CHAPTER 4
DIVINA MONTES woke up that morning in a foul mood. Her head is aching and she was hungry and almost starved. Hang over caught her. And her feeling of being broke almost crushed her sanity. She lost a huge sum of money last night at the casino and the manager refused to loan her again because of big amount she owed. Her frustrations file up remembering the continuous losing in the casino. Because she could no longer play, she went to the bar and spent the whole night drinking.She forced herself to the kitchen. Took some medicine to ease the pain and swallowed it with water.“Hi mom? Drunk again?” Samantha greeted her mother with the usual dialogue. What is new after all, her mother is always drunk every night. Waking up sober is like raindrops at summer time.“How’s your father’s birthday?” Divina ask almost inaudible evading her daughter’s comment. “Owchhh. My head.”Divina hold her aching head while Samantha help her seat before she answered.“Well, he is looking for you?”“Really!” Divina answer in a sarcastic tone with shrewd smile on her lips. “As if he cares.”Samantha ignore her mother and begin to prepare coffee. As she is drinking her own, she watched her mother silently. She felt that fang of sadness within. Her mother aged a lot after her father leaved them. It happened when she was in New York studying. When she returned, there was no longer a happy home that she used to grow up. What is left are shattered memories. Her mother told her that Arnald left them for another woman. She later learned that the woman was Marieta De Asis, from a rich clan, a sugar magnate from Visayas.She was so furious upon learning and confronted her father and the woman but to no avail, her plea had just gone with the winds. Arnald never offered satisfactory explanation of what he did. Neither remorse. Aside from a simple promise that he will continue to love Samantha as her daughter. But Samantha after hearing the word, could not feel the real conviction.AT that moment Samantha, figure out that her father had changed a lot. Unlike before that she really felt the love. At first she attributed the changes to time and distance. She spent more years abroad studying and soon became busy in her modeling career. But deep inside she felt something else.From then on, she watched her mother living in so much pain and misery. As her sympathy with her grow, her hatred with her father started. She now realized that her father is a born womanizer. She almost forgot the truth that before her mother, Arnald Lopez had other women. She now realized that his father married a woman, not for love but for the woman’s money.Divina Montes is the sole heir of the Montes clan of the M&A Pharmaceutical company. A local pharma and also a producers of agribusiness products such as feeds and fertilizer for local consumption and beginning to infiltrate international market.Her mother was a stunned beauty and a promising beauty queen when she met her father and the whirlwind relationship started without the permission of Divina’s parents. But as the song lyrics echoed, too much love will kill you, her mother’s love literally killed both Joaquin and Corazon Montes, her grandparents.
It happened one stormy night. Joaquin was so upset while driving. Corazon was trying to appease Divina while sobbing and crying. They forcefully took back Divina from Arnald. Arnald force to let Divina go with her parents because of threats of kidnapping case from Joaquin. The old man also verbally abused Arnald, and promise the man of miserable life if he will not let go.But fate take its toll of shares. If too much love kills, too much hates do the same. Joaquin continued berating Divina and promised that the next morning she will be send abroad. But it never happened. Joaquin lost his concentration while driving and a single mistake brings them to fatal death when their car was bumped by a speeding truck. The rain and darkness blinded both drivers that resulted to a devastating accident.It was a miracle that Divina survived.With no other heir, Divina took over the pharma operation and with the guidance of Arnald who had a raw talent for growing businesses, Divina’s life begun to return to normal. But it was a short episode of happiness for her and soon fades fast like smoke in the air.Arnald’s past relationship is like ghost that hunt Divina as the time goes, Divina learned about Arnald’s women and children. She was consumed by too much raged and jealousy. She also felt cheated because Arnald never mentioned about his past. The sweet love she felt for the man, started to get sour and begin to flew in the window. But what can she do? It is as if she can no longer live without Arnald. Aside from being her husband, Arnald run her inherited business as Chief Operating Officer.Eventually, Arnald had bought lose company shares of stocks and became the minority shareholders. Divina had still maintained her shares and still owned the controlling vote.“Samantha, I need five hundred thousand to pay my debt.” Divina broke the silence as she drunk her coffee “Can you tell your father to draw a check?”“Why don’t to talk to him about that.”Divina’s expression changed immediately upon hearing her daughter.“You know that I can’t do that.” There was anger in her pitch voice. “I don’t want to talk to him. I don’t want to see him either.”It was clear reason why Divina did not show herself last night at her father’s birthday, instead went to casino and got drunk eventually.Samantha sigh. She knew why her mother don’t want to tell her father about money matters. Her father knew full well that the money will just go to casino and before handing money to Divina, there was sermons first and filthy exchanges of unpleasant word.“Okay Mom, I’ll try.”“Don’t just try. Do something. I need the money badly.”Samantha was adamant herself to see her father. No, the truth was she hates her father but she is becoming rational of seeing him until such time she gets her share of inheritance. Dealing with Arnald Lopez requires a lot of nerves and superficial skills. The man is ruthless and foul mouthed.
