TEMPTATI ONISLAND5:
Desi
der
oMe,Amor
eMi o

By:CeCeLi
b

SYNOPSI
S

WARNI
NG:SPG|
R-1
8MATURECONTENT

SYNOPSI
S:

Ir
isGonzaga-Raci
ni.Mar
ri
ed.Suf
fer
ing.Li
vi
ng herhel
l
ishl
i
fet
othef
ull
est
.Andst
il
l
survi
vi
ng.

Butherl
i
fet
urnsunexpect
edl
ywhensher
ecei
veanbl
acki
nvi
tat
ionwi
thagol
dlet
ter
ing.

'
Youar
einvi
tedt
oTempt
ati
onI
sland.
'

•Tempt
ati
onI
sland•

Tempt
ati
onI
slandi
sownedandmanagebyMonast
eri
obr
other
s.

I
tisa sexualf ant
asyi ncor
porat
ed in whi
ch bachelor'
spayt oli
ve outtheirsexual
f
antasies.TheTemptat
ionIsl
andisamostsoughtaf t
erexclusi
vesexisl
andint heWor l
d.
Asafe,secureandopenspacet oexpl or
eyourdeepest,mostinti
matesexualfantasi
es.
Aperfectparadi
sewher eyourki
nkiestandmostdepraveddesirescanbecomer eal
.

Temptati
onIsl
and'shigherpur poseisnotonl
ytopr ovidesex.Wedonotonl yaimsto
ful
lf
ilt
he member '
sf antasi
es.Butt o of
fera heal
thierand posi
ti
ve vi
ew ofsex.
The
i
sland'
soffermaybel iberat
inganddelici
ous,butwewantt ohelppeopleacceptt
hei
r
darkdesi
resandletthem explorethebeautyofsex.

Member
shi
piscl
oseguar
ded.I
t'
supt
oamemberi
fsheorhewi
l
lreveal
his/
heri
dent
it
y.

PROLOGUE

MABILI
S NI
YANG nil
alabas-masokangpagkalal
akisamadul
asnal agusanngkani
i
g.
Hal
ossumigaw nai
tosahar aphabangi
naangkinni
yamul
asalikur
an.
Hewasbit
inghi
sli
psashefucksherfrom behi
nd.Tumut
ulonaangpawi
sniyahabang
mahi
nangdumadaingatumuungolnamanngmal akasangkani
i
gperowal
angpati
dpa
r
inangbawatul
osniya.

Hekeepsonf
ucki
ngherf
ast
erandhar
derunt
ilheror
gasm expl
oded.

Habolanghini
nganati
nulaksiyapahi
gangbabaeateksper t
ongi
pinasokangnag-
uumigt
ingni
yangar
isabasang-basapani
tongpagkababae.

Mahi
gpitsi
yangnapahawaksabeywangngkanii
ghabanggumi
gil
i
ngi
tosai
babaw
ni
yaatsagadnasagadangkahabaar
nni
yasal
oobnit
o.

"
Fast
er,baby.
"hegr
ippedherass,"
fuckmehar
der
.Comeon!
"

Umuponamanngtuwidangbabaehabangiti
nataas-babani
toangpuwi
tanhabang
gumi
gil
i
ngpar
inatmi
namasaheangsar
il
ingdi
bdib.

He l
i
ke the si
ghti
nfr
ontofhi
m.He l
i
kes women who knows how t
o pl
easur
e
t
hemsel
ves.

"
That
'si
tbaby.
..
har
der
."

Masbumil
i
spaangpagtaas-babangbabaesai
babaw ni
yahabangumuungoli
toat
l
umi
li
yadangkat
awansasarap.

"Oh,you'r
e so bi
g,baby.
."ungolng babae habang i
nil
alabas-masokang mati
gas
niyang ar
isa pagkababae ni
to."Oh!Baby!So good.Hi ndiako nagsasawang
magpaangkinsayo.
"

Toobad.I
'm donewi
thyouaf
tert
his.

