Scandalous Affair (The Stanfield Heir #3)

by AyamiLu

#StanfieldBook3: Sage Steele

Shakyra Noelle Lagdameo wants to know the

memories her brain had refused to reveal.

Kyra only knows her life as a 22 years

old woman-- who was lively and eager to chase her own dreams, away from her
controlling father and selfish socialite sisters. Yet she woke up in her twenty-
sixth-year-old self, without any hint what her life had been in the gap between.

Her psychoanalyst advised her to go

forward and live the way she used to. But how can she do that when a large part of
her brain was missing? She couldn't completely lead a life feeling incomplete.
Like a jigsaw puzzle, that's what her
brain looks like-- an incomplete mess.

Determined to find out the life her brain

had shut out, she quested to look for it and she started with a man with an
unforgettable name etched on her brain-- Vaughn Sage Steele.

But what if she didn't like what she

finds?

Could she face the truth and accept it

then?

Disclaimer: The story is written in

Filipino/Tagalog.
_________________________
Started: September 2015
Ended: August 2016
AyamiLu © Copyright 2015-2016
All rights reserved.

=================

Scandalous Affair

Disclaimer: This is a Filipino/Tagalog story.

Shakyra Noelle Lagdameo wants to know the memories her brain had refused to reveal.

Kyra only knows her life as a 22 years old woman, who was lively and eager to chase
her own dreams, away from her controlling father and selfish socialite sisters. Yet
she woke up in her twenty-sixth-year-old self, without any hint what her life had
been in the gap between.
Her psychoanalyst advised her to go forward and live the way she used to. But how
can she do that when a large part of her brain was missing? She couldn't completely
lead a life feeling incomplete.

Like a jigsaw puzzle, that's what her brain looks like-an incomplete mess.

Determined to find out the life her brain had shut out, she quested to look for it
and she started with a man with an unforgettable name etched on her brain. Vaughn
Sage Steele.

But what if she didn't like what she found?

Could she face the truth and accept it then?

-----------------------------------

This story or any portion thereof may not be reproduced in any written, electronic,
recording, or photocopying or used in any manner whatsoever without the express
written permission of the author.

All of the characters in this story have no existence whatsoever outside the
imagination of the author and have no relation to anyone having the same name or
names. All the incidents are merely an invention.

Ayamiℒu © 2015

All rights reserved.

=================

Chapter ♣ 1

THE BOSS

PINANOOD NI KYRA ang sarili niya sa salamin habang iniipit niya ng maayos ang buhok
sa likod ng ulo niya. Bilang isang sales lady, kailangan nilang maging presentable
mula ulo hanggang paa. Sleek hair, straight crease-free uniform, and polished
shoes. Kulang na lang ay ilagay pa sa patakaran nila ang laging mabangong hininga.

Pagkatapos masigurong wala ng hibla ng buhok niya ang wala sa ayos ay isinara na
niya ang locker niya kung saan niya sinabit ang vanity mirror, ngunit muli siyang
napatitig sa mukha niya bago niya iyon isinara ng tuluyan.

Minsan, iniisip pa rin niya kung mukha ba talaga niya ang nakikita niya sa tuwing
hindi sinasadyang nadadaanan ng mata niya ang sarili sa salamin. Hanggang ngayon,
hindi pa rin siya nasasanay na tingnan ang mukha niya. Nando'n pa rin ang
pakiramdam na hindi siya ang taong iyon. Na ibang katauhan ang nakikita niya.

But it has been two years.

Pero kahit sa loob ng dalawang taong iyon, Kyra still feel like a stranger to her
own self. Ang tanging sigurado lang niya sa buhay niya ngayon maliban sa pangalan
niya ay ang mga kapatid niya, at ang kaalamang namatay ang daddy niya dahil sa
kanya.

Isang buntong hininga ang pinakawalan niya nang maalala niya ang huling sinabi sa
kanya ng mga kapatid niya bago umalis ang mga ito at pinabayaan siyang mag-isang
harapin ang mga problemang siya daw ang puno't dulo.

Both Sandra and Stella hate her. Kahit pa noong mga bata sila. Iniisip ng mga ate
niya na siya lahat ang sumalo ng attention ng daddy nila. They were jealous of her.
At galit din ang mga ito

sa kaniya dahil namatay ang mommy nila sa panganganak sa kanya.

Her mother was in her mid-forty's when she fell pregnant with her. Kaya naging
masilan daw ang pagbubuntis ng mommy nila. And by the time she was in labor,
bumigay ang katawan ng mommy nila habang pinapanganak siya. Her sisters were five
and six years older then.

Ang sabi ng daddy niya, sa kanilang magkakapatid, siya ang talagang nagmana sa
mommy nila. Kaya gano'n siguro ang pagmamahal sa kanya ng daddy nila sa kanya. Kyra
reminded him of their mother. Hanggang sa pinag-ugatan iyon ng selos ng mga kapatid
niya.

Pero iyon din ang dahilan kaya masyadong naging mahigpit sa kanya ang daddy nila.
Kyra was actually jealous of her sister's freedom. Lahat ay puwede nilang gawin,
pero hindi siya. They've got to take courses they like, pero siya hindi.

Napilitan siyang kumuha ng Business Management kahit na ang gusto niyang kunin ay
Hotel and Restaurant Management. Pero dahil ayaw ng daddy niya, wala siyang nagawa.

And when she graduated, pinapasok siya ng daddy nila sa kompanya. She worked there
for 1 and half years when she decided to seize her own dreams. Umalis siya ng bansa
para ipagpatuloy ang pangarap niyang maging isang chief, dahil lingid sa kaalaman
ng daddy niya, she quietly studied cooking.

Pumunta siya sa France para doon ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral niya.

And then... everything was a dark black-hole.

Nagising na lang siyang may apat na taon ang nadagdag sa edad niya, kasama ang
sugat sa ulo niya at ang mga galos at halos nawawalang pasa sa mukha niya. At ang
nakakapagtakang malaking tahi sa katawan niya.

Aside

from those, there was nothing.

"Good morning, Kyra," narinig niyang bati ni June no'ng dumaan siya sa puwesto nito
sa men's apparel. Tipid lang niya itong nginitian at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad
papunta sa puwesto niya

Matagal ng nanliligaw sa kanya si June simula no'ng nag-uumpisa pa lang siyang

magtrabaho bilang isang sales lady sa kilalang mall na iyon pero kahit hanggang
ngayon ay hindi niya ito mabigyan ng sagot.

Hindi lang naman siya ang hindi niya mabigyan ng pansin at atensyon. Lahat siguro
ng nagtangkang ligawan siya at nanligaw sa kanya.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit, pero hindi lang talaga niya mahanap ang tamang dahilan
para bigyan sila ng atensyon.

She still feel stuck in that black-hole of her life, sucking her down, pulling her,
preventing her from moving forward. Kaya kahit anong subok niyang palayain ang
sarili niya, hindi niya magawa.

Siguro kapag wala na ang malaking butas na iyon sa utak niya, saka lang siguro niya
mabubuksan ang buong sarili niya, pati na rin ang puso niya... kapag kompleto na
siya.

"Ako na talaga ang magre-resign kapag iyang babaeng iyan ang mapapangasawa niya,"
dinig niyang reklamo ng kaibigan niyang si Kylie pagdating niya sa kausap nitong si
Yana, isang baguhang sales lady.

"Asa ka pang mapapansin ka niyan. Eh boss natin iyan eh," ani Yana habang nakanguso
din.

Napabuga na lang siya ng hininga habang tinitingnan niya ang dalawang iyon na
nakatingin sa isang sulok na parang mga batang naiinggit dahil wala silang laruang
manyika.

Pero napakunot ang noo niya dahil saka lang niya na-realize ang ibig sabihin ni
Yana.

Boss.

Were

they actually watching their boss right now, with that envious face and dreamy
look?

Funny. Kahit siya hindi pa niya talaga nakikita at nakikilala ang boss nila simula
no'ng nagtrabaho siya sa mall na iyon. Naririnig na niyang guwapo daw ito, likas na
babaero at ubod ng yaman. Pero hanggang doon lang iyon.

Ang kilala lang niyang boss niya ay ang malditang head supervisor nila, si Ms.
Charlotte. Ms. Charlotte ang tawag nila dahil iyon ang gusto nitong itawag rito.
And they call the owner of the biggest mall in town and the leading mall in the
country 'the boss'.

Kaya hindi siguro nakakapagtaka kung bakit ganyan na lang ang mukha ng dalawang
katrabaho niya.

"Hoy, kayong dalawa." Napangiti siya nang tumalon ang dalawa sa gulat sa pagdaing
niya. "Ano bang ginagawa niyo, ba't kayo nakatunganga diyan?"

"Uy! Kyra, bakit ngayon ka lang?" tanong ni Kylie imbis na sagutin siya.

Biglang siyang kinabahan sa hitsura ng kaibigan. "Bakit?" nagtatakang tanong niya

sabay tingin sa relo niya. Hindi naman siya late. Sakto lang ang dating niya.

"Hindi mo ba na-receive ang text ko sayo?" tanong ni Yana.

"Hindi ko dala iyong cell phone ko e. Nakalimutan ko." Hindi na niya binalikan pa
iyon kasi nasa jeep na siya at papabeyahe na sila no'ng maalala niya ang cell phone
niya. "Ano ba iyon?"

Natapik ni Kylie ang noo. "Naku naman, Kyra! Kaya ka napapahamak kasi diyan sa
pagka-makakalimutin mo."

Pinigilan niyang sabihing hindi niya sinasadyang maging makakalimutin. She used to
have a sharp memory. Pero dahil sa nangyari noon, naging makakalimutin na siya

at madalas na nauutal. Pero nasasanay na siyang kontrolin ang pag-uutal niya.

Ngayon, nagagawa na niyang magsalita ng diretso sa tulong ng speech therapist niya.
Pero hindi ang pagiging ulyanin niya.

"Teka, bakit pala? May nangyari ba kanina habang wala ako?"

"Nagpatawag ng meeting kanina si Ms. Charlotte," sabi ni Yana na parang isa na

iyong malinaw na sagot sa kanya. Palagi namang nagpapatwag ng meeting si Ms.
Charlotte.

"May ginawang staff inspection kanina," dugtong ni Kylie na sagot sa tanong sa utak
niya.

Halos mawalan ng kulay ang mukha ni Kyra. Staff inspection? At absent siya?!
Masamang balita iyon. Baka siya na naman ang pagdiskitahan ni Ms. Charlotte niyan.

"Hindi lang iyon," ani Yana. Lalo pa siyang kinabahan. "Nando'n mismo ang may-ari
ng mall!"

Unti-unting naramdaman ni Kyra ang pagbigat ng balikat niya at pakiramdam niya

bmabaon na naman ang paa niya sa ilalim ng lupa habang iniisip niya ang
napakalaking utang na kailangan niyang bayaran.

Paano na niya mababayaran iyon kung mawawalan siya ng trabaho ngayon?

"Ms. Lagdameo."

Nanigas ang katawan ni Kyra nang marinig niya ang pangalan niya. Hindi na niya
kailangang alaming si Ms. Charlotte ang may-ari ng boses na iyon, dahil sa hitsura
pa lang ng mga kaibigan niya, alam na niyang ito iyon.

"Ma'am?" kinakabahang sagot niya pagkatapos niya itong harapin.

"Follow me, please."

Walang bahid ng kunot ang makinis at magandang mukha ng head supervisor nila.
Ngunit ramdam na ramdam ni Kyra ang inis nito sa ma-awtoridad at malamig na tono ng
boses nito

Sinundan niya si Ms. Charlotte hanggang

sa dumating sila sa isang napakalaking opisina na noon lang niya nakita. Hindi na
niya kailangang manghula kung kanino iyon dahil sigurado siyang iyon ang opisina ng
may-ari ng mall na pinagtatrabahuhan niya. At mayamaya rin ay makikilala na niya
ito sa unang pagkakataon at marahil ay huli, dahil ito rin siguro mismo ang
magpapalayas sa kanya.

"The president will be here shortly to talk to you," ani Ms. Charlotte at nagsimula
ng lumapit sa pintuan para muling lumabas. Ngunit bumaling muna ito sa kanya.
"I was not impressed by your tardiness today of all days, Ms. Lagdameo, neither was
Mr. Steele," malamig na wika nito sa kanya. "Just hope that same unpunctualness
will help you from retaining your job and save you from unemployment."

Hindi na rumihestro kay Kyra ang huling sinabi ni Ms. Charlotte sa kanya dahil
bigla ay nakaramdam siya ng pintig sa ulo niya.

Matagal ng panahong hindi na niya iyon nararamdaman. At natitiyak niyang dahil iyon
sa pangalang binanggit ng babae kanina.

Mr. Steele... Mr. Steele...

Napaungol siya at napahawak sa sentido niya dahil muli na namang may pumitik sa ulo
niya. Hindi nga siya nagkakamali. There's something with that name.

Pero ano?

Umupo siya sa bakanteng upuan kung saan niya gustong makita siya ng boss nila at
saglit pa niyang hinilot ang sentido niya bago tuluyang nawala ang kirot niyon.

Naguguluhan at kinakabahan man, pinilit ni Kyra na maging kalmado sa upuan niya.

Mamaya na lang muna niya iisipin kung saan siya kukuha ng perang pambayad sa banko
dahil kung ngayon niya iisipin iyon, baka bigla na lang siyang lumuhod sa boss nila
mamaya pagpasok nito sa opisina.

Inabala na lang muna niya ang sarili niya sa pagmamasid sa paligid niya. Pero agad
din iyong natigil nang tumama ang mata niya sa pangalang nakaukit sa plakang nasa
mesa.

Naramdaman niya ang kakaibang tibok ng puso niya habang lumalapit siya sa pangalang
iyon, tinatawag siya. At gano'n na lang ang panlalamig niya nang mabasa niya ang
bawat letra.

Vaughn Sage Steele.

Her feet stopped cold on the ground. Pakiramdam niya'y bigla na lang nabuhay ang
patay niyang puso. Parang may kung anong natutulog sa loob ng katawan niyang
biglang nagising at gustong tumakbo at magwala.

But above all those overwhelming emotions, hindi niya maipagkaila ang isa pang
namumukodtanging damdaming pinukaw ng pangalang iyon.

Takot.

Kyra could feel her blood running cold.

Pero bakit?

Nabali ang walang hanggang mga tanong sa utak niya nang marinig niyang biglang
bumukas ang pintuan sa likdo niya at umikot ang ulo niya doon.

A man entered and as soon as he saw her, he abruptly stopped and stared. And Kyra
found her head was already spinning.

_________________________

Like my facebook page: Ayami Lu's Stories and join our group: Lady A's Story
Follow me on Twitter @iamAyamiLu and IG : @iamayamiluwp

Love,

Lady A

=================

Chapter ♣ 2

NOTICE

I KNOW HIM, iyon agad ang sinabi ng isip ni Kyra sa kanya habang nanatili silang
nakatitig sa isa't isa; siya na may pagtataka at bahid ng takot sa mga mata habang
ang lalaki naman ay ang hindi maitagong galit at poot.

Galit...?

Bakit galit sa kanya ang lalaking 'to?

All her life, she never knew men like him. But she could not know it, could she?
Not when she has a huge hole of blankness on her brain, leaving her memories empty.
She has nothing to remember for the past four years of her life since she woke up
two years ago in a hospital.

So why does she feel, not only think, that she knew this man? Knew those deep black
eyes that seemed to see through the depths of her soul, even her unknown memories.
She knew that face, Kyra realized with a surprise. Hindi ang mga gano'ng klase ng
mukha ang madaling kalimutan.

So why did she?

But then, maybe... he didn't stay long enough in her life for her mind to remember
that face, did it?

Simula no'ng nagising siya lahat na lang ng bagay sa buhay niya ay walang
kasiguraduhan. There had always been a constant questions in her mind, doubts and a
lot of maybes. Nothing was ever sure. Pero iba ang lalaking 'to.

She simply knew. Pero sino ba ang lalaking ito sa buhay niya na pilit kinakalimutan
ng utak niya? At bakit siya nakakaramdam ng takot kung kilala nga niya ito? Posible
kayang may alam ang lalaking ito sa nawawalang memorya niya?

"Kyra."

That single word was enough to inflict pain in her head. Ngunit pinigil niya

ang sariling hawakan ang ulo niya. Sinubukan niyang labanan iyon at hayaan ang
sarili niyang alalahanin ang boses na iyon sa utak niya. Pero lalo lang lumala ang
sakit na nararamdaman niya.
The man frowned, concern graved on his handsome face. Sa tatlong malalaking hakbang
ay nasa tabi na agad niya ito.

"God damn it! Sit down!" marahas na utos nito. Pinaupo siya nito sa malapit na
single couch sa harap ng malaking office table nito at saka mabilis na lumayo sa
kanya na para bang isa siyang apoy na nakakapaso. "What the hell is the matter with
you? You look like someone who've seen a ghost!"

No. Kyra didn't believe in ghost. Pero sa mga oras na iyon, gusto niyang hilinging
isang multo ang nasa harap niya at hindi isang tao.

She stared at the man warily from her seat, her head was still pounding. Marahas na
tumataas baba ang dibdib nito habang mariing nakapikit ang mga mata. He was
obviously keeping his anger in control.

Umahon ang kaba sa didbdib niya. He's very tall and obviously a huge man. Kung
sasaktan siya ng lalaking 'to, she doesn't think she could stand a chance.

Pero hindi siguro siya sasaktan ng lalaking 'to lalo na sa loob ng opisina nito.
Diba? Isa pa, may dahilan kaya siya nandito.

"Pa-pasensya n-na..." Maagap niyang itinikom ang mga bibig niya dahil sa
pagkakabuhol ng mga salita niya at marahas na nagmura sa loob ng utak niya.
Bumabalik na naman ang pagiging utal niya.

Please lang. 'Wag ngayon.

Fear was robbing her words. That must be it. Ngunit sa ngayon, kailangan niya ang
dila at ang utak niya. Nanganganib siya at ang trabaho niya. If

this man was her boss, and for whatever reason she was scared of him, kailangan
niyang isantabi iyon ngayon.

Maybe they knew each other before, and perhaps she could ask him some answers. Pero
sa ngayon, kailangan niya munang isalba ang trabaho niya.

Kahit papaano ay nakatulong ang mga utang niya para muling bumalik sa katinuan ang
utak niya at humupa ng kaunti ang tibok ng puso niya. Sinubukan niyang huminga ng
malalim bago muling nagsalita.

"I'm sorry po, sir. Nagulat lang po siguro ako sa pagdating ninyo." Thankful
enough, she managed to speak normally and fluently without stuttering. "Gusto niyo
daw po akong makausap sabi ni Ms. Charlotte?"

He gave her a puzzled look, the one with 'Are-you-seriously-fvcking-kidding-me'

question marked face, like she'd lost her mind or something.

Well, she did, actually. But she won't tell him that. Isa pa rin itong estranghero
para sa kanya, kahit na may palagay siyang kaya siya nitong tulungan.

"Did you just call me sir?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong nito.

Kumunot ang noo ni Kyra. Natural. Boss niya ito diba? What was she supposed to call
him? Ayaw ba nitong tinatawag itong 'sir'? Hindi ba iyon ang tawag niya rito noon?
Or did she get the wrong person?

Nagtatakang nilingon niya ang pangalang kanina ay tinitingnan niya sa mesa. It was
there. Vaughn Sage Steele. Written in bold, italic, glittering gold letters. At
walang dudang ang lalaking ito ang may-ari ng pangalang iyon.

"Right," he suddenly said with a dangerous catch in his voice. "I forgot you liked
to play games, Kyra."

Lalong dumiin

ang kunot ng noo niya nang tumingin siya rito. "Po?"

His lips twisted in a cynical smile, ignoring her confusion completely. "You used
to like the chase, the courting... the flirting."

Napasinghap si Kyra. Flirting? Ibig sabihin...

No. She must have been crazy to entertain this man. He was way out of her league!
Isa pa, alam niyang hindi niya hahayaan ang sarili niyang mahulog sa mga katulad
nito. Masyado itong guwapo at... Imposible. Masyado siyang mahiyain para mapansin
ng lalaking 'to!

Hindi nga ba?, tudyo ng isang bahagi ng utak niya habang tinitingnan niya ang ngiti
sa mga labi nito.

"I liked it too," he said with plain self-satisfaction. "Especially the challenge
you imposed. But then," he shrugged, his smile dimming. "That was to make sure you
have me wrapped up all over your fingers, wasn't it? So you could take me for a
fool."

Nanigas siya sa upuan niya nang gumalaw ito palapit sa kanya. Pati utak niya'y
hindi makapag-isip at wala siyang nagawa kun'di ang panoorin lang ito hanggang sa
yumuko ito para pumantay sa kanya at tingnan siya sa mata. She noted his hands
sinking down on the either side of the couch, making her imprisoned.

Napalunok siya nang mahagip ng ilong niya ang amoy nito. Masyado itong malapit na
tipong konting galaw niya ay mahahawakan na ng ilong niya ang ilong ito.

But Kyra knew this wasn't a matter of romance. There was nothing romantic in the
man's icy eyes as he stared at her face with complete arrogance and disgust.

"If you think you can fool me again with that innocent, pretentious eyes, don't
bother," he said,

his threatening voice vibrating in his breath. "You should know better, Kyra.
Because I know exactly how that lovely head of yours works by now after what you've
done to me."

"H-hindi ko po kayo maintindihan," pinilit niyang sabihin sa kabila ng gulat at

takot niya. "Hindi ko po kayo kilala."

"You can stop pretending, Kyra."

Umiling-iling siya. "P-pasensya na po sir kung iniisip ninyong nagsisinungaling

ako. Pero hindi ko po talaga kayo k-kilala."

Marahas na lumayo ito sa kanya. "So what are you saying? Na nakalimutan mo ako at
lahat ng mga nangyari sa atin noon?" Nagpakawala ito ng tawa. "You think I'd buy
that bullshit, did you? Is that all you can come up with? Pretend you don't know
me?"

What he was saying was alien to her. At wala siyang maibigay na sagot rito dahil
wala talaga siyang alam. Kaya pinilit ni Kyra na kalmahin ang puso niya, at isipin
kung bakit siya narito.

"Sir, nandito po ako dahil sa trabaho ko. Hindi ang makinig sa mga insulto ninyo at
sa mga bagay na sinasabi ninyong hindi ko alam."

Nakita niyang kumislot ang isang kilay nito na parang ngayon lang din nito naalala
ang tunay na dahilan kung bakit siya naroon. Suddenly, he donned his business mask
on, pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang galit sa mukha nito. He was still as mad as he
was the moment he saw her.

"You can start cleaning your things, Ms.Lagdameo." Kyra caught the sarcasm on her
name as he said it. "We no longer need your service thus consider yourself fired.
Please leave immediately."

"P-po?" Nagpanic ang buong sistema niya. "P-pero sir, isang beses lang po akong

na-late sa trabaho-"

"One mistake and another will follow. I know you, Kyra, and I don't trust people
like you."

That hurt her. Pero hindi niya iyon pinansin. "Sir, kailangan ko po talaga ng
trabaho-"

"Then look for another job," he cut her off efficiently. Tumalikod ito at umikot sa
likod ng office table para umupo sa swivel chair nito na parang hari. "I'm sure you
won't wait for a minute to jump into some fool man's wallet. And honestly, I don't
give a damn where you end up, Kyra, just as long as not under my nose. I don't want
you near anywhere my property."

Madidiin ang bawat salita nito. At habang tumatagal, habang pinakikinggan niya ang
mga masasakit na salita nito, lalong lumilinaw sa kanyang wala na siyang magagawa.
She's at her end.

"Now leave," he ordered tersely.

Oo, may amnesia siya. Ulyanin at utal. Pero hindi siya inutil para magtagal sa
opisinang ito at hayaang pagsalitaan siya ng masasama ng lalaking hindi niya
kilala... o ayaw kilalanin ng utak niya.

Kaya bago pa siya makapagsalita ng higit pa sa gusto niyang sabihin, lumabas na

siya ng opisina at umalis sa trabahong kinakapitan niya.

Ano ba ang ginawa niya para magalit sa kanya ng gano'n ang lalaking iyon at pati sa
trabaho ay hindi siya nito mapalagpas? Kung iyon nga ang kaso at nagkaroon sila ng
relasyon, bakit kailangan nitong sabihin ang mga masasakit na salitang iyon?

She sighed. She can't think about that, dahil walang sagot sa mga tanong na iyon.
Isa pa, may iba pa siyang kailangang pagtuunan ng pansin. At isa na doon ang
makahanap ng trabaho sa lalo't madaling panahon.

/>

"BAKIT HINDI ka na lang humingi ng tulong sa mga kapatid mo?"

"Kylie, alam mong hindi ko gagawin iyon." They hate her too much to even help her.
Isa pa, siya ang sinisisi nila dahil sa pagkakabagsak ng kompanya at kaya naubos
lahat ng pera ng daddy nila.

Kung hihingi pa siya ng tulong sa mga ito, siguradong hindi lang din siya
pakikinggang ng dalawa. Hindi na niya kailangang guluhin ang buhay ng mga kapatid
niya pagkatapos ng mga kasalanang nagawa niya sa pamilya niya.

"E paano iyan, saan ka naman maghahanap ng trabaho?" tanong ni Kylie sa kabilang
linya.

"Hindi ko alam." Nagkibit-balikat siya at napabuntong hininga.

She's been wandering around the city for the past three days, walking inside a
building, handing resumes and application papers hoping that they would call her
for an interview. Pero wala pa ring tumatawag sa kanya.

Nagiging desperado na siya sa bawat araw na lumilipas. Malapit ng matapos ang buwan
at hindi pa siya nakakabayad sa bangko. Ilang araw na lang at dadalawin na naman
siya ng kolektor ng kuryente at tubig.

Balak sana niyang kunin ang kabuuang suweldo niya sa susunod na buwan para
makabayad. Pero dahil sa nangyari, malabo na. Hindi pa kakayanin ng huling suweldo
niya ang bayarin niya.

"Kung gusto mo, hihiraman kita ngayon. May natitira pa naman sa suweldo ko eh,"
bali ni Kylie sa iniisip niya.

Nagsimula siyang umiling sa alok ng kaibigan. "Hindi na. Kailangan ng lola mo ng

gamot."

"May gamot pa naman siya. Sige na, Kyra."

"Hindi na. Itago mo na lang iyan," giit niya. Kahit na desperado na siya, alam
niyang mas kailangan ng pamilya

ni Kylie ang tulong nito. Lalo na ang lola nito na kakalabas lang ng hospital dahil
sa pangalawang atake nito sa puso. "Huwag kang mag-alala. Makakahanap din ako ng
trabaho bago matapos ang buwan."

"Sigurado ka?"

Tumango siya. "Tatawag na lang ako sayo kapag may magandang balita na ako."

"Sige. Ingat ka ha?"

Ilang application letter pa ang ipinasa niya bago siya nagpasyang umuwi na.
Maghihintay na naman siya ng tawag sa lahat ng in-apply-an niya. At sana naman, may
um-interview na sa kanya.

Pagod na pagod na siya nang makarating siya ng bahay nila. Binuksan niya ang
mailbox nila at kinuha ang iilang sulat doon. Kahit na modern na ang teknolohiya
ngayon at marami na ang gumagamit ng e-mails, she still stick with snail mails,
katulad ng daddy niya.

Isang nakakabinging katahimikan ang sumalubong sa kanya pagpasok niya. Wala siyang
ibang naririnig kun'di ang tunog ng pagsara ng pintuan sa likod niya.

She missed her dad, kahit ang mga kaaptid niya. They used to live together in this
house. Pero ngayon, mag-isa na lang siya. Pinipilit siya ng mga kapatid niyang
ibenta na ang bahay para hindi na sila magkaproblema sa bangko at makabayad na sila
sa mga naging utang ng daddy nila. Pero hindi niya kaya.

She can't afford to lose the house. Masyadong maraming alaala ang meron siya sa
bahay na iyon. Iyon na lang ang mga alaalang natitira sa isip niya, ang natatandaan
ng utak niya. At kung mawawala pati iyon, baka hindi na niya makilala kung sino
talaga siya.

Dinala niya ang mga sulat sa living area. Hinulog niya ang dalang bag sa mesa at
nahahapong umupo siya sa sofa. Gustong

gusto niyang mahiga na lang at ipatong ang nangangalay niyang mga paa, pero mamaya
na lamang niya iyon gagawin dahil baka makatulog siya at makalimutan na naman
niyang kumain katulad nitong mga nakaraang gabi.

Tatlong araw pa lang siyang walang trabaho pero ang laking timbang na ang nawala sa
kanya.

"I love your figure, sweetheart, but I like my woman to be healthy."

Kyra stopped and blinked at the sudden flash of a memory. But it was not a memory.
It was merely a voice-deep, baritone, husky voice. No, it wasn't her father's. Not
even her guy friends.

It was closely scary similar with the ex-boss who fired her ruthlessly, the reason
why she was close to being desperate.

Sweetheart? My woman...?

Pero bakit gano'n? Bakit galit na galit ito sa kanya? Bakit gano'n ang mga
binibintang nito sa kanya? Naging masama ba ang break-up nila?

Then why does she feel scared of him?

It doesn't make sense. At all.

Nararamdaman na naman niya ang mumunting pintig sa ulo niya kaya hinayaan niyang
isarado ang utak niya sa bagay na iyon.

The doctors said her memories would eventually come back. But she can't force
herself to remember all of them. Isa-isa lang silang darating ng kusa, sa sarili
nilang oras. Kyra almost laughed. They make it sound like her memories were alive
and chose to run off.

Pero dalawang taon na at nanatiling blanko ang apat na taong nawala sa buhay niya.
Para siyang pumasok sa isang time travelling machine at wala na siyang ibang
matandaan sa nangyari sa buhay niya.

She had given up trying to retrieve her lost memories. Wala namang nangyayari. Wala
pa ring nagbabago. Sa tuwing sinusubukan niyang makaalala, sumasakit ang ulo niya
na parang binibiyak. Parang pinipigilan siya ng sarili niyang utak na makaalala,
which was ridiculous.

Kumunot ang noo ni Kyra nang maagaw ng isang sulat ang atensyon niya. Dread twisted
in her stomach as she recognized the austere seal of the bank.

Nanginginig ang kamay na binuksan niya ang sulat, at halos ramdam niya ang
pagkawala ng dugo sa mukha niya nang mabasa niya ang Warning Notice sa simula ng
sulat.
We will give you until the end of this month to clear your account otherwise, we
will be bound to take necessary legal actions.

Ano na ngayon ang gagawin niya?

=================

Chapter ♣ 3

Warning: SPG

THE BANKER

KYRA WILL NEVER sell their house, kahit pa anong sabihin ng mga kapaid niya. She
will find a way to pay their debts without resorting to that. She still have a week
and three days left before the bank threw her to prison, or out on the street.

Nakahanap na siya ng mapapasukan niyang trabaho sa isang bar bilang isang

panggabing waitress. At sa ngayon ay pagtitiisan na muna niya ang kakarampot na
suweldo niya para makabili siya ng makakain at gagastusin niya sa pang-araw-araw.
Kailangan pa rin niyang makahanap ng ibang trabaho.

Who was she kidding? Kahit pa siguro siya ang tumayong manager ng bar na iyon,
hindi pa rin niya mababayaran ang utang niya sa ganon kaikling panahon. She has
only at the end of the month!

And even if she decided to sell the house, wala pa ring siyang mahahanap na
potential buyer sa loob ng isang linggo bago matapos ang buwan.

Kung hindi siya makakapagbayad, malaki ang posibilidad na mawala sa kanya ang
bahay, pati na rin ang kotse at iba pang mga ari-arian na pinaghirapan at naipundar
ng daddy nila. They will lose everything. And she will fail her father all over
again...

But not if she do something to stop it.

Maybe... maybe if she talk to the owner of the bank and ask for time, they might
listen to her...? Kahit ilang buwan lang. Kaunting oras at palugid lang naman ang
hinihingi niya.

Determination burned inside her, steeling her mind. Gagawin niya lahat para lang
maprotektahan niya ang lahat ng mahalaga sa kanya, hanggang sa makakaya niya.

She can't afford to lose everything right now. She can't give up, not after she
fought and escaped death before. Alam niyang makakayanan niya ang pagsubok na 'to.
MAAGA PA LANG ay nagising na si Kyra sa araw na iyon. It's not that she was excited
to do what she had to do today. Hindi lang talaga siya nakatulog sa buong magdamag
sa kakaisip kung paano niya makokombinsi ang banko na bigyan siya ng sapat na
panahon para makabayad.

She doubt if they will be so generous with her petition. But she had to try. After
all, his father did what he did to keep her alive.

Ang sabi ni Stella, nagkaron ng malaking problema ang kompanya nang umalis siya
papuntang France. At unti-unti iyong bumagsak.

She's a bad daughter. Hindi niya alam kung bakit hindi man lang siya umuwi para
tulungan ang daddy nila. She failed him. At nong na-ospital siya, sa hindi niya
malamang kadahilananan, tinulungan pa rin siya ng daddy niya.

He applied for a loan to pay for her hospital bills. At malaki ang nagastos nila
dahil ilang buwan din daw siyang nakaratay sa ospital at walang malay. Hanggang sa
inatake ang daddy niya nang muntikan na siyang mawala.

The doctors saved her, but not her father.

Minsan, naiisip niya na sana, siya na lang ang nawala dahil mukha naman siyang
handang bumitaw sa mga pagkakataong iyon. She didn't die, but she felt neither
alive living like this.

"Do you want coffee while you wait, Ms. Lagdameo?"

Nabali ang pag-iisip ni Kyra sa boses ng sekretarya ng may-ari ng banko. Iiling na

sana siya nang maramdaman niya ang pagkalam ng sikmura niya.

She had been eating

sandwich for the past days dahil iyon lang ang kaya niyang bilhin sa tuwing
pumapasok siya sa trabaho. Wala na siyang oras na magluto dahil araw-araw pa rin
siyang naghahanap ng matinong trabaho na may malaking sahod.

Pero nahihirapan siyang makapasok dahil sa nakalagay na health history niya. Her
amnesia was not helping her land in a job she wanted-needed-to have. Pero wala
siyang magagawa. If they find that a liability than an asset, then maybe it was.

Tumango siya sa babae nang maalalang nandon pa ito sa harap niya. "Yes, please.
Thank you."

Mayamaya ay bumalik ang sekretarya dala ang maliit na tasa ng kape. "He will be
here in fifteen minutes," anito nang maibigay ang tasa sa kanya saka siya muling
iniwan sa sofang inuukopa niya mula pa kanina.

Halos mag-iisang oras na siyag naghihintay. Pero ayos lang. Maaga din naman kasi
siyang dumating kanina, kaya nakalimutan niyang kumain man lang muna bago magpunta
rito.

Humigop siya ng kape at nagpasalamat dahil kahit papaano ay nainitan ang sikmura
niya. Mas okay nang may laman ang sikmura niya bago siya humarap sa manager ng
banko. Sana lang hindi siya mautal mamaya. She suddenly felt so drained and tired.
Exhaustion and hunger were taking their toll on her now. At bigla ay pumasok sa
isip niya ang galit na galit na mukha ni Sage.
Sage.

Yes. She used to call him that, did she? It's like his name felt like silk that
flows smoothly on her tongue. How much does she knew about him, she wonder.

Kung hindi sana nagkrus ang landas nila nang araw na iyon, sana hindi siya
nagkakaproblema ng ganito.

Sana, may trabaho pa siya na may malaki ang sweldo, at sana wala siya sa lagay na
'to.

But if she manages to get out of this mess, pinapangako niyang magkakaron sila ng
masinsinang usapang ni Sage. She will find out why he was so mad at her. And ask
who was he? What role did he play exactly in her life? Ano ang nangyari sa apat na
taong iyon?

He maybe seething mad at her that he even fired her so ruthlessly and mercilessly
just because of that minor offense she committed only one time, but he has to give
the answers she needed. And more than that, Kyra had to ask him, even if she can't
forgive him for putting her through this ordeal, because he had the answers.

Kumalabog ang dibdib niya nang makita ang skretaryang naglalakad papunta sa kanya.

"He's ready to see you now, miss," nakangiting sabi nito saka naunang maglakad.

Muntik pang mabuhos ang ibang laman ng kape niya nang ibaba niya ang tasa sa mesa
dahil sa biglang panginginig ng kamay niya.

This is it. Kailangan niyang ibuhos ang lahat ng makakaya niya. This is her only
ticket to survive.

Tumigil sa paglalakad ang babae nang marating nila ang malaking itim na pintuan.
Binuksan nito iyon at saka naglahad ng kamay upang papasukin siya. "Please."

Her knees were knocking at each other as she brushed past her, walking inside the
room that surprisingly looked familiar. Very familiar. Minsan niya na itong nakita
sa mga panaginip niya.

The red velvet lounge on the corner, the hand-woven black carpet lying under the
visitor's seats, the white tiled floor, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that she
knew were tinted,

and the chandelier she so adored... had adored. Lahat iyon nasa panaginip niya.

Or was it really a dream?

She pressed a hand to stop the wild beating pulse on her temples. Magsisimula na
namang sumakit ang ulo niya at hindi niya iyon maaaring hayaan sa mga pagkakataong
iyon.

Why does it always come when she's in a very compromising situation?

"Ms. Lagdameo."

A shuddering breath hissed out of her mouth. No! Please not him... God! Not him
again!

"What a surprise you finally managed to crawl out from your hiding rock," Sage
mocked.

"Ikaw?"

A brow quirked from that perfect forehead. "Still playing dumb, I see."

Oh my... Siya ba ang mayari ng banko?!

Pilit niyang inalala ang tatak ng banko sa sulat na palagi niyang natatanggap.
SB... "Steele Bank."

"Yes. My bank," he nodded with confirmation that almost felt like a bomb explosion
inside her gut.

"Your..." Mariin siyang napapikit para pigilan ang pilit na nagpaparamdam na sakit
sa ulo niya.

Hindi siya makapaniwala. Her father borrowed money from him? Kilala ng daddy niya
ang lalaking 'to? And he claimed to be her lover!

At kung siya nga ang manager ng banko-not merely a manager but the banker himself-
then that means he knew all along about their debt. At sinasadya nitong pahirapan
siya dahil may kasalanan siyang nagawa rito, hindi ba?

"Are you doing this on purpose?" She suddenly felt sick to her core.

Tumaas muli ang kilay nito saka marahaang tumawa habang umiiling. "No, you are
wrong. I am doing this because it is my job," malamig nitong sagot.

"And you, sweetheart, have my money and its high time I should collect them. Isn't
that why you're here?"

Somehow, she found that hard to believe. But it's not the right time to make him
spill the truth because he, fortunately, reminded her why she's here at all.

"Hindi," sabi niya sabay iling. "Nandito ako para humingi ng palugid," she added
stiffly.

"And you think I'd grant your wish in a whim?" He laughed derisively before his
mouth curled in contempt. "Now you forgot to remember I'm not the man you met years
ago, Kyra. Hindi mo na ako maloloko kagaya ng ginawa mo noon."

Lakas loob niyang sinalubong niya ang galit sa mga mata nito. "Believe it or not, I
don't remember you, Mr. Steele. Nagpunta ako dito dahil ang akala ko..." Dahil
akala niya magkakaron pa siya ng pag-asa na isalba ang bahay nila. Pero hindi din
naman niya akalaing makikita ulit niya ang lalaking dahilan ng lahat ng ito.

"Kung alam ko lang na ikaw ang manager ng banko at ikaw ang kailangan kong
kausapin, hindi na sana ako nagpunta." She wouldn't even dare to think of begging
him either.

"Then I am sorry your visit had been a disappointment to you."

Of course, he wasn't so sorry. Kung puwede nga, magtatataon na ito sa tuwa.

Nagkibit siya ng balikat, kahit na alam niyang unti-unting nawawala sa mga kamay
niya ang pag-asa. "It seem so." Mahigpit niyang isinukbit ang strap ng bag niya sa
balikat niya para umalis. "Thank you for your time, then."
"We're not yet finished, Kyra." Nahinto ang paa niya sa paghakbang. "Not by a long
shot."

Pinigil niyang sumigaw. She will never going

to let him see how she was suffering from all of these, dahil alam niyang
masisiyahan ito kapag hinayaan niyang mawalan siya ng kontrol sa emosyon niya. She
couldn't let him win.

Bahagya niya itong hinarap. "You clearly don't want me here and I have important
things to do." Than chat with him and listen to his degrading insults.

"What do you mean you don't remember me?" tanong nito bigla na parang wala siyang
sinabi. Though the honest curiosity in his voice made her face him again.

"I-" she stumbled to a halt. No way was she going to tell him. May palagay siyang
tatawanan lang siya nito at tatawagin siyang sinungaling. "It's none of your
business."

He cocked his head with impatience she knew too well. "Too bad because I make it my
business when you owe me a mountain of debts. Now, answer me."

Even if I tell you, wala ka ring magagawa, sagot ng utak niya. Pero hindi iyon ang
sabi ng puso niya. Her heart was telling her that he was the key to her past. So
she met his too inquisitive eyes and felt the string of her body being strummed.

Huminga siya ng malalim. "I have a case of amnesia."

A long tense moment filled the silent air as Sage regarded her answer with a blank
expression. And dread was swirling in her guts as she confirmed her fear. He did
not believe her-not even slightly.

And it stung. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit gustong-gusto niyang paniwalaan
siya ng lalaking ito na handang salungayin lahat ng lumalabas sa bibig niya.

Suddenly the throbbing pulse in her head intensified. Air pushed out of her lungs
and her vision doubled.

She

didn't know what happened, but it was Sage's voice calling out her name she last
heard as her head hit the floor.

UNTI-UNTING BUMALIK si Kyra sa realidad at pikit-matang inalala kung ano ang

nangyari sa kanya. Marahas siyang napadilat at bumalikwas nang maalala niyang nasa
opisina siya ni Sage, ngunit agad din siyang napaungol dahil sa pagkahilo.

"You fool!" someone growled as she was forced to lie back again because of the arms
closing around her, trapping her underneath. "Are you so intent on killing yourself
just to get away from me?"

Napakunot noo siya dahil sa tono ng boses nito. It was ridiculous, she thought.
Because he sounded close to being hurt.

"Okay na ako," giit niya nang mapansing nasa pulang sofa siya nito pinahiga. Pero
hindi gumalaw si Sage.

Her breath turned fast and shallow as she recognized the anger in his eyes as he
looked down at her. And then it switched into something... and the angry tension
turned into smoldering heat.

Bumaba ang ulo ni Sage sa kanya at mabilis na nahanap ang labi niya nang walang
kahirap-hirap. It was just fleeting but then, maybe it was time slowing down for
her. Her heart flipped from the achingly familiar feel of his lips, how they
perfectly fit hers completely... how it feel so right.

Sudden fear rose up within her-alien fear that told her she was in danger of losing
herself-again. Sinubukan niyang ibaling ang ulo niya at iwasan ito, but his hands
were already cupping her face, holding her still. He was far too determined to
punish her with every stroke of his tongue, the way he moved

his mouth over hers was forceful. Savage. Barbaric. It was full of wild passion
and... hate.

Isang boses ang nagpamulat ng mga mata niya. He hates me! This man hates me!

Kyra tried to clamp her lips together in a firm line, desperately trying to resist
him after that thought hit her. Hindi lang iyon isang likhang isip lang. It was her
memory telling her that this man hates her! And she should not be kissing him more
than he should.

But the determined stab of his tongue between her lips was a temptation she
couldn't withstand. It was making her head spin for the second time. It was making
her absolutely weak.

Despair made her free hands work and braced them against his chest to push him off
when she felt her body responding to his sensual attack. But the subtle scent of
his male musk and the sensual heat of his body draping around her like a silk wool
felt too familiar to her and trying to stop him with her last feeble strength was
unsuccessful. Natagpuan na lang niyang lumalakbay ng kusa ang mga palad niya sa
malapad na balikat nito at tuluyan ng nagpatangay sa sensasyong binibigay sa kanya
ng mga halik ni Sage.

She just couldn't fight him anymore than she could fight herself. His kiss, even
how brutal it seemed, gave her sense of wholeness. She felt finally complete. With
him. Like this. And she craved it for two years of being lost and empty.

So Kyra finally, finally, opened her mouth from his probing tongue and gave him
access to plunder her moist inner warmth, with a burning need.

He made a low savage noise deep in his throat and

held her closer to his hot body as he sought her tongue and sucked it with his
mouth hard that sent a quiver through her body, waking something deep in the pit of
her stomach. A need she couldn't identify and deny at the same time.

He continued to suck her tongue, played with it with erotic precision until she
moaned from the ecstasy of it. And all the while, she could only marvel at herself
how easy it was for her to dance with him and match him with equal fire she never
thought she had in her. Or perhaps she did and forgot, just like the rest of her
missing life of four years.

Suddenly, Sage released her lips that felt swollen and stinging. Bumaba ang mga
labi nito patungo sa pulsong pumipintig sa pagitan ng balikat at leeg niya. Isang
imahe ang biglang lumarawan sa nakapikit niyang mga mata. Siya habang nakatayo sa
harap ng salamin at ang mga labing nakadikiit sa parteng iyon ng kanyang leeg mula
sa lalaking nakatayo sa kanyang likuran.

The touch of his hand making its way to her br3ast while he dipped his tongue below
the hollow of her collarbone dragged her away from her thoughts. Kumawala ang isang
mahinang singhap sa bibig niya nang matagpuan ng kamay nito ang umbok ng kanyang
dibdib at marahang pinisil iyon. Nakagat niya ang ibabang labi niya nang matagpuan
ni Sage ang tuktok at paglaruan iyon sa pagitan ng mga daliri nito.

She felt so out of her depths and she even fell deeper when Sage dropped his head
and closed his mouth over the swell of her breast against her blouse. Strange
sensation pierced her with such wantonness spiraling down through her pelvis and
she could only whimper from the pleasure of it.

Sage continued to tug her n1pples with his teeth and then roll his tongue over it
until she was arching her back. She wanted more. And Sage gave her more. She
anchored her hands to his shoulders, digging her nails deep into them as she bucked
away from the leather sofa, pressing the length of her body to him.

She was burning up, every nerve ending of her body was highly sensitive to the feel
of Sage's hands and mouth on her skin. She could already feel the wetness between
her thighs and twisted her hips restlessly against him, seeking for something that
could relieve the need gripping her low in the pit of her stomach.

"Sage!" Kyra cried when he pinched her n1pples, with his fingertips, her voice
sounded desperate to her ears, but she didn't care. Her senses were swimming
through the muddled sensations that no man had ever made her feel, only him.

She heard him growl before his mouth claimed hers once more in a deep, drugging
kiss while his fingers adeptly freeing the buttons of her blouse, wanting him to
remove the rest of her clothes and possess her completely.

Then, the sudden buzzing noise tore her out from her dream-like state. She opened
her eyes and saw the angry disgusted glint of Sage's eyes.

=================

Chapter ♣ 4

PAYBACK

WALANG SINAYANG NA oras si Kyra nang tumayo si Sage para sagutin ang tawag nito.
She even heard him mutter a curse before he picked it up. She quickly scrambled to
her feet and closed the buttons of her blouse with trembling fingers, noticing her
legs were shaking too.
Napapikit siya ng mariin. Hindi siya makapaniwalang halos abot na hanggang pusod
niya ang nabuksan ni Sage sa damit niya sa gano'n kaikling oras. Ano na lang siguro
ang mangyayari kung hindi tumunog ang cellphone nito?

Her guts squirmed with discomfort. She felt sick with humiliation. Bakit niya
hinayaang mangyari iyon? How could she allow him to do that-kiss her?

But God knows she tried to push him away. Or did she really try her best?

"Tell Sharmaine I'll be there."

Her fingers froze from the piercing sensation she just felt, like an arrow shot
right in the middle of her chest. Sunod-sunod ang paghingang ginawa niya para
pigilan ang paglalim ng sakit na iyon habang umaahon ang isang tanong sa utak niya.

Why did that name hurt her like that?

Ang sakit ng dibdib niya kaya tinapat niya doon ang kamay niya para kahit papaano
ay humupa at hinayaan na niyang nakabukas ang dalawang butones ng blouse niya.

"Don't worry. That will not happen again." Sage's harsh sarcastic voice shattered
the silence that she didn't realize was hovering between them.

Hindi na pala nito hawak ang cellphone nito at nakatayo na ito paharap sa kanya. He
was looking at her with those intense, dark, furious eyes that created a lump in
her throat.

Kung tingnan siya ni Sage,

parang sising-sisi ito sa nangyari. Well, he should be. He took advantage of her
weakness. At ang nakakainis pa ay hindi man lang ito humihingi ng sorry.

"Talagang hindi na mauulit iyon," aniya nang mahanap niya ang sariling boses.

"Please," he countered uninterestingly. "Don't act like you didn't like what
happened. You almost went putty in my arms, I could've taken your clothes off and
you wouldn't mind." He laughed mockingly at her. "Kagaya ka pa rin ng dati, Kyra.
You're still that needy bitch who can't fill her greedy hands."

Kyra gasped. His deliberate rudeness shook her, firing her own temper, but at the
same time, she felt a curious pain in her chest. She felt as though he stabbed a
sharp knife through her heart.

And he called her a bitch.

Nawala lahat ng naramdaman niya kanina. She just wanted to scratch him. "Sa tingin
mo gusto ko ring magpahalik sa isang lalaking hindi ko kilala?!"

He tsked while shaking his head. "Stop spouting lies and saying you're a demented
patient. You're just wasting them on me."

Bumuka ang bibig niya pero natigil siya dahil biglang tumalim ang mga mata sa kanya
ni Sage na para bang binabalaan siya nitong huwag magsalita.

"You think I'd believe your stupid story?" naniningkit ang matang tuya nito. "Let
me tell you then that that was the lousiest lie and excuse you could ever throw
after two years you walked out on me. At hinding hindi mo ako maloloko diyan sa mga
kuwento mo."
"Hindi ako gumagawa ng kuwento! At lalong hindi ako nagsisinungaling sayo!" Hindi
na niya napigilang tumaas ang boses niya. She knew it

was stupid, pero hindi niya mapigilang masaktan sa mga sinasabi nito. Parang tarak
ng punyal ang bawat salita nito.

She was telling him the truth and he was slapping it back to her. Ano bang ginawa
niya para ganituhin siya ni Sage? Na kahit magmakaawa yata siyang maniwala ito, mas
lalo lang titigas ang paniniwala nitong nagsisinungaling siya. He was ready to
believe the worst of her.

Napailing siya. "Hindi kita pipiliting maniwala kung ayaw mo talaga. Believe what
you want. Wala akong pakialam. Hindi naman talaga kita kilala." As far as she was
concerned, Sage was still a stranger to her as the next man.

"Hindi ko alam kung bakit galit na galit ka sa'kin o kung bakit mo ako kilala o
kung may kasalanan man akong nagawa sayo," tumigil siya nang pumiyok ng kaunti ang
boses niya. "Pero 'wag mo akong husgahan dahil hindi mo alam ang pinagdaanan ko."

His jaw hardened "Really? Well, listen very carefully, sweetheart," he said in a
dangerously low voice that sent waves of vibration through her body that she knew
was not because of fear, as he stalked towards her then stopped within an arm-
length from her.

Kitang-kiita ni Kyra ang galit sa bawat linya ng mukha nito. And she had a sudden
urge to tell him what really happened to her. Pero nagsasalita na ito.

"You can act like you don't remember me, like you don't know me. You can pretend
all you want, Kyra. But never think for even a second that I will believe it." His
voice dropped even lower. "Don't ever take me for a fool again."

Nanikip ang dibdib niya. Hindi niya mapigilan ang pag-init ng sulok ng mga mata

niya. Why can't he believe her?

"Sa tingin mo nagpapanggap lang ako? Sa tingin mo ba masayang maging ganito? Na

wala kang alam sa mga nangyari sa buhay mo? Na nakawin ng sariling utak mo ang mga
alaala mo? Na kahit sarili mo hindi mo na rin kilala?"

Na maratay sa ospital sa loob ng ilang buwan at magising nang hindi makapagsalita?

She clamped her trembling mouth shut. She hated him for the way he cynically
misjudged and mistreated her. Kung bakit pa gusto niyang maniwala ito sa kanya na
kitang-kita naman niyang hindi mangyayari, kahit pa sabihin niya ang buong
katotohanan.

Sa mga oras na iyon, hinayaan niyang diktahan siya ng emosyon niya. She's so
stressed out. Hindi na niya kaya.

"Kung may nagawa akong masama sayo para magalit ka sakin ng ganyan, I'm sorry. Pero
'wag mong sanang isiping nagpapanggap lang ako," nanhihinang sabi niya. She just
can't do this. Her emotions felt raw and battered.

"And then there's everyman's weakness. Tears."

Kyra stiffled a curse as she rubbed a wet tear off her face. Hindi niya alam na may
lumalabas na luha sa mata niya.
Sage looked at her with a naked repulsion that made her heart quiver. "How you make
it sound so extremely believable was beyond my logic. I never thought you had that
in you," he said silkily with a taunt she could not miss.

Her mouth thinned as she balled her fist beside her. It was a mistake shedding a
tear. Dahil pati iyon ay pinag-iisipan nito ng ibang ibig sabihin. She couldn't
display vulnerability in front of him, she would have to remind herself that. Dahil
ang mga kagaya ni Sage, hindi

marunong maawa.

If he was so hell-bent in punishing her, then she will let him do what he wants.
Pero hindi siya tatakbo. Hindi siya magtatago. Hanggang hindi bumabalik ang mga
alaala niya, hindi siya pwedeng lumayo.

Something made her stop. Punish... Was he doing this for revenge?

"Tell me," aniya sa nanlalamig na boses. "Naghihiganti ka ba kaya mo ginagawa 'to?"

"Naghihiganti?" Sage lifted his mouth in a sardonic smile. "I'm just doing
business, Kyra," he sated a-matter-of-factly. "Your time's up. It's payback time.
Gano'n lang kasimple."

Somehow, she doubted that. She had a feeling Sage was never simple, dull, and
plain. He was cunning, calculating and cruel to the depth of his bone.

Nagulat siya nang maramadaman niyang ang mainit na hiningang dumampi sa pisngi
niya. Sage was already standing near her without her noticing it. At hindi na siya
nito binigyan ng pagkakataong umatras dahil nasa mukha na niya ang kamay nito.

His fingers trailed her jaw line gently and she felt his thumb brushed at the pulse
point on her neck that was starting to beat fast. She sucked at her breath when
Sage leaned down her ears, his warm breath stroking the sensitive hair above her
ears.

"I will give you until the end of the month," he warned, his hard voice betraying
the gentleness of his fingers on her neck. "If you fail to give me what I want, you
know what will happen."

She was out of breath when Sage released her fast, as if she was an insect he
wanted to get rid off. And she suddenly felt weak she couldn't stand properly.
Nanginginig na ang mga tuhod

niya. Pero pinigil niya ang sariling doon bumigay. She already made a fool of
herself by fainting out, and she wouldn't dare do it again, if her life was
depending on it.

Lumayo siya kay Sage at mabilis na kinuha ang bag niya nang makita niya ito sa
pulang sofa. She couldn't stay here for another hour, not even another minute.
Kailangan na niyang umalis bago pa siya tuluyang bumagsak.

"I'm warning you, Kyra." His threatening tone stopped her from walking out the
door. "I will seize everything that's rightfully mine and it's time you pay all
that you stole from me."

Marahas niya itong binalingan. She can't believe she met a man like him. He's not
just cruel. He's man with a heart made of ice cold steel.

"You're a monster," aniya saka inabot ang siradura ng pinto. "At hindi na ako
nagtataka kung bakit kita iniwan noon." Binuksan niya na ang pintuan at walang
lingon-likod siyang lumabas.

She went through that door with one intention--to ask for time, kahit maliit na
oras lang para makabayad. But her life had been thrown into another vortex where a
pin hole broke into her brain.

And as she left his office and walked out the building, she could still feel that
worm crawling on her chest. That kiss definitely opened a can of worms inside her
heart, mind, body and soul. And she had bargained enough of them before.

PINAGPAG ni Kyra ang mga kamay sa jumpsuit niya para tanggalin ang mga alikabok na
dumikit doon nang matapos niyang kargahin ang iba pang papel na nahanap niya.

Hapon na pero hindi pa rin niya natatapos linisin ang buong opisina

ng daddy niya kung saan nito iniipon ang mga papeles, sulat at importanteng
dokumento ng kompanya. Her dad was never a fan of electronic mails and technology
kaya halos nakatambak na ang mga iyon doon.

She sighed as she wiped a trail of sweat across her forehead. Pinasadhan niya ang
kabuuan ng opisina. She still was not sure if she's making the right decision. But
then she didn't know what else to do. Wala na siyang ibang choice.

Kailangan niyang ibenta ang bahay kung ayaw niyang kunin ng banko lahat ng property
ng daddy niya. And her sisters will grill her more if that happens. Kung may ibang
asset lang sana siya sana iyon na lang ang ibinenta niya. Pero pati ang share niya
sa iniwang mana ng mommy nila ay naibenta ng daddy niya nang magkagipitan na.

Kaya kahit gaano pa labag sa kalooban niya ang gagawin, she had to do it. Hindi
magdadalawang isip si Sage na itapon siya sa kalsada kapag hindi siya nakabayad sa
huling buwan. At alam niyang gagawin iyon ni Sage nang walang pag-aalinlangan.
That's how much he hates her.

Heat crept across her cheeks as she remembered their last encounter. If he truly
hates her, he would have never kissed her. Right? But he did. At lalo lang iyong
nakadagdag ng kalituhan sa kanya.

If she's going to be honest, that kiss shouldn't have happened. Because it only
made her realize 'things' she shouldn't have realized, much as she couldn't accept.
Things that had her rationalizing her lost thoughts.

The way Kyra sees it, Sage and her shared an intimate relationship, if that kiss
says anything. At kung tama siya, nangyari iyon sa loob ng mga panahong

wala siyang matandaan. Though she doesn't know, couldn't understand, why it had to
be those memories her mind chose to shut down.

Ni hindi niya alam kung paano sila nagkakilala, kung ano ang nangyari sa kanila,
kung ilang buwan, taon sila nagsama, at kung bakit galit na galit ito sa kanya. At
base na rin sa nakikita niyang galit nito sa kanya, she couldn't deny the feeling
that she really must have done something to earn his anger.

Was that why she feel scared of him?

No.

The answer came like a fact-sure and certain. No, she's not afraid of 'him'
exactly. At least that's one of the things she realized after that day Sage kissed
the hell out of her. That and the realization that she felt boundlessly complete
being with him, being kissed, with his hands all over her.

And as much as they both agree that the kiss was a bad idea, Kyra could almost
accept, at least to herself, that it felt just right. So right that she forgot that
the man who was kissing her extremely loathed her.

She's not afraid of Sage. Not him. She was scared of something else. Something that
has to do with him. And the past. Pero hinid niya alam.

Muli na naman siyang napabuntong hininga at saka piniling ipagpatuloy ang ginagawa
sa halip na intindihin ang mga nangyayari sa kanya. Ang sabi ng doctor ay kusa lang
daw na dumarating ang alaala niya. But until then, she can't force herself to
remember.

Itinaboy na lang niya ang pag-iisip ng kung anu-ano at itinuon ang pansin sa mga
nakatamabak na papel. Napaghiwa-hiwalay na niya ang mga dukomento in alpahabetical
order, pati na rin

ang date. Kailangan lang niyang ilagay ang mga iyon sa kahon para maumpisahan na
rin niya ang pagtanggal ng mga alikabok. Marami pa siyang kailangang linising sulok
sa bahay.

Kailangan niyang gawing presentable iyon para kung sakaling may nagkainteres na
bumili ng bahay sa loob ng ilang araw ay hindi ito magsisi dahil lang sa alikabok
na nakalimutan niyang linisin.

It's wise to have someone clean the house for her. Pero poproblemahin pa niya ang
ibabayad niya kaya siya na lang ang gagawa. Isa pa, wala din naman siyang ginagawa
sa umaga dahil panggabi ang pasok niya sa bar.

At saka nakakatulong din naman sa kanya ang paglilinis kahit papaano dahil
naiiwasan niyang mag-isip ng mga nakakabaliw na bagay, katulad na lang ni Sage at
ng banko. Pati na rin ang problema kung saan siya tutuloy.

Natigil si Kyra sa ginagawa niyang paglilipat ng mga dukomento nang mahagilap ng

mga mata niya ang sariling pangalan. Her brow creased when she saw her
certificates. Hindi niya akalaing nakatapos siya ng dalawang taon sa France bilang
isang junior chef.

Kasama no'n ay ang nakataling mga sulat. They were letters from her father, letters
she wrote for her father, at naroon din ang mga importante at personal na dokumento
niya.

Bakit andito ang mga 'to?

She picked one letter at gumuhit ang kunot sa noo niya nang makita kung kailan iyon
ipinadala. It was the time when she was staying in France. Hope and turbulent fear
surged up in her stomach, twisting a knot.

It can't be.

Isa-isa niyang tiningnan ang mga sulat na iyon at lalong bumukal ang kakaibang
takot sa dibdib niya. All of them were dated years ago, iyong mga panahong hindi
niya matandaan.
My God... these can be her answers and all these time, nandito lang pala ang
makakatulong sa kanyang makaalala sa loob ng bahay nila at hindi man lang niya
alam.

She rummaged through it some more, and stopped when she noticed an old folder with
a red bold stamp. Confidential.

Anticipation stabbed at her marrow. She didn't trust herself to open and look into
it. But her curiosity was too strong and overwhelming, she couldn't stop herself
from reaching over. She has to know.

Mula sa loob ay kinuha niya ang nag-iisang papel doon. Her heart almost rolled out
of her chest and her fingers slightly shook when she saw what it was-a marriage
certificate.

Hindi puwede, sigaw ng utak niya. Imposible!

She wished it was. Pero hindi. Totoo ang nakikita niya, lalo pa't pangalan niya ang
nakasulat doon. At ang hindi niya mapaniwalaan ay ang pangalan ng lalaking
pinakasalan niya.

Paano?, she thought wildly habang lalong nalulunod sa kalituhan ang pag-iisip niya
at nanatiling nakatitig ang mga mata sa papel at paulit-ulit na binabasa ang mga
pangalang iyon.

Shakyra Noelle Lagdameo-Steele.

Vaughn Sage Steele.

This can't be true... She can't be married.

She couldn't be married to him!

=================

Chapter ♣ 5

LOST

PAANO NANGYARI IYON? Why don't I have a ring if I am really married? Bakit hindi
sinabi sa'kin ng mga kapatid ko? Did they know too?

Masyadong marami ang gumugulo sa isipan ni Kyra nang gabing iyon kaya hindi na niya
napansin ang biglaang pagtayo ng isang costumer at nasagi ng balikat nito ang dala-
dala niyang tray.
"Goddammit!" mura ng lalaki nang matapon rito ang laman ng tray. Kyra tried to stop
the bottle from spilling over pero pati iyon ay nabuhos na sa pantalon nito. The
man hissed.

"Sorry po!" natatarantang sabi ni Kyra at nagmamadaling kumuha ng tissue para

punasan ang mga natapong pagkain sa damit nito. "Sorry po, sir. Sorry po talaga!"

"Put*ng'na naman o!" Galit na tinabig ng lalaki ang kamay niya. "Kita mo na'ng
ginawa mo?! You ruined my shirt!"

Kyra flinched and almost cowered back. "Sorry po. Hindi ko po talaga sinasadya-"

"Hindi sinasadya?!" biglang sigaw ng costumer. Pinipigilan na ito ng mga kasamahan

nito pero talagang galit na galit ito sa nangyari. Who wouldn't? Tapunan ka ba
naman ng isang tray ng pagkain?

"Ano'ng problema dito?"

Lalong kinabahan si Kyra nang dumating ang nagmamay-ari ng bar. Lihim siyang
napamura nang maisip niyang baka sesantihin siya ni Danrick dahil sa pagiging
palpak niya. At hindi niya masisisi ang kaibigan niya kung sakaling magalit ito sa
kanya. It's her fault, anyway. Wala siya sa tamang katinuan pero pumasok pa rin
siya.

"Heto!" Bigla siyang tinuro ng lalaki. "Hetong waitress niyo, hindi magawa ng
maayos ang trabaho niya!"

Tiningnan siya ni Danrick

at napabuntong hininga. Dread clawed in her guts. "Pasensya na po-"

"Sige na, Kyra," putol ni Danrick sa kanya saka siya hinawakan sa balikat. "Ako na
ang bahala dito."

Naguguluhang binalingan niya si Danrick. Kaibigan niya ito mula pa noong college
sila at iyon ang dahilan kaya siya nito tinanggap sa trabaho. And she's very
thankful for that, lalo na sa panahong gipit na gipit siya. Pero nag-aalala siya na
baka paalisin din siya ni Danrick dahil sa pagiging pabaya niya at baka isipin
nitong hindi niya kayang maging normal dahil sa amnesia niya.

"Danrick-" she started to explain pero sumenyas itong umalis na siya dahil galit pa
ang costumer at hindi siya makakatulong kung tatayo pa rin siya roon.

"Sige na," he nodded encouragingly at her. Kahit papaano ay nakahinga si Kyra ng

maayos dahil alam niyang hindi pa siya palalayasin ni Danrick.

Nakakuha pa siya ng matalim na tingin mula sa lalaking costumer bago siya tumalikod
at iwan ito at si Danrick. Dumiretso siya sa quarter nila para doon muna magpahinga
at mag-isip. Kailangan niyang ayusin ang sarili niya bago siya humawak ulit ng
tray. Baka kasi sa susunod na may matapunan siya, hindi na siya palagpasin ni
Danrick.

Someone opened the quarter's door at pumasok doon si Miley, ang kapatid ni Danrick
na kasa-kasama nitong nagpapatakbo ng bar.

"Ayos ka lang ba?" she asked as she sat down beside her. Tumango lang si Kyra pero
tiningnan lang siya nito na tila hindi kumbinsido. "Sigurado ka? Mukha kasing wala
ka sa sarili simula pa kanina."
Isang malalim na hininga ang pinakawalan ni Kyra. "Hindi lang maganda ang
pakiramdam

ko," aniya saka bahagyang ngumiti. There was no need pouring her heart out to her,
at lalong hindi na kailangang malaman ni Miley kung gaano siya nagulat at
naguguluhan nang malaman niyang kasal siya.

Nope. Definitely no need.

"Kung gusto mo, umuwi ka na lang muna." Nag-aalalang tiningnan siya ni Miley. "Kesa
naman sa nandito ka pero lumilipad naman ang utak mo. Mamaya magsi-alisan na ang
lahat ng mga costumer natin."

Buntong hininga lang ulit ang isinagot niya rito. Tama si Miley. She could have
just called in sick and then maybe she could have avoided incidents from happening.
Pero hindi rin naman niya puwedeng gawin iyon lalo na ngayong gipit siya.

She felt Miley's hand on her. "Huwag kang mag-alala," anito na para bang nababasa
nito ang nasa utak niya. "Ako na ang bahala kay kuya. Papayag iyon at maiintindihan
naman niya ang problema mo."

Kyra sighed for the third time and held Miley's hands. Alam ng magkapatid ang
pangangailangan niya ngayon, lalo na ang pagdating sa problema niya sa banko. Pero
iba ang gumugulo sa isipan niya ngayon.

She felt lost somewhere deep inside her. Hindi niya alam kung nakatulong ang mga
nalaman niya. Sure, they did. Pero mas naging komplikado lang ang lahat. She
couldn't fathom how could she marry someone so cruel and ruthless as Sage, when...
why?

Did they fall in love like how every couple does and eventually marry?

Somehow, that thought made her sad for an unknown reason. Nagdulot iyon ng kirot sa
puso niya at bago pa niya isipin kung bakit ay binalingan niya si Miley. She could
not pass up on her offer of escape. Kailangan niya

iyon.

"Salamat, Miley." Ginagap ulit niya ang kamay ni Miley, telling her how much she
was grateful for the reprieve.

Ngumiti ito. "Ano ka ba, wala iyon. Kulang pa nga 'to no'ng tinulungan mo si tatay
dati."

Yeah. She could still remember that. Mabuti na lang at nando'n siya no'ng gabing
na-aksidente ang tatay nila at agad siyang nakahingi ng tulong. Kyra could just be
grateful she had done good deeds in her past because surely they did come back to
her.

Iniwan na siya ni Miley para makapagbihis siya pero hindi na siya nag-abala pang
magbihis at kinuha na lang niya ang mga gamit niya sa locker niya para umuwi.

She just can't wait to get home and let her mind drill her head with questions that
carried frightening answers. No doubt, tonight will be an excruciatingly,
torturing, long night for her.

Naisip niyag sa likod na lang siya dumaan para maiwasan niya ang customer na
natapunan niya kanina. Pero hindi kinaya ng konsensya niyang umalis na hindi
nakakapagpaalam kay Danrick, lalo na pagkatapos ng nangyari.

She just wished the costumer was gone. Dahil kung nadoon pa rin iyon doon sa labas
ay baka isama na rin niya pauwi ang konsensya niya. But gratefully, she saw the
table was empty. Umikot ang mga mata niya s amadilim na kabuuan ng bar at wala
siyang nakitang kamukha ng lalaking natapunan niya.

She sighed in relief just before she walked out from behind the wall she was
hiding. Hahanapin na sana niya kung nasaan si Danrick nang biglang may humarang na
lalaki sa harap niya.

"Hey, babe," the man said with a wolfish smile and she tensed by the

way he called her 'babe'.

He was big and tall. He had a body like a soldier. At gano'n din ang mukha nito.
Kyra tried not to cringe from the harsh line slashing across his face, pero hindi
niya pa rin napigilan ang sarili niya. So she ducked her head before she could
offend him. And then she noticed how well he was blocking her way.

Wala siyang madaanan, unless she pushed him away. Or she could try to turn around
and forget Danrick. But she forced her irrational fear away and told herself he was
no threat, kahit na iyon mismo ang sinasabi ng ngiti ng lalaki.

"Excuse lang po, sir," magalang na sabi niya at sinubukan dumaan sa gilid nito. She
managed to squeeze into it and passed away from him without rubbing her skin into
his shirt, pero mabilis din siya nitong napigilan.

"Sandali, sandali." Hinablot nito ang braso niya. Her eyes flashed by his display
of aggression. Yes. She saw it like that, especially when she was obviously trying
to walk away from him.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Nakangiting sabi nito habang hawak pa rin ang braso
niya. Kyra felt his fingers digging into her skin. "Halika, samahan mo muna kami
sandali."

Alarm rang inside her head when his speech slurred. The man was drunk. Pinilit
niyang huminahon. She could scream if he does something. May mga bouncers naman sa
paligid, though hindi niya alam kung nasa malapit lang sila para mapansin siya ng
mga ito.

She smiled tightly as she schooled her face in a calm look, pati ang boses niya
nang lingunin niya ito. "I'm sorry, sir, pero off ko na po ngayon."

Lalong lumawak ang ngisi ng lalaki.

"Then join us."

Us.

A cold sweat broke over her palms and a chill of air whispered at the back of her
neck, making her hair stand on end. This man was calling for trouble. And if she
wouldn't be careful, Danrick will really throw her out.

"Come on, babe. Kahit isang oras lang. Then I'll take you home," he whispered and
Kyra could hear the innuendo of his invitation.

Halos kinilabutan siya nang ma-realize niya ang iniisip nito. He was actually
thinking she was some hooker!
Never in her whole life did she think she would get this kind of treatment.
Nakakabastos. It was very disrespectful, to think na hindi siya nagpapalipad ng
'come on' moves rito.

Her hands itch to slap the arrogant bastard's face pero pinigilan niya ang sarili
niya. Baka tuluyan na siyang paalisin ni Danrick kapag hinayaan niya ang sarili
niya. So she went with frost than bite.

Hinarap niya ito at matalim na tiningnan. "I'm not a 'babe', sir. Waitress po ako
rito kaya pakitanggal po ang kamay ninyo."

"Fiesty. I like that." Lalong lumapit sa kanya ang lalaki nang hindi binibitiwan
ang braso niya. She could feel her heart shrinking away from fear as he leaned down
on her. But she stood her groun, grinding her teeth. "Tell me, magkano ka sa isang
gabi?"

Blood rushed up through her head but before she landed a stinging slap into his
face, someone threw a hard punch knocking the bastard's jaw. Lumipad ang mata ni
Kyra sa lalaking galit na galit na nakatayo sa tabi niya.

"Sage!"

Nanginginig ang buong katawan nito at nalilisik ang mga mata habang nakatingin sa
lalaking

pinatumba nito sa isang suntok lang.

"Don't you fvcking touch her again!" Dinuro pa ni Sage ang hindi makagalaw na
lalaki sa sahig bago nito hinatak ang kamay niya. "Let's go!"

Nakita niya ang mga bouncer na nagsilapit sa kanila para pigilan ang mga kasamahan
ng lalaking sinuntok ni Sage na makalapit sa kanila. Nagkakagulo na pero parang
walang pakialam si Sage habang hinahatak siya nito palabas ng bar.

Kyra was still dumbfounded, her heartbeat was racing she knew that has nothing to
do with what just happened. It was all because of this man. And again, there it was
again-the unexplainable feeling of sadness and loss inside her.

Refusing to feel vulnerable again, she flipped her anger on, letting her
rationality come back. Sage just punched a customer. At sa kanya ang puntos na
iyon. Danrick will be very pissed off and that means she has to come back and talk
with him. Hindi pwedeng basta na lang siyang umalis.

"Sage, sandali." Sinubukan niyang huminto pero hinila lang siya ni Sage hanggang sa
makarating sila sa kotse nito.

"Sage, ano ba!" Binawi ulit niya ang kamay niya at muntikan pa siyang matumba nang
bigla siyang pakawalan ni Sage. "Bakit mo ba ginawa iyon?!" sigaw niya habang
minamasahe ang nasaktang kamay niya.

Sage swore under his breath before he swung around to her with his eyes narrowing
into slits. "And that's how you say thank you," he stated, not asked.

Bumuga siya ng hininga. "Salamat," aniya na halos labas sa ilong niya. "Pero hindi
mo na dapat ginawa iyon. Hindi mo na dapat sinuntok iyong customer." She could have
handled it herself without punching the bastard's

face.
He suddenly banged a palm into the head of his car before he rubbed his face.
"Binabastos ka niya, Kyra! Didn't you notice that?"

Hindi alam ni Kyra bakit galit na galit itio. Or was it because he still feels
protective of her. They're married, right?

Kumunot ang noo niya. Hindi niya alam iyon. They coud be divorced too, for all she
knew. Kung kasal pa rin sila, hindi siya gigipitin ni Sage ng ganito. Maybe he was
against the divorce kaya siya galit sa kanya..?

"Why are you in there in the first place?"

Nabali ang daloy ng pag-iisip niya nang marinig niya ang hindi makapaniwalang boses
na iyon ni Sage, and that flicked a tiny sensitive nerve inside her.

"I need a job and you know exactly why," she bristled defensively. God! He really
had the face to ask her that when he knew it was all his fault why she's in this
deep shit. At ngayon, mas lalo siyang mapapahamak dahil sa ginawa nito. "Hindi ka
na dapat nakialam. Kaya ko ang sarili ko."

He dropped his eyes to her wrist that she was massaging, the one he grabbed none
too gently, and frowned angrily. "Yeah. I figured," he said cliply, dropping the
whole subject off, before opening the driver seat's door. Though he stopped before
sliding in to look at her. "What? Are you waiting for me to open the door for you?"

Napatingin siya sa silver grey na Bugatti nito. Iniisip ba nitong sasakay siya sa
loob kasama ito? She's a sucker for nice cars pero hindi siya mapapsakay ni Sage sa
loob niyon sa mga oras na iyon.

He cocked his head and shot her a challenging look. "I thought you hate

men being chivalrous."

She glared. "I'm not going inside your car, Sage." Humakbang siya paatras.

"You're fvcking kidding me." She heard him mutter. "Gusto mong bumalik doon sa
loob?" Hindi makapaniwalang tiningnan siya nito.

"Kailangan kong bumalik dahil sa ginawa mo." Natatakot siya na baka magalit sa
kanya si Danrick at baka wala na siyang asahang trabaho.

"That fvcking asshole deserved my fist."

Deserved? Bakit? Asawa pa rin ba kita?

Gustong-gusto niyang itanong iyon, pero hindi niya kaya. Something was holding her
back. Dahil iyon sa takot na nararamdaman niya. At sa maraming bagay na gumugulo sa
isipan niya. At siguro, isa na rin doon ang kaalalamang iniisip nitong
nagsisinungaling siya at gawa-gawa lang niya lahat, pati ang amnesia niya.

Her shoulder hunched, stress was knocking at her heels. "Pero hindi ang trabaho ko.
And thanks to you I will lose my job again."

"For Pete's sake, Kyra!" Marahas na isinara nito ang pintuan ng koste. "You don't
need that kind of job. Binabastos ka ng mga lalaking iyon!"

Hindi na lang siya nagsalita. She refused to tell him why she can't have a dream
job or a decent job with good enough salary. Baka isipin na naman nitong nagpapaawa
siya at sinusubukan niyang lokohin ito.

She's tired. She wanted to go home and just forget she ever found that certificate.
Pero kailangan muna niyang kausapin si Danrick. Nilingon niya ang bar at biglang
nakunot ang noo niya nang may mapagtanto siya.

She glanced back at Sage, who was still fuming mad, frustrated, and sexy as hell.

"Why are you here,

Sage?" She saw his body tensed. "Hindi ang mga ganitong lugar ang pinupuntahan mo."

"Not your business," he coolly said, his raging eyes grew cold as his anger faded
away. "Fine. Go ahead. Bumalik ka kung gusto mo. Just don't expect someone to help
you the second time some asshole fvck around you." Binuksan ulit nito ang pintuan.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot." He stopped, his smile was chilling her spine. "You're
not exactly the damsel in distress type."

He slipped in, slammed the door and drove off, and Kyra was left standing there
replaying the same memory, only she watched Sage driving off with a black Shelby.
And she knew... that day was the day everything ended.

That was the night Kyra broke her own heart.

PAGKATAPOS niyang makausap si Kylie ay agad niyang niligpit ang mga ibang gamit sa
bahay na hindi puwedeng ipagbili.

Pagkatapos ng nangyari sa bar, bumalik si Kyra at nagpaalam na kay Danrick.

Nahihiya siyana puro gulo ang nagawa niya sa iisang gabi lang at siya pa ang
magiging dahilan ng pagkalugi ng bar. Pero tinawanan lang siya ni Danrick.

"It happens, Kyra." Iyon lang ang sinabi nito at pumasok daw siya sa susunod na
araw, 'pag maayos na ang pakiramdam niya. He eve joked about Sage. At nagtaka
siyang hindi alam ng kaibigan niyang asawa niya ang lalaking iyon.

Does anyone knows?

Pagdating niya ng bahay ay may isang tawag ang naghihintay sa kanya. May gutsong
bumuli ng bahay.

Bahagya mang kumirot ang puso niya, hindi pa rin niya mapigil na matuwa. Dahil isa
pa rin iyong magandang balita. At least, hindi mapupunta sa kamay

ng banko ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ng daddy niya, at mababayaran niya ang banko
nang hindi naibebenta ang ibang ari-arian nila.

Ang sabi ng lawyer ng gustong bumili ay magkikita sila bukas para pag-usapan ang
bahay, kaya wala ng sinayang na oras si Kyra. She have to look for a place to stay
at kailangan din niyang bilisan ang paglilipit ng gamit.

Mabuti na lang at may bakante pang kuwarto sina Kylie sa apartment nila at puwede
siyang makirenta doon.

A smile spread across Kyra's face. Sa wakas, okay na lahat.

Naudlot ang paghiga niya sa sofa nang marinig niyang tumunog ang door bell nila.
She mumbled a curse when she forgot to close the gate after throwing bags of
garbage.

Sinilip muna niya ang peep hole nang makarating siya sa pinto. All she can see was
fabric of a shirt. Nakatayo ito malapit sa peep hole kaya hindi niya makita ang
mukha nito.

Grunting inwardly, she unlocked the bolt and opened the door-only to freeze.

"Hi," Sage greeted smoothly as if he was a welcome guest.

"Anong..." Tumigil siya at napatitig lang rito. No, it wasn't because of his
gorgeous eyes, kissable pink lips, and soft hair. It wasn't because her heart was
zapping and doing a weird dance against her ribs. It wasn't because of how he
looked all fresh and neat and smelled so sinfully sexy.

Her mind just went blank. Like what happens most of the time since she woke up from
the hospital and caught her unaware. It feels like someone was robbing her words
even before she could say them. Like now. And all she could do was to stare dumbly
and blankly at Sage, who was

frowning curiously at her.

God! She could feel herself wanting to cry. Pero Pinigilan niya ang sarili. Ayaw
niyang takutin si Sage. O baka sabihin nitong nagpapanggap na naman siya. Sinubukan
niyang alalahanin ang mga turo sa kanya ng speech therapist niya noon. And then she
tried again.

"Anong g-ginagawa mo dito?" she forced out.

Sage was still frowning pero hindi ito nagtanong. Instead, he cocked his head
sideways and leaned a hand against the door. "Where's your manner, Kyra? Hindi mo
ba ako papasukin muna?"

She didn't argue. Alam naman niyang hindi ito aalis kung paalisin niya ito.
Magsasayang lang siya ng laway. Kaya binuksan na lang niya ang pintuan at pinapasok
ito. She stepped farther to avoid brushing with him.

"What's with the boxes?" puna nito sa mga nagkalat na kahon sa sahig.

Nagkibit lang siya ng balikat, pero tiningnan siya ni Sage. He's waiting for an
answer. "Mas mabuti na iyong handa," sagot lang niya, thankful that her speech was
ding fine again.

He frowned stepping further inside. "You think you can't pay me?"

She almost rolled her eye. "I can't pay you on the dot," not think. Pero iba na
ngayon. At sana, matuloy ang transaction nila ng buyer ng bahay bukas. Or else...

"I see." Tumatango-tango ito. Hinayaan niya itong maglibot-libot. "Where are you
going?" biglang tawag nito nang mapnsing papasok siya sa kusina.

"Sa kusina. Ikukuha lang kita ng maiinom." Pumasok na siya at iniwan si Sage doon
bago pa niya ito matanong ng ibang bagay.

Ano bang ginagawa nito sa bahay nila? Kukunin na ba nito ang bayad niya? But she
still
have no money. At hindi pa katapusan ng buwan.

She frowned when she was grabbing the cream. Hindi siya nagkakape ng may krema. She
liked her coffee black and sweet. No cream.

Instinct.

Siguro gusto ni Sage na may cream.

Pagbalik niya sa living area ay naabutan niya itong nakatayo sa malapit sa bintana.
He was looking at their picture frames, particularly the one with her and her dad
when she graduated.

"I'm sorry about your father," sabi nito nang hindi lumilingon sa kanya.

Tumango lang siya saka ibinaba ang tasa sa mesa. It was just a good thing he was
not looking at her while he said that because she didn't want to argue about
sincerity and genuine tears with him right now.

"What happened to him?"

She shrugged, even when her heart was clenching from her loss that she didn't even
know. "Sabi nila, atake daw sa puso."

Sage turned to her with those probing eyes. "Sabi nila?"

That made her defensive. "You're not here to listen to my sentimental story, are
you?"

His brow twitched. "You're right. I'm not." Saka muling ibinaba ang hawak nitong
frame.

"So, bakit ka nandito?" Pinanood ni Kyra si Sage na maglakad papunta sa kanya at

marahang umupo sa sofa. He sure knows how to walk gracefully with that masculine
body.

Tumaas ang kilay nito. "No niceties and preamble?"

Humalukipkip siya at nanatiling nakatayo. "Just get to your point so you can
leave." Having Sage inside her house, sitting on her couch and drinking from her
cup was altogether a bad idea.

"Okay." He sipped his coffee and fixed her a knowing look. "You surely can make the
mix of my coffee for someone who can't remember. Very convincing."

Kyra bit back a retort. It was instinct. Maybe she used to make him a cup of
coffee. Hindi niya alam. Sana hindi na lang siya nagpresentang itimpla itong kape.

"Well?" she probed impatiently and annoyingly.

Ibinaba ni Sage ang tasa sa mesa at umupo ng maayos saka tiningala siya. "I am here
because we have an appointment."

Appointment?

Cold sweat broke on her forehead as she quickly jumbled her thoughts and she could
find none. Wala silang appointment o napag-usapan ni Sage. Wala.
My god! Did he change his mind?

"Anong appointment? Hindi pa katapusan ng buwan a." Nagpa-panic siya.

He started to shake his head before he stood up and faced her. "No, I'm not here as
a banker. I'm here as your buyer."

=================

Chapter ♣ 6

REMAINING ANSWER

"WHAT? IKAW ANG BUYER?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Kyra kay Sage habang
seryosong nakatitig ito sa kanya. She could feel her blood draining from her face.

"Yes. Why else would I be here?" Sage cocked his head, but Kyra could only stare at
him shell-shocked.

My God! This isn't happening!

This is too much! Why would Sage want to buy their house? Hindi niya maintindihan.

Naglakad ito papunta sa kung saan at sinundan lang niya ito nang tingin hanggang sa
bumalik ito sa harap niyang may hawak na papel na hindi niya napansing hawak-hawak
pala nito kanina noong dumating ito.

"Here," he said, handing her the documents. Wala sa sariling inabot niya iyon.
"Read them and sign it." Then he was walking away again.

"Teka muna, sandali." Sage turned around and her heart squirmed. She opened her
mouth and closed them again when she realized she forgot what she wanted to say.
Panic settled at the pit of her stomach because what was happening to her right now
was worse than stuttering.

This is a mess. Everything was a big bloody mess! Konti na lang at mababaliw na
siya.

Bumaba ang ulo niya sa hawak niyang papel dahil ayaw niyang makita ni Sage ang
nangyayari sa kanya. She had to pull herself and gather her wits if she wants to
save the fate of her family's home.

Muli siyang tumingin kay Sage at nakita niya ang iritasyon sa mukha nito. "Ano
'to?" she tried and almost closed her eyes for relief when the words finally found
her. "Bakit bigla-bigla ka na lang sumusulpot dito

at sasabihing bibilhin mo ang bahay namin? At akala ko ba ang sabi ng lawyer mo,
bukas pa ang appointment natin?"

Sage rooted his feet to the ground as he fixed her an impatient stare. "I can't
wait until tomorrow. I have plans."

At siya pa ngayon ang kailangang mag-adjust? This man could honestly be a first
class arrogant. Why did she ever marry him? She would never guess.

Dinaanan ng mga mata niya ang laman ng papel na hawak niya at maraming katanungan
agad ang nabuo sa utak niya nang makita niya ang nakalagay na petsa kung kailan
iyon ginawa.

She fixed Sage an accusing look. "What's this? Pinagawa mo na 'to bago ako pumunta
sa banko niyo?"

He shrugged casually as if he wasn't guilty of her charge. "I'm a businessman. I

want everything ready and waiting."

Naiirita na si Kyra sa pag-uugali ng lalaking nasa harapan niya kahit na ang

pakiramdam niya ngayon ay parang isang maliit na dagang nahuli ng malaking pusa.
She felt encompassingly trapped.

Nahahapong napaupo siya sa upuan sa likuran niya. She was losing, alam niya iyon.
She can't fight Sage, not with his money, influence, and cunning mind.

Her eyes wandered around his fingers. They were empty. He wore no ring. So what
could that mean? Were they divorced? Hindi na ba sila kasal? Who ended it? Siya ba?

She sighed as she brushed her hair back from her face before turning to look up
into Sage's unperturbed face. She would give anything just to know what was going
inside his mind.

"Sage, bakit mo ba ginagawa 'to?"

Matagal itong nakatitig lang sa kanya at hindi umiimik na parang sinusukat ang
isasagot

nito sa tanong niya. Then he was walking again. Pacing. Like he was getting
uncomfortable. And then he stopped and put his hands inside his pockets.

"Let's just say you owe me this," he said when he finally faced her.

"Owe you what exactly, Sage?" tanong niya, pero nanatiling tikom ang bibig nito.

She could see there were things playing in the depths of his eyes that she couldn't
decipher. Masyado iyong mabilis na nawala bago pa niya iyon makita at mapangalanan.
And that's all she was getting from him. Nothing more than a cold face with a
closed expression.

Kyra sighed again as she shook her head. Walang patutunguhan ang usapan nila kung
palaging ganito. Sage was being evasive and domineering and her always being
curious and still remain clueless.

"Alam mo kung ano sa tingin ko ang ginagawa mo? Sa totoo lang hindi kita
maintindihan e. Una tinanggal mo ako sa trabaho. Pangalawa, ginigipit mo ako sa
utang ng daddy ko. At ngayon, tutulungan mo akong makabayad sayo? It doesn't make
sense, Sage. Kung may gusto kang ipamukha sa'kin, bakit hindi mo na lang sabihin
ngayon na, para matapos na lahat ng 'to. Nang sa gano'n, hindi na tayo nag-aaksaya
ng oras at panahon."

Nang sa gano'n, hindi na ito nag-aaksaya ng lakas para pahirapan siya dahil wala
naman siyang maalala. Nothing about this was making sense to her. Nothing really
makes sense to her anymore.

"You seem to get this wrong, Kyra." Sage cut in her thoughts, his voice hard and
cold as ice chips, eyes narrowing into tiny slits. "You know you fvcking owe me, at
least, this. To let me have what you took

from me. And you're wrong. I'm not doing this to help you. Wala akong balak na
tulungan ang isang taong hindi karapat-dapat sa tulong ko. So let's get that one
straight, shall we?"

His brutal honesty rankled deep inside her. What was it that she had viciously done
to deserve such unfair treatment from him? Pumatay ba siya ng tao?

Hindi na lang siya nagsalita at itinikom na lamang ni Kyra ang bibig niya. Trying
to talk and reason with Sage was like talking to a wall. Hard and unmoving.

Pinagtuunan na lang niya ng pansin ang hawak niyang papeles. It was a letter of
intent, stating the amount of money he's willing to pay for the house and the lot,
including furnitures, valuable centerpieces that would come with the house.

Hindi na kinuwestiyon ni Kyra ang perang handa nitong ilabas sa pagbili nito ng
bahay. It was rightfully reasonable and fair. Hindi lagpas sa sinabi ng attorney
niya at hindi rin bababa.

What bothered her though was his condition. One condition. Na bibilhin lang nito
ang bahay kung papayag siyang manatili roon at manilbihan bilang kapalit.

"You're crazy," pagak na tawa niya saka malakas na ibinagsak ang mga papel sa coffe
table. "Patitirahin mo ako rito kapalit ng serbisyo ko? What the hell is that
supposed to mean?"

Nagkibit ito ng isang balikat saka isinandal ang balakang sa sofa. "My lawyer
suggested it's a good idea instead of throwing you out."

Kyra almost gasped at the thought of Sage throwing her out. Dahil hindi malayong
mangyari iyon. Gano'n ito kaseryosong playasin siya sa bahay niya. So should she
thank his lawyer instead

for suggesting such a stupid condition?

"But if you don't like the clauses my lawyer enumerated in there, then you can just
say no and I'll be totally okay with it."

Kyra could only shake her head in a mute, unbelieving gesture. Daig pa niya ang
isang dagang naipit sa mouse-trap. Wala siyang kawala. Sage was tightening an
invisible noose around her neck.

He had these papers drawn even before she knew he was the owner of the bank as if
he was expecting her to do exactly this, sell the house. Knowing she was running
out of time, he would step up and offer to buy it and she will have no choice but
to sell it to him. At dahil desperado siya, alam nitong gagawin niya lahat
maipagbili lang niya ang bahay.

Pero bakit ba ito ginagawa ni Sage? Because in her point of view, he was proving
her something. Everything looked clean and well planned, para lang mahulog siya sa
gusto nito, so he could control her. But could she let him?

Hindi.
Tiningnan niya ito at nakita niyang tahimik lang itong nakamsid sa kanya. "Kung
gano'n naman pala," aniya at tumayo na rin. "I'm sorry. Pero maghahanap na lang ako
ng ibang buyer na hindi ako gagawing alila sa sarili kong pamamahay."

Sage's ice cracked up. "Don't be fvcking stupid, Kyra," he gritted dangerously.
"You need the money and you have no choice but to accept my offer. Or else-"

"Or else what, Sage?" she challenged. "Tinatakot mo ba ako para pumayag akong
ibenta sayo ang bahay?" Lalong nagdikit ang mga labi ni Sage habang nagtatagis ang
mga bagang nito.

"Alam ko ang ginagawa mo. Sinigurado mong mahuhulog ako sa patibong

mo para ano? Para iparamdam sa'kin kung ga'no ako kasama? Kung ga'no kita nasaktan?
Pinapahirapan mo ako dahil iniwan kita? Iyon ang gusto mo hindi ba?"

Inisang hakbang lang siya nito at mabilis nitong nahawakan ang mga braso niya. Kyra
fought not to flinch from his fingers biting down her skin and willed herself to
meet his angry eyes.

"Don't turn the tables on me, Kyra. You brought this on you all by yourself. Pinili
mo 'to. So don't look at me like you're the one who's wounded," marahas na sabi
nito bago siya nito pinakawalan.

Kyra rocked on her heels to stop herself from falling from the impact. She didn't
even budge when he glared at her. "Didn't you ever wonder why bad things happen to
you, Kyra? Because you deserve them. Oh, yeah, what do they call it? Karma?" He
laughed jeeringly, mocking her with his sarcasm, deliberately wounding her.

"So what really happen to you, Kyra, huh? What happened to that obsessed Italian
chef wanna-be who liked to kiss your hands and hang onto your every word like a
dumb fool? Kung iyon naman pala ang hinahanap mo sa isang lalaki, sana sinabi mo na
kaagad sa akin para maihanap pa kita. You could've settled with someone better than
him."

Kyra suddenly felt cold. So cold she shivered beneath her sweatshirt and jeans.
Hindi niya alam kung dahil iyon sa nalaman niya o sa paraan ng pagkakasabi ni Sage
na handa itong ihanap siya ng ipapalit niya sa rito. He made it sound like she
cheated on him and only confirmed one of her fear-that she made a mess of their
marriage. And what's worst was, she actually felt guilty.

"So, where is he?" muling

tanong nito. "Hindi ba niya tinupad ang pangako niya sayong five-star hotel at
restaurant sa gitna ng Italya? Tell me Kyra," he paused for a moment before slowly
said, "Why are you working on that tacky bar last night when you should have been
running that fantasy hotel of yours across the sea? Hmm?"

"Hindi ko alam! Hindi ko maalala..." Hindi na nakayanan ni Kyra ang mga naririnig
niya at ang unti-unting pagdagan ng kung anong mabigat sa dibdib niya. But Sage
kept on beating her with his sadistic words.

"You don't remember? Or do you mean you don't want to remember?"

"Hindi ko alam ang mga sinasabi mo! And I'm not arguing my condition to you."
Napahilamos siya ng mukha niya dahil naguguluhan siya. Hindi niya maalala ang
lalaking sinasabi ni Sage, but God help her... she knows he was telling the truth.

"Very well then. I'm not in the mood to listen anyway." Narinig niyang sabi ni
Sage. "But I'm warning you, Kyra. 'Wag kong malalamang bumalik ka sa bar na iyon."

Napamaang siya rito. "Really, Sage?" Was he kidding her? Does he really want to
have that satisfaction to control her life?

"Don't patronize me. Babalik ako at gagawin ko kung ano ang gusto ko at wala ka ng
pakialam doon."

Anger tighten his jaw. "Ayokong bumalik ka doon."

He heart thudded against her chest before it soared up high. "Bakit?"

Dahil asawa mo pa rin ako?

"Because no woman in her fvcking right mind would want to put her life in danger
like that," sagot nito at mabilis niyang sinalo ang puso niya bago pa iyon mabasag
ng tuluyan. "Gusto mo ba talagang mabastos ng

gano'n?"

Naikuyom niya ang mga palad niya dahil sa galit. He was basically insulting her and
Danrick's business. How dare him look down on them with his arrogant nose? Kung sa
una palang ito na ang dahilan kaya siya naroon. What does that says for himself?

"My hands were tied," she forced out when she had her emotions under her rein.
"Iyon lang ang trabahong kaya akong tanggapin at sa totoo lang, wala akong pakialam
sa opinyon mo. So just keep it on yourself. Kaya ko ang sarili ko."

Hindi niya kailangan ang isang katulad nitong mapangmata, arogante, mayabang,
walang puso at higit sa lahat, hindi niya kailangan ng asawang hindi niya matandaan
at maalala. Nabuhay siya ng dalawang taong wala ito sa buhay niya. Mas lalo lang
naging komplikado ang lahat simula no'ng araw na nagkrus ang landas nila.

"Do it, Kyra. Or find another job," pagpupumilit pa nito.

Umiling siya. "I can't."

His nose flared. "Then you're not coming back into that-"

"Tama na!" sigaw niya. "Sa tingin mo ba hindi ko sinubukan? Do you have any idea
how it feels waiting for a call that you know would never come and yet you still
hoped? I was in a desperate need, at dahil sayo iyon! At wala akong magawa dahil sa
pesteng-" Kinagat niya ang labi niya nang kumibot iyon. Umiinit ang sulok ng mata
niya at kapag hindi siya tumigil, lalo lang niyang ipapahiya ang sarili niya.

"Did you even look at my credentials before you fired me?" Dahil kung sinilip man
lang nito iyon, siguro nakita nito ang dahilan kung bakit hindi siya makahanap ng
matinong trabaho, kung bakit walang gustong tumanggap

sa kanya dahil sa kalagayan niya.

But obviously, he didn't because he just didn't care. Ang gusto lang nito ay ang
pahirapan siya at parusahan. Ang dali lang para rito na takutin siya, gipitin siya,
paikutin siya, at pilitin siya. She lived with fear for far too long and she even
faced death.

Does she deserve this?

Kumawala ang isang malalim na hining sa dibdib niya habang pinipilit niyang isaayos
ang damdamin niya bago muling hinarap ang lalaking nagpapabigat ng kalooban niya.

"What do you want from me, Sage?" she asked warily, resignation heavy on her voice.
She felt battered.

Sage just stared at her for an entire minute with a deadpan and stone face, not
betraying a single emotion in him.

"Fine," he muttered then. And Kyra didn't know if she could take a breath then or
hold it still.

"I'll give you time to decide, but you have until midnight, Kyra. If you fail to
give my lawyer an answer then prepare to lose everything. And while you make your
decision, just remember I'm not going to give you the same offer twice."

Kyra just watched him go, walk out the door and leave. But minutes had passed and
she still didn't feel a bit relieved.

KYRA WOKE and the darkness and stillness of the middle of the night greeted her in
an eerie silence. A cold liquid rolled down her eyes and another before she wiped
it with a trembling hand.

Huminga siya ng malalim at kinastigo ang bugso ng damdamin niya. She rubbed a palm
over her chest and settled it there. But she just couldn't stop it. Nasasaktan pa
rin siya. Parang iniipit pa rin ang dibdib niya.

Umiiyak

siya kanina. She's been crying while asleep, at dahil iyon sa panaginip niya.

It was the first time she dreamed about it again since that day she woke up from
her long slumber. And all that deep sorrow, sadness, and desolation slammed back
into her again, crushing her with a force that almost broke her heart all over
again.

She closed her eyes and a single tear slipped from her eyes again as she thought of
her dream. May hinahanap siya. Hindi niya alam kung ano iyon, pero alam niyang
mahalaga sa kanya ang hinahanap niya.

She was sobbing in her sleep, crying in her dreams, desperately searching for what
she had lost. She just want it back. And it wasn't even some thing. Para iyong
hangin. Hindi nakikita ng mata ngunit nararamdaman.

It was intangible. Abstract. Yet very powerful. It was something she couldn't live
without.

But she lost it. And now, she couldn't find it... couldn't have it again.

Pero ang kaibahan sa noon at sa ngayon... alam na ni Kyra ngayon kung ano ang
nawala niya. And it has something to do with Sage.

It was him who triggered that dream. And Kyra believes that Sage could trigger more
than just a dream. He could bring her the memories she can't remember, the life
that her mind scratched out. He can solve the puzzle-no-he is the missing puzzle.
Sage is her remaining answer.

Kyra swallowed her doubts as she reached for the papers she threw in the bin after
Sage was gone. Maybe she could be doing a wrong decision, or worse. Perhaps she's
just too emotional it was influencing her judgment right now. Siguro nga mali na
pumayag sa kagustuhan ni Sage at tuluyang mahulog sa patibong nito.

But she just doesn't care anymore.

Gusto lang niyang makaalala. Gusto niyang maalala kung ano ang hindi niya maalala.
Gusto niyang malaman kung ano ang nangyari sa kanila ni Sage. Kung sino ang
lalaking binanggit nito kanina. Kung bakit ito galit sa kanya.

Gusto niyang bumalik ang buhay na nawala sa kanya. She's tired of living like a
blank paper. Empty and dotless. Napapagod na siyang palaging nakatingin sa likuran
niya at walang makita kun'di puro agam-agam at mga katanungang walang kasagutan.

Sa isang buntong-hininga ay pinulot niya ang ballpen sa study table niya at mabilis
na pinirmahan ang pangalan sa papel at kasunod ang thumb mark niya. Signed and
sealed.

Just like her fate.

=================

Chapter ♣ 7

BREATHE

"SURE KA? Ipapalinis ko kaagad iyong magiging space mo dito kung sakaling magbago
ang isip mo," alok sa kanya ni Kylie habang nilalagyan niya ng palaman ang sandwich
niya, ipit-ipit ang telepono sa pagitan ng balikat at tenga niya.

Kyra was almost tempted to say yes, pero nakapagdesisyon na siya kagabi. She
already faxed the papers to Sage's lawyer pati ang ibang legal papers na kailangan
niyang papermahan. And now, she was just waiting for her home to be handed down to
her estranged, forgotten husband.

"No, 'wag na, Kylie," umiiling na sabi niya. "Baka mas lalong sumikip diyan sa inyo
kapag dinala ko pa diyan ang mga gamit ko." Napangiwi pa siya habang na-iimagine
niya kung gaano pala karami ang gamit na puwede niyang dalhin doon kung sakaling
bumukod siya sa bahay nina Kylie.

"Ano ka ba, ayos lang naman iyon. Pwede mo namang iwan ang mga gamit mo sa garahe
e. Pero buti na lang mabait ang kleyente mo no. Imagine, pinayagan ka pa rin niyang
tumira diyan kahit na nabili na niya ang bahay niyo."
She grimaced at the wistful voice of her friend. "Iyon nga eh. Ang bait niya,"
walang ganang sabi niya saka pinagdikit ang dalawang bread.

Kung alam lang ni Kylie kung sino ang kleyenteng bumili ng bahay nila at kung gaano
siya pinapahirapan ni Sage, siguro hindi lalabas sa bibig nito ang mga salitang
iyon. Kung pwede nga lang, hindi na siya titira sa bahay nila kahit pa mahirap sa
kanya.

Pero hindi rin niya maikakailang may parte sa kanya ang masaya dahil kahit papaano
ay hindi pa siya tuluyang magpapaalam sa bahay na

naging parte na ng pangalawang buhay niya. Iyon na lang ang bagay na komokonekta sa
kanya sa nakaraan niya.

Pero kung kasama din niya si Sage sa bahay na iyon, malamang baka umalis din siya.
But it was that single condition he said in buying the house and that undeniable
yet ugly fact that she need him to remember-almost as she needed her home-made her
decide to stay.

"Pero hanggang kailan ka naman daw pwedeng mag-stay diyan?" tanong ni Kylie.

"Hindi ko alam," buntong hininga niya saka kumagat ng sandwich niya. Kailangan
talaga niyang bumili ng pagkain.

"Mag-iipon na lang muna ako tapos saka ako aalis kapag nakahanap ako ng murang
mauupahan," dugtong niya.

But fortunately for her, she could have time to do that at hindi na niya kailangang
pakisamahan si Sage dahil wala naman itong balak na doon tumira. Alam niyang may
sariling bahay ito, condo unit, mansyon, at iilan pang properties sa iba't ibang
sulok ng bansa. Surely, he won't stay in one place when he was moving from place to
place constantly due to his business commitments. She knew the likes. Kaya ayos na
rin siguro ang mag-stay doon ng ilang araw, o buwan, habang nag-iipon siya ng pera.
Hindi naman pwedeng habang buhay siyang titira doon. What if Sage decided to live
there? Dapat lang siguro na umalis siya.

Pero habang naroon pa siya, kailangan niyang makakuha ng sagot mula rito. Or better
yet, she'll have to force herself to remember.

"Lalaki ba ang buyer mo o babae?" tanong muli ni Kylie.

"Lalaki," sagot niya. But she immediately regretted it when she heard the amusement
in Kylie's voice.

"Ow..."

Kumunot

ang noo niya sa tono nito. "Anong ow?"

"Wala lang."

Umikot pa ang mata ni Kyra sa panunukso ng kaibigan. Pero pinigilan niya ang sarili
na sabihin ditong ang boss nito na nagtanggal sa kanya sa trabaho ang gumigipit sa
kanya at bumili ng bahay niya, para matigil ito sa panunukso nito.

"Hindi siya titira dito," paglilinaw na lang niya. "Binili lang niya ang bahay para
madagdag sa milyong-milyong properties na meron siya."
"Gano'n siya kayaman?"

She made a face as she bit another piece of her dry sandwich. "Gano'n siya
kayabang."

"O, e hayaan mo na. Mukhang mabait naman."

Mabait? Hindi nga bibilhin ang bahay kung hindi siya kasama sa package. At sa lahat
ng mga salitang nabitawan nito sa kanya? No. She wouldn't call or describe Sage
kind. It's the least of the word she could come up with, or would not even think
of.

"Oh my! Male-late na pala ako! O sige. Babush na ako. Alam mo naman si Ms.
Charlotte."

"Sige. Ikamusta mo na lang ako kay Yanna."

"Si June, 'di mo kukumustahin? Miss ka na no'n," natatawang sabi ni Kylie kaya
napangiti na rin siya.

"Sige na. Ma-late ka pa," sabi na lang niya. She was sure she was not breaking
June's heart. Hindi naman niya ito pinaasa. At mas mabuti na rin iyong hindi niya
ito nakikita. Lalo na ngayong alam niya kung bakit hindi pa tuluyang bumubukas ang
puso niya para sa iba.

Tumingin siya sa wall clock sa loob ng kusina niya at nakita niyang mag-aalas-otso
na pala. Ilang oras na din pala siyang gising simula no'ng magising siya sa hating
gabi mula sa panaginip niya.

Napatitig si Kyra sa malinis

na center table niya habang inaalala ang bagay na napanaginipan niya. That dream
scared her. Hindi iyon isang bangungot. Pakiramdam niya, mas malala pa iyon sa
banungot.

Dama pa rin niya ang bigat ng loob niya dala ng panaginip na iyon. Pero pagkatapos
ng pag-uusap nila ni Kylie, medyo gumaan na rin kahit konti ang pakiramdam niya.

The shrill sound of her door bell broke her thoughts. Napakunot noo siya habang
lumalabas siya sa kusina. Did she leave her gate open again?

No. Not unless...

Napamura siya sa loob ng utak niya nang maalala niya kung sino ang iba pang
nakakaalam ng lock combination ng gate ng bahay nila maliban sa mga kapatid niya.

"Akala ko ba may appointment ka ngayon?" agad niyang bungad kay Sage nang
mapagbuksan niya ito ng pinto at hindi niya napaghandaan ang pagtalon ng puso niya
mula sa dibdib niya nang salubungin siya ng mga mata nito.

He was leaning a shoulder to the doorframe and his brows shot up quickly once his
eyes travelled from her messy bun to her disheveled top, unmatching yoga pants,
down to her bare feet and then settled on the unappetizing sandwich on her hand.

"Anong ginagawa..." she trailed off when she noticed two duffel bags lying down the
floor. Her brows knotted together. "Para sa'n iyang mga dala mo?"

Hindi nito pinansin ang tanong niya at bigla na lang inagaw ang sandwich niya.
"This is what you're having on breakfast?"

Binigyan siya nito ng masamang tingin at ang hawak niyang sandwich nang kunin niya
iyon. "'Wag mo ngang pakialaman ang kinakain ko. What's with those?" tanong niya
habang pinupulot nito

ang dalawang malalaking duffel bag sa sahig.

"I'm moving in," simpleng sagot nito saka walang sabi-sabing pumasok sa loob.

Muntik pa siyang matumba dahil sa mga dala nitong malalaking bagahe, mabuti na lang
at nasa likod niya ang pintuan. Sinundan niya ito sa loob nang maka-recover siya sa
pagkakagulat.

"Nagbibiro ka ba?" sigaw niya rito.

He stopped in the middle of the house, turned around with one bag hanging on his
shoulder, the other swinging beside his hips. "Was it funny?"

"Hindi."

He didn't say anything and just gave her a pointed look, saying 'So, there.'
Ibinagsak nito ang dalawang bag sa sahig at parang tuta namang sinundan ito ni Kyra
nang pumasok ito sa kusina at basta na lang binuksan ang ref.

"Damn," he muttered under his breath. Nanliliit ang mga mata na tumingin ito sa
kanya. "This is your food?"

She shuffled on her feet from embarassment. "'Wag mo ngang pakialaman ang ref ko."
Tinapon na rin niya ang hawak niyang sandwich sa tabi niyang trash bin. Nawalan na
siya ng ganang kumain.

Tumaas ang kilay nito sa sinabi niya. "Ref mo? Ang alam ko bahay ko na 'to simula
pa kahapon."

Kyra crossed her arms. "Technically, no. Hindi ka pa nakakapagbayad at nasa akin pa
rin ang titulo ng bahay."

Sinara nito ang pintuan ng ref at isinandal doon ang isang kamay nito, his tongue
sticking against his cheek. "Technical or not, this is my house now." He sounded
annoyed. "And don't worry about the money. You'll have it in your bank account
tomorrow. O kung gusto mo mamaya."

Pinigil niyang iikot ang mga mata sa kayabangan nito.

"Tomorrow's fine," she said grumpily. Ibabayad niya din lang naman iyon sa banko na
pagmamay-ari rin nito. So what's the fuss?

At bakit ba ito nagagalit sa walang kalaman-lamang ref niya? Kasalanan ba niyang

wala siyang pera? It's his fault it's empty.

Gustong-gusto ni Kyra na lumabas na lang sa kusina habang pinapanood niya ang

lalong pagdidilim ng mukha ni Sage. He was surveying every nook and corner of the
kitchen and so far, he was not liking the sight.

My god! Sana 'wag na siyang tumira dito! Please lang. Let him leave me here
alone...

"That's it," he snapped and suddenly grabbed her arms. "Come on."
Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at mabilis na hinablot ang nakasabit na cardigan sa coat
rack bago sila makalabas ng bahay. "Teka, sandali! Saan ka ba pupunta?"

"We're going shopping. Someone needs to fill that fridge."

"What?" Pinakawalan siya nito nang marating nila ang Bugatti nito. "Edi magshopping
kang mag-isa. Tutal ref mo naman iyon, diba?"

Tiningnan siya ni Sage nang buksan nito ang pintuan ng kotse niya. "I don't spend
my time buying my own groceries. May gumagawa no'n para sakin. Besides, you know
how to choose fresh meats." Malakas na sinarado nito ang pintuan nang makasakay na
ito.

Bakit hindi na lang ang taong iyon ang mag-grocery sayo ngayon? She wanted to say
but clamped her mouth shut and just slipped inside his car and sat beside him. He
revved the engine and moments later, they were driving to the nearest supermarket.

"What happened to your evil sisters?" he said, breaking their fuming silence.

Tiningnan

ito ng masama ni Kyra. "They're not evil," she said defensively.

She's still irritated about how he suddenly showed up on her footstep and hauling
her out her house and into his car in just a minute. Ni hindi pa nag-si-sink in sa
utak niya na talagang titira si Sage sa bahay nila.

She saw him smirk. "You keep saying that but I don't see their horns coming off
very soon." Tapos ay bigla itong sumeryoso. "Bakit hindi ka nila tinutulungan?
Don't they know I'm growing pain in your neck?"

Hindi siya nagsalita dahil kapag nagsalita siya, para na rin niyang kinomperma ang
sinabi nito tungkol sa mga kapatid niya.

She admits she doesn't have a loving sisters as she would hope them to be. Kahit na
mahal niya sina Stella at Sandra, mas mahal pa rin ng dalawa ang isa't isa kaysa
kanya. Matagal na niyang tanggap iyon, at kahit masakit sa kanya ang aminin ang
totoo, mahal niya at mahalaga pa rin sa kanya ang mga kapatid niya kahit na siya
ang sinisisi ng mga ito sa pagkamatay, hindi lang ng mommy nila, kun'di pati ang
pagkawala ng daddy nila.

"They dumped everything on you again, huh?"

Saglit na nabali ang iniisip ni Kyra sa sinabi ni Sage. Again?

She sensed some nagging feeling that Sage and her sisters were not in a good terms.
Why? Kaya ba hindi sa kanya sinabi ng mga kapatid niya na kasal siya o minsang
kinasal kay Sage? Bakit nila itatago sa kanya ang detalyeng iyon sa buhay niya?

Sage broke into her thoughts again. "Kyra, you should learn to stand up from them.
Hanggang kailan mo sila hahayaang pahirapan ka?" matigas na sabi nito. And she
would think he was

actually concerned if she didn't think of how he treated her this past few weeks.

Ikaw lang naman ang nagpapahirap sa akin.

But her words never came out of her mouth because of a phone ringing. Sabay silang
napatingin ni Sage sa mobile phone nitong nakalagay sa cellphone deck na nakakabit
sa dashboard ng sasakyan.

Sharmaine calling...

Kyra jerked her eyes away from the flashing name. She could feel that arrow again,
piercing deeper inside her. Who is she?

Tiningnan muna siya ni Sage bago nito inabot ang earplugs nito at sinagot ang
tawag.

"Hello... Oh, damn! I'm sorry, Maine, it slipped out of my head..."

Kyra heard the distinct softness of his voice as he talked and laughed. At lalo
niyang hindi nagugustuhan ang nagiging reaksyon niya.

Tumingin na lang siya sa unahan niya at pinilit na pakalmahin ang dibdib niya
habang nagkukunwaring hindi nakikinig sa usapan nila. Inayos niya ang manipis na
cardigan jacket at saka niya niyakap ang sarili.

Sage glanced at her. "Well... I'm pretty busy right now," sabi nito na
nakapagpalingon sa kanya rito. He was reaching for the aircon at nakita niyang ina-
adjust nito ang temperature. Nakunot ang noo niya. Akala siguro nito ay nilalamig
siya. Gusto niyang pigilan ito pero hindi siya gumalaw at hinayaan na lang niya
nang marinig niya ang sinabi nito.

"I-reschedule mo na lang sa'kin... Yup. Lunch is good. Thanks. I'll see you later."
He took his earplugs out and looked at her. "Still cold?"

Umiling lang siya. At least not on the outside. She didn't think the aircon is
enough to warm her inside.

"Sino

si Sharmaine?" tanong niya kay Sage nang maging tahimik ulit ito. Hindi niya alam
kung dapat ba niyang tanungin kung sino ito, pero hindi siya mapakali sa tuwing
naririnig niya ang pangalan na iyon.

Sage threw her an irritated look. "There you go again and your..." he stopped, his
frown was deepening. "Hindi mo maalala si Sharmaine?"

Umiling si Kyra. "G-girlfriend mo ba siya?"

"What? No!" he said incredulously. Natawa pa ito habang umiiling. "She's my lawyer.
Akala ko ba nagkausap na kayo?"

"O..." iyon lang ang lumabas sa bibig niya habang nakatitig sa unahan. She could
only focus on the distinct heaviness being lifted out of her chest. Ni hindi niya
napansing dumating na pala sila sa supermarket.

Bumaba si Sage at wala sa sariling lumabas din siya ng sasakyan at sumunod rito.
Kyra rewound her memory the day she received a call from the real estate broker, as
she watched Sage walking carelessly with his grey t-shirt and, bonnet, and khaki
shorts.

The broker said someone wanted to buy her house and then immediately faxed her a
mail. Hindi naman niya ito diretsahang nakausap through phone kaya hindi niya alam
na babae pala ito. Akala niya lalaki dahil sa pangalan nito na nakasulat sa
natanggap niyang mensahe. Attorney S. Madrigal.
So that's what the S means. Sharmaine Madrigal.

Kung lawyer ito ni Sage, alam ba ni Sahrmaine na kasal sila ni Sage dati? Kilala
din ba siya nito? Was that why she was feeling like that when she hear her name?

Nasa ganoong pag-iisip siya nang may madaanan siyang babae at narinig niya itong
bumulong.

"Ang guwapo."

Mabilis

na lumipad ang mata niya kay Sage. He was walking ahead of her, pulling out a cart
from its train. Medyo nagmura pa ito nang hindi nito iyon magawa ng maayos. Then he
smirked when he managed to pull one out, tapos ay tumingin-tingin ito sa paligid na
parang may hinahanap.

"Grabe, ang guwapo pala niya sa personal!"

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Kyra saka nagpatuloy sa paglalakad nang hindi

pinapansin ang mga babaeng nagsisimulang magkumpul-kumpol masilayan lang si Sage.

If she could go back in time, in her 22-yers-old self, hindi si Sage ang tipo ng
lalaking magugustuhan niya. She liked silent, mysterious type, nerd, bookish, and
anti-social. Ayaw niya ng mga habulin, masyadong guwapo, at charming. Everything
that was Sage. A total package with abs, muscles and all.

So why did she marry him? How did they even meet?

"There you are." Nagulat si Kyra nang hawakan siya ni Sage sa kamay. "Saan ka ba
nagpunta? Ba't ang tagal mo. I thought you're lost."

Napatunganga si Kyra dahil sa nag-aalalang mukha nito, pati ang mga matang
nakapukol sa kanya.

Something gripped her chest when she remembered those eyes that once looked at her
before. Hindi siya magaling sa deriksyon. She's frequently lost kapag may mga
fieldtrip sila sa school. Kaya lagi siyang may dalang mapa.

Sage knew that too?

"Ay. Sino iyan? Girlfriend niya?" someone whispered behind her.

"Hindi siguro. Yaya yata eh."

Napayuko tuloy siya sa suot niya at napangiwi. No wonder they would think like
that. She sighed. Why oh why did Sage grab her looking like this?

"C'mon." Pinahawakan

na lang sa kanya bigla ni Sage ang cart. "Let's get moving." At umalis na ito.

"Sabi sayo. Yaya niya iyan."

Napapikit na lang si Kyra sa narinig niya. Okay lang iyan, Kyra. Totoo naman.
Magiging alila ka na lang ni Sage ngayon.

Pero hanggang kailan? Bakit ba kailangang lumipat doon ni Sage?

Sumasakit ang ulo niya sa dami ng iniisip niya. Paikot-ikot na lang ang mga iyon sa
ulo niya. Hindi niya na nakita si Sage kung saan ito nagpunta habang napadpad siya
sa mga de lata. Kung anu-ano na lang ang pianglalalagay niya sa cart dahil alam
niyang si Sage din naman ang magbabayad ng lahat. Kahit siguro bilhin niya pa ang
buong laman ng supermarket na iyon, kayang kayang bayaran ng lalaking iyon.

She was looking at a can of new flavored tuna when Sage threw a bunch of onions and
some root crops in the cart. Ang dami-dami no'n na halos mapuno ang cart nila.

"Sage, ano iyang mga iyan?!"

He picked up the onions and other three items from the cart. "Onions, carrots,
uhmm... ano ba 'to?" May ipinakita ito sa kanya.

"Ginger."

"Right. Ginger, tomatoes, potatoes..."

"Sage, hindi na natin kailangan lahat niyan," she cut in. "Meron na iyan sa bahay.
Ang dami pa."

Kumunot ang noo ni Sage sabay hulog ng balikat nito. "But you love spices, kaya
dinamihan ko na."

Bumuka ang bibig niya para magsalita pero naitikom niya agad iyon nang ma-realize
niya ang sinabi nito. How did he know that?

He was your husband, idiot.

"Sige," he said after a while and started to pick them up. "Kung gusto mo bawasan
na lang natin-"

"Ah,

hindi na." Mabilis siyang dumukwang at pinigilan ito sa kamay. Sage looked at her
hands then at her face, wondering. "Hayaan mo na lang iyan diyan." Mabilis din
niyang binitawan ang kamay nito.

"Okay." Sage shrugged. "Tara sa meat section."

Napabuga siya ng hininga at tahimik na lang na sinundan si Sage habang naglalakad

ito papunta sa meat section. For a while, she found herself feeling nervous right
there. Bakit ang dami nitong alam tungkol sa kanya?

God! She can't believe she really married someone like him. But why didn't it work?
Bakit sila nagkahiwalay ng landas? Bakit ito galit sa kanya? Ano'ng ginawa niya?
Who's that Italian chef?

Why did she end up in that hospital and woke up without Sage?

She was pressing the thong on the chicken breast, thinking wakeless thoughts, when
Sage suddenly stood closely beside her. Goosebumps stood at her nape and she had to
drag a rugged breath because her lungs closed up as she caught a whiff of his
scent. Kinailangan pa niyang lumayo bago niya ito lingunin sa tabi niya.

Her heart almost flipped over when she found him smiling. She stopped what she was
doing and Sage looked at her, eyes still smiling. "Bakit ka natatawa?" tanong niya
rito.
"Nothing." He shrugged and smiled, a dimple deepening in his cheek, and it did
funny things in her stomach. "I just remembered something funny," he confessed. And
then something happened.

Para siyang napunta sa ibang lugar, puno ng tao, but it was a supermarket too. She
saw Sage standing beside her, a younger looking Sage, carefree, laughing, and
happy.

"Why do you keep pressing that?"

the man in her memory asked.

"Para malaman ko kung alin ang fresh at hindi," the voice answered. Muling
nagsitayuan ang mga balahibo ni Kyra nang mapagtantong kanya ang boses na iyon.

Yet... it was not entirely her, or the woman she is now. Her voice sounded so
cheerful and warm.

And the she saw Sage leaning down on her. "Oh, so that's what the pressing is for,
huh?" he drawled before he captured her smiling lips in a toe-curling kiss. And her
toes really curled because she could vividly feel the way his tongue stroked hers,
his teeth nipping on her mouth and she heard herself giggling inside her head when
Sage's hands brushed the underside of her breast...

"So, which's the fresh one?" Sage's deep voice penetrated into the memory flashing
back in her head.

Napapikit-pikit siya ng ilang ulit habang nakatunganga siya rito at saka niya
narealize ang pangungulot ng mga daliri niya sa paa. Sage's eyes narrowed at her
flaming cheeks, and she knew they were thinking the same thing.

She slowly breathed out and let her taut body relax, saka niya hinarap ang mga
frozen meat at tinuro ang kanina pa niya pinipisil. "Ito," sagot niya kay Sage.
"Mukhang lahat naman bago kaya ayos lang kahit alin diyan ang kunin mo."

Tumalikod na siya at umalis doon, iniwan na rin niya pati ang cart at pumunta sa
kung saan malayo siya kay Sage.

That intimacy she just remembered... and felt, made her want to crawl under a near
table. It made her feel out balanced. Scared.

Yes. Scared. Na-realize niya iyon kanina habang nakatitig sa kanya si Sage. She
realized that everytime she was getting close to something, getting a closer
glimpse at her lost memories, she felt scared and frightened. At hindi niya
maintindihan kung bakit. Hindi niya alam.

Was her past so scary her mind shut it down?

Dala-dala ang ilang piraso ng mga gulay na kinuha niya ay hinanap niya si Sage at
ang cart. Tapos na siguro silang mag-grocery at puwede na silang umalis.

Napunta siya sa can goods corner nang makita niya si Sage. He's not alone, though.
He's with a woman. A tall, beautiful woman. At nakayakap ito kay Sage. Her arms
were locked at the back of his neck while she kept her body pressed against him.

A throb of pain slammed right into the middle of her chest, sharp and immediate,
blindsiding her that she couldn't take a breath properly from it.
"Really Sage," the woman purred in his ear. "You could've called me if you wanted
to go here than have lunch."

Sage laughed. "Next time, babe."

"So how about dinner later tonight, hm?"

"That would be great..."

Kyra quickly stepped back when she saw Sage's hands held the woman's waist and
left. Hindi na niya kailangang makita kung anuman ang balak gawin ni Sage. She held
her breath as another wave of pain lanced inside her. Tumigil siya saglit sa isang
sulok. She kept her hands steady and her breath calm and slow as she held the
vegetables in her hands. Masisira ang mga iyon kung hindi siya huminga ng maayos.

Just breathe, Kyra. Breathe. Just keep breathing.

=================

Chapter ♣ 8

DINNER

FOR TWO YEARS of living with a brain that bottled empty memories, ngayon lang
nakaramdam si Kyra ng gano'ng klaseng sakit. It was so painful that she wanted to
crawl out of her skin. Sobrang sakit.

She'd been tough. She forced herself to be brave and hard so she could survive the
battles she was fighting, the loneliness, and all the doubts and uncertainties
corrupting her mind every day of her life. She had to be strong to stand up for
herself, to live and to keep fighting. Because no one will do that for her, except
her, and she alone.

Akala niya malakas na siya. Nabuhay siya at nagpatuloy siya dahil malakas siya.
Matapang. Pero nagkamali siya.

Kyra found out that she can't tolerate this kind of pain. It bordered to physical
pain. Lahat ng buto niya, masakit. Pati paghinga niya, may kasamang kirot. At hindi
niya malaman kung bakit.

She just saw Sage with another woman, and it already brought her misery. It's as if
she was hit by a lightning. It really shook her. Why?

"There you are."

Nabura ang ngiti sa mukha ni Sage nang lingunin niya ito. A frown creased his
forehead as he glanced at the rows of socks she was staring and then his eyes
returned to her face.

"What's wrong?" tanong nito.

Saka lang na-realize ni Kyra kung bakit iritado ang boses nito nang pumikit siya at
maramdaman ang pamamasa ng pilikmata niya.

"Ah, napuwing lang siguro ako sa mga alikabok dito," palusot niya habang
pinupunasan ang mga mata niya. "Akin na 'yan," mahinang sabi niya habang kinukuha
kay Sage ang cart saka ibinagsak doon

ang hawak niyang mga gulay.

"May idadagdag ka pa rito?" tanong niya habang inaayos ang mga nasa loob ng cart.
It was just her excuse not to look at him. Ayaw niyang makita ni Sage na
naapektuhan siya at nasasaktan. Nahihiya siya sa inaakto niya at naguguluhan siya.

"Wala na." Narinig niyang sagot ni Sage.

"Tara na sa counter?" Nauna na siyang maglakad tula-tulak ang cart kahit na hindi
pa ito sumasagot.

Dama ni Kyra ang mabibigat na mata ni Sage sa kanya habang nakasunod ito sa likuran
niya. Sage didn't say anything and they were silent as they loaded their items
hanggang sa paglabas nila ng supermarket.

Kyra couldn't live with this sparring silence. Ano pa kaya kung magkakasama sila ni
Sage sa iisang bahay?

Why would he even want to live with her? Galit ito sa kanya diba?

At paano kung... paano kung iuwi ni Sage ang mga babae nito sa bahay?

Somehow, that thought didn't set well in her stomach. Kung iyon ngang nakita niya
sa loob ng supermarket kanina, hindi na niya natagalan, ano pa kaya kung sa loob
mismo ng bahay niya?

No, that she can't let happen. She have to keep Sage out of the house, kung gusto
pa niyang mabuhay ng matagal.

"Akala ko ba may hindi makapaghintay kang appointment ngayon?" tanong niya kaagad
nang makasakay sila sa kotse nito.

"Na-reschedule ko na," simpleng sagot nito habang inaayos ang seatbelt sa katawan
nito.

"Hindi mo na dapat ginawa iyon."

Sage stopped. Kumunot ang noo nito saka tumingin sa kanya. "Ang alin?"

Hindi mo na dapat pinagpaliban ang mga bagay na dapat ay ginagawa mo, pepeng sagot
niya. Hindi niya magawang

isatinig iyon dahil pakiramdam niya, hindi tama.

Isipin lang niyang nasa ibang lugar si Sage at may kasamang ibang babae...
nagsisikip na agad ang dibdib niya. It would be hypocrite of her to tell him to go
and be with some woman.
Pero hindi na niya hawak ang buhay ni Sage. Ni hindi niya alam kung kasal pa ba
sila o hindi. She can't really stop him from being happy. They've been separated
for two years, or at least that's what she knows.

Napabuntong hininga si Kyra at sinipat si Sage habang tahimik nitong pinapatakbo

ang sasakyan. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang kunot sa noo nito. And then she thought,
why did he suddenly decided to move house?

If there's anything she learned about Sage, iyon ay ang pagiging manipulative nito.
He always has ulterior motive. And her instinct told her he was up to something.

"Sage, ano ba talaga'ng pinaplano mo?" hindi niya naiwasang itanong. "Bakit gusto
mo na lang biglang tumira sa bahay?"

Lalong lumalim ang kunot ng noo nito, ngunit hindi ito umimik. Suddenly, a thought
came inside her; that phrase his lawyer included in the contract. Iyon ba iyon?
Pero bakit? Para paalisin siya? Pahirapan?

Hindi mapakali, pinili ni Kyra na harapin si Sage at komprotahin. "Tapatin mo nga

ako. Gusto mo bang bantayan ako kaya nagdesisyon kang lumipat bigla?"

"What?" Naguguluhan itong bumaling sa kanya. But she wouldn't buy that.

"You know what? Hindi mo naman kailangang gawin iyon, Sage. Kung gusto mo talaga
akong alilain at pahirapan, hindi mo na ako kailangang bantayan para tingnan kung
ginagawa ko ba ng maayos ang trabaho ko. I can take

care of the house." It was theirs to start with kaya hindi na niya kailangan ng
ibang tao para gawin iyon.

"What are you saying?" He still fend for innocence.

"'Wag ka ng magkunwari. Lahat pinlano mo simula pa lang. Bakit hindi mo na lang

sabihin, ano ba talaga ang binabalak mo?"

Sage laughed a humorless scoff that irritated her more. "You think I wanted to live
there just to keep an eye for you? Well, listen, sweetheart." Tumingin ito sa
kanya. "You're wrong." At muling itinutok ang mga mata sa daan.

"I bought it because I want a place to stay. A house to live in. As much as I liked
my condo, mas gusto ko pa rin ang buhay sa isang bahay. The Stanfield manor is too
crowded with Zeke's family and Duke's in there. I want my own space," paliwanag
nito. "Pero kung ayaw mong mag-stay doon, just tell me. Ayos lang naman sa'kin. I
can always tear down the paper so you could look for another buyer."

Blackmail.

He was blackmailing her. Hindi man tahasang sinasabi ni Sage iyon, hindi naman
tanga si Kyra para hindi malaman ang ginagawa nito.

Kung hindi siya mananatili sa bahay, hindi bibilhin ni Sage ang bahay. No buyer, no
money. And no money means she'll lose everything. At alam iyon ni Sage.

Kahit saang anggulo niya tingnan, talo siya. Wala siyang pagpipilian. Unless if she
choose to be selfish and be a coward. Pero mas nangingibabaw pa rin ang pagmamahal
niya sa pamilya niya. Hindi niya kayang pakawalan ang ibang asset ng daddy nila.
She wiould lose too much.
Hindi na lang siya nagsalita at gano'n din si Sage. Silence filled the space

of the car, pero ayos lang kay Kyra iyon. It gave her time to think and talk to
herself. To weight her decisions carefully.

"Ako na," pigil niya kay Sage nang kunin nito sa kanya ang bitbit niyang mga
grocery bags. Nauna na siyang bumaba pagdating nila ng bahay kaya binitbit na niya
lahat bago pa makababa si Sage.

"Don't be ridiculous," Sage insisted and took the bags from her hands. Pero
sandaling natigilan ito nang may kung ano itong napansin sa mukha niya, particular
sa noo niya.

Kyra suddenly felt conscious and naked. Kaya ibinigay na lang niya kay Sage ang mga
dala niya at hinayaan sa gusto nito. She quickly stepped back and walked away from
him. Pumasok siya sa loob ng bahay at nang makapagtago siya sa kusina ay inayos
niya ang buhok niya, mapagtakpan lang ang pilat na iniwan sa kanya ng trahedyang
hindi niya maalala.

It was ridiculous, but Kyra just felt like crying. Somehow, that flash of concern
she saw in Sage's eyes a while ago touched somewhere deep inside her... a scar that
wasn't healed yet.

God, she's an emotional wreck. Kung anu-ano na lang ang nararamdaman niya ngayong
araw na 'to. At lahat ng iyon ay dahil sa lalaking hindi niya lubusang kilala.

"Where should I place these?"

Kyra whirled around from surprise. Hindi niya inasahang susundan siya ni Sage sa
kusina. Or more likely, she didn't look for an appropriate place to hide.

"Ahm..." she stopped to clear her throat because her voice came out husky from
unshed tears. At mas lalo lang iyong ikinadilim ng mukha ni Sage. 'Diyan na."
Tinuro niya ang kitchen island sa pagitan nila.

Tahimik

na naglakad doon si Sage at saka inilapag ang mga grocery bag. He remained silent
fas he stood there watching her and her anxiety was growing by seconds. She
suddenly wished he would be as light as he had been back in the grocery. Mas magaan
pang pakasamahan iyon kesa sa ganito ito.

"Where did you get that scar?" he suddenly asked and Kyra felt her throat ran dry.

Words intertwined and tangled inside her brain as she searched for a word to say,
kahit isa lang. Pero wala ni isang salita ang gustong lumabas sa bibig niya. Where
would she start? Kung sa sarili niya, hindi niya alam ang kasagutan.

And then his phone began to ring.

"Yes," Sage snapped, not taking his fiercely inquisitive eyes off her pale face.
"Okay. I'll be right there."

Doon lang dahan-dahang kumawala ang hiningang pigil-pigil niya nang marinig niya
ang sinabi nito. She was grateful for that reprieve. But then, at the back of her
mind, she knew Sage will not let this die. He will be asking questions again in
another time, but Kyra wasn't sure if they're both ready for it. Siya, siguro handa
na siya. But she still feel that fear. The fear of the unknown. Of what her past
might reveal.
Si Sage... she's not sure if he can accept the truth. If he will believe the truth.

And as she watched Sage's car disappear from the view, she just hoped he would at
least believe in her. But then, that would mean she will need a miracle.

MATAGAL NA TINITIGAN ni Kyra ang niluluto niyang hipon sa kawali. It wasn't a

French cuisine. Hindi rin iyon luto ng mga kasambahay nila noon. It was a different
dish na ngayon

lang niya niluto at nagtataka siyang alam niya.

But she shouldn't be surprised. Madalas nang nangyayari sa kanya ang ganito, na may
ginagawa na lang siya bigla na parang natural na sa kanya kahit na noon lang niya
nagawa. Katulad na lang ng bigla niyang pagsasalita niya ng French noon.

Nadaan siya no'n sa department store para bumili ng bagong sapatos na gagamitin
niya sana sa pag-aapply niya ng trabaho nang makarinig siya ng babaeng nagsasalita
ng ibang lenggwahe. Tiningnan niya ito dahil sa 'di niya maipaliwanag na rason ay
naiintindihan niya kung ano ang sinasabi nito.

A French woman was asking for a smaller size of the shoe she was holding, pero
hindi ito maintindihan ng sales lady. Malapit nang mainis ang babaeng foreigner
kaya lumapit na si Kyra at nakipag-usap rito. Until now, it still amazed her how
she knew that language, how she was saying the words so fluently like she speaks it
all her life.

Noong araw ding iyon niya nakilala si Ms. Charlotte. She immediately told her to
apply for a job as a sales lady after the incident, kaya siguro mabilis siyang
nakapasok dahil din sa nangyari.

Madalas din siyang nagluluto ng mga putahing basta na lang niyang naaalala. Madalas
French food, at sinusulat niya iyon kaagad sa recipe note niya. But tonight... it
was this shrimp. Isa na naman siguro itong recipe na napag-aralan niya noon.

"Ano pa nga ba...?" Kinagat niya ulit ang dulo ng ballpen'g hawak niya habang
iniisip ang kasunod ng sinusulat niya. "Iyong sauce nga pala." She flipped another
page of her recipe note, pero natigil siya nang maramdaman niyang may

kasama siya.

"Sage!" Gulat na nabitawan niya ang ballpen niya nang makita itong nakatayo malapit
sa niluluto niya. Ni hindi man lang niya ito nakita o narinig na pumasok. She's too
engrossed in what she was doing.

Binuksan nito ang lid ng kawali at lumabas ang amoy ng pagkain. Sage closed his
eyes as he sniffed it. "Are you cooking for two?" tanong nito pagkatapos takpan ang
kawali.

"Uh..." Mabilis na tinatiya ni Kyra ang niluto niyang hipon. "Kasya na siguro 'yan
sa dalawa."

"Good. I'm hungry."

"Hindi ka pa ba kumakain?" nagtatakang sinundan niya ito ng tingin habang papalabas

ito ng kusina. He suddenly stopped and turned back at her.

"Magugutom ba ako kung kumain na ako?"

"Ang akala ko kasi..." Kumunot ang noo niya. She thought he already had dinner.
Hindi niya inasahang uuwi ito ng maaga. Kung hindi ito kumain, anong nangyari sa
date nito at ng babaeng linta sa grocery?

"Ah... wala," mabilis na sabi niya nang makita niya ang pagkainip sa mukha nito.
"Umupo ka na do'n. Luto na yata 'to." Pagkasabi no'n ay lumabas na ito ng kusina.

Well, naisip ni Kyra habang nakatitig sa kinatatayuan ni Sage kanina. Napahawak

siya sa tiyan niya dahil pakiramdam niya parang may kung anong lumubog doon na
nagpabigat ng dibdib niya. Kinabahan siya bigla.

Ito ang unang pagkakataong may titikim sa luto niya. At sa lahat pa ng taong
pwedeng tumikim, si Sage pa.

Hindi tuloy niya alam kung matutuwa pa siyang hindi natuloy ang date nito ngayong
gabi. Parang gusto na lang niyang sa labas na lang ito kumain.

Matapos ilapag ang mga pagkain sa mesa ay umupo na rin si

Kyra, katapat ang puwesto ni Sage. She silently watched him as he served himself
and she felt her stomach dipped a little bit more from the first bite he took.

She was expectant. Kahit papaano ay may kompiyansya siya sa sarili niyang
kakayanan. Pero habang tumatagal na hindi nagsasalita si Sage, parang nababawasan
iyon. Ngunit bago pa tuluyang kainin ng pangamba ang buong sistema niya, Sage
suddenly spoke.

"Classic," he finally said. Pero hindi magawang matuwa ni Kyra ng lubos. There was
something in the way he said it. His tone. He sounded like he didn't like it. She
doubted if he really did like it at all.

"A-ayaw mo?" she asked tentatively, but Sage just gave her an annoyed look.

What's wrong with him?

Gano'n ba kasama ang lasa ng niluto niya para tingnan siya nito ng gano'n at para
mag-iba ang mood nito? Or was it because he was irritated that he wasn't out with
his hot date and he won't get laid tonight?

Well who said he come home early?

"It amaze me..."

Napatitig si Kyra rito. "About what?"

"About how you can still perfectly cook what I taught you years ago," he said so
calmly before he picked up his glass and sipped some water and all she could do was
stare at him in disbelief.

Her heartbeat kicked up a rhythm while she tried to dig her brain for a memory, a
familiar scenario, a de ja vu. But nothing came in rescue. Just a crashing void of
space and blankness.

"You don't remember, you say, so let's take a recap," Sage filled in at hindi
nakalusot sa kanya ang pagiging sarcastic ng tono nito. "My mom cooks this
particular recipe at hiningi ko

iyon para ipagluto ka sa anniversary natin. First anniversary. It's my favorite

dish actually. And then, you said you wanted to have the recipe because you wanted
to cook for me kaya ibinigay ko sayo. But you never really cooked it or me. Ngayon
lang."

Kyra felt speechless for a while. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang sasabihin niya, but
she was sure she didn't feel good about hearing it.

"Sorry, hindi ko-"

"Hindi mo maalala," mabilis na putol nito. Now she could clearly hear the
bitterness of his words mocking her. Alam niya kung saan na naman pupunta ang
usapan nilang ito.

"Are we going to argue about that again?"

"Gusto mong maniwala akong nagka-amnesia ka, diba?" he said with a taunting smirk
as he continued to eat.

Kyra inhaled deep as she tried to keep her growing temper down. "Oo, pero hindi
ibig sabihin no'n lahat ng alaala ko, nabura," she justified. "Minsan, may mga
naaalala ako, minsan din may ginagawa akong mga bagay na hindi ko madalas ginagawa.
Kagaya nito. Hindi ko alam na..." She trailed off when she noticed Sage stopped
eating.

"Are you telling me that you have a case of selective amnesia at ako ang parteng
hindi mo maalala?"

Napalunok siya sa paraan ng pagkakatitig ni Sage sa kanya. He was looking at her,

daring her to say one wrong word. But she could only speak the truth. Wrong or not.
Truth or lie.

"No," she said shaking her head. "Hindi lang ikaw, Sage. I can't remember the whole
year I went to France. Hindi ko maalala kung ano ang mga nangyari noong nando'n
ako, kung ano ang ginawa ko, lahat. Nagising na lang akong nasa ospital na ako-"

Sage suddenly pushed away his plate. "I'm done," he said with a clipped tone that
volumize his anger and wiped his mouth with the napkin in haste. Tumayo ito sa
upuan para umalis pero pinigilan niya ito.

"Sage, just tell me..."

Iritadong tiningnan siya ni Sage. She knew it would be futile to ask him this
question when he was in his sore state, pero hindi na niya kayang pigilan ang
sarili niya. She needed to ask.

"Why did we end up... like this?"

One corner of his lips tugged in a contemptuous sneer. "I'll summarize our marriage
to enlighten you then, shall we?" he said as he leaned down on the table to get his
low voice across her side, enough to create a thundering beat in her heart. And
then she watched his eyes turned into a blazing fire. "I worshiped you. I was crazy
for you that I even offered you a ring, got down on one knee and asked you the
question. I adored you, Kyra, but you betrayed me. End. Of. Story."

Walang nagawa si Kyra kun'di ang panoorin si Sage na lumalayo sa kanya. Para siyang
pako at sa bawat salita ni Sage na parang martilyong pinupukpok siya, unti-unti
siyang nababaon sa kinauupuan niya.

Now she doesn't know if she wanted to know the truth anymore. Kung sa bawat bagay
na natutuklasan niya tungkol sa nakaraan niya, siya ang tinuturo nitong masama at
nagkasala.

=================

Chapter ♣ 9

PRISONER

A MOAN ESCAPED her throat from the pleasure taking over her whole world as her body
danced in a sensual music that he could only create within her.

She felt like a violin and he was the bow stroking her strings, like a lover to a
beloved. Every vibration, every melody that they created in unison was taking her
higher and higher to a chasm of place she could only reach with him.

Her soft moans and erratic pants mingled with his deep male groan of appreciation
as he moved within her, filling her with love, again and again, slow and faster...
deeper. Harder, until that moment where she couldn't take anymore, couldn't go
anywhere else but to explode into a pure bliss of pleasure and shatter into
millions of pieces and disappear...

And then there was nothing-only a vast vision of fathomless and bottomless darkness
catching her, closing her in...choking her breath out of her. Burying her alive...

Kyra's eye flew open as she woke with a start... hurting. Napaupo siya ng mabilis
dahil pakiramdam niya ay hindi siya makahinga sa sakit ng dibdib niya. Her hand
gripped the sheets while the other stroked her burning chest, soothing the ache
that her vivid dream had caused.

It started as the most beautiful dream and ended in a heartbreaking tragedy. If

only they were just a simple nightmare. But they weren't.

Those images those warm bodies, the sensual lips and hands that were making her
moan in ecstasy, a man kissing her, undressing her... the sound of his deep voice
whispering sensual words that drove her mindless

for him as he pleasured and worshiped her body...

Kyra knew they were her memories. And of a man. Of love. And happiness. She might
have forgotten but her body didn't.

That much she knew was certain. Sure of.

And it was a painful awakening. She realized what's been haunting her dreams. And
now she fully understood what it meant. What she lost.

It was Sage's love.

Sage loved her. And she lost it forever. He hates her now with all of him. All of
he was.

Hindi ba't iyon ang sinabi nito kanina? She wasted his love and left him. Niloko
niya si Sage at ginago. So what else does she expect other than his wrath for what
she did?

Ilang beses siyang huminga nang malalim upang ibsan ang mahapding kirot sa ilalim
ng puso niya.

Maybe that's the reason kung bakit hindi niya maalala ang nakaraan niya at ang
tungkol kay Sage. Dahil hindi niya matanggap ang ginawa niyang kasalanan rito.
Maybe this was her karma.

Hindi ang utak niya ang ayaw umalala. It was her. She was the one pushing her
memories away. Ayaw niyang umalala dahil masakit para sa kanya ang maalala ang
nawala sa kanya-ang pagmamahal ng lalaking mahal na mahal niya.

Napapikit si Kyra sa bugso ng damdaming tumupok sa kanya sa kadiliman ng silid

niya. The realization was staggeringly weakening.

Oo. Mahal pa rin niya ang asawa niya kahit hindi niya ito maalala. Makalimot man
ang utak niya, naroon pa rin ang nakatagong pagmamahal niya para rito, nagkukubli
sa dilim. Naghihintay na dumating ang araw na muling madama at maramdaman.

At iyon mismo ang dahilan kaya siya nasasaktan ngayon.

Her dream deeply hurts just as her forgotten memories do. It hurt that she lost his
love. At mas nakakapanghina ang kaalamang hindi na niya mababawi iyon. Hindi na
niya maibabalik ang nawala.

Kita naman niya iyon sa galit ni Sage sa kanya. At kahit hindi nito aminin sa
kanya, alam at ramdam ni Kyra na gumaganti ito sa kanya.

The question now was, would she let him tear her down?

He was practically holding her neck by the string. Kung aalis siya ngayon, pwede
niyang gawin iyon. But she also knew what will happen if she did that. She could
lose everything and start with nothing.

Could she live with that? Live with nothing?

Alam niyang hindi.

Because living with nothing means living a life that's not worth living.
DAHIL HINDI na dalawin ng antok at hindi na ulit makatulog, naisip ni Kyra na
lumabas ng kuwarto niya at magbasa ng libro. Reading help her fall asleep. Maybe it
can serve its purpose now, she thought.

Pero nagsisimula nang lumiwanag ang kalangitan ay nagbabasa pa rin siya. She was
oblivious of anything, she was too engrossed with the novel she was reading that
she didn't notice someone was watching her. Until she felt that prickling sensation
at the back of her neck.

Umangat ang mata niya mula sa librong binabasa niya at agad na sumalubong sa kanya
ang lalaking laman ng panaginip niya. Nakatayo ito sa entrada ng sala kung saan
siya nagbabasa. The five o'clock shadow on his face made him look more mysterious,
his jaw was even sharper, his eyes seemed glowing like a wolf's eye under the full
moon, and his lips... he was heart-stoppingly beautiful,

in a rugged way.

Heat flooded her veins and her skin tingled secretly from the intense perusal of
Sage's dark eyes on her. Seeing him in his soft blue sweatpants and the visible
chest muscles and hard packs under his white vest made her throat run dry. He
looked effortlessly like Hercules just by merely standing there. He's too gorgeous
for a man.

Uninvitingly, her dreams swam inside her brain and she felt lost all over again
from the drowning pleasure that only Sage could awaken and assuage in her. And she
felt his masculinity reaching her igniting the fire in her. Her senses grew sharp
and her nerves shuddering because of the way he was looking at her, as though he
was virtually stripping her naked.

Kyra shifted alarmingly in her seat at the sensation awakening and clawing at the
pit of her stomach. Something dangerous. Something she knew she shouldn't give
into.

"H-hindi kasi ako makatulog kagabi, kaya nagbasa na lang ako," she said awkwardly
when the silence lengthened unbearably, she anxiously wave the book to him.

He slowly stepped out from the shadow he was lurking into and Kyra had the chance
to glimpse at his sinuous body as he walked near her.

Pigil-pigil niya ang hininga habang lumalapit ito sa kinauupuan niya hanggang sa
inilayo niya ang tingin niya rito. She had to look away because she couldn't handle
the tension that was gripping her body. Itinuon na lamang niya ang paningin niya sa
libro niya habang pilit na pinahihinahon ang sarili.

Pero muling bumalik ang tingin niya kay Sage nang marinig niya ang malamig na boses
nito.

"Yeah... I

know," he said as he walked pass her in a chillingly cold shoulder, as if what she
saw earlier was all her imagination.

Her shoulder fell when the rush of disappointment swept away the heady fog she
thought was surrounding them in that seconds. Mukhang sarili lang pala niya ang
niloloko niya at pilit na pinapaniwala sa bagay na wala naman-bagay na matagal nang
nawala.

"Lalabas ka ba?" kaswal na tanong niya habang sinusuot nito ang running shoes nito
sa may pintuan.

Ewan niya, pero nang mapanaginipan niya ang bagay na iyon, parkiramdam niya hindi
tama na nagagalit siya rito sa paraan ng pakikitungo nito sa kanya. It's as if she
understood his anger. At tama lang na magalit ito sa kanya. He have grounds. At
kahit na hindi niya matandaan ang bagay na ikinagagalit nito, ramdam niyang siya
ang may kasalanan.

He stood up from bending and stretched his hands above his head, flexing those
muscles on his lean back. "I'm going out for a jog," sagot nito saka binuksan ang
pinto.

Kyra watched him disappear out of the door and she had a distinct feeling that her
heart sank as the door shut close. Napabuntong hininga na lang siya nang mapag-isa
na lang siya. The still air and soundlessness of the house never made her feel so
lonely, until now.

This was the price she has to pay. Right? She earned his fury, his deep-rooted
hatred towards her. At alam niyang hindi magbabago iyon hanggang hindi siya
napapatawad ni Sage.

Pero paano siya hihingi ng tawad sa kasalanang hindi niya maalala? Paano niya
maiintindihan ang isang bagay na hindi niya alam sa simula pa lang?

What was she

thinking leaving her husband anyway? Kung mahal niya si Sage, at kung tama ang
pakiramdam niya, bakit niya ito iniwan? He said he loved her, she felt it. So what
went wrong?

Inis na isinara ni Kyra ang librong kanina pa niya tinititigan. She could no longer
focus on what she was reading. Nagulo na ang utak niya. Umalis siya sa sofa at
umakyat na lang sa kuwarto niya.

Papaakyat na ang araw at siguro ay dadalawin na siya ng antok ngayon. She put the
book down the table and climbed on her bed, still thinking things that made her
head ache. Things she couldn't understand. Yet.

Sa ngayon, kailangan muna niyang alalahanin ang nakaraan niya. She can't do
anything right now, while she had nothing but a vague memory of the past. Hindi pa
rin iyon sapat.

But at least, she could understand Sage. Kung bakit mainit ang dugo nito sa kanya,
kung bakit para itong sasabog na bulkan dahil sa kanya... at wala siyang ibang
magagawa kundi ang tanggapin iyon.

She could already hear her inner self shouting at her in defiance. But she closed
her ears and pushed it away.

Mapapagod lang siya kung lalabanan niya si Sage. At napapagod na siyang lumaban
nang mag-isa. She's been trying to survive on her own for two years. Ngayong maayos
na ang ipinaglalaban niyang bahay at ari-arian ng daddy niya, she finally freed her
shoulders from that big chunk she had been carrying. Ngayon, ang sarili naman niya
ang pagbibigyan niya.
If she stick with Sage, maybe she can find out her past. Hindi man siguro niya
magustuhan ang nilalaman ng nakaraan niya, parte pa rin sila ng pagkatao niya. And
maybe

in time, Sage can forgive her. Wala namang sugat ang hindi nahihilom ng oras.