She needed someone with her to see her father. Tagging somebody can be a shield from Arnald’s verbal insult to her mother.Samantha blushed in anger thinking that her father is enjoying such wealth from her grandparents. And now her mother is being deprived of what is rightfully belongs to her. Even her share was controlled by her father.Angelo came to her mind. She took out her phone and dialed the man’s number.ANGELO was enjoying his daily swim at his pool. The five thousand square meters farm he owned in Laguna, is just one among his properties. He has an apartment in New York. A forty floor condominium in Vietnam that serves as his offshore head quarter. A huge farm land in Indonesia, Thailand and many other properties scattered in many countries.Thanks to Han Le and Le Fong. His vast experience working with Han Le family had made him self-made billionaires. His export and import business is blooming that is why he is planning to start a real estate business soon.His mansion is a two story bricks building with one thousand square feet floor area. The design is a combination of western architecture and oriental.The area was fenced and two armed security guards roam around. Close Circuit Televisions were installed, and a Doberman was stationed at the guard house at the entrance. A walk way that leads to drive way was separated by a big swimming pool.He had already finished his customary ten daily lapped and started to walk inside for shower and breakfast. He has scheduled meetings for the day at his office in Manila.As he entered the huge living room, the uniformed house help came rushing towards Angelo.“Sir telephone for you.”It was Samantha calling. At first Angelo has no interest to see her today or even for the whole week. But when Samantha ask him if he could accompany her to meet Arnald Lopez, Angelo just say yes without so much thinking.This is an opportunity he is looking forward since long ago.Know your enemy well before you attack to ensure winning.CHAPTER 5ARNALD Lopez huge office was located at the penthouse of Lopez Enterprise at the thirty fifth floor. The building was situated at the center of Makati business district. Arnald business operations was housed and consolidated in this building. This serve as his fortress of his business empire that almost occupied a small pie of every industry. He practically owned shares in every leading industry.Angelo looked around as they and Samantha stepped out of the elevator. He was quietly impressed by the office interior which was almost parallel to many other offices abroad.Not for long, I will crash your empire, Arnald Lopez.Arnald greeted his daughter and Angelo, pleasantly but less warm. He talked to Angelo for a while.“So you are into import business?”“Yes sir import and export.”“Maybe we can have a drink sometimes. Maybe we can discuss business.” “That would be great sir. How about tonight at my yacht.”Arnald shake Angelo’s hand firmly and the later poster meaningful smi
CHAPTER 6M/V Marisa is a fifty feet long yacht moored along Manila Bay along with other yachts owned by prominent family. Angelo named it as tribute to her mother. The foods are already ready and the caterers and waiters are on standby waiting for instructions.Angelo glanced at his watch. It was almost seven o clock but a little early for the arrival of Don Arnald Lopez. He took a sip of champagne and look around. The sun had long gone and the western horizon was but a shadows of darkness which is in contrast with the night image of the metropolis. The towering buildings were well lighted but on the northern part was a silhouette of houses of the slam duelers. It was the part of Tondo where he grew up.Angelo remembered those days when he slept at night without foods in his stomach. He literally knew the true meaning of hunger. Growing up without a mother and father is like growing up in hell. There are times that his conscience was losing and the fiber of morality flew away because
CHAPTER 7Angelo almost panic when he woke up. He was disoriented at first remembering where he was. Although it was common for him to wake up in somebody’s bed with hangover of course but today is different. When he remembered where he was he almost jump out of bed.Samantha’s bed.Angelo immediately realized that they were both naked. Samantha was still sleeping. Angelo gathered his clothing with care not to awaken Samantha. As he stared at the nakedness of her, he noticed the red spot of blood in the white beddings.She was still a virgin. Oh my gosh, what have I done?He walked out of the room and slowly close the door without bothering to wake up Samantha. As he crossed the living room he was sure now that he was in Samantha’s condominium.“Good morning.”“Huh!” Angelo was surprise hearing Divina Montes. “G-Good morning.”“Would you care for coffee?” Divina offered as she prepared her own.“No thanks. I have to go.”“Is Samantha awake?”“I really have to go.” Angelo said rushing
