Understanding By Design Novels & Stories

Sasha Miranda almost had it all—the family that loves her more than anything in this world, loyal friends that always got her back, the fame and the riches that every woman envied, desired and would only dreamed of, except for one thing—William Saavedra’s affection. *** Sasha thought that finally, her dreams is finally coming true to life when the love of her life, William proposed a marriage to her but little did she know, it was only for business—a marriage of convenience. She did every good wife would do—she cooks for him, she irons his clothes, she cleans the house, she does the household chores, and be the understanding, patient and kind wife he will ever want but none of those worked as her husband kept on cheating with her with Olivia Vanderhurst, his ex-girlfriend. Witness a woman, a daughter and a wife fight for her right and for the love she ever wanted, but until when the love would be enough? Until when would she be a martyr wife? When the respect is lost? When the love is gone? Or when a life is forever lost?

Melody Rackelle Magallanes, a professor, an independent woman, an obedient daughter, and an understanding friend. But the people around her always have a say on her life—especially on her love life because ladies at her age were either married or engaged. She was already thirty-two, but she didn't have a boyfriend. Not because she was not girlfriend material, but because she was too focused on her career growth, and she didn't notice that most of her friends, cousins, and colleagues were married or engaged already. At her best friend's wedding, everyone was pushing her to date her partner in the ceremony, hoping that she would have a boyfriend after the date. But as usual, the date was a failure. One of her best friends suggested signing in on a dating platform to meet new friends. But still, it was a failure. One day, she woke up one morning and thought of having a baby on her own. To her, it doesn't matter if she doesn't have a husband as long as she has a baby. Would it be possible the fact that she doesn't have a boyfriend? What would be the plans of her best friends?

Akala ni Jade Naive Guaren-Severa, sapat ang pagmamahal para manatiling buo ang isang relasyon. Akala niya, kaya nilang tuparin ang mga pangako nila—na mamahalin ang isa’t isa sa hirap at ginhawa, habang-buhay. Pero nasaan na ang lahat ng iyon ngayon? Once, she had everything she ever wanted. A loving husband, a happy life, a family they were supposed to build together. Pero ngayon, ang naiwan na lang sa kanya ay sakit, pagkaduda, at mga tanong na walang kasagutan. “Ako ba ang may pagkukulang? Hindi ba ako naging sapat? Mas mahal niya ba talaga ang babaeng ‘yon kaysa sa akin?” The woman who tore their world apart. The woman who pushed Jade down the stairs, causing her miscarriage, yet Azriel, blinded by anger and grief, chose her over Jade. The same woman who stole Azriel's heart and left Jade with nothing but broken promises. Nang muli siyang mabuntis, inisip ni Jade na baka may pag-asa pa. Baka sakaling maayos pa nila ang lahat. Pero imbes na yakapin ang panibagong simula, tinulak siya ni Azriel palayo. Sa halip na lumaban, binigyan siya ng divorce papers at tuluyang iniwan—kasabay ng lahat ng pangakong binitiwan noon. Lumipas ang ilang taon. Akala ni Jade, tuluyan na silang tapos. Hanggang sa muli silang pagtagpuin ng tadhana. Azriel is marrying his mistress, and Jade is hired to design their wedding gown. Ngayon, kailangang harapin ni Jade ang lahat ng nangyari. Handa na ba siyang magpatawad? O huli na ang lahat para bumalik sa dati?

I was staring at Leion. He was kneeling in front of me, begging like he would lose half of his life when I left him. "This is what you want, from the very beginning, right?" I said, while smiling from ear to ear, before I sipped on my red wine. I didn't know that red wine taste so sweet, when I feel the victory, I know I will win this one, because loathe makes me stronger, I will feel nothing, if not anger, resentment and pain. I am numb, and the day Leion hurt my feelings, over and over again. But now, look at him, acting like he loves me and he cares for me, that if his feelings are true, why couldn't he do it then? "Aubrey, I am begging you, please—" "Do you remember the day I begged you to stay, because I am weak and tired from all of your bullshits, I gave you patience and all the understanding, and now, do you think all of the so called kindness that you show me lately is enough to forgive all the things you've done to me?" "Why are you so heartless?" Leion said while his tears running down to his cheeks, a crocodile tears, I will never be taken away again. "My love, you're the reason, now deal with it."

[Salfuego Girl's Series #1] Pamela Salmonte is the breadwinner of her family. Siya rin ang pangunahing provider, lalo na sa mga kapatid niyang nag-aaral at sa kanilang ina na may sakit. Swerte siyang nakapasok sa isang malaki at kilalang hotel, ang Salfuego Palace, kahit na hindi siya nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo. Siya ang tumutugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng pamilya, kahit na hindi niya mabili ang mga bagay na kailangan niya para sa sarili. Sa kabila ng mabigat na responsibilidad, may boyfriend siya, isang Japanese na si Albie Yuan Hiroshi. Masaya na siya kahit paano dahil sa pagkakaroon ng isang understanding na boyfriend na laging nasa tabi niya. Pero mali ang akala niya, dahil ang inaasahan niyang marespeto at gentleman ay kabaligtaran pala sa tunay na ugali nito. Nang malaman niya ang totoo, she breaks up with him right away. In the middle of her heartbreak, she crosses paths with the hotel owner, Drevin Onyx Salfuego. Habang nakakasama niya si Onyx, hindi inaasahan ni Pamela na mapapalagayan niya ito ng loob. Sa kabila ng mga sakit at pagtitiis niya sa pamilya, tila nakahanap siya ng totoong tahanan, sa mismong tabi ni Onyx. But she didn't know, being with Onyx would bring her even more heartaches.