TANGHALI NA nang magising si Kyra kaya hindi na niya naabutan si Sage na pumasok sa
opisina. Napakunot noo pa siya sa pagtataka nang isipin niya kung ano nga ba ang
totoong trabaho nito.

He owned the biggest mall in town, and also considered the second biggest mall in
the country. He manages a bank, and that alone tells her he's millions away from
her financially. Ano pa ba ang hindi niya nalalaman tungkol rito?

How ironic. Sarili niyang asawa pero hindi niya kilala.

Pagkatapos maligo ay bumaba na siya sa kusina para magluto sana. Pero nasurpresa
siya sa mesang punong puno ng pagkain. She doubt if Sage cooked all of them... pero
hindi pa rin niya mapigilang matuwa.

Pero agad din iyong nawala nang makita niya ang left-over ng niluto niya kagabi sa
loob ng ref at hindi man lang iyon nabawasan. She recalled what Sage told her last
night.

It was his favorite food, at ni minsan ay hindi niya iyon naluto sa asawa niya. It
was a simple request. Then why didn't she do it? Hindi kaya napapabayaan niya ang
asawa niya noon?

Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng pag-iisip nang marinig niya ang pagtunog ng telepono.
Tinungo niya iyon at maagap na sinagot.

"Good afternoon, miss. Can we speak to Ms. Lagdameo? Shakyra Lagdameo," sagot ng
isang babae sa kabilang linya. Nagmamadali ito na parang hinahabol na oras

"Yes, speaking. Sino po sila?"

"It's Sapphire Stone. From Kryptonite."

The phone almost slipped from her grasp when she heard the caller's name. Kausap
niya mismo ang may-ari

ng Kryptonite-ang isa sa mga kilalang restaurant sa lugar nila at isa sa mga hiring
restaurants na dinalaw at binigyan niya ng CV habang naghahanap siya ng trabaho.

She's been praying she'd receive a call, dahil bukod sa kilala at malaking
restaurant ito ay malaki ang kinikita ng mga waiter at staff nila doon, kahit iyong
mga baguhan pa.

"Free ka ba ngayon?"

Nakunot ang noo ni Kyra sa tanong nito. It wasn't what she was expecting.

"Wala naman po akong gagawin ngayon..."

"Thank God..." The woman sighed with relief. "We would like to hire you formally
and conduct the courtesy of the usual hiring process. But, due to unforeseen
circumstances, that wouldn't be the case... anyway, you think you can start working
now? As in right now?"

Nagulat si Kyra sa natanggap na balita pero mabilis siyang umoo at hindi na

nagdalawang-isip pa. To think na wala man lang siyang orientation. Naisip lang
niyang walang dahilan para tanggihan ang trabahong iyon. Isa pa, wala rin siyang
masyadong gagawin sa bahay.

"Kaya naman po."

"Good." Saglit itong nawala at nakarinig siya ng mga galaw at sigawan na parang ang
dami-daming nangyayari sa paligid.

Mayamaya ay narinig na niya itong nagsasalita. "We'll talk about the salary and all
after your workload tonight, okay lang ba? In the meantime, I need you here in half
an hour, tops. Earlier, much better."

Driven by thrill, Kyra didn't waste time or even pause to think. Mabilis siyang
nagbihis at naghanda para lumabas ng bahay. Sinigurado din muna niyang maayos ang
bahay bago umalis.

She still needs money. Hindi naman siya

babayaran ni Sage sa paglilinis niya ng bahay at pagluluto, ayon sa kontratang

pinirmahan niya. Besides, wala silang usapan na hindi siya pwedeng magtrabaho. And
more than money, she's doing this for herself. Cooking and restaurants are one of
the few things that are closest to her heart and she doesn't want to lose it too,
just as she lost someone she loved-and still does.

PARANG ISANG fiesta ang nadatnan ni Kyra sa pagdating niya kanina. Kaya pala gano'n
na lang ang pangangailangan nila ng staff. May dalawa silang staff na hindi
pumasok; iyong isa nagkasakit, iyong isa naman umuwing probinsya nang walang
paalam. Alam naman daw ng mga ito na may event sila ngayon.

Pero suwerte na rin ni Kyra ito. Ngayon, may trabaho na siya at may maganda pa
siyang sahod. Pagkatapos ng nangyari sa bar ni Danrick, nahihiya na siyang bumalik
doon. Kakausapin na lang niya si Danrick pag-uwi niya ng bahay at magpapaliwanag.
Isa pa, baka mas magalit si Sage sa kanya. Baka ipasara pa iyon ni Sage kapag
nagpumilit siyang magtrabaho doon.

"Kyra, sa table 9."

Tinanguan niya si Marj at hinanda ang ballpen at notepad niya habang lumalapit sa
table nine. May tatlong nakaupo roon; dalawang lalaki at isang babae. Sa lalaking
nakahawak siya humarap at nakangiting nagtanong.

"May I take your order, sir?"

The guy looked up from the menu and stopped to stare at her. Bigla siyang
nakaramdam ng pagkailang.

"Kyra?" He smiled at her when he recognized her, pero hindi niya magawang suklian
ang ngiting iyon.
Do I know him?, she thought and tried to remember him from somewhere

in her mind as she watched him look around.

"Do you own this?" biglang tanong nito sa kanya.

"Uh... hindi po. Waitress lang po ako rito."

"Really?" Tumawa ito na parang hindi makapaniwala. "Pumayag si Sage na

pagtrabahuhin ka? I thought nasa France pa kayo. Last time he said, you were
putting up a restaurant."

Isang ngiti lang ang naisagot niya rito. Mabuti na lang at um-order na ang mga
kasamahan nito kaya hindi na niya kinailangang magkuwento at magkunwaring kilala
niya ito. Though, he clearly knew her. At alam din nito na sila ni Sage, noon. But
not about the fact that they're separated.

Fact? Hindi naman siya sigurado kung anulled na ang kasal nila ni Sage. For all she
knew, baka hindi pa nawawala ang bisa ng kasal nila.

Pero bakit iniisip nitong sila pa rin ni Sage at dapat sana ay nasa France sila?
Hindi ba nila alam ang nangyari sa kanya? Kaibigan niya ba ito? O si Sage?
Kakilala? Naging katrabaho?

Umikot ang isipan ni Kyra sa mga katanungang iyon sa natitirang oras ng trabaho
niya. Kung sana may mga sagot siya sa mga iniisip niya, hindi na sana siya
nagkakaproblema ng ganito.

"MARAMING SALAMAT talaga, Kyra. You really are my savior!" Hindi pa ito nakontento
ay niyakap pa siya ng mahigpit ni Sapphire.

"Wala po iyon, ma'am. Ako nga po ang dapat na magpasalamat dahil ako ang tinawagan
ninyo."

Her twenty-five year old boss laughed. "Bakit ba napakapormal mo pa rin sa'kin?"

"Siyempre po, kayo po ang boss ko."

"But still. Mas gusto ko pa rin ng less formal. Baka sakalin pa ako ng mga ate ko
kapag nalaman nilang may nagpo-po sa 'kin na mas matanda

pa sa 'kin. No offense meant."

"It's okay..." Hindi naman siya nao-offend pagdating sa edad niya. Just a little
bit pensive. Dahil biglang dumaan ang apat na taon sa kanya ng napakabilis.

Inabot na siya nang gabi nang matapos siya ng shift niya. Ramdam na ramdam niya ang
pagod dahil sa pananakit ng mga kasu-kasuan niya. But she felt fulfilled rather
than exhausted.

"Kyra, gusto mong sumabay sa 'min pauwi?" yaya sa kanya ni Marj.

"Ah... hindi na. Magbu-bus lang kasi ako." Magkaiba din sila ng ruta kaya baka mas
gabihin siya ng uwi.
"Sige. Ingat ka na lang pauwi. Kita na lang tayo bukas." Nagpaalam na si Marj sa
kanya.

Ito ang kasa-kasama niya kanina habang nangangapa pa siya. Napakaayos nitong mag-
assist kaya madali niyang nasa-ulo ang routine niya. She was just grateful that
there was none of her usual blank moments today.

Narinig niyang tumunog ang cellphone niya habang naghihintay siya sa may bus
station. She grimaced at the name flashing on her screen. But she also couldn't
ignore the squirming sensation in her stomach.

"Where are you?" came a terse, deep masculine voice.

Napapikit siya. She could already imagine his scowling face. "Pauwi na."

"I'm asking for a place, Kyra."

She could hear the anger in his tone that was barely contained and thought it
wouldn't be a good idea to ignite the fire, so she told him where he was.

"What are you doing in that place instead of staying here?"

Nagsimula nang magsitayuan ang mga katabi niya at nakita niya ang paparating na
bus. That made her sigh in relief-for now, at least.

"Mamaya

na tayo mag-usap. Andito na ang bus." Pinatay niya agad ang telepono at sumakay sa
naghihintay na bus.

She needed to conserve energy, both physically and mentally... even emotionally, if
she was to confront an angry Sage. Because tonight would be nothing different from
the previous night. At mas lalo pang hihirap ang buhay niya sa mga darating na
gabi.

Pagdating niya ng bahay ay sinalubong kaagad siya ni Sage sa pintuan pa lang. He

was wearing his white stripe polo shirt with his sleeves rolled to his elbow, no
tie, black slacks, and jacketless. Nakasandal ito sa damba ng pintuan at
nakahalukipkip habang nakatitig sa kanya.

Gustong pumikit ni Kyra sa pagkairita pero nagpipigil na lang siya. The way he was
acting was ridiculously absurd. Kung pulis siguro ai Sage, baka nakulong na siya sa
salang pagtakas. But she didn't even escape. She's not a thief nor a prisoner.

She could already feel his brimming anger. Wala naman siyang ginagawang masama.
Pero bakit siya kinakabahan? It wasn't like she went out to have fun. Nagtrabaho
lang naman siya.

Paano nga naman iyon maiintindihan ng isang katulad nito? He's practically a king
in his own castle. He earns money without moving a single muscle, not even his
eyes.

Pumasok siya nang hindi ito pinapansin. She heard his intake of breath that sounded
like a hiss. Sinundan siya nito sa loob at sa kusina.

"I suppose you didn't know yet, but you are not supposed to leave the house."

She stopped. Ibinaba niya ang dalang bag sa counter at umikot siya paharap rito.
"Sa pagkakatanda ko, wala sa usapan natin ang ganyan," sabi niya habang
nagtatanggal ng sapatos. "Kumain ka na ba?"

Nang hindi ito sumagot ay binuksan niya ang ref para magsimulang magluto.

"If I recall, the clause says you have to live here and offer the new owner of this
house-which means me-your undivided service."

"Tama. Pero hindi mo sinabi na kailangan akong nandito ng buong araw kapag wala ka.
Isa pa, sinisigurado ko namang malinis itong bahay bago ako umalis."

She turned in time to see his mouth tightening into a tight line. "Hindi mo ako
binabayaran, Sage, at kaingan ko ring kumita. Kailangan ko ng trabaho."

He scowled deeper. "For what? You're already cleared. Mababayaran mo na ang utang
mo sa akin. You want foods? We have enough foods here. You want clothes? I can buy
them for you. Sabihin mo lang. Kaya hindi mo na kailangang magtrabaho. Just stay
here."

Natigil siya sa paglilinis ng repolyo dahil sa sinabi nito. Pinatay niya ang gripo
at muling hinarap si Sage.

"Are you buying my freedom?"

He visibly went still. She thought he would drop the argument, pero bigla itong
naglakad palapit sa kanya hanggang sa nasa pagitan siya ng malamig na tiles ng
lababo at ng mainit na katawan nito.

He leaned over her until his hands were resting on both her sides, caging her in.
Just him and her. And nothing else.

Napalunok siya habang tinititigan niya ang mga mata ni Sage. She couldn't look
away. His magnetic gaze was too powerful, like it was sucking her in and throwing
her into an inclining vortex with no one to catch her.

"Why do you think you're here, Kyra?" he drawled like a panther.

Hindi siya makapagsalita, lalo na kung ganito kalapit ito sa kanya na halos hangin
na niya ang mainit na hininga nito.

Up close, she saw his face slowly changed into a hard granite, his eyes flashing
like an ice that left her cold despite his warmth.

"Need I remind you, that you-my wife-are my servant now. You pay me with your
service... and you knew that. So don't ask me of buying your freedom because you
already surrendered it to me the moment you signed the papers."

Mabilis itong lumayo sa kanya. Pakiramdam tuloy niya, parang mayroon siyang
nakakahawang sakit. Sa isang iglap ay naramdaman niya ang pagod na sinisingil ang
katawan niya.

"Forget about work. Dito ka lang sa bahay," marahas na sabi ni Sage bago siya nito
iniwan.

=================
Chapter ♣ 10

THAT WOMAN

"MY GOD, SAGE! Hindi mo pwedeng gawin iyan. You can't keep me here!" sigaw ni Kyra
kay Sage nang matauhan siya sa mga sinabi nito.

She was hot on her heels running after him. Pero wala itong pakialam. He just
turned his face slightly at her and smirked.

"Try me," he said with a shrug and a smug expression that was beginning to
infuriate her.

"Seryoso ako, Sage."

He laughed under his breath. "Trust me, this is not something I would lightly joke
about."

Naikuyom ni Kyra ang mga palad niya sa pagpipigil na sumabog. It was all she could
do to hold herself together. Why was it that when it comes to this man, her
emotions always seemed to be volatile and uncontrollably explosive.

"Pumayag ako sa kondisyon ng kontrata mo para manatili rito. Pumayag akong tumira
rito dahil gusto kong alagaan ang bahay na 'to. Pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n,
papayag na ako sa gusto mo. Hindi mo ako pwedeng gawing preso sa sarili kong
pamamahay!"

He cocked his head in an amused face. Pero agad ding nagbago ang tingin sa mga mata
nito. They looked fiercer and harder now.

"Last time I checked, I owned this house. And so are you. You should remember that.
It's my word against you."

Own her?

Kyra's teeth gritted together out of sheer frustration. That was supposed to sound
romantic and territorial. But the way he said it only made her cringe.

It didn't feel territorial. He might be marking her as his own property or

possession-but not the way she wanted to be labeled. He wanted her as a slave. A
human with no freedom, no

free will... with no life at all. He was forcefully stripping down her dream away
from her.

"This isn't just about work, Sage."

Nagtiim-bagang ito. She somehow felt that he understood what she meant and knew
what she was talking about. She had shared her dreams to him.

Now that was odd how she easily remembered that.

"Magtatrabaho ako sa ayaw mo't sa gusto."

Umigting ang panga nito. "Don't push it, Kyra. I don't like being pushed too far."

"Kung gano'n, huwag mo na ulit akong subukang pigilan," matigas na sabi niya at
nilagpasan ito.

Isang piping pasasalamat ang naiusal niya nang hindi siya nito pinigilan. Gusto
lang niyang lumayo rito dahil masyadong magulo ang nararamdaman at laman ng utak
niya. She's angry but she couldn't hate him. Ni hindi niya alam kung gusto ba
niyang kamuhian ang asawa niyang ang turing sa kanya ngayon ay isa na lang
katulong. Gano'n na siguro kalalim ang galit nito sa kanya.

Nagmamadaling kinuha niya ang bag sa counter at ang sapatos sa sahig bago tuluyang
lumabas ng kusina at umalis.

Nasa loob na siya ng kuwarto niya nang maglaro sa utak niya ang mga nangyari sa
ibaba. At isang maikling ngiti ang napakawalan niya nang matanto niyang iyon ang
unang pagkakataong nasa kanya ang huling salita.

MAAGANG BUMANGON si Kyra, kinabukasan para magluto ng agahan. Kahapon ay hindi man
lang niya nagawan ng kape si Sage. It made her feel wrong. Na parang may pinabayaan
siyang anak o asawa.

She like to think she's doing this because it's what she ought to do. Pero sa loob
niya, alam niyang may ibang rason.

This was her duty as his wife-something she doesn't remember doing.

Isa pa, baka gawin pa nitong basehan iyon at masabi pa nitong hindi niya ginagawa
ng maayos ang trabaho niya.

She stared at the food-filled cardboard. Iniisip niya kung ano'ng pagkain ang
madalas kainin ni Sage sa umaga. Kahapon ay isang casserole ang nakahanda sa mesa
kasama ang mga prutas, sunny side up egg, sausages, at bread.

Well, she can cook egg and sausage. Pwede rin siyang gumawa ng pancake since may
available na pancake maker.

Satisfied with her choice of food, she began collecting everything she needed to
start cooking.

She's done with the eggs and the sausage, at nakatapos na rin siya ng dalawang
pancake nang makarinig siya ng paparating na mga yabag. Agad niyang naramdaman ang
pagbilis ng tibok ng puso niya at ang saglit na pagtigil ng hininga niya. Palagi na
lamang ganoon sa tuwing alam niyang paparating na si Sage. It's as if she was
automatically anticipating his presence. A reflex.

Sa gilid ng kanyang mga mata ay nakita niya ang pagpasok ni Sage sa kusina,
bringing with him his scent, his inherit lordliness and his overpowering air.
Huminga pa ulit si Kyra ng ilang beses at sinubukang umakto ng normal, na parang
maayos lang ang lahat-na parang hindi sila nagkasagutan kagabi at nang mga
nakaraang araw.

Wala sa sariling inabot niya ang pancake mix at hinaluhalo niya iyon nang hinalo.
God! But she couldn't keep still. Lalo siyang natataranta ngayong nakikita niyang
papalapit na si Sage sa kanya.

Tumayo ito sa tabi niya at napilitan na siyang magsalita.

"Good

morning," bati niya nang hindi tumitingin rito. Bahagya pa siyang lumayo rito dahil
nasasagi na ng balikat niya ang braso nito sa lapit nito sa kanya.

Hindi ito sumagot. She just continued mixing the bowl while waiting for the
pancakes to cook.

"Eggs and pancakes for breakfast..." he mused beside her.

And then, something happened.

Eggs and pancakes for breakfast? Sweetheart, you have to cook me some real food.

Napakurap-kurap si Kyra at napasulyap sa tiyan niya kung saan nakapulupot ang

dalawang braso sa alaala niya.

"Kyra?"

Mabilis siyang bumaling kay Sage. "Ha?" She suddenly felt lost.

Kunot ang noo nito habang nakatingin ito sa kanya na animo'y naghihintay ng sagot.

"Pasensya na. M-may... may naalala lang kasi ako kanina. Uh... ano, gusto mo ba ng
kape?" She moved to get to the coffee-maker, pero bigla ay hinapit nito ang braso
niya.

"No need," pigil nito sa kanya. Napatingin siya sa kamay nito sa braso niya. It
felt warm. And odd-because it felt... just right. Hanggang sa binitawan siya ni
Sage.

"I just came here to tell you I won't be home tonight."

"Oh... Okay," she whispered and touched her arm, catching the faint lingering touch
of his hand as if its warmth could buoy her spirits up. But it didn't.

"May dinner akong kailangang puntahan. At baka doon na rin ako matulog."

Gusto niyang itanong kung para saan ang dinner na iyon at kailangan pang doon ito
matulog, pero inunahan kaagad siya ng pag-aalinlangan. What if he told her he have
a date? O kung magkikita ito at ang babaeng nakita nito sa market noong isang

araw?

Would he? Would he spend the night with her?

Tumingin ito sa niluluto niya. "I have an early meeting today. Baka sa opisina na
rin ako kumain ng breakfast."

"Ah... gano'n ba?"

Desmayado siyang napatitig sa mga niluto niyang nakahanda sa mesa. Ang dami pa
naman ng niluto niya. Nag-abala pa siyang gumising ng maaga at magluto. Hindi rin
naman pala makakain ang mga ito.
"But I can pack some of that with me. Para hindi ko na kailangang magpa-take out
mamaya."

Napalingon si Kyra kay Sage at nagkasalubong ang kanilang mga mata. Her heart did
that skipping beat. "Sige... kung gusto mo."

Hindi ito umalis sa tabi niya habang niluluto niya ang natitirang pancake mix at
ramdam na ramdam niya ang nananatiling titig nito sa kanya.

Binalingan niya ito dahil naiilang na talaga siya. She couldn't move without being
aware of his eyes following her every move.

"Sige na, magbihis ka na."

His eyes skimmed up. She kept her hair away from her face in a high bun this
morning, and watching how Sage's eyes narrowed, she could see the exposed scar
mirroring in his eyes.

Kinakabahan siyang umiwas ng tingin. But his hand already shot up before she could
hide and held her chin to bring her face back, showing the scar to his curious gaze
again.

Numipis ang bibig nito. "That's an ugly scar."

Kumislot ang kilay niya. She felt her scar in her temple twitch. "Alam ko." She
doesn't need someone to remind her how filthy and horrible it looked.

Pilit niyang inaalis ang kamay nito sa kanya pero bigo siya. Sage kept his hand on
her face, not letting

go.

"Hindi mo pa rin sinasagot ang tanong ko," anito. "How did you get that scar,
Kyra?"

Napalunok siya. "Kapag sinabi ko ba, maniniwala ka?"

"What kind of answer was that?"

"Dahil ayokong magpaliwanag kung sa huli, hindi mo rin ako paniniwalaan."

He looked straight in her eyes and asked, "Iyan ba ang dahilan kaya hindi ka
makaalala. Why you have... amnesia?"

Tinantiya niya ito bago tumango. "Car accident. Two years ago."

"Two years ago..." he said and Kyra carefully watched how his eyes turned
thoughtful, na para bang iniisip nito ang nangyari noong mga panahong iyon.

Does he believe her now? Would he believe her now?

He suddenly dropped his hand from her face and clucked his tongue against his
cheek. "Now that make sense."

Nagksalubong ang kilay niya. "Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?"

He took a step back from her. Kyra could already see the barriers enclosing around
him again, keeping him away from her reach. Tumayo ito sa tabi ng mesa malayo sa
kanya, his face was unreadable.

"When your father talked to me, it was two years ago. He called and asked me for
money out of our divorce settlement," pahayag nito sa malamig na tono. And she felt
that coldness reached out to her.

"Divorce?" she parroted. Kaya siguro wala silang suot-suot na singsing dahil
matagal nang tapos ang kasal nila.

Her mind screeched to a halt. "Then why the debt?" Bakit siya sinisingil ni Sage
kung galing sa divorce settlement ang pera? Paanong pinagbabayaran niya ang hindi
naman pala utang ng daddy niya.

"Because we're still married. And I

don't just give away money without a bargain."

Kyra's breath and heartbeat stopped altogether. Pero hindi iyon dahil sa huling
sinabi nito.

They're still married. Mali siya ng akala.

She hurt that Sage was saying that in a complete indifference, as if it didn't
matter to him. But she could also feel that there was something blooming around her
chest. A fluttering feeling that made her want to sing.

"Kaya ngayon, gusto mo akong singilin," she concluded. "Sage... kung kasal pa tayo,
bakit hindi mo ako hinanap?"

She shouldn't have asked that, she realized too late when she saw the closed face
he had. Pero gusto niyang malaman. Bakit? Bakit hindi siya pinuntahan ni Sage kung
alam nito kung nasaan siya.

He knew she's with her family. If only he went to see her, then it wouldn't be too
hard for him to believe her.

Pero hindi siya sinagot ni Sage. He just turned his back around on her. "I'll go
ahead and get ready," he coldly said and left.

Once again, Kyra found herself as the one being left behind.

"KAYA PALA umuwi si Railey ng gano'n-gano'n na lang."

Iyon ang nabungaran ni Kyra pagbalik niya sa likod ng pwesto nila sa cashier
counter matapos niyang kunin ang order ng kakapasok pa lang na customer.

"Bakit daw?" walang ganang tanong ni Marj kay Daisy. Silang tatlo na lang ang
naroon habang ang iba ay kumakain na sa loob ng staff room.

"Ang sabi, ikakasal na ang ex niya."

"O, e anong dapat uwian do'n? Siya ba ang ikakasal? E hindi naman." Umismid si
Marj. Siguro ay pinag-uusapan nila ang tungkol sa isang staff na hindi

dumating kahapon-the one who went home to province.

"Marj, alam mo naman iyon. Hindi maka-move on sa ex niya. Malay mo, baka may balak
pigilan ang kasal."

"Gagawin lang niyang tanga ang sarili niya kapag ginawa niya iyon."

"Haynaku, matagal nang tanga iyon. Tanga sa kakaisip sa ex niyang iniwan siya."
Binuntunan pa ni Daisy ng tawa ang sinabi nito.

"Hay! Ewan ko sa kanya. Problema talaga 'yang love-love na 'yan. Kaya nga ayokong
ma-in love e."

"E hindi mo naman mapipigilan iyon. Sabi nga nila, when the heart is in-love, it
defies even the strongest mind."

"Weh? Sino'ng nagsabi? Ikaw?"

Nangingiting napapailing din si Kyra sa mga naririnig habang inaayos niya ang mga
condiments sa gilid ng counter.

"Ah basta, ako, I beg to disagree. Kita mo ikaw, nasa'n na iyong boyfriend mong
dati-rati'y hatid-sundo ka?"

Nakita niya ang pagnguso ni Daisy. "Naging busy lang si Cedric."

"Busy." Marj didn't look convinced. "Busy sa ano?"

"Ikaw talaga, 'wag mo na ngang intrigahin ang love life ko."

Sa kanya bumaling si Marj. "Eh ikaw, Kyra? May love life ka rin ba?"

She just laughed. Siya na naman ngayon ang pag-uusapan ng mga kasamahan niya.

"Tumatawa ka lang diyan. Kuwentuhan mo naman kami tungkol sa boyfriend mo."

Boyfriend? Asawa, meron. Isang asawang hindi niya maalala, na ngayon ay ginigipit
siya at gusto siyang pahirapan. Isang guwapo at makisig na asawang minahal siya
noon, pero sinaktan lang niya at iniwan. She was stupid enough to let him go, kahit
na mahal niya ito.

Now that was something that could pique their interest.

Ngumiti

na lang siya at umiling. "Wala akong boyfriend."

"Wala? 'Di nga? Sa ganda mong iyan single ka pa rin?" hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni
Daisy sa likuran ni Marj.

"Aray ko naman, Dais. Ipagsigawan ba naman ang dahilan kaya single pa rin ako?"

"Hindi naman... maganda ka naman," ngingiti-ngiting sabi ni Daisy kay Marj.

"Sadyang magkatulad lang kayo ni Ma'am Saph. Allergic sa mga lalaki... at ubod ng
sungit."

"Grabe siya."

Tumunog ang bell at pumasok ang isang grupo ng costumer. Kaagad niyang kinuha ang
mga menu bago pa iyon maabot ng isa sa dalawa.
"Ako na." Mabilis siyang umalis sa counter bago pa mapunta ulit sa kanya ang usapan
at magisa.

Sinundan niya ang mga bagong dating na costumer. They were seated on the VIP seats,
sa may bahagi kung saan daw madalas ang mga businessman kapag nagkakaroon ang mga
ito ng meeting. Maybe this was one of it.

She had seen those looks many times in her past job and dealt with them. Those
expensive suits that matched their formidable faces, alam niyang hindi lang basta-
basta ang mga negosyanteng ito.

Inayos niya sandali ang damit at ang buhok niya bago siya naglakad patungo sa mga
ito. She wanted to look presentable, at least, if she was to speak to them. Para
din iyon sa image ng restaurant nila.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen, here's your menu." Isa-isa niyang ibinigay ang tatlong
hawak niyang menu. At natigil siya sa panghuli.

Sage's gaze drifted up to hers while he held the menu on one end and their eyes
seized and clashed. Pero nanatiling blanko ang tingin nito kumpara sa gulat na
mukha niya.

Sinadya ba nitong pumunta rito?

Well, that could explain the unsurprised look.

Ano 'to? Was he checking up on her? Did he expect her to be sitting at home and
mutely obey what he wants? Na hindi siya magtrabaho?

"Miss, ano'ng special niyo ngayon?" One of them asked. He was good-looking, at
kahit na katabi nito si Sage ay hindi natatabunan ng angas ng panga ng katabi ang
maamong mukha nito.

Nakangiti ito sa kanya at bilang waitress, she's obliged to smile and welcome them.
Kaya kahit na nabulabog ang sistema niya sa pagsulpot ni Sage ay pinilit pa rin
niyang ngitian ito saka magalang na sinagot.

"Wait, you're new here?" bigla ay tanong nito. "I'm sorry," natatawang sabi nito
dahilan para lumabas ang isang malalim ba dimple sa pisngi nito. "It's just that
I'm a regular costumer, at ngayon lang kita nakita rito. I wouldn't surely miss
that face if you're here."

"Uhm..." Kyra felt the heat creeping on her face. She was not good with men like
him. Ever. And it was a wonder how she got herself a husband like Sage.

Sa tabi ng lalaki ay nakita niya si Sage na nakatiim-bagang at halos malukmos ang

hawak nitong menu.

"Would you like to place your order, sir?" baling niya sa lalaki na hindi mapuknat
ang ngiti sa mukha habang nakatitig pa rin sa kanya.

"Sorry, guys, I'm late!" A woman in a beige corporate suit and slim pencil skirt
that exposed a flawless pair of tanned legs walked in.

Lahat ng mga kalalakihan sa mesa ay tumingin rito. "Glad you can come," sabi ng
nasa tabi niya.

"Na-traffic lang," nakangiting sabi ng babae. "Hey," she smiled at Sage bago bumaba
ang ulo nito sa asawa niya at binigyan ito

ng halik sa kaliwang pisngi saka umupo sa bakanteng upuan sa tabi ni Sage. He

didn't even bother to look at her. Or be ashamed that he was letting a woman kiss
him in front of her.

Baka siguro ikinahihiya siya ni Sage. Na isang waitress lang ang asawa nito.

Feeling suddenly meek and conscious, her eyes roamed the table. Mga kaibigan ba ni
Sage ang mga taong 'to? Do they know she was his wife? Did Sage tell them he had a
wife?

But there was. The man from yesterday.

What about that woman? Who is she? Hindi ba nito alam na may asawa nang tao ang
lalaking hinahalikan niya?

Seething from the green-eyed monster growing inside her, pinagmasdan ito ni Kyra
mula sa itim na itim na bob cut nito hanggang sa mapulang labi na kanina'y humalik
kay Sage. She was speaking with him, closely, and Kyra could see the way she smiled
at him. Then she laughed and it rang deep in her brain.

Her voice played in her mind, pero iba ang sinasabi nito... hindi niya
maintindihan. It was coming off like a buzzing sound, blurry, but she knew she
heard it somewhere.

Narinig niyang umu-order na ang isa sa kanila, pero hindi niya iyon maintindihan.
The buzzing sound didn't stop. Para itong tunog ng sirang radio, masakit sa ulo.
Her body swayed a little.

"Miss?" sabi ng lalaking katabi niya at maagap siyang nahawakan sa siko. "Ayos ka
lang?"

That took everyone's attention, pati si Sage at ang babae sa tabi nito.

Then in slow motion, Kyra watched the woman's eyes enlarged in recognition when she
took sight of her. Para itong nakakita ng multo.

"Oh my God! Kyra?!"

Part

of her wanted to laugh hysterically, but the pounding in her head was getting
excruciating until it exploded right between her eyes and the pain took over her
whole body.

The pen made a tapping sound as it hit the floor. Pagkatapos ay mabilis na ang mga
sumunod na pangyayari.

She had herself bending over, clutching her head. Chairs were being pushed creating
an irritating screeching sound as they scrapped the floor. Nakita niyang tumayo ang
ilan sa mga customer, at sa nawawalang paningin ay nakita niya ang pagpipigil ng
babae sa braso ni Sage.

Bago pa siya tuluyang mawalan ng ulirat ay nakaramdam siya ng kamay sa balikat

niya. "Kyra? Ayos ka lang?" It was a male voice. Pero hindi kay Sage iyon.

"Sige na, Marco. Dalhin mo na siya sa loob, ako na ang bahala rito," aning isang
babae. "Pasensya na po. Ako na lang po ang kukuha ng order ninyo."
"Is she alright?"

"Magpapatawag na lang po kami ng..."

And everything faded.

Nasa loob na siya ng staff room at maingat siyang pinaupo ni Marco saka
nagmamadaling naghalughog ng mga gamit nito. Mayamaya ay hawak na nito ang isang
cellphone.

"Sandali..." She sat up straight.

"May masakit ba?" Nag-aalala ang mukha nito.

Umiling siya at napalunok. "'Wag ka ng tumawag ng doctor. Wala lang 'to."

"Sigurado ka?" He seemed doubtful.

Nakita niya ang itsura niya sa malaking salamin doon at kitang-kita niya mula roon
ang putlang-putla niyang mukha.

Kyra tried to breath as steady as she could. Para siyang kinakain ng buhay kanina,
muntik na siyang mahimatay. At dahil iyon sa alaalang pilit na pumapasok sa utak
niya. It was as if they were forcing her to remember something so crucial. It felt
so frighteningly powerful, hindi niya ma-control.

She tried nodding her head and felt relieved that the pain was residing gradually.
The worst part was over.

"Oo...mawawala rin 'to."

"Talagang ayaw mong-"

"Nahilo lang ako. Pero ayos lang ako. Konting pahinga lang 'to."

Mukhang ayaw pang maniwala ni Marco sa kanya pero nang ngumiti siya ay saka ito
bumuga ng malalim na hininga. "O sige. Basta magpahinga ka muna rito sandali.
Lumabas ka na lang 'pag ayos ka na."

Sumandal si Kyra sa dingding at naipikit niya ang mga mata sa lamig na dumampi sa
ulo at likod niya. The coldness consoled and eased the pain that seemed to be
refusing to leave and kept on lingering in her head. She held her eyes closed and
blocked everything that happened out there. Ayaw niyang isipin ang mga nasaksihan
niya, not even her job. Or Sage.

Pero nang ibuka niya ang mga mata ay iisang tao lamang ang nakikita niya.

That woman... she knew her.

It was Sharmaine.

Attorney Sharmaine Madrigal, ang lawyer ng asawa niya.

=================
Chapter ♣ 11

A PRINCE

HANGGANG DOON lang ang naaalala ni Kyra tungkol sa babaeng iyon. Maliban doon ay
hindi na niya alam kung bakit ganoon na lang ang pakiramdam niya pagdating rito.

Were they friends? Were they enemies? Nemesis maybe? Why does her name hurt her the
first time she heard of it? Bakit ganoon na lang ang tindi ng sakit na naramdaman
niya kanina?

Kyra wondered if Sharmaine was just that-Sage's lawyer. O baka naman napaparanoid
lang siya?

She was deep in her thoughts nang bigla ay bumukas ang pintuan ng staff room at ang
hindi maintindihang mukha ni Sage ang bumungad doon. The last drop of pain in her
head suddenly flew away at the sight of him. The sharp angles of his face were
stark with anger. Pero nararamdaman ni Kyra na hindi para sa kanya ang galit na
iyon.

The room suddenly felt small and oppressive with his ominous presence. Ang gulo-
gulo pa ng kwarto nila dahil kakatapos lang kumain ng mga kasamahan niya. Nasa loob
pa rin ang amoy ng pagkain.

"Sir, bawal po kayo rito," nakabuntot na pigil rito ni Marj. Pati ang iba niyang
kasamahan ay nakasunod kay Sage.

"Kyra, pasensya ka na. Nagpupumilit kasi ang isang 'to na pumasok. Pahinga ka lang
diyan."

"Ayos lang, Marj. Hayaan niyo na siya." Hindi rin nila mapapaalis ng basta-basta
ito. He was his own rule. He follows no order. Ginagawa nito ang mga bagay sa
paraang gusto nito.

"P-pero..."

"'Wag kayong mag-alala. Kilala ko siya."

Nagpabalikbalik ang mata ng mga ito sa kanya at kay Sage. Nakita pa niyang namumula
ang pisngi ni Daisy habang nakatitig kay

Sage.

"O sige, pero bilisan mo. Bawal ka pa rin dito," nakairap na sabi ni Marj kay Sage
saka isa-isang pinaalis sina Marco at ang iba paalis doon.

Umupo siya ng maayos nang silang dalawa na lang ni Sage ang tao sa loob. Nanatili
ito sa tabi ng pintuan at hindi siya mapakali sa paraan ng tingin nito sa kanya. It
was piercing. Nakakalaglag sa upuan. Nakakabilis ng tibok ng puso.

"Hindi mo na dapat iniwan ang mga kaibigan mo doon," basag niya sa katahimikan.
Pakiramdam niya, parang may napakalaking elepante sa kuwarto kasama nila. "Baka
magtaka sila kung bakit ka nandito."
"What just happened out there?" he demanded instead, in a thick, calm voice. But
there was a distinct hardness in it.

"Nothing..."

"Nothing?" His voice sharpened. "You almost fainted!"

"Ayos na ako, Sage. Wala iyon. Sanay na ako."

Nagtagis ang panga nito, halatang hindi nito nagustuhan ang sinabi niya. But like
it or not, it was the truth. Sanay na siya na palagi na lamang ganoon ang
nangyayari sa tuwing may gustong ipaalala sa kanya ang utak niya. She hurt. Na
halos nabibiyak ang bungo niya.

It was okay, kesa sa wala siyang maalala. She's okay.

"Where's yours?" bigla ay tanong niro. Sa mga lockers ito nakatingin.

She looked at hers at nasundan ni Sage ang tingin niya. Walang imik nitong
nilapitan iyon at sinubukan ang lock combination niya. A click sounded.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya. How did he guess her password?

Napatayo siya nang basta-basta na lang binuksan ni Sage ang locker niya at walang
permisong kinuha ang bag niya roon. "Ano'ng ginagawa

mo?"

"You're getting off. Aalis tayo ngayon," matigas na sagot nito. He didn't even look
repentant.

"Hindi pwede. Hindi pa tapos ang shift ko."

"The hell with it," he muttered harshly. Hinaklit nito ang braso niya pero binawi
niya iyon.

"Sage, ano ba!"

Umigting ang bagang nito sa ginagawa niyang pagpipigil. "You need a goddamn doctor!
Hindi mo ba nakikita? You're so damn pale, you look like death!" He almost shouted.

"I'm okay! Hindi ko na kailangan ng doktor." Dahil pare-pareho lang din naman ang
sinasabi nila. Walang pinagkaiba sa nauna. It happens sometimes. At sawang-sawa na
siyang marinig iyon.

"Simpleng hilo lang iyon, Sage. Hindi ko ikamamatay. Kaya hindi mo na ako
kailangang dalhin sa ospital."

"Anything that's happening to you threatens me! My God, woman! You're impossible."

Maang na napatitig siya kay Sage. Marahas ang bawat hininga nito at pulang-pula ang
leeg nito. Kyra felt a tug, pero hindi niya iyon pinansin. Naguguluhan siya sa
inaasta nito. Ano ba'ng ikinagagalit nito?

He left without a word this morning. Ni hindi nito dinala ang pinack niyang baon
and she wasted food. Kung galit ito sa kanya, hindi ba dapat ay natutuwa pa ito
ngayon? He wanted to hurt her, gusto siyang pahirapan ni Sage. And now, he just saw
her in pain. So what's with his beastly actions?
"Sige na, bumalik ka na sa labas. Baka hinahanap ka na ng mga kasama mo,"
pangtataboy niya rito. Pero hindi pa rin ito lumalabas at nanatili lang sa kanya
ang matatalim nitong mata.

"Could you stop sending me away! I don't appreciate it, especially when

you smiled to one of them. In front of me."

Nalaglag lalo ang panga niya. "What was wrong with that? Nagtatrabaho ako at
kailangan kong maging magalang sa mga customer."

Goodness! Ngiti lang ang ginawa niya. What about him? Ito pa nga ang nagpapahalik
ng kung sinu-sino sa harap niya!

"Magalang. That's the word. Was smiling part of courteousness?"

Kyra sighed. Ano ba ang ipinaglalaban ng usapan nila? This was all nonsense.

"Sage please, ako ang mapapagalitan kapag hindi ka pa lumabas. Restricted area
ito."

He smirked. "You think I care?"

God, he's so arrogant!

Tumunog ang pintuan sa likod ni Sage at nakita niyang may pumasok.

"Sage..." It was Sharmaine. Tumabi ito kay Sage at hinawakan ang braso nito. Her
red nail polish matched her bloody lips. "Halika na. Hinahanap ka na nila sa
labas."

"Mauna ka na," sabi ni Sage habang nakatingin pa rin sa kanya.

Sharmaine looked at her. "Are you okay?"

Nagulat si Kyra. Hindi niya inaasahang kakausapin siya ng babae lalo pa't mukha
itong may lihim na galit sa kanya. Or was it just her paranoia?

Maikling ngiti ang ginawa niya. "I'm okay."

"That's a relief," wika nito. Hindi maarok ni Kyra kung sincere ang pag-aalala
nito. She looked... frigid. She reminds her a lot of Ms. Charlotte. Sleek and cool.
Polished.

"I'll be outside. Sumunod ka na lang," sabi nito kay Sage saka lumabas ng kuwarto.

It was only then that Kyra noticed the absence of pain. Dahil ba kilala na niya ito
kaya hindi na bumalik ang sakit?

Binalingan niya si Sage sabay lahad ng kamay rito. "Akin na ang bag ko at sumunod

ka na kay Sharmaine."

"You remember her?" he asked with a frown, and completely ignoring her hand.

"Kanina..." tahimik niyang sagot. Iniwas niya ang mata rito at siya na mismo ang
nagtanggal ng bag sa kamay nito.
"So you remember her on the first sight, pero ako hindi. Was that supposed to amuse
me?"

"I just know her name... and her face. Pero maliban doon, wala akong alam tungkol
sa kanya," paliwanag niya habang binabalik sa locker ang gamit niya. She locked it
again with her password. Her birth date.

"Are you playing mind games here? Because you're surprisingly very good at it."

Hindi niya pinansin ang panunuya nito. Pumunta siya sa maliit na double deck bed at
umupo roon. Nararamdaman niya ang mata ni Sage na nakasunod sa kanya, naghihintay
ng sasabihin niya, pero nanatiling tikom ang bibig niya.

Alam naman niya e, na kapag sinabi niyang hindi gawa-gawa ang amnesia niya at kapag
nagpaliwanag siya, he would shut her down again. Katulad ng ginawa nito kaninang
umaga.

Ganoon naman palagi. Maybe he's still in denial of what happened to her. Siguro ay
hindi pa nito matanggap na wala na siyang memorya sa lahat ng bagay na may
kinalaman rito.

But what could she do? Wala siyang maalala. Her brain wiped him out.

No... I did. I wiped him out of my head.

She frowned on that small insidious voice.

"Fine," Sage breathed harshly. "If you insist on refusing to see a doctor, then
stay here. But make sure you take a damn hour of rest. And for God's sake!" Nalukot
ang mukha nito. "Why is this place so damn small?"

Hindi inasahan

ni Kyra na bigla na lang nitong pinagtatanggal ang mga gamit sa higaan at hinulog
lahat iyon sa sahig.

"Ingatan mo iyan! Hindi sayo iyan!"

"Exactly," he muttered and looked at her fiercely. "I take very good care of what's
mine."

Her heart flipped.

"You better sleep. At 'wag kang lalabas dito hangga't hindi nagkakulay iyang pisngi
mo." Then he turned and opened the door. But he gave her one last stern look before
leaving the room.

NAKARAMDAM SI KYRA nang gutom kaya hindi rin siya nakatulog. Pagkatapos kainin ang
pack lunch niya at lumabas na kaagad siya ng staff room. Wala pang isang oras iyon
sa sinabi ni Sage.

"Oh, Kyra. Bakit nandito ka?" Sinilip ni Daisy ang relo nito sa kamay. "Hindi pa
naman nag-aalas kuwatro a. Isang oras ka dapat sa loob."

Pumasok agad sa isip niya si Sage. Of course, he would warn them. Napabuntong
hininga na lamang siya saka pumasok sa cashier counter. "Okay na ako. Kaya ko ng
magtrabaho." She reached for the disarranged menu.

"Naku, hindi puwede. Pumasok ka sa loob, bilis! Baka magalit iyong asawa mo."

Nabitin sa ere ang kamay niya. "Asawa?!" The nerve of that man!

"Oo..." Her eyes turned fanatically glassy. "Iyong hot customer kanina. Grabe ha!
Hindi mo naman sinabing asawa mo pala iyon. Sana hindi na namin pinigilan. Alalang-
alala sayo e."

"Sinabi niyang asawa ko siya?"

"Sabi niya, asawa ka niya," pagdidiin nito. "Possessive much ang peg ng asawa mo a.
Ayaw pang papasukin ang mga lalaki sa loob."

Lumabas ng kusina si Marj at nakibaka rin ito sa opiniyon nila kay Sage. "Aba, at
may balak pang

kausapin si Ma'am Saph. Dapat daw magkahiwalay ang male at female staff room. 'Di
ko kinaya iyon."

Kyra inhaled a sharp breath. "Sinabi niya iyon?"

"Oo. Kaya bumalik ka na sa loob kung ayaw mong mapahamak kami rito."

Tinitigan niya si Marj. "Bakit? Tinakot niya ba kayo?"

"Tatanggalin lang daw naman niya kami sa trabaho." Pero imbis na matakot ay
naghagikhikan pa ang dalawa.

She felt the pulse on her temple throbbed. At nagawa pa talagang umasta ng ganoon
ni Sage sa mga katrabaho niya? He's such a bully! Nakakahiya!

Kumuha na kaagad siya ng menu nang may pumasok na mga estudyante. Pero sumenyas si
Billy na ito na ang re-receive.

"Hayaan mo na sina Marco at Billy sa mga customer. Andiyan din naman si Von."

"Tama si Marj. Baka mamaya, bumalik ang asawa mo, maging beast-mode na naman iyon,"
ani Daisy nang nakangiti.

Kyra rolled her eyes. "Hindi niya magagawa iyon. Hindi naman siya ang may-ari ng
restaurant 'di ba? Kaya hayaan niyo na ako rito."

Daisy rested her arms on the counter. "E, Kyra, mukhang magkakilala sila ni Ma'am
e."

"Ha?"

Tumango naman si Marj. "Kausap nga niya sa cellphone niya no'ng lumabas siya."
Ngumuso pa ito sa pintuan ng restaurant

Natutop na lamang niya ang noo niya. Boss niya ang kinausap ni Sage! Her boss! At
magrereklamo lang ito rito! Ano na lang ang sasabihin ng manager nila sa kanya? Kay
bago-bago niya tapos ang dami na niyang arte?

My God!
"O, ayos ka lang?" Marj touched her shoulder.

"Hindi ako nahihilo. Sumasakit lang ang ulo ko sa lalaking iyon."

Daisy laughed. "Kami nga rito, kilig

na kilig sa kanya. Ang swerte mo nga e. Para na siyang mawawalan ng malay kanina.
Ang putla niya!"

"Kaya pala, kasi asawa mo pala. Tapos kanina, sabi mo wala kang boyfriend."

Napangising-aso na lamang si Kyra at hindi na nagsalita. Hindi niya alam kung dapat
ba siyang matuwa sa inaasta ni Sage. Telling everyone that he's her husband... or
she's his wife? She never felt being his wife ever since the first morning he laid
eyes on her again. In fact, he fired her!

She should be infuriated.

So why does her belly felt like a zoo? Na parang may mga paru-parong nagsisiliparan
doon? Na parang may mga dagang naghahabulan sa loob?

Inabala na lamang ni Kyra ang sarili imbis na isipin iyon. Nagtrabaho pa rin siya
sa kabila ng pagpipigil sa kanya ng mga kasama niya. At katulad ng inaasahan niya
ay hindi nga bumalik si Sage sa restaurant. Siguro ay naging abala na rin ito sa
trabaho kasama si Sharmaine at ang mayayamang kasama nito kanina.

Tatlong oras pa nang matapos ang trabaho niya. Mabuti na lang at hindi na siya
dinalaw ng pagkahilo niya matapos ang nangyari kanina.

Nauna na nang lumabas sina Marj at Daisy samantalang nag-aayos pa ang mga lalalki
sa loob. They had to go last, per Sage's suggestion sabi ng manager nila.

She couldn't help shaking her head in complete disbelief. Parang sa isang iglap ay
binaliktad ni Sage ang mundo niya. She lost her footing, at bago iyon sa kanya.

Nang magising siya sa ospital ay nagkaroon siya ng buhay na malayo sa kinagisnan

niya. She lived simply, humbly... inside her cocoon. A small box that she built
around

herself. Ayaw niya ng bago, ng hindi siya sigurado. Everything was simple and
livable. Anything that's new made her feel anxious.

And Sage was one of those.

She pushed open the door panel at nagulat siya sa lalaking nabungaran niya sa
labas. Still in his tailor-made suit, Sage was leaning against the wall, his arms
across his chest while he had his left foot in front of his right.

Lumingon ito sa kanya. "Tapos ka na?"

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa strap ng bag niya. "A-anong ginagawa mo rito?"

"I was waiting for you."

She can see that. Pero bakit? Hindi naman nito kailangang gawin iyon. She would
never expect him to wait for her, not even in her imagination. Isa pa, sigurado
siyang abala ito sa pagpapatakbo ng buhay nito at ng kung anumang negosyo nito para
magpalago pa ng pera.
Bigla ay naalala niya ang sinabi nito kaninang umaga. "Hindi ba may pupuntahan kang
dinner ngayon?"

He nodded and stretched his body to its maximum height. She suddenly felt too small
for her 5'7" height. Matangkad na siya, pero kailangan pa rin niyang tumingala para
matingnan si Sage sa mata.

It was dark in the alley with only the street lamps lighting the area. Pero kahit
iyon ay hindi niya maaninag ng maayos ang mukha ni Sage. They stayed hidden in the
dark.

Lumingon siya sa paligid nila. "Ano pang ginagawa mo rito?"

"I'm taking you with me."

Her head whipped around. "Ano?" Hindi niya naitago ang gulat sa boses niya. He was
pulling the floor under her feet again.

Tumingin lang ito sa relo nito. "We still have thirty minutes before they start,"
he announced

so casually and then he started walking back to his car.

"Teka lang, Sage!" Hinabol niya ito. But she was so darn slow!

"Get in," sabi ni Sage nang maabutan niya ito at bago uli siya makapagsalita ay
pumasok na ito kaagad sa loob ng sasakyan.

She refused to. Kinatok niya ang bintana nito pero imbis na bintana ay ang pintuan
ang binuksan ni Sage. She stifled a groan before she bent down to look at him.

"A-"

"Sumakay ka na," sabi agad nito habang sinusuot ang seatbelt sa katawan.

"Hindi ako sasama sayo. Magbu-bus na lang ako," matigas na sabi niya.

There's no way na magiging third wheel siya sa dinner nito at ng sinumang kasama
nito. No. Way.

She heard a snap. Tumingin si Sage sa kanya at napako siya sa kinatatayuan niya.

"You're not riding a bus, Kyra. So get in my car, now." His voice was as
authoritatively hard as his eyes.

Nakipagtagisan siya ng titig dito. There's no way she would back down. May amnesia
lang siya pero hindi siya baliw.

"Ride the damn car or I will get off and lift you inside myself. That won't be so
hard for me. Gusto mo bang gawin ko iyon?"

Inis na pumasok siya sa loob. Alam niyang gagawin iyon ni Sage at alam din niyang
hindi siya mananalo kapag nanlaban siya. She would be wasting her breath and her
energy.

And so what kung kasama siya? Pwede naman siyang magpakalayu-layo kay Sage at sa
date nito 'di ba? Or she could stay inside the car.

Padabog na isinara niya ang pintuan. What is wrong with this man, anyway?
Tumingin ito sa bandang dibdib niya. "Your seatbelts."

Tinapunan niya ito ng naiiritang

tingin, pero inaabot na niya ang seatbelt sa kanan niya. He shifted the clutch and
they were moving out of the parking lot.

"I can't believe this..." naibulong na lamang niya.

THE SOFT music of the song playing inside his car was not helping her erratic
heartbeat to settle down. Just sitting beside Sage with his masculine thighs only
inches apart from hers was enough to shoot her pulse sky high.

Apektadong-apektado siya sa amoy nito, sa lapit nito sa kanya, lahat. Hindi katulad
nito... he looks at her like he was seeing a canvas with a boring painting. Not
fascinating enough. Not interesting.

Pero ang lintik na lalaki, may gana pang ipagsabi na mag-asawa sila pagkatapos
nitong magpahalik sa ibang babae? He's the worst husband!

Well, neither was she.

"Bakit mo sinabi sa kanila?" tanong niya at hininaan ang volume ng stereo.

"About what?" sabi nito habang nakatutok sa daan.

"Tungkol sa..." she breathed, "...kasal natin."

Hindi agad ito sumagot kaya sinipat niya ito. Nakita niya kung paano kumunot ang
noo nito. "Why? Was that supposed to be a secret?"

She fell silent. Hindi niya alam.

Honestly, iyon ang pakiramdam niya. It was weird. But it was her instinct telling
her na isa siyang tinatagong asawa... isang tinatagong sekreto na hindi dapat
malaman ng iba.

"How's your head? Nahihilo ka pa rin ba?"

"Ha? Uh... hindi na."

Nakita niya sa gilid ng mata niya ang paglingon nito sa kanya. "I've already talked
to Saph. Sinabi kong ilipat ang mga babaeng staff sa ibang kuwarto. Hindi dapat
kayo nasa iisang staff room."

She groaned

inwardly. Mapapahamak talaga siya sa ginawa ni Sage!

"Don't worry. Sapphire is a close family friend."

And so? She was tempted to scream at him. Kahit pa kapatid niya o pinsan ang
manager nila. Nakakahiya pa rin. Ayaw niyang isipin ng manager nila na nagpapa-
espesyal siya. It was bad enough that she had her worse episodes today, at
ginatungan pa iyon ni Sage.

"That fainting spell you had..." Sage said hesitantly. "Sabi mo sanay ka na.
Madalas bang mangyari iyon?"

Was he actually asking her about her spells?

Nakakapanibago, but she answered him anyway. Nagtanong din naman ito ng maayos.

"Oo... kapag may pilit na inaalala ang utak ko."

He frowned and pursed his lips. Siguro ay hindi nito naintindihan ang ibig niyang
sabihin. But he's smart. He'll get it.

"Kung tama ang pagkakaalala ko, it happened twice before. First in my office, sa
mall. Sunod sa banko, noong pinuntahan mo ako... were they normal?"

Another surprise. Naaalala rin pa pala nito ang mga buwis-buhay na nangyari sa
kanya noon para lang makaalala siya.

She almost smiled. Almost. Pero hindi siya pinayagan ng sagot sa tanong nito.

She shrugged and looked outside. "Ang sabi ng doktor ko, baka psychological lang
daw kaya gano'n ang nangyayari sa'kin sa tuwing may naaalala ako."

"Did he explain why? Was it because of the trauma? Was it a complication? Wala bang
gamot para doon? What if you're walking on the street at bigla ka na lang inatake?
That's dangerous."

"Hindi pa naman umaabot sa gano'n..." Tumigil siya sa pagsasalita at kumunot ang

noo niya. Tumingin

siya kay Sage at sinulyapan din siya nito. "Ano nga ulit iyong sinasabi ko?"

Nagtatakang tinitigan siya ni Sage. And then she cursed herself.

Lapses!

Napapikit si Kyra sa inis. Hindi na naman niya maalala ang gusto niyang sabihin.

"What is it? Nahihilo ka na naman ba?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi... I had..."

Someone beeped behind them at napansin niyang humina ang takbo ng sasakyan nila
habang nakatingin sa kanya si Sage. Nag-aalala.

Umiling siya. "Wala iyon."

The muscle on his jaw ticked. But he just relaxed back to his seat, increased their
speed and focused on the road. Hindi na ulit ito nagsalita.

Kyra knew that look. She doesn't know why but she did. Sage was sulking.

He showed genuine concern for her, but she just slammed her door. At hindi nito
nagustuhan ang ginawa niya.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit niya ginawa iyon. Nasanay lang siguro siya na sa tuwing
nangyayari iyon sa kanya, nauunahan siya ng takot niya.
She already lost the topic and it was really frustrating her every time it happens.
It scares her. Pakiramdam niya, ninanakaw sa kanya ang mga salita niya. At wala man
lang siyang magawa para lumaban.

Pasalamat na lamang siya at hindi pa iyon nangyayari sa trabaho niya.

"Saan ba tayo pupunta?" tanong na lamang niya.

"Sa bahay namin."

Napatuwid siya ng upo. "Ano?"

Anong nangyari sa date nito? Sa dinner?

Bigla siyang nataranta. Gusto niyang pahintuin ito at bumaba. Pero lumiliko na sila
sa isang private property. Mayamaya ay nasilayan niya ang isang napakalaking itim
na gate na may nakasulat na salitang "Stanfield."

And then she felt breathless when a castle appeared in front of her.

My Goodness!

Did she really marry a prince?!

=================

Chapter ♣ 12

SECRET

"LET'S GO."

"Sage, sandali!" Sinubukan niyang pigilan si Sage pero huli na siya. Nakababa na
ito ng sasakyan.

Her heart was beating so fast and so hard. She could feel the apprehensible panic
that was slowly rising inside her.

Ayaw niyang bumaba. Ayaw niya talaga! Sage can't make her! Hindi siya aalis, dito
lang siya sa loob ng kotse nito. Siguro ay umuwi na lang siya mag-isa.

She scrambled to open the door. Bago pa siya makababa ay nakita niyang naglalakad
na pabalik sa kotse si Sage. He stood in front of the hood of the car and crossed
his arms, waiting for her. Inip na inip ang itsura nito.

Bumaba na siya at hinarap ang gumuguwardiya sa kanya. "Sage, ayokong pumasok sa

loob," matapang na sabi niya rito.
Salubong ang kilay nito sa sinabi niya. "Why not?"

Because she's too darn nervous!

Okay, maybe that was a lame excuse. Alam niya iyon. Pero kinakabahan talaga siya!
Pakiramdam niya parang lulusot na sa katawan niya ang puso niya sa lakas ng tibok
niyon.

After all that happened today, she's worried about what would happen tonight. What
if she make a fool of herself inside? What if his family hate her? What if his
parents were mad at her, that she left their son? Paano kung hindi siya matanggap
ng buong pamilya ni Sage pagkatapos ng ginawa niya?

Paano ang kalagayan niya? How would she even pretend she was normal? Na walang
deperensya ang utak niya?

What Sage wanted to do was trouble!

Huminga siya ng malalim at kinolekta ang sarili. "Uuwi na lang ako."

"That's a stupid

idea. Wala kang masasakyan sa labas ng ganitong oras."

"I can call a cab," giit niya.

"You think I will let you do that?"

Nakagat niya ang ibabang labi niya. Of course, he wouldn't!

"What's the problem, Kyra?" inip na tanong nito sa kanya.

"Bakit hindi mo sinabi kaagad na dito ka pupunta?"

"I already told you this morning," simpleng sagot nito.

"Pero hindi mo naman sinabing kasama ang pamilya mo!"

This is an absolute mess! Hindi na sana siya sumama. Sana, nanlaban na lang siya
kung sakali mang buhatin siya ni Sage. At least maybe she wouldn't be here now.
Nasa bahay na sana siya ngayon, nagpapahinga at wala sa ganitong sitwasyon.

Lumapit sa kanya si Sage nang hindi siya umaalis sa tabi ng kotse. She thought he
would grab her and drag her inside. And her skin actually tingled as she
anticipated his touch. But he stopped inches away from her and he just stood in
front of her, keeping his hands to himself and pinned her with his assessing eyes.

"Why, Kyra? What did you expect then? Or were you thinking of entirely someone
else?"

Napipilan siya. How could he read her so easily?

He suddenly chuckled in amusement. "Relax... I was just teasing." Sinilip nito ang
relo nito saka lumayo ng bahagya sa kanya. "Pumasok na tayo sa loob. They must be
waiting for us."

"Sage," tawag niyang muli rito. She didn't want him to know what was ticking her,
but her quivering voice betrayed her.
Nang lingunin siya ni Sage ay nagbago ang ekspresyon sa mukha nito. He now could
see and decipher the worry and anxiousness in her eyes. Hindi niya talaga kayang

pumasok sa loob at magpakita sa pamilya nito. Natatakot siya.

Right when she thought he would glower at her and find her actions immature and
disagreeable, Sage held his hand out to her. "Here, hold my hand."

Napatitig siya sa kamay nito. Naguguluhan.

Nang hindi niya iyon inabot kaagad ay ito na mismo ang kumuha sa kamay niyang
nakahawak sa strap ng bag niya.

"Don't worry too much. Hindi sila kasingsama tulad ng mga kapatid mo."

Tinapunan niya ito ng masamang tingin. Nalusaw ng sinabi nito ang init sa dibdib
niya dahil sa ginawa nitong pag-abot sa kamay niya, pero nanatili pa rin ang
munting elektresidad na dumaloy sa balat niya mula sa kamay nito patungo sa buo
niyang katawan.

She thought he was laying down her fear, pero nagawa pa nitong insultuhin ang mga
kapatid niya.

Nagkibit ito ng balikat na parang wala itong pakialam kung masama man ang sinabi
nito. "I was just saying," anito at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad habang hawak-hawak ang
kamay niya.

Why does he always do that? One second, he'd do something that turns her into a
marshmallow and then spit a venom after? Ganito na ba talaga ito dati?

She really must've been out of her mind marrying his kind because the Kyra whom she
knew would never fall in love to a man like that.

Kahit papaano ay paunti-unting nawawala ang agam-agam niya. Hindi naman siguro siya
pababayaan ni Sage, hindi ba? Hindi naman siguro siya dinala rito ni Sage para
lapain ng pating?

Hawak pa rin ni Sage ang kamay niya hanggang sa pagpasok nila sa malaking bahay.
Sinalubong kaagad sila ng napaka-enggrandeng hagdanan

at ang napakasilaw na liwanag galing sa chandelier sa itaas. Hinanap niya kaagad sa

dibdib niya ang pakiramdam nang una siyang umapak dito dahil hindi naman niya
mahanap sa utak niya ang mga alaalang iyon.

But strangely, she didn't feel anything besides her curious unfamiliarity.

Pinasadhan niya ng tingin ang buong paligid at hindi niya mapigilang mamangha ulit.
The house was just so luxuriously elegant and grand. It was just too big. So huge.
Now she wondered what types of houses she had seen in France. Katulad din ba ito ng
laki ang mga iyon? Even that she couldn't remember. Kung meron man, para na lang
iyong hanging dumadaan ng mabilis sa balintataw niya at nawawala rin kaagad.

She sighed in self-pity. Parang hindi bagay sa ganitong lugar ang damit na suot-
suot niya. Sana nakapag-suot man lang siya ng mas maayos na damit.

Tiningnan niya si Sage sa tabi niya na kampanteng naglalakad lang. He looked like a
prince who was walking inside his palace. Bagay na bagay siya sa ganitong lugar.
His natural air of royalness exudes out of him and he owned it efficaciously.

Mas

lalo tuloy siyang hindi makapaniwala na isang katulad ni Sage ang napangasawa niya.
How did he even like her? She's meek and timid. Hindi siya gaanong napapansin ng
mga kalalakihan. She's the type of girl that men wouldn't notice at the first
glance. Kung hindi nga lang dahil sa tangkad niya, baka hindi na siya mapansin ng
ibang tao.

"Kuya!"

Isang sigaw ng babae ang umagaw sa atensyon nilang pareho. Tumatakbo ito pababa sa
napakahabang hagdanan suot ang sapatos niton may mahabang takong. Akala niya ay
mahuhulog na ito sa pagtakbo niya. And then she threw Sage a hug. Kyra stood
speechless beside them. Pero natigilan din ito nang mapansing hindi lang mag-isa si
Sage.

Kinabahan si Kyra nang titigan siya ng babae. Kapatid ba ito ni Sage? What's her
name? Galit ba ito sa kanya? Paano kung sigaw-sigawan siya?

Naramdaman niya ang dahan-dahang pagkalas ng hawak ni Sage sa kamay niya at hindi
niya mapigilang mapalingon rito. Pati ang kapatid nito ay nakita ang ginawang iyon
ni Sage.

"Are we late?" he asked briskly.

Sandali siyang tiningnan ng babae bago ngumiti kay Sage. "Nope. You're just in
time. Kakarating lang din nina kuya Zeke e."

"Sina Duke at Louraine?" Nagtatanggal na ng long sleeve si Sage at inabot iyon ng

kapatid nito.

"They're already outside."

Kyra felt awkward listening to them. Dapat ba siyang mag-hello? Magkunwaring kilala
niya ito? Ni hindi niya maalala ang pangalan nito.

She decided to keep silent while the two talked. Wala siyang malay kung bakit hindi
na naman siya pinapansin ni Sage at kung bakit iba na naman ang mood nito ngayon.
Ni ayaw siya

nitong tingnan.

Bumaling sa kany ang kapatid nito at nginitian siya. She's very pretty. She was
wearing a sleeveless blue dress that looked perfect on her, which made Kyra feel so
human. Para itong diyosang bumaba sa palasyo, katulad nitong lalaking katabi niya.

Now she suddenly felt cheap with her drably uncheerful clothes. They looked grey
between Sage's million dollar suit and her blue ones. Para tuloy siyang saling-
pusa.

"Kuya, baka naman gusto mong ipakilala ang bisita mo?" May laman ang tinging
ipinukol nito sa kanya habang nakangiti.

Bahagyang lumipad sa ere ang kaba at pag-aalala niya at naguguluhang tiningnan si

Sage.
Ipakilala? What does that mean?

"She's Kyra," maikling pakilala ni Sage sa kanya nang hindi siya tinitingnan.

Akma pa itong aalis pero pinigilan ito ng kapatid nito. "Kyra...?"

Noon lang siya tiningnan ni Sage. His mouth thinned. "Lagdameo."

"Kyra Lagdameo." The woman smiled at her and offered her hand. "Hi, ako nga pala si
Serena. Ang sweet na kapatid nitong lalaking hindi marunong magpakilala ng kasama."

Kyra shook her hand and saw Sage sighed irritably beside them. "Magandang gabi,"
tipid niyang bati. Gusto niyang tanungin si Sage, pero inaakay na siya ni Serena
papasok sa loob.

"Pumasok na kayo. I'm sure Mom will be very surprised to see you."

Kahit na naguguluhan ay sumunod lang siya sa dalawa hanggang sa makarating na sila

sa bandang likod ng bahay. Nasa likuran siya ni Sage nang marinig niya ang kapatid
nito.

"Ma, andito na si kuya!"

Bumalik ang kaba sa dibdib niya. Tiningnan

niya ang kamay ni Sage. She wanted to hold onto it again, pero nagdalawang-isip
siya. She didn't feel welcome.

"Bakit ngayon ka lang, hijo?" Boses iyon ng isang babae na sa tantiya niya ay nasa
edad apatnapu pataas.

"Mayro'n lang akong sinundo kanina." Umalis si Sage sa harap niya at naiwan siyang
nakatayo roon. Naglakad ito palapit sa isang babaeng may edad at binigyan ito ng
magkabilang halik sa pisngi.

She must be his mother, Kyra thought as she stood there alone.

"Mukhang may bisita ka, anak," the old woman said.

There were people gathered in that long table, and they were all looking at her.
Lalo siyang pinagpawisan ng malamig. Her heart seemed all over the place.

Bumaling sa kanya si Sage, at sinubukan niyang ngumiti sa kabila ng mga bagay-bagay

na umiikot sa loob ng utak niya. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa bag niya para lang
pigilan ang sariling tumakbo.

Despite the distance, she could see the way his eyes narrowed. Alam niyang binabasa
na naman siya nito. Ilang sandali pa ay naglakad si Sage pabalik sa kanya. He
grabbed her wrist at hinila siya sa tabi nito. Kahit papaani ay kumalma ang
pakiramdam niya sa hatid ng mainit nitong kamay sa balat niya.

"Everyone, this is Kyra," he announced.

Kyra noticed the absence of her last name again. Sinasadya ba nitong hindi
banggitin iyon o talagang tinatamad lang itong sabihin?

"Kyra Lagdameo," dugtong ni Serena na ngayon ay nakaupo na rin sa pwesto nito.

"You're so bad at introductions."
Hindi ito pinansin ni Sage at isa-isang itinuro ang mga nakaupo. "That's my brother
Duke, his wife Louraine and their

children; Tris and Earl. Si Blue, Zeke, his wife, Victoria. And my mom and dad."

Pinilit niyang ngumiti sa mga ito nang hindi nagmumukhang pinunit na papel.
"Magandang gabi po sa inyo," magalang niyang sinabi at lihim na nagpasalamat na
hindi pumiyok ang boses niya sa kaba.

"Magandang gabi rin, hija. O siya, umupo na kayo. Vaughn, pull the lady a chair,"
utos ng mommy nila.

Gumalaw si Sage para ipaghila siya ng upuan. "Ang lamig ng kamay mo. Just relax..."
bulong nito bago siya umupo. "You look so tense."

Iniripan niya ito. Paanong hindi?

They're his family! It was his mother talking to her! Nasa harap siya ng mga
kapatid nito! At hindi rin niya maintindihan ang sarili kung bakit masyado siyang
nag-aalala sa kung anuman ang iisipin ng mga ito sa kanya. What's worse was they
don't even have any idea that she's his wife! Do they even know Sage was married?

Kaya paano siya magre-relax?

Inabot na kaagad ni Sage ang kanin nang maupo sila at agad na nilagyan ang plato
niya. Hindi siya nagsalita habang ginagawa ni Sage iyon at hinayaan na lang ito.

"Konti lang," pigil niya nang maglalagay pa ito ng isang sandok ng kanin. Pero
isang galit na mata ang tumingin sa kanya.

"You haven't had dinner, Kyra. Kailangan mong kumain," mariing sabi ni Sage habang
nilalagyan ng kanin ang plato niya. "Gusto mo ba nito?" Tinuro nito ang isang ulam.

Bago pa siya makasagot ay sa Chicken asado ito kumuha. "Oo nga pala. I remember,
this one's your favorite."

"Bro, hinay-hinay lang. Hindi iyan mauubos ni Kyra."

Napabaling siya sa nagsalita. He was grinning,

at mas lalo itong gumuwapo. Buti sana kung katulad ito ni Sage. Parang pinagkaitan
ng kabaitan.

"Just eat, Blue. Baka gusto mo ring subuan kita diyan?" ani Sage rito na inaabot
ang isa pang ulam para sa kanya. Ni wala pang pagkain ang plato nito.

"Hayaan mo na siya, Beau. It's a proper way to treat a lady." Nakatingin pa sa

kanya ang mommy nila.

She felt her cheek grow red. Hindi niya napansing pinapanood na pala sila ng lahat.

Nang magsimula siyang kumain ay ramdam pa rin niya ang tingin sa kanya ng lahat,
maliban kay Sage. They're curious. At ganon din ang nararamdaman niya, kung alam
lang nila. She's very curious in fact.

Isang ngiti ulit ang pinakawalan niya dahil nanatili pa rin sa kanila ang tingin ng
buong pamilya ni Sage. Ang weird sa pakiramdam at nakakaasiwa.

Sage's father was sitting on the far end of the table, sa kanan nito ang mommy
nila. As she looked at them, Kyra realized how close those men look alike, maliban
kay Serena. Serena looked a lot like their mom, while the boys had their father's
face. All the sharp bones, strong jaw, deep set eyes, elegant nose and lips that
seemed to be so stern. Na parang hindi naturuan ngumiti.

Habang kumakain ay pinagmasdan niya ang mga bata
chocolate cake. They're so cute. The little girl
cake, while he spread the chocolate icing to her
mga ito kaya doon na lang niya piniling tumingin
niya. Hindi naman niya alam ang pinag-uusapan ng
na masayang pinaglalaruan ang
was feeding the younger boy with
face. Natutuwa siyang panoorin ang
kesa makinig sa usapan sa paligid
mga ito kaya tahimik lamang siya.

"Girlfriend ka ba

ni kuya?"

Natilihan siya sa biglaang tanong na iyon. She even dropped her fork on the table.
Umangat ang ulo niya pagkatapos niyang pulutin iyon at nakita niyang nasa kanya na
naman ang tingin nilang lahat.

"Serena," Sage warned.

"Sorry, did I startle you?" Serena, who was sitting opposite her, smiled
apologetically at her. "Curious lang kasi ako."

"Kami rin," segunda naman ni Blue.

"Then, just keep that curiosity to yourselves," iritadong sabi ni Sage.

"Hindi puwede, kuya. Right, Ma?"

Ngumiti lang ang mommy nila na parang natatawa sa ginagawa ni Serena.

Huminga ng malalim si Sage. "I know what you're doing, Winter."

"Then let me. You know you can't win against me."

Pinanood ni Kyra ang dalawa. Serena smiled triumphantly at her while she listened
to Sage's heavy sighs.

"Don't mind them, hija," nakangiting sabi ng mommy nila sa kanya. "I was hoping for
a while that my son here," she looked at Sage and back at her, "would bring a
future wife soon after Ezekiel's wedding. But it took years before he brought
someone here for us to meet. Kaya, hija, 'wag ka sanang magtaka kung bakit kami
aligaga sa paghahanap ng asawa para rito sa anak ko. He's getting old by day."

Hindi niya magawang lingunin si Sage. He already stopped eating and she could feel
the intensity coming off from his body. Parang siya lang yata ang nakakaramdam
no'n. And it was making her feel very uncomfortable. Perhaps it was because they
share a secret that only the two of them knew.

Hindi alam ng pamilya nito na hindi na kailangan ni Sage ng asawa dahil mayron na
ito. And hearing his mother talk about

wife-hunting for his son...

Napahigit siya ng hininga.

Why? How come they don't know about their marriage?

"Ayos ka lang?" tanong ng babaeng katabi niya.

Hindi niya namalayang nakahawak na pala siya sa dibdib niya. Her chest hurt,
actually.

"Ayos lang ako," sabi na lang niya.

Isang kamay ang dumapo sa noo niya. "Nahihilo ka ba?"

Napalingon siya kay Sage. At nawalan siya ng imik.

"She was actually touching her chest, not her head," sabi ng katabi niya.

"Does your chest hurt?" Kunot-noong tinanong siya ni Sage.

"Uh... hindi naman." Umiling siya at bumalik sa pagkain niya.

"Victoria, can you hear Vince?" narinig niyang tanong ng kapatid ni Sage sa katabi
niya.

Nagkunwari na lang siyang nakikinig sa dalawa kesa pansinin si Sage sa tabi niya.
Masyado na nitong nagugulo ang buhay niya. Her head was already unstabilized, at
ayaw niyang madagdagan pa iyon ng mga tanong na hindi niya masagot.

Ganito ba kahirap ang hindi makaalala? Bakit sa tuwing may nalalaman siya, mas
lalong bumibigat ang loob niya? Parang gusto na lang niyang isiping huwag ng
umalala. Maybe it was best that they're forgotten.

"ACTUALLY, sa kanya ang bahay na binili ko, the one I told you about. Remember?"
ani Sage sa mommy nila.

"I just invited her to come here with me, para makilala niyo siya."

She almost smirked. Para makilala siya bilang nagbibenta ng bahay, hindi dahil
asawa siya ni Sage. Always the dotting husband, Kyra thought sarcastically as she
toyed with her leche flan. So alam pala ng pamilya nito ang plano nitong pagbili ng
bahay

nila. Do they also know the reason why he bought it?

"May kotse din akong gustong bilhin, Ma. Maybe I can invite her over for dinner?"

Binalingan ni Sage si Blue at tiningnan ito ng masama pero nginitian lang ito ni
Blue at kinindatan siya.

"How are you related to the late Caesar Ian Lagdameo?" tanong ng daddy ng mga ito
sa kanya. That was the first question he asked her at iyon pa ang itinanong nito.

Pati si Sage ay natigilan sa tabi niya at ramdam niya ang paninikip ng lalamunan
niya. "H-he's my dad."

"Oh..." Napahawak sa dibdib ang mommy nila. "I'm sorry for your loss, hija."

Ngumiti siya sa mag-asawa. "Okay lang po. Matagal na rin po iyon."

She's such a hypocrite. Okay lang pero masakit pa rin.

"Dito po, ma'am."

Sabay-sabay silang lumingon sa bagong dating. Kyra welcomed the diversion, dahil
ayaw niyang pag-usapan ang daddy niya. Lalo na kung ang pag-uusapan nila ay ang
dahilan ng pagkamatay nito.

Maya-maya ay pumasok ang isang babae.

"Maine," sabi agad ni Sage sa tabi niya.

"Oh, Sharmaine!"

"Good evening po, tita." Ngumiti din ito sa kanya, but it was a small stretch of
her mouth. "Hi, Kyra. You're here."

Tumango lang siya at bahagyang ngumiti. What was she doing here?

"At least she was invited," ani Serena kay Sharmaine sabay ngiti.

"Come, join us here."

"It's okay tita. I already had dinner." Tumingin sa kanya si Sharmaine at kay Sage.
"May kailangan lang po akong sabihin kay Sage."

"Kuya, it's our family dinner. Bawal ang business meetings, business calls at
business interruptions. 'Di ba, Ma?"

taas-kilay na sabi ulit ni Serena saka isinubo ang cake nito.

Nag-away ba ang dalawang ito at parang galit si Serena kay Sharmaine?

One of his brother chuckled. "Ito ngang si Louraine, sini-secure kaagad ang
cellphone ko bago kami pumunta dito."

Kyra felt an inexplicable surge of triumph nang makita niya ang pamumula ng mukha
ni Sharmaine.

"Ms. Madrigal won't be so crass to come here if it isn't so urgent," sabi ng daddy
nila.

"Go ahead, son. It's alright. Sasabihan ko na lang si Layla na dalhan kayo ng
pagkain."

Umirap si Serena sa pagsang-ayon ng mommy nila. Kyra can sympathize with her.
Sumubo na lang siya ng leche flan niya nang ibaba ni Sage ang kubyertos nito.

He's leaving.

She didn't look at him when he pushed his chair backward.

"Excuse us."

Kahit hindi niya iangat ang ulo niya, alam ni Kyra na nakatingin si Sage sa kanya,
hanggang sa umalis na ito sa tabi niya at sumunod kay Sharmaine.

"Why didn't you call?" narinig pa niyang sabi ni Sage paglapit niya rito.
"Your phone's off..."

Sinundan sila ni Kyra ng tingin. Kung ganoon lang kadali para kay Sharmaine ang
sumugod dito para hanapin at puntahan si Sage, siguro ay ganoon din ito kalapit sa
pamilya ni Sage.

Si Sharmaine, alam kaya nito na kasal sila ni Sage?

What really happened? Bakit hindi siya kilala ng pamilya ni Sage? Bakit inilihim sa
kanya ng mga kapatid niya ang tungkol sa kasal niya? Bakit siya hinayaan ng mga ito
na isipin niyang wala siyang asawa sa loob ng dalawang taon?

Bakit hindi siya hinanap ni Sage?

Ang dami niyang tanong.

Ang dami niyang hindi maintindihan. Kung sana ganon lang kadaling alalahanin ang
lahat...

"Kyra, matagal na ba kayong magkilala ni Kuya?" tanong sa kanya ni Serena maya-

maya.

She contemplated her answer. "M-matagal na. About six or five years ago."

"Did you, by any chance, meet in Italy?" The quiet brother asked.

"Uh... sa France," kabadong sagot niya. Hindi kaya, alam nito kung sino siya?

Tumangu-tango ito habang umiinom ng wine. "So it must be you then."

Natigil ang kamay niya sa pagsubo ng pagkain.

"Kilala mo siya, kuya?" tanong ni Serena.

"Not really..." Umiling ito. He turned to her, his eyes looked like they were
holding something mysterious that made her feel uneasy. Nahihirapan tuloy siyang
lumunok.

"Ikaw Blue, tigilan mo na rin iyang pambababae mo. Tumatanda na kami ng daddy
ninyo. We want to see you all settled."

"Ma, kung gusto niyo talaga ng maraming apo, then, I'll make you a deal."

"Aba! Kailangan may deal?" ani Serena.

Sumandal ang daddy nila. "Okay, son. But you better make a good one."

Ngumisi si Blue. "'Pag si Sage, nagpakasal ngayong taon, I will agree to marry
anyone you like."

"Nandamay ka pa ng iba ha. Zeke, kapatid mo ba talaga 'yan?" sabi ng katabi niya.

"Siyempre, damay-damay na 'to."

"E paano ba 'yan? Talo ka na umpisa pa lang," ani Duke.

"Bakit? Kasal na ba si Sage?"

Inabot ni Kyra ang baso niya at nilagok ang laman niyon.

"He will soon. With Sharmaine."

Masamang tiningnan ni Serena si Duke. "Mom wants him to marry her. Hindi si kuya.
Kaya hindi mangyayari iyan."

Their mom sighed. "She's a career woman. She would suit him perfectly."

Mukhang gusto ng mommy nila si Sharmaine para kay Sage. My God! Bakit ba siya
nakikinig sa mga ito?

Serena rolled her eyes. "Ma, kuya needs someone who can keep him grounded. Iyong
babaeng magpapasakit ng ulo niya. Sharmaine is just like him. Napakaboring."

"Relationship and marriage needs compatibility, anak. At meron iyon si Sage at

Sharmaine."

Oh, this is a complete mess. And preposterous!

Nagkakagulo ang mga tao sa paligid niya para lang hanapan ng mapapangasawa ang
asawa niya. And all the while, she was just quietly sitting there listening to
them.

She was so damn tempted to scream the truth but it was her sane head that was
keeping her from doing that. Isa pa, ano na lang ang isasagot niya kapag nagtanong
ang mga ito?

Ayaw din naman niyang magalit ang mga ito, lalo na ang mommy nila kay Sage dahil
nagawa nitong magsinungaling. The last thing she wanted to happen tonight was to be
on the hot seat. Alam niyang hindi matatapos ang pagtatanong ng mga ito. Siya pa
nga lang, walang humpay na tanong ang pumupuno sa utak niya araw-araw, gabi-gabi.
Kaya hanggang wala pang sagot ang mga katanungan niya, tatahimik na lang muna siya.

Perhaps she should ask Sage. At sana, makuha niya ang sagot sa mga tanong niya.
Iyon ay kung sasagutin siya ng maayos nito.

=================

Chapter ♣ 13

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

"WHERE'S VINCE?" Narinig niyang tanong ng mommy nina Sage sa babaeng lumapit rito.

She tried memorizing their names pero sina Serena at Blue lang ang naisaulo niya.

"Nasa kuwarto niya. Pinapatulog na ni Zeke," the woman answered.

Kakatapos lang nilang kumain at dahil hindi pa rin bumababa si Sage ay tumulong na
lamang siya sa pagliligpit ng hapagkainan. Ang sabi ni Serena ay maaga nilang
pinagpapahinga ang mga kasambahay nila sa tuwing may family dinner sila.

"Makulit ang isang iyon. Mana sa daddy niya."

"Iyon nga din ang sabi ni Pa. Magkasundung-magkasundo nga ang dalawang iyon, e. Ay,
Ma, ako na diyan!"

Nakita niyang inaagaw nito ang tray sa kamay ng ginang.

"You better check on your son. Baka imbis na matulog e maglaro pa ang dalawang
iyon," taboy nito.

Nagpatuloy ang dalawa sa pag-aagawan ng tray kaya lumapit na sa kanila si Kyra at

nagpresenta siya na lang ang magdadala ng tray para makapagpahinga na ang mommy
nila at matingnan ng babae ang mag-ama nito.

"Ako na lang po ang magdadala niyan."

Ngumiti ang babae na parang nagpapasalamat ito dahil dumating siya.

"Sigurado ka hija?" Sage's mom asked.

"Opo, ma'am."

"O siya. Salamat, hija." At ibinigay sa kanya ang tray.

Saka lang na-realize ni Kyra na para kina Sage at Sharmaine ang mga pagkain nang
matingnan ang laman ng tray.

Dalawang tasa para sa kape at dalawang chocolate cake.

"Nasa library lang sila. Just go to the right end of the hallway upstairs."

"Samahan na kita," presenta ng

babae sa kanya. "Sige na, Ma, pahinga na po kayo. Naghihintay na po si Pa sa inyo

si labas."

"O siya. Kayo na ang bahala diyan." Tumigil ito sa tapat niya. "Thank you for
coming, Kyra. You are a wonderful surprise tonight. Sana lang magtuloy-tuloy ang
pagdala sayo ni Vaughn rito para bumisita."

She smiled awkwardly. Even if she liked Sage's family, parang ayaw na niyang
bumalik pa. Baka sa susunod na pagkakataon ay hindi na niya mapigilan ang sarili
niya. Who knows what would she say? Ayaw niyang bigyan si Sage ng isa pang dahilan
para magalit sa kanya.

Nang makalabas na ito ay inaya na siya ng babae. "Halika na," saka naunang lumabas
ng kusina. Sinamahan siya nito paakyat sa taas.

Her eyes wandered aimlessly around. Iba't ibang paintings ang nadadaanan nila, and
she wondered how much they worth. Siguro ay mamahalin ang mga iyon.

"Ate Vee," tawag bigla ni Serena sa kanila mula sa isang kuwarto. "I think kuya
Zeke needs you. Umiiyak na naman daw si Baby Vince."

Vee... tinandaan iyon ni Kyra.

She sighed. "Magpapakanta na naman siguro siya." Tumingin ito sa kanya, halatang
nag-aalala.

"Ah, okay lang ako, kaya ko na 'to," udyok niya rito.

"Sigurado ka?"

Tumango siya. "Magaan lang naman 'to."

Ngumiti ito sa kanya. "O sige, basta dumiretso ka lang diyan, makikita mo rin ang
library," sabi nito bago siya iniwan at tumakbo sa kabilang panig ng hallway.

Sinunod na lang niya ang instruction nito at mag-isang hinanap ang Library. Hindi
naman siya nahirapan. Sa dulo ay nakita niya agad ang isang malaking pintuan.
Siguro ay iyon na ang library.

Pinihit niya

ang siradura habang nakabalanse sa isang kamay ang tray. Tahimik na bumukas ang
pinto, at boses agad ni Sage ang bumungad sa kanya.

"Look into it for me. I want the initial report in my office by the end of the
week."

"Sure..." Narinig niyang sagot ni Sharmaine.

Napakaseryoso naman yata ng pinag-uusapan nila at kailangang nasa library pa sila

mag-usap.

Patalikod na itinulak niya ang pintuan para maipasok ang tray. Hindi niya agad
nakita sina Sage kaya nilapag na lang niya ang tray sa isang mesang naroon.

Natuwa siya nang makita ang kabuuan ng library. Katulad ng buong bahay ay
napakalaki rin nito. Books filled every wall-cabinet and even the room smelled like
the scent of old books that she loved o sniff. Bukod sa pagluluto ay mahal din niya
ang pagbabasa ng libro, at sa dami ng librong nandoon, baka abutin siya ng ilang
taon bago matapos lahat iyon.

"Sage, itutuloy mo pa rin ba ang plano mo?"

Luminga siya sa paligid. Naririnig pa rin niya ang usapan ng dalawa. Mayroon
sigurong opisina sa loob at marahil ay doon nag-uusap ang dalawa. Binalikan niya
ang tray at binitbit ulit iyon. Hindi niya pwedeng iwan iyon doon at baka hindi
iyon mapansin ng dalawa sa sobrang kaseryosohan ng usapan ng mga ito.

"Not now..."

"Why not?" ani Sharmaine.

Sinundan niya ang mga boses ng mga ito at hinanap ang pintuan sa mga sulok.

She felt slightly guilty that she was somehow listening to their private
conversation. Pero wala, she already offered her help. Maybe she was destined to be
doomed tonight.

"You already found her. So ano pa ang hinihintay

mo?" wika ni Sharmaine.

"There's been a complication and everything will stay the same until I disclose her
secret."

"Complication? Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?"

Nahanap ni Kyra ang isang nakaawang na pintuan. It was a bookshelf, and inside was
a secret office. Doon niya naririnig ang usapan nina Sage at Sharmaine.

"May ammesia siya."

"You mean..."

She stopped from pushing the shelf and the tray slightly rattled in her hand.

Hindi siya makapaniwala. Siya ang pinag-uusapan nilang dalawa!

"She can't remember me... not even our marriage," Sage said.

Hindi alam ni Kyra sa paanong paraan niya napigilan ang sarili na hindi magwala
doon mismo.

Bakit sinasabi ni Sage sa babaeng iyon ang tungkol sa kalagayan niya?

Anger swelled inside her.

Oo, naiintindihan niyang malapit na kaibigan si Sharmaine. Malapit din ito sa

pamilya ni Sage. She's his lawyer. Pero hindi ibig sabihin no'n may karapatan na
rin itong malaman ang buhay niya. Hindi ibig sabihin no'n na pwede nang sabihin ni
Sage rito ang tungkol sa kanya!

"Oh... that's tragic."

Gustong masuka ni Kyra sa sinabing iyon ni Sharmaine. Tragic? Well, tragic doesn't
even describe her life. Not even close.

"Kaya hindi ko pa pwedeng gawin iyon. Kyra needs me."

"Sage, naaawa ka ba sa kanya? After all that she did to you? Tutulungan mo pa rin
siya?"

Kumunot ang noo ni Kyra sa paraan ng pananalita ni Sharmaine. She talks like she
knew everything that happened between Sage and her. Kaya ba sinasabi ni Sage dito
ang lahat?

But she still hated it. Walang karapatan ang

Sahramine na iyon na malaman ang buhay niya! Wala!

"You still can go on with your plan. You don't have to wait for her to remember.
Just... think about it."

"I won't," matigas na sabi ni Sage. "I will keep her, if that's what it takes to
know why she left. After all, she's still my wife."

Kyra shivered from the dangerous tone of his voce. Wala siyang alam sa planong
tinutukoy ni Sharmaine, pero nararamdaman niyang hindi magandang planong iyon ni
Sage. At least not for her.

"Pero matagal nang nangyari iyon. Can't you just let it go and leave Kyra alone?
Iniwan ka na niya. Bakit mo pa siya hinahabol?"
"You know me, Maine. I hold grudges. At hindi ko mapapalagpas ang ginawa niya. She
will stick to me until she remember everything, kung totoo mang may amnesia siya.
At sisiguraduhin kong hinding-hindi na niya ako matatakasan."

The tray shook and it almost fell from her arm. Mabuti na lang at napigilan niya
iyon gamiit ang isa pang kamay niya.

Hindi pa rin pala naniniwala si Sage sa kanya. Tama rin ang hinala niya... Sage was
seeking for revenge. At gusto nitong parusahan siya sa pananatili niya rito. That's
why he bought the house and her. Lahat ng nangyari... lahat planado. The only thing
that was not planned was her lost memories. Hindi nito iyon inasahan.

Dapat pa pala niyang pasalamatan ang pagkawala ng memorya niya kung ganoon?

How can losing someone's memory be a blessing?

"Kyra?"

She almost dropped the tray from surprise. Hindi niya namalayang may tao na pala sa
likuran niya. Mabilis siyang lumayo sa pintuan dahil ayaw niyang isipin ng

dalawa na nakikinig siya sa usapan ng mga ito.

She wanted Sage to think that she didn't know everything that they've been talking
about that was involving her.

"Anong ginagawa mo diyan?" tanong ng babae sa kanya. Asawa ito ng isa sa mga
kapatid ni Sage.

"Ha? Uh... ipapasok ko lang sana 'to." Medyo nanginginig pa ang kamay niya kaya
tinulungan siya nito sa tray na hawak niya.

Maya-maya ay narinig nilang bumukas ang pintuan. Lumabas mula doon si Sage habang
nasa likod nito si Sharmaine.

"Kyra," iyon agad ang sinabi ni Sage nang makita siya at ng babae sa labas.

Sharmaine looked blasé as if what they were discussing inside was about the
weather, while Sage looked uneasy. Because he was guilty. Nabasa iyon ni Kyra sa
mga mata nito nang nagtugma ang paningin nila. Pero mabilis itong umiwas, na parang
hindi nito kayang tumingin sa kanya.

Should she feel happy, na kahit papaano nagi-guilty ang asawa niya? Should she?

Pero hindi. It hurts that he had to do this to her.

"Louraine, what were you doing here?" tanong ni Sage sa kasama niya imbis na sa
kanya.

"Uhm... pinapahatid lang ni Ma ang mga 'to," turo nito sa tray na hawak niya.

Tumingin sa kanya si Sage at ibinaba niya ang pagkain sa malapit na mesa. Her hands
were shaking while she put it down. She couldn't help herself. Masyado siyang
nagugulat sa mga nangyayari sa kanya ngayong araw na 'to.

"You should've let someone else bring that para hindi ka na nahirapan," iritadong
sabi ni Sage sa kanya.
She bit her lip to stop herself from talking back.

"Pinagpahinga na kasi

ni Ma ang mga kasambahay," paliwanag ni Louraine.

"It's okay, Sage. It was just a tray," aniya. Para namang napakahirap bitbitin ang
isang tray lang.

Gusto ba nitong malaman kung ano ang mas mahirap? In fact, she could give him a
list. At isa na doon ang nangyayari sa kanya.

Akala ba nila madali lang ang pinagdadaanan niya? Na madali lang na hindi
makaalala?

She couldn't speak for months, for God's sake! Dahil pati iyon nakalimutan niya!
She couldn't use her money dahil hindi niya alam kung paano gumamit ng ATM machine!
Para siyang bata sa loob ng ilang linggo pagkatapos niyang magising sa ospital na
puro pasa ang katawan.

Kung karma nga niya ito sa ginawa niya kay Sage noon, hanggang kailan siya dapat
magtiis? Kulang pa ba na ganito siya?

Huminga siya ng malalim at tumingin kay Louraine. "Salamat sa tulong," mabilis

niyang sabi. Ni hindi niya alam kung ano'ng klaseng tulong ang tinutukoy niya. She
was just thankful that Louraine didn't say she was eavesdropping.

"Hanapin mo na lang ako sa baba kung handa ka ng umuwi," sabi niya kay Sage.
Nagpaalam na siya sa kanilang tatlo at saka mabilis na lumabas ng library.

Hindi niya kayang magtagal doon. She was shaking too much. Baka mamaya ay kung ano
pa ang mangyari sa kanya. She needed to calm down.

She just followed where her feet went, at natagpuan niya ang sariling nakatayo sa
harap ng isang garden. And as she stared at their beauty, all she could think about
was her safety.

Kaya ba niyang ipagkatiwala ang sarili niya sa taong may binabalak na hindi
manganda sa kanya? Could she entrust herself with him?

To her estranged husband?

"DITO TAYO matutulog ngayong gabi."

Mabilis siyang umikot dahil sa narinig niya at ang seryosong mukha ni Sage ang
sumalubong sa kanya.

"Ayaw ni Ma na bumeyahe ako nang ganitong oras," mabilis na sabi nito dahil nasa
mukha niya ang pagtutol.

Bumaling siya sa mga bulaklak. Kanina pa siya naghihintay doon sa may garden ng
bahay, sa tingin niya ay nakakalahatisang oras na siya roon tapos iyon agad ang
sasabihin sa kanya ni Sage?
Tiningnan niya ang orasan sa cellphone niya. Pasado alas-diyes na pala.

"Si Sharmane?" tanong niya.

"Kanina pa siya umuwi no'ng lumabas ka ng library."

Ah... akala niya doon din ito matutulog ngayong gabi.

"Come on, I'll show you your room, para makapagpahinga ka na," sabi ni Sage sa
likuran niya.

Napabuntong hininga siya. Pagkatapos ng nangyari sa buong araw niya ngayon, gusto
na lang niyang magpahinga ngayon at matulog. Pagod na siyang mag-isip at
makipagtalo kay Sage. She just wanted to rest.

Sa isang bagsak na balikat ay tumayo siya at sinundan si Sage papasok ng bahay.

Tinitigan niya ang likuran nito at iniisip niya kung ano ang tumatakbo sa utak
nito. What plan was he plotting against her? Bakit kailangan pa muna niyang
makaalala? Ganoon ba kaimportante sa plano nito ang alaala niya?

Kyra sighed again. Heto na naman siya, nag-iisip. Nagtatanong. Nababaliw.

Ilang sandali lang ay nakarating sila sa isang pintuan. Tumigil doon si Sage bago
humarap sa kanya. Kyra wanted to swear off her heart because of the way it was
accelerating again, betraying her. How come it still beats

for this man after all that she heard? It's so unfair!

"What is it? Nahihilo ka na naman ba?" Inabot ni Sage ang ulo niya pero sa mabilis
na kamay ay tinabig niya iyon.

She froze. He froze. Nagulat siya na ginawa niya iyon at alam niyang nagulat din
niya si Sage.

"S-sorry... ayos lang ako," nakayukong sabi niya. Hindi niya ito magawang tingnan
dahil ramdam na niya ang matalim nitong mga mata.

Pero bakit ba pakiramdam niya para siyang isang tuta sa harap ng isang leon? Kung
tutuusin siya ang dapat na maging dragon sa lahat ng ginagawa ni Sage sa kanya?

Siguro ay dahil sa pagod niya. She felt so tired and strung out.

"Sige na, pumasok ka na," ani Sage sa mababang boses. "This time, make sure you'll
have a decent sleep. Alam kong hindi ka nakapagpahinga kanina sa trabaho mo."

"Kailangan kong magtrabaho sa oras ng trabaho." At hindi siya titigil dahil lang
sinabi nito.

"It's not a crime to rest, Kyra. Kailangan mong alagaan ang sarili mo," sabi nito
saka pinihit ang siradura ng pinto. "You should know the limit of your body. Alam
mo dapat kapag hindi mo na kaya."

Umangat ang ulo niya rito dahil sa sinabi nito. She hit her limit, but she
surpassed it. Dahil kung hindi siya lumaban nang mga panahong iyon, kung sumuko na
lang siya, siguro ay hindi na siya kinakausap ni Sage ngayon.

But then, he wouldn't know it. He wouldn't know how lucky he was that she's alive.
ALAS-OCHO y medya na nang magising si Kyra kinabukasan. Plano pa naman niyang
magising ng mas maaga pa roon pero sumobra yata ang tulog niya dahil sa pagod.

Pagkatapos

maligo at magbihis ay lumabas kaagad siya ng kuwarto. Medyo naguluhan pa siya kung
saan ang tamang daan pababa dahil hindi na niya matandaan ang dinaanan nila ni Sage
kagabi. Mabuti na lang at nakita niya ang isang kasambahay na naglilinis ng mga
frames sa dingding at itinuuro sa kanya ang daan.

"Good morning! Buti gising ka na," bungad sa kanya ni Serena na natagpuan niyang
nagkakape sa ibaba.

"Si Sage? Gising na ba siya?"

"Maaga siyang nagising kanina. He already went to work. Pero nagbilin siya na
ipahatid ka kay manong 'pag gising ka na." She smiled at her. "Paalis ka na ba?"

"Oo sana," sagot niya at hindi nagpahalatang nadismaya siya sa pang-iiwan sa kanya
ng kuya nito. "Kailangan ko na kasing maghanda dahil may trabaho pa ako mamaya."

"Sabayan mo muna akong mag-almusal," yaya nito sa kanya, pero tumanggi siya. May
kutob siyang magtatanong ito ng mga bagay tungkol sa kanila ni Sage kaya mas mabuti
nang umalis na lang siya.

"Kyra," tawag ni Serena sa kanya nang makasakay na siya ng kotse. "If it's not too
much to ask..." Hinawakan pa nito ang kamay niya na nakapatong sa bintana ng
sasakyan. "Can you take my brother away from that stone-cold faced bi-" Tumigil ito
at saka ngumiti sa kanya. "I mean that girl Sharmaine? Ayoko kasi sa kanya. Ayokong
magkaroon ng pamangkin na kasing tigas ng mukha niya."

Kyra stared at her. Hindi niya akalaing ganoon kalalim ang galit nito kay
Sharmaine.

"Can you do that for me?"

"Uhm..." Napalunok siya.

"You don't need to answer me. Alam ko namang gagawin mo iyon." Tinapik nito ang
gilid ng kotse. "Sige na

po, manong. Ingat sa beyahe!"

Namamangha na lang si Kyra habang pinapanood niya si Serena sa side mirror ng

sasakyan habang papalyo sila. Ang weird nitong kapatid.

Nang makarating siya sa bahay ay agad siyang nagpasalamat naghatid sa kanya. Hindi
pa yata sapat ang naging tulog niya kanina dahil nakatulog pa siya sa beyahe.

Agad niyang binuksan ang gate habang nililista sa utak ang mga gagawin niya ngayong
umaga bago pumasok sa trabaho mamayang hapon. Isa pa ay ayaw niyang malunod na
naman siya sa mga tanong sa utak niya.
Hindi niya alam kung paano siya nakatulog ng maayos kagabi sa dami ng nangyari sa
kanya kahapon. Siguro ay nang dahil sa sobrang pagod kaya mabilis siyang nakatulog.

Hinanap niya sa mga susi niya ang susi ng pintuan. Ngunit biglang umwang iyon nang
hawakan niya ang knob ng pinto.

Nagtatakang pumasok siya ng bahay. Bakit bukas ang pintuan at hindi naka-lock?
Iniwan ba iyon ni Sage nang nakabukas kahapon? Teka, siya ang huling umalis ng
bahay kahapon, 'di ba? Nakalimutan ba niyang i-lock iyon?

Hindi kaya...

"Kyra? Saan ka ba nanggaling?"

Nalaglag ang balikat niya nang lumabas ng kusina ang kapatid niya. Si Sandra.

Katulad ng dati, may bahid pa rin ng galit at disgusto sa mga mata nito sa tuwing
nakikita siya ng kapatid. Pero hanggang ngayon ay nasasaktan pa rin siya dahil
hindi pa rin siya magawang patwarin ng mga kapatid niya. Hindi pa rin siya
matanggap ng mga ito.

She sighed. "Ate, nandito ka pala. Bakit hindi ka tumawag?"

"Bakit ko kailangang tumawag sa tuwing pupunta ako rito? Baka nakakalimutan mo,
bahay ko rin 'to."

Napakagat siya sa labi niya. Hindi pa pala niya nasasabi sa mga kapatid niya na
naibenta na niya ang bahay.

"Uh... ate kasi-"

"Nandito ako kasi may gusto nang bumili nitong bahay."

Sandali siyang natigilan. "Pero, ate..." Hindi niya naituloy ang sasabihin niya
dahil sa pagsulpot ng isang lalaki galing sa itaas.

What was he doing there?

She looked at her sister. "Sino siya?"

"Si Edward. Siya ang sinasabi kong bibili nitong bahay."

=================

Chapter ♣ 14

FRIDAY NIGHT

LUMIPAD ANG MGA mata ni Kyra sa lalaking nakatayo sa taas ng hagdanan ng bahay
nila. Bakit nasa itaas ito? Ano'ng ginagawa nito doon?

Shucks! Paano kung pumasok ito sa kuwarto ni Sage? Hindi kaya nakita ng kapatid
niya ang mga gamit panlalaki sa loob ng bahay? Lalo na sa banyo!

"K-kanina pa ba kayo rito?"

"Kanina pa," irap sa kanya ng kapatid niya at tinawag ang lalaking kasama nito.
"How do you find it?" malambing nitong tanong.

Ngumiti ang lalaki sa kapatid niya at sa kanya habang bumababa ito. Kitangkita pa
niya ang paraan ng paghagod ng mga mata nito sa kabuuan niya na siyang nagpatayo ng
balahibo niya. Parang gusto niya biglang magtakip ng buong katawan kahit pa desente
ang suot niya.

"It's very nice," he said with an American accent as he continued to stare at her.

Hindi agad napansin ni Kyra na foreigner pala ito. Nang makababa ay saka niya
nakitang napakatangkad nito. Magkahalong blonde-brown ang buhok nito, matangos ang
ilong at natatakpan ng begote ang baba nito na kasingkulay din ng buhok nito. Pero
hindi niya matukoy ang kulay ng mata nito dahil nakatayo ito malayo sa kanya.

Guwapo nga ito, ngunit kahit pa anong guwapo nito, hindi pa rin gusto ni Kyra ang
karakas nito. Saan ba ito nakilala ng kapatid niya? Akala niya ay maayos na ang
away ni Sandra at ang asawa nito noong huli silang nagkita-kita. Nagkagulo na naman
ba ang dalawa?

Bumuntong hininga siya saka nagdadalawang-isip na lumapit sa kapatid niya at kay

Edward. Kung anuman itong binabalak ng kapatid niya, dapat niya iyong pigilan.

"Ate,

kailangan nating mag-usap." Hinila na niya ang kamay ng kapatid patungo sa kusina.
Ayaw niyang manatili sa harap ng amerikanong iyon dahil kinikilabutan siya sa
presensya nito. Mukhang may pagkamanyak pa ang lalaking dinala rito ni Sandra.

"Bakit ba?!" angal ni Sandra pagpasok nila ng kusina at agad na binawi ang braso
mula sa kanya. "That was rude, Kyra. Kita mo ngang nasa harap natin si Edward!"
sermon nito sa kanya. Pero wala siyang pakialam sa kanong iyon.

"Saan mo ba iyan nakilala?"

"Bakit gusto mo pang malaman?" iritadong sabi nito. "Ibigay mo na lang sa akin ang
titulo ng bahay at nang makaalis na kami."

She worried on her bottom lip. Humalukipkip ang kapatid nito tanda ng pagkainip.
"Pero ate, hindi kasi pwede-"

"Anong hindi pwede? Hoy, Kyra, hindi maganda ang araw ko ngayon kaya huwag mo akong
inisin," pagtataray nito saka inilahad ang palad. "Akin na."

"Kasi ate, iba na ang may-ari ng bahay kaya hindi ko pwedeng ibigay sayo," halos
naibulong na lang niya iyon habang kinakabahang pinanonood ang pagguhit ng gulat sa
mukha nito.

"Pinagbili mo na 'tong bahay? Bakit hindi mo kaagad sinabi sa amin? Iyong ibang
ari-arian ni Papa, naipagbili mo na rin ba?"

Hindi siya sumagot, dahil ayaw niyang magsinungalin. Pero ayaw rin niyang umamin.
Natatakot siya sa gagawin ng kapatid niya oras na malaman nito ang totoo.

"Nasaan ang pera?"

"B-binayad ko na sa utang natin sa banko," mahinang sagot niya at galos manginig

ang tuhod niya. Kitang kita niya ang pamimilog ng mata ng ate niya na para bang
hindi makapaniwala sa ginawa niya.

"Lahat?! Nasan

iyong iba? 'Wag mong sabihing wala kang tinira?"

Umiling siya. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa niya tinitingnan ang laman ng bank
account niya at hindi niya alam kung nandoon na ang bayad ni Sage sa bahay. Pero
hindi na iyon kailangan. Kahit sobra pa sa halaga ng bahay ang ibinayad nito at sa
halaga ng utang niya sa banko, ibabayad niya ang lahat ng iyon kay Sage at wala
siyang balak na bawasan iyon kahit na sintemo.

Hanggang maaari ay ayaw niyang magkautang kay Sage. Kahit pa utang na loob. Dahil
si Sage ang klase ng taong triple kung maningil. At natatakot siya na baka higit pa
sa kaya niyang ibigay ang singilin nito pabalik.

"My God, Kyra! Don't tell me ibinayad mo lahat ng pera sa banko?"

Nang hindi pa rin siya nagsasalita ay nagmura ito. "Kyra naman!" Sinabunutan nito
ang sariling buhok na animo'y inis na inis. "Bakit ba ang tanga-tanga mo! Gumagana
pa ba iyang utak mo? Pesteng buhay 'to."

"Ang laki ng utang natin sa banko, ate. Kung hindi ko iyon binayaran ng buo, baka-"

Nagulat siya nang biglang sipain ni Sandra ang bar stool sa gilid ng island counter
at natumba iyon sa lakas ng pagkakasipa nito.

"Wala akong pakialam! Narinig mo?! Wala. Akong. Paki!" sigaw nito. "Kasalanan mo
kaya nagkanda-leche-leche ang buhay namin! Kasalanan mo kaya nabaon sa utang ang
kompanya! Kaya dapat lang na maghirap ka!"

She's aware how much her sister hate her, that they blame her for everything that
had gone wrong in their family, and for their father's demise. Pero masakit pa ring
marinig iyon kahit na ilang beses nang pinamukha sa kanya iyon.

"Kung hindi mo ibibigay sa akin ang pera,

akin na ang titulo!" sigaw muli ng kapatid niya sa kanya.

Pero anong magagawa niya? Si Sage na ang may hawak ng mga legal na papeles. She
already handed them to him when she made her decision.

"Hindi ba gusto niyong ibenta itong bahay? Nagawa ko na. Naibenta ko na. Bakit
ngayon, gusto mong bawiin at ibenta sa iba?"

Hindi niya maintindihan si Sandra. Hindi ba ito ang gusto ng mga kapatid niya? Ang
ibenta ang bahay? Kaya bakit ito galit na galit sa kanya?

"Kung sinabi mo na sanang naibenta mo na itong bahay, wala sanang gulo. At hindi
itong bahay ang gusto ko! Ang pera ang kailangan ko!"

Mabilis itong lumapit sa kanya at marahas na hinaklit ang braso niya. Napangiwi
siya dahil bumaon ang matatalim na kuko nito sa balat niya habang galit na galit
ang mga mata nito sa kanya.

"Ibigay mo sa 'kin ang pera dahil kung hindi, ibibenta ko ang bahay na 'to kahit na
wala ang tang'nang titulong iyan!"

"Is everything okay here?"

Sabay silang napalingon kay Edward na nakatayo na pala sa pintuan, naguguluhang

nakatingin sa kanila at sa nakatumbang upuan. Pero kahit na naroon ito ay hindi pa
rin bumibitaw si Sandra.

Kahit na naiinis siya kay Edward ay lihim na nagpapasalamat si Kyra sa biglang

pagpasok nito dahil hindi niya nasisiguro ang gagawin ng ate niya kung sakaling
hindi ito dumating. Sa klase ng galit na nababasa niya sa mga mata ng kapatid,
hindi malayong masaktan siya nito.

"Sandra?" ani Edward nang wala pa ring nagsasalita sa kanilang dalawa.

Marahas siyang binitawan ng ate niya at pilit na ngumiti sa lalaki. "Everything's

fine, Edward. My sister and I were just... having a

talk, right Kyra?"

Nagbabanta ang mga mata nito nang lumayo ito sa kanya at lumapit kay Edward. "I'm
afraid there's been a bad news. My stupid sister lost the papers. But don't worry.
She assured me that she will look for them. Maybe we can come back again?"

Nagkibit ito ng balikat. "Okay, it's no problem with me."

But Kyra wished they would never come back. Baka bumigay na lang siya sa galit ng
ate niya at maibigay na lang niya bigla ang pera... or worse, baka ang bahay na at
ang ibang ari-arian ng Papa nila. At least for now, iniisip nitong naibenta na niya
lahat.

Muli siyang binalingan ni Sandra. "Bawiin mo ang pera kung ayaw mong ibenta ko
itong bahay. Kaya 'wag kang magkakamali, Kyra," banta nito saka tuluyan nang
lumabas kasama ang amerikano.

Naiwang hapong hapo si Kyra. Konting konti na lang ay bibigay na talaga siya. She
could already feel she's at her end. Pero pinipigilan na lang niya ang sarili na
huwag sumuko. She just wanted to live. And keeping that hope alive was the only way
to keep herself alive.

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang pinagdadaanan ng kapatid niya, kung bakit parang
kailangang kailangan nito ng pera, at sumugod pa ito roon para kunin ang titulo
samantalang matagal na nilang inabandona ang bahay sa kanya. Pero hindi niya kayang
sabihin rito ang totoo. She will protect their father's last heirlooms as long as
she lives.

DAHIL SA pagbisitang iyon ng kapatid niya ay hindi nagawa ni Kyra ang mga bagay na
dapat niyang tapusin sa umagang iyon.

Ayos na rin iyon dahil kahit papaano ay naipon niya ang lakas na kakailanganin niya

sa trabaho niya sa hapon ding iyon. Kumpara kahapon ay napakarami ng customer sa

hapon. Pagdating pa lang niya ay sinalubong kaagad siya ng napakaraming trabaho. At
dahil doon kaya panandalian niyang nakalimutan ang mga problema niya.

Akala niya ay nakalimutan na ng mga kasama niya ang nangyari kahapon. Pero hindi
siya pinalagpas ng mga ito. Naging tapmpulan siya ng tuksuhan kahit ang manager
nilang si Sapphire ay nakikitukso rin sa mga ito.

Kung pwede lang din sana siyang kiligin katulad nina Marj at Daisy. Kaso pagkatapos
ng mga narinig niya kahapon... bumabagsak ang puso niya. Namamatay ang tuwa sa
dibdib niya. Pagkatapos ay dadagdag pa ang kapatid niya sa alalahanin niya.

Iniisip pa niya kung sasabihin ba niya kay Sage ang nangyari kanina, o kung itatago
na lang muna niya. Kakausapin na lang ulit niya si Sandra. Ayaw niyang mas lumaki
pa ang gulo.

What if matulungan ka ni Sage? Tanong ng isang bahagi ng utak niya.

Hihingi pa ba siya ng tulong kay Sage? He sounded like he doesn't like her sisters
every time he mention them. At kung bakit sa kanya nilihim ng mga kapatid niya ang
tungkol sa kasal niya kay Sage... alam niyang may dahilan ang mga ito.

Mabuti na lang siguro kung hindi na muna niya iyon sasabihin kay Sage, at hindi rin
malaman ng kapatid niya kung sino ang nagmamay-ari na ng bahay. Magkakagulo lang
kapag nangyari iyon. Nararamdaman niya iyon.

PAGKATAPOS na pagkatapos ng shift niya ay sinalubong agad siya ng isang surpresa

pagkalabas niya ng pintuan.

"Kylie? Yana? Anong ginagawa niyo rito?" Gulat siya habang niyayakap siya ng mga
naging kaibigan

niya sa huli niyang trabaho.

Simula nang paalisin siya roon sa mall ay hindi na niya nakita ang mga ito. Si
Kylie lang ang nakakausap niya sa telepono pero matagal na rin noong huli silang
magkausap.

"Kinukumusta ka, siyempre," nakangiting sabi ni Kylie. May kung sino itong sinilip
sa likuran niya at nakita niya si Marco na kakalabas lang ng pintuan.

"Una na ako," paalam ni Marco sa kanya.

"Sige, ingat ka."

Tumango lang ito at inayos ang sombrero saka tumawid ng kalsada. Bumalik ang mata
niya sa kaibigan na nakasunod ang mata sa lalaki.

Napangiti siya. "Kanina pa ba kayo rito sa labas?"

"Hindi naman. Mga ten minutes lang," ani Yana.

"Nagpasabi sana kayo."

"Surpresa nga kasi."

"Na-surprise ka naman, ate Kyra, 'di ba?" Humagikhik si Yana. Kahit papaano'y na-
miss niya rin ang nakakahawang tawa nito. Sa kanilangtatlo, ito ang bunso at may
pagka-childish. Si Kylie ang seryoso at siya naman ang palaging problemado.

"Teka, bakit mukhang stress na stress ka na naman? Mahirap ba iyong trabaho mo

diyan?" nguso ni Kylie sa restaurant. "Uy, baka mamaya pinahihirapan ka na nila
ah."

"Hindi naman. Mababait naman iyong mga kasama ko." Inakay niya ang braso ni Kylie
at nagsimula na rin silang maglakad palayo doon.

"E bakit parang nadagdagan yata iyong eyebags mo?"

"'Wag mo na kasing pakialaman ang eyebags ni ate."

"Puro problema siguro ang iniisip mo, ano? Kumusta naman iyong bumili ng bahay
niyo? Iyong sinasabi mo?"

"'Wag mo nang itanong."

"Hala. Bakit? 'Wag mong sabihing in love ka na agad sa kanya?" Pinandilatan siya ni
Kylie.

"Sino iyon?" ungot

naman ni Yana.

"Wala." Kapag talaga tungkol sa love life, napakaintrgera ng mga 'to.

Tumigil si Kylie sa paglalakad. "Ang mabuti pa, videoke na lang tayo. Ang tagal na
nating hindi nagvi-videoke."

"Ay na-miss ko iyan! Ano, ate Kyra? Game?"

Videoke?

Matagal-tagal na rin simula no'ng huli siyang lumabas kasama ang mga kaibigan niya.
Parang ang tagal na nilang hindi nagkikita't nagkakasama. At saka isa pa, kailangan
din niya ng pampalipas oras, something that would divert her thoughts away from
everything for a while. Ayaw niya munang mamroblema.

Kaya lang...

Bumuntong hininga siya. "Sorry. Hindi ako puwede ngayong gabi." Isipin pa lang niya
ang itsura ni Sage kapag ginabi siya ng uwi... "Sa susunod na lang."

Bigla ay narinig niyang tumunog ang cellphone niya. Kinuha niya iyon sa bulsa ng
maong niya at nakita ang isang unregistered number. Binasa niya iyon habang
nagsasalita si Kylie.

"...ngayon lang tayo nagkita-kita tapos ayaw mo pang sumama? Ngayong gabi lang
naman..."

+639771928090:

I'll be home late.

Uminit ang pisngi niya bigla at ramdam na ramdam niya ang bawat pintig ng puso
niya. Kahit na walang boses ang message na iyon, alam niyang si Sage ang napadala
ng text. Pero paano nito nakuha ang number niya?

Well, he had ways.

Binasa ulit niya iyon. Home late? Gaanong late? Late as in 11 pm?

Tiningnan niya ang oras sa cellphone niya at nasa 6:45 pa iyon. Siguro pwede siyang
gumala sandali ng ilang oras.

She smiled at her friends and pocketed her phone. "Tara, videoke tayo."

Gagala na lang din siya habang wala sa bahay si Sage. Alam naman niya

kung bakit wala ito sa bahay ngayong gabi. What else would a man do on Friday
night? Lalo na sa isang katulad ni Sage?

He's a bachelor... kahit pa sabihing may asawa ito at kasal ito. He still act like
he's single. And he has been since she disappeared. Kaya hindi ito magbabago nang
dahil lang sa natagpuan siya nito.

And more than that, he's a man-a man who have needs. Who knows who had been
providing him those needs when she was gone? There's Sharmaine. And all those other
girls with long legs, small waist and big boobs. Iyon naman nag mga tipo ng mga
lalaki 'di ba?

So she might as well have some fun tonight. Kesa magmukmok siya sa bahay kakaisip
sa amo niyang wala sa bahay.

"Ano'ng order mo dito, Kyra?" tanong ni Yana habang nagbabasa ito sa menu.

"Kayo na ang bahala. Basta walang iinom." Ayaw niyang umuwing lasing, kahit na
gusto niyang magpakalasing sa dami ng iniisip niya.

"Isang bote lang, sige na," Yana pouted.

"Payagan mo na 'tong si Yana. Kailangan niya iyan para maka-move on sa manlolokong

ex niya."

"Hindi sagot ang alak sa problema."

Gusto niyang matawa sa sinabi. She's been thinking she would drink. Pero heto siya,
nangangaral.

Tiningnan niya si Yana at nakatingin pa rin ito sa kanya. Akala pa naman niya ang
saya-saya nito kanina. Totoo nga yatang kung sino iyong laging nakatawa, siya rin
ang pinakamalungkot sa lahat.

Napabuga siya ng hininga. "O sige, basta isang bote lang. Baka malasing ka."

"May balak ngang magpakalasing iyan, Kyra."

Hindi na lang niya pinansin ang sinabi ni Kylie at namili na siya ng kanta.

Pagkaraan

ng ilang minuto ay dumating na rin ang waiter dala ang mga pagkain nila.
Kasalukuyang kumakanta si Kylie habang nagdadrama naman si Yana kaya siya na lang
ang kumuha no'n at nilapag iyon sa mesa.
Kinuha niya sa bulsa niya ang cellphone niya para tingnan ang oras. Nakakailang
kanta na rin sila at hindi na nila namalayan ang oras. Agad na bumungad sa kanya
ang isang numerong naging pamilyar na sa kanya-which was odd because she easily
forget numbers.

+639771928090:

Nakauwi ka na ba?

Hindi niya iyon nireplyan at agad na binulsa ang cellphone pagkakita niya ng oras.
Alas-ocho na. Obviously, hindi pa nakakauwi si Sage kaya mamaya na rin siya uuwi.

"Kyra, ikaw naman." Binigay ni Kylie ang mic sa kanya at tinabihan si Yana. Kumuha
na rin siya ng tissue sa tray habang kumakanta saka inabot iyon sa kanila.
Napailing na lang siya sa kantang pinili niila.

"Where do broken hearts go

Can they find their way home,

Back to the open arms

Of a love that's waiting there

And if somebody loves you

Won't they always love you

I look in your eyes

And I know that you still care, for me"

Nag-vibrate ang cellphone niya. Tiningnan niya iyon at hindi na nasurpresa na si

Sage uli iyon.

+639771928090:

Do you read my messages?

Binigay niya uli kay Kylie ang mic, pero si Yana ang umabot no'n at ito na ang
nagpatuloy ng kanta. Umupo siya sa isang sulok ng sofa at mabilis na tinipa ang
reply niya.

Kyra:

Oo.

Mabilis din itong nagreply.

+639771928090:

Bakit hindi ka nagrereply kaagad?

She

frowned while typing.

Kyra:

Busy ako.

Tatlong segundo bago ulit ito nagreply.

+639771928090:

Lock yourself inside. Wala kang kasama diyan.

Lihim siyang natawa. He actually thought she's home waiting for him, didn't he? At
saka bakit ba ito text nang text kung may date ito? Hindi na niya kailangan ng mga
paalala nito. She's been living alone for months. Kaya niya ang sarili niya.

+639771928090:

Could you please text me back?

Napaka-bossy talaga.

Kyra:

Saan mo nakuha ang number ko?

+639771928090:

Your CV.

Of course. Para namang napakahirap para rito ang hanapin ang number niya.

Hindi na siya nagreply rito. Pero lumipas ang isang minuto ay wala nang kasunod ang
text nito.

"Sino ba iyang katext mo?" tanong ni Kylie nang mapansing panay ang silip niya sa
cellphone niya.

"Wala. Kakilala ko lang." Binulsa na lang niya pabalik ang cellphone niya. Siguro
abala na iyon sa ka-date nito.

DALAWANG ORAS ang lumipas pero parang isang oras lang iyon kay Kyra dahil masyado
siyang nawili sa pagkanta. Nakaubos na rin si Yana ng dalawang bote ng beer at
halos ito na lahat ang umubos nang hindi niya namamalayan. Ngawa pa ito ng ngawa
habang kumakanta ng "Pressure" ng Paramore kanina, kaya imbis na makisimpatya sila
ni Kylie rito ay natatawa na lang sila.

"Kyra, iuwi na natin ang isang 'to. Lasing na e."

"Mukha nga."

Niligpit na niya ang mga gamit nila para maghanda nang umalis.
"Bakit ka ba kasi naglalasing e hindi mo naman pala kaya," sabi ni Kylie

habang inaakay nito si Yana.

"Gian... bakit mo 'ko niloko? Hindi na ba ako maganda?"

Sabay silang napabuntong hininga ni Kylie. Talaga yatang heartbroken ang kasama
nila.

"Maganda ka," ani Kylie. "Kahit suray-suray na iyang buhok mo at kalat na iyang
mascara mo, maganda ka. Kaya tumayo ka na para makauwi na tayo."

Siguro nga iba-iba ang problema ng tao. Mapa-puso, pamilya, personal, kaibigan...
pero sabi nga nila, lahat ng problema may solusyon. God won't give you what you
can't handle.

Pero sana, ganyan lang din kadali ang problema ni Kyra... ang lokohin ng borfriend
niya. She could handle that better than having all these heavy loads she's carrying
with her. Kaya siguro hindi binigay sa kanya ang ganoong kadaling problema kasi
alam Niyang kaya niya...

She sighed and shook her head. Tinulungan na lang niya si Kylie sa pagpapatayo kay
Yana kesa analisahin ang mga bagay-bagay. Now she's getting jealous of someone
else's problem. Siguro sa susunod baka pati pamumuhay ng ibang tao, pageslosan niya
o kainggitan niya.

It's just... it was better standing on somebody's shoes than liviing her own life.
Nakakapagod din, kahit pa sabihing kaya niya. Kakayanin niya. Mahirap din kapag
mag-isa ka lang.

"Yana, 'wag mo akong susukahan ha. Kapag nasusuka ka, sabihin mo kaagad. May dala
kaming supot." Winagayway pa ni Kylie ang cellophane sa mukha ni Yana habang
papalabas sila ng gusali. Pati ito ay suray-suray din maglakad katulad ni Yana,
habang siya ay nasa likuran ng dalawa, bitibit lahat ng gamit nilang tatlo.

"Uy, si boss! Boss!" Biglang kumaway si Yana sa kabilang kalsada. "Guys, si boss,
kita niyo?" Tinuro pa ni Yana sa kanila ang dalawang taong nakatayo sa tapat nila.

Muntik pang mabitawan ni Kyra ang hawak niyang box ng tissue nang makita niya kung
sino ang kinakawayan ni Yana. Kahit na medyo madilim at may layo ang mga ito, she
still recognized them.

Si Sharmaine na nakahawak sa neck tie ni Sage. And they were both looking at them
from the other side of the road.

=================

Chapter ♣ 15

DROWN
MAINGAT NA tinanggal ni Sage ang kamay ni Sharmaine sa neck tie nito at dire-
diretsong naglakad sa kanila nang hindi binibitawan ang mga mata niya.

Her heart raced. Gusto niyang umiwas ng tingin, pero hindi niya kaya. Lalo na kung
tumatawid ito ng kalsada sa kabila ng nagdadaanang sasakyan. Parang kanya ang buong
kalsada. He seemed not to care that he's walking across the road with the green
lights on.

Those eyes seemed a lot like an eagle-piercing as he walked like a lion stalking a
prey and she felt like a sacrificial lamb.

And then something screeched, and someone shouted. Pero hindi man lang iyon
tinapunan ng tingin ni Sage. He just kept walking.

Seriously? What was he doing?! Hindi ba ito natatakot na masagasaan?

"Uy! Muntik na iyon a," ani Kylie sa tabi niya.

"Dito ba pupunta si boss?" lasing na tanong ni Yana kay Kylie.

"Hindi naman siguro niya alam na nagtatrabaho kami sa mall, 'di ba?" tanong naman
ni Kylie sa kanya. Pero hindi na siya nakasagot dahil nasa harap na nila si Sage.

"Hi, Sir!" bati rito ni Yana pero dumaan lang ang mata nito sa kaibigan niya.

"Wala ka sa bahay," bungad nito sa kanya. Hindi niya mabasa ang mukha nito. Pero
alam ni Kyra na hindi ito natutuwa na makita siya roon.

"Bahay?" Narinig niya si Kylie na bumubulong saka bumaling sa kanya. "Bahay?!"

Hindi niya ito pinansin. She could already work out what she's thinking, at parang
naririnig na niya ang boses nito sa utak niya.

Siya ang bumili ng bahay ninyo?!

Tiningnan niya si Sharmaine sa kabilang

kalsada. She was standing there, waiting with her arms crossed. Naka-corporal suit
pa rin ito pero kumpara sa pencil skirt nito noong una, ngayon ay nakapantalon na
lang ito.

Shouldn't she be wearing something... nice? A dress?

At bakit hawak nito ang neck tie ni Sage? It looked okay to her. Hindi naman iyon
gusot. Kasali na ba iyon sa mga job description ng isang lawyer?

"Pauwi na kami. Kaya sige na, bumalik ka na do'n," aniya kay Sage. She clamped the
irritation rising inside her. Lalo lang siyang naiinis dahil hindi na niya
nakokontrol ang nararamdaman niya pagdating kay Sage at kay Sharmaine.

"Videoke bar, huh?" Narinig niya sabi ni Sage. Nakatingin ito sa likuran niya at
lalong dumilim ang mukha nito. Then he's eyes flew to Yana, who was barely standing
awake beside Kylie, and he's mouth thinned.

Bawal na bang lumabas? Gusto niyang itanong, pero nasa harap sila ng mga kaibigan
niya. And she's aware of Kylie's curious stare.

At saka bakit parang siya ang lumalabas na may nilalabag? Ito nga ang nahuling may
ibang ginagawa. She just had a girl's night out. Kumanta lang sila, at sinamahan
ang kaibigan nilang broken hearted.

May kinuha ito sa bulsa nito at pinindot iyon. "My car's parked ahead of you.
Sumakay na kayo doon."

"Err..." Nagpalipat-lipat ang mata ni Kylie sa kanya at kay Sage habang umuungol si
Yana sa tabi nito.

Umiling siya. "Hindi na kailangan. Sasakay na lang kami ng taxi. Malayo pa ang
bahay ni Yana e."

Inaya na niya ang mga kasamang umalis. Ngunit naramdaman niya ang malaki at
mahigpit na kamay ni Sage sa braso niya.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Kylie sa kanya na halatang nagpipigil na ngumiti.

"Get in the car," matigas na sabi ni Sage sa kanya. And he was expecting her to
obey him.

A scent drifted in the air. Nakakangilo. Pakiramdam niya ay humalukay ang sikmura
niya, kahit na wala siyang naimom na alcohol.

Sharmaine's heels clicked against the pavement. Tumayo ito malapit kay Sage na
halos dikit na ang katawan nito rito at bumulong, "They're here."

Sage looked at the hotel across them and his brows furrowed. Sinulyapan din niya
ang tinitingnan nito. There was a group of men entering the hotel lobby, lahat sila
ay nakaitim na suit din kumpara sa navy blue na suot ni Sage.

Judging the determined expression on his face and Sharmaine's disapproving look on
her, mukhang importante ang mga taong iyon sa kanila at inaantala niya ang
importanteng dinner ng mga ito.

Kyra bit her lip out of embarrassment. Ibig sabihin, walang date si Sage at
Sharmaine. Mali siya ng iniisip.

Bakit na lang kasi ganoon kaagad ang naiisip at nararamdaman niya kapag nakikita
niyang magkasama ang dalawa?

Humagulgol bigla si Yana. "Gian... iniwan ako ni Gian!"

"Yana, hindi ako si Gian, kaya 'wag mo akong hampasin kung ayaw mong bitiwan kita
dito."

Kyra sighed. Kailangan na nilang umalis kundi, baka magwala na si Yana sa daan.

Hinarap niya si Sage at pasimpleng tinaggal ang kamay nito sa braso niya. "Sige na.
Aalis na kami."

"Salamat po sa alok ninyo, Sir," singit ni Kylie sa kanila, "pero lasing na po kasi
itong kasama namin. Baka magkalat po siya sa kotse ninyo."

She saw Sharmaine tug

at his arm once again.

Tss... hindi makapaghintay?

"Tara na Kylie, gumagabi na." Inaya ulit niya ang mga kaibigan niya. Pero muli na
namang hinaklit ni Sage ang braso niya.

"Come on, Sage. Hayaan na natin sila," ani Sharmaine. "Mr. Wong's here. We need to
talk to them."

Tiningnan ito ni Sage habang nakahawak pa rin sa kanya. "Ikaw na muna ang bahala sa
kanila. I'll just drive them home."

"What?"

"Hindi na kailangan," sabi niya sa dalawa, pero hindi nakikinig si Sage sa kanya.

"If I don't make it in thirty minutes, then go with the plan. Don't wait for me."

Binawi niya ang braso niya. Ang dami nang dumadaang taxi sa harap nila. Kung kanina
pa sila pumara, sana naiuwi na nila si Yana.

"Sasakay na lang kami ng taxi, Sage. Bumalik ka na do'n."

Binalingan siya ni Sage. "Don't argue, Kyra. Just get your friends inside the car,
please."

"Halika na, Kyra. Ang bigat kaya nitong si Yana."

Bumuntong hininga siya. Wala siyang nagawa kundi ang pumayag. Naawa na siya kay
Kylie dahil kanina pa nito akay-akay si Yana. Isa pa, nabibigatan na rin siya sa
mga gamit nila. Kung hindi lang niya kasama ang mga kaibigan niya, she wouldn't get
inside his car again. Pakiramdam kasi niya, mas lalong lumiliit ang hanging
hinihinga niya kapag masyadong malapit si Sage sa kanya.

Pero may iba rin siyang dahilan kaya ayaw niyang mapag-isa rito. Iniisip niyang
baka hindi niya mapigilan ang sariling aminin dito ang mga narinig niya sa usapan
nila ni Sharmaine sa library kahapon.

Tumango siya kay Kylie bago bumaling kay Sage. "Pwede

mo na akong bitawan."

He reluctantly did. Iniwan niya ito kasama si Sharmaine.

Alam naman niya ang sasakyan nito kaya hinanap na lang niya iyon para makasakay na
siya at ang mga kaibigan niya.

"Kyra, doon ka na sa front seat," ani Kylie pagsakay niya sa passenger seat kasama
sila.

Sa gitna umupo si Yana habang nasa kanan nito si Kylie. Sa likod ng driver's seat
naman siya pumuwesto pagkatapos niyang ipasok lahat ng gamit nila sa front seat.

"Dito na ako, para hindi ka mahirapan dito kay Yana."

Nakapikit ang mata at umuungol pa ito ng kaunti habang nakasandal ito sa upuan.
Sana ay hindi ito mahilo at magsuka doon.

"Hindi mo nabanggit na si Sir Sage ang mabait na buyer mo at siya rin ang
nagpatuloy sayo sa dating bahay mo. Doon din ba siya natutulog?"

Umikot ang mata niya. "Alam ko kasing iyan ang magiging reaksyon mo kaya hindi ko
sinabi," sabi niya. Sinadya niyang hindi sagutin ang huling tanong nito dahil alam
niyang hindi ito matatapos sa kakatanong. She's not yet ready to tell her the whole
truth.

"Siyempre, talagang magugulat ako,noh! Boss kaya natin iyon."

"Hindi ko nakakalimutan iyon. Siya nga ang nagtanggal sa'kin sa trabaho, 'di ba?"

"Pero sinalo ka pa rin niya."

Sinalo? He trapped her.

"Pero napansin ko lang, ha... parang may gusto sayo iyong si sir. Alam mo iyong mga
titig niya sayo kanina? Ay grabe!"

"Imagination mo lang iyan." Binato niya ito ng tissue na kanina pa niya hawak.

"Uy, 'wag kang magkalat dito!"

She looked outside. Marahil ay may pinag-uusapan sina Sage at Sharmaine kaya hindi
kaagad sumunod

si Sage sa kanila.

"Seryoso, wala talaga siyang motibo sayo? Malay mo, kaya niya binili iyong bahay
mo, 'di ba?"

"Wala," natatawang sabi niya. Natatawa siya sa lakas ng imagination ng kasama niya.
Pero kung magsisimula siyang magkuwento, baka ito pa ang unang umiyak. "Nagkataon
lang na naghahanap din siya ng bahay."

"Alam mo, may tawag diyan e."

"Ano?"

"Destiny," ani Kylie nang nakangiti.

Hindi na siya nagkomento dahil narinig na nilang bumukas ang pintuan sa unahan.
Kaagad na lumipad sa kanya ang mga mata ni Sage pagkatapos nitong makita ang mga
gamit nila sa tabi ng upuan nito.

Pero hindi ito nagsalita. Sumakay na ito ng kotse at maingat na sinara ang pintuan.
Mula sa likod ay nakikita ni Kyra ang pagsuot nito ng seat belt at ang bawat galaw
nito. Mayamaya ay narinig na niya ang tunog ng makina ng sasakyan nang paandarin
iyon ni Sage.

She was still processing what Sage was doing. Talaga bang iiwan nito si Sharmaine
at ang mga ka-meeting nito para lang ihatid sila? It looked like an important
meeting and those people are somewhat significant to him.

"Where to?"

Her eyes climbed up to the mirror and she was met with Sage's intense dark ones.
Inayos pa nito ang salamin para matingnan siya nito ng maayos.

Si Kylie ang sumagot ng address ni Yana. Nahuli niya itong nakangiti sa kanya,
nanunukso. Inirapan na lang niya ito at hindi na ulit tumingin sa salamin.
Inasikaso na lang niya si Yana sa tabi niya.
Maliban kay Yana na panay ang ungol ay naging tahimik ang beyahe nila. Nakatulog na
rin si Kylie at sila na lang ni Sage ang gising.

Minsan ay napapasulyap siya sa salamin at nahuhuli niyang nakatingin ito sa kanya

kapag wala sa daan ang mata nito. It made her squirm and want to hide.

Huminto si Sage nang maabutan sila ng red light. He shifted the clutch, at may
inabot itong tumbler sa tabi nito at uminom doon. From the mirror, Kyra watched his
throat bobbed up and down as he drank and swallowed down.

Memories flashed in her eyes; a male body under the heat of the sun, beach, her
clad in baby blue, one piece swimsuit, laughing and giggling voices... and one
steamy afternoon, Sage was making love to her out in the open.

She was lost in her thought and wasn't aware she was still watching him until he
spoke.

"You want?"

Mabilis siyang umiling at umiwas ng tingin. Her face was suffused with heat because
of the memories that suddenly swam inside her head. She silently wished na sa
susunod na pagkakataong may maalala siyang ganoon sa nakaraan niya, sana hindi sa
harapan ni Sage.

She felt Yana stirred again. Akala niya ay aayos ulit ito ng upo, pero bigla itong
napahawak sa bibig.

"Yana, bakit?" she asked alarmingly.

Bumulong ito pero hindi niya iyon narinig. She immediately looked for the
cellophane, pero nasa harap ang mga gamit nila. Naalala niya kaagad ang hawak ni
Kylie kanina.

"Kylie," gising niya rito, pero huli na nang magising ito dahil nangyari na ang
kinatatakutan nila.

Agad na nagkasalubong ang mga mata nila ni Sage sa salamin. Hers were in panic, his
were in annoyance.

Oh my God! They just ruined his car!

Kinuha nito ang tissue box sa mga gamit nila at walang

imik na inabot iyon sa kanya saka binuksan ang mga bintana.

"Sorry," iyon na lang nasabi niya imbis na magpasalamat. She didn't feel right
saying thank you at the moment.

Nagising na rin si Kylie at tinulungang magsuka si Yana. Mabuti na lang at naiabot

nito ang cellophane kay Yana kaya doon na ito nagsuka. Pinunasan niya ang bahagi ng
blouse at pantalon niyang nasukahan. Hindi iyon marami pero malakas pa rin ang amoy
nito.

Ilang sandali pa ay dumating na rin sila sa tinutuluyan ni Yana. Nagulat pa sila ni

Kylie nang magprisenta si Sage na buhatin na lang ito paakyat ng apartment nito.

"Ako na ang bahala rito, mauna na kayo," ani Kylie. Wala kasing kasama si Yana sa
apartment kaya minabuti na ni Kylie na samahan muna ito hanggang sa maging maayos
na ang pakiramdam nito.
"Sigurado ka? Ayaw mong samahan kita rito? Para sabay na tayong umuwi," sabi niya
nang makababa si Sage.

Kylie grinned. "Ikaw ha, nakakahalata na ako. Iniiwasan mo yata si sir e."

"Concern lang naman ako."

"Sus, kami pa dinahilan. Sige na. Ako na ang bahala rito kay Yana. Baka dito na rin
ako matulog kasi sabi niya hindi uuwi ang kapatid niya ngayong gabi."

Kyra really wanted to stay with them. Pero pinagtutulakan na siya ni Kylie palabas.

"Akitin mo na si sir! May tama sayo iyon, alam ko!" sigaw nito nang nakalayo na
siya saka ito pumasok sa loob.

She grimaced. Matatamaan talaga siya dahil sa ginawa nila sa sasakyan ni Sage.

Pagbaba niya ay naabutan niya si Sage na nakasandal sa kotse nito.

"How is she?" tanong nito nang makalapit siya. Hindi siya makapasok dahil
nakaharang ito sa pintuan.

"Natutulog

na. Pero nandun naman si Kylie para bantayan siya."

"Next time you want to get drunk, do it inside the house."

Nakunot ang noo niya. "Hindi ko ugaling magpakalasing."

"I was just saying. The streets are too dangerous for women, lalo na kung lasing
kayo. So you should be very careful."

"Nag-iingat kami.

His eyes narrowed. "Are you mad because I'm giving some pointers or was I hitting a
raw spot?"

She was not mad. Iritado lang siya dahil parang sinasabi nitong pabaya siyang
babae.

Bumuga siya ng malalim ng hininga. "Hindi ako galit." And he was not hitting a
sensitive spot either.

"Well, you shouldn't be," bumaba ang tono ng boses nito. "I thought you were at
home. But no. Instead, I found you outside a bar."

"Videoke bar," pagtatama niya.

"At uminom pa kayo."

"Hindi ako uminom, okay. Pwede na ba tayong umuwi?"

Matagal siyang tinitigan ni Sage. Hindi nililingong inabot nito ang door handle ng
front seat at binuksan iyon. Dahil wala na ang mga gamit doon ay malinis at bakante
na iyon. Gusto niyang sabihing sa likod siya sasakay, pero makikipagtalo pa ito at
mtatagalan lang sila kaya itinikom na lang niya ang bibig niya.
Pero nahahawakan pa lang niya ang pintuan nang bigla siyang hinarangan ng braso ni
Sage.

"Don't do this again."

"Gusto mo ba talaga akong ikulong sa loob ng bahay at hindi na palabasin?" Bakit?

Iniisip ba nitong tatakas siya?

"Paano kung mahilo ka na naman? What if something bad happen to you and I wasn't
even there?"

She went mute. Naghihimutok ito dahil doon?

"From now on, you can't go anywhere

without me," mariing sabi nito saka tinanggal ang nakaharang nitong braso. Gusto
niyang sumagot pero nakasunod na ang kamay nito sa bandang likod niya para
papasukin siya sa loob.

She tampered down her objection and went inside. Sinalubong siya kaagad ng amoy ng
isinuka ni Yana kanina. Nakita niyang wala na ang mat na nasukahan ni Yana, at pati
pala ang upuan ay nadumihan. Her guilt knocked on her irritation. It was their
fault they ruined an expensive car.

So what? Buti nga sa kanya dahil napakasama ng ugali niya!

Napailing na lang siya sa demonyitang konsensya niya at pinanood si Sage na umikot

sa harapan para sumakay na rin. Ni hindi ito ngumiwi nang pumasok ito, pero alam
niyang amoy na amoy nito ang baho.

Well, they tried to warn him. Pero nagpumilit pa rin itong pasakayin at ihatid
sila. So he might as well deal with the mess.

HALOS LIPARIN na ni Kyra ang distansya mula sa kotse patungo sa loob ng bahay
pagdating na pagdating nila.

Being stuck with Sage for minutes of drive inside the closed-space of his car was
always nerve wracking. Kahit pa nakabukas halos lahat ng bintana, para pa rin
siyang kinakapos ng hininga. At hindi nakatulong ang lagi niyang pag-iisip tungkol
sa mga naalala niya kanina. Kahit pa ayaw niyang isipin iyon, bigla na lang doon
napupunta ang daloy nga utak niya.

Sage wasn't talking, and she could feel he was displeased. Pero habang tumatagal ay
nawawala rin ang tension sa balikat nito. Ngunit nanatili itong tahimik.

"Ako na ang maglilinis sa kotse mo," sabi agad niya nang makita niya itong
naglalabas ng floor mat

galing sa likod ng sasakyan. Doon niya pala nilagay ang mga iyon.

"No need. I can do it tomorrow." Tumingin ito sa kanya. "Get inside."

Para siyang bata na pinapapasok ng magulang niya at ayaw siyang paglaruin sa labas.
She's old enough to deliver a child, for God's sake!
Pumasok na lang siya sa loob imbis na makipagtalo rito. Gusto na rin niyang
makawala sa damit niyang halos amoy suka na rin.

Pagpasok niya sa loob ng kuwarto niya ay kaagad niyang hinubad ang blouse at
pantalon niya. Kumuha siya ng pajama sa cabinet at nilagay iyon sa kama bago
pumasok sa banyo at mabilis na naligo.

Ilang minuto lang siyang nagbabad sa tub bago nagtapis ng tuwalya at lumabas ng
banyo. Iniisip niya kung magluluto pa ba siya ng dinner ngayon para kay Sage. Busog
na kasi siya sa kinain nila sa bar kanina, at dahil umalis si Sage sa meeting nila,
baka hindi pa ito kumakain ng hapunan.

She was reaching for her pajamas when her door suddenly burst open, at nakita niya
sa kaharap niyang salamin ang bulto ni Sage na nakatayo sa pintuan ng kuwarto niya.

Her hand stopped and her mouth fell. Nakalimutan niyang i-lock ang pituan niya!

Mabilis siyang tumayo at mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang tuwalya sa katawan niya.
Napalunok siya nang magtugma ang mga mata nila ni Sage sa salamin. She saw the
flare in his eyes and it connected to her femininity, stimulating something deep
inside her.

Pumasok sa isip niya ang mga naalala niya. The way he made love to her on that sun
bench, in his pool...

Kyra pressed her legs together. She was suddenly aware that she was very naked
underneath it.

"M-may

kailangan ka ba?" tanong niya habang nakaharap pa rin sa salamin.

He was staring at her, his eyes were trained on her lips. And she realized, he
never kissed her again since the last time he kissed her in his office. She could
still remember what he said-na hindi na iyon mauulit.

Pero nakikita niya ngayon ang tingin na iyon sa mga mata nito. Will he kiss her
again?

Nakita niya ang ginawang paglunok nito bago iabot sa kanya ang bag niya. "Here,"
his voice was gruff. "You left this in my car."

Hindi nito iyon nilagay sa kama niya. Then she understood why. He was actually
handing it over to her and waiting for her to get it.

Hawak ang tuwalya sa dibdib niya ay umikot siya paharap kay Sage at naglakad
palapit rito. She stretched her hand to take her purse. Pero hindi iyon agad
binitawan ni Sage.

Umangat ang mata niya rito at napalunok siya sa mainit na titig nito. Her skin
tingled in awareness, the air almost felt like a whisper making her fine hair stand
on end.

Nababasa niya ang sensualidad sa mga mata ni Sage habang dumadaan iyon sa kabuuan
niya, mula sa mukha niya, nagatagal sa labi niya, sa leeg niya. At dama niya ang
pagpintig ng pulso niya sa pagitan ng balikat at leeg niya.

Lalong uminit ang pakiramdam niya habang patuloy na bumababa ang mga mata ni Sage
sa katawan niya. She was not even visually naked pero iyon ang pakiramdam niya, ang
nakikita niya sa mga mata nito.

And then his hand reached for her neck, down to where her pulse was throbbing
frantically. She couldn't hide her gasp as he made contact with her skin.

He started to stroke that sensitive part of her neck and it felt so good that Kyra
had to bite her lip from sighing and moaning at the same time.

Then his head was starting to dip lower, inch by slow inch when something fell
above her feet. Napaigik siya. Nahulog na pala sa kanya ang bag niya.

"Are you okay?" tanong sa kanya ni Sage nang pulutin niya iyon.

"A-ayos lang," mabilis niyang sagot. She couldn't believe she lost the moment. Or
that she was actually letting him kiss her again.

"Salamat," sabi niya nang makatayo siya.

Everything that she saw on his face was wiped out and it was back from being
unreadable. Walang salitang tumango lang ito at lumabas na ng kuwarto niya.

She sighed when the door clicked close. Umupo siya sa gilid ng kama niya at
napatitig sa pintuan niya, nag-iisip. How was it that with just one simple touch
from Sage, she drown fast from different sensation and nerves and emotions? One
touch and she was ready to come undone?

She knew Sage was dangerous to her. And yet she needed him to be unwrapped.

Hindi pa man siya nakakaalis sa pagkakaupo niya ay bigla na namang bumukas ang
pintuan niya. And there he was again. No suit jacket this time, loosened necktie
and open-buttoned shirt, Sage stood at her door with fiery eyes.

=================

Chapter ♣ 16

TWIST

KYRA WATCHED his hands flexed on the knob and noticed that he had a tight grip over
it, as though he was afraid it would slip out of his hand and do something he
didn't want to do.

Kumalabog ang puso niya sa dibdib niya. What did he want to do then, aside from
just standing there?

"M-may nakalimutan ka ba?" she asked tentatively as she looked at him guardedly.

"Put your clothes on," he barely said in a clenched jaw.

Naguguluhang napatingin siya sa pajamas niyang nakalatag sa tabi niya. He wanted

her to put them on? Bumalik ito para doon?

She groaned inwardly and almost smacked her head then for thinking such abashing
thoughts. Kung anu-ano na lang ang pinag-iisip niya. Epekto siguro iyon ng
pagbabasa niya ng mga romantic novels.

If Sage could read her mind right now, he'll probably die laughing. Nakakahiya
siya. Would she actually let him do that?

Napabuga siya ng hininga bago tumingin kay Sage. "Uhm... Pwedeng sa labas ka muna
sandali?"

"Just put it on," seryosong sabi nito.

Kyra blinked one. Twice. Pero naroon pa rin ito sa pintuan niya. Hindi umaalis,
hindi gumagalaw.

Was he really serious? Doon siya magbibihis sa harap nito?

Naghintay pa siya ng ilang segundo para tingnan kung aalis ito roon pero mukhang
wala itong balak na lumabas at bigyan siya ng oras para magbihis.

"Hurry," he said impatiently. "I need to tell you something."

"Pwede ka namang maghintay sa labas kung may sasabihin ka." Bakit kailangan pa
nitong tumayo sa pintuan niya at panoorin siyang magbihis?

"I

don't have time to wait. I need to go back."

She frowned. Babalik siya sa meeting nila ng ganitong oras?

Hindi na lang siya nagtanong. Tumayo na siya bitbit ang t-shirt niya at tinalikuran
ito. She slid her shirt on and she could see him watching her from the mirror as
she did and it made her face grew hot. Inayos niya ang buhok niya saka in-adujust
ang tapis na tuwalya at ibinaba iyon para takpan ang giniginaw na binti niya. Hindi
na siya nag-abalang isuot ang pantalon niya-not while he's still watching.

Hinarap niya ito. "Okay na?"

Tiningnan siya nito mula ulo hanggang paa, at nagtagal iyon sa mga paa niyang
namumula pa. She tried not to wiggle her toes. Nakikiliti siya sa pagtitig nito.

"That's better."

Huminga siya ng maluwag. "Ano bang sasabihin mo?" tanong niya. She shifted
uncomfortably because it was awkward talking to him without her undergarments on.

"Be early tomorrow. May kailangan tayong puntahan."

"Pero Sabado bukas."

"I know. That's why I made the appointment. Bukas lang ang free schedule ko."

Lalo siyang naguluhan sa mga sinasabi nito. "Appointment saan?"

"To one of my friend."

"At bakit kailangan nandoon ako?" tanong niya ulit. Bakit kasi palagi itong putol-
putol kung magpaliwanag? And why would he need her to be with him that early just
to visit a friend?

Hindi ito agad sumagot. He just stared at her. And then he said, "He's a
neurologist."

"Neurologist," bulong niya. Pinipilit niyang huminahon pero nawawalan na siya ng

control. "You made an appointment in my behalf without my permission?"

Hindi nagbago ang mukha nito. Kalmado pa rin ito. "You need to see a doctor."

"Sinabi ko nang hindi ko kailangan, 'di ba?"

"I know. And it was not for your sake why I did it. It was for my own."

Bumuka ang bibig niya pero nawalan siya ng sasabihin.

Sage let out a harsh breath. "I needed assurance that you're okay and what happened
to you yesterday was nothing dangerous."

Napamaang si Kyra. Did she scare him that much? Did it scare him that's why he's
doing this? Did he think that she'd die?

Pero bakit hindi takot ang nasa mata nito? Hindi takot ang nakikita niya kundi
malasakit lang.

Was there a difference if he's scared or that he cared? Hindi niya alam. But she
wished that someone was scared more than cared about her. Someone who was scared to
lose her. Scared that she will disappear.

"Why, Sage?" tanong niya. "Why do you care so much? Hindi ba galit ka sa'kin dahil
may kasalanan ako sayo?"