CHAPTER 8BUGGY her gay road show manager coldly accepted her news. His feign excitement upon seeing Samantha in his place changed drastically and reveal his true color. For Samantha, Buggy is her friend. In fact, one of her closest friend in her circle of few friends. Buggy used to be very supportive managing her career as a model but now, upon hearing her pregnancy he became adamant. Her pregnancy means Buggy’s loss. Commissions lost and deduction to his income.Buggy owned the bar located in the metropolis. A fruit of his labor as manager of many models. He also owns the modeling agency supervising Samantha’s career.“So what is your plan now?” Buggy ask as he refill Samantha’s wine glass.“I’m not sure yet. “She answered truthfully.Abortion came into her mind but her conviction is not strong enough to kill a baby inside her. Some part of her is excited to be a mother. In fact, motherhood is one of her longtime dream only if there was a father. She gritted her teeth as she remembe
CHAPTER 9FOR the first few months everything goes well for Samantha. She is beginning to like the job. Being born from wealthy family, job like this is unacceptable at first. It is a disgrace. But thinking about her daughter, she has to be strong and do whatever it takes to survive. She has no relative here to rely to. All her so called friends before are no longer available for her. Gone are the days wherein she can easily mingle with them.Those days are no more. A memory of the past. A memory of her heydays. Samantha understood that fully well. She is no longer among their level. But she can still start all over.Letting go of the past and accepting the present is easier to live a life. But sometimes life is not always fair. Mrs. Kim died due to her ailment. Mr. Kim was so sad and devastated due to the loss of his wife.“I had already sold this shop, Samantha.” Mr. Kim sadly announced after his wife was cremated.Samantha was surprise and eventually became wary. She didn’t see thi
CHAPTER 10MARIA was the Mexican nanny that Samantha hired when she is at work. She was among the immigrants granted with citizenship and had freely enjoyed the status so far. She and her husband had fled their country like others who were seeking for greener pasture. But her husband died before they were granted their citizenship. Her husband Luis was mugged and killed by the local gang. Her only son Luisito was so hurt that soon decided to join the local gang hoping that he will find out who killed his father so that he can avenge his Papa that he dearly loved.Maria was so depressed losing her husband and now his only son was always out of the house joining the gang. She earned meager income from doing household chores for some clients. Cleaning houses, washing clothing and taking care of kids for working parents. She worked hard to meet both ends. From time to time Luisito gave her money. She is savings for her plan to return to her country. She was afraid that her only son will m
CHAPTER 11She was on her seventh birthday dressed with floral blouse that is her favorite, a gift from her Dad. Her school mates and friends were happily singing happy birthday. Her mother Divina almost adore her little child while chatting with friends.“Blow the candle baby. Come on Samantha blow it.” Her mother was saying with her high pitch voice betraying such happiness as a mother.She was hesitant. She looked around for her Dad. She was hoping that the new big teddy bear promised to her will be delivered personally.“Make a wish, Samantha. Blow it.” Her friends more excited than her shout in unison. Once again she looked at the door’s direction hoping that her Dad will walk thru. “Blow it Samantha, your Dad will not come.” Her mom whisper.“He promised mom.” She said flatly almost in tears.“He will not come. I told you.” Her mother shouted at her. The expression suddenly changed. The face was a picture of so much anger. The eyes burning with rage. She was taken aback by surpr
CHAPTER 12SAMANTHA felt that fang of danger inside her when the lights out. She knows that any moment Big Bertha will move in and she decided what to do. She had enough pain for the past months and days. She had to fought back for the sake of her baby.Waiting took its toll. All the inmates were already sleeping but Samantha could not summon sleep no matter how she tried. She tried to distract herself by thinking about the good old days. She looked back to the time when she was still at the height of her career as a model. Every time she walked in the ramps, applauses follows as the lights focus on her. It happened wherever she did that cat walk signature that she had mastered long ago.Cat walk needs balancing skill. She had a lot of practice before she had perfected that signature walk. She run two miles in the morning and one hour at the gym. At first it was hard but her body responded well. Her stamina improve and the bonus was her lean physique. Her legs became stronger and when