Luna, and her journey of self-discovery and finding her place in the world. Despite initial difficulties, she realizes that she needs to adapt to her new situation for her own growth and development. Her mother wants Luna to pursue higher education and convinces her to study in Manila. She agrees, understanding that education is a powerful tool for personal progress. She prepares for enrollment and plans to leave for Manila soon. However, her encounter with Ryker Gregory, who seems to have negative feelings toward her, shakes her confidence. “I find myself swept away by the profound emotions that linger in the air. It is a realm where authenticity becomes fleeting, leaving behind nothing but remnants of my once vibrant feelings. Thoughts echo within me, whispering their secrets and leaving me yearning for more. Within the depths of my heart, I discover a peculiar contradiction—a longing for simplicity entangled in the complexities of love. Despite the dangers that lie in exposing my soul, it slowly emerges from its hiding place, craving connection and intimacy. Words wield an intriguing power in this realm, embracing both poverty and richness. Love becomes the enigmatic pursuit we strive for, seeking to be seen and appreciated amidst the captivating beauty of the world. Yet, I encounter individuals who weave intricate webs of lies, whether out of habit or with deliberate intent. In the face of such encounters, I am confronted with a choice—one that encompasses the essence of great and true love. As I traverse this labyrinthine journey, I embark on a quest to unravel the enigma of love. It is a search that takes me to the depths of my soul, forcing introspection and contemplation,” – Luna.

Lily never imagined she’d end up married to Ethan, her sister's boyfriend. But now, she finds herself under the same roof with Ethan and his family, her life taking an unexpected turn. Caught in the web of her confusion, anxiety, and the judgment of her family, Lily is left feeling more isolated than ever before. Once a close-knit and loving family, the atmosphere now crackles with resentment. Lily’s every move is scrutinized, and the disapproval from her own family is overwhelming. Her desire for acceptance seems impossible as the weight of her actions presses down on her. However, there’s one person who still offers her warmth, Mommy Maita, her mother-in-law. Unlike the others, she tries to make Lily feel welcome, offering her kindness and comfort. But Lily can’t help but question whether this kindness is genuine or just a way to keep up appearances in a family already torn apart by scandal. Ethan’s attitude towards Lily only complicates things further. His anger is palpable, and he seems resistant to accept her as his wife. Lily is left in the dark, wondering why he’s so hostile, when all she wants is a connection. But with every passing day, the emotional gap between them widens, and Lily is left questioning her place in this fractured life. Torn between her desire for love and the turmoil surrounding her, Lily struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. As expectations and societal pressures weigh heavily on her, she starts to wonder if she’ll ever find a way out of this mess. Lily finds solace in her friends Miya and Rafael. They offer her the understanding and support she desperately needs, reminding her that maybe there’s still hope in a world that seems determined to tear her apart.

In a world ruled by power and betrayal, Atticus Escoban, the younger daughter of the influential Escoban family, has always lived away from the dangerous chaos of their criminal empire. For 21 years, she was sheltered, hidden, and protected. But her life changes forever when Alijax Costaloña, the cold and calculating heir of the Costaloña dynasty, violently confronts her father, leaving him gravely wounded. Atticus never expected to be caught in the crossfire of her family’s schemes. Worse, Alijax discovers her existence and shocks everyone by choosing her—over her older sister Anneth—to be his fiancée. The engagement is a sham, a dangerous ploy to secure alliances, but Alijax has plans no one can predict. Determined to protect her family at any cost, Atticus agrees to the engagement, kahit na lumalaban ang puso niya sa ideya. Behind her composed exterior, she plots her way out, refusing to let the Costaloñas dictate her future. But the closer she gets to Alijax, the harder it becomes to distinguish between the man who ruined her family and the one who seems capable of understanding her like no one else. “Do you think you can escape this, Atticus?” he said, his voice dangerously low as he cornered her in the dimly lit study. “You’re mine now. Whether you like it or not.” Her fists clenched, and she met his cold, unreadable gaze with defiance. “You can own the world, Alijax Costaloña, pero ako? Hindi mo ako makukuha.” In a game of power, deception, and forbidden emotions, Atticus must make the ultimate choice. Will she sacrifice her freedom to protect her family, or will she risk it all to claim the life she truly deserves? Love and survival collide in a story where nothing is what it seems, and every decision could be deadly.