Thi
sposit
ioni
ssupposedt
omakehim cum har
dbuthe'
shavingahar
dtimecumming
asusual
.Pini
kitni
yaangmgamat
angmar amdamanglal
abasannasi
ya.Mal
api
tna.
Kaunt
inal
ang.

"
Ridemef
ast
er,baby.
"Hi
nihi
ngal
niyangsabi
.

Maslalongbumil
isangpaggalaw ni
tosai
babaw niyaper
ohindiparin'
yonsapatsa
kani
ya.Malakasangungolni
toathalat
angnasasar
apanperosiyahi
ndini
yamaabot-
abotangsukdul
an.

I
t'
sjustt
her
e..
.andhecan'
tgr
aspi
t.
Fuck!

Hi
ndipar
insapatanggi
nagawangbabaesai
babawni
yaatmasl
alosi
yangnai
ri
ta.

"
Stop.
"

Thewomandi
dn'
tst
op.

"
Isai
dst
op!
"

Nat
igi
l
anangbabaesai
babaw ni
yaatnapakur
ap-kur
apsakani
ya."
Ano?"

"
Getof
f."

"
W-what
?"

"
Imadeyoucum f
our
ti
mesbutyoucan'tevenmakemecum once.Getof
fandl
eave
mycabi
n."Mal
ami
gni
yangsabisakabumugangmarahasnahi
ninga.

Gali
tna umali
sang babae sa i
babaw ni
ya atnanl
i
li
si
kang mat
ang t
ini
ngnan si
ya.
"You'
reajer
k!"

Nangmakaali
sangbabae,hi
nawakanni
yaangar
ini
yaatnagt
atagi
sangbagangna
pi
nal
igayaangsar
il
i.

"
Oh!Fuck!
"Hi
sli
pspar
tedashemoanwhenhef
eel
hisor
gasm comi
ng.

Atngsumiri
tangkat
asni
yaatt
umi
l
amsi
k,nagpakawal
asi
yangmahabanghi
ningaat
napat
it
igsaki
same.

What'
swr ongwithme?Whycan'thecum whenhe'shavi
ngsex?Madal
ilangnaman
si
yanglabasankapagpi
napal
i
gayani
yaangsar
il
ini
ya.

Heletoutal
oudbr
eat
handgl
anceatt
het
elephonei
nthebedsi
det
abl
ewheni
tst
art
ed
r
ingi
ng.

"
Hel
l
o?"Sagotni
yasat
awag.

"
Signor
."anangnasakabi
l
angl
i
nya,"
yourchosenbr
idehasar
ri
vedi
nlt
aly.
"
Napabangonsiyaathindimakapani
walang umawang ang l
abi
."Ver
ament
e?Leiha
accet
tat
odisposar
ti
?"Reall
y?Sheagreedtomarryme?

"
Si,Si
gnor
.Ir
isGonzagaagr
eedt
omar
ryyounextweek.
"

Gumuhi
tangngit
isamgal abini
yaatnawal
aangi
ri
tasyongnar
aramdamanni
yakani
-
kani
nal
ang,"
Ibetherf
atherfor
cedhe.
"

"That
'swhatIheard.
"Anangkausapniya."
Herfat
heri
saDr ugBaron,Idon'
tthi
nkshe
cansaynotohim.AndIal soover
hear
dhercursi
ngherfat
hertonoend,Ithi
nkshehas
agreatper
sonal
it
y,Signor
.Youchoosewell.
"

Masl
umapadangngi
tini
ya."
Ofcour
se.I
'l
lbet
her
eint
wodays.
"

I
binali
k niya ang awtomati
bo sa t el
epono at l
umabas ng cabin niya sa I
sla
ng.Temptasyonnawalangsaplotsakadumeret
sosadagatpar
amaligoatlumangoy.

I
ri
sGonzaga.Nonvedol
'
oradii
ncont
rar
ti
,mi
asposa.

CHAPTER1

NAKATAASANG nuongbumabasiI ri
ssamal apadnahagdananpababasasal
asng
mansi
yonkungsaannaghi
hint
aysakaniyaangkamag-anakngasawani
ya.