Was it because he needed to know that she has a chance of remembering her past? Na
masasabi niya rito kung bakit siya umalis at masasagot niya ang mga tanong nito?

His teeth clenched. Tumalikod ito at inabot ang door knob. Akala niya ay hindi na
nito sasagutin ang tanong niya at iiwan na lang siya pero lumingon itong muli sa
kanya.

"Because I'm still your husband. And it's my right to take care of my wife."

His right.

"Iyon lang ba iyon, Sage?" Hanggang doon na lang ba ang dahilan nito?

Sage cocked his head and his cool eyes bore through her without a spare of mercy.
Ngumiti ito sa kanya at agad din iyong nabura. "Why? Do you want

to hear a lie instead? I'm sorry but I don't make it a habit to say words I don't
mean. So just settle with what you get from me and never look for something that's
not there."

Kyra watched him leave.

Maybe he was right. She should settle from his concern. Kahit naman may galit ito
sa kanya, asawa pa rin siya ni Sage. Maybe he was right. Hindi na dapat siya
naghahangad pa ng mas higit pa sa malasakit nito sa kanya. It was, after all, her
fault that they fell apart. Maybe he made the right decision to take her to a
neurologist. Para rin naman iyon sa kanya, kahit na alam niyang pareho lang din ang
sasabihin sa kanya ng titingin sa kanya bukas. Siguro nga tama si Sage... tama ito.

Siya na lang ang nagmamahal sa kanilang dalawa. Siya lang ang takot at siya lang
ang nag-iisa.

Naaawa na siya sa sarili niya. Kaya dapat lang siguro na pagbigyan niya ang gusto
ni Sage na sumama at magpatingin sa espesyalista. Wala namang mawawala sa kanya.
Isa pa, malay niya, baka ngayon ay may mag-iba na.

Sana... sana siya naman ang maging tama.

KATULAD NG gusto ni Sage ay maaga siyang nagising kinabukasan. Alas-sais pa lang ay

gising na siya kahit na inabot siya ng hatinggabi sa pagtulog.

Bumaba kaagad siya para magtimpla ng gatas niya at naghanda na rin siya ng kape at
agahan para kung sakaling maghanap ng agahan si Sage ay may nakahanda na. Sa labas
ng bintana ay naaninag niya ang isang puting sasaknyan.

Lumabas siya ng kusina at nakita niya sa garahe na wala roon ang itim na kotse ni
Sage. Hindi ba ito umuwi kagabi? Pero nakarinig siya ng tunog ng sasakyan bago siya
nakatulog nang hatinggabi.

At kanino iyang puting kotse?

"That's our ride for today."

Napatalon si Kyra mula sa pintuan. Sage was standing close behind her, his arms
were resting on either side of the doorjamb, stretched wide above her head. Hindi
niya naramdamang hindi na pala siya mag-isang nakatayo roon.

Halos kadikit na niya ito. Kung magkakamali itong lumingon sa kanya ay mahahalikan
na nito ang noo niya. She was so close that she could see the early stubbles
growing on his chin down to his throat.

Mabilis siyang tumingin sa kotse at bahagyang lumayo rito dahil nararamdaman na

naman niya ang lakas ng tibok ng puso niya.

"S-saan iyong isa?" tanong niya habang sumisimsim ng gatas niya.

"Pinakuha ko kay Mang Dante rito."

"Akala ko ba ikaw ang maglilinis no'n?" How many car does he own anyway?

She felt him looking down on her. Nararamdaman niya ang hininga nito sa buhok niya.

"I don't have much time today," sabi nito saka umalis sa likuran niya. "Bakit hindi
ka pa nagbibihis?"

Tiningnan niya ito at nakita niyang naglalakad na ito patungo sa coffee maker hawak
ang isang mug.

"Uminom lang ako ng gatas sandali."

"Magbihis ka na. We'll leave in an hour."

Hindi na niya inubos ang iniinom niyang gatas. She left it on the sink at iniwan si
Sage habang nagkakape ito sa kusina. Umakyat na siya kaagad sa kuwarto niya at
mabilis na naligo.

She took out her favorite long dress, the orange one. V-neck iyon at sleeveless.
Paborito niya iyon dahil iyon ang unang damit na binili niya pagkatapos ng therapy
niya.

Dahil sa matagal niyang pagkakahiga, her muscles shrunk. Nagkaroon

siya ng muscle wasting sabi ng doctor niya kaya naapektuhan ang paglalakad niya.
She couldn't walk and she couldn't stand for too long dahil mahina ang mga binti
niya. She relied on wheel chair, crutches and walker for a month.

Remembering those days only dampened her mood, kaya ibinalik na lang niya ang damit
sa cabinet niya at hinayaan doon. Some other time, she will wear it, kapag may
maganda at espesyal na okasyon. Today won't be that special day. It wasn't even a
date. Pupunta lang naman sila sa isang espesyalista e.

She settled with her usual cotton knit, long sleeves sweater and faded jeans.
Hinayaan niyang nakalugay ang buhok niya ngayong araw dahil wala naman siya sa
trabaho. Madalas niya iyong tinatali dahil abala sa trabaho niya kapag nakabuhaghag
ang buhok niya at tumatabing iyon sa mukha niya.

Hindi rin siya madalas gumamit ng make-up. Hanggang pulbo at lip shiner lang siya
dahil iyon lang ang kaya niya. Isa pa, wala naman siyang paggagamitan ng mga
kolorete kaya hindi na siya gumagamit.

Nang masiyahan siya sa itsura ay bumaba na siya ng kuwarto niya at ang tumutunog na
doorbell ang naulinigan niya.

May bisita ba sila ngayon?

Lumabas siya at binuksan iyon.

"Sharmaine?"

Nakita ni Kyra ang bahagyang pagbuka ng bibig nito pero mabilis nitong sinarado
iyon. Alam niyang nagulat niya ito.

Hindi ba nito alam na siya ang may-ari ng bahay?

Imposible. Sage would have mentioned it to her since she was the one who made the
contract. At hindi ba't ito rin daw ang nag-suggest ng kondisyon kay Sage na doon
siya patirahin?

"Si Sage? Is he there?"

"Oo.

Nasa loob siya."

Walang sabi-sabing pumasok ito sa loob at nilagpasan siya. Sinundan niya ito at
pinagbuksan ito ng pintuan saka pinapasok sa loob ng bahay.

"Sandali, tatawagin ko lang siya."

"You don't have to," pigil nito sa kanya. "I already called him before I came here
and he knows I'm here."

"Gano'n ba?" So what about their appointment? Tutuloy pa ba sila?

"Kumusta ka na?" Sharmaine asked her conversationally, which made Kyra confused.
Ngayon lang siya nito kinumusta at direktang kinausap. And in some ways, it felt
odd and unnatural.

"Ayos lang. Umupo ka na lang muna. Bababa rin si Sage mayamaya."

Umupo ito sa sofa at pormal na pinag-ikis ang mga binti nito. "Sage actually told
me about what happened to you. I hope you don't mind."

Ngumiti lang siya. Alam niya. Alam na alam niya. Pero kahit naman sabihin niyang
hindi siya payag at hindi siya natutuwa sa ginawa ni Sage ay wala din siyang
magagawa. Kahit pa pigilan niya ito, gagawin pa rin ni Sage ang gusto nitong gawin
kesa makinig sa kanya. Her words don't matter to him.

"He's been looking for you. Ilang tao ka na rin niyang hinanap simula noong nawala
ka. I'm happy that he found you again."

Kyra watched Sharmaine's face as she talked. Pero ni kunot ng noo o taas ng kilay
ay walang nagalaw sa mukha nito. Kaya hindi niya alam kung totoo nga bang masaya
ito na na nahanap siya ni Sage.

"Pero Kyra, hindi mo ba talaga maalala si Sage?" Her eyes looked straight at her.

"Hindi," maikling sagot niya. Kaya siguro ito madalas manalo sa mga hearings ay
dahil sa klase ng titig nito. Na kahit

nagsasabi ka ng totoo, pakiramdam mo, nagsisinungalin ka pa rin.

"Ako? Naaalala mo ba ako?" she asked carefully. And Kyra felt it was not out of
curiosity. Pero sinubukan niya pa rin itong alalahanin.

"H-hindi rin." Maliban sa pakiramdam na ayaw niya rito.

Sharmaine nodded, as if she was satisfied with her answer. "Honestly, nagulat ako
nang makita kita sa restaurant noong isang araw. I thought you're... gone."

Kumunot ang noo niya.

Gone?

"I mean... you were in France. According to Sage, gusto mo raw magtayo ng
restaurant doon. We really didn't expect you here. After all, you left him for
someone else," she said without batting an eyelashes. "Hindi na namin alam kung
nasaan ka pakatapos mong umalis. You just disappeared suddenly, at hindi ka na
nagpakita ulit."

"Tinutulungan mo ba akong makaalala?" aniya. Hindi niya nagugustuhan ang mga

sinasabi nito. Si Sage ang iniwan niya, kaya si Sage lang ang may karapatang
magalit at magsalita sa kanya ng ganoon at hindi ito.

Wala kahit na sino.

"Salamat dahil tinulungan mo si Sage na hanapin ako. 'Wag kang mag-alala. Ikaw ang
unang-unang sasabihan ko kapag bumalik lahat ng mga alaala ko. Pero habang hindi
pa, pwede bang huwag mo na ulit subukang pilitin akong makaalala. Hindi kasi
gumagana." Lalo lang siyang naguguluhan.

"Maine?"

Narinig niya ang boses ni Sage sa likuran niya at mabilis na tumayo si Sharmaine.
Her tanned face paled, pero dahil isa itong abogado, mabilis iong nakabawi sa
pagkakagulat nito.

Hindi niya ito nilingon habang naririnig niya ang paglapit nito. She smelled his
fresh scent and knew

he was coming closer. Naglakad na siya palayo sa mga ito at pumuwesto sa malayo,
pero dinig pa rin niya ang usapan ng mga ito.

"May lakad ka ba?" Sharmaine asked Sage.

Nakasuot lang ito ng white slacks, striped blue and white na sweater, katulad niya,
at nakapanloob ng soft blue na polo shirt habang nakarolyo ang manggas hanggang
siko. Ibang-iba iyon sa mga suits na palagi niyang nakikitang suot nito.

"Bakit, may nangyari ba sa opisina?" nagtatakang tanong ni Sage kay Sharmaine.

"It's Mr. Wong. He's taking a flight back to China next week and he was asking if
he can have the meeting today instead."

"Then why didn't you call?"

Her face went stiff. Kitang kita iyon ni Kyra, at dinig na dinig din niya ang
iritasyon sa boses ni Sage.

So, nagsinungalin si Sharmaine sa kanya. Sabi nito ay tumawag ito kay Sage kanina.
Why did she lie to her? Well, that would make her a bad lawyer for being a liar.

Tumikhim si Sharmaine. "I was on my way, so I decided to drop by and tell you
personally. Anyway, you look like you're ready to go out." Tumingin ito sa kanya at
mabilis na nag-iwas ng mata na parang gusto siya nitong takasan.

Bakit? Nahihiya ba ito na nahuli niya itong nagsisinungalin?

"Tatawagan ko na lang si Nancy para i-move ang meeting bukas," ani Sage.

"I already told her to schedule the meeting today. I thought you were free. Sabi
niya wala kang gagaiwin ngayong araw na 'to."

Sage sighed irritably. "I kept my schedule free because I had plans, Sharmaine."

"I'm sorry. But if you're ready to lose this contract, then I'd be happy

to retract the meeting. Sabihin mo lang."

Nakita niya ang pagtatagis ng panga ni Sage. Sa totoo lang, naiinis siya sa
ginagawa ni Sharmaine kay Sage. Pero si Sage naman ang masusunod, 'di ba? So he can
do whatever he like. He's the boss. He's the head employer and Sharmaine was just
his lawyer.

Pero nang lumingon si Sage sa kanya, alam na niya kung ano ang pipiliin nito. And
the gloating sneer on Sharmaine's face was all she needed to know what his priority
is.
"Sige na, Sage," maagap niyang sabi bago pa makapagsalita si Sage at makapagsabi ng
dahilan. "Ako na lang mag-isa ang pupunta."

"Pwede ko namang i-reschedule, para masamahan kita."

She could stay home today and rest. There's no need to rush. Marami pa naman ang
oras. Pero umiling siya. "Hindi na. Gusto kong pumunta." Gusto niyang pumunta ng
mag-isa.

Sage nodded. "Okay. Tatawagan ko si Mang Dante para ihatid ka. Just call me if
you're there."

Tumango lang siya.

"Let's go?" ani Sharmaine at inakay si Sage palabas ng bahay.

All her life, Kyra was always on the side lines. Tinatanggap niya lahat ng galit sa
kanya ng mga kapatid niya. Lahat ng tinatapon ng mga ito sa kanya. Naging sunud-
sunuran siya kagustuhan ng Papa nila, kahit pa labag sa kalooban niya. She felt
like she was never accepted for who she was. At kahit ngayong may kapansanan siya,
na hindi siya makaalala, it was still the same.

Galit pa rin sa kanya ang mga kapatid niya-kung may nabago man, iyon ay mas galit
ang mga ito sa kanya ngayon. And then there's Sage. She was still on the side
lines... just standing by and watching people walk

away and leave her, letting them treat her less important.

Kailan darating na siya naman ang aalis? Na siya naman ang magiging importante sa
buhay nila at siya ang kakailanganin nila?

Kailan?

ALAS SINGKO na nang dumating si Kyra galing ospital na pagod na pagod. Wala naman
siyang masyadong ginawa kundi ang magpa-MRI, CT scan, EEG, at ilang pang
tests.Nakahiga lang siya o kaya ay nakaupo buong araw.

Hindi pa niya alam ang mga resulta ng tests niya at sinabi ng doctor na ipapadala
na lamang daw nito ang resulta next week.

Pagdating niya kanina sa ospital ay hindi na niya tinawagan si Sage dahil ayaw
niyang guluhin pa ito sa trabaho nito na mukhang importanteng-importante rito.
Pwede rin naman kasi niya itong kausapin pagkatapos e, o kaya ay pagdating na lang
nito ng bahay. So there was no need to call him. The doctor was his friend, kaya
pwede ring silang dalawa ang mag-usap.

Sinara niya agad ang gate nang umalis si Mang Dante pagkatapos siya nitong ihatid.
Madali lang niya itong nakagaanan ng loob dahil na rin sa pangalawang beses na
nakasama niya ito.

Pagpasok niya ng bahay ay sinalubong kaagad siya ng nakaupong kapatid.

"Ate?" Mabilis niyang iginala ang mata sa paligid. Mag-isa kaya ito?
"Hindi ko kasama si Edward ngayon," sabi nito.

"Itutuloy mo pa ba ang pagbibenta sa kanya nitong bahay?"

Naghilot ito ng sentido. "Sinabi ko na sayo, 'di ba?"

"Ate, kasi... iyong bumili nitong bahay-"

"Wala akong pakialam sa bumili ng bahay. Ang gusto kong malaman ay kung nasaan ang
pera?"

"Ate, nasabi ko naman sayo, 'di ba?" pagod

na sabi niya. "Wala na sa 'kin dahil ibinayad ko na sa utang natin sa banko."

Tumayo ito at marahas na bumuga ng hininga na halatang nagpipigil lang ng galit.

"Binalaan na kita, Kyra. Malinaw ang sinabi ko na kapag hindi mo nabawi ang pera,
ibebenta ko ang bahay na 'to!"

"Try it."

Napasinghap siya nang makita si Sage na nakatayo sa pintuan. He looked so calm and
composed but Kyra knew better. Sage could hide his turmoil and he was good at
disguising his anger and his emotions. Pero hindi sa kanya.

Napaatras si Sandra sa likod ng sofa. Gulat na gulat ang mukha at halos mawalan na
ng kulay ang mukha nito nang makita si Sage. Nagpabalikbalik ang mata nito kay Sage
at sa kanya. "A-anong ginagawa ng lalaking iyan dito, Kyra?"

"Sage..." Kailan pa ito dumating? Hindi niya ito nakitang pumasok ng gate kasabay
nila.

Humakbang si Sage palapit sa kanila sa mahinahong hakbang. "Just try and sell my
house, Sandra, and you would wish you never touched this house."

"Sa kanya mo ibinenta ang bahay?" sigaw sa kanya ni Sandra. "Kyra naman! Hindi ka
na nahiya kay Papa! Sa lalaking iyan mo pa binenta ang bahay!"

"Ate, wala akong pagpipilian-"

"Hindi ka na nagtanda! Pagkatapos ka niyang lokohin at saktan? Iniwan ka niya,

Kyra! Pinagtabuyan ka niya! Tapos babalikan mo pa rin siya? Pagkatapos ka niyang-"

Sa malalaking hakbang ay mabilis na nakalapit si Sage kay Sandra. Tumakbo si Kyra

para awatin ang dalawa pero mahigpit ang hawak ni Sage sa braso ng kapati niya na
halos parang mababali ang buto nito.

"Shut. Your. Filthy. Mouth," he gritted in her

face. Halos magsilabasan ang ugat nito sa leeg dahil sa galit.

"Sage," awat niya rito at pilit na tinatanggal ang kamay sa braso ni Sandra.

Nang makalas niya iyon ay humakbang paatras ang kapatid niya na halos nangunginig
na sa galit o takot. Hindi niya sigurado.

Marahas siyang binalingan ni Sandra habang kuyom na kuyom ang bibig nito. "Hindi mo
pa ba naaalala ang ginawa sayo ng lalaking iyan, Kyra? Siya ang dahilan kaya ka
nagkaganyan! Ang lalaking iyan ang dahilan kaya namatay si Papa! Ang lalaking iyan
ang dahilan kaya ka naaksidente!"

"You lying bitch!"

"Tama na!" sigaw niya at pumagitna sa dalawa para pigilan si Sage sa pagsugod nito
sa kapatid niya. Pulang-pula ang mukha nito, marahas ang bawat hininga nito at
kuyom na kuyom ang mga kamao nito.

Sage was very angry. Pero hindi magawang matakot ni Kyra dahil iniisip niya pa rin
ang sinabi ni Sandra.

"Kapag nalaman ito ni Ate Stella, pagsisisihan mong sa lalaking iyan ka humingi ng
tulong!"

"Don't talk to her that way!" bulyaw ni Sage. "Kung ayaw mong pagsisihang nagpunta
ka pa rito!"

"Sage, tama na. Ate, pwede ba?!"

"Tintakot mo ba ako?" hamon ng kapatid niya habang nasa gitna pa rin siya.

His jaw worked and his eyes breathed fire. "Yes," he said in a clenched teeth. "And
I assure you that if you show your face to her again, you and your sister will
crawl beneath my feet and I won't stop until you beg for my mercy!"

"Hindi ako natatakot sayo! At ikaw, Kyra, hindi ka na nahiya kay Papa. Pagkatapos
ka niyang protektahan? Pagkatapos niyang umasang makakaligtas ka? Namatay siya
dahil sa inyo kaya magsama kayong dalawa! Mga buwisit!"

Isang malaks na hampas ng pintuan ang iniwan sa kanila ng kapatid niya nang lumabas
ito ng bahay.

Nanghihina siyang umupo sa mesang nasa likuran niya. Para siyang nawalan ng lakas
pagkatapos ng nangyaring gulo at hindi niya na kayang tumayo.

Tiningala niya si Sage na nananatiling nakatayo at nakakuyom ang palad. He looked

down at her, his face was stone hard and his eyes were burning. Alam niyang galit
na galit ito sa nangyari at kay Sandra. Pero hindi mawaglit sa utak niya ang mga
sinabi ng kapatid niya.

May kinalaman ba si Sage sa aksidenteng nangyari sa kanya?

=================

Chapter ♣ 17

CHASED

HINDI NA bumalik si Sandra sa bahay nila pagkatapos nang gabing iyon, pero
nakatanggap din siya ng tawag kaagad galing kay Stella pagkalipas ng ilang araw.
Katulad ni Sandra ay pinagalitan din siya ni Stella. Hindi rin ito makapaniwalang
kay Sage niya ibinenta ang bahay. Pero bakit?

Sage was her husband. Alam nila iyon, 'di ba?

Pero bakit nila sinasabing ito ang may kasalanan sa aksidente niya, samantalang iba
rin ang sinasabi ni Sage sa kanya?

He always say she left him and it seemed he had no idea she had an accident two
years ago. In fact, he didn't believe her. Hindi rin naman siguro magsisinungaling
si Sage sa kanya, hindi ba? At sinabi rin ni Sharmaine na hindi na raw siya
nagpakita sa kanila pagkatapos niyang umalis.

So does that mean her sisters would lie to her?

Sino ang papaniwalaan niya?

Kailangan niya ba talagang maniwala sa isa sa kanila?

Umiling siya at ipinagpatuloy na lamang ang ginagawang pagliligpit ng mga labahin

sa kuwarto ni Sage. Better that than slipping over her chaotic thoughts. Ano ba'ng
pwede niyang gawin maliban sa maghintay na bumalik ang mga alalaala niya?

Sabado ngayon at dahil buong araw siyang walang pasok at nasa bahay lang ay naisip
niyang maglaba.

Napameywang siya sa magulong ayos ng kama. Sage is a light sleeper. Pero kung
matulog ito ay dinaig pa nito ang ipo-ipo. Nagugulo lahat ng parte ng kama nito.

Iyon na ang pangalatlong beses na nakapasok siya sa doon at palaging ganoon ang
nadadatnan niya sa tuwing pumapasok siya sa kuwarto nito. Para

tuloy gusto niyang isiping sinasadya ni Sage na guluhin iyon para lang pahirapan
siya.

It was the old guest room and he arranged it according to his taste just this week.
May pumunta roong interior designer, si Janet, at inayos nito ang buong silid para
gawing kuwarto at opisina ni Sage. Mayroon na iyong sariling en suite bathroom kaya
hindi na nito kailangang magpalagay pa ng banyo.

Gusto niya sanang tanungin si Sage kung bakit ayaw nitong gamitin ang master's
bedroom, so he won't need to set up the old room. Mas malaki ang kuwarto ng Papa
niya, mayroon na ring built-in na study room, mas maluwag at maliwanag kumpara sa
guest room, at matagal na ring walang gumagamit doon.

Pero nitong mga nakaraang araw ay mas madalas pa niyang makita si Janet kesa kay
Sage. Madaling araw ay nagja-jogging na ito. Pagkatapos ay kakain ito ng agahan
nang hindi siya kinakausap. Hanggang sa pagpasok nito sa trabaho.

Halos isang linggo na rin siyang hindi pinapansin ni Sage pagkatapos ng gulo na
dinala doon ng ate niya. Maybe he was as affected as much as she was. Kung hindi
niya inasahan ang mga sinabi ni Sandra, marahil ay ganoon din si Sage.

Napabuntong hininga siya. Mas grabe pa ang mood swings ni Sage kesa sa babaeng
menopausal. Ang bilis-bilis magpalit ng mood. Nakakabaliw na.

Isang card ang nahulog mula sa t-shirt ni Sage at pinulot kaagad iyon ni Kyra. It
was a black card with a written golden letters. VS Steele ang nakasulat. Sa likod
ay listahan ng numero nito.

She took out her phone and scrolled Sage's number. Bakit wala roon ang numero na
nasa kanya?

Ibinalik na

lang niya iyon sa mesa at sinimulang ayusin ang kama nitp nang may marinig siyang
tumutunog na telepono. Nahanap niya iyon sa connected study office nito at agad na
sinagot.

"Hello?"

"Good morning, miss," sagot ng isang babae. "Mr. Steele left a file on his table in
his office this morning. Can you look for it, please?"

"Sa desk niya ba?" Tiningnan niya ang mga nakalagay sa office table at nakita niya
kaagad ang tinutukoy ng babae. "Nakita ko na." Iyon lang naman kasi ang laman ng
desk ni Sage.

"Can you bring it here? Kailangang kailangan kasi ni sir ngayon sa meeting niya."

Hindi na siya nagtanong at nagdalawang-isip na dalhin doon ang file folder. Mabilis
siyang nagpalit ng damit at umalis dala ang mga papel sa lugar na sinabi ng babae
kanina.

Akala niya ay hindi na masyadong ginagamit ang mga ganitong hard copy ang mga tao
ngayon. Nariyan na ang USB, laptop, at kung anu-ano pang bagong gadget na ginagamit
sa file storage. She didn't expect that a guy like Sage would still use this kind
of old stuff.

Pagkatapos niyang bayaran ang taxi ay bumaba kaagad siya at hinanap ang address.
Pero hindi niya inasahan ang makikita niya.

Stanfield Empire. Iyon ang sinabi ng babae sa telepono. And she thought it was just
a name. A title. Pero hindi niya inasahang totoong emperyo iyon. It fitted its name
so perfect. So well.

Nalula siya sa laki ng building at sa lawak niyon. Gawa iyon sa glass panels at
modernong-moderno ang disenyo. At lalo pa siyang na-intimidate sa mga suot at
itsura ng mga taong nagsisilabas-masok sa gusali. They all looked so smart and
elegant-just

like the building.

Huminga siya ng malalim na hininga at mahigpit niyang itinali ang tali ng jacket sa
beywang niya saka naglakad papasok ng building, dala ang hinihinging papeles sa
kanya.

Agad na sumalubong sa kanya ang napakalinis at kumikintab na sahig ng lobby.

Naiilang tuloy siyang apakan iyon dahil pakiramdam niya madudumihan niya iyon.
Mahal siguro ang bayad sa mga janitor dito.

Dumiretso agad siya sa reception area at tinanong ang babaeng naroon kung nasaan
ang opisina ni Sage.

"Salamat."

Agad siyang sumakay at nakipagsiksikan sa mga tao nasa loob elevator saka pinindot
ang floor na sinabi ng receptionist.. Dahil nasa itaas ang opisina ni Sage ay siya
ang naiwan at ang huling bumaba. Katulad ng nasa lobby, makintab ang bawat sulok ng
palapag na iyon.

"Hi, miss. Ikaw po ba si Nancy?" tanong niya sa babaeng nakaupo sa likod ng desk
paglabas niya ng elevator. Iyon siguro ang secretary ni Sage. Mayron itong maliit
na mukha, petite, at may mahabang buhok.

Ngumiti agad ito sa kanya nang makalapit siya. "That must be the files." She took
the papers from her and walked out of her desk. "Thank you, Miss. You can leave
now."

Hindi na siya nagtagal at umalis na siya doon. Iyon lang naman ang ipinunta niya
doon.

Bawat bukas ng elevator ay nakikita niya ang bawat loob ng palapag. Every floor was
different from the other but each of them was as fast paced and hectic as the
previous one.

This was how Sage's world evolve every day. He walks inside his kingdom and people
around him work like a clock. He's a man of power. Of prestige and wealth. He
dominates.

He reigns.

Hindi niya lubos maisip na nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataong makasama sa mundo ni

Sage. She must be very lucky then to have the attention of this kind of man. She
must have the world in her hand when she was wrapped up with his love. Siguro, wala
siyang kasingsaya nang mga panahong iyon.

But, just like in the movies, worst times come... and they will either break or
make you. And it's all up to your choice, if you hold on to it despite whatever
life throws at you or give up.

But in her case... hindi niya alam kung ano ang ginawa niya. She just know she let
him go.

Dire-diretso ang lakad niya paglabas niya ng elevator nang may tumawag ng "Miss!"
sa likod niya.

She looked back and saw a man running towards her. Kumunot ang noo niya habang
hinihintay ang paglapit nito sa kanya. Hindi niya alam kung bakit niya pa ito
hinihintay e wala naman siyang kilala sa lugar na iyon.

Pero biglang tumawa ang lalaki nang nasa harapan na niya ito.

"I'm sorry. Mukha kasing hindi mo ako nakikilala," anito.

Tinitigan niya ito ng maayos. "Ikaw ba iyong kaibigan ni Sage?" tanong niya nang
maalala niya ang dimples nito. He's that man from Kryptonite.

"That's me." Ngiting-ngiti ito kaya kitang kita niya ang malalim na dimples nito
ngayon. "Usually nakikilala kaagad ako ng mga tao, especially girls."

"Ah..." Mayabang din ang isang 'to. She smiled. "Pasensya na. Mahina lang talaga
ang memorya ko." Literal na sabi niya.

"It's okay. I'm not offended. Medyo unusual lang. What are you doing here anyway?
Don't tell me you work here too?"
"Uh... hindi.

May idinaan lang ako rito." Bakit niya ba ito kinakausap pa?

"You deliver food too?"

She sighed. Mukhang pagkain yata ang pagkakaintindi nito. "Hindi, hindi pagkain ang
ibig kong sabihin."

Naghintay pa ito ng susunod niyang sasabihin pero ngumiti lang siya. If she told
him it was a file for Sage, magtataka ito. At madalas, kapag ang tao ay nagtataka,
they will ask questions or do things just to satisfy their curiosity. And
sometimes, in their insuppressible urge to find answers, they tend to know things
they shouldn't have known from the beginning-things they do not expect.

Kaya nagpaalam na lamang siya sa lalaki bago pa niya mapukaw ang kuryusidad nito.

"Wait just a second," anito at biglang yumuko sa harap niya.

Napaatras siya dahil sa gulat pero na-realize din niya agad ang gusto nitong gawin.
He was tying her loosened shoe lace.

"Ay, naku, sir! Ako na lang diyan!" Pinipilit niya itong patayuin at awatin.
Nilalayo pa niya ang kaliwang paa niya rito pero desidido itong ayaw magpapigil. He
was laughing as he chased her lace.

"It's okay. Let me tie it for you."

Nakakakuha na rin sila ng atensyon galing sa mga nagdaraang tao kaya tumigil na
lang siya at hinayaan ito para matapos na.

Just then, one of the elevators opened and a group of men stepped out of it. There
were too many of them. Halos magkakapareho ito ng damit, itsura at tangkad, idagdag
pa ang iilang body guards sa likuran ng mga ito.

But Kyra could only see one man.

Mabilis niyang tinapik ang umaayos sa nabukang tirentas niya. Her blood was racing.
Nasa may gitna

pa sila nakapwesto.

"Okay na iyan."

The man looked at those people and smiled. "Don't worry, they won't mind," sabi
lang nito at pinagpatuloy ang ginagawa.

But he was wrong.

Kitang kita niya ang pagtigil ng mga ito nang makalapit sila sa kanila, pati na rin
ang paglingon sa kanya ni Sage. His lips curled as he slid his eyes lower.

Tumayo bigla ang lalaking kasama niya kaya nawala si Sage sa paningin niya.

"You should watch out next time. Hindi mo ba alam na maraming nadedesgrasya diyan?"

"Uh... sige. Salamat."

Nakita niyang lumabas na ang mga ito sa building and her shoulder sagged. Ano nga
ba ang inaasahan niya? Papansinin siya ni Sage? Iniiwasan nga siya sa bahay, sa
ibang lugar pa kaya?

"Are you okay?"

Tumango siya. "Oo naman. Sige, aalis na ako. Salamat ulit dito..."

"Xyrus," maagap na sabi nito. "I'm Xyrus de Lucca."

Naglahad ito ng kamay. Pero isang kamay ang biglang sumulpot mula sa likod niya at
nakipagkamay rito.

"Xyrus."

Kyra sucked in her breath. What the heck?! Pakiramdam niya ay dumaan sa likod niya
ang timbre ng boses ni Sage.

Lumngin siya sa labas at nakita niya ang mga kapatid nitong nakatingin sa kanila.
Blue was grinning, Duke was amusingly shaking his head, and the other one was
smirking.

"Sage," Xyrus said grinning as he shook his hand.

Nilingon niya si Sage sa tabi niya at nakita niyang nakatingin ito sa mga paa niya.

"You were quite busy here," he muttered. Kung anong ikinangiti ni Xyrus ay siya
namang ikinakunot ng noo ni Sage.

"I just fixed her shoes. Alam mo na, baka madapa siya

kapag naapakan niya. That will injure her lovely face."

Ngumiwi siya kay Xyrus. Kailangan talaga nitong sabihin iyon?

"I see..." Sage said indifferently. Kinuha nito bigla ang kamay niya at tinapik si
Xyrus sa balikat. "Thanks for the help." Then he tugged at her hand. "Let's go?"

"Ha? Uh..." What was he doing? Bakit siya bigla-biglang pinapansin ni Sage? He was
ignoring her for a week.

Pero hindi siya hinintay ni Sage na sumagot. "We'll go ahead," paalam nito kay
Xyrus at hinila na siya paalis doon.

Kitang kita pa niya ang pagngisi ni Blue sa labas ng glass panel at ang pagkunot ng
noo ni Duke. Now they had them curious.

"Dude, ang taas pa ng tirik ng araw, nambabakod ka na," bungad agad sa kanila ni
Blue pero hindi ito pinansin ni Sage.

Nakatayo lang sila doon sa labas kasama ang mga kapatid nito at hawak pa rin ni
Sage ang kamay niya. She wanted to slip out of his hand because of them, lahat sila
nakatingin sa kanila, lalo na iyong isa sa kanila. Kung makatingin ito sa kanya,
parang binabaliktad nito ang lupang tinatapakan niya.

"Hi, Kyra! Kumusta na?" Kinawayan siya ni Blue.

"Hoy, Blue. Ang taas ng tirik ng araw namboboso ka na."

Duke laughed. "Sage, why do you sound so defensive?"

"I do not."

"Zeke, baka gusto mong turuan si Sage kung pa'no manligaw ng tama."

"Kuya, isa pa iyang 'di marunong manligaw e," ani Blue. "Ako na lang ang magtuturo
kay Kuya Sage."

Sage scoffed. "Mas lalong wala akong tiwala sayo."

Just then, a balck SUV parked in front of them. Binuksan ni Sage ang passenger seat
at pinaakyat na siya doon.

"Diyan na kayo," sabi nito sa mga kapatid nito.

"Saan mo naman dadalhin si Kyra?"

"None of your damn business. You can get inside your car now." And he closed the
door.

"YOU KNOW Xyrus?" Iyon agad ang tanong sa kanya ni Sage nang umaandar na ang
sasakyan.

Hindi lang pala ang driver nito ang naroon dahil nakasakay din pati ang secretary
nito. And she was curiously looking at her.

Hindi niya ito masisisi. She just handed her the files, at akala siguro nito ay
katulong siya ni Sage. And now, he was keeping her inside his car.

"Hindi. Ngayon ko lang siya nakilala," sagot niya at tumingin sa labas ng bintana.

"Tapos hinayaan mo siyang ayusin ang sapatos mo?" Tumaas ang boses nito.

Pinapagalitan ba talaga siya ni Sage sa harap ng secretary at driver nito? My

goodness!

"Mang Dante, sa mall tayo," utos ni Sage sa driver.

"But, sir, wala tayong schedule doon," maagap na sabi ni Nancy na nakaupo sa
unahan.

"I won't take a few minutes."

Hindi na nakaimik si Nancy at muling tumingin sa harap.

Ilang sandali pa ay dumanting sila sa isang mall. Bumaba si Sage at hinila na naman
nito ang kamay niya. Natigilan siya bigla.

"Sage, anong ginagawa natin dito?"

Pero hindi siya sinagot ni Sage. Pumasok sila sa mall kung saan siya nagtatrabaho
noon-ang mall na pagmamay-ari nito.
Nakilala kaagad siya ng guard dahil ito iyong dating assigned sa department store
noong naroon pa siya, at ganoon din si Sage. Well, who wouldn't? He owns the
establishment.

God! Gusto tuloy niyang magtakip ng mukha.

Lumiko sila sa isang

store at nakita niya ang tatak no'n bago sila pumasok.

Gucci.

Her eyes widened. What was he thinking? Bakit siya dinala rito ni Sage?

Nakasunod pa rin sa kanila ang secretary nito pati ang dalawang malalaking lalaking
nakasuot ng maitim na suit at salamin. Sa labas agad pumuwesto ang mga ito habang
kinakausap ni Sage si Nancy.

Kailan pa nagkaroon ng body guard si Sage? She thought as she watched those men.

Mayamaya ay umalis na si Nancy at naglibot sa shop habang si Sage ay kampanteng

nakaupo sa sofa na naroon at inabala ang sarili sa pagkalikot sa cellphone nito.

She stayed away from the shoes as she tried to ignore the sales ladies surrounding
them. Kahit na hindi nagsasalita ang mga iyon ay alam niyang pag-uusapan sila ng
mga ito kapag wala na sila. Take it from her.

Hindi nagtagal ay bumalik si Nancy na may dalang sapatos.

"Wear it," ani Sage na nakatingin pa rin sa cellphone.

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya. Seryoso ba ito? Kaya sila nando'n?

Tiningnan niya ang price tag ng sapatos, and her eyes widened again.

"Sage, ang mahal nito!" Hindi niya iyon kayang kitain sa isang linggo!

Sage looked up at her and calmly asked, "Who said you'll buy it?"

"Pero hindi mo na ako kailangang bilhan-"

"How many times do I have to remind you that I am not just anybody," pigil nito sa
kanya. "I am your husband. I can buy everything I want to give you and I can
provide you whatever you wish to have. Now, take those shoes off and wear those."

"May mga sapatos na ako. Hindi ko na kailangan ng isa pa."

"I

know that. Pero gusto kong tanggalin mo iyan. Isuot mo ang binili ko, para hindi na
nakakalas ang tirentas ng sapatos mo at hindi kung sinu-sino na lang ang umaayos
niyan sayo."

"Ano?"

He sighed impatiently and stood up. Kinuha nito ang mga sapatos sa kamay ni Nancy
at biglang umuklo sa harap niya.

"Sage, ano'ng ginagawa mo?"

"Don't move."

"Sage!" napaigik siya nang maramdaman niya ang kamay nito sa legs niya.

Mabilis siyang napahawak sa balikat nito nang bigla nitong itaas ang paa niya at
napakagat niya ang labi niya para hindi matawa. Nakikiliti siya sa paraan ng
pagkakahawak nito sa paa niya.

"Sage, tumayo ka diyan. Ako na," bulong niya rito. Ano na lang ang iisipin ng
secretary nito, at ang mga sales lady. Kilala pa man din niya ang isa sa kanila.

"Hawakan mo lang ako ng maayos at 'wag kang gagalaw."

Ang tigas ng ulo.

Humawak na lang siya ng maayos sa balikat nito at hindi siya gumalaw. Pagkatapos ng
isang paa ay sa kabila naman nito isinuot ang isang pares ng sapatos. He didn't ask
for her shoe size, pero kasyang kasya iyon sa kanya. How much did he know about
her?

Siguro marami...

Nang maisuot niya ang mga sapatos ay lumapit sa kanila si Nancy at bumulong kay
Sage. "Sir, iyong meeting ninyo."

Kyra took her hand from his shoulder when he was standing up. "How much time do we
have left?"

"Three hours and half, sir."

"May pupuntahan ka pa ba?" tanong ni Sage sa kanya.

Umiling lang siya. Hindi niya alam na may meeting pala itong kailangang puntahan
ngayong hapon pero narito ito sa mall at binibilhan siya ng sapatos.

May tinawag ito at isa sa mga body guard ang lumapit sa kanila.

"Here," may iniabot itong susi sa lalaki. "Take her home."

She wanted to stop Sage but his eyes flashed her a warning. "I'll see you at home."

Tiningnan siya ni Nancy bago umalis ang mga ito. Maybe she was as confused as
everybody else. Pero hindi siya ang dapat na magpaliwanag sa bawat galaw ni Sage
dahil kahit siya ay naguguluhan rito.

DIRETSO SIYANG inuwi ng body guard ni Sage. Pagkatapos ay bumalik na rin ito paalis
doon.

She stared at her foot for a moment. Mas okay sana kung si Sage ang pumili no'n.
Pero kagaya nga ng sinabi niito noon, she should settle for what she was getting
from him. At least, he knew her shoe size, right? Siya nga, hindi niya alam ang
size ng sapatos nito, kahit ang simpleng bagay tungkol rito. Katulad na lang ng
paborito nitong kulay.
So yeah...

Saka lang niya naalalang hindi niya dala ang dati niyang sapatos nang makasakay
siya ng kotse. Gusto sana niyang balikan iyon, pero ang sabi ng body guard ni Sage,
baka naitapon na iyon.

She could still use that shoe for months. Hirap kasi sa mayayaman, hindi nila
maintindihan ang ibig sabihin ng sentimental value. Or do they? Siguro kay Sage
lang ang hindi.

He throws things so easy because in his world, money flows like waterfall. Itong
sapatos niya, butil lang iyong ng buhangin sa yaman nito. Mas malaki pa nga yata
ang butil ng buhangin e.

Binuksan niya ang pintuan ng bahay at isang malakas na sigawan at paputok ang
bumulaga sa kanya.

"Happy birthday!!"

=================

Chapter ♣ 18

ATTENTION

"MAY ICE cream pa sa ref. Dali, kunin mo."

Naguguluhan at namamanghang tiningnan ni Kyra sina Kylie at Yana habang kumakagat

siya ng pizza. They brought her boxes of pizza, balloons, a birthday cake, and
gifts. At may kasama ding pansit at isang tray ng cassava cake.

She's actually very surprised that they made an effort to celebrate her birthday,
kahit na next week pa iyon.

Kumuha ulit siya ng isa pang slice ng pizza. "Pa'no nga pala kayo nakapasok?"
tanong niya. She locked the house before she left, right?

Lumabas ng kusina si Kylie na may dala-dalang baso. "Nakabukas ang gate ninyo.
Akala nga namin nandito ka kasi hindi rin naka-lock ang pintuan e."

"Bukas ang pintuan?!"

Shucks! Nakalimutan na naman niya!

The last time it happened, nakatanggap siya ng tawag kay Stella. May mga pulis daw
sa labas ng bahay nila dahil sa pagtunog ng security alarm. Naiwan niyang nakabukas
ang gate nila noong araw na iyon at dahil sa pagkamakakalimutin niya kaya muntikan
na silang manakawan.

Her sisters were really angry at her then. Wala pang apat na buwan noon nang
makapagtapos siya ng rehab at nagsimula siyang maghanap ng trabaho. Pero kahit
hanggang ngayon, nakakalimutan pa rin niya. Mabuti na lang at hindi ibang tao ang
nakapasok.

"Saan ka ba galing at iniwan mong bukas itong bahay ninyo?" tanong ni Kylie habang
nilalagyan ng soft drinks ang mga baso.

"Nakalimutan ko sa pagmamadali ko kanina. Teka, wala ba kayong pasok ngayon?" It's

Saturday at madalas ay may pasok sila sa sabado, kahit linggo.

"Hiningi namin kay Ms. Charlotte na mag-day off ngayon imbis na next week. Alam mo
naman kapag may grand sale, umuulan ng customers."

"Sa next week na iyon," ani Yana sabay buntong hininga.

Isa sa malalaking event ng mall ang Grand sale kada anim na buwan, dalawang beses
sa isang taon. At naiintindihan niya kaya gano'n na lang ang itsura ni Yana. Next
week will be a war.

"Pumayag talaga si Ms. Charlotte na bigyan kayo ng day off?"

"Nakakagulat 'di ba?" natatawang sabi ni Kylie. "Kahit nga CR break, may schedule.
Pero kilala mo naman iyon. Hindi iyon basta-basta pumayag. Kailangan pa naming
dumaan sa butas ng karayom sa kamay ng bruhang iyon."

Tinapunan ni Yana ng tingin si Kylie habang natatawa rin. "Uy, grabe ka naman.
Bruha talaga?"

"Bakit? Bruha naman talaga iyong si Ms. Charlotte, 'di ba? Actually, mas sobra pa."

Naiilang na lang siya sa dalawa. Akala pa naman niya ay nakaabot na sa pandinig ng

dalawa ang pagdating niya sa mall kasama si Sage kanina. Gossips fly faster than
wind, at kung hindi man iyon nakarating sa mga kaibigan niya, malamang kay Ms.
Charlotte na.

"Pero salamat dito ha."

Kumaway si Kylie ng kamay. "Sus, wala 'to! Maliit na bagay."

"Oo nga, ate. Birthday mo naman kaya dapat lang na nagsi-celebrate tayo."

"Pero hindi ba masyadong marami itong hinanda ninyo?" Parang hindi nila kayang
ubusin iyong tatlo.

Nakita niya kung pa'no nagkatinginan sina Yana at Kylie nang tumunog ang doorbell
at nagngitian pa na parang may masayang mangyayari.

Kyra frowned. Were they expecting someone?

Tumayo siya para buksan iyon, pero

inunahan na siya kaagad ni Kylie.

"Ako na, Kyra. Umupo ka na lang diyan."

She turned to Yana. "May inimbita ba kayo?"

Nagkibit-balikat lamang ito at nakangiting sumubo ng ice cream nito. Sino pa kaya
ang tinawagan ng dalawa para pumunta? Imposible naman kung pati ang mga dati niyang
kaibigan ang inimbita nina Kylie.

In her small circle of friends, wala siyang gaanong kaibigan na masasabing close
niya maliban kina Kylie at Yana, besides her old friends. Pakiramdam kasi niya,
hindi na siya katulad ng dati-hindi na siya iyong Kyra na kilala ng mga ito.

She's changed, alam niya iyon. At siguro ay nakikita din iyon ng mga itinuring
niyang kaibigan noon.

After her accident, sina Kylie at Yana lang ang madalas na nakakasama niya. Isa pa,
matagal na rin siyang walang contact sa mga naging kaibigan niya noong nasa college
siya.

Mayamaya ay narinig niyang bumukas ang pintuan at pumasok doon si Kylie kasunod si
June na nagkakamot ng batok.

Napatayo siya. "June?"

Ngiting-ngiti sa kanya si Kylie. Gusto niya itong pagsabihan kung bakit nito
pinapunta si June.

June smiled at her as he walked in. "Uh... para sayo." Nahihiyang inabot nito ang
dalang bulaklak sa kanya. "Happy birthday."

"Next week pa naman ang birthday ko, pero salamat rito. Hindi ka na sana nag-
abala."

"Hayaan mo na si June, Kyra. Na-miss ka niyan," sabi ni Kylie sa likod niya.

"Halika ka na rito, June. Umupo ka na. Tabi ka kay Kyra."

Her eyes sharpened at Kylie. Ayaw naman niyang paasahin si June. Isa pa, nasabi na
niya ritong wala itong mapapala sa kanya dahil hindi na hihigit pa sa kaibigan

ang tingin niya rito.

Mabuti na lang at kay Yana ito tumabi. She doesn't want anything to be awkward.
Minsan na nga lang sila nagkakasama-sama. They should make the most out of this.
Besides, it's her birthday treat.

Paminsan-minsan, habang nag-uusap-usap sila ay nahuhuli niya si Kylie na nagmamasid

sa paligid na parang may gusto itong hulihin. Alam naman niya kung sino iyon.

Mabuti na lang at wala pa si Sage. Ayaw naman niyang mailing ang mga bisita niya
dahil nasa loob ang boss ng mga ito.

She looked at her wristwatch. Anong oras kaya darating si Sage? Pwede kaya niyang
tawagan ito at sabihing huwag na muna umuwi? Pero baka magtaka naman ito kapag
ginawa niya iyon.

Hindi nagtagal ay hindi na rin niya namalayan ang oras. Nagkukuwentuhan na silang
apat at nagtatawanan. Kahit si June ay nawala ang pagkamahiyain nito habang
nagkukuwento si Kylie ng kung anu-anong nakakatawa.

Nalaman din ni Kyra na naka-move on na si Yana sa ex nito na iniyakan pa nito noong

nagvideoke silang tatlo. At kuwento rin ni Kylie, kaya daw ito mabilis na naka-move
on ay dahil sa guwapong bagong empliyado roon.

Kyra couldn't help but think, is that so easy to move on from one relationship and
let go of the person you loved? Because they make it seem so simple and so easy.
Hindi naman siguro iiyakan ni Yana ng ganoon ang ex nito kung hindi nito mahal ang
lalaki, 'di ba? They were in that relationship for three years. Matagal na ring
panahon iyon para sa dalawang tao.

Pero ganoon ba talaga kadali para masabi mong naka-move on ka na? Na okay ka na at
bukas na ulit ang puso

mo sa isa pang pagkakataon?

Pero bakit pagdating sa kanya, hindi madali?

Was it because Yana didn't love her boyfriend as deep as she loved Sage? O baka
dahil asawa niya si Sage at hindi pa doon umaabot si Yana at ang ex nito?

Well, hindi lang talaga pare-pareho ang tadhana ng bawat isa. People were born in
different stars, and their fate were written in different paths. And hers was
destined to be this way...

She can't move on without knowing first what she's going to let go.

"Kyra, may nagbubukas yata ng gate ninyo," ani Yana habang nakasilip sa bintana.

Tumakbo din si Kylie sa bintana at nakisilip. June just turned his head and kept on
sipping his drinks.

Shucks!

Mabilis na tumayo si Kyra nang makita ang head lights ng kotse ni Sage.

"Ano'ng oras na?" tanong niya pero nakatingin na siya sa relo niya.

Alas-sais na ng gabi! It's almost dinner time! Wala pa siyang naluluto o nasasaing
dahil nakalimutan niya at paniguradong magagalit si Sage sa kanya. Baka isipin
nitong kinakalimutan na niya ang trabaho niya at pinapabayaan na niya ito dahil may
bisita siya.

Urgh! Napaparanoid na naman siya.

"Kyra, ano'ng ginagawa mo?" tawag ni Kylie.

"Magluluto!"

"Ha? E ba't sa taas ka pupunta?"

"Magbibihis lang ako sandali!" sigaw niyang muli habang tumatakbo paakyat ng
hagdan. Hindi pa siya nakakapagbihis simula pa kaninang pagdating niya.

Mabilis siyang nagbihis at pagbaba niya ang tatlo pa rin ang nadatnan niyang nag-
uusap-usap.

"Dito nakatira si Sir Sage?" seryosong bungad sa kanya ni June.

"Mahabang

kuwento, June," ani Kylie at tinapik nito ang balikat nig lalaki. "In short, si
Sage ang may-ari nitong bahay at nakikitira na lang si Kyra."

Well, that was the shortest version of the story. And Kyra liked to keep it that
way. Hindi na nila kailangang malaman ang kadramahan ng buong pangyayari.

"Ang swerte mo, Ate Kyra! Pwede rin kaya akong makitira dito?"

"Ikaw talaga. Naging single ka lang, ang landi mo na."

"E 'di ba nga, the best revenge is success. Kapag ako napansin ni boss, hmp!
Tingnan lang natin kung hindi tumirik ang mata ni Gian sa pagsisisi!"

Umiling lang si Kylie. "'Wag ka ng magsaing. May mga pakain pa naman dito o. Bigyan
mo na lang, para hindi masayang iyong iba. Pakainin mo rin nitong cake na dala
namin."

Umupo na rin si Kyra sa tabi nila. "Nasa'n siya?"

"Umakyat kaagad. Hindi pa bumababa," sagot ni June sa tanong niya.

"W-wala siyang sinabi sa inyo?"

Umiling si Kylie. "Sa tingin ko, nagulat siya pagpasok niya. Pero wala, tahimik
lang nong pumasok e. Pero hayaan mo na iyon, baka stressed lang sa trabaho. Alam mo
naman 'pag mayayaman. Pagod sa dami ng inaasikaso."

"Pagod din naman tayo sa kakatrabaho kahit 'do tayo mayaman," bulong ni June.
Napansin ni Kyra na kunot na ang noo nito ngayon, hindi katulad kanina na tawa lang
ito nang tawa.

"Ang mabuti pa, ipagtabi mo na lang siya ng pagkain niya para makain niya mamaya."

Sinunod ni Kyra ang payo ni Kylie at itinabi na lang si Sage ng pagkain niya kesa
magluto pa siya. Masasayang lang kasi ang pagkain kapag hindi naubos at baka
mapanis pa.

Hindi kaagad umuwi ang mga bisita

niya. Nagtagal pa sila ng ilang sandali doon at nakipagkwentuhan sa kanya. Naglaro

pa sila nang kung anu-anong laro, kahit truth or dare ay pinatulan na nila.

"O, June... truth or dare?"

"Dare," matapang na sabi ni June kay Kylie.

Ngumisi si Kylie kay Kyra. "Titigan mo si Kyra sa loob ng dalawampung segundo nang
hindi pumipikit."

Tiningnan niya ng matalim si Kylie. Mamaya baka hindi lang titig ang iutos nito kay
June. Naku, talagang malilintikan sa kanya ang kaibigan niya. May plano pa yata
itong maging s kupido ngayong gabi.

"Game!" sabi ni June pero biglang may tumikhim galing sa likod nila.

"Kyra," tawag ng malalim na boses at tumahimik lahat ng kasama niya.

Tiningnan niy sa Sage sa likuran niya. He was wearing a clean v-necked black shirt,
grey sweatpants and he looked fresh out of the shower. Basa pa ang buhok nito at
amoy na amoy niya ang aftershave nito. He looked and smelled nice.

Pero nakabusangot naman ang mukha nito. He's obviously irritated.

"Hm?" she asked.

"Have you seen my red tie?"

"Red?" Seriously? She didn't even know he own a red tie. "Kailangan mo ba bukas?
Hahanapin ko na lang iyon mamaya sa mga nilabhan ko. Baka naisama ko doon."

Hindi ito sumagot o umalis doon.

"Gusto mo bang sumali?" alok niya rito.

Sage shook his head. "Gusto kong kumain. Nagugutom ako."

"Heto, may itinabi ako para sayo." Kinuha kaagad niya ang mga pagkain at inayos ang
mesa.

"Bring them here. Dito ko gustong kumain." Sage was already sitting on the couch,
right next to where they're playing.

Nakita niya ang pagtikom

ng bibig ni Kylie at ang pagkakamot ng kilay ni Yana. Kyra breathed deep and
brought him the food. Tiningnan nito ang mga dala niyang pagkain nang mailapag niya
ang mga iyon at kumuha ng isang pizza.

Heto na nga ba ang sinasabi niya.

Kyra huffed. Hindi na sila makapaglaro ng maayos habang naonood si Sage sa kanila.
Hindi rin sila makapag-usap ng maayos dahil kahit hindi nagsasalita si Sage, alam
niyang nakikinig ito. Ng maayos. Hanggang sa naisipan na nina Kylie na umalis na at
umuwi.

"Tulungan ka na naming magligpit," pang-aalok ni Kylie.

Hindi na rin siya tumanggi dahil hangga't maaari, ayaw muna niyang maiwan kasama si
Sage. He's been acting strange since this afternoon. And when he does that, her
heart sings a different tune.

"Ako na magdadala niyan, Kyra." Kinuha na kaagad ni June ang mga bitbit niyang
hugasin at nakita niya si Sage na tahimik na nakatingin sa kanila.

Sumunod siya sa kusina at naaabutan niya si June na inaabot ang gripo. Mabilis niya
itong pinigilan.

"Ako na rito." Ngumiti siya rito. "Tulungan mo na lang sina Yana sa labas."

"Kyra..."

Nagulat siya nang kunin ni June ang kamay niya at nakita niya ang pagkunot ng noo
nito nang maramdaman nito ang magaspang niyang kamay. She's not really bothered
about her calloused fingertips. They were part of her struggles-and no matter how
hard her life was, she couldn't complain. After all, she had her life back.

"Kyra, kung wala kang matutuluyan, pwede ka namang lumipat sa amin. Uh... Ang ibig
kong sabihin, sa tita ko," mabilis nitong bawi. "May paupahan siya at mura lang ang
singil niya.

Maliit nga lang ang kuwarto pero mas mabuti na iyon kesa nagtitiyaga ka rito."
Napamaang siya kay June. Iniisip ba nitong napakasama ni Sage sa kanya at
napipilitan lang siyang makitira roon dahil wala siyang mapuntahan?

She sighed and gently took her hands away from him. "June-"

"Kyra."

Sabay silang napalingon sa entrada ng kusina. Nakatayo roon si Sage at sa mga kamay
nila ito nakatingin bago umangat ang mga mata nito kay June. He had that lazy
expression on his face, but his eyes were nearly murderous.

"Bakit?"

"Nakita mo ba ang pares ng medyas ko?" seryosong tanong nito na nakatitig pa rin
kay June.

"Ha?" She had to ask again. Kanina pulang neck tie. Ngayon pares ng medyas?

Sage can be very moody and morose often times, but he's never untidy and
disorganized with his things, especially his wardrobe. He's close to being a
perfectionist.

So why was he looking for a pair of sock?

"Hahanapin ko na lang iyon pagkatapos nito," sabi na lang niya.

"Kyra!" Narinig niyang tawag ni Kylie sa labas.

Lumabas na rin siya kasama si June at nilagpasan si Sage sa pintuan.

"Tutuloy na kami," paalam ni Kylie sa kanya at saka tumingin sa likod niya. Kahit
hindi niya ito lingunin, alam niya kung sino ang naroon. Sage was close behind her.

"Salamat ulit sa pagbisita."

Niyakap niya sina Yana at Kylie. Nang si June na ang lalapit sa kanya ay naramdaman
niya ang paglapit ni Sage sa kanya mula sa likuran. Her back straightened.

Sa huli ay kinamayan lang siya ni June saka mabilis na umatras.

Hinatid na niya ang mga ito

palabas ng gate. Paglingon niya ay nakita niya si Sage na prenteng nakasandal sa

pintuan.

"Who's the boy?" salubong nito sa kanya pagpasok niya.

Kumunot ang noo niya. Boy?

"Si June ba?" Niligpit niya ang natitirang balloons at itinabi iyon sa mga regalo.

"June..."

Tumango siya. "Nagtatrabaho rin siya sa mall ninyo," sabi niya saka tumawid sa
harap nito para kunin ang bulaklak na bigay ni June.

"Really?" he said dryly. "Was that from him?" Itinuro ng mga mata nito ang bulaklak
sa kamay niya.
Hindi siya sumagot. Obavious namang kay June galing ang mga iyon.

Tumaas ang kilay nito. "What was his name again?"

"Bakit mo tinatanong?" Bakit curious na cious ito kay June?

"Wala lang." Nagkibit ito ng balikat. "Pagsasabihan ko lang. But honestly, I was
thinking of firing him."

She gasped. "Ano? Bakit?"

Seryoso ba talaga ito? But June was one of their best employees! Nakatanggap pa nga
ito ng employee of the month noong nagsisimula pa lang siyang magtrabaho doon.

"May ginawa ba siyang kasalanan?"

Sage cocked his head. Kitang kita ni Kyra ang pagdilim ng mga mata nito. "To me?
Yes, he did."

"S-sayo?" naguguluhang tanong niya. Whatever June did to him? Hindi nga madalas
magkita ang dalawa.

"Hindi mo alam?"

Umatras siya nang lumapit si Sage sa kanya. He took the flowers from her hand and
before she could stop him, he had them inside the trash bin.

"God damn stupid flowers!"

Her mouth dropped. "Bakit mo tinapon?!" Hindi siya makapaniwalang ginawa iyon ni
Sage!

"Sorry.

But I like them better trashed."

"Bakit ka ba nagkakaganyan? Kanina ka pa e, pati kay Xyrus ganyan ka-"

"I'm surprised you still remember his name."

"'Wag kang sarcastic, Sage," inis na sabi niya.

His lips quirked up. "You call this sarcasm?"

"Alam mo, gusto kong isiping nagseselos ka e."

"And what if I am? Hindi ba pwede?"

Napatitig siya kay Sage. Parang nalulon niya bigla ang inis niya.

Seryoso itong tumitig sa kanya. "I'm his boss and there's a line between me and my
employees."

"Dahil lang doon kaya gusto mo siyang tanggalin sa trabaho?"

"I hate the way he's looking at you, Kyra. Hawak siya nang hawak sa kamay mo. He
can't seem to keep his eyes off of you and that's violating the line. He should
know that he can't touch what's mine."
Umiling-iling siya habang nagririgudon ang tibok ng puso niya. "You're ridiculous."

Umiling din ito. "Well, it doesn't sound ridiculous to me. Can't you see the way he
looks at you?" anito habang humahakbang palapit sa kanya. "He looks at you like a
man who has a calim on you."

What?

"I thought I was done chasing your attention many years ago. Pero kahit hanggang
ngayon, naiinis pa rin ako kapag may ibang taong umaagaw ng atensyon mo."

And he trapped her between the table and him. Hindi siya makawala dahil nasa
pagitan na siya ng mga braso nito. And damn her fool betraying heart! Nagwawala na
naman ito sa loob ng dibdib niya.

Sage seized her chin when she tried to look away and a slow, lazy smile curved on
his lips.

"A possessive man can be very jealous over the attention of

his woman. And I'm a very possessive man, Kyra. Lalo na ngayon."

Dahan-dahan itong lumayo sa kanya. Her breath was coming off choppy, she was nearly
panting. Sage do that to her. Ito lang. At hindi niya alam kung dapat ba niyang
ikatuwa iyon o ano. But she was pretty sure she doesn't hate it. Peeved but not
hate.

Hindi siya makagalaw habang pinanood niya itong kumukuha ng isa sa mga pizza na
itinabi niya rito.

"What's the occasion anyway?" biglang tanong nito, and she had the crazy urge to
laugh out loud.

Ang lakas ng loob nitong sabihin ang mga salitang iyon kanina pero kahit birth date
niya hindi nito alam? Tss...

"Hahanapin ko na iyong pulang neck tie mo at ang pares ng medyas mo," sabi niya at
iniwan itong mag-isa.

Possessive my ass!

IT WAS a sunny Tuesday morning when Kyra woke up late. Mabilis siyang bumangon sa
kama at agad na tiningnan ang oras.

"Eight na pala!"

Nagmamadali niyang inipit ang buhok niya at tumakbo pababa. Shucks! She didn't
prepare Sage a breakfast! She overslept!

Dumiretso siya sa kusina. At natigilan siya nang maanaw niya si Sage sa labas. Nasa
likod ito ng sasakyan at mukhang abala ito sa paglilinis niyon.

"Wala kang pasok?"

Sage looked up at her and disarmed her with his smile. Umihip ang malakas na hangin
at nilipad niyon ang buhok niya. Mabilis niya iyong inayos at inipit s alikod ng
tenga niya. She's very aware of her bed hair now, thanks to him.

"I cleared my schedule last night." Lumabas ito mula sa likod ng sasakyan at
napalunok si Kyra.

He was freaking shirtless in a broad daylight! At basang-basa pa ang katawan nito

dahil sa paghuhugas nito ng kotse. Her eyes trailed helplessly from his wide
shoulders down to his chest that flexed fascinatingly when he pushed his hair out
of his face and her eyes slid lower, tracing the water drops trailing down to his
tight abs that was gleaming from the sunlight. Her fingers itched and she suddenly
wanted to touch those muscles and see if they were as hard as they seemed.

"Ah!" Napasigaw siya nang maramdaman niya ang tubig na bumabasa sa buhok niya. And
then Sage laughter rang around her.

Tumakbo siya pero hinabol pa rin siya ni Sage habang pinapaliguan siya nito ng
tubig galing sa hose.

"Sage! Tama na! Nababasa ako!"

Humahalakhak lang ito na parang tuwang-tuwa na nababasa siya. Hindi na rin niya
mapigilan ang matawa. Sage was crazy!

Basang-basa na siya nang tumigil ito. Her hair was dripping wet and her clothes
were sticking to her like second skin. Tinanggal niya ang buhok na nakadikit na sa
mukha niya.

"Kulang na lang shampoo," natatawang biro niya.

Sinusubukan niyang pigain ang tubig sa damit niya nanag mapansin niya ang
pananahimik ni Sage. Tiningnan niya ito at para siyang nakuryente sa pagtatama ng
mga mata nila. His dark heated eyes were so intense she could feel them boring
inside her, burning something deep in her core.

Ito ang unang bumawi ng tingin. He walked somewhere and she realized he was
grabbing his black towel. Tapos ay bumalik ito sa kanya at inikot iyon sa balikat
niya. He was standing so close to her so she decided to look at their feet. Ang
liit ng mga paa niyo sa pagitan ng mga paa nito.

"Hey," tawag nito at umangat siya ng ulo.

His eyes shined so bright today. Hindi niya mapigilang titigan ang mga iyon.

He removed a wet strand from her forehead and smiled. "Go out with me today."

=================

Chapter ♣ 19

SONNETS
HINDI MAKAPANIWALA si Kyra na niyayaya siya ni Sage na lumabas. She feels like
everything was suddenly coming off so fast and unexpected.

And it frightens her. Dahil gustong-gusto niya ang mga nangyayari, ang pinapakita
sa kanya ni Sage. Of how he was making her feel, every flutter of her heartbeat,
every catch of her breath, every squirm inside her stomach.

God! Every day, she wished for this. She prayed that someday, someone will find her
and make her feel special.

Ayaw niyang mag-assume at isiping nagiging mabait lamang si Sage sa kanya dahil may
kailangan ito sa kanya. Wala naman talagang dahilan para gawin nito iyon-ang maging
mabait sa kanya para lang bumalik ang alaala niya. But he's doing it. He's making
her feel... owned-something she had never felt again that she had forgotten what it
felt like.

But what's so frightening? It's Sage. Her husband. The man who asked for her hand
in marriage. The only man who was once close to her as intimate a husband to his
wife.

"So what do you think?" Sage turned to her then.

Nasa loob sila ng isang bakanteng shop kasama ang isang babae. Kanina pa ito
nagpapaliwanag tungkol sa laki at potential ng lugar na iyon. Hindi talaga siya
nakikinig sa pag-uusap ng dalawa pero palagi rin naman siyang hinihila pabalik ni
Sage sa tuwing lumalayo siya sa kanila.

"Hm?" he asked again. Waiting.

"Ang alin?" sabi niya. She really doesn't know what to say.

"This place," he said gesturing around.

Tumingin siya sa paligid. Bakit pa nito hinihingi ang opinion

niya? It's not like she knows what he's thinking to do with this place.

"Malaki. Nasa highway lang kaya madaling hanapin kung papatayuan mo ng business...
The sun will set in this area, and it will be a perfect scenery kung maglalagay din
ng mga upuan sa labas."

Kyra sighed wistfully. This actually reminded her so much about...

Bumalik ang tingin niya kay Sage at napatitig rito. Nasabi ba niya kay Sage noon?
It seemed probable, or maybe it was just a simple coincidence. But this place
reminds her so much of her dream place... perfect place to set her restaurant.

She mentally swiped the thought arising in her head. Of course, he wouldn't do
that. Hindi siya bibigyan ni Sage ng isang ganito... 'di ba?

Ngumiti si Sage sa kanya.

No, please don't tell me...

"I bought this place two days ago and it's yours now."
Biglang nanikip ang dibdib ni Kyra. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang sasabihin niya...
kung ano ang dapat niyang gawin. Pero hindi niya inasahang iiyak siya. Her eyes
stung and her throat was burning.

Mabilis niyang pinunasan ang mata niya nang lumapit si Sage sa kanya. Wala na ang
ngiti nito kanina. Salubong na ang mga kilay nito at pinigilan ang kamay niya sa
pagpupunas ng mata niya.

"What is it?" he asked.

Lalong nanikip ang dibdib niya dahil sa concern sa boses nito. This was too much!

"Sage, hindi ko... I-I can't... I don't..." Umiling-iling na lang siya dahil hindi
niya sigurado kung ano ang sasabihin niya. Wala siyang masabi. She couldn't even
say a simple thank you dahil hindi naman niya kailangan iyon. Sa ngayon.

Humigpit

ang hawak sa kanya ni Sage. "This was your dream, right? You can put up your own
restaurant now. You don't have to work and wait tables anymore."

Doubt passed across her face. Hindi niya alam kung kaya pa niyang mag-manage ng
sariling negosyo dahil sa memory lapses niya.

"Come on, Kyra. Don't let your condition control your life. Nawalan ka lang ng
alaala, but your passion is still there. You're a great cook, always has been, and
I don't want to see it go to waste again."

Kyra could feel that she's so close to hoping, to giving in because it was all so
easy to believe when he said those words with genuine eyes and trusting voice...
but could she? Could she trust him?

Who could blame her if she's not so certain about his true intentions, kung bakit
nito ginagawa ang lahat ng 'to? Pagkatapos ng mga narinig niya sa naging usapan
nila ni Shamaine sa library na iyon? Pagkatapos ng mga sinabi ni Sandra? Kahit
gustong-gusto niyang maniwala, hindi pa rin niya maiwasang mag-isip ng "paano
kung...?"

Paano kung parte ito ng plano ni Sage? Paano kung lahat ng ito ay hindi totoo?
Paano kung nangangarap lang siya ng mag-isa at umaasa sa mga bagay na hindi rin
pala magkakatotoo?

Kaya ba niya? Ang masktan?

Pero paano kung hindi? Paano kung mali siya? Paano kung ito na... ito na ang simula
ng pagbabalik ng samahan nilang mag-asawa?

Could she pass it to fate and trust wherever it takes them, come what may?

"Is it the place? We can find something bigger if you want."

"Sage, hindi naman iyon ang problema e."

How could she explain this without sounding pathetically

hopeful?

Huminga siya ng malalim at hinayaan ang kamay ni Sage na manatili sa kamay niya.
"Gusto ko lang maintindihan kung bakit mo 'to ginagawa dahil ayokong mag-isip ng
higit pa sa kung ano'ng kaya mong ibigay."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito.

"Sinabi mo na, hindi ba? Na 'wag kong lagyan ng ibang kahulugan ang pinapakita mo,
na dapat akong makontento sa mga binibigay mo. Pero Sage, ang hirap ng hinihingi
mo. Nahihirapan akong gawin iyon dahil rito, at mahihirapan akong lalo kapag
ipinagpatuloy mo itong ginagawa mo. Naisip mo ba iyon?"

Naging tahimik ito. Kyra expected that, na hindi ito sasagot, na aalis ulit ito at
tatalikuran siya. But she couldn't help but hope that someday, he will face her and
give her answers.

Pero siguro nga, hindi pa iyon ngayon.

Tumalikod si Sage at binitawan niya ang kamay nito. Siguro dapat hindi na lang siya
nagsalita. It gets her nowhere.

She turned to leave, pero ang kamay ni Sage ang pumigil sa kanya at nakita niya ang
pagdaan ng babaeng kasama nila sa gillid niya. Noon lang niya na-realize na nandoon
pa rin pala ito kasama nila.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Nilingon niya ang malalim na boses na iyon ni Sage. She expected anger, but she met
an uneasy frown and a troubled eyes.

Lumunok ito at hindi makatingin ng diretso sa mga mata niya. "This isn't coming so
easy as I thought..." bulong nito.

Pinanood lang niya ito, nag-iisip kung ano ang ginagawa nito. His chest bulged,
stretching his shirt as he took a deep breath, as though he's gathering enough
strength for what she didn't know. Pero hinintay pa

rin niya ito.

Unang titig pa lang nito sa kanya, hindi na kaagad niya mapigilang umasa na naman.
But he was staring at her earnestly, purposefully, as if he had a life mission and
he's determined to win it.

"I want you to come back," he said in length. "As my wife."

Umawang ang mga labi niya. She wanted to say a word, but her brain stopped
functioning. Everything just seemed frozen. Iyong puso lang yata niya ang hindi.

"Hindi kita masisisi kung nagugulat ka sa mga nangyayari. We saw each other again
in utmost unexpected circumstances, and I admit, I was blinded by my rage. I just
felt you owe me something, that's why I did what I did. And I thought I could take
my revenge and dump you somewhere-just like what you did to me."

He gave a short laugh and shook his head. "Pero hindi pala ganoon kadali iyon. I
still can't get over what you did to me... but I also can't get over you. It's just
you, Kyra. My life got stuck because of you. Pero kahit ngayong nakita kita, I
still feel stuck. Dahil hindi ko pa rin alam kung bakit mo ginawa iyon. Bakit mo
ako iniwan at sumama sa iba. I am your husband, alam mo ba kung ga'no kasakit
sa'kin ang ginawa mo?"

Hindi na siya makapagsalita. What could she say in her defense when she got
nothing? And worse, she felt the guilt. And accepted that everything that happened
was her fault. She should be blamed.

Bumuga ng marahas na hangin si Sage. "My only mistake then was that I gave you
options, a chance to choose... but you answered a different choice. This time, I am
making the selection. And I'll do what you should've

done for us," sambit nito sa matigas na tono. "I am choosing you, Kyra. I am
choosing you over my revenge, over the answers you might never remember... because
I want you back. Just you. No past, no faults... nothing. I don't care about them."

It hurts to breathe. It hurts to speak. But she was happy.

Lumapit ito sa kanya at kinulong ang mukha niya sa mga palad nito. He looked at her
solemnly. Deeply. Her heart was searing with pain in its burning intensity.

"We will start over again, okay?"

And what else could she say? She's too happy she couldn't speak. Tumango na lang
siya. And for the first time, in two years after she woke up... in weeks after she
met him, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in a tight, euphoric
hug.

"Happy birthday," narinig niyang bulong nito. And yes, she felt like a new born
child.

Finally, she could start a new beginning.

NAHIRAPAN SI KYRA na magpaalam sa pinagtatrabahuhan niya sa mga sumunod na araw.

Ayaw niya sanang umalis muna sa Kryptonite dahil gusto niyang makahanap muna ang
may-ari ng papalit sa kanya. Pero nakausap na ni Sage si Sapphire kaya wala na
siyang nagawa.

"Sayang dahil hindi ka nagtagal sa amin dito, pero ayoko namang awayin ako ng asawa
mo. He can be a monster sometimes, but I know he meant good naman. Ayaw ka yata
niyang pagtrabahuhin dahil sa ngayari sayo dito noon," ani Sapphire sa huling araw
niya.

Akala niya sinabi lang iyon ni Sage para payagan siya ni Sapphire na umalis doon
kahit na hindi natatapos ang kontrata niyang anim na buwan. Pero kahit sa bahay ay
pinahinto na rin siya

ni Sage sa paglilinis at kukuha na lang daw ito ng kasambahay para ito na ang
gumawa sa mga gawaing bahay.

After the day they had that talk, small changes happened. Nakikita niyang pursigido
si Sage na magsimula silang muli. And she's very happy he was. Now, she could
finally rest all her worries.

She would still wait for her memories to come back. Pero sa ngayon, ayaw niyang
sayangin ang pangalawang pagkakataon nila ni Sage. She understood that they can't
go back to the way they were before. Hanggang hindi siya nakakaalala, this, for
her, was as new as for him too. Magsisimula siya ng panibagong alaala, kasama ito.

Dalawang araw na siyang hindi naglilinis simula noong pinatigil siya ni Sage, pero
wala pa ring dumarating na kasambahay. Ang sabi ni Sage ay mayroon na raw itong
nahanap pero next week pa raw ito darating kaya naisip niyang maglinis na lang muna
habang wala pa ito.

Nakarating na siya sa kuwarto ni Sage nang maalala niya ang sinabi nito kaninang
umaga. She has to find a name for her restaurant!

Ang sabi niya masyado pang maaga para pag-isipan niya iyon, pero mas mabuti na raw
iyon kesa naghahabol at para maumpisahan na nitong pagawan ng desinyo o logo. Sa
tingin nga niya ay mas excited pa si Sage kesa sa kanya na matapos ang restaurant.

Marami na siyang naiisip na pangalan habang nagva-vacuum siya ng sahig pero hindi
pa rin niya makuha-kuha ang gusto niya. Kaya nang makapasok siya sa opisina ni Sage
ay sinilip niya ang bookshelf nito kung may dictionary o thesaurus doon at baka
sakaling makahanap siya ng mas babagay na pangalan sa restaurant niya.

Hindi naman

kasi iyon basta-basta na lang. It will be the name and trademark of her business,
at hindi na iyon mapapalitan kapag nabigyan na niya kaya gusto niya, iyong unique
per malakas ang dating sa tao. Pang-masa.

Nahanap niya kaagad ang thesaurus doon ngunit nakuha ng isang libro ang atensyon
niya.

It was an odd book, dahil iyon lang ang maliit sa hanay at may katagalan ang
itsura. Kinuha niya iyon at mas lalo siyang nagulat dahil isa iyong poetry book na
gawa ni William Shakespeare.

Matagal na niyang gustong basahin ang librong iyon. Dahil sa pagka-obsess niya sa
Romeo and Juliet, gusto na niyang basahin lahat ng sulat ni Shakespeare. At hindi
niya inaasahang mahahanap niya iyon sa mga libro ni Sage.

He read this kind of book?

Bumaba na siya kaagad at nagmamadaling sinimulan iyon pagkatapos niyang linisin ang
buong kuwarto. Bukas na lang niya sisimulang maglaba dahil gusto na niyang mabasa
iyon.

She scanned the book and the redolence of every turned old page made her feel
suddenly nostalgic.

Binasa niya iyon, at habang tumatagal ay natatawa na lang siya dahil minsan ay
nasasabayan pa niya ang ilan sa mga tula ni Shakespeare na parang memoryadong
memoryado niya iyon noong una...

She immediately looked at the cover again. Halos sira na ang gilid ng libro at
kulubot na ang cover nito. It looked so old... at natitiyak niyang wala siyang
nakitang kopya ng first edition ng Shakespeare's Sonnets and Poem sa library Papa
niya. Wala rin sa mga bookstores na napuntahan na niya.

Ngayon lang ba niya nabasa iyon? O matagal na?

"Saan mo nahanap iyan?"

Mauntik na niyang mabitawan ang libro

dahil sa biglaang pagdating ni Sage. He was looking at the book with an odd
expression. Kinabahan siya dahil baka ayaw nitong hinahawakan ng ibang tao ang
librong iyon at baka iyon ang dahilan kaya ganoon ang itsura nito.
Tumayo siya para ibigay iyon rito. Pero mabilis itong umalis doon at umakyat nang
hindi pa siya nakakalapit rito. But even before he could leave, she saw a glimpse
of the emotion he was trying to conceal.

Sage was hurt. And he was masking it with anger.

Pero bakit? What brought that hurt in his face?

She felt something slipped from the book. Isang patay na rosas nang tingnan niya
iyon. It used to be as red and alive as blood...

Bumalik ang mga mata niya sa librong hawak-hawak pa rin niya. Nanginginig ang mga
kamay niya na parang ayaw na nitong hawakan ang libro. Na parang ayaw na nitong
buklatin ang mga pahina. Dahil alam niya... alam niya bago pa niya makita ang
nakasulat sa likod na sa kanya ang librong iyon.

Even before she could read what was written at the back of the book, she already
knew what it says.

"Doubt that the stars are fire,

Doubt that the sun doth move his asides,

Doubt truth to be a liar,

But never doubt I love."

With all my love,

-VS.

This book was the first and last birthday gift Sage had ever given her. And she
just deserted it when she left him.

Hindi ang libro ang nanakit. Hindi iyon ang dahilan kaya nasaktan si Sage. Siya...
siya ang sagot sa tanong niya. She was the one who brought that hurt in him.

"ANG BANGO."

Nagulat si Kyra nang bigla

na lang niyang narinig ang boses ni Sage sa likuran niya habang naghihiwa siya ng
sibuyas. Maaga siyang nagluto ng panghapunan dahil ang pagluluto lang ang
makakapagpawala ng iniisip niya.

She's been thinking about the book too much. Hindi na kasi bumaba si Sage simula
noong nakit aniyang hawak niya ang libro at naisip niyang siguro ay naungkat no'n
ang nakaraan.

Lilingunin na sana niya si Sage nang bigla ay naramdaman niya ang paglapat ng
dibdib nito sa likod niya at ang dahan-dahang pagpulupot ng mga braso nito sa
beywang niya. Her breath immediately arrested. Hindi pa rin siya sanay kapag ganito
si Sage.
"I see..." Nakikiliti ang tenga niya sa hininga nito. "You cooked my favorite."
Naramdaman niya ang paglapat ng labi nito sa punong tenga niya.

"Uh... kasi-" She gasped. Nilipad na ng hangin ang sasabihin niya dahil sa ginagawa
ni Sage. He was kissing her neck and she could feel his hands sneaking underneath
her sweater. They were rough against her skin, yet his caress was very gentle.

"Kasi...?" bulong nito habang hinahalikan ang balikat niya.

"Uh... kasi akala ko galit ka... dahil sa libro."

She bit her lip when she felt him stiffened. Pero hindi ito lumalayo sa kanya.

"It's okay," sabi nito mayamaya at naramdaman niya ang paggalaw muli ng kamay nito
sa ilalim ng sweater niya. Then he pulled them out and turned her around. "It was
yours. Dapat lang na ibalik ko sayo iyon."

Her heart was beating so fast and she could feel something twisting inside her as
she looked at his face. And she could see clearly now... the flashbacks playing in
her mind. She could remember his face. The curve of his lips when he smiled. The
sound of his laughter. The way his eyes spark every time he looked her and the way
they darkened at night. The way he kissed her spine and whisper "I love you..."

Something rang. Bumitaw si Sage sa kanya at kinuha ang cellphone nito sa bulsa ng
joggers nito. "Wait a sec," paalam nito at binigyan muna siya ng halik sa pisngi
bago umalis.

She watched him walk away and the twisting intensified as his voice disappeared.

Would she be able to hear him say it to her again, after she trampled it? Would it
be the same love again? Could she not doubt it?

=================

Chapter ♣ 20

FREE FALL

"THIS ONE'S GREAT too."

Tiningnan ni Kyra ang tablet ni Janet at sinipat ang retro-themed na ipinakita nito
sa kanya. Ito ang kinuha ni Sage na mag-design ng restaurant niya at hindi naman
siya tumutol. She actually knows what she's doing.

In fact, Kyra was very impressed when Janet modernized the old guest room and
turned it into a more defined room. Siguro ay kuha na nito ang gusto ni Sage kaya
bumagay rito ang desinyo ng kuwarto.

She pursed her lips and thought of how she envisioned her restaurant.
"Gusto ko sana iyong simple lang at hindi makaka-occupy ng malaking space, pero
kayang mag-accommodate ng maraming customers. You think that's possible?"

"Kaya naman. We just have to choose the right furniture for you, na babagay pa rin
sa concept na gusto mo. Let's see..." Nagsimula na ulit itong mag-ikot kasama ang
junior assistant nito.

Dinaanan ni Kyra ng paningin ang buong shop. Hindi pa rin niya lubos maisip na
magkakatotoo na ang pinangarap niyang restaurant. It was happening in front of her
eyes.

Pero hindi pa rin niya maiwasang isipin kung kaya niya ba. What if magkaroon ulit
siya ng lapses? It could happen.

But then, hindi naman talaga siya ang magtatrabaho, 'di ba? She would just manage
it, be her own chef, at pwede rin siyang kumuha ng assistant kung gugustuhin niya.

So, where's the problem? Wala naman talagang problema.

Siguro nagkakaroon lang siya ng mixed emotions at dahil sa kaba kaya pakiramdam
niya ganoon.

Well, she was just very thankful that she has

Sage's full support at hindi na ito tumututol sa mga gusto niya. Ito pa nga ang
unang nagalit nang magtrabaho siya.

At least ngayon, she doesn't feel like a prisoner anymore. Pinapayagan na siya ni
Sage na umalis ng bahay, lalo na ngayong may kasambahay na sila at may magbabantay
na ng bahay sa tuwing wala siya.

Palagi din itong nakatutok sa progress ng pagpaplano nila ni Janet. He always check
for updates kahit nasa opisina ito. Kani-kanina nga ay tumwag ito sa kanya at
nagtanong kung may problema.

She smiled when she remember the time he was so against her working. Galit na galit
pa siya noon kay Sage dahil sa pagre-restrict nito sa mga galaw niya. But look at
her now, ang bilis niyang pumayag na sumunod rito at umalis sa trabaho niya.

Well, things change... and so do human hearts.

If Sage could choose her so easily without regret or second thoughts and set his
vengeful pride aside just so he could take her back... bakit siya hindi?

The least she could do now for him was to retrieve her memory. Para masagot na niya
ang mga tanong nito. More than her own desire to know about her past...

"You like it?" huli sa kanya ni Janet habang lumilipad ang isip niya.

"Huh?"

Janet grinned. "The walls."

Tiningnan niya ang konkretong tinutukoy nito pero wala siyang makita. She was lost.
Hindi na niya nasusundan ang mga sinasabi nito kanina.

Lalong lumawak ang ngisi nito. "Nakangiti ka kasi, akala ko nagustuhan mo ang mga
suggestions ko," tumawa ito. "Is that what people do when they're so much in love?
They space out?"
Naramdaman niya ang pag-init

ng pisngi niya at lalong humalakhak si Janet. Ganoon na ba siya masyadong halata?

She wondered what Janet knows about her and Sage.

"That's okay," anito. "Anyway, ako na lang ang bahala sa mga furnitures. Ise-send
ko sayo ang mga pictures para makapamili ka. And as for the walls," binigyan nito
ng diin ang huling salita, "I will prepare a catalogue for you, or better yet,
gagawa na lang ako ng design presentation together with some other details para ang
gagawin mo na lang ay ang pumili, okay?"

Tumango siya. "Sige."

But she doubt if it will be an easy task. Ang hirap pumili, lalo na kung marami
kang gusto. Kaya nga ang tao, minsan hindi makuntento sa isa.

Pinapanood niya si Janet habang kinakausap ang junior assistant nito nang marinig
niya ang katok sa katabi niyang glass panel.

She turned and saw Xyrus leaning against the glass facing her with a grin. Tapos ay
umalis na lang ito doon bigla at mayamaya ay naramdaman niya ang pagpasok ng hangin
mula sa labas.

"Ang bilis mo yatang ma-promote," anito habang nakapamulsa.

Tinitigan niya ito nang hindi nangingiti. Hindi niya alam kung joke ba ang sinabi
nito o insulto.

He chuckled. "It's a compliment," sabi nito na parang nababasa ang isip niya.
Siguro ay nasa mukha niyang nainsulto siya.

Tumaas lang ang kilay niya. Talaga? Compliment na bang maituturing iyon ngayon?

"Galing ako sa Kryptonite kagabi," patuloy nito, "at ang sabi e umalis ka na raw.
Hindi ka naman daw tinanggal ni Saph, kaya nagtaka ako kung bakit ka umalis. And
then now, it make sense."

Tumingin ito sa paligid nila at

nanatili lang siyang tahimik. "So you suddenly decided to manage your own business,
huh? That's really brave. Hindi ko alam na may plano kang mag-business. You know
what, here."

May kinuha itong business card sa bulsa ng suit nito at binigay iyon sa kanya.

Michael Xyrus de Lucca

CEO, President

DeLucca Furniture's

"Para saan 'to?" takang tanong niya. Hindi na siya nasurpresa na isa itong CEO at
presidente ng sarili nitong kompanya. Kaibigan ito ni Sage kaya natural lang iyon.

"Well, I wanna do business with you," kampanteng sagot nito. "Clearly, you need a
supply of furniture. Well, I can show you some of our best sellers and I can assure
you, we offer the best qualities, from our materials and-"
"Sige, sasabihin ko kay Janet," maagap niyang putol rito bago pa ito magsimulang
mag-sales talk.

She really doesn't want to be rude, pero ayaw niya lang kasi itong kausapin. He
looked like a man who can make Sage feel threatened. Kung bakit niya iyon naisip,
hindi niya alam. Maybe it's just the way Sage acted when he saw them together in
his empire. At alam din ni Kyra na isa ito sa mga taong ayaw makita ni Sage na
lumalapit sa kanya.

More than that, she felt like if she talks to him, she'll betray Sage... or
something. Kahit pa wala rito si Sage ngayon.

"Janet?" He suddenly frowned as he looked past her. Narinig niya si Janet sa likod
niya.

"Insan, ano'ng ginagawa mo rito?"

Insan? They're cousins?

Wow! Ang liit pala talaga ng mundo ano?

"Napadaan lang," ani Xyrus.

Nakita ni Janet

ang hawak niyang business card at tumaas kaagad ang isang kilay nito. "Ah... doing
business again, aren't you?"

Nahimigan ni Kyra ang sarcasm doon.

"Kyra, kilala mo pala itong pinsan ko?"

"Kyra..." agaw ni Xyrus habang nakangiti sa kanya. "I see. Hindi ko kasi nakuha ang
pangalan mo last time."

"Last time?"

"Mukhang hindi ko na kailangang i-recommend pa ang furnitures namin kung ganoon.

Janet's not really my ally," ani Xyrus na hindi pinapansin si Janet na nakatingin
rito.

"Sage will still recommend your furnitures. Kaibigan ka no'n," Janet commented.
Nanatiling tikom ang bibig ni Kyra habang nagsasalinhan ang dalawa ng pagsasalita.

"Sage?" Nagtatakang tumingin si Xyrus sa kanya. "Does he own this? I thought it's
yours..."

"Sa kanya nga 'to," sabad ulit ni Janet. And Kyra was fine with it. Ayaw niya
talagang magpaliwanag kay Xyrus. Not to anyone or anybody. Lalo na kung tungkol
iyon sa kanila ni Sage.

Naramdaman muli niya ang pagpasok ng malamig na hangin at lahat sila ay napabaling
sa pintuan.

Si Sharmaine kaagad ang nakita niya bago si Sage na nakatiim-bagang habang

nakatingin ng diretso kay Xyrus.

Alam niyang magkasama ang mga ito araw-araw sa trabaho. Hindi niya sigurado kung
ano ang position ni Sharmaine sa kompanya ni Sage maliban sa pagiging abogado nito,
pero mas madalas si Sharmaine ang kasama ni Sage kesa kay Nancy na mismong
secretary nito. Binabalewala na lang iyon ni Kyra dahil... dahil wala naman
sigurong rason para magtanong siya at pakialaman silang dalawa hindi ba? Isa pa,
baka mainis pa sa kanya si Sage dahil binibigyan niya

ng ibang kahulugan ang hindi na dapat pinapansin.

Pero bakit si Sage, pwedeng limitahan ang lumalapit sa kanya?

Siguro nga magkaiba ang babae sa lalaki pagdating sa pagiging territorial. Si

Sharmaine naman kasi, nandiyan na ito bago siya.

Lumapit kaagad si Sage sa kanya at walang kaabog-abog na hinapit ang batok niya
para kinintalan ng halik ang labi niya. Sa gulat ay hindi siya nakagalaw. She's too
stunned. She didn't saw that coming. And Sage never kissed her in public!

Mabuti na lang at nakahawak kaagad si Sage sa maliut na parte ng likod niya dahil
para siyang matutumba sa gulat at sa lakas ng tibok ng puso niya.

It only lasted in seconds but it was enough to give a year lasting impact to all
five of them.

Wide-eyed, she stared at Sage who was now coolly and smugly standing beside her,
his hands daintily laid on her back.

"May bisita ka." He said that like he was stating an observation in a very
unpleasant tone while he smiled down at her.

"Actually, napadaan lang ako. I noticed it's her kaya tiningnan ko," Xyrus
interjected happily. Hindi ba nito nakikitang masama ang tingin rito ni Sage?

Kyra looked at Sharmaine. Lumapit na rin ito pero nanatili ito sa medyo malayo sa
kanila. She still had that poker face that most lawyer mastered inside a court as
she looked at them.

Bigla ay nawala sa kamay niya ang hawak niyang card at nakitan niyang hawak na iyon
ni Sage.

"Scouting a customer, Xyrus?" An amused smile spreading on his lips. Pero alam ni
Kyra na hindi ito natutuwa.

"Just doing business," Xyrus shrugged. "Alam mo naman ako.

You don't mind though, right?"

Sage lifted a careless shoulder. "I consider a friendly business offer. And nothing
more than that."

"Bakit ba ang seryoso ninyong mag-usap? Parang upuan lang at mesa?" nataawang sabi
ni Janet. "Don't worry, Sage. Si Xyrus, kahit babaero at malakas makabuntis sa
dimple niya, e loyal 'tong kaibigan."

"I know. That's why I trust him." Sage smiled then and circled a thumb on her back,
just lower at the end of her spine making her stand straighter. Naka-off shoulder
dress siya ngayong araw.

"But I still wished I met her first. Bagay kaya ang dimple namin." Tapos ay
humalakhak si Xyrus dahil sa itsura ni Sage. "I was just kidding, Sage. Basta,
tawagan mo lang ako kapag may nagustuhan ka sa catalogue namin. I'll answer it
right away."

"Ako ang tatawag sayo," sabat pa ni Sage pero nakangiting umiling na lang si Xyrus.

"Well, I'll go ahead. Male-late na ako sa lakad ko." Tinapik ni Xyrus ang balikat
ni Sage saka nakangiting kumindat sa kanya bago lumabas ng shop.

"Damuho talaga ang lalaking iyon," naiiling na sabi ni Janet. "Anyway, patapos na
rin kami rito kaya okay lang kung kukunin mo na si Kyra rito."

Bumalik na si Janet sa kasama nitong assistant na abala pa rin sa pag-memeasure ng

ibang parte ng shop kahit sa kabila ng munting diskusyon nila kanina.

"Kumain ka na?" tanong sa kanya ni Sage. Nasa balikat na niya ang kamay nito.

"Hindi pa..."

He took away his hand to look at his watch, at agad na kumunot ang noo nito. "It's
almost one. Bakit hindi ka pa kumakain?"

"Uh... nakalimutan ko." Actually

she called Sage dahil gusto niya sana sabay sila, kaso si Nancy kaagad ang sumagot
at sinabing busy ito kaya hindi na siya natuloy. Inisip na lang niyang sa bahay na
lang siya kumain.

"Pero ayos lang. Hindi pa naman ako gutom-"

"Hinihintay mo pang magutom ka saka ka kakain?" Bumuntong hininga ito. "You

should've called me. Sana sabay na tayo."

He already ate?

Napunta kay Sharmaine ang mata niya. Siguro ay magkasabay silang kumain kanina.

"Sinubukan kong tumawag sayo, kaso busy ka raw sabi ng secretary mo."

"Did you tell her it's you?"

Umiling siya. Hindi rin kasi siya tinanong ni Nancy at basta na lang sinabing busy
si Sage kaya nagpasalamat na lang siya at nagbaba na ng telepono.

Sage sighed again. "You have my private number, right? Make use of it."

Kitang kita ni Kyra ang pagkunot ng noo ni Sharmaine.

"Binigay ko sayo iyon para diretso mo akong matawagan at hindi ka na dadaan kay
Nancy. She will always tell you I'm busy."

She thought about the black card she found in his room. Akala niya, iyon ang
ginagamit ni Sage. She actually had no idea na private number ang nasa kanya. He
didn't tell her too kaya paano niya malalaman?

Umiling siya. "Hindi na kailangan. Baka kapag tumawag ako at nasa gitna ka ng
meeting..." She doesn't want that to happen.

"I can always stop the meeting if I want to. Wala silang magagawa. They don't own
my time. You do."
There. The flattering heartbeat again.

Kahit madidiin ang bawat salita ni Sage, she couldn't seem to stop herself from
smiling.

She bet that all women with romantic

ears are in danger if they will get to hear Sage talk like this. Or maybe, it's
just her.

A shrilling sound brought their head around. Mabilis na sinagot ni Sharmaine ang
tawag nito. For a moment there, Kyra almost smiled at the thought that Sage forgot
Sharmaine was there.

"Sandali, I'll call us a dine out," sabi ni Sage at ilang sandali pa ay may
kinakausap na ito sa kabilang linya.

Ha? Akala niya ay nakakin na ito? Hindi pa ba?

Mayamaya ay nagpaalam na si Sharmaine sa kanila. Sage was still on his phone kay
isang tango lang ang isinagot nito kay Sharmaine nang umalis ito.

"Nakaisip ka na ba ng pangalan?" Sage asked her as she prepared their take-out

food.

Nagulat at natawa pa siya dahil may kasama pang maliit na lamesa at mga upuan ang
nag-deliver ng mga pagkain.

Iba talaga ang nagagawa ng pera. Everything seemed so easy and they can do almost
the impossible when you have tons of money.

"We need it para makagawa na tayo ng ilalagay sa labas." Hinubad nito ang Armani
suit nito.

She looked away from him. Malaking distraction ang katawan nito kung siya ang
tatanungin.

"Ang dami kong naiisip, hindi ako makapili," aniya at hinaplos ang mainit na upuan.
Masyado iyong nabilad sa araw dahil sa likod ng pick-up iyon nakalagay.

"Talaga? Baka naman gusto mong magbukas ng limang business? Isang restaurant, isang
bar, isang cafe, isang bistro, at isang coffee shop."

Hindi niya napigilang tumawa. "Hindi naman. Isa lang. Hindi ko pa kayang magmanage
ng lima. Mukhang mahihirapan na nga ako sa isa, lima pa kaya."

Tinawag niya sina Janet para

sumabay sa kanila.

"Sige lang. Mamaya na, may pinag-uusapan pa kami ni Kat. Kumain na kayo diyan." She
grinned at something before looking away.

Paglingon niya ay nakita niyang nakalapag na sa uupuan niya ang nakatuping damit
nito.

"I've seen you work... and trust me, you can do it so effortlessly."
Hindi kaagad siya nakaimik.

"Umupo ka na." He pushed her shoulders down to make her sit at saka ito umikot sa
harap niya at doon umupo sa tapat.

Nagsimula na silang magbukas ng mga styro pack para kumain. She could feel the cool
material of his suit underneath her bum. Ito kaya, hindi naiinitan sa upuan nito?

"So, tell me what name you like best on your list?" he asked casually. He seemed
very comfortable though.

"Uhm... Since French cuisine and specialty ko, naisip ko na French ang ipangalan
para bumagay sa konsepto."

Tumaas ang kilay nito habang kumakain. "French...?"

Ngumiti siya at tumango. "La Sirène."

Napansin niya ang bahagyang paghinto ni Sage. "La Sirène," he said almost
absentmindedly. Then he smirked. "The mermaid."

Mermaid. Hindi niya alam kung bakit gusto niya ang pangalan na iyon. Bigla na lang
iyon pumasok sa isip niya nitong umaga.

"Do you still speak it?" tanong nito habang kumakain. He was busy slicing his steak
when she looked at him.

Kahit hindi lantaran, alam ni Kyra na ang tinutukoy nito ay ang pagsasalita niya ng
French. Tumango siya kahit na hindi nakatingin si Sage sa kanya.

"Hindi ko alam na marunong ako, hanggang sa mapadaan ako sa mall ninyo. Iyon ang
dahilan kaya nakapasok

akong sales lady. May French na customer noong araw na iyon at ewan... bigla na
lang, naiintindihan ko siya."

Though, she wished it was her memories that had returned. She wished it was that
easy to remember everything.

Ipinilig na lamang niya ang ulo niya at piniling ibahin ang usapan.

"Okay lang ba iyon?"

"Change it," salungat agad ni Sage.

Nagulat at nagtaka siya sa galit na nababasa niya sa mga mata nito. "Bakit? Ayaw mo
ba no'n?"

Muling bumalik sa pagkain ang atensyon nito. "Someone already owned that name."

"Talaga?"

He nodded. "Any other names in mind?" mabilis nitong tanong. "Nothing French this
time." He smiled then. But she could sense the enmity in him and she wondered where
that came from.

Nag-suggest pa siya ng iilang pangalan at napapansin niyang nawawala na ang

kaninang umusbong na galit nito. At least.
But he was so picky. Nakasampu na siyang suggestions pero kahit iyong gustong-gusto
niya ay inayawan nito. Hanggang sa nag-settle sila sa 'Juliette', his own
suggestion. Ewan niya kung bakit pa siya nagpakahirap maghanap ng pangalan kung ito
lang din ang masusunod.

But she liked Juliette. It reminded her of Romeo's Juliet and their tragic love
story.

"Don't entertain visitors next time," sabi nito pagkatapos nilang kumain.
"Especially Xyrus."

Umikot ang mata niya habang inaayos ang inupuan niyang suit nito. Mabuti na lang at
kanina pa umalis sina Janet at Kat dahil baka marinig pa nila ang sinasabi ni Sage.
Wala kasi talaga itong pakialam kahit nakikinig ang pinsan ni Xyrus.

"Dumaan

lang naman siya." Pinatalikod niya si Sage at isinuot iyon rito saka panagpag ang
ilang gusot. "At saka ano naman ang gagawin ko kapag nakita ko siya ulit? Tatakbo?"

"Oo." He turned around to her. "I know Xyrus. Hindi iyon basta-basta dumadaan
lang."

"I'm a married woman. Siguro naman hindi na siya lalapit kapag nalaman niya iyon."

He suddenly chuckled. "You're still so naive, sweetheart." Umiling-iling ito.

"Kahit na may asawa na ang isang tao, naaagaw pa rin siya ng iba."

Something about the way he looked at her as he said that made her think that he was
talking about them. O baka pakiramdam niya lang iyon.

Narinig niyang tumunog ang cellphone ni Sage. He just turned his head at the source
of the noise pero hindi nito iyon kinuha hanggang sa namatay iyon.

"I better go. Nancy's calling," anito. His fingers slid through her hair and his
palm touched her nape. Nagtagal iyon doon bago ito humalik sa gilid ng ulo niya.

Hinatid niya ito palabas. "Enjoy your day!" sigaw niya habang tinatanaw niya itong
naglalakad papunta sa koste nito.

And then, she caught herself recalling a time, many times, when she would stand
outside a door and watch Sage as he leave their haven and she would tell him to
have fun...

At kagaya ng palagi nitong ginagawa noon, tumigil ito bigla at lumingon sa kanya.
Her hair and her dress swayed against the wind. Kahit sa malayo ay kitang kita niya
ang pag-iiba ng ekspresyon sa mukha nito.

Her chest thumped when Sage turned his body around, at dahan-dahan itong naglakad
pabalik sa kanya. His eyes were very raw as they fixed on her, pinning her on the
spot.

She knew what he would do. Basang-basa niya iyon sa bawat linya ng mukha nito. Kaya
hindi siya umalis sa kinatatayuan niya. She waited for it. For him. For his kiss.
Just the way she always does...

There, outside her empty shop, with people walking passed them, Sage wrapped her
around his big arms and swept her feet with a searing, passionate kiss.
"I missed that..." sabi nito nang magkahiwalay sila. He was smiling. She was
breathless.

"See you later." He kissed her again one last time and left her levitated, hovering
on a free fall.

=================

Chapter ♣ 21

GREATER

DOES IT matter? Does it really matter who loves more in a relationship? If he loves
you more than you love him? Or if your love is greater than what you get in return?

Does it matter?

Maybe it doesn't. As long as you love each other, that is what's important, right?
It's all that matter-that you both love.

But every time Kyra ponders on that thought, it gets scary. Kapag iniisip niyang
mas mahal niya si Sage, that she loves him more than he does, natatakot siya.

Natatakot siya na habang mas lumalalim ang pagmamahal niya rito, pakiramdam niya
siya ang malulunod sa huli kapag iniwan siya ni Sage.

But it wasn't like she could stop herself from loving him. Even in silence, even in
his absence, she keeps on loving Sage. Isa pa, hindi naman mangyayari ang iniisip
niya, hindi ba? So she really doesn't have to weight who loves more between the two
of them. She shouldn't.

"Kyra?"

Janet's voice pulled her away from her roiling thoughts, at noon lang niya
napagtuunang ang cell phone niya pala ang naririnig niyang tumutunog.

"Kanina pa iyan nagri-ring," natatawang sabi ni Janet habang kinakapa niya ang
cellphone sa loob ng bag niya.

She knows it was Sage who was calling and if she doesn't answer that quickly, he'll
come driving his way here again, katulad ng ginawa nito kahapon nang hindi niya
masagot ang tawag nito.

"Where are you?" He greeted her in a very impatient tone.

Mabilis na gumuhit ang ngiti sa labi niya. He's always impatient. And demanding.
But she loved every bit of it. Kahit boses

lang ni Sage ang naririnig niya, she could already guess his mood.
"Nasa Juliette," sagot niya saka tinanaw ang madilim na kalsada. Ang bilis ng oras.
Kaninang pagdating niya ay papalubog pa lang ang araw. Malamang ay nasa bahay na
ito ngayon.

"What are you still doing there at this time?" There goes the demanding tone.
Napailing na lang siya.

"May pinakita lang kasi si Janet sa 'kin kanina-but don't worry," dugtong niya
kaagad bago pa ito maghuramentado, "kasama ko pa naman siya rito. Ikaw? Nasa bahay
ka na ba?"

"No, I was just coming home. Stay there. Diyan na kita pupuntahan."

"Okay... hihintayin kita."

"Si Sage?" tanong ni Janet nang maibaba niya ang cellphone niya. May kung ano itong
tinitingnan sa tablet nito nang umangat ang mata nito sa kanya. One of her eyebrow
was raised in amusement. "Pinapauwi ka na ba?"

"Siguro." Nagkibit-balikat siya. Malamang. Hindi naman pupunta si Sage doon para
mamasyal.

"Bantay sarado ka talaga niya no?" Umiling ito habang nangingiti. "Can't believe
I'd live to see him so head over heels one day. Sa tagal kong nagtatrabaho sa
kanya, ni minsan hindi ko siya nakitang naghubad ng damit para lang upuan ng ibang
tao. And mind you, hindi iyon nagbibigay ng PN sa kahit kanino."

"PN?"

"Private number. He's such a private person, na kahit tawag ng mga kaibigan niya,
si Nancy pa rin ang sumasagot. It's just his family who had that number and, of
course, Nancy."

"Si... Sharmaine? 'Di ba siya ang lawyer niya?" At minsan na din niyang nakitang
kausap ni Sage si Sharmaine noon.

Saglit na nag-isip si Janet saka ito umiling.

"No, I don't think so. Minsan kapag may pinag-uusapan si Sharmaine at si Sage, lalo
na kung importante, kinukuha ni Sage kay Nancy ang phone e. But I'm certain na
hindi alam ni Maine ang PN ni Sage," sabi nito at muling bumalik sa tablet nito.
"Maine's my best friend, kung nagtataka ka kung bakiit alam ko."

She stared at her. "Si Sharmaine?"

"Yup. Noong college kami. But since she came back from France, si Sage na ang
naging BFF niya."

France?

Gusto pa sana niyang tanungin si Janet tungkol kay Sharmaine, at kung ano ang
ginagawa nito sa France, anong taon... pero nakita niya ang pagdaan ng isang ilaw
mula sa labas at narinig niya ang tunog ng isang makina ng sasakyan.

"Andiyan na yata siya." Kinuha na nito ang mga gamit nito.

Galing sa labas ay nakita niya ang pagpasok ni Sage. Agad nitong binulsa ang mga
kamay nito nang makita siya.His necktie was loosely hanging on his shirt and his
hair was still neat as it was in the morning. He still look dashing in his working
suit even after a day of work. Napansin niya ang pagkinang ng kung ano sa leeg
nito.

He wore necklace too? Akala niya ay sa relo lang ito mahilig.

"Hi Sage," bati ni Janet. "Sinamahan ko lang maghintay si Kyra. Anyway, I'll go
ahead." Humalik ito sa kanya. "Tatawagan na lang ulit kita kung may kailangan akong
i-verify ha. Ciao!"

Kumaway siya rito. "Ciao."

Nanatili pa rin si Sage sa kinatatayuan nito. May nangyari ba? Bakit pakiramdam
niya ay iba ang aura nito ngayon? Maybe he's hungry? O baka naman galit ito dahil
nandito pa siya?

"Kumain ka na ba?" tanong niya rito

habang naglalakad papunta sa gilid ng bintana. She grabbed her bag that was on the
table at ang ilang catalogue na iniwan sa kanya ni Janet.

Sage went beside her. "Hindi pa," anito at agad na kinuha sa kamay niya ang mga
catalogue. He put them down on the table again.

Okay. Something's off.

"Gusto mong kumain muna bago umuwi?"

Nakatitig lang si Sage sa kanya. Did she do something that angered him? May
nangyari ba sa opisina? Galit ba ito dahil narito pa siya?

She touched his arm. Kinakabahan siya sa pananahimik nito.

"Sorry kung ginabi kami rito. Tatawagan ko naman si Mang Dante para magpahatid e."

Tipid itong tumango at kinuha ang kamay niya. He slid his fingers in between hers
and linked their hands together. Somehow, it took away her unease.

"Okay ka lang ba? May problema ba? Ang tahimik mo ngayon."

Umiling ito. "'Di ka pa nagdi-dinner?"

"Hindi pa naman. Papauwi pa lang kami ni Janet no'ng tumawag ka."

Tumango ito. "We can eat before going home if you want."

"Okay. Tara na?"

He tugged at her hand when she was about to carry the materials again. "Wait."

Pagligon niya rito ay may kinukuha na ito sa leeg nito. Iyong bagay na nakita
niyang kumikinang kanina. He was looking at her as he took it out of his shirt.

It was a silver necklace. At hindi siya makapagsalita nang makita niya ang mga
singsing na nakasabit doon.

Their wedding rings.

Kinalas nito ang hawak nitong kamay niya para pakawalan ang mga singsing sa loob ng
kuwentas at hinulog iyon sa mga palad nito.

An air came

out of her mouth, between a surprised gasp and a skeptical sigh. Yes, she
recognized them. Kahit wala siyang memorya tungkol sa kasal nila, nakikilala niya
ang mga singsing na iyon. Her diamond stud engagement ring and a wedding ring, and
his plain silver band.

"Give me your hand." His raw voice reached somewhere deep inside her and tapped
into something that even she wasn't aware of.

In her moment of silence, she handed him her left hand. The rings hovered
tantalizingly on her fingertips. She looked up at him and realized it was what Sage
was waiting. Her eyes.

Dark and solemnly intense eyes watched her face as though they were sensually
tracing the lines of her lips, wiping the unspeakable tears in her eyes as he
slowly slipped the rings on her finger.

She couldn't utter a single word. Para siyang sasabog. These emotions that were
playing inside her... she can't believe she couldn't remember feeling this way.
They were so magical, like fireflies twinkling in the dark...

He smiled. "This might probably keep Xyrus away for now, at sa ibang magbabalak,
but I won't count on it. Kailangan pa rin kitang bantayan. I don't want another
Luigi coming and kissing your hand."

"Luigi?" Napakurapkurap siya nang bumaba siya mula sa ulap. Her mind registered the
name.

Saglit ding tumitig si Sage sa kanya. "Nevermind," sambit nito saka muling ngumiti.

Ngumiti na rin siya at tinitigan muli ang suot niyang singsing. It was almost a
perfect moment... if only she could remember their wedding and his vows. Was it a
big wedding? Ilan ang bisita? Siguro, masaya ang kasal nila katulad ng saya

niya ngayon. Maybe it was the happiest time of her life.

"Sage..." tawag niya rito nang buhatin nito ang mga gamit niya. But her voice
faltered because of what she was about to say next.

Thank you for keeping them. For the second chance. For your forgiveness.

Napalunok siya at muling tinitigan ang singsing niya. She had no ring when she woke
up in the hospital. Wala din sa mga gamit na na-recover no'ng araw ng aksidente.

Did she take them off when she left him? Bakit dalawa? Were they engaged at some
point?

"Let's go?"

She took a huge breath and nodded her head. Somehow, she couldn't bring herself to
ask him that question.

Kinuha ni Sage ang kamay niya at sabay silang lumabas.

IT WAS JUST like her any other dream... where it started good. Nagsimula sa masaya.
Sa maganda. Sa liwanag.

Nasa taas siya ng burol at wala siyang ibang makita kundi ang lawak ng kalangitan,
ang araw at ang berdeng tanawin. This place was heaven.

Nakarinig siya ng mga boses habang naglalakad siya.

"Read me a poem."

"No, pakantahin mo na lang ako, just don't ask me to turn into a poet. I'm no Romeo
and Shakespeare might not forgive me."

Sage. Boses iyong ng asawa niya. At boses niya. It was her... because she
remembered telling that to him.

Someone giggled.

"Pero tinatawag mo akong Juliet."

"Because you love that story so much."

Her footsteps followed their voices. Hindi niya sigurado kung saan siya pupunta sa
lawak ng nakikita niya, pero alam niyang malapit lang siya. He was just somewhere
near.

She'll get there. She will...

"Just a line... sige na please?"

Sage sighed and cleared his throat.

"Doubt that the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move his asides. Doubt
truth to be a liar... but never doubt I love."

The dark clouds started to hover above her head and thunder chased her. Unti-unting
nawala ang mga boses nila ni Sage hanggang ang galit na dagundong na lang ng langit
ang naririnig niya. Lightening flashed and she realized she was no longer moving.
Her feet was buried under the mud.

"Umuwi ka na..."

Papa?

Her father stood in front of her and her heart ached. She stretched her arms. Gusto
niya itong abutin, hawakan... yakapin. Gusto niyang humingi ng tawad. Pero mabilis
itong nawala na parang tinangay ng hangin at ang buong paligid.

Now she was faced with a new surrounding. Nakatayo siya sa isang madilim na sulok
habang pinapanood niya ang sarili niya sa loob siya ng isang bahay. Nakaupo, may
hawak na telepono. She had one hand over her mouth to stop herself from crying. Her
father was angry. Naririnig niya ang boses nito. Galit na galit.

"Isang taon ka lang diyan, Kyra, tapos malalaman kong magpapakasal ka na? Mas
mabuti pang umuwi ka na lang dito!"

"Pero Papa..."
"Hindi, Kyra! Ano na lang ang sasabihin ng Mama mo sa ginagawa mong iyan?! Hindi
kita pinalaki ng maayos para lang magpakasal ka sa kung sinu-sinong lalaki!"

"Pa, mahal po ako ni Sage. Papaksalan niya ako-"

"Huwag mo akong piliting magalit sayo, Kyra. Umuwi ka rito sa Pilipinas at harapin
mo ang kompanya. Panahon na para palitan mo ako. Itapon mo na iyang pangarap mo
dahil walang lugar ang pagiging kusinera mo rito!"

"Ayoko, Papa! Hindi ako uuwi. Sinabi ko na sa inyo... magpapakasal kami ni Sage.
Mahal ko siya, Papa. Sana maintindihan ninyo an may sarili akong buhay..."

"Kyra, umuwi ka na!"

The world spun out of control. Everything was a blur. Strange faces... different
voices...

And then there she was, inside a car. Nakikita niya ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa
manibela, nagmamaneho. Madilim sa labas at tagatak ng ulan ang bintana. Nakakarinig
siya ng hikbi... it was coming from her.

She was crying. She was hurting. Naninikip ang dibdib niya, hindi siya makahinga.
Pakiramdam niya, para siyang sinaksak. Pero wala namang nakatarak na kutsilyo sa
dibdib niya.

She didn't know where she was going, basta gusto lang niyang lumayo. Magpakalayo-
layo... doon sa lugar na hindi siya mahahanap ni... nino?

Her hands moved. Lumuliko siya sa pero hindi niya maaninag ang daan dahil sa ulan.
Wipers. Kailangan niyang paandarin ang wipers. Pero hindi niya magawa.

Sumabog ang nakakasilaw na ilaw sa paligid, at sinalubong iyon ng mga mata niya.

Hindi pwede...

She's too late. She didn't escape.

Ang lakas ng pagkakabangga niya na halos umalog ang ulo niya. Her head hit the
wheel and pain shot through her skull. And then everything went black. Her eyes
kept opening and closing, at patuloy pa rin sa pag-alog ang sasakyan. Nararamdaman
niya ang katawan niya sa bawat hampas niya sa kotse, ang bawat bali ng buto niya,
at ang mahigpit na seatbelt na nakapalibot sa kanya.

It will keep it safe...

But it didn't. It died that night...

Namatay siya.

"KYRA! KYRA!!"

Her eyes snapped open and she blankly stared at the man screaming her name.

=================
Chapter ♣ 22

SAVAGE

KYRA BLINKED again. But all she could feel was the pain. The hollow pain that was
grating on her chest, on every surface of her skin. It hurts so bad!

"Kyra! Stop it!" sigaw ng lalaking pumipigil sa kanyang mga braso. He held both of
her arms and it was making her feel more suffocated. Gusto niyang umalis! Gusto
niyang mawala!

"Bitiwan mo ako! Lumayo ka sa'kin!" sigaw rin niya.

"Kyra! What are you doing?!"

She wanted to tear herself up to pieces because that was how she felt deep inside.
Broken and tattered into thousands of pieces, like a shattered glass.

Pilit siyang pinipigilan ng lalaki. She hated him for doing that. She screamed. At
the top of her voice, she tore the whole place down as she clawed her own skin. She
had to get away from the pain.

"Kyra! Please wake up! You're hurting yourself."

Niyakap siya ng lalaki, nang mahigpit na mahigpit. Nasa pagitan nila ang mga braso
at kamay niya at hindi niya magawang kumalas. Ang sakit ng buong katawan niya.
Mugtong-mugto ang mga mata niya. Her tears didn't soothe the pain, but that was all
she could do right now... to cry. Cry for her death.

"Kyra... it's okay," he said so softly as if his voice could console her pain. He
was stroking her back as he whispered to her ears. "'Wag kang matakot. Panaginip
lang iyon. Nananaginip ka lang. It's all just a dream, Kyra. It can't hurt you..."

Patuloy nitong ginagawa iyon, paulit-ulit, hanggang sa unti-unti niyang nakikilala

ang boses nito.

That voice...

"Sage...?" she croaked, her

eyes running around the room and relief rushed inside her, like the calm after a
windstorm.

Right then, she knew she was saved. She was safe now... andito na si Sage. He came
for her. He rescued her.

Dahan-dahan siyang pinakawalan ni Sage. And when he was sure she was stable, he let
her go. Tumingin ito sa mga mata niya. He fixed her hair and wiped away the wet
trails on her cheeks.

"Are you okay?"

She heard the tremble note in his voice. Kahit sa dilim, kitang kita ni Kyra ang
takot sa mga mata nito. Her Romeo... was scared.

Hinawakan niya ang mukha nito. Her hand was shaking, at napakalamig niyon sa pisngi
ni Sage. He reached for it and held them together with her other hand, at niyuko
niya iyon na parang may tinitingnan.

"Your nails are bleeding."

Tiningnan din niya ang mga kamay niya. Hindi masyadong mahahaba ang mga koko niya
pero ang iba ay napunit na dahil sa nangyari. Ni hindi man lang niya iyon
naramdaman kanina habang kinakalmot niya ang sarili niyang katawan.

Ngayong mahinahon na ang pakiramdam niya at unti-unti nang kumakalma an tibok ng

puso niya, naaalala niya ang ginawa niya kanina. Kung paano niya gustong saktan ang
sarili niya, kung paano niya pilit na hinuhubad at pinipunit ang damit niya.

Kung paano siya pinipigilan ni Sage habang nagwawala siya. She almost didn't
recognize him.

What she felt was real. Kahit hanggang ngayon, nanginginig pa rin siya sa
pakiramdam na iyon... na para siyang nanggaling sa hukay. Wala siyang ibang
maramdaman kanina kundi ang sakit.

Parang katulad noong unang beses siyang nagising sa hospital.

Ilang ulit siyang pinakalma ng mga doktor dahil sa pagwawala niya. She really
wanted to tear her body apart.

She thought she was done with that. Akala niya hindi na ulit mangyayari iyon...

Sage turned her arms. Nakikita niyang namumula na ang bakas ng kalmot niya sa balat
niya. Pero hindi niya magawang mangiwi. She doesn't even feel cold despite her
ripped shirt.

Tumayo si Sage at bigla itong naghubad ng damit. "Raise your hands," utos nito at
nagpatinaod siya.

She felt the scratches now as she lifted her arms. Sage quickly pulled her top all
the way out of her head and slid his shirt onto her in seconds.

"Do you feel okay now?" tanong nito nang bumalik ito sa tabi niya.

She just nodded her head. Pinakatitigan siya ni Sage. She could feel his stare
boring through her head, peeking inside her thoughts.

"Is this why you insisted on sleeping in a separate room?"

Hindi siya sumagot. She doesn't care if he took her silence in a wrong way but she
just didn't want to discuss about that either. Hindi siya pumayag na matulog muna
sila iisang kuwarto dahil hindi pa siya handa. Some things are better off hidden in
the dark.

Sage sighed and reached for her face and slid it down her nape. He was sitting so
close to her that his breath was fanning across her face. "They're just nightmare,
Kyra... they're harmless."

Napayuko siya. She also thought dreams had no power to harm people. But that was
when she was okay, when her life was untwisted. Now, she knew how naively,
mistakenly wrong she was.
"Morbid dreams can hurt us. Especially when they're

real," aniya sa mababang tinig.

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga. Ramdam niya ang mga titig ni Sage sa kanya at
alam niyang nagtataka ito sa nangyari sa kanya at sa ginawa niya. Siguro, dapat din
nitong malaman. Maybe then, he would understand.

"Hindi iyon isang panaginip lang, Sage," she said and met his eyes. "I was in a car
crash. I died that night."

SAGE HAD NEVER been scared in his life, kahit noong nakidnap si Louraine hindi siya
natakot ng husto. He was always in control of his emotions. Infallibly.

But as he looked at the austere bleakness in her face, as she looked at him with
those chillingly blank eyes as she spoke those words scared the shit out of him. He
felt like he was staring at death in the eye.

He took a shuddering breath and tried to calm himself. Fvck, Sage! Get a grip! He
scolded himself and replayed what she just said.

"You didn't," he firmly said, his hand instinctively gripping her nape. "Panaginip
lang iyon."

Umiling ito."No, Sage. Hindi mo naiintindihan. It was the night of my accident. I'm
not sure what really happened but I know it happened to me. Totoong nangyari iyon."

"Okay, okay..." He soothed the nerves on her neck to calm her down once again.
Fvck, but he was getting edgy and uptight.

Tinitigan niya si Kyra habang pinoproseso niya ang sinasabi nito. She was
remembering, particularly her accident. He already knew about that, kinomperma na
ni PJ sa kanya at tungkol sa aksidente nito. But there was still a huge missing
part in this muddled puzzle.

"What do you remember exactly?" he asked her

when she was breathing steadily. "Do you remember everything?"

She bent her head again and silence fell. It was an eerie silence that raised the
hair at the back of his neck.

"Hindi... I just remember I was driving. Umiiyak ako... I don't know where I was
going. And then suddenly there's a car coming. I tried to escape... But..."

His eyes flashed and he quickly pressed his lips to bit back a curse. Damn! He
doesn't appreciate hearing those words coming out from her mouth. The story that
she was describing felt like a knife in his gut, sucking his blood out and he
didn't like the feeling. Not one bit.

"It's okay," he muttered softly. "Tapos na iyon. Ang mahalaga, nandito ka."

Umiling ulit ito. He watched as her eyes drifted close and her voice lowered darkly
as she spoke, "I remember that night, Sage. I died. Hindi ako dapat nabuhay. I
should've died with it..."

Fvck!

"Listen to me, Kyra." Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi nito at nagmulat ito ng
mga mata.

He sucked in his breath for a while, stunned. Graveled. She looked like death and
she sounded as if death was dragging her life with it.

Fvck!

He shook his head, trying to erase away the despicable thought. "No... you can't
think like that. Ayokong naririnig kitang sinasabi mo iyan. You are alive." Hindi
siya nakuntento kaya kinuha niya ang kamay ni Kyra at ipinatong iyon sa sariling
dibdib nito. "Can you feel that? That's your beating heart."

Hindi ito umimik. She just sat there with her hand over her chest. And God help her
but he fvcking wanted to rattle

her and wake her. But she's awake...

It was just that he felt as though he was not looking at his wife. He was looking
at someone he didn't know. He suddenly wanted to punch a wall.

Tumayo siya at inayos ang kama nito. He found a book beside her and realized it was
Shakespeare's book. Her favorite. The one he traveled to across the globe just to
find it for her birthday.

Tahimik na itnabi niya iyon sa side table nito. He didn't want to think about that
part of his life. He was done with that. Nasisira lang niyon ang nasimulan niya.

"Come here. Let's tuck you in bed," he said, spreading her bed cover.

"Where were you that night?"

Natigilan siya sa ginagawa niya dahil sa tanong ni Kyra. For the first time after
her speech many years ago, he didn't know what to say.

He was torn between telling her the truth and just keeping silent. Just like what
he said, he wouldn't want go there. But he was him. And he always choose the truth.

"I don't know what happened to you since the day you left me," he answered flatly.
"Halika na, matulog ka na."

He gently laid her down and tucked her in bed. Humarap ito patagilid at tumabi na
rin siya rito. She was inside the cover while he stayed outside, and spooned her
back. Her feminine scent mixed with his shirt assaulted his senses and all his
raging hormones broke loose.

He grimaced and adjusted himself down there, careful not to touch her and startle
her. Even after all these years, he was still addicted to her scent.

"Sage..." she said sleepily. Pikit na ang mga mata nito at nakikita niya ang
marahang pagtaas-baba

ng dibdib balikat nito. "Ayokong matulog."

He stroked her hair, knowing it used to lull her to sleep. "You need to rest, Kyra.
Don't worry, hindi ka na mananaginip ng masama. Sasamahan kita. I'll be just
here... I promise."

"But you already broke your promises..." she murmured as her voice floated away.

SAGE WATCHED her sleep for the next hours until her breathing evened out. Bukas na
lang niya gagamutin ang mga kamay nito dahil ayaw niyang magising ito kapag
tinanggal niya ang mga kokong napunit.

Nang masiguro niyang tulog na ito ay maingat siyang naglakad pabalik sa kuwaryo
niya at hinanap ang cellphone niya sa mesa saka dinial ang huling tinawagan niya.

Habang pinapakinggan niya ang pagriring ng kabilang linya ay Iniisip pa rin niya
ang huling sinabi ni Kyra kanina.

How.much did she remember?

"Sage?" PJ answered. Mukhang kagigising lang nito.

He met him when Louraine was kidnapped. He wasn't aware Duke had a secret agent for
a friend. But he never thought he would one day need his service too.

"Have you found anything? Naiinip na ako."

Ilang araw na siyang naghihintay ng bagong balita. The last thing he told him was
about Kyra's car accident. The date, the time. And her whereabouts when she decided
to leave him for good and forsake their marriage. Pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa
siya nabibigyan ni PJ ng report. It was as if she had completely erased her trace
in the earth's surface, at bigla na lang itong sumulpot dito sa Pilipinas.

"I've been busy with something else..."

His temple throbbed. "PJ, I'm not

paying you-"

"Shit, hindi iyon ang ibig kong sabihin. I was busy digging her hospital records."

Natutop niya ang sariling noo. Right. He forgot he asked him about her hospital
records. Pagkatapos niyang makausap si Nikolai tungkol sa general check-up ni Kyra,
he couldn't rest his thoughts. Binanggit nitong walang maipresenta si Kyra na
hospital records noong nagpunta roon si Kyra.

"Well? Did you find anything?"

"Medyo nahirapan lang ako sa pag-retrieve ng files dahil nasunog ang record section
ng ospital at kakaunti pa lang ang nare-restore na data sa database nila."

"And?"

PJ sighed. "Sage, it's four in the morning. Tulog pa ang mga manok."

"I don't care. Gising ako kaya kailangan mo akong bigyan ng sagot."
"Damn..." He grunted. "You and Duke are royal pain in the ass. You know that?"

"Matagal na. Now tell me what you found."

Narinig niyang gumalaw ito at naglakad. Mayamaya ay may binubuklat na itong mga
papel.

"Shit!" PJ cursed when he heard a click. "Damn lights!"

"Quit cursing and give me a run down."

Nagsimula ito sa petsa. "Two years and six months ago, she was discharged in
Memorial General Hospital. Admission case; Vehicular Accident, multiple trauma,
multiple fractures... multiple stitches... head concussion and cerebral
hemorrhage."

Tumahimik si PJ, hinihintay ang sasabihin niya. His mouth pressed into an even
thinner line as he listened. Pero kailangan niyang makinig. Kailangan niyang
malaman.

"What else?"

"Do you want the whole story or do we skip the details?"

Marahas niyang pinasadhan ng kamay

ang buhok niya. "Just tell me everything that you know. Hit me with the truth."

Nandito na rin lang siya... lulubus-lubusin na niya.

"Alright..." Narinig niya itong huminga. "I don't know if you will like what you
will hear but I'm sure I didn't." He heard another flip of paper. "Nakausap ko ang
doctor niya, si Dr. Sanchez. Dahil wala akong makuhang records, kinausap ko siya.
Ang sabi niya, nag-aagaw buhay na ang pasyente noong natagpuan siya ng rescue team.
She had less than 50% chance of survival. Eight months siyang stay-in sa ICU, six
months na comatose. She's on ventilator because her breathing couldn't sustain her
life. She was still unresponsive up 'til her fourth month and the medical team was
just waiting for the family's consent para ipatigil ang life support niya. But Mr.
Lagdameo was against it. Her health deteriorated on her fifth month, she had
cardiac arrest. Nagkasabay sila ng daddy niya... They were able to revive her, but,
unfortunately, they didn't save Mr. Lagdameo's life."

Napapikit si Sage sa mga naririnig niya. That was all he could do to stop himself
from throwing his phone away. His throat was thick with bile and he couldn't
swallow them down. He couldn't even breathe easily. Ang bigat... ang bigat ng
dibdib niya.

"One month after her revival, saka lang siya nagkamalay. Ang sabi ng doctor,
hysterical siya nong magising siya. Hindi niya alam ang pangalan niya pati ang
nangyari sa kanya."

"So... her amnesia was real." He told himself out loud.

Kyra was not lying. She really didn't remember him. Or anything that happened
between them.

Wasn't
the truth should make him feel better, or at least justified? But why... The truth
didn't set him free this time.

"Cerebral hemorrhage. Most cases, patients with brain hemorrhage suffer from
amnesia or loss of memory. Sa una, hindi raw niya naalala ang sarili niya pati ang
mga kapatid niya. She was under sedative most of the time because of her hysterics.
Nangyayari daw iyon sa tuwing nananaginip siya..."

Hysterics... like what happened tonight.

"A week after she regained consciousness, she was getting calmer. Pero hindi niya
maalala ang mga kapatid niya. Naapektuhan din pati ang pagsasalita niya sabi ng
doctor."

Sage frowned. "What do you mean?"

"She lost her speech. Kaya kinailangan pa niyang magtagal ng ilang buwan sa ospital
para sa speech therapy niya. She stayed in hospital for almost five months for
rehab. Nagkaroon din siya ng physical therapy dahil hindi rin siya makalakad dahil
sa injury niya at dahil na rin sa matagal na pagkaka-comatose niya."

Fvck this shit!

Ilang ulit pa niyang pinadaanan ng kamay ang buhok niya na halos sabunutan na niya
iyon. At wala siyang pakialam kung gulong-gulo na iyon. He's feeling so fvcked up
right now to even care for anything.

Hindi niya kayang isipin si Kyra sa ganoong kalagayan. Not in his lifetime.

"She was slowly regaining her memories. Nagkaroon na rin ng improvement ang
condition niya habang nasa rehab siya. Pero wala pa rin itong maalala tungkol sa
aksidente. Sa kaso raw niya, it could also be a post traumatic amnesia. Sa huling
check-up niya sa doctor, hindi pa rin niya matandaan ang recent

four years niya. Sa nakikita ko, hindi niya maaalala ang mga panahong nasa France
siya."

"I see..."

But he doesn't see it at all. All he could think about was the first time he saw
her again after six years and it kept on replaying in his mind. The way he
calculated everything just so he could trap her in his web. Fvck!

Nanlamig ang sikmura niya.

"She's a real survivor," basag ni PJ sa pag-iisip niya. He could hear the praise in
his voice.

She is... and he's the one who would be killing her again if he didn't stop.

"About the car accident..." ani PJ sa kabilang linya.

"What about them?"

"I recovered some articles and I found the location. I se-send ko na lang sayo ang
address dahil hindi ko naisulat dito."

"Sige."
"Susbukan ko ulit si Luigi. I'll call you as soon as I find out anything about
him."

The call went off. And he was left staring in the darkness of his room with every
words ringing in his head.

Cardiac arrest...

"I died that night..."

"I should've died with it..."

His palm covered his face and he made a mistake of closing his eyes. Because then,
he remembered the death in Kyra's eyes.

Huminga siya ng malalim para punuin at ibsan ang kung anumang pumapasok sa dibdib
niya na siyang nagpapasikip ng pakiramdam niya.

Pero sa tuwing naiisip niya ang mga sinabi ni PJ... hindi. Hindi niya lubos maisip
na mangyayari lahat iyon kay Kyra. All this time he thought she was with Luigi. He
didn't even had a clue that she's fighting for her life.

He almost lost her. Almost. And he wasn't even there. Hindi rin niya siguro
malalaman kapag... No! He couldn't afford to go there. Thinking about standing on
her grave was just so wrong. So painfully wrong. It was a sin to himself to even
think about it.

Everything he just heard felt like a direct blow on his guts, they were robbing off
of his breath. The way she looked at her when she woke up... for a while there, he
thought she didn't recognize him.

Multiple Fractures. Multiple stitches.... Hemorrhage... speech therapy.

No wonder she didn't remember him.

He heard his phone beeped. He swiped his lock opened PJ's message. Binasa niya iyon
at agad na kumunot ang noo niya. He sent him the address of his recent condo.

Accident Location.

His mind worked like a machine.

What was she doing there that time? Her dream... why was she crying? What really
happened? Ano'ng ginagawa ni Kyra sa Pilipinas nang mga panahong iyon?

After she left him, hinanap niya ang asawa niya kahit na iniwan siya. He still
tried to look for her dahil tanga siya. Mahal niya si Kyra at gusto niya itong
bumalik sa kanya.

But he suddenly stopped searching for
with someone else. Tumigil siya dahil
She had the life she has ever wanted.
second priority. Dahil para sa kanya,
kanya. Si Kyra ang mundo niya.
her, because she was happy chasing her career
akala niya ay masaya na ito sa buhay nito.
And he couldn't fvcking stand being her
si Kyra lang. Si Kyra ang lahat-lahat sa

But he wasn't enough for her. And that was a cruel love he had to endure.

Now that he have her back, he would turn the ocean and the heaven if he heave to
just to know what happened to her. He will know and he won't stop until all his
questions are answered. He demand the truth and he will have it.

And he will never lose his wife again. Not to fvcking anyone and not even to death
himself.

=================

Chapter ♣ 23

SECRECY

"WHAT ARE YOU doing?"

Umangat ang ulo ni Kyra mula sa ini-slice niyang pie para tingnan si Sage.
Nakabihis na ito para sa trabaho at mukhang ang bango-bango at preskong-presko sa
suot nitong puting polo shirt at itim na pantalon. Wala itong suit jacket na
madalas nitong tiniterno sa pantalon nito at wala ding neck tie.

He's unusually late today. Madalas ay wala na ito sa bahay bago pa mag-alas sais.

"Good morning!" bati niya saka binitawan ang hawak na slicing knife at nakangiting
nilapitan ang nakakunot-noo niyang asawa.

She tiptoed and boldly kissed him on his lips-which made his eyebrows rise up in
surprise. Ngayon lang kasi niya ginawa iyon-ang halikan ito sa labi. Bagay na hindi
niya ginagawa at madalas ay ito ang gumagawa.

"I made apple pie for breakfast."

Ginawa niya iyon kagabi habang naghihintay sa pagdating ni Sage.

"Masarap. Gusto mong tikman?"

He was looking at her with a studying face.

"Bakit?" tanong niya dahil sa titig nito.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

Tumango siya. "Oo naman. Ikaw?" Napansin niya ang pamumula ng ilalim ng mga mata
nito. He looked ragged and rough with his unshaven chin but he still managed to
look so ravishing.

Hinaplos niya ang pisngi nito. "Nakatulog ka ba ng maayos? Parang napuyat ka

kagabi."
Hindi ito sumagot. Nanatili itong nakatitig sa kanya na parang may sinusukat o
pilit na tinitngnan hanggang sa naramdaman niya ang mga kamay nitong nakahawak na
sa mga kamay niya.

He looked at her fingers and her nails and

she watched his brow knotted together. Without speaking still, he then rolled her
sleeves up and muttered something incoherent when he exposed the red marks on her
arm. They still sting a little bit, pero hindi na iyon kasing hapdi kagaya kanina
pagkagising niya.

She tried not to flinch when he gently gripped her fingers but she failed. Masakit
pa rin talaga ang mga koko niya.

"You idiot," he hissed as he slid her a grimly disapproving look. "Bakit ka nagsuot
ng long sleeves nang hindi pa gumagaling ang mga sugat mo? Your nails hurt and yet
you're here slicing pies? And why are you up this early morning? You're supposed to
be on your bed, resting."

A playful smile was teasing her lips kaya kinagat na lang niya iyon para hindi
ngumiti. She was quite enjoying the way he's treating her. Pakiramdam niya para
siyang batang pinapagalitan, pero alam naman niyang hindi talaga galit si Sage. He
was just... worried.

"What, you think it's funny?"

"Ang aga-aga kasi, nakabusangot ka na. Ayos lang ako. Hindi naman gaanong masakit
e. Ang mabuti pa, kumain ka na lang ng apple pie na ginawa ko habang mainit pa."

He caught her arm and pulled her back, whirling her around before she bumped onto
his solid, hard chest in a gentle thud.

She tilted her head so she could take a look at him properly. His angry eyes were
suddenly curious now as they played closely across her face.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

She tried to smile softly at him. "Sage, I'm okay. Mga galos lang 'to, mawawala rin
'to bukas. Kaya hindi mo na kailangang mag-alala. Hm?"

Naglapat ang mga labi nito.

"I was worried sick last night, kaya hindi pwedeng hindi ko alalahanin ang
nangyari."

"Nangyari? Bakit, ano ba'ng nangyari kagabi?"

Kitang kita niya ang pagkakasalubong ng mga kilay nito. "You don't remember?"

"Hindi ko... alam. Pagkagising ko kanina, damit mo na 'yung suot-suot ko. At

mahapdi na ang braso ko," sabi niya. "Nasa loob ka ng kuwarto ko kagabi?"

Sage sighed. "You had a bad dream last night. I heard you crying-screaming... kaya
pumasok ako sa kuwarto mo. Are you sure you don't remember?"

Sandali siyang hindi sumagot. "Hindi ko maalala. Anong... anong nangyari? Ang mga
'to...?" She gestured for her arms.

Bumuntong hininga ulit si Sage. Dahan-dahang bumaba ang braso nito sa balikat
patungo sa beywang niya. He pulled her body closer to his and she sighed as she
felt his stiffness leaving him. Everything just feel so right. If only he wasn't
this concerned...

"Pasensya na kung hindi ko maalala. Pero wala lang talaga ang mga 'to. It was just
probably a dream..."

Alam niyang hindi kumbensido si Sage sa sinasabi niya. But she just had to try.

"Halika na? Kumain na tayo?"

Hinila na niya si Sage patungo sa dining table at hinainan ng apple pie. Sage was
quiet, pero hindi rin iyon nagtagal.

They talked about her plans about the restaurant. Sinabi niya kay Sage ang mga
plano nila ni Janet habang kumakain at hiningi na rin niya ang opinyon nito tungkol
sa listahan ng mga pagkaing ilalagay niya sa menu. Doon umikot ang usapan nila
habang nagsasalo sila ng agahan.

Nang matapos kumain ay hinatid na ni Kyra sa labas si Sage.

Hindi na raw ito magsusuot ng jacket dahil maiinitan lamang ito.

Bago umalis ay sinabihan pa muna siya ni Sage na magbihis at magpalit ng damit baka
daw mairita ang mga sugat at galos niya sa braso. Tumango na lang siya habang
kumakaway rito.

Nang makaalis na ito ay saka lamang niya napakawalan ang tension sa mga balikat
niya. Her face grew wan and her smile slowly faded.

Kahit na habang kumakain sila ay ramdam niya pa rin ang mga titig ni Sage sa kanya.
Pakiramdam niya ay tumatagos iyon hanggang sa utak niya.

He was looking at her like a mystery that needs to be revealed. Some puzzle that he
needed to solve.

It was bad enough that she already felt like one-a mystery to her own self-and she
doesn't need anyone to treat her like that, especially not her husband.

Getting Sage curious was dangerous and very risky, because attracting his attention
will get her into trouble. All sorts of trouble.

Part of her recognizes that... and she know Sage. He won't settle for anything
lesser than he think he deserves. He will satisfy himself in any way he can, one
way or another. He won't stop until he unriddle the puzzle. He will uncover her. He
will know the truth.

Hindi niya gustong magsinungaling kay Sage... pero hindi rin niya kayang kausapin
ito tungkol sa panaginip niya.

She lied. She could still remember her dream. Her memory. At mas lalo iyong naging
klaro sa kanya ngayong mulat na mulat na ang kanyang diwa at ang kanyang mga mata.

She now understood what it really was. The excruciating agony she felt... the
stabbing pain.

Dinama ng kamay niya

ang tiyan niya, sa parte kung nasaan nakatago ang sekreto niya. Her fingers traced
a line below her abdomen and imagined the scar lying underneath the fabric.

Her dream aroused questions, but they also provided her an answer. This.

Ngayon alam na niya kung bakit nandoon iyon at na hindi siya ang namatay... hindi
ang puso niya ang nawala nang gabing iyon. Ngayon alam na niya. She knows what
really died inside her.

Tinungo niya kaagad ang telepono ng bahay. Kailangan niyang makausap ang mga
kapatid niya tungkol sa bagay na iyon. She tried to ask for her records last month
on her last visit, pero wala pa rin daw silang gaanong na-retrieve na records niya
mula sa pagkakasunog ng ospital. At wala rin siyang aasahan sa mga doctor.
Nararamdaman niyang may sadyang inililihim sa kanya ang mga ito. Kung anuman iyon,
hindi niya sigurado.

"Ang kapal din talaga ng mukha mong kausapin ako pagkatapos ng ginawa mo.
Pagkatapos mo kaming bale-walain?" Maanghang na salita kaagad ang bumungad sa
tanong niya mula kay Sandra. Hindi sumasagot si Stella kaya ito na lang ang
kinausap niya.

"Ate, hindi ko naman kayo binale-wala e. Intindihin mo naman, hindi ko na pwedeng

bawiin--"

"Pwede ba! Tigilan mo na ako diyan sa mga dahilan mo na iyan. Tanga ka naman kasi
talaga e. Tanga ka na sa simula pa lang! Nagpaloko ka diyan sa magaling na lalaki
na iyan at nagpakasal ka pa talaga kahit na ayaw ni Papa. Pero anong napala mo?"

"Ate, please, gusto ko lang talagang malaman ang nangyari sa ospital-"

"Ah... Gusto mong malaman? Puwes hindi ko alam! Kaya 'wag mo na akong tatanungin

tungkol sa walang kuwentang bagay na iyan. At ito ang tatandaan mo, Kyra, oras na
lokohin ka ng lalaking iyan, 'wag na 'wag kang magkakamaling magpakita sa'min.
Naiintindihan mo?!"

"Bakit ba ang laki ng galit ninyo kay Sage?"

Hindi naman talaga ito ang pumatay sa Papa nila. Alam niyang inatake ito sa puso
dahil sa kanya. Paulit-ulit iyong sinabi sa kanya ng mga kapatid niya simula nang
magising siya. And they never failed to remind her. Kaya bakit pati si Sage ay
sinisisi nila?

"Bakit?" hamon sa kanya ni Sandra. "Dahil sa kanya kaya bumagsak ang negosyo natin.
Dahil diyan sa asawa mo kaya nawala sa atin ang kompanya! Kaya sige, magpauto ka sa
kanya. Tingnan lang natin kung saan ka pupulutin kapag sinaktan ka na naman niya."

Mabigat na ibinagsak ni Sandra ang telepono kaya hindi na siya nakapagsalita pa.
What's there to say? Kitang kita naman na galit na galit ito sa kanya at kay Sage.
At dahil sa galit nito kaya hindi niya nakuha ang sagot sa tanong niya.

Pero kahit kailan naman talaga, hindi naging malambot ang puso sa kanya ng mga
kapatid niya.

NAALIMPUNGATAN si Kyra nang maramdaman niya ang mga matang nakamasid sa kanya.
She opened her sleepy eyes and they were immediately seized by an intense midnight
eyes.

Her lips instantly curved into a lazy smile. Nakaupo si Sage sa harap niya,
nakauklo, habang pinagmamasdan siya nitong natutulog doon sa sofa. Hindi niya alam
kung gaano katagal itong nandoon at kung kailan ito dumating dahil napakahimbing ng
tulog niya.

"Dumating ka na pala." Paos ang boses niya galing sa tulog. Humarap siya

ng maayos kay Sage habang nakahiga pa rin. She still feel drowsy from sleep.

"Bakit dito ka natulog?" malambing na tanong nito habang hinahawi ng kamay ang
buhok niyang tumabing sa mukha niya.

"Nakatulog na ako rito pagkatapos naming mag-usap ni Janet kanina. Teka, ano'ng
oras na?"

Kinusot niya ang isang mata para tingnan ang liwanag sa labas ng bintana. Maaga pa.

"Hindi ka ba busy ngayon?"

She stretched her legs. Babangon na sana siya nang hawakan ni Sage ang tuhod niya.

"No, don't get up," anito saka tumayo. "Lift up your head," utos nito.

Naramdman niya ang pagtanggal nito ng throw pillow mula sa ulo niya at ang paglukso
ng sofa sa pag-upo nito at saka dahan-dahang kinandong ang ulo niya.

"Here, lay down your head."

She adjusted her position so she could face him. Nasa ilalim ng ulo niya ang mga
binti nito at ramdam na ramdam niya ang mga iyon. She could feel his muscles and
the soft fabric of his pants at the same time. His aftershave teased her nose and
she could smell the hint of his subtle masculine scent.

It smelled home.

"Alas-singko na ba?" tanong niya habang nilalaro ni Sage ang mga hibla ng buhok
niya.

"Alas-dos pa lang naman."

"Wala ka ng trabaho?"

"Is it so surprising that I want to go home early to see my wife?" Nakangiting

sambit nito. Then she felt him thread his fingers in hers that made her sigh.

"Nakakapanibago lang kasi..."

He toyed with her wedding ring. "How are your nails?"

Ngumiti siya. She knew he'd ask again. "Ayos na. Hindi na masakit."

Tiningnan din nito ang braso niya. Dahil naka-sleeveless

lang siya ngayon ay kita na nito kaagad ang hinahanap nito.

Dalawang gabi na ang dumaan simula noong nanaginip siya. The red marks and
scratches were gone now. Pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang kakaibang mga tingin ni
Sage sa kanya. Sometimes, she would caught him staring at her with that studying
appraisal, na tipong sinusubukan siya nitong basahin mula sa labas.

"Hindi ka na nanaginip ulit?" kaswal na tanong nito habang pinipisil nito ang
malambot na parte ng tenga niya.

"I had a dream last night..." tumaas ang kilay nito, his eyes flashed with
interest, "...tungkol sa restaurant."

She almost laughed when his face fell in a grimace.

"Napanaginipan kong opening ng Juliette. The place was furnished... Marami raw tao,
andun ka... si Janet din. It was fun."

"Nothing else?"

"Mayron ba dapat?"

He shrugged as he ran his fingers through her hair again. "Naisip ko lang na baka
nanaginip ka na naman ng masama."

"You won't ever let that go, will you?"

He didn't evade her eyes. Tinitigan siya ni Sage sa paraang nakakatumaw ng depensa
niya. "If it was anybody else, I will let it go without a murmur. But it's you.
Hindi gagaan ang loob ko kapag alam kong mangyayari ulit iyon sayo."

He was very serious. And it was making her feel all the more nervous. Kahit
hanggang ngayon, ayaw pa in niyang sabihin kay Sage ang totoo. Not yet... not when
she was still finding the truth.

Naramdaman niya ang daliri nito sa gilid ng pisngi niya. He was carefully tracing
the line of her face and the dip of her dimples at sinusundan iyon ng mga mata
nito. Then his hand went down

to her jaw, his thumb stroking her chin. Para itong nagpipinta gamit mismo ang mga
daliri nito.

She was just staring into his eyes and feel the pads of his fingertips trailing all
over her face. It's as if he was memorizing every lines, hollow, and curves of her
face, recapturing her inside his memory.

"I don't want to see you like that again," mahinang sambit nito. "I wish you would
just dream of me instead."

Gently still, his thumb traced an invisible line up to her cheeks, caressing her
skin until it made its way to her lips. She smiled against his touch as he brushed
the softest stroke over them, parting them a little bit before stroking the edges
of her lower lip, again and again until his eyes turned hazy and cloudy.

Her heart picked up a rhythm. She knew that steamy look on his face too well. She
could tell Sage wanted to lean down and kiss her, but for some reason, he was not
doing anything.

"I miss this," sambit nito na halos pabulong na sa pandinig niya. His voice was so
full of emotions and she wondered what he was thinking right now.

Nagpatuloy lang ito sa paghaplos sa labi niya at sa pisngi niya at wala siyang
magawa kundi ang damhin lamang ang mga daliri nito. She could just spend all her
day lying down here like this and let his eyes worship her and his hands adore her.
Hindi siya magrereklamo. Never that.

They stayed that way for a long time. Hindi niya alam kung gaano katagal... at
hindi rin naman siya nagbibilang. Pakiramdam lang niya parang tumigil saglit ang
inog ng mundo para sa kanilang dalawa.

It was like time stood still and it was

just the two of them existed. Their escape from reality.

"I have something for you," sabi nito mayamaya.

Nagtaas siya ng kilay. "Talaga?" At ngayon pa nito naaalalang sabihin sa kanya?

Gumalaw si Sage at nang ma-realize niyang tatayo ito ay bumangon na rin siya.
Inayos niya ang buhok niyang kanina pa nito nilalaro kanina. She stopped.

Somewhere in her mind, naisip niya ang isang pangyayari. It was just like this-one
lazy afternoon-and they were both staying at home. Nasa iisang sofa sila, si Sage
na nakahiga at nakakandong sa bumbunan niya.

Pero sa alaala niya, siya ang gumagawa no'n. She was memorizing his face and
burning them at the back of her mind.

And she failed. Because she had forgotten about him.

Bumalik si Sage na may dala-dalang kahon. Pagkatapos ay bigla itong lumuhod sa

harapan niya at saka binuksan ang kahon.

She saw a stunning pair of silver stilettoes.

Nagtatakang tiningnan niya si Sage pero hindi ito nakaharap sa kanya. Walang imik
na inilabas nito ang isang pares at inabot ang paa niya.

"Sage...?" patanong na sambit niya. He looked like he was doing a serious proposal.
Pero imposible naman iyon dahil suot na niya ang singsing at kasal na sila, 'di ba?

He gently slipped her feet inside the shoe and she was surprised again by how it
fit her perfectly. And it really was a beautiful shoes!

"Ano to?" naguguluhang tanong niya sa nakangiting labi. She was just too glad and
curious at the same time.

Sage brought his head up and his amused eyes were sparking like those stars in the
galaxy. It was stopping her to breathe.

"It's the traditional White Ball tonight, and I want to bring you there with me."

"Teka... sandali." Huminga siya saglit. "White Ball?"

Tumango ito at dahan-dahang ngumiti habang nanatili itong nakaluhod sa paanan niya.

That sounds big.

"Sage... Mas mabuti siguro kung dito na lang muna ako."

Kumunot na kaagad ang noo nito. "It's a special night for the family and I want to
share it with you." Masuyo nitong hinalikan ang kamay niya. "It's time they meet
you."

Her heart trembled. "A-are you sure?"

Tumagilid ang ulo nito saka ngumiti. "I've been ready and prepared for too long. I
was just waiting for you to come back to me again. So, will you be my Cinderella
tonight."

Sunod-sunod na tango ang ginawa niya.

Yes... God, yes!

"Is that a yes?" Natatawang tanong ni Sage.

"Yes... Je vais toujours." I always will...

Saglit itong natigilan, ngunit nang matauhan ito ay agad na sumilay ang kakaibang
ngiti sa mukha nito. He smiled sexily at her.

"Damn! My Juliet is back."

=================

Chapter ♣ 24

SWAY

KYRA STARED at herself in the mirror. Halos hindi siya makapaniwala sa nakikita
niya. Ni halos hindi niya makilala ang sarili niya sa ginawa sa kanya ng make-up
artist na pinapunta doon ni Sage para lang ayusan siya.

It was like she's staring at someone she didn't know. Someone stranger. It was not
her.

