Lahat ng Kabanata ng Claimed By Desire: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 5

The sun had already dipped low, casting long shadows across The Bahamas, when Gibson and I arrived at an unfamiliar hotel and casino. It loomed at the edge of downtown, its aging façade flickering under the weak, uneasy glow of neon lights. The air around it felt heavy, almost watchful, as if the building itself was waiting for us to make the first wrong move.Sa tuwina ay lumalakas ang loob ko dahil si Mama at ang mga ngiti niya ang patuloy na nagma‑materialize sa isipan ko. She’s my source of strength. Para sa kanya ang lahat ng ito. Mama wants nothing but a good life for me, at ako—wala akong ibang minimithi kundi ang maibigay sa kanya ang isang tahimik at payapang mundo. Isang mundong magiging posible lamang kung tuluyan nang mawawala si Gibson Evora sa buhay namin.Magda‑dalawang taon na ako rito sa The Bahamas, habang si Mama nama’y halos mag‑iisang dekada nang OFW dito.Nang maayos niya ang lahat ng papeles ko ay dinala niya ako rito upang dito na rin mag‑aral. I’m still in sen

“And for the last—but certainly not the least—of this evening’s most exclusive bidding wars, representing the rare blue moon of Ariadne… we present this extraordinary ring. A masterpiece, and the very first design of ours truly, Miss Ariadne Altavilla.”As the emcee lifted it into the spotlight, the crowd in my jewelry emporium collectively leaned forward, their eyes glinting with fascination and desire. Every delicate facet caught the light, scattering a prism of colors across the room, making the air itself seem richer, heavier, electric.Of course, who wouldn’t want it?It wasn’t just a ring. It was a statement—a testament to craftsmanship, rarity, and elegance. It was born from the mind of an exceptional international jewelry designer. That’s me.Every whispered gasp, every furtive glance at the ring, was a silent acknowledgment of my talent, my vision, and the allure I commanded. In this moment, the world wasn’t just watching. It was waiting… for Ariadne Altavilla.Anniversary ce