Walasiyasamoodi-ent
ert
ainangmgaitolal
onangayonnamai
nitangul
oni
yadahi
l
nag-aal
alasi
yasal
agayngkakambal
niya.

Gust
oni
yangmakasamaangkakambalni
yaatmaipakit
ari
toangsupor
tani
ya.I
vyi
sin
t
heICUwhil
eshe'
sher
einI
tal
ydeal
ingwit
hthesegreedypeopl
e.

Pinanat
il
ini
yangmatarayangbukasngmukhakahi
tngnakar at
ingnasiyasasal
asat
nakaharapsakamag-anakngasawa.Angt
iyahi
nni
to,asawaatisanganak.

"
Cosé?Cosavoi
?"Whati
sit
?Whatdoyouwant
?Tanongni
ya.

Kaagadnasumagotangt iyahinngasawaniya." Si
nceournephew i snothere,we
deci
dedtotakemat
ter
sintoourownhands.You' rejusthi
swifeandt hishousei
svery
bi
gforyouandyou'
vebeenl i
vingherf
orei
ghtyearsnow.It'
sunf ai
rthatweareli
vingi
n
asmall
house.Sowedecidedt ost
ayhereunt
ilournephewr et
urns.

"
Ngi
nisi
hansi
yani
tonai
binal
i
knamanni
yanamaykasamangmat
ali
m nat
it
ig.Hi
ndii
to
angunangkamag-anakngasawani
yanakai
l
anganni
yangpal
ayasi
natl
abanan.

"
You'
renotwel
comei
nmyhome.
"Sabini
ya.

"
Quest
ononel
atuacasa-"Thi
sisnotyourhome-

"Sonoancoralamoglielegal
edeltuoni
pot
i.
"I'
m st
il
lyournephew'
slegalwi
fe.Tumaas
angkil
ayniya."Andsincehe'snother
e,mywor di
sthelaw.Now getout.Idon'
thave
ti
metoentertai
nthel
ikesofyou."

Herhusband'
sauntstandsupandwasaboutt oslapherwhenPietr
o,herhusband'
s
r
ighthandman,shi
eldedherandsei
zedandgr
ipthewoman'shand.

"
Signor
a,"maybabal
aangmat
ali
m nabosesniPi
etr
o."
Isuggestyoul
eave.
"

Li
him si
yangnapangi
tingnamut
laangmukhangbabae.

"
Please.
..t
akeoutt
heset
rash.
"Ut
osni
yakayPi
etr
o."
Lor
opuzzano.
"Theyst
ink.

"
Put
ana!
"

"
Pagher
aiperquest
o!"Youwi
l
lpayf
ort
his!Si
gawngasawangt
iyahi
nngasawa.

"
Nonseinessuno!
"You'
reanobody!

Hindipi
nansi
nniI
risangmgasinabingmgai
toatsi
nukl
ayl
angangmahabangbuhok
ni
yagami tangmgadalir
ini
yahabangpil
i
tnapi
napal
abasniPi
etr
oangmgakamag-
anakngasawaniya.

Atnangmakabal
i
ksiPi
etr
o,t
inur
oni
yaangsof
anai
nupuanngkamag-anakngasawa
ni
yakani
na.

"Tr
asht hatandbuyanew one."Pagkasabiniyonayt i
nal
i
kur
anni
yaito."Di'
alt
uo
padronedichiamar
mi,hobi
sognodipar
lar
gli
."Tel
lyourmast
ert
ocal
lme.Ineedtot
alk
tohim."

"
Si,Si
gnor
ina.
"

Umakyatul
i
tsahagdansiI
ri
satt
umuloysaisapangpai
kotnahagdannamaghahat
id
sakani
yasakuwar
toni
yananasai
kat
longpalapagngmansi
yon.
Thi
shouse.
..
no,t
hishugemansi on,hasbeenherhomef orei
ghtyear
s.Wal
asiyang
i
bangkasamakundiangmgakat ul
ongatsiPi
etr
onakanangkamayngasawani
yana
nimukhaayhi
ndipaniyanaki
kit
a.