Madalas nararamdaman niya ang pakiramdam na iyon, na para bang ibang katauhan ang
nakikita niya sa sarili niya. Pero ngayon, hindi ganoon ang pakiramdam na iyon.

It felt like she's meeting herself in a different light. In a good way.

Napangiti siya habang tinititigan ang sarili niya sa salamin. Her hair was tied at
the back in a simple ponytail but it looked supremely elegant. Wala masyadong kulay
ang make-up na nilagay sa kanya. Inayos lang ang kilay niya, nilagyan ng base,
kaunting powder, mascara, at ang panghuli ay ang scarlet red lipstick niya.

"Simplicity suits you," sabi ng babaeng nagme-make up sa kanya kanina. Bagay daw
iyon sa damit na suot niya.

Pasimple niyang pinadaan ang mga kamay sa damit niya. It was a beautiful white
Greek style dress, sleeveless iyon na may plunging wide V-neck line, and it fell
around her body like a waterfall. A lot of skin was showing, pati ang cleavage niya
at ang likod niya. It was a type of dress that doesn't need a bra.

Pero kahit ganoon iyon ay hindi pa rin ito nagmukhang offensive. It actually made
her look graceful and elegant. It's as if the dress was made for her. It fit her so
well, so perfect.

Kung bakit iyon ang pinili ni Sage para isuot niya, hindi niya alam. But she

had to hand it to him. Magaling itong pumili ng damit. He clearly knew her body so
well.

A blush crept into her cheek when she remembered the box on her bed, waiting for
her. Nang buksan niya iyon ay halos malaglag ang panga niya.

Unang tumambad sa kanya ang puting lacy t-back doon kasama ang isang sulat.

This goes perfectly with the dress. Surprise me tonight.

-VS

Thinking about him picking up her personal things was quite disturbing. Lalo na
kung suot-suot niya iyon. Pwede naman niyang hindi isuot iyon, pero aaminin niya,
she doesn't own a single racy undergarment like that which she could wore
underneath the dress. Ayaw naman niyang bumakat iyon sa damit niya at baka mapahiya
pa siya.

Tonight is the annual ball of the Stanfield Empire, and it will be a grand night.
Paniguradong maraming malalaking personalidad ang dadalo ngayong gabi.

She had never been in that crowd again ever since she survived the crash. Hindi na
siya nakipag-socialize dahil maliban sa memorya niya, she lost the interest to
mingle with people.

"Tu es belle..." You are beautiful.

Mabilis siyang umikot nang marinig niya ang boses ni Sage. Her hand flew to her
chest at the sight of him standing in his coal black tuxedo that seemed to define
his firm muscles and strong built. It made him look so virile and majestic-like an
emperor ready to invade.

Pakiramdam niya ay tumigil ng ilang sandali ang puso niya nang magtama ang kanilang
mga mata. He looked so striking tonight. His hair was brushed up kaya kitang kita
ang buong mukha nito.

His thick black brows that were cloaking

his raven, dark eyes, his proportionate forehead, sculpted cheekbones, strong jaw,
dominant nose, and that wide sexy mouth... they're just perfect. He's every bit of
a monarch. A prince.

Her own Romeo.

Humakbang ito palapit sa kanya at hinapit ang beywang niya sa swabeng galaw. She
could feel his warm palms on her bare back that was pulling her closer, molding his
hard body to her softer curves.

Napakapit siya sa balikat nito-she needed to hold onto something as his sensual
eyes roamed all over her.
"Vous êtes merveilleux ce soir, mon chéri." You look wonderful tonight, my
darling...

Malalim ang ginawa niyang hininga. She didn't know he had a French tongue, too. And
he sounded so sexy as hot melted syrup when he speaks French.

"Well, thanks to your expertise. You seemed to know a lot more about women," she
teased to hide her anxiety. She's not sure if it was out of nervousness from the
upcoming party or because of him.

He could simply awaken all sorts of emotions deep inside her just by his presence
alone.

"I know a lot more about you if that's what you're thinking. And I never forget,"
he drawled as his eyes grew darker.

"Kahit isa?"

"Do you want to try?"

Tumawa siya ng bahagya saka sinubukang kumawala rito. "Saka na... baka ma-late
tayo. We should go..."

"Wait..." Hinila siya nito pabalik at hinapit ng palad nito ang batok niya. "I have
to do this first."

Then he kissed her.

Her brain blanked. The only thing that she could tell was Sage's lips were magical.
Sweet. And soft. So soft.

His hand

cupped her chin and tilted her head into a perfect angle for his access. He bit her
lower lip just before she felt his hot moist tongue delving inside the heat of her
mouth, parting them delicately and kissed her deeply.

She moaned. It was hard not to. He felt good. He tasted good. His kisses were good.
And she couldn't stop herself from sliding her hands behind his neck and kiss him
back.

When she thought she was falling so deep into the sensation of his kiss, Sage
pulled away, slowly, still chasing her thoroughly kissed lips.

"You're giving me a hard time right now," he panted against her open mouth and
tried to kiss her again.

"We should really go, Sage," she said and smiled against his kisses. "Sayang ang
ayos ko. Binilhan mo pa ako ng damit at sapatos." He even called a make-up artist
and a spa team to pamper her before going out tonight.

"I know... but now, all I could think about is to lock you in here and kiss the
hell out of you."

She giggled. "Hindi pwede iyon. May pupuntahan tayo. Kaya halika na." Lumayo na
siya rito at hinila ang kamay nito.

Narinig niya itong bumuntong hininga. "I guess I would just satisfy myself tasting
you in my mouth for the rest of the night. Damn! The whole night will be a
torture."

She just laughed. Quits lang sila kung ganoon. Kung alam lang nito kung gaano siya
kakabado sa mangayayari ngayong gabi.

NASA LOOB SILA ng isang puting Limousine. It was unnecessary, pero wala na siyang
masabi. Sage wanted it, they will ride it. Ganoon siguro kaengrande ang event
ngayon.

Sage was occupied with his phone

calls on their way, pero kahit ganoon ay hawak pa rin nito ang kamay niya at wala
sa sariling nilalaro ang aingsing niya habang kinakausap ang mga tinatawagan nito.
Hindi na siya binitawan nito simula noong umalis sila ng bahay kanina.

She breathed deep again. She kept thinking about the whole thing. Ano ang
mangyayari kapag nasabi na ni Sage ang totoo? Hindi ba sila magagalit?

They looked like a close knit family and she would hate it to see them fighting or
breaking because of this. Ayaw niyang masaktan ang magulang ni Sage.

"You're so quiet..." puna ni Sage. Hindi niya alam na nakatingin na pala ito sa
kanya.

"Sage, are you sure you want to do this?"

Kumunot ang noo nito. "Do you feel so nervous about meeting my family? They already
met you."

"Pero iba naman iyon... Akala nila bisita mo lang ako noon."

"And?"

"Baka magulat sila. At magalit sila dahil naglihim ka."

He pouted thoughtfully. "Probably. But they won't get mad. They will understand."

"You don't know that."

Hindi ganoon kadali iyon.

If it was her, alam niyang magagalit ang Papa niya. Well, he was already angry
kahit na alam nito. At ayaw niya na may isa pang pamilya na tutol sa kasal nilang
dalawa. She wanted his family's blessing... kahit iyon man lang.

Ginagap ni Sage ang kamay niya dahilan para lingunin niya ito sa tabi niya. "Just
let me handle everything, okay? 'Wag mo nang isipin iyon. Just trust me.
Maiintindihan din nila."

Maiintindihan. Paano?

But what she should be asking Sage was why? Bakit hindi alam ng pamilya nito na
kasal sila? What if they
ask her questions at hindi niya masagot?

Of course, she couldn't answer them. She had no memory of their wedding! Kahit iyon
wala. Ni hindi niya alam kung ilan ang bisita, sinusino ang dumating. Was it a
grand wedding? Maybe no.

Wala doon ang pamilya ni Sage. And her father refused to go. So who came?

Her heart sank once again. Thinking about her father brought her sadness.

Nagising siya na wala ito, and she didn't even know if he ever forgave her for
running away and for breaking hia heart.

"We're here," Sage announced when the car pulled to a stop.

Kitang kita niya ang napakaraming taong nakaabang sa labas ng building. It was like
a premiere night on some movie. There were cameras everywhere. May read carpet pang
nakalatag sa lupa.

Sage opened the door and reached for her hand as she stepped out of the limo. Agad
silang sinalubong ng mga ilaw at sigaw ng mga tao roon.

Were they media journalists? Paparazzi?

Nilagay kaagad ni Sage ang kamay niya sa braso nito. "Just smile," bulong nito.

She pasted a smile on her face as she walked side by side with Sage. Mabuti na lang
at hindi masyadong malamig dahil sa suot niya ngayong gabi.

Hindi siya binitawan ni Sage hanggang sa makapasok na sila sa loob ng lobby ng

building.

Tumigil ito sandali para tingnan siya. He touched both her cheeks. "Okay?" Tumango
siya. "Just stick with me. And smile. They will love you."

Hindi niya sigurado kung sino ang tinutukoy ni Sage; kung ang pamilya nito, ang mga
tao sa loob o ang media sa labas. She just felt so out of place.

Kinuha ulit ni Sage ang kamay

niya at sumunod lang siya rito hanggang sa makapasok sila sa isang convention hall.

It was full of people. Elegant people in white. Pulos nakaputi lahat ng tao,
maliban kay Sage na nakaitim na tuxedo.

The place was decorated with gold and silver. May nakaset-up din na stage sa 'di
kalayuan at naroon ang mga music organs.

They made a way through the crowd and people were already recognizing him. Pero
nakukunot ang mga noo ng ilan pagkakita sa kanya. They must be thinking who she is.
And they would never guess the answer.

Nagpatuloy si Sage sa paglalakad. Ngayon, mas ramdam na ramdam niya ang estado nito
sa buhay. Dito, kitang kita niya ang respeto rito ng mga tao.

He's influential. He's the power. He could buy an island and it won't even cost him
that much. He could live in a palace if he wanted to... but he choose to live in
her near crumbling home.
Hindi niya tuloy mapigilang isipin kung ano ang nakita nito sa kanya para maging
asawa nito. And what was it in him that she fell in love with? Because Sage was
exactly the type of guy she stirred away from. Someone who wouldn't notice her, not
even on a second glance.

"Sage!" May isang lalaki ang lumapit sa kanila.

"Loki," Sage greeted back.

"Good evening," ngumiti ito sa kanya at naglahad ng kamay.

Kakamayan na sana niya ito pero ayaw pakawalan ni Sage ang kamay niya.

"Si Duke?" Sage asked, completely ignoring Loki's hand.

Loki chuckled. "Hindi ko pa sila nakikita ni Louraine. Maybe parating na sila. Pero
nandito na siguro sina Tita. I think I saw them come in just a few minutes ago."

May

isa pang lumapit sa kanila hanggang sa napalibutan na sila ng mga tao. They were
different kinds of people. May matanda, bata, beteranong businessman, baguhan...
and some of them were women. Kahit na nakatayo na siya sa tabi ni Sage ay lumalapit
pa rin at lumalandi talaga sa harap niya.

"Vaughn," lumapit ang isang matanda kasama ang isang babae. "I want you to meet my
niece, Belinda."

Belinda was younger than her, shorter, and she's pretty. She wore a white halter-
neck, tight fitting gown and Kyra could tell that she was going for the kill
tonight.

Kyra almost laughed. Ganito ba talaga ang business? Kailangan pang i-reto ang
sariling pamangkin para magkaroon ng kapit?

"Hi," the woman smiled slyly and threw her a bitchy look. "My uncle told me so much
about you."

Inabot ni Sage ang kamay nito. "Nice meeting you, Belinda."

Nakita niya ang bahagyang paghaplos ng babae sa kamay ng asawa niya. Ang hitad na
babaeng 'to... she was flirting with Sage in front of her!

Nabitawan niya ang braso ni Sage dahil sa inis. Humalukipkip siya at nanatiling
tahimik.

Nakita niya ang ginawang paglingon ni Sage. "Tell your father hi for me." Ngumiti
si Sage at binitawan ang kamay ni Belinda para kunin ang kamay niya at hinawakan
iyon ng mahigpit.

Belinda looked disappointed.

They moved again pero may panibagong grupo na naman ang humarang sa kanila. Sage
treated them with equal politeness, pero napansin niyang hindi na nito binitawan
ang kamay niya at hindi na ito muling nakipagkamay pa sa iba.

Sa dami ng kinakausap ni Sage at gustong kumausap sa kanya ay nadama niya

ang pagod. Kaya nang lumuwag saglit ang kamay nito sa kanya ay tahimik na umalis
siya.

She went to the buffet table. Pero plato pa lang ang nahahawakan niya ay naamoy na
niya ang pabango ni Sage sa tabi niya.

"Naiinip ka na ba?"

Nilingon niya ito. Madilim na naman ang.mukha nito.

"Why did you leave like that?"

"Uh... naguhutom na kasi ako." She lied. She just wanted to get away and focus.
Gusto niyang maghanda para sa sasabihin nila sa pamilya nito. Besides, wala naman
siyang ginagawa kundi ang tumayo lang sa tabi nito.

"Bakit hindi mo sinabi?" inis na sabi nito.

"Kaya ko naman. At saka ang dami mo pang kausap."

"Kahit na. You should've told me para masamahan kita." Kinuha nito ang plato sa
kamay niya at nagsimulang kumuha ng pagkain sa buffet.

"It's fine, Sage. I can do it myself. Sige na."

Inawat nito ang plato nang tangkain niyang kunin iyon.

"Don't leave just like that. Ayokong nawawala ka sa paningin ko. I don't want you
wandering alone."

She sighed. "Hindi naman ako maliligaw."

Ibinaba ni Sage ang plato at humarap sa kanya. He looked pissed. Big time. At hindi
niya alam kung bakit.

"It's not that. Can't you see?" Itinuro nito ang paligid nila. "Every guy in this
room has their eyes on you since you step foot on that entrance door, and trust me,
I could smell the reek of their testosterones everywhere. They're just waiting for
that time they could pounce on you," tiim-bagang litanya nito. "Well, fvck! I'm not
going to give them that chance so you better stay close and don't you stray away
from me, or I will kiss you right here and

damn if they won't still back off."

Her mouth hung open. "Have you been always like that?" she thought out loud.

Himdi niya alam na iyon ang ipinaglalaban nito kaya ito mukhang mananakal na.

"Like what?"

"Ka-possessive?"

Medyo natigilan ito sa tanong niya. He picked up her plate and put foods in it.

"No... I wasn't."

Nagtatakang tinapunan niya ito ng tingin. No, he was not that possessive before? Or
he was not possessive at all?

So what changed then? Bakit kung makabakod ito sa kanya...

Dahil ba iyon sa ginawa niya? She left him with someone else, he said.

Is that it?

NAHANAP ni Sage ang mga kapatid nito sa dining area. The place was so big and wide
pero napuno pa rin iyon ng tao. The other side was for dining at ang sa kabila
naman ay para sa socialization at naroon din ang stage kung saan nakapuwesto ang
bandang tumutugtog sa gabing iyon.

Kinawayan sila ng kapatid nitong babae at lumapit doon si Sage. Clearly, he wanted
to sit with them. Kahit kinakabahan ay sumunod pa rin siya.

The Steele Brothers were all in Black Tuxedo, at ganoon din ang daddy nila. Must be
the event's theme; The White Ball and the Four Kings?

Well, at least now she was thankful Sage brought her dress she could wear. She
thought she was overdressed, but as she looked at everyone in their table... she
could even thank Sage for the lacy underwear. She doesn't think she owned a proper
dress that she could wear in this big, glamorous event.

"Hi, Ma." Yumuko si Sage para humalik sa mga magulang nito habang itinuturo ni
Serena ang tabi nitong upuan

para doon siya maupo.

"Kyra, right?" tanong nito habang humahalik sa pisngi niya. "Nice to see you with
kuya. Akala ko iyong babaeng poker faced na naman ang kasama niya."

That must be Sharmaine she was talking about.

"Win, don't talk like that to someone who isn't here. It's very impolite," saway ng
Mommy nito bago ngumiti sa kanya. "You look splendid, hija."

"Kayo rin po," she smiled back. Iniisip pa lang niya ang gustong ibalita ni Sage,
gusto nang tumakbo ng mga paa niya palabas ng gusali.

She ran her eyes around the table. Kompleto ang pamilya ni Sage sa mesang iyon.
Their table was positioned in the center of the hall at iyon lang din ang
pinakamalaking mesa sa lahat ng nandoon. It was the table for the Steeles. And
she's there.

Siguro ay nagtataka din ang mga magulang at kapatid ni Sage. Kahit ang mga nasa
paligid ay nakatingin sa kanya, nagtataka kung bakit naroon siya, katulad ng
pagtataka niya.

Nagsimula siyang kumain. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi niya maramdaman ang gutom. She
was too nervous to even think about food.

Umupo si Sage sa tabi niya. He even pulled his chair and dragged it closer to her.
Blue looked amused and sipped his champagne to hide his smile.

Gusto niya tuloy lumayo, pero kinakabahan siya masyado at si Sage lang ang
makakapagpakalma sa kanya... at nagpapakaba sa kanya.
"Here, try this..."

Nagulat siya nang iumang sa kanya ni Sage ang tinidor nito na may pagkain. Serena
turned to them at ganoon din ang mga magulang ni Sage.

Mabilis niya iyong kinain para hindi sila masyadong panoorin ng mga kasama nila sa
mesa.

God!

She just wanted to hide under the table!

"How was it?" interesadong tanong ni Sage na parang walang pakialam kung nasa harap
sila ng pamilya nito.

"Masarap," she answered quickly. Hindi niya talaga malasahan iyon sa kaba.

"That's my mom's specialty. You can ask her for the recipe para maidagdag mo sa
menu mo."

"Is that the food business you're starting up?" interesadong tanong ng Mommy nito.

"Yes, Ma. The one I mentioned to you last week."

"I heard you finished Culinary in France, hija. Kaya ba French cuisine ang gusto
mong concept?"

Tumango siya. "Pero balak ko din pong lagyan ng Filipino dish para may variety ang
menu namin."

"Mas maganda rin kung makakagawa ka ng signature recipe mo. A mix of both is a good
idea," suggestion nito. "If you want, I can help. May mga naitago akong recipe
noong nagbakasyon kami ni Stan sa France, baka may magustuhan ka."

Narinig niyang tumawa si Sage sa tabi niya. He was so close she could feel the
vibration of his laughter. "She will love it, Ma. She loves food."

"Really?" His mom looked at her with interest.

"Mukhang magkakasundo kayo ni Ma," ani Serena. "She loves cooking too."

"My passion, actually," segunda ng mommy nila na nakangiti sa kanya.

"Sharmaine!"

Naramdaman niya ang paglingon ni Sage. She sniffed that scent again. It was
twicking on her nose up to her skull. Hindi naman iyon mabaho, pero nahihilo siya
kapag naaamoy niya iyon.

"Hi, Tita, Tito."

Umikot ang mata ni Serena nang humalik si Sharmaine sa mga magulang nila. "Sipsip
talaga."

"Are you alone?" tanong

ng mommy nila.

"Uhm..."
"Dito ka na umupo sa mesa namin kung mag-isa ka. May bakanteng upuan naman. We
could use your company."

"Oh, kill me now," bulong ni Serena sa tabi niya. Unlike her, tahimik lang na
kumakain si Sage sa tabi niya.

She looked at Sharmaine as she seated herself on a vacant chair. Nakatingin ito sa
kamay niya at sa singsing niya. Their eyes met, pero agad itong humiwalay ng
tingin.

The conversation stirred away to business. Mainly, ang magkakapatid na lalaki ang
nag-uusap-usap, kasama ang daddy nila at si Sharmaine. Minsan ay nagbibigay din ng
opinion ang mommy nila pero madalas ay nakikinig lamang ito.

Mabilis niyang ibinaba ang mga kamay niya at tinakpan ang singsing niya.

Hindi niya alam kung kailan balak sabihin ni Sage ang tungkol sa kanila, but right
now was not it-the moment to break it to them. Masyadong seryoso ang usapan nila,
at parang hindi tama.

Without wasting time, she took off her rings, bago pa iyon makita ng sinuman at
bago pa sila makapagtanong. She could just talk to Sage later and tell him she's
not yet ready. Not in this crowd, at least.

Gusto niya, sila-sila lang. Tahimik at pribado. No outsiders and no Sharmaine on

ears.

Nang matapos kumain ay bumalik sila sa kabila kung saan naroon ang ibang bisita.
It's time to socialize, meet potential business dealers, and exchange business
cards.

Pero hindi pa rin siya iniiwan ni Sage.

"You took them off," mababang bulong nito sa tabi niya habang nakatayo sila sa
isang bahagi ng bulwagan.

She faced him. Hindi ito nakatingin sa kanya kaya

hindi niya alam kung ano ang nasa mukha nito. He was looking straight with a drink
on his hand. Alam niya kung ano ang ibig nitong sabihin. Siguro ay napansin nito
kanina ang ginawa niya.

"Sage..."

"What's your excuse this time?"

He's pissed off. It's their on his voice.

He didn't want to look at her, kaya siya na ang tumayo sa harap nito. He met her
eyes. Galit nga ito.

She touched his chest and looked into his angry eyes. "Can we do that in private?
Iyong walang ibang tao... tulad nito," aniya. "Gusto ko lang kasi na tayo-tayo
lang. Iyong tahimik. I don't want to cause a commotion tonight. Alam kong mabibigla
ang mga magulang mo, lalo na ang mommy mo kapag nalaman niya. I don't want her to
get mad at you."

Mariing naglapat ang mga bibig nito tanda ng hindi nito pagsang-ayon.
"Sage, I know she will feel hurt. She's your mother. She loves you, nakikita ko
iyon, and keeping your marriage from her will definitely make her feel bad."

Sandali itong nakipagtitigan sa kanya. She could feel him fighting, hanggamg sa
bumuntong hininga ito saka ibinaba ang hawak nitong baso sa malapit na mesa.

"Fine," he said, looking thoroughly at her eyes. "Pagbibigyan kita ngayon. We will
tell them next time. But it will be on my own terms."

Ngumiti na rin siya. "Thank you."

Noon pumailanlang ang tunog ng mabining musika. The lights dimmed and small
lanterns were lit. Para iyong dancing lights na nakabitin mula sa taas na
nagsilbing ilaw sa buong paligid. It looked like fireflies.

Naramdaman niya ang pagkuha ni Sage sa kamay niya. "Now dance with me."

Hindi na siya

nakapagsalita dahil hinila na siya ni Sage sa mga nagsisipagsayaw.

Tumayo ito sa harap niya at bahagyang umuklo. She gasped when she realized what he
was doing. Sage was bowing down in front of her, doon sa gitna ng napakaraming tao!

"A dance with my Juliet," he said, asking for her hand in a dance with a teasing
smile.

Parang wala itong pakialam sa mga nakatayo sa paligid nila. He was just doing what
he wants and to hell with everyone.

"Kailangan mo ba talagang gawin iyon?" bulong niya rito nang kunin niya ang kamay
nito. He was outrageous!

But she couldn't help but laugh. It must be the champagne that was making her feel
giddy.

"I get crazy and do stupid things when I'm-with you."

She noticed the pause.

What was it that he about to say then?

Gusto niyang isipin iyon, but she was already swaying with him. Naramdaman niya ang
paghapit nito lalo sa beywang niya para mas lumapat ang katawan niya rito.

Her eyes drove into his and saw how intense they've become. Napapalunok siya sa
tuyong lalamunan.

"You look so beautiful tonight," he whispered, his breath tickling her nostrils.

Halos wala ng natitirang espasyo sa pagitan nilang dalawa. His breath was becoming
her source of air, and he was all she could smell. His very masculine scent. She
was so tempted to just lean into him and feel his warmth wrapping around her like a
blanket.

They were connected from chest to hips while he was swayed her to the rhythm of his
body and all she could do was follow his lead. Feel him.
The tiny firefly lights surrounded them and the music played

so softly in their ears as they danced with it.

Her back straightened when she felt one of his hand climbing up to her back,
pressing her upper body into him, and her blood rushed up to her face when her
brėast made contact with his hard chest. Mas lalo tuloy siyang na-conscious na wala
siyang suot na bra!

Sage's lips curled, showing his sexy smile, and it told her he knew exactly what
she was feeling and thinking.

"I can still taste your lips on me..." bulong nito malapit sa tenga niya.

She sighed and closed her eyes. He was very good in this play of seduction. And she
always loses this game with him.

"I could feel them staring..." bulong ulit nito sa kanya. This time, she could feel
his hot breath on her neck and it was making her fine hairs stand up on end.

"Sino?" she managed to say.

"These bastards," sagot nito.

"Sa utak mo lang iyan," aniya. Pero ang totoo, ramdam din niya ang titig sa kanya
ng mga kababaehan sa paligid nila.

"I can see jealousy in their eyes. They wish they were me instead, holding you like
this and dancing with you tonight."

Lumayo siya ng bahagya para tingnan ito. "Hindi mo rin ba napapansin ang tingin sa
akin ng mga babae?"

His sexy eyes smiled down at her. "They can't hold my attention the way you do...
not even for a second. Since seeing you in that dress and that kiss, I only have
you inside my head, until now."

Her dry mouth parted in silence. Masyadong mabilis ang tibok ng puso niya dahil sa
paraan ng pagtitig nito sa kanya. She thought she almost stopped breathing in.

Umangat ang isang dulo ng bibig nito. "Your heartbeat is racing."

And the music ended. Dahan-dahan lumayo sa kanya si Sage, but he kept holding her
hand.

"Don't run away just yet, Juliet. I told you, don't stray and stay close to me."

He pulled her once again, and he never let go of her hand again.

=================

Chapter ♣ 25

WARNING: SPG
Strictly for mature reader.

----- 💋 -----

TEASE

"YOU'RE ALONE."

Napabaling si Kyra sa babaeng tumabi sa kanya. She already knew it was Sharmaine.
She could already smell her from the distance. Her scent was just too bothering to
her. O baka sensitive lang ang ilong niya sa pabango nito?

"Where's Sage?" walang interes na tanong nito.

Tinitigan niya ang puting long sleeves gown na suot nito. It was a very simple cut.
Natatakpan lahat ng nasa harap. But it was a trick, because it was a fierce
backless dress that showed her spine.

"May kinausap lang," aniya at tipid na ngumiti rito.

Ayaw pa sana siyang iwan ni Sage, pero dahil isang private client ang gustong
kumausap rito ay nagpaiwan na lang siya sa hall. Pero bago siya nito iniwan ay
sinigurado muna ni Sage na nasa tabi niya si Blue. Pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa
bumabalik ang bantay niya mula noong nagpaalam itong kukuha ng maiinom nila.

"How's the restaurant coming?" Sharmaine asked conversationally as she sipped her
cocktail drink.

"Maayos naman lahat." Kyra hugged herself and tried not to recoil away from her
scent. She could already feel the telltale sign of headache coming into her.

An awkward silence passed. As much as she wanted to start a conversation, hindi

niya magawa. Wala siyang maisip na mapag-usapan nila, kahit na trivial subject pa.
She just doesn't feel like talking to her.

"I noticed your ring earlier," biglang bukas nito. "Why'd you take

it off?"

Her forehead creased. Why was she asking that question? Does she have to answer to
her?

Iginala na lang niya ang paningin sa mga tao sa paligid nila. "Personal na rason."

"I know Sage is trying to patch up things between the two of you. And I'm actually
surprised that he's willing to go back from where you left off..."

Kyra kept her eyes trained on to the woman playing the piano on the stage and
remained calm. Sa tingin niya ay alam na niya kung saan tutungo itong usapan nila.

"He was very heartbroken when you left him... I was there. I've seen him. Kaya
naiintindihan mo siguro ang gulat ko sa desisyon niya. As his best friend, I don't
think what he's doing is a good idea. If it was me, it would be hard to trust you
again."

Ngumiti siyang bumaling rito sa kabila ng kaunting kirot sa ulo niya. "Buti na lang
hindi ikaw si Sage."

"What?"

"Alam mo, Sharmaine, hindi naman imposible na magbago ang isang tao. At naniniwala
ako na lahat ng tao, nararapat bigyan ng pangalawang pagkakataon," aniya. "I don't
know what happened, kung bakit ko siya iniwan noon. But I think, that was my
biggest mistake... letting him go. Kaya ayokong pagsisihan itong pangalawang
pagkakataon na ibinigay sa akin ng asawa ko. I won't let him go again this time."

Kitang kita niya ang pagtiim ng bagang ni Sharmaine at ang panliliit ng mga mata
nito. Marahil ay hindi nito gusto ang mga sinasabi niya, pero wala siyang pakialam.
She wanted to push her away.

"Ayos lang sa'kin kung hindi mo na ako mapagkakatiwalaan. Opinyon mo iyan. Para sa
akin, ang tiwala lang ni Sage ang mahalaga. He wanted

me back, and he will have me again. Hindi ba ang sabi nila, love is sweeter the
second time around?" Ngumiti siya ng isang ngiting tagumpay. "Our marriage will be
even sweeter this time."

She kept her satisfied smile as she watched Sharmaine drank the rest of her drink.
Hindi niya alam kung saan nanggaling ang mga sinabi niya o ang lakas ng loob niyang
sabihin ang mga iyon, but, darn! It felt good!

She felt good telling that to her, kahit pa nahihilo na siya sa pabango nito.

But still, she wondered why Sharmiane was trying to keep her away from Sage. Para
bang gusto niyang isiping may gusto ito sa sinasabi nitong best friend nito. She
had that gut feeling that Sage is not just a friend. He's not just her client. Sage
was someone special to Sharmaine.

What about Sage?

Lumagpas kaya sa pagiging best friend ang tingin nito kay Sharmaine? She's been
gone for too long at si Sharmaine na ang palagi nitong kasama.

"Sorry, natagalan ako," Blue said smiling as he walked over them. "Hi Sharmaine!"
bati nito kay Sharmaine habang ibinibigay sa kanya ang isang baso ng red wine.

She wished Sharmaine would just go away. Hinsi niya alam kung bakit pa ito
nananatiling nakatayo sa tabi niya.

"Hindi pa ba bumabalik si Kuya?" tanong sa kanya ni Blue.

"Hindi pa." Umiling siya at tiningnan si Sharmaine. Maybe she was waiting for Sage
too.

"Buti na lang. Baka pilipitin ako no'n kapag nakita niyang wala ako."

"So, you did left her alone," anang malalim na boses mula sa likuran niya.

"Kuya!"

Naramdaman niya ang pagtayo ng balahibo niya sa katawan. She

could feel him standing so close behind her because of his body heat and the sexy
musk he always carry.

"Do you want your bank accounts closed or you cars gone? Choose," he drawled above
her head. Kahit hindi niya ito nililingon ay alam niyang seryoso ito ngayon.

Nagkamot ng batok si Blue. "Kuya naman! 'Wag ganyan. Kumuha lang ako ng maiinom ni
Kyra e."

She tilted her head to see him, her shoulders bumping into his firm chest as she
turned.

"He's right, Sage. Nauhaw kasi ako kanina."

Intense pitch black eyes stooped down at her and her speech was robbed away from
her. Talagang hindi ito natuwa na iniwan siya ni Blue.

Sinubukan niyang ngumiti rito. "It's fine, Sage. Besides, si Sharmaine lang naman
ang kausap ko habang naghihintay."

Pumatong ang kamay nito sa likuran niya at tiningnan si Blue. "Pasalamat ka, si
Maine ang dumating, or you'll be saying goodbye to your allowance."

Biniro-biro pa ni Blue si Sage dahil para makalimutan ni Sage ang pagkawala nito at
pag-iwan sa kanya pero lagi ding nauuwi sa allowance ni Blue ang usapan. Ilang
sandali pa ay lumapit na rin sa kanila ang ibang mga kapatid ng dalawa. She was
just trying to ignore that Sharmaine was standing there.

THE NIGHT was getting colder and deeper. She had already lost her nerves and the
tension in her body some time ago at ngayon ay masaya na siyang nakikihalubilo sa
mga kapatid ni Sage.

She's still not past through her weary feeling towards strangers. Kanina ay hindi
niya naiwasang magkaroon muli ng speech lapse habang kausap niya ang Mommy ni Sage.
Mabuti na lang at nanatili

sa tabi niya si Sage at natulungan siya nito kaagad.

But that was a different story, too.

Dahil sa ginawa nitong pagtulong sa kanya, at ang paraan ng pag-aalala sa mga mata
nito nang mga sandaling iyon, she felt like he had an idea about her speech
problem-which was idle and groundless. Hindi naman niya nabanggit kay Sage ang
parteng iyon ng nangyari sa kanya...

A warm hand ran up and down her bare arms. Sage was hugging her from behind as they
stood with his brothers and their wives in a circle.

"Summer naman, kaya mas masaya kung magkakaron tayo ng family outing."

Nakikinig siya sa mga suggestions ni Serena tungkol sa plano niyang family outing
nang maramdaman niya ang marahang paghalik ni Sage sa balikat niya.

She hissed at him. Pinandilatan niya ito dahil kanina pa ito humahalik sa balikat
niya, at kanina pa sila minamatyagan ng mga kapatid nito.

He buried his head to her neck and breathed in. "Sorry... ang bango mo kasi. Hindi
ko mapigilan."

Agad na namula ang pisngi niya dahil sa sinabi nito at dahil sa init ng hininga
nito sa leeg niya. It freaking feels... erotic.

"Sage, I saw Mr. Fuentes here tonight," biglang sabi ni Sharmaine na nakatayo sa
harap nila. "Nagkausap na ba kayo tungkol sa loan para sa Rice plantation niya?"

Sage looked at Sharmaine but he didn't move an inch away from her shoulder, kaya
dama niya ang galaw ng baba nito habang nagsasalita.

"We already set the meeting next week."

"Next week? But you have a long week vacation starting next week," komento ulit ni
Sharmaine.

Sage took her hands and unfolded

her closed fingers. "It's fine. Nancy can manage my schedule," bored nitong sagot
habang nilalaro ang palad ng kamay niya.

He was drawing lazy circles on her palms that felt insanely good and tingly. It was
making her think about bed and sėx.

"Sage," pabulong na saway niya rito sa namumulang pisngi. She couldn't be thinking
those things right now!

Pero imbis na makinig ito ay bumaba ulit ang ulo nito sa balikat niya. He was
actually breathing against her skin, and it only intensified her imagination.

No... they were not just her imagination. They're part of her memory. Siya at si
Sage.

Mabilis siyang kumalas rito. "Punta muna ako sa CR," alibi niya nang makita niya
ang naniningkit na mata ni Sage.

She quickly excused herself from the others and went straight to the rest room. Her
chest was near exploding. At alam niyang hindi iyon dahil sa kaba. It was because
of Sage and what he do to her.

Lumiko siya sa isang pasilyo at bigla na lang may humila sa braso niya.

"Sage!" she gasped. He was pulling her to the opposite side of the hall where the
rest room was.

Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. "Sage, saan ka pupunta?" tanong niya ulit.
She was trying to keep up with his giant, quick steps.

Hindi ito sumagot hanggang sa makarating sila sa isang kuwarto, malayo sa party
hall. He went in and, in a swift move, he pinned her body against the door.

"Sage, what are you doing?" she asked in a breathless tone. His stare was so hot
and intense, it was speeding her heartbeat twice faster.

"I'm not doing anything yet, but I was thinking about kissing you
right now. And a lot more."

She swallowed hard. It was really not that difficult to guess what he meant by
that. And she should be telling him no. Because if she let this happen, then he
will know.

Pero habang nakatitig sa kanya si Sage, naghihintay, hindi niya magawang isatinig
ang pagtangging iyon. She looked at those sinful lips that kissed her when he said
he will never touch her again... She just couldn't.

As if reading her indecisive thoughts, Sage took the liberty to decide for her.
With one hand, he gripped her cheek while the other fastened on her nape and
eliminated the space between them. Then he took her mouth in a hard kiss, while
still pinning her on the door.

Her heartbeat thudded close to her chest and her breath caught at the sweet taste
of his moist lips pressing to hers and the feel of his warm body covering her.

For a good long moment, Sage kept tasting her lips, brushing and nipping. Ramdam
niya ang panggigigil nito sa kanya. Then she felt his hot tongue slipping into her
mouth, and Kyra went with it. Because she couldn't possibly be able to stop herself
when Sage was sucking her tongue so deliciously.

Heat exploded between them in an instant. Just as it always had.

With all the logic and rational thoughts flying away out of her head, she snaked
her hands at the back of his head and met his tongue, kissing him back with her own
seductive little thrust, wanting for more.

He tasted like wine and man and she opened her mouth for him with eagerness.
Willingly and with a moan spurring out of her throat, she pressed her brėasts
against his chest when

his leg wedged between her thighs, holding her up.

His hands reached for her arms, hands, and touched everywhere he could touch as he
kept on kissing her with hunger, their teeth almost knocking together.

She wasn't sure who was kissing who anymore. They were just tasting, nipping,
biting and gripping each other, taking what they could, his leg bumping right
straight to her inner thighs.

Lalo siyang napakapit sa buhok ni Sage. He could take her right then and there and
she wouldn't object. She's so turned on, like she had been missing this feeling for
eternity.

She sucked in her breath when they broke apart to pull in air before they
suffocate. She was aware of his chest crushing her brėasts with his every ragged
breath, her fingers digging into his hair as they paused staring at each other,
poised between stopping and starting what she knew they couldn't stop.

His lustful eyes ran all over her face, staring longer on her sore-kissed lips. She
bit her lower lip, remembering the way he sucked it into his mouth and his eyes
flared dangerously.

"I think it's time to go home?" His voice was gruff and deep, barely in control.

Lumunok siya ng ilang beses. Habol-habol niya ang kanyang hininga habang iniisip
ang susunod na mangyayari.
When she didn't reply, Sage stepped away from her. He found her hand and led her
back to the party hall.

Himdi niya alam kung ano ang sasabihin nito sa mga kapatid nito at sa ibang bisita
dahil hindi pa tapos ang gabi. But they were back in the hall and with his deep
tone, he was offering everyone his apologies that they had to go.

Tumango lang sina Duke at ang iba, Sharmaine's tearing her with her stare but she
couldn't care enough about her.

They were out within minutes. As they walked onto the luxuriously carpeted ground,
past through the media waiting outside, she couldn't even remember saying her
goodbyes to them. All she seemed able to focus on was Sage's arm around her waist,
his hand lying on her skin, and the need that was growing inside her with every
bump of his hard hips with her.

Yes. It was going to happen, despite all her objections-despite her secret. She
couldn't stop it now even if she wanted to, she realized, as she slid her arm
beneath Sage's jacket and around his lean waist. The heat of his body through his
shirt was a turn-on in itself. And she was far turned-on after his hard kiss.

Her heart was pounding from excitement as she counted the seconds until they
reached the dark privacy of their limo. Her body was aching to fever pitch, wanting
to be closer to him... close enough to feel his burning flesh pulsing against her.

Una siyang pumasok sa loob ng sasakyan at naramdaman niyang sumunod sa kanya si

Sage. At the shut of the door, Sage didn't wait for her to settle in her seat and
pulled her to him, erasing the small space between them.

Napasinghap siya nang hapitin nito ang beywang niya at sa isang galaw ay naiangat
siya nito at mabilis na pinaupo sa kandungan nito. Her legs were beside his hips,
straddling him.

Tiningnan niya ang cheuffer nila. The tinted glass was already up.

"Don't worry, sound proof ang sasakyan na 'to," Sage said in a husky whisper and

turned her face to him.

She expected that he would kiss her again, pero ginulat siya nito nang hawakan nito
ang pisngi niya, his thumb gliding across her lips, down over her neck.

"You are very beautiful," he said in a sensual tone that matched his eyes. The
dimness of the car only heightened the invisible yet very palpable heat between
them.

"Salamat," bulong niya. Her cheeks burnt under his close, intimate scrutiny. Then
his hand slid around her neck and bent her head to kiss her.

She parted her lips readily for him and met his tongue plunging inside her mouth.
Her eyes closed as desire tugged below her belly and she dug her hands into his
hair as she kissed him for all she was worth.

He sucked her tongue into his mouth with hunger, his hands on her back, sliding
down and his palm squeezing her backside, desperate for more.

Narinig niya ang ungol na lumabas sa bibig niya. He felt hot and hard and insanely
good. Dumaan ang kamay niya sa dibdib nito. She wanted to run her palms across his
bare chest and feel his body hard and warm against her.

It's a frantic kiss. It wasn't smooth and romantic and slow. But she didn't care.
All that mattered was it was Sage she was kissing and it was him who was touching
her, burning her.

His tongue was doing crazy sexy things in her mouth, grazing her ear, her cheeks,
her jaw, and down to her neck. Her breath did a sharp pant as he pulled her down
closer to his throbbing erection.

Bumaba ang halik nito sa dibdib niya at tumigil siya sa paghinga. She was braless.
She felt him smile against her skin when

he slid aside the material of her dress and exposed one brėast to his avid gaze.

That's why he bought the dress. Because it was accessible and easy.

Oh, but she loved it and his wicked wit.

She let out a long low moan as his warm moist tongue trailed lazily over her
nıpple, turning it into a hard bud. Her hand tunneled through his hair and saw an
erotic view of his dark head on her chest as his mouth closed over to her nıpple,
sucking it.

She felt that hard pull on her brėasts that ran deep and reached down between her
inner thigh. He sucked once more and she couldn't stop her head from dropping back
at the intensity of how it felt.

He licked and suckled her, his hand cupping the soft mound he was working on, and
her moans growing louder and longer each time, then he moved to the other brėast.

He tugged harder, moving faster, nipping at her, and she fought for air. Then she
felt his finger sliding down to her bottom and startling her as he traced all the
way under her wet core. She jerked at the jolt of pleasure.

Then he bit her nıpple, sending a sharp throb through her body, making her arch her
back and he still kept his finger on her, stroking her with deliberate slowness.

The ache below her intensified. Out of instinct, she gripped his arms and shoved
herself down into his already hard erection to alleviate the tightness in her
thighs.

His breath hitched and she enjoyed doing that to him. Her hips bumped against him
again, hitting her tight bud of nerves, and he actually moaned out loud and gave
her another nıpple bite.

Even with her skimpy underwear and his pants in their way, she could still feel the
force of that collision, that friction all the way to her toes, and she wondered if
she could do this with him without shattering like a glass.

Bumalik ang halik nito sa labi niya at gigil na siniil siya ng halik. Sage was out
of control as she was. He was clamping her against him, melding her to him like a
steel as she grind her pelvis against him in a sensual dance.

He suddenly gripped her hips, stopping her. "Keep doing that and I swear I will
take you fast right here, right now," he said with a harsh tone.

Napatitig siya kay Sage. Their heavy breathing filled the night air as he stared at
her with his dark eyes. His face was flushed from arousal and his hair was mussed
from her wild fingers.

She didn't really care where. She just wanted him, with every fiber of her body.
And she was on fire with him. One touch, one kiss, and he was leaving her hot and
wet and ready, faster than he could ever imagine.

His groan broke her thoughts and then he was sliding her dress.in place, covering
her exposed brėasts.

"Finally we're home," he said and just then, the car stopped. "I can take you to
bed now."

=================

Chapter ♣ 26

WARNING: SPG

Strictly for matured reader.

----- 💋 -----

RESURRECT

SAGE OPENED the door and they got out of the limo. Pero bago pa siya makalayo ay
inabot nito ang braso niya at hinila pabalik rito. Mabilis siyang napalibutan ng
mga braso ni Sage.

He leaned in and kissed her one last time before he pulled away and let her go. A
full body shiver ran all over her skin as he trapped her with his half-lidded eyes
that were blazing with desire, making them even darker.

"I want you to go inside to my bedroom, take off your clothes, lie down on the bed,
and wait for me. Kakausapin ko lang sandali si Mang Dante."

Napalunok siya habang tumatango. Her muddled brain wasn't really working properly
at this point, but she could clearly imagine herself standing inside his bedroom-
virtually naked.

Inabot nito ang susi sa kanya at umalis para pumunta sa unahan ng sasakyan. Sa
nanginginig na tuhod ay tinungo niya ang pintuan. She inserted the key into the
lock and went inside.

She walked upstairs, past through her room and headed for his bedroom. Ipinatong
niya sa mesa nito ang susi ng bahay at tahimik na huminga ng malalim. She ran her
hands up and down her dress as she tried to work on her courage.

She still has a choice to turn her back and leave now. But she couldn't quite push
her feet to run as she looked at his enormous bed picturing herself lying naked
under his duvet, waiting for him. She wanted him. Plain and simple. She can't turn
her back

now. Her love for him was burning for this. Her mind, body, and heart were all
yearning for him.

Taking her time, she slowly slid the straps of her dress down her shoulder and
stepped out it. Pinulot niya iyon at itinabi sa isang sofa. Her hand hesitated for
a slight moment before she peeled her underwear down her legs.

Standing on her birthday suit, Kyra walked over to his bed and crawled under the
cold bed cover. Naamoy niya kaagad ang naiwang bango ni Sage sa kumot nito. She
lied on her back and did what he told her-to wait for him.

Ilang sandali pa ay narinig niya ang mabagal na mga yabag nito. And then she saw
him standing in the door. Umupo siya para tingnan ito. Walang imik nitong isinara
ang pintuan at narinig pa niya ang pagtunog ng lock.

His penetrating gaze never left hers and she tensely watched him with anticipation
as he moved closer to the bed, his fingers working on his shirt, unfastening the
buttons. Wala na ang suit jacket nito at ang maliit na bow tie na suot nito kanina.

Then he sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. He was so close to her now that
she could glimpse the exposed hair-sprinkled chest beneath his half-opened shirt,
so close that she could reach out and touch him. But she didn't.

Instead, she kept her hands on the cover, tightly gripping the duvet covering her
brėasts. A fire of excitement was licking through her blood and her body was
tingling from head to toe.

Her eyes were trained on him as he lifted a hand to remove the pins that were
holding up her hair. He put the pins on the side table without even leaving her
face

for a second. Her greedy senses were drowning from the dark and stirring musk of
his skin. Then her hair came tumbling down over her shoulders.

He sucked in a breath. "You look magnificent, ma belle."

She wanted to strain against him, put her arms around his neck and cling to him,
and reveal those hard body to touch him. But she was just staying still, riveted on
him.

With the briefest touch of his finger, he lifted her face to his. "You've been a
constant torture in my dreams for a long time and as much as I want to slow things
down, I don't think I can." His eyes were half-veiled by his long lashes. "This
will go dirty, hard and fast. Can you handle that?"

Her breathing turned shallow and deep, her eyes turning slumberous with desire. The
anticipation was nearly getting her over the edge.

Unable to speak, she just nodded her head candidly, her body humming with warm
vibrations between her legs.

Finally, Sage pulled away from her and stood beside the bed. He began shedding his
shirt, and she watched the striptease with unabashed admiration.

His body was beyond beautiful. He had firm and tight muscles everywhere and her
fingers couldn't wait to explore them. His biceps and chest muscles flexed as he
shed off his shirt and then he pulled his pants off dragging with it his black
briefs, revealing his semi-erect flesh in her view.

It was not yet fully aroused and it already looked massive and thick. He was built
for a woman's pleasure, no doubt. And Kyra had that urge to stroke it with her
hands and watch it spring to life under her attention.

She licked her suddenly

dry lips.

"Fvck, Kyra. Don't look at it like that. You make me crazy," Sage muttered under
his breath.

On steady stride, he got back onto the bed and pushed her gently down to bed.

He was starting to remove the cover from her when she heard the warning bells
ringing inside her head.

Mabilis siyang bumangon para abutin ang ilaw ng lampshade sa tabi niya.

"Ayaw mo ng may ilaw?"

"I think I can feel you better without them."

A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Now that's new. You've always loved it
when l watch you come," he said and pulled away the blanket out of his way.

He settled over her body, settling his arms beside her head, then he lowered his
mouth to hers, nipping and sucking at her bottom lip before plunging his tongue
inside her mouth.

Her hands moved, taking the opportunity and did what they had been longing to do.
She boldly trailed them over his chest and explored the hard muscles beneath her
palm, slightly tugging at the fine hair covering his chest.

Sage hissed as he kept on teasing her tongue and answered her with a stinging lip
bite. She slid them down lower, feeling the rippling of his fine abs on her
fingertips and traced those tiny hairs until she reached his hard warm length and
began stroking it.

He gave a low growl in his throat. "Fvck, honey. Don't get me too hard right now. I
want to taste you first."

Inawat nito ang kamay niya at inilagay iyon sa taas ng ulo niya. "Keep them there
or I'll tie them."

She felt more vulnerable like that. And not being able to feel Sage was a torture
for her, especially

when his lips were starting to travel from the line of her jaw down to her neck and
then around to her chest.

His hot mouth covered her aching nıpple and her back jerked off the bed. Hindi niya
napigilan ang umungol at mapakapit sa unan dahil sa bolta-boltaheng kuryente na
dumaan aa katawan niya.

Naramdaman niya ang pagngiti ni Sage sa dibdib niya. "You used to scream when I
suck your brėasts. And it seemed you still do."

Naglaro pa ng ilang sandali ang bibig nito sa umbok ng dibdib niya at napapaliyad
na lamang siya sa ginagawa nito.

"I've been dying to taste your nıpples the whole night," he said hoarsely and
closed his mouth around the other tip and lapped at it.

She arched into him, wanting for more, desperate for more, moaning at the sweet
pleasure that echoed from her brėasts to her abdomen. He swirled his tongue around
the hard tip before capturing it between his teeth and nibbled it.

"Sage..." She wanted to bury her hands around his hair and hold him tightly but she
kept her hand above her head, gripping the pillow hard as he sucked at her nipples
and feasted on the sensitive buds, licking, and biting them until she was writhing
and moaning his name out loud.

Bumaba ang mga halik nito sa kanyang tiyan at ramdam na ramdam niya ang mainit na
hininga nito sa knayang balat. He ran his tongue around her navel, leaving a wet
trail as he moved lower. Hanggang sa maalala niya ang pinakatatago niyang pilat.

Mabilis siyang bumitaw sa unang hawak-hawak niya para takpan ang tiyan niya. He
seemed to did not notice it because of the dimness of the room.

Naramdaman

na lang niya ang mga kamay nito sa tuhod niya. He was moving her legs apart as he
moved his body down the bed. And an image painted in her head-she was lying back on
a bed, her back arching, while Sage's head was wedged between her thighs pleasuring
her.

She closed her eyes and sucked in a breath when she felt his fingers on her slick
folds gently parting them. Her feminine core throbbed in anticipation. Then he bent
his head and pressed his tongue against her tight bud.

Her body jerked violently in reaction. "Ah..." she moaned and sighed in absolute
pleasure at the feel of his warm, thick tongue licking her wet gem all the way down
to her aching core.

Hindi siya makapaniwala sa klase ng pakiramdam na hatid ng ginagawa nito sa

pagkababae niya. It was so... good. There's no other way to describe it.

"Sage," tawag niya rito nang maramdaman niya ang daliri nito. One finger slipped
inside her opening and she bucked against him.

Nahagip ng mga daliri niya ang buhok nito para awatin ito. But he never left her.
Instead, he inserted another finger inside her as he nibbled and lapped at the
quivering bud and worked her like a string, bringing her to a kind of torture that
only him could appease.

She strained against him, her eyes closed, and surrendered herself completely to
what he was giving her. Already, she could feel her nerve endings tightening, her
muscle tensing at the wonderful pleasure gripping her body.

"Sage!" she screamed and her body was thrashing, wanting to move away from the
wickedness of his tongue and fingers that was tormenting her.

But he never let her go. He just gripped

her hips and pressed his tongue harder to her swollen bud, his fingers thrusting
faster sending her to her intense peak of orgasm.

Sage was coming up on his knees and wiped her wetness on his lips with his tongue.
Nag-init kaagad ang pisngi niya.

"You scream so fvcking loud," anas nito. "Now bend your knees and spread your legs
for me."

She was still climbing down from her recent orgasm and her knees weren't working.

"I thought you said dirty, hard and fast," she said breathlessly. She was still
panting and feeling out of breath.

"That was the dirty part. Now I want to do the hard and fast," he said as he spread
her legs wider, bending her knees up and slid up her body, settling between her
legs.

His hand reached for her mound and he played with her nıpple as his cock nudged
hotly at her entrance, stroking up and down her quivering cleft. Then he bent his
head and nipped sharply at the tip just as he thrust into her all the way to the
brink with one hard push. She groaned and then he stopped.

"Fvck!" he groaned painfully above her. "You're so tight."

She gave a shuddering gasp as he sank impossibly further inside her. Her head
dropping back on the pillow, her eyes rolling back, fingers digging at his back,
something to ground her as she fought the urge to squirm from the unbelievable
pleasure after her initial discomfort.

"My God, you feel so good... Fvck!" he said, his breathing was ragged as if he was
on the brink of losing control.

Then he pulled all the way out. Her inner walls tightened around him as he slid
home again.

He hissed and felt him jerking inside her.

He began to move powerfully between her legs, stroking her deep and she was meeting
his every thrust, moving with him in a rhythm that was as natural as breathing.

He felt so big inside her, he was stretching her with each thrust. Then he spread
her wider, pushing impossibly deep into her. Naririnig niya ang bawat tama ng
kanilang katawan kasabay ng kanyang ungol na hindi niya magawang pigilan.

She felt whole again, complete, for the first time since they had been together,
and she clung to him as he took her to somewhere beautiful.

Kumapit siya sa balikat nito at bumaon ang mga kuko niya sa balat nito nang bumaba
ang kamay nito sa pagitan nila. He found her bud and pressed into it hard.
Napaigtad siya at kumawala ang malakas na ungol ng pangalan nito mula sa kanya.

He began rocking between her legs, faster, his thrusts harder, still keeping her
thumb against her clıt. He set an impossible pace until she panted beneath him.

Her orgasm built to the higher pitch and higher still, and she hung there
suspended, not tumbling over the edge. She squeezed her eyes shut as the pressure
became too much-nearly unbearable. She heard a sob coming out of her and she bit
her lip hard, she could almost taste blood on it.
Pinigilan niya ang kamay nito pero inawat siya nito. He worked her harder. And then
she was there.

"Sage... Sage," she chanted his name over and over as she felt her body began to
splinter apart.

She let out a long wail as he slammed into her again. Shockwaves of pure pleasure
ripping through her body and it reached down in the deepest region of her being,
opening up a gate in her head, in her mind, and in her soul. And the past rushed up
through her like a huge tidal wave out of nowhere and saw the truth in all its
shocking clarity.

Sage moved frantically against her, racing through his orgasm. And then a dark,
deep growl wrenched out of his soul as he arched into her one last time and felt
him spilling inside her, before collapsing against her.

Kyra stared at the ceiling for a long silent moment as he laid there against her,
his chest dragging air on her neck.

Right then, she realized she was his for eternity and knew in her heart that she
always had been. But she broke his heart and she deserved all his hatred and his
revenge.

And yet he had still forgiven her even after all that she did-after that night she
ran away with Luigi.

=================

Chapter ♣ 27

PARIS, FOUR YEARS AGO

LUIGI DE SANTIS.

Iyon ang pangalan ng lalaking inaakala ni Sage na lalaki niya. Si Chef Luigi. Ang
Italyanong nakilala at naging kaibigan niya sa France.

Muli ay naramdaman ni Kyra ang kirot sa dibdib niya habang nakatanaw sa bakanteng
espasyo sa tabi niya. Dalawang oras nang umalis si Sage para pumasok ng opisina. At
nagkunwari siyang tulog habang nagbibihis ito.

She could feel him watching her while he moved around the room, as if waiting for
her to wake up and open her eyes. Pero hindi niya talaga kayang harapin ito
pagkatapos bumalik ng mga alaala niya. Inuusig siya ng konsensya niya. Hanggang sa
naramdaman niya ang marahang halik sa ulo niya at ang dantay ng daliri nito sa
bahagyang nakaawang na labi niya habang nagpapaalam ito sa kanya.

Paano niya nagawang iwan ang asawa niya noon? Paano niya nagawang sumuko sa kasal
nila?
Sage loved her. Crazy and deep. Without inhibition and beyond limitation.

Sa maikling buwang nakilala niya ito, nahulog at nakuha niya ang loob nito. Katulad
ng pagkahumaling niya rito.

Ngayon, naiintindihan na niya kung bakit nakatago ang alaala niya pagkatapos ng
aksidente. She didn't want to remember... she pushed her memories away. Ayaw niyang
maalala ang lahat ng pagkakamaling ginawa niya kay Sage. Ang pag-iwan niya rito at
ang pagpili niya sa pangarap niya imbis na ang kasal nila.

Sage was right all along. She betrayed his trust, trampled on his faith on her, and
she threw away his love-all because of her ambition. Sumama siya kay Luigi dahil
alam niyang ito ang susi

niya para maging isang magaling at sikat na Chef sa buong France, at maging sa
buong mundo. Nang sa ganoon ay maipakita niya sa Papa niya na kaya siya nitong
ipagmalaki kahit na walang kuwentang kusinera lamang ang tingin nito sa pangarap
niya.

It was her fault. She shut her memories out. But the shattering experience of
making love with Sage was enough to knock her defenses down, and whether she was
ready or not, the last barriers of her resistance had crumbled down and she finally
caved in.

IT WAS A Valentine's Day. Kyra could remember now with extreme vividness. Araw ng
mga puso nang makilala niya si Sage.

Isang linggo pa lang siya sa France magmula noong umalis siya ng Pilipinas. Magmula
nang umalis siya ng bahay nila.

Sa napakaraming pagkakataon na sinubukan niyang kausapin ang Papa niya na lumuwas

ng bansa, noon lang ito pumayag matapos ang isa at kalahating taong pagtatrabaho
niya sa kompanya nila. Because somehow, her father had feared that she would leave
them.

Dahil alam ng Papa niya kung gaano kahalaga sa kanya ang pangarap niya para sa
sarili niya.

Growing up with her sisters hating her and her father limiting her space, she had
nothing to feel happy about. Only cooking. Doon niya nararamdaman ang nanay na
hindi niya nakagisnan.

Her mom loved cooking. Iyon palagi ang sinasabi sa kanya ng Papa nila. She dreamed
of being a Chef. Pero dahil nagpakasal ito sa Papa niya, she sacrificed that dream.

His father was an orphan and money didn't come easy for him during his childhood.
He worked day and night even when he was a student

and he suffered a lot of sacrifices and hard work in becoming a successfully rich
man. Kaya nang natamasa na nito ang tuktok ng tagumpay, nangarap ito ng magandang
buhay para sa pamilya nito. He always told her that story, that he never wanted
poverty to touch his children.

Gusto nitong ibigay lahat sa nanay niya, ayaw niyang nagtatrabaho ito at
nahihirapan.

He thought her mother was happy... at iyon din ang akala niya.

Until she came across her mother's journal. Aksidente niya iyong nakita sa opisina
ng Papa niya. His father made her believe her mother was happy when the truth was
far from it.

Her mom felt alone and discontented because of her unfulfilled dream. Hindi ito
naging masaya sa pagpipigil ng Papa niya sa pangarap nito.

When she read that, she had her moment of realization-an awakening.

Ginagawa rin sa kanya ng Papa niya ang ginawa nito sa Mama niya. He was imprisoning
her and her dreams. He was cutting her wings.

Nang mga oras na iyon, gustong gusto niyang magalit sa Papa niya. Gusto niyang
sumbatan ito at ibuhos lahat ng sama ng loob niya. But she didn't. Instead, she
secretly enrolled in a culinary course. Iyon lang ang alam niya, hindi para
gantihan ang Papa niya, kundi para mabuo ulit ang pakpak niya at marating niya ang
pangarap niya.

Natapos niya ang pag-aaral niya sa isang taon at nagpaalam sa Papa niya na pupunta
siya ng France para magbakasyon. Nagulat pa siya na pumayag ito kaagad. But he
never knew she had no plan to come back. At hindi na nito kailangan pang malaman,
na doon niya bubuoin ang pangarap niya-nila ng Mama niya.

"Bonjour,

Puis-je vous aider?"

"Ti sei perso, signora?"

"Necesitas ayuda, hermosa señora? Señorita? Señorita?"

"No, no. I'm okay!" Paulit-ulit na pangtataboy niya sa mga makukulit na foreigner
na lumalapit sa kanya. Pang-ilang taboy na niya iyon sa hapong iyon at gusto na
niyang sumigaw. Gusto lang naman niyang mamasyal. Pero dahil sa mga lalaking 'to
kaya minsan ayaw na niya.

Isang linggo pa lang siya sa Paris at hindi pa niya nalilibot ng buo ang France.
Palagi na lang may sumusulpot na lalaki sa harap niya at bigla na lang siyang
kinakausap at nag-aalok na maging tourist niya.

Lihim siyang umungol nang makita niya ang isa na namang lalaki na papalapit sa
kanya. She wished they would just go away and leave her alone!

Dumaan siya sa ibang direksyon para maiwasan ito ngunit sa paglingon niya ay isang
matigas na dibdib ang nakaharap niya. And then, she heard that deep baritone voice.

"Excuse me, do you know where this is?"

She was about to swear then. Umakyat ang mga mata niya at napatulala nang mapatitig
siya sa pares ng mga mata nito. His stubble-shaded jaw was angling so sharply down
at her and his wide mouth was smiling, revealing a white set of teeth.

Naramdaman niya ang kakaibang pintig ng puso niya nang mapagtanto niya kung gaano
ito kalapit sa kanya na halos nakikita niya na ang kapal at haba ng pilikmata nito.
She staggered back slightly to look up at him squarely in the face.
Right then, she thought about the first drop of the rain and smelt the redolence of
the moist grass. She suddenly felt nostalgic staring into the stranger's eyes-as

if she was experiencing that moment of magic in her life for the first time.

Until she realized that he was a stranger. A heart-stopper and attention-stealer at

that.

Naalala niya pa kung paano niya ito sinubukang iwasan nang araw na iyon. Pero bigla
ulit na may lumapit sa kanya at sinimulang mag-alok ng tulong.

Pero agad iyong hinarangan ng lalaki para sa kanya. "Ang tigas din ng ulo ng isang
'yun," the man muttered to himself. Pero narinig niya iyon, and she was caught
surprised.

"Pinoy ka?" gulat niyang tanong rito at lalong lumapad ang ngiti nito. She couldn't
blink when he did that smile.

"You're Filipino?" tanong din nito na animo'y tuwang-tuwa. "I'm Sage." He quickly
offered his hand.

Tinitigan niya lang ang malaki nitong kamay. There were mean veins visible on his
arm and along the surface of his hand. May mga balahibo rin sa braso nito, and she
wondered how would they feel if she touched them. Were they soft as they looked
like?

"Don't you like shaking people's hands?"

She could've ignored him and left him alone. But she found herself lifting her hand
and touching his. For a brief moment, she saw something flickered in his eyes
before his lips tilted to one side and gripped her small, soft hand tighter against
his bigger and harder one.

Hindi siya sanay sa mga lalaki. That's why she avoided them like plague. Hindi niya
alam kung bakit pero hindi siya komportable sa tuwing may lalaking lumalapit sa
kanya.

She's awkward around boys when she was high school. Noong college naman siya, she's
too focused on her studies. Dahil strict

ang Papa niya, wala siyang manliligaw. Minsan ay may palipad hangin, pero hanggang
doon lang iyon.

Pero nang magsimula na siyang magtrabaho sa kompanya ng Papa niya, she had learned
to overcome her shyness around people. Pero nanatili siyang awkward sa mga lalaki.
But being near with men was nothing new to her though dahil nakakahalubilo naman
niya ang ilan.

But with this man, it felt different. She just couldn't shake off the feeling of...
having a heart attack.

He was different at hindi niya matuloy kung ano iyon. Must be the intensity in his
eyes. Or his good-looking face? His wide stance and broad shoulders? Pati ang
simpleng pagdantay ng palad nito sa palad niya, it felt extraordinary. The warmth
of his palms was running deep in her skin, in her veins and spreading through her
chest.

"No name?" nakangiting tanong nito habang magkahugpong pa rin ang kanilang mga
kamay.

With her trembling lips, she introduced herself. "Kyra."

"Just Kyra?"

Tumango siya. "Just Kyra."

And that was the start of everything. Names.

Who would've thought that she would meet a stranger in Paris on Valentine's Day?

Well, strange things do happen.

Like how she instantly liked him. Like as in nagustuhan niya ang ugali nito at ang
mga patawa nito na hindi naman mabenta kapag ang iba ang gumagawa. Strange, because
she was never comfortable with a guy.

Hindi naman siya gaanong komportable kay Sage. Somehow, she felt like he was a
mystery. That there was more to him than meets the eye. Pero habang nakakasama niya
ito at nakakausap buong magdamag, she forgets he was a stranger

yesterday. Na ngayon lang sila nagkakilala.

Buong araw silang namasyal na dalawa. Nalaman niyang tourista lang din ito at
nagbabakasyon sa France katulad niya. And when the night came and the darkness
fell, she felt hesitant to leave and bid him good night. She actually felt sad they
would part ways.

Nang ihatid siya ni Sage sa tinutuluyan niyang hotel, he asked her if she could
come with him in a week tour in France.

Pumayag siya. Nang walang pag-aalinlangan.

And in that one week, they traveled around France. They visited museums in Nice,
walked around the streets of the medieval cities na pinagsawaan nilang kunan ng
litarto, bumisita rin sila sa sikat na wine farm sa Burgundy at sa Bordeaux, at
sinamahan din siya ni Sage na makita ang mga restaurants na pangarap niyang
puntahan.

Naikuwento niya rito ang talambuhay niya, maging ang tungkol sa pamilya niya, sa
mga kapatid niya, sa Papa niya at ang pagtutol nito sa pangarap niya. She told him
about her dream-na maging isang Chef.

Iyon ang unang pagkakataon na may sinabihan siya tungkol sa bagay na iyon. And it
made her feel great and bittersweet. Kung sana ay ganoon din ang Papa niya, na kaya
siyang suportahan, wala sanang kulang.

"And what about your heart?" he asked her with that unreadable expression. But she
could tell he was serious. "Does your boyfriend approve that you're here, alone
with a stranger?"

She smiled, pero ramdam niya ang pagdaloy ng kaba na lumulubog sa sikmura niya. She
knew what he was thinking, where he was going and what he was asking. And this type
of question was the kind that she has always avoided.

But

as he silently waited for her answer, she had that feeling that if she won't seize
this moment, she would honestly regret it.

"Wala..." mahina niyang sagot saka tumingin sa mga bulaklak na nasa ibaba ng tulay
na kinatatayuan nila. She could feel his eyes on her.

"Wala pa akong boyfriend." Tiningnan niya ito at saktong tumaas ang sulok ng bibig
nito, his eyes were shining.

"I can't seem to wrap my head around that. Seriously? Wala ka pang nagiging
boyfriend o wala kang boyfriend as of the moment?"

"NBSB." Nagtaas pa siya ng kamay sabay tawa. Hindi niya alam kung bakit ppa niya
sinsagot ang mga tanong nito. He might find her weird and strange.

"And why is that? Parang ang hirap paniwalaan?" sabi nito habang nakakunot ang noo,
his lips were pouting as he brooded.

She turned and faced him. "Bakit, mukha ba akong maraming boyfriend?"

"Hindi naman," natatawang sabi nito at seryoso siyang tinitigan. "You look like a
woman who can't be left alone. Damn, I wonder where I've been all along and not
meeting you then..."

That moment, she wanted to ask him what he was thinking as he looked at her with
that expression, like he was staring at the most beautiful thing on earth...

"Kung nagkita tayo noon, baka hindi rin kita pansinin," sabi niya. Kahit pa gaano
ito kaguwapo, she wouldn't look at him with her heart on her sleeves. Because she
was jaded with his father's strict rule, sheltered and shadowed with the walls of
his palace that felt like a dungeon.

"And why is that? Hindi ka naman siguro man hater, 'di ba?"

She shrugged. "Unless you're like my father-a businessman who's

at the top of his game... successful and driven."

Tumaas ang kilay nito. "You don't like men in suit and tie? Kasali ba iyon sa
requirements mo?"

"Wala naman akong requirements," natatawang sabi niya. "I just want someone who
won't stop me from my dreams and my career."

Tahimik siyang tinitigan ni Sage, as if weighting her words. And then he asked,
"And do you think these 'kind' of men will hinder your dreams?"

"Sa lahat ng nakilala kong negosyante ni Papa, they all want their wife to be a
housewife. Ang maiiwan sa bahay at mag-alaga ng bata. That's okay. That's a part of
being a mother. Pero hindi naman habang buhay bata ang mga anak niyo, 'di ba?
Someday, you will ask your self-worth and think about your dreams. Hindi ba masaya
kung pareho mong mapagsasabay ang pangarap mo at ang pagiging ina at asawa mo?"

"So you're talking about marriage." Lumayo ang tingin nito sa kanya.

"Oo naman. I won't enter in a relationship that is bound to be a failure."

"Masyado ka palang seryoso," he said with a loop-sided grin that was telling too
much. Ngumiti lang din siya rito. Maybe he was not looking for 'that' kind of
relationship.
Napabuntong-hininga siya.

With the truth of her parents' love, she realized love could kill dream. Love is
sacrificing. Maybe her mother sacrificed her dream for her father, but in the end,
she regretted it. She lived unhappy. And what is love if you only feel sadness? If
you feel alone and unsatisfied?

But when she met Sage, she thought that maybe, perhaps, there was a different kind
of love. At ang nararamdaman niya para

kay Sage ay hindi katulad nang sa mga magulang niya.

He was encouraging her to beat the odds, climb the mountain and build a castle at
the top. He made her believe that she can.

Slowly, Sage had charmed his way inside her defenses. Binali nito ang takot meron
siya sa pag-ibig.

Kaya nang matapos ang isang linggo ay nalungkot siya dahil aalis na ito pabalik ng
Pilipinas. But he promised her he would come back. At hahanapin siya ni Sage, kahit
saang parte pa siya ng France mapadpad.

The day he left, nag-iwan ito ng mga pulang rosas sa hotelroom niyavna may kalakip
na card.

This is not a goodbye. I still need to taste those lips and chase your heart.
Promise you'll save them for me when the time comes. -S.

Sa mga oras na iyon niya na-realize na hindi pa rin niya lubusang nakikilala si
Sage. She just knew his name, kahit na isang buong linggo silang nagkasama. She
didn't know anything about him. Kung ano ang kuwento ng buhay nito, kung ano ang
trabaho nito, kung may girlfriend ba ito, o kung single pa rin ito.

But still, she did. She saved her heart and kisses for him-hindi lang dahil sinabi
nito. She saved them because she couldn't imagine herself kissing someone who was
not Sage. She couldn't think about giving her heart to somebody else. It was only
him who could own her heart.

TWO WEEKS after and Sage was back. He swept her on her feet and soon, she was
falling hard.

Sage pursued her like a Filipina should be courted and respected. Three months of
courtship, Kyra had bestowed him his hard-earned answer.

Hindi na umalis si Sage ng France. Doon na ito tumira kasama siya and she never
returned home again. She wanted to keep her hotel room, kaya lang ay hindi na niya
kaya ang bills niya kaya inalok siya ni Sage na tumira sa apartment nito. And she
was startled to see it was a Penthouse suit based in the city of Paris.

He stayed because of her, maliban raw sa inaasikaso nitong mga negosyo. Tinanong
niya kunga no ang negosyo nito, because she wanted to know him. At ang sabi nito ay
isa itong international photographer. He was there for a photo shoot.

And he was that rich? Siguro nga ay malaki ang kinikita nito kaya kaya nitong umupa
ng isang penthouse.

For five months of being together, naglibot sila sa buong France. They went skiing,
pumunta sa mga resorts at nag-parachuting, bumisita sa iba't ibang tourists spot na
pwedeng puntahan. They never got tired. Kahit pa nagkaroon na siya ng trabaho sa
isang French restaurant ay hindi nabawasan ang oras nila ni Sage na mamasyal.

But one time, she saw him in an unexpected situation.

Ang akala niya ay sa hotel lang na tinutulyan nila ito dahil iyon ang sinabi nito
bago siya umalis. Pero nakita niya ito sa hotel kung saan in-organize ang wedding
na nagpa-cater sa kanila.

Sage was wearing a three piece suit and he was shaking hands with the owner of the
hotel.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you Mr. Steele."

Mr. Steele...

He told her he's name was Vaughn Asuncion, at palayaw nito ang Sage.

Ang kasiyahan na pumuno sa puso niya nang makita niya si Sage ay napalitan ng agam-
agam.

Who was Sage Steele?

=================

Chapter ♣ 28

EIFFEL TOWER

"WHAT IS THIS?"

Hindi pinansin ni Kyra ang tanong ni Sage nang dumating ito sa penthouse at
nagpatuloy siya sa pag-iimpake. Tinungo niya ang mga gamit sa cabinet nito at
hinakot lahat ng natitirang damit niyang naka-hanger doon.

Sage walked over her and stopped her arms from moving. Hindi pa rin niya ito
nililingon.

Damn, but she felt betrayed at!

"Kyra, what's happening? Bakit ka nag-eempake?"

She closed her eyes and debated against telling him what she just found out. Pero
ang sakit ng nararamdaman niya. She couldn't believe Sage could do that. That he
would lie to her!
"Kyra..." tawag nitong muli. Dinig niya ang kaba sa boses nito nang hindi siya
sumasagot.

Well, he should be.

"Let me go. Kailangan ko pang tapusin 'to," malamig niyang sabi at mariing binawi
ang braso niya mula rito.

Bigla itong tumayo sa harap niya at hinarangan ang ginagawa niyang pagpasok ng mga
damit niya sa bagahe niya.

"Hey," malambing nitong sinabi habang hinuhuli ang mata niya. His hand reached her
cheek and tilted her face but she still avoided his gaze. She's too hurt and too
angry that she's close to tearing up. Pero hindi niya magawang umiyak. Her anger
was not letting her crash.

"What happened? What's this?"

Pumikit siya ng mata at huminga ng malalim. This was hurting her too much.
Pakiramdam niya ay kasinungalingan lang ang lahat.

Sage. His feelings. His love. Everything. Hindi niya alam kung saang parte ang
katotohanan.

"Kyra, you're scaring me." Hinawakan na nito ang magkabilang pisngi niya at humilig

ang noo nito sa kanyang ulo. His breath was caressing her nose and her closed lids.

Hindi niya alam kung nag-o-over react lang siya o baka nagdesesisyon siya dahil sa
galit niya, but she was damn hurt.

Niloko siya ni Sage. All along, he was lying to her.

Pag-uwi niya kanina ay mabilis niyang hinanap ang pangalan nito sa internet. And it
was there...

Hindi Asuncion ang apilyedo nito. He was Vaughn Sage Steele-a business tycoon who
is an heir to a multibillionaire business empire. He wasn't a photographer. He's a
bank manager and the CEO of Stanfield Hotel Chains. Pati ang listahan ng mga
babaeng naka-date at na-link rito ay nakasulat doon. International model, movie
actress, beauty queens, at ang iba ay mas bata sa kanya. Even his beautiful lawyer
was rumored to be his fiancée.

Alam niyang hindi niya iyon dapat na paniwalaan. They were his past. They were
rumors. Pero at least, sa kanila hindi nagsinungaling si Sage.

Kaya paano niya iisiping may halaga lahat ng 'to-siya-kay Sage?

"Let go," nanginginig ang boses niya saka marahang tinanggal ang kamay nito sa
mukha niya. She couldn't deal with his lies.

Lumayo siya rito at pilit na isinuksok ang mga damit niya sa loob ng bag. She
wanted honesty. Alam iyon ni Sage sa simula pa lang. Pero hindi niya maintindihan
kung bakit nito nilihim ang tunay na pagkatao nito sa kanya. Does she matter to him
at all?

"Kyra, talk to me. Bakit ka nagkakaganyan? What? Did I do something? Tell me," he
pleaded while still chasing her.
Tumigil siya at tumigil din ito sa pagsunod sa kanya. Gusto niyang maging matapang
at sabihin

rito ang mali nito pero hindi niya kaya. She've always hated confrontations. She
always choose the easy way out. Dahil alam niyang mas lalala kapag nagsalita siya.
With all her anger and her hurt right now... baka makapagsalita siya ng
pagsisisihan niya.

She zipped her bag close and with one deep breath, she faced Sage and handed him a
paper with his real name printed on it before walking out of the room.

Hindi na kailangan ng explanation. He should know what he did. And the consequences
of his lie.

NAKITULOY SIYA sa kaibigan at katrabaho niyang Pinay, si Irene. Kaialangan na rin

niyang maghanap ng murang mauupahan ngayong umalis siya sa penthouse ni Sage. Ayaw
niyang humingi ng pera sa Papa niya dahil alam niyang susumbatan lang siya nito.

Ilang buwan na rin siyang hindi tumatawag at ilang buwan na rin niyang iniiwasan
ang tawag sa kanya ng Papa niya. It was hard, it was breaking her heart. Pero gusto
niyang tumayo sa sarili niyang mga paa. Kailangan niya. Or else, she wouldn't find
herself. And she didn't want to live all her life under her father's shadow.

Isang buntong hininga ang ginawa niya habang nakaharap siya sa tinatapos niya ang
dressing para sa idadagdag nilang menu sa darating na event na iki-cater nila.

She couldn't focus. For the first time, she couldn't give her 100% concentration on
her food, on her passion. Bumabalik ang isip niya sa nangyari noong nakaraang isang
araw. She thought about Sage and the look on his face when she gave him that paper.

Nandoon lahat ng nalaman niya tungkol rito. Everything that he hid from her.

Alam niyang

hindi niya dapat ginawa iyon, ang umalis nang hindi sila nag-uusap. It was an
immature move. But was not ready to listen that day because she was full of doubts.
At hindi niya sigurado kung paniniwalaan niya ang mga sasabihin nito.

Right now, looking back at those moments she had with Sage, alam niya, sa sarili
niya at sa puso niya, na totoo lahat iyon. Sage was true to her. The laughter was
genuine, the time he took to spend with her... they were real.

So why did he lie to her? Why did he try to keep his true identity a secret? Dahil
ba iyon sa sinabi niya noon? Na ayaw niya ng mga katulad ng Papa niya?

"Kyra, someone wants to talk to you."

Kumabog kaagad ang dibdib niya nang harapin niya ang kasama niyang staff. Gusto
sana niyang itanong kung sino ito pero lumabas na agad ito ng dirty kitchen.

Mabilis niyang hinubad ang apron niya at ang hairnet niya saka kinakabahang sumunod
sa labas.

Maybe Sage came to talk to her. She had expected that he would talk to her soon.
But not this sooner.
"Excuze me, madamiozelle," tinig ng isang babae.

Aaminin niya, she was disappointed to see that it was not Sage. Maybe he was really
guilty for what he did. Hindi niya makakalimutan ang itsura nito nang umalis siya.

He looked frozen as if he was just waiting for the end of the world to happen.

Was he going to let her go now?

So, ganoon na lang ba iyon? That's how he would reflect on his mistake? He would
decide to end it with his lie?

Pain grew in her chest. So maybe he was done with her.

Pagkatapos niyang makausap ang bagong kleyente

nilang babae kasama ang employee niyang si Phoebe ay bagsak ang balikat na bumalik
siya sa trabaho niya. She decided to finish the dressing she was working on later,
since sa next week pa naman iyon kailangan. Sa ngayon, kailangan muna niyang gawin
ang ilang pibapa-cater ng kleyente nila.

She set the thought of Sage aside because he would slow her work down. Wala siyang
matatapos kung patuloy niya itong iisipin. Besides, he seemed to like the space she
left. Siguro nga talagang sinadya nitong magsinungaling sa kanya para makawala ito
sa kanya.

Sage was right. She was naïve and innocent. Too trustful and willing. Kaya ngayon,
nasasaktan siya ng ganito.

Pagkatapos niyang ihanda ang mga pagkaing pina-cater ay sinamahan siya ng ibang
kasama niyang staff na ayusin ang venue.

Nasa Le Jules Verne sila, isang sikat at kilalang restaurant sa second floor ng
Eiffel tower. She heard it was very popular, at kung kakain doon ang mga costumer
ay maaga silang nagpapabook dahil palagi iyong puno araw-araw.

It was booked exclusively for a very special customer tonight, kaya kahit alas-ocho
pa lang ay sarado na ang buong restaurant. Hindi niya alam kung bakit pa kailangang
magpa-cater pa sa kanila. But she wouldn't ask. Dagdag komisyon na rin iyon sa
kanila.

She ran her eyes around the candle-lit dinner table and the red rose petals
scattered around it. With a romantic set-up like this, siguro ay may balak na mag-
propose ang kleyente nila. O baka isang anniversary. It was too grand for just a
simple date.

Matapos niyang ayusin ang dala nilang pagkain ay tinanaw niya ang mga ilaw

sa paligid. First time ni Kyra na pupunta doon. Halos nalibot na nila ni Sage ang
buong France, except the tower. She remembered asking him to go there with her, but
he said he wanted to save it for later. Pero mukhang hindi na mangyayari ang gusto
niya. She's here without him.

Kyra sighed as she blindly looked over the city sky, and thought, maybe it was
destined.

Nang matapos nilang i-set up ang mga pagkain at ang lahat ng kailangan ay nagpaalam
na sila sa kleyente nila. Mukhang nasiyahan naman ito sa ginawa nila.
She was preparing to come down when she saw Sage standing in her way. He was
wearing an elegant dark blue silk shirt and a grey tailored pants while holding a
bouquet of flowers.

Her heart trembled at the sight of him. He still had that power over her, she
realized with regret. Hindi niya alam kung kailan iyon mawawala, it almost seemed
impossible.

"You forgot to include this," he said in that familiar deep voice that she missed
so dearly, as he handed her the bouquet of two dozens of red roses.

She silently accepted it, careful not to touch his fingers. Wala siyang magawa.
She's too surprised to see him tonight.

"What are you doing here?" malamig niyang tanong kahit na ang gustong gusto niyang
gawin ay ang yakapin ito. But his lie was holding her back.

"Hindi mo sinasagot ang mga tawag at messages ko kagabi..." He shrugged his

shoulders as he gestured around them.

"And so you set this up," she concluded with a slight nod. So that explains the
'special customer' she was thinking about.

Hindi niya alam kung matutuwa siya sa effort

nito, or to get annoyed. Does he think he could win her again with this? If he
flashed his money on her?

"I want us to talk," anito. Magdadahilan na sana siya nang muli itong nagsalita.
"Don't worry about your work. I already talked to Phoebe."

Her brows quirked up in another surprise. Nagulat siya na pumayag ang employer
niya. She was strict when it comes to work, lalo na ngayon na marami silang dapat
na tapusin.

Humakbang pa ulit si Sage palapit sa kanya, his silk shirt was rustling with the
lights and it was holding her gaze, fascinated. But he still kept a safe distance.

"Please... I just want to talk, Kyra." Puno ng pagsusumamo ang boses nito.

She wished she had a tough heart. But she didn't. Her father had always told her it
was her weakness and people will take advantage of that-but Sage didn't. He adored
her for it.

She sighed. Sage lied. But he never did anything other than that to hurt her.
That's why she wanted to know why he did that.

The need to understand him made her nod her head and walk back. And she had had
enough of one sleepless night. Somehow, she knew she had to listen to him. And
decide if she could trust him from there.

Sage pulled the chair for her before she could, at hinayaan na lang niya ito. Now
she understand why they were very particular about the red rose and the red wine.
They're both her favorites. And the place... He must've spent tons of money just
for this.

Kinuha niya ang red wine sa ice bucket at nilagyan ang sariling baso. Maybe a wine
break would help her calm.
"You've always wanted to come here," basag ni Sage

sa katahimikan niya. His eyes were unreadable, but dark and seriously deep as they
gaze through her. "But there was a reason why I wanted to save this place. And I've
been thinking all day yesterday... maybe it's time to do it and take the plunge."

"Sage," maagap niyang putol rito saka ibinaba ang baso nang maubos niya ang wine.
Prolonging the truth wouldn't help him. Buying time wouldn't slow what was
inevitable.

"Just tell me why," matigas niyang sabi. "Hindi mo na kailangan ng mga ganitong
gimik at set-up para lang mabilog ang ulo ko. I just need your honest explanation."

He sighed. Punong puno iyon ng pagihirap. "I know you don't need all of this. But
for me, this is a matter of life and death. I need to try harder and give it my
best shot. I have to. Because I don't want to lose this one. It's all or nothing."

Humalukipkip siya. She refused to be swayed by his words, kahit na mahirap gawin
iyon. But her heart doesn't follow what she wants anymore.

"And you think doing this will make everything okay? That I will feel okay?"
Because she didn't think so.

Para sa kanya, mabigat ang ginawa nitong pagsisinungaling. Knowing that he wasn't
the man she thought he is made her feel that everything was just an illusion.

"No..." Umiling si Sage ng marahan. His eyes were grave as he looked at her at the
other end of the table. "I'm not expecting you to forgive me now. But I was hoping
you will, at least, listen to me and believe me."

He took a deep breath and she realized he was nervous when she noticed how he
clasped both of his hands and unclasping them

again.

"You know how proud of a man I am. I never said sorry for anything I think is
right, kahit na mali sa tingin ng iba. I never admit my mistakes to anybody, I
answer to no one, and I never had the need to lie. But tonight, I am here to
confess." The intensity of his stare was making her want to cower. Pero hindi niya
ginawa.

Kyra knew and she could feel that what he was saying, and everything that he was
going to say, was all coming from within him. And she silently prayed she had
enough strength to listen.

Lumapit ito sa mesa at ipinatong roon ang mga siko nito. He was tightly clasping
his hands again.

"I'm sorry," diretso nitong sabi. "I admit what I did was wrong. I'm sorry if that
was the only way I know how to get to you. Una pa lang, binalaan mo na ako.
Binigyan mo ako ng rason na 'wag lumapit sayo. And what was I supposed to do?"
Tumawa ito ng pagak.

"Valentine's day, I was here for a business transaction. And then, right when I was
trying to calm down from my staff's mistake, I saw a girl walking on the street.
She looked pestered and annoyed with those men throwing her attention. And I
thought, she must be lost. But when she turned around and I've got to see her, I
understood why. Those men got lost with her beauty."
Hindi makapagsalita si Kyra. Nanginginig na ang mga kamay niya, hindi dahil sa
takot. She was trembling because she's weakening. The anger was losing its hold on
her heart, exposing the hurt. The betrayal. At pati yon ay tinatalo ng mga titig ni
Sage.

"And when you told me about your father..." Umiling ito saka bahagyang napakagat ng
labi.

"For once, I wished I was not a Steele. For once in my life, I hid my identity
because I don't want to lose the girl I want to take a chance with." There was an
edge of sadness in his voice that reached out to her.

"That one week we spent together made me realize that you are a dangerous kind. And
believe me, I tried to stay away. Kaya ako umalis. Pero isang araw lang, it took me
one day to realize I was already pretty fvcked up. You already got me."

Umiwas na siya ng tingin. She couldn't keep on looking at his eyes and at the same
time listen to him. He was too close for comfort. At nararamdaman niya ang malapit
na malapit niyang pagsuko.

Mali siya... she thought he would end everything. She thought he would give up
already. But he was here, saying words that were bound to break her ground.

"There's a reason why my brother entrusted the financial aspects of our business to
me. Kilala niya ako. He knows I always use my head... That I believe in logic in
everything and I never go wrong. Pero pagdating sayo, nawawala ako sa katinuan ko.
I began listening to my heart and I follow what it says no matter how irrational it
can get. Umalis ako ng Pilipinas at piniling manatili rito dahil gusto kitang
nakasama. Because the distance was killing me."

"Pero nagsinungaling ka pa rin, Sage," lakas loob niyang sabi rito. "How am I
supposed to believe you again?"

God knows how much she wanted to believe him!

Dahan-dahan itong tumayo at umalis ng puwesto nito. In her teary eyes, she watched
him walked over to her with his burning eyes. At bigla itong lumuhod sa paanan
niya.

She gasped and tried

to pull him up. Pero pinigilan siya nito. She couldn't believe he was on one knee.
Seeing him like this, knowing that he would stoop like this for her was gnawing at
her doubts.

Sage reached for her hands at she felt how cold his was. Hindi niya akalain na
ganoon ito kakabado ngayon.

"Tell me," he said as he got hold of her eyes. Fear and uncertainty were shading
the hope in his eyes. "Does it change your feelings if I have a different name?
Dahil kung oo, I can always change my name for you. Just don't stop what I feel for
you, dahil iyon ang hindi ko kayang gawin."

Biglang may bumara sa kanyang lalamunan. "What you feel for me..."

"Is love," malaim nitong sabi. And she could only stare at him in total defeat. "I
love you, Kyra. I know this."
The back of her lids stung. "Mahal mo talaga ako?"

He smiled then. May kung ano itong kinapa sa ilalim ng bulsa nito habang nakaluhod
pa rin. And then he was taking out a blue velvet box.

No, no, no! sigaw ng isipan niya. He can't be!

But he was already opening it in front of her eyes, revealing a diamond studded
ring.

"Sage...!" She gasped. Her heart was hammering against her chest, it was making it
difficult for her to breath. Hindi na siya makapagsalita dahil sa singsing na
nakikita niya.

"I don't know how to measure how much I love you..." he said gruffly as he took the
ring out of the box. "All I know is I'm crazy for you. Head over heels. And I'm not
ashamed to admit that on one knee, because I want you to see what I feel."

He was slipping the ring on her finger and she couldn't see it clearly because of
the tears in her eyes. And by the time he was done, her face was a wet mess.

"I know this is crazy insane and it doesn't make a sense, but this is how I feel
for you. The intensity was actually scaring me, but I like the feeling of knowing
you're mine. That it's me who can hold your hands, who can kiss you in our secret
moments... who can brush up your hair, who can wipe away your tears..." Sumigok
siya habang pinupunasan ni Sage ang pisngi niya at ang ilalim ng mga mata niya.

"I love you, Shakyra Noelle Lagdameo, more than you know. More than words. And I
want to marry you."

Her heart was brimming with hundreds of overwhelming emotions, and one them was
love-love she have for this man who was willing to give up his name for her.

It really doesn't matter if he was famous, or if he was the president of some

country somewhere. Nasaktan lamang siya na nagsinungaling ito. Dahil kahit naman
umamin ito noon pa, there was no way she couldn't say no to him. Because the moment
he said he will never be like her father, that he will never stop her from
dreaming, she was already half-way in love with him.

She nodded with too much eagerness. She couldn't wait to be his wife and for him to
be her husband. Kahit sa ikli ng oras na pinagsamahan niya, sigurado na siya. Sage
was not like those men. Alam na niya iyon noon pa. And hearing him say those words
from his heart... she was sure she had found the one.

=================

Chapter ♣ 29

FAULT
"WE CAN COSTUMIZE your furniture if you want. Pwede naman iyon, and I think it
would be great. Para mas unique, 'di ba? What do you think?"

Tumango si Kyra sa suggestion ni Janet sa kanya. "Magandang idea 'yan. Pero hindi
ba mas mahal kapag gano'n?"

"Hindi naman. I will make sure it will not reach your maximum target expense."
Ngumiti si Janet sabay tingin sa kanya. "Ayaw mo talagang pinapagastos si Sage.
Kung ako sayo, I won't mind spending money. Mababawi mo rin naman iyon e. And
knowing Sage, he won't mind the bill. Kuripot lang iyon pagdating sa ibang tao."

But she still doesn't want to spend money too much. Kung kakayanin, iyong mababa
ang presyo. But still, she would prefer those with good quality.

"Ibibigay ko na lang sayo iyong total expenses ng dalawa; kung magpapacostumize ka

or kung iyong ready-made na."

Tumango lang ulit siya habang pinapanood ang mga taong naroon. Some were painting
the walls white, ang iba naman ay kinukumpuni ang bar counter ng restaurant.

Sinisimulan na nila ang restaurant niya. Though she should feel excited about all
of this, but her mind was running backwards from the moment she woke up from the
hospital until now. At hindi niya maiwasang isipin ang sobrang galit sa mukha ni
Sage noong una silang nagkita.

Then her chest would start to ache.

Alam niya na sa una pa lang gusto ng maghiganti ni Sage sa kanya. He was so angry
at her that he could trap her into this.

Pero kung tutuusin, pabor sa kanya ang nangyari. She have Sage now. And everytime
she thought about what

he said when he wanted to take her back, it was bending her knees. Napakalaki ng
kasalanan niya kay Sage, pero tinanggap pa rin siya nitong muli.

He hated her... yet he was still willing to let the past go and accept her.

"O, Sage!"

Dinig na dinig niya ang pagdagundong ng tibok ng puso niya sa dibdib niya. Her
throat suddenly hurt. Hindi pa niya nakikita o nakakausap si Sage simula kaninang
umaga, and facing him with her renowned memories was a tough thing to do.

Pumihit siya paharap at ngumiti nang makitang nasa kanya ang mga mata ni Sage kahit
na kinakausap ito ni Janet.

Something has changed. Nararamdaman niya iyon. Looking at Sage now felt different.

Lalong lumapad ang ngiti ni Sage habang naglalakad ito palapit sa kanya. She wished
she could smile like that again.

"Hi, sweetheart," Sage whispered with his smoldering eyes as he snaked an arm
around her slim waist and pulled her against him to snatch a quick kiss on her
lips.

Mabilis na naman siyang nawala sa balanse niya.

"Tumawag ka sana," aniya habang iniipit nito ang buhok sa likod ng tenga niya.
He smiled. "Well, I like surprising you. And I wanted to see you soon."

His smile made her heartbeat thump faster. It always did. And now, it made her want
to cry too. He's with her again. Kasama na niya ulit ang asawa niya.

Lumingon ito sa paligid nila at napamura. "This place is too crowded," biglang
bulong nito.

"Nagsisimula na kasi sila."

His mouth firmed. Nasa tabi lang din nila si Janet habang kausap ang isang
contractor. Hindi niya alam kung bakit parang iritado na naman ito.

"Okay

ka lang?"

Tumitig ito sa bandang balikat niya. She's wearing an off shoulder white top and
floral pink skirt. Mainit dahil summer na kaya iyon ang sinuot niya para hindi siya
masyadong mainitan.

Without a word, Sage took her hand and started pulling her into somewhere. Doon sa
likod ng dingding paliko ng CR siya dinala at isinandal ni Sage. Her nape touched
the cold concrete while his hands caged her in place.

She saw the raw look in his eyes and she knew what he was planning to do then.

She closed her eyes as his head dipped, waiting and savoring the anticipation of
touching his lips again.

He kissed her with so much tenderness and she was enraptured that she has only to
wrap her hands around his firm body and kiss him back, loving him more.

Then his kisses grew bolder and deeper, her body was getting warmer and his hands
were starting to roam all over her. Naramdaman niya iyon sa umbok ng dibdib niya
kaya siya suminghap at lumayo.

"Sage," she said against his breath and held his hand. Pikit pa ang mga mata nito.
"Slow down. Maraming tao dito..."

He opened those gorgeous eyes so slowly and they were shining with an emotion that
she was afraid to name.

Hinaplos nito ang pisngi niya. "I missed you."

She rolled her eyes and tried not to comprehend too much about what he said. "Alas-
dose pa lang ng hapon." It's not like they weren't together six hours ago.

"I know... but it felt like its two days already." Bumuntong hininga ito. "Tapos
tulog ka pa no'ng umalis ako. I must've drained you last night." A mischievous
smile played across

his lips.

Nakagat niya ang ibabang labi niya. The truth was at the tip of her tongue. Pero
hindi niya kayang aminin kay Sage ang totoo tungkol sa alaala niya. Because he will
ask questions. And right now, she felt more scared.
Pero hindi nga ba't iyon ang gusto niya? Ang aminin rito ang buong nangyari?

Yes... she did. Pero ngayong alam na niya ang mga kasalanan niya, she felt like she
would lose him again because of the truth.

But not entirely... at iyon ang ayaw niya. The uncertainty. The fear of losing Sage
again.

Sage leaned down and kissed her again. He nipped her lower lip, freeing it from her
teeth and soothed it with his tongue and soft kisses.

"Sage," she said again, pressing at his chest and then he slightly pulled away,
disappointed.

"Sorry... hindi ko lang mapigilan." Lumayo na ito sa kanya pero nanatili ang mga
kamay nito sa beywang niya. "Kumain ka na ba?"

"Hindi pa e. Ikaw?"

"Saan mo gustong kumain ngayon? Do you want sea foods? Japanese? Mexican?"

"Sea foods na lang? Pero doon tayo sa mabilis lang para hindi ka na ma-late sa
trabaho mo mamaya."

"We can take our time. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali e."

He took her hand and slid his fingers into hers, entwining their hands together and
kissed her knuckles as they emerged back. Nakita niya si Janet kasama si Sharmaine.

Hindi niya alam na magkasama si Sage at Sharmaine na pumunta doon.

"Sus, grabe ka Sage! Namamatay ang puso ng isa rito." Natatawang biro ni Janet nang
makita sila.

Sharmaine shot Janet a glare at nahuli iyon ni Kyra. Undortunately,

Sage was busy looking at her kaya hindi nito nakita iyon bago ito tumingin kay
Janet.

"Nino?" inosenteng tanong nito na tinawanan lang ni Janet. Mukhang hindi naman ito
nagulat na makita si Sharmaine doon, kaya siguro tama ang hinala niyang magkasama
nga ang dalawa.

Sharmaine Madrigal. Siya iyong inaakala ng mga tao na fiancee ni Sage noon. But
Sage cleared that she was nothing more than a friend. Ang mga tao lang daw ang
nagbibigay kahulugan sa pagkakaibigan at client-lawyer relationship ng dalawa.
Masyado daw itong career driven at seryoso sa trabaho.

But Kyra never really met her before actually. Naririnig lang niya ang pag-uusap
nila ni Sage noong nasa Paris sila, at minsan na rin niyang nakausap.

So why did her name hurt before?

Siguro ay wala lang iyon.

"May pupuntahan ka?" tanong ni Sharmaine kay Sage.

"We're eating lunch right now."

"You're going out?" tanong naman ni Janet.

"Oo. Gusto mong sumama?" yaya niya at naramdaman niya ang paghila ni Sage sa kamay
niya. Nilingon niya ito at nakita niyang nakasimangot ito.

Janet laughed. "Hindi na, Kyra. Salamat na lang sa invitation. Pero mukha pa namang
gusto kang solohin ni Sage. E ayaw ko namang masira ang mood niya."

Ngumiti si Sage at napailing na lang siya.

"Anong oras ka babalik sa opisina mamaya?" Sharmaine crossed her arms.

Napansin niya ang paglingon sa kanya ni Sage at hinila siya palapit rito. "Hindi ko
alam. Matatagalan siguro ako. Kita na lang tayo sa office mamaya."

Hindi na nakapagsalita si Sharmaine habang nagpapaalam na si Sage kay Janet at sa

mga lalaking

nagtatrabaho doon.

"Are you sure wala kang early appointment mamaya?"

"Wala nga." Tumatawa ito habang naglalakad sila palabas ng pintuan ng shop. Kyra
sighed. Ayaw naman niyang agawin ang oras nito sa trabaho, but Sage was just too
persistent.

Dalawang magkasamang lalaki ang lumingon sa kanila nang makalabas sila. Umihip ang
hangin at nilipad niyon ang buhok niya pati ang tela ng skirt niya. Pero mainit pa
rin ang ihip ng hangin.

Nakita niya kaagad ang kotse ni Sage, ngunit bago pa sila makalapit doon ay
hinahatak na ulit ni Sage ang kama niya.

His brows were knotted together again and that made her wonder. Tumatawa pa ito
kani-kanina lang. She was about to ask what's wrong when he suddenly started to
shrug off his overcoat and grimly wrapped it around her shoulders.

"Mainit," aniya at sinubukang hubarin iyon pero mas lalong nagdilim ang mukha nito.

"Take it off when we're inside my car," sabi nito habang inaayos ang damit sa
kanya. She saw his eyes checking her out and then he frowned deeper. "You're
getting too much attention with that dress."

Niyuko niya ang sariling damit. Lagpas hanggang tuhod ang skirt niya at hanggang
siko naman ang manggas ng damit niya. What's so wrong with that?

She looked back at him with a questioning look.

"It's still revealing. You're leaving this open." Hinawakan nito ang magkabilang
balikat niya. "I don't like it very much when they stare at my favorite spot."

Napailing na lang siya at napabuntong hininga. She looked over his shoulder and saw
girls checking him out too. She sighed again and shook

her head.

"What?" tanong ni Sage.

He's very possessive now. Hindi katulad noon. She can wear anything and he won't
care.

Gusto niyang sabihing wala lang ang mga lalaking iyon. They won't try because he's
there beside her. Pero si Sage, kahit naroon siya sa tabi nito, girls won't think
twice. Kahit noong nasa France sila, nilalapitan pa rin ito ng mga babe kahit na
may singsing na ito.

Ngumiti na lang siya at hinila ang kamay nito. "Wala. Sumakay na tayo."

Kaagd na pinaandar ni Sage ang aircon pagsakay nila ng koste. Hindi na niya hinubad
ang overcoat nito dahil baka mas lalo siyang lamigin dahil manipis lang ang tela ng
damit niya.

Habang nagmamaneho si Sage ay hindi niya mapigilang sulyapan ito. His left hand was
on the steering wheel while the other rested on the backrest of her seat, and his
fingers were absent-mindedly playing with her hair. Naka-on ang stereo nito at
naririnig niyang sinasabayan nito ang kantang tumutugtog.

He loves RnB kind of songs. He loves green, but he never owned anything green,
except his toothbrush. He strangely likes to scratch his back at night to make him
fall asleep, and he loves pies. Kahit anong flavor. He wanted to have a dog and he
would name him Prince because he like the book called "The Little Prince".

Those things... he never told that to anyone and it was her privilege as his wife
to know those little things about him. And in some way, it made her feel special.

Pero hindi niya iyon napahalagahan noon.

When he proposed to her, she knew it was the right time, even though they've just
known

each other in less than a year. It doesn't matter.

At noon din dumating ang araw na kinatatakutan niya.

She has to call back home and talk to her father. She had already expected anger
and fury from her father, expected him to be enraged and disappointed from her
disappearance. But she was hoping he would understand.

Pero katulad ng nangyari sa panaginip niya, wala siyang ibang magawa kundi ang
umiyak dahil sa galit sa kanya ng Papa niya at maging sa dala niyang balita.

"Come here," she remembered Sage being with her that night. Kinandong siya nito at
hinayaan siyang umiyak sa dibdib nito ng buong gabi.

She was so heartbroken. Hindi siya matigil sa kakaiyak dahil sa galit sa kanya ng
Papa niya.

He was asking her to go home pero ayaw niyang umuwi. Ayaw niyang itapon na lang ang
pangarap niya at ang ilang buwan niyang paghihirap doon. Pero hindi iyon
maintindihan ng Papa niya. All that he wanted was for her to go home and be his
successor. At magkakaroon na naman ng panibagong rason para magalit sa kanya sina
Sandra at Stella.

And her news didn't help too. Bagkus ay mas lalo pang nagalit at na-disappoint sa
kanya ang Papa niya.

Naiintindihan niya ito, kung bakit ito tutol. He's a father. At mahirap rito na
ibigay siya sa isang lalaking hindi man lang nito nakilatis.
And she came with a decision. Nang dahil doon kaya sinabi niya kay Sage na ayaw na
muna niyang ituloy ang kasal nila sa susunod na buwan. He wanted it next month
dahil ayaw nito ng long engagement.

"Pwede naman tayong umuwi ng bansa para doon magpakasal. It would be a better

choice dahil walang divorce doon," sabi ni Sage pagkatapos ng araw nang kausapin
niya ang Papa niya.

"Hindi naman ako makikipag-divorce sayo." She would never do or even think about
that.

"But we don't have to wait that long para magpakasal."

"Sage... kung babalik ako ng bansa, gagawa ng paraan si Papa na hindi ako makaalis
ulit. Paano ang nasimulan ko rito? Kapag umuwi ako, hindi rin matutuloy ang kasal."

Hinigit nito ang braso niya at malalim siyang tinitigan sa mata. "I can persuade
your father."

She looked away from him and sighed. "Alam ko," marahang sabi niya. He can persuade
even the King of England himself. But still, she couldn't risk it. Nakasalalay din
dito pati ang pangarap niya.

She thought everything was settled and things would be okay. Pero na-realize niya
na marami din pala siyang bagay na kailangang isaalang-alang. Ang apprenticeship
niya pati na ang pamilya ni Sage. Hindi madali ang magpakasal.

"Sage... galit si Papa ngayon. He won't listen to anyone, kahit sayo. Lalo na sayo.
He will take me away from you. Ayokong mangyari iyon. So let's just give him time
first. Tatapusin ko muna ang apprenticeship ko rito, and then, saka na tayo
magpakasal kapag tapos ko na iyon at kapag nagkaroon na ako ng sariling restaurant
ko."

Tumalikod si Sage sa kanya at naglakad palayo. Alam niyang hindi nito nagustuhan
ang plano niya, pero iyon ang naiisip niya sa ngayon. And if he really love her, if
he really wanted to marry her, he will wait.

"Kyra, that's too long. Ilang buwan pa ang hihintayin ko."

She shifted on her

seat uncomfortably. "I know... pero iyon ang gusto ko. Na kapag dumating ang
espesyal na araw na iyon, makita ni Papa na may narating ako. It will be my wedding
day, and I want it to be a memorable day. Isa pa... ayokong iharap mo ako sa
pamilya mo na ganito."

Nakita niya ang pag-awang ng bibig nito at ang paglalim ng kunot sa noo nito.

"Sage, I want to make a name for myself first. Ayokong maging issue ang pera-"

"That's a total bull," maagap nitong putol at lumuhod sa harap niya saka ginagap
ang magkabilang kamay niya. "Money will never be an issue to them. Magugustuhan ka
ni Mama. Ng buong pamilya ko. Serena will like you. They won't count the zeros on
your bank account. It won't matter to them. All they need to know is if you love
me."

"I love you," mabilis niyang sabi.

Nagpakawala ng hininga si Sage. "I know... and I understand you completely. Pero
hindi issue sa kanila ang pera. They're not that kind of people, Kyra. Hindi nila
iisipin iyon."

"But I do... it matters to me, Sage. Ayokong isipin ng ibang tao na pera lang ang
habol ko sayo."

Matagal na napatitig sa kanya si Sage. She could see the confusion battling in in
the depth of his eyes. Naguguluhan itong tumayo at umupo sa kabilang panig ng sofa.

"Where is that coming from? I mean..." Nahihirapan itong naghanap ng salita.

"Really? You seriously think I care about what those people will think about you?"

"Hindi mo lang talaga maiaalis sa akin ang mag-isip ng gano'n, Sage." Tumayo na rin
siya at naglakad palapit sa bintana.

He's a banker, for goodness sake! Samantalang siya, wala pa siyang

napapatunayan. And what will her sisters would say? Ang mga kapatid ni Sage? Hindi
siya katulad ni Sage mag-isip. She will care about what people will think about
her. It would affect her.

"Fine... fine..." Narinig niyang sabi ni Sage sa likuran niya. Then he sighed in
defeat.

Hinarap niya ito at nakita niya itong tumayo at naglakad palapit sa kanya. He came
in front of her and held her hands and her eyes.

"Payag ka na?"

He closed his eyes and breathed deep. "Okay..." sabi nito saka nagbukas ng mata. "I
will do what you want. Magtatapos ka ng apprenticeship mo rito, magkakaroon ka ng
sarili mong restaurant bago kita ipapakilala sa mga magulang ko at sa mga kapatid
ko."

"Promise?"

His lips pursed sternly as if he was fighting himself and then nodded eventually.
"Yes, I promise. But we will still get married."

"Ha?"

"Just the two of us, here."

Parang analog ang ulo niya sa mga oras na iyon. Seryoso ba talaga ito? Magpapakasal
sila ng silang dalawa lang?

"As much as I want to give you the wedding march that you rightfully deserve, the
big wedding, the giant cake and all..." umiling-iling ito. "But I can't, given the
situation. At kahit na labag ito sa kalooban ko, itatago ko ito sa pamilya ko."

"Pero Sage-"

"Kyra..." he stopped her and gripped her hands tighter. "Do you really want to
marry me?"

"Of course yes!"

"Then marry me," matigas na sabi ni Sage. "I don't want this to look like a
scandalous affair. Mahalaga ka sa akin. I don't want to drag your name into some
garbage rags saying bullshit. At ayokong sirain ka

sa mata ng Papa mo, lalo na sa mama mo. I respect them as much as I respect you.
So, as long as we are going to stay here, you will be my wife. I want my name to
protect you."

Those were his words that made her say yes. And after their one month of
engagement, they finally got married.

On March the following year, wearing her white simple wedding dress with those
white flowers around her head, she became Mrs. Steele.

Days of her perfect and merry life passed quickly. Days turned to weeks, weeks
turned to months, and soon, they were celebrating their first anniversary.

But she was celebrating alone, because her husband was half-way across the globe.

Sage wanted her to meet his parents, and she was ready. Kahit papaano ay nakikilala
na rin siya sa Paris, kung hindi man sa buong France, dahil sa talento niya. They
already planned it.

Bago ang anniversary nila ay umalis si Sage para bumalik ng Pilipinas dahil may
kinailangan itong ayusin sa business nila at kailangan nitong magtagal doon ng
dalawang buwan. He wanted to bring her before he left, but it was a hectic month
for her. Ang dami nilang customer na nagpapa-cater at puno ang schedule nila. Kaya
napag-usapan nilang saka na lang pagbalik nito para sabay silang uuwi ng Pilipinas
upang makilala ang buong pamilya ng asawa niya.

But she was missing him very bad on the first month, kaya gusto niya sanang
surpresahin ito at umuwi ng bansa. Kaya lang ay bigla itong tumawag isang gabi at
sinabi ang masamang balita tungkol sa daddy nito.

Sage's father had a heart attack, at mukha raw masama ang lagay. Dahil doon

kaya hindi siya tumuloy. She thought it wouldn't be a good time, at baka mas
makasama pa sa daddy nito ang balitang may asawa na ang anak nila.

"Thank you...." Kyra couldn't hide the tinge of sadness in her voice, kahit na
masaya siya sa natanggap niyang regalo galing sa asawa niya.

It was April and today was her birthday and she didn't feel happy because Sage was
not with her again. Katulad noong nakaraang buwang anibersaryo nila, mag-isa ulit
siyang nag-celebrate ngayong araw.

"Hindi mo ba nagustuhan ang regalo ko?"

"I loved it! You know I loved it." She held the book close to her heart and wished
it was Sage.

It was the Sonnets and Poems of Shakespeare. Hindi niya alam kung paano nahanap ni
Sage ang paborito niyang libro, pero alam niyang nahirapan ito. Ilang buwan niya
iyong sinubukang hanapin sa kung saan-saan panig ng France pero talagang nahirapan
siya.

"Then smile for me. Ayokong naririnig kitang ganyan."

"I'm sorry. I just... I miss you..." So terribly.

"I miss you too..."

She heard the raspy edge and the palpable exhaustion in his voice and she began to
worry about him. "Kumusta ang daddy mo?"

"He's stable now, but still unconscious. Pero ang sabi ng doctor, kailangan pa
namin siyang bantayan dahil baka atakihin ulit siya. He looks so weak, Kyra..."

"Magdasal ka lang. Your dad will be fine."

"I hope so..."

"Ikaw? Nakakatulog ka ba ng maayos diyan?"

"I always think of you... and then I'd wish you were here right now..."

Napapikit siya. "Ako rin..." Kung alam lang nito kung gaano niya kagustong pumunta

doon at damayan ito. "I love you..." she just whispered in the phone. Gusto niya na
kahit sa ganoong paraan man lang ay mapagaan niya ang bigat sa dibdib ng asawa
niya.

Ang dalawang buwan ay matumal na naging apat. Pero hindi pa rin bumalik si Sage.

Gumaling na ang daddy nito noong isang buwan pa matapos itong maoperahan at mag-
undergo ng bypass procedure. Binabalita sa kanya ni Sage lahat ng nangyayari doon
at sa progress ng daddy nito. Ngunit hindi niya alam kung paanong bigla na lang
nawala ang pag-uusap nila.

The last time they talked, it was last three week, halos mag-iisang buwan na.
Nagpapadala pa rin ito ng messages, pero galing iyon sa sekrearya nito. Naisip na
lang niya na siguro ay abala ito sa trabaho kaya kung tawagan niya ito ay laging
tulog at pagod. At kung ito naman ang tumatawag sa kanya, either she was busy or
she was asleep.

Noon niya nakilala si Luigi de Santis, sa mga buwan na iyon.

She was in a party that was hosted by his sister. Si Anna. He saw her carrying a
wine tray. Ipinakila siya ni Phoebe at sinabi nito ang tungkol sa pahluluto niya.
Phoebe praised her and eventually, Luigi got interested. Nalaman nitong recipe niya
ang main course sa gabing iyon at mas lalo itong namangha.

Nalaman niya na isa pala itong Italian chef at ang may ari ng 'La Sirene Dîneur'.
Noong una ay nagtataka siya kung bakit panay ang bisita nito sa restaurant na
pinagtatrabahuhan niya. Ang sabi ni Phoebe ay nag-oobserve lang daw ito. Kung para
saan ay hindi niya alam.

Hindi naglaon ay naging kaibigan na rin ang turing niya rito. He would give her
advices and she would learn from him. Napakarami niyang natutunan kay Luigi, and he
had never fell short in encouraging her.

From there, inalok siya nitong maging junior chef sa bagong itatayo nitong
restaurant. At that moment of her life, that night when Luigi asked her to work
with him so formally over dinner, she thought she saw her life flash in front of
her eyes. Her dream. Her father and everything...

Abot-abot kamay na niya ang lahat. She's so close she could touch the clouds with
her fingertips.

But that was also the beginning why her heart and her marriage fell apart.

=================

Chapter ♣ 30

BITCH

KYRA STAYED IN her room, confused. Alam niyang ilang oras na lang ay darating na si
Sage galing trabaho. Pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin siya sigurado kung saan
ba dapat siya matutulog ngayong gabi.

Maybe, if her memories hadn't returned, she would surely be waiting for him in his
bedroom and not sitting here in the dark corners of her room, contemplating this
situation.

Tonight, she just wanted to be alone with her thoughts and her memories breaking
her heart all over again. Alam niyang hindi siya lulubayan ng masamang nararamdaman
niya at ng konsensya niya at ayaw niyang makita iyon ni Sage.

But after last night, she also knew that Sage wouldn't let her sleep on a separate
bed this time. But what about her? She couldn't lie down beside him and pretend
she's okay when deep inside, her head and her whole world was crushing in agony.
Sage would know.

Curled up in a tight ball as she lied on her bed, she closed her eyes and this
time, she didn't stop the ugly face of her forgotten past to rear up its head.

PALAGI NIYANG na-mimiss si Sage. Araw-araw. At ang mas nagpapahirap sa kanya ay ang
kaalamang hindi niya ito makausap palagi. And it came to a point where she would
wonder if it would be okay to call him or talk to him directly without talking to
his secretary first.

The day Luigi asked her to be his Junior Chef, she wanted to tell Sage. Gusto
niyang ito ang unang makaalam sa saya niya, sa tuwa niya. It was only him she cared
to share her happiness with.

So she called him. At sobrang saya niya nang

marinig niya ang boses nito. She was rattling too much for happiness, she couldn't
control herself.

"Luigi..." mahinang tugon ni Sage nang gabing iyon. Sa lahat ng sinabi niya ay iyon
lang ang sagot nito. "Can you tell me something that doesn't include his name?"

Sa mga oras na iyon, batid ni Kyra ang galit sa boses ni Sage at hindi niya alam
kung bakit. Was it jealousy? No... she crossed out that option because Sage has no
reason to be jealous about. Palagi siyang nagkukuwento tungkol kay Luigi dahil
kasali ito sa mga plano niya. Pero alam nitong walang ibang namamagitan sa kanila.

Simula no'n, hindi na siya nakakapagkuwento tungkol sa buhay niya at kung ano ang
nangyayari sa kanya. Dahil hindi niya maiwasang banggitin ang tungkol kay Luigi.

But Luigi was nothing but a good friend to her. Ito ang naging sandalan niya sa
lungkot at bigat ng dibdib niya, dahil kay Sage.

And when she just stopped talking about herself, hanggang sa balita na lang siya
tumututok para alamin kung ano ang nangyayari sa asawa niya.

She dreaded looking at news in the internet since she saw learned the truth about
Sage. Pero ngayon, iyon na lang ang madaling option sa kanya. Iyon na lang ang
pakiramdama niya ay madali.

Thread about his family business taking over the country greeted her, and women.
The talk of wedding bells and engagement about his lawyer was everywhere too. And
it was hard for her to ignore them. And maybe, the distance worsened the sinking
feeling she had.

Ayaw niya isipin na totoo ang mga iyon. She rejected to believe the lies.

She's this close to losing

her faith to their marriage but she wanted to hold on still. Pinapaniwala pa rin
niya ang sarili niya kaya pa nilang maayos ang lahat. But that was the point of
uncertainty, the haze in there life. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang dapat ayusin.

Was it the distance? The time? The absence?

Paano nila aayusin iyon?

Sharmaine Madrigal. Iyon ang pangalan ng babaeng napupusuan ng mga magulang ni Sage
para makasal dito. People were speculating that they were together. But because of
their circumstances, their secret wedding, in the eyes of those people, Sage was
still available. And because of his promise to her, he couldn't say his vows belong
to her. That there was a girl he had left in Paris who wore his ring.

At kaya ito nananatili pa rin sa Pilipinas ay dahil sa trabaho nito, katulad ng

sinabi nito sa kanya. At iyon lang ang paniniwalaan niya.

But every day as she looked at those revolving rumors and spinning pictures of Sage
and that girl all over the place together-always together-ever day she grew
indifferent. Iyon lang ang paraan para hindi siya masaktan. It was the only way to
protect herself.

When the night of the opening came, she waited for Sage. Naipaalam na niya rito ang
importanteng araw na iyon sa asawa niya. It was one of her special nights, one that
was bringing her steps closer to her dream-and she wanted him to be there.

But he didn't came. Nabalitaan niya sa secretary nito na may importante itong lakad
sa susunod na araw kaya kailangan nitong maghanda.

Iyon ang gabi na nagbukas ang La Sirene sa Paris-ang restaurant na sa kanya mismo

ipapahawak ni Luigi. She could've been happier if Sage was there and know how proud
he was to her. Pero maliban sa maikling congratulatory message nito sa umagang iyon
ay wala na siyang ibang narinig mula kay Sage. She didn't even get to hear his
voice.

But strangely, she felt okay with that, which she shouldn't be. Sage was spending
lesser and lesser time with her while he's away. Hindi niya alam kung kailan naging
ayos lang iyon sa kanya, pero nangyari. She didn't care-as much as he no longer
cared about her.

Pagkatapos nang gabing iyon ay inihatid siya ni Luigi sa penthouse na tinutuluyan

niya. It didn't even felt like a home anymore without Sage in it.

She invited Luigi to have a night cap before she sent him away. Gusto niyang may
makasama siya sandali bago ulit siya lamunin ng pag-iisa.

Pero wala siyang kaalam-alam na sa gabing iyon mag-iiba ang ikot ng mundo niya.

"Come with me to Italy," biglang alok sa kanya ni Luigi habang nag-uusap sila nang
gabing iyon. Pabalik na ito sa Italy dahil tapos na ang sadya nito sa Paris, at
ngayon ay gusto siya nitong dalhin sa Italy.

With his wide connections and influence, he could easily pull her career on top. Sa
laki ng tiwala nito sa potential niya, he was willing to give her a position
alongside to him. He was basically handing her her dream on a silver plate. Her
golden opportunity was right there in front of her.

"Just come with me, Kyra, and take my offer. You will never regret it. It was
better than waiting here, waiting for your husband that will never realize your
worth."

Sa sobrang gulat niya ay hindi niya

napansin ang pagdating ni Sage nang mga oras na iyon.

"Sage?!"

"What the fvck is going on?"

Kyra could still remember the rage on Sage's Face that night so clearly. He was so
angry and mad, like a beast who was ready to devour a flesh on sight. Pulang pula
ang mukha at ang leeg nito habang nagtatagis ang panga nito sa sobrang galit.

Tandang tanda niya kung paano nito hinaklit ang kuwelyo ng damit ni Luigi para
suntukin ito sa mukha. Tumilapon si Luigi sa sahig at kitang kita niya ang
pagdurugo ng ilong nito. She screamed to stop Sage. Pero para itong walang
naririnig.

He launched at Luigi again and pulled him up with angry hands. Sinuntok ulit niya
ito sa sikmura. She could see that Sage was unstoppable until he saw blood dripping
from his hands beating Luigi. Kaya kinailangan niyang tumayo sa pagitan nila para
lang awatin ito.

That was the most frightening night for her. Noon lang niya nakita si Sage na galit
na galit, na halos lamunin na ito ng galit nito. It could've been worse. Sage
could've killed Luigi. Pero mabuti na lang ang nandoon siya.

Pakiramdam niya ay parang hindi niya kilala si Sage sa mga oras na iyon. Seeing
Sage so angry scared her.

"Fvck!" mura nito nang makaalis si Luigi. "I can't believe this! Nawala lang ako ng
ilang buwan, ganito?"

She could see blame and disappointment in his eyes, and it felt like an invisible
finger pointing at her.

"Limang buwan, Sage! Limang buwan kang wala!"

"So you're saying this is my fault now? For fvck's sake, Kyra! I was away and all I
think of was you. Tapos hindi ko alam na niloloko mo

na pala ako?"

"Niloloko? Sage, I don't even love Luigi. Kaibigan ko lang siya! So stop putting
nonsense into your head."

"Hindi iyon nonsense lang. Narinig ko lahat ng mga sinabi niya!"

Yes. He did. At malamang narinig rin nito ang plano ni Luigi na dalhin siya sa
Italy, pati ang iba pang sinabi nito. And there was no use denying them.

"Ano? Sasama ka sa tang'nang lalaking iyon?!"

"Sage, please. Don't talk to him like that."

"Goddammit, Kyra! Pinagtatanggol mo na siya sa'kin ngayon? And then what will you
do next? Huh? Baka gusto mo ring mag-sorry ako sa basag na ilong niya?" he said
sarcastically. "I will never apologize for that bastard's face. I could've killed
him and I won't be sorry for it if I went to jail. He shouldn't have tried taking
you away from me. He should've known better. May asawa ka na. That ring should have
told him to back off!"

"And what about you? Does your ring signify anything too?" Hindi niya mapigilang
tuyain ito. "Kapag tumatawag ako, kausap ko palagi ang secretary mo. Kapag
nagtetext ako, wala ka man lang reply. Kailang ko pang humingi ng permiso sa
secretary mo sa tuwing kakausapin kita. Did I ever complain? Hinahayaan mo akong
maging katulad ng iba, Sage. Well, I'm not! Asawa mo ako. Pero pati iyon
nakakalimutan mo. You spend too much time with that lawyer and still you can't even
have the decency to call me or to ask if I was okay. So don't whine like a jealous
husband dahil wala kang karapatan! This ring meant nothing anymore!" Itinapn niya
kay Sage ang singsing niya.

"Luigi was there for me when I needed you most. Oo, inintindi ko

na kailangan mong malayo. Pero akala mo ba madali iyon? Na madaling mag-isa rito? I
was close to hating you, did you know that? I was close to hating you!"

But as Sage always did, he didn't sleep with their fight still hovering above them.
Pumasok ito sa kuwarto kung nasaan siya nagkulong at umiyak. Nag-sorry ito sa
nangyari, katulad nang parati nitong paghingi ng tawad. And it only broke her heart
more because it felt like it didn't mean anything to her now. He always own up
everything, kahit alam nilang pareho na siya ang may kasalanan. Pero ngayon, hindi
niya alam kung sino ba ang dapat sisihin sa kanilang dalawa, o may dapat ba silang
sisihin.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't really thinking. I didn't mean what I said."

Tumango lang siya at nanatiling nakahiga. Naramdaman niya ang mga kamay nitong
pumulupot sa beywang niya nang humiga ito sa tabi niya. He scooped her curled body
and hugged her tight, and she could feel the yearning for the lost months of being
apart.

"I'm sorry I was too busy. But even when I was awake at night, miles and miles from
here, ikaw lang ang laging laman ng isip ko. I always wonder what time it is here,
what were you doing, who's with you... I almost went insane missing you." Humigpit
ang yakap nito sa kanya saka ibinanon ang ulo sa leeg niya.

"I love you, Kyra..." bulong nito sa kanya at kasabay noon ang pagdampi ng malamig
na tubig sa kanyang leeg. "Thinking about you leaving me... it really kills me."

A shudder ran through his big frame. Hinarap niya ito pero hindi pa siya tuluyang
nakakaharap ng maayos ay sinakop na ni Sage ang mga

labi niya. Their kiss was wild, passionate and full of longing... she could feel it
in her bones. At hindi niya mapigilang tugunan iyon.

"Let's go home," sabi nito sa gitna ng paghalik nito sa leeg niya.

Hindi siya sumagot. She just kissed him with all her pent up frustrations and
unfulfilled needs. She just loved him.

Every time Sage kiss her, she looks forward to morning. To every day. To forever.

But that night, as they made love, feeling every caress of his skilled hands all
over her body, playing and teasing, every kiss that turned her dizzy, every breath
of desire and every whisper of adoration, she felt like she's saying goodbye to
something that was precious to her.

Sage entered her with his naked flesh and it was too late to realize they didn't
use any contraception. They had that rule, dahil ayaw niyang mabuntis muna habang
nananatiling lihim ang kasal nila sa pamilya nila. But with her brain scattered all
over and all she could think about was the feel of Sage pushing deep inside her,
loving her, again and again.

"I love you, I love you, Kyra..." Sage chanted as he spilled inside her with
abandon.

Unfortunately, kinailangan ding umalis ni Sage kindabukasan. Sabi nito ay dumaan

lang ito doon para i-celebrate ang opening ng restaurant niya at para sunduin
siyang umuwi.

"It's been a year, Kyra. Panahon na para makilala ka ng pamilya ko. Your father
should know the truth."

Ang unang pumasok sa isip niya ay ang mga sinabi ni Luigi.

What about her career? Nagsisimula pa lang siya. She's climbing up, kaunti na lang
ay magiging ganap na Chef na siya.

"Kyra,

we already talked about this."

"I know... but..." Nakita niya ang galit sa mukha ni Sage. But there was no other
way to say it. "I can't. Sana maintindihan mo ako, Sage."

He could. He would. Because it's her dream.

Ngunit umiling ito. "I don't... I really don't understand."

"Nangako ka, 'di ba? You will let me keep my dream."

"But this is our marriage, Kyra."

Alam niya iyon. "Can't you stay with me until then?"

Tumiim ang bagang nito. "You know I need to go back. My brothers need my help and
my presence. Hindi ko sila pwedeng pabayaan. They're my family. Pwede ka namang
sumama at umuwi na lang kasama ko."

"Nandito ang buhay ko..." and he knew that.

Kyra watched hope died in his eyes that day. Iisa lang ang patutunguhan ng usapan
nila, and she could see that in his eyes. No one was compromising. At alam niyang
alam nito ang pipiliin niya.

His eyes reddened and water shone in them. Deep inside, she was already panicking.
It hurt to see him cry.

Right then, she wished they were still in that happy bubble they created before all
of these came. But that was wishful thinking. This was reality. And her real life
hurt.

"I love you. Alam mo iyan, hindi ba? I don't care where we are, as long as we're
together. But right now, I want you where I am. I need you to be there for me."

Looking back now, Kyra was ashamed that she was blinded by her dream to a point
where she no longer saw how Sage needed her. He was begging to be with him. But
she... she needed another man because of her dream.

"Babalik ako sa makalawa. And I want you to think about

this, Kyra." Umalis si Sage nang araw na iyon na nasasaktan. At kasalanan niya
iyon.

Mahal niya si Sage, at ayaw niyang dumating ang araw na sisisihin niya ito katulad
ng pagsisisi ng Mama niya sa Papa niya. She doesn't want to give up the
opportunity. She just have to grab it with both hands. At kung uuwi siya at sasama
kay Sage...

She was beginning to get scared that he was slowly becoming like her father. Hindi
dahil ayaw ni Sage na matupad ang pangarap niya, pero naging hadlang ito sa mismong
magandang oportunidad na nasa kanya.

She knew Sage would give her everything for his love for her. Pero kulang pa rin
iyon. If she doesn't do this, then she would forever lose her chance.

That's why she made a choice. She didn't want to live with regret like her mother
did. Kaya kahit na alam niya kung ganoon kabigat para sa kanaila ang magiging
desisyon niya, buo na ang naging pasya niya.

Glancing one last time at the place where she felt like a home for years of being
together... she remembered the sweet and happy memories she had spent in there with
Sage. Those moments of laughter, the love, the contentment and the home they had
built together...

But then, it wasn't enough for her. So he took of her rings, left them there lying
on the bed together with everything that was there, even her trace, and
disappeared.

Sage was right, she realized despairingly. She was selfish, hypocrite and a
mercenary.

Her father's love killed her mother's dream... but in her case, her dream killed
their marriage. She put an end to it. She murdered his love.

Napagtanto niyang wala

rin siyang ipinagkaiba sa Papa niya. She's just like him who was ambitious and
selfish. Kung tutuusin, mas masahol pa siya rito. And now, she paid for it,
enormously.

Kyra should be begging on her knees for his forgiveness. Begging for him.

NAGISING ANG DIWA niya dahil sa haplos na iyon sa pisngi niya. It was the gentlest
of feathery stroke but it was enough to reach deep in her heart.

Nagmulat siya ng mga mata at agad na sumalubong sa kanya ang asawa niya. She
thought for a while if she was still dreaming about the past... pero nang ngumiti
ito, alam niyang hindi. Because Sage never smiled at her in her dreams.

"Andito ka lang pala," sabi nito at napnsin niya sa malamlam na liwanag ng ilaw ang
basa nitong buhok at nakabihis na rin ito ng pambahay. Siguro ay kanina pa ito
dumating.

"Kumain ka na ba? Ang sabi ni Mayra, kanina ka pa raw tulog." His soft voice felt
like a pinch in her chest.

Why... why does he still care for her after what she did? Why couldn't he hate her
instead?

Bigla ay umukit ang kunot sa pagitan ng mga kilay nito at mabilis na in-adjust and
liwanag ng ilaw.

"Why are you crying? May masakit ba sayo?" He inspected her arms and her nails.
"Did you have that dream again?"

The concern in his voice did it.

Bumangon siya at mabilis na niyakap si Sage. Humahagulgol. She couldn't take it

anymore. The heaviness. The torment. She was sobbing and she couldn't stop, the
breath-catching pain was sending shudders through her entire body.

How could she have let it happen? How could she do that to him?

Iniwan at sinaktan niya ang lalaking buong buo niyang minahal... ang lalaking mahal
na mahal siya. She had his love and she had blown it, thrown it away as if didn't
matter. Itinapon niya ang mga panagako nila sa isa't isa at ang kasal nila dahil
lang sa pangarap niya. She wasted her life because of her greed. And now, she had
nothing-not even his love.

She could still feel how incredible and intense making love with him. But all it
did was to make her fall more deeply and hopelessly in love with Sage. And he... no
matter how much it hurt, she had to face the hard truth.

Sage doesn't love her like he loved her before. It wasn't the same anymore.

Because he never uttered those words again like he did every time in their throes
of passion. He'd always kiss her nape before falling asleep and he'll stay in bed
waiting for her eyes to open in the morning just to tell her how much she meant to
him, how much he loved her.

But last night... he did none of those.

This was his true revenge. He had his payback now-to have her on her knees in a
willing and unconditional surrender, her love completely laid bare and naked and
growing deep.

Kyra suddenly wished she had never remembered.

Karma, indeed, is a bitch.

=================

Chapter ♣ 31

WARNING: SPG

Strictly for matured reader only.

----- 💋 -----

WANT

"SHHH... Shhh..." alo sa kanya ni Sage habang hinahagod nito ang likod niya. But
her tenderness only made her want to weep even more. "It's okay, sweetheart, it's
okay..."

No... it's not okay. Everything was not okay. She was never going to be fine.

Lumayo ito sa kanya at hinawi ang buhok sa mukha niya. He even wiped the messy
tears away from her cheeks and made her look into her eyes.

"Tell me what's wrong, Kyra. Bakit ka umiiyak?" Alalang-alala ang mukha nito habang
hinihintay ang sagot niya. She didn't even know how to begin.

Bumaba ang mga mata niya sa mga daliri niya, She wringed them and looked for an
answer. A word to start how she would tell him.

"Hey..." He brought her head back with his thumb and forefinger. Ngayon, hindi na
siya makawala sa mga mapanuring mata nito. "Now, tell me what's the matter. You
can't just keep you silence, Kyra. Talk to me."
Her lips trembled when she opened them to speak. Pakiramdam niya, bumabalik siya sa
mga panahong hirap na hirap siyang bumigkas ng mga salita. Her accident, her loss
of speech, her amnesia, even the death of her father... lahat iyon kabayaran sa
ginawa niya. And now she couldn't even say sorry to her father.

Another well of tear sparked in her eyes. Nanikip na naman ang dibdib niya dahil sa
Papa niya. He was there for her, even when she thought the worst of him. Tinanggap
siya

ng buo ng Papa niya sa kabila ng mga kasalanan at pagkukulang niya. Pero siya...
ano ang ginawa niya para sa Papa niya?

She caused him death. She was the reason why he had a heart attack. She gave him
too much stress it caused his wealth, his age and even his life.

Hinawakan ni Sage ang mga kamay niyang nakatakip sa mukha niya habang kumakawala
ang hikbi mula sa kanya. Her chest felt so tight it hurt to breath. Emotions were
choking her.

"Kyra, please..." he pleaded.

Her hands gave way. Binaba niya ang mga kamay niya para tingnan si Sage. He looked
so worried and concerned, so anxious.

She wished he was looking at her with his granite eyes. Mas kakayanin niyang
harapin iyon ngayon. But with this soft, concern look on his eyes... they felt all
sorts of wrong.

"I'm sorry..." she said. "I'm so... sorry." She sobbed harder as words failed her.
Iyon lang ang alam niyang sabihin. Iyon lang ang gusto niyang sabihin simula noon
pa lang ngunit hindi na niya nasabi.

Saglit na natigilan si Sage habang nakatingin ito sa mga mata niya. She knew his
mind was working right now as she unveiled her eyes and she watched as the
realization slowly dawned on him.

Her heartbeat slowed down and fear seized her as she waited-waited for his
judgment. She felt like someone who was standing over the edge of a cliff, hovering
but not falling.

"You..." he whispered and stopped. Umawang ang bibig nito ngunit wala itong masabi,
just as words failed her.

The past was reconnecting between them and for once, she was able to read his face
so clearly as though for a second, he

was removing the cloak that was hiding his emotions away.

Anger. Condemnation. Then he closed his eyes and breathed deep before looking at
her again with steady eyes, the invisible curtains were back shading his
expression.

"Do you remember everything?" marahan na tanong nito.

Huminga ng malalim para ibsan ang paninikip ng dibdib niya dahil sa nakita niyang
galit sa mga mata ni Sage kanina. The past elicited anger in him, and Kyra wondered
if that would ever change.

Tumango siya at nagpunas ng mga luha. She suddenly felt like something was pressing
on her chest.

Kinuha ni Sage ang kamay niya dahilan para tingnan niya ito. "Lahat?"

She nodded her head again, holding his gaze as he held her trembling hands. Yes,
she remembered everything. Even the heart breaking truth of the scar on her belly.

"Kailan pa?"

Yumuko ulit siya. "Kagabi..." basag ang boses na sagot niya.

She didn't want to look at Sage as she went through this, thinking about her loss.
She couldn't. She still felt scared to see the same anger in his eyes that has been
there ever since she came back in his life. The same hatred and accusation.

She knew he had blamed her for the wreckage of their marriage before. Kahit siguro
hanggang ngayon. There was still a part of him that was blaming her. The
condemnation on his eyes earlier was a painful blow.

"Then, do you remember the accident?"

Saglit siyang natigilan at bulag na napatitig sa mga daliri niya sa mga kamay nito.

Her accident. The night she lost her baby...

"I..." she croaked. Napalunok siya sa kawalan

ng boses niya. "I was driving... It was raining hard and I was looking for you..."

Tears burned her lids. This was a bitter memory she was telling him. The part where
she could've died.

She tried to hold back a shuddering breath. "And then, there was a car..."

Pinunasan niya ang luhang tumulo sa mata niya. This was killing her. Hindi niya
magawang sabihin kay Sage ang buong katotohanan. Ang tungkol sa baby nila... He
didn't even know she was pregnant when she left.

If Sage could still feel angry about their past, then he wouldn't like the whole
truth either.

"It's okay. You're alive," he said with his hard tone. At lalo siyang nasasaktan
dahil iniisip niya kung sasabihin pa rin ba iyon ni Sage kapag nalaman nito ang
anak na hindi nito nakita.

If she hadn't been so selfish and greedy, he could've been a father now.

Bigla nitong itinaas ang ulo niya. "Look at me, Kyra. Don't hide from me now."

She smiled bitterly. "I can't look at you, Sage. Nahihiya ako sa ginawa ko sayo
noon. You were right. I deserve everything that happened to me. Kulang pa 'to sa
lahat ng nagawa ko sayo. I deserve your anger. I deserve your hatred. I should be
begging..." Hindi na niya napigilan ang pagbaba ng luha niya. They ran down like
drops of rain.

She cried for her baby. She cried for her lost chances. She cried for herself.

"Kyra, look at me. It's all in the past now." Pinigilan ulit siya ni Sage nang
umiwas ng tingin. But she shook off his hand away.
"Hindi, Sage. Dahil sa akin kaya hanggang ngayon, hindi alam ng mga magulang mo na
kasal ka. Magagalit sila sayo dahil sa

akin. Kung nakinig lang ako sayo noon at kung hindi naging matigas ang ulo ko, if I
hadn't been so selfish, this wouldn't have happened. I caused you too much-"

He suddenly grabbed her neck and shut her up with his lips. Mabining halik lamang
iyon, banayad ngunit tumagos hanggang sa kanyang puso.

"Drop the past," mahinang sambit nito habang magkadikit ang kanilang mga noo. "We
made that decision, hindi lang ikaw. So don't shoulder every blame. May kasalanan
din ako sa nangyari noon. The past is past. Sinabi ko na, hindi ba? They don't
matter now."

Napapikit siya. "They still do, Sage..."

"Look." Kinuha nito ang kamay niya at pinakita ang singsing na suot niya pati ang
singsing nito. "We're still married, Kyra. Kahit na ano pa ang nangyari sa
nakaraan, we still didn't lose our marriage."

What about love, Sage? What about your love?

Because she felt like she already lost it... just as she lost their baby.

Narinig niya itong huminga bago tumayo, hila-hila ang kamay niya. "Come, let's get
you out of here."

Pinigilan niya ang kamay nito. There was still things she wanted to ask him.
Pointless things maybe, but it was crucial for her to know.

Magkadikit ang kilay na lumingon ito sa kanya.

"Do you still hate me, Sage?" she asked with a shaking voice. "You hated me before,
didn't you?"

His jaw clenched and relaxed. Huminga ito ng malalim bago muling umupo sa tabi
niya, hawak pa rin ang kamay niya. He looked at the spot somewhere on the floor
avoiding her gaze. Tahimik ito ng ilang sandali.

"Honestly... I did," he confessed. "I hated you

for what you did. You suddenly disappeared and nowhere to be found. I got angry.
Hell, I went insane thinking you were with that bastard. I couldn't stand it."
Humigpit ang hawak nito sa kamay niya. "And out of anger, I did things that I
regretted very much. Wala na ako sa sarili ko. Pero nakaraan na iyon. What we
should do now is try to move on and forget the past."

Forget the past...

Ironic, she thought sadly. She lived for almost three years yearning to remember
the past, pero ngayon gusto ni Sage na kalimutan na lang niya.

She wished she can. She wished it was easy. But she couldn't forget someone...
someone so tiny who was already dead even before she met him or her.

Nakagat niya ang labi niya. "Hindi... hindi ako sumama kay Luigi, Sage."

Mabilis itong bumaling sa kanya nang nakakunot ang noo. "What do you mean?"
"At first, yes... I stayed in his vacant unit in Verona for one month."

"Fvck!" he hissed and his eyes flashed in possessive anger.

"Hindi ganoon iyon, Sage. Hindi kami magkasama sa unit niya. He was staying in his
own house. Ako lang ang nakatira doon habang naghahanap ako ng apartment. Pero
hindi ako nagtagal ng dalawang buwan doon. I left... I went back to Paris. Bumalik
ako sa penthouse mo."

His eyes widened and his mouth hardened. "Shit!" Rinig na rinig niya ang mga
malulutong na mura nito.

Alam niyang nagulat ito. Pero iyon ang nangyari. She was very guilty for leaving
Sage. Halos hindi siya makatulog at makakain. She cried all day and all night.

Bumalik siya at umasang nandoon si Sage, but all she saw was an empty

space. Wala na si Sage. He already left the pent suit. Lahat ng gamit nila, tinapon
nito.

Malungkot siyang ngumiti sa alaalang iyon. "Bumalik ako kay Phoebe at kay Irene ako
nakituloy."

"Bakit hindi mo tinanggap ang alok ni Luigi? I thought..." Naguguluhang napatitig

ito sa kanya.

Umiling siya. "I couldn't. Hindi ko pala kaya..." Because she knew what she did was
wrong. It wasn't right.

Nagtrabaho siya ulit bilang parte ng kitchen staff ni Phoebe, at sa pagsapit ng

pang-apat na buwan, nalaman niyang buntis siya.

She didn't notice it at first dahil normal ng irregular ang period niya. Late na
ring nagsimula ang morning sickness niya at inakala niyang sinyales iyon ng pagod.
She thought they were because of stress and hormonal imbalance. Hanggang sa isang
araw ay bigla siyang nahimatay siya sa gitna ng trabaho niya.

Phoebe had to rush her to the hospital. At doon niya nalamang five months na siyang
buntis. And then she remembered they hadn't used a contraceptive the last time they
had made love.

"Then why didn't you contact me? Bakit hindi mo ako tinawagan at hinanap?"

"I did... Pero palagi ang secretary mo ang sumasagot sa mga tawag ko."

Umigting ang panga nito. "Si Marc?"

"Marc? Hindi ba si Nancy ang secretary mo?"

"No. Si Mark ang secretary ko noon bago si Nancy."

She frowned. "But... it's a girl I was talking to. Palaging babae ang nakakausap ko
kapag tumatawag ako sayo noon."

She could still remember her voice when she asked for Sage.

"Please don't contact him again. Ayaw ka na niyang makausap," she said,
her voice was cold and distant.

His face went grim. "Are you sure?"

Tumango siya. "Sinabi niya noon na nasa Australia ka at hindi ka raw pwedeng
makausap. Every time I called you, sinasabi niyang ayaw mo raw akong kausapin. I
knew you were angry but I still kept calling, kahit noong umuwi ka ng Pilipinas.
Kaya umuwi ako rito. I really want to talk to you. Pero hindi na iyon nangyari."

Umuwi siya sa pamilya niya at hinarap ang galit sa kanya ng Papa niya at ng mga
kapatid niya. She wanted to be brave for her baby.

Galit na galit sa kanya ang Papa niya nang malaman ang nangyari sa kanya. She
thought he would throw her out. She thought her father would forsake her.

Pero tinanggap pa rin siya nito kahit na ang laki ng kasalanan niya.

"And you woke up and don't remember anything."

Kagat ang labi siyang tumango. Shiver ran down her body as she met his dangerously
hard eyes, but not from anger. It was entirely from something else. Like fear.
Apprehension. She wished she could tell him everything. She wished she had a
fearless and tough heart. But she didn't.

His eyes followed the movement of her lips as she chewed on it. He brought his hand
up and cupped her face, his face unreadable now.

"I fvcking wish I was there beside you, fighting with you. Pero hindi ko alam kung
ano ang nangyari sayo. I tried looking for you. But I was looking at the wrong
place all along." He ran his thumb over her lower lip and his eyes darkened
further. "You drove me crazy when you left. But you're driving me crazier now that
you're here." Then he replaced his thumb with his lips, giving her the softest kind
of

kiss.

Sumikdo ang puso niya sa pamilyar na halik na iyon. The kind of kiss he bestowed on
her on their wedding night. Butterfly kisses that seemed to go on forever and ever.
Gentle sucking of her lower lip that was making her want for more.

He gave her another butterfly kiss on the corner of her mouth, and another. One
more. And then she was already burning up.

Hinapit niya ang batok ni Sage para mahalikan niya ito ng maayos. After all that
tears she had let go tonight, she thought she was starving and thirsty for more.

He tasted like mint with a mixture of his singular taste and he kissed her long,
slow and deep. She wanted to burn with him and be wild but Sage was taking his time
remembering her taste.

Humiwalay ito saglit at hinaplos ang basang labi niya. "I want to make love with
you right now. I want to feel you."

Halos mapudpud ang labi niya sa kagat niya. She could already feel her blood
humming.

"But we're taking it slow this time, sweetheart."

But she didn't want to go slow. She felt she's going to shatter from his
tenderness.

His hands went to the bottom of her top and wire of electricity jolted her to stop
him from pulling it up. "Ang ilaw."

"I want to see you."

Umiling siya at napakagat ng labi nang makita ang pagtataka sa mukha ni Sage.
"Please..."

Kahit hindi mainindihan ni Sage ay hindi ito nagtanong. He reached for the lamp and
adjusted its brightness hanggang sa naging malamlam na lang ang ilaw sa buong
paligid.

Bumalik ang kamay nito sa damit niya at dahan-dahan iyong itinaas. "Lift up your
hands up."

His eyes

followed his fingers as they skimmed from her neck, tracing down her collarbones
and through the line between her brėasts. Hindi na siya humihinga sa ginagawa nito.

And then he brought her palms on the surface of her chest right where her heart was
beating forcefully wild. May kung anong dumaan sa mata nito nang magtama ang
kanilang mata. Fear and gratitude.

"I'd kill to hear your heart beating alive," he said gruffly and kissed her lips to
hide the tears in his eyes. Nakita niya iyon. At alam niyang dahil iyon sa
nangyaring aksidente.

If she didn't survived that crash... she wouldn't be here now.

She groaned when he cupped her mounds and shoved her bra to the sides, spilling her
brėasts into his warm big hands. He massaged each of them, pushing them in and
pressing them together and all she could do was pant and breathe against his lips.

"Lie down. I want to taste your nıpples."

He stood up as she laid there in bed and pulled off his shirt over his head and
threw it carelessly on the floor. Her eyes devour every inches of his smooth skin,
hard muscles, his rippling six-pack abs and that visible V on his hips that his
lowly hanging sweatpants were exposing.

She watched his muscles flexed when he started to push down his pants and she had
to bite her lip from the anticipation of seeing him in his glory of nakedness.

He dropped his pants and her mouth fell open. Napalunok siya. He's big and thick
and already straining painfully upward.

Biting her lip again, she lifted her gaze and met his dark intense gaze, his lips
was wearing his sexiest grin.

He crawled back on bed and dipped his head kissing her deep and hard, his tongue
sliding sensually against hers. His hands pulled her pajama bottoms slowly down,
taking her underwear with it and then brought his hips against hers.

He hissed and she gasped at the delicious contact. She could feel his hardness and
smoothness gliding along her moist folds as he moved his hips.
His kiss became harder and aggressive, like he couldn't control himself. And then
she surprised her by pulling away and stopping. Gumapang ito pababa at natunton ang
dibdib niya.

"Arch your back," utos nito habang nakatingin sa mga mata niya.

Hypnotized, she placed her elbows on the mattress and arched her back thrusting her
bare chest jutting towards his mouth. Shiver ran along her entire body, melting her
heart, when he kissed her beating heart just before he licked the tip of her mound.
Her head fell back, a moan escaping her when she felt his mouth on her, sucking her
nıpples hard. Her breath hitched when he bit her and soothed the pain with his
tongue. Pinaulit-ulit nito iyon hanggang sa lumipat ito sa kabila. His hand cupped
the abandoned twin and rubbed his thumb across the swollen moist tip as he lave
with the other in the same rhythm.

"Sage!" she cried out of intense pleasure. Her body was uncontrollably jerking each
time he sucked, every time he pinched, and she felt like if he wouldn't stop, she
will explode.

She felt him smile against her brėast before he stopped and retreated, leaving her
panting and nearly out of breath.

Lumuhod ito sa harap niya at mabilis niyang tinakpan ang

nasa tiyan niya. She was sure it was dim enough that Sage couldn't see the scar but
she still wanted to make sure.

She felt his hands sliding at the back of her legs, bending them and then he kissed
her left knee, his burning eyes never leaving her for a second as he kissed his way
to her inner thigh. Her breath hitched when his hand slipped between her thighs,
finding her slick folds.

"Fvck, sweetheart..." he groaned. "You're soaked."

Then he shifted closer to her and she all but came when he lavished her bud with
his tongue. His fingers spread her to him and he slid down, tasting her all the way
down to her core. Her elbows gave way, her body flopping back on the bed and her
hands found the sheets. He was relentless.

Then he pushed a finger inside her, driving up deep until he was touching his
knuckles. She whimpered at the deep intrusion, her legs shamelessly falling open
wider as he started to tease her with his finger, his tongue lapping over her bud.

"God, yes," she moaned breathlessly as her body begins to tighten. She knew she was
going to come. And then he climbed back to her brėast and sucked her nipple hard
causing a jolt rushing through her body, going straight to her core.

"Are you close, sweetheart?"

"Yes... don't stop yet..." she begged, her groans coming irregular and her breaths
changing. But his finger and his mouth were gone before she could fall over that
explosion.

"Sage!" she cried in disappointment.

A deep rumble came out of his chest. "I want to feel your first orgasm,
sweetheart."
Then he was back on her,

settling between her thighs, pinning her body with his hands above her head,
planted a kiss on her neck and without another word, he thrust himself inside her.
They both moaned, his was a loud growl, hers was a soft whimper at the fullness of
him inside her.

"Damn! You feel good," he said as he rested inside her, his whole body tight, and
his eyes squeezed close, almost like he's in pain.

His eyes opened, and the male fierceness in them made her breath catch and her
heart pound in earnest.

He nudged his hips against hers, pushing his length further inside her, making her
moan out of pleasure. She love the moment of the impact when he enters her, the way
he felt deep inside her, the way he loomed above her, and the way his warm breath
feathered across her skin. For her, it felt like he was marking her, possessing
her. She could never imagine being like this with another man.

He brought his head down and kissed her, nipping her lower lip with his teeth then
licks the sting away and he did it again as he pulled out of her only to slam back
inside, long and slow, and then stills again.

She couldn't take the pleasure building deep in her core. She brought her legs up
and wrapped them around his lean waist to urge him on, but Sage still refused to.

"I want to savor this moment, sweetheart..." he said hoarsely, releasing her hands
and leaned down with his forearms. He stared down at her and Kyra felt like he was
looking inside her head.

Napapikit siya ng kanyang mga mata. This, with Sage, was leaving her open and
vulnerable to him, and she was afraid he might see the fear

through her.

"Open your eyes," he said as he pulled out of her in that slow movement that was
close to torture. And then he drove slowly back inside when she opened her eyes,
all the while holding her gaze.

"Sage... please." She gripped his arms, her nails biting his flesh as her walls
tightened around him, telling him how much she wanted him.

He groaned harshly and pulled out again. "Is this what you want?" he asked as he
pushed back, harder this time.

She answered in a whimper and dug her nails in his shoulder. It was his love that
she wanted, not just his tenderness. She want the love that she had discarded. But
she couldn't tell him that.

His hand fisted on her hair and in a deep, raw roar, he started to slam in and out
of her. "Fvck!" he groaned and dipped his head, kissing her with all the
desperation she also felt as he worked her good and hard, pounding between her
legs.

