’s point of view I moaned louder than I intended, so loud na baka pati mga coconut trees sa labas ng villa ay nayanig. But honestly? I couldn’t care less. “Damn, Ingrid…” Leonhardt breathed against my ear, his voice both strained and amused. “Tone it down baka pati dagat magreklamo at pumalakpak sa'yo. Parang may narinig din akong bulong sa labas.” “Oh? You mean applause?” I gasped, lips twitching into a teasing smile. He laughed, tapos kinagat-kagat niya yung earlobe ko, dahilan para manginig ako hanggang gulugod. “You’re impossible.” “Mmmmh, but you like it.” I grinned, then reached down, teasing his cóck that had been pressing insistently against my thigh. As I wrapped my palm around him, he let out a low, guttural, and primal groan. “Shít, are you ready?” I murmured, being aware of the tension that was building up in my stomach. "Aye, aye, captain," he remarked, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous gleam. Pumwesto si Leonhardt sa pagitan ng mga hita ko, at pa

Ingrid Alessia’s point of view The sky in Bora Bora looked like it was dipped in soft pastels, the sun melting into the horizon as we walked hand-in-hand along the sandy shore. Dumadampi lang sa mga paa namin ‘yung marahan na alon, habang sa di-kalayuan the sound of Polynesian drums echoed from a nearby fire-lit gathering. “Kita mo ‘yon?” Leonhardt pointed at the torches lining the private dinner setup sa beachfront. “Para sa atin ‘yan.” My eyes widened. “You set this up?” He grinned. “Our hosts did. With a little bribery, also known as my credit card.” I laughed as we stepped closer. May maliit na mesa na gawa sa kawayan na nakapatong sa banig na hinabi mula sa pandan, at palibot nito ay nakakalat ang mga bagong pitas na bulaklak ng frangipani. A low couch was draped in white linens, and candles danced with the breeze. Sa tabi ng lamesa, may tumutugtog na dalawang local musicians ng live ukulele music, humming a soft Polynesian love song. “I feel like I just walked into a fantas