CHAPTER 6
M/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 of hunger. Choosing between right and wrong is very hard with an empty stomach. He was forced do against morals, the word he often heard from Fr. Benny. He learned to do the tricks of pick pocketing just to fed his stomach thru the guidance of Mang Marcus. His soul may rest in peace.It was really the true meaning of survival and as he suffered those sufferings he remembered his father who abandoned him. How he hated his father. But those unfortunate experiences made him strong and he learned to live away with emotions. He uses his mind not his heart for every decision he made. And it suits him well. He became tough and ruthless.Exactly eight o’clock, Arnald Lopez arrived. Angelo welcome him aboard. At some point Angelo, noticed that Arnald was time conscious. Eight o clock was the call time and it was exact. Along with the man is his secretary, Melody. He met the girl earlier at Arnald’s office. Melody is pretty with curvaceous body. Angelo doubted if the woman is just a mere secretary or Arnald’s another woman.“Welcome aboard, Sir.”“Remember my secretary, Melody.”Melody smiled and he shake hands with both of them. The uniformed waiter offered champagne.“Nice yacht.” Arnald complemented. “You must be doing well.”“Thank you, Sir. This is one of my hobby.”Arnald drink his champagne. Angelo do the same and waved for another. The waiter come rushing with the drinks.“Stop calling me sir. Don Arnald or just Don will do.”Angelo can’t help but smile thinking where the hell is the title Don comes from. However, he obliged. He is accustomed to calling sir and ma’am to anyone. Not because of subservience but a proven technique he learned. In marketing you have to be cunning to get the sales. Angelo mastered those techniques long ago. Every man or woman are always wanted to be superior. Ego dictates humannature. Being subservient does not mean you submit, but it’s a trick to gain other’s respect and get what you wanted. Respect begets trust and trust is very important in business. But it seems that Arnald is quite different, Angelo noticed.
“As you wish Don Arnald.”“Much better.” The old man said followed by loud laughter that almost echoed but lost by the wind as the yacht started its course smoothly sailing west ward.As the vehicle getting far from where it was anchored a little while, the metropolis became prominent with its blinking lights of both buildings and the rushing traffic. The shadows of ships anchored in the north harbor, complete the total picture of the city at night.Don Arnald. What a presumptuous title?Angelo almost came to laugh out loud but restraint himself. Maybe the man had watched many Mafia movies like Al Capone the famous Italian boss. But Angelo cannot even link the life of a mafia boss with that of Arnald Lopez. The only similarity is they both came from penniless back ground. But unlike the Mafia boss, Arnald acquired his wealth from rich women. The mafia boss used their courage and strength to gain respect. Don Arnald used his charm to win the heart of those wealthy but lonely women. In the end, the man siphoned their wealth and left them for another.Angelo’s research was thorough. It is clear now that even though his mother Marisa was far beautiful than Divina Montes, Arnald left his mother for the wealthy heir of the Pharmaceutical magnate. And then he left Divina for Marieta de Asis the daughter of the sugar magnate of Visaya.What a disgrace, worm and parasitic hearted you are. I despised you as my father. But just wait. I will teach you the meaning of true revenge.The dinner was good. Angelo seen to it to hire the best caterer in town. The food was superb. The wine was from the best wine store. Branded and aged well and the name itself supersedes the quality.As the night goes, Angelo found out that Arnald was really a despicable man. He is a talker and a pompous ass who pretended to know everything. The alcohol drove the man to become more arrogant and took a pride of being a womanizer.“It is not really our fault when women came to us begging for love.” Arnald boost. “But do you believed that there is no such thing as love?”Angelo has taken aback of what he heard. Of course he believed in love. He loved his mother so much and now he is beginning to fall for Samantha.He gritted his teeth and tried hard to wave Samantha out of his mind. He is annoyed of what is happening to him recently. The angelic face and that scent of woman that drive him almost crazy every time he remembered Samantha, is no longer right. That cute smile that melted his heart and the voluptuous body that aroused him and wake him in his dream occupied his thought more than thinking of himself. But he had already planned his future ahead and Samantha is not included.“Of course i believe in love.” Angelo answered truthfully.” Why’d you say that?” “Have you been in love?” Arnald answered with a question.