"Sage," she begged his name as she felt the fast rising tension coiling in her
womb. She couldn't contain her pleasure as he filled her with hard steady strokes.

"Sage!" she cried out when his fingers found her nub and started to press it as he
continued to thrust inside her, his expression fierce and urgent.
"That's it, sweetheart, come for me," he greeted between clenched teeth, his voice
was raw and raspy as his tempo increases.

She felt it rising inside her. He stroked again and without warning, she was coming
with his name on her lips. Her nails were digging on his back as her body shuddered
and convulsed violently under him. The intensity of her orgasm was so strong his
length slipped out of her.

Bigla itong gumalaw at lumuhod sa harap niya. Hinawakan ang makabilang paa niya at
itinaas iyon sa mga balikat nito. She felt his hands on her waist and tilted her
hips to angle her so he could slide deeper. Then he started to push inside her
again, shoving right up to the hilt, and she didn't even had the time to catch her
breaths.

She watched him with fascination as his eyes drifted half-close, his mouth parted,
revealing in how beautiful her husband is, as he reached that moment.

"Fvck!" he growled, drawing out her name, the veins in his neck were visibly
straining, his eyes closing tightly as if it was all too much, while he rides out
his orgasm. Then his throbbing length paused inside her, and his body shuddered
uncontrollably, filling her with his warmth.

And she waited... waited for him to say those words.

His head dropped to her shoulder, they were both panting and sticky with sweat,
desperately trying to catch their breaths. Minutes passed and he rolled off to his
side, his hand reaching out for her, tucking her into his body.

"Sage?"

"Hmmm?" Nararamdaman na niya ang pagbaba ng hininga nito sa likod niya.

I love you... she silently said as she closed her eyes and pressed her chest that
was crushing her down.

=================

Chapter ♣ 32

ENCHANTED

KYRA COULD FEEL she was alone even with her eyes closed. Alam niyang wala na si
Sage sa tabi niya. He was already gone.

Nagmulat siya ng mata at tinitigan ang blankong tabi niya. Her hand reached for the
pillow next to her, where his head had left a mark.

Memories are just memories. They don't hold a knife, not even a dagger. So why does
remembering them hurt her so much?
She waited... hoping. But he still didn't say those words last night. And now, he
left even before she could open her eyes.

Maybe Sage didn't do those things he was used to do... but he could still possibly
love her, right? He wouldn't take her back if he didn't. Siguro mahal pa rin siya
ni Sage at marahil ay nag-iba lamang ang paraan nito ng pagpapakita ng pagmamahal
nito sa kanya. Anyway, word is not everything. Sometimes word can give a false
sense of security to someone, especially if it's just an empty cold lie.

Mas gugustuhin niyang maniwala sa pinapakita ni Sage kesa marinig ang salitang
kasinungalingan lamang. She would choose to believe actions that words.

She smiled at herself, mocking her own naivety.

This is often the first step of heartbreak; when you start believing your own make-
believes. When you let yourself fall into the depths of the fantasy opposite to
what's real.

But it's what most people do in love. Believe. They just believe. Kahit minsan
nagmumukha na silang tanga. Kahit na niloloko lang nila ang sarili nila.

"Morning."

She was lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize Sage was already

standing on the door. Nakahalukipkip ito habang nakangiting nakatingin sa kanya.

Ngumiti rin siya at hindi pinansin ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso niya. He looked so
dashing in daylight, kahit na nakaboard shorts lang ito at white v-necked shirt.

"Morning. Wala kang trabaho ngayon?" Akala niya ay umalis na ito papunta sa opisina
kaya ito maagang nawala.

She gathered the sheets around her to cover her bare body and sat up lethargically.
Sinubukan niyang bumaba ng kama ngunit pinigilan siya ni Sage. "No, don't get up
yet. Just stay there," sabi nito at may kinuha sa mesa.

Then he turned with a tray on his hand. She felt like her heart turned into a
melting cheese watching Sage walking over her with a sexy smile on his face.

Napangiti siya nang makita ang puting rosas sa glass vase ng dala nitong tray.
Dahil doon kaya naalala niya ang unang umaga nila bilang mag-asawa, pagkatapos ng
kasal nila sa Biarritz, France. Sage prepared her breakfast too, at may kasama ring
white rose.

Kinuha niya iyon sa vase at nalanghap niya agad ang bango nito. It was still fresh.

"Breakfast in bed?" Nangingiti siyang tumingin kay Sage na ngayon ay nakadapa sa

kama habang nakatukod ang isang siko, sapo ng kamay ang ulo at nakatingala sa
kanya.

Sage smiled up at her. "For my wife."

"Hindi ka na sana nag-abala. Gumising ka pa ng maaga. You should've just waited for
me to wake up. Ako na sana ang nagluto ng agahan."

"It's okay. Konting bagay lang na gumising ng maaga para pakainin ang asawa ko."
She laughed as her heart tickled and picked up a fork to point

at the meal he prepared. "Croissant? Really?" Hindi niya alam na marunong itong
gumawa ng bread, lalo pa at isang french bread.

"Well, fine. I did pull off some tiny strings. You know me, food and I are not a
good pair. Besides, I'd do anything to please you."

Ngumiti siya sa kawalan ng salita.

She ignored the doubts that were flying in her head and focused on Sage's eyes.
They were shining like city lights in the night. Minsan na niyang nakita iyon...
noong mga pagkakataong sinagot niya ito... noong mga panahon na sa kanya lang ang
pagmamahal nito.

Maybe if she think that the past didn't happen, if she forget that she left, then
perhaps she could believe that Sage was wearing his heart in his eyes right now.

Akala niya hindi na niya makikita ulit iyon. Akala niya tuluyan nang nagdilim ang
mga mata nito at hindi na ulit liliwanag kapag nakikita siya.

What brought them back? she wondered. Was it because of what happened last night?
Was it her confession?

What if she told him the other truth? Would the spark die? Would his eyes still
shine?

She was suddenly aware of her scar burning on her skin underneath the sheet. She
only have to shove it down and expose her secret to him. Iyon lang ang kailangan
niyang gawin.

Pero bakit ang hirap? Hindi niya kaya.Isipin pa lang niya na mawawala ang ganong
tingin sa kanya ni Sage, sumisikip na ang dibdib niya.

"Kumain ka na," anito at nagsalin ng tubig sa baso niya. "Bon appétit."

She offered a grateful smile. Pinaglaruan niya ang strawberry sa ibabaw ng pancake
habang nag-iisip ng sasabihin. "Sage... about last

night..."

Sage sighed. Bigla itong umupo ng maayos at itinabi ang tray para makalapit sa
kanya. He sat in front of her and held her hand. Nanatili ang mata niya sa mga
kamay nila habang inaayos nito ang magulo niyang buhok.

Sana ay nakapagbihis man lang siya o 'di kaya ay nakapaghilamos man lang. His
freshness was teasing her nostrils while she smelt like sweat.

"'Wag na muna natin pag-usapan ang tungkol do'n," sambit nito habang pinaglalaruan
nito ang mga daliri niya. His tone turned serious and sober. "You've cried enough
last night. No more tears from now on, okay. No more."

Kyra met his eyes and mutely nodded her head. No more tears. Pero ngayon pa lang
parang naiiyak na siya.

How could she ever stop crying when that was all she could do every time she
thought of her father and the death of her baby... their child?

Dinama ni Sage ang pisngi niya at mataman siyang tinitigan. "All that's important
now is you got your memories back. Nakakaalala ka na. You're okay now. And that's
all that matters to me. You're back."

Ngumiti ito ngunit hindi iyon umabot sa mga mata nito habang naglaro ang tingin
nito sa mukha niya, it's as if he was seeing her for the first time.

"It's been too long since I looked at you like this..."

She bit her lip to hold back a tremor. It's been too long... she had waited for too
long. And all those time that she had stuck around waiting, regret filled her
chest, plaguing her day by day.

Huminga siya at sinubukang ngumiti kay Sage. "Ano kaya kung hindi ako umalis noon,
no? I guess things would've been different." Maybe

their lives could've been better. Sana hindi ganito.

But the sad case of their reality still stood. It happened. And it all boils down
to her mistake.

"I wish I didn't have to choose and sacrificed us. I wish I was wiser and didn't do
what I did." She couldn't hide the wistful regret in her voice. She had so much
things to feel sorry for, things she hoped she shouldn't have done.

Kung pwede lang burahin iyon ng isang sorry lang, perhaps life could've been
better. But it wasn't that simple. Sometimes, there are circumstances or mistakes
committed where sorry isn't enough.

She heard him groan. Pinalis ng hinlalaki nito ang ibaba ng mata niya. "Sweetie,
kakasabi ko lang hindi ba? I said no more tears. Magang maga na iyang mata mo o!"

"Sorry," natatawang sabi niya at nagpunas na rin ng mata. Masyado na yata siyang
nagiging emosyonal.

"Come here." He shifted instead and sat beside her. Inakap siya ni Sage at
pinahilig sa dibdib nito. His scent was much stronger now, and it comforted her to
feel him this close.

"If things were different then, maybe things would've been simpler for us. Pero
nangyari na ang lahat, Kyra. There's no point in looking back and regretting what
we did. It's futile. Yes, it was madness. Nasaktan mo ako, nagkulang ako sayo.
Naging busy ako at nakalimutan ko ang pangako ko bilang asawa sayo. I have dug my
own grave too. Pero ganoon siguro talaga iyon. There will be a certain point in our
lives where we have to choose and sacrifice what was important for us to do what we
must do." He sighed and Kyra felt the heaviness in it.

"I was sorry you had

to choose your career than me. I was sorry you had to give up on us. But I was more
sorry because I let you. Hinayaan kitang umalis. Pinakawalan kita nang ganoon
kadali, nang wala man lang akong ginagawa. I regret letting you go. Dahil sa galit
ko kaya hindi kita hinanap kaagad. Maybe if I did look for you sooner, if I didn't
left the penthouse and waited for you, this wouldn't happen to us."

Lumayo si Sage sa kanya para tingnan siya. "But either way, even if we go back or
not, we'd still be together like now. You belong to me. As I to you. You're more
important to me than my pride, Kyra, because I..." he suddenly paused and his eyes
stopped, blinked and stared at her for a second.
Her brows knotted as she watched him swallowed with difficulty, her heart stirring
wildly with a muffled beat in her chest.

"Because I... I took a vow," he finally said. And her heart sank a foot deeper.
"You're still my wife in the eyes of God. Kaya hindi na ulit kita bibitawan."

Pinilit niyang ngumiti. Despite the tiny crack on her heart, despite her doubts and
fear, even when she can't rationalize her own reason, with her hurting smile and
tearful eyes, she told Sage how she truly felt.

"I love you," she whispered and held his eyes.

Niyakap siya bigla ni Sage. Mahigpit. Matagal. At halos hindi na ito humihinga.

"You realize you just handed me the gun," marahas na bulong nito sa likod ng leeg
niya habang nakayakap pa rin sa kanya. "But I will never hurt you, Kyra. I won't
pull the trigger because I will never lose you again this time."

She smiled at the thought of what he said...

his own metaphor. Love as the gun. And she just handed him the power to hurt her.

Well, she did. But he's probably too late. 'Cause she already took the bullet.

"WAKE UP, sweetheart. Andito na tayo."

Kinusot ni Kyra ang mga mata niya. Nagising siya dahil sa pagpasok ng preskong
hangin mula sa bintana niya. Sage was taking it down, at dahil doon kaya sumasabog
ang buhok niya sa mukha niya.

"Anong oras na?" She stretched her arms and tried to shake her sleepiness away.

Sage looked at the clock. "It's past two."

She did the math. "Tatlong oras ka ng nagmamaneho?"

He smirked and glanced at her. "It's fine. You can treat me a good full body
massage later if you're worried."

Hindi niya napigilang tumawa. "Baka kung saan na naman mauwi iyang full body
massage na iyan ha."

Umayos na siya ng upo niya at nilakbay ng mata niya ang nasa paligid niya. Her
mouth fell at the sight of the whole place.

Sure she knew that Sage's family was influential, jaw-dropping rich, powerful and
prestigious. The white ball was already a statement on itself on how royal their
family is. But as she ran her eyes all around her, the white sand, the tall coconut
trees, the cabins, tents, and the pristine turquoise water that seemed endless as
far as her eyes could see, she couldn't quite believe that a person or a clan could
exclusively own such beauty.

Ilang sandali pa ay natanaw na niya ang isang malaking puting bahay na

napapalibutan ng halaman at buhangin. Mayroon ding nakaparadang dalawang kotse
doon, isang itim na BMW at isang asul na Ford.

Nag-park si Sage sa

tabi ng BMW at pinatay ang makina ng Bugatti nito saka lumingon sa kanya. "We're
here."

Namamanghang tinitigan niya ito. "You seriously own this whole resort?"

He just shrugged a shoulder. "One of my father's assets. Usuallly sarado ito at

binubuksan lamang ni Dad sa public kapag ganitong summer."

Kinalas nito ang seat belt nito sa isang galaw lang at mabilis na bumaba ng
sasakyan. Still in daze, she took her time taking off her belt. Hindi pa niya
nakakalas iyon ay nabuksan na ni Sage ang pintuan niya.

Naagaw ng isang bagong dating na koste ang pansin nila. Bumaba na rin siya habang
nakatutok sa pulang Audi na pumarada sa liko ng sasakan ni Sage.

Seriously, she thought idly, kulang na lang sa mga kotse na ito ay isang Ferarri at
Porsche. Normal people don't showcase this kinds of car.

The door slid open and a woman stepped out of it. Serena took of her big black
aviators as they saw them. "Hi kuya!"

Excited itong tumakbo papunta kay Sage at niyakap ito na parang ilang araw na hindi
nagkita. Sage kissed her sister on her temple.

"Happy now?" sabi ni Sage nang humiwalay si Serena rito.

"More than you'll ever know," she said sweetly before turning to her. "And I see
you brought Kyra too?" Ngumiti ito at lumapit sa kanya.

Serena hugged her first and kissed her cheeks. Nahihiyang tinugon niya iyon.
Nakangiti lang sa kanila si Sage.

"Well, this is fun," sabi ni Serena at muling sinuot ang salamin. "Let's go?
Mukhang andito na rin sina Ate Louraine at Vee."

Tiningnan niya muna si Sage nang kunin ni Serena ang braso niya. "You go ahead.

Sumabay ka na kay Serena sa loob. I'll be with our luggage in a while," sabi nito
saka naglakad patungo sa likod ng sasakyan.

"Thanks for coming. Akala ko hindi na kayo pupunta kasi ang sabi ni Kuya may iba
kayong lakad this week."

Nagtatakang kumunot ang noo ni Kyra sa sinabi ni Serena. "Wala naman siyang
nababanggit sa akin." She just know he was slacking in their house for two days
now.

"Oh!" Serena suddenly gasped and stopped walking. Nasa front porch na sila at
natatanaw na niya ang buong sala ng bahay. "Maybe he was planning to surprise you!"
she said and then her smile widened, as if she was so thrilled with the idea. "I'm
so right!"

Surprise? Wala namang nababanggit si Sage na lalabas sila. They just spend their
day on bed, cuddling yesterday. Tapos ay nanood din sila ng Netflix at kumain ng
pizza.

"We're here!" sigaw ni Serena pagpasok nila. Ibinaba nito ang bag sa isang mesa at
bigla na lang sumulpot ang mga bata sa kung saan.

"Tita pretty!" They both shrilled and ran off to Serena to give her a cute small
hugs.

"Ay! Ang mga makulit na bata!"

Kyra watched them in a rigid stance. Ni hindi niya napansing naging baton a siya sa
isang tabi habang pinapanood niya ang mga ito. She just felt like something was
squeezing her chest painfully.

"Where's Baby Vince?" tanong ni Serena sa dalawang bata matapos itong maulanan ng
mumunting halik.

"Sa taas po siya," sabi ng batang babae habang nakatingin ito sa kanya. She was
taller than the boy, but the similarity of their features were unmistakable.

"Guys, this is your Tita Kyra," pakilala sa kanya

ni Serena. "Say hi to her."

"Hello po," sabi noong batang babae. "I'm Tris, and this is my brother, Earl."
Kumaway lang sa kanya ang batang lalaki.

"Kayo po iyong kasama ni Tito Sage, 'di ba po?" Tris asked.

She remembered now. Sila iyong mga bata na nakita niya sa family diner nina Sage
noong unang pinakilala siya nito sa pamilya nila.

Ngumiti siya at umuklo din katulad ni Serena. "Natatandaan mo pa ako?"

"Sabi ni Tito, hindi ako puwedeng reyna niya kasi ikaw daw po ang reyna niya."

Nakita niya ang pagsulyap sa kanya ni Serena. "Well, that was interesting." Serena
grinned at her just before she took Earl's hand. "Where's your tatay and nanay?"

Tumayo na rin siya nang tumayo si Serena. Whatever Sage was saying to these kids?

"Up here!" narinig nilang sigaw ng isang lalaki.

Umakyat sila kasama ang dalawang bata. Malaki ang bahay. Puti halos ang pintura at
sunflower yellow naman ang mga poste at ang hagdanan. Kahit sa ikalawang palapag ay
malawak pa rin ang mga corridor. At the center of was a small living area, may mga
upuan, coffe table at sofa. Maaliwalas ang buong bahay dahil nakabukas halos lahat
ng sliding glass panel na mga bintana.

Sinundan lang niya sina Serena hanggang sa nakarating sila sa isang kuwarto. Naroon
ang mga kapatid ni Sage at ang mga asawa. The children ran to Louraine.

"Kyra!" Ngumiti agad si Louraine nang makita siya. She walked to her and embraced
her like what Serena did earlier. She seemed more beautiful than the last time she
saw her.

"Buti pumayag si Sage na pumunta ka,"sabi naman nI Victoria habang akay

ang anak nito na tulog na tulog.

Ngumiti siya sa kabila ng pagtataka. Para namang hawak ni Sage ang buong weekly
schedule niya.

Tinitigan niya ang bata. It must be Vince. Ilang taon na kaya ito? He must be three
years old? Her baby could've been his age by now if...
She stopped her mind fast. These children are bad for her mentality. They're
dangerous.

"Where's Sage?" tanong ni Duke at bahagyang sumulyap sa kanila habang inaayos ang
sa tinging niya ay isang crib kasama ni Zeke.

"Inaakyat lang niya ang mga gamit namin," aniya at pilit na kumakalma.

Weird. Ngayon ay madali na lang sa kanya ang alalahanin ang mga pangalan. Even her
stutter was gone. And her awful lapses. As much as she depreciate remembering, some
things also played at her advantage.

"Well," umupo si Serena sa katabi nilang sofa. "Looks like it's just Blue who will
be left lonely tonight."

"Ikaw rin naman." Zeke smirked and shot her a look.

It always made her hair stood on end. What does he know? Kung makatingin ito sa
kanya, parang may alam ito. Well, she never really met him. She had never even
talked to him before.

"Ano'ng ako? Excuse me, please. I have these lovely kids to play with."

"Nasaan na ba si Blue?" Mabilis siyang napabaling sa pintuan nang marinig niya ang
boses ni Sage. Nasa kanya ang mga mata nito bago tumingin sa buong kuwarto habang
naglalakad patungo sa kinatatayuan niya.

"He'll be here in a while. On the way na raw siya," sagot ni Louraine na nakangiti
na kay Duke. She could see it was a teasing smile. Ganoon din ang ngiti ni Victoria

habang nakatingin sa kanya, particular sa kamay ni Sage na nakapatong sa beywang

niya.

"Are you hungry?" bulong sa kanya ni Sage na parang hindi napapansin ang mga
tinginan sa kanila ng mga kapatid nito. Or maybe he actually didn't care at all.

Nilingon niya ito at nakita ang butil ng pawis sa noo nito. "Hindi pa naman," iling
niya at pinunsan iyon gamit ang sleeves ng cardigan sweater niya. "Nahirapan ka ba?
Marami yata ang nadala kong gamit."

Tumaas ang kilay nito. "Kung gusto mo, kargahin pa kita papunta sa kwarto e."

"I can already hear wedding bells," nanunudyong sabi ni Serena nang dumaan ito sa
harap nila.

Sage showed his boyish grin. "Believe me, Miss, I already heard one."

Kinurot niya ito sa tagiliran kaya ito napahiyaw. Pinandilatan niya ito ng mata.
Kapag hindi niya ito pinigilan, baka mamaya, iba na ang lumabas sa bibig nito.

"Okay, okay," he chukled. "Nasa loob na ng kuwarto ang mga gamit natin. Would you
like to see it first?"

Tumango na lang siya at sumama kay Sage palabas para hindi na sila natutukso ng mga
kapatid nito. Hindi siya komportable, lalo na kung naroon ang mga bata.

But something caught her attention. "Teka lang," aniya at pinigilan ang kamay ni
Sage habang nasa corridor sila. "Kuwarto natin?" bulong niya.
He looked behind them and whispered too. "Yeah... why?"

"Sage, hindi ba magtataka ang mga kapatid mo kapag nasa iisang kuwarto lang tayo?
What if they found out-"

"What if they found out what?" Biglang naging seryoso ang mukha nito.

"A-ayoko lang sana silang biglain."

She would really hate herself if

his brothers and Serena would feel offended by their wedding conspiracy. Lalo na
kapag nalaman ng mga magulang ng mga ito.

Bumuntong hininga si Sage at marahang hinawakan ang magkabilang balikat niya. "It's
okay, Kyra. They will know pretty soon anyway. It's only a matter of time. Besides,
I don't want to sneak inside your room like a burglar every night."

She rolled her eyes when she saw him grin. "Sumeryoso ka nga."

"I'm serious. And by the way, I took the farthest room so we won't wake them-"

Hinampas na niya ito sa braso pero humagalpak na lamang ito.

"Nagbibiro lang ako," ngitng-ngiting sabi nito at muli siyang inakay palapit. "They
love you, Kyra. Kaya wala kang dapat na ipag-alala."

Wala na siyang nasabi pa nang humalik iito sa ulo niya.

Sumunod siya rito hanggang sa marating nila ang kanilang kuwarto. Dalawang guest
room pa ang nadaanan nila bago ang kuwarto nila. And just exactly what he said, it
was the farthest room.

It's a very spacious room, katulad ng kuwartong pinanggalingan nila. Iyon nga lang
ay kulay mint ang interior ng sa kanila. The furniture were uniformally in mocha
brown, from the two single couch, carpet, curtains, bed sheets and pillow cases,
tables and the cabinet paint. Bukod sa king sized bed ay natuwa si Kyra nang makita
ang isang maliit na ref sa gilid. May sarili din silang banyo at balkonahe na tanaw
ang parte ng dagat.

Lumabas siya sa veranda at tinanaw ang napakalawak na dagat. Nakikita niya ang mga
taong nagsisipagligo sa 'di kalayuan, mga naupo sa ilalim ng puno, ang iba ay
naglalaro ng beach volleyball, at mga batang nagtatakbuhan

sa buhangin. It looked paradise from her point of view.

Buong buo niyang nilanghap ang preskong hangin. She could almost smell the salt in
the air, it suddenly made her feel nostalgic. Naalala niya ang mga panahong nasa
Biarritz sila habang naghahanda sa kasal nila.

It was a very special day-and it was a shame she had forgotten about it.

Narinig niya ang pagsara ng isang pintuan at mayamaya ay naramdaman na niya ang
pag-ikot ng isang pamilyar na braso sa kanyang beywang.

"Do you like it?" tanong ni Sage habang nakapatong ang baba nito sa kanang balikat
niya.
Inayos niya ang buhok niya nang liparin iyon ng hangin. "Do I like what?"
Nakangiting tiningnan niya ito sa may balikat niya. He looked unsure.

"All of this," sagot nito.

Mahinang tinampal niya ang kamay nito. "Sage, ano ka ba? Ang ganda ganda kaya ng
lugar na 'to! I'm really, really thankful you brought me here. Ang tagal ko nang
hindi nakakakita ng dagat."

She saw him smiled. "It seemed I did the right choice then."

Bahagya siyang lumayo para tingnan ito ng maayos. What did he mean? Tama ba ang
hinala ni Serena na gusto siyang usrpresahin ni Sage? Did he plan to go somewhere
else?

Sage chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. "Don't look at me like that. It
really turns me on."

"Ano?" Hinampas niya ulit ang kamay nito. "Ikaw talaga, ang aga-aga..." Umiling na
lang siya at tumingin sa malayo. The heat in his eyes was affecting her and who
knows what will happen if she didn't look away fast. Hindi pa ba sapat ang
pagkukulong ng bahay kahapon buong magdamag?

"We used to do it

quite several times, if I remember clearly," bulong nito malapit sa tenga niya at
naghatid iyon ng kakaibang init sa buong katawan niya.

He's right on that count. In fact, they do it anywhere too. But still, she wouldn't
egg him on. Baka kung saan pa sila mapunta.

She glared at him when he tried sneaking his hand inside her shirt. "Hindi nga...
seryoso ako. Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin kanina?"

Hindi nito binawi ang kamay nito at pinadaan ang mga iyon sa tiyan niya. "I
actually planned to go on a week vacation with you. Just the two of us, somewhere
in Japan. But Serena had other plans. So here we are. Besides, gusto ko ring
makilala mo ng maayos ang mga kapatid ko... and I want them to know you."

That made her feel anxious.

Isang katok ang nagpabaling sa kanila sa pintuan. Duke stood there with his son
riding on his back. Agad niyang naramdaman ang pagpintig ng marka sa ilalim ng
tiyan niya.

"Hey, loverboy. We need a hand outside," sabi ni Duke kay Sage pagkatapos siya
nitong ngitian.

Malalim ang tawa ni Sage sa tabi niya. "Gettin' old too fast?"

"Just get your ass down there," sigaw ni Duke saka umalis na at iniwan ulit sila.

Tumatawa pa rin si Sage nang humarap ito sa kanya. "I'm starting to regret bringing
you here. Wala man lang tayong privacy sa lugar na 'to."

Napaigik siya nang bumaba ang mga kamay nito sa pang-upo niya. "Umayos ka nga!"

He laughed out loud. And that made her world stop moving. She just stared at him
for a minute or two, replaying the sound of his laughter, memorizing the picture of
his face as he laughed. She was enchanted.

"Fine,

fine. Aalis na ako. You should change too, para mas maging komportable ka. Bababa
na ako para tulungan sila."

Tumango siya at hinapit kaagad siya ni Sage para bigyan siya ng isang mahaba at
malalim na halik. Kapos na siya ng hininga nang pakawalan siya nito.

"I..." he trailed off as he stared at her for a moment. Something passed through
his eyes, lighting them up like sun rays. And then they were gone too quickly just
as quick as they emerged. It was the second time he acted like that, as if there
was a red light stopping him from saying something. Or was it just her imagination?

And then he smiled. "I'll see you in a bit, okay."

Tumango ulit siya bago siya binitawan ni Sage at naglakad palabas ng kuwarto
nila.ENCHANTED

KYRA COULD FEEL she was alone even with her eyes closed. Alam niyang wala na si
Sage sa tabi niya. He was already gone.

Nagmulat siya ng mata at tinitigan ang blankong tabi niya. Her hand reached for the
pillow next to her, where his head had left a mark.

Memories are just memories. They don't hold a knife, not even a dagger. So why does
remembering them hurt her so much?

She waited... hoping. But he still didn't say those words last night. And now, he
left even before she could open her eyes.

Maybe Sage didn't do those things he was used to do... but he could still possibly
love her, right? He wouldn't take her back if he didn't. Siguro mahal pa rin siya
ni Sage at marahil ay nag-iba lamang ang paraan nito ng pagpapakita ng pagmamahal
nito sa kanya. Anyway, word is not everything. Sometimes word can give

a false sense of security to someone, especially if it's just an empty cold lie.

Mas gugustuhin niyang maniwala sa pinapakita ni Sage kesa marinig ang salitang
kasinungalingan lamang. She would choose to believe actions that words.

She smiled at herself, mocking her own naivety.

This is often the first step of heartbreak; when you start believing your own make-
believes. When you let yourself fall into the depths of the fantasy opposite to
what's real.

But it's what most people do in love. Believe. They just believe. Kahit minsan
nagmumukha na silang tanga. Kahit na niloloko lang nila ang sarili nila.

"Morning."

She was lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize Sage was already standing on
the door. Nakahalukipkip ito habang nakangiting nakatingin sa kanya.

Ngumiti rin siya at hindi pinansin ang pagbilis ng tibok ng puso niya. He looked so
dashing in daylight, kahit na nakaboard shorts lang ito at white v-necked shirt.
"Morning. Wala kang trabaho ngayon?" Akala niya ay umalis na ito papunta sa opisina
kaya ito maagang nawala.

She gathered the sheets around her to cover her bare body and sat up lethargically.
Sinubukan niyang bumaba ng kama ngunit pinigilan siya ni Sage. "No, don't get up
yet. Just stay there," sabi nito at may kinuha sa mesa.

Then he turned with a tray on his hand. She felt like her heart turned into a
melting cheese watching Sage walking over her with a sexy smile on his face.

Napangiti siya nang makita ang puting rosas sa glass vase ng dala nitong tray.
Dahil doon kaya naalala niya ang unang umaga nila bilang mag-asawa,

pagkatapos ng kasal nila sa Biarritz, France. Sage prepared her breakfast too, at
may kasama ring white rose.

Kinuha niya iyon sa vase at nalanghap niya agad ang bango nito. It was still fresh.

"Breakfast in bed?" Nangingiti siyang tumingin kay Sage na ngayon ay nakadapa sa

kama habang nakatukod ang isang siko, sapo ng kamay ang ulo at nakatingala sa
kanya.

Sage smiled up at her. "For my wife."

"Hindi ka na sana nag-abala. Gumising ka pa ng maaga. You should've just waited for
me to wake up. Ako na sana ang nagluto ng agahan."

"It's okay. Konting bagay lang na gumising ng maaga para pakainin ang asawa ko."

She laughed as her heart tickled and picked up a fork to point at the meal he
prepared. "Croissant? Really?" Hindi niya alam na marunong itong gumawa ng bread,
lalo pa at isang french bread.

"Well, fine. I did pull off some tiny strings. You know me, food and I are not a
good pair. Besides, I'd do anything to please you."

Ngumiti siya sa kawalan ng salita.

She ignored the doubts that were flying in her head and focused on Sage's eyes.
They were shining like city lights in the night. Minsan na niyang nakita iyon...
noong mga pagkakataong sinagot niya ito... noong mga panahon na sa kanya lang ang
pagmamahal nito.

Maybe if she think that the past didn't happen, if she forget that she left, then
perhaps she could believe that Sage was wearing his heart in his eyes right now.

Akala niya hindi na niya makikita ulit iyon. Akala niya tuluyan nang nagdilim ang
mga mata nito at hindi na ulit liliwanag kapag nakikita siya.

What brought them back? she wondered.

Was it because of what happened last night? Was it her confession?

What if she told him the other truth? Would the spark die? Would his eyes still
shine?

She was suddenly aware of her scar burning on her skin underneath the sheet. She
only have to shove it down and expose her secret to him. Iyon lang ang kailangan
niyang gawin.
Pero bakit ang hirap? Hindi niya kaya.Isipin pa lang niya na mawawala ang ganong
tingin sa kanya ni Sage, sumisikip na ang dibdib niya.

"Kumain ka na," anito at nagsalin ng tubig sa baso niya. "Bon appétit."

She offered a grateful smile. Pinaglaruan niya ang strawberry sa ibabaw ng pancake
habang nag-iisip ng sasabihin. "Sage... about last night..."

Sage sighed. Bigla itong umupo ng maayos at itinabi ang tray para makalapit sa
kanya. He sat in front of her and held her hand. Nanatili ang mata niya sa mga
kamay nila habang inaayos nito ang magulo niyang buhok.

Sana ay nakapagbihis man lang siya o 'di kaya ay nakapaghilamos man lang. His
freshness was teasing her nostrils while she smelt like sweat.

"'Wag na muna natin pag-usapan ang tungkol do'n," sambit nito habang pinaglalaruan
nito ang mga daliri niya. His tone turned serious and sober. "You've cried enough
last night. No more tears from now on, okay. No more."

Kyra met his eyes and mutely nodded her head. No more tears. Pero ngayon pa lang
parang naiiyak na siya.

How could she ever stop crying when that was all she could do every time she
thought of her father and the death of her baby... their child?

Dinama ni Sage ang pisngi niya at mataman siyang tinitigan.

"All that's important now is you got your memories back. Nakakaalala ka na. You're
okay now. And that's all that matters to me. You're back."

Ngumiti ito ngunit hindi iyon umabot sa mga mata nito habang naglaro ang tingin
nito sa mukha niya, it's as if he was seeing her for the first time.

"It's been too long since I looked at you like this..."

She bit her lip to hold back a tremor. It's been too long... she had waited for too
long. And all those time that she had stuck around waiting, regret filled her
chest, plaguing her day by day.

Huminga siya at sinubukang ngumiti kay Sage. "Ano kaya kung hindi ako umalis noon,
no? I guess things would've been different." Maybe their lives could've been
better. Sana hindi ganito.

But the sad case of their reality still stood. It happened. And it all boils down
to her mistake.

"I wish I didn't have to choose and sacrificed us. I wish I was wiser and didn't do
what I did." She couldn't hide the wistful regret in her voice. She had so much
things to feel sorry for, things she hoped she shouldn't have done.

Kung pwede lang burahin iyon ng isang sorry lang, perhaps life could've been
better. But it wasn't that simple. Sometimes, there are circumstances or mistakes
committed where sorry isn't enough.

She heard him groan. Pinalis ng hinlalaki nito ang ibaba ng mata niya. "Sweetie,
kakasabi ko lang hindi ba? I said no more tears. Magang maga na iyang mata mo o!"

"Sorry," natatawang sabi niya at nagpunas na rin ng mata. Masyado na yata siyang
nagiging emosyonal.

"Come here." He shifted instead and sat beside her.

Inakap siya ni Sage at pinahilig sa dibdib nito. His scent was much stronger now,
and it comforted her to feel him this close.

"If things were different then, maybe things would've been simpler for us. Pero
nangyari na ang lahat, Kyra. There's no point in looking back and regretting what
we did. It's futile. Yes, it was madness. Nasaktan mo ako, nagkulang ako sayo.
Naging busy ako at nakalimutan ko ang pangako ko bilang asawa sayo. I have dug my
own grave too. Pero ganoon siguro talaga iyon. There will be a certain point in our
lives where we have to choose and sacrifice what was important for us to do what we
must do." He sighed and Kyra felt the heaviness in it.

"I was sorry you had to choose your career than me. I was sorry you had to give up
on us. But I was more sorry because I let you. Hinayaan kitang umalis. Pinakawalan
kita nang ganoon kadali, nang wala man lang akong ginagawa. I regret letting you
go. Dahil sa galit ko kaya hindi kita hinanap kaagad. Maybe if I did look for you
sooner, if I didn't left the penthouse and waited for you, this wouldn't happen to
us."

Lumayo si Sage sa kanya para tingnan siya. "But either way, even if we go back or
not, we'd still be together like now. You belong to me. As I to you. You're more
important to me than my pride, Kyra, because I..." he suddenly paused and his eyes
stopped, blinked and stared at her for a second.

Her brows knotted as she watched him swallowed with difficulty, her heart stirring
wildly with a muffled beat in her chest.

"Because I... I took a vow," he finally said. And her heart sank a foot deeper.

"You're still my wife in the eyes of God. Kaya hindi na ulit kita bibitawan."

Pinilit niyang ngumiti. Despite the tiny crack on her heart, despite her doubts and
fear, even when she can't rationalize her own reason, with her hurting smile and
tearful eyes, she told Sage how she truly felt.

"I love you," she whispered and held his eyes.

Niyakap siya bigla ni Sage. Mahigpit. Matagal. At halos hindi na ito humihinga.

"You realize you just handed me the gun," marahas na bulong nito sa likod ng leeg
niya habang nakayakap pa rin sa kanya. "But I will never hurt you, Kyra. I won't
pull the trigger because I will never lose you again this time."

She smiled at the thought of what he said... his own metaphor. Love as the gun. And
she just handed him the power to hurt her.

Well, she did. But he's probably too late. 'Cause she already took the bullet.

"WAKE UP, sweetheart. Andito na tayo."

Kinusot ni Kyra ang mga mata niya. Nagising siya dahil sa pagpasok ng preskong
hangin mula sa bintana niya. Sage was taking it down, at dahil doon kaya sumasabog
ang buhok niya sa mukha niya.

"Anong oras na?" She stretched her arms and tried to shake her sleepiness away.
Sage looked at the clock. "It's past two."

She did the math. "Tatlong oras ka ng nagmamaneho?"

He smirked and glanced at her. "It's fine. You can treat me a good full body
massage later if you're worried."

Hindi niya napigilang tumawa. "Baka kung saan na naman mauwi iyang full body
massage na iyan ha."

Umayos na siya ng upo niya at nilakbay ng mata niya ang nasa paligid

niya. Her mouth fell at the sight of the whole place.

Sure she knew that Sage's family was influential, jaw-dropping rich, powerful and
prestigious. The white ball was already a statement on itself on how royal their
family is. But as she ran her eyes all around her, the white sand, the tall coconut
trees, the cabins, tents, and the pristine turquoise water that seemed endless as
far as her eyes could see, she couldn't quite believe that a person or a clan could
exclusively own such beauty.

Ilang sandali pa ay natanaw na niya ang isang malaking puting bahay na

napapalibutan ng halaman at buhangin. Mayroon ding nakaparadang dalawang kotse
doon, isang itim na BMW at isang asul na Ford.

Nag-park si Sage sa tabi ng BMW at pinatay ang makina ng Bugatti nito saka lumingon
sa kanya. "We're here."

Namamanghang tinitigan niya ito. "You seriously own this whole resort?"

He just shrugged a shoulder. "One of my father's assets. Usuallly sarado ito at

binubuksan lamang ni Dad sa public kapag ganitong summer."

Kinalas nito ang seat belt nito sa isang galaw lang at mabilis na bumaba ng
sasakyan. Still in daze, she took her time taking off her belt. Hindi pa niya
nakakalas iyon ay nabuksan na ni Sage ang pintuan niya.

Naagaw ng isang bagong dating na koste ang pansin nila. Bumaba na rin siya habang
nakatutok sa pulang Audi na pumarada sa liko ng sasakan ni Sage.

Seriously, she thought idly, kulang na lang sa mga kotse na ito ay isang Ferarri at
Porsche. Normal people don't showcase this kinds of car.

The door slid open and a woman stepped out of it. Serena took of

her big black aviators as they saw them. "Hi kuya!"

Excited itong tumakbo papunta kay Sage at niyakap ito na parang ilang araw na hindi
nagkita. Sage kissed her sister on her temple.

"Happy now?" sabi ni Sage nang humiwalay si Serena rito.

"More than you'll ever know," she said sweetly before turning to her. "And I see
you brought Kyra too?" Ngumiti ito at lumapit sa kanya.

Serena hugged her first and kissed her cheeks. Nahihiyang tinugon niya iyon.
Nakangiti lang sa kanila si Sage.

"Well, this is fun," sabi ni Serena at muling sinuot ang salamin. "Let's go?
Mukhang andito na rin sina Ate Louraine at Vee."

Tiningnan niya muna si Sage nang kunin ni Serena ang braso niya. "You go ahead.
Sumabay ka na kay Serena sa loob. I'll be with our luggage in a while," sabi nito
saka naglakad patungo sa likod ng sasakyan.

"Thanks for coming. Akala ko hindi na kayo pupunta kasi ang sabi ni Kuya may iba
kayong lakad this week."

Nagtatakang kumunot ang noo ni Kyra sa sinabi ni Serena. "Wala naman siyang
nababanggit sa akin." She just know he was slacking in their house for two days
now.

"Oh!" Serena suddenly gasped and stopped walking. Nasa front porch na sila at
natatanaw na niya ang buong sala ng bahay. "Maybe he was planning to surprise you!"
she said and then her smile widened, as if she was so thrilled with the idea. "I'm
so right!"

Surprise? Wala namang nababanggit si Sage na lalabas sila. They just spend their
day on bed, cuddling yesterday. Tapos ay nanood din sila ng Netflix at kumain ng
pizza.

"We're here!" sigaw ni Serena pagpasok nila.

Ibinaba nito ang bag sa isang mesa at bigla na lang sumulpot ang mga bata sa kung
saan.

"Tita pretty!" They both shrilled and ran off to Serena to give her a cute small
hugs.

"Ay! Ang mga makulit na bata!"

Kyra watched them in a rigid stance. Ni hindi niya napansing naging baton a siya sa
isang tabi habang pinapanood niya ang mga ito. She just felt like something was
squeezing her chest painfully.

"Where's Baby Vince?" tanong ni Serena sa dalawang bata matapos itong maulanan ng
mumunting halik.

"Sa taas po siya," sabi ng batang babae habang nakatingin ito sa kanya. She was
taller than the boy, but the similarity of their features were unmistakable.

"Guys, this is your Tita Kyra," pakilala sa kanya ni Serena. "Say hi to her."

"Hello po," sabi noong batang babae. "I'm Tris, and this is my brother, Earl."
Kumaway lang sa kanya ang batang lalaki.

"Kayo po iyong kasama ni Tito Sage, 'di ba po?" Tris asked.

She remembered now. Sila iyong mga bata na nakita niya sa family diner nina Sage
noong unang pinakilala siya nito sa pamilya nila.

Ngumiti siya at umuklo din katulad ni Serena. "Natatandaan mo pa ako?"

"Sabi ni Tito, hindi ako puwedeng reyna niya kasi ikaw daw po ang reyna niya."

Nakita niya ang pagsulyap sa kanya ni Serena. "Well, that was interesting." Serena
grinned at her just before she took Earl's hand. "Where's your tatay and nanay?"
Tumayo na rin siya nang tumayo si Serena. Whatever Sage was saying to these kids?

"Up here!" narinig nilang sigaw ng isang lalaki.

Umakyat sila kasama ang dalawang bata. Malaki ang bahay. Puti halos

ang pintura at sunflower yellow naman ang mga poste at ang hagdanan. Kahit sa
ikalawang palapag ay malawak pa rin ang mga corridor. At the center of was a small
living area, may mga upuan, coffe table at sofa. Maaliwalas ang buong bahay dahil
nakabukas halos lahat ng sliding glass panel na mga bintana.

Sinundan lang niya sina Serena hanggang sa nakarating sila sa isang kuwarto. Naroon
ang mga kapatid ni Sage at ang mga asawa. The children ran to Louraine.

"Kyra!" Ngumiti agad si Louraine nang makita siya. She walked to her and embraced
her like what Serena did earlier. She seemed more beautiful than the last time she
saw her.

"Buti pumayag si Sage na pumunta ka,"sabi naman nI Victoria habang akay ang anak
nito na tulog na tulog.

Ngumiti siya sa kabila ng pagtataka. Para namang hawak ni Sage ang buong weekly
schedule niya.

Tinitigan niya ang bata. It must be Vince. Ilang taon na kaya ito? He must be three
years old? Her baby could've been his age by now if...

She stopped her mind fast. These children are bad for her mentality. They're
dangerous.

"Where's Sage?" tanong ni Duke at bahagyang sumulyap sa kanila habang inaayos ang
sa tinging niya ay isang crib kasama ni Zeke.

"Inaakyat lang niya ang mga gamit namin," aniya at pilit na kumakalma.

Weird. Ngayon ay madali na lang sa kanya ang alalahanin ang mga pangalan. Even her
stutter was gone. And her awful lapses. As much as she depreciate remembering, some
things also played at her advantage.

"Well," umupo si Serena sa katabi nilang sofa. "Looks like it's just Blue who will
be left lonely

tonight."

"Ikaw rin naman." Zeke smirked and shot her a look.

It always made her hair stood on end. What does he know? Kung makatingin ito sa
kanya, parang may alam ito. Well, she never really met him. She had never even
talked to him before.

"Ano'ng ako? Excuse me, please. I have these lovely kids to play with."

"Nasaan na ba si Blue?" Mabilis siyang napabaling sa pintuan nang marinig niya ang
boses ni Sage. Nasa kanya ang mga mata nito bago tumingin sa buong kuwarto habang
naglalakad patungo sa kinatatayuan niya.

"He'll be here in a while. On the way na raw siya," sagot ni Louraine na nakangiti
na kay Duke. She could see it was a teasing smile. Ganoon din ang ngiti ni Victoria
habang nakatingin sa kanya, particular sa kamay ni Sage na nakapatong sa beywang
niya.

"Are you hungry?" bulong sa kanya ni Sage na parang hindi napapansin ang mga
tinginan sa kanila ng mga kapatid nito. Or maybe he actually didn't care at all.

Nilingon niya ito at nakita ang butil ng pawis sa noo nito. "Hindi pa naman," iling
niya at pinunsan iyon gamit ang sleeves ng cardigan sweater niya. "Nahirapan ka ba?
Marami yata ang nadala kong gamit."

Tumaas ang kilay nito. "Kung gusto mo, kargahin pa kita papunta sa kwarto e."

"I can already hear wedding bells," nanunudyong sabi ni Serena nang dumaan ito sa
harap nila.

Sage showed his boyish grin. "Believe me, Miss, I already heard one."

Kinurot niya ito sa tagiliran kaya ito napahiyaw. Pinandilatan niya ito ng mata.
Kapag hindi niya ito pinigilan, baka mamaya, iba na ang lumabas sa bibig nito.

"Okay, okay," he chukled. "Nasa loob na ng

kuwarto ang mga gamit natin. Would you like to see it first?"

Tumango na lang siya at sumama kay Sage palabas para hindi na sila natutukso ng mga
kapatid nito. Hindi siya komportable, lalo na kung naroon ang mga bata.

But something caught her attention. "Teka lang," aniya at pinigilan ang kamay ni
Sage habang nasa corridor sila. "Kuwarto natin?" bulong niya.

He looked behind them and whispered too. "Yeah... why?"

"Sage, hindi ba magtataka ang mga kapatid mo kapag nasa iisang kuwarto lang tayo?
What if they found out-"

"What if they found out what?" Biglang naging seryoso ang mukha nito.

"A-ayoko lang sana silang biglain."

She would really hate herself if his brothers and Serena would feel offended by
their wedding conspiracy. Lalo na kapag nalaman ng mga magulang ng mga ito.

Bumuntong hininga si Sage at marahang hinawakan ang magkabilang balikat niya. "It's
okay, Kyra. They will know pretty soon anyway. It's only a matter of time. Besides,
I don't want to sneak inside your room like a burglar every night."

She rolled her eyes when she saw him grin. "Sumeryoso ka nga."

"I'm serious. And by the way, I took the farthest room so we won't wake them-"

Hinampas na niya ito sa braso pero humagalpak na lamang ito.

"Nagbibiro lang ako," ngitng-ngiting sabi nito at muli siyang inakay palapit. "They
love you, Kyra. Kaya wala kang dapat na ipag-alala."

Wala na siyang nasabi pa nang humalik iito sa ulo niya.

Sumunod siya rito hanggang sa marating nila ang kanilang kuwarto. Dalawang guest
room pa ang nadaanan nila bago ang kuwarto nila. And just exactly
what he said, it was the farthest room.

It's a very spacious room, katulad ng kuwartong pinanggalingan nila. Iyon nga lang
ay kulay mint ang interior ng sa kanila. The furniture were uniformally in mocha
brown, from the two single couch, carpet, curtains, bed sheets and pillow cases,
tables and the cabinet paint. Bukod sa king sized bed ay natuwa si Kyra nang makita
ang isang maliit na ref sa gilid. May sarili din silang banyo at balkonahe na tanaw
ang parte ng dagat.

Lumabas siya sa veranda at tinanaw ang napakalawak na dagat. Nakikita niya ang mga
taong nagsisipagligo sa 'di kalayuan, mga naupo sa ilalim ng puno, ang iba ay
naglalaro ng beach volleyball, at mga batang nagtatakbuhan sa buhangin. It looked
paradise from her point of view.

Buong buo niyang nilanghap ang preskong hangin. She could almost smell the salt in
the air, it suddenly made her feel nostalgic. Naalala niya ang mga panahong nasa
Biarritz sila habang naghahanda sa kasal nila.

It was a very special day-and it was a shame she had forgotten about it.

Narinig niya ang pagsara ng isang pintuan at mayamaya ay naramdaman na niya ang
pag-ikot ng isang pamilyar na braso sa kanyang beywang.

"Do you like it?" tanong ni Sage habang nakapatong ang baba nito sa kanang balikat
niya.

Inayos niya ang buhok niya nang liparin iyon ng hangin. "Do I like what?"
Nakangiting tiningnan niya ito sa may balikat niya. He looked unsure.

"All of this," sagot nito.

Mahinang tinampal niya ang kamay nito. "Sage, ano ka ba? Ang ganda ganda kaya ng
lugar na 'to! I'm really, really thankful you brought me

here. Ang tagal ko nang hindi nakakakita ng dagat."

She saw him smiled. "It seemed I did the right choice then."

Bahagya siyang lumayo para tingnan ito ng maayos. What did he mean? Tama ba ang
hinala ni Serena na gusto siyang usrpresahin ni Sage? Did he plan to go somewhere
else?

Sage chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. "Don't look at me like that. It
really turns me on."

"Ano?" Hinampas niya ulit ang kamay nito. "Ikaw talaga, ang aga-aga..." Umiling na
lang siya at tumingin sa malayo. The heat in his eyes was affecting her and who
knows what will happen if she didn't look away fast. Hindi pa ba sapat ang
pagkukulong ng bahay kahapon buong magdamag?

"We used to do it quite several times, if I remember clearly," bulong nito malapit
sa tenga niya at naghatid iyon ng kakaibang init sa buong katawan niya.

He's right on that count. In fact, they do it anywhere too. But still, she wouldn't
egg him on. Baka kung saan pa sila mapunta.

She glared at him when he tried sneaking his hand inside her shirt. "Hindi nga...
seryoso ako. Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin kanina?"
Hindi nito binawi ang kamay nito at pinadaan ang mga iyon sa tiyan niya. "I
actually planned to go on a week vacation with you. Just the two of us, somewhere
in Japan. But Serena had other plans. So here we are. Besides, gusto ko ring
makilala mo ng maayos ang mga kapatid ko... and I want them to know you."

That made her feel anxious.

Isang katok ang nagpabaling sa kanila sa pintuan. Duke stood there with his son
riding on his back. Agad niyang naramdaman ang pagpintig ng marka sa ilalim ng
tiyan niya.

"Hey, loverboy. We need a hand outside," sabi ni Duke kay Sage pagkatapos siya
nitong ngitian.

Malalim ang tawa ni Sage sa tabi niya. "Gettin' old too fast?"

"Just get your ass down there," sigaw ni Duke saka umalis na at iniwan ulit sila.

Tumatawa pa rin si Sage nang humarap ito sa kanya. "I'm starting to regret bringing
you here. Wala man lang tayong privacy sa lugar na 'to."

Napaigik siya nang bumaba ang mga kamay nito sa pang-upo niya. "Umayos ka nga!"

He laughed out loud. And that made her world stop moving. She just stared at him
for a minute or two, replaying the sound of his laughter, memorizing the picture of
his face as he laughed. She was enchanted.

"Fine, fine. Aalis na ako. You should change too, para mas maging komportable ka.
Bababa na ako para tulungan sila."

Tumango siya at hinapit kaagad siya ni Sage para bigyan siya ng isang mahaba at
malalim na halik. Kapos na siya ng hininga nang pakawalan siya nito.

"I..." he trailed off as he stared at her for a moment. Something passed through
his eyes, lighting them up like sun rays. And then they were gone too quickly just
as quick as they emerged. It was the second time he acted like that, as if there
was a red light stopping him from saying something. Or was it just her imagination?

And then he smiled. "I'll see you in a bit, okay."

Tumango ulit siya bago siya binitawan ni Sage at naglakad palabas ng kuwarto nila.

=================

Chapter ♣ 33

OCEAN

NAG-IMPAKE NA kaagad si Kyra nang lumabas si Sage. Sinimulan niyang ayusin ang mga
gamit niya at isinunod ang sa asawa niya.
Hindi niya alam kung hanggang kailan sila sa resort na iyon, but she hope she
brought enough clothes with her. But compare to her, mas kaonti lang ang dinala ni
Sage. He just packed a few shirts, sweater, jeans, shorts and... a swimming trunks.

Pinulot niya ang isa at tiningnan iyon. Wow. It looked small. Kasya ba iyon kay
Sage? Isipin pa lang niyang suot iyon ni Sage... Talagang pagkakaguluhan ito ng mga
babae oras na isuot nito iyon.

Mabilis niyang ipinilig ang ulo para burahin ang imaheng iyon at tumayo na para
magbihis. Dala-dala ang pares ng puting bikini at isang mini summer dress na
kakulay din ng bikini niya ay pumasok na siya ng banyo at nagbihis.

Naghubad na siya at agad na isinuot ang bikini niya. Her eyes halted in the mirror
and stared at the image of her.

She still had that slim figure, tiny waist, small cup breasts, wide hips and long
legs. Sage said she had the body of Aphrodite-the body men would die to have and
women would kill for. Palagi nitong sinasabi iyon noon dahil sa mababa niyang self-
esteem. He would always make her feel good about herself, and he loved all of her.
He had loved her.

Hinaplos niya ang tiyan niya pababa sa pilat na gumalis sa balat niya. Siguradong
makikita iyon ni Sage kapag hindi niya iyin tinakpan. Her bikini wasn't high enough
to cover up the scar. Hindi pa siya nakakabili ng one piece dahil wala naman siyang
balak na magpunta

sa beach noon at wala siyang paggagamitan noon. She had too much to think about
before.

Well, she just have to keep her clothes on or avoid swimming on day light. Ayaw
niyang masira ang bakasyong ito dahil sa kapabayaan niya noon. If Sage would ever
find out, she wanted it to be just between them-that is if the destiny will permit
her.

But she knew perfectly that she cannot manipulate fate. Only the circumstances.

Kinuha niya ang damit niya at sinuot iyon saka lumabas ng banyo. Nadatnan niyang
nagriring ang cellphone niya. It was Kylie who was calling.

"Kylie," msayang salubong niya rito.

"Uy! Kumusta na! Hindi ka na masyadong tumatawag ah."

Napangiti siya sa malungkot na tono ng kaibigan. She knows Kylie was just acting
out. "Pasensya na. Naging busy lang. 'Kaw? Si Yana?"

"Nasa trabaho, syempre. Break time namin ngayon kaya kinumusta ka na namin. Oo nga
pala! Kumusta na iyong restaurant mo? Ano, tapos na ba?"

"Inuumpisahan na. Baka next week, matapos na. Pero marami pang kailangan gawin.
Kailangan ko pang kumuha ng permit. Tapos wala pa akong naha-hire na staff."

"Madali na lang iyan. Andiyan naman si boss e." Humagikhik ito. May narinig siyang
nagsalita at nabosesan niyang kay Yana iyon.

"Ah, oo nga pala, may plano si Yana. Outing daw tayo next week. Malapit na ang
birthday niya kaya nagmamaktol siyang magswimming."
"Outing?" She bit her lip as she thought about how to tell them. "Uh... ano kasi...
hindi ako pwede. Out of town ako ngayon."

"Sus! Siguro kasama mo si Boss no?" Kinikilig pa ito sa kabilang linya. "Sayang
naman.

Excited nga kami kasi bukas na ang sahod, tapos saktong weekends na."

"Hindi kayo papasok sa Sabado at linggo?"

"Day off namin sa linggo. Buti nga nagkasabay kami ni Yana e."

She thought about the place. Hindi naman siguro masama kung doon din pumunta sina
Kylie. Isa pa, bukas naman daw iyon sa ibang tao kaya ayos lang kung ang resort ang
irerekomenda niya sa mga kabigan niya.

"Pero pwede ko siguro kayong papuntahin dito. Birthday naman ni Yana kaya I'm sure
maiintindihan iyon ni Sage."

"Saan iyan? Nasan ba kayo?"

"Basta. Itetext ko na lang sayo ang address."

"Sigurado kang papayag si Boss? Baka mamaya hindi kami welcome diyan at maistorbo
pa namin ang moment ninyong dalawa," she teased.

"Moment ka diyan. Ayos lang na pumunta kayo rito." She could use some friends too
while she's there. Siguradong masayang mamasyal kasama sila. "Sigurado akong
magugustuhan niyo rito."

Narinig niya ang excited na tili si Yana sa kabilang linya.

"Sige, sige. Pero kausapin mo muna si Boss. Tapos text mo lang ako kapag may go
signal na ha?"

Pagkatapos magpaalam ay lumabas na siya ng bahay. Excited na rin siya sa pagdating

ng mga kaibigan niya. She know they will love the place and the ocean. Parang
munting paraiso ang lugar at ang presko pa ng hangin.

Walang tao pagdating niya sa labas. She looked for everyone at nakita niya si
Victoria na naglalakad sa kung saan. Sinundan niya ito hanggang sa nakarating sila
sa may mga public pool. The tall coconut trees served as the shade of the whole
area. Nakapalibot ang mga puno ng niyog sa buong pool side na siyang

humihiwalay sa buhangin doon.

Umakyat pa sa itaas si Victoria kaya sinundan niya pa rin ito hanggang sa

makarating sila sa isang malaking pool sa pinakatuktok. Pinapalibutan iyon ng mga
sun bench na may iba't ibang kulay, mga malalaking puting payong, mesa, at nagkalat
na beach balls. Ang daming tao sa paligid maliban sa parteng iyon ng resort. Siguro
ay exclusive iyon sa pamilya nila Sage.

Napailing na lamang siya habang naglalakad. The world really is unfair, she thought
with a sigh.

Habang papalapit siya ay nakikita niya kung gaano kalawak ang pool. Naroon na rin
sina Duke at Louraine pati ang mga anak nila. Duke was rubbing Louraine's back with
a lotion while she was busy applying sunblock on their children.
Napangiti na lang siya habang tinitingnan ang mga ito.

Napansin niyang biglang tumigil si Victoria at sunod niyang nakita ay si Zeke na

may pasan-pasan na sako sa isang balikat. He smiled and stopped when he saw his
wife. Naglakad palapit si Victoria rito at agad namang yumakap si Zeke sa beywang
nito.

"Wala ka na namang damit," sabi ni Vee kay Zeke. Naka-topless kasi ito, suot lang
ang maong nito na kaonti na lang ay dadausdos na kung wala ang nakakapit na
sinturon sa katawan nito.

"Gusto mo bang matuyuan ako ng pawis?" narinig niyang sabi ni Zeke nang dumaan siya
sa gilid ng dalawa.

Nakangiti si Zeke sa asawa nito. They were just whispering to each other pero dahil
nasa malapit lang siya ay naririnig niya pa rin ang dalawa.

She couldn't help but notice the two of them. They looked so in love, she thought.
The way Zeke looked at Victoria screamed

like nobody could take her away from him. Nobody could take away that look away
from his face. Parang ang lalim ng tingin nito sa asawa. It made her suddenly
wonder what kind of story they have.

She smiled at herself and shook her head as she walked ahead, at agad niyang nakita
si Sage sa may grilling tent. Nakaharap sa kanya ang likod nito at mukhang abala sa
ginagawa. She took another step closer and then he turned his head around, as
though he felt her coming, and his mouth slightly parted open.

Her lips instantly curved into a smile. The wind blew sweeping her hair away. Sana
pinusod na lang niya iyon para hindi na nililipad ng hangin.

Nakita niya kung paano siya hagurin ng mata nito mula ulo hanggang paa. She was
wearing a simple white Boho dress that fell short on her thighs, at dahil manipis
lamang iyon ay alam niyang nakikita sa loob ang puting bikini niya dahil na rin sa
sikat ng araw. Well, at least it still hide away her secret.

Tiningnan niya ang ginagawa nito nang makalapit siya at nakita niyang gumagawa ito
ng apoy gamit ang mga uling at pamaypay.

"Mag-iihaw kayo?"

Imbis na sumagot ay isang halik sa noo ang natanggap niya kay Sage.

"Hindi ka na naawa sa 'kin."

Kumunot ano niya at tiningala ito. "What? Why?"

Umiling ito at bumuntong hininga. "You always shoot my heart."

Hindi niya napigilang humalakhak ng malakas. "God, I can't believe you're corny!"

He tiled his head sideways to look at her squarely on the face with his unreadable
eyes. "Really? Well, I can't believe you're mine again," seryoso nitong sabi na
nagpatahimik

sa kanya.

"Ang dami mo nang hugot ah. Kumukota ka na." Ngumiti siya at pinunsan ang gilid ng
panga nito. "May uling ka pa nga o."

He wiped his jaw with his masculine hands while his eyes still trained on her. "I'm
really tempted to tell everyone you're my wife," seryosong seryosong sabi nito at
pumintig ang puso niya.

"But of course I will respect your decision. Hindi natin sila bibiglain... but
seriously, mabibigla pa rin sila kahit saan mo daanin ang usapan."

"Sage, you're not really helping my nerves now."

He chuckled low in his chest. "I told you it's okay. If they go against you... they
will have to go against me too." It sounded more like a promise than a threat to
her and it somehow pacified her. "I can't wait until then."

His head began to dip when suddenly they heard a shrill ring. Tumigil si Sage para
hugutin ang cellphone nito sa bulsa at agad na kumunot ang noo nang makita ang
tumatawag.

"Sandali lang. Kailangan ko muna 'tong sagutin."

Tumango siya at pinanood niya itong naglakad palayo bago nito sagutin ang tawag.
Lumingon pa muna ito sa kanya at bahagyang ngumiti habang nagsasalita.

Alam niyang kailangan din nilang sabihin ang totoo. Gusto din niya iyon, dahil
syempre pamilya sila ng asawa niya. At katulad ng sinabi nito, it will be a matter
of time. She just hoped they wouldn't take it against Sage. It was her idea to
begin with.

"Tell him to put that thing off while it's early," biglang sabi ni Serena nang
dumaan ito sa harap niya na may bitbit na malaking salbabida. "Baka tumawag na
naman ang mahaderang babaeng iyon at malaman pa kung

nasaan tayo."

Si Sharmaine sugro ang tiutukoy nito. It was still a wonder why Serena hated
Sharmaine that much.

Napabuntong hininga na lang siya at napatingin kay Sage na nakatalikod sa kanya

habang kausap ang caller nito. He looked serious even when his back was turned. May
problema kaya sa opisina nila?

A sharp wail broke into her thoughts. Tiningnan niya si Victoria na nagmamadaling
umalis dala ang audio ng baby alarm nito kung saan nagmumula ang ingay.

Her chest walls were clenching at the same time she was trying to smile and wave at
Victoria. She just couldn't stop the pain-not when she thought about her own baby.
It's as if the cord was still there, connected to her heart.

Napansin niya si Louraine na mag-isa na lang sa sun bench habang pinapanood ang mga
bata. When she realized Sage would take long talking, umalis na siya roon at
lumapit kay Louraine. Siguro ay mamaya na lang niya babanggitin rito ang tungkol
kina Kylie at Yana.

Umangat ang ulo ni Laouraine nang makalapit siya at sumilip mula sa ilalim ng suot
nitong malaking dilaw na Fedora. Tumerno ito sa suot nitong yellow-green na one
piece bathing suit.

"Upo ka," she invited. Umupo siya sa kaharap nitong bench. "Earl, don't get too
far. Tris, bantayan mo ang kapatid mo! Lumayo kayo sa swimming pool!" sigaw pa nito
habang nakabantay sa mga bata na naglalaro sa gilid ng pool.

"Opo, Nanay!" sagot naman ni Tris at kinuha ang kamay ng kapatid.

"Nasa'n si Duke?" Kanina ay nakita niyang nandito pa ito.

"He went back inside the house for the meat. Mag-iihaw raw sila para sa dinner

mamaya." Nakangiting hinaplos ni Louraine ang tiyan nito at hindi niya naiwasang
pansinin ang ginagawa nito.

Her eyes climbed back at her. Lalong lumawak ang ngiti ni Louraine. "Five months
na," she confirmed her silent question.

"Hindi ko napansin noong huli tayong nagkita..." It was the white ball and she
looked so stunning that night. Hindi niya napansin na nagdadalang tao na pala ito.

"Dahil siguro sa damit ko."

"Maliit ka rin sigurong magbuntis... I-I mean, I know some na kahit na five months
na, hindi pa rin halatang buntis," mabilis niyang paliwanag. Damn her tongue!

"Siguro nga, ganoon." Louraine placed her hand on her belly and Kyra saw how round
it was. Nanikip bigla ang lalamunan niya kaya tinanggal niya ang mata niya doon.

"It's your third, right?" she croaked and tried to clear her throat. "Alam mo na ba
kung ano'ng gender?"

"Hindi pa. Pero ang sabi ni Duke, babae daw. Ang bait ko raw kasi maglihi ngayon,
tulad kay Tris."

Tipid lang siyang ngumiti habang tumatamgo. She blindly watched Tris and Earl play
with the beach balls and thought about the years back.

Her tummy was still small at five months. Kaunting baby bump lang, at inakala pa
niyang bilbil iyon. She gained pounds and she thought it was because she eats too
much. Dahil sa stress kaya kain siya ng kain. She focused on food while her
marriage was about to fall apart.

That was how she coped. Stress-eating. Hanggang sa hindi na nagkakasya sa kanya ang
mga pantalon niya. Ang buong akala niya ay dahil iyon sa sobrang pagkain niya at
kakulangan ng exercise. Kaya naisip niyang magdiet

at kumain ng kakarampot lang. She didn't know she was starving two people for doing
that. Kaya siya nahimatay.

At dahil doon kaya niya nalaman.

"Kayo, Kyra. Kailan niyo balak magpakasal ni Sage?"

"H-ha?" Napakurap siya sa biglang tanong ni Louraine.

Her smile was teasing. "We can see he's so in love. And obviously, it's because of
you. Ngayon ko nga lang ulit siyang nakitang hindi masyadong subsob sa trabaho.
Dati rati, si Duke ang asawa ng family business nila pero ngayon, parang na kay
Sage na ang korona."

Nilingon niya ang kinaroroonan ni Sage. Wala na itong kausap pero abal pa rin ito
sa grilling tent. "He still seem so busy."

Nakita niya si Serena na naglalakad sa kanila habang nagtatapis ng kulay kahel na

sarong na terno ng suot nitong bikini. She was wet and dripping, mukhang kakaahon
lang nito sa tubig.

"Hi, babes!" sigaw nito sa mga bata bago umupo sa tabi ni Louraine at nagtanggal ng
shades.

"You said you met in France. Matagal na ba kayong magkakilala?" tanong sa kanya ni
Louraine.

"Mga six years ago na rin."

Nanlaki ang mata ni Serena. "Wow. Matagal na pala kayong magkakilala?"

"Parang ganoon na nga."

"Ibig sabihin, doon ka niligawan ni kuya?"

"Well..." she trailed off. Nagsisimula na ba ang interrogation ng mga kapamilya ni

Sage sa kanya?

Louraine laughed softly. "You're blushing so maybe Serena was right."

"I'm always right." Serena smiled confidently at them. "But wait, you said six
years ago right?" Siniko nito sa Louraine. "Hey, naaalala mo ba noong hindi na
umuuwi si Kuya from... where was it? Paris?"

Louraine

faced Kyra with a curious look on her face and back to Serena. "Pero umuwi rin siya
noon 'di ba? Noong nagkasakit si Dad-Earl, no!" Bigla itong tumayo at tumakbo sa
mga bata.

"That was close," sabi ni Serena. Hindi niya nakita ang nangyari. She just saw Earl
standing near the edge of the pool. Well, at least that saved her from being on the
hot seat.

"Hi, Kuya. Pinatay mo na ba ang cellphone mo?" Kumaway si Serena sa likod niya. Sa
dami ng kuya nito, alam at ramdam ni Kyra na si Sage ang kinakawayan nito.

Tumingala siya sa paparating niyang asawa. The sun made his skin shine like gold
and it hid his eyes from her.

"I already did. Ayoko ng istorbo." He leaned down and kissed her temple just before
he sat down beside her. Kahit na may pawis na ang t-shirt nito sa bahagi ng dibdib
nito ay mabango pa rin ang amoy ni Sage. "Wala pa si Blue?"

Serena pouted. "Malay ko do'n. Baka naligaw na naman at sa ibang resort tumuloy."
Tumayo ito at nagsuot ng salamin. "Anyway, I'm going back for a swim. Ayokong
magmukhang third wheel. Ciao!"

"'Wag kang lumayo masyado!" Sage called back.

"I'll be fine, big brother. Mag-enjoy na lang kayong dalawa! Oh, and I will chat
with you later!"

Later, she mentally noted. Hinatid niya ng tanaw si Serena habang bumababa ito sa
buhangin patungo sa dagat. Nakita niya ang paglingon sa kanya ni Sage sa gilid ng
kanyang mga mata.

"You okay?"

"Oo naman." Ngumiti siya rito. "Hindi ko alam na buntis si Louraine."

His eyes grew warm. "Children are welcome into the family."

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin at ibinaling iyon kina

Louraine na ngayon ay nakalubolob na sa pool kasama si Earl na nakaupo sa loob ng

maliit na salbabida habang si Tris naman ay lumalangoy suot ang life-vest nito.

Dumantay ang palad ni Sage sa likod niya kaya nilingon niya ito.

"Do you want to go for a swim? Hindi na masyadong mainit ang araw," he asked, but
he didn't wait for her answer though. Tumayo na ito at naglahad ng kamay. "Come."

Ngumiti siya at sumama rito. It was okay. Maliligo na lang siya na suot ang damit
niya. There was no way she would take it off. Not even for a second.

Akala niya ay sa isa sa mga pool sila maliligo pero napansin niyang tinatahak nila
ang kaparehong daan na dinaanan ni Serena. Sage was taking her to the sea shore.

Tumigil muna si Sage para tanggalin ang flip flops niya at naglakad sila sa
buhangin nang nakapaa habang hawak nito ang kamay niya at ang tsinelas niya.

Ang sarap sa pakiramdam tuwing lumubog ang paa niya sa buhangin. Ang lambot at wala
ni batong gumagalos sa balat niya.

"Ang ganda rito," bulong niya at bahagya siyang nilingon ni Sage. "Hindi ba
darating ang daddy mo at ang Mama mo?" tanong niya nang malapit na sila sa dagat.

"They won't. Nasa Casablanca sila ngayon. Mas gusto nilang doon na muna magstay
ngayong summer dahil tahimik doon."

Casablanca. Where was that? Another resort?

"Wait," sabi nito at hinatak siya sa isang bakanteng sun bench saka pinaupo. Doon
din nito nilagay ang tsinelas nilang dalawa at may kung anong kinuha sa loob ng
bulsa. "Turn."

"Ha? Bakit?"

He waved a bottle of sun block at her. "Lalagyan muna kita nito para

hindi ka masunog."

"Saan mo nakuha iyan?" Natatawa siya habang umiikot. Naramdaman niyang umupo ito sa
likod niya.

"I just saw it there. Kay Louraine siguro ito. I saw Duke brought a box of this the
other day."

Nanlaki ang mata niya. Box? How protective can he be?

Hinawi ni Sage ang buhok sa likod niya at nagsimula na itong magpahid ng lotion sa
batok niya. Pagkatapos ay sa mga braso naman niya. Nang makontento ito ay tumayo na
ito saka naghubad na ng t-shirt.

He now stood with his jeans only that was lowly hanging on his hips. Those V-line
looked really sinfully sexy on him and his dashboard abs felt like they were
staring at her, seducing her to touch them and run her hands through them.

Kinuha niya ang bote ng sun block. "Gusto mo ring maglagay?"

He gave a short rumbling chuckle and shook his head. "Use them on your legs."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Akala ko ikaw ang maglalagay nito para sa'kin?"

His eyes flared. "Trust me, sweetheart, I want to. But that's when I get you
alone."

Tumawa siya at sumipa ng buhangin papunta rito. "Parang maglalagay lang ng sun
block."

Nagpahid na lang siya ng sunblock sa parehong legs niya at kahit na hindi

tumitingala ay nararamdaman niya ang mga mata sa kanya ni Sage habang nanonood ito
sa ginagawa niya. Napapailing na lang siya.

When she was done, she finally glanced up at him and it was his time to smirk as he
slipped his fingers in his jeans hooking them on his waist. And the he unbuckled
his belt and undid his zipper and he's doing it with slow deliberate movement.
Napapaawang ang bibig

niya sa ginagawa nito.

Was he doing a serious strip tease here in this crowded beach?

"Sage," she warned. Ano'ng balak nito, maligo nang naka-brief? Naka-boxers? He
could swim with his pants on.

He drew up a lazy smile and pushed his pants down. Nakita niyang naka-swimming
trunks na ito. The fudge!

Mabilis niyang itinaas ang mga mata niya dahil sa nakita niya. At kailan pa ito
nakapagsuot ng swimming trunks? Was he wearing them while driving?

"Hindi ka naman mukhang handa sa suot mo." She grinned and stood up. Luminga siya
sa paligid at kitang kita niya ang mga babaeng tumitigil para tingnan si Sage.

"Now look what you just did," bulong niya at itinapon ang bote ng sun block sa
bench. She heard him chuckled again before he ducked and swept her away.

Nagulat siya at napasigaw nang bigla siyang umangat sa lupa. Sage was carrying her
in his arms!

"Sage! What are you doing?!" Mabilis siyang napajapit sa leeg nito.

Humalkhak ito. "I'm carrying you."

"Sage! Take me down! Mahuhulog ako!"

"You've already fallen and I was there to catch you, remember?"

Her mouth snapped and her heart twitched. Napatitig siya rito ngunit diretso lang
ang mga mata nito habang naglalakad palusong ng dagat.
She could feel every flex of his bicep muscles and his thighs brushing up against
her bottom with his every step forward, as he took them both deeper in the ocean.
Hanggang sa naramdaman niyang nababasa na ang damit sa pang-upo niya. She shivered
at the cold touch of the water on her skin.

"'Wag mo akong bibitawan," mahinano na niyang sinabi.

He

then looked down at her and stared into her eyes. "Don't worry. I won't let you
go."

MGA BANDANG alas-singko na nang umahon sila sa dagat. They could've stayed there
and play until the night comes but they can't. Hinila na siya ni Sage paalis ng
dagat at pabalik ng bahay para magbihis.

Naunang magbihis si Sage dahil tumulong pa muna siya kina Louraine sa paghahanda ng
iihawin nilang manok.

"Babe, 'wag ka na kaya dito. You're murdering those innocent chickens."

Natawa sila sa sinabi ni Zeke. Pinipilit nitong paalisin si Victoria doon dahil
halos madurog na ang mga manok sa pagtutusok nito ng stick.

"Kami na lang dito ni Kyra. She's a chef, so we can trust her with the chicken,"
biro ni Louraine kay Victoria.

Nagtaas ng isang piraso si Victoria at natawa sa itsura nito. Halos nawakwak na ang
ibang parte ng manok at parang hindi na rin nila maintindihan kung anong parte
iyon.

"Mine really looked like a strangled chicken. Masasayang ang mga 'to."

"Don't worry, Vee. Si Kuya Zeke naman ang kakain niyan e," sabi ni Serena habang
nagpapahid ng sauce sa mga iniihaw.

"He better be."

"Doon na lang tayo sa desert."

Natatawa pa rin si Kyra kahit na habang pinapanood niya sina Zeke at Victoria na
papalayo papasok sa bahay.

"We're here!"

Sabay-sabay silang sumilip sa tent at tiningnan ang pinanggalinga ng boses na iyon.

Si Serena ang unang nagsalita nang makita si Blue.

"Aba! Ilang resort ang inikot mob ago ka nakarating rito?"

"May tinapos lang ako kaya ako natagalan. Where's everybody?" Luminga ito sa
paligid. "Uy, Kyra! Nandito ka pala!"

Hinawi ni Serena ang braso ni Blue nang akmang yayakap ito sa kanya.
"Pa-cute! Bugbugin ka ni Kuya Sage diyan e."

"Napaka-judgmental mo talaga."

Napapailing na lang siya habang nangingiti. They're so childish and cute.

"Teka, may kasama ka?" tanong ni Louraine kay Blue.

"Si Sharmaine. Pinasundo pa ni Mama e, kaya ako natagalan."

Natigil ang kamay niya sa pagtutusok ng manok.

"What?" Serena almost shouted. "Isinama mo ang babaeng pinaglihi sa suman na iyon
dito? My God! Nasa'n siya?"

Nagkibit ng balikat si Blue at kumuha ng isang ihaw na manok. "Dunno. Kausap ata si
Kuya Sage sa loob."

"I hate her guts!"

=================

Chapter ♣ 34

MARRIED

SHARMAINE WAS HERE tonight. Bakit palagi na lang nasa paligid ang babaeng iyon? Why
does she feel like she was onto something?

Well, that's not a nice thought. And it's not a nice feeling either. Pero hanggang
doon lang iyon-a suspicion made by her own insecurities. And if she kept on
thinking about it and assume the worst of it, it would be a threat to her own
sanity. She would keep on thinking Sharmaine was up to no good and her trust would
be at stake.

"That girl needs to know her place."

"Hayaan mo na siya. Baka may kailangan lang kay kuya," ani Blue kay Serena.

"Hello?" sarkastikong sabi ni Serena. "Doesn't she have a cellphone? Pwede naman
niyang tawagan si kuya ah. Why come? Did anyone invite her? 'Cause I don't remember
I did."

"Oy, 'wag ako ang pagbintangan mo. I just did what Ma told me. Sinundo ko lang
siya." Ngumunguya pa si Blue habang nagsasalita.

Kyra sighed as she listened to them. Sana nga hindi dumating sa puntong iyon kung
saan kailangan niyang kuwestiyunin si Sage. Of course, she will not. Alam naman
niya. Sage doesn't love Sharmaine like a man to a woman, like a lover to a lover,
like a husband to a wife. He doesn't reciprocate her feelings for him, if she ever
had. Kaya wala siyang dapat na ipag-alala. Wala.

Pinagpatuloy niya ang pagtusok ng mga manok. Siguro ganoon lang talaga iyon kapag
maraming iniisip. Kailangan niya sigurong 'wag pagtuunan iyon ng pansin.

"Kyra, are you okay?"

"Ah!" singhap niya. Natusok niya bigla ang daliri niya dahil sa gulat. Mabilis
siyang dinaluhan

ni Louraine at inagaw ang stick sa kamay niya.

"Naku! Nagulat yata kita. Sorry!"

Umiling siya kay Louraine. "Hindi, ayos lang. Wala namang sugat e." Kasalanan lang
talaga ng lumilipad niyang utak kaya niya nasaktan ang sarili niya.

"What happened?" Tumabi na rin sa kanya si Serena para tingnan ang kamay niya.
Mabuti na lang talaga at hindi siya nasugatan.

"Ako na lang ang bahala diyan," salo ni Blue at pumuwesto sa tabi niya. "Baka sa
susunod, magkasugat ka na." He smiled at her while he munched on his chicken.

Nakita niya ang pagtaas ng kilay ni Serena. "Concern ka ngayon bigla? You shouldn't
have brought that... creepy stalker here. You know this is a family outing."

"That's enough guys. Andito na siya, wala na tayong magagawa," saway ni Louraine sa
dalawa. "Sige na Kyra. Pumasok ka na lang para makapagbihis ka na. Baka ginawin ka
pa, basang basa ka pa naman. Hayaan mo na na si Blue ang gumawa niyan."

Iniwan niya kay Blue ang ginagawa at nagpaalam nang umalis. Hinihimas-himas niya
ang daliri niya habang naglalakad siya pabalik ng bahay. Mabuti na lang at hindi
masyadong matulis ang barbeque stick dahil kung hindi, baka natusok na nga niya
talaga ang daliri niya.

Hindi niya nakita si Sage pagdating niya sa loob ng bahay at ganoon din si
Sharmaine. Hindi kaya sa labas nag-uusap ang dalawa? O baka siguro nasa kuwarto na
si Sharmaine at nagbibihis o nagpapahinga?

Nanuot na ang lamig ng gabi sa natuyo niyang damit kaya nagmadali na lang siyang
umakyat sa kuwarto nila. Kahit doon ay wala si Sage.

Hinubad na lang niya ang basang damit at mabilis na nagbihis ng cashmere

sweater at shorts.

Pagkatapos magbihis ay naisipan niyang tawagan si Sage pero kumunot ang noo niya
nang marinig ang nagri-ring na cellphone sa loob ng kuwarto.

Nahanap niya iyon sa kama na bahagyang natatakpan ng bed sheet. Napabuntong hininga
siya. There's no use calling him when he didn't even have his phone with him.

Kinuha niya iyon at nakitang may iilang missed calls pa ito galing sa pangalang PJ.

Her brows resembled a frown and she remembered the call this afternoon. Hindi
siguro si Sharmaine ang tumawag kay Sage kanina. Janet said-or assumed-that she
didn't have Sage's private number. Siya lang at ang pamilya ni Sage ang may alam.
So maybe, it was this PJ who called him.
PJ. Babae ba ito o lalaki?

Matagal niyang tinitigan ang cellphone ni Sage. Swipe lang ang lock nito at walang
pincode o password. She can snoop in his phone and find that out for herself. Kaya
lang...

Kyra sighed. Binulsa na lang niya ang cellphone niya at hinayaan doon ang kay Sage
saka lumabas ng kuwarto. Whoever that PJ is, he or she must be a trusted person for
Sage.

Bumaba na siya at muling hinanap si Sage sa mga sulok ng bahay. Pero hindi pa rin
niya ito nahanap.

Magkausap pa rin ba kaya silang dalawa ni Sharmaine? It must be very urgent, at

kailangan pa talagang personal itong kausapin ni Sharmaine dito.

Nang hindi pa rin niya nahahanap si Sage ay lumabas na siya ng bahay. Baka siguro
naroon na ito sa labas kasama ang iba.

It was a beautiful and starry night. Mas marami siyang nakikitang bituin ngayon sa
langit kesa kapag nasa city siya. Naisip raw ni Serena

na kumain na lang sila sa labas, kuwento ni Louraine kanina, dahil maganda ang gabi
at masarap kumain ng inihaw na isda. Marami daw nahuli sina Zeke kanina nang
mamingwit ito kasama si Duke.

Malamig at presko naman ang hangin kaya ayos lang iyon. Isa pa, mas ma-e-enjoy nila
kung sa labas sila kakain, kaharap ang napakagandang dagat. Kaunti na lang din ang
tao ngayon kaya hindi maingay.

Naabutan niyang handa na ang mga pagkain sa mesa at halos kompleto na silang lahat
na nandoon, maliban kay Sage at Sharmaine.

Where were those two anyway?

Nakita siya kaagad ni Louraine at ngumiwi sa kanya. "Masakit pa ba?" She pointed at
her hand.

She smiled to ease her worry and shook her head. "Hindi na." Hindi naman talaga
siya nasaktan. Kaonting kirot lang.

"Halika rito, Kyra. Umupo ka na." Kumaway sa kanya si Victoria. Nakakandong rito
ang anak nito na mukhang masayang nilalaro ang buhok nito.

She tightly widened her smile and walked over to them. Tinitigan niya si Vince na
tumatawang mag-isa sa kakalaro sa buhok ng mommy nito.

Parang nasasanay na siya sa pagpintig ng pilat niya sa tiyan. But the pain in her
chest was still there. Throbbing but tolerable.

True, the cute little boy reminded her of her own, but he was never hers. He was
not him. She can't keep on thinking about her child while she looked at Vince or
any other cute little baby. She can't keep on hurting herself every time she watch
a happy family and think about what ifs.

She had to accept the reality that she had already lost him many years ago.
Besides, you can't keep missing someone
who didn't exist in the first place.

"Si Sage?" tanong ni Victoria nang umupo siya sa tabi nito. Vince's sweet baby
scent drifted into her nose as she leaned over to pinch his chubby cheeks.

Tumawa si Victoria nang panggigilan niya ang anak nito. Ang cute-cute lang ng
bata...

Isang buntong hininga ang pinakawalan niya at lumayo na. "Uh... Papunta na siya,"
sagot niya sa tanong ni Victoria kanina.

Liar! Ni hindi nga niya alam kung nasaan ang asawa niya. Not even Sharmaine.
Magkasama pa rin ba ang dalawa? It's not like they can call a meeting in the middle
of the night, out here in a beach resort.

Nagsisimula na namang magliwaliw ang isipan niya sa lugar kung saan ayaw niyang
bigyan ng pansin, kaya nagdesisyon na lang siyang tulungan sina Louraine sa mga
iniihaw pang manok.

"Umupo ka na lang doon. This is almost done."

"Tutulong na lang ako rito habang wala pa ang iba." She needed to move and distract
herself as much as possible. She doesn't want to be left alone with her own doubts
and miserable thoughts.

Hinayaan naman siya ni Louraine dahil siguro alam nitong hindi siya aalis doon.
Nilagyan niya ng sauce ang mga manok na susunod na iihawin habang sinusubukang
huwag mag-isip. Thinking is good. But thinking too much ruin good things.

Ilang sandali pa siyang nandoon sa grilling tent kasama si Louraine nang marinig
niya si Duke.

"O, ayan naman pala sila."

Her eyes whipped at the entrance and saw Sage walked in. Magkasunod silang pumasok
ni Sharmaine.

Hindi niya alam kung siya lang ba ang nakapansin ngunit nakikita niya ang tensyon
sa dalawa. Sage seemed furious with

his clenching jaw and deeply knotting forehead while Sharmaine looked pissed
trailing behind him. Ano kaya ang pinag-usapan ng dalawa?

Mabilis siyang nakita ni Sage at napansin niya ang unti-unting pagkawala ng tensyon
sa mukha nito. Isang maliit na ngiti ang ginawa nito habang naglalakad papunta sa
kanya.

Nilingon niya si Sharmaine at kitang kita niyang mas lalo itong nairita nang makita
siya. Kyra realized that that was one of the fewest moment she saw a crack on her
emotionless face.

"Saan ka nanggaling? Hinanap kita sa loob pero wala ka," kaswal na sabi niya kay
Sage nang tumabi ito sa kanya.

"Nag-usap lang kami ni Maine." He immediately span her waist with his hand and
kissed her shoulders and then her head. Ipinagpatuloy lang niya ang ginagawa niya.

"Everything okay?"
Nakita niya itong tumango. "Bakit nandito ka pa?"

Saglit niyang tinitigan si Sage. Nananantiya. Naghihintay ng susunod nitong

sasabihin.

"Tinulungan ko lang si Louraine rito," sagot niya rito nang nanatili itong
nakatingin sa ginagawa niya.

"Sage, umupo ka na doon," sabi ni Louraine. "Malapit lang naman 'to." Isang pitso
at hita na lang ang niluluto nila kaya matatapos na rin sila.

"Sige na. Mausukan ka pa rito."

"It's fine. Let me help you with that." Kinuha ni Sage ang pamaypay kay Louraine at
ito mismo ang nag-ihaw.

Nagpaalam na rin sa kanila si Louraine. "Sige, dadalhin ko na itong mga 'to sa mesa
para makakain na. Kanina pa nagrereklamo si Blue."

Naiwan sila ni Sage sa tent habang ang iba ay nakaupo na at naghihintay na lang.
Mabilis ang ginawang pagpapaypay ni

Sage kaya mas lalong lumiliyab ang apoy sa uling. Kunot na kunot din ang noo nito
na parang nakatutok lahat doon ang atensyon nito, pero ramdam ni Kyra na may ibang
bumabagabag sa isip nito. The tension was still hanging around him.

Did Sharmaine say something that had him worried? Tungkol ba sa trabaho ang pinag-
usapan nila?

Hindi niya napigilang maubo nang pumasok ang usok sa ilong niya. Dahil doon kaya
tumigil sandali si Sage at nilayo siya sa tent. He made her sit on a vacant mono
bloc chair.

"Diyan ka lang sandali para hindi ka mausukan," sabi nito saka muling bumalik sa
pag-iihaw.

"Nagkaroon ba ng problema sa trabaho ninyo?" hindi niya mapigilang itanong.

Nilingon siya ni Sage at ngumiti ang mga mata nito. "Not that I know of. Why?"

She shrugged and glanced at Sharmaine among the people on the table. Tahimik lang
itong nakatingin sa kanila ni Sage habang nag-iingay ang iba. She had her arms
crossed and her eyes were worried and spunky at the same time, it made her wonder
if Sharmaine was here just for pure business.

"Akala ko lang kasi, kaya siya nandito."

Narinig niyang bahagyang tumawa si Sage. "Not really. Mom thought she could
entertain Serena by sending Maine here."

Tumaas ang kilay niya rito. Si Serena ba? O ito?

Pero hindi sa kanya nakatingin si Sage. "Tapos na siguro 'to," he said as he

examined the chicken.

Inayos na nito ang natitirang manok sa plato at tumayo na rin siya para bumalik,
but Sage grabbed her hand with his free hand and they walked back to the round
table.
Tatlo ang bakanteng upuan. Isa sa tabi ni Serena at dalawa sa tabi ni Sharmaine.

Obviously, they would have to sit beside Sharmaine, kahit ayaw niya. Wala siyang
choice. Or she or Sage could sit beside Serena. And then they would have to eat
separately.

"Dito ka, Kyra. Tabi tayo." Serena patted the empty seat beside her. Pero inunahan
na siya ni Sage na magsalita.

"Not now, Serena. She'll sit beside me tonight." And he pulled her to where
Sharmaine sat.

Sa huli, siya ang umupo sa tabi ni Sharmaine at si Sage ang umupo sa tabi niya. It
was uncomfortable and awkward, but she'll survive.

Nagsimula na silang kumain. Sage passed her the bowl of rice at ito mismo ang
naglagay ng kanin sa plato niya.

"Sage, I have hands. Ako na," bulong niya rito nang kumuha pa ito ng inihaw na
manok at tinanggal ang stick nito.

"Let me," anito na hindi nagpapigil. "I want to feed you." He said that with a sexy
grin.

Pinandilatan niya ito at napatingin sa iba. Kung noong honeymoon nila, hinayaan
niya itong gawin iyon sa harap ng maraming tao, ngayon hindi. Iba kasi ang
pakiramdam kapag personal na pamilya na nila ang nakaharap.

"Kayong dalawa ha."

Tumingin si Sage kay Serena. "What?"

"Para kayong bagong kasal diyan."

Napalunok siya. Couldn't Sage make it a lot more obvious?

"Inggit ka na naman."

Binato ni Serena ng meat balls si Blue.

"Anong inggit? Geez."

Humahalakhak lang si Blue.

"Kumain ka na," sabi ni Sage nang matapos ito sa pagpuno ng plato niya.

Naparami ang lagay nito pero sinubukan niyang ubusin iyon. Gutom na rin naman siya
kaya ginanahan siyang kumain.

"Malapit na iyong graduation ng panganay

ni Ysa at Forge."

"Graduate na ba si Yna?"

Nag-usap-usap na sila at nakinig na lang siya habang kumakain. Panaka-naka rin ay

tinatanong siya ni Serena tungkol sa pagiging chef niya sa Paris.

Hindi niya mapigilang pansinin si Sharmaine sa kabilang upuan. Minsan ay kausap

nito si Blue at si Duke. Mukhang close na close nga ito sa pamilya ni Sage.

How long do they know her? Sa tagal ng pagkakaibigan nila ni Sage, siguro parang
kapamilya na rin ang turing ng mga ito kay Sharmaine kaya rin siguro madalas itong
nasa paligid. Though she still didn't get why Serena hated her so much.

"Maine, may balita na ba sa kaso ni Mr. Mariano?" tanong ni Duke kay Sharmaine. So
pati ito ay Maine din ang tawag kay Sharmaine. Akala niya ay si Sage lang ang
tumatawag no'n rito.

"Actually, sa susunod na buwan pa naman ang trial."

"I see. Akala ko iyon ang pinag-uusapan ninyo ni Sage kanina."

Isang hilaw na ngiti ang pinakawalan ni Sharmaine at maingat na sinulyapan si Sage,

but she caught her stare instead. Mabilis na naging matalim ang mata nito sa kanya
bago umirap at bumawi ng tingin.

What's with her?

Napailing na lang siya. Nagtaka pa talaga siya.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit o kung anong meron kay Sharmaine at ang bigat ng
pakiramdam niya rito. Maybe it's because she's very close to Sage, or because Kyra
could see that Sage meant more than a friend to her. She just feel that her heart
can't settle down every time Sharmaine's around Sage.

Hindi niya pa rin maiwasang isipin ang sinabi nito noong white ball. She knows
everything that happened ti her and Sage.

Ito ang naging takbuhan ni Sage.

But she couldn't know her story, could she?

"You want more rice?" tanong sa kanya ni Sage. Umiling siya dahil ramdam na niya
ang pagbigat ng tiyan niya.

"Busog ka na?"

"Uubusin ko lang 'to."

Inalagaan siya ni Sage habang kumakain sila. Even when he was talking business with
his brothers, he was still so attuned with her needs and he took care of her
throughout dinner. Panay naman ang tukso sa kanila ni Serena at sinasabayan pa iyon
ni Louraine at Victoria. Nahihiya tuloy siya sa ginagawa ni Sage, pero hindi niya
ito pinipigilan. She liked seeing Sharmaine's nostrils flare from jealousy. Kitang
kita pa niya ang bawat tapon sa kanya ng masamang tingin ni Sharmaine.

Well, she could burn and Kyra wouldn't care.

Pagkatapos kumain ay nagligpit na sila ng hapag. Nakaupo pa rin si Sage, hinihintay

siya.

"Pumasok ka na, Sage. Kami na rito." Narinig niyang sabi ni Louraine. Nauna na kasi
sa loob ang mga kapatid nito at marahil ay nagkakape.

"Hihintayin ko lang si Kyra."

"Hindi na. Mabilis lang 'to. Papasok din ako kaagad." Ngumiti siya rito at bumalik
sa mesa para kunin ang mga baso sa mesa.

Dinampot ni Serena ang mga nagkalat na kutsara at tinidor. "Guys, give me a break,
okay? Doon na kayo magligawan sa kuwarto ninyo. 'Wag dito."

Tinawanan lang ni Sage si Serena. Pinagpatuloy na lang niya ang pagliligpit ng mga
hugasin at inilagay iyon sa basket.

Nagkasabay sila ni Serena nang ipasok niya ang mga baso at napansin niyang
natigilan ito saglit.

"Kyra," she called.

"Hmm?" Nilingon niya ito habang tinatanggal ang mga natirang kanin sa mga plato.

"Are you married?"

Kyra froze in place and her breath stopped for a heartbeat as well as her pulse
before it went shooting up.

Serena glanced at her hands, and she knew what was there. Bakit niya hindi naisip
iyon kanina? Now it's too late to hide her ring.

And when everything in her head was turning into chaos, Sage chose that moment to
speak.

"Ako na lang ang magdadala nito sa kusina." Sabay bitbit ng basket.

"Kuya, can I see your hand?" Serena ddn't wait for Sage. Ito na mismo ang kumuha at
tumingin ng kamay nito. "What the F?"

Mariin siyang napapikit. Shucks! This isn't happening right now!

"Watch your mouth, young lady," saway rito ni Sage. Pero wala, sumigaw pa rin si
Serena.

"No freaking way!" Tumingin ito sa kanya at kay Sage. Hindi niya alam kung natutuwa
ito o kung ano, pero halatang halata ang gulat sa mukha nito. But she still held
back. "Tell me you didn't..."

Hinuli niya ang mga mata ni Sage, and thank God he looked at her. She could see the
hardness in his eyes, the calm, and the stubborn glint as she tried to tell him no.

But Sage was thinking the wrong way. It was clear to her that he had already made
the decision for the both of them.

"Kuya?" untag ni Serena. "

"Yes, we did," marahan at matigas ang bawat salita nito habang nanatili sa kanya
ang mga mata nito, na parang sinasabi nitong ayos lang.

"Oh. My f-"

"Language, Serena."

"-freaking God! This is big news. Big, big news!"

=================

Chapter ♣ 35

NICE TRY

SILENCE WRAPPED around the room like a cloak encircling them right after Sage
explained their situation, and Kyra could only feel her stomach churning as she sat
there under those curious scrutinizing eyes.

Her heart was beating so erratically wild under her rib cage, and if it wasn't for
Sage's hand on hers that was keeping her still, it would have jumped out of her
body and run away.

Sobra ang kabang nararamdaman niya na halos hindi na siya makagalaw. Ni hindi niya
magawang lingunin si Sage sa tabi niya, kahit paghinga niya ay pigil-pigil niya.
She doesn't even care if Sharmaine was sitting there with them, listening.

Ayaw niyang mag-isip. She certainly didn't want to entertain some morbid thoughts
because it would only worsen the moment for her.

"Hmm..." Duke hummed and she felt her heartbeat twitched, picking up a faster
rhythm. She felt like the verdict was coming and she was just waiting for the knife
to cut her head off.

Sage had basically told them everything, from Paris to their secret wedding down to
her amnesia-everything-except for the story about her betrayal-the time when she
made a terrible mistake of leaving him. Other than that, he kept his story short,
clear and precisely in order.

"Well, this is news," basag ni Duke sa katahimikan nila habang magkasiklop ang mga
kamay nito. Katabi nito si Louraine na panay ang hawak sa sariling tiyan at hindi
makapaniwalang nakatitig sa kanila.

"Shocking, huge news," dugtong ni Serena. Sa kanilang lahat, ito lang ang nakangiti
at mukhang tuwang tuwa sa balita.

"I just can't believe you hid it from us for so long, kuya. Imagine? Six years?
Nauna ka pa palang ikasal kesa kay Kuya Zeke! And all the while mom plays a match
maker..." She stopped and gasped. "Mom! You have to tell them!"

Nahihirapan siyang lumunok. Things were going down in a slippery slope and Kyra
could only hope that she won't trip and end up flat on her bottom, because that
would certainly hurt.

"So what are your plans now?" tanong ulit ni Duke sa kanila. "Kailan niyo sasabihin
kina Ma at Dad?"

Umangat ang ulo niya at nakita niyang sa kanya nakatutok ang mga mata ni Duke. It
was a steady unreadable gaze. Hindi niya tuloy matukoy kung galit ba ito o hindi.
But from the way her heart slamming hard in her chest, she felt like it was the
former.

"Uhm..." Tumikhim siya at pilit na hinanap ang boses. This was way harder than she
thought.

Humigpit ang hawak ni Sage sa kamay niya dahilan para lingunin niya ito. Diretso
lang ang tingin nito sa mga kapatid na tila hindi natitinag. His jaw was set, his
eyes were unflinching, unblinking, and he seemed so prepared to fight for her-like
a soldier in a battlefield, not backing down.

Right then, she realized that no matter what happened, Sage will be her armor. He
will shield her.

Just like that, she felt like the weight of anxiety that was pressing down on her
was lifted up.

She's not alone in this life anymore.

"Of course, we're going to tell Dad and mom. But I have to make sure they're in
good conditions before I introduce our marriage. Ayoko silang biglain. This may
strain mom's health."

Tumango-tango

si Duke na parang naiintindihan nito ang sinabi ni Sage. "So that's why you send
them to vacation."

Napakunot ang kilay niya. Bakit parang sa pandinig niya, matagal nang plano ni Sage
na sabihin sa pamilya nito ang tungkol sa kanila?

"Sa totoo lang, hindi rin ako makapaniwala na kasal ka na, bro. Shit! Sana hindi ko
na lang sinabi iyon kina Ma. You got me into trouble now!" Nagkamot pa ng ulo si
Blue.

Zeke laughed. "Haranahin mo na si Cynthia."

"Double F, Dude!"

They all laughed at Blue. Nilingon ni Kyra si Sage at nakikita na niya ang pag-
angat ng labi nito habang pinapanood nito si Blue sa kamiserablihan nito.

Well, at least the worst is over now. Right?

Hindi niya sinasadyang mahagip ng mga mata niya si Sharmaine. She had her hands on
her lap, her fingers curled in a fist, and her lips were pursed tightly. Nakatingin
ito sa sahig at masama ang mga titig nito.

"Basta ako, okay sa'kin," ani Serena. Kumindat ito sa kanya bago tumingin kay Sage.
"Though I still don't like that you lied to us, mas okay na rin 'to kesa kung sino
pa ang ipakasal sayo ni Ma." Sabay irap.

Kyra was sure it was intended for Sharmaine. At siguro ay aware din doon si
Sharmaine. She saw her bit her lip and her eyebrows furrowed deep. Hindi naman pala
ito kasing poker faced ng katulad ng iniisip niya.

Sage's laugh vibrated through her. Nakita niya ang pagsulyap nito sa kanya. "Mom
can't really force me to marry anyone. Alam na niya iyon simula pa noon."

"Kung sinabi mo na kaagad, siguro hindi niya susubukang maghanap ng mamanugangin

niya."

Napansin ni Kyra ang saglit

na pagsulyap ni Duke kay Sharmaine at pabalik kay Sage. His eyes were hard now, as
if he was talking with Sage in a code. Pakiramdam tuloy niya, parang may sekreto
ang dalawa.

"It was my fault-" aniya ngunit mabilis na humigpit ang kamay sa kanya ni Sage.
Nilingon niya ito pero kay Duke ito nakaharap.

"I tried. Pero hindi naging maganda ang timing. Nasabi ko na, umuwi ako noon para
sabihin sa inyo, but dad had an attack. The empire got messy, I had to take Zeke's
place... you know what happened. Pagbalik ko ng Paris, wala na si Kyra. Hindi ko na
siya nahanap."

"So when you said she had an amnesia..." Louraine spoke.

Ang wierd. Nandoon siya at nakaupo pero hindi niya alam kung bakit nag-uusap-usap
ang mga ito na parang wala siya doon.

"Nagkita ulit kami, aksidente, sa mall, at hindi na niya ako makilala. I had no
idea that she was into a car accident and that she had been unconscious for six
months two years ago."

"My God!" suminghap si Louraine nang marinig iyon. Nakita niya ang concern at
pagkamangha sa mukha nito. "You were unconscious for six months?"

Agad na hinawakan ni Duke ang kamay ng asawa habang nakatitig kay Sage.

Tahimik siyang tumango, ngunit hindi niya maiwasang isipin kung bakit alam ni Sage
ang tungkol sa bagay na iyon. Did she tell him that? Hindi niya maalala. Maybe she
did. Why else would he know about what happened to her, right?

Nakita niya ang pamumutla ng mukha ni Sharmaine. Nanginginig na ang mga kamay nito
pati ang mga labi nito.

Was she going to cry?

"That was partly the reason why I had to wait for this. Hindi ko siya

pwedeng biglain noon. I don't think that could help her condition. But now that she
regained her memories back, I decided to tell you everything. I intended for a
formal dinner later this outing, kaso naunahan ako ni Serena."

Well, that could've been a better plan. But Serena was clever and wicked. She's the
mole of his plan that he didn't expect.

"I am Serena, kuya. Nakalimutan mo na? You can't hide anything from me. Kahit mga
babae ni Blue, kilala ko. I could even name his top favorite clubs."

"You're a creep. Stay out of my business, will you?"

"If you stop harassing Dexter, then I might consider."

"He's an ass."

"You're a jerk."
Nagsagutan pa ng ilang saglit ang dalawa habang si Kyra ay nakabantay kay
Sharmaine. She looked very pale and sick. Does anyone notice that?

Narinig niyang sinaway ni Zeke sina Blue at Serena.

Louraine sighed. "Kapag sinabi ninyo kay Mama, I think she will be disheartened."

Tumango si Sage. "I will expect that and I will understand." Tumingin ito sa kanya
at nagkasalubong ang kanilang mga mata. "That's why I decided to have a second
wedding."

Napaawang ang bibig niya habang tinititgan si Sage. Was he serious?

"We will marry again, and this time, it will be a big wedding," Sage said that like
a promise with his deep, authoritative tone.

It will happen, Kyra thought as she looked in his stubborn eyes. Nararamdaman niya
iyon sa paraan ng pagkapit nito sa kamay niya at sa bawat pintig ng puso niya. He
will make it happen.

"Aw... That's so romantic!" kinikilig na sabi ni Serena. "Imagine? Nagkita ulit

kayo! I

mean, that must mean something, right? Like destiny. Serendipity."

"Excuse me," biglang tumayo si Sharmaine at napabaling sila rito. Hinihimas nito
ang noo at sa tingin niya ay mas lalo pa itong namutla. "Sumakit bigla ang ulo.
Siguro mauuna na muna akong umakyat sa taas."

"Are you okay? Hon, may medicine kit tayo rito, 'di ba?" tanong ni Louraine kay
Duke.

"No need, Louraine. May gamot na akong dala."

"Are you sure?"

Tumango si Sharmaine. "Yes, I'll be fine."

Sage wasn't even saying anything. Hindi ba ito nag-aalala sa kaibigan nito?

"Blue, ihatid mo na lang si Maine sa kuwarto niya para makapagpahinga na siya."

Agad namang tumayo ni Blue at sinunod ang sinabi ni Louraine. Nahuli niya ang
pagsulyap ni Sharmaine kay Sage at sa kanya bago ito hinatid ni Blue paakyat sa
kuwarto.

Is she really okay? Mukha namang okay ito kanina, maliban sa masamang mood nito
pagkatapos ng pag-uusap nila ni Sage. Still, Kyra couldn't help wondering what it
was that upset the both of them.

She sighed. Siguro ay hindi na mahalaga iyon kaya ayaw sabihin ni Sage sa kanya.

"Seriously, why would mom let her come here?" Humalukipkip si Serena. "Hindi na
dapat siya sinundo ni Blue. Common sense na nga lang, wala pa siya no'n."

Bumuntong hininga si Sage. "Sharmaine is a friend, Serena. Kaya siya nandito."

"He's your friend, kuya, not mine. Ako ang nagplano ng outing na 'to, so she
shouldn't be here. I didn't invite her. I won't, ever, and the reason is pretty
obvious. Anyway... Aakyat na rin ako. Inaantok na ako."

Lumapit ito kay Kyra

at yumakap ito bigla. It was not uncomfortable, but it was kind of awkward, after
their big talk. "I knew you were something," bulong nito sa kanya bago humiwalay.
"Magpapakuwento ako sayo bukas ha? Goodnight sa inyong lahat."

"Well," tumayo na rin sina Duke at sumunod din sina Victoria at Zeke. Sage pulled
her from her seat and his arms went around her shoulders. Naramdaman niyang
minasahe nito iyon.

Lumapit sa kanila si Duke at tinapik si Sage sa balikat. "Ginulat mo kami ngayon,

and I'm darn sure they will be too, especially Ma. She might not be happy about
what you did, but I know you can work your way out."

"'Wag mo nang takutin 'tong dalawa, honey," ani Louraine sa tabi niya. "Don't
worry. I'm sure matutuwa si Ma. Isa pa, may plano naman kayong magpakasal ulit
hindi ba? You just have to give her what she wants and you'll be fine."

What she wants? Naguguluhang tiningala niya si Sage.

"Grandchildren," Sage chuckled, and she felt a rock dipped into her stomach.

Nang makapagpaalam na silang lahat ay umakyat na rin sila ni Sage sa kuwarto nila.
Nauna siyang pumasok at narinig niya niyang sumara ang pintuan nila.

"That went well," ani Sage sa likuran niya.

She silently opened their closet to get some clothes. But Sage grasped her arm and
turned her around to face him. His arms surrounded her in an intimate embrace and
she could only take comfort from the warmth that was exuding from him.

"You're so quiet. May problema ba?" he asked in a low voice that felt like a
soothing nuzzle in her chest.

Umiling lang siya. "Wala naman."

"Come on. What are

you thinking?"

Inangat nito ang mukha niya at pinakatitigan siya. His eyes were boring into her.
What could he see? Nakikita ba ni Sage ang tumatakbo sa utak niya? Could he see the
loss? The doubt? The catch of apprehension?

"Galit ka ba dahil sinabi ko sa kanila ang totoo?"

Maybe he don't see them at all.

"No," sabi niya sabay iling. "Hindi ako galit."

"Then what is it? Because your silence felt like it's screaming at me."

Napatitig siya kay Sage. Hindi niya inasahan na ganoon ang pakiramdam nito tuwing
tumatahimik siya.

"I'm sorry. Siguro nasanay na ako na hindi nagsasalita kapag marammi akong iiisip."
It's true. She had changed. Because of her amnesia, she had created a whole new
person of herself.

"Pero hindi ako galit. Maybe I will if you told them lies, but I know you won't do
that."

Bumuntong hininga ito at hinawakan ang magkabilang pisngi niya. "You looked so
worried in there."

"Sage, sino ba namang hindi?" Pakiramdam niya para siyang nasa loob ng isang korte,
at siya ang sinasakdal. She was practically dragging air into her lungs because she
thought she stopped breathing.

"Well, you have nothing to be worried about. If Serena likes you, they will all do.
Trust me."

She amusingly inclined her head and smiled. "Why? Is that a rule or something in
your family?"

"Kind of..." he shrugged. "Much more like a silent agreement between us boys. Kahit
sino naman ayos sa amin. But girls are different."

Kumunot lang ang noo niya dahil hindi pa rin niya masyadong naiintindihan ang
explanation nito.

"Just

imagine if Blue marries someone Serena hates. You know how... uptight and bossy she
gets. Baka hindi na sumipot si Blue sa family dinner kapag nagkataon." He let out a
low chuckle at naningkit ang mga mata nito sa pagtawa.

Like Sharmaine, she thought as she stared at him. She wondered what Serena would do
if she knew she left Sage before. Would she still be so friendly towards her? Would
she hate her too, like how she disliked Sharmaine? Bakit hindi iyon sinabi ni Sgae?

"Sage?"

Tumigil ito sa paghaplos ng leeg niya. "Hmm?"

"Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa kanila ang tungkol sa..." How does she say this? "Uhm...
tungkol sa-"

"That was my vow, Kyra, remember?" seryosong sabi nito. "I vowed to protect you. I
maybe too late now, but I'd still fulfill them. Besides, they don't need to know
everything."

"What about your Mom?" tanon niya. "You think she will approve of me too?

He stopped laughing but the smile on his eyes stayed. "She likes you, sweetheart. I
know."

"Sigurado ka?" Hindi niya mapigilang tumaas ang kilay niya. "Sa tingin ko kasi,
parang mas gusto niya si Sharmaine sayo."

A devilish sexy smile arched on his lips and the next thing she knew, Sage was
lifting her waist up. "Sage!" she screamed. Natatakot siya na baka mahulog siya
nito!

Humahalakhak lang si Sage at naramdaman niyang naglakad ito patungo sa kung saan
hanggang sa maramdaman niya ang malambot na kuston. He laid her down and stretched
beside her.

Naramdaman niya ang kamay nito sa tiyan niya, malapit sa sugat niya, at halos
tumigil ang hininga niya. Gumalaw ng kusa ang mga kamay niya,

pero nagpigil siya na pinigilan. He was staring at her in an inscrutable stare that
had her feeling that if she did, he will try to find out what it was she was
hiding.

"You're jealous," biglang sabi nito habang nanatili ang kamay nito sa tiyan niya.

Her eyebrows rose up. "Ako? Saan naman?"

"The way mom trying to force Sharmaine to me," he said and his hand started to
move. Tinalunton nito ang gilid ng tiyan niya pataas. She felt it on his rib cage,
the underside of her breast, to her arms and shoulder while his eyes traced his
every touch. Ramdam niya ang bawat kibot ng mga daliri nito dahil manipis lang ang
suit niyang sweater.

"I think you're enjoying it too for a while."

Or maybe with some other women. Hindi siya naniniwalang hindi ito nagkaroon ng
karelasyon noong nawala siya. He must've dated a bunch of beautiful women, and did
so much more than dating. He's an adult male-an alpha male at that count-and as
much as the thought stirred a pang inside her, she could understand.

"I tried..." Saglit itong tumigil sa ginagawa nito para tingnan siya sa mata. He
understood what she meant. Nababasa niya iyon sa mga nito. "I dated a few girls to
chase you out of my head. I tried to look for someone, a few times, and more, until
I stopped trying. They didn't last. And I just woke up one night and stared at the
empty side of my bed, and realized those girls weren't you. And I guess mom thought
I had my brother's flu-the Blue Syndrome. The commitment issue."

Huminga ito ng marahan at inabot ang kamay niya. Their ring was beaming at her and
her diamond studded

engagement ring shone more defiantly tonight as it never had before.

"She tried to send me on blind dates, believe me. But she always failed. Wala rin
naman siyang magagawa dahil kasal na ako e."

It was enough that he had waited for her. That somehow, he believed she would come
back. Hindi niya alam kung saan nagkamali ang tadhana, kung bakit nasayang ang taon
at buwan. He clearly thought she ran away, pero bumalik siya at sinubukan niyang
kausapin ito. Where did it went wrong?

Napaisip tuloy si Kyra, kung hindi siya nabigyan ng pangalawang pagkakataong

mabuhay, would he still wait for her, even when it will be in vain?

Nagulat siya nang biglang bumangon si Sage at pumaibabaw sa kanya. His arms and
legs were around her, caging her in. Natuyo ang lalamunan niya nang makita ang
namumungay nitong mga mata. One look in his eyes and she knew what was on his mind.

"Can I kiss you now?"

Hinawakan niya ang dibdib nito para gawin iyong bakod. "Magbibihis pa ako."

"You don't need to change because it's no use. I'd still be undressing you." Bumaba
na ang ulo nito at sinalubong ang kanyang labi nang walang kahirap-hirap. Her hands
were useless.

He parted her lips with his tongue and she obliged. Why would she resist such
pleasure from her husband? Her hands skimmed his hard chest as he kissed her so
bad, so thoroughly and turned her brain into a puddle full of sensation that was
only him.

Her hands turned greedy. She just wanted to feel his skin burning for her. She
slipped them inside his shirt and felt his warm, hard muscles beneath her soft
palms. Nagtanggal

ito ng t-shirt para malaya niya itong mahawakan. But he didn't kiss her soon
enough. Instead, he looked in her eyes, his breath huffing in a ragged puff across
her face.

"At seryoso ako sa sinabi ko kanina," he said huskily. "I will marry you again."
And then he gave her the most toe-curling kiss she ever had.

"MORNING."

Pikit-matang ngumiti siya nang marinig ang mababang timbreng boses na iyon. Sage
was still lying beside her. Dahan-dahan siyang dumilat ng mata at nakita niya itong
nakatitig sa kanya.

"Morning," bati din niya at akmang titihaya mula sa pagkakadapa nang maramdaman
niya ang kamay nito sa likod niya.

"Okay... hands off please. Kailangan kong mag-toothbrush bago kita kausapin."

He flashed his sexy lopsided smirk and shifted closer to her. "Hindi rin naman ako
nagto-toothbrush. Hindi ba unfair iyon?"

Umiling na lang siya at tinanggal ang kamay nito saka siya bumangon. "Walang unfair
doon-" Bago pa niya matapos ang sasabihin niya ay bumalik kaagad siya sa
pagkakahiga.

Sage grabbed her waist and was pinning her back down on bed with her hands held
above her head. She saw his head leaning and his misty eyes locked on her lips.
Mabilis niyang tinikom ang bibig. Shucks! Wala pa siyang hilamos!

But, he still kissed her anyway, with his lips and his wicked tongue that made her
tremble and scream last night for countless times. She just hoped this room was
soundproofed like the limousine. She just couldn't seem to silence her moans
because Sage was making it hard for her.

Bumaba ang halik nito sa leeg niya. She strained

her neck to let him kiss her.

"I like the way you smell every morning," bulong nito sa pagitan ng mga halik nito.
"I like that I can smell myself all over you."

She liked his smell too. Parang naligo na siya ng aftershave nito.
Napamulat siya ng mata nang marinig niya ang pagtunog ng cellphone ni Sage. Pero
mukhang wala itong balak na sagutin iyon. It stopped ringing at hindi na ulit ito
tumunog.

Who was it? That PJ again?

Dahil doon kaya naalala niya sina Kylie at Yana.

"Sage?"

"Hmm?" He was kissing the sensitive spot on her neck, just below her jaw, and it
sent shiver down her spine.

"Birthday kasi ni Yana... kilala mo na siya, 'di ba?" She was having a hard time
thinking what to say while he was raining slow and lazy kisses on her neck and have
his hands playing around her buttocks and thighs at the same time.

"Mhmm..."

"Pwede ko ba silang dalhin dito bukas?"

"Mhmm..." he hummed again.

"Sage." She tugged at his hair. Umangat ang ulo nito. "Narinig mo ba ang sinabi
ko?"

"You know I'll say yes because I know that will make you happy. Besides, they're
your friends."

"Thank you." She quickly pecked on his lips and slid off with the sheet around her
and ran to the bathroom. Narinig pa niya ang tawa nito nang isarado niya ang
pintuan.

She slumped dreamily against the door and let the sheet slid off her body. Alam
niyang may patutunguhan ang ginagawa ni Sage, and she was pretty sure she could
give into him so easily. Pero kinakabahan siya.

The minute she thinks she can tell him and assume he will understand,

one look in his eyes and her resolve would crumble to ashes.

She just didn't want to lose the sparkle illuminating his eyes.

Nagbabad siya sa bath tub ng ilang minuto bago nagshower. Paglabas niya ng banyo ay
wala na si Sage. Siguro ay nasa baba ito. Nagpaalam ito kanina na magpapahanda ng
agahan.

Mabilis siyang nagbihis. She settled for a cool, midnight violet sleeveless maxi
dress. After tying her hair in a messy bun, she went out.

Walang ibang tao sa baba. Hindi niya alam kung gising o tulog pa ang mga ito. Medyo
maaga pa naman kasi.

Nakita niya si Sage na nagse-stretching sa labas ng bahay. His back muscles were
rippling every time he bend his hands behind his neck. She remembered how those
muscles bulge and flex under her fingers every time he moved inside her.

Kyra quickly caught herself. Mabilis niyang pinalis iyon sa isipan niya dahil
nararamdaman na niya ang epekto niyon sa katawan niya.
Papalapit na siya nang biglang may tumawag sa pangalan ni Sage. Siya ang lumingon
kahit na hindi ito nililingon ni Sage at nakita niya si Sharmaine na mabilis ang
hakbang patungo sa asawa niya. She was wearing an emerald green two piece bikini
and a see through sarong wrapped around her hips.

"Good morning!" To Kyra's utter shock, Sharmaine kissed him on the corner of his
lips.

Nakita niya ang pagkunot ng noo ni Sage saka ang bahagya nitong paglayo kay
Sharmaine. "You didn't have to do that."

Tumawa si Sharmaine na parang bale-wala ang ginawa ni Sage. "Oops! My bad. May
naiwang lipstick."

"Ako na." Tinabig ni Sage ang kamay ni Sharmaine sa mukha nito at marahang itinulak
ito palayo saka pinunasan ang lipstick sa pisngi nito.

He turned around and before she could walk away or turn around or pretend she
didn't saw what happened, Sage saw her. And he frowned. His gaze went hard and his
jaw was working. Maybe the sour jealousy was all over her face now.

Lumingon din sa kanya si Sharmaine. "Oh! Andiyan ka pala, Kyra! I didn't see you
there."

Really? Tumaas ang kilay niya. Nice try, Bitch!

=================

Chapter ♣ 36

PRICK

"FVCK!"

Kitang kita ni Kyra ang pagkakagulat ni Sharmaine nang magmura si Sage. She saw
fear in her eyes and the way she flinched from Sage's angry voice.

Kahit siya ay hindi alam kung bakit ito bigla nagmura at kung bakit ganoon na lang
ang reaksyon nito nang makita siyang nandoon.

Wala nang nagawa si Sharmaine nang lumayo rito si Sage at pagalit na naglakad sa
kanya. Kyra met him halfway with her eyes pinned on Sharmaine. At nagulat siya sa
sunod na ginawa ni Sage.

Without any preamble, Sage cupped the back of her head and brought his head down
for a fierce kiss. Mariin ang mga labi nito sa kanya at punong puno iyon ng emosyon
na hindi niya sigurado. Hindi niya inasahan ang halik nito. She still had her eyes
wide opened when she felt his tongue brushing her lips. And then he pulled away.
Taas ng kilay ang isinalubong niya rito. Her lips were still stinging from his
kiss.

"Para saan iyon?" tanong niya. "Public display of affection?" biro niya ngunit
nanatiling seryoso ang itsura nito.

"You saw it, didn't you?" Marahang tumataas-baba pa ang dibdib nito.

She sneaked a peek behind him, at nakita lang niya ang pagtalikod ni Sharmaine at
ang pag-alis nito.

"Saw what?" patay-malisyang tanong niya kahit na kita niya sa mga mata ni Sage na
alam niya ang tinutukoy nito.

"That," he simply said.

He meant the kiss.

Did he kiss her because of that?

Lumayo bahagya ang ulo niya para tingnan ito ng maayos. He looked angry, but she
wasn't scared. Ramdam niyang hindi sa kanya ang galit na

iyon. But as she stared at him for long, she could see that through his anger,
there belied his fear-fear for her. Fear because of her.

Tumango siya. "Oo. Nakita ko."

Isang buntong hininga ang ginawa nito. "Fvck!" Marahas na sinuklay nito ang buhok
gamit ang daliri.

Ewan niya pero natutuwa siya na nakikita itong nagkakaganoon. It made her feel like
a jewel he was afraid to lose. Kaya hindi niya mapigilang tuyain pa ito.

"I didn't expect she does that with you. Pwede ba iyon?"

"No!" Mabilis na tanggi nito. "Of course no. Walang ibang ibig sabihin iyon. I
don't even know why she did that. I wish you didn't have to see that."

A laugh came out from her and he looked at her with a frown.

"Bakit ka tumatawa?"

"You sound so defensive."

"Because you looked jealous! At hindi ko nagustuhan iyon."

"Well..." Maybe she really looked jealous. Iyon naman talaga ang naramdaman niya e.
And for a while there, she almost wanted to pull Sharmaine's hair and rip her away
from Sage. Pero bigla na lang nagmura si Sage at ito pa ang sumugod sa kanya at
hinalikan siya.

She get it. Wala siyang dapat na ipagselos. Sage won't give her a reason to be.

Bumuntong hininga siya. "I was. Hindi ko lang mapigilan. Pero naiintindihan ko
namang kaibigan mo lang si Sharmaine, so don't worry. It's nothing." She's nothing.

Bumuga ito ng hininga na parang nawalan ito ng malaking tinik sa dibdib.

It suddenly melted something in her seeing him almost breaking down from relief.
Does her words mean that much for him?

"Hindi ka galit?" Nag-aalala itong tumingin

sa kanya.

"What would you do if I was?" she asked. Gusto niyang malaman.

"I will lock you up in our room and make love to you the whole fvcking day until
there's nothing left in your head-no doubts, no questions, no suspicions-but me.
Only me."

Oh...

Umangat ang dulo ng labi niya at hindi na niya mapigilan ang paglabas ng dimple
niya. Crap! She's trying to suppress a smile, pero talagang hindi niya kaya.

"Dapat pala, nagalit na lang ako." She laughed.

One eyebrow quirked up and an impish smile lifted at the corner of his lip. "You
liked to be locked up?"

She continued laughing in response. It felt good to laugh. It felt good to feel
like this-that someone was scared of her wrath, that someone was scared to be his
enemy.

But if she's going to be honest with herself, it would be Sharmaine who will
receive her fury.

Tumikhim siya nang mapansin ang pamumungay ng mga mata ni Sage. His ebony eyes
turned hot liquid reminding her of him last night. The heat. The lust. The tender.
And all sorts of good things.

Bigla nitong hinawi ang mga buhok na tumakas sa tali niya at naramdaman niya kaagad
ang pagbagal at paglalim ng hininga niya.

"You're an extraordinary woman, Kyra, do you know that?"

She shook her head in a hypnotizing motion.

"You make feel hot, and alive. I abhor possessiveness but I want to cling on you. I
want your gaze, your smile, your attention on me, and for me only. You do things to
me that no woman ever did, you make me feel possessive. I never thought I was a
romantic kind of guy, but with you, I wanted to be. Gusto

kong malaman mo iyon."

"Kiss me again," was her response. Masyadong malalim para sa kanya ang epekto ng
mga sinabi ni Sage. At nagpapasalamat siya na hindi na ito nagdalawang-isip, bago
pa nito makita ang pamamasa ng mga mata niya.

Sage brought his head down and on parted lips, she tiptoed to meet him for a
soulful open-mouthed kiss. Wala na siyang paki kung PDA man iyon o kung makita sila
ng sinumang lalabas ng bahay. This moment was theirs.

Sharmaine probably wanted her jealous kaya nito ginawa iyon. But she realized,
magseselos lang siya kung hahayaan niya ang sarili niyang mag-isip na kulang ang
atensyon ni Sage sa kanya. Well in that case, Sharmaine should try harder.
PAGKATAPOS nilang kumain ng agahan ay agad na nagpaalam si Sage para magbihis.
Nauna na siyang magbihis kanina dahil nagpaplano itong ipasyal siya sa buong beach
resort at kasali na ang mga rides at kung anu-ano pang pwedeng libangan. She
doesn't think she could enjoy with her maxi dress, kaya nagpalit siya ng beach
shorts, loose top at nakapanloob ng bikini.

She wanted to try ziplining. Hindi pa niya nasusubukan iyon, and it sounded fun.
Hindi naman siya takot sa heights kaya gusto niyang subukan.

Kylie and Yana will like it here. Habang hinihintay si Sage ay naisipan niyang
tawagan ang mga ito.

"Talaga? Siya pa ang maghahatid sa amin diyan?" Excited na excited ito at hindi
makapaniwala sa ibinalita niya. "Grabe si boss! Sabi na e, 'pag ikaw ang nag-
request, hinding hindi niya palalagpasin iyon! Ang lakas talaga ng tama sayo ni
boss." Humalakhak si Kylie.

Napakagat siya ng labi. Kylie still

doesn't know that she was married to Sage. At ang tungkol sa amnesia niya. She
thought they didn't have to know about her condition. But now that she'll have to
tell them the truth about her and Sage, she has to tell them about it too.

"Hinding-hindi ko talaga papalagpasin 'to! Magdadala talaga ako ng two piece!"

sigaw nito sa kabilang linya. She could almost imagine her face.

"O, basta 'wag mong kalimutan magdala ng sunblock."

"Wag na! Gusto naming magpa-tan ni Yana."

Napailing na lang siya. "Oo nga pala, may plano ka na ba sa birthday niya?"

"Wala pa nga e."

Pinag-usapan nila ang gagawin nilang surpresa. Pinagplanuhan na rin nila ang
gagawin nila pagdating ng dalawa. Dalawang araw at kalahati sila sa resort kaya
dapat daw ay sulitin nila ang pagpunta nila doon.

"Pero ayos lang ba na hindi mo makasama si Boss? Baka mamaya, magalit siya sa 'min
kasi buong araw ka naming kasama."

"Hindi naman. He won't mind."

"Nga pala, iniisip ni Yana kung isasama ba namin si June diyan."

"Si June? Oo naman." Birthday na naman ni Yana.

Nakarinig siya ng tikhim galing sa likod niya. Her back straightened when she felt
someone standing behind her.

"Sige. Ewan ko kung sasama si June pero mas masaya kung marami."

Nakita niya ang pagtungkod ng mga braso ni Sage sa mesa sa magkabilang gilid niya
at napasinghap siya nang naramdaman niya ang mainit na buga ng hininga nito sa leeg
niya. Sage was kissing her nape!

"Ayos ka lang?" tanong ni Kylie.

"O-oo naman." Siniko niya si Sage sa likuran niya at narinig niya ang impit na
pagdaing nito.

"Sige, kita na lang tayo bukas."

Mabilis niyang hinarap si Sage nang maibaba na niya ang kanyang cellphone.

"Ang gulo mo," aniya at natatawang hinampas ang dibdib nito saka tumayo. Lumapit pa
rin si Sage sa kanya at hinawakan siya sa beywang niya.

"Sasama ba iyong June na iyon?"

Oh... So he was listening to her phonecall. Umiling-iling siya. "Tsk, tsk, tsk.
Masamang nakikinig sa usapan ng iba."

"I wasn't listening. I just heard you talking. So what? Pupunta din ba ang June na
iyon dito?" tanong ulit nito sa matigas na tono.

"Hindi pa alam ni Kylie kung sasama siya. Tatanungin pa lang yata nila."

"Pakisabi, boys are strictly not allowed in here."

Seryoso ba ito? "Ang dami ko kayang nakitang lalaki dito kahapon."

Tumalim bigla ang mga mata nito at nagtagis ang bagang nito. She sighed. Mali yata
ang pagkakaintindi nito sa sinabi niya. She should rectify that.

So she cupped his face and leaned closer over him for a kiss.

"Bakit ba ang bilis bilis mong magalit sa tuwing may nababanggit akong 'lalaki'? O
pangalan ng kahit sinong lalaki? It's not like I'm kissing them or anything."

Lalong nalukot ang kilay nito at ngumuso. "I'm not angry. I just don't like it when
you put the word kiss next to a guy's name. Or when you notice some guys when
you're with me."

"Okay, okay. Hindi na," aniya at kinurot ang labi nitong nakanguso. "Isipin mo na
lang palagi na mahal kita. Hm?" She kissed his lips, his jaw and his chin. "Je
t'aime de toit mon coeur pours toujours et toujours." I love you, with all my
heart, forever and always.

He

smiled and kissed her again for the last time before he pulled her hand with him.
"Bawal pa rin si June dito," ngiti nito sa kanya. "I think I'm ready for some
adventure now. Let's try the zip line first before we ride the Jet Ski, para hindi
tayo basa 'pag sumakay tayo."

Tumango na lang siya at hinayaan si Sage na tangayin siya nito.

This life she was living with Sage right now seems like too good, too happy, to be
true. But she can't let anything ruin this for her, not even the slightest
misgiving, or concern she had about his feelings. Not even the sad, tragic death of
their child.
"ANG GANDA rito," wala sa sarili niyang sambit habang nakatingala sa papalubog na
araw. Halos kulay kahel na ang buong ulap at ang malayong bahagi ng dagat dahil sa
sinag ng araw.

It was indeed a beautiful sight, a lovely place of perfect contentment for her,
Kyra thought, as they lolled above the water with her in Sage's arms.

She just wanted to be here with him and relax, after the whole day of riding banana
boats, Jet Ski, and scuba diving in the deepest part of the ocean.

"You really love the ocean, don't you?"

Of course he knows that. She's almost in love with it-almost, because someone
already owns her heart.

Umikot siya paharap rito habang nananatili ang braso ni Sage sa kanyang beywang.

"Wag mong sabihin na dahil do'n kaya ka pumayag na pumunta tayo rito."

His hair were almost sticking to his head, but they still got that rough edges that
made him look so devilishly sexy and stunning. Kumikinang pa ang mukha nito dahil
sa tubig.

Dumiin

ang kapit niya sa balikat nito nang maramdaman ang paghapit ni Sage sa kanya
palapit rito.

"Alam ko lang na gustong gusto mo ng dagat."

A ghost of smile appeared on her lips. She could remember the time when she used to
insist they should have a beach wedding. Pero ayaw ni Sage. Akala niya noon ay sa
isang judge talaga sila ikakasal.

She was a little bit unhappy about it and so, she let Sage plan for it. Pero na-
realize din niya kaagad na kahit naman saan, papayag pa rin siyang pakasalan ito.
As long as they end up together, everywhere was alright.

Hindi niya alam na noong inimbita siya ni Sage na pumunta ng Biarritz para magrelax
lang daw ay nagpaplano na pala ito ng kasal.

"I still love it. Thank you for bringing me here. Ang saya ko ngayon." If only she
could describe it in words.

"I can see that. It's in your eyes."

Pumulupot ang braso niya sa leeg nito para mas makakapit pa. Ramdam niya na mas
lalong lumalapit ang katawan niya rito dahil sa alon ng tubig.

They're so close now she could see the look of desire in his eyes. Her brēasts were
touching his hard chest, her thighs were brushing along his as she kept herself
floating, and their breath mingled.

"Close your eyes," he murmured.

Her eyes blinked. "Why?"

"So I can kiss you right now."

"Nasa dagat tayo," aniya at tumingin sa paligid. She'll probably drown if he kissed
her above that ten feet-deep water.

"Just close your eyes and trust me." His head was already moving down as he said
that and she was left with no choice but to trust him.

She sighed, closing her eyes and Sage

kissed her. She felt the first cool touch of his lips pressing against hers over
and over, letting their mouths mingle together. The sweet taste of his tongue
washed over her and she thought she could kiss him forever.

She took a breath when they broke apart. Naramdaman niyang lumalangoy ito sa kung
saan habang nakakapit pa rin siya rito. Her head was resting on his chest as they
bobbed in the water. Later, Sage had her back on the flat surface of the Jet Ski
and he was kissing her again.

"Sage?" She broke the kiss when she felt his hands moving between her legs,
stroking along the front seams of her shorts.

"Mm?" he murmured against her neck.

"Stop that."

"What?" He used the pad of his thumb to circle around her nub taking a tiny gasp
from her.

"Iyong kamay mo."

Bumitaw ang isang kamay niya mula sa balikat nito para sawayin ito.

"Don't let go," maagap na pigil nito sa kanya at dumiin ang daliri nito sa kanya.
Her hand flew back to his neck, hugging him closer.

"I want to touch you, sweetheart," he whispered hotly in her ear. "I want to watch
you come under the sun."

Then he moved his fingers inside her shorts and found her throbbing core. It was
only seconds before she felt him sliding along her warm flesh.

Nanginig ang katawan niya sa ginagawa nito at mas lalo siyang napakapit rito. Her
breath was turning choppy.

"Sage, baka may makakita sa 'tin," aniya.

"No one's here with us. It's just the two of us," he said, his breath tickled her
cheek.

Finding a slow, easy rhythm, Sage went in and out of her, and she felt

her body responding with a rush of moisture. He just knew exactly how to stroke,
where to push the pressure, when to go faster.

It was a little bit of an awkward position, but she could already feel her hips
tensing, her breathing quickening.
"Hold on tight," he warned before he slipped inside her deep and her whole body
jerked against him.

Isang ungol ang napakawalan niya at dumiin ang mga kuko niya sa balikat nito. She
couldn't find enough leverage to hold onto him as she felt the onslaught of
pleasure he was initiating.

His thumb played with her nub before slipping another finger inside her and plunged
again.

"Sage!" Tumaas na ang dalawang paa niya at ipinulupot iyon sa likod ni Sage para
kumapit ng mabuti. Pakiramdam niya ay mahuhulog siya sa ginagawa nito.

"Yes, sweetheart, scream for my name," he said gruffly as if he was so turned on by

her moans. He hooked his finger inside her, stroking deeply along her inner walls,
and her pelvis was jerking again involuntarily.

"Sage..." She sucked in a breath when he repeated the action. It looked like he
found her G-spot.

"That's it, sweetheart."

He stroked again, deeper and harder, and her head snapped back. He watched her
intently as his movements picked up as if he was experiencing the pleasure of
feeling and seeing her come.

"Sage! Ah!"

"Fvck, sweetheart. You're so beautiful like this."

She felt it coming. Her thighs pressed together, her cries were growing louder and
frantic, and her inner muscles convulsing around his finger. He held her close
until she stilled, panting in his ear. Then he slowly

slid out of her, stroking her swollen folds to hush.

"You okay?"

Humihingal na tumango siya. Her eyes snapped open and her legs sagged down. "That
was..."

"Nice?" he suggested with a grin.

"Reckless."

His grin widened. "Reckless is nice. Reckless is me when I'm around you."

NASA SALA siya kasama sina Louraine, Victoria at Serena habang naghihintay kay
Sage. Kakatapos lang nilang kumain ng hapunan at inaya siya ni Serena doon sa sala
para mag-usap tungkol sa naging panliligaw sa kanya ni Sage hanggang sa kasal nila
noon sa France.

"Pero bakit ngayon lang kayo nagkita? I mean, he came here because of dad, and when
he came back to Paris for you, you were gone. Tapos ngayon lang kayo nagkita. Did
you guys had a fight? I mean, huge fight. Kasi imposible namang hindi ka hinanap ni
kuya. He have all the devices to look for you. He can pay detectives, or
investigators to find you. Bakit ngayon lang kayo nagkita?"

"Nag-away kami," pag-amin ni Kyra. Pero hindi niya alam kung ano ang susunod niyang
sasabihin.

"Misunderstanding. Miscommunication. Mahirap ang long distance sa isang relasyon

kaya nagkaroon kami ng problema," maingat na paliwanag niya.

Narinig nilang nag-ring ang phone ni Louraine kaya naudlot ang sinasabi niya, at
kasunod niyon ang pagtunog ng cellphone niya. It was a text message from Sage.

Sage:

May bonfire dito sa labas. Bring my jacket for me.

"May bonfire daw sa labas." Narinig niyang sabi ni Louraine matapos nitong makausap
si Duke.

"Finally! Akala ko matagal pa sila matatapos."

Hindi

niya alam na may bonfire ngayong gabi. Pero mabuti na lang at meron dahil ayaw
niyang mahkuwento na wala si Sage. She's worried she might tell them something she
didn't have to say.

Kinuha na lang niya kaagad ang jacket ni Sage sa sofa na inupuan nito kanina at
dinampot iyon.

"Ako na ang gigising kay Sharmaine sa itaas, check ko na rin kung tulog na ang mga
bata. Susunod din ako sa labas." Umakyat na agad si Louraine.

"Geez..." Umirap si Serena at napangiti na lang si Kyra. "Who cares about her
anyway? Wala namang nag-invite sa kanya kaya hayaan niyo na lang siya diyan. Nobody
needs her."

Victoria laughed beside her as they walked outside. "Ayaw na ayaw mo talaga sa
kanya, 'no?"

"I don't like faces like hers. Para siyang nagpa-buttox sa sobrang stiff ng mukha
niya. Napakasipsip kay Kuya. My God! I can't really stand her."

A huge fire was set on the sand near the shore. Ang laki ng nagawa nilang bonfire,
kasing taas na niya iyon.

Nakita niya kaagad ang mga kapatid ni Serena na nakaupo na. Victoria walked
immediately over to her husband and Zeke kissed her as if they had parted for
weeks. Si Serena naman ay piniling pumuwesto sa hammock na nakabitin sa ilalim ng
puno.

Hinanap niya si Sage pero wala ito roon.

Blue smiled when she saw him watching her looking around.

"Si Sage?" tanong niya rito.

"He went there to get some beer," sabi nito sabay turo sa likod kung nasaan siguro
ang mga beer case.

"Titingnan ko lang siya doon baka kailangan niya ng tulong."

Tumango si Blue at umalis na kaagad siya, bitbit ang jacket ni Sage.

She

kept walking, until she saw Sage's back. Napangiti siya at nagmamadaling lumapit
rito. But voices stopped her. Hindi lang iyon basta boses lang. She was hearing
someone fighting.

"'Wag ka namang ganyan sa'kin. I told you, I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything bad.
Akala ko galit ka sa kanya, kaya ko nagawa iyon. I just protected you."

Her feet scrunched on the sand, her forehead creased. Si Sharmaine iyon, hindi siya
nagkakamali. But why was she here? Akala nila ay natulog na ito pagkatapos ng
dinner. What was she doing talking with Sage?

"I can't believe you did that. Nagsinungaling ka sa akin!" Napaantras siya sa
biglang pagsigaw ni Sage. "Niloko mo ako, Sharmaine. How could you! Kaibigan kita!"

"I'm sorry, alright? Matagal na iyon, 'di ba?"

What was happening? Bakit sila nag-aaway? What were they talking about?

"You ruined things for us! Kung hindi mo ginawa iyon, hindi na sana ganito!"

Hindi dapat siya nakikinig, alam niya. Pero hindi niya mapigilan. She felt like
this was something huge. Hindi mag-aaway si Sage at si Sharmaine kung hindi ito
malaking bagay.

May kinalaman ba ito sa naging pag-uusap ng dalawa kagabi?

"Why? Do you regret what happened?"

"Just stop this, Sharmaine, okay?! Ayoko nang makarinig pa ng kahit na anong
paliwanag mo. You already betrayed my trust!"

Kyra heard silence. A long moment of tense silence. Lumapit pa siya at mahinang
naglakad. Slowly, the view of Sage on his back stacking beer on the case appeared
and Sharmaine, standing behind him in a pain-stricken face.

What was happening here? Bakit siya nakakaramdam ng parang may kakaiba... She was
feeling a dull ache in her chest that she couldn't understand.

"I'm sorry," Sharmaine croaked and suddenly, she was hugging Sage from behind.

She watched Sage stiffened. And then with his harsh hands, he removed Sharmaine's
hands around him and glared at her with so much hatred he could ever bestowed to
anyone.

"Don't do that again," he said grimly.

Umatras si Sharmaine at hindi napaghandaan ni Kyra ang paglingon nito. She was
still spellbound from what she was witnessing.

Nakita siya ni Sharmaine at suminghap ito. She really looked guilty. At dahil doon
kaya umikot ang tingin sa kanya ni Sage. His face remained passively grim. She felt
the force of his anger. And even then, she was still stuck to where she stood.

Umalis si Sharmaine na punong puno ng luha ang mga mata pero wala man lang pakialam
si Sage. He took the beer-filled case and lifted it up with his biceps and his back
muscles flexing under his shirt.

Binuhat nito iyon at nilagpasan siya nito nang hindi siya nililingon.

"Let's go," he said sternly in a tight voice.

Her hands tightened on his jacket as she felt that needle pricking at the back of
her heart.

What just happened?

=================

Chapter ♣ 37

NOTHING

TAHIMIK NA sumunod si Kyra kay Sage pabalik sa mga kasama nila. She trailed behind
him with her head down, her hands clutching his jacket on her chest. Iniisip pa rin
niya kung ano ang mga narinig at nasaksihan niya kanina.

Sharmaine was apologizing, dahil may nagawa itong hindi maganda kay Sage kaya
ganoon na lang ang galit nito. Maybe that's why Sage was kind of furious the day
Sharmaine came.

Ayaw niyang maglaro sa isip niya ang mga narinig. Really, she did not. But her head
couldn't leave them alone. Naiisip niya pa rin ang mga sinabi ni Sage.

He said Sharmaine ruined things for them. Them who? Sino ang tinutukoy nito? Why
was he so angry if Sharmaine only wanted was to protect him?

Umangat at tingin niya kay Sage at pinakatitigan ang likod nito. His back looked
angry. Nasa bawat hakbang nito ang galit nito. It's there on his jerky strides and
stiff posture.

Bakit ganoon? Wala naman siyang kasalanan, hindi siya ang kaaway ni Sage, but she
felt like she is. Pakiramdam niya ay pati siya ay damay sa galit nito.

It's absurd thinking or feeling like that. Hindi dapat niya nararamdaman iyon.
Hindi dapat.

But his rage felt like a box isolating her, crowding her. Para tuloy gusto niyang
kumawala at huminga ng hangin.

Nagkakatuwaan sina Blue nang dumating sila. Zeke was playing the guitar and he was
singing a child's song at sinasabayan ito ng iba.
"May naiwan pa ba doon?" tanong ni Duke kay Sage.

"Wala na. Nakuha ko na lahat," sagot ni Sage saka ibinagsak ang case ng beer.

Kumuha agad ng

lata si Duke at tinapunan rin sina Blue at Zeke ng beer.

Umupo naman siya sa buhangin sa tabi ni Blue at hinila ang cardigan sweater niya.
Malamig ang hangin ngayong gabi. Sana nagsuot na lang siya ng mas makapal na jacket
kanina.

"Nilalamig ka?"

Nilingon niya si Blue at nakita niya itong naghuhubad na ng jacket nito.

"Here, put this on."

"Ako na." Pinigilan niya ito nang tumayo ito para isuot sa kanya iyon. "Ako na,"
ulit niya nang nakangiti. She watched Sage open a can of beer and drank from it
while standing.

Ipinatong lang niya ang jacket sa balikat niya at saka niyakap ang mga tuhod. Maybe
then, she could warm herself and lock out the cold.

Nakita niya si Louraine na parating. "Andito ba si Sharmaine?" tanong nito

pagkatapos umupo sa tabi ni Duke. "Wala kasi siya sa kuwarto niya."

Kyra glanced over at Sage. He was wiping his mouth with his arms, his glinting eyes
were staring furiously at the ground. She know that look means he's deep in his
thoughts.

Gusto niya itong lapitan at tanungin pero pakiramdam niya parang hindi iyon
magandang ideya.

"Who cares?" ani Serena habang nakahiga sa hammock. "Hayaan niyo na nga siya. I'm
so much fine without her."

Zeke started strumming another chords. Pinanood niya ito at sinubukang makinig. She
had to redirect her thoughts away from Sharmaine and Sage. She has to. Or else, she
would start thinking about the wrong things. Destructive presumptions. At ayaw niya
iyon. Ayaw niyang pangunahan si Sage.

Zeke's voice resounded in the air.

Lift your head, baby, don't be scared

Of the things that could go wrong

along the way

You'll get by with a smile

You can't win at everything but you can try.

Out in the corner of her eyes, she saw Sage walking. She was very aware of his
every steps, lalo na noong dumaan ito sa likuran niya.
She felt him settling behind her. He stretched his legs on her sides, keeping her
between his thighs, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

She sighed as she leaned against him. Sa pagtabi lang sa kanya ni Sage, pakiramdam
niya, nasa ayos na ulit ang lahat.

When they're closing all their doors

And they don't want you anymore

This sounds funny but I'll say it anyway.

Girl I'll stay through the bad times

Even if I have to fetch you everyday

"I'm sorry," biglang bulong ni Sage sa kanya. Napakunot tuloy ang noo niya rito.

"Sorry para saan?" Sa nakita niya? Sa mga narinig niya? Which part?

Naramdaman niya ang kamay nito na hinahawi ang buhok niya. He gathered them on the
other side, exposing her neck.

"For being such an ass back there. I didn't mean to act out. Mainit lang ang ulo ko
at hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. I was too angry..."

"I understand. Sorry din, dahil nakinig ako sa pag-aaway ninyo. I didn't mean to."

She felt him stiffened. "How much did you hear?" marahan nitong tanong.

"Uhm... I guess, not too long to hear everything," she answered. She wasn't sure if
she should tell him what she heard, she didn't think it really mattered.

Kinuha niya ang jacket nito na hawak niya at ibinigay iyon kay Sage. "By the way,
here's your jacket."

Inabot nito iyon at basta na lang tinanggal

ang jacket sa balikat niya saka itinapon iyon kay Blue.

"Wow. You're welcome din a," ani Blue.

Sage ignored him and put his jacket on her instead.

"Hindi ka ba nilalamig?" tanong niya rito.

"It's alright."

Natahimik ulit ito, and she settled with his silence and listened to Zeke.

In a world where everybody

Hates a happy ending story

It's a wonder love can make the world go round

But don't let it bring you down

And turn your face into a frown

You'll get along with a little prayer and a song.

Hindi niya alam kung nakailang buntong hininga na siya. She couldn't let it go.
Kahit anong subok niya, bumabalik ang isip niya sa mga narinig niya kanina. At
habang tumatagal, mas lalong dumarami ang naiisip niya.

Hindi niya mapigilang isipin na kasali siya sa away ng dalawa. The guilt on
Sharmaine's face when she saw her told her so.

"Sage?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?"

Narinig niya itong bumuntong hininga. "Sweetheart, if it's about what you saw,
don't. I really don't want to talk about it right now," pagod na sabi nito.

Her head nodded jerkily. She could understand him. Of course, she does. She would.
What else could she do? Hindi naman pwedeng pilitin niya itong magsalita. May ibang
oras pa naman hindi ba?

Maybe their fight caused him a great level of stress, kaya ayaw nitong pag-usapan.

Well, that's all she could do-rationalize things to have something to believe in.

Huminga siya ng malalim at sinikil ang kaunting kirot sa puso niya.

It's nothing, Kyra. It was nothing.

/>

ISANG MARAHANG boses ang nagpagising kay Kyra, kinabukasan. Sage was waking her up
with his finger drawing small circles on her shoulders.

"Hey, sweetheart..." bulong nito.

Nagmulat siya ng mata at sinalubong siya ng maliwanag na binatana. Anong oras na

ba? Bakit ang aga naman ng gising ni Sage ngayon?

Agad niyang naramdaman ang halik ni Sage sa balikat niya. She glanced over him.
"Morning." Paos pa ang boses niya.

Napansin niyang nakabihis na ito at nakaligo na. He's wearing a lime green V-necked
shirt and black board shorts while she remained butt naked under the sheets.

Sage had divested her of her clothes last night with haste and even ruthlessly
ripped her panties off.

Hindi niya alam saan nanggaling ang panggigil nito kagabi. It shouldn't surprise
her, but it did. Hindi niya mapigilang isipin kung may kinalaman iyon sa galit na
nararamdman nito at sa naging pag-aaway nila ni Sharmaine.

Sage claimed her rough and fast against the wall, as soon as they entered their
bedroom. He pinned her on the wall and took her standing with her legs hooked
around his hips, his hands locked on her waist, securing her with his every
assault, with his every teeth-clenching thrust. It was mean, frantic and passionate
and the heat escalated between them like a wildfire.

No wonder her every muscle felt like they were strained and stretched. She was
aching all over her body.

She was still tumbling over her first orgasm when he strode to their king-sized bed
and made love to her for the second time slowly and patiently, leisurely, taking
pleasure from her every sigh and moan. And

still, he held back even when she was crying for his possession.

"Whatever it is you're thinking, I like it," he murmured. "It's making you glow."

She felt her cheeks burning. At times like this, she can't keep thinking about
things like that, especially when Sage was in front of her.

Bumangon na siya at hinila ang bed sheet sa kanya.

"Kanina ka pa ba gising?"

Tumango ito at umayos rin ng upo. "It's my schedule to prepare breakfast."

She yawned. "Bakit hindi mo ako ginising? Natulungan sana kita."

"It's fine. I want you to rest. You're tired last night. Um-order na lang ako sa
labas para mas mabilis."

Yeah... She was pretty tired. She was sore and her muscles were screaming a protest
every time she moves.

It was the kind of pain she will want to bear-an ache she will keep on bearing.

"Ngayon ang dating ng mga kaibigan mo, hindi ba?"

Natigilan siya sa paghakbang. "Oo nga pala!" singhap niya. She almost forgot!

Baka parating na ang mga iyon. Hindi pa siya nakaligo at nakakapagbihis.

"Kasama raw ba ang June na iyon?"

"Ha? Hindi ko sigurado. Wala pang sinasabi si Kylie kung sasama si June."
Nagmamadali niyang inabot ang tuwalya niya saka binuksan ang cabinet at pumili ng
damit.

"Wear long sleeves today."

Kunot noong sinulyapan niya ito mula sa katabing salamin. Nakasandal lang ito sa
headboard ng kama habang nakahalukipkip.

Ang init-init ng panahon tapos gusto siyang pagsuotin ni Sage ng mahabang damit?

"Sage-"

Nagsimula siyang umikot nang bigla na lang sumara ang cabinet niya. She

turned and there was Sage, standing behind her with his hand stretched beside her.

"You have..." He trailed a finger on her collar bone. "...hickeys on your

shoulders."

Hickeys?!

She quickly checked herself in the mirror and true enough, she saw a red mark on
her shoulder.

Tumaas ang kilay niya sa nakita. Ngumiti lang ito sa ginawa nito. She couldn't help
noticing his brushed up hair, his chinky eyes, and those tiny stubble covering his
jaw. And then she remembered how furious he was last night.

She wondered if he would one day look at her with the same kind of death glare.

Perhaps he will. But she hoped that day won't come.

"Sinadya mo 'to no?" tanong niya.

That earned her a low, husky laugh. "I don't leave marks, sweetheart," sabi nito.
His eyes grew somber. "Pero kagabi, hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. I want to
mark you."

Nakita ni Kyra ang pangamba sa mga mata nito na parang hindi nito sigurado kung ano
ang magiging reaksyon niya.

"It's okay," aniya at hinaplos ang braso nito. "You can mark me all you want and I
most probably won't have a problem with it."