Pabornaman'yonsakani
yanuongunanawal aangasawani yakasinagagawani
ya
l
ahatnggustoniya.Wal
asiyangpagkai
langnanarar
amdamandahi lhi
ndinamani
to
umuuwi sa bahay. Per
o ng l umaon, nag umpisa si
yang makar amdam ng
kamiser
abl
ehan.

Mag-i
sasiyangkumakai
nsanapakahabaatnapakalapadnamesasahapag-kai
nan,
mag-isangnamamasyal
,mag-i
sangnilal
abananangmgakamag-anakngasawana
mgamukhangperaatmag-i
sasalahatnggustoni
yanggawinsabuhay.

Wala siyang kasi

yahang maramdaman. Walang bago. Wal
ang nagpapangi
tio
nagpapasayamanlangsakaniyanamagbi
bigayngkulaysamundoni
ya.

Herwor
ldandexi
stencei
svoi
d.

Minsannaisi
pniyanakahitayaw niyasaasawani yaaysanamagpaki
taitosakani
ya
para mabunti
ssiya.Gust
o na niyang magkaanak,gust
o ni
yang mayinaal
agaan at
pi
naglal
aananngor asni
ya.Hindinasiyabumabat a.Per
okahitani
noni
toayhindipa
ni
yanakiki
ta.

Ayaw naman ni
yang magpabunt
issa i
ba.Kawal
ang r
espeto'yon sa asawa ni
yang
bi
nibi
gaynamananglahatsakani
ya,mal
ibansaor
asatpresensi
yani
to.

Somewoul dsaythatshe'sver yluckytobeNi ccol

oRaci
ni'
swi f
e.Butshefeelsthe
opposi
te.Kayani
yangipagpali
tangl ahatngkayamananatkapangyari
hannamayr oon
si
yabil
angasawaniNiccolo,ngumi t
iatmagingmasayalangsiya.Kat
uladngkakambal
ni
yanamasayasapi l
i
ngngl alaki
ngmahal ni
to.

Wil
llevenexperi
encethat
?To l
ovesomeonet hatmuch.
.t
hatevenwhenmymi
nd
f
orget
,myheartwouldr
emember
...I
vyi
sver
ylucky.

God.Whycan'
tshest
opf
eel
i
ngsol
onel
yandenvi
ous?

Bumuga si
ya ng marahasna hi
ninga saka naupo sa gi
l
id ng mal
apad na kama at
t
ini
ti
ganangcell
phoneniyanaumii
lawangscr een.

Raci
niCal
l
ing.
..

I
nabotni
yaangcel
l
phonesakasi
nagotangt
awag."
Pront
o?"Hel
l
o?

"
Youneedsomet
hing?"Herhusband'
susual
quest
ionaf
tershesayshel
l
o.
"
Mysist
eri
ssick.
"Ani
yanahindinanagpal i
goy-l
i
goypa."
They'
rel
ooki
ngforaDoctor
whocanperf
orm abrai
nsur geryonher .Doyouknow someonewho'scapabl
eof
t
aki
nggoodcareofmysi
ster
?Pl ease,t
ell
meyoudo."

"Thi
sisthefi
rstt
imeyoucal
l
edmeaski
ngf
orhel
p."Ani
tosabar
it
onongboses."
It
's
alwaysme,of
feri
nghel
p."

Shet ookadeepbr eathtost

ophert earsf
rom f
all
i
ng."She'smyt wi
n.Asi
defr
om my
father,she'
stheonl
yoneIhave.Idon'twantt
oloseher,Racini
.Idon'
twanttol
osemy
sister
.I'
m alr
eadymiser
abl
easiti
s,Imightl
osemyselfi
fllosther.
"

l
langsegundong nawal
anng i
mikangnasakabi
l
ang l
i
nyabagonagsal
i
ta."
Areyou
okay?"

Nagul
atsiyasat anongnit
o.Hindinagtat
anongsakaniyangganunangasawani ya.
Pal
agiitong st
rai
ghttothe pointkung maki
pag-usap sa kani
ya.Wal
ang gani
to na
nagt
atanongkungayoslangsiya.