“No. Not yet.” An answer not far from truth.“How pathetic you are, then. You are still in the limbo of dreams. An idealistic foolishness.” Arnald said seriously. His smile had gone and look around as if trying to conceal such turbulent emotions within.Angelo realized the expression of a man who had suffered so much pain remembering the past. He is also aware of Arnald first love. Antonette, the daughter of poor fish vendor from his hometown who married Marianito Madrigal the son of the rich hotel magnate. Arnald was so hurt and that experience drove him not to trust any woman after Antonette.“It seems you have a very bad experience about relationship. Care to share?”Upon hearing what Angelo said, Arnald seems to come back to his senses. He laughed aloud.“Never mind. And sorry for being melodramatic.” Arnald said to change the topic. “But remember this, when you happened to have a woman do not bet your one hundred percent because it will hurt you. Destroy your sanity. Destroy your dreams and even destroy you physically.”I will never fall in love. Never! Ever!He is hearing himself saying but his heart is not listening. It’s Samantha again.MELODY was good in bed. Angelo was so consumed as they share the night. Arnald left Melody to Angelo to have company. It is one of Arnald techniques to share his woman to any upcoming business partner as a token to remember. It was written in Melody’s job description. Arnald un board the MV Marisa and the chauffeur drove the man home.But the sex was casual. Melody is no different from all other women he bedded. The irony is, lately even though he is with other naked woman, it is Samantha that occupied his mind.I have to do something about this.SLEEP was elusive for Samantha after she woke up in the middle of the night. She smiled remembering her dream. It was an erotic dream with Angelo. It was a dream but she can still felt Angelo’s kiss that caress her entire body and the warmth of his manhood inside her. She felt that strange ecstasy and the hotness that is beginning to grow between her legs. Samantha gasp as she unconsciously touched in between her thigh. The sensation grew stronger.But Angelo is just a dream. She keeps on wondering what is wrong with the guy.Is he gay? Am I not beautiful enough?The memory of their first meeting in New York almost one year ago is still clear and vivid in her memory. It was one of many fashion shows she attended. Her roadshow manager Buggy introduced Angelo to her.
“I am a fun of yours Ms. Samantha.” She still remembered that first meeting. “I keep following you on I*******m, F******k, magazines and your TV appearances. I am honored to meeting you.”“What is your name again?” She asked just to be sure she heard Buggy right.“Angelo Lopez.” The man smiled and said while still holding her hands.“Are we related? Cousins perhaps?” Samantha asked beginning to blush. There is that current of sensation she felt just mere touching the man’s hand. She awkwardly took her hand away from Angelo’s hand shake.“Ohhh! I’m sorry.” Angelo said apologetic and a little embarrassed.THAT first meeting was the beginning of casual dinner date wherever Samantha participate in her modelling. Angelo pop up in any country she was, from New York, Paris, Spain. It seems that the man is really following her everywhere she performed. And she like it. She had already fallen for the man who became so mysterious as the time goes by. Angelo literally evade her advances.She was so confused. In all gesture it shows that Angelo was really interested in her. One reason that she already told her many suitors that she was engaged was because of Angelo. She wanted the man to be his husband so badly.Before Angelo came to her life, Samantha never believed in love nor a serious relationship with men. She doesn’t want to become like her mother who blindly loved her father so much but eventually ended in divorce. But the man, changed her belief and she fall for him eventually. But worst is that the man had treated her just a little sister.I have to do something about this before I become crazy. You will be mine Angelo, my love.That was not just a promise but an affirmation of doing everything, no matter it takes. After all, she was Samantha Lopez, the Goddess on earth that every man dreamt of.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
CHAPTER 13A new girl was manning the cashier at the grocery store. Maria approached the girl and asked for Mr. Park.“He is not yet here.” The girl said with here Asian accent.“Is he still in the hospital?” Maria casually asked.Lucky that there was no customer yet at this time of the morning and the girls seems in the mood to chat. Maybe to drive away boredom.“Hell no. He never to the hospital that long.”Maria was astonished. She heard that Mr. Park was heavily injured and hospitalized.“But words got around that he was mugged the other day and heavily injured.”The girl seems lost, of what Maria was talking arched her eyebrow.“Well that was rumored but Mr. Park was never hospitalize. There were few bruises but not so serious.” The girl explained.Maria is beginning to get the picture. Everything was staged to look more serious and pinned down Samantha.“He was brought to the hospital alright for few stiches but sent home after.” The girl continued eagerly.“Is it true that huge
DETECTIVE Morgan’s hawk like face was the epitome of the bad cop in the city. But he is good of what he is doing as a cop. He can smell crime from a distant. His network made him aware of the latest activities in the underground. He has eyes and ears everywhere. He is the officer in-charge of Samantha’s case. He had handle many gory crimes such as murder, rape and even related petty misdemeanor committed in the neighborhood.He knew the area well and can pinpoint who is who among the local gang deed the score. Samantha’s case did not interest him at first but when he learned that Antonio’s gang rob the store and whack the owner, he smells money. With two families to maintain, Detective Morgan had to double time to earn more and support his mistress. His salary as a cop hardly met the needs for his first family so he has to be innovative.All the gang give their payoff share to Detective Morgan as protection. Learning that Antonio’s gang did the robbery irritated him. This is not the f