Hinalikan niya ito at tumalikod na para buksan ang cabinet niya. "Now move back.
Kukuha lang ako ng damit ko."

Lumayo naman ito at nilabas niya agad ang unang damit na nakita niya.

"Doon mo na lang ako hintayin sa baba. Baka nandoon na rin ang iba, ha?"

Iniwan na niya si Sage at pumasok na ng banyo.

She took a quick shower. Mga ilang minuto lang iyon, pagkatapos ay sinuot ang
bathrobe niya. She took time blow drying her hair. Nagpahid din siya ng sunblock

sa katawan at pati sa mukha.

Iniisip pa rin niya ang mga nangyari kagabi habang nasa banyo siya. Iniisip pa rin
niya kung bakit nag-away si Sharmaine at si Sage. It would have been better of Sage
offered her an explanation, or anything. But instead, he asked her to let it go
when she asked about it for the second time.

It would have made her feel better if he answered her question. Pero kahit noong
nakatulog na ito, tikom pa rin ang bibig nito.

Why? Hindi ba niya pwedeng alamin ang nangyayari sa kanila ni Sharmaine? Was that
the part in his life that she was not allowed to touch?

Stop thinking, Kyra. Stop thinking. It's nothing. Everything's okay.

Nang matapos siya ay hinanap na niya ang mga damit niya.

She groaned when she found she didn't brought her panties with her. Sa lahat pa
naman ng pwedeng kalimutan. Bumuntong hininga siya at isninuot na lang niya ang bra
at dilaw na sundress niya saka lumabas na ng banyo.
Si Sage agad ang nabungaran niya. He was still inside the room. Nakahiga ito sa
kama habang nagbabasa ng newspaper. Bakit nandoon pa ito? She told him to wait
downstairs with the other.

His eyes drifted up and looked over the paper. His narrowed gaze roamed all over
her, from her head to her bare foot. Mabuti na lang pala at nakapagbihis na siya sa
banyo bago siya lumabas.

"Hindi ka pa bumababa?" Binuksan niya ang drawer niya at pumili ng isang panty. She
picked the yellow one.

"Want some help?"

Napatalon siya sa gulat dahil nasa likod na pala niya si Sage. How did he even get
there beside her so fast?

"Hindi na-" Naputol

ang sasabihin niya dahil bigla na lang nitong kinuha sa kamay niya ang hawak niyang
panty. "Sage, akin na 'yan."

"I have a better idea." He grinned coyly at her and pulled her hand with him. "Come
here."

Umupo ito sa kama habang siya ay nanatiling nakatayo lang. His mischievous grin was
still playing on his lips as he twirled her undies in his finger.

"Sage, don't play with that. Hindi iyan laruan," saway niya rito. Pero mukhang may
misyon itong gustong gawin.

He slowly bent down and spread her undies on her feet.

What the heck was he doing?

Tumingala ito sa kanya at ngumiti. "You have beautiful feet," anito. "Now lift one
of them."

My goodness.

"Sage, alam ko kung paano isuot iyan." Hindi na nito kailangang turuan siya.

He chuckled and looked up at her again. "I know. But I want to put it on you. I
don't just rip panties off, you know."

She sighed and shook her head. She silently hoped he won't make a habit out of this
because that would be really weird.

Itinaas na lang niya ang paa niya para matapos na. She held onto his shoulder as
she slipped her left foot in and then her right foot. His back straightened as he
slipped it on her inch by slowly inch, his fingers brushing slightly on her legs up
to the sides of her thighs, teasing her skin. His eyes were leaving a heated trail
from his every move, stroking up a flame within her. She didn't know this simple
task could be such a turn on.

Naitaas na nito ang skirt niya habang pataas rin nang pataas ang kamay nito sa
balakang niya hanggang sa marinig niya ang tunog ng pitik

ng garter sa balat niya.

"Perfect," he said satisfyingly and arranged her dress carefully.

Napailing na lang siya. "You're a perv."

"I'm not. I was just merely enjoying my wife's body. Something wrong with that?"
Tumaas pa ang kilay nito.

Yeah, right. Natatawang umiling ulit siya habang lumalayo na rito. "Halika na.
Bumaba na tayo," aniya. Baka kung saan pa sila mauwi nito.

"Wait," pigil nito. He tapped his own shoulder and then she remembered-long
sleeves.

Mabilis niyang kinuha ang isang bolero sa cabinet niya at lumabas na sila.

Nadatnan nila sina Blue, Serena, Victoria at Zeke sa mesa nang makababa sila.
Kumakain na ang mga ito nang dumating sila. Even the little Vince was there.

"Magandang umaga sa inyo," ngiting-ngiting salubong sa kanila ni Serena. "How was

your night?"

"Why are you asking?" tanong ni Sage habang umuupo silang dalawa. Hindi nakatakas
sa kanya ang pilyang tingin ni Serena.

"Wala naman. Curious lang ako bakit hindi ka nakapagluto kanina. In-order mo lang
lahat 'to sa labas, 'di ba?"

"I was busy and preoccupied last night, kaya hindi ako nakatulog ng maaga."

Muntik na siyang masamid sa iniinom niyang tubig dahil sa sinabi ni Sage. Couldn't
he be more obvious than that?

"You okay?" Mabilis na hinagod ni Sage ang likod niya habang naglalaro ang ngiti sa
labi nito.

Pinandilatan niya ito para sabihing tumigil ito sa sinasabi tungkol sa ginawa nila
kagabi o sa kahit na anong tungkol sa kanilang dalawa, pero inosenteng ngumiti lang
ito sa kanya.

She sighed. He obviously thinks he could do whatever he want and

say whatever he like now that they were in the open.

Well, hindi naman masama iyon. But still, she liked to have a privacy when it comes
to their marital rendezvous.

Katulad ng plaging ginagawa ni Sage, ito na mismo ang naglagay ng mga pagkain sa
plato niya. Kahit ilang beses niya itong sinasaway, he still keeps on doing it.
Kaya hinayaan niya na lang ito.

Her eyes roamed around. Where's Sharmaine? Nakakain na kaya ito? Baka ayaw na
nitong lumabas dahil kay Sage at sa nangyaring sagutan ng mga ito. Maybe she was
very affected. O baka umuwi na ito? Would they avoid each other? How would Sage
treat her today?

She could write a long checklist with her questions, really. Pero wala ni isa ang
kaya niyang bigyan ng sagot.
Questions. It seems they were the only constant and unchanging in her life. Kahit
pa noong hindi pa siya nakakaalala, ang dami na niyang katanungan. And even when
she had answers now, she still have some room for more.

"Hindi pa ba nagigising sina Ate Sam?" tanong ni Blue.

Sam? Sino iyon?

"They're probably still sleeping," sagot ni Victoria habang pinapakain si Vince sa

pagitan nila ni Zeke.

"Sila ba iyong naririnig ko kagabi?"

Nabitin sa ere ang pagsubo niya at napatingin kay Blue. Kung hindi siya
nagkakamali, ito ang umuukopa sa katabi nilang kwarto.

Shucks! Were they too loud last night?

Naramdaman niya agad ang pag-akyat ng init sa kanyang pisngi. Parang gusto niyang
magtakip ng mukha. God! This is so embarassing!

Narinig niya pang tumatawa si Sage sa tabi niya. Mabilis ang ginawa niyang pagnguya

para makaalis na siya doon.

"Easy, sweetheart," mahinang bulong sa kanya ni Sage. She could hear him teasing.

Oh God, she can't wait to flee!

Maybe next time, she should try not screaming. Or moaning out loud.

Biglang tumawa si Blue. "I think, naglalaro lang siguro ang mga bata kagabi. Earl
must've been jumping up and down the bed all night."

Yeah, right. Para namang hindi nila alam na tulog ang mga bata noong lumabas ang
bumalik sila ng bahay.

Nakangiti lang si Sage habang nginunguya nito ang pagkain habang siya, ni lumunok
ay nahihirapan siya. He was right. They have so little privacy in here.

Napatuwid siya ng upo nang marinig ang tunog ng cwllphone niya.

"Kylie?" sagot niya nang makita itong tumatawag.

"Andito na kami!"

What? They're here already?

"Kakarating lang namin. Nasaan ka na?"

"Sandali," nilingon niya si Sage at binulungan ito. "Nandito na raw sila."

He frowned for a second, and then he nodded. Pinunasan nito ang bibig gamit ang
table napkin. "Tell them to wait in the reception area," he instructed and took his
phone and dialed someone.

Sinabi niya kina Kylie na na maghintay saglit sa reception area. Doon na lang
siguro niya sila pupuntahan para matulungan niya ang mga ito na maka-check-in sa
isang cottage.
Mabuti sana kung sa isang cabin o villa na lang sila tumuloy, pero mahal. Maayos
naman ang cottages rito at parang condominium type. Maliit nga pero hindi naman
sila magtatagal dito at malamang hindi sila tatambay sa loob ng buong araw. They're
here to swim and to have fun. So it doesn't

matter kung anong accomodation ang kukunin nila.

Mabilis niyang ininom ang natitirang carrot juice niya at tumayo na. Pero nakita
niyang tinapon ni Sage ang napkin sa mesa at sumabay sa pagtayo niya.

"Let's go," yaya nito kaya siya napatingin rito. Will he go with her?

"May pupuntahan kayo?"

Naudlot ang pagtatanong niya kay Sage dahil sa tanong ni Serena. All of them were
looking at her and Sage.

"Pupuntahan ko lang sandali ang mga kaibigan ko."

Wait, hindi naman magagalit ang mga ito na may inimbita siya, 'di ba?

"You're friends are here? Imbitahan mo sila rito mamaya. It would be nice to have
company."

Binalingan ni Blue si Serena. "Akala ko ba, family outing 'to?"

"So? Hindi ko naman sinabi na dito sila tumira sa villa natin. And I approve of
them, 'di tulad diyan sa sinundo mong paimportante."

"There you go again, guys. Cut it out, will you? May bata sa harap niyo." Nakita
niyang tinatakpan na ni Zeke ang magkabilang tenga ni Vince.

"Halika na, baka naghihintay na sila," paalala ni Sage sa kanya. "Alis na kami!"

Nagpaalam na rin siya sa kanila.

"Sasama ka talaga?" tanong niya rito paglabas nila. Iniisip niyang baka ma-
intimidate ang mga kaibigan niya kapag sumama ito sa kanya.

"Oo naman. Bakit hindi?"

"Pero hindi mo naman kailangang sumama."

Tumigil ito sa paglalakad at hinarap siya. "I know, but I want to. They're my
guests too. Isa pa, mga kaibigan mo sila. I want them well taken care of."

Hindi na siya nakaangal dahil hawak na nito ang kamay niya habang sabay na
tinatahak ang daan patungo sa reception area. Hindi niya

pa kabisado ang buong resort, at kung hindi siguro niya kasama si Sage, she would
have a hard time finding where her friends were.

They found Kylie and Yana later. Nakaupo sila sa may reception area katabi ang mga
bagahe ng mga ito.

Pareho silang natuwa nang makita siya, pero agad iyong napalitan ng hilaw na ngiti
nang mapansing hindi siya nag-iisa. But they still excitedly hugged her anyway.
"Grabe ka, may VIP pa-welcome ka pa ha. At si Boss pa talaga!" bulong-bulong sa
kanya ni Kylie habang hinahatid niya ang mga ito sa cabin na kinuha ni Sage para sa
kanila ni Yana. Kung hindi pa niya ito pinigilan, baka villa na ang pinupuntahan
nila.

"Shh! Baka marinig ka niya," saway niya. Nasa likod pa naman nila si Sage.

"Gusto ko na agad mag-swimming!" sigaw ni Yana. "Ang ganda ng dagat o!"

"Sayang nga e, hindi nakasama si June."

Tiningnan niya si Kylie. "Oo nga pala. Bakit hindi siya nakasama?"

Kylie pouted. "Ayun, busy daw. Nagkaroon ng trabaho bigla. Day off nga niya dapat.
Pero bigla siyang pinatawag ni Ms. Charlotte."

Kyra frowned. Nilingon niya si Sage sa likuran at nakita niya itong nakatingin sa
kanila. She knew he was listening. Tumaas lang ang kilay nito at nagkibit ng
balikat na parang wala itong kinalaman sa nangyari.

Napailing na lang siya. "Nag-breakfast na ba kayo? Kumain muna kayo bago kayo
magswimming."

Tuwang-tuwa pareho sina Yana at Kylie nang makapasok sila sa cabin nila. Kahit siya
ay namangha sa ganda ng ayos niyon.

Kompleto lahat ng gamit. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and dining area, may
sala set, TV, at ref. She could actually live

here.

"Hindi ba aalis si Boss?" bulong ulit sa kanya ni Kylie habang nilalapag nito ang
mga gamit sa kuwarto.

Sinilip niya si Sage sa labas. May kung ano itong tinitingnan sa kusina. He looked
so foreign in here. Parang lumiliit ang loob ng bahay habang nandoon ito. His big
built dominates the whole room.

Napabuntong hininga siya saka umiling. No, she didn't think so. Sage looked like he
would stick around them the entire day.

Pagkatapos ibaba ang mga gamit ay lumabas na agad sila para kumain. Sage treated
them on a large breakfast. Halo-halo lang ang inorder niya dahil nakakain at
nabusog naman siya kanina. Sage made sure about that.

"Ah... Boss. Nakakahiya naman po 'to." Nahihiyang pinulot ni Kylie ang kutsara
nito.

"Don't be. Isipin niyo na lang na wala ako rito."

"Pwede ba naman iyon?"

Tumawa si Sage. "Well, just treat me normally. Wala naman kayo sa trabaho kaya
hindi niyo na ako kailangang tawaging Boss. Just call me Sage."

"Uh..." Nagkatinginan sina Yana at Kylie at sa kanya.

Okay. This is awkward.

Pero mabuti na lang at nairaos nila iyon. Pagkatapos kumain, bumalik ulit sila at
nagbihis na ang dalawa.

Doon niya piniling kausapin si Sage.

"Sage." Binalingan niya ito. Nakahalukipkip ito habang nakatayo sila sa labas ng
cabin.

"I'm making them uncomfortable, am I?" maagap na putol nito sa sasabihin niya.

Tumango siya. Maybe she was being rude to him that she would ask him this, pero
nakikita naman marahil iyon ni Sage. Her friends were very transparent. Kaya hindi
na niya kailangang i-deny iyon. Hindi mag-eenjoy ang mga kaibigan niya kung

nakabuntot si Sage sa kanila.

Dalawang araw lang ang mga ito rito, kaya gusto niyang ma-enjoy nila ang dalawang
araw na iyon. Kaya gustuhin man niyang makasama si Sage, she had to sacrifice this
day for her friends.

Sage pouted like a hurt child. "Can't I tag along?"

"Bukas. Pwede mo kaming samahan buong araw bukas. Pero sa ngayon, hayaan muna natin
silang mag-enjoy. Hindi lang kasi sila sanay na andiyan ka," malumanay na paliwanag
niya.

Tumagilid ang ulo nito at naningkit ang mga mata nito. "You didn't tell them, did
you?"

She sighed. "Walang oras na makapag-usap-usap kami." And it wasn't something they
could talk over the phone. Mahaba-habang usapan at paliwanagan iyon. Maybe it would
shock them how twisted her life is.

"Fine," he sighed in surrender. "Didikit na lang ako kay Blue buong araw. Pero
bawal kang mag-swimsuit ngayon."

Tumango siya. "No bikini," sang-ayon niya. She's not even wearing a bikini today.

Lumapit ito sa kanya at hinawakan siya sa beywnag niya. "Eat lunch with me later,
okay? Hihintayin kita mamaya."

Tumango siya at sinalubong ang halik nito. She wanted his kiss to last because she
will miss him today. Pero naisip niya na baka abutan sila nina Kylie kaya hindi na
niya iyon pinatagal.

"I'll call you," he promised before he left.

Wala na si Sage paglabas ng mga kaibigan niya. Hinanap ito kaagad ng dalawa, at
sinabi niya ang totoo.

"Pinalayas mo?" Hindi makapaniwala si Yana sa ginawa niya. Pati si Kylie.

"Hindi ko pinalayas. Masyado namang harsh iyon para gawin ko iyon sa kanya. At
naintindihan

naman niya."

"Seryoso na ba siya sayo?" tanong ni Kylie.

"Hindi naman siguro ipapakilala ni Boss si Ate Kyra sa mga kapatid niya kung
hindi."

"Imbis na ako ang pag-usapan ninyo, ang mabuti pa, magpahid na lang kayo ng sun
block," pang-iiba niya ng topic. She didn't want this topic to circle around them.
Baka umikot lang ang outing ng dalawa sa storya ng buhay niya.

This isn't about her. It's about having fun and spending their time stress-free.
Birthday din ni Yana sa ikalawa kaya gusto niya itong mag-enjoy ng husto.

"Cute ba?" Naglakad pa ng parang model si Yana suot ang hot pink nitong bikini.

"Bagay sayo," aniya. Maganda talaga ang katawan ni Yana, maputi at makinis pa kaya
bumagay ang bikini nito rito.

"Sus! Mag-bo-boy catching ka lang yata rito," tawa ni Kylie habang nagpapahid ng
sun block sa leeg nito. Kulay dark blue naman ang halter neck one piece nito.

Talagang pinaghandaan talaga ng dalawa ang outing na 'to.

Yana flipped her long black hair. "Single naman ako kaya sa tingin ko, walang
masama roon."

"Pero ang daming guwapo at mala-Adonis rito! Mabubusog ka na rito, Yana!" Kylie
gushed.

Kyra laughed. Parang nakikita na niyang nagmamarka si Kylie sa lahat ng nakikita

nitong lalaki.

Dahil tirik pa ang araw, naisip niyang sumakay muna sila ng banana boat. Mukhang
excited naman ang mga ito kaya walang naging problema.

Nakatatlong round sila ng banana boat nang abutan sila ng tanghalian. Sa pang-apat
na sakay ay hindi na siya sumabay sa dalawa. Hinintay na lang niya ang tawag ni
Sage.

"Ang saya no'n! Ano pa bang pwedeng sakyan

rito?" tuwang-tuwang tanong ni Yana habang nagpapatuyo ito ng katawan gamit ang
dala nitong tuwalya.

"Marami pa. Pero kumain muna tayo. Lunch na." Siguro babalik na lang siya sa villa
kasama sila. Baka busy si Sage kaya hindi ito nakatawag.

"Nakakagutom rin palang magbabad sa tubig," puna ni Kylie.

Pabalik na sila sa villa nina Sage nang may mapansin silang kaguluhan sa may pool
area.

"Teka, miss, ano'ng ganap?" tanong ni Yana sa katabi nilang babaeng nakikiusyoso
rin.

"May nalulunod daw do'n."

"May nalulunod? Tingnan natin, dali!" Tumakbo kaagad si Yana hila ang kamay ni
Kylie kaya sumama na rin siya.

Talagang uunahin ang pagiging chismosa kesa pagkain.

Nagpasintabi sila sa dinadaanan nila. Makapal na rin ang tao kaya medyo nahirapan
sila sa paggigitgitan, hanggang sa makarating sila sa pinakadulo.

Una niyang nakita si Blue kaya doon siya lumapit, at sunod niyang napansin ang mga
katabi nitong sina Duke at Louraine. They were so absorbed on whatever that was
happening that they didn't seem to notice her.

What's happening? Bakit mukhang alalang-alala ang mga ito?

She turned to the pool and saw why.

"Uy, Kyra, 'di ba si Boss iyan?"

Hindi niya nilingon si Kylie. She was just staring at Sage who was fiercely
emerging from the water, carrying Sharmaine who was unconscious in his arms.

"Kawawa naman iyong babae. Nakita mo ba ang nangyari?" bulong-bulong ng isang babae
sa likuran niya. "Pero buti na lang naawa sa kanya ang boyfriend niya at sinagip
siya."

"Ang kisig naman kasi ng boyfriend niya! Kung ako ang makakasilo ng isang Steele,

aba, baka magmakaawa na rin ako para hindi niya ako iwan no."

She tried to block the whole world inside her head and watched as Sage put
Sharmaine down the ceramic ground. He was topless and water was dripping from his
massive body as he started checking the pulse on her neck.

"Blue, anong nangyari?" halos bulong na niya. Nagulat pa si Blue nang lingunin siya
nito.

"Nalunod si Sharmaine kanina. Hindi ko nakita ang mga nangyari, bigla na lang
tumalon si kuya sa pool at nakita kong sinusubukan niyang iahon si Sharmaine. She
can't swim."

"Bakit pa siya tumalon sa ganyan kalalim na tubig kung hindi naman pala siya
marunong lumangoy?" may bahid na galit sa tono ni Louraine. "Sage clearly don't
want to talk to her."

Nanginginig na ang labi niya habang pinapanood niya si Sage na ginagawa ang CPR.
His palms were placed on her chest and he was compressing it, earnestly. Pumikit
siya nang makita niyang ibinuka ni Sage ang mga labi ni Sharmaine.

She knew he would just give her a blow of air to resuscitate her. But dammit! He
was still touching her lips!

Nakagat niya ang labi niya. "Wala bang lifeguard na malapit dito?" Bakit wala ang
mga lifeguards? They're supposed to be around.

"Meron, kaso naunang tumalon si kuya. Nagpakuha na lang kami ng stretcher. Parating
na rin siguro ang ibang medics na naka-assign dito."

Sage still gave a few more chest compression and two more lips-to-lips
resuscitation when she saw Sharmaine choked off. Pinatagilid ito ni Sage habang
umuubo ito ng tubig. Iyon din ang oras na dumating ang mga medics at ang life
guard.

"Kami na po ang bahala sa kanya, sir," sabi nong life guard at isinakay na si
Sharmaine sa stretcher.
Tumayo si Sage mula sa pagkakaupo at nanatiling madilim ang mukha nito. Kyra
remained while everyone was starting to desert the scene. She stayed watching his
hand holding Sharmaine's before the medics took her away.

It was nothing.

=================

Chapter ♣ 38

GUN

IF ONLY SHE could believe that. But the small insidious voice inside her head
wouldn't let her.

Napahawak siya sa noo niya nang maramdaman niyang gumalaw ang paligid niya.

"Kyra!"

She jerked away from her fall and found herself being held by Blue. Hawak-hawak
nito ang balikat niya at may bahid ng pag-aalala ang mukha nito. Louraine and Duke
were already beside her too.

Napakurap-kurap lang siya sa mga ito.

"Ayos ka lang?" tanong ni Blue.

Tumango siya at tumayo ng maayos. He was slightly hesitant to let her go at first
but he did when she stood steadily.

"Hindi ka ba nahihilo? Baka naiinitan ka?" Patuloy na usisa ni Blue.

"Baka nalipasan siya ng gutom," ani Kylie sa likod niya.

Sinulyapan niya si Sage sa kinaroroonan nito. Nakita niyang may umabot ng t-shirt
rito at agad iyong sinuot para sumunod sa mga medic.

"He have to make sure she's okay," paliwanag ni Duke nang mapansin nito kung nasaan
ang tingin niya.

Tumango siya. "Papasok na lang ako sa loob para makakain." Siguro nga gutom lang
siya at nahilo dahil sa init.

"Kaya mo na?" nag-aalalang tinanong siya ni Louraine. "Baka matumba ka na lang

diyan bigla."

"Hindi naman." She felt okay. Siguro ay dahil lang sa init kaya nagkaroon siya ng
blackout sandali. But she felt fine.
"Blue, you should take her inside," utos ni Duke. Inalalayan na siya kaagad ni Blue
bago pa siya makatanggi.

He was already maneuvering her to walk when she heard her husband's voice.

"Kyra?" tawag ni Sage sa kanya. Agad na

kumunot ang noo nito nang lumingon siya. Mabibilis ang mga hakbang nito kaya kaagad
itong nakalapit sa kanya. "What happened? Bakit namumutla ka?"

Hinagod nito ang pisngi niya at pinakiramdaman ang noo at leeg niya. He checked her
head, her arms and her feet. And she remembered the same fingers pressing someone
else's neck, his lips touching someone else's lips.

"Are you hurt?" nag-aalalang tanong nito. A tiny ache cut her chest.

She shook her head. She didn't care if she looked like ghost under the sun. All she
wanted to know was why did he wore that face when he was looking at Sharmaine. Para
itong nasasaktan. Why?

"Gutom lang siguro siya, Sage."

His frown deepened with worry. And guilt. Marahil ay naalala nitong dapat ay
tumawag ito. Na dapat ay sabay silang kakain ngayon. Still, she didn't want his
guilt. She wanted her questions answered.

"Sige na, Sage. Kami na ang bahala kay Kyra. Samahan mo na si Maine doon."

"Let Blue go with her," Louraine argued with Duke. Maybe she could feel what a wife
must feel.

"It's fine. Ako na," ani Sage habang nakatitig sa kanya na parang humihingi ito ng
permeso.

No, she won't let him. But that was the green eyed monster telling her no. Her
conscience wants him to go. Naiintindihan naman niya. Kaibigan niya sj Sharmaine.

And that was what's wrong. She understands yet she still feel the pang of pain.

Tumango na lang siya para hayaan ito. It was what Sage wanted, right? To check if
she was okay. Kargo konsensya pa nito kung may mangyayaring masama kay Sharmaine.

"Puntahan mo na siya."

He smiled

and kissed her temple. "I'll be back soon. Titingnan ko lang kung ayos lang siya."
Bumaling ito kay Blue. "Take care of her," sabi nito at muling ngumiti sa kanya
bago umalis.

"Tara na, bago ka pa mahilo ulit." Inakay na siya ni Louraine papasok ng bahay.

Sumama na rin ang iba, ganoon din sina Yana at Kylie. She could hear them giggling
from Blue's joke as he introduced them to everyone.

She would've found it fascinating and entertaining but her chest strangely felt so
heavy.

Kumalam agad ang sikmura niya nang salubungin sila ng masaganang amoy ng pagkain
galing sa kusina.

Si Victoria ang naabutan nila sa kusina, naroon din si Zeke na nilalaro si Vince.
Siguro ay ang mga ito ang nakatoka sa tanghalian.

Pinaghila siya ni Blue ng upuan habang pumupuwesto na rin ang iba.

"Bakit ngayon lang kayo?" tanong ni Zeke nang makaupo silang lahat.

"Something happened with Sharmaine. She almost drown. Mabuti at nandoon si Sage
para sagipin siya." Si Duke ang nagpaliwanag.

"Kumusta na siya?" gulat na tanong ni Victoria.

Kyra watched her walk with a plate of rice in her hand. Kahit gutom, nahahaluan ng
mabigat ng damdamin ang dibdib niya.

"Nasa clinic na siguro siya. The medics will take care of her now. Nandoon na rin
si Sage para tingnan siya," ani Blue.

She's such a pathetic wife. Bakit pa siya pumayag kung ganito lang din ang
mararamdaman niya sa huli?

She mentally shook her head and mockingly laughed at herself.

Was he that so affected? Siguro. Kaibigan niya ang muntik ng malunod. But why would
Sharmaine jump on the pool if she didn't know how to

swim? Ganoon ba talaga ito kadesperada para kausapin ito ni Sage?

Really. Saan ba talaga siya dapat na mainis? Kay Sage? He hasn't done anything
wrong-except last night when he refused to answer her question. Kaya ngayon,
naiinis siya sa mga nangyayari. Kay Sharmaine at sa sarili niya.

"Uminom ka muna. Baka nahihilo ka pa."

Napalingon siya kay Kylie at sa baso ng tubig na hawak nito. Umusal siya ng
pasasalamat nang kunin niya iyon at uminom.

"Feeling better now? Do you want to rest after this?" tanong naman ni Louraine.

Walang gana siyang ngumiti. "Hindi na kailangan. Saglit lang naman akong nahilo e.
Ayos na ako pagkatapos nito." Baka kapag magkaroon na ng laman ang tiyan niya ay
bumalik ang sigla niya. Isa pa, kailangan niya pang samahan sila ni Yana mamaya.
Plano pa naman nilang subukan magzipline.

Tiningnan niya ang dalawa at mukhang ne-enjoy naman nila ang mga pakulo ni Blue.
Buti na lang at nae-entertain sila kahit papaano. She suddenly felt like a deflated
balloon.

"Ayos ka lang ba talaga? You look sick."

Sinubukan niyang ngumiti ng masigla kay Louraine at tumango. Kinuha niya ang mga
kubyertos niya at sinimulang hiwain ang steak niya. Nagsimula siyang kumain at
sinubukang makisali sa usapan para abalahin ang sarili, pero ganoon pa rin, si
Sharmaine at ang nangyari pa rin ang pinag-uusapan nila.

She couldn't eat properly. Pakiramdam niya parang may kung anong bumibikig sa
lalamunan niya.
Seriously. What's wrong with her? Hindi naman niya ipinamimigay si Sage.

She sighed. Ayaw niyang analisahin lahat ng nangyayari kina Sage

at Sharmaine, pero ganoon ang ginagawa ng utak niya.

When Sharmaine came, Sage started acting weird. Nag-away ang dalawa, and now
Sharmaine tried to drown herself. Ano pa ba ang pwedeng mangyari? Ano pa ba ang
pwedeng gawin ni Sharmaine para lang kunin ang atensyon ng asawa niya? Dahil sa
tingin niya, may malalim na dahilan kaya nag-away ang dalawa.

She can't keep on going like this. Self-pitying is not healthy. If she let it
affect her, she'd just bring herself down.

"Teka, nasaan na ba si Serena at ang mga bata?" Duke looked around the dining area.
"Hindi pa ba sila dumating?"

"Baka pabalik na sila, hon."

Everyone seemed to be enjoying the meal, but all she did was give a half smile and
pretend she wasn't bothered.

Siguro nga, nag-aalala lang si Sage kay Sharmaine. Siguro, hindi dapat siya
nakakaramdam ng ganito. It was baseless.

Wasn't it that most relationship was destroyed because of wrong presumptions?

Doubts and mistrust?

She shouldn't invest too much emotion and time thinking about the mystery she feels
between Sage and Sharmaine. Paano kung wala naman talaga? Paanonkung simpleng pag-
aaway lang ng magkaibigan ang naging away nilang dalawa?

But what if... What if there was something far more deep into it than that? What
then, Kyra?

PAGKATAPOS NG buong maghapong pamamasyal kasama sina Kylie at Yana ay nagawa rin
niyang kalimutan ang nangyari kahit papaano. Tuwang-tuwa si Kylie sa zipline kaya
dalawang beses pa itong sumubok. Takot si Yana sa heights kaya hindi na ito
sumakay.

Parang napakabilis ng oras at hindi na nila namalayang gumagabi

na. Bandang alas-syete na nang bumalik siya sa villa at naabutan niya si Sage na
kakauwi lang din.

Sabay-sabay ulit silang kumain ng dinner. Kinumusta nila si Sharmaine at sinabi ni

Sage na ayos lang daw ito. Walang nangyaring brain damage, at hindi rin daw nag-
collapse ang lungs nito. So far, she was pretty fine and stable.

Well, at least...

Habang kumakain ay hindi mapigilan ni Kyra na pansinin ang pagiging tahimik ni

Sage. He was so awfully quiet. Pinapakiramdaman niya ito, at kahit pa inaasikaso
siya nito at ang pagkain niya, kahit pa paminsan ay tumatawa ito ng bahagya sa
usapan, nakikita niyang wala roon ang buong isip at atensyon ni Sage.

Ngayon naiintindihan na niya ang ibig nitong sabihin noon. Why he said he hated
when she mentioned other guy's name, or think about them when he's with her. It
hurts.

It hurts seeing him so preoccupied. It hurt her to witness him thinking about
someone while she sat beside him. It felt like a silent torture that was taking
your breath away and slowly corrupting you. Hindi mo na namamalayan, kung anu-ano
na ang iniisip mo sa sobrang katahimikan.

"Okay ka lang ba?" tanong niya habang nakaunan sa hita ni Sage. Nasa loob na sila
ng kuwarto nila at nanonood ng mga movies.

She felt tired after spending the whole day with her friends and she just wanted to
rest. Kaya pinili niyang manood na lang kesa lumabas kasama ang iba. Kaya nandoon
din si Sage kasama siya.

Inalis ni Sage ang tingin nito sa TV at wala sa sariling bumaling sa kanya. "Huh?"

"I was asking if you're doing okay."

Tumango ito at muling

tumutok sa monitor. He went silent again. Ganoon na lang palagi kapag nagtatanong
siya. His answer would be either a silent nod, or a smile.

Kahit tahimik ito, pakiramdam ni Kyra ay napakaingay ng laman ng isip nito. She
didn't even think he was really watching the movie with her. He was just blankly
staring at it.

"Sage," tawag niya ulit sa atensyon nito.

"Hmm?" He kept his eyes on the monitor.

"Would you tell me if I asked what's bothering you right now? Kanina ka pa kasi
walang kibo diyan e." Hindi na niya napigilan ang paglabas ng hinanakit niya sa
tono ng boses niya.

Nakita niya itong saglit na natigilan at napayuko sa kanya. His eyes turned mellow,
as if he was realizing something then.

He reached for her hand that was resting on her stomach and his thumb stroked her
knuckles.

"I'm sorry, I'm being an insensitive jerk today."

Her lips curved in a bitter line, but he didn't see it. He was busy looking at her
hand.

"Sa tingin ko, masyado ka lang apektado sa nangyari kanina," aniya.

"I guess..." He shrugged. "I really didn't expect she'd do that. Alam naman niyang
hindi siya marunong lumangoy. How come she's so careless?"

Who knows? Maybe you drove her to desperation.

Bumuntong hininga siya sa naisip niya. "Wala namang nangyaring masama sa kanya. You
rescued her. I'm sure she will be okay."
Katulad nga ng sinabi nito kanina, ayos lang daw ito. Siguro, kaya hindi umaalis ng
clinic si Sharmaine hanggang ngayon ay dahil kay Sage.

Napansin ni Kyra na hindi na ulit nagsasalita si Sage. He was back to being quiet
again. Tumahimik

na rin siya at tiningnan ang TV para manood. But she couldn't understand a thing.

Kung noon siguro, hindi mag-aalinlangan si Sage na sabihin sa kanya ang lahat ng
mga nasa isip nito. He was vocal and candid almost about everything, regardless if
it was about work or personal matters. Lahat sinasabi nito sa kanya, kahit na hindi
siya nagtatanong. He would tell her.

But then maybe that was a part of change-a painful damage from the past.

Nangangalahati na sila sa pinapanood nila nang muling magsalita si Sage. He nudged

her nose with his finger.

"Hey," malumanay ang boses nito.

Hindi siya kumibo. Nanatili ang mga mata niya sa TV. It was a funny movie and they
were supposed to be laughing. Pero para silang nanonood ng napakaseryosong palabas.

"Kumusta ang pamamasyal ninyo?" tanong ni Sage sa kanya.

"Nakakapagod. Pero masaya," sagot niya nang hindi ito tinitingnan.

If he really don't want to talk about Sharmaine and all that has been happening
between them, then it was his call. She'll stay out of it.

"Do you already have plans on Yana's birthday?"

Umupo siya at umalis sa pagkakahiga rito. "Simple lang ang naisip namin ni Kylie.
Kami-kami lang naman e," aniya at tumayo para lumipat sa kama.

"Matutulog ka na?"

"Inaantok na ako. Patayin mo na lang iyan kapag tapos ka na."

She flipped the sheets and prepared to go to sleep. Pinagpag niya ang unan niya
bago humiga at pinatay ang ilaw sa tabi niya.

Sleeping will help her erase the emotions crowding her inside. Sleeping is better
than silence.

Hindi pa siya nakakaidlip

ay narinig na niya ang pagpatay ni Sage ng TV. She heard his heavy footsteps and
felt his side of the bed dipped. Maya-maya ay naramdaman niya ang braso nito sa
beywang niya at ang kamay nito sa tiyan niya. He moved closer and his warm breath
caressed her neck.

"You're angry," bulong nito. "I'm sorry."

Inaantok na nga yata ang diwa niya dahil ang bigat ng talukap niya. She held her
lids close and just pretended she didn't heard him.

Ngunit naramdaman niya ang paggapang ng kamay nito sa tiyan niya. And she felt him
brushing over her scar. Her eyes pried open and suddenly, she felt awake. Mabilis
niyang hinuli ang kamay nito at hinawakan iyon.

"Matulog na tayo. Kailangan ko pang magising ng maaga bukas," aniya.

"Hindi ka galit?"

"Hindi."

"Don't lie to me. I know you're angry."

Bumuntong hininga siya. Galit ba siya?

The answer is no. "Hindi ako galit, Sage. I am... sulking." Nagtatampo lang siya.
She felt out of place. And for her, that's the worst feeling he could ever make her
feel.

"Sweetie, I'm sorry," malambing nitong sabi. He was pulling her arm, drawing her
closer to him. "Ang dami ko lang iniisip ngayon. I was a little bit distracted."

"I know." Kaya nga masakit.

Alam niya. Simula noong dumating si Sharmaine sa resort, distracted na ito. It

wasn't even about work. Batid niyang personal ang naging away ng dalawa-personal na
bagay na hindi niya pwedeng pakialaman.

Ayaw nitong nagseselos siya, dahil wala naman siyang dapat ipagselos, sabi ni Sage.
He had made her feel loved countless times, even when he never said the words

out loud. Sage was faithful to her. Iyon naman ang mahalaga.

Mabilis niyang sinara ang isipan niya bago pa iyon masundan ng agam-agam.

She heard him blow a deep sigh. "Do you think I was being too harsh on her?"

Nagulat siya na biglang tanong nito. Akala niya ay tatahimik na ulit ito kapag
tumigil na siya sa pagtatanong.

Taken aback, she turned over the bed and faced Sage. "Malaki ba ang kasalanan niya
sayo para hindi mo siya kausapin?"

He looked pensive and guarded at the same time, as if thinking if he should tell
her.

"Sage, I really want to know what's bothering you. But if you can't tell me, I have
to be okay with it." Hindi lang naman ito ang may hindi kayang sabihin.

Umigting ang panga nito at mabigat na bumuntong hininga. "No, it's not okay. I want
to be honest with you, Kyra. Gusto kong sabihin sayo, pero iniisip kita. But if
keeping it from you makes you feel bad, then I'd rather tell you, so we can both
handle it together."

Something cold glided through her system, making her stomach quiver, sending chills
through her bones. Her conscience nagged her.

Kung sasabihin niya ba kay Sage ang tungkol sa anak nila, ganito rin ba ang iisipin
nito? Would he still choose to square it up?

Umayos ito ng pagkakahiga para harapin siya ng mas mabuti. "She was trying to talk
to me today, to redeem back my trust. But after knowing what she did, I don't think
I have the mercy to forgive her."

"Ano bang ginawa niya?" Was it that bad?

"She made a mistake of hurting someone very precious to me." Seryoso ang mga titig
nito sa kanya. "Of

all people, I can't believe she could do that to me. I suffered because of her
lies. Gusto kong isipin na ginawa niya iyon dahil sa pagkakaibigan namin, but she
went out of line. I never asked her to do that. I was fine before she interfered.
And now, she left me a mess."

Naguguluhan pa rin si Kyra. Hindi niya ito maintindihan. It's as if she was
listening to a riddle.

"She ruined everything I believed in. She ruined me. Pinaniwala niya ako na hindi
ka na babalik. She made me hate you. Ngayon ko nakita kung ano talaga siya. And
she's nothing but a poison."

Kyra already stopped listening when he mentioned her. "Sage, hindi ko maintindihan.
Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin na pinaniwala ka ni Sharmaine?"

Of course, Sharmaine knew her and probably knew they were married. It must've hurt
her, because she clearly has feelings for him, pero hindi niya akalain na kaya siya
nitong siraan kay Sage.

"When you tried to contact me..." he said in an unforgiving tone. "Siya ang
sumasagot ng mga tawag mo."

Kyra caught her breath painfully. Napatitig siya kay Sage na parang unti-unting
lumilinaw sa kanya ang mga kaganapan, lahat ng nangyari noon, pati ang mga sinabi
nito. Hindi siya makapaniwala sa nalaman.

"Ginawa niya iyon?"

His mouth tightened grimly. "She tried to block your calls so they won't reach me.
Sinadya niya lahat ng nangyari, Kyra. For years, I wasn't aware she was doing it,
until you told me. Nagalit ako sayo at sinisi kita sa lahat ng nangyari sa atin.
And yet, she kept quiet about it. Dahil sa kanya kaya nangyari sa atin 'to. We
almost ruined each other and I

can't forgive her for that."

Nor will her, Kyra decided. Kaya pala mainit na ang dugo sa kanya ni Sharmaine. She
had been plotting something even before. At dahil sa kanya kaya nawalan siya ng
pagkakataong makausap si Sage.

Tama si Sage. Sharmaine is a poisonous bitch.

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang ginawa niya kay Sharmaine para gawin iyon. Maybe
loving and marrying Sage was a crime to her. She wanted to own him that's why she
did that selfishness.

Kaya siguro parang ganoon na lang ang itsura nito nang gabing nagtapat sila ni Sage
tungkol sa kasal nila. She knew her memories were back. At natatakot ito na baka
maalala niya na ito ang kausap niya.

But funny. Sage was the one who found out.

"Pero paano mo nalaman na siya ang nakakausap ko noon?" curious niyang tanong kay
Sage.

He was slightly surprised from her question and she saw him hesitate. Something
swooped in her belly when he wore that guarded expression in his eyes. At hindi
niya nagustuhan iyon, dahil pakiramdam niya ay para itong may itinatago na ayaw
nitong makita niya.

"Ano iyon?"

"Nothing." He gave a humorless laugh and smiled dully. "It just reminded me of how
stupidly blinded I had been then. I almost couldn't recognize myself."

He cupped her chin and his thumb gently brushed her cheek. Nagiging mapupungay ang
mga mata nito ngunit nanatili doon ang hindi niya maipaliwanag na emosyon. Was it
guilt? Regret? Pati boses nito ay may bahid nang lungkot.

"When you left me, I did a lot of worst things. I didn't know how to handle myself,
my anger, and the fact that you're gone. Halos

mabaliw ako sa galit ko. Kaya sinubsob ko ang sarili ko sa trabaho. Business makes
my head think straight. Si Sharmaine na halos ang humahawak ng mga gamit ko,
sumasagot ng lahat ng mga tawag ko..." he trailed and swallowed. "If I had known
you called, I swear I'd leave everything behind and fly to wherever you were. Dahil
kahit gaano kalaki ang galit ko sayo noon, tatanggapin pa rin kita. I'd still
forgive you."

Nangilid ang luha sa kanyang mga mata. Sage might never know but his words meant so
much to her. Dahil doon kaya sigurado siyang mahal pa rin siya ni Sage. Kaya wala
siyang dapat na ipag-alala. Everything will fall back to their rightful places once
again.

She shifted closer to him so she could give him butterfly kisses. Parang sasabog
ang puso niya sa sobrang kaligayahan at saya. She couldn't contain the emotions
rapturing inside her.

"Thank you for telling me all of these," she murmured.

Something moved in his eyes but he quickly blinked them away before she could focus
on them.

"I'll tell you everything, Kyra. Even if I have to pay for it. I will tell you the
monster I have become if you asked for it."

Napahawak siya sa dibdib nito at bahagya siyang lumayo para tingnan ito. She was
reading him but all she saw was a guarded face. "What do you mean?"

Sage close his eyes and shook his head, sighing. "I just..." huminga ulit ito at
nagmulat ng mata. He looked at her intently and her heart responded with a hard
thump. "Tonight, I found myself still in love with you, Kyra. So in love that I'm
afraid it can destroy me again."

Nawalan siya ng salita. Nawalan siya ng boses. Tanging naririnig lang niya ay ang
bawat tambol ng mabilis na tibok ng puso nito sa ilalim ng palad niya. Ni hindi
niya sigurado kung kay Sage ba iyon, o sa kanya. Pakiramdam niya maaliwalas lahat
kahit madlim na ang kalangitan. Pakiramdam niya, parang kaya niyang gawin lahat-
lahat-lahat. Kahit ang tungkol sa pinakiingatan niyang sekreto.
"Ang bilis ng tibok ng puso mo," aniya. Hindi matanggal ang ngiti sa mukha niya.

"Because you're holding the gun now."

Napailing siya. Guns and metaphors.

She brought her head down and kissed his chest, right where his beating heart lies,
before she looked up. "Mahal kita, Sage, at hindi kita kayang saktan. Pinapangako
kong hinding hindi na ulit kita sasaktan."

His nostrils flared and his eyes went instantly on fire. In a swift move, Sage had
her brėasts crushing flatly into his hard clad chest, his hand gripping her hair
fast as his mouth claimed her lips. She welcomed him and forget about that one
thing that has been hovering in her mind.

=================

Chapter ♣ 39

UNCOVERED

KYRA WOKE UP the next day feeling so light she thought she could levitate in the
air. Sage still love her. It's true that his ways of expressing it and showing her
might have changed, but his feelings have always been there.

Napamulat siya ng mata nang makapa niyang wala si Sage sa tabi niya. Her brows
creased when she saw it was only seven in the morning. Where is he this early in
the morning?

Bumangon siya at hindi pinansin ang naramdamang kirot sa buong katawan niya, lalo
na sa gitna ng mga hita niya. Making love with her husband gets more intense every
time, she thought she couldn't keep up with it. But last night, it was soulful
and... raw. She felt his love and it seemed to complete the missing puzzle in her
life.

Mabilis siyang napahawak sa dingding nang biglang umikot ang paligid niya sa
pagtayo niya. Ilang beses siyang huminga dahil pakiramdam niya humahalukay ang
sikmura niya.

Did she catch a bug?

Ilang sandali pa siyang hindi gumagalaw nang mawala ang pagkahilo niya. Nabigla
lang siguro ang katawan niya sa biglaang pagtayo niya.

Pumasok na siya sa banyo at mabilis na naligo at nagpatuyo ng buhok. She wore her
gypsy white dress and flats. Palabas na siya ng kuwarto nang maalala niya ang
cellphone niya.

Kinuha niya iyon at nakita ang mensahe galing kay Sage.

Sage:

Morning, Juliette. I'm sorry, I can't join you and your friends today. May
pupuntahan lang ako ngayon. Eat your breakfast without me. I'll be back later.

Ang aga naman yata ng lakad nito.

Tinago niya ang cellphone

niya at lumabas na. She won't think of that now. Pagkatapos ng nangyari kagabi,
after all that has been said, there's should be no room for doubt anymore.

Naabutan niyang kumakain si Serena sa dining area. Wala itong ibang kasama.

"Good morning, Kyra! Halika, join me."

"Nasaan ang iba?" tanong niya habang umuupo. She looked at the table. Tatatlo lang
ang hindi nagagamit na plato doon.

"They're already done. Tayo na lang nina Blue ang hindi pa kumakain, apparently.
His still drooling on his pillow right this moment, I bet. Anyway, where's kuya?
Hindi pa siya kumakain."

"Umalis ng maaga."

Serena looked at her. "Ganito kaaga? Saan daw pumunta?"

She lifted one shoulder. "Hindi ko alam. Hindi ko siya natanong."

Biglang nag-init ang mukha niya nang titigan siya ni Serena. She realized how
pathetic that sounded, even to her own ears.

She's his wife. Kaya may karapatan naman siguro siyang magtanong.

But... why didn't she?

Nakarinig sila ng mga yabag at nakita nila si Blue na paparating. He was yawning
while he's stretching his arms.

"Seriously, Blue? You're wearing minions?"

Tumaas lang ang kilay nito at ginulo ang buhok na parang walang pakialam kung naka-
minion printed boxers lang ito.

"Bakit ba? I like them. They're cute."

"Hello kitty? Meron ka?"

Blue just smirked before he smiled at Kyra. "Cute naman ang minions at si baymax
'di ba? I thought girls like them."

"Girlfriend mo ba nagbigay sayo?" natatawang tanong ni Serena.

"Hala, bakit ka tumatawa? Si Ma kaya bumili sa'kin nito. Isumbong kita e."

Nanlaki ang mata ni Serena

atvpati siya ay muntik nang masamid sa kinakain niya.

"You're kidding!" hiyaw ni Serena.

"Tanungin mo kaya sina kuya Duke. She used to buy for them too. Nga pala, nakita ko
si kuya kanina bago siya umalis. You were looking for him?" tanong nito sabay kagat
ng sausage.

Tumaas ang kilay ni Serena. "Bakit? Sinabi niya sayo saan siya pupunta?"

Blue shrugged. "Hindi naman. I don't think he saw me. Pero baka binisita niya lang
si Sharmaine. I heard she's stayed in the clinic last night."

Nanatili sa pagkain ang paningin ni Kyra habang nakikinig.

Is it true? Umalis ng maaga si Sage para kamustahin si Sharmaine sa clinic?

She doubt it. Sage hated Sharmaine too much. Kahit siya, hindi niya mapigilan ang
pag-ahon ng galit sa dibdib niya dahil sa ginawa ni Sharmaine sa kanila noon. She
was a mercenary behind that sleek suit. She's too in love with Sage that she could
do those horrible, unthinkable things to them.

"Clinic?" Tumigil si Serena sa pag-angat ng baso nito at interesadong napatingin sa

kapatid nito. "What's she doing there? May nangyari sa kanya?"

"She almost drowned yesterday," ani Blue.

Oo nga pala. Serena wasn't there when the commotion happened. Sa itsura nito
ngayon, Kyra suspect that she would probably enjoy the show yesterday.

A sweet smile appeared on her face. "And where was I when that happened? Sayang,
hindi ko nakita. Masaya sigurong manood. Anyway, I didn't expect she couldn't swim.
Baka mamaya, umaarte lang ang babaeng iyon."

Sumenyas si Blue kay Kyra na 'wag makinig kay Serena. She just gave him a small
smile, but

in her mind, she was already processing what Serena said.

What if Sharmaine was just throwing an act?

"Nagiging pranning ka na naman, Serena."

"Don't ever underestemate desperate women, Blue," ani Serena. "Let me guess, Kuya
Sage tried to save her, did he?"

"What do you think? She's his friend."

"Ugh!" Inis na dinurog ni Serena ang sandwich nito. "Friend my ass! Tapos
pinuntahan siya ni kuya ng ganito kaaga? Wow! Should I visit to her too? Grabe
talaga ang babaeng iyon."

Tahimik na nginuya ni Kyra ang pagkain niya. Apparently, Serena really hate
Sharmaine too.

Bumuga ng iritadong hininga si Serena. "Who does she think she is, anyway? Feeling
girlfriend talaga kahit kailan. Alam naman siguro niya na may asawa na si Kuya."

Blue sighed. "Com'on, Serena. Nag-aalala lang siguro si kuya kay Sharmaine. Not a
biggie."
"I just can't trust that woman again, and kuya should know better."

Napansin niya ang pagsulyap sa kanya ni Blue. "Matagal na iyon, Serena. Besides,
andito na si Kyra."

"Kahit na. I still can't believe she could spread rumors like that. How could she
even say na fiancée siya ni kuya sa harap ng maraming tao? That they're engaged?
And she even had the guts to fool us? Kahit si Ma, napaniwala niya. Kuya was even
forced to admit that lie for the sake of business. Kung hinahayaan siya ni Ma sa
mga ginagawa nig babaeng iyon, well, I won't. I don't forgive liars that easily."

"Serena," Blue reprimanded. Seryoso ang mga mata nito at wala na ang antok sa mukha
nito.

Nabalot sila ng katahimikan. The atmosphere suddenly felt awkward.

Hindi makatingin si Blue sa kanya ng maayos, habang si Serena ay kagat-kagat ang

labi dahil sa mga nasabi nito.

"I'm sorry," ani Serena sabay abot sa kanyang kamay. "I was just carried away. Pero
matagal na iyon. I trust kiya naman e. Even if he played the role for a while, I
know he loves you, kahit pa noong nagkahiwalay kayo. Kaya 'wag mo sanang isipin
masyado ang sinabi ko. That was years ago."

She smiled to assure her that it was nothing.

But to not think about it... Iyon ang hindi niya magawa. Her head was already
spinning, it no longer listen to her.

Nagprisenta siyang magligpit ng hapag pagkatapos nilang kumain. Ganoong oras siya
nadatnan ni Kylie nang dumating ito sa villa nila.

"Si Yana?"

"Iniwan ko siya sa cabin namin. Sinabi kong bibili ako ng breakfast namin.
Kailangan natin ng magdi-distract sa kanya."

She felt frustrated. She should be thinking about their surprise right now, pero
iba ang sumisiksik sa utak niya. Something was bothering her. At hindi niya matukoy
kung ano iyon. But she had a feeling that it has something to do with what Serena
said.

She couldn't seem to link up some things. Parang may kulang sa mga nangyayari.

She sighed. Dala lang siguro iyon ng maraming buwan ng pagkaka-comatose niya kaya
hindi niya alam ang mga sinasabi ni Sage, at ni Serena.

"Kyra? Nakikinig ka ba?"

Blankong napatitig siya kay Kylie. Pero mabuti na lang at dumating si Blue bago pa
siya nito mabuko.

"What's up?" Tumayo si Blue sa harap ni Kylie. Ngayon ay nakasuot na ito ng soft
blue na t-shirt at maong. Titig na titig rito si Kylie at halos

hindi na kumukurap.

"Birthday ni Yana?" tanong ulit ni Blue.

"Plano sana namin siyang surpresahin mamayang gabi. Ang problema, kailangan namin
ng tulong," aniya.

Blue smiled. "Well, I can help."

HER AFTERNOON was spent with preparing for Yana's birthday surprise. Tinulungan
sila ni Blue na i-distract si Yana habang inaayos nila ni Kylie ang surprise nila
para rito. Ang alam niya ay ipinasyal ito ni Blue sa buong resort at plano pa
nitong pasakayin ito sa Jet Ski.

Ang hiling niya lang ay 'wag sanag mahumaling ang kaibigan niya kay Blue. Kilala
niya ito. Napakabilis ma-in love ni Yana, and she had no doubt he could charm her
so easily. He's a Steele after all.

Maliban kay Blue ay tumulong din si Serena sa kanila. Ito ang nakaisip na pumunta
sila sa isang malapit na isla at doon dalhin si Yana.

Ipinapaalam niya kay Sage lahat ng ginagawa nila. Tumawag pa ito noong sinabi
niyang kailangan nilang sumakay ng bangkang de motor para mabilis na makarating sa
isla.

"Just take care, okay? 'Wag kang papabilad sa araw. Baka mahilo ka na naman," bilin
pa nito.

When the evening came, Blue took Yana to the island. Punong puno ng starlights ang
paligid nang dumating sila. May lanterns at may bonfire pa para mas maliwanag.
Simple lang ang handa, pero naging effective naman ang surpresa nila para kay Yana.
She seemed so surprised and overwhelmed.

Tuwang-tuwa ito, kahit na alam daw nito na susurpresahin nila ito. It could've
spoiled the fun, but Serena made sure she won't expect the island treat. Kung wala
siguro ito at si Blue, they would've settled with something very

simple with less expense.

Saglit niyang nakalimutan ang ibang iniisip niya. Keeping herself busy had seemed
to help her thoughts at bay.

Nagpaalam naman sila kina Duke na hindi na muna sila makakapag-dinner kasama ang
mga ito kaya ayos lang kung abutin sila hanggang hapunan doon. She wonder if Sage
was at the villa at this moment. Dumating na kaya ito? Or was he still out?

Binitawan muna ni Kyra ang hawak niyang paper plate at kinuha ang cellphone niya.
She typed a message for Sage.

Kyra:

Kumain ka na?

Mabilis itong nag-reply.

Sage:
Yep. You? How's the party coming?

Kyraa:

Pakain pa lang. Kasama namin si Blue at Serena. You want to come?

Sage:

Susubukan kong umabot diyan mamaya.

She sighed and put her phone down. Ngayong wala na siyang masyadong ginagawa ay mas
lalo niyang naramdaman ang pagkawala ng presensya ng asawa niya. She realized she
hadn't seen him the whole day. She missed him.

Hindi bale na lang. Magkikita naman sila pag-uwi niya mamaya. But she hoped he
could come tonight.

Kumain na siya at nakinig sa kuwentuhan ng mga kasama niya

Yana seemed very happy tonight. Mabuti na lang din at hindi na gaanong awkward sina
Kylie at Yana kay Serena. Para ngang mas close pa ang tatlo dahil magkasundong-
magkasundo ang mga ito pagdating sa mga cosmetics at fashion sense. Natatawa na
lang siya kapag binabara ni Blue si Serena. Hindi na yata magkakasundo ang dalawa.

"Wooo!" hiyaw nila nang magsimulang tumugtog si Blue ng guitar. They brought Zeke's
guitar as

a part of their birthday surprise.

Stepping stones lead me out of the unknown

I'm waiting for your body here to save me from the cold

Broken notes of songs we've just begun

Listening through a paper cup to the muffled sound of love

And I, oh, I try to get it through, get it through to you

I know I'm not perfect, oh-oh-oh

I got my heart out on my sleeve

I know I'm not perfect, oh-oh-oh

But that's all that I can be

Imperfect me

PASADO alas-diyes na nang matapos ang celebration nila at sabay-sabay na bumalik sa

resort.

Malayo pa lang ay nakikita na niya ang isang lalaking nakatayo sa may shore line.
Naka-white open-buttoned polo ito at may white vest sa loob. Nakatupi hanggang siko
ang sleeves nito sabay hinahagip ng hangin ang tela ng bukas nitong pulo.
He stopped walking and turned to face the approaching boat. Tumagilid ang ulo nito
at nagpamulsa.

"Grabe ate, inabangan ka talaga ha," kinikilig na bulong ni Yana sa kanya habang
papalapit sila kay Sage.

Mabilis silang dinaluhan ni Sage nang tumigil ang bangka. He surprised her when he
held her waist and lifted her off the boat without much effort.

"Hi," bati nito bago humalik sa labi niya. She even heard someone clearing his
throat. "I missed you."

Ngumiti siya habang nakayakap rito. "Kakarating mo lang ba?"

"Papunta na sana ako, kaso sabi ni Serena pabalik na kayo."

Ngumiti ito kina Yana at Kylie nang makababa silang lahat. Binati rin nito si Yana
at kinamayan habang nakayakap pa rin sa kanya.

Serena kissed him on his cheek

while Blue thumped a fist onto his shoulder as a greeting. Nagpaalam na rin ang
dalawa kina Kylie at Yana bago umalis.

"Happy birthday ulit," bati ni Blue kay Yana sabay halik sa kamay nito bago umalis.

"Kilig na kilig na naman ang isang 'to rito," ani Kylie. "Paano, una na rin kami.
Maaga pa ang alis namin bukas e."

"Salamat, Ata Kyra sa araw na 'to at sayo rin po boss. Pumayag po kayo na pumunta
kami rito. Grabe, ang saya ko ngayon! Best birthday ever!"

"Che! Tuwang-tuwa ka lang kasi kinantahan ka ni Blue."

Binelatan lang ni Yana si Kylie.

"Sige, alis na kami, Kyra." Tumango si Kylie kay Sage at tinugunan naman iyon ng
asawa niya ng isang ngiti. "Basta text-text na lang, ha?"

Hinatid niya ng tanaw ang mga kaibigan na naghaharutan pa habang naglalakad pabalik
sa cabin ng mga ito.

"They really seemed so happy."

Napatingin siya kay Sage. Nakangiti ito habang nakatingin din kina Kylie.

Looking at him made her think about what Serena said this morning.

"How's Sharmaine?" kaswal na tanong niya rito. Nakaakbay pa rin sa kanya si Sage
habang naglalakad na sila pabalik sa villa. The night air was cold but Sage kept
her warm.

"I guess she's alright. The medic said she already left this morning."

Napatingala siya rito. "Hindi mo siya pinuntahan kaninang umaga?"

"Why would I?" Kunot ang noong nito habang nakayuko sa kanya. "We've already talked
enough."
Oh. So sino ang kinausap niya ngayon ng buong araw?

"Kliyente ba ang mineet mo ngayon?"

He slightly hesitated before answering. "Hindi naman. He's a friend.

May kinailangan lang kaming pag-usapang importante kaya ako natagalan."

"It sound serious."

"Well..." May kahulugan ang mga mata nitong nakatitig sa kanya saka bumuntong
hininga. "Nakaka-ftustrate lang na wala siyang mahanap na sagot sa tanong ko."

Bahagya siyang tumawa sa sinabi nito. "Trabaho niya ba iyon? Ang hanapin ang sagot
sa tanong mo?" That's a vague job.

He smiled indulgently at her. "Yep. It's his job."

Tumaas ang kilay niya habang pinipigilan niya ang sariling ngumiti ulit. "Is he
some kind of clue finder? An investigator? Tungkol saan ba iyong tanong mo? Malay
mo, alam ko."

"I think you might know too."

She noticed the catch in his voice, but he was already talking about something
before she could ask.

Nang makarating sila sa bahay ay agad na tumunog ang cellphone nito. She quickly
caught who was his caller before he moved away to answer it.

"You go ahead, susunod agad ako," sabi nito at tumalikod na.

She nodded obediently and continued walking upstairs and into their room.

PJ. Who really is PJ? Business client? Colleague? He seemed to be an important

person to have him calling Sage in his private number during his vacation.

Tinungo niya ang cabinet at pinili niya ang nighties niya at ang terno nitong silk
shorts at nilagay iyon sa kama. Kaunti na lang ang natitira sa mga dala niyang
damit. If they would stay there for more days, she'd have to wash her laundry soon.

She went in the bathroom and prepared a tub bath. Habang nakababad siya sa bubble
bath ay narinig niya ang pagbukas ng pinto sa labas. Siguro ay pumasok na rin

si Sage sa kuwarto nila.

Labinlimang minuto rin siyang nagtagal sa banyo bago siya lumabas. She saw Sage
silently sitting on their bed. Nanatiling nakayukyok ang ulo nito kahit noong
tinawag niya ito.

"Tapos na ako, baka gusto mong pumasok sa banyo?"

Nagtaka siya nang hindi pa rin ito gumagalaw. She tied her robe securely around her
waist and went around the bed to reach for her clothes.

"Wait."

Natigil siya sa pag-abot ng damit niya at mapalingon kay Sage. There was something
wrong in his voice. Para itong galit.

Was he?

She had the urge to straighten her back when he stealthily stood, it felt like
watching a wolf raising up. His entire body was reeking with tension.

May nangyari ba? Why was he suddenly acting strange?

Dahan-dahang umikot si Sage paharap sa kanya at agad niyang naradaman ang pagkabog
ng puso niya dahil sa nakikita niya sa mga mata nito.

His eyes were hard and unreadable. His taut lips and grim, unforgiving face made
her heartbeat race from sudden... fear.

"Take that thing off," he said in a tightly leashed anger.

Lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya at tinahip ng matinding kaba ang dibdib niya.
He couldn't know it, could he?

Umigting ang panga nito nang hindi siya gumagalaw. He took a predatory step forward
and it forced her to take a step back, and she could already feel the cold wall
remaining still behind her, offering her no escape. She couldn't flee. She's at a
dead end.

Sage stopped at an arm length from her. Ngayon, mas kitang kita niya sa mukha nito
ang pagpipigil nito ng galit.

"Take it off or I will rip it," he warned slowly with his teeth clenched.

She took one shaky step behind, her heart felt like running away from her.
"Sage..."

He growled and, like a furious wolf, he launched at her with his claws tearing her
robe down. Hindi niya ito napigilan hanggang sa maihantad nito ang kahubdan niya.

He uncovered her now. Her dirty little secret was no longer a cross to bear. It was
laid for him to see.

Napapikit siya ng mariin marinig niya itong huminga ng marahas. God! She wished
this was a dream. A nightmare. That when she open her eyes, Sage was not there,
looking at her with those cold murderous eyes.

But the chilly air prickling her skin was telling her that this was no dream. This
was a nightmare in reality.

"Explain to me why do you have that," marahan at madiin ang bawat bigkas nito.

Nagmulat siya ng mata at gusto ulit niyang pumikit. His face was brutally angry.
Kinakain na ng takot ang buong katawan niya. She was barely breathing.

He narrowed his wild eyes on her. "Why do you have that scar, Kyra? Tell me!" he
demanded.

Her lips quivered. Hindi na niya napigilang lumuha. She pulled her robe over her
body to hide her scar from his insidious gaze. Napaupo siya sa kama dahil
nanginginig na ang mga tuhod niya. Hindi niya alam kung paano sasabihin iyon kay
Sage. She didn't even know where to start. How to start.
"It's not true, is it? You're not..."

Hindi nito tinapos ang mga kasundod na salita. Na parang isa iyong bomba na kapag
binanggit nito ay sasabog na lang bigla sa kanila.

Her lips trembled and her head jerked in a nod. Buong lakas niyang hinarap ang
matatalim nitong mga mata.

"But I lost him..."

=================

Chapter ♣ 40

END

"I LOST HIM when I had the accident, Sage. I lost him... I'm sorry," she wept. With
all her broken heart, she cried. The pain. The guilt. Her loss. Ang kinatatakutan
niya, lahat ng pighati niya, ibinuhos na niya. Hindi na niya mapigilan ang
pagkawala ng mga luha niya.

Talking about her child felt like a flaming iron carving into her heart. It burns.
Masakit pa rin sa kanya na nawala niya ang anak nila dahil sa pagkamakasarili niya.
She was too careless. She should be blamed.

"Fvck!" Sage growled.

Napapikit siya nang biglang sinuntok nito ang dingding. Lumayo ito na parang hindi
nito kayang magtagal sa harap niya habang patuloy na nagmura.

"Fvck! Fvck!"

Marahas na sinuklay ng kamay mga nito ang buhok na tila hindi nito alam ang
gagawin. Seeing him that frustrated and mad and confused made her feel like a
failure.

"I'm sorry. Itinago ko ang tungkol dito. Alam ko, kasalanan ko. Inaamin ko iyon.
Pero natakot lang ako..." She stopped when he casted her a murderous look.

"So, you selfishly decided to keep quiet?"

Nanginig ang labi niya. How can she explain? Kitang-kita niya na buong buo na ang
iniisip nito. Na kahit ano pang sabihin niya ay hindi ito maniniwala sa kanya. He
already made his conclusion. At hindi niya kayang labanan ang pinaniniwalaan nito.

Hindi niya alam kung paano nito nalaman. But that doesn't matter right now. Simula
pa lang, hindi na dapat niya nilihim ang totoo rito. But the thing about living
with a weak heart made you feel scared even when there's nothing to feel scared

about.
It's too late for regret now. The verdict has come.

Sage suddenly stilled and stopped walking in fuming circles. His hands hung heavily
on his sides, his breathing turning shallow, and his eyes cast down. He just stood
there in a forbidding silence in the middle of the room that made her heart
trembled.

Please... she could only beg mutely. She could see, even behind her tears that Sage
was thinking. And it bothered her because that was Sage. He never used his heart.
He never let his heart and his emotions rule him.

But right now, she wished he would listen to what it tells him and not think, just
understand.

"So it's true then," he murmured almost to himself. Then he slowly looked at her
through the strands of his messy hair. Maging ang puso niya ay saglit na tumigil
dahil sa patay at walang emosyong mga mata nito.

"I'm sorry."

"Sinadya mong ilihim sa akin ang tungkol sa bagay na iyan, so spare me your sorry
now. It's too late for that."

Pagod siyang napaupo sa kama. Her whole body felt like falling away together with
her hope and heart. Maybe she deserve that-his icy wrath. He's right. Sinadya
niyang itago ang totoo rito.

Despite her reasons, he consider it selfish, dahil iyon ang totoo. Inisip lang niya
ang sarili niya. She didn't consider his feeling. She didn't think about him, as a
man, a husband, and as a father.

"Alam kong mali ang ginawa ko, Sage. Mali na nilihim ko ang tungkol sa anak natin.
Hindi ko gusto na mangyari 'to, na umabot pa tayo sa puntong 'to. I don't want to
fight anymore," she said wearily, her tired

eyes filled with tears. "Natakot lang ako na kapag sinabi ko sayo, husgahan mo ako.
Tama nang ako ang nagpaparusa sa sarili ko, sa mga pagkakakamaling nagawa ko. I
don't think I can face you with your finger pointing at me, blaming me. Sage, hindi
ko sinasadya ang pagkawala ng anak natin. Hindi ko sinadya na mangyari lahat ng
'to, ang pagkawala ng alaala ko, lahat. Walang may gusto noon."

She only heard his humorless laugh that was full of sarcasm and rejection. "Anak
natin?" walang ganang sambit nito. "Pero ni hindi mo man lang nagawang sabihin sa
akin? You had a chance to tell me, Kyra. Kahit noong nasa Paris ka. Yet you
didn't!"

Kyra visibly flinched. He was lashing out now. Kulang na lang ay sumigaw ito. But
he still kept his control. Kuyon na kuyom ang mga palad nito at nakikita niya ang
panginginig ng mga iyon. It's as if he would break if he let go of himself.

"Sinubukan ko! I tried, Sage. I tried to reach you, pero hindi mo ako gustong
kausapin. Si Sharmaine. Bakit 'di siya ang tanungin mo? Halos araw-araw, gabi-gabi
akong tumawag sayo. But even at night, siya pa rin ang kausap ko. You were busy.
Kung sana naisip mo man lang na kumustahin ako-"

"Tama na!" bulyaw nito. He was breathing so hard and his eyes were flashing with
stone hard fury. And hurt. Tiim na tiim ang panga nito na parang pinipigilan lang
nito ang sarili na magsalita ng masakit.
But he did, anyway, when he spoke in his dead voice. "Tell me. Was he really mine?"

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang unang sasabihin niya. Nanikip ang didbib niya, at
nararamdaman niya ang pamumula ng mga mata niya at ang

pagkabuhay ng maiinit na luha niya. But only this time, it was from a very strong
emotion that was coming out from the center of her heart.

Her anger rose, fast and flashing, washing away that crushing sensation in her
chest. She held back her tears and stared point-blank at him.

"Bakit, Sage? May iniisip ka pa bang iba?" she asked, her voice dripping with her
own sarcasm.

Si Luigi. Kahit hindi nagsasalita, alam niyang ito ang iniisip ni Sage. His eyes
were screaming his name. It made her anger grow out of proportion. Hindi niya lubos
maisip na kaya nitong isiping si Luigi ang ama ng anak niya. That he could actually
believe she could do it.

But more than her anger, it was the palpable twitch in her chest that was
unbearable for her. Knowing still hurt. It ripping hurts.

"Sage, alam mong mahal kita at hindi ko..." she sucked in a breath. Ang hirap
magsalita. Nahihirapan siya. Pero kailangan niyang subukan. "I never thought you
can actually believe I can do that. I would not, even for a second, nor ever will,
cheat on you. Alam mo iyan."

His eyes were still dead and emotionless. "Do I? You already tried to leave me
before. How would I know if it's not mine but the bastard's child?"

Hindi na niya napigilan ang sarili niya. She went to him and slapped him. She knew
she hit him hard, because her palm stung.

Napatitig siya sa ginawa niya. Slapping him didn't make her feel good. Hurting him
physically was nothing compare to what he inflicted on her inside.

"Oo, inaamin kong nagkamali ako noon. I made a mistake, I was wrong for leaving
you. But I regret giving

up on us. I paid my due. Nawala sa akin lahat, kahit ang anak ko. Ang anak natin,"
pagdidiin niya. "Pero wala kang karapatang sabihin iyan. Dahil hindi isang bastardo
ang anak ko."

Sage touched his chin with a proud smirk on his face. He looked as immovable as a
rock, tall and intimidating. He bit his cheek and sneered like he didn't care if
his words felt cutting as a knife. As though he intended to hurt her to get even.

"Do you really believe I slept with him? Sige, isipin mo kung ano ang gusto mong
isipin. I had sex with him," she gritted. Kitang kita niya ang pagdilim ng mukha ni
Sage at ang paggalaw ng panga nito. Damn it, but she didn't care! Nasasaktan siya
sa sinabi at iniisip nito.

"Every night when you were gone. He kissed me, I let him. That's why I left you,
because I lo-"

Hindi na niya natapos ang sasabihin niya dahil marahas siyang hinila ni Sage at
siniil ng halik. She was so frustrated and hurt and she didn't want to kiss him.
Lalo lang siyang nasasaktan. Kaya pinipilit niya itong itulak palayo.
But he was gripping her head so hard. Inikot pa nito ang kamay sa buhok niya at
ramdam na ramdam niya ang sakit. He plundered her mouth when she parted her lips
when she gasped from the pain. He was ruthless. And it scared her.

But it was Sage. The man who could awaken her lust, her desire, her love with just
one kiss, and a single touch. Pero alam niya, walang pagmamahal sa paraan ng
paghalik nito. Mararahas ang bawat galaw nito dahil sa galit.

He was mercilessly kissing her mouth, biting her lips, his hands were harsh on her
skin. Hindi na

niya namalayang natanggal na nito ang roba niya. He cupped her breasts and kneaded
them, his fingers teased her nipples roughly. She kept moaning her protests as she
pushed him away in vain. Masyado itong malakas, she didn't stand a chance. And
amidst her anger and bruised heart, still she could feel her body betraying her.

He started to move and soon he had her lying down, with him looming above her.
Hindi na niya nagawang manlaban. Her anger was getting the best of her strength.

This wasn't right. He as making love with her out of anger. No... this wasn't
making love. This was sex. Basic, raw and cruel. Sage was using her weakness to
punish her-him. Her love.

She shouldn't have provoked him. Nagalit siya at sa sobrang kagustuhan niyang
saktan ito... they both wanted to hurt each other.

He kissed her neck, her breasts, and played with their tips without finesse. And
her body was back-stabbing her in a most embarrassing way. She could feel herself
wet between her thighs, ready for him. And with her state of mind, she didn't think
she could stop him... she didn't think she wanted to stop him.

Naramdaman niyang dumapo.ang kamay nito sa tiyan niya at para siyang binuhusan ng
malamig na tubig. Her body froze and she went icy cold.

Sage must've felt her, or the scar, that's why he suddenly stopped. Tumitig ito sa
mga mata niya habang nanatili ang kamay niya sa ibabaw ng pilat niya at kitang kita
niya ang bawat emosyong dumaan sa mga mata nito.

Wonder. Grief. Regret. And it quickly turned into anger and disgust.

Mabilis na umalis si Sage sa ibabaw niya at

umupo sa gilid ng kama. Ilang tahimik na sandali itong nanatiling nakaupo roon
habang sapo ang ulo.

Still with his white shirt, that was only when Kyra realized how bare naked she
was. Sa nanginginig na kamay ay hinila niya ang dulo ng bed sheet at tinakpan ang
katawan niya. She felt so... hindi niya alam kung may tawag pa sa nararamdaman
niya.

Seconds passed and Sage finally stood. Without a word, without even a backward
glance, he stalked out of the room and left her alone.

A tear rolled from her eyes as she stared blindly above at the ceiling.

She felt sick. Ashamed. Angry. And wounded. There was this huge surge of emotion,
rising up within her that she couldn't name. Like a black hole sucking her in,
draining all of her.
She let go of the sheets, stood up to pick up her robe and wore it. She laid back
down and realized she was shaking all over her body.

She was right.

The truth will break her apart.

WALA SI SAGE sa kama paggising niya. She wasn't surprised. Alam niyang hindi na
ulit pumasok si Sage sa kuwarto nila pagkatapos nitong umalis kagabi. Hindi niya
alam kung saan ito natulog o kung nakatulog pa ba ito. Unlike her, she had slept so
late she thought she'd never sleep at all, until she let darkness consume her.

Coldness embraced her and the empty hole in her heart spread inside her like a
malignant cancer.

She curled her body in a tight ball as if that could ease the pain in her chest but
the fact is, nothing could ever heal internal pain. She thought leaving her out of
place was the worst feeling Sage could ever make

her feel. Well, she was wrong.

This was worst-using her love to punish her. To hurt her.

Would it make a difference if she told him the truth?

Perhaps. Maybe if she told him earlier, he would not be as angry as he was. Maybe
if she did, he could understand.

Pero bakit ganoon? How could he assume or think that the baby was not his? Even if
she told him, he would still be doubting. And that was making her bleed inside.

Ang sakit lang na ang taong iniisip niyang maniniwala sa kanya ay ang unang taong
pagdududahan siya. He's her husband, but right now, she felt less like a wife.

Pagkaraan ng ilang oras ng pagkakahiga ay nagpasya na si Kyra na lumabas at harapin

ang mundo. Nothing's going to change even if she lock herself in. Kailangan nilang
mag-usap ni Sage. Kailangan nilang ayusin 'to. Dahil kung hindi... ayaw niyang
isipin.

She grabbed her phone to check the time. Bumungad sa kanya ang mga messages nina
Kylie at Yana. They already left three hours ago. Alas-diyes na pero nakahiga pa
rin siya. She feels sick.

Matamlay na bumangon siya ng kama at pumasok ng banyo. She shove the robe off and
stood naked in front of the mirror. Hindi na niya nagawang magbihis kagabi. She was
too stunned, too hurt to move.

She stared at the crooked line of her scar. The disfigured mark marring her skin.
It was all healed but she could still feel the cut, raw and fresh.

Gumapang ang hinanakit sa dibdib niya nang maalala ang mukha ni Sage kagabi. The
coldness. The loathing. The disgust. The aggressive way he man-handled her just so
he could prove a point. She could still feel the
steeliness of his grip branded on her arms, how he kissed her violently.
Heartlessly. And it was all because he was disgusted with her. That he thought she
could do it with another man.

It was a shame he could think that. It was a shame she still loved him after what
he did.

"I'm sorry," bulong niya sa basag na boses habang hinahaplos ang sugat niya. Iyon
lang... Iyon lang ang kaya niyang gawin para sa anak niyang hindi niya nasilayan,
ang humingi ng tawad, para kay Sage at sa mga sinabi nito kagabi, at para sa kanya.
He could've live if she hadn't been selfish and careless. They could've been a
family.

Life has no guarantee. Sometimes, it has a funny way how it turns your life upside
down in a blink of an eye. Just as life, happiness ends.

Si Zeke kaagad ang nadatnan niya pagbaba niya. Nakatayo ito sa nakabukas na sliding
door habang umiinom ng bote ng soft drinks. Lumingon ito sa kanya at maikling
ngumiti nang makita siya.

"Ang sabi ni Vee kumain ka lang daw kapag nagising ka. She saved you some
breakfast." He pointed towards the kitchen.

Kinurot ang puso niya sa kabutihan ng mga kapatid ni Sage sa kanya. They've been
nice to her and welcoming. She wished their parents would also accept her as they
had. At sana ganoon pa rin ang mga ito kahit na dumating ang araw na malaman nila
ang buong katotohanan. Or worse, if Sage decided to change his mind about their
wedding.

"Kyra."

Napalingon siya kay Zeke bago siya makarating sa kusina. Saglit itong natigil na
tila nagdadalawang-isip na magsalita. But then, he decided to go on. "Nakausap ko
si kuya kaninang madaling araw. Mag-isa siyang umiinom

sa labas. He was pretty busted."

"Uminom siya?" Was that why he left and never came back? "Asan siya?"

"Andun siya sa kuwarto namin ngayon. He's really wasted kaya doon ko na lang muna
siya dinala."

Oh...

Huminga ito ng malalim bago ulit nagsalita. "Look, I don't mean to intrude in
anything, it's your business and I'm sure my brother would kill me anyway, but he
spilled the ugly beans last night. Hindi ako nagulat sa mga sinabi niya at nalaman
niya. Nagulat lang ako na hindi niya alam ang totoo."

Her scalp prickled and her brows twitched with unease. Did Zeke know? What did he
know?

"Alam ko na, matagal na. Alam kong may itinatago na si kuya, noon pa. I guess
nobody suspected it but I did."

Kyra's head worked fast. Inisip niya kung saang bahagi ng memorya niya nakalagay si
Zeke. But all she found was a blank paper.

Nanuyo ang lalamunan niya nang bumaba ang paningin nito sa bandang tiyan niya.
"I've seen my wife pregnant. And I'm sure you were at that time. I've been wanting
to ask you, pero hindi ko na tinuloy. I didn't think it would matter."

"Paano mo... nalaman?"

"We've met before," anito at napatitig lang si Kyra rito. "Hindi ko sigurado kung
kelan iyon, but I've seen you. You were with Sharmaine."

"Si Sharmaine?"

"Yes." Sigurado itong tumango. "You two were having lunch that day. I was there. I
even helped you. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi mo ako natatandaan. But I'm sure it
was you."

Napapamura si Kyra sa loob ng isip niya. What's this? Bakit hindi niya matandaan
ang araw na iyon?

"I don't know

what's going on with you and Sage and I'm not judging you either. I'm sure you had
your reason then. Right now, he's having a hard time taking the news. Give him
time, at saka kayo mag-usap. I know my brother. He will deal with it logically."

Logically. Not emotionally. Of course. Sage has always been a logical and rational
man.

She wondered how he will deal with it logically. Accept the fact that he's the
father? Or still believe himself?

Whatever he's decision will be, whether it will change or not, she would have to
wait and see.

"O, Kyra." Dumating si Victoria karga-karga si Vince. She looked at Zeke and they
both exchanged looks.

Malamang ay may alam rin si Victoria sa nangyari sa kanila ni Sage. It's written
all over her face when she looked at her with sympathy and understanding.

Vince's baby coos and chuckles filled the silence. Her mind was suck thinking about
what Zeke said. Pinipilit niyang isipin ang araw na iyon pero sumasakit na ang ulo
niya at hindi pa rin niya maalala.

Si Victoria ang unang bumasag sa kanilang katahimikan. "Kumain ka na ba?"

Tahimik siyang umiling. Bumalik ang tingin niya kay Zeke para magtanong ngunit
nagpapaalam na ito kay Victoria.

"Ikaw na muna ang tumingin kay Vince." Ipinasa ni Victoria kay Zeke ang anak nila
at humalik naman si Zeke rito bago umalis.

Victoria turned to her with a bright smile. "Kukunin ko lang ang mga pagkain at
iinitin ko para makakain ka na."

"Tulungan na kita."

Victoria ended up staying with her that morning. Nagkuwentuhan sila at nakikita
niyang iniiwasan nitong pag-usapan
nila ang tungkol sa mga bata, at ang tungkol kay Sage. Hindi ito nagtanong, hindi
ito nag-usisa. But Kyra could feel her silent sympathy.

"Thank you," usal niya nang matapos sila sa paghuhugas ng pinggan.

Bumuntong hininga si Victoria at mariing hinawakan ang kamay niya. "I know you're
going through a rough transition, you and Sage. Napagdaanan na rin namin iyan ni
Zeke noon, and believe me, it was tough." Malungkot itong ngumiti sa kanya na
parang nasasaktan pa rin ito sa naaalala.

"And I've learned that no matter how hard, no matter how truth hurts, importanteng
nag-uusap kayo. Because secrets, be it small or big, it can blow everything off."

She patted her hand and smiled comfortingly. "Pero maayos niyo rin iyan,"
kampanteng sabi nito. "Alam mo, sa tagal na nakasama ko ang magkakapatid na iyan, I
know one thing about them. Na kahit galit sila, na kahit iniisip mo na na wala na,
katapusan na, they won't let you go. They seemed to be the toughest men, they're
proud and unbreakable, but they have the softest heart."

Kyra wanted to believe that too. She wanted to hold onto it, even at the back of
her mind, doubts hovered. Kahit sa kabila ng mga nangyari kagabi, sa mga masasakit
na salitang nabitawan nila, gusto pa rin niyang maniwala kay Sage.

HER AFTERNOON was a blur. Hindi niya alam kung paano niya nairaos ang hapon niya
dala ang bigat sa loob niya. Kasa-kasama niya si Serena buong hapon. She was
oblivious of her inner conflict, at siguro ay hindi nito alam ang nangyari. Siguro,
sina Zeke at Victoria lang ang may alam.

Kahit papaano nagpapasalamat

siya na hindi pinagsabi ng mga ito ang tungkol sa kanila kay Sage. She didn't want
them to be worried and to be concerned. Isa pa, mas mauungkat lang ang nakaraan
kung saan nagsimula ang lahat.

She planned to talk to Zeke and ask him about what he said but she hadn't seen him
since that morning. Naiisip pa rin niya ang mga sinabi nito kanina.

So that must be the reason why he always looked at her like that, na parang may
nakikita itong hindi alam ng iba.

But it was strange. Why couldn't she remember that time? Hindi niya maalala na
kinausap niya si Sharmaine noon, na nagkausap sila. Ni hindi niya maalala na
nagkita sila ni Zeke.

Did she really remember everything? Paano kung hindi?

Sumasakit ang ulo niya sa dami ng gumugulo sa isip niya. Akala niya tapos na lahat.
Akala niya maayos na ang lahat. But she has never been so wrong.

Niyakap niya ang sarili nang dumaan ang malakas na hangin at tangayin niyon ang
manipis na cardigan jacket na suot niya She walked along the shore while the water
crashed beneath her feet.

Sa paligid niya, nagkalat ang mga batang masayang naglalaro, couples who were
holding hands... seeing everyone around her happy made her feel so lost.
Hapon na nang pabalik siya sa villa. Papalubog na ang araw pero hindi pa rin niya
nakikita si Sage at hindi pa rin sila nagkakausap simula noong lumabas ito ng
kuwarto nila kagabi.

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang unang sasabihin niya o kung ano ang gagawin niya kapag
nagkita sila. They parted in a most awful way last night, she still cringe at the
memory of it. Naipikit na lang niya ang mata niya para lang alisin ang mukha ni
Sage sa isip niya. It still made her shiver.

The sun-kissed ocean reminded her of the times she was with Sage. His hand holding
hers. His laugh. His smile. His voice. She wanted them back. Ito iyong mga oras na
humihiling siya na sana kaya niyang ibalik ang oras, kahit na alam niyang
imposible.

Pumasok siya sa loob ng bahay at natigilan siya. There he was, standing where Zeke
was.

Sa isang iglap ay nabuwag ang galit sa dibdib niya. She realized her anger was
feeble and weak, not strong enough to hate him for what he did, what he said.

Sage felt her presence, nakita niya iyon nang tumayo ito ng matuwid. Then he turned
his head, revealing those empty, unreadable eyes.

Lalong humigpit ang pagkakayakap niya sa sarili niya. She felt vulnerable once
again. Katulad ng naramdaman niya kagabi. Only now, she had no secrets to hide. He
already knew.

Tumingin ito sa relo nito at bumalik sa labas ang atensyon nito na parang nandoon
ang laman ng isip nito.

"I'm leaving. Something came up in the office. You have fifteen minutes to pack if
you want to come," malamig na sabi nito.

Noon lang niya nabigyang pansin ang suot nito. Black casual polo shirt, tieless,
rolled up sleeves, mocha colored trousers, and oxford shoes. His hair was brushed
up, and his face was sleek and clean. Walang anumang tanda nang nakaraang gabi.

Her stomach turned cold. Hindi siya manhid para hindi makaramdaman. Hindi siya
bulag para hindi makita ang nasa harap niya.

She didn't want to admit it. She didn't want to acknowledge it. But the reality was
slapping it hard on her face-that it will end here. The paradise. The happiness. He
will leave them here.

=================

Chapter ♣ 41

WASTED
"ANG LALIM NAMAN ng buntong hininga na iyon," ani Janet.

Ngumiti lang si Kyra at pinagpatuloy ang pag-iikot sa dirty kitchen.

Halos tapos na ang restaurant nila. Kompleto na ang mga gamit; mula oven, kitchen
utensils, stove, temperature-regulated storage room, hanggang sa labas. The bar is
already functional, she could already imagine costumers walking in, waiters
rolling, and plates clattering.

The only left to do was to gather staff, hire employees, food tasting and they're
good to go. Hopefully, by next week, they will open and get the road starting.

"Excited ka na ba?" tanong ni Janet paglabas nila ng kusina.

Tipid siyang ngumiti rito. "Oo naman."

Amusement crossed her eyes. "Excited na ba iyan?" She gestured on her face. "Hindi
obvious. Hindi naman kasi ganyan ang mukha ng excited."

Tipid ulit siyang ngumiti. She's not the type who kiss and tells, and definitely
not her problems. Madalas at nasanay na siyang nagtatago ng narararamdaman. But she
wished she could talk to someone and tell how heavy her heart is sinking.

Ang hirap ng pakiramdam na nag-iisa. Mag-isa ka lang sa nararamdaman mo, sa iniisip

mo, sa takot mo, sa laban mo-na dapat sana may kasama ka, may karamay.

But however messed up her life seems, she just can't give up. Not in this lifetime.

"Pasensya na. Hindi lang maganda ang pakiramdam ko ngayon. Wala pa akong maayos na
tulog," aniya sabay upo sa isa sa mga upuan. Hindi na naging maayos ang pakiramdam
niya simula noong kagagaling nila sa resort.

"Bakit? Hindi ka

na ba pinapatulog ni Sage?" Humagikhik ito. "Oh my gee! Shut up, brain."

Natawa siya ng bahagya rito sa kabila ng kirot sa dibdib niya. If only that's the
case. But Sage hadn't touched her since that night-the night he knew. And it has
been two days since they left the resort.

Simula noon, hindi na ulit siya kinausap ni Sage nang maayos. He couldn't even look
at her in the eye.

Nakakalungkot lang na umalis sila nang hindi man lang nakakapagpaalam sa mga
kapatid nito. Siguro ay nagulat ang mga ito sa biglaan nilang pag-alis kaya tumwag
kaagad sa kanya si Serena sa gabi ng pag-uwi nila. Sinabi niya lang na may
emergency na kailangang ayusin si Sage sa opisina kaya sila umalis ng maaga.

Victoria and Zeke were the only people who probably knew why they left.

"Oh, shoot!" Bigla itong napatuwid ng upo nang makita ang relo nito. "Anyway, una
na ako. May ime-meet akong client ngayong hapon e."

Pinanood niya itong mag-retouch. "Sige. Punta ka sa opening night."

"Of course, I'll come. Libre e," biro nito saka ibinalik sa pouch ang powder at
lipstick nito. "What about you? Dito ka lang ba? Parating na raw ba si Sage?"
Sinilip niya ang cellphone niya at tiningnan ang huling message niya kay Sage. She
told him she'd be here. Pero pasado alas-dose na pero hindi pa rin ito tumatawag o
nagre-reply sa kanya.

She sighed and tried to be optimistic about it. "Siguro busy siya ngayon."

Well, what did she expect? Hindi na pupunta si Sage doon para puntahan siya at
kumain mg lunch. Hindi na ito aalis ng opisina para lang makita siya. Sage wouldn't
do that anymore.

Obvious

na obvious naman. Sage was still stone walling her. Katulad ng nakaraang araw lang,
simula noong umuwi sila, he's still giving her the cold shoulder, silent treatment,
and empty stares.

Her nerves felt like on ends point every time he's in the same room with her. And
maybe that's the reason why he goes home late because he could feel it too.

She wondered when it will stop. Magpapatuloy ba silang ganito?

"Why not ikaw na lang ang pumunta sa opisina niya? Surprise him. Alam mo naman ang
mga katulad ni Sage, minsan nakaklimuta ng kumain sa sobrang trabaho." Tumayo na
ito at binitbit ang Hermes bag nito. "O sige, I'll go ahead. Magpapa-schedule na
lang ako ng appointment kay Nancy para makausap ko si Sage. I need to settle some
things with him."

Humalik muna ito sa kanya bago tuluyang umalis. Kyra wondered if one day, she'd
have to do that too to be able to talk to Sage. Schedule an appointment with him or
at least know if he's free to accept visitors, kahit na sabihin pang asawa siya
nito. He's that busy. Siguro ay palaging puno ang schedule nito araw-araw.

Napaisip tuloy siya sa sinabi ni Janet. What if she come over to his office and
surprise him? Ayos lang kaya iyon rito? Matutuwa ba ito?

She wanted to laugh at herself. Bakit niya ba iniisip iyon? Wasn't she his wife?

Well, Kyra, were his colleagues and business associates aware you exist in his
life?

Kahit siguro si Janet, hindi alam. She might have a hunch, especially when she see
the ring on her finger. But she never asked for confirmation.

Besides, sa lagay nila ngayon, she

wouldn't expect he'd be too happy to see her. Baka magulat ito pero ang matuwa?

So what now, Kyra? Hahayaan mo na lang ba na ganito kayo? One of you should lower
your pride, or you will keep each other apart.

Napabuntong hininga siya. She should try, right? Kahit para sa kanilang dalawa. She
know Sage is still angry. But she was past that. Kung hindi naman niya sinubukan
ang pagkalalaki nito, kung hindi na sana niya sinabi ang mga salitang iyon, hindi
rin naman gagawin iyon ni Sage. She acknowledge her fault. At kung hihintayin
niyang lumamig ang ulo nito...

She sighed. He's too emotional right now.

Sa bahay na lang niya ito susurpresahin. Siguro sa susunod na pagkakataon na lang

siya pupunta sa opisina nito. She doesn't want to look like a fool.

She thought about cooking for him. Siguro ay ito na lang ang una niyang patitikimin
sa recipe na gagawin niyang specialty ng restaurant nila. And then maybe they could
talk?

Well, there's nothing wrong in hoping, right? If she try harder, they can get pass
through this. Kung talagang mahal siya ni Sage, he will set his anger aside. He
will listen and understand.

Pero ano nga ba ang pinagkaiba nila. Kung mahal din niya si Sage, and she really
does, sana hindi na siya naglihim pa.

But that same love made her feel the need to hide it. That same love made her feel
scared.

At siguro ganoon din si Sage.

Lumabas na siya ng restaurant pagsapit ng ala-una. The thought of cooking pulled

her spirits up. Ika nga nila, a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Siguro
baka matuwa si Sage kapag pinagluto niya ito.

Well,

she would never know if she won't try.

Excited siyang namili ng grocery sa hapong iyon. She skipped lunch sa sobrang
excited niya. Isang chocolate bar lang ang kinain niya habang nasa market siya.
Pagdating niya ng bahay ay nagsimula na siyang magluto.

Nakita siya ni Myra at sinubukang kunin ang mga pinamili niya.

"Ako na, Myra." Nginitian niya ito.

"E, ma'am, baka po pagalitan ako ni sir."

"'Wag kang mag-alala, hindi iyon magagalit."

"Magagalit po iyon. Kabilin-bilinan niya na 'wag kayong pagurin."

Natigilan siya sa sinabi nito. Talaga? Sinabi iyon ni Sage kay Myra?

Napangiti tukoy siya. "Tulungan mo na lang ako rito. Balak ko kasi siyang
ipagluto."

"Surpresa po ba? Wow, si ma'am. Ang sweet-sweet niyo pong mag-asawa."

Hindi na lang siya nagsalita habang hinuhugasan nila ang mga pinamili niya. She was
thinking about a French cuisine.

It amused her how easily she could remember the recipes she used to cook before.
Pagkatapos ng pagkaka-ospital niya, parang nag-iba na lahat.

But... Did she really retreive all her memories?

"Ano po ba ang lulutuin niyo, ma'am?"

Bumalik ang utak niya sa ginagawa at napatitig sa hawak niyang Bass fillet. "Uhm...
Striped Bass en Papillote."
"Ano po iyon?"

Ipinaliwanag niya rito ang pagkain at kung paano iyon niluluto. "Mukhang masarap.
Naku, matutawa po si sir, panigurado!"

She smiled through her hope.

Sana nga.

INIWAN NA niya ang apron niya nang magustuhan niya ang kinalabasan ng luto niya.
Everything went smooth and fine. Kulang na lang ay ang

table arrangement, pero magbibihis na muna siya para makapaghanda na.

Hinarap.niya si Myra na abala pa sa paghuhugas ng mga nagamit nilang kalan. "Myra,

mauna ka nang kumain ha. Hihintayin ko lang si Sage na dumating para sabay na
kaming kumain."

"Sige po ma'am."

Kaagad siyang umakyat at mabilis na naligo at nagbihis. Hindi siya makapili ng

damit dahil hindi niya sigurado kung formal dinner ba iyon o casual lang. In the
end, she settled with a simple floral empire dress. Sleeveless iyon at may
spaghetti straps.

She wanted to dress up and be beautiful tonight, but she didn't want Sage to think
she was trying to seduce him or anything of that thought.

Pagkatapos niyang patuyuin ang buhok ay lumabas na siya ng kuwarto para ihanda ang
mga pagkain. Inayos din niya pati ang mesa. Pinatungan niya iyon ng pulang tela sa
ibabaw at isang rosas. Naglagay din siya ng isang scented candle sa ibabaw.

"Maganda na ba?" tanong niya nang pumasok si Myra sa dining area.

Kitang kita niya ang pagkamangha sa mukha nito. "Ang romantic po, ma'am. Ang ganda
po! Matutuwa po si sir pagdating niya." Kinikilig pa ito habang nagsasalita.

Tiningnan niya ang cellphone niya. 6:07 PM.

She breathed in deeply before she typed in a message.

Kyra:

I cooked for dinner. Uwi ka ng maaga. 💖

Lalagyan ba niya ng emoticons? She sighed. She erased it and typed again.

Kyra:

Nagdinner ka na ba? Nagluto ako ng ulam. ☺

Pwede na kaya 'to?

Binura ulit niya iyon at nagtype ng isa pa.

Kyra:

/>Nagdinner ka na? Sabay na tayo, nagluto ako ng recipe para sa restaurant.

I want to know what you think. Hihintayin kita.

Whatever. Pwede na siguro iyon. Pinindot na niya ang send button at agad na ibinaba
ang cellphone sa mesa. Well... She'd just have to wait for him.

Umupo na siya at inayos ang pagkakalinya ng mga kubyertos niya.

"Ma'am, pasok na po ako sa kuwarto. Tawagin niyo nanlang po ako kung may kailangan
kayo."

"Sige. Salamat, Myra."

Iniwan na siya roon ni Myra. Pinagsiklop niya ang mga palad niya sa mga tuhod niya.
She felt nervous.

She remembered feeling like this. Noong pinagluto niya ang daddy niya ng paborito
nitong ulam sa unang pagkakataon. She wanted to tell him that this was her passion,
at kabadong kabado siya noon. His father had always wanted to push her to be his
heiress, but she had different interest.

That night, she was determined to tell him what she wanted. Pero iyon din ang
huling gabi na nagluto siya para rito. Since tgen, everytime she cooked, patago na.

Kyra's stomach churned. Ilang ulit na niyang nilulunok ang laway niya dahil sa
pagkagutom. She hadn't eaten anything since lunch, except that bar of chocolate
kaya ramdam na ramdam niya ang gutom.

Tiningnan niya ulit ang oras sa cellphone niya. 07:23 PM.

She sighed. She's been sitting there for an hour already and still, she's alone and
waiting. Nakatatlong text na rin siya kay Sage kung kelan ito uuwi, kung nakakain
na ba ito, at kung may schedule pa ito sa ganong oras. Pero wala pa rin itong
reply. Nababasa ba nito at mga text niya?

Kahit

gusto niyang tadtarin ito ng texts, pinigilan na lang niya ang sarili niya. Ayaw
niyang mainis si Sage sa pangungulit niya.

Malamig na ang mga pagkain. The soup was turning cold, the icing was sagging and
her stomach was hurting. Nawawalan na rin ng lamig ang iniinom niyang tubig.

"Ma'am," pumasok si Myra sa dining area.

Nginitian niya ito nang muli itong sumilip. Pang-apat na yata itong bumabalik doon
para tingnan siya at naabutang mag-isa.

"Sige na, Myra, matulog ka na. Ako na rito."

"Pero ma'am, kanina pa po kayo..."

Tiningnan niya ito at hindi na niya napigilang mairita. Oo, nakikita niyang mag-isa
siya. Alam niyang hindi na darating si Sage para sabayan siya. She didn't need
anyone pointing that out for her.
"S-sige po," anito at parang batang masunuring bumalik sa kuwarto nito.

Pinakawalan niya ang isang desmayadong hininga. Now she sat alone in the dining
room like a fool.

Tumayo siya at binuksan ang ilaw. Pinatay niya ang scented candle sa lamesa at
muling umupo sa puwesto niya. She looked over the table she prepared, the food she
took time to cook, and the empty seat in front of her.

They're all gone wasted.

Tahimik niyang pinulot ang kutsara niya at nagsimulang kumain. Pinilit niyang
nguyain ang malamig nang pagkain. Pinilit niya pa ring lunukin iyon, kahit na ang
gusto niyang gawin ay umakyat na lang at matulog, kahit pa gutom ang sikmura niya.

She swallowed past her salty bile and forced the food down her aching throat. Hindi
niya pinansin ang pangingilid ng luha sa mata niya.

Umiiyak na yata siya sa kinahinatnan

ng mga niluto niya. They were ignored. Siguradong mas masarap iyon kung mainit pa.

She couldn't do this. Feeling pity. Sucking herself.

Isang subo pa ang ginawa niya at niligpit na niya ang pinagkainan niya. She flushed
the remaining food in the trash bin and the scented candles too.

Pagkatapos ay umakyat na siya ng kuwarto at nagbihis ng pajama.

Nagsusuklay na siya ng buhok nang marinig niya ang ingay ng kotse sa labas ng
bahay.

Tumayo siya at lumipat sa kama para makatulog na. She didn't want Sage to see her
up and awake. She just couldn't look at him when she's crying inside.

She closed her eyes and tried to sleep. Ano kaya kung doon na lang siya matulog sa
dating kuwarto niya? Could she sleep better? Dalawang gabi na siyang walang maayos
na tulog. Siguro baka kung hindi na niya nakikita at nakakaharap ang malamig na
likod ni Sage, baka makatulog na siya ng maayos.

But the door was already opening while she was contemplating about moving to the
other room. Narinig niyang sumara iyon at ang mga mabibigat na yabag patungo sa
banyo. The door closed and she heard the noise of the shower.

She squeezed her eyes close and her heart clenched painfully inside her chest. This
was the third night he came home late. And she knew it was because of her.

Pero hanggang kailan? Tapos na siyang magalit. She just wanted to be happy. Hindi
ba pwede iyon?

Alam naman niyang iniiwasan siya ni Sage kaya ito umuuwi ng ganoong oras. Alam
niyang galit pa rin ito sa kanya. She knew that all too well.

She was angry at him too. She should be hating him, in fact.

But her heart seemed to be blind and deaf when it comes to pain and Sage. It just
won't stop hoping.
Hindi nagtagal ay narinig niyang namatay ang tunog sa loob ng banyo at lumabas si
Sage.

Fresh water and aftershave assailed her nose. In the hushed silence of their room,
she could almost hear her own ragged breath and each of his damp footsteps.

Hindi siya gunalaw nang maramdaman niya ang paglubog ng kama. She kept holding her
breath as she held herself in a tense moment. Ayaw niya pero hindi niya mapigilang
pakiramdaman si Sage s tabi niya.

Ganito... ganito palagi ang ginagawa niya sa tuwing dumarating ito ng ganitong
oras. He walks in quietly and lay beside her, facing the opposite side of her bed,
and sleep while she pretend-pretend that she's not breaking inside, trying to hide
the tears every night.

Minulat niya ang mga mata niya nang maramdaman niyang hindi na ito gumagalaw. She
turned slowly to face him. At nakita niya itong nakaharap sa kanya at mulat ang mga
matang nakatingin sa kanya.

She swallowed the tears threatening to choke her. They rose up into her eyes like a
rush. Seeing him this close again, breathing the same air he breaths out, it made
her hate herself. Dahil kahit anong gawin niya, kahit siguro itaboy siya ni Sage,
she will still keep on clinging. Kahit na nasaktan at nabalewala siya ngayong gabi,
hindi niya pa rin magawang lubusang magalit rito.

Pinanganak ba siyang martyr?

He saw her tears, at nagulat siya nang ito mismo ang nagpunas noon. "Matulog ka
na," anito at huminga ng malalim saka ipinikit ang mga mata.

She stared

at him, willing him to open his eyes and look at her again. Pero nakatulog na yata
ito. She didn't had the second chance to see the apology in his eyes as he looked
at her. Now she wasn't sure if what she saw was what it was or just a part of her
imagination.

SHE STAYED at home the next day. Dapat sana ay inaayos niya ang menu para sa
restaurant pero hindi maayos ang pakiramdam niya kaninang umaga kaya nagpahinga na
lang siya.

Nang ma-bore siya sa panonood ay naisip niyang maglinis ng kuwarto. Pinaglaba na

lang niya si Myra para makapaglinis siya at hindi na siya nito pigilan. Mas lalong
lumilipad ang utak niya kapag nanonood lang siya at walang ginagawa.

Tumigil siya sa pag-vavacuum nang marinig niya ang telepono.

"Hello?" Sinagot niya iyon.

"Ma'am Kyra? Pinapakuha po ni Sir Sage ang cellphone niya. He said he left it in
your room."

Saglit pa siyang natigilan. Alam niyang si Nancy iyon, and the way she was
addressing her was kind of strange. Na parang may alam ito sa kanila ni Sage.
Ipinilig na lang niya ang ulo niya at inisip ang sinabi nito.

"Ganoon ba? Sige, hahanapin ko."

"Paki-deliver na lang po kay Mang Dante."

"Ah, hindi na. Ako na lang ang magdadala sa opisina ninyo." Magmamaneho pa pabalik
si Mang Dante para lang sa cellphone. Isa pa, dadaan na rin siya sa pharmacy para
bumili ng gamot para sa sakit ng ulo at pagkahilo.

"Nasa board meeting si sir ngayon, sa main branch office, kaya sa akin mo na lang
iwan."

Pagkatapos kunin ang address ay hinanap kaagad ni Kyra ang cellphone ni Sage. Sa
sobrang pagmamadali siguro nito

kaninang umaga ay nakalimutan nito ang cellphone.

He overslept this morning. At halos hindi ito magkandaugaga sa pagsuot nito ng

necktie kaya bumangon siya para tulungan ito. Pero saglit pa siyang nagpahinga noon
dahil sa pagkakahilo niya.

"Tulungan na kita," sabi niya nang malapitan niya ito. Hindi na ito tumanggi dahil
hawak na niya ang tela ng necktie nito.

Halos hindi siya humihinga habang inaayos niya ang necktie nito. It was because of
his stare. Kahit hindi niya ito tingnan ay nararamdaman niya ang intensidad niyon.

"You look pale," biglang sabi nito. His voice didn't hold any worry or concern,
merely curious. "Hindi ka ba kumain kagabi?" tanong pa nito.

She finished tying his tie and looked up at him. That had reminded her of the food
she threw on the garbage last night.

"Kumain," aniya at pumasok na sa banyo.

Nasa loob pa rin siya nang marinig niya itong lumabas ng kuwarto, hanggang sa
nakalabas na ang kotse nito ay nasa loob pa rin siya ng banyo, nag-iisip kung ano
ang dapat niyang gawin, ano ang tama, at kung ano ang gusto niya.

But leaving was not in her option, in any of it. Quitting their marriage was one of
her mistake in the past, at hindi niya gagawin ulit iyon. She had to make amends.

Simula pa lang may kasalanan na siya kaya sila nagkakaroon ng problema ngayon.
Kailangan lang niyang maging malakas. She have to toughen her heart.

Ilang sandali pa ay nahanap na niya ang cellphone ni Sage.

She found it in his study room. Naalala niya lang noong panahon na may pinahanap sa
kanyang isang file.

She looked at his phone and out

of curiosity, she turned it on. Wala pa rin bang password iyon?

Her curiosity poked at her. She swiped it and it unlocked. Mukha niya agad ang
nakita niya noong nasa resort pa sila. A stolen shot of her, laughing and carefree.
A definition of happiness.
Now where did that girl go?

She swiped again and looked into his messages. She saw her name at the top of the
queue. He read her messages, pero hindi ito nagre-reply.

Why Sage? Gusto mo ba talaga akong pahirapan?

Bumuntong hininga siya. Lumabas siya sa messages nito nang mahagip bigla ng mata
niya ang isang pangalan. Nagmamadali siyang bumalik doon.

PJ.

Her curiosity knocked on her again. Binuksan niya iyon at binasa ang usapan nila ni
Sage.

PJ:

I'll look into it. Meet me after two days.

PJ:

100%

Sage:

Are you sure?

PJ:

Pedia charts. Undersigned name, Stella Fé Lagdameo.

Sage:

About what?

PJ:

I found confidential records.

Stella Fé? Bakit nandito ang pangalan ng ate niya? And why were they talking about?
Pedia charts?

Hindi kaya...

Her heart was racing as she kept scrolling higher.

Sage:

Magkita tayo bukas.

Sage:

Send mo lahat ng doctor niya.

PJ:

It says a cesarean cut. Walang records ng bata kung posible iyong iniisip ko.

Sage:
Anong dahilan?

PJ:

Positive.

Sage:

Hospital records. Anything about abdominal sutures?

Kumunot ang noo ni Kyra sa mga nabasa niya. Kung hindi siya nagkakamali, iyon ang
araw ng birthday ni Yana. 03:43 AM. The last night they made love.

Her belly swooped and her heart stopped.

Shit! He saw the scar, didn't he?

Namilog ang mata niya nang ma-realize niya ang huling gabing iyon. She didn't pay
attention to it because she was too overwhelmed to finally hear him speak about his
love. That's why he suspected it.

At si PJ... Ito ba ang tinutukoy ni Sage na kaibigang kausap nito ng buong araw?
Was he a detective? Kung ganoon, hindi nagbibiro si Sage noong gabing iyon?

Her blood ran cold.

What the heck? Why are they looking for her baby? At bakit kasali ang kapatid niya?

=================

Chapter ♣ 42

WHY

TULALANG LUMABAS ng Stanfield Empire si Kyra pagkatapos niyang ihatid ang cellphone
ni Sage kay Nancy. She was still processing everything that she had read.

What's happening? Bakit ang gulo pa rin ng mga nangyayari?

What's Stella got to do with all this? Bakit hinahanap ni Sage ang anak nila?

Could he be...?

Hindi... hindi pwede iyon. Hindi posible. Kahit na gustong-gusto niyang paniwalaan
na buhay pa ang anak nila, kahit pa gustong-gusto niyang ipanalangin na sana...
sana buhay ito, alam niyang wala na. Their unborn child was dead.

But what if he's not? What if...

No. Hindi itatago ng mga kapatid niya ang anak niya. They wouldn't be that cruel to
her, would they?

She stared at the busy street and thought about calling Sage. Pero na kay Nancy pa
ang cellphone nito. She can try and send him a message, pero...

She sighed. She wanted to ask him so bad but she didn't want him to think she's
snooping around his phone or something behind his back.

But then maybe...

Stella Fé Lagdameo.

Maybe she could call her sister. Mas mabuti nang ito ang kausapin niya nang
diretso. Besides the doctors and her father, her sisters stood as witnesses during
her confinement. Sila ang nakakaalam ng buong nangyari.

Mabilis niyang nilabas ang cellphone niya at tinawagan agad ang ate niya habang
nananalangin na sana ay mabigyan na ng sagot ang mga katanungan niya. At sana,
hindi na ulit siya ipagtabuyan ng mga kapatid niya, o ni Sandra.

"Buwisit!" mura niya nang hindi sumasagot

ang Ate Stella niya.

"The number that you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area.
Please try your call later. The number that you have dialed..."

Pinatay niya iyon at inulit ang tawag, pero ganoon pa rin. Walang sumasagot. Bagsak
ang mga balikat na pinatay niya ang tawag. There's no use.

Nag-type na lang siya ng message rito at baka sakaling tumawag ito sa kanya kapag
nabasa iyon ng ate niya.

Kyra:

Ate, gusto kong mag-usap tayo. Tungkol sa anak ko.

She send it and hoped Stella would call her soon.

Naramdaman niyang may basang pumatak sa noo niya at nagsunod-sunod na iyon

pagtingin niya sa madilim na ulap. She realized it was raining. The first rain
after the long summer and drought.

She ran fast to the nearest bus tent. Doon siya nakisilong kasama ang maraming tao.
Sa pinakagilid siya pumuwesto at pinanood ang buhos ng malakas na ulan.

Why do rain make people sad? she wondered. Was it how it darkens the sky before it
pours? Was it the feeling of being cold?

Her father used to tell her when she was little that the sky cried when her mom
died. After that, she had always thought the clouds are sad every time it rains.
And it brought her sadness too.

But now, it brought her grief.

Umuulan din nang mawala ang anak niya nang gabing iyon. She didn't even know what
happened to him when she was unconsciously lying in the hospital bed. The only
memory she had with her son was when she had her first ultrasound check back in
Paris. Tuwang-tuwa pa siya noong malaman niyang lalaki ang magiging

anak niya. She could still remember the muffled sound of his heartbeat... but
they're all a hazy memory now.

Dalawang oras siyang nakaupo sa tent na iyon. Pinanood niya ang ulan hanggang sa
huling patak niyon. Halos wala na ang mga taong nakikipaggitgitan kasama niya
kanina, siya na lang at ang dalawang matandang mag-asawa ang nakaupo roon. Hindi
tulad niya, mukhang tuwang-tuwa ang dalawa sa ulan.

They saw a bus coming and she watched the thin old woman stood up, helping her
husband with his cane. Malaki at mataba ito kumpara sa matandang babae kaya mas
nahirapan itong tumayo. Natutuwa tuloy siyang panoorin ang dalawa. They looked so
sweet and lovely.

Pinapanood pa rin niya ang dalawa hanggang sa pagsakay nila ng bus nang tumunog ang
cellphone niya.

She nervously looked at it, expecting her sister, pero pangalan ni Sage ang
sumalubong sa kanya.

Sage:

Tonight's Mr. & Mrs. Kim 22th wedding anniversary. I already prepared for your
dress, it's in your wardrobe. Get ready by six and I'll send Mang Dante to pick you
up. I'll see you there.

Binasa pa niya ulit iyon ng isang beses. At ng isa pa. Pero hindi nagbago ang
tingin niya. It's still sounded too detached, too impersonal for her.

At si Mang Dante pa ang susundo sa kanya. Why? Because he's too busy he can't go
home for a minute and pick her up?

Siguro nga ganoon, Kyra.

She knew this couple. Nabanggit na sila ni Sage sa kanya noon at alam niyang isa
ito sa mga importanteng investors para kay Sage at sa kompanya nila.

Sa totoo lang, hindi naman mahalaga kung nandoon siya o hindi. Ni hindi niya

alam kung bakit kailangan pa niyang sumama o imbitahan ni Sage. Was her appearance
held any significance to these people?

She doesn't think so. Kung pwede lang na hindi sumama... but appearance is
important to business and business is important to Sage, so...

Bumuntong hininga siya at pinanood ang bus na paalis na.

She's being hard on herself again. Dapat nga siguro siyang matuwa dahil ibinili pa
siya ni Sage ng damit na susuotin niya. He could've not invited her at all if she
wasn't needed, or wanted, right? Kaya bakit siya nag-iisip ng hindi maganda?

She should quit thinking about depressing thoughts because they only lead to
depressive feelings.

Huminga siya at tumayo na para umalis doon. It's already four PM and she will
arrive late if she will ride a bus, kaya magta-taxi na lang siya para mas mabilis
siyang makarating ng bahay. Traffic pa naman kapag ganitong oras.
Ilang minuto na lang bago mag-alas-singko nang dumating siya ng bahay kaya halos
liparin na niya ang hagdan para makaligo at makapagbihis.

Nagpapatuyo siya ng buhok nang makita niya ang medicine kit at naalala niya ang
plano niyang bumili ng gamot sa pharmacy kanina. Siguro ay bukas na lamang siya
bibili.

Pagkalabas niya ng banyo ay tinungo niya ang cabinet niya para kunin ang sinasabi
ni Sage na damit. Nakita niya kaagad ang malaking puting kahon doon.sa ibabaw ng
nakatupi niyang mga damit.

Inilabas niya iyon at ipinatong sa kama. It made her remember the dress she wore
for the white ball. Parang kelan lang iyon...

In a forlorn sigh, she opened the box and saw the most beautiful emerald green

cocktail dress she had ever seen. It made her feel slightly happy, until she saw
the note sitting on the tissue paper nestling the dress.

"Can't wait to see you in this."

-VS.

Nawala ng dahan-dahan ang ngiti niya sa nabasa. It mocked her, because she knew it
wasn't him who wrote it. Hindi iyon ang sulat-kamay ni Sage. And most probably, it
was his secretary who wrote it.

Of course, sino pa ba ang pwede nitong utusan maliban sa sekretarya nito.

Kyra could only smile bitterly at the written message. Nancy's not even aware that
her boss would not tell her those words exactly at the moment.

Pinili na lang niyang isuot iyon at nagmadaling inayos ang buhok.

Sure enough, nandoon na ang sundo niya nang bumaba na siya ng hagdan.

"Magandang gabi, ma'am," bati kaagad sa kanya ni Mang Dante habang nakangiti. She
wondered how long has he been driving for Sage. Mas matanda ito kay Sage at halos
kaedad na siguro ng Papa niya.

Ngumiti na rin siya rito nang makababa siya. "Magandang gabi po, Mang Dante. Kanina
pa ba kayo naghihintay?" She's aware that she's going to be late, but she didn't
mind. Naroon na rin naman si Sage.

"Ngayon-ngayon lang, ma'am." He smiled with appreciation. "Ang ganda niyo po

ngayong gabi. Sayang at hindi si sir ang unang nakasulyap sa inyo."

Natawa siya sa sinabi nito. Boys will always be boys. They're always good at
compliments, but never serious.

"Salamat po," sabi na lang niya at hinanap si Myra. "Matulog ka nang maaga. Baka
gabihin na kami ng uwi mamaya."

"Sige po, ma'am. Ako na po ang bahala rito sa bahay."

Sumunod

siya kay Mang Dante sa labas pagkatapos mag-iwan ng bilin at magpaalam kay Myra.
Rain mist filled the air and the cold seeped into her skin. Kahit sa suot niyang
overcoat, naramdaman pa rin niya ang lamig ng panahon.

"Sumakay na po kayo, ma'am," tawag sa kanya ni Mang Dante.

She slipped inside the car and settled in. Tahimik ang naging beyahe niya. But as
the journey goes, her head was being filled with myriad of noise.

Bumabalik siya sa mga sinabi ni Zeke noon sa resort tungkol kay Sharmaine, sa
usapan ni PJ at ni Sage, at sa mga nabanggit sa kanya ni Sage noon.

He said he did worst things before. What did he do exactly? At bakit hindi niya
naisip na itanong iyon rito noong may tsansa pa siya?

Well...

That was because she was content she didn't think it would matter anymore.

AFTER THE HALF an hour of silent drive, she was finally climbing down the closed
space of the car. Her eye was greeted with a beautiful classic 2 story-house. May
pagka-moderno ang architecture niyon kahit na gawa sa kahoy. Bushes surrounded it
and a wide, green golf lawn.

"Pumasok na po kayo sa loob. Hinihintay na po kayo doon ni sir," ani Mang Dante
nang makababa siya.

Tinanguan lang ito at dala ang kaba sa dibdib niya ay naglakad siya nang mag-isa
papasok sa bahay na iyon.

It was clearly a private celebration. Wala ni paparazzi na nakaabang sa labas at

puro mga security guard lamang na nagroronda ang nakikita niya.

Agad niyang hinanap si Sage sa paligid, nagbabaka-sakaling baka naroon ito sa labas
at hinahanp siya.

"Ma'am, can

I see your invitation?" sabi sa kanya ng babae sa labas.

Medyo nataranta pa siya dahil wala namang sinabi si Sage sa kanya tungol sa
invitation, pero nahanap niya sa pouch niya ang maliit na card na may nakasulat na
'Welcome'. It was Sage's, nahanap niya lang iyon sa tokador niya kanina.

She handed it over and the woman let her in. Mabuti na lang at dinala niya iyon
dahil baka hindi pa siya makapasok kapag nagkataon.

She stepped inside the door and uttered a silent thank you that she didn't trip or
made a fool show to attract the people's attention.

The atmosphere was different from what she had expected though. Unlike the white
ball, this was solemn and small. Marami ang tao, pero hindi gaano. Instead of
glittering gowns and tux, most women wore classic and sleek dresses, not too grand
but very professional. Habang business suits naman ang ilan sa mga kalalakihan.

Pinuno niya ng hangin ang dibdib niya at inisip ang sarili niyang damit. Isn't she
overdressed for tonight?

"Can I assist you with your coat, ma'am?"

Napabaling siya sa lalaking unipormado sa likod niya. Isa siguro itong attendant.

She shrugged her overcoat and handed it to the waiting valet. "Thank you," usal pa
niya rito nang abutin nito iyon.

Now where should she go? Where's Sage?

Naramdaman niya ang pagtahimik ng paligid. Heads were turning to and her skin was
prickling from anxiety. Puro businessman ang mga tao roon. Some were familiar.
Iyong iba ay nakatrabaho na ng daddy niya, whom she had had the chance to get
acquainted to.

But this was the other side of her world-the one

that she had ran away from.

She could feel her insecurity rising up from the questioning looks thrown at her.
Iniisip marahil ng mga tao roon kung ano ang ginagawa ng isang katulad niya roon.
She's not even acquainted with the host.

Sana ay tinawagan na lang niya si Sage bago siya pumasok. Why didn't she do that,
anyway?

Her feet was starting to take a side-step when she felt an iron clad hand on her
back. She almost jumped out but those hand kept her steady. Napalingon siya rito at
halos hindi na siya nakagalaw nang salubungin siya ni Sage ng halik sa gilid ng
labi niya. Yes, she knew it was him. She knew his scent too well.

"You're late," bulong nito bago ito bahagyang lumayo sa kanya.

Her eyes traveled from his face, to his hair, and his clothes, examining him
greedily. He no longer wore the casual business suit he donned on this morning.
Tonight, he was clad in a sleek midnight blue three piece Armani suit that suited
him compellingly, potently, like a tycoon that he was.

Saan kaya ito nagbihis?

"Uhm..." Tumikhim siya at umiwas ng tingin. She's being naïve again. "Inabutan na
ako ng ulan sa daan noong binigay ko iyong cellphone mo kay Nancy kaya late na
akong dumating sa bahay kanina."

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Sage at umigting ang panga nito na para bang hindi nito
nagustuhan ang nangyari sa kanya. Sa kanya ba dapat ito magalit dahil umulan?

"You should've called." Dumiin ang kamay nito sa beywng niya.

She almost snorted. "Busy ka nga 'di ba?" Kaya nga si Nancy ang naghanap ng damit,
naggsulat ng note, at kumuha ng cellphone nito.

Pati si Mang Dante, kailangan ito pa ang sumundo sa kanya dahil masyado itong busy.
She get it.

"Pwede kong utusan si Mang Dante na puntahan ka."

"Hindi na. Kaya ko namang magtaxi ng mag-isa."

Humarap ito sa kanya. "Are we going to fight about this?"

Tinitigan niya ang madilim nitong mukha, at noon lang niya napansin. She could see
the lines straining on his face that weren't there before. He's got dark and tired
mark under his eyes too, but they could be easily ignored when he turned his
mesmerizing gaze on.

Was he getting enough sleep? Kung iisipin, halos late na itong umuuwi ng bahay at
bago pa siya magising ay wala na ito sa kama.

She sighed and dropped her irritation. Ni hindi niya alam kung saan nanggagaling
ang pagkakairita niya. Kanina lang, gusto niyang tumakbo palabas dahil sa kaba. She
was even feeling so depressed this afternoon.

Pero may dahilan iyon.

She was about to ask him about PJ and the messages when someone called Sage's name.
And then, a middle-aged man armed with a beautiful woman in lavender knee-length
dress appeared beside them. Nakangiti ang dalawa sa kanila ni Sage.

"Vaughn, is she the one?" anang lalaki. Mukha itong koreano; singkit ang mata
matangs ang ilong at matalas ang panga kahit na may edad na at medyo malaki ang
katawan.

Nagatatakang napatingin siya kay Sage. He drew her closer to him, avoiding her
eyes.

"Yes, sir." Sage smiled. He looked very pleased. "This is my wife, Kyra Steele.
Kyra, meet Mr. and Mrs. Kim. The hosts of the night."

Humalakhak ang lalaki at naglahad sa kanya ng kamay kaya inabot niya

iyon kahit na tulala pa siya dahil sa binanggit ni Sage. Parang ibang tao ang
pinapakilala nito, pero alam niyang siya iyon.

"It's very pleasing to finally meet the wife of this young man," sabi ni Mr. Kim sa
kanya. "I thought he'd never find a woman who's good enough for him. Lahat na lang
yata ng babae ay inayawan na niya. But, well, as I always tell him, no man is an
island. Someone's bound to catch his eyes and eventually, his heart." Bumaba ang
tono ng boses nito at may kahulugang nginitian siya.

For one thing, Kyra did not expect he could speak Filipino fluently. The rest of
his words, she tried to forget.

Ngumiti rin siya nang makawala sa pagtataka niya. "I'm also happy to meet you, Mr.,
Mrs. Kim. Thank you for inviting us here," aniya habang kinakamayan ang asawa nito.
She looked like a Filipina.

"Of course, you are always welcome, hija," nakangiting sabi ni Mrs. Kim at tumingin
kay Sage. "Your wife is very beautiful, Vaughn. Isn't she, hon?"

"She is," sang-ayon naman ni Mr. Kim at tinapik ang balikat ni Sage. "You did well,
young man. And I think she's a gem."

Sa gilid ng mga mata niya ay nakita niya ang pagsulyap sa kanya ni Sage. "She is,
sir. She's a jewel I can't afford to lose."

Her smile wavered. Hindi niya mapigilang lingunin ito at salubungin ang malambong
nitong mga mata. But it only lasted in seconds and he was turning his head away
from her again before she could hold onto him.

What's this, Sage? Is this for a show?

"How long have you been married?" tanong ni Mrs. Kim.

"Over four years." Sage did the math. Kaya

hindi niya ulit mapigilang magulat. That long? Pero sa loob ng pata na taon na
iyon, they had spent their marriage life wide apart.

"Ang tagal mo na palang kasal. I don't remember you mentioning her." Kunot na ang
noo ni Mr. Kim pati na rin ang asawa nito.

"I kept my personal life private, sir. Kaya hindi alam ng marami na kasal ako."

Bigla na naman itong humalakhak. "I see. So that was why you dodged women like
plague because you were married, huh." Tumango-tango pa ito na para bang may
inaaprubahan ito. "Kung sa bagay. Hindi rin maganda na pinapakialaman ng publiko
ang pribadong buhay ng isang tao. That's good. Napatunayan mo lang na loyal ka sa
asawa mo."

Kyra kept her smile on her face and tried not to look at Sage. She admit, she had
loyalty issues. Hindi nawawaglit sa kanya ang makaramdam ng guilt sa tuwing napag-
uusapan iyon, lalo na sa harap nila ni Sage.

"How many kids do you have now? I'm sure, they look lovely as both of you!"

Lalong dumiin ang ngiti niya sa sinabi ni Mrs. Kim. How long does she have to
endure this?

She heard Sage gave a deep laugh. "Well, we don't have plans to have kids yet," he
said and that, for her, felt like a salt over a fresh wound.

This seemed to be a big mistake, coming here. But it's late for the regret now. She
already had the bruises inside her-and it was only the beginning of the evening.

"Bakit hindi?" parang desmayadong tanong sa kanya ni Mrs. Kim, pero imbis na siya
ang sumagot, sinalo siya ni Sage.

"She's been in Paris since the beginning of our marriage because of her
apprenticeship,

while I'm here, kaya gusto ko sanang magkaroon muna kaming dalawa ng oras bilang
mag-asawa."

Mr. Kim tapped Sage's shoulder again. "You make me feel old." Tumawa pa ito. "Pero
mabuti rin naman iyong ganyan. Taking everything slow. Hindi ganoon kadali ang
magkaroon ng pamilya, I tell you. Dapat ay pareho kayong handa. Physically,
mentally, emotionally, and financially."

She kept her smile on her face. Hindi niya alam kung ano pa ang ginagawa niya roon,
kung bakit pa siya nakikinig sa mga ito. Siguro kaya siya pinapunta ni Sage sa
party na iyon ay dahil dito. Because no one tortures cruelly like the society.

"Ngayon, hindi ka pa ba buntis, hija?"

Kyra felt her spine stiffen, but she quickly hurled her suspicions away, and smiled
uneasily. "I don't think so..." she said but she was already doing some counting in
her head.

"Marami pa namang oras. You're still young. Just remember that babies are
blessings."

"Of course, they are," sang-ayon ni Sage at tiningnan lang niya ito.

He was smiling down at her as he held her close to him. She was trying to look
through him, see what was running in his head when he said that. But she was just
staring into a wall of unreadable face.

Iniisip ba nito ang anak niya...?

Nakakatawa. Dahil kahit siya ay nahihirapan na ring sabihin ang salitang nila.

"Hon," bumulong si Mrs. Kim sa asawa anito at may itinuro sa bandang likod nila.

"Excuse us, may kailangan lang kaming batiin," paalam bigla ni Mr. Kim sa kanila.
"Vaughn, let's have that talk later. I need your team." Tumamgo lang si Sage rito.
"Mrs. Steele, it's a pleasure meeting you again."

"Ako rin po." Ngumiti siya sa mag-asawa, hanggang sa sila na lang ni Sage ang
nakatayo doon. She turned to him as soon as she dropped her smile.

"We?" Hindi niya napigilang hamunin ito. Ni minsan ay hindi niya sinabi kay Sage na
ayaw niyang magkaanak, na hindi pa siya handa. When did she give that impression
for him to decide for them?

Sage looked at her in complete indifference that chilled her stomach. "Why, do you
want kids?"

"Ikaw ba hindi?"

"I don't want them. Not now."

Nakagat ni Kyra ang labi niya. She bit it hard to keep herself from feeling that
blow. Pero hindi niya nakayanan. She turned around and walked away from Sage and
his words that felt like a brutal punch.

Dire-diretso siyang naglakad palabas at hindi pinansin ang attendant na nadaanan

niya. Wala siyang pakialam kung wala siyang panangga sa lamig. She felt too cold
inside to even feel the cold.

Hindi niya maintindihan. Bakit? Bakit kailangan niyang magtiis? Bakit niya
tinatanggap ang sakit? Bakit niya ito hinahayaan?

Was she this weak? Dahil ba alam niyang may kasalanan siya? Is it because she knows
she deserve it?

Just as his metaphor goes, she handed him the gun. And tonight, he just pulled the
trigger on her.

But why? Why did he do it when he promised he would never hurt her? Why did he have
to shoot her on her weak spot?

Why, Sage? Why?

=================

Chapter ♣ 43

HURT

KYRA ALMOST stumbled from the stairs just to get away from that place. Gusto niyang
umalis doon at kung pwede, gusto niyang umuwi na. Pero biglang may humigit sa braso
niya at umikot siya pabalik. Sage's harsh face came in view, his chest was
breathing heavy and deep.

"Let me go," mariin niyang sabi sabay higit sa braso niya pabalik.

Her arm slipped from his grip and took that chance to get away from him. But she
didn't make that far before Sage seized her again, spinning her around.

"Sage, pwede ba!" singhal niya. Napapansin na sila ng mga security sa labas, at
pati ang babaeng nagche-check ng invitation ay halatang nakikiusyoso na rin sa
kanila.

Napapikit siya at pinilit na huminahon. She tried to pull away from his hold but he
was closely restraining her with his both hands.

"Hayaan mo na akong umalis, Sage."

Tumalim ang mga mata nito kasabay niyon ang pagdiin ng mga kamay nito sa kanya.
"You will stay here."

"Stay?" Dumaan ang pait sa dibdib niya at hindi niya mapigilang lumabas iyon sa
boses niya. "Bakit pa? Para ipahiya mo ulit ako, ganoon ba?"

His face tightened visibly from anger and censure. "You're here because I need you
with me, not because of what you think."

Need her? Liar! And he probably think she would believe him.

Napailing siya habang pinupunasan ang halos hindi pumapatak na luha niya. She could
only feel grateful that nobody's out there to witness how miserable she felt.

But maybe he does need her to play the happy wife and pretend they're a happy
couple. That she's a

jewel he couldn't afford to lose.

A bitter smile that mirrored her bitter feelings crept on face. "So what? Do you
want me to pretend that we're okay? Ganoon ba ang gusto mo? Gusto mong magkunwari
ako na hindi mo ako binabalewala sa tuwing ako ang may kailangan sayo? Ang unfair
mo naman, Sage. Hindi pa ba sapat na nagsinungaling ka kanina?"

"Hindi ako nagsinungaling at hindi ka aalis dito nang hindi ako kasama!" Halos
magkadikit na ang mga ngipin nito sa pagpipigil na hindi makagawa ng ingay.
Does she frustrate him that much?

"Nakalimutan mo siguro na pinasundo mo lang ako. I came here with your chauffer,
Sage. So I'm leaving this place with him," she said with conviction.

Kita niya ang pagtiim ng panga nito maging ang pagpipigil nito ng galit. His nose
was flaring, his eyes went darker and his lips thinned. At sinalubong niya ang mga
titig nito nang hindi kumukurap. She could still feel the wet trail of her tears on
her lashes.

Bigla itong tumalikod at naghilamos ng mukha. Nakikita niya ang frustration nito
habang nakatalikod ito sa kanya, takip ng isang kamay ang mukha. Her heart was
pouring with so much emotion right now that she had the urge to reach out to him
and hold him. But she felt all over the place.

Nagpakawala ito ng isang napakalalim na hininga at nagbaba ng kamay saka kalmadong

humarap sa kanya.

Pagod ang mga mata na tumitig si Sage sa kanya. Maamo at mapupungay. "Don't pick a
fight, Kyra. Huwag ngayon. Huwag dito. So please, I'm asking you to calm down and
stay."

The fact that he looked pleading and sounded tired at the same

time made her change her mind. But it could've been better if he just simply asked
what upset her so much. At least, she knows he still care. At least... he could
make her feel secure.

Pero iyon nga... he did not ask. Just that simple thing, and it could've made a big
difference.

Bumuntong hininga siya. Pakiramdam niya nawawalan na siya ng pakialam. Nawawalan na

siya ng gana. She suddenly felt drained and tired.

Nakakapagod din palang magalit, lalo na kung mahalaga sayo ang taong kinakagalitan
mo-lalo na kung wala rin itong pakialam sa nararamdaman mo.

"Please," ani Sage.

Bumalik ang mata niya sa bahay. If Sage really needs her to be here tonight for
him, then she can stay. Kaya niya, kahit na ayaw niya. That's how a wife should be,
right? Be supportive and understanding-no matter how crappy it sounded.

She looked back at him and met his expectant eyes. "We haven't been using
contraceptives, you know," she told him slowly, as if that didn't bother her at
all. Even just a little. "I wasn't on the pill... and you didn't use anything."

His eyes grew hard and calculating. Kyra could already see him thinking
possibilities. And the rejection she saw didn't even surprised her.

Kahit ganoon ay nagawa pa rin niyang ngumiti. "Naisip mo ba iyon bago ka nagsalita
ng tapos? Paano kung may nabuo, Sage? Iisipin mo pa rin bang hindi sayo iyon?"

Honestly, she expected him to deny it, or that he'd reject the idea and the
possibility of having a child. Pero hindi niya inasahan ang paglambot ng mukha
nito.

"Are you..."
"Sage!"

Napatingin siya sa lalaking

nakatayo sa labas ng pintuan ng bahay. "Mukhang hinahanap ka na nila. You should

go," udyok niya rito nang hindi ito umaalis sa harap niya. "Don't worry. Hindi ko
sinasabi na buntis ako, Sage. I'm just saying that at least, I know what you think.
You don't want kids," aniya at pasimpleng humakbang paatras mula rito.

Sage had his eyes still locked on her and she could see he wanted to talk, but it
was a bad timing. Bumaba pa ang lalaki at tumakbo palapit sa kanila. He tapped
Sage's shoulder and smiled at her.

"Hey, the team's ready. Naghihintay na si Mr. Kim sayo," sabi ng lalaki.

Nauna siyang naglakad pabalik sa loob. Alam niyang nakasunod lang si Sage sa likod
niya hanggang sa pagpasok nila.

Parang hindi naman napansin ng mga tao ang nangyaring pagwa-walk-out niya kanina.
Parang walang nangyari. The only difference now is, even girls were staring at her.
Iyong iba ay nakilala na niya noong white ball, pero hindi na niya maalala ang mga
pangalan ng mga iyon.

Nagtataka marahil ang mga ito kung bakit siya ulit ang kasama ni Sage ngayong gabi.

"Mauna ka na, Andy. Susunod ako."

Napalingon siya kay Sage. Nakatingin din ito sa kanya na parang hindi siya
nilulubayan ng mga mata nito mula pa kanina. Why, was he afraid that she would
suddenly bolt again and leave him?

"Okay. Magsa-start ang meeting in five minutes."

Umalis na ang lalaki at hinawakan siya ni Sage sa beywang niya para hindi siya
makaiwas nang lumapit ito sa kanya.

He no longer looked grim or stiff or apathetic. He was suddenly Sage-the husband

she thought she had lost nights ago. The

man who said he loved her.

Masusuyo ang mga titig nito katulad noong nasa resort pa sila. The way he looked at
her made her feel like a future he wanted to live.

Did he change his mind now after what she said?

Hinawi nito ang buhok niya at hinawakan ang pisngi niya habang nanatili ang isang
kamay nito sa beywang niya. "Antayin mo lang ako. And then we'll talk about this at
home."

Tumango siya. "'Wag ka nang mag-alala. Hindi kita tatakbuhan."

Bahagyang umangat ang labi nito. "Thank you. That would help me focus."

Hindi siya nagsalita nang humalik ito sa noo niya. She could feel he was reluctant
to leave her, but he must. May naghihintay rito.

He let her go and soon, he was climbing the stairs and he was gone.
She sighed. Now what should she do?

She looked around her and she had a sinking feeling that there was nobody in this
room that she would really want to talk to. She knows how these people think.
They'd only engage a conversation with you either because of your net worth or your
influence in the business and politics. And she definitely don't want to talk to
girls who only want information about his husband.

"Hija!" Lumapit sa kanya si Mrs. Kim na ngayon ay mag-isa na lang din. "Kumain ka
na ba?"

Honestly, hindi pa siya nakakaramdam ng gutom. Pero umiling pa rin siya.

"Kumain ka na. Marami ang pagkain doon. Halika at sasamahan kita."

"Salamat po."

Sumunod siya rito patungo sa malawak na dining area at saka lang niya naramdaman
ang pagkalam ng sikmura niya nang malanghap niya ang iba't ibang klaseng putahe.

"Go on and eat. Masasarap

lahat iyan."

"Mukha nga po." Ngumiti siya kay Mrs. Kim at kumuha na ng plato.

"O sige, hahayaan na kita diyan. Che-check ko muna kung may kailangan sila sa
itaas."

Tumango lang siya habang nakangiti. She seemed like a domesticated wife. Naisip
tuloy niya ang sarili niyang ina. Was she that domesticated too? Maybe. She
supported his father as a wife. She even sacrificed her dream for him.

Thinking about it made her realize how unfair it was. Kung sana sinuportahan din ng
Papa niya ang gusto ng Mama niya, then she wouldn't feel unfulfilled and depressed.

Pero sapat na ba iyon? Sapat na bang dahilan iyon para iwan ng Mama niya ang mundo?
Wasn't his father's love enough? Their marriage? Silang mga anak nila?

"Kyra?"

Napalingon siya sa katabi niya nang marinig ang pangalan.

"Xyrus?"

He's wearing white blazer, black V-necked inner shirt and black trousers. Nakangisi
ito at katulad ng huling pagkikita nila, he still looked like a man ready to chase
some undies.

"So, hindi nga ako namamalikmata kanina. You're here." Kumuha ito ng isang mansanas
sa fruit basket at kinagatan iyon. Hindi niya ito pinansin at naghanap na lang siya
ng mauupuan.

"Bakit mag-isa ka lang dito? Nasa'n si Sage?"

Nilingon niya itio nang sumunod pa rin ito sa kanya. "May meeting sila."

Tumango-tango ito habang ngumunguya. "I see. Ayun, may bakante dun."
Kinunutan niya ito ng noo. Did she invite him to sit with her?

"Halika na, kung ayaw mong kumain nang nakatayo."

Nagbuga siya ng hininga at sumunod na lang rito. He's right. Wala nang bakanteng
mesa kundi ang pwestong tinutukoy nito.

Well, mabuti

na rin 'to, Kyra, kesa ibang tao ang makasama niya.

"How's your restaurant? Ang sabi ni Janet, ready na raw kayo sa opening," tanong
agad sa kanya ni Xyrus pag-upo niya.

"Next week."

"Did you like the furniture?"

Tiningnan niya ito. "Sa inyo iyon?"

"I personally designed them."

Tumango lang siya at tahimik na kumain. She's impressed. Magaganda ang mga design
nito at matibay ang materials na ginamit. And he was right, mura pa rin ang benta
nito kumpara sa ibang nagbibenta.

"Dapat nga siningil kita ng mas mahal. But Janet was a good dealer so..."

Hindi niya napigilang matawa rito.

"Salamat," sabi na lang niya.

"Pare! Andito ka lang pala."

Biglang may dumating na grupo sa mesa nila. Tatlong lalaki at isang babae. They all
looked friendly kaya nginitian din niya ang mga ito.

"May date ka pala kaya ka nagtatago sa 'min," sabi nong babae.

Tumawa si Xyrus. "Kyra, meet the gang." Nagsimula ito sa katabi nito. "This is
Dominic Torres, Fillip Cortez, William Greene, and Selene Penida. Guys, meet Kyra.
Sage's wife," he finished, grinning.

Katulad ng mga ito, pati siya ay nagulat. How did he know that?

Xyrus glanced at her fingers and then gave her a wink. Napatingin din siya sa kamay
niya at sa singsing niya. Oh... kaya pala.

"No joke?" gulat na hinampas ni William si Xyrus. "Wow!"

Nginitian lang niya ang mga ito. Kung tingnan siya nang mga ito, pakiramdam niya
para siyang isang science experiment. Or a mushroom that suddenly popped out of
nowhere. It was really awkward.

Well, this is what she gets when she agreed to keep

their marriage a secret.

"Hi, Kyra. I'm Fillip," nakangiting sabi ni Fillip sabay abot ng kamay nito pero
sinuway ito ni Xyrus.

"Gusto mong masuntok ni Sage?"

"More like fire him," ani Selene.

"Unfair talaga ang mundo," sabi naman ni Dominic. "Bakit hindi ako nakakahanap ng
katulad niya?" Umiling-iling pa ito. "Ma'am, may kapatid po ba kayo?"

Kyra smiled. "Meron."

"Talaga?" tanong agad ni Xyrus.

"Oo. Kaya lang may mga asawa na sila," aniya at natawa sa mga itsura nito.

"Wow! I didn't know Sage was married..." ani Selene habang nakatitig sa kanya.
Though she's not looking at her like the other jealous girls did, Kyra could still
see the envy on her face.

Well, who wouldn't want Sage as a husband?

"I didn't see that coming too. Last time I checked, he was single," ani William.
Napansin ni Kyra ang British accent nito. "But if I were him, I would probably wear
a tag that says I'm married. I mean, you're so lovely. Right mate?"

Natuwa si Kyra habang pinapakinggan niya ito. It reminded her of France and the
English people she met. Siguro ay may pagka-half ito dahil mas angat ang pagkapinoy
sa itsura nito.

"But I really thought he'll end up with Sharmaine."

"Come on, Dom. Si Sharmaine?" ani Selene.

"Why not? They always work close together. Sinabi pa nilang engaged sila dati 'di
ba."

"Shh! Ang ingay mo talaga!" Hinampas ni Selene si Dominic at saka nag-aalalang

tumingin sa kanya ang iba.

Ngumiti lang siya. "Alam ko na ang tungkol diyan kaya ayos lang. Sage already
explained it to me."

Oh, what a pity.

That's what they must be thinking right now.

Tonight, she was stuck up to look like a naive wife, a stupid one.

Who cares? This is her being a supportive wife. So she has to suck it up. Kaya niya
'di ba?

Nakipagkuwentuhan pa ng ilang sandali ang mga ito sa kanila bago siya tuluyang
nakakain ng maayos.

Meron pang lumapit sa mesa nila at nagpakilala sa kanya. Xyrus kept introducing her
as Sage's wife and they all had the same reactions. Tumatawa at ngumingiti pa rin
siya kahit na pagod na ang panga niya.
"Okay ka pa?" tanong ni Xyrus nang dalawa na lang sila.

She gave him a pointed look. Does she look okay to him?

"Hey, you want to do something fun?"

"Kung paiinumin mo ako, salamat na lang."

"Trust me, ayokong mabugbog ni Sage." Tumawa ito at tumayo. "So, are you coming?"

"Saan?" She was already standing up. Wala naman siyang gagawin habang naghihintay
kaya sasama na kang muna siya rito.

"I promise, masaya 'to."

THEY ENDED up playing chess. Nagulat pa siya nang biglang naglabas ng chess board
si Xyrus mula sa isang mesa sa drawing room ng bahay.

Kaunti lang ang tao roon sa una hanggang sa sila na lang ni Xyrus ang naiwan.
Masyado pa siyang nawili na halos hindi na niya namalayan ang oras. She didn't even
remember she was upset earlier that night.

She actually missed playing chess. Madalas nilang nilalaro iyon ng Papa niya noon.
They would sit in their front porch and play the whole afternoon.

They were good times. Good memories she shared with her father.

"Damn! I can't believe you beat me

for the third time!" napapalatak si Xyrus habang tawang-tawa siya.

"Hindi ka naman yata marunong maglaro nito e."

Nagmukha itong defensive. "I know how to play. Magaling ka lang talaga... Shit!
Nasasaktan ang ego ko."

She laughed again. Nakakatuwa rin pala si Xyrus kahit papaano.

"Isa pang round."

"Sigurado ka?"

He was already arranging his black chess pieces. Inayos na rin niya ang kanya.
She's white. Madalas noon sa kanya ang glass pieces habang sa Papa niya itim. Sa
tagal na niyang hindi naglalaro, hindi na niya alam kung saan na nilagay ng Papa
niya ang chess board nila. Baka nawala na.

"Ako una."

"Okay," she shrugged. Tiningnan niya si Xyrus nang hawakan nito ang isang pawn sa
gitna.

"Hm... no. Not that." Ang pawn sa glid naman ang hinawakan nito at inusog iyon sa
unahan.
She moved her rook.

"Ayan ka na naman e," reklamo ni Xyrus kaya tumawa ulit siya. Para itong bata. Nag-
uumpisa pa lang ang laro pero kung makareklamo ito parang natatalo na ito.

"Iyong totoo, marunong ka bang maglaro?" aniya.

Sumimangot ito nang makain niya ang isang pawn nito. "We should play something
else."

"Ayaw mo na?"

"Natatalo mo na nga ako o."

"OA nito. Isa pa lang nakukuha ko sa chess piece mo. Sige na, last na."

Bumuntong hininga si Xyrus. "Sige na nga. Last na 'to, at dapat ako ang manalo."

She chuckled. He was doing all the wrong moves. Hindi niya alam kung sinasadya
nitong magpatalo o hindi lang talaga ito magaling maglaro.

Napalingon sila sa bandang pintuan nang makarinig sila ng isang tikhim.

Sage was

standing there with his stoic face, his disapproving look was disturbing her peace.
Kyra chose to ignore it.

"O, pare! Kumusta ang meeting?" Tumayo si Xyrus nang humakbang si Sage papasok.

"Fine," he answered grimly and stood in front of her. "Andito ka pala. I've been
looking for you outside."

Tumayo na rin siya at inayos ang damit niya. Nakita niya ang paglalim ng kunot ng
noo ni Sage nang mapansin nito ang puting blazer ni Xyrus na nakabalot sa balikat
niya.

"We just played chess."

Tumaas ang kilay nito sa kanilang dalawa. His eyes glimmered with interest. "You
play chess?"

Nagkibit siya ng balikat. "Matagal na," aniya saka hinubad ang jacket ni Xyrus.
"Salamat."

Xyrus smiled proudly. "You should try playing chess with her. She's good."

But Sage didn't seem to share his pride. Pinapaandar na naman nito ang kakitiran ng
utak nito.

Pwede ba. She's been waiting for hours. What was she supposed to do? Curl her hair
with her fingers? Count her sighs?

"Uuwi na ba tayo?" tanong na lang niya rito.

"Uuwi na kayo? Ang aga pa a."

Masamang tiningnan ni Sage si Xyrus. Kinabahan siya bigla.

"It's fine. Pagod na rin kasi ako." She tugged at Sage's arm. "Tara na."

"Well, good night, then. Kita na lang tayo bukas, pare."

Bumuntong hininga siya nang hindi man lang sumagot si Sage at nauna nang maglakad
palabas.

"Salamat ulit."

"Next time. Babawi ako sa susunod."

She just rolled her eyes on him. "Mag-practice ka muna," aniya at tinalikuran na
ito. She found Sage standing on the door and impatiently waiting for her

Nilagpasan

niya ito at naunang lumabas pero mabilis din siyang naabutan nito. Everyone was
bidding them goodbye as soon as they saw them and Sage was just quietly nodding his
head in farewell. Siya lang yata ang nakakaramdam sa galit nito. It was quite
palpable in his silence.

He could fume in rage but she was done understanding him. She's tired of dealing
with his irrational jealousy.

Someone walking down the stairs caught her eyes and just then, all her thoughts
flew out of her. She didn't even realized she was slowing down until she stopped
walking and just stared at Sharmaine.

What is she doing here?

Tinitigan niya ito. She was wearing a cream brown jumpsuit, her short bob hair was
shielding half of her face, but Kyra could see the way her eyes roam around the
room as though she was looking for someone. And then she her eyes stopped at hers.
And Sage.

Tumayo ito nang matuwid at dahan-dahang bumaba ng hagdan. She walked over them
purposefully and Kyra just waited for her to come close, her eyes narrowing. She
could feel her blood was brewing for this woman.

Nilingon niya si Sage at parang walang pakialam itong nakatingin kay Sharmaine
hanggang sa nasa harap na nila ito.

So, bati na ba silang dalawa?

"May problema ba?" tanong ni Sage. His tone was all business like.

Sharmaine glanced at her. She still wore that cool face, all her sharp angles
looked even more prominent. She turned to look at Sage and leaned closer to him to
whisper something. Mabilis na napunta sa kanya ang mga mata ni Sage.

Pinigilan ni Kyra ang sariling huwag kumurap, suminghap, ni huminga. She

clenched her teeth hard beneath her calmer lips and remained unaffected. Pinigil
din niyang iwasan ang mga mata ni Sage, kahit na nababasa na nito sa mga mata niya
ang dumadaang emosyon sa dibdib niya.

She just can't believe him. It's wrong to blame one person. Hindi rin naman lalapit
si Sharmaine rito kung hindi nito hinahayaan. Fine, so she's his attorney. But that
doesn't give her some rights to treat her that way.
She's her employer's wife. Someone should slap that on this bitch's face. She
wished Sage have the balls to do it.

Tumango si Sage pagkatapos bumulong ni Sharmaine at hindi pa rin ito tumitingin

kahit noong nagpaalam ito. His eyes were still trained on her and he wore that look
when he saw her watching Sharmaine hugging him and kissing him back in the resort.

If he thinks she's jealous, well, he's wrong. She's annoyed. Sumasakit ang ulo
niya, ang dibdib niya, at gusto na lang niyang magpahinga. Pagod na pagod na siya.

Umalis siya sa harap nito at nagpaalam na kina Mr. Kim at sa asawa nito.

Tahimik ang naging beyahe nila. Pagpapasok pa lang niya kanina sa kotse, pumuwesto
na siyang matutulog. She didn't want to talk to him, kahit na ramdam niya ang galit
nito. She could feel him cooking up a fight. Puwes ayaw niya.

She just can't blow up. She'd break if he pushed her too far.

Nagtatanggal na siya ng seat belt habang nagbubukas pa lang gate. And soon, she was
bolting out. Inunahan niya itong pumasok ng bahay at dire-diretso siya sa kuwarto
nila.

She could hear him behind her. Padabog ang bawat galaw nito at lalo siyang
nakakaramdam ng iritasyon.

Tinapon

niya ang clutch bag niya sa kama at hinubad ang stilettos niya at sinunod ang mga
hikaw niya.

Biglang bumukas ang pintuan at pumasok doon si Sage.

"Dammit!" biglang asik nito habang marahas na kinakalas ang necktie sa leeg nito
pati ang butones ng damit nito. He looked so livid.

Saglit itong tahimik na para bang naghahanda sa paparating na away nila bago
naglabas ng galit.

"What a move, Kyra. What a fvcking move! Nawala lang ako ng ilang sandali..." He
breathed to rein his temper. "I told you to keep away from him!"

O, so he was back at being the possessive husband, is he?

Tinitigan niya ito sa salamin. "Well, I'm sorry if you didn't like it. I was bored.
Wala akong kilala sa mga tao doon. And Xyrus was kind enough to entertain me.
What's wrong with that?"

"What's wrong? I'm feeling fvcking jealous! That's what's wrong! There are hundreds
of people in there. Bakit hindi ka pumili ng isa sa mga iyon?"

She really wanted to skip this part, pero wala na. She just can't swallow this
shit.

Naiinis na hinarap niya ito. "At ano naman ang pag-uusapan namin, Sage? You want me
to tell them how we ended up together instead of you and Sharmaine?"

Pagod na hinawi niya ang buhok niya, pati paghinga napapagod na din siyang gawin.
Ang sakit nang huminga lalo na kung naninikip ang dibdib niya.
"Hindi ko alam kung bakit nandoon ako. I could've stayed here and tell you I'm not
feeling okay. Pero inisip ko na sana ngayon gabi..." Napailing siya sa sarili
niyang katangahan. "God, I let myself look like a fool! And all you think about is
your ego?"

Hindi niya mapigilang

matawa nang pagak. All the pent up bitterness she was feeling was suddenly rising
up and she couldn't stop them from flowing.

"You ignored me the whole day. You don't talk to me for days. You barely look at
me, you can't even touch me. And then you told me you don't want kids... hindi ka
pa nakontento, malalaman ko pa na bati na ulit kayo ng Sharmaine na iyon? Wow,
Sage. Just wow. You exceed my expectations."

Nilagpasan niya ito para pumunta sa banyo pero nahagip nito ang braso niya.

"Don't walk out on me, Kyra," he warned in clenched teeth.

Dahan-dahang hinarap niya ito. Looking at his savage face this close was
staggering. His anger was so insurmountable, she could see that. And it made her
wonder what could break it. Hindi lang iyon dahil sa selos. His anger was coming
from something else.

Luigi. And her bad choices. Doon nanggagaling ang selos nito. Her mistake took a
deep root in him that made him hard to trust her again. That anytime, someone can
take her away from him.

A thorn tweaked at her heart, poking right where her sleeping guilt was hiding.

"Hanggang kailan, Sage..." bulong niya at huminga para pigilan ang sakit sa
lalamunan niya. "Alam ko, galit ka pa rin at gusto mo akong saktan dahil sa mga
nagawa ko. Kay Luigi... ang paglilihim sa anak natin. Alam ko lahat iyon. Pero
hanggang kailang ko dapat patunayan ang sarili ko sayo? Anong gusto mong gawin ko,
hmm? Gusto mong makinig ako sa masasakit na salita mo? Sige. makikinig ako."

Tumulo na ang mga luha niya at hinayaan na lang niya ang mga iyon.

"Go on and do it, Sage. Hurt me all you want. Tatanggapin ko naman e. Tatanggapin
ko hanggang sa mawala na iyang galit mo. But what about me, Sage? Have you thought
about me? Did you even think what I feel? Gusto ko ng anak, Sage. Gusto ko ng
masayang pamilya. Pero hindi ganoon kadali iyon, 'di ba? Kasi galit ka pa rin sa
ginawa ko. Bumabalik iyon pa rin iyon sayo at sa huli, ako ang sinisisi mo kahit na
alam mo na ang totoo."

She clenched her fist and laid it on his chest. She meant to punch him and hurt
him, pero hindi niya kayang gawin iyon.

"Ito ba ang gusto mo, Sage? Sige, gawin mo. Just hurt me selfishly. Just hurt me if
that makes you feel happy."

Hinawakan ni Sage ang kamay niya. His eyes were red. Hindi niya alam kung dahil sa
galit o dahil umiiyak ito. He gently took her hand off him and took a step back.

Umalis ito sa harap niya at maya-maya ay narinig niyang sumara ang pintuan.

In that silent, gloomy room, she stood shaking with only the cold darkness
embracing her.
=================

Chapter ♣ 44

NOAH

"MA'AM, LALABAS po kayo?"

Inayos ni Kyra ang sling bag sa balikat niya at nagpatuloy na bumaba ng hagdan. Sa
dilim ng salamin niya ay nakita niya si Myra na lumabas mula sa kusina at sumunod
sa kanya patungong sala.

"Oo. May bibilhin lang ako sandali pero uuwi rin ako kaagad."

"Gagamitin niyo po ba iyong puting kotse sa labas? Iniwan po kasi ni Mang Dante,
para raw po magamit ninyo sabi ni sir."

Natigil siya sa pagsuot ng jacket niya at sinulyapan ang likod ng pintuan kung
nasaan nakasabit ang mga susi.

Bumuntong hininga siya at inayos ang buhok niya. "Ang sir mo, kumain na ba?"

"Opo. Pero nagkape lang po siya kanina. Mukha nga po siyang walang tulog e."

"Anong oras siya umalis?"

"Maaga po. Mga alas-sais nga po nagpapaluto na siya ng pagkain para paggising
ninyo, makakain na raw po kayo."

Sage did that?

He's probably feeling guilty. Or maybe he wanted to make it up to her. Iniisip

siguro nito na magiging maayos na ang pakiramdam niya kapag nagpakita ito ng
concern.

Well, whatever.

Tinungo niya ang pintuan at kinuha ang nakasabit na susi ng kotse ni Sage.

"Hindi po ba kayo kakain muna?" Sinundan pa rin siya ni Myra kahit na papalabas na
siya ng bahay. But she didn't slow down. Pinaandar na niya ang nakaparadang puting
Ford Mustang Convertible.

"Mamaya na lang pagdating ko," sabi niya kay Myra habang naghihintay ito sa may
pintuan.

"Sige po."

Binuksan niya ang kotse at pumasok sa loob. She waited for a while before turning
the engine on. Naninibago siya dahil

noon lang ulit siya nakasakay ng kotse na siya ang magmamaneho.

She took off her dark glasses that was hiding her puffy eyes. They still felt sore
and gritty after last night. Buong gabi siyang umiyak hanggang sa naubos na lahat
ng luha niya at napagod na ang mga mata niya sa pag-iyak. Dahil doon kaya siya
nakatulog sa kabila ng nararamdaman niya.

Last night, she felt like it was the end of the world for her. That the harsh
reality of life was ripping her hope away from her and she can't do anything to
fight back.

Bagsak na bagsak ang katawan niya at ang bigat ng puso niya. She slept feeling like
that. Hindi niya sigurado kung nananaginip lang ba siya kagabi, o kung totoong si
Sage iyong tumabi sa kanya habang natutulog siya. But she saw him. And he was
saying something she couldn't understand nor remember.

She sighed and started to back the car nervously and steady as she can. Automatic
na nagbukas ang gate nila at ilang sandali lang ay nasa kalsada na siya.

She just wanted to forget last night. Masyadong mabigat ang nangyari. She still
carry the heaviness of yesterday, but she also knows she can't let one of her feet
buried deep under thr ground. Her life will not end after everything that happened.
Hindi pa katapusan ng mundo para sa kanya. Besides, at the end of the day, kasal pa
rin sila ni Sage. They're still husband and wife.

But wasn't that why she was having this loads of pain inside her? They're married
but she felt like they're boyfriend and girlfriend who's on the verge of breaking
up.

She knew she must fight. She have to so they could save themselves from

reaching that point. Hindi naman talaga maiiwasan na magkalamat ang isang relasyon.
There's no such thing as perfect relationship. There's no love if there's no pain.
There's no smiles if there's no tears. And there's no strength if there's no
weakness. Everything has crooked edge.

Hindi araw-araw masaya. Minsan, kailangan din nating makaramadam ng lungkot at

sakit para matutong lumaban at maging matatag. Para protektahan at ipaglaban kung
ano ang meron tayo, kung ano ang mahalaga.

Pero sapat ba? Sapat na ba kung siya lang ang lumalaban para sa kanilang dalawa
habang ang isa, parang bumibitaw na?

Isang kamay ang bumaba sa tiyan niya at hinaplos iyon habang nakatutok ang mga mata
sa daan. Hindi niya makalimutan ang sinabi ni Mrs. Kima kagabi.

What if she's pregnant?

She had irregular periods, kaya hindi na siya nagtataka kung bakit late siya ng
tatlong buwan. Pero hindi ba ganoon din ang nangyari sa kanya noon?

And those early headache that kept her from bed all morning? Hindi naman siguro
dahil buntis siya kaya siya nahihilo, hindi ba? Hindi naman siya nagsusuka. Pero
ganito rin ang nangyari noon. She had been feeling sick she thought it was beacuse
of stress.

Hindi niya alam kung tama ang hinala niya, but she can't pass up on this one. She
can't make the same mistake twice.

If wishes do come true, she will wish for this gift.

ISANG MALALIM NA hininga muna ang ginawa ni Kyra bago niya inabot sa pharmacist ang
listahan ng kukunin niya.

Ilang saglit lang ay bumalik na ang babae at binilang ang babayaran niya. Nang
makabayad

na siya ay agad siyang bumalik sa kotse at umuwi.

Limang PT kit ang binili niya para makasigurado siya. Gusto niyang gawin iyon bukas
ng umaga pagkagising niya. Sabi ng doctor niya noon sa Paris, mas accurate daw
kapag sa umaga niya ginawa ang test.

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang aasahan niya. Iniimagine pa lang niya ang dalawang
pulang linya, bumibilis na ang tibok ng puso niya.

Pero hindi niya dapat pangunahan ang mangyayari. Expecting something that won't
happen will only disappoint.

Isang busina ang ginawa niya nang tumapat siya sa gate pagdating niya ng bahay.
Iniisip niyang pumunta ng Juliette pagkatapos niyang kumain mamaya. Kahit na masama
ang pakiramdam niya, kailangan pa rin niyang asikasuhin ang restaurant. It's one of
the few things she look forward to.

Si Myra kaagad ang nakita niya nang bumukas ang gate. She drove in and parked the
car in the front lawn. Pinatay niya ang makina at magkasabay na binuksan ang
pintuan at tinanggal ang susi sa ignition.

Lumapit kaagad sa kanya si Myra pagkababa niya ng sasakyan. "Buti dumating po kayo
kaagad, ma'am."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit?" tanong niya at sinara ang pintuan.

"May naghihintay pong bisita sa inyo sa loob."

Bisita?

Her eyes flew to the front door, thinking who might her guest be, when the door
burst opened and there came out a little boy.

"Tita!" he squealed when he saw her and he spread his little arms wide while
running towards her excitedly.

"Mico." Umuklo siya para salubungin ang pamangkin niya at niyakap niya ito ng
mahigpit. "Ang laki mo na, baby," aniya habang

inaayos ang pawisin nitong buhok. He looked so much like her sister. Siguro ay ang
hugis lang ng mukha ang nakuha nito sa daddy nito

Anim na buwan na rin niya itong hindi nakikita pero parang ang tangkad na nito para
sa edad na limang taon.
"Sinong kasama mo? Si mama ba?"

Tumango ito. "Opo. Nasa loob po siya."

Tumingin siya ulit sa may pintuan at nakita niya roong nakatayo at nakahalukipkip
ang Ate Stella niya.

"Halika." She scooped her nephew up and carried him with her. "Myra, pakikuha ang
mga gamit ko sa loob ng kotse. Pakipasok na lang sila sa kuwarto."

"Opo, ma'am."

Nilapitan niya ang kapatid niya. Besides their phone calls, pagkatapos ng birthday
party ni Mico six months ago, ngayon lang ulit sila nagkita ng ate niya. Pero hindi
rin naging maganda ang huling pagkikita nilang iyon.

Siguro ay nandito ito dahil sa text niya kahapon. But why does she have a bad
feeling about this?

"Ate," bati niya rito.

Hindi ito ngumiti o humalik o yumakap sa kanya. Bumalik lang ito sa loob habang
nakahalukipkip pa rin.

"Paalis na sana ako kanina."

Sumunod siya rito. "Uh... may binili lang ako sa labas sandali."

Umupo ito sa sofa at tinawag ang pamangkin niya. "Mico, baba ka muna. Kakausapin ko
lang si Titat Kyra."

"Kiss ka muna, baby," aniya bago makababa si Mico. Masunuring humalik naman ito sa
pisngi niya at saka dumausdos pababa sa kanya.

She watched him skitter away from her and ran outside the door. Nakita niyang
bumaba si Myra galing sa taas kaya tinawag niya ito.

"Myra, pwede bang ikuha mo muna kami ng maiinom?

Tapos bantayan mo si Mico sa labas."

"Sige po, ma'am." At pumasok na ito sa kusina.

Nakatingin lang sa kanya ang ate niya habang umuupo siya sa kaharap nitong maliit
na sofa. Kalmado ito at mukhang hindi galit. She expected she would be, after
selling the house to Sage. Katulad ni Sandra ay nagalit din ito sa ginawa niya. At
hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nila napag-uusapan ang tungkol sa bagay na iyon.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit ito biglang bumisita at napasugod sa bahay nila, pero
may kutob siyang hindi dahil doon kaya ito bumisita ngayon.

"Hindi ko nasagot ang tawag mo kahapon dahil busy ako at kailangan kong i-off ang
cellphone ko. Kumusta?" tanong sa kanya ng kapatid niya.

"Ayos lang." She looked around and found there was just the two of them. "Si Ate
Sandra?"

"She's in rehab. Nagiging malala na ang pagiging alcohol dependent niya kaya
kailangan ko siyang ibalik doon."
Nagulat siya sa narinig niya. "Kailan pa siya nandoon?"

"Last week," sabi nito na parang kibit lang iyon ng balikat. "Are we going to talk
about Sandra or your concern? Marami pa akong gagawin."

Right. There's no time for pleasantries and polite conversation. It's time for
truth. Isa pa, gusto na rin niyang malaman ang nangyari.

"Bumalik na ba ang mga alaala mo?" direktang tanong nito. Seryoso itong nakatitig
sa kanya habang naghihintay ng sagot niya. She nodded mutely.

Stella's eyes slightly widened from surprise and they turned doleful. "Kailan pa?"

"Last week lang," aniya. Last week lang pero parang walang nagbago. Hindi, mali.
May nagbago.

Everything got worse.

"So you remember him, kaya ka nag-text at tumawag sa'kin."

Pumintig ang puso niya at tumango siya. "May mga bagay lang akong hindi
naiintindihan. Gusto kong malaman kung ano ang nangyari sa anak ko, ate. Kaya kita
gustong kausapin."

Huminga ito ng malalim at napatingin sa likod niya.

Myra appeared with a tray on her hands. Tahimik nilang pinanood ito habang
nilalapag nito ang mga baso, ilang biscuit at muffins, at isang pitsel ng orange
juice.

"Salamat, Myra."

Magalang itong tumango ito at umalis na para iwan sila ulit ng kapatid niya.

"Sinubukan kong kausapin si Ate Sandra pero galit na galit siya, ayaw niya akong
sagutin, ayaw niya akong kausapin. I still don't remember what happened that day.
Ang alam ko lang, naaksidente ako. And then I woke up..." Tumigil siya at huminga
para pakawalan ang tumataas na pagkadesmaya niya sa mga nanagyayari. Kailangan
niyang kumalma at huminahon.

"Ate, kayo lang ang pwede kong tanungin sa nangyari sa anak ko. Kahit si doc,
walang binanggit sa akin tungkol sa bagay na iyon." Which was strange.

Dapat ay bago siya lumabas ng ospital ay nabanggit na sa kanya ng dotor niya ang
tungkol sa anak niya. But he never told her anything.

Umupo ng matuwid ang kapatid niya at pinagsiklop ang dalawang kamay nito. She
looked determined and hesitant at the same time-as though she was battling from
something inside her. Sa huli ay pinili nitong salubunging ang mga mata niya.

"I guess I owe you an apology."

Kinabahan siya sa paraan ng titig nito sa kanya. "B-bakit ate? Anong ibig mong
sabihin?"

Ano

ang kinalaman ng ate niya sa anak niya?

Stella drew a deep struggling breath and looked at her with troubled eyes. "I was
the one who told your doctor not to tell you anything about your pregnancy your
baby. Kinausap ko si Doc. Sanchez na huwag munang sabihin sayo, not until you
remember. We didn't think telling you would be best. It wouldn't help your recovery
at that time. Pwedeng mas ma-depress ka kapag nalaman mo. So we kept it
confidential. Pero ngayong alam mo na, I might as well tell you what happened."

Her hands clenched on her dress. She swallowed, her heart was up on her throat. She
felt like she's sitting over the edge of her seat-falling down, but the gravity
won't let her. Tinatagan na lang niya ang sarili niya sa maari niyang malaman.

"The night you had the accident," simula ni Stella, "hindi kaagad sinabi ni Papa sa
amin. Alam mo naman si Papa. Wala siyang tiwala sa akin, o kay Sandra. He was
scared we would take the company away from him, because it turned out, his trusting
daughter fell unconscious. Ikaw na sana ang magiging head and CEO ng kompanya sa
mga panahong iyon. Kaya nilihim niya sa amin."

Napansin ni Kyra ang kirot sa boses nito at ang pait sa mukha nito habang
binabalikan nila ang alaala ng Papa nila.

"He thought if you take his place, malulutas na ang problema ng kompanya. But the
takeover was unstoppable. Wala nang magagawa si Papa kundi ang ibenta ang shares
niya. Pero ayaw niya. And then suddenly, he went MIA for two days. Hindi siya
nagpakita sa board meeting at hindi rin sinasabi ng assistant niya kung nasaan
siya. We were worried

about him. Sinundan namin siya noong isang gabing umuwi siya. And that's how we
found out."

Pinaglalaruan nito ang mga daliri nito saka bumuntong hininga. The sadness and pity
was stark on her sisters face-a discovery she didn't expect.

She thought her sisters were the first people who would laugh and be glad about her
accident. But the grief she was seeing was genuine. Stella was a picture of a
concerned big sister. And it brought her tears, to know that for once in her life,
after all the anger they had invested on her, they cared.

"You looked bad," umiling-ilit ito. "Very bad. The accident almost ruined you,
Kyra. You had broken ribs, your head was pretty bad... at hindi ko lubos maisip na
nakayanan ni Papa na ilihim sa amin ang kalagayan mo. I know we've been hard on
you. Kami ni Sandra. Inaamin ko naman iyon na naging masama akong kapatid sayo,
because I was jealous. But I'm not a monster. I don't want anything bad to happen
to you, ganoon din sa pamangkin ko."

She kept her eyes trained on her sister's face and watched her cry for the first
time, kahit pati ang mga luha niya ay nagingilid na rin.

"Pero kahit na wala ka ng halos malay, your baby was alive, Kyra."

"What..." It was almost a whisper. Nanghina siya bigla sa narinig. Her hope was
shooting up the sky, it filled her chest so quick she thought she'd explode.

"The doctors actually thought it was a miracle. Pati spinal cord mo naapektuhan,
but still, the baby survived the crash." A proud tiny smile appeared on her face.

"Nasa'n na siya, ate?"

God! Where is her son? Sino ang kamukha niya? What's

his name? How old is he now? Three? Four?

"Ate, please! Tell me, where is he?" she cried frustratingly when Stella stayed
silent.

Tumayo ito nang mahinahon at umupo sa tabi niyang sofa. Halos hindi na siya
makahinga sa bilis ng tibok ng puso niya.

May kung ano itong hinanap sa bag nito at isang papel ang nakita niyang hawak nito.
Stella turned to her with a heartbreaking smile as she handed her the picture.

Nanginig ang kamay niya nang makita niya ang laman ng litrato. It was a picture of
a small newborn baby inside an incubator. Balot ng puting tela ang maliit na
katawan at nakapikit ang mga mata.

"I took a picture of him. Para kapag nagising ka, makita mo siya. Papa called him
Noah. From your name, Noelle."

Noah...

Her son... he existed while she was deep in coma. Nabuhay ito sa kabila ng
aksidente. He tightly held onto her-inside her. He survived.

A small laugh came out of her mouth against the tears she was shedding. "Ang liit
niya."

Her sister smiled. "He was a beautiful boy," malumanay na sabi nito. "He was
premature, that's why he needed to be incubated. 6 months pa lang siya."

"Six months?"

Tumango ito. "Akala namin aabot siya ng full term sa loob ng tiyan mo. We actually
prayed he would. But it was impossible. After your first month of confinement, the
baby's health was starting to deteriorate, kasabay ng katawan mo. Dad decided to
take him out because that was the only choice we had if we want your baby to
survive."

That's why she had the cut across her stomach. "Pero nasa'n na siya ate? Nasa'n si
Noah?"

Malungkot

na ngumiti si Stella at dahan-dahang umiling. Her eyes were telling her the words
she was not willing to hear. Pain slowly swallowed the hope that was filling her.

"He didn't make it. The doctor said he had weak lungs. Pati resistensiya niya
mahina rin. We buried him beside mom's after two weeks."

Napahawak siya sa dibdib niya at hindi niya mapigilang suminghap. She felt as if
someone had robbed her happiness away from her, wrenching it painfully from her
chest. she felt like her world ha

Stella quickly touched her hand. To give comfort. To tell her she's there. But Kyra
couldn't feel her warmth. Her eyes weren't even tearing-but she could feel her
whole body was crying.

"I'm sorry we had to keep it a secret, Kyra. Masyado kang depress noon nagising ka.
You kept screaming and hurting yourself. Ni hindi mo kami makilala. Telling you
your baby and knowing his death could've worsen your condition..."

She just nodded her head numbly and felt her hand tightened on hers.

"I'm very sorry you lost him. I'm also a mother, that's why I can understand how
you feel. Hindi man ako nawalan ng anak... pero nawalan ako ng pamangkin. Bilang
kapatid, nasaktan ako sa nangyari sayo."

"Salamat ate..." aniya nang mahanap niya ang boses niya. "Thank you for telling
me."

"I might have been very hard on you, at totoo, nagagalit kami ni Sandra dito sa
ginawa mo. Selling this house to Sage was a serious mistake, Kyra. He's our enemy.
He was the reason Papa lost the company. Pero sana, sana hindi mo pagsisihan itong
ginawa mo. You're grown up now. Wala na si Papa para protektahan ka. You have

to stand up on your own now. And I hope, I really hope you did the right choice of
trusting him again."

Pero hindi na niya naintindihan ang mga sinabi ng kapatid niya. Her brain felt
frozen. Hinatid niya ito sa labas nang umuwi ito at kinawayan din niya ang
pamangkin niya habang papalabas ang mga ito ng gate nila.

She walked up to her old room and closed the door. Umupo siya sa kama niya at
tinitigan ang litrato ng anak niya. Si Noah...

Bakit ganoon? Bakit ganito?

Bakit kailangan pa nitong mabuhay kung ganoon din ang nangyari sa anak niya? Bakit
kailangan pa niyang mabuhay para lang maranasan lahat 'to?

Isang luha ang pumatak mula sa mata niya. Strange sounds came out of her in a
strangled sob. Her throat hurt and her chest burns. Akala niya hindi na siya iiyak
sa dami ng iniyak niya kagabi. Pero habang nasasaktan siya, may luha pa rin siyang
ilalabas.

NARINIG niyang bumukas ang pintuan at pumasok ang ang ilaw sa madilim na sulok ng
kuwarto niya. She heard a deep sigh and a low masculine voice.

"Bakit nandito ka?"

Hindi lumingon si Kyra at hindi rin siya sumagot. Nanatiling nakayuko ang ulo niya,
tahimik na nakatitig sa maliit na litratong hawak niya.

She couldn't even recognize what she feels. She didn't know if she's hurting or if
she wanted to cry. Para ng isang malaking butas ang dibdib niya.

Naramdaman niyang may umupo sa tabi niya. Something stirred inside her when she
smelled his perfume. Pero agad din iyong nawala. It was the darkness that was
pushing it down.

"Maagang natapos meeting namin ngayon," sabi ni Sage.

Yeah, well... she had no surprise dinner for him tonight. Or maybe she has.
"Hindi ka pa raw kumakain sabi ni Myra."

She could see him removing his tie around his neck. She looked up and looked out
the window and up into the dark sky.

"Gabi na pala," wala sa sariling sambit niya.

Naramdaman niya ang patanggal ni Sage sa hawak niya. Tiningnan niya ito at
pinagmasdan ang tiim na tiim nitong bagang.

"Is he..." he croaked and swallowed down.

She had to look away from him because looking at him was stirring something inside
her again. And she was not ready for it yet... again.

Tumango siya. "Siya si Noah.... Iyon ang pinangalan sa kanya ni Papa."

"Noah..." Sage breathed his name like a salvation. A prayer.

Nanikip ang dibdib niya. "Kinunan siya ng litrato ni Ate Stella, para raw makita ko
siya noong pinanganak siya. They all thought he could make it... Just as he
survived the crash. Pero..." Lumunok siya. Ang hirap pa rin sabihin. Ang hirap
isipin. Ang hirap tanggapin.

Pero kailangan, kahit mahirap. Kahit masakit.

Sage dragged a shuddering breath beside her. "I'm... I'm sorry I doubted him," he
said, his voice raw and rough. "And you. Ang gulo ng isip ko noong gabing iyon,
hindi ko alam kung saan ako magagalit. I know it was wrong to take it out on you. I
was so stupid... but in the end, I was only mad at myself."

Pinakinggan lang ni Kyra ang mga sinasabi nito. Sa una, hindi pa niya maintindihan
ang sinasabi nito. Parang nilamon na ng lamig ang uutak at buong katawa niya.

Sage suddenly rubbed his face with his harsh hands

and ran them on his hair. "God knows I wanted to be fvcking rational about this.
Pero pagdating sayo, laging nauuna ang emosyon ko. I can't seem to control myself.
You're right. I was fvcking selfish. Hindi ko naisip kung ano ang nararamdaman mo.
Ang inisip ko lang, iyong galit ko, iyong nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko naisip ang
nararamdaman mo, lahat ng pinagdaanan mo." He sighed weakly. "I don't know... the
past caught up with me and I lost it."

"Yeah... you're selfish. Sinabi mo noon na hindi na mahalaga ang nakaraan. Pero
hindi mo pa rin ako napapatawad sa ginawa ko," mahinahong sabi niya.

"It's hard to forget. Masyado akong nasaktan noon. My life had been at a rock
bottom since you left me."

And hers was worse than hell. It was worse than death.

Naratay siya sa ospital ng ilang buwan, nang hindi man lang nalalaman na ang anak
niya, lumalaban para mabuhay. And she was still unconscious when they were burying
him. Ni hindi siya nagkaroon ng pagkakataong magluksa.

Maybe now she was mourning.

But why does it feel like she's the one dying? Is this how death feels? You're
slowly crippling away. Emotions were running and fleeing way from you until you're
just a body of complete void? Of nothingness? Just the feeling of exhaustion eating
you away, your soul and you just want to drift into a deep slumber?

Namayani ang katahimikan sa pagitan nila hanggang sa muli itong nagsalita at

tumayo.

"Halika na, kumain ka na."

She saw him keeping the picture inside his pocket from his reflection in the
window.

"You said you don't want kids," pigil niya rito. "Kung sakaling

buhay siya, tatanggapin mo ba siya?"

Muli itong umupo sa tabi niya. "What kind of question is that? Of course I would.
Anak ko siya. Akin siya."

"But you said he's not. You called him a bastard," aniya habang hindi ito
tinitingnan.

"I didn't. I called that fvcking chef a bastard."

She smirked. "So you believe me now?"

"If you tell me the moon is red, I'd believe you, Kyra," mariin nitong sabi at
tuluyan siyang napangiti.

"Pero bakit hindi mo ginawa noong sinabi ko sayo na hindi si Luigi ang ama?"

Hindi agad ito nakasagot. Yeah... he was guilty, alright. He was guilty that's why
he was being nice again.

Hindi niya napigilang tumawa ng bahagya kahit na hindi naman talaga siya natutuwa.

"You shouldn't say words you don't mean, Sage. You shouldn't say words you can't
keep. Because they end up harmful like a stabbing blade. And it hurt..."

Hinawakan ni Sage ang magkabilang balikat niya at pinaharap siya nito bigla. She
stared at him.

"Fvck!" he muttered.

Bigla siyang kinarga ni Sage. She wondered what was he doing but she just kept
silent.

Hindi niya alam saan siya nito dadalhin. He walked out of her room and strolled,
carrying her, back inside their bedroom. Dire-diretso itong pumasok sa banyo at
pinaupo siya sa toilet bowl. Narinig niyang may binuksan itong gripo at muling
bumalik sa kanya.

He took his shirt off and discarded it on the floor.

"Hands up," utos nito pero itinataas na nito ang blouse niya. Kinalas nito ang hook
ng bra niya at tumingin ito sa mata niya habang binababa ang strap. She let him
remove her bra.

His jaw tightened when he revealed her breasts and felt their tips tightening from
the cold. Hinila nito ang siko niya patayo at saka ito lumuhod sa harap niya. Sunod
nitong ibinaba ang pantalon niya kasabay ang undies niya.

She watched his eyes turned a shade darker, his nostrils flaring when she stood
naked and cold in front of him.

"Sage, what are you doing?" tanong na niya nang kargahin ulit siya ni Sage. His
arms were flexing beneath her thighs and back, they felt like warm steel against
her skin.

"Papaliguan ka."

"Why? Do I smell?"

Nalukot ang mukha nito. "Hell no! You're in shock!" he said in controlled voice as
he gently lower her down the water-filled tub.

Medyo nahigit pa niya ang hininga niya nang maramdaman niya ang tubig. But it was
warm enough. Pumikit siya nang palibutan siya nang tubig. It somehow soothed her.

Mayamaya ay naramdaman niya ang pagpasok ni Sage sa likod niya. Mabilis siyang
nagdilat ng mata at lumayo pero maagap siyang pinigilan ni Sage.

"Don't move," he said as he slid down behind her, stretching his muscular legs
beside hers. Pumatong ang mga kamay nito sa bandang tiyan niya. She felt him
stirring against her behind and she tensed.

"It's alright. I just want to hold you," he breathed close to her ears.

Tumango siya at pinakawalan ang pinipigilan niyang hininga. She settled against him
and thought how they fit so perfectly to each other.

Her stiffness didn't last for long, kaya hinayaan niyang sumandal sa katawan ni
Sage. Nararamdaman niya na ang pagbigat ng talukap ng mga mata niya. She felt so
tired

she just wanted to sleep.

"How are you feeling?" tanong ni Sage sa likod niya. His hands were roaming subtly
on her skin, on her ribs, shoulders and neck. It wasn't for seduction. Gusto lang
siguro nitong tanggalin kung anuman ang nakita nito kanina.

Pumikit siya at humilgg sa dibdib nito. "I feel tired..."

"Are you... tired of me or you're just tired?"

Umangat ang sulok ng labi niya at dumaan sa isip niya ang mga nagdaang gabi. Parang
wala lahat iyon sa nararamdaman niya ngayon.

Iyon na nga... wala siyang nararamdaman ngayon.

"I cooked for you, you know..." she said with her closed lids. "Hinintay kita para
sabay tayong kumain. Pero hindi ka dumating. Kaya tinapon ko na lang ang mga
pagkain."

Tumigil ang isang kamay nitong nagmamasahe sa leeg niya. "Sorry..."

Bakit ka ba sorry nang sorry? Kung paulit-ulit mo lang naman akong ssinasaktan?

Gusto niya sanang sabihin iyon, pero para saan pa? Nangyari na lahat. Nasaktan na
siya at umiyak.

"I'm sorry I avoided you intentionally, but I didn't ignore you," sambit nito na
halos pabulong sa likod ng tenga niya. "I could never ignore you." Narinig niya
itong tumawa ng bahagya. And then he fell silent.

She felt him tracing her spine and it only heightened her sense of drowsiness.

"Ang totoo niyan..." dahan-dahan nitong sabi. He sounded almost hesitant. "Hindi ko
lang magawang tumingin sayo pagkatapos ng ginawa ko noong gabing iyon. I was feral.
I couldn't imagine forcing you like a beast. I was disgusted to myself."

"Kaya hindi mo na ako..."

"That's why I tortured myself to get up early, work all day and go home late. Pero
pagdating ko naman sa opisina, ikaw pa rin ang laman ng isip ko. I can't focus on
anaything. I walk like an empty bottle with your name stuck inside my head. You're
all I think about. And every day, I scold myself how stupid I am for doing that.
Hindi dapat kita pinuwersa dahil lang sa galit at selos ko. Alam ko namang sinabi
mo lang iyon dahil nagalit ka sa sinabi ko."

Listening to him made her realize one thing. They love each other, and they ruin
one another because of it.

How miserable does that sound?

"Sage..." inaantok na tawag niya rito.

"Hmm?"

"Inaantok na ako."

Gumalaw ito sa likod niya at umahon. He pulled her out too and started drying her
off with a towel and wrapped a robe around her. Tahimik lang ito hanggang sa
kinarga na ulit siya nito palabas ng banyo.

He laid her down the bed and climbed in next to her. He spooned her back and she
slept with his finger playing with her ring. That was the last thing she remembered
before waking up the next morning.

=================

Chapter ♣ 45

COLLIDE

SHE STEPPED out of the bathroom with her head floating, her brain processing what
was happening―what was about to come.

Umupo siya sa harap ng tokador niya at matagal na tinitigan ni Kyra ang pulang
linya sa pregnancy test stick na hawak niya. Sa isang mahabang sandali, habang
pigil niya ang hininga, tinitigan lamang niya iyon hanggang sa unti-unting
bumibilis ang tibok ng puso niya, ganoon rin ang paghinga niya.

She looked at the box again and read the directions and indications. One red line
means negative. Two means she's pregnant. It was clear.

And she was staring at two red lines.

Huminga siya ng malalim at ng isa pa. She knew what this could mean. And she was
already getting her hopes up high again, even when it was just her first try.

God! This is really happening... she's pregnant... she's having a baby!

Nagising siya kanina na halos wala sa sarili, bitbit ang plastic na puno ng PT na
binili niya kahapon mula sa pharmacy. She walked around like a dead air, a balloon
that floats wandering around the room. Ganoon halos ang pakiramdam niya nang
magising siya.

But as she looked at herself now, sitting down in front of her vanity mirror-as she
stared on her face, in her eyes, Kyra could see the light. The faint glow
enkindling the death of her spirit. Herself.

Napapikit siya at umusal ng pasasalamat. God is good. Siguro ito ang kapalit ng
nawala sa kanya. A new chance to be a mother. To right her mistake. To take another
chance.

Another Noah...

No. Hindi niya kayang palitan si Noah sa buhay

niya. Noah existed and she couldn't just pretend that he didn't. He lived and he
will always be her angel up above. But this baby she will have... this will be her
key to a life that she didn't had the chance to have before.

Nagmulat siya nang mata nang maalala si Sage. He said he didn't want kids. But
maybe he changed hus mind, right? Nasabi lang siguro nito na ayaw nito dahil
inakala nitong kay Luigi si Noah. But last night, she vaguely remember what he
said.

Pero kung ano man ang pananaw nito tungkol sa bagay na iyon, whether he changed his
mind or he didn't want to have a family yet... she need to tell him.

She wouldn't make the same mistake twice. He's the father and he have the right to
know. But... would he be thrilled just as how thrilled she feels?

Feeling hyped and lifted, she decided to cook that lunch for Sage. Pwede niyang
dalhin ang pagkain sa opisina nito mamaya, and maybe tell him the news?

Nasa ganoong pag-iisip siya nang pumasok si Myra sa kusina dala ang telepono.

"Ma'am, may tawag po kayo."

Masayang inabot niya iyon nang hindi nagtatanong. "Hello?"

"Good morning, Ma'am Kyra," bati nang nasa kabilang linya. She immediately
recognized Nancy's voice.

"Ready na po ang mga applicants ninyo. Pinahanda na po ni Sir Sage ang lahat at
kayo na raw po ang bahalang pumili. Ngayong hapon na po ang interview at demo
nila."

Nakunot ang noo niya nang matandaan ang napag-usapan nila ni Sage noon tungkol sa
schedule ng interview. She was so emotionally unstable kaya nawala sa isip niya.

"Sige, papunta na ako," aniya at ibinigay kay

Myra ang hawak niyang sandok para ito na ang mag-stir ng niluluto niya.

Tiningnan niya ang relo pagkababa niya ng telepono at nakitang alas-unse pa lang.
She still have two hours before the first interview starts. Nagmadali siyang naligo
at nagbihis para mas maaga siyang makarating sa Juliette.

"Myra, saan ang susi ng kotse?"

"Sa likod lang po ng pintuan-ah, ma'am! Sabi nga po pala ni sir na kung lalabas po
kayo, tawagan niyo na lang daw po si Mang Dante para siya na magmaneho sa inyo."

Kinuha niya ang susi sa likod ng pintuan. "Hindi na. Kaya ko na." Makakaabala pa
siya kay Mang Dante at baka ma-late siya sa schedule niya.

"Sige po. Ingat po kayo."

Pinanadar niya ang sasakyan at ilang minuto lang ay nasa labas na siya ng gate ng
bahay. Hindi pa rin siya komprtable sa pagmamaneho niya ulit pero masasanay naman
ulit siya. Hindi lang niya mapigilang hindi makaramdam ng kaba habang nakaupo siya
sa likod ng manibela dala ng nangyari sa kanya noon.

Huminga siya ng malalim at isang maliit na ngiti ang gumuhit sa labi niya. She
can't wait to share her good news. Siguro matutuwa din sina Kylie at Yana sa balita
niya, apti na rin siguro ang mga kapatid ni Sage, lalo na si Serena. She could see
how much she love kids.

Nasa makipot na siya ng daan nang biglang kumidlat at bumuhos ang napakalakas na
ulan. She turned the wipers on while muttering disappointment under her breath.

Why did it have to rain now? Kung kailan nagmamadali siya?

Naramdaman niya ang pagdulas ng daan kaya binagalan niya ang takbo niya. The road
was quickly coated with water.

Pinahinaan niya ang aircon at umupo ng maayos. Darkness quickly shadowed her.

Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white. She
didn't like the feeling being cooped inside the small space of the car, driving,
while it rains outside.

The rain made her feel nervous.

Tiningnan niya kung nasaan na siya at napabuntong hininga nang makitang hindi pa
siya nakakalabas ng makipot na bahagi ng highway. The road was curvy and if she
remember it right, marami ang sharp curves sa daang iyon.

Huminga siya nang malalim para kastiguhin ang sarili niya. Hindi naman siguro
mauulit ang nangyari noon, hindi ba? Kailangan niyang mag-relax.

Amidst the loud noise of the rain, she heard her phone ringing. Tiningnan lang niya
iyon sa cellphone holder at hindi na iyon pinansin. Ayaw niyang mawalan siya ng
kontrol sa manibela dahil nagiging mas madulas na ang daan sa lakas ng ulan.

Nakahinga lang siya nang maluwag nang makitang nasa may crossroad na siya. Konti na
lang at nasa main highway na siya. She stepped on the break when she saw the red
stoplight.

Kahit wala naman masyadong kotseng dumadaan ay pinili niyang huminto para tingnan
kung sino ang patuloy na tumatawag sa kanya.

Sage calling...

Mabilis niya iyong sinagot, tahip ang dibdib at pigil ang hininga. "Hello?"

"Where are you?"

Her heart constricted when she heard the concern in his stern voice.

"Papunta na ako sa Juliette ngayon."

"Are you driving?"

"Oo. I used your car," she answered and heard him muttered a curse. "Bakit?"

"Stop the car and don't drive

until the rain stops."

"Ha? Pero hindi ko pwedeng paghintayin ang mga aplikante."

"They can wait, Kyra," mariin nitong sinabi. "Just stay put, okay. Masyadong
malakas ang ulan."

Tiningala niya ang ulap pero halos natatakpan na ng fog ang salamin niya. Pinunasan
niya iyon gamit ang kamay niya at bumuntong hininga. The raindrops were beating her
car down.

"Fine," sabi na lang niya. Mas mabuti na rin iyon kesa may mangyari pang hindi
maganda.

"Good," Sage breathed as if he was relieved by what she said. Nag-aalala talaga
siguro ito sa kanya. "Ingat ka."

Her conscience tapped on her. Should she tell him now?

Medyo nagulat pa siya nang marinig ang pagbusina ng kotse sa likod niya. Saka lang
niya nakita kanina pa pala naka-Go signal ang stoplight.

"Sige, ipapark ko na 'to." Hindi na niya ito hinintay at pinatay na niya kaagad ang
cellphone niya para makausog na sila.

She shifted the gear and moved the car while looking for a place to park, but the
rain was too hard she could hardly see. Kumakapal pa rin ang fog sa salamin ng
sasaknyan kaya pinunasan ulit niya iyon gamit ang kamay niya at pilit na inaaninag
ang daan.

Pero bigla ay isang kotse ang sumalubong sa kanya. Nang dahil sa gulat ay mabilis
ang naging pagkabig niya ng kotse at naramdaman niya ang pagdulas ng gulong sa
daan.
She avoided the possible collision but she didn't realize she was turning into a
blind curve. Muli niyang kinabig ang manibela para iwasan ang pagbangga niya sa mga
puno. But because of the slippery road, she lost control of the wheel. Umikot ang
kotse niya at sunod niyang narinig

ang napakalakas na busina sa mga paparating na koste.

Her mind shut as she watched everything spun around her, visions swirling in her
head. She saw herself, younger and devastated, the years that were lost in between.
And then a wail of a baby resounded in her head and it struck her like a lightning
bolt, kicking her adrenaline up, galvanizing her to move.

Inapakan niya nang mariin ang break at pumikit habang patuloy na umiikot ang
paligid niya.

The car finally stopped. Her chest was heaving, her trembling fingers cold, and her
body shaking.

She stared blankly, shell-shocked, at the fences that was dividing the road and the
downward cliff ahead of her. But she couldn't care less about that because the only
thing that was running in her head was the same rainy night-the missing puzzle from
her memory that had killed her then.

ILANG LINGGO na siyang nakabalik sa Pilipinas galing Paris simula noong malaman
niyang nagdadalalng tao siya. She came home, gave up everything, her dream, all the
sufferings she had endured just to get where she was because of her child and Sage.

For her family, she was more than willing to start from scratch and sacrifice what
she thought was worth giving up just to have the family she wanted to fight for.
Dahil na-realize niya na may mas mahalaga pa kesa sa pangarap niya.

Alam niyang galit sa kanya si Sage, at hindi na niya pwedeng palalain ang distansya
nila. Hindi niya hahayaang mas lumayo ang loob nito sa kanya. Not when they were
having a baby.

Kaya nang malaman niyang umuwi na ng Pilipinas si Sage galing Australia

ay kaagad niya itong kinontak. She tried coming to his office pero lagi itong wala
at hindi rin siya pwedeng makipag-usap rito kung wala siyang direct appointment sa
secretary ni Sage. That was his world. Strict and forbidden.

Kaya hanggang tawag na lang siya at text. Pero katulad noong nasa Paris siya, babae
pa rin ang sumasalo sa tawag niya at sinasabing ayaw makipag-usap sa kanya ni Sage.

Napapagod na siya sa ginagawa niya, na pulit-ulit na lang siyang iniiwasan ni Sage.

Hindi naman pwedeng palaging ganoon na lang sila. Lalo na ngayong magkakaanak na
sila.

She had other options. Pwede niyang sundin ang payo sa kanya ng mga kapatid niya.
Isa na doon ang paglalantad sa publiko tungkol sa totoong relasyon nila at sabihing
siya ang asawa ni Sage. She just have to call a journalist and show him her
marriage certificate and her belly. That's it.

Pero hindi niya ginawa iyon dahil baka mas gumulo lang ang lahat. She can never
trust public media. Baka paglaruan at gamitin lang siya ng mga tao para ipahamak si
Sage, lalo pa at nasa kalagitnaan ito ng isang international business merger.

As he grew silent every passing day, Kyra fell more desperate. Hindi na niya alam
ang gagawin niya, makausap lang niya si Sage. She knew it was stupid to ask the
woman on the headlines with him. But what else could she do? Hanapin niya ang mga
kapatid ni Sage? And then what? They will think she was some gold digger pretending
to be his wife in distress. She didn't want to have that impression on his family.

Ilang ulit na rin niyang sinusubukang pigilan ang mga kapatid niya na huwag sugurin
at puntahan

si Sage. She understands they were all frustrated that she was pregnant and alone,
but this was her problem. Ayaw na niyang mas lumaki pa ang gulo.

So for the last time, she picked up her phone and dialed Sage's number. She had
decided that it would be the last time she would try talk to contact him. Kapag
hindi pa ito nakipag-usap at nakipagkita sa kanya ay kakausapin na talaga niya si
Sharmaine.

Wala na siyang pagpipilian. She's always with him. At siguro, maiintindihan nito
ang nararamdaman niya. She knows Sharmaine is Sage's best friend, at hindi talaga
ito ang fiancée ni Sage. Napag-usapan na nila ni Sage iyon. And she believed him.

Nadismaya siya nang dumiretso sa voice mail ang tawag niya. Pero pinilit niya ang
sarili na huwag malungkot. Kailangan niyang magtiwala kay Sage.

"Hi, Sage," she started lamely after the beep, her heart pounding. "It's me again,
Kyra..." in case you've forgotten. "It's my 50th call, I guess. I'm not sure, I
lost count since I came back home." She breathed and gathered her strength.

"Listen, I have something to tell you very important. Talk to me, please. I know
nagiging makulit na ako, but this will be the last time I'll talk to you if you
really don't want to see me again. I won't bother you anymore. But please... just
this time. Pagbigyan mo sana ako. Call me when you get this."

She meant it, but she prayed hard he won't let her slip away.

All her life, Kyra couldn't remember the last time she felt so afraid. But right
then, she thought she had never been so scared in her life. Making that promise was
the most frightening of all. Thinking about

losing Sage was enough to make her tremble.

Hindi siya makatulog sa kakaisip kung ano ang gagawin niya kapag talagang hindi pa
rin siya kinausap ni Sage. Hanggang sa nakatanggap siya ng isang text message
galing kay Sage.

Sage:

Meet me tomorrow at 2pm. Downtown Café.

She was so excited, thrilled even, to see Sage again. Halos hindi siya nakatulog
nang gabing iyon sa pinaghalong kaba at saya. Inisip pa niya kung papaano niya
sasabihin kay Sage ang balita tungkol sa pagbubuntis niya.

Pero sa huli, hindi niya nasabi ang mga salitang iyon nang makita niya kung sino
ang naghihintay sa kanya.

It was not Sage. It was Sharmaine.

"Hi, Kyra. I'm sure you already know me."

"Nasa'n si Sage?" Her eyes traveled around the place searching for him, hoping she
would see him amidst the stranger-filled room.

"He's busy... and he didn't want to talk to you. Kaya ako ang pinaharap niya sayo.
Upo ka," she even gestured to the chair in front of her.

"Didiretsahin na kita, Kyra," anito nang makaupo siya. May kinuha itong papel sa
attaché case nito at nilapag iyon sa harap niya.

"He made this..." anito at binuklat ang asul na folder, "pero hindi ka niya mahanap
noon. So I am giving this to you now."

Kyra stared weakly at the paper laid in front of her, her chest tightening. She
could feel the panic squeezing her inside as she looked at the signature on top of
his name.

"He wants divorce."

She gasped a painful breath and she almost swayed from it. Ang sakit marinig ng
salitang iyon. It hurt more than a cut from a knife.

"Do you understand

now why he doesn't want to see you again?

"Ka...kailangan ko siyang makausap," pakiusap niya kay Sharmaine. Ayaw niyang

tanggapin ang papel sa harap niya. Ayaw niya! Kailangan niya ng paliwanag kay Sage.
Kailangan nilang mag-usap. She would drop down on her knees if she have to, makinig
lang si Sage sa kanya.

"Just give up, Kyra. He wanted nothing to do with you anymore. Huwag mo na ring
pahirapan ang sarili mo. Stay away from him. Tigilan mo na ang paghahabol sa kanya.
He already moved on. Minsan mo nang nasira ang buhay niya noon and I can't let you
ruin his life again."

"Buntis ako!" she said. Iyon lang ang alam niyang paraan para mapigilan ang divorce
nila. Surely, Sage will take her back because she was carrying his baby. He just
can't dump her.

Mariing naglapat ang labi ni Sharmaine at may galit na tumingin ito sa tiyan niyang
halos hindi masyadong halata sa maluwag niyang damit. From the way she looked at
her, Kyra could tell she was disgusted.

"Sigurado ka bang kay Sage nga ang batang iyan?"

Marahas siyang napatayo at naikuyom niya lang ang mga palad niya. "Hindi ako
mababang-uring babae at hindi ko ugaling sumama sa iba't ibang lalaki. So don't
ever insinuate that this baby is not his!" she hissed.

"Really? Pero hindi iyon ang narinig kong kuwento."

She tried not to flinch from the pain when Sharmaine smirked.

"Look, his family doesn't even know you exist, pati na iyang dinadala mo. So don't
make this hard for all of us. Imagine how his father would react if he knew his son
was married? Think about their business. Alam mo ba kung gaano kahalaga para sa
kanila ang tiwala ng mga business partners at investors nila sa kanila?" She stood
in her full height and even though Kyra was five inches taller than her, she felt
smaller next to her.

"I dare you to show your pregnant self and let'ssee how Sage will hate you even
more. Kahit saan mo tingnan, ikaw ang talo ditoe. Dahil hindi ka pa rin pipiliin ni
Sage, kahit pa gamitin mo iyang anak mo. Hewill ask for DNA test, I assure you. So
just sign these and walk away silently.Huwag ka nang magpakita pa sa kanya. This
will be the last time and I'm tellingyou, I will put a restraining order on you if
you try to come close."

=================

Chapter ♣ 46

MONSTER

KYRA SAT numbly on her chair. Shocked. Ilang minuto na ang lumipas nang iwan siya
ni Sharmaine sa mesa pero tulala pa rin siya. Hindi makapaniwala.

She looked at the people surrounding her, couples who were exchanging secret looks
from across the table while holding each other's hands, families celebrating,
groups of friends laughing at a joke... everyone was happy while she sat there
feeling like a lost child. Defeated. A fish out of water. A star without a spark.

She shouldn't blame the world for what was happening to her, she knew. But who
would she blame? Oo, kasalanan niya na nagalit sa kanya ni Sage. Kasalanan niya na
nagkamali siya.

But there's a hope called second chances, right? Bakit hindi sa kanya ibigay ni
Sage iyon? It was not like she didn't regret what she did. She bled for it.

Ngayon, hindi pa niya malapitan si Sage at sabihin rito ang tungkol sa anak nila.

Yeah, right... did Sharmaine mention about DNA?

Gusto niyang mataawa-if only it was that funny.

Did Sage really think she left because she loved Luigi? Pero hindi naman siya
sumama kay Luigi. She came back for him. For their family. He should know that.
Kailangan niyang sabihin iyon kay Sage. Pero paano, ngayong hindi pa siya
makakalapit kay Sage. How can she ever tell him that he was going to be a dad?

Nalaman ng mga kapatid niya ang nangyari at galit na galit ang mga ito, lalo na si
Stella sa nangyari sa kanya.

"How can you be so stupid!" singhal nito nang makita siya nitong umiiyak sa kuwarto
niya. "Hinahayaan mong ganyanin ka ng asawa

mo?"
Iyak lang siya nang iyak sa mga nakalipas na araw. Weak that she was, brokenhearted
and unhappy. Pakiramdam niya pasan niya ang mundo. And she couldn't blame anyone
but her.

From all that happened between her and Sage, hindi siya makapaniwala na balewala
lang lahat iyon kay Sage. Yes... from everything that they had... hindi siya
makapaniwala na nagawa niyang iwan ang asawa niya.

Siya ang unang umalis.

Ito ba talaga ang gusto ni Sage? Ang makipaghiwalay sa kanya dahil sa kasalanan
niya?

"Look!" asik ni Stella at padabog na hinampas sa harap niyang mesa ang isang
newspaper. Sage was wearing a black coat and a shade hiding his eyes while walking
outside the airport with a woman on his side.

"He's busy flaunting a fiancée in some place while you're here, crying! At ang
gago, parang walang pakialam kung may naiwang siyang asawa!"

Kyra could only cower from their disappointment and angry frustrations. There was
nothing in her defense that she could say to save face because she admit it was her
fault.

"Kumilos ka na, Kyra. Dahil sinasabi ko sayo, hindi ko hahayaang lumaki iyang
pamangkin namin na walang ama."

Gulong-gulo na ang isip niya. But she only knows one thing. Kahit na anong
mangyari, masabi niya kay Sage ang totoo. She had to tell him about Luigi and the
baby. And whatever his decision will be, she would understand.

But she felt like fate was not on her side.

Isang hapon ay narinig niyang nagtatalo si Stella at ang Papa niya sa loob ng
opisina ng Papa nila. Their voices were so loud she could hear them.

"Hindi pa handa

si Kyra, Papa. For God's sake! Hindi iyon sagot sa problema ng kompanya."

"Don't tell me what to do, young lady. Ako pa rin ang may-ari ng kompanya! I know
what I'm doing and that Steele boy needs to learn a lesson!"

"Papa, just take everybody's advice. Sell your shares to the lesser devil. Huwag mo
nang kalabanin ang Sage na iyon. He will just destroy the company. Alam naming
lahat iyon. He's up to no good. But if you take Villaruz's bargain, we can still
secure everyone, pati ang kapakanan ng kompanya. Please dad. Think about us, too.
Marami ang taong nakaasa sa kompanya."

"This is the man who took advantage of my daughter. Your sister. At hinding hindi
ko mapapalagpas ang ginawa niya. That Steele boy can't get his hands on them. I
will bleed protecting my family. Hindi ko na hahayaang masaktan niya ulit ang anak
at ang apo ko!"

Lumabas ng opisina si Stella at nahuli siya nitong nasa labas at nakikinig.

Dismayado at galit ang mga mata nito nang makita siya.

"Do something, Kyra. It's your fault the company's going down. Talk to him before
he make a mistake of letting your prodigal husband destroy the company."

"Anong gagawin ko?" she asked helplessly.

Matigas siyang tiningnan ng ate niya. "Give him what he wants," she said in a cold
voice that made her shiver.

Give him what he wants. But what he wanted was to destroy the family she have. What
her family was asking for her was a crime to her baby. Kapag binigay niya kay Sage
ang gusto nito, para na rin niyang sinaktan ang sarili niya.

She felt like she was pinned against the wall with nails

digging her down. She was hurting but she couldn't move to save herself from the
pain.

She hated that everyone she love was fighting and arguing because of her. She hated
that Sage was waging a war to her family because of her. And she hated most that
she can't give her baby the family she wanted for him.

She hated that she was the reason in the middle of this chaos.

Kaya siya rin ang dapat na umayos nito.

Dahil alam niyang hindi sasagutin ni Sage ang tawag niya, she just sent him a
message, thinking it was easier not to hear his cold voice.

Kyra:

Can we talk?

Katulad ng mga nauna niyang texts, hindi ito nag-reply kaagad. Kaya sinabi na niya
ang pakay niya.

Kyra:

I know you're trying to buy out my father's company. Kung ginagawa mo ito dahil sa
galit mo sa akin, then stop.

Kyra:

What do you want?

She asked even in the depth of her bones, she knew what he wanted.

Sage:

Divorce.

Kyra:

If I sign it, will you stop terrorizing my father?

Sage:

Yes.

Yes. In a cold blooded letters, he said yes. Iyon lang ang gusto ni Sage... His
freedom. A life apart from her.
Doon ito magiging masaya. And even if it kills the beat of her heart, she would
give him his happiness. At least, for once, she would be his fairy granting his
wish.

Is this what you really want, Sage?

In her tear-stained eyes and breaking heart, Kyra signed the papers

with her calm hands.

Para sa pamilya niya. Para sa Papa niya. Para sa kompanya na pinaghirapan ng Papa
niya. Para kay Sage. She would give him up, even when she has to bring up her baby
alone. Dahil hanggang dito na lang siguro sila.

Kinabukasan, hindi na siya nagpatumpik-tumpik pa. She took her father's car key and
drove his car down to Sage's condo unit.

It was funny that she didn't even know where he lived until now. Kung hindi pa niya
ginoogle, hindi siguro niya malalaman. Well, she hadn't had the need to know when
they were together in Paris. She had been to complacent they would stay together
and live there as a family. But things happened. Sad tears were shed.

Forever didn't exist for them both. Maybe they belong to someone else.

Madilim na nang dumating siya. Umuulan at malamig ang gabing iyon. Pumasok siya sa
six-story elite building kung saan naroon ang condo ni Sage.

She asked for his room number from the receptionist pero bigla ay may tumawag sa
pangalan niya.

It was Sharmaine in her gray sleek suit and pants.

"Hinahanap mo ba si Sage?" tanong nito.

"Don't worry. May gusto lang akong ibigay sa kanya."

She glanced at the blue file she was holding. "I know. That's why I'm here,"
seryoso ang boses nito.

"Si Sage ang gusto kong makausap, Sharmaine. Hindi ikaw," pamamatigas niya.

"You have no choice, Kyra. Kung ano man ang sasabihin mo sa kanya, sa akin mo
sabihin."

She tried to calm down. If Sage wanted to hide behind this woman, then fine.

Ibinigay niya rito ang dala niyang file. Pero bago pa siya makaalis

ay nakuha ng atensyon niya ang suot nitong singsing.

There's billions of rings in this world. Some even have the same designs and
stones. Pero hindi siya puwedeng magkamali. Sharmaine was wearing her engagement
ring-the ring Sage gave her.

Tiningnan niya si Sharmaine nang may pagtataka. Her chest was heaving now as she
pushed her doubts away. Rumors are just rumors. Hindi totoong engage si Sage kay
Sharmaine. He's still married to her!
"You want to sit down first?" alok ni Sharmaine sa kanya na parang alam na nito ang
mga tanong na gustong lumabas sa bibig niya.

Wala siyang nagawa kundi ang sundan ito. Gusto niya umalis, total naibigay na rin
niya ang gusto niyang ibigay. She's sure she wouldn't like what would happen next,
but she couldn't leave that alone.

She followed her inside a restaurant and into a table that was situated in the
corner of the room, as though Sharmaine wanted to isolate them together.

"I'll be honest with you, Kyra," diretsong sabi ni Sharmaine nang umalis ang
waitress para kunin ang order nila. "But Sage lied to you."

"Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?"

"When you met Sage in France... ang totoo niyan magkasama kaming pumunta noon. It
was because of business. Matagal na kaming magkaibigan, at ganoon din ang
nararamdaman namin sa isa't isa. But I have priorities then, kaya hindi ko
sinubukang mas lumalim pa ang relasyon naming dalawa.

But something happened between us. We crossed the 'best friend' line and we became
more than that. I guess that was inevitable. Pero kinailangan kong umuwi ng
Pilipinas dahil sa trabaho. I left him there,

thinking we had something more. Pero noong bumalik siya, alam kong may nagbago."
Her eyes turned glassy and hard.

"But I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I still believed he would protect my
feelings. After all, he promised he'd marry me. Sinabi niyang mahal niya ako."

Pakiramdam ni Kyra para siyang lumulubog sa kinauupuan niya bawat salitang sinasabi
nito.

"Bumalik siya sa France, sabi niya may kailangan siyang ayusin doon. I didn't come
with him because I had a case to wi, kahit na alam ko kung sino ang kailangan
niyang ayusin. Kagaya ng inasahan ko, hindi na siya umuwi ng Pilipinas. I'm not
stupid, Kyra. I knew my fiancé was having an affair with you. Pero iyon ka lang sa
kanya. A mistress he can't marry."

"Hindi ako kabit!" she hissed. "As far as I know, I'm his wife. We're married at
nagsisinungaling ka lang! Pinakasalan ako ni Sage! Ako ang mahal niya!" she said in
clenched teeth. Pero kahit siguro dumugo ang panga niya, hindi pa rin papantay iyon
sa sakit sa dibdib niya.

"I'm a lawyer and I don't lie. Sinasabi ko 'to sayo dahil nagmumukha ka ng tanga sa
ginagawa mong paghahabol kay Sage. He won't go back to you, Kyra. Accept that and
move on. Mas madali iyon sa inyong dalawa."

"Bakit mo sinasabi iyan? Si Sage? Si Sage dapat ang nagsasabi sa akin tungkol sa
bagay na iyan."

"Because he won't talk to you. He didn't think this would matter to you. But I do.
Kailangan mong malaman ang totoo."

Totoo? What truth? Na niloko siya ni Sage?

But he said he loved her. He wanted to be with her kaya ito tumira sa Paris. He
proposed to her. He married her. No... hindi siya maniniwala
sa sinasabi nI Sharmaine...

Umiling-iling siya nang paulit-ulit. "Sinasabi mo lang iyan dahil gusto niyang
saktan ako."

"No... I'm telling you this because I don't want you to think I am taking him away
from you. It was the other way around. Ikaw ang umagaw kay Sage sa'kin. In fact, I
should be dragging your hair down. But I respect Sage's feelings. Tinanggap ko ang
ginawa niya, dahil alam kong sa huli, magigising siya at mare-realize niya na mali
siya ng babaeng pinili. And now look... I was right. Sinaktan mo siya," madiin na
sambit nito.

Kyra felt the guilt claiming her again, and she didn't need it right now. She
wanted to fight it, but Sharmaine was right. But still... it didn't change the fact
that Sage lied to her.

"He loved you, Kyra. That much I know. And that's my mistake I regret. Hinayaan ko
siya na ipagpatuloy ang relasyon niya sayo. When he told me he wanted to marry you,
I knew I had to let him go, because I can see how you make him happy. Pero sinaktan
mo siya, Kyra. Iniwan mo siya. And I fixed him. Kaya ngayon, sinasabi ko sayo na
tigilan mo na siya. Tanggapin mo na na hindi ka na niya mahal. Stop being
desperate."

Napahawak siya sa tiyan niya. Her fingers were shaking. "You're lying... mahal pa
rin ako ni Sage," she whispered, even to her ear, it sounded weak. Mahal pa ba siya
ni Sage?

"You think so? But you're here," she said scathingly showing her the divorce papers
she signed.

She really put and end to their marriage-a marriage that shouldn't have happened.

Sa lahat-lahat ng sinabi sa kanya ni Sharmaine, she only understood one thing.

Sage's

love was a lie. The man she knew she loved was a lie.

Wala siyang minahal na Sage. Wala. Dahil simula pa lang, hindi na totoo lahat ng
narardaman nila para sa isa't isa. Naniwala siya sa pagmamahal na hindi naman
totoo. Naniwala siya sa mga pangakong sa simula pa lang, hindi na matutupad.

Nagmahal siya ng lalaking isa palang manloloko. He used her and when he was tired
of her, he tied her into a balloon and released her to explode.

Ganoon lang siya kay Sage. Isang walang kuwentang bagay na pwedeng itapon na lang
kapag hindi na siya kailangan. She mounted to nothing for him. At ganoon din ang
anak nila.

That night ended so bad. Their marriage ended because of their lies. She could've
died. She lost their child. But he never cared... he never did.

KYRA STARED at the wipers going back and forth on the window shield in front of
her. The sound of them sliding filled the silence as the rain beat the steel of her
car. And slowly, as the reality sipped into her, she became aware of the man
knocking on her car window.

Tinitigan niya ito. Sumisenyas ito na ibaba ang bintana niya habang basang-basa ito
ng ulan.

"Are you okay?" pasigaw na tanong nito nang ibaba niya ang bintana.

She glanced around her and found two cars besides hers. May isang lalaki sa loob ng
kabilang kotse at mukhang may kausap sa cellphobe.

"Miss, hindi ka ba nasaktan?" tanong ulit ng lalaki sa kanya habang inuulan pa rin
ito.

"I'm fine-I'm fine," she said above her voice.

Kinulit pa siya ng lalaki na pumunta siya ng ospital at magpatingin sa doctor pero

tumanggi siya. As far as she was concerned, she was feeling more than alright.
Better than she had ever had.

Nang makumbinsi na niya ang dalawa na ayos lang siya ay pinaikot niya ang sasakyan
niya at bumalik siya ng bahay nila. She parked the Mustang haphazardly across the
front yard and got out of the car.

"Ma'am, umuulan po!" sigaw ni Myra habang nilalakad niya ang distansya ng kotse
hanggang pintuan ng bahay sa kabila ng ulan.

Rain doesn't bother her no more. Sage does. Her emotion does. But Sharmaine was
worst.

Wala siyang pakialam na basa na ang bahagya sa buhok niya at ang damit niya dahil
sa ulan. Ang gusto lang niya ngayon ay malaman ang hinala niya.

Tuloy-tuloy siyang umakyat ng kuwarto ni Sage at pumasok sa study office nito.

Voices played inside her head as she looked over the room.

"Sage, itutuloy mo pa rin ba ang plano mo?"

"Not now..."

"Why not? You already found her. So ano pa ang hinihintay mo?" wika ni Sharmaine.

"There's been a complication and everything will stay the same until I disclose
her secret."

"Complication? Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?"

"May amnesia siya."

"You mean..."

"She can't remember me... not even our marriage," Sage said.

"Oh... that's tragic."

"Kaya hindi ko pa pwedeng gawin iyon. Kyra needs me."

"Sage, naaawa ka ba sa kanya? After all that she did to you? Tutulungan mo pa rin
siya?"
"You still can go on with your plan. You don't have to wait for her to remember.
Just... think about it."

"I won't,"matigas na sabi ni

Sage. "I will keep her, if that's what it takes to know why she left. After all,
she's still my wife."

Para siyang baliw sa ginagawa niya habang binubuksan niya ang bawat parador at
drawer na makita niya. She flipped every papers and folders she could find. She was
getting manic, paranoid, but she didn't care. She wanted something to prove she was
wrong... or painfully right.

Tumapat siya sa study table ni Sage at tinitigan ang huling drawer na hindi pa niya
nabubuksan. Het heart was wildly beating underneath her rib cage and her lungs
suddenly hurt. Fear crept into her as she stared at it for too long.

One, two, three seconds. She reached for the drawer and pulled it open. Fountain
pen at bank check ang nakita niya sa loob. At kahit hindi niya nakikita kung ano
ang nasa loob ng pamilyar na asul na folder na iyon, alam niya kung ano ang
nakatago doon.

Sage was keeping the divorce papers they both signed.

Ito ba ang tinutukoy ni Sharmaine na plano ni Sage noong nakikinig siya sa usapan
ng dalawa sa library? That he'd wait 'til she remembered? That Sage will divorce
her?

He said that he wanted to know the reason why she left him. And now that she had
earned her memories-all of them, what now?

Kyra slumped down the swivel chair and let herself sink. Napapikilt siya sa mga
naaalala niya.

"When you left me, I did a lot of worst things..."

"I'll tell you everything, Kyra. Even if I have to pay for it. I will tell you the
monster I have become if you ask for it."

Everything felt too much... too much. These emotions that was crowding her chest
chilled her to the bones. She fear for the. She fear for herself, because she could
feel how they claim her slowly.

Kahit ang pamilya niya, naghirap nang dahil kay Sage... This was what Stella was
telling her then... at kung bakit galit na galit sa kanya si Sandra. Mas
kinakampihan niya ang taong dahilan ng pagbagsak ng kompanya nila. Sage destroyed
everything she had because of his anger.

Why, Kyra? Why did you love such a monster when all he did was consume you?

Choosing between a corrupted mind and remembering... Kyra wished she hadn't seen
Sage again. That their fate hadn't crossed again for the second time. She wished
she hadn't experienced that happiness again, even just for a little while. Because
right now, she felt like she was robbed.

But instead of a sob, a chuckle erupted from her.

How amusing was it that they used each other for their own gain?
Right. They both used each other. Ginamit niya si Sage para makaalala habang
ginagamit siya ni Sage para malaman ang sagot sa tanong nito para sa huli ay siya
rin ang maiwan.

Siya ulit ang nasasaktan. Siya ulit ang niloloko.

But curtains were lifted. Secrets were uncovered. She's not blind anymore.

Sharmaine was right. Kahit saang anggulo tingnan, siya ang talo.

But she refused to be the loser anymore. And she refused to blame herself because
she's not the bad person here. Hindi siya.

=================

Chapter ♣ 47

And right before your eyes,

I'm breaking, no past

No reasons why,

Just you and me.

----- 🍃🍁🍃 -----

UNEASE

SAGE GROPED for the tie that was heavily choking his throat and loosened it harshly
around his neck. But it didn't help to ease away the disturbing feeling inside his
chest.

Matagal niyang pinanood ang ulan at binilang ang bawat minutong lumipas. Hindi niya
alam kung bakit siya kinakabahan ng ganito, at ayaw niyang isiping may masamang
nangyari kay Kyra kaya siya nakakaramdam ng ganoon. Pero talagang hindi siya
mapakali.

He tried to suppress it but it only seemed to be growing with each passing time as
he watched the torrent rain.

Ang buhok naman niya ang pinakialaman niya. He stroked it like a madman, messing it
wildly in disarray just as how he felt. Idinantay niya ang palad ng kanang kamay
niya sa glass window ng restaurant at masinsinang inaninag ang mga kotseng
dumadaan.

Of course, his wife was not coming until the rain calms down. Malamang naka-park
lang iyon sa kung saan. So why does he feel so... worried? Scared even?

What the hell...

He couldn't take another minute of this torment. He felt like he's breathing death
waiting for the rain to stop. Kailangan niyang marinig ulit ang boses ni Kyra. He
needed to talk to her again and know she's fine and still out there without a
scratch. He took his phone out and speed dialed her number.

"The number that you have dialed is either unattended-"

Fvck!

He cursed when he didn't reach

her. Sinubukan ulit niya itong tawagan at naghintay ng sasagot. "Pick up, Kyra," he
prayed in a murmur. But it all was the same. Hindi pa rin sumasagot si Kyra.

"The number that you have dialed is either unattended or out of coverage area-"

"Goddammit!" He cursed and clenched his phone with his fist. He almost tossed it
against the wall if not for Nancy.

"Sir, is everything okay?"

Nilingon niya ang sekretarya niya, at naramdaman niya ang biglang pag-alog ng puso
niya sa nakita niya.

His eyes roamed all over the four corner of the room-the candles, the petals of
roses spread all over the floor, the blinking Christmas lights that looked like
fireflies in the dark, the bouquet of flowers on the table... everything he took
pains to prepare for this surprise for his wife...

Trepidation filled him again.

"No..." he whispered, his chest felt tight with emotions.

Something was definitely wrong.

Hindi niya sigurado kung ano iyon, pero hindi maganda ang kutob niya ngayon. He
didn't want to think it was about Kyra, that something bad might've happened to
her. Ayaw niyang isipin iyon ngayon, lalo't mag-isa lang ito sa gitna ng ulan.

But, fvck! He couldn't stay still.

"Sir?"

He ignored Nancy and walked over to his coat and grabbed it.

"Ikaw na muna ang bahala dito," aniya habang nagmamadaling sinusout ang suit jacket
niya. "Call me if she's here. I'll just check on something."

"I can do it for you, sir. Baka parating na iyon rin si Ms. Kyra."

"No, you stay here." Tinalikuran na niya ito at kinausap si Mang Dante at sinabing
aalis na muna siya ng saglit.

"Sigurado kayo,
sir? Ako na lang ang magmamaneho sa inyo."

"Hindi na, Mang Dante. Samahan niyo muna si Nancy dito. Tatawagan ko kayo kapag..."
may nangyari...

Pero hindi na niya iyon sinabi. He felt like it would be a bad omen if he speak
them out loud.

Tinapik na lamang niya ang balikat ni Mang Dante at umikot na para umalis.

"Sige, sir. Mag-iingat kayo."

He heard Mang Dante called out just as he opened the door and stepped out of the
restaurant. The oppressing air of the rainstorm greeted him, surrounding him in
seconds and he fought a shiver when the cold wind blew over him like a whisper of
warning.

He ran outside in gritted teeth. Hindi niya inalintana ang malakas na ulan at
mabilis na tinungo niya ang itim na Mercedes na naka-park sa labas. Getting soaked
was the least of his concerns right now.

Binuhay niya ang makina nang makasakay siya at mabilis na pinaatras ang sasakyan.
Wala siyang pakialam kahit pa mabasa ang leather seat niya dahil sa damit niya. He
just shook off the water dripping from his hair and wiped his face with his hand as
he drove fast.

All the while he'd been thinking about the previous night. The glassy look from
Kyra's eyes, it was like watching her retreating inside an invisible shell where he
couldn't reach her. The shock that was protecting her from breaking down-he could
still remember them so vividly, and the feeling it brought him. It scared him so
much.

The picture of their son, Noah...

Masyado siyang mahina. He knew better than hurting her.

It was his fault. So much his fault, he knows. He should've protected

her better. Their son. That was his promise to her. Pero ano'ng ginawa niya? He was
the first one who betrayed her, the one who broke his words. The one who had pulled
the trigger.

Hindi na dapat niya iniwan si Kyra ngayon. He should've stayed with her today and
rescheduled the dinner date.

But he felt so urgent he needed to do it fast because if he waited for another

opportunity, another time... he felt like she would slip away and he could really
lose her this time. And that was something he didn't want.

No matter what happen, he will keep holding her, even if it hurt him. Because
bleeding is much better than being without her.

Mas gugustuhin pa niyang masaktan na kasama ang babaeng mahal niya kesa mabuhay na
wala ito sa tabi niya, na malayo ito sa kanya at kalimutan siya.

He's crazy for her. He breathes for her. He lives for her.

When she left him, he promised he would never love like this ever again, because it
almost broke him before. No-it broke him to pieces. It shattered him. It drove him
to madness. And he vowed he would never give someone the bullet to shot him again-
not to anyone. Not to the same woman again.

But his brother was right. Steele men only love once and they fall hard. Their
heart beats for one girl and forever it will only beat for her.

He used to think it was a joke. A tale of a curse.

But when he saw Kyra in Paris and saw a glimpse of those dimples showing when she
smiled... he knew he was cursed forever. A curse he was willing to suffer.

He's been through this downfall before and it made him a damaged good. But he

won't make the same mistake running away angry and completely losing his heart
along the way.

Ngayon, alam na niya kung ano ang dapat niyang ipaglaban, kung ano ang dapat niyang
kapitan. He now recognized the chance he had in his hands and that he won't waste.

Hindi niya sasayangin ang pagkakataong maalagaan at maprotektahan ang babaeng mahal
na mahal niya. He will protect her, even from the monster of himself. Lalo na
ngayon na alam na niya ang kasalanang ginawa ni Sharmaine.

Dumiin ang mga daliri niya sa manibela sa pagpipigil niya sa galit na umaahon mula
sa dibdib niya. Kung hindi siya kinausap ni Zeke kahapon, malamang hindi niya
malalaman ang ginawa ni Sharmaine.

All this time she'd been manipulating him, offering him the comfort of a friend
while she backstab him and the woman he vowed to cherish.

He shouldn't have listened to her advice, to draw a divorce paper to lure Kyra out.
Pero wala siyang ibang alam na solusyon para makita si Kyra at malaman kung nasaan
ito. He looked everywhere but France was a big place. Hindi niya alam kung saan
siya magsisimula. And because of his pride, his anger, and his pain, he gave up so
easily.

And now look where it got them? Mas pinili pa ni Kyra na pirmahan ang divorce paper
nila kesa kausapin siya at harapin. And for the love of God, he went mad. Livid. He
did not understand why Kyra was so adamant to leave him and abandon their marriage.

But then, maybe he did. He could still remember that last day he saw her... the
hesitation on her face. Alam niyang hindi sasama si Kyra sa kanya pauwi ng
Pilipinas. Giving her time was just an escape for

him so he couldn't hear her answer.

Maybe asking her to leave meant something more for her. Something he hadn't
understand then. And he thought that maybe he didn't mean anything to her. Her
dream was way more important than him.

It hurts. Nasaktan siya. Sa kanilang dalawa, pakiramdam niya siya ang mas
magmamahal. Na siya ang mas takot na may mawala, na may magbago. Where would he be
if she will break his heart? If she left him?

He would disappear.

And the need to make her realize his value was so strong just to cover up that
pain. So he asked her to give up what she had built and start from nothing, again.
Pero mas pinili ni Kyra na iwan siya.
Hanggang ngayon nandoon pa rin ang sakit sa tuwing iniisip niya ang pinagdaanan
niya sa mga panahong iyon. He couldn't even remember how he survived. It was like a
black mask covering those years, a blanket he didn't want to unfold.

He said he won't come back to the past. But facing forward will never be enough to
erase the scar. Somehow, he knew he needed to just face everything and deal with it
like a man-like a man who's in love. A man who's afraid to let the only woman he
loved go. The only woman who owned him.

He shouldn't have stopped looking for her. He should've come back to Paris and
waited for her.

But thinking about all those should have, would have and could have will not change
a thing. It won't change what happened. He can't keep looking at the past and
regret. Dahil iyon lang ang magagawa niya, ang magsisi. And he hated that he
couldn't do anything about it. He hated that Kyra was hurting because of

it. He hated that the past broke them.

Right now, what he should think about is to do what he should've done.

He would make those people pay for hurting his wife and his son. Mananagot ang
kailangang managot. Kahit pa kasali sa listahan ang sarili niya.

He would put her back to pieces.

The sound of his ringing phone pulled him out of his thoughts. Sinagot niya iyon
nang hindi tiningnan kung sino ang tumatawag sa kanya.

"Sir, kakatawag ko lang sa bahay ninyo at ang sabi ni Myra kakauwi lang daw ni Ms.
Kyra," salubong kaagad sa kanya ni Nancy.

Kumunot agad ang noo niya. Nasa bahay na si Kyra?

"Is she fine?"

"I think so, sir. Sabi ni Myra maayos namang dumating si Ms. Kyra."

Tumango siya at agad na nag-U-turn. "Sige, salamat, Nancy," aniya at saka lalo pang
binilisan ang takbo ng sasakyan niya.

At least now he knows she's safe and secure. Pero bakit ito umuwi na lang bigla?

He rubbed his chest at the sudden nagging feeling burgeoning inside him. Bakit ba
siya nag-aalala ng ganito nang walang dahilan? Wala namang nangyaring masama sa
asawa niya, so there was no reason to feel so uneasy and disturbed.

Mabilis niyang narating ang bahay nila. He saw the Mustang parked across the front
yard when the gate opened. Doon niya pinark ang kotse niya at nagmamadaling bumaba.

Kaunti na lang ang patak ng ulan paglabas niya. He frog marched the remaining
distance and went inside the house.

"Si Kyra?" tanong niya kay Myra habang sumusunod ito sa kanya.

"Nasa taas po."

He didn't bother shaking the water from his shoes and ran upstairs. He took the
steps two at a time with his heart pounding fast. Ni hindi niya maramdaman ang
lamig mula sa basang damit niya. Pumasok siya sa nakabukas na kuwarto nila at agad
na napansin ang nakaawang na pintuan ng study office niya.

Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit ang bilis ng pagtibok ng puso niya at kung bakit
ganoon na lang ang kaba niya. He chose to ignore that irrational fear and slowly
walked inside.

The dark clouds shadowed the room and as his eyes adjusted from the light,
scattered papers greeted him. Sumunod ang mga drawers na nakabukas, ang magulong
cabinet...

If he isn't sane enough, he'd think there had been a storm inside the room. And in
the middle of that dark chaos, Kyra sat on his chair silently with her head bent
down.

She didn't look up at him. She didn't even stirred or moved. She was just sitting
there in eerie calmness. So still. So quiet that he could almost hear his own
heartbeat.

As he stood there frozen in fear, his fingers gripping the knob, as he felt that
cold hand clenching his stomach, tying knots he couldn't shake off... he had that
strangest feeling that it will only be a counting seconds before his world will
fall apart.

Everything inside him screamed in rejection, because even though Kyra was
physically there with him, he could sense that she's not there. She was already
miles away.

"Kyra..." he instinctively called her name, as though that could stop her from
taking a step back farther from him.

His body was trembling as he waited in hanging breath. And when her head slowly
snapped back to him, right there in her eyes, he watched his whole life turned
gray.

=================

Chapter ♣ 48

Girl, you know this

We gotta love that is hopeless

-----💘-----

HOPELESS

"KYRA..."
A sharp breath flew out of her lungs from the pain of hearing Sage's voice. From
somewhere deep inside her, she instinctively reached for an icy shield and pulled
it up around her. She felt the need to protect herself now because, after
everything that she had remembered, she realized nobody would do it for her but
herself.

Pakiramdam niya parang bago lahat para sa kanya, na parang kahapon lang nangyari
ang lahat. She felt so raw and exposed.

She tilted her head to look up at him and felt that numbness spreading throughout
her entire body, taking hold of her emotions. Iyon ang dahilan kaya nagawa niyang
titigan si Sage nang hindi kumukurap. Nang hindi naapektuhan sa nakikita niyang
takot sa mga mata nito. She's far too gone.

"What are you..." Bigla itong tumigil nang dahan-dahan niyang hinila ang asul na
folder mula sa drawer nito at binuksan iyon.

Right there down her nose, she stared at the familiar paper with so much
indifference that surprised her. Pinagmasdan niya si Sage habang inaalala ang lahat
ng nangyari noon at hindi niya maiwasang makalasa ng pait.

"I bet you're just dying to explain, aren't you?" she asked him jeeringly, breaking
the eerie silence inside the room as she stared at Sage standing at the door,
thinking about everything he did ever since the day they saw each other again.

She couldn't stop a mocking sneer as she remembered how easily it was for

him to trap her into this revenge web he had created.

Lead covered her chest and her cynical smile dropped as she thought of her own
folly. Her own gullibility was taunting... how easily she was deceived, for being
so trusting.

Tinitigan niyang muli si Sage at walang emosyong tinitigan ito. "Ang tagal kong
sinsi ang sarili ko, alam mo ba iyon?" aniya at sinubukang huminga ng paunti-unti.
"Kahit hanggang ngayon, inisip ko na ako ang may kasalanan. Kung bakit nawala ang
Papa, si Noah... kung bakit nawala sa'kin ang lahat. Pinagbayaran ko iyon dahil ang
akala ko kasalanan ko. I accepted to feel the pain because I thought I deserved it.
Akala ko parusa sa akin na nawala ang mga alaala ko dahil sa ginawa ko sayo."

She sneered again and shook her head in disbelief. "Pero ngayon, gusto kong
pagsisihan na naalala ko lahat. Na sana, nanatiling lihim ang nakaraan, ang anak
ko, ang kasal natin... ikaw. Gusto kong hilingin na sana hindi na tayo nagkita, na
hindi mo na sana ako nahanap..." Because maybe then, she wouldn't hate herself so
much for being so stupid, falling in love to a man who did nothing but destroy her.
Hurt her. Spite her.

Umiling-iling siya nang makita niya itong naglakad palapit sa kanya. His mouth
immediately closed at her rejection.

Pinilit na huminga dahil pakiramdam niya, para siyang nalulunod sa bawat salita
niya. She tried to hang onto that cold wall to keep emotions at bay. Ayaw niyang
makaramdam sa ngayon. She just wanted to... speak. To tell Sage everything she felt
she needed to tell him.

Nanatili siyang nakaupo habang nakatitig kay Sage.

He was still as quiet as air. But she could see the battle in his eyes.
"For years, I thought I wouldn't have my memories back. I even considered that
forgetting the past was my punishment. That I would live the rest of my life
without them. Hindi ko alam kong makakayanan ko ba, hindi ko alam kung paano ako
mabubuhay. I just knew my father died and my sisters won't talk to me... I had no
one. I woke up and I couldn't walk... I didn't even know how to talk. I spent days
trying to get out of my wheel chair, I wake up every day trying to learn words
again. Para akong bata na nagsisimulang maglakad, magsalita, magbasa...

It was hell, you know. Standing up on your own, alone and in pain. Fighting for
your own survival. Pero anong magagawa ko? Umiyak? Yes, I cried. Billions of times.
But at the end of the day, it didn't help me stand up." Just as she told herself
not to cry right this moment.

Because crying won't fix her broken heart. Tears aren't glue. They won't stick the
broken pieces back together.

"Araw-araw, lagi kong tinatanong ang sarili ko bakit kailangan sa akin mangyari
iyon. Masama ba akong tao para mabuhay ng ganito? Did I really deserve living that
kind of life? And do you know what my doctor told me when I asked him that? He said
that everything happens for a reason. A reason that I don't even know, didn't even
understand.

But you know what? Right now, I'm starting to believe that it was not a punishment.
That it was actually my second chance to live a second life after you ruined
everything I was. To be the person I wished I am when you didn't happen-the

girl before I met you. Whole and not like this..." Broken and drowning.

"I was learning to be happy without you. I was starting to feel like living again.
So why did you have to come back, Sage? I wasn't even whole when you broke me and
yet you came back and you want to tear me up to pieces again."

Anger pierced through her icy barrier and she welcomed it, gripped it in her palms
like a knife.

"Why, Sage? Hindi pa ba sapat na sinira mo ang kompanya? Na inangkin mo ang

pinaghirapan ni Papa? Is it not enough that you destroyed me for how many times?"

Hindi niya inasahan ang biglang paglapit sa kanya ni Sage at ang sunod nitong
ginawa. He quickly snatched the folder from her hand and furiously tore it into
two, and again and again and threw the ripped papers on the floor.

Walang emosyong tinitigan niya ang mga iyon sa sahig at pabalik kay Sage na halos
hindi na maipinta ang mukha. His lips were hard, his nostrils were flaring and his
chest was heaving so deep and only now that she realized the damp shirt he was
wearing. She just stared at it too, no longer caring about the rain outside. She
just wanted to lash out.

"That doesn't mean anything," he said with so much conviction in his eyes.

"Wala ba talaga?" she asked unconvinced. "Are you trying to tell me you were just
keeping it for nothing?"

"Yes!" he almost shouted desperately. "For goodness's sake!" he muttered and took a
hard step forward. "Kung may balak man ako, 'di sana noon ko pa iyan pinasa. I
could have demanded for it and end our marriage long before I found you, but I
didn't."

Kyra ignored the

desperation in his voice. She was so closed up as a clam. Ayaw niyang makinig. Ayaw
niyang makita. Ayaw niyang makaramdam. She couldn't deal with that. She liked this
numbness, this dull weight on her chest better than the pain.

"Dahil may kailangan ka," aniya. "You wanted to keep me so you can do this, didn't
you?" she accused unblinkingly. "You wanted revenge. Simula pa lang iyon na ang
gusto mong mangyari, hindi ba? Ginamit mo ang pagkakautang ni Papa sa bangko para
mabili itong bahay dahil alam mong ito lang ang meron kami. You were smart enough
to trap me. You made me stay here and you watched as I fell to everything. And then
you will strike the knife when you have me crawling on my hands and knees...
Ginamit mo ako para makaganti ka sa'kin."

Mabilis itong nakalapit sa kanya. He crowded her while she sat there, unmoved, and
held her hands like a life force.

"Kyra, please... listen to me," he begged. Sage, his wrathful husband begged. "Wala
akong planong galawin iyon. I never touched it when..." Numipis ang mga labi nito
na parang may hindi magandang naalala. "I didn't even plan to go through it. And by
God! You're still my wife!"

Wife, she thought scathingly. She had never heard of such a word that means so
little. So less. How was it that he say it so profoundly, so earnestly, and not
mean it at all?

"Sage..." she said his name like a tasteless wine on her tongue and looked right
through his eyes, "...hanggang kailan mo ako pahihirapan? Hanggang kailan mo ba ako
gagawing tanga?"

Tumiim ang panga nito at naramamdaman niya ang saglit na pagdiin

ng mga kamay nito sa mga kamay niya bago siya nito binitawan.

"My God, Kyra!" he growled frustratedly as he rubbed his hair in obvious agony.
"Hindi kita pinahihirapan, and I never treated you like a fool. Kahit na alam ko
kung ano ang pakiramdam ng magmukhang tanga, and I swear to God I wanted you to
feel it too, but I couldn't!" Humihingal itong tumingin sa kanya, his face was a
picture of a soldier who was lost in a battle.

"I just couldn't," he said in a resigned voice that almost penetrated her walls but
she instinctively closed up.

"I asked for a divorce because I was desperate," mahinahong sabi ni Sage. "That was
the only thing I knew what to do to see you. You left me without a trace, Kyra. How
am I supposed to look for you? Huh? Yes, it was a stupid excuse. But I was willing
to lose my sanity just to find you."

Lumapit pa itong muli sa kanya at humawak sa mga kamay niya. "You have to believe
me, Kyra. You have to."

She could feel that part of her wanting to cave in and believe him. Her heart was
trying to clamor for that part of her. But the only thing her mind could think
about was the time when he coldly asked for a divorce, just so she could save their
company, just so she could save his father from facing him.

Hindi niya inakalang kayang gawin iyon ni Sage sa kanya. How could he even think of
harming her family just to get what he want? She couldn't forget the coldness she
felt at that moment and she clutched it.
She gave him up that night because that was what he wanted... and in return, she
lost everything, her life, and even her child.

Kyra

looked at the man before her and felt devoid of all emotions.

"I already gave too much, Sage" she said woodenly as she slowly freed her hands
from his hold. "Binigay ko na lahat, pati tiwala ko, at minsan na ang buhay ko.
Hanggang sa wala ng natira. Kung sana alam ko na ganito ang mangyayari, sana hindi
na lang ako naniwala sayo... I was better off living without this."

"Don't do this, Kyra, please..."

She closed her eyes to avoid the look of despair on his face and tried to toughen
her resolve.

"Kailan mo aaminin ang mga kasalanan mo sa akin at sa pamilya ko? Kay Papa? Kailan,
Sage? Kailan mo sasabihin sa akin ang tungkol sa kompanya? Sa ginawa mo? Bakit mo
nilihim sa'kin ang tungkol sa bagay na iyon?"

No wonder her sisters were so mad at her. Kailangan pang mapahamak siya ulit para
maalala ang ginawa sa kanila ni Sage. Para magising siya sa panaginip at makita ang
totoong nangyayari. But it has been a beautiful dream that ended in a tragedy.

"I told you..." sabi nito sa mababang tono. "I was ready to tell you everything you
want to know. I knew I had to face what I did. I was a monster, iyon ang too. But
I'm not going to wash my hands for them. Inaamin ko ang kasalanang ginawa ko, and
believe me, pinagsisihan ko ang mga iyon."

"Pinagsisihan? Paano, Sage?" sarkastikong lumabas sa bibig niya. "You asked me for
a divorce so I could stop you from destroying my father's pride. Tell me Sage, did
it make you feel better when you got what you wanted?"

"A divorce that you willingly agreed to? No." Lumayo ito at tumayo ng maayos. He
towered over her as he

looked down at her with his unreadable eyes. "It hurt."

Her breath felt suspended in the air as she stared at him, willing herself not to
feel that faint sting on her chest from what he said.

"It fvcking hurt," he gritted. "Ginawa ko iyon dahil akala ko..." Huminga ito nang
malalim at pumikit ng mariin. He opened his eyes and those bloodshot eyes stared
back at her. "What I did was to fight for you. I don't give a damn if you think
what I did was wrong but I was down on my knees... and I just waited for nothing.
You're the one who ended our marriage. You're the one who gave up. Kahit sa simula
pa lang, ikaw na ang umalis."

Something pricked inside her. "Dahil wala akong pagpipilian, Sage. It's either that
or my family," she argued.

"Fvck! You had the choice to come to me and talk to me!" he said, frustration
reeked from him.

"Akala mo ba hindi ko ginawa iyon?"

"So why didn't you? Bakit hindi mo ako nilapitan? Bakit hindi ka nagpakita?"
Tumiim ang panga niya. There's no way he would turn the tables on her now.

"Si Sharmaine. Why don't you ask her, Sage? Ask her what she said to me when you
send her to me. Imbis na ikaw ang magpakita sa'kin, pinili mo pang magtago sa likod
niya." Tumawa siya ng pagak.

"You were smart but I never take you for a coward. And to make it more interesting,
you didn't have any clue that you were going to be a father then, before you asked
me to sign those damn papers."

Kitang-kita niya ang dumaang emosyon sa mukha nito. It's like watching a full-on
storm stop and collapse in front of her. It should make her

want to rejoice, to laugh, but she didn't feel a bit like a winner. Seeing him lose
made her want to cry.

"Tell me, Sage. What would you do if I told you I was pregnant then? Would you
believe me?"

Ngumiti siya nang mapait sa katahimikan nito. He just stared at her looking thrown
out and she'd never seen him so genuinely lost.

He never knew about her condition, at iyon ang masakit. If she died that night,
he'd never knew their son existed. And to top it all off, he thought it was from
another man.

"See? You won't. Iisipin mo pa ring kay Luigi iyon, hindi ba? Katulad ng ginawa mo
noong unang nalaman mo. You will doubt the father of my child. At sa galit na meron
ka sakin noon, paniniwalaan mo pa rin ang iniisip mo. You won't listen to me. You
will still destroy my family and it will break me anyway..."

That was the hard truth, she thought with a heavy heart.

"You were right. You're wearing a monster's heart and I can't believe I was the
lamb who fell in this trap, to your lies. I can't believe I..."-loved a man who
only wanted to hurt me.

"Ikaw... si Sharmaine... pinagmukha ninyo akong tanga. Dahil sa inyo kaya nawala
ang anak ko. You almost killed me. Dahil sa inyo..." she choked.

She felt helpless tears spring into her eyes and she cut them off ruthlessly. She
chose anger to raise inside her and owned it.

"What are you talking about?" he asked cluelessly.

"Ask your lawyer, Sage," she said flatly. "Ask Sharmaine. Ask her what happened
that night, when you asked me for divorce."

"Goddammit!"

Mabilis na lumapit sa kanya si Sage. He walked around the

table and turned the swivel chair as he kneeled in front of her.

"Tell me, Kyra... what did she do?" His voice was a mix of worry and warning. Of
fear and anger.

"Just ask her... because I'm done explaining myself and everything to you." Hindi
siya ang dapat na tinatanong. Hindi dapat siya ang sumasagot. Wala siyang dapat na
sabihin, o aminin.

Maybe Sharmaine did intercept her calls and messages, maybe she did all that mess.
Pero wala na siyang paki kung sinuman ang may kasalanan.

She's far too tired for this. For being angry. For being in pain. Ang bigat na nang
dibdib niya at ayaw na niyang may nakadagan sa kanya. She just wanted this to end.
She wanted air, or else... she'll lose it.

"No, no, no..." pigil nito sa kanya habang niluluwagan niya ang singsing sa kamay
niya. "Don't you even think about it." Tiim na tiim ang panga nito.

Napatingin siya sa kamay niya. Sage was holding her hands as she looked at her with
desperate eyes, asking her something she couldn't give. And then she thought of a
life different from this... and at the same time, she pictured a life with him
again.

"Do you think we can still work this out?" she asked.

"We can," he said convincingly, but Kyra already made up her mind.

Dahan-dahan siyang kumawala sa hawak nito habang umiiling, saying no for the second
change. "I don't think I can go through this again, Sage." Habang nandiyan si
Sharmaine, habang hindi pa niya natatanggap lahat ng nangyari...

"Stop..." pigil nito sa kamay niya, He stared at her with all the pain he was
feeling inside. Pero gusto niya ng bumitaw.

She doesn't want another pain. Another loss. She couldn't take it.

"Sage... I want a space to breathe in. I want to think."

Umiling-iling ito pero hindi siya nakinig sa sinasabi ng mga mata nito.

"I hurt you. You hurt me. We're destroying each other, can't you see that? I don't
want to wake up one day hating myself like my mother did. That one day, we won't
recognize each other anymore. We need to stop this."

"I can't...' he whispered in brokenly. "Please... don't kill me just yet. Breathe
with me. Think with me. Stay with me."

Kinapitan siya ni Sage. She could almost see the rope that he was tightly holding.
Pero hindi pa rin siya nakakaramdam kahit na nasa harap na niya si Sage, nakaluhod
at mapupula ang mata. She already drew into the place where his words couldn't
touch her anymore.

And he knew it. He could see it now. He knew that they're on a dead end. Their love
was on their limit. Or hers was... And she was not coming back anymore.

"Do you seriously want to throw this away?" anito. She answered him with silence.
"Don't lie to me, Kyra. Tell me you don't. That you can't live without me."

Ngumiti siya sa sinabi nito. She did live without him and quite frankly, it was
simple, she didn't need to be on her guard every single time and freedom was her
friend. And Kyra wanted that life back.

"Do you... do you still love me?" Pain tightened his face and hurt dulled his eyes
as he asked her the question that she didn't know what to respond.
She just looked at him but didn't see him-the husband she thought she loved. Right
now,

she only saw a man who was close to tears, crumbling for her. Pinakiramdaman niya
ang sarili niya at kinapa ang puso niya.

She sighed. "I'm not sure anymore, Sage."

Hindi niya alam kung nagiging matigas lang siya o kung may gusto siyang patunayan.
But she really didn't feel anything at all.

"You suffocate me," she told him honestly.

His jaw twitched and his lids lowered, hiding his eyes from her. "You hate me,"
Sage stated it like a final judgment.

She felt a cut, right there in the center of her chest.

She didn't, yet. But she wanted to... so much. Iyon dapat ang isukli niya sa lahat
ng ginawa nila ni Shramaine sa kanya. His love was turning into a constant pain,
like a thorn sticking to her sides. But... her walls were wavering.

No, Kyra... it's time to wake up from this cruel love.

"Alam mo ba kung ano ang naramdaman ko kanina?" sabi niya maya-maya. "Sumikip ang
dibdib ko sa sobrang galit na halos hindi ako makahinga. Gustong gusto kitang
saktan nang paulit-ulit... kayo ni Sharmaine, dahil sa kasalanan niyo sa amin ng
anak ko.

Gusto ko kayong gantihan hanggang sa maramdaman ninyo ang pakiramdam ng mawalan ng

anak. Gusto kong maramdaman ninyo ang pakiramdam na maging manhid, na halos wala na
kayong maramdaman hanggang sa tumigil na ang tibok ng puso ninyo dahil sa sakit.

Pero naisip ko na kulang pa iyon dahil kahit anong gawin ko, hindi na babalik si
Noah, si Papa... lahat ng nawala sakin. Hindi na sila babalik kahit pa gawin ko
iyon. Kaya sana, maintindihan mo rin na may mga bagay na hindi na maibabalik pa."

Sage bent his head.

Tahimik lang ito at hindi nagsasalita. Silence wrapped around them and for her, it
felt like tranquility.

She knew what she was asking. She knew what will happen if she pushed through
this... and her heartbeat was rebelling against it, resisting her will. Pero iyon
ang gusto niyang mangyari.

Umangat ang ulo ni Sage at mahinahon itong tumingin sa kanya. "Do you really want
me to let you go?"

She was about to say something, but she held her tongue, as soon as she realized
what she's going to say.

Tumango-tango si Sage, na parang naiintindihan nito ang desisyon niya. "I'm

sorry..." He smiled, that smile that looked like he just let go of a beautiful
butterfly and let it fly away from his hands.

"I'm sorry I didn't protect you enough, that I was so stubborn for fighting. I'm
sorry I failed you. I'm sorry I hurt you... our son, the both of us. I'm sorry
you're here, that I still want to keep you, that I want to cling to you, even if
you're hurting."

She wrenched her gaze away from his with effort than she liked. Hindi niya
maintindihan kung bakit ganito, bakit hindi siya masaya.

"I don't want to end this. If you'd ask me, I want to stay by your side because
you're my wife. My one and only." His voice quivered and he breathed harshly.

"I can't let you walk away from me. Dahil kapag ginawa ko iyon, kapag binigay ko
sayo, I know you won't come back to me again. If I give you a chance to think, I
know you will think about the pain, the bad and the worst. Hindi mo na maiisip ang
masasaya... Ako. The good life we had.

But if I suffocate you, if you feel you can't breathe

because of me, then I guess... I have no choice, do I?" He laughed dryly.

"We're hopeless... so I'm giving you space you need. But I will ask you this for
one last time. Please, don't take them off again." He twisted the ring on her
finger and never looked at her eyes again. "Think about the day you said I do...
the day you married me. I want you to think of them too, Kyra, not just the
wounds...not just the wounds..."

"Ano'ng ibig mong sabihin?" naguguluhang tanong niya.

Tumayo ito at tahimik niya itong sinundan ng tingin habang naglalakad ito patungo
sa isang cabinet. He pulled one folder and went back to her again. He placed it on
the table and looked everywhere but her.

"You don't have to leave because of me. Dahil ako ang aalis... This is your home
from the first place. I just forced myself in here and tried to steal it from you."

Tinitigan niya si Sage pero hindi pa rin ito tumitingin sa kanya. She wanted to
stop him because she thought...

You thought what, Kyra? Ito naman ang gusto mo, 'di ba?

Mabilis siyang tumayo nang makarating ito sa pintuan. He stopped at the door and
saw how he gripped the knob tighter before he walked out without saying another
word, without even looking back.

Tinitigan niya ang brown folder sa tapat niya. Dread sank down her stomach. Ayaw
niyang buksan iyon pero kinakataok siya ng kuryusidad niya. But the sound of a
faint thud downstairs made her stop and turn around.

From the window, she saw Sage walked outside the house. Wala itong pakialam kahit
na may kaunting ulan. Mabagal ang bawat hakbang nito, hindi tulad ng tibok ng puso
niya. It's as if her heart wanted to break away from her and run to him-to where it
belongs. But her body just wasn't moving.

Perhaps, this is it. Her heart needs to stop crying.

Saglit itong tumigil nang buksan nito ang pintuan at tumingala sa bintana kung
nasaan siya nakatayo at ramdam na ramdam niya ang pagtalon ng kanyang puso. And
then it stopped beating when their eyes met for the last time.

Quickly, he looked away and went inside his car. And as she watched the black car
driving away, she could feel her icy control fading and was being replaced by a
flat, empty ache all over her body. And she was aware of herself breaking off
inside, shattering, once again.

The thing is, you can't fix what's already broken. You can stick it back together
but it will grow fragile and weak. The scars would still remain.

Her heart might be broken, but she will heal. Time will be her friend. And soon,
she will learn how to cover the scars with smiles and a little bit of silver
lining.

Because that's life. Everything has endings, even pain.

=================

Chapter ♣ 49

WRATH

ISA, DALAWA, tatlo... hindi na alam ni Sage kung ilang minuto siyang nanatiling
nakayuko sa manibela at halos hindi na humihinga habang nakatabi ang sasakyan niya
sa isang parte ng daan, ilang kilometro lang mula sa bahay nila-kung saan niya
iniwan ang puso niya. Ang buong buhay niya.

His heart was breaking, like an ice cracking so slowly.

He wanted to beat something down, to free the struggle inside him. But he just felt
so weak. So human. It's like his body was covered with pain and he hurt all over.

Kasalanan niya. It was his goddamn fault.

He asked her to be his wife. Asked her to be his forever, to be with him and spend
the rest of their life together. But what the hell happened?

Siguro huli na ang lahat para sa kanila. He couldn't make things right anymore.
Kyra hates him now. She hates him and now she wanted him to leave her alone.

Kaya ba niya? Could he do that?

Fvck! Fvck! Fvck! He cursed crisply as he beat down the stirring wheel.

He couldn't go through the pain of losing his wife again. Hindi niya kakayanin. He
can't.

He couldn't breathe because of the pain. Masyadong masakit. Tears stung his eyes as
he shut them, and all the while as he held them close, he could only think about
the biggest mistake he just made in his life.

Yes. He just left the only woman he loved. The only person he allowed to touch him
in his deepest soul. Ang kaisa-isahang babaeng nagpatunay sa kanya na mayroong
halaga ang puso niya.
But there... he just did. Iniwan niya si Kyra.

It was a crucial

decision for him to make and the most difficult. The hardest. To leave Kyra and
walk away. He just threw his entire world away... his whole life. And now, he had
nothing.

His chest throbbed again, more painful than the previous one. Sa sobrang sakit ay
hindi niya napigilang umungol ng marahas. He growled like a hurting bear and hit
the stirring wheel again in a hard blow.

Pinaghahampas pa niya iyon nang ilang beses hangang sa nagmanhid na ang mga kamay
niya sa sakit. If only beating it down could magically undo the past. If only he
could drown in his pain and feel numb. Feel nothing and just let it go.

Pero ang hirap. Ang sakit. It hurt to let go.

He shouldn't have let her win. Hindi siya dapat umalis... regrets flocked his mind
now.

But what could he do? Yes, maybe he could've stayed and demanded to stay. That
would be easier for him if he didn't listen to her. Maybe he wouldn't be as
miserable as he is right now. Maybe it would be less painful.

But the thing was, even if he chose to cover his ears and refused to listen, he
could see the end just by looking into her eyes. The string they were holding on
to, it's been getting brittle. Weak. The knots were loosened and it keeps on
unravelling. Until the string broke.

Kyra wanted freedom.

Maybe his brothers would tell him to be rational, logical about it. But rational
logic would be to keep her and make her stay. Dahil iyon ang tama. Rational logic
would mean he would make their marriage work because that was what most married
couple do.

But that won't save him from the way he felt right now, as

his whole body twisted from powerlessness. Rational logic won't save their marriage
because it will only hurt Kyra even more.

If keeping Kyra is the most right thing to do-the thing he wanted the most, he also
knew that he would only snatch her freedom away from her. And she would forever
hate him if he did.

Love is an incomprehensible thing in this world. Almost paradoxical. It turns wrong

to right and from right to wrong. Illogical at times and it contradicts the mind.

And that's what Sage exactly is. In love. Illogical. No, he wasn't a bit rational
nor logical. He was just a man-a man with a bleeding heart.

Tinitigan ni Sage ang bintana niya at ang daan sa harap niya. It was as empty as he
felt.

He didn't want to make Kyra anymore unhappy than she already was. Nakikita niyang
hindi na magbabago ang isip ni Kyra. And the fallout would still be the same.
Either he leaves or she will. Sa huli, mayroong aalis.
But was it right? Was it fair?

No... it wasn't fair. Siguro nga tama na bigyan niya ng space si Kyra, na ibigay
niya rito ang oras at panahong gusto nito. But it was never fair. Because giving
her that time and space could also mean he would lose her.

How was it fair for him? Ilang ulit pa ba niya kailangang malayo sa babaeng mahal
niya? Ilang ulit pa ba niyang pagdadaanan ang sakit na iyon, ang mabaliw dahil kay
Kyra?

How many times must he suffer just to be with her and have that love he held
before?

His chest burns. Perhaps he deserve this flame burning him. He deserved everything
he's feeling right now.

Alam niyang

pagbabayaran niya ang nangyari sa anak nila, kay Kyra, at sa lahat. He should have
protected her. Pero bago niya akuin ang mga pagkukulang niya, kailangan muna niyang
pagbayarin ang taong naglagay ng piring sa mga mata niya.

He turned on the ignition and it roared furiously like a lion in the middle of the
jungle.

He could grieve later, but right now, he have someone to tear apart. And he will
make sure that he will leave her in shred.

He will fvcking make her pay.

With that promise and an arrow pierced in his chest, Sage took off.

"GOOD AFTERNOON, SIR."

Hindi pinansin ni Sage ang bawat bati sa kanya ng mga taong nakakasalubong niya
habang papasok siya sa L Telecom building.

The lights were on to compensate for the darkness clouding the sky after the
rainstorm. It wasn't yet four and people are still working the remaining office
hour.

He was aware he looked like a mess, but he didn't care. He doesn't care if he
looked like he was having a bad hair day or his eyes are swollen and irritated. He
didn't care about his crumpled shirt or he was just drying off from the rain. His
just don't fvcking care.

With his burning eyes, he purposefully strode inside the empty elevator and pushed
the 4th floor button.

Pumikit siya nang mariin. The pain was still there, dull, but breathing and
throbbing inside him. Pero mas pinili niyang buhayin ang galit sa dibdib niya.

The elevator opened and he stepped out of it. Dire-diretso siyang naglakad sa
pinakadulong opisina nang hindi pinapansin ang mga nagtatakang tingin sa kanya ng
iilang tao
sa palapag na iyon.

With his every step, his anger grew eating away his every emotion. He touched his
neck to loosen his tie but he realized he already took it off on his way here. Yet,
he still feel so constricted. Kailangan niyang ilabas ang galit niya, dahil kung
hindi, he could do a lot worse.

Naningkit ang mga mata niya nang makita ang double doors ng opisina sa pinakadulo
ng palapag at walang kaabog-abog na binuksan iyon.

"Sage!" Sharmaine quickly stood from her chair upon seeing him. Ganoon din ang
bisita nito. He recognized him as one of the company's interns.

Hindi ito pinansin ni Sage. He walked in with his cold, stern face and dismissed
her visitor in a hard, flat threatening voice. "Leave us."

Tahimik na sumunod ang lalaki at lumabas ng opisina. The door silently shut close
and now they're alone. Him and the very reason his life is over.

"Is there something wrong?" Lumapit sa kanya si Sharmaine at mabilis na tinabig

niya ang kamay nito nang tangkain nitong hawakan siya.

"Don't!-" he growled in clenching teeth, "- you dare come near me."

His eyes were glaring wildly as they locked at her alarmed eyes. Lumayo ito sa
kanya nang hindi man lang naitago ang sakit at gulat sa mukha nito. But he didn't
care. In fact, he wanted to see that look, and more of it.

"S- Sage... what's wrong?"

Pumikit siya nang mariin at nagtagis ang bagang niya. How could he be such a fool
to fall into a decoy? The things that Kyra told him... lahat iyon hindi niya alam.
And all along that he's been going insane looking for his wife- and his

son...

His eyes snapped open and gave her a cold, penetrating stare as his wrath filled
him. Naikuyom niya nang mariin ang mga kamay niya. "Bakit, Sharmaine? Bakit hindi
mo sinabi sa akin ng tungkol sa anak ko?"

Her eyes widened and her face paled. Pero kahit na huling-huli na ito ni Sage ay
nagawa pa nitong magsinungaling. "I- I don't know what you mean-"

"Don't you lie to me!" he roared, his fist banging on the table with his filthy
anger. "Don't you dare fvcking lie to me!"

Sharmaine cowered back from him, fear swarmed her eyes. Yes... Sage thought. She
should be frightened. Very, very be frightened. Dahil sa galit niya ngayon, hindi
niya alam kung ano ang pwede niyang magawa rito.

But he stood still, with his rage towering over her. Wala siyang pakialam kung
naging matalik na kaibigan niya ito sa loob ng ilang taon, dahil sa ngayon, wala
siyang kaibigang oportunista. Why would he care if she clearly burned his trust?

"Tell me, Sharmaine," he pressed after her silence, "Bakit hindi mo binanggit sa
akin, ni minsan, na nagkita kayo ni Kyra noon? The divorce papers, who signed
them?"
Nanatili itong walang kibo kaya lalo lang nadadagdagan ang galit niya rito.

"What did you do to her, Sharmaine? What did you tell her? Answer me!" His voice
thundered around the room. Fvck if people get to hear him shouting and tearing the
whole building down. Wala siyang pakialam.

She chewed on her cheek, a look of hesitation on her face.

"And don't even think about lying to me because believe me, I would know" he warned
her.

Silence followed.

And then, the words spilled like old spoiled rotten milk all over them. The crime
she did to Kyra and him. Ang tungkol sa divorce papers, kung paano sila nakita nI
Zeke sa isang restaurant, kung paano nito napapayag si Kyra na pirmahan ang divorce
papers na pinagawa niya rito, at higit sa lahat, ang tungkol sa anak niya.

Hindi siya makapaniwala na talagang nagawa iyon ni Sharmaine. The friend he

trusted, the person he sought advises from-how could she betray him like this?

"You bitch... You fvcking bitch," he drawled harshly. Punong-puno ng galit ang
dibdib niya na halos hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin niya sa galit na iyon. He
wanted to roar and combust and blow things up.

"My God, Sharmaine! You... killed my son," nangingig ang boses niya sa sobrang
emosyon. He could already feel the angry tremors running through his body.

"I can't believe you could do this to me," he whispered threateningly. "You tried
to block her calls from me, kept her from me and used me for your own gain. Binigay
ko sayo ng buo ang tiwala ko, pero ginago mo lang ako. You knew how much I wanted
to see her pero anong ginawa mo? You lied to me. You tricked me. You manipulated
the whole situation and I can't believe you were the same friend I trusted!" he
almost screamed at her face.

Sage was never a violent man. He never resorted to fist fights just to hurt
somebody, even when Louraine had been kidnapped, and not even when he learned about
Xavier Dimitri and his evil plan.

He had always prided himself to be calm and in control of his emotions every time.
He had years of practice, especially

when he live in this world of business and dirty politics where he couldn't-must
not-shed a single mask of his iron wall. Because one careless slip will be his
fall.

But as he stood there, facing the woman he had trusted as a friend and a lawyer,
for once he wanted to be like Xavier and do something heartless.

Now, he only feel enraged looking at the face of a deceiver standing before him.

"Kulang pa ba na nagsinungaling ka sa'kin? Huh? I haven't even forgiven you for

what you did and now this. How could you do it? How could you do this to me?!"

"I'm sorry, Sage! I'm so sorry!" she cried in trembling voice. "I... I didn't
know... I wasn't planning to..." nahihirapang sabi nito hanggang sa kumawala ang
hikbi mula rito. Her body began to shake.

"God! I didn't know she'd be in an accident. Maniwala ka, Sage. I only wanted her
to go away and leave you alone. But I swear I didn't know it would happen. N-nagawa
ko lang naman iyon dahil-"

"Dahil saan?" He snorted with full of scorn. "Because you have feelings for me?" A
curl of disdain twitched his lips. "You couldn't let it rest, don't you? Ilang
beses ko bang sasabihin sayo na wala akong nararamdaman sayo. Nothing happened in
Paris, alam mo iyon!" sigaw niya. If only he could blast her with his thundering
voice.

"I've clearly told you for fvcking million times how I feel about you. Alin sa mga
sinabi ko ang hindi mo maintindihan, Sharmaine? Huh? What's in 'I can't love you'
that you don't understand?! Ngayon, pati ang anak ko dinamay mo dahil sa gusto mo
na alam mong kahit kailan, hinding-hindi mangyayari?!"

He heaved so

deep to push down his rising temper. Turning his back, he strode towards the
window, his shoes thudding heavily against the floor from his forceful steps. He
stood behind her working table and looked back at her. Being close to her was
pulling him to do something tragic. Pero kahit kaunti ay hindi man lang nabawasan
ang galit na nararamdaman ni Sage para rito.

He heard her sob that only made him feel more disgusted rather than pity.

"I hoped, Sage... just like you, I hoped. Ang tagal kong nanatili sa tabi mo. I
know you... somehow, you loved me before. But I blew it off. Mahalaga sa akin na
makatapos ako ng pag-aaral. That I had to be a lawyer that my mother wanted me to
be. You knew what she's like."

A bitch just like this one, Sage thought sardonically. Her mother was a failure. A
kept woman. Isa itong magaling na abogado pero dahil sa nabuntis ito ng maaga ng
isang politikong de pamilya na, kinailangan nitong magtago. Kaya si Sharmaine ang
pinarusahan nito, ang sinisi nito na nawala ang lahat rito.

That way, Sharmaine lived to please her mother whatever it took, until she died
before she graduated.

But not that he cared.

"Pero pinagsisihan ko iyon, Sage. Alam ko na ngayon na ikaw ang mas mahalaga
sa'kin. Why do you think I stuck to you all this time?"

Her confession only made him want to puke. Yes, he may have had persuaded her
during their college days. But those were that days when he was young and he didn't
know much about hard responsibilities. About life. About the world. Before some
bastard ruined their empire and threatened to kill his whole family.

He

just wanted the thrill and Sharmaine was the 'it' girl then. Pero noong bumalik
sila nang Pilipinas, lahat nag-iba na. He was not the same young man anymore, fool
and naïve. He had become someone else-someone who had no idea what was his heart
was made of.

Until Kyra came along.

That thought almost floored him again. And so was his flaming rage.

"Minahal kita, Sage. Sobra-sobra. Lahat gagawin ko para sayo. Pinalaya kita noong
nagpakasal ka sa babaeng iyon, kahit masakit. Pero sinaktan ka niya! I couldn't
take it, watching you hurt."

"And so you took that chance to take advantage of me."

"I took the chance to make you see who loves you more! Someone who deserve you!"
she corrected him which only made him laugh.

"No wonder you were so willing to play my fiancée." He couldn't help the skepticism
in his voice. Why was he even surprised?

"Did you honestly believe I would marry you while I was married to my wife? That
you deserve me more than her? Did I ever deserve you, Sharmaine?" he taunted. "Did
you really think I would go on with that farce of a marriage just to comply with a
jerk's business proposal to get his approval?"

He was talking about the fake engagement he had to play along because of a business
deal. The man wanted a partner who's settled and committed because he believed he
could trust those kind of men who wore ring around their fingers. But he didn't
need to lie. He was already married then-but he had no wife to introduce.

He wanted that opportunity to tell his parents, especially his mother, about his
lost wife, but things got out of hand. The

next thing he knew, the media was telling lies about Sharmaine and their supposed
'romantic relationship'.

Hindi niya alam saan iyon nanggaling at kung paano iyon nagsimula. He didn't mind
it at first, thought it was just another rumor he carelessly ignored. But the rumor
got so huge it was hard to pull back and tell everyone about the truth.

But now, he could see the opportunist inside her deceiving mask. He was just sorry
that he's too late.

"I was a goddamn fool," aniya sa sarili at napailing sa sarili niyang katangahan.
"Pinagbigyan ko si Mama na ipakilala kang fiancée ko noon para sa business deal na
iyon kahit na hindi naman kailangan. You knew I could sack the deal without the
lies and the drama. But I agreed to it because I thought it would make mom happy.
Now, it looks to me that the show put some wishful thinking in your head."

She stepped near him and put a hand out to touch him but he moved further out of
her reach, his face a threatening scowl. Nakagat nito ang labi nito saka nanatiling
malayo sa kanya.

"Nasaktan ka, Sage. At hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit pilit mo pa ring

binabalikan ang babaeng iyon. Don't you remember what she did to you? She broke you
and I-" she pointed at her own self to emphasize what she meant, "I took care of
you. I put you back together. I helped you. Hindi mo ba nakikita? I love you more
that she could give you. I could never hurt you."

"Stop comparing yourself to my wife because you're nothing next to her!" he all but
growled at her. "Hindi niya magagawang gawin lahat ng mga ginawa mo sa akin, at sa
kanya. And

put this well inside your head-I never loved you. Because if I did, it's should've
been you I married. Pero hindi. Siguro nga, sinubukan kong ligawan ka noon, pero
noon 'yun. Noon. At hindi ibig sabihin, mahal kita. Si Kyra ang mahal ko at siya
lang, Sharmaine."
He saw how that hurt her, and maybe he wanted to hurt her. Watch her bleed and
scream from pain after all that she had done. But that was the hard truth.

"You're a liar and a cheat, Sharmaine. A bitch who likes to play dirty and people
like you deserves hell. So don't ever make a mistake comparing Kyra to yourself."

Tumawa ito ng pagak para pagtakpan ang hinanakit nito dahil sa sinabi niya. "You
think so highly of her, Sage. May mas masahol pa ba sa iwan ka niya para sumama sa
ibang lalaki? And what do you know? Baka anak ng-"

With a couple of strides, Sage was before her again, glowering down on her with her
arms on his tight, harsh grip. "One more word about my son and I will not think
twice breaking your neck," he threatened, ignoring the hurt on her pale face.

"And you're wrong," he added acidly. "She didn't run away with another man. She run
away from me because I wasn't her dream."

He never was, and that was the hard truth he had to accept too. He was never her
dream she wanted to chase and keep, while she had him under her feet, behind her
tail, following her around wherever she goes. She would always be the world above
him. Always and forever his dream.

She gave a derisive snort as he held her arm. "So you'd rather stick with someone
who doesn't see your worth, is that it?"

"No.

I chose to stick to the woman who made me see love's worth. Someone who taught me
how to use my heart. Hindi mo maiintindihan iyon, Sharmaine, dahil maliban sa
obsesyon mo sa akin, hindi mo nakikita ang kulang sa pagkatao ko."

Something stirred inside his chest, threatening to break free and take him whole.
He could feel his heart in tatter inside him, painfully beating its last beat,
barely breathing. Pero tinatagan ni Sage ang loob niya.

"I maybe a lot of things-an heir of Stanfield Steele, the brain and spine of our
wealth, the fvcking rich kid, the wise Sage-something this mediocre world only see.
But that woman..." lumunok siya ng malalim, "...that woman believed I am more than
that. More than I ever could."

"I see..." tahimik nitong sabi. "So, you just needed someone who can feed on your
ego and inflate your head. What a shame, because you don't strike me as an
emotional man. I thought you're not like everybody else."

His smile turned dangerous and his eyes glazed darkly as stepped and closed her in
until he could hear the faint gasps of air she was taking in.

"What do you want from me, Sharmaine? Huh?" he whispered as he touched her cheek
and thought about hundreds of hateful things he could do with it, but instead, he
held himself in check.

"Do you want my money? Or do you want something else?" His eyes narrowed
vindictively as she stared at him in fear and apprehension. "What? Do you want
this? Huh?" Hinawakan niya ang leeg nito at ang panga nito.

"Funny that I strike you as a weak man who would turn to another girl after a
heartbreak." He

continued caressing her cheek and watched as her eyes slowly glowed with
anticipation. He smiled dispassionately at her, a smile that made her shiver in
fear.

"But you're right. I am not like anybody else. I don't settle for a woman who would
give the world at my feet. Hindi ako katulad ng ibang lalaki na gusto mong mahalin
at angkinin. I'm not one of those guys, Sharmaine. You should've thought better
than that."

"He watched indifferently as her face contorted from anger. Sinubukan nitong lumayo
pero humigpit ang hawak niya sa batok nito.

"Gusto mo ba talagang mahulog ang loob ko sayo? Did you think I'd fall for you if
you play your dirty tricks on me?" he whispered in a chillingly cold voice as he
held her neck, his thumb pressing on her pulse that was beginning to beat hard and
fast.

"Well, fvck you," he gritted. His body vibrated with hostility so strong he was
struggling to keep in control.

"Did you really think I'll love anyone and just forget my wife? Huwag kang hibang,
Sharmaine. Even if you walked naked in front of me, I would never touch or lay a
fvcking finger on you. I only love my wife at hindi iyon magbabago. I can never
touch anyone that's not her. Kaya 'wag kang mag-iilusyon na may nangyari sa atin sa
Paris noon dahil alam mo kung ano ang totoong nangyari."

His lips thinned as he remembered that night. "You forced yourself onto me,
remember? Pero pinalagpas ko iyon dahil lasing ka. At higit sa lahat, kaibigan
kita! No one fvcks a friend, Sharmaine. You think I'd do that? You think I wouldn't
notice what you're doing that night? Nagpakalasing

ka para maalagaan kita, para makahanap ka ng excuse mo para mangyari ang gusto mong
mangyari. You planned to trick me to get me into bed, pero walang nangyari!"

He was seething with anger that he had to push her away from him. Malakas ang
pagkakatulak niya rito dahilan para mawalan ito ng balance. Ngunit mabilis itong
nakahawak sa likod ng upuan bago ito tuluyang mabuwal sa pagkakatayo.

"You disgust me, Sahrmaine. Wala kang pinagkaiba sa mga putang nakilala ko-but you
were a high class bitch. A whore. And you're worse than the rest of them."

She raised her hand to slap him, pero mabilis niyang nasangga iyon. He held her
wrist so hard he thought he could actually break her arm.

"Don't think I'd let your hand touch me, dahil sa totoo lang, mas gugustuhin ko
pang masampal ako ni Kyra ng ilang beses kesa tumanggap ng isa mula sayo," mariing
sabi niya. "You're not even worth the pain."

Her hurt-filled eyes stared angrily at him. "Stop insulting me."

"The truth is never an insult, Sharmaine," he bit back. "Why? Do you feel ashamed?
Nahihiya ka ba sa mga pinaggagawa mo?"

He smiled satisfyingly and let her go not too gently. "I thought replacing you as
my lawyer was enough, but I really should've sacked you. I don't need an employee
like you. Simula sa araw na 'to, ayoko nang makita ang mukha mo rito. You can sue
me for firing you because of my personal reasons but the hell I care. You know
you'll lose."

Mariing naglapat ang bibig nito na para bang pinipigilan nitong umiyak. "Pagkatapos
ng lahat ng malasakit ko sayo, lahat ng panahong nilaan ko para sayo..."

she sniffed. "Sasabihin ko lahat sa kanya ang ginawa mo. Ang tungkol sa kompanya
nila, lahat!"

Sage only smiled at her with pity in his eyes. "Ganyan ka na ba kadesperada,
Sharmaine? Go ahead. Tell her. I don't have much to lose anyway." Isa pa, wala ng
hindi alam si Kyra. He already gave her his last card and it's up to her what to
believe-whom to believe.

"Please..." he said as she looked at him with hurt and pain, like a victim caught
in a villain's trap. "Don't wear that face. Hindi bagay sayo."

He turned to walk away from her when he heard her again.

"I know...I am losing you now, but you're already losing her too. Maghihiwalay din
kayo, Sage. She already hate you and she won't have you back again."

Still, even after all the words that had been said, she still had the nerve to look
so tall and proud. But Sage could see the tiny crack on her shell. Soon, her shield
will break and nothing can ever protect her again. Not anyone. No even herself.

But she was right, nonetheless. He recognized that and accepted it-incompletely.
Because he couldn't let himself believe that this will be the end.

"I just lost her and I am blaming you for all of these," he said more calmly than
he ever could. "But I'm not going to give her up, Sharmaine. Nothing and no one
could make me give up something that beautiful and good." He would still hold on
even if his life depended on it.

"Isa pa, nakalimutan mo siguro kung sino ako." His eyes sparked from the frail hope
he was holding on to.

"I'm a Steele-I don't crumble, I never quit, and I always get what I want. I will
take her back no matter what happen, no matter what it takes. But first, I'll make
you regret every tear that she spilled. And believe me, you will pay for my son's
life, Ms. Madrigal, and for everything that you did. I told you, I hold grudges-a
habit that dies hard."

He continued walking and stopped at the door way. Humigpit ang kamay niya sa
siradura ng pintuan at muli itong nilingon sa huling pagkakataon.

"I'm never a violent man, but pray for your sake, Sharmaine. Because I'm telling
you, I could kill you with my own hands if you do something to her or even come
near my wife again. Consider this a threat."

He opened the door and stepped out, slamming the door shut behind him.

He wished he could burn her in stake and leave her in flames. But he was not a
medieval man, nor was the era he was living in. So he would just let her lick her
wounds and make her life a living hell.

Sharmaine was so wrong for turning him into an enemy. So wrong.

Now, what was left for him was to do what he should've done the day she appeared in
his office again since the day she disappeared.

What was it that people say? That life's biggest regrets come not from the things
you had done but the things you hadn't?
Well now, he believed it. There was so many things he should've done but ends up
not doing. And now, his life was filled with regrets and he will have to live with
them forever-if he doesn't make things right again.

=================

Chapter ♣ 50

CLAWS

HALOS HINDI makatulog si Kyra sa nagdaang gabi. Her mind kept wandering off,
keeping her awake all night. At dahil iyon sa mga papeles na iniwan sa kanya ni
Sage.

What the heck did they mean?

The house-this house-that she thought Sage took as a payment for her father's debt,
their company that she thought Sage destroyed... lahat iyon nasa pangalan niya.
Sage gave her back everything after he cruelly took them from her. What was the
point?

Hindi niya maintindihan! Why? Why did Sage do that?
about it? Bakit pa kailangan nitong ibalik sa kanya
matagal na nitong inangkin? Why did he let everyone
did he have to let her think that he was destroying
she had? Why?
Why didn't he say anything
ang mga bagay na akala niya ay
think that he was ruthless? Why
her family and everything that

After everything that had happened... bakit ngayon lang ito ginawa ni Sage? When
things were in muddled water? Did he want her confuse? To make himself feel better?
To ease his conscience?

Kyra shook her head as she quickly picked up her bag on her way out of her bedroom.
Kahit papaano, alam niyang hindi iyon ang dahilan ni Sage kaya nito iyon ginawa.
And she needed to find out. Answers.

If he intended to surprise her, and maybe think that it would change her mind and
take him back again-well, it didn't. There are things that just don't work out that
way. At least, not to her. Iba na ang lahat.

"Aalis po kayo, ma'am?" tanong sa kanya ni Myra pagbaba niya galing kuwarto.
Sandali itong tumigil sa pagva-vacuum.

Tumango

siya at muling inalala ang address ng building na pupuntahan niya.

"Dito na po ba kayo manananghaian?"

"Hindi na siguro ako makakauwi mamaya."

"E..." saglit itong naghinayang. "Ma'am, si sir po?"

Huminga siya ng malalim at binuksan ang pintuan para lumabas ng bahay. "Hindi na
siya babalik," aniya at tukuyan nang sinarado ang pintuan sa likuran niya.

But even as she said it, she herself wasn't sure he would. May mga gamit pa itong
naiwan sa bahay. His walk in cabinet was still full of his clothes, ties, shoes and
watches. Nasa study office din nito ang mac book nito, pati ang ibang kailangan
nito sa trabaho. So maybe he would come back for it-or he might ask someone to pick
them up for him.

Well, that's not her concern anymore. All she wanted from him now was to know about
those legal documents he left her yesterday...

And to tell him about the fact that she was indeed pregnant.

She sighed as she pulled Sage's Mustang outside the gate. Kahit ang kotse nito ay
iniwan nito kahapon. In fact, he didn't bring anything with him when he left-as if
he was expecting he would return.

Pero paano kung bumalik ito kapag nalaman nito ang tungkol sa magiging anak nila?

A happy family would have been a dream. A good dream, she thought wistfully as she
ran a hand onto her still flat belly. But it was a dream she was yet to have, to
live... and maybe, it would remain just a dream.

Masyado nang marami ang nangyari sa kanila ni Sage. There had been too much pain.
Too much ugly past. Too much beauty was lost. Hindi niya alam kung maayos pa nila
iyon.

Right now, she just feel that what she did was the right thing to do.

Kyra knew Sage took the hard way letting her way, but it didn't mean she was wrong.
She knew what she asked hurt them both, but it didn't mean it was wrong. She just
had to burn some bridges to move on. To leave the past.

It took her half an hour to get to where she thinks she could find Sage. Bumaba
siya ng sasakyan at tiningala ang malaking puting building sa harap niya. Her eyes
squinted as she looked at the trademark hanging at the top.

L Telecom.

This was the same spot where she used to work for her father before. But aside from
the place, there was nothing the same. The building used to have 7 floors rather
than 12, and a basement for a parking lot. Ngayon sa covered lot na lang nakaparada
ang mga sasakyan. And the painting used to be blue-her mother's favorite color.

It was a pity she didn't had the courage or the slight curiosity to look what
happened to their business after she regained consciousness. She was just so busy
to get her normal life back, her memories. Ang akala niya tuluyan nang nawala sa
kanila ang kompanya-dahil iyon palagi ang sinasabi sa kanya ng mga kapatid niya.
She didn't bother to look because her guilt was holding her back. And now she
wished she had.

Pati pangalan ng dating kompanya nila, pinalitan ni Sage. CI Holdings doesn't exist
anymore. Her father's name was wiped out of the business world. And Sage had made
sure of that.
But then, it looked more modern now, wider and bigger. Stronger. Like Sage.

At least, he did better-better than what her father

could've done. But then who could tell? If Sage had not been so enslaved by his
anger, his father could've been successful too. He could've had made this.

With a shake of her head, she gathered herself
lobby. Katulad ng Stanfield Empire, malawak at
nilalakaran niya. Well, she didn't expect less
elegance and sophistication. Pati ang security
ganoon din.
and walked inside the pristine
napakakintab ng tiled-floor na
from a Steele when it comes to
guard hanggang sa receptionist ay

The girl standing behind the reception area was visibly surprised when she
introduced herself. Kinailangan pa niyang ulitin ang tanong niya bago ito makasagot
at itinuro sa kanya ang opisina ni Sage. She didn't even have to schedule an
appointment to see Sage. Basta na lang siya nitong hinayaang pumasok sa loob at
magalang na nagpaalam.

Still wondering, Kyra rode the glass elevator up to the eleventh floor. Nandoon daw
ang executive office, sabi ng babae kanina. Her father used to have the 7th floor
too as his own office, but now that the building has different structure, she also
expect that it was gone.

She could see busy people running errands in every floor she passed. Employees
working for Sage, helping this company grow. Iniisip niya kung ano ang nangyari sa
dating mga empleyado ng Papa niya. Do they still work here? O baka pinalitan din
sila ni Sage?

Well, Kyra was sure those security guards and the girl at the lobby were not his
father's employee.

She should feel nostalgic coming back here after how many years, but nothing was
familiar enough to make her feel so.

Mabilis siyang nakarating sa 11th floor dahil mag-isa

lang siyang nakasakay doon. She walked down the hallway, finding Sage's office, and
she realized he didn't own the whole space. May mga tao doon, kanya-kanyang cubicle
at lahat abala sa ginagawa.

Her first thought was Nancy. Where was Sage's secretary?

Kesa magmukha siyang tanga sa kakatayo doon, nagpasya siyang magtanong sa unang
dumaan sa tabi niya.

"Excuse me," aniya sa babaeng nakadilaw na pencil skirt at puting blouse. Kunot noo
itong tumingin sa kanya, hawak ang isang mug ng kape. "Saan ba dito ang executive
office?"

She didn't speak, but with her brows drawn together, she pointed at the office on
the east side of the hallway. Nagpasalamat siya rito at tuloy-tuloy na naglakad
patungo doon. And true enough, she saw a huge, wide, glass door and an empty single
desk outside it. Nancy's desk.

Hindi na siya nagdalawang isip na pumasok sa loob. Mabuti na lang at hindi locked
ang pintuan. Nakakapagtaka, pero hindi na lang niya iyon pinansin.

She went in and the first thing that greeted her was his scent. Her husband's. Male
and musk. Just exactly how she remembered him...

"Please, don't kill me just yet. Breathe with me... stay with me."

She forced her eyes close. His pained face and gruff voice ricocheted through her
like a bullet.

But she can't let her emotions lead her now. She already made a decision.

Stiffening her back, she walked inside and chose the chair closest to the window,
so when Sage came in, she can distract herself with the view. Hopefully.

Ibinaba niya ang bag niya at ang dala niyang attaché case kung saan naroon

ang mga papeles na sadya niya kay Sage bago siya umupo. Tiningnan niya ang relo
niya at kumunot ang noo niya. It's 9:36 AM. Sage was running late.

She remembered he used to leave the house by 7 or earlier than that. But then, she
still wasn't sure how many offices he runs. Kaya siguro ito laging maagang umaalis
ng bahay dahil sa dami ng kailangan nitong puntahan.

She let her eyes wander around the office. Glass executive desk, green swivel
chair, green bookshelves, green visitor couches, and a floor-to-ceiling window.
Looks like Sage was starting to fill his life with greens.

But aside from those, everything in this building was made of glass. Or rather some
of it. Hindi katulad noon. Her father was a private man. If he could see this
place-no matter how modern and sophisticated it maybe-her father would've frowned
The architecture was so open and public and bright. Pumapasok lahat ng liwanag
galing sa labas.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas at nanatili si Kyra sa upuan niya. Habang tumatagal,
lalo niyang nakakalimutan kung ano ang pakay niya.

Should she ask? It was plenty clear. He was returning what was rightfully belong to
her family. Simple.

But even then, she wanted... reasons. To understand him. Because she was so
confused right now.

She twiddled her thumb as she sat there quietly, waiting. Her heart was a staccato
drumbeat in her ears. She shouldn't be feeling this way-almost nervous. But she
was.

After yesterday, she didn't know what to say to Sage. Tama ba na kausapin niya ito
ngayon pagkatapos niya itong paalisin?

Well, technically,

she didn't really ask him to leave. She asked to be free. At ito ang umalis. But
what difference does it make?

And then, there's still that one thing. Their baby. In the end, she wasn't able to
tell him about the good news.

She wished it was all different. But it wasn't. She could no longer convince
herself that things will go back to the way it was before.

One single word and everything will turn a hundred and eighty degree. It would
jeopardize the space Sage had given her once he knew there was a baby growing
inside her. He would wedge a foot on her doorstep to walk back inside her life
again and demand to stay. And she couldn't have that. Not this time when she was
this close to her freedom.

Feeling her nerves spiking, she got to her feet and walked near the floor-to-
ceiling glass window and looked outside, stared at the bottom of the building to
calm herself down. Just then, she heard the door opened.

Her heartbeat seemed to burst inside her as she whirled around to face him. But it
wasn't a him. Hindi ang taong inaasahan niya ang nakatayo doon.

Sharmaine held the door ajar, looking as surprised as her. Pero hindi nakaligtas sa
kanya ang nanlilisik na mga mata nito bago ito umikot para isarado ang pintuan.

Kyra's eyebrow went up when she realized Sharmaine was not going anywhere.
Tinitigan niya ito nang humarap ito sa kanya at napansin niya ang kakaiba sa mukha
nito. She looked haunted, but she was trying hard not to show it.

She was pathetically failing, dahil kitang-kita ni Kyra ang paghihirap sa mukha
nito. Her poker face was cracking.

"Ano'ng

ginagawa mo rito?" iyon agad ang sinabi ni Sharmaine sa kanya.

Kyra wondered if she knew she regained her memories now-all of them. That she knew
what she did, everything that she told her. All the lies, the deception, the way
she took advantage of her vulnerability, how she made a fool out of her, and how
she pushed her and her son away from Sage's life.

Remembering all of it made Kyra want to hurt her so bad. It didn't matter how or if
she created a scene. She just want to pull her hair out and poke those irritating
eyes out. Scratch her face. Kahit alin doon.

But doing so wouldn't still satisfy her anger and her broken life. It wouldn't
bring back her son.

So she turned fully to face her and tried to act civil and cool as she could. "You
look surprised. Bakit, Sharmaine? Nakakapagtaka ba na nandito ako ngayon sa opisina
ng asawa ko?"

"Oh, I see. So you came here to gloat, are you?" Her red lips twisted in a sneer.
"You must be very happy now that you got rid of me."

Tumaas ang isang kilay niya. "Got rid of you? Did I?" sarcastic na sabi niya. She
had to smile at her assumption. "Remember when you tried to warn me? You told me to
stay away from Sage when it should be you who should have stay away from him. From
us. And if ever I did got rid of you, then you're right. I am happy," she lied.
Because she wasn't happy. She felt it would take time.

"Let me guess," she continued tilting her head. "Sage got rid of you, didn't he?
Not me. So, finally, Sage was able to look through that pinched deceiving face."

Naningkit ang mga mata nito at kitang kita ni Kyra

ang pagpipigil nito na lapitan siya. "I could've had Sage if you never came back.
Bakit ka ba bumalik, Kyra? You don't deserve Sage because you left him. Ikaw ang
unang umalis. You were never there when you broke him. Hindi ka karapat-dapat para
sa kanya!"

"And you do?" tanong niya rito na nakapagpatiim ng bagang nito. "I don't think I
should explain myself to anybody, especially you. So stop blaming me for your
unrequited love, dahil hindi ko kasalanan na hindi ka minahal ni Sage. But unlike
you, I know when someone doesn't love me back. I know when to stop deluding
myself."

Nanginig ang ibabang labi nito dahil sa galit at sakit. If she hurt her feelings,
then good. Because she been too kind for her own good. And look where that had
gotten her.

"Face it, Sharmaine. You can never have Sage because he's not for you to own. Hindi
ka niya kayang mahalin." And that's the hard truth she had to slap on her face.

"Siguro nga hindi ako mahal ni Sage-"

"Siguro?" she cut her off tauntingly. "We both know he don't. He won't, he can't
and he never would. You were with him for, what? More than a decade? And yet you
stayed invisible to him. Bakit hindi mo na lang tanggapin ang katotohanan,
Sharmaine? At least that would be easier for you to save you from your obsession."

Kyra shook her head in dismay, bitterness filled her again. "But instead, you used
me as your excuse to have him. To turn him against me so he could be yours. Well,
that's just pathetic, you know. Is that how you win your cases? By lying,
manipulating? I don't even get why Sage invested too much trust on you, or why did
he even

try to go near the likes of you."

Nagdilim lalo ang mukha nito sa sinabi niya. But she wasn't done. Not by a long
shot.

Lumapit siya ng bahagya rito at tumayo sa mismong harapan nito. She couldn't help
taunting her. Rubbing salts into an open wound would feel nice, she thought as she
looked Sharmaine in the eye.

"Do you even understand what justice truly meant? Because you don't have it in you-
being fair, righteous. Do you know what you are? You're a murderer. A selfish,
pathetic, desperate bitch. I wonder if there's a law that can protect people from
you."

Her nose flared and her mouth was so taut she thought it would bleed. Nakikita niya
sa mga mata nito na gusto siya nitong saktan, but strangely, she was restraining
herself.

"I see..." anito sa kabila ng pagpipigil nito. "You've got tongue. Bakit hindi mo
ginamit iyan noon? What happened to that meek little victim, Kyra? I thought you
played that so well." A haughty little laugh came out of her throat and flashed her
that glare. "It could've been a little entertaining if you weren't so stupid. But
then, you didn't have the nerve to stand up on your own. You didn't even fight for
your child... was it a son? A dead son?"

Kyra couldn't hide the pain that passed in her eyes and she hated that it made
Sharmaine smile victoriously.

"What? Are you gonna bare those claws at me now?" Sharmaine laughed mockingly at
her.
Kyra felt her stomach quake from rage. Bringing up her son's death almost brought
her knees down. Almost-but her fury and hatred was so powerful enough to hold her
up.

Sharmaine's

laughter filled her ears. And then she stopped to walk close to her so she could
whisper in her face. "I enjoyed watching you cry. I enjoyed watching Sage miserable
and desperate-watching you breaking apart. I enjoyed every bit of it-"

Hindi na napigilan ni Kyra ang sarili niya. She wasn't even planning to. So she
slapped Sharmaine's face with her open palms so hard she stumbled backwards.

Kyra heard a gasp and it sounded like a painful one. Hawak-hawak ni Sharmaine ang
panga nito nang bumaling ito sa kanya. Half of her face was so red it made her look
like she hit a brick. And her palm still burned from slapping her jaw.

"You bitch!" Sharmaine all but screamed at her.

"Masakit? Kung tutuusin, kulang pa iyan sa lahat ng ginawa mo. Dahil sayo, namatay
ang anak ko! Dahil sayo, nasira ang buhay ko!" she said scornfully. "Pero hindi na
kita hahayaang sirain pa lalo ang sarili ko. I won't let an obsessed, delusional
bitch like you destroy the last piece of me."

Sharmaine sneered, her palms still covered her bruised jaw. "But I did. I just
did," she said, her eyes full of hate. "Wala na si Sage sa buhay mo. You hate him
now, at hindi mo na siya patatawarin! That anger you feel, that's poison. And it
will ruin your marriage. And me? I will gladly wait on the side lines watching you
fail miserably."

"Ang kapal naman talaga ng mukha mo."

Napatingin siya sa may pintuan para tingnan ang nagsalita. There stood Serena with
her hands clutching the door jamb looking so fierce and angry.

"You dare to threaten her and my brother?"

Galit na galit na lumapit ito sa

kanila at basta-basta na lang hinatak ang buhok ni Sharmaine. Kyra watched in shock
as Serena pulled Sharmaine's hair harshly, dragging the poor girl through the door.

"Get off me!" Narinig niyang sigaw ni Sharmaine habang pilit nitong inaabot ang
buhok nito pero lalo lang itong hinihigpitan ni Serena at lalo rin itong nasasaktan
hanggang sa kinaladkad ito ni Serena palabas ng opisina.

Startled, Kyra ran to follow them. Nakita niya ang mga tao sa labas na nakatayo na
isa-isa sa mga cubicles ng mga ito at mukhang gulat na gulat sa nangyayari.

Pinakawalan ni Serena si Sharmaine at napaluhod ito sa sahig sa gitna ng maraming

tao.

"Walang hiya ka! Idedemanda kita!"

Serena laughed and shrugged carelessly. "Try and sue me, I don't care. You think
I'm scared of you?" Tumayo ito sa harap ni Sharmaine habang nanatili itong
nakaluhod. "May gana ka pa talagang magpakita dito at magmaldita? You of all people
had no right to stand against my sister-in-law and threaten her like that because
first of all, you're a nobody. Ano bang ipinaglalaban mo? Your pathetic obsession
for my brother?"

Kyra watched Sharmaine how she took a glance around them. Nakita niyang
nagbubulung-bulungan na ang mga tao doon habang nakatingin kay Sharmaine, nanonood.
They all looked at her with that kind of look-judging look. Belittling her.
Thinking the worst of her.

She actually felt pity for Sharmaine. But isn't that what bad people get? Karma?

"Lahat ng ginawa mo pinalagpas ko dahil nirerespeto ka ng mga magulang ko. My

brother respected you, even when you don't really deserve

that respect. Believe me, I wanted to pull your hair every time I see you. You just
make my blood boil and I don't understand why my brother had to put up with you for
so long. Tapos nagawa mo pa siyang lokohin at traydorin? God knows how much I
wanted to kill you!"

Lumapit na siya para pigilan si Serena. Hindi niya alam kung bakit ito biglang
dumating, but the show must be stopped. Dumadami na ang mga tao sa loob dahil
biglang commotion at alam niyang magkakaroon ng ingay. She didn't want Serena to be
involved in this mess.

"Serena," pigil niya kay Serena at hinawakan ang siko nito pero hindi siya pinansin
nito.

"Hindi pa ako tapos sa babaeng 'to," she said and shrugged her hand off. "You know,
you have a serious head problem," anito kay Sharmaine na halos lugmok na sa
kinasasadlakan nito. "Siguro kailangan mo na ng doctor. You need some fix."

"Serena," Kyra tried again but Serena brushed her off.

Huminga ito nang malalim at pilit na kumalma. "If you really love my brother like
what you're saying, at least, you considered his happiness. Alam mo namang hindi
ikaw ang mahal niya. You see that every day, at hindi ka tanga para hindi mo
maramdaman iyon. Kaya bakit mo pa ipinagpipilitan ang sarili mo sa kanya? You knew
he love Kyra. They're married for God's sake! Sana hinayaan mo na siyang sumaya.
But you are one selfish bitch and now my brother's in a mess right now because of
you! Ganyan ka ba magmahal? But bitch that you are won't even know the difference.
And now you'll be very sorry for what you did."

Sharmaine bent her head. "Sorry?" she barely said

in a whisper that Kyra almost didn't catch her word. Dahan-dahan itong tumayo at
nag-angat ng mukha.

Mapula pa rin ang isang bahagi ng mukha nito at alam niyang mamamaga iyon kung
hindi iyon kaagad malapatan ng yelo.

"It was your own fault, Kyra," sabi ni Sharmaine at tumingin sa kanya. Her eyes
were misty red and angry. Almost hostile. "Sana hindi ka na nagpakita. Sana hindi
ka na nagising. Bakit hindi ka na lang nawala! Bakit hindi ka na lang namatay!"
sigaw nito.

Cold air swept around the room that made her skin shiver. And then suddenly
everyone hushed as every pair of eyes fell on the man walking purposely towards
them and stopped in front of Sharmaine

"No one talks to my wife like that," Sage drawled in a threateningly low voice that
seemed to reverberate around the four corners of the spacious room. "I warned you,
didn't I?"

Sharmaine's eyes widened. "But I didn't touch her! Hindi ko siya sinaktan!" she
said defensively but Sage was already turning around as if he wasn't very
interested in her plea.

"Serena?" he said almost sounding accusing when he looked at his sister.

"I just want to see her kneeling."

Sage sighed as he ran a heavy hand through his messed up hair. "That's enough," he
said gruffly. "Everyone, get back to work!" he barked.

Dali-daling nagsiupo ang mga tao sa upuan ng mga ito na para bang walang nangyari
at ang iba ay nagkunwaring nagbabasa ng mga file sa mesa nila.

Avoidng Kyra's way, Sage turned to Serena, Nancy and the rest of his security team.
"I have an urgent meeting this morning so please, clean up this mess." At huli

nitong tiningnan si Sharmaine.

"Mess?" Serena stepped up to stop Sage from walking away. "Kuya, sa tingin mo ba
hahayaan kitang panooring magpakalunod sa alak habang nawawala si Kyra sayo? You
clearly still love her, and she also does. Gusto mo ba talagang hayaan ang basurang
babaeng 'to na manalo?"

Sage loosened her tie and impatiently looked at his sister. "I'm not letting anyone
win. Especially her. But I do have an urgent meeting, Serena. Have it your way but
not here."

Kyra stood there, taking in whatever was happening. Hindi na niya mahabol ang mga
nangyayari. And then there was Serena, saying those things she didn't understand.

Did Sage get drunk? Kaya ba ganoon na lang ang itsura nito ngayon? His bloodshot
eyes, even when he was avoiding her eyes, Kyra could still see they were restless.
He looked like he crawled under a rat hole for a week.

But even with those rough look, rumpled hair, and sleepless eyes, his navy blue
business suit, pale blue shirt and grey tie still made him look like a ruthless
business man-a typical Steele in flesh and blood.

"And you," Sage turned to Sharmaine again with a cold, granite look. "I already
sent you away so why are you still hovering here?"

"Sage..." Sharmaine's lips trembled. "Nagpunta lang ako dito para... para
magpaalam, at humingi ng tawad."

"Wow. That was quick." Serena snorted and Sage shot her a castigating look but she
only rolled her eyes at him.

"Don't bother. You already know what to expect." Sage started to turn away again.

"Please... Sage! Pakinggan mo naman sana ako!" Sharmaine begged.

Tinangka nitong lapitan si Sage pero pinigilan ito ng isang lalaking nakaitim. One
of Sage's body guard.

Now, Kyra could already see the curious onlookers starting to pry again.
Saglit na huminto si Sage at bumaling kay Sharmaine. Even as Kyra stood five steps
away from him, she could still feel the force of his silent fury. Ano pa kaya kung
sa kanya nakatoon ang galit nito?

She almost shuddered at that thought. But then, Sharmaine deserved everything she
was getting.

"You really want my forgiveness? Then beg for it. Beg my wife for it. Ask my son
for forgiveness, Sharmaine. My son."

Nanikip bigla ang dibdib ni Kyra. Hearing the pain in his anger-filled voice
brought the same pain inside her.

Hanggang hindi nawawala ang sakit na iyon sa puso niya, she can't ever forgive
Sharmaine.

Naramdaman niya ang kamay ni Serena sa braso niya. She smiled at her, silently
thanking her for the comfort. But she could also see the questions hovering in her
eyes. Maybe one day, in time, she could tell her the story of Noah.

"But as much as I wanted to see you begging, I still can't. Because such
forgiveness doesn't fall easy for you. Justice will be wasted on you." Lumayo si
Sage kay Sharmaine at tumingin sa paligid nila.

"Everyone here knows how good you are. But then, you wouldn't want to trust a liar,
especially when you happen to be a lawyer now, would you?"

"No! Sage, please! Not my job! Nagmamakaawa ako!"

Kyra stood frozen. She forgot how Sage could actually be so cold-bloodedly
heartless. Tinitigan lang nito si Sharmaine habang pinipigilan ito ng malalaking
body guard nito na makalapit rito. She never saw Sharmaine looked so desperate.

"You don't play with a Steele and leave without a scratch," ani Sage. "Kilala mo na
dapat ako. You think you can play me like that and get away with it? It's your own
fault, Sharmaine. You brought my wrath upon you and now you will feel it. Live with
it."

"Sage, wait! Please!"

Tuluyan na itong tumalikod at iniwan si Sharmaine na halos nagmamakaawa na.

"Get her out of my building," utos nito kay Nancy at nagulat na lang si Kyra nang
hatakin siya nito papasok sa opisina.

"Sage!! No!"

Sharmaine wailed and the doors shut close.

=================

Chapter ♣ 51

PRESIDENT
"HAROLD, it's me. I want you to do something for me."

Kyra turned around from the closed door and saw Sage holding his phone talking to
someone.

In that short amount of time, he was back to being the efficient tycoon he was,
wearing his business-like voice and barking orders, even when he's looking so rough
and beat up.

She wondered what he meant what he said earlier. Ano ang gagawin nito kay
Sharmaine? What's he planning? Tatanggalan ba nito si Sharmaine ng lisensya? Could
he do that?

Somehow, she almost felt sorry for her. Nagmahal lang naman ito. It wasn't her
fault that she loved Sage. It was just a wrong kind of love that destroyed her. But
hurting people was her choice.

That's why even when she felt a little bit of pity for her, there's this big part
inside of her that wanted to see Sharmaine suffer. To make her pay for her damned
choices. Malas lang nito na ang lalaking minahal nito ang siyang magbibigay ng
parusa rito.

Everything has consequences. And she must accept hers.

"I don't care how you do it... just put the name on the blacklist... No. I want
this done now," he directed succinctly before ending the call and punched another
number.

Napatitig siya kay Sage. Looking at him like that reminded her the time when he
fired her so heartlessly, when she was in desperate need of money, of help. He came
to her life, throwing her world completely out of balance. And little did she know
that he was the missing puzzle to her life.

She saw her life in a flashback-watching her building

herself slowly, picking the bricks one by one. It seemed like a lifetime ago...

Pero bakit kailangan niya pang makaalaala kung sa huli ganito rin lang ang
mangyayari? What was the point in all of this?

Well, there's this one thing why she loved Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliette's
tale. That there's beauty in a tragedy.

And in this particular tragedy of her life, the beauty of it was it taught her to
be a fighter. Love left her to be strong.

"Yes, it's time," Sage murmured to the other line and slid her a meaningful glance.
"I want everything prepared and ready," he said and slowly looked away.

Kahit nasa loob at mag-isa na lang silang dalawa, hindi pa rin siya magawang
tinginan ni Sage sa mata. And she found it disturbing when he does that. Kahit alam
niyang may dahilan ito, ayaw niyang nakikitang iniiwasan siya ng tingin ni Sage,
especially that wary look in his eyes.
Napabuntong hininga siya. She's getting soft again, and that precisely made her
remember what she came here for. If she wanted to talk to him about this, she can't
be weak.

Sighing again, she walked over to the attaché case sitting unmoved on the couch and
took the papers out.

She heard a click that told her Sage was out of the phone now. Turning around, she
met his eyes-sad, hurt eyes-poking right at the center of her chest.

Napalunok siya. It doesn't feel right looking at him looking at her like that. For
a while, they were silent, measuring the distance between them. How far had it
grown bigger after last night? she wondered.

Ang sabi ni Serena kanina, naglasing

ito. Did he sleep at all?

Well, the growing stubbles on his chin and the shadow under his eyes told her no.
He looked so different when his so broken. She's not sure if she'll get used to
this.

His gaze lowered and found the papers in her hands. "Nabasa mo na ba lahat ng
nadiyan?" he asked after the silence.

"Ito talaga ang sadya ko, Sage," aniya at pinilit ang sarili niyang humakbang
palapit rito. She put the papers on his table and stared at him steadily. "I want
to know what's this."

"It is what it is."

As if that could satisfy her curiosity. "It isn't enough for me, Sage. You know it.
You had all the chances to tell me before, tapos iyan lang ang sasabihin mo sa
akin? 'It is what it is'?"

Tumiim ang bagang nito at muling umiwas sa tingin niya. "They're all yours. Always
been yours. Binabalik ko lang ang sa iyo."

Sinundan niya ito nang umalis ito sa likod ng mesa. "Alam ko, pero bakit, Sage?
Don't I deserve an explanation?"

Napahinto siya nang tumigil si Sage sa paglalakad at dahdan-dahang humarap sa

kanya. Bumukas ang bibig nito pero wala itong sinabi. And he just close them again.

They stared at each other, wishing for two different thing. His was to hold her
tight, and hers was to keep her heart shielded away from him. She could see the
longing in his eyes, the struggle he was fighting. But Sage wasn't the man who
stops himself to do what he wants.

So he reached out his hand and touched her face so softly that she thought it was a
wind's touch. Her heart skipped a beat as his rough, calloused thumb stroked her
skin and the time stood still.

The

world seemed to have stopped turning around them and for a while, she almost forget
about her scars and wounds. It was just them and his eyes that spoke volume-words
he used to tell her. And even in his silence, she understood.
"Je t'aime, ma femme, mon seul et un seul." I love you, my wife. My one and only
one.

Words that meant so little now. Words that couldn't save them.

She heard a soft knock outside the door, breaking the trance. "Sir?" came a polite
voice.

Sage dropped his hand and looked away from her. Tiningnan din niya kung sino iyon
at ang sekretarya nito ang naroon. Nancy looked at her and back at Sage, almost
hesitant to tell Sage what she had to say. Hanggang sa tinanong ito ni Sage.

"What is it, Nancy?"

"They're ready for you."

Sage gave her a nod. "Thank you."

Umalis si Nancy at sinarado nitong muli ang pintuan. Kyra's heart sank in
disappointment. Sage was getting inside that meeting and still nothing made sense
to her.

Sage looked down at his watch and sighed deeply. Inayos nito ang necktie nito at
hindi niya maiwasang mapansin ang singisng doon. She watched those veined hands and
arms that used to be strong holding them together and remembered how they trembled
when he begged her not to break his heart.

"Stay here and wait for Nancy."

Sandali siyang napakunot ng noo at napatitig kay Sage. She didn't catch everything
that he said because she was busy thinking about something else.

"I need you in the conference room," he explained when he saw her confused look.
Pagkatapos nitong masigurong maayos na

ang damit at itsura nito ay naglakad na ito palabas.

But she caught his arms. Her heart was starting to beat unsteadily. "What are you
doing, Sage?"

He smiled reassuringly and brushed her cheek one last time. "I'll see in you
inside," he said before turning away and opened the door, leaving her.

Hindi mahirap hulaan kung ano ang binabalak ni Sage. He already gave her the
documents that rightfully placed her as the owner of the company. She completely
knew it was the right thing to do, but she found herself wishing this was not
happening.

Hindi nagtagal ay may naririnig na siyang kumakatok. Nancy poked her head inside
and found her sitting strangely anxious on the couches.

"Ma'am."

It's time, Kyra thought. Sighing, she stood up and gathered herself first. "Sino'ng
mga tao sa loob?" hindi niya maiwasang itanong kay Nancy haban naglalakad sila
palabas ng opisina ni Sage.

"Lahat ng board members at saka shareholders."

Pakiramdam niya mas lalong bumigat ang mga paa niya. Sage can't do this. If he's
doing this just to make her feel okay, just to make things right... sana hindi na
ito ginawa ni Sage. Because this didn't feel right at all.

"Nagulat ka rin siguro sa nangyayari."

Napatingin siya kay Nancy at ngumiti naman ito sa kanya.

"Nobody expected this meeting, especially me. But that's my boss. Sanay na ako,
lalo na pagkatapos niya akong paghintayin ng buong magdamag sa restaurant ninyo
kagabi. Umuwi na lang ako nang maisip ko na hindi na niya ako babalikan. Mabuti na
lang nandon si Mang Dante."

Pinigilan niya itong buksan

ang pintuan nang makarating sila sa conference room. "Restaurant? Ano'ng ginagawa
niya doon?" She thought it was supposed to be an interview for applicants.

Mukha itong natigilan sa tanong niya. Saglit itong sumulyap sa nakasarang pintuan
na para bang bigla na lang lalabas mula doon si Sage.

"Uhm.. ang totoo po niyan kasi, ma'am, nagpaayos po ng dinner si sir kahapon para
sa inyo. Pero bigla pong umulan ng malakas at nag-alala po siya sa inyo kaya umalis
siya ng maaga para tingnan kung maayos kayo."

Kyra stared blankly after the door, trying to look through it as she listened dully
at Nancy.

"He actually cleared his schedule for this week dahil plano niyang magbakasyon
kasama kayo. Pero bigla na lang siyang nagpatawag ng board meeting ngayong umaga."

Sage was planning to surprise her. He was already trying to make things right. But
something happened. She remembered, giving him no chance to rectify his mistakes.

Sa loob ng kaonting oras na iyon, nagbago ang lahat.

"I think we should better go inside."

Tahimik na binuksan ni Nancy ang pintuan at pumasok sa loob. She followed in. Si
Sage kaagad ang nakita niya. He was standing in front of those businessmen with
varying suits and ties and in that dim lit room, she saw his eyes looked straight
at hers and stopped speaking for a second.

Sumenyas si Nancy sa tabi niya. Sage gave a curt nod and then he straightened his
shoulders. "It was a pleasure working with you, gentlemen. But now, I'm pleased to
introduce to you the youngest daughter of the founder of CI Holdings, your new
President and CEO, Miss Shakyra Noelle

Lagdameo."

Everyone stood up, clapping as they all welcomed her. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang
gagawin niya. The only thing that was resounding in her ears was her name when Sage
called her. And she felt her whole being was shaken.

Sage held out his hand at her and she felt Nancy giving her an encouraging push
forward. Wala siyang nagawa kundi ang humakbang. Wala sa sarili siyang naglakad
papunta kay Sage habang sa paligid niya ay isa-isang nagpapalakpakan ang mga tao.

Tinitigan niya si Sage nang makalapit siya rito, naghihintay. Steele-she was
waiting for Sage to say his name, and he knew it. But he didn't, 'til the clapping
died in her ears.

"Congratulations," Sage said finally and presented her to the boardroom with a
proud smile.

"Sage-" tinawag niya ito nang maramdaman niyang lumayo ito sa kanya ngunit isa-isa
na siyang dinumog ng mga tao.

"Ms. Lagdameo," they called out to her. Sinusubukan niyang habulin ng mata si Sage
ngunit hindi siya makawala sa dami ng taong gustong makipagkamay sa kanya.

Nakita niyang binuksan ni Sage ang pintuan. Tumigil ito saglit at lumingon sa
kanya. She felt a pang of panic. Gusto niya itong tawagin pero naudlot ang boses
niya nang makita niya ang kapatid niya sa likod.

Stella.

She was smiling at her with tears in her eyes.

And she realized, Sage was doing this not only for her but for everyone in her
family.

"Excuse me." Nginitian niya ang isang lalaking halos nakaharang sa kanya saka ito
nilagpasan. She had to get to Sage.

Everyone kept coming at her, blocking her view

and she kept pushing forward. Nakita niya si Nancy at mukhang naintindihan nito ang
ginagawa niya kaya nagmadali itong pumunta sa tabi niya para ito ang humarap sa mga
board members.

Nancy handled them professionally and when Kyra finally broke free, she saw the
door closing.

She was too late. Sage was gone.

"EARL, baba ka na diyan. Nanay said you sleep now."

Sage watched his five-year-old nephew climb down from the slide and ran to him with
his chubby arms widely open. Excited na excited ang mukha nito habang tumatakbo ito
papunta sa kanya.

"Tito! Swing!"

He chuckled when he ran to his legs and held onto it like he always did.

"No, Earl." Lumapit sa kanila ang ate nito at hinila ang isang kamay ni Earl.
"Tawag ka na ni Nanay. Matulog ka na daw."

"No!"

Ibinaba niya ang boteng hawak niya at umuklo siya. "Earl, magagalit si Nanay mo
kapag hindi ka nakinig kay ate Bea. Gusto mo bang magalit si Nanay sayo?"
Sumimangot si Earl sa kanya habang umiiling ito. "Sabi mo play tayo."

"Gabi na. Let's play tomorrow, okay. I promise."

He watched his eyes lit up from excitement and scurried off ahead of his sister.
"Play kami ni Tito bukas! Bleh!"

"Good night, tito." Humalik din si Bea sa kanya bago ito pumasok sa loob ng mansyon
at hinabol ang kapatid.

Sage listened to their echoing laughter while he was left all alone with his bottle
of beer.

Right after leaving the building, dito siya kaagad dumeritso. Watching his nephews
play always calmed him down. Made him see another perspective of his life.

But for the past few hours, the only thought

that was playing inside his head was his son. Noah.

Iniisip niya kung ano ang magiging itsura nito kung buhay pa ito. Would he have his
mother's warm, beautiful smile? Her eyes that would always spark when she's
cooking? Her hair? Her hands? Her big, kind heart? Would he have his nose?

Yeah, Noah would probably have his nose, like how his nephews and niece got theirs
from their father. He would probably be like Vince at three years-whiney and
screaming the whole house down when he's crying. And when he grow up, Sage would
teach him how to ride a bike, tie his shoes, play soccer and read him poems and
stories about the Little Prince and Romeo and Juliette-even if he doesn't
understand. Hell, he would read him his parent's story, of how he met his mom, how
he fell in love at the first sight. How she tried to run away from all the ugly
ogres coming her way...

God, he would love to have a life like that. He will pay all his fortune if he
could live like that, and maybe he can die a poor man-happy and content poor man.

He took his bottle again and drank it all the way down, drowning the pain that was
bubbling in the surface of his wounded chest.

His head began to shake as he thought of how ironic it was that such beautiful
dream could hurt a person so bad.

Maybe because he knew that it only lives inside his head-never coming true.

"I thought I might find you here." A hand slapped at his back.

Napatingala siya kay Duke na may dala-dalang dalawang bote ng beer at inabot sa
kanya ang isa.

"My wife told me you're playing with my kids for the whole

day. Halos hindi na raw sila kumain kanina dahil sa kakalaro."

He didn't respond to that. Halos takutin na niya si Earl kanina na uuwi siya para
lang kumain ito ng hapunan.

"How did it go? The meeting?" Duke leveled him a look.

"You heard?" he asked instead. He doesn't want to deal with what happened that
morning. He just wanted to forget and drink.

"Tinawagan kaagad ako ni Serena kanina."

Damn! Trust his baby sister to do the talking for him.

"Ano'ng sinabi niya sayo?"

Duke shrugged. "She basically told me everything. Pati ang tungkol kay Sharmaine."

Sage muttered a curse under his breath.

"She saw you last night, drunk and puking all over on her favorite rose bed. She
got angry and she said he won't forgive you if her roses died."

"At hinayaan mo akong magsuka doon?" Damn. Just damn!

"Sinabi rin niyang kakausapin ka niya kapag matino ka na, pero maaga kang umalis ng
bahay-"

"So that's why she's there this morning."

"She's just worried about you and Kyra. You've been keeping a lot of secrets from
this family and Serena wasn't happy about it."

"I had no choice." He needed to protect Kyra. He want to keep her dreams alive. At
ayaw niyang sirain ang pangako niya.

"Naiintindihan na namin iyon ngayon."

Sage just nodded. Pero iniisip niya na kung mauulit man ang nangyari, wala siyang
babaguhin. Kyra will still come first for him.

"She also told me we lost a nephew."

For a while, Sage thought Duke shot him. Nakatitig lang siya sa kapatid niya, hindi
alam kung ano ang sasabihin. But he wasn't planning

to deny it. He never would do that to his son. Not ever again.

With his barely steady hand, he took his wallet from his pocket and pulled the
picture of his son. Ibinigay niya iyon kay Duke.

"His name was Noah. Five months pa lang siya nang maaksidente si Kyra noon. He's
barely seven at that time, with not enough lungs to help him breath."

One thing about he liked about his brother was he always understand him, like how
he understand he didn't want pity right now.

"This would break mom's heart," Duke said after a while.

Pero hindi siya nagsalita. Hell, he knows that. What did he think he felt when he
knew about his son and that he died while his mother was barely alive? That his son
died without him by their side?

No one will fvcking understand the pain. Nobody could.

"So what's your plan?" tanong sa kanya ni Duke habang ibinabalik nito sa kanya ang
litrato ng anak niya.
He stared at it and all his dream came flashing at the back of his mind. A boy
running on the sand, laughing as Sage chased him. Kyra watching them from afar.
"Honestly? I don't have one."

"Now that's new. You never ran out of plan."

He thought so too. Maybe if he was rational and logical about all of this, then he
would have probably saved himself from this powerlessness eating him from the
inside. Maybe he was happier now.

But as he looked at Noah, he doesn't know what's logical anymore and what's not. He
doesn't know what to do anymore.

He had a plan, and that was to keep holding onto Kyra. He wanted to put her back
together, to make her happy again. To see the smile that

first caught him.

But when he looked at the tears in her eyes last night, he knew she was bleeding
inside. At hindi iyon maghihilom kung ipipilit niya ang gusto niya. Hindi niya
kayang panoorin ang babaeng mahal na mahal niya na nasasaktan dahil sa kanya.

So he had to give her freedom. And that was the only thing he thought was right,
kahit masakit sa kanya ang ginawa niya. He'd rather cut himself with his own knife
than cause her pain again.

But he can't live like this forever. Hindi niya kaya.

"You didn't mention it was her father's when you bought that business," sabi ni
Duke nang nanatili siyang tahimik. "Just like you never mentioned that you're
married. Ang akala ko interesado ka lang na agawin iyon kay Villaruz."

"The business was on the verge of bankruptcy and Villaruz wanted to buy it off the
market. Later I found out he planned to tear it apart and sell it twice the price.
He was stabbing Kyra's father at the back and the old man didn't even have the
clue."

"Well," Duke tapped his shoulder. "You did the right thing, Sage. Saving their
company and giving it back to her."

Napabuntong hininga siya. "Yes... but she didn't think it like that. She still
thinks I'm a fuck up ass..." who did nothing but make her cry, break her heart, and
ruin her life.

"That's nice." Duke laughed. But he wasn't. He couldn't.

Kung noon, nagagawa pa niyang tumawa, ngumiti at magbiro, ngayon pakiramdam niya
parang wala siyang karapatan.

"You really love her, don't you?" seryosong tanong sa kanya ng kapatid niya. And
man, if he could only dispute that look on his face now. Because he used to ask
that to him before, when Duke was crazy in love with Louraine in high school.

He smiled at that memory and it died in his lips so soon. "More than she can
imagine."

Narining niyang bumuntong hininga si Duke sa tabi niya saka uminom ng sarili nitong
beer. Uminom din siya at kahit papaano, gumaan ang loob niya dahil may karamay siya
ngayon. Thinking alone is a torture.

"You know, when I thought I was losing Louraine... I did what I could to keep her,"
ani Duke habang nakatingin ito nang malayo. "Hindi ko siya pinakawalan, kahit na
akala ko, ako ang pinakamaling tao para sa kanya. I just realized that time that if
you really want something that bad, you fight for it. Do something to make it
happen." Tiningnan siya nito sa mata.

"That's what you should do too. And I don't mean you kidnap her too like Zeke did.
Lasing siya noong kinausap ko kaya hindi niya naintindihan ang mga sinabi ko. Ang
sinasabi ko lang ay gawin mo kung ano ang dapat mong gawin. You have this chance,
Sage. A chance. So you better turn this into a damn miracle."

Well, that sounded like a fvcking plan to him.

Duke was right. He can't live without Kyra. He's a drought without her. But he
can't force his feelings on her. Kyra will find herself again. She will heal. She
will come back. And he will wait for her, even if it kills him.

It might seem like forever, but it's better than nothing. He doesn't care how long,
it doesn't matter. Even if it takes them weeks, months or years, even if his hair
turns gray... he will stick up to the last second and wait.

If she stayed wounded, damaged, and bleeding, he will still take her back, if she
would let him. Whatever happens, broken, half or complete, Sage will stay in love
with her. His love for her will remain complete.

Because love is her.

=================

Chapter ♣ 52

DISAPPEAR

KYRA STAYED in her bed for a little more time after waking up that morning. Her
stomach was not settling in and her head felt wobbly. Ramdam niyng oras na tumayo
siya, mahihilo na naman siya kagaya nitong mga nakaraang araw. Kaya hinayaan na
lang muna niya ang sarili niyang humiga hanggang sa maging maayos na ang
pakiramdama niya.

She stared up at the ceiling as she laid there and thought of how little sleep she
had last night, even in the previous night. Hindi na ata siya nakatulog ng maayos
simula nang dito siya matulog sa dating kuwarto niya. Simula noong umalis si Sage,
hindi na siya pumasok sa kuwarto nila. And that was two nights ago.

But this was just the start. Alam niyang sa mga darating na gabi, mahihirapan
siyang makatulog. Pero habang maaga, kailangan niya nang sanayin ang sarili sa
pagbabagong ito sa buhay niya.
She should get used to sleeping and waking up alone now.

Pinalagpas niya muna ang ilang minuto bago nagpasyang tumayo at magbihis. May
kailangan pa siyang gawin ngayon araw. At iyon ay ang ibalik kay Sage ang
restaurant.

She thought all about it carefully last night at napagdesisyunan niyang ibalik iyon
kay Sage. At some point, she would have to decide to annul their marriage and she
didn't want to owe him something.

Iyon lang ang naiisip niyang paraan para tuluyan nang makalaya. Yes, she will tell
Sage about their baby, in time. Pero hindi iyon ang magiging dahilan para
magpatuloy pa ang kasal nila. He had decided to annul their marriage a long time
ago. Kahit pa sinasabi nitong wala itong

planong ipasa iyon, keeping the papers still tells her another story.

Knots tightened around her stomach at the thought of breaking their marriage, and
the pain it was causing her was the opposite of what she thought she would feel.
Pero ito ang sa tingin niya ay makakabuti sa kanilang dalawa. A complete closure.
Tied loose ends.

It's time to move on.

Right now, she will focus on herself, and her baby. Kapag naibalik na niya kay Sage
ang restaurant, tutulungan niya ang kapatid niya sa pamamalakad ng kompanya.

Pagkatapos niyang harapin ang ilan sa board members kahapon ay kinausap ni Kyra ang
ate niya.

She wanted Stella to run the company. Ever since they were young, Stella had been
working hard to be their father's heiress. Nag-aral ito ng business management,
nag-masters, nag- doctorate, naging Ph.D., samantalang siya... She even tried
running away from it.

Kaya isa sa mga naging rason kaya sa kanya galit na galit ang kapatid niya noon ay
dahil sa kanya ibinuhos ng Papa nila ang atensyon. Even when she didn't want the
business, sa kanya pa rin ibinibigay iyon ng Papa nila kahit na ang ate niya ang
talagang may alam pagdating sa kompanya.

Stella knows the business more than she does. At marapat lang na ibigay niya rito
ang titulong CEO and President of L Telecom.

And now, between her sister and her, Stella deserved to be the one holding the
company. Because she had other dreams.

She sighed as she put on her favorite orange dress that she'd been saving for her
best day. At sa tingin niya, ngayon ang araw na iyon. The day she will start her
new life.

Pagkatapos

niyang magbihis ay nagtext kaagad siya kay Nancy kung nasaan si Sage. Pagkatapos
nitong umalis kahapon ay hindi na niya ito nakita. Not even Nancy knew where he
went.

Nakasakay na siya ng kotse nang magreply si Nancy.

Nancy:
 Hindi siya pumasok ngayong araw. Can't contact him. His phone is off.

Napakunot ang noo niya. Where is he? Bakit pakiramdam niya ay sinasadya nitong
hindi magpakita sa kanya?

Magtatanong ka pa, Kyra? Of course, he's hiding from you because you didn't want to
see him.

Napailing na lang siya at saka pinaandar ang sasakyan. Pati si Mang Dante ay hindi
na rin napadaan sa bahay nila para kunin itong sasakyan ni Sage. Well, she'd just
have to hand this over to him, too.

She decided to drop off to the restaurant. Not that she was expecting any
surprises. Pero hindi pa rin niya magawang kalimutan ang sinabi ni Nancy tungkol sa
dinner surprise ni Sage para sa kanya.

What if she hadn't remembered that rainy day? Maybe she would've gone to that
dinner with Sage and then, maybe she would've told him about their baby.

Would things change then? Would she still make the same choices?

Hindi niya alam. Pero ang sigurado lang niya ay hindi magbabago ang naramdaman niya
nang gabing naalala niya lahat. She'd still feel this broken even if her memory was
whole and complete. And she'd still be blaming Sage and Sharmaine for everything.

She parked the car and got off. She looked up at the darkening clouds. Hindi pa rin
bumubuti ang panahon kahit na dumaan na ang bagyo.

She suddenly caught herself smiling at that thought. Strange that

it just described how she felt.

Umiiling siyang pumasok ng restaurant hanggang sa matigilan siya sa nadatnan niya

sa loob.

A tall man was standing beside the bar counter with his back turned to her. He was
wearing a red sweater, white undershirt, and faded jeans. Even without his tailored
suit, Kyra could still easily recognize him.

Mas lalong nadepina ang katawan nito sa suot nitong sweater. His back muscles
looked so hard and lean, and from the angle where she stood, she could see his
exposed forearm from his rolled up sleeves.

Her chest muscles contracted from pain. She could think of only one reason why she
wanted to go over there and touch him, but she also had hundreds of reason not to.

And then, those lean shoulders started to turn. If she wasn't gripping her bag
strap so tight, she suspected her thoughts would fly out of the window as soon as
his eyes went from being lost to being found as he looked at her.

Sage.

What was he doing here? Bakit hindi ito pumasok sa trabaho?

Tumingin siya sa paligid niya at napansin niya ang pagkakaayos ng mga mesa at
upuan. Lahat iyon nasa gilid ng dingding at iisang mesa lang ang nasa gitna kasama
ang dalawang upuan. As if it was waiting for two intimate couple to occupy them.
She also found some petals scattered on the floor.
"I already told Nancy to take care of the rest."

Napaangat siya ng ulo nang magsalita ito at medyo nagulat pa siya nang makitang
nakalapit na ito sa kanya. She didn't notice when he moved.

"Siya na ang bahalang mag-assist sayo sa hiring ng staff," dagdag

nito habang nakatitig sa kanya. "I also specifically instructed her to keep your
job less stressful as much as possible and with luck, you can open this restaurant
in less than a week."

That jolted her out of the unconscious hold that she was in after seeing Sage. Less
than a week? Bubuksan na niya ang restaurant?

Still in a haze, Kyra tried to speak while shaking her head. "It's not her job to
do that, Sage. Sayo siya nagtatrabaho, hindi sa akin."

Biglang sumilay ang tipid na ngiti sa labi nito. But his eyes were anything but. He
looked strained and pained. "You're still fighting this with me."

She felt a pinch. But she was already full of scars and a tiny scratch like that
was nothing.

Umiling muli siya. "Sage, I'm sorry, but I can't accept this."

"What do you mean?" Gumuhit ang kunot sa noo nito tanda ng pag-aalala. "What do you
mean you can't accept this, Kyra?" he demanded again, louder this time.

She began to worry, but she had to tell him. Or she never would. This was what she
wanted.

"Hindi ko matatanggap ang restaurant na 'to, Sage. You've already given back the
company to us... the house. And that's all I want, Sage. Hindi mo na kailangang
ibigay sa akin ito. You can take it back..." She planted her feet on the floor when
Sage moved closer. "...sell it if you want. Pero ibabalik ko pa rin sayo ito."

Matagal siyang tinitigan ni Sage hanggang sa pabilis na nang pabilis ang tibok ng
puso niya. Hindi sa takot o panic. Alam niya iyon. It was beating for some other
unacceptable reason.

It shouldn't be beating like that. Siguro

habang maaga pa, kailangan na niyang subukang labanan ang nararamdaman niya.

Silently, he took that remaining few steps closer to her and his musk assaulted her
senses immediately. She knew she will miss him, but she had to fight it. He began
to reach for her hand and tugged her closer, at hindi man lang niya ito pinigilan.
She wished he would just agree to her, pero hindi iyon ang nakikita niya.

"No," he began to say. "It's not everything you want."

Masuyo nitong tiningnan ang mga mata niya habang hinahaplos ng hinlalaki nito ang
palad ng kamay niya. It felt like he was stroking her heart. Touching it.

She bit her lip before it starts to tremble and tried to pull free, but Sage kept
hold of her. "Remember that first day we met?" he asked her in a soft voice. Tapos
ay ngumiti ito na para bang may naalala ito sa sandaling iyon.
And involuntarily, her mind did remember those days. Happy days she spent before
meeting him. And those glorious days that followed when Sage came to her life.

Ngunit sandali lamang iyon. The smile in his eyes faded and focused on her. "I want
you to be that girl again, Kyra. Full of dreams, passion... life. I want to give
you back your dream, the things that I've stolen from you."

He made a broken laugh and looked away from her. "Kung kaya ko lang, pati si Noah
at ang Papa mo, ibabalik ko. But I'm no God. I'm just powerless when it comes to
you. And still am," bulong nito habang nakatingin sa kamay niya.

Her chest tightened, at napapikit siya para huminga ng maayos. She could almost
feel her baby inside her womb and guilt

was starting to crowd inside her head, pero pinigilan pa rin niya ang sarili na
magsalita. That would offer no help right now.

"Sage, hindi mo na kailangang gawin 'to," aniya. And God help her! But she never
realized that she was this selfish until now. That she can keep the truth about his
child from him and still watch him suffer.

Sunod-sunod itong umiling nang umangat ang tingin nito sa kanya. "No, I have to. I
need to do this. I made a promise to myself that I will put you back together, and
I'm starting with this."

She stared after him, completely at a loss for words. Can he not see that he was
tearing himself apart trying to do that? Hindi niya kayang hilumin ang mga sugat sa
puso niya dahil kakailanganin niya ng maraming oras. Kakailanganin niyang mawala
ito.

If he try to help her, that means he will have to go.

And wasn't that what she wanted?

"Please, accept this, Kyra," halos nagmamakaawa na ang boses nito. "Iyon lang ang
hihilingin ko sayo bago ako umalis."

Kyra had to ask herself again, wasn't this what she wanted?

She suddenly felt cold, at hindi niya alam kung paano niya nakayanang tumayo doon
at nanatiling nakatitig sa mga mata ni Sage nang hindi kumukurap habang isa-isang
nilalamon ng lamig ang buong katawan niya, pati sikmura niya. Dread was wrapping
her all around.

Umalis? Hindi ba siya ang dapat na umalis? At least, she wouldn't feel like she was
being deserted. Abandoned. But does it even matter kung sino sa kanila ang umalis?

Sinalubong niya ang mga mata nito saka binawi rito ang kamay niya. "I should be the

one walking out of this, not you."

Sage stood aback, almost affronted. "Do you think walking away from you is easy?"
His eyes hardened as all his face went taut. "You have no idea. You have no idea
how much of this is killing me, Kyra."

Lumayo ito sa kanya na para bang ayaw nitong makita niya kung gaano ito nasasaktan.
He paced away and stopped to look at her with his intense bleak eyes.

"It could've been easier if I just let you walk away, but I can't. I can't! Because
I've seen you walk away from me before and I've waited for years for you to come
back."

Her heart crashed when helpless tears sprung from his eyes. She was not used to
seeing him this vulnerable, but he was. And it was because of her.

"Ayoko nang maulit iyon. Ayoko nang maghintay nang hindi nalalaman kung nasaan ka.
And now, the only reason that I'm doing this is because I can't bear it if you let
me go. At least this way, I know where I can find you. That you are safe."

Hindi niya magawang magsalita. Kahit nang lumapit ulit ito sa kanya, nanatiling
tikom ang bibig niya.

His thumb touched her chin and lifted her face so he can look at her eyes. Pula pa
rin ang mga mata nito at ramdam niyang ganoon din ang sa kanya. But she still felt
unforgiving. Because after all this hurt and pain that covered her heart, pride was
all she got.

"I am letting you go, but it doesn't mean it is my choice. Mahirap 'to para sa
'kin, pero gagawin ko para sayo. I'm giving you what you want and all I ask is you
stay married to me. That's all I ask from you. Just stay as mine."

She could still

remember the way he said her maiden name yesterday inside that boardroom. Pero
hindi na iyon mahalaga.

His eyes scanned her face as he waited, searching for familiar warmth. But she
could give him none.

Naramdaman niyang bumitaw ito sa kanya at dismayadong lumayo ng bahagya mula sa

kanya. The small space gave her a room to breathe.

"Alam kong marami akong naging pagkukulang sayo," he said gruffly, his eyes never
leaving hers. "I didn't believe you when I should have. I didn't protect you. I
didn't guard your dream strong enough... I lost you and our son. You've suffered
enough and I don't want to hurt you again, Kyra."

Humakbang itong muli palayo sa kanya habang nanatili ang mga mata nito sa kanya.
She felt she was being pulled but she remained where she was. Gusto nang kumawala
ng puso niya sa katawan niya, na para bang gusto nitong sumama kay Sage. And it was
crazy. Hurting like this was crazy.

"It was a lot of mistakes and I don't expect you to forgive me so easily," he said
with a smile that was at odd with his eyes. "I understand if you still want to push
me away. I do... I really do. Tanggap ko na. Tinanggap ko na na hindi ako naging
parte ng pangarap mo."

A gasp flew out of her mouth right before she could stop it. Bumukas ang bibig niya
para magsalita pero wala siyang alam na sasabihin. How could she deny that when she
knew how close he was to the truth?

Her heart twisted at his understanding smile. Tears were waiting around the corner
of her eyes and she feared that if she let them pour, they won't stop. Because
hearing him saying these was hurting her too

much.

"I know you loved me, but I also know I was never on top of your list. And that was
okay. Because I love you, and that's enough for me. You are enough for me."

No. She didn't need to hear that now. She didn't want to! Because it will not
change anything. It shouldn't.

But even as she told that to herself, she already knew that it has.

The strong wind rustled outside the building, shaking the window panes and it made
her feel colder. Lonelier. Kahit na nandoon pa rin si Sage sa loob.

Nanginginig na ang mga kamay niya nang makarating ito sa pintuan. He was just two
steps out of her life. And the way he was looking at her across the room caught her
breathless.

Once she wished for a man to come into her life and look at her like she was his
forever. And now, Sage was looking at her like that. And it was all she could do
not to run after him.

"I love you, Kyra. At hindi magbabago iyon."

Stop it! She wanted to scream. But her throat hurt. Her chest burned. She couldn't
move. And for God's sake! She couldn't even speak! She's scared that if she did,
she'd burst, like a dam full of emotions. Why was he saying all of this now?

"That's why I've decided to wait," sabi ni Sage na nagpapigil ng sunod niyang
hininga. "And I know I will be counting the days, months even... and damn if it
took me years again!" he laughed and her chest ached at how terribly she will miss
that laugh. "But I do hope that one day, in your dreams... you will find me,
waiting. And I will wait until you come back home to me again."

It happened just in seconds,

when he pulled the door open, tore his eyes and stepped out. In just a second, Kyra
watched him leave. And quickly, he was gone, like how he had disappeared yesterday.
Faster than the wind. Faster than her heartbeat.

Her heart constricted but she didn't do anything to stop the pain. Because she knew
that to stop it, she would have to stop Sage from walking away. So she just stood
there fighting back the lump in her throat and looked at him getting farther and
farther away until he disappeared.

And when he was gone, it left her drained. The pain consumed her that her own
breathing became numb. She didn't even notice her tears. And when she asked why
watching his back fading away from her sight made her feel like this, she realized
why.

Because love was leaving. Love has finally left.

"TULOY NA tuloy na pala 'tong restaurant mo."

Ngumiti lang si Kyra kay Kylie habang tinitingnan niya ang mga pagpipiliang layout
designs para sa magiging menu. Tinawagan niya ito para magpatulong sana sa pagpili
para may second opinion siya.

"Kailan ka magbubukas?" tanong ulit nito habang pinaglalaruan ang isang layout.
"Sa makalawa na siguro, kapag tapos na lahat." Prepared na ang lahat, simula sa mga
kailangang permits, staff, at lahat ng kailangan. Itong menu na lang ang hindi pa
tapos dahil may idnagdag pa siyang ilang choices sa listahan.

Katulad ng sinabi ni Sage, tinulungan siya ni Nancy pagdating sap agha-hire ng mga
staff kaya wala siyang naging gaanong problema pagdating doon.

She sighed at the pain that was refusing to be ignored. No matter how hard she
tried to

dismiss it, brush it off, it always claims her attention. Every day, every thought,
every sigh... and it was even harder every night.

"E kumusta ka naman?"

Tumigil siya para tingnan ang kaibigan. "Hm?"

"Tinatanong kita kung kumusta ka?"

Ngumiti siya at nagpatuloy sa pagkilatis ng mga designs sa harap niya. "Ayos lang
naman."

Why was it so hard to select one?

"Masaya ka naman ba?"

"Oo naman," simpleng sagot niya at tiningnan ang isang sample menu na pastel blue
ang kulay. Maganda sana iyon kung pastel brown, para complementing ang kulay sa
restaurant. Maybe she could remove some design para simple lang at hindi magulong
tingnan.

She heard Kylie sigh sharply and put down what she had been holding. "Kailan mo ba
aaminin sa amin na kasal ka na?"

Natigilan siya. Blood pumped through her body, making her pulse race fast. "Ano?"
iyon lang ang nagawa niyang sabihin kay Kylie sa gulat niya.

"Nanonood ka pa ba ng TV?"

Mas lalong lumalim ang kunot sa noo niya. Was she supposed to watch TV? Sa dami ng
ginagawa niya, simula sa interview at pag-aasikaso sa restaurant, halos hindi na
siya nagbubukas ng TV.

Since the day she talked with Sage, three days ago, she had been sticking to this
routine where she woke up, go out, spend her day busy, come home, eat and try to
sleep. She'd been busy doing anything, just to keep her away from thinking. She
even tried reading self-help books to make it easier for her to go through this. If
only it was easier done than said.

"Siguro naman nagbabasa ka pa ng dyaryo." Pinandilatan pa siya nito sabay baba

ng isang showbiz magazine sa kanya.

She read the headline written in red bold letters that were staring right at her
face. And her mouth fell open in a silent gasp.

Multimillionaire Tycoon, heir to Stanfield Empire, Sage Steele, is four years

married!
Sinubukan niyang maghanap ng litrato niya o nila ni Sage na magkasama pero tanging
mga mukha lang ni Sage ang nakikita niya. Ni pangalan niya ay hindi nabanggit sa
write up na iyon.

Kylie must've known what she was looking for and she said, "Wala kang picture
diyan. Baka nabayaran na ni Boss ang mga publishing company kaya pati pangalan mo
wala diyan. Unless hindi ikaw ang tinutukoy diyan."

Hindi niya pinansin ang huli nitong sinabi. "Binayaran? Anong ibig mong sabihin?"

"Sa tingin mo, hindi ka dudumugin ng mga tao oras na nalaman nilang ikaw ang asawa
ng isa sa pinakamayamang lalaki sa buong Pilipinas?"

Kyra rolled her eyes at her friend's exaggeration.

"Hindi ba totoo? Baka nga maubos ang daliri ko kakabilang sa dami ng negosyo ng
pamilya nila. Puwede na nga siyang tumira sa Land of Gold, kung meron mang ganoon
sa mundo e. O kaya, baka sila pa ang umimbento no'n."

"Ano'ng ibig mong sabihing 'binayaran'?" tanong niya ulit kay Kylie bago pa malihis
ang usapan nila.

"Binayaran. As in binayaran. Parang suhol, para hindi maglabas ng picture mo at

hindi mabanggit ang pangalan mo. I'm sure mayroon iyang nag-tip ng tungkol sayo
kaya pinigilan ni Boss para hindi ka pagkaguluhan ng mga tao. Lalo na iyang mga
bashers. Naku! Nakakatakot na ngayon ang social media. Hindi mo alam, ginagawan na
ng memes ang picture

mo. Tapos magte-trending ka pa sa twitter! Mayghad! Alam mo na ang mga tao ngayon,
bitter sa may mga love life."

Hindi naman siya outdated pagdating sa mga ganyang bagay, pero madalang lang siyang
gumamit ng social account niya. With her lost memory, she was not sure what she
could do with those accounts. Or what to make use of it.

But to know that Sage protected her from all those stuff...

Kung hindi siya nagkamali, the source of this information was there that day she
and Sharmaine had a confrontation. He must've seen and heard everything.

"Ayaw na ayaw ni Boss na nasasali sa mga ganyang headline ang mga pangalan niya.
Pero ngayon, talagang ipinagsigawan niya na kasal na siya. I'm sure, marami sa mga
ambisyosa ang luhaan ngayon."

Kyra gnawed at her bottom lip worriedly. Paano kung malaman at makarating ito sa
mga magulang ni Sage?

"So, ikaw nga ang tinutukoy diyan. Paano ba kayo nagkakilala? Magkuwento ka na,
dali." Kinakalabit na siya ni Kylie at mukhang excited na excited itong marinig ang
mala-fairytale na love story nila.

She sighed and put the layouts down. If only her friend knows the truth... that
their story was anything but fairytale. Na hindi inukit sa kaparehong tala ang
kuwento nila ni Sage sa kuwento ni Cinderella, o kaya ni Romeo at Juliet.

No, not even tragic stories won't fit to theirs. Because at least, Romeo got to be
with Juliet even in death.
Alam niyang hindi siya titigilan ni Kylie kapag hindi siya nagkuwento. Besides,
she's a friend who deserves to know half of her life. Kaya ikinuwento niya kay
Kylie ang lahat, simula sa

umpisa-tungkol sa pamilya niya, kung paano siya napadpad sa France at kung paano
sila nagkakilala ni Sage.

For two years of trying to remember her fallen memories... it almost felt strange
for Kyra that she could easily remember them all now. Filling every blank page that
she didn't know weeks ago...

She thought remembering could make her whole again. That it would make her happy,
be the person she had been. Na babalik siya sa dating Kyra na hindi niya maalala.

Pero nagkamali siya. She had never felt so lost in her life. Finding herself and
then completely losing it all over again-only, she didn't know where to look for
the pieces again. Sa huli, hindi pa rin siya masaya. She's still back to square
one.

"Wow! Ang romantic naman!" Kylie exclaimed, all glassy eyed. "Parang pangteleserye!
Imagine! Nagka-amnesia ka tapos wala kang kaalam-alam na ang lalaking inakala mong
umaapi sayo sa simula, asawa mo pala! Parang Beauty and the Beast!"

Napapailing na lang si Kyra. She still left out some parts of the story that she
wanted to keep to herself. Kylie didn't need to know all the details, about Noah,
Sharmaine and her evilness. Mas okay na na sila ni Sage ang nakakaalam noon.

"Pero bakit ganoon iyong nangyari sa inyo?"

Kyra looked at her pouting friend. "Ganoon lang siguro ang buhay."

Things don't go your way sometimes, or most of the times. It's all down to fate,
even if you choose to walk the other path.

"Pero naaawa ako kay Boss. Mukha kasing mahal na mahal ka niya. Sa yaman na meron
siya, at obvious na sa kaguwapuhan niya, lahat ng babae

pwedeng pwede niyang makuha. Walang matinong babae ang tatanggi sa kanya, no. Pero
isipin mo, sa dinamirami ng babae sa mundo, ikaw ang minahal niya. Ikaw ang
pinakasalan niya. Ikaw ang pinili niya. Pero sa huli, iniwan mo pa rin siya."

She felt the tip of the arrow scraped her skin. "Kylie, hindi naman kasi ganoon
kadali iyon."

"Hindi ko lang kasi maintindihan bakit ang simple-simple ng sagot, pinahihirapan pa

nila ang sarili nila. Iyong iba, mas pinipiling maghiwalay kesa magkasama kahit na
mahal na mahal nila ang isa't isa. Iyong iba naman, pinipiling magkasama hanggang
sa dulo kahit na wala na silang nararamdaman para sa isa't isa. Ang ironic noon
diba?"

"Dahil may rason sila." Of course, they won't be choosing that life if they had no
reason.

"Rason?" Kylie looked at her seriously. "Mas mahalaga pa kesa sa pagmamahal? Na

kaya mong isugal pati ang sarili mong kaligayahan? Ang kailangan mo lang namang
isipin e doon ka sa kung ano ang mas importante at kung ano ang makakapagpasaya
sayo."

In her case, there were two different answer. Sage makes her happy but herself was
more important to her. She can't lose herself.

Naramdaman niya ang kamay nito sa braso niya nang umiwas siya ng tingin rito. "Alam
mo, naiintindihan ko naman na may rason ka kaya mo piniling maghiwalay kayo. Kung
sa tingin mo, kailangan mo ng oras para sa sarili mo, naiintindihan ko rin iyon.
Nakakalungkot lang na kailangan niyo pang maghiwalay kahit na mahal mo siya, mahal
ka niya."

It was hard for her to go through all this. And it was even harder that the person
she thought who could comfort her was gone. But this, she knew, was the right thing
to do.

Oo, mahal pa rin niya si Sage. Hindi naman mawawala iyon. Pero masyado na siyang
nasaktan. At ayaw niyang dumating ang araw na hindi niya na makilala ang sarili
niya. She's scared that if she went through another pain, she will completely lose
herself.

You don't lose yourself in love. It's not supposed to be like that because love is
good. Love helps you to find yourself.

Nagawa na niyang kalimutan ang nakaraan niya. Her mind even tried to block her
memories from her so she could protect herself from the pain. What worse could she
do?

She love Sage too much, that's why it hurt her too much. And a little bit more of
too much will destroy her.

But Kylie wouldn't understand.

=================

Chapter ♣ 53

HYACINTH

PAGOD NA umuwi si Kyra sa gabing iyon. She could hardly move her feet to climb
upstairs to her room, to think she just stayed inside a kitchen for the past eight
hours, cooking, baking and eating. Hindi niya akalain na ganoon karami ang
kailangan niyang asikasuhin bago ang opening ng restaurant.

And that talk with Kylie this morning drained a bit of her energy. Thinking is more
exhausting than physical work.

Tinawag niya kaagad si Myra nang maisabiit niya ang susi ng kotse sa key hook.
Gusto niyang sabihing huwag na itong magsaing dahil nakakain na naman siya sa
restaurant kanina bago umuwi. Gusto na lang niyang umakyat sa kuwarto niya, dumapa
sa kama at matulog.

She was shrugging her coat off when she heard Myra in the connecting door of the
kitchen and the living room. Naririnig niya itong bumubulong at nang silipin niya
ito ay nakita niyang may kausap ito sa telepono.

Hindi na sana niya ito papansinin pero bigla itong tumingin siya kanya at gulat na
ibinaba ang telepono. "Ma'am!"

Her brows creased. "Ayos ka lang?"

"O-po, ma'am! Ayos lang po ako."

"Sino ba iyong kausap mo?"

"Ah, wrong number po kasi."

"Okay..." Tumango na lang siya habang naglalakad pabalik sa sala. But she was not
convinced though. Pero hindi na lang niya ito inusisa pa. She trust Myra. Hindi ito
gagawa ng kalokohan sa likod niya. Besides, kung suitor man nito ang tumawag, labas
na siya sa usapan.

"Ah, ma'am, maghahain na po ba ako?" habol sa kanya ni Myra habang paakyat na siya
ng hagdan.

"Huwag na. Sa restaurant na ako kumain kanina."

"Ah,

sige po."

Weird. Mukha itong balisa nang titigan niya ito.

She's not plotting to elope or something, is she?

Kyra just shook her head, brushing the thought away. She's too tired to even think
about that. Umakyat na lang siya kuwarto niya at naghanda na sa pagtulog. Marami pa
siyang kailangang tapusin bukas. Malapit na niyang buksan ang restaurant. Kaunti na
lang...

A little more push and she'll get there. She will move on, she will be happy and
everything will be alright again. They will be.

Naalimpungatan siya kinabuksan. Dahil sa pagod, hindi niya sigurado kung gising na
siya o nananaginip lang. It's been happening a lot since the past few days. Minsan,
pinapagod na lang niya ang sarili niya para makatulog kaagad. Minsan naman, hindi
rin iyon gumagana.

She heard soft movements and footfall, as if this person was afraid the noise might
wake her. She stirred lightly. Gusto niyang buksan ang mga mata niya para tingnan
kung sino iyon pero ang bigat ng talukap ng mga mata niya. She felt so tired she
wants to go back to sleep.

And then she smelled it. That yummy smell of fresh biscuits and hot chocolate. Her
stomach suddenly churned.

Nananaginip pa ba siya?

Nagmulat siya ng mata at kinusot iyon. It was still a bit dark inside her room at
hindi niya sigurado kung ano ang naaaninag niya. For a while, she thought she saw
someone leaving. Tapos ay nakarinig siya ng sumarang pintuan.

"Myra?" garagal na tawag niya habang sinusubukang bumangon. Inabot niya ang switch
ng lampshade niya at pinailaw iyon pero wala siyang nakita nang maaninag niya ang
kabuoan ng kuwarto niya.

Strange.

It looked taller than Myra. And it looked like a man's silhouette.

Tiningnan niya ang bedside clock niya at nakita niyang 5:52 pa lang ng umaga. Sunod
niyang tinitigan ang mga pagkain sa tabi ng lampshade. Tray iyon na may lamang
biscuits, oatmeal cookies, vegetable sandwiches, at isang mainit na hot chocolate.
Foods she crave at times.

Natigilan siya bigla at napaisip. Is she starting to crave?

Why would Myra bring her beak fast this early? Unless she knew she was pregnant.
Naririnig kaya siya ni Myra kapag nagsusuka siya sa banyo tuwing umaga?

She was slightly worried, but if Myra really suspected that she's pregnant, she
might have to talk to her about it.

Dahil hindi na siya ulit makatulog ay kinain na lang niya ang mga pagkain habang
nanonood ng TV. A channel with Sage's name on the screen caught her attention.
Kagaya ng nasa magazine na ipinakita sa kanya ni Kylie kahapon, wala siyang
nakitang pangalang nabanggit o picture niya. They were just showing Sage's face and
a nameless picture with a question mark. Tinawag pa nila iyong "Royal Secret
Affair".

She picked the remote and switched the TV on Disney Channel and enjoyed her food.
Seeing more of him is not doing her any good. Hindi na nga ito nagpapakita sa
kanya, she didn't even hear his voice, and yet why can't she stop thinking about
him?

Tinitigan niya ang binabasa niyang self-help book sa tabi niya. She's not yet done
reading it but after hundreds of pages, wala pa rin siyang natutunan. Without
thinking, she reached for it and turned the bookmarked page. Same words stared at
her.

Remember

the bad as well as the good.

At hindi niya mapigilang isipin ang sinabi ni Sage. To remember his vow, and not
just think about the wounds.

Pero sa dami ng nangyari, hindi niya na maalala kung ano ang mga iyon. All was lost
in pain, in grief, in sadness, and within those years that she had a blank mind.

Pagkatapos niyang ubusin ang iniinom niya ay bumaba na siya ng kama para maligo.
Kahit na hindi niya kailangang magpunta ng maaga sa restaurant, sa tingin niya ay
mas makakabuti kung aalis na siya. She needs something to occupy herself from these
thoughts. Sabi nga sa libro, 'Don't cling to the past. Learn acceptance.'

Accept that there are things that she can't change. Accept the past. Accept the
good and especially the bad. Accept his fault, accept their loss. She have to
accept that before she can forgive.

Because time had robbed her the chance to do that. Nawala ang pagkakataon niyang
tanggapin ang mga nangyari dahil sa pagkawala ng memorya niya sa matagal na
panahon. And then one day-without even a tiny warning-they all came slamming down
onto her like a wave after wave with barely having a gap of space to breathe.

It was almost insane that she had to feel the same pain all over again after her
memories returned. And it was too much at once.

She just has to take this time to take it all in. Time to feel.

Paglabas niya ng kuwarto ay kaagad na nauot sa ilong niya ang isang amoy. But it
was not a food this time. Pero hindi rin possible na...

Sage already left. This is not him she could smell.

"Myra." Tinawag niya ito nang makita

niya ito sa sala habang nagpapagpag ito ng alikabok.

"Ma'am?"

"May bisita ba tayo?"

Kumunot ang noo nito. "Wala naman po."

Wala? "Sigurado ka?"

"Opo, ma'am. Bakit po?"

Umiling na lang siya. "Wala naman." Nagiging sensitive na siguro yata ang pang-amoy
niya.

"CONGRATULATIONS!"

She smiled at another batch of well-wishers coming inside. "Salamat sa pagpunta,"

aniya sa pang-ilang beses na.

It still feel surreal working in her own restaurant. Pangarap pa lang niya ito
noon, pero ngayon, she has it in her two hands.

And yet...

Mabilis siyang umiling. She's not unhappy. Of course, masaya siya. But she was just
not as happy as she had expected she would be. Ayaw man niyang aminin, she knew
there's something missing.

She rubbed her hands down her high neck sleeveless black dress and tried to keep
her smile steady. Her eyes wandered around the crowded room. Halos dalawang oras pa
lang naman ang lumilipas...

She almost groaned. Bakit ba niya hinahanap ang taong wala doon? Bumuntong hininga
siya at saka tinawag niya ang isang waiter na dumaan sa harap niya.

She was impressed with Nancy's judgment. Magaganda ang credentials ng mga staff
niya. Well, she was not Sage's secretary for nothing.

She was about to reach for a cocktail drink when he suddenly skirted it away from
her and handed her a soft drink instead. Pagkatapos ay ngumiti lang ito sa kanya at
umalis na.

What just happened?

And then, there it was again. That strange prickle at the back of her neck. It was
always there since this morning but she thought

it was a part of the butterflies in her stomach.

Suddenly, she became aware of the beat of her heart. She glanced around her, trying
to find the owner of the piercing eyes that she could feel boring through her. Just
then, she felt a gentle tap behind her. Paglingon niya ay nakita niya ang kapatid
niya.

"Ate Stella!"

Mabilis niya itong niyakap dahil sa tuwa at binigyan rin siya ng mahigpit na yakap
ni Stella pabalik. She couldn't believe she was here!

"Congratulations," Stella greeted her smiling after the hug. It was a kind of smile
that has no trace of hostility. Just proud and happy. And she didn't realize how
much it warmed her cold heart.

"Thank you for coming, ate."

"Of course. I know how much this means to you and I want to be here. I just wish
Sandra's here." Tumingin ito sa paligid nila saka ngumiti sa kanya. "Finally, huh?
Well, I'm sure Papa would be very proud of you."

That meant a lot to her, hearing her sister say those words. Just seeing her here
made her feel that everything here made sense. That she didn't do this for nothing.
She belonged here.

"Kyra!"

Napalingon silang pareho ng kapatid niya sa tumawag sa pangalan niya at nakita niya
ang tatlong babaeng nakilala niya dahil kay Sage.

"Serena!" Sinalubong niya ito at sina Louraine at Victoria. They congratulated her,
too, at nakikita niya na excited din sila sa restaurant niya.

Halos ramdam na niya ang umbok sa tiyan ni Louraine nang yakapin niya ito at dahil
doon kaya pati siya ay na-conscious sa sarili niyang tiyan. Then she remembered it
was just barely two months. Pero nakatago

pa rin ang baby bump ni Louraine dahil sa suot nitong cotton blouse.

She introduced her sister to them and she was actually surprised to watch Stella
accommodate them sincerely. She just found it strange, especially when she knew how
much Stella hated Sage before.

"Well, excuse me," paalam ni Stella sa kanila maya-maya. "Mukhang kailangan na ako
ng asawa ko. Just come by our table later."

Tumango siya saka ito niyakap at pinakawalan.

"Nice meeting you, girls." Nagpaalam din ito kina Serena bago tuluyang umalis.

Serena requested to look at the kitchen kaya sinamahan niya itong malibot. Less
than 300 hundred guests and inimbitahan niya rito sa opening and mostly were
businessmen and politicians. Halos lahat ay nakatrabaho na ni Sage. She just
thought she could use it for networking, for future catering, dinner reservations
and business meeting reservations. The rest were close family relative, friends and
college acquaintance.

Inimbitahan din niya si Yana at Kylie pero mali-late daw ang mga ito dahil sa
trabaho. Ang akala nga niya ay hindi na sila darating, pero binigyan daw sila ni
Sage ng half day para makapunta sila.

"Ang weird lang na may sister-in-law akong chef," sabi ni Serena habang tinitingnan
ang isang klase ng French dish na ise-serve niya mamaya. "Lahat kasi kami, hindi
marunong magluto."

Louraine laughed guiltily. "I'm learning. At least, kahit papaano kaya kong lutuin
ang paboritong ulam lang ni Duke. I just wish my mom taught me how to cook or wash
my own clothes."

She saw how Serena laid her hand on Louraine's arm in sympathy, as if to give

her comfort. Pero ngumiti lang si Louraine. "Masyado kasi akong na-spoil noong bata
ako," biro nito. "Madali lang din magprito, huwag lang masusunog."

"Kahit naman sunog, wala namang reklamo si Zeke sa mga niluluto ko kaya ayos lang
kami."

Napapakunot na lang ang noo ni Kyra sa mga naririnig niya. Hindi niya akalain na
hindi marunong magluto sina Victoria at Louraine.

"Nasaan na ba sila?" tanong na lamang niya sa mga ito habang palabas na sila ng
dirty kitchen. She didn't get the chance to see their husbands. Kasama ba nila sina
Duke at Zeke?

"They just saw someone familiar lurking outside," ani Serena sabay ngiti sa kanya.
It was no hard guess that it was Sage they found outside. "O, ayan na pala sila e."

Lumapit sa kanila sina Duke at Zeke. Both brothers still looked impeccable with
their dark jeans and simple silk shirts. And even after being married, it didn't
stop women to look at their way wearing that hopeful face and flirtatious gaze.
Pero nanatiling nasa mga asawa ng mga ito ang mga mata nila.

Louraine and Victoria visibly lit up like a window with a bright sunshine in May,
seemingly oblivious to their surroundings. But as the two drew closer and nearer,
Kyra couldn't share the same look as she realized see won't be seeing him.

Nobody else could light up her soul like that but the other Steele she hoped to
see.

Zeke stood next to his wife and his hand slipped around her waist, at ganoon din si
Duke kay Louraine.

"Congrats," bati ni Zeke sa kanya.

"Nasa Vienna ngayon si Blue kaya hindi siya makakapunta. But he's sending you his
greetings." Duke tipped

his glass of wine to the bouquet of flowers on the bar counter beside her.

Pagkatapos ay inaya na ni Duke si Louraine na umupo, ganoon din si Zeke at Victoria

habang nanatili si Serena sa tabi niya.

"Hyacinth!

Frowning, she picked up the flowers and looked into the card.

"Blue for sincerity. Congratulations!"

Kahit papaano ay napangiti siya. They looked so beautiful. Sa totoo lang, hindi
niya iyon napansin hanggang sa mga oras na iyon. She felt that her brain is
scattered all over the place.

"It's mom's favorite flowers."

Napalingon siya kay Serena. She always thought their mom loved flowers. Naalala pa
niya ang garden sa likod ng mansyon ng mga ito. It's seemed like it has been so
long since that night.

"You know, may kuwento diyan e," ani Serena sa tabi niya. She was already sitting
in one of the bar stools at sumampa na rin siya sa isa sa mga iyon dahil
nararamdaman na niya ang sakit sa heels ng kaliwang paa niya.

"Sa bulaklak?" interesadong tanong niya.

"When we were in Canada, Mom was very homesick. She really missed home and she felt
so depressed. So what dad did was he gave her flower, every day." She smiled as she
talked. "He bought Hyacinth for her, iba-bang kulay araw-araw. Hanggang sa naging
laro na iyon sa kanila. Mom would guess what color dad would buy and it made mom
happy again. And did you know that until now, dad still buys them for mom?"

"Talaga?"

"Yeah, he does."

Wow. "That's sweet. Kaya pala ang daming bulaklak sa garden ninyo."

"Garden is her thing. She really loves flowers, kaya tuwing Mother's day, we give
mom different flowers. Orchids

kay Duke. Blue sends her Daisy. Sunflower naman ang kay Kuya Zeke, because he's a
wild child. I give her Calla Lily, 'cause we both love it, and Sage, well, he
wasn't very specific until five years ago."

That number struck her. And it all felt weirder when Serena looked at her with a
strange knowing look.

"Now, he sends mom two dozens of red roses. He said those flowers reminds him so
much of the special girl in his life. 'Red as her lips, beautiful as her heart', he
used to poetically write." She laughed softly. "I remember I was laughing at him so
hard when I read that."

"Yeah... he can be pretty poetic at times." Her fault for forcing him to read
Shakespeare's sonnets for her.

"I know it's you," biglang sabi ni Serena nang hindi nakatingin sa kanya. Her voice
turned lower, serious. And Kyra was already feeling the knots tying inside her
stomach. "That rose was you."

Inikot ni Serena ang bar stool niya para harapin siya ng maayos saka inabot ang mga
kamay niya. Napilitan siyang tingnan ito kahit na ayaw niya. Because she knew what
Serena will try to say.

"Whatever that my brother did that hurt you, I can see that it hurt him, too. He
never stopped loving you, Kyra. Nakikita ko iyon araw-araw. And as his sister, I
just want him to be happy. At hindi ko gagawin 'to kung alam kong hindi ikaw ang
taong makakapagpasaya sa kanya. This is very hard for him. So please, do yourselves
a huge favor and make up already. I know my brother. It would take death before he
gives up, at hindi ka niya pakakawalan kahit na anong mangyari."

"Serena, marami na ang nangyari-"

"Do you

still love him?"

Natigilan siya. She couldn't look away from the fierceness of her gaze. And then,
Serena smiled slowly.

"I know you still do. Mahal mo pa rin ang kapatid ko. So don't wait 'til it's too
late. You think you have so much time, but you really don't. Anything can happen,
Kyra. Don't make your destiny wait."

Iyon ang naging laman ng utak ni Kyra sa buong araw. Ang mga salita ni Serena.

It wasn't meant to scare her, but it did. She suddenly felt uneasy and worried.
Lalo pa't hindi pa sa kanya nagpapakita si Sage.

When was he ever planning to show up and talk to her?

Pero hanggang sa nakauwi na ang huling guest nila ay hindi pa rin niya nakikita si
Sage. Hindi ba ito ang nakita nina Duke at Zeke sa labas kanina?

Gusto niyang pagalitan ang sarili niya. What was wrong with her the whole day? She
had been preparing for this day that she will open her own restaurant, pero wala
siyang ibang ginawa kundi ang hanapin si Sage at hintayin ito na dumating at
magpakita sa kanya. It was all down to him.

And then, there he was thinking her dream was more important to her. That he was
never on top of her list.

She gave up that dream the moment she had her baby. Umuwi siya ng Pilipinas noon
para bawiin ang pamilya niya. Pero lahat iyon nawala sa kanya sa isang iglap.

Umihip ang malamig na hangin nang lumabas siya. It's almost five and the sun should
be setting down this time. Pero wala siyang nakikitang araw. The ground was wet and
everything was gray.

She turned to flip the close sign on the door when something red flashed in her
peripheral

vision. Pagtingin niya sa isa sa mga mesa sa labas ay parang may kumirot sa dibdib.

A single vibrant red rose stood there, waiting for her.

Wala iyong kasamang note katulad ng bigay ni Blue, pero sigurado niya kung kanino
galing iyon.
Sage. He was sitting here the whole day while she looked for him. With a satisfied
sigh, she picked it up and took it home with her.

A RED ROSE and nothing.

Hindi na ulit niya nakita si Sage pagkatapos ng araw na iyon. That was three days
ago. The rose was barely striving to live, at hindi pa rin ito nagpapakita sa
kanya. He really did live up to his promise, didn't he?

Well, that's good, right? So why was she so irritated?

"This place is awesome."

Binalingan niya si Xyrus sa tapat ng upuan niya at saka sumimsim ng tea niya.
"Magaling naman talaga ang pinsan mo."

She thought of Janet. Sayang at nasa Cebu ito noong araw ng opening kaya hindi ito
nakarating.

And apparently, Xyrus, too, was in abroad that day. Kaya dumeritso ito kahapon sa
restaurant niya pagkababa ng eroplanong sinakyan nito, and he ordered himself a
strong black coffee.

Para itong natigilan sandali saka ngumiti. "I missed that dimples."

She just rolled her eyes and looked outside the glass window. Well, she hasn't been
smiling a lot these days.

"So... you and Sage, huh?"

Hindi siya umimik. Kahapon pa nila pinag-uusapan si Sage at ang kasal nila. Nalaman
nito ang tungkol sa kumakalat na balita, and he said he guessed she was Sage's
mystery wife. Hindi naman daw mahirap hulaan iyon.

At mukhang hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ito makapaniwalang kasal na ang kaibigan
nito.

"Hindi pa rin ako makapniwala sa ginawa ni Sharmaine."

Yeah, well... Pati ang tungkol kay Sharmaine ay nalaman nito. Hindi niya alam kung
papaano, pero ang tanging sinabi lang sa kanya ni Xyrus ay isa raw sa mga naka-date
nito ang nagkuwento rito.

"When I heard what he did with Sharmaine, and I mean, it's Maine-his best friend
for decades... well, I'm just so relieved I didn't step on his wrong foot."

Binalingan niya ulit si Xyrus habang nakakunot noo. "Bakit, ano'ng ginawa ni Sage?"

"He put her on a blacklist. And believe me, kapag si Sage ang gumawa noon, walang
magkakamaling banggain siya. If someone tried to hire her, Sage will make sure it's
a losing case. No client will pick Maine now. Private cases down to local. Swerte
niya kung makakahanap siya. Pero malabo iyon mangayri. She's done."

She couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Kung siya iyon, mas gugustuhin
pa niyang ma-revoke ang license niya kesa ma-blacklist ang pangalan niya. Lawyer ka
nga pero wala kang kliyente. And if someone tried to help her, or hire her, Sage
will be the obstacle.

"Her only hope now is to leave the country and practice law somewhere else. Or give
up her profession entirely."

Hindi siya makapagsalita sa nangyari kay Sharmaine. Sage really made sure he gets
even.

Ilang saglit pa silang nag-usap ni Xyrus nang makita niyang bumukas ang pintuan.

Sage walked in all wet and drizzled. He shook the water off from his head with one
hand and Kyra could almost see all the women customers swooning for him. And then
his dark eyes darted to exactly where they sat, as if he already knew where she
was.

Mabilis niyang tinakpan ang bibig niya. Gusto niyang umiwas ng tingin pero bigla
itong nagsimulang maglakad.

Nagdikit ang mga kilay niya dahil sa gawi nila ito papunta. His every stride was
intense and purposeful, at ganoon na.lang kabilis ang tibok ng puso niya habang
papalapit ito.

His dark suit was wet with droplets of rain, at nakikita na rin niya ang mga tubig
sa buhok nito na pumapatak sa ilong at mga mata nito. His face looked paler and the
stubbles on his chin looked rougher, like he hasn't been shaving for days. But it
still had the decency to make him the most gorgeous man she had ever seen.

Unpredictable. Harsh. But beautiful. He looked like the rest of her life.

Suddenly he stopped and pulled the chair on the table behind them, without tearing
his eyes from her. Hanggang sa dahan-dahan itong umupo. He was just behind Xyrus
and he was looking

straight at her. She could see that he was furious and annoyed.

Ngumiti sa kanya si Xyrus. "I can tell who it is by the look on your face."

She had a hard time looking away from Sage. "Huh? What face?"

"Your face. It just lit up like a bulb."

Sa likod ni Xyrus, napansin niyang tumagilid ang ulo ni Sage para silipin siya.
What was he trying to do? Listen to them, too?

"It's Sage, right?"

Pinilit na lang niyang ngumiti habang tumatango. Nakita niya ang isa sa mga staff
niya na lumapit kay Sage. She watched her tuck her hair behind her ears as she
handed him the menu.

Oh my God! Did she just bat her lashes on him?

"Now you look jealous."

Sinamaan niya ng tingin si Xyrus. "Kumain ka na lang diyan."

Xyrus just chuckled. Kinuha niya ang tinidor at inis na ipinasak iyon sa bibig
nito. And then she heard someone cursing. Pati si Xyrus ay nilingon si Sage.

Sage looked murderous. "Gusto ko ng kape. Iyong mapait!" sigaw nito sa staff niya.
Pagkatapos ay kinuha nito ang cellphone nito sa loob ng suit jacket at may kung
anong tiningnan doon.

What's he doing here? After all these days?

Pinilit niyang kumalma. Pakiramdam niya sasabog siya. She just realized something
she didn't want to realize. And damn this hormones for turning her into an
emotional wreck!

"Ayos ka lang?" nag-aalalang tanong sa kanya ni Xyrus. Tumango lang siya at uminom
ng tea niya. Malapit na ding matapos ang break time niya. Kailangan niyang mapag-
isa.

Bigla ay tumunog ang cellphone ni Xyrus. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and
looked at it. "Uh..."

Kumunot

ang noo niya sa biglaang pag-iiba ng mukha nito. He almost looked like he had seen
a ghost.

"Emergency?" tanong niya nang bigla itong tumingin sa relo nito.

"Hindi naman. May kailangan lang akong... uhm, puntahan. Ngayon."

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo niya. Sabi nito kahapon wala itong gagawin buong linggo.
"Ngayon na? I thought you said-"

"Biglaan kasi. Iyong kapatid ko. Ikakasal na daw."

"Ano?" Ikakasal? What kind of ridiculous excuse was that?

Pero tumatayo na ito at nagpapaalam na sa kanya. "I'll call you soon. Bye!"

Susndan na sana niya ito pero hindi pa siya nakakaalis sa upuan niya ay nakita na
niya si Sage na nakatayo sa harap niya. Tumaas ang kilay niya nang umupo ito sa
dating upuan ni Xyrus. Ito na rin mismo ang nagtabi ng pinagkainan nito.

He looked so calm he could've fooled her. Pero alam niyang ito ang dahilan kaya
umalis si Xyrus.

"God! Did you walk here?" tanong niya habang tinitingnan ang basang damit nito.

Umangat ang mga mata nito sa kanya at nadama niya kaagad ang epekto niyon sa dibdib
niya. "I was just drinking coffee across the street when I saw you smiling..."

He didn't finish what he was saying. Pero naintindihan niya iyon.

"Did you tell Xyrus to go?"

"No," he denied quickly. "I just told him I will pull my investments if he doesn't
stop talking to you."

"Sage, bakit mo naman ginawa iyon?"

"You're really asking me that?" He actually looked scandalized.

Napabuga tuloy siya ng hininga. "Wala namang ginagawang masama si Xyrus. He's my
friend."

His face turned intense and serious. "Ganoon

din ba ang tingin niya sayo?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I know I told you I would stay away, but that doesn't mean I won't cock-block
every bastards trying to put their hands on you."

"Sage, si Xyrus lang iyon," she explained. She didn't even know why she was trying
to explain.

Mariing naglapat ang mga labi nito. "You know how I feel about him."

"Then you should know how I feel about him, too."

He just sighed wearily and rubbed his wet hair. There was something in that gesture
that tugged inside her. He was frustrated, mad, and struggling. He looked like a
man who doesn't know what to do. "I don't know. I'm not sure anymore..."

He stopped and looked at her again. Wala na ang galit sa mga mata nito. All there
it is was just plain helplessness.

"I can't stand this," pagod na sabi nito. "You're here... I'm here, at pinagkakasya
ko na lang ang sarili kong tingnan ka habang may kausap kang iba."

"Sage..."

Umiling ito sa sasabihin niya. Gently, he lifted her hand and looked at the ring on
her finger. Tiningnan nito iyon na para bang iyon lang, sapat na.

"I know. I made a promise. And I intend to keep it," he said and then he took his
hands away. "I just... I can't help it. My possessive streak is showing again."

Tumayo ito at saka ngumiti sa kanya. "You should rest and take care of yourself."

"Bakit, mukha na ba akong pagod?" asik niya para pagtakpan ang kaba niya nang
tumingin ito sa bandang tiyan niya. Imposibleng mapansin nito nang ganoon kaaga.
She didn't have the bump yet.

Umiling ito saka biglang hinawakan ang pisngi

niya. His thumb brushed the curve of her lower lip and he smiled. "You always look
radiant, ma belle." And then he left.

THE SCENT was still there when she came home that day. It was everywhere inside the
house. At mas lalong lumalakas ang amoy habang papalapit siya sa kuwarto niya.

"Ma'am, kakain po kayo ng hapunan mamaya?"

"Oo," halos wala sa sarili niyang sagot habang tumitingin siya sa paligid. She
checked the shoe rack and the key hook. Wala namang bago. If Sage was here, his car
should be here too.

"Uh, Myra?"

"Po?"

"May naaamoy ka ba?"

She sniffed. "Wala naman po. Ano po bang naaamoy ninyo?"

"Ah, wala. May pumunta ba rito kanina?"

Umiling ito. "Wala naman po."

Siguro dahil lang 'to sa pagbubuntis niya. Umakyat na lang siya at nagbihis.

Pagkatapos niyang maghapunan ay nagpasya siyang magbasa para mabilis siyang

makatulog. Umupo siya sa tabi ng bintana niya. She liked reading near a window.
Nakasanayan na niya iyon simula noon.

Pinili niyang basahin ang librong binigay sa kanya ni Sage. Siguro ay pangatlong
beses na niya iyon binabalik-balikan simula noong isang araw. It just seemed to
help her remember the time when they were in France. Every time she read it,
somehow it lessens the burden she carries.

The fire in the hearth was still bright and warm after reading for an hour. Sa
labas ay halos hindi na niya makita ang mga bituin sa kapal ng ulap. Rain still
falls and the wind still felt cold. Ang sabi sa balita, palabas na raw ang bagyo sa
bansa at muli nang sisikat ang araw bukas. A little sun would be nice.

She pulled her sheet and slipped under it. Voices filled her head immediately after
her head hit the softness of her pillow. And this time, she couldn't stop them from
coming.

"Mahirap para sa 'kin 'to. Pero gagawin ko para sayo."

"Naawa ako kay Boss. Mukha kasing mahal na mahal ka niya..."

"This is hard for him too..."

"I will wait for you to come back home to me again."

"...anything can happen, Kyra..."

Nagising siya bigla dahil sa isang tawag. It was still dark and she tried to find
her phone somewhere. Sinagot niya kaagad iyon nang mahanap niya cellphone niya.

"Hello?" inaantok na sagot niya.

"I'm sorry..." the voice breathed harshly. Parang nagising ang diwa niya nang
mabosesan niya ito.

"Sage?" Tiningnan niya ang oras sa bedside clock niya at nakita niyang alas-tres pa
lang ng madaling araw. Bakit ito tumatawag ng ganitong oras? And why was he saying
sorry?

"Sage, hello?" she called when he wasn't speaking.

"I'm sorry," he murmured again, barely saying the words. "...I might have to break
my promise." His voice sounded so weak her heart clenched from dread. Something was
definitely wrong.

"Sage? Ayos ka lang ba? Nasaan ka?" she demanded. Hindi niya nagugustuhan ang takot
na nararamdaman niya.

"Sage!" She knows the phone was still on but she couldn't hear anything. Pati
hininga nito ay hindi na niya marinig.

"Sage! Andiyan ka pa?" Oh my God! Please! Sana walang nangyari masama sa kanya!

Hindi niya binitawan ang cellphone niya kahit na nang bumangon siya sa kama at
naghanap ng jacket sa cabinet niya.

Dammit! Her hands were shaking so bad.

"Ma'am!" Biglang bumukas ang pintuan at pumasok si Myra doon na may hawak ang
telepono.

Natigil siya sa pagsuot ng jacket niya nang tingnan niya ito. One look on her face
and Kyra knew...

"Si sir, naaksidente raw po!"

=================

Chapter ♣ 54

All I really care is you wake up in my arms

One last time

I need to be the one who takes you home

---- 💞 ----

HOME

"SAGE!" Kyra screamed, forcing herself awake.

She quickly scrambled up from bed and stared at the vast darkness of her room. Her
breath was heaving and she was sucking in deep air as though she went running in
miles. Beads of cold sweat covered her forehead, her heartbeat was racing. And
realizing that it was just a horrible nightmare made her want to cry.

Nanghihina niyang tinakpan ang mukha niya. She really felt like crying right now.
Nanginginig pa ang mga daliri niya sa sobrang takot. She couldn't help it.

She licked her suddenly dry lips. But what if it's a sign?! What if something bad
happens to Sage?

Oh my God! It can't be! I'm sure he's fine. He's okay...

But what are the odds?

Sa nangangatog na tuhod, sinubukan ni Kyra na tumayo. She didn't even bother

reaching for her robe. Kinuha lang niya ang cellphone niya sa bed side table niya
at mabilis na tinawagan ang private number ni Sage.

She was hardly breathing as the ringing starts. Nilalamig na pati ang sikmura niya
habang tumatagal na hindi ito sumasagot.

Suot ang manipis na pajamas niya ay lumabas siya ng kuwarto. It was still dark,
barely four in the morning. She wasn't sure what she's doing or where she was
heading. She just wanted to get out of there, away from the suffocating air
strangling her.

And then, she found herself

padding across Sage's bedroom. Because in the deepest of her soul, she knew she'd
feel him there. At iyon ang kailangang kailangan niya ngayon. Napapikit siya nang
abutin niya ang doorknob ng pintuan.

The ringing still continued and fear was coiling around her spine like a rope made
of ice. Binuksan niya ang pintuan at dahan-dahang tinulak iyon. The ringing stopped
and she heard his rough breathing. "Kyra?"

Tuluyan siyang nahinto sa paghinga, hindi dahil sa boses ni Sage kundi sa nakikita
niya.

Hindi siya makapagsalita. Words were stuck in her throat as her eyes adjusted to
the masculine silhouette sitting on the rumpled bed sheet.

"Sage?" she croaked in absolute helplessness and relief. At hindi na niya napigilan
ang isang luha na kanina pa namumuo sa mga mata niya.

In the shadow of the room, she saw Sage went completely still. Dahan-dahan itong
bumaling sa kinatatayuan niya. Right then, Kyra had no doubt. Sage was very much
alive and safe. And he's here. Kaya hindi na niya pinigilan ang sarili niya. She
ran to him and cried all her fears in his arms.

Hindi kaagad gumalaw si Sage nang yakapin niya ito. Alam niyang nagulat ito sa
ginawa niya. He was naked under that sheet, pero hindi niya magawang mag-isip
ngayon. She couldn't stop herself. Her fear felt so strong, it overwhelmed her.
Gusto lang niyang yakapin ito at maramdamang buhay ito.

So she just did that. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his tight small waist,
her nose buried in his strong chest, smelling his own personal scent as she
listened to the steady thud of his heartbeat. She didn't care if he was half naked.
Or

that her chest were flushed against his hard body.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" Sage's hand gently touched her back. She could sense
the hesitation in his action. At naiintindihan niya iyon. Pero wala siyang balak na
lumayo at bitiwan ito.

He pacified her fear when nothing did. Just feeling him breathing, just hearing his
heartbeat and his voice calmed her.

And it was her fault why she was feeling like this. Her own stupid fault.

She thought what she was doing was right. She thought she was learning acceptance.
But all she ever does was run away. She's been running in circles and she keeps
bumping into the same wall. And she never confronted it. Never tried to break
through it. Because she was afraid she'll get hurt.

"Mon amore, talk to me," he rasped and touched her shoulders.

Umiling siya nang subukan ni Sage na lumayo sa kanya. She just kept crying silently
against his bare chest. Her pride falling away from her.

Yes, her pride. Her tall pride that never comforted her at night, never eased the
sadness in her heart-that pride that didn't fight against her fear.

Bumuntong hininga si Sage at tumama ang mainit na hininga nito sa buhok niya. "I
understand if you don't want to speak to me, but you are scaring the hell out of me
right now, sweetheart. You have to tell me what's wrong."

In her tear-stained eyes, she slowly disengaged against him and bit her trembling
lips. She was trying to stop her hiccups but they wouldn't subside. Sumasakit ang
dibdib niya sa kakaiyak. She couldn't get her emotions straight.

Sage tipped her chin and

willed her to look at him. Kahit sa dilim ay kita pa rin niya ang kabuuan ng mukha
nito. His thick brows furrowed in mixed confusion and concern. "You're upset."

Upset? Umiling siya. "I'm scared," aniya sa garagal na boses. "I had a nightmare...
that you... you were..." Napapikit siya ng mariin. She couldn't say it. She
couldn't tell him.

"It's okay, I'm here." Niyakap siya ni Sage at naramdaman ang halik nito sa noo
niya. "It's alright. It's just a bad dream," he consoled her as if she was a child
who dreamt about monsters under her bed.

He stroked her back, her neck, her shoulders trying to stop her from crying, but
the only thing that really comforted her was his soft voice. Kahit papaano ay
nagawang kumalma ng damdamin niya.

Pinakawalan siya ni Sage nang humupa
hinila sa tabi nito. He arranged the
Humiga na rin ito saka ito tumabi sa
back and his thighs on her backside.
close to him.
ang pag-iyak niya at tahimik siya nitong
pillows beside his and gently laid her down.
kanya. She felt his chest pressing against her
He brought his arms around her and held her

Inipon pa nito ang buhok niyang nakatabing sa leeg niya at itinaas iyon, so he
could kiss her bare neck. His breath was making her shiver and being trapped in his
embrace was nothing but heaven. All she could do was utter a soft, relieved sigh.
The impact of knowing that he was safe and that she was lying beside him was making
her even weaker and she trembled inside.

Alam niyang wala siyang magagawa. She tried to forget him, tried not to miss him.
But in the end, she still does. She wasn't trying hard enough.
She just couldn't stop her feelings for him. She could no longer lie to herself and
fool her heart.

Mahal niya si Sage at hindi niya kayang mawala ito sa kanya. But after that
nightmare, she realized that it's not about love anymore. It's more than that.

This is about life and how frail and precious this is. And spending it in a
complete waste was a poor choice she would make. The most stupid decision she would
regret. And she didn't want to regret a stupid choice.

Tama si Serena. Tama si Kylie.

"God, I can't believe I pushed you away," she whisepered shakily as she held her
eyes closed with her back turned on him. She couldn't admit it in front of him. She
couldn't even open her eyes as she said them. "Ang sama ko... I'm so selfish. You
should hate me-"

"Sshh..." Humigpit ang yakap nito sa kanya. "I can't hate you," he whispered
gruffly against her neck.

Nagmulat siya ng mata. Mas mabuting matulog na lang sila, pero ayaw niyang hintayin
ang umaga.

"Why can't you? Wala akong ibang ginawa kundi ang magalit sayo. I blamed you for
everything. Pero noong ikaw, pinatawad mo ako noong iwan kita."

"It's because I know why you left," mariing giit nito. It wasn't about Luigi. And
it meant to her that he understand that. Pero...

"Pero umalis pa rin ako," patuloy niya. "Iniwan pa rin kita. Mas pinili ko ang
sarili ko kesa sa makasama ka. Hindi ako naging mabuting asawa sayo, Sage." Masyado
siyang makasarili. At si Sage... he had been nothing but selfless.

Naramdaman niya itong bahagyang bumangon. "Where is this coming from?"

She could feel that he was

looking down at her. But she still refused to meet his eyes.

Kinagat niya ang ibabang labi niya dahil pilit na sumisiksik sa utak niya ang
panaginip niya. Hearing his raggedly pained breath was enough to make her tears
swell. And what if it happened? It will be too late for her...

No... "I can't forgive myself if I lose you, Sage."

Bumalik ito sa pagkakahiga at hinalikan ang kanyang balikat. "You won't," he

whispered and spun her around to face him.

Deep, dark eyes pinned her down. "I'm not going anywhere. I told you, maghihintay
ako. I don't ever want to leave you alone, because the last time I did, you ended
up forgetting me."

She heard the faint trace of joke in his voice, pero alam niyang tinatakpan lang ni
Sage ang sakit. Pain clenched her heart from the way he looked at her. She never
wanted to see that.

So acting on pure instinct, Kyra rested her palm over his throbbing chest and
imagined holding his beating heart. "I was wrong to push you away. I just don't
know what to do..." If only she could cut open his chest and take away the pain.
But she knew it would take her more than that.

Lumapit siya rito at humilig sa dibdib nito. "Ang sakit ng mga nangyari. Hindi ko
nakayanan... you were treating me so cold when you found out about Noah. I tried to
hold you, but you don't even want to look at me. And when I thought we were going
to be fine, my memories just came back. I didn't know what to feel anymore. Hindi
ko na alam kung ano ang dapat kong gawin. Kung ano ang gusto ko. I just... I just
don't want to be hurt anymore."

Napapikit siya nang dumantay

ang isang kamay nito sa arko ng likod niya. She felt so small when he hold her like
that. He makes her feel vulnerable yet safe around him.

His hand found her face and tilted it up to his intense gaze. "So what do you want
this time, Kyra."

He thought of his promise. That he would wait for her to come home to him again.
Kahit na gaano pa katagal, maghihintay ito. Kahit pa abutin ng taon.

But he didn't have to wait for that long. Because she already found her dream a
long time ago. And she's looking at him right now.

"I want my dream," sagot niya at nakita niya ang pagbabago sa ekspresyon ng mukha
nito. But she just smiled and leaned onto his warm hand. "You idiot."

Tinawanan lang niya ang pagkunot ng noo nito. "You're my dream ever since I had
Noah. At gusto kong makasama ka ng matagal."

Unspoken tears brimmed in his eyes at nakita pa niya itong tumingin sa taas para
hindi iyon mahulog. It made her smile that this ruthless man had tears to shed.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito sa mukha niya. "I want to sit and read a book and
know that you're sleeping beside me. I want a life where I can spend the rest of my
days watching your hair turn gray. I want to be there 'til the last page of our
story, Sage. I want you... I want us. And it makes me scared to want you again
because you've become more important than anything, that even my dream can't
compete. You're the most certain thing in my life right now and it scares me if you
love me less than I love you. If you realize how selfish I can be... if I'm not
worth any of this..."

"Kyra," pinigilan nito ang labi niya. "If I can possibly love you

any more than I do now, I'd probably go crazy." His thumb wiped away the wet trail
down the side of her face. Ni hindi niya alam na umiiyak na naman siya.

Bumuntong hininga ito ng malalim at tinitigan siya nang mataman. She could feel it
in her soul.

"What do I have to say to make you believe that I am yours for eternity?" he asked.
"What do I have to do to take that fear away?"

Nothing, she answered silently. Because it's a part of loving. The fear. The hurt.

Natatakot kang masaktan ng taong mahal mo. Natatakot kang maiwan. Nasasaktan ka
para sa taong mahal mo. You hurt when you see him hurt. You share the same burden.
You can't sleep when you know he's awake. And that's it. You stick together to get
through the other side.
She understands that now.

"Just be honest with me," she said as her eyes traced his bearded face. "Never keep
a secret from me. Tell me everything even if you don't want me to know. Because I
don't want to spend my life trying to figure out what's in your mind."

And knowing Sage, he always thinks that showing vulnerability is a sign of

weakness. At ayaw na ulit niyang maranasan ang nangyari noon. When he shuts her
out, she felt like she's living in an ice block.

"Okay," he simply agreed as he tangled his legs between hers. "Then for starters,
maybe I should start the confession."

Bahagyang napaatras ang ulo niya sa kabila ng kiliting hatid ng paa nito. She
thought he meant it as a joke, but he looked very serious.

He held her eyes and said, "I didn't take your father's company."

Pinakatitigan niya ito at hinintay

ang paliwanag nito. She let him play with her hair as he speak.

"When Sharmaine gave me the divorce papers after you signed them, hindi ko na
sinubukang kunin ang kompanya ninyo," kuwento nito. "I left your father alone. I
thought there's no point. You obviously made up your mind and you never wanted to
see me again. That you've fallen out of love with me."

Bumaba ang kamay nito sa tenga niya at sa leeg niya, saka bumalik sa kanya ang mga
mata nito. "Pero hindi ko ipinasa ang divorce papers. I tried to convince myself I
have to find you first so the French law will approve of it. But it wasn't even the
truth. And then, one day, your father called me."

"Si Papa?" Her forehead creased as her mind started to think different scenarios.

Sage nodded slightly. "He made a deal with me," he said slowly. "He convinced me
that he will let me take over the company if I agree with our divorce and give you
the money from the settlement."

"Ginawa ni Papa iyon?" she barely said, thinking about how she blamed Sage for
tearing her father's business apart... My God!

Hindi niya mapigilang umupo at hawakan ang tungki ng ilong niya. Her father was
willing to throw away his hard-built company just so he could have the money? So he
could save her...

"I didn't understand why he did what he did, at inaamin kong nagalit ako sayo noon
dahil kahit iyon man lang, hindi mo magawang harapin ako." Ngumiti ito nang mapait.
"Pero nang makita ulit kita, hindi mo na ako makilala. It was a shock. It was like
a bomb out of nowhere. Ayokong maniwala, dahil mahirap tanggapin na hindi mo na ako
kilala.

You look at me like I'm a stranger. Hell, you can't even remember that I'm your
husband. Kaya sinabihan ko si PJ na alamin ang nangyari sayo. So he laid it over to
me. Your accident, what happened to you in the hospital... and then everything just
made sense."

Nakikinig lang siya kay Sage habang iniintindi ang mga sinasabi nito. He even had
her investigated, at hindi man lang niya alam iyon. But that's not the point. It
was everything that she didn't know how Sage felt from her accident, his side of
the coin, and what his father had done.

Gumalaw ang kama at naramdaman niyang umupo na rin si Sage sa tabi niya. He touched
her back and rubbed it up and down. Tapos ay tumigil ito.

"Sweetheart, your father sold his shares to me and used the money for your
treatment."

Hindi pa rin siya umimik. Alam niya na may kinalaman siya sa pagkawala ng kompanya
nila. Her sisters never failed to remind her of that. Pero ang malaman na ang
sariling daddy niya ang lumapit kay Sage para kunin ang pera mula sa divorce
settlement nila para ipangtustus sa pagpapagaling niya...

It could've been easier if they just told Sage what happened to her. But then,
everything was just twisted.

"Ang akala ko noon nagkakaroon lang siya ng problema sa pera, kaya palagi siyang
bumabalik sa bangko."

"So he leased the house to pay the debt," wala sa sariling sabi niya. That's how he
got that huge debt in his bank. Did he know it was Sage's family bank?

"But I never intended to change the owner of the company and this house. As far as
I can remember, your family still owned it."

L Telecom.

Lagdameo...

But there she was, blaming him for ruining his father and her family. Look how
wrong she was.

"Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa'kin noon?" Maybe it would have changed the past. At least
she wouldn't think he was a scheming devil who only wanted revenge to hurt her.

Muscles in his shoulders rippled when he lifted them in a shrug. "I guess, I was
waiting until you remembered the divorce papers. But strange, you never mentioned
it when you said you had your memories back."

"I just thought it could've been better if you told me." Then maybe she wouldn't
have to think about stupid thoughts and doing stupid things.

Pero nangyari na ang mga nangyari. Wala na siyang mababago, wala na siyang
maibabalik. At ang mahalaga na lang ngayon ay nandito sila ni Sage. Nag-uusap.
Magkatabi...

Kyra would never let him go again. Ever. She's done fighting against fate. This
time, she's coming home to him.

"Come, let's go back to sleep." Hinapit ng braso nito ang beywang niya at inaya na
siyang humiga ulit.

He hugged her from behind and spooned her backside. Iyon palagi ang gusto ni Sage
sa tuwing natutulog sila noon dahil gusto nitong tingnan ang leeg niya at ang likod
niya. She also like it this way when they sleep because she liked his arms wrapped
around her. She just missed him so bad.

"Sleep now, before I do something wicked," he breathed behind her.

Bahagya siyang lumingon rito, pero hindi pa rin niya ito makita sa likod. She knew
he was not kidding. Kanina pa niya ito nararamdaman simula pa kaninang pumasok
siya. Pero nang dahil sa tindi ng takot niya, hindi

niya ito nagawang pagtuunan ng pansin. But right now, she could feel him hard and
ready.

And then she realized something. "Why are you here, Sage?" tanong niya bago siya
tuluuyang hilahin ng antok. She never had the chance to ask him, and now she was
asking. What was he doing here when she thought he was gone?

Dahan-dahang bumaba ang kamay nito mula sa braso niya pababa sa tiyan niya. She
thought he was really going to do something wicked, but his hand stayed over her
stomach.

"Someone needs to look after you," he murmured behind her ear. And the message was
enough to jolt her up again. Bigla ay naalala niya ang nakita niya noong isang
madaling umaga.

The biscuits... the scent that she has been smelling...

Hindi siya pinigilan ni Sage nang umikot siya para harapin ito. "It was you, wasn't
it? You've been here? Wait, have you been following me?"

He was getting droopy but he just pasted an amused smile on his face. "Why do you
think you're drinking soft drinks instead of wine during the opening?" he murmured
lazily.

Oh, so that was why that waiter dodged her. He was there. He was watching her. And
he knew all those time that he was...

"You talked to my staff behind my back?"

Dumilat ito at seryosong tinitigan siya. "I had to do that. Kailangan kong alagaan
asawa ko,"

Yep. No doubt. He knew she was pregnant.

"Pero paano...?" Myra didn't tell him, did she?

"I saw the stick in the bathroom when I went home to pack my things. But I ended up
crying that day."

For a second, she was speechless and just stared at him. "Umiyak ka?"

"I'm

going to be a father, Kyra. How's that for a reason not to cry?" And then his hand
was under her shirt, tracing her old scar. This time, it didn't make her flinch,
didn't make her feel the need to hide it.

"I wasn't there the first time. Kaya sisiguraduhin ko ngayon na sa pangalawang
pagkakataong ito, hinding hindi ako mawawala sa tabi ninyo ng anak ko."

She wished she was the one telling him the news. Gusto niyang makita na umiyak ito
sa tuwa, katulad nang naging reaksyon niya nang malaman na maaaring buntis siya.

"I'm sorry, hindi ko sinabi kaagad sayo." She bit her lip from the guilt. She was
so bad for keeping it from him. Hindi lang sa kanya nawala si Noah. Sage lost him
too. But she had been too blind with her own pain and loss.

"That's enough, sweetheart. Stop saying sorry." He cupped her face and placed a
long kiss on her forehead. "Just sleep and let me hold you."

Tinitigan niya ito nang ilang minuto habang nakapikit ito. He looked so sleepy and
tired. And handsome. And he loved him so much.

"You should shave..." aniya nang hawakan niya ang psingi nito. His rough stubbles
grazed against her palm. Pero umikot ito at hinalikan ang palad ng kamay niya.

"Go to sleep," he said and pulled her against him. "Je t'aime..."

Napabuntong hininga na lang siya at hinayaan ang sarili niyang pumikit. That
nightmare would haunt her again, one day. But at least, she wouldn't be spending
her life running away from that fear. To love is to be vulnerable, and they would
live protecting each other.

KYRA WOKE up the next morning feeling so relaxed

and light for the first time. Sa sarap ng tulog niya, parang ayaw pa muna niyang
bumangon at magising. She wanted to catch up to the sleep that eluded her for the
entire week and rest.

Yeah, it sounds like a good plan...

She sighed peacefully and went to a dreamland. She could smell the faint musk of
Sage's masculine perfume and she smiled a dreamy smile as she remembered last
night. Her hand traced the other side of the bed to reach for him, but her hand
found it empty.

Her eyes snapped open and her brows drew together. Wala si Sage sa doon sa tabi
niya.

Bahagya siyang bumangon. Had she dreamed it all last night?

"Nagising ba kita?"

Mabilis siyang lumingon sa likuran niya at nakita si Sage na nakaupo sa single

couch sa tapat niya. He was looking at her with his intense stare as though she
would disappear if he blinked for a second.

"Hindi naman," aniya nang mapansin ang medyo basa nitong buhok. He took a shower
very early. Kanina pa siguro ito gising.

Sunod niyang napansin ang suot nito. He was wearing a white button-down polo shirt
hanging open casually and a pair of silk trousers that was hugging powerful thighs.
She also noticed his custom-made suit that was smoothly draped over the armchair.

"Bakit hindi ka pa pumasok sa trabaho?" He looked so ready and prepared.

"I waited for you to wake up."

Naalala niya ang lahat ng mga napag-usapan nila kagabi. She thought it would be a
little bit awkward, especially now that they both feel sober and awake. And there's
about their baby too. Pero hindi iyon ang nararamdaman niya.

She felt like

she could conquer anything as long Sage is beside her.

She smiled at herself. Silly...

Well, she should probably get ready too. Pero bago pa niya maitaboy ang kumot ay
nasa tabi na niya kaagad ito. "You have to eat first."

Nakita niya ang mga pagkain sa mesa bago pa siya makapagtanong. Kinuha iyon ni Sage
at dinala sa kama.

"Sinabi ni Myra na naririnig ka niya tuwing umaga. So I asked Duke and he said he
give Louraine crackers to lessen morning sickness."

She scanned the breakfast tray. So that also meant Duke already know too. Pero
hindi na mahalaga iyon. As long as Sage knows... And to be honest, mas gusto niya
itong ganito na may nag-aalaga sa kanya. It felt nice. Kaya dahil sa tuwa ay ginawa
niya ang kagabi niya pa gustong gawin.

She reached for his face and kissed him on his lips. "Thank you."

His lips tilted and his eyes darkened. "Now don't start surprising me like that,
especially when you're still in bed."

Inirapan lang niya ito habang nangingiti. It felt so good to be smiling again and
not thinking about anything.

"Wait," aniya nang may mapansin siyang kakaiba rito. "You shaved." Kaya pala mukha
itong maaliwalas ngayon. His chin was so clean shaven and it only made him look
more young and vibrant.

Napabuga siya ng hininga. Why does he have to look so good have a body like that at
the same time? Kaya nagkakaroon ng Sharmaine sa buhay niya e.

"Last night, you said I should shave." His veined hand took one circle biscuit and
surprised her when he slipped it between her lips. Kinagat niya iyon at kinain ng
buo.

"Pumasok

ka na. Kaya ko nang kumain mag-isa." He couldn't possibly have the whole morning
feeding her breakfast.

Pero parang ayaw pa siyang iwan mag-isa ni Sage. Kumuha pa ito ng isa pang biscuit
at sinubukang subuan siya.

"Ang tigas ng ulo," bulong niya sabay abot sa mug ng hot chocolate. Kumagat pa siya
ng isang sandwich at kumain ng cookies. And all the while, he had that weird dreamy
look on his face as he watched her eat.

"What?"

Ngumiti ito. "I wonder what kind of food craving do will have."

"Sage, wala pang dalawang buwan 'to." And as far as she can remember, she didn't
have any weird food craving katulad sa mga napapanood niya sa TV.

Her appetite was normal, except skipping meal. Noon, madalas siyang hindi makakain
lalo na sa unang buwan niya dahil sa pagtatrabaho at dahil na rin sa sobrang pag-
aalala.

"I think I'm gonna ask my brothers. O kaya sina Louraine at Vicky." Kumuha ito ng
isang vegetable sandwich at iniumang sa kanyang bibig. "You think you have a weird
one?"

Bakit parang excited pa itong maglihi siya? "Bakit, gusto mo bang gisingin kita ng
hating gabi at maghanap ng buko?"

His face suddenly lit up. "Iyon ba ang gusto mo?"

Natawa tuloy siya. "I'm not craving yet. Kung meron man, hindi kita paakyatin sa
puno ng niyog. Kaya sige na, hayaan mo na akong kumain dito."

Bumuntong hininga ito at hinayaan siyang kumain. Pero hindi pa rin ito umalis sa
harap niya. Nangalumbaba pa ito sa kama habang nakasalampak ito sa sahig para
panoorin siyang kumain.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo diyan? Baka madumihan at makusot pa iyang damit mo." She
thought

his sleeves are going to rip if he stayed like that for another minute.

But he ignored her protest. "Ubusin mo na iyan," anito at hinilig ang ulo para
matingnan siya nang maayos.

"Alas-ocho na," paalala niya nang makita niya ang oras. Pero ngumiti lang si Sage
at kumuha ng isang biscuit saka ito kinagat.

Napailing na lang siya at sinubukang ubusin ang hinanda nitong agahan kahit na
nakakailang ang paraan ng pagtitig nito sa kanya.

She wasn't a breakfast person. She prefers eating a hearty lunch. Kaya nagugulat pa
rin siya na kaya niyang ubusin lahat ang ganoon karaming pagkain sa umaga. Siguro
dahil dalawa na silang kumakain ng baby niya ngayon.

"I swear I'm going to grow bigger if I continue eating like that," sabi niya nang
maubos niya ang mug ng hot chocolate niya. Kailangan na rin niyang magpa-check sa
doctor para may diet restriction siyang kailangang bantayan. She also should to
avoid sugar.

"And so?" narinig niyang sabi ni Sage nang tumayo ito para kunin ang tray. "You
will grow big with my baby inside you and I think that's beautiful."

Dahil doon kaya hindi siya nakaimik nang hilahin siya nito patayo. Thanks to the
biscuits, hindi siya natumba dahil sa hilo. Pero kahit naman siguro mahilo siya,
hindi na niya kailangang mag-alala para sa anak nila. Sage is here now. He will
take care of them.

Kinapa ni Sage ang maliit na tiyan niya. He was so tall and hard, but his hands
were so gentle and warm against the thin fabric of her pajamas. And she thought of
how cold her life would be if she listened to her blind pride.

It's true that once

or twice in your life, you make choices to take a curve away from the thing you
most feared. But sometimes, what you are trying to run away from-the most thing you
are afraid of doing-is the very thing that will set you free.

"Kaya mo nang maligo?" tanong nito bigla nang umangat ang nag-aalalang mata nito sa
kanya.

She had the craziest urge to laugh out loud. "Sage, pregnancy doesn't turn a woman
into an invalid."

"Iniisip ko lang, baka madulas ka sa loob tapos wala ako..." Kumunot ang noo nito.
"I think I should bath you."

Namilog ang mata niya saka lumayo rito para pumasok sa banyo. "Sage, I am going to
carry this for nine months." He can't do that for nine months! Goodness! Hindi niya
inakala na ganito ito ka-paranoid. "Ang mabuti pa, pumasok ka na sa trabaho."

"Hindi ako papasok ngayon."

Binalingan niya ito habang nakakunot-noo. So why was he wearing a suit again?

"May pupuntahan tayo ngayong araw," sagot nito sa tanong na nasa utak niya.

"Saan tayo pupunta?"

He sighed, his chest muscles flexing as he slipped his hands down inside his
pocket, stretching the fabric over his masculine thighs. "We have to drive down the
mansion."

Kinabahan siya sa narinig. "Bakit?"

Sandali itong tahimik. "Mom wants to talk to us," sabi nito sa seryosong tono kaya
mas lalong lumala ang kaba niya.

It's the first time she will be standing in front of his parents as his wife. At
hindi na niya iyon maipagkakaila dahil sa mga lumalabas na balita. Surely, his
parents must've guessed it was her. Why else would her mother summon them?

Sage must've sensed her apprehension, kaya lumapit ito sa kanya. He pulled his
hands out of his pocket to reach her suddenly clammy hands, silently offering her
comfort and courage.

Tinitigan niya ito, nag-aalala. "Ngayon na ba?"

He glanced at his watch and nodded silently.

"Pero paano ang reastaurant?"

"I've got the Juliette covered. Si Nancy na ang bahala doon. Right now, all you
need to do is to shower and get ready," malumanay na sabi nito.

She could see that Sage was trying to tone her nervousness down, pero kinakabahan
talaga siya. But she did not need to make him worry too. Kaya ngumiti na lang siya
at tumango. What else could she do? She didn't want to argue, at alam din naman
niyang hindi siya puwedeng tumanggi. Not that she want to.

Nagsimula na siyang tumalikod at pumasok sa banyo, pero bigla siyang pinigilan ni

Sage. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back to face him just so he could kiss her
slightly parted mouth.
It was soft, tender and full of assurance. They were written in his eyes when he
pulled back. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. Kasama mo akong haharap sa kanila."

=================

Chapter ♣ 55

Tell me something I need to know

Then take my breath and never let it go

If you just let me invade your space

I'll take the pleasure, take it with the pain

----💖----

LOST VOWS

TININGNAN NIYA si Sage nang abutin nito ang kamay niya habang nagmamaneho ito. He
was looking ahead of them, but she could see the stern compression of his lips.
Hindi niya alam kung ilang beses na nitong inabot ang kamay niya. He does that
every time she lose herself into her thoughts.

Napabuntong hininga siya at hinigpitan ang hawak sa kamay nito. She wondered if he
could feel her anxiety, but she was just grateful he was with her. Ni hindi niya
alam kung bakit siya kinakabahan. Mababait naman ang magulang ni Sage. But she
couldn't seem to help herself.

But one thing's for sure. Hindi dahil sa takot ang kaba niya.

"Do you want to stop by and have something to eat? Baka nagugutom ka na?" tanong ni
Sage nang may madaanan silang fast food.

Umiling siya. "I'm alright," aniya. Sa dami ng hinanda sa kanya ni Sage kanina, mga
ilang oras pa bago ulit siya magutom.

Ilang sandali pa ang itinagal ng beyahe nila bago sila dumating sa bahay nina Sage.
The Stanfield House still have that power to snatch her breath every time she see
it. It didn't have the modern look but it was its beauty. Its elegant and classical
features made it stood out than the rest of the modern architecture.

Sage rounded the grandiose fountain and pulled on the side. Bumaba na din siya
kaagad nang tumigil

ang makina. Umikot si Sage sa tabi niya at pumatong ang kamay nito sa beywang niya
habang naglalakad sila papasok ng mansyon.
Chambermaids in uniform greeted them as they entered. Saglit siyang binitawan ni
Sage para hubarin ang coat nito at ibinigay iyon sa isang kasambahay nila.

"Si Mama?" tanong ni Sage rito.

"Nasa west parlor po, kasama ang daddy ninyo."

Sage took her hand and they walked inside together. Sinundan na lang niya ito sa
kung saan ito pumupunta. She hadn't been really down here. Sa taas lang siya
nakapaglibot nang huling narito siya-when she tried to find Sage.

She wished she could have time to appreciate the beauty in front of her and
everything that she walked on, pero hindi niya magawa. She was nearly palpitating
as they drew closer.

Pumasok sila sa isang kuwarto at pinaupo siya ni Sage sa sofa. "Wait here. I need
to talk to talk to them first."

"Tayong dalawa na lang kaya?"

Umiling ito. "Let me talk to them first. Just stay here." Tapos ay humalik ito sa
noo niya bago pumasok sa isang pintuan. Maybe that was the west parlor.

She sighed on her own. Hindi pa nagtatagal na wala si Sage ay dumating ang isang
kasambahay na may dalang tray. Ngumiti ito sa kanya habang ibinababa ang tasa ng
inumin at slice ng cake.

"Salamat," aniya bago ito lumabas.

Kahit hindi nauuhaw o nagugutom ay uminom siya at kumain. Gutso lang niyang
abalahin ang sarili niya habang nasa loob si Sage. And she found that it was a tea.
At hindi gaanong matamis ang pagkakagawa ng cake.

She looked at the closed door again. What's taking him so long?

Tumayo

siya dala ang tasa. She looked around the room and tried to identify the color of
the wall paint. She even took a walk around the room and noticed the crest on the
decorative cast iron on the mantel and along the wood panels of the window.
Personal design ba iyon ng pamilya ni Sage? It kind of looked like a snake curved
into a letter 'S'.

Sunod niyang tiningnan ang mga malalaking larawan sa dingding. They were pictures
of black and white. Iisipin niyang kinunan iyon gamit ang camera pero nang lumapit
siya ay napansin niyang hand painted ang mga iyon.

She was drawn to the family portraits adorning the walls when the double doors
suddenly swung open.

Sage looked okay. But he didn't look happy too. Hindi niya mabasa kung naging
maayos ba ang pag-uusap nila sa loob.

Nag-aalalang tiningnan niya si Sage nang kunin nito ang kamay niya. "It's okay.
Just trust me."

Huminga siya nang malalim bago sumama sa loob.

The room was a small library. May maliit na bintana, maliit na built-in bookshelves
sa gilid, apat na sofa, at isang meseta sa gitna.

His mother smiled at her when she saw her coming. "Upo ka, hija." She reached for
hand and Kyra obligingly sat down beside her. Umupo din si Sage sa tabi niya.

Kahit papaano ay nawala nang bahagya ang kaba niya nang makita niya ang ngiti sa
mukha ng Mama ni Sage. But his father was just silently looking at his folded
fingers.

Inabot ni Sage ang kamay niya. She didn't look at him. Sa kanya kasi ang mata ng
mommy nito.

"Vaughn told us everything," kalmadong panimula ng mommy ni Sage.

Her head went to overdrive. What is

'everything'? she thought as she looked at Sage. He was looking at her as if he was
watching her reaction.

Tumango lang ito sa kanya at hinigpitan ang hawak sa kamay niya. Did he tell them
about her amnesia? What about Noah?

Huminga siya nang malalim. Kaya ba naging matagal ang pag-uusap ng mga ito kanina?

She heard someone sniffed. Pagtingin niya ay nakita niya ang daddy ni Sage na
nakahawak sa kamay ng mommy nito. Her mom was crying.

Bigla ay nag-aalalang tiningnan niya si Sage, telling him to do something. Pero

bumuntong hininga lang ito.

"I'm very sorry, hija," sabi ng mommy ni Sage habang nagpupunas ng mata gamit ang
isang panyo. "Naging mahirap para sayo ang lahat. Kung sinabi lang sana ng anak ko
ng maaga, sana hindi ko na siya kailangang ipilit sa iba."

Oh my goodness!

Maagap siyang napaupo ng matuwid dahil sa gulat. His mother was in distress because
of her.

"Tita," simula niya, pero wala siyang masabi.

"Ma, it's not your fault. Pinaliwanag ko na sa inyo, 'di ba?" ani Sage sa tabi
niya. His voice was full of concern.

Umiling ang mommy nito. "I was so insensitive."

"Tita, naging parte din po ako ng desisyong iyon," she spoke up. Sinabi niya sa mga
ito ang nangyari sa France at kung bakit kailangan niyang itago ang tungkol sa
kanila ni Sage.

It was no body's fault. Tanging nangyari lang ang mga nangyrai dahil sa desisyon
niya. They were just a consequence to the wrong decisions she made.

"Ang bait ng puso mo, anak."

Kyra blew a breath. Bigla ay may humaplos bigla sa puso niya nang tawagin siya
nitong 'anak'.
"Vaughn

was right. You have big warm heart." Ngumiti ito sa kanya sa kabila ng pagpupunas
nito ng mata. "You've suffered a cruel fate even when you don't deserve it. You
even lost an angel."

She didn't know she was gripping Sage's hand until he gripped hers back.

"Hindi namin alam na nawalan din kami ng apong mamahalin."

Sage's father removed his eyeglasses to wipe his eyes and cleared his throat. "My
wife and I would like to visit him very soon. Noah is very much a part of this
family next to our hearts."

This was making her heart weak. Ayaw niyang umiyak sa harapan nilang mag-asawa pero
ang hirap, lalo na kung ang anak nila ni Sage ang laman ng usapan.

Noah died without knowing the world. And yet he already has people loving him even
after his death.

"Kung alam ko lang na kayang gawin iyon ni Sharmaine..." bumuntong hininga ang
mommy ni Sage. "But love turns people unreasonable when they let their greed rule
their emotions."

Smiling, she reached for her available hand and clutched it to her heart. "Pero
masaya kami na nalaman na rin namin ang katotohanan. I've been searching for that
girl my son had always been telling me." She sent Sage a warm smile and giving her
one too.

"Matagal ka naming hinintay, hija. Now I don't have to wonder who is that red rose
anymore. At habang buhay ko iyong tatanawing utang na loob sa iyo na minahal mo ng
tunay ang anak namin ni Stan at pinili mo siyang makasama."

She sighed and grimaced. "Masyado siyang naging abala sa negosyo na nagiging
katulad na siya ng daddy niya noon." Sage's father cleared his throat in effect

and Kyra almost smiled.

"But I won't fear for my son's future and happiness anymore. Now I know he is not
going to live alone."

"Pero kailangan pa ring tuparin ni Sage ang pangako niya sa amin ng asawa ko," ani
ng daddy ni Sage sa malalim nitong boses. His accented tagalog sounded
authoritative.

"Magpapakasal ulit kami, Dad, Ma." Napabaling siya kay Sage, and his eyes were on
her. Serious and promising. "Sa lalong madaling panahon."

His mother clapped her hands and Kyra heard her excitedly say, "Well then. Stan,
mamanhikan na tayo bukas."

Pero hindi humihiwalay ang mata niya kay Sage habang nakatitig ito sa kanya. He was
freaking serious.

NAGISING SI Kyra sa tunog ng hangin. She didn't realize they left the window open
last night. Maybe because of too much heat, she didn't feel the chilly air coming
in.

Napangiti siya habang inaalala ang ginawa nila ni Sage kagabi pagkatapos
'mamanhikan' ng buong pamilya nito. Kahit na raw kasal sila, gusto pa rin ng mga
magulang ni Sage na dumaan si Sage sa pamamanhikan katulad ng mga kapatid nito.

It was just her and her sisters. Pero dahil nasa rehab pa rin si Sandra, si Stella
ang kinausap nila at ang asawa nito.

The wedding is just in a month. Si Yana at Kylie ang gagawin niyang bride's maid.
Si Stella naman ang maid of honor dahil gusto raw nitong ito ang umayos mismo ng
kasal niya.

It will just be a private wedding. Sage requested a beach wedding, at dahil gusto
rin niya iyon, hindi na siya tumanggi. Kaya lang ay mukhang ayaw nitong imbitahan
si Xyrus at June.

"Ayokong makita

ka nila sa araw ng kasal ko." That was what he said when she asked him why not.

Yeah... her husband and future groom is that selfish.

A book lying on the table caught her eyes. The Shakespeare Sonnets.

Kinuha niya iyon at binuklat ang mga pahina. The old pages of our story... It
seemed so long ago. She flipped the last page and his handwriting greeted her.

"Doubt that the stars are fire,

Doubt that the sun doth move his asides,

Doubt truth to be a liar,

But never doubt I love."

With all my love,

-VS.

Doubt everything, even the truth itself. But never his love.

"Porsche," Sage spoke gruffly behind her.

Nagtatakang ibinalik niya ang libro at umikot paharap kay Sage. His eyes were still
closed. Nananaginip siguro ito.

She tried waving a hand in front of his face but then he caught her small wrist
with his big masculine hand.

"Porsche," he said again, more clearly this time, and opened those gorgeous eyes.
"Ipapangalan natin kay baby."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Kotse?"

He pursed his lips. "You don't like it?"

She thought about it, pero ang cute lang ng bibig nito. His hair was a mess and he
was pouting like a baby. She can get used to waking up like this. Forever.

He suddenly moved, still lying on his stomach, and reached for his chest drawer.
Pinanood niya ang likod nito habang may kinakapa ito roon. His bare back muscles
were rippling and flexing in front of her.

"I made a list," he announced turning to her and handed her a piece of paper. He
propped himself on

his elbow and watched her with anticipation. Excited na excited ang mukha nito.

Dahan-dahan niyang binuksan ang nakatuping papel. Muntik na siyang humalakhak nang
mabasa niya ang unang pangalan.

"Seriously?" she giggled. Her husband is a car maniac. Ang akala niya listahn iyon
ng pangalan ng tao. But look at it! He wrote a bunch of car brand!

Lexus. Shelby. Ford. Ferrari. Renault. Lamborghini... Her head whipped at him.
"Lamborghini?"

Nag-isip ito sandalit. "Limo?" he grinned at her. Napailing na lang siya at binasa
ang nasa listahan.

Bentley. Aston Martin. Benz. Turbo? No, he did not write that one!

Oh my goodness! Ano na lang ang itatawag niya sa anak niya?

Chevy. Porsche. Mercedes. Bugatti... Kyra sighed abjectly and folded it close.

"What do you think?" Gumalaw-galaw pa ang dalawang kilay ni Sage. He looked so

excited about what she was going to say.

"Gusto mong tawagin sila ng ganito ng mga kaibigan nila?" she asked laughing, her
eyes widening.

"They'll be proud of it when they grew up," he said smugly.

Kyra schooled a grimace.

Hinawakan ni Sage ang ilalim ng baba niya saka ito sumeryoso ng mukha. "You don't
seem to like it."

"Hindi naman..." she said honestly and tucking the list under her bed.

Tinitigan niya ito. "It's not that I didn't like it. I just wanted a name with
significant meaning. Iyon lang," aniya at ngumiti rito. "Pero kung gusto mo talaga
ganong pangalan..."

"Hey, sweetheart. I was just excited," ani Sage at sumiksik sa tabi niya.
"Suggestion lang naman iyan. You can ignore

it. Mas gusto ko iyong pangalan na ibibigay mo sa mga anak natin."

Natatawang tinampal niya ang braso nito na nakayakap na sa beywang niya. He's so
possessive. "Plural talaga, ha."

"So what do you want?"

"What about flowers?"

Bahagyang kumunot ang noo nito. He seemed really thoughtful. "What if it's a boy?"
he asked. "Can we call him Marigold?"

She cracked up again. Ilang beses pa niya itong tinampal sa braso habang tumatawa
siya. Serysong seryoso kasi ang mukha nito kanina.

"He'll be bullied in school, sweetheart."

"Sige na nga. Pwede na sa lalaki ang Turbo." She grinned. And he started laughing.

His deep laugh vibrated from his chest at ramdam na ramdam niya iyon. Kyra just
stared at him. He looked so alive and happy. The joy in his eyes... she'll be
looking into them for the rest of her life.

Nahimasmasan ito at tumitig sa kanya. Their gaze clashed and she felt his heartbeat
picked up a rhythm. Napangiti siya. It made her happy that she can affect this man
when everyone thought he's invincible and untouchable. For her, he was vulnerable.

His eyes moved down to her lips and just like that, heat flared.

Sage lowered his head down to her slowly, closing the distance between them. His
gaze intently fixed on her mouth that seemed disturbingly provocative.

Hinawakan niya ang pisngi nito. Her fingers brushing against the harshness of his
morning stubbles. At that moment, she wanted to hear the words she had forgotten.

"Your vow... tell me again your vow."

Sage stopped to look at her eyes-oh, those fiery eyes. Then his

lips tilted for a smile. "I really can't remember how exactly I said them...but..."
he whispered coming closer again.

Her heart was thumping out of control and all she could see was Sage. Broad and
dark and dangerous but infinitely more to her than anything she'd ever known.

"I remember that day so vividly..." he whispered against her lips as he got up on
his elbow. "...and the night after that." His eyes gleamed wickedly.

With his arms splayed on either side of her head, palms pressed on the mattress, he
was close enough to form a cage around her.

Hindi siya gumalaw. She waited for his vows as he leaned down. Those eyes became
stormy and hooded that made him look like a warrior who was stamping some dominance
over his captive.

He urged closer to her. "You remind me of the beauty of love, the storm... of
destiny..." His mouth touched hers and it was like getting a thousand tiny electric
shocks at once. All over again.

She wondered if it would still be like that after they celebrated their 20th
wedding anniversary.

Lumayo ito nang bahagya mula sa kanya at ang leeg naman niya ang hinalikan nito.
She had to tilt her head to give him access. He trailed open mouth, wet kisses on
her neck that made her shiver. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly already.

"You remind me of the power of dreams," he said in between kisses. Then he was
slanting his mouth over hers again.

With a sigh of supplication, she opened her mouth a fraction and he took advantage
of it. She always loved the first touch of his tongue inside hers. And it made her
grip strands of his

hair.

She angled her head to give him deeper penetration and her body caught fire. Her
legs became restless. She could feel the solid steel muscle of his thighs against
her and wanted to open them and bring him closer. Feel more of him.

They passionately kissed for long, timeless moments, with him nipping at the corner
of her mouth, tongues touching and tasting, stroking forward and retreating back,
as though last night was not enough.

No... nothing will be enough for the both of them.

She was completely dazed and boneless when he drew up for air. All she could do was
lift a hand and touch his hard, rough jaw, tracing it with her fingers.

"And even though I don't belong in those dreams," he whispered on her lips, his
eyes intense, reminding her that he was still reciting his vows on her. "I can be
the man who will walk beside you to reach them." His voice sounded thick.

"I vowed to give you my life, my heart, my body and soul. I vowed to be your home
and to be your favorite place in this damned world."

She couldn't concentrate listening to him when his long fingers moved to the top of
the sheet that was covering her and she shivered as he shoved it aside, exposing
her nakedness to him. The backs of his fingers brushed against her skin and her
belly tightened with delicious anticipation. Napakagat siya ng labi niya.

Uminit ang mga mata nito. Impatiently, he removed the remaining sheets around his
body and dropped it down the floor. She never left his eyes.

"Not looking, sweetheart?"

She felt a blush creeping to her face when she remembered what

her hands had done to him last night.

Chuckling, he took her chin and kissed the point of her nose. Her insides melted.

She almost arched off the bed when he palmed her bréást and worshiped it. It felt
so sensitive. So full against his rough big hand.

Her hard nîpple scraped his palm and she had to bite back a moan. She could only
move her legs from the onslaught. She could hear nothing but a dull pounding in her
heart.

He squeezed the firm flesh, making her nîpple even harder. It was pure torture. She
wanted to tug it to alleviate the pain. And as if reading her mind, Sage bent his
head and surrounded that tight aching pointed peak with his mouth, flicking his
tongue around it.

"Yes." Her head fell back on a desperate, urgent whimper.

Her hands went up to his head, holding him to her, as he started to lick and suck
her nîpple, gently kneading the other bréást with his hand. She was moving with a
response she couldn't hide. It was exquisite and torturous all at the same time.

She was no longer coherent when he did same attention to her other bréást. One hand
was on firmly on his head, her fingers tangled in his hair. The other was clenched
into a fist beside her, gripping the sheets.

She was getting worked up again, and Sage was still leaving a gap between their
bodies. She wanted contact. Friction. Heat.

Five more minutes and Sage was kissing his way up her chest, back to her mouth. He
drew back up and looked at her with intense hunger. "You are my happy ending.
Forever and always. Not even death will part us," he panted, nose flaring.

"That,

Mrs. Steele, is how I say I am your forever. Here, now, standing before you and
saying 'I do'," he said huskily against her. "That was my vow five years ago. Now I
want to stop talking and make love to you."

He dropped down on his elbows, his hips falling directly between her legs and she
arched against him deliciously. She grabbed a handful of her hair as he started to
kiss her hard. He bit her lower lip and he licked the sting away.

There's an almost angry urge to the way he was taking her mouth. And it was a huge
turn-on, knowing how desperate he was for her.

Then his wicked mouth was on her bréást again. Between her legs she felt sensitive
and moist. As if reading her mind, he let his hand travel down her belly, her level
of desire were coiling higher and higher.

His hand delved down, and further to her V, she stopped breathing and bit her lip
in anticipation.

She looked up at him and watched. He just looked at her while his hand moved down
an inch. He touched her soft curls, threading through them with long fingers.

Hindi na niya napansing umangat ang kamay niya sa likod ng leeg nito, mahigpit ang
pagkakahawak. Bumaba pa ulit ang daliri nito. She squeezed his neck with the
slightest pressure, so intent on him touching her right there. She saw nothing but
flashes of light for a long second when his fingers touched her with intimate
precision. Her breath was back, but it was labored.

"Damn, you always feel so fvcking good," he growled, taking her mouth again.

Starving for him, she angled her head up to him, meeting his passion with her own.

Between her legs, his fingers gliding up and down, spreading her dampness. He has
one hand on her breast, pinching her nipple, as his thumb pressed on her nub,
stoking the raging fire within her to fever pitch.

"God!" she cried out, arching. A charge so strong fired through her that she
thought she might come right then.

He looked down her body with dark and possessive look in his eyes and said roughly,
"I want to taste you again."

She wanted to protest. She needed him inside her so bad. But he was already pulling
her legs apart. One of her legs was bent over his shoulder, and he moved downwards
until his head was over her belly.

He pressed a sweet kiss to her stomach, and then her belly button. She held her
breath suspended.

Tumingala ito sa kanya hanggang sa bumaba ang labi nito sa pilat niya. He did that
last night. At dawn. And now.

He would always do that, would he?

He moved lower and she felt the rough abrasion of his tongue that had her squirming
against him.

Pushing her legs wide apart, holding her things, he laid between them and puts his
mouth on her. She wanted to clamp her legs together but he was ruthless. He looked
up at her, and his voice was guttural. "No. Let me taste you."

And then his breath was there, and his hard tongue, hot and moist.

"Sage!" Her hips jerked at the feel of his tongue on her, her fingers curling
tightly into the bed sheet. Her head falling back, her toes curling.

"God, you taste so good. So addictive," he growled against her, the vibration of
his voice hit all the right spots.

She

couldn't hold it up. Her fingers were in his hair, meaning to stop him, pero
hinawakan lang nito ng mabuti ang paa niya habang ang isa ay nasa balikat na nito.

His tongue was touching her damp folds, laving her, finding all her secrets. And
then she felt his fingers parting her, exposing her, so that he could touch his
tongue right to her tingling bud and sucked hot and hard.

She bucked against him. "Sage, please!"

He pushed his tongue inside her, and she couldn't help but move in rhythm against
his face. Her head pressed back into the pillow, as he ran his tongue up to her
tight nub, sending her flying almost close to the sun she thought she might burn to
death.

Then he lifted her to him still, holding her securely as he started licking
relentlessly. He slid a finger inside where she was so wet and aching and then
another, pushing in and out of her. Working her tight and fast, hitting a knot. And
suddenly she couldn't stop the momentum.

"Yes," she moaned harshly. "God, yes...right there!"

Her toes curl into the bed, the muscles in her legs tightening, as she felt it
moving through her body. Then the coil snapped. And she screamed out his name, her
back bowing up off the bed.

He was pressing kisses to her inner thigh when she finally floated back down. She
fell back, lax, into the mattress as he climbed up her body, looking up at her with
a lazy, sexy smile and a glow of satisfaction in his eyes. He took her mouth in a
lazy kiss. She could taste herself on him.

Then he was readying to put himself inside her, and she wanted that, but she had
another idea. Pushing him off her,
she rolled him onto his back and climbed on top of him.

His eyes were so full of heat and desire that she felt it rippled through her,
right onto her sensitive core.

He started to move and take over, but she stopped him with a hand on his chest.
"No. Stay there."

She slid her legs over his hips, so she was straddling him, his solid rock hard
erection pressed up against her in the most intimate way. She started running up
her palms up and down his chest, tugging slightly on his sprinkled hair.

Lifting up on her knees, she took his hard steel length in her hand, looking at his
eyes and rubbed him at her wet entrance.

"Fvck!" he growled as his features went taut with need. "Always so wet for me. You
have no idea how much that turns me on."

She exhaled a panting breath and slowly slid down on his length. She gasped from
the hot bare feel of him and his resounding groan told her he felt as good as she
does right now. Her surrounding his moistened tip.

Nakagat niya ang labi niya. He was so snug inside her. So huge and hard. He filled
him completely.

"Kyra...damn, you feel so hot." His hips pressed firmly against hers, and took her
face in his hands. "You're mine and you're always going to be. Forever, mon
amore..."

"Yes," she breathed and started moving up and down, riding him. His hands quickly
found her hips, fingers biting in her skin. Then he slowly started to push in. She
watched rapt as his face tightens, his jaw clenching, while he pushed all the way
inside her.

The pressure was too much, she tried to move away but he kept her in place and

pumped up inside her. Nakagat niya ang labi niya.

"So good," she moaned in his ear.

She rode him hard, meeting each thrust. Her hands were on his stomach, but she
couldn't get the grip she need. He offered his hands to her. Taking them, she
linked her fingers with his.

It wasn't long before he was sitting up, pressing his chest to hers. She dropped
his hands and gripped his shoulders instead for leverage. Sliding his hands on her
behind, he took control, lifting her up until she gripped the tip of his length,
and she slammed back down making him grunt and increase the pace.

She couldn't help but cry in his ears. Louder and louder.

"That's it, sweetheart," he whispered gruffly against her face. "I need you to come
for me."

The friction was almost too much to bear. Her body went into overdrive, and in no
time, she was shattering around him.

Her eyes are locked on his as she came, unable to look away. She never wanted to
look away from him ever again. Before she could catch her breath, she was moving
backwards.

He was rolling on top, his body pinning her down the sheets. His elbows were
pressed beside her arms as he framed her face with his hands and kissed her
passionately, deeply.

He was moving in and out with sure hard thrusts. She hooked her legs around his
hips, digging her fingernails into his tight behind, urging him to move harder and
faster and he obliged.

His features were tight. His eyes were dark with urgency and need. The way he was
looking at her was more intense than ever before, and it stopped her breath. He
took her hard

and desperate. Clinging to one another, devouring each other's slick bodies, taking
what they needed. And it was not long before she was coming again, blowing apart.

She felt like she collided with the sun and exploded into a million pieces. Nothing
of herself was left.

"Kyra..." he groaned her name like a prayer as he pistoled inside her. Her orgasm
triggering his.

Then, almost as if it's too much for him, he closed his eyes before biting down
hard on her shoulder. His big body tensed, shuddering, as she felt him jerking
inside her, filling her with his warmth.

When he ended, he collapsed on top of her, pressing soft tender kisses wherever his
lips could reach her skin. Then, he rolled off her, taking her with him. Her head
was on his chest, his arm around her.

"Wow. That was..." he breathed harshly.

She tilted her head, so she could look at him. "Intense."

Ngumiti ito. "Well, it was something I could get used to. Something I could have
every morning for a lifetime without complaint." He smiled slyly, his eyes
darkening again. "We definitely have to do that again, very soon."

She just hit his chest playfully and smiled weakly.

"You're not leaving me again, are you?"

Bigla siyang napabaling ulit kay Sage. He looked at her, and she saw the flicker of
unease in his eyes.

She sighed and moved up so she could reach his lips and kissed him hard and gentle.
She poured everything she felt for him, holding on to him like her life depended on
it. Because in a way, it does.

"I'm yours, Sage," she whispered against his lips, her eyes loving him. "At hinding
hindi na ako magkakamaling iwan ka. You're my home now."

He hugged her and kissed her head. "You're not going anywhere again."

She knew she was everything she could ever have when home felt like a person
instead of being a place. And he was right. She doesn't need a place to comfort her
and give her peace of mind. He was her favorite place. Her home.
Sighing as she laid right beside him, she thought that growing old with him will be
the greatest fairytale she will tell their children and grandchildren for the far
future ahead of them.

----💖----

This is the last chapter. Thank you!

___________________

Ayamiℒu © 2015-2016

All rights reserved.

=================

Epilogue ♣

I might never be your knight in shining armour

I might never be the one you take home to mother

And I might never be the one who brings you flowers

But I can be the one, be the one tonight

I might never be the hands you put your heart in

Or the arms that hold you any time you want them

But that don't mean that we can't live here in the moment

'Cause I can be the one you love from time to time

Baby, I'm perfect for you

---- 💍 ----

TO OUR FOREVER

THE WIND was cold and I breathed deep to fill my lungs with air. I long to pull my
ties loose but they would notice how nervous I was. Hell, I am fvcking nervous
alright. Kahit siguro ilang beses pa akong ikasal sa iisang babae, kakabahan pa rin
ako ng ganito katindi.

I caught dad sitting beside mom in front of the wedding audience, silently watching
me. I know he knew what I was feeling. My stomach was in knots. Tightly tied knots.
I couldn't stop the harsh pounding beat of my heart, the beads of sweat threatening
to roll at my back, and the tingling sensation at the base of my spine running down
to the tip of my toes. And the hot sting burning behind my lids.

Ipinikit ko na lang ang mga mata ko at muling huminga ng malalim. I swallowed past
the lump lodged in my throat at and tried to remember my vows.

Fvck it! I can't mess up on that one. Kyra had been preparing for hers for the last
week before this big day.

Mabuti

na lang at kinausap ako ni Ma kanina kaya kahit papaano ay kumalma ang pakiramdam
ko bago ako lumabas dito, handang maghintay sa pagdating ng babaeng pakakasalan ko
sa pangalawang pagkakataon.

When I first met her, I didn't have a clue that she would occupy the biggest part
of my life. I have esteemed myself to be always in control, to be strong and wise
and never use my heart. No, I've never recognized I had a heart.

I've always viewed emotions a weakness-something I couldn't afford to feel. To feel

vulnerable for someone. I was the best at playing my own game, my own rule, my own
battleground. But at some point, I knew my weakness will come.

I never understood how love works or marriage. But then, so does life, so does what
my parents have. I never understood the look when dad looked at mom or how Duke
adored Louraine. I never acknowledged it, but I know deep in my soul, I've been
wanting-waiting-to have that connection with someone else.

That was me before I met her. That was me before she showed me another world.
Another man. Another part of me that I thought never existed.

Brain controls everything, even those darkest emotions hidden deep inside us. But
she was the trigger inside my head that woke that frozen emotion and made me lose
my chain. And just like a warrior, she took the rein.

She was the trigger of my heart. To beat and to stop beating.

And now this day had come. I decided to marry her again for our family's benefit,
dahil hindi sila nakapunta noon. Pero hindi lang ito isang kasal para sa akin.
Today marks our second chance together as husband

and wife. To renew my vows and fill in the gaps.

"Andiyan na sila," bulong sa akin ni Blue nang tumayo na siya sa puwesto niya.

I had my brothers as my groom's men. Kahit ayaw ni Zeke, napilit pa rin siya ni
Vicky. Good thing he married. Marriage life really changes a man.

Tinapik ako ni Duke nang magsimula nang maglakad si Serena. "Ayos ka lang?"

"Never been okay," I answered and took a deep breath. Never been this nervous too.
The violin began to play and I recognized the song they were playing; I'll be by
Edwin McCain.

Napangitit ako. Damn! That's too cheesy, but hell! It's making me feel giddy.

Empress was first to walk the aisle, behind her was Serena. Sumunod si Yana, at si
Kylie. They all wore the same shade of mint green gown and colorful flower garland
at the top of their heads. And my niece looked so adorable in it. My sister winked
at me when she took her position across from us.

Hindi ko alam kung paanong paraan ko paluluwagin ang dibdib ko nang makita ko si
Stella. Knowing that she's Kyra's maid of honor, I knew my bride will be walking
right behind her.

Naramdaman ko ang mga tapik sa balikat at likod ko. Blue gave me the hardest thump.
Nakakailan na siya, pero papalagpasin ko dahil mabait ako ngayon.

And then, I felt my breath stuck in my throat when I saw her.

My queen stood at the other end of the wood carpeted sand aisle, a bouquet of
flowers in her hands. The one that I painfully asked for Pearl, the wedding
coordinator, to make for Kyra. It matched perfectly well to the purple-turquoise
theme of our

wedding.

As if on cue, the wedding guests rose to their feet with an appreciative gasp and
look on their faces.

Mga malalapit na kamag-anak at kaibigan lang ang inimbitahan namin sa espesyal na

araw na ito. I don't want the rich and famous charade tainting our wedding day. And
I particularly hated the idea of inviting those jaded movie stars and actresses and
strings of politicians ogling at my beautiful bride, especially when she was
looking so stunning like that.

She's all for my eyes only.

She started walking in tune with the melody of the violin and I couldn't pull my
eyes away from her. She's so stunning, so beautiful in her white gown. Her hair was
pulled back with tendrils of hair falling from her face beneath a short white veil
that was held in place by the baby breath flower wreath that looked like diamonds
sparkling under the sunlight.

Her white wedding gown had sleeves that fell off her slender shoulders caressing
those soft skin and a long free-flowing skirt that made her look like a Greek
goddess. Her red lipstick only emphasized her luscious mouth.

I've never seen anyone more beautiful than her. So elegant and sexy as hell at the
same time. She's charming me all over again with her purity, her own innocence, her
kind heart, and warmth. She just simply took my breath away.

The wind swayed and played with the fabric of her dress, silhouetting her feminine
figure that I couldn't get enough of. Those long legs that seemed to go on
forever... and...

Fvck!
Why was she on bare feet? Wait, are those foot gloves? Shit! They're hot!

Napahigit ako nang hininga at mabilis na binura ang tumatakbo sa utak ko. It's been
three nights since I last touched my wife, ever since we got here on Zeke's island.
But tonight, I will make it worth the wait.

God, what have I ever done to my whole life to deserve her as my wife?

She made me see how deep my world could really be. She's my heart. She's my
everything. I didn't just want to make love to her every night. I want to wake up
to her every day, for the rest of my life. I never wanted to possess a human being
until her. Until Kyra. I want her to possess me.

She looked at me when she stood in front of me and I looked at her and see love. I
see happiness. I see a future that will be filled with rainbow and mistletoe.

"Dear family, and friends... we are gathered here today..."

The voice dulled and drifted all over the place and all I could hear was the beat
of my heart, all I see was her eyes. And I was fast drowning long before the judge
ended his speech. "You may speak your vows."

Mayroon siyang kinuhang papel na nakasuksok sa boquet niya, and I had to

chuckle because she looked so cute when she pouted at my teasing.

Lumapit si Serena sa kanya at itinapat ang mic sa bibig niya. Tumikhim siya ng
ilang beses bago nagsalita. The air stilled and silence fell. Tanging boses na lang
ni Kyra ang nadidinig ng buong pagkatao ko.

"Amidst the chaos and storm, you are the calm. You're the right in all the wrong,
the smile in my tears, and the light of my dark days. Love is your bullet, you are
the gun. And you only have the bullet I needed."

I had to smile when she used my metaphor. Shit! My chest hurt.

I stopped myself from rubbing the area of the ache. Instead, I listened to her
voice.

"You are the chapter I never wanted to skip, the song I never tired of listening,
the sonnet I will keep whispering, and our story is the kind that I've always
wanted to tell."

Her eyes began to fill with water and her smile wavered. "You love with your whole
heart and soul, and didn't matter if it is returned or not, appreciated or not. The
way you love me is unlike anything I've ever known. And that makes me the luckiest
one.

"You are my breath, my every heartbeat, my greatest possession. Without you, my

world will cease to exist. In your heart, I found a home. In your arms, I found
warmth. In your soul, I found peace. With you, I feel whole and alive."

I reached for her and wiped her cheek with her veil because I can't stand looking
at her tears falling. I could even hear the faint 'aw' around us. But I was
dazzled.

"I know I'm not easy to love," she said and smiled more firmly. Hell, I know she's
the hardest woman to
love. But I love her for that all the same.

"I can be selfish, I turn weak in the face of a struggle, I overthink, I tend to
overreact too, and even at times, I feel insecure. But today, I promise to commit
myself to you blindly and trust you without reservation, to accept you for who you
are and what you want to be, to need and want you always and without demand, and to
love you without fear and without holding back. I promise to forgive you quickly,
even when it's too painful to forgive, to say I'm sorry first in every argument,
and never hold onto hurt and anger. I vow to always choose you in spite and despite
everything. Always.

"I will be your cane when we grow old and gray, bake you pie for the rest of our
lives together, even scratch your back every night. To give back what you give-and
more. I promise I won't argue if you want to have a dog and agree to name him
Prince, even if you want to name our baby Turbo and Porsche..." she laughed.

Oh, God. The sound of her laughter... I will never get tired listening to it.

She sighed and her eyes turned foggy with rapt and happiness as she looked at me
and I felt my chest swell. "I vow to never forget. You can't always have the
answer, but I will always hear them. From here or now, tomorrow and always, I give
you my hand to hold, my life to keep and my heart to cherish. You, my husband, will
be my pillar and I am your willing captive. I am yours, you are mine. Forever."

Yes, she's mine. Completely mine.

My throats were closing up and I tried my damnedest best to blink back the tears
but it was hard to stop them.

I swallowed past the lump and focused on her beautiful smile. She's just too
stunning for my own good. And I can't believe she vowed all of that. For me.

My chest clenched tighter. Damn! I love her too much.

"Your turn now, Sage," narinig kong pukaw sa 'kin ng Judge.

Huminga ako nang malalim para mag-ipon ng sapat na lakas ng loob. I will try not to
stumble with my words and I pray to God I won't.

Hope filled her eyes as I pulled out a piece of paper tucked inside the pocket of
my suit. I know she's been looking forward to this, but I won't ever tell her that
I spent every minute of my inspired days thinking about my vow.

Or maybe I will tell her-because I promised her no secrets. None.

My fingers shook as I opened the letter. Naririnig ko pa si Blue na natatawa habang

hawak niya ang mic. I chose to ignore him and cleared my throat.

Here goes...

"Juliette, ma belle, mon amore... ma femme. My beautiful queen, the owner of my

heart, the mother of my lovely children... You found parts of me I didn't know
existed. You found my heart, you found me and there can never be a better man in me
if you didn't happen.

"When you're not around, I'm not the same man. I am half the man I normally am. I
missed you when you're gone. Went half-crazy without you. Those God awful years
were pure torture, because my heart ran away with you."
She grinned when she looked beside me and I felt a fabric wiped around my forehead.
Tiningnan ko si Blue na nakangisi sa akin. I know what he was thinking. But I will
deal with him later. I have vows to say.

"You

said you were scared if you loved me more than I feel for you. But I do love you
more and it doesn't mean I love you more than you love me. I love you more than the
fights we will ever do, I love you more than any hitches and stumbles that would
try to break us apart. Even the biggest and hardest hurdle of life. I love you more
than the bad days, and I love you more than anything in the world.

"I love you enough to believe in us and in this marriage. Enough to have faith in
us and to never give up. Enough to promise that I will always find my way back to
you and fall in love over and over and over again with you. I love you enough to
give you my name, to spend the rest of my life with you, to go home with you, sleep
beside you, wake up every morning to you and know that you are completely and
irrevocably mine. I love you this damn much."

She started to sniff and slide her free hand inside her veil to wipe her eyes. I
smiled.

"Now you will never feel the rain because I will be your umbrella. You will never
feel cold because I will be your warm jacket around you, you will never feel alone
because I will be your other half. From now on and onwards, we are one person with
two lives.

"If you ever feel insecure, I am here to kiss you and remind you that you're
everything I need and always want. If you ever feel upset, I will bring you dozens
of roses to make you smile, and if you ever feel scared, doubtful, confused and
uncertain, I will tell you that I don't want this with anyone else. All I want is
right here with you.

"I

promise to keep reminding you that we are madly in love and married, and it's okay
to kiss me anytime of the day, anywhere. I vow to sacrifice myself for you and our
family, to compromise for you, to break my rules for you, to fight for you, not
against you. Because I'd let you win in any of our arguments.

"I promise to build you a kingdom made of happiness, understanding, goodness,

strength, hope and love. A place to create dreams, future, and possibilities, even
tears that I will save. I will try to be the best father I can be for our children
and the best husband for you. To provide what you need even without asking, to give
you what you want, and to love you even if you don't like me once in a while, even
if you're annoyed and irritated. I will love you with your gray hair and wrinkled
eyes and hands, and I will keep on loving you even when I turned out of
testosterone."

Narinig kong tumawa ang mga bisita. Kyra giggled happily as she wiped away her
tears again. Ganoon na lang yata ang ginawa niya habang nagsasalita ako. The
laughter died and I looked at the future ahead of me. Her.

"I love you even in silence, in sickness, and in death. I'll move heaven and earth
just make sure my love is yours. This vow is to our forever."

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss
the bride."
SANTORINI, GREECE. Three days later...

I was just stepping out of the bathroom when I saw my wife standing outside the
balcony, a blanket wrapped around her soft body. Gising na pala siya.

It's a waste. May plano pa naman sana ako paanos iya gisingin sa unang araw ng
honeymoon namin dito sa Santorini. But I guess this would do. For now.

Naglakad ako sa palapit sa kanya at hindi pinansin ang hampas ng malamig na hangin
sa halos hubad kong katawan. I was just in my boxers, but who cares. We're standing
at the top of a boutique cave hotel facing an ocean. I was never ashamed of my
nakedness and my body. Never.

Ipinulupot ko ang dalawang braso ko sa beywang ng asawa ko at hinapit siya palapit

sa akin. I heard her faint gasp before she turned to look up at me and kissed my
chin.

Yeah... this is life.

"Malamig dito," sabi ko bago ako humalik sa nakangiti niyang labi. She's so sweet,
I can still taste her after last night. "We should get inside. Baka mahilo ka."

"I feel fine. Look! Malapit ng sumikat ang araw," aniya at humarap ulit sa dagat.

Blanket of sapphire ocean spread before our eyes. We stood there in silence and
waited as the first strike of sunlight lit the sky.

"Ang ganda," narinig kong bulong ni Kyra. She's in awe. I can tell by the way she
held her breath, just like what she did every time she comes for me. It stops her
breath as she completely gives herself up to me.

She said she was scared if I love her less than she loved me. She's scared if I
realize she's not worth loving, holding, crying for, dying, and spending the rest
of my life with.

Humigpit ang yakap ko

sa kanya at ibinaon ko ang ulo ko sa leeg niya. I don't think she have any idea how
scared I am to wake up one day and find her gone again. No, she doesn't know at
all.

Hindi niya alam na mas natatakot ako sa kung ano ang mangyyari sa amin, kung
mananatili siya sa tabi ko kapag dumating ang araw na dadaan uli kami sa pagsubok.
But because of that fear, it made me want to try my best and love her in every way
I can. Cherish her and love her.

She didn't know that every time I caught her eyes, every time she smiled with her
dipping dimples that I adored, every time her voice traveled to my soul, every time
she laugh-all I think of is how lucky I am. That I have everything I want with me.
She's all I want.

She swayed and leaned into me, trusting my strength. I wouldn't want to disappoint
her again. I had a moment of weakness when I doubted her love. But now, I know her
fears. And she knew mine. I trust her enough to know the vulnerability she had to
me. And I know she will protect me from hurting as I protect hers.

We are far from perfect, but we're made perfect for each other.

We're taking this whole new chapter of our life and forgive the past. But
Sharmaine, as much I despise saying her name, I will never give her the forgiveness
she doesn't deserve. Hangga't kaya siyang patawarin ni Kyra, iyon lang ang makukuha
niya.

I know I'm no God, and I have to forgive her at some point. Besides, pinagbabayaran
na rin niya ngayon ang mga ginawa niya. Pero hindi ko pa rin mapagbigyan ang ginawa
niya. I really am a bastard who hold grudges to my grave. At habang nabubuhay ako,
pagbabayaran

ni Sharmaine ang mga kasalanan niya.

"Anong itinerary natin ngayon?" Excited na umikot si Kyra paharap sa akin. One look
at her beautiful face and I'm a goner. Pati iniisip ko nawawala. Lahat.

"Do you really want to go hiking?" I asked, frowning. She really loved traveling
and sight-seeing. Especially the culture-filled road of Greece. Sasamahan ko siya
kung gusto niya, pero dahil sa kalagayan niya, there's no way I'm going to let her
on her feet the whole day.

Her hands rested on my bare chest at hinaplos niya iyon. I bit back a groan and
tried to listen to her with all my best.

"Hindi pa ako manganganak, Sage." She just laughed when I scowled. "One hour lang,
and then pwede na tayong sumakay ng scooter."

I stared at her. She stared at me too. Hanggang sa ako ang unang sumuko. I sighed.
"Okay, that's much better than carrying on my shoulder. Pero saka na tayo aalis
pagkatapos ng tanghalian."

"Ha? Sayang ang oras."

"It's too hot. Baka masunog ang balat mo."

She rolled her eyes at me. "Para saan pa ang sunblock at ang binili mong malaking
sombrero?"

Is it so hard to understand that I don't want her to get sunburn? Why is it so hard
to protect her? Fvck! If our baby is born and turned out to be a daughter? How
could I protect the two of them?

Kailangan ko na yatang mag-install ng CCTV sa lahat ng uslok ng bahay. Should I

stop coming into my office and work in my house from now on?

Paano kung nagdalaga na ang anak ko? What if some guy broke her heart? Or try to
hurt her?

Maybe I should send her to an all-girl school. Or maybe she will

be homeschooled.
"Sage."

I surfaced from my thoughts and worriedly looked at Kyra. Ngumiti siya sa akin
habang iniikot niya ang mga daliri niya sa likod ng ulo ko. Her fingers thread
through my hair and massaged my scalp.

"You worry too much," aniya. "Pero sige. Aalis tayo ng hapon kung gusto mo. Pero
anong gagawin natin dito buong araw?"

I grinned mischievously. Now that's not hard to plan.

She squealed when I lifted her by the waist and took her back to the bed. "I have a
perfect idea," I said playfully as I thought a better way to spend the morning with
my wife.

I pressed a kiss to her stomach as I laid her down the bed, unwrapping the blanket
off her. I couldn't wait til our baby is born and complete this family. And I
couldn't wait for more.

I ripped my boxers off and moved into her warmth, taking me with her open arms. She
kissed my jaw as she cupped my face before kissing me. She tasted so sweet I had to
take and take, even though I planned to do nothing but give. I kissed her
passionately, hotly as I pressed my length into her.

She laughed and I feel light headed hearing it. I love everything about this woman.
And I know I will live a worthy of life with her.

It was long before the sun was a peeking through their balcony when I thrust inside
her, her legs wrapping tightly around my waist as we moved with each other in a
perfect rhythm that we always had. Hand caressing, body intertwined, heart
pounding... I felt her clench around me tightly, taking what I give her as she
submitted everything to me. Muffling her gasp of pleasure in a wild kiss, I let
myself fell over the edge.

When everything subsided, as I pulled Kyra over me, placing my hand over her
stomach, her head nestling into the crook of my arms, her small hand laid over my
heart- I knew that nothing will ever be beautiful than this.

---- 💍 ----

THE END

-----------------------------

This story or any portion thereof may not be reproduced in any written, electronic,
recording, or photocopying or used in any manner whatsoever without the express
written permission of the author.

All of the characters in this story have no existence whatsoever outside the
imagination of the author and have no relation to anyone having the same name or
names. All the incidents are merely an invention.

Ayamiℒu © 2015-2016

All rights reserved.

=================

♣ Pasasalamat ♣

To my STEELERS! 😘 (gotta post this again kasi I accidentally deleted the first
one. 😭)

OMG! Natapos ko na rin itong story nina Sage at Kyra. Another accomplishment for
me. Yay! Hehe. But of course, it's all thanks to the readers who has always been
there through and through, amidst the long updates and all. Thank you! ❤

Enjoy reading po and I hope mag-comment po kayo, kahit sa mga silent readers. Hehe.
Maraming salamat sa lahat-lahat ng nagbabasa at sa patuloy na sumusuporta, kahit na
may times na pangit ang update. Hehe. Salamat doon sa palaging nagcocomment at sa
palaging nag-aabang kahit matagal ang updae. I swear, na-appreciate ko iyon, kahit
simpleng 'update' lang. Pero siyempre, mas doble doble ang tuwa ko don sa
paragraph. Hehe. Thank you! Salamat sa tiyaga. Salamat! T^T Mahal ko po kayong
lahat! Mwah! ❤ God bless. Love lots.

Sana po mabasa niyo rin ang story nina Duke (Dangerously Mine) at Zeke (Rebellious
Love). Complete na po iyon at sana magustuhan niyo rin. Ganoon din po ang story ni
Serena (Mysterious Heart). On-going pa rin siya pero sana mabasa ninyo kapag
natapos na. 😊😊

Medyo wait lang tayo sa story ni Blue (Sensuous Gamble), though I think medyo
matatagalan pa, I promise I'll write it pa rin. ☺

Sa mga silent reader, sana po maabot ko kayo sa facebook page or sa facebook group
na binuksan ko. Kahit doon ay makilala kayo. Add niyo lang po ako dito--->
facebook.com/ayamilu27 Send me love, (charot! Haha) Mas active ako dun kesa diito
sa watty e at madali akong makaka-reply doon.) Instagram me too: iamayamiluwp and
tweet me: iamAyamiLu

You can also search for AyamiLu's Stories and like the page. Or join the Lady A's
Story group. Nagpopost ako doon 'pag may updates. Pwede kayong magpost doon ng mga
reactions ninyo, or if you want to ask me anything. ^_^

God bless sa inyo! 💗

Sage is signing off now. *wink*

Got these puppies for my twins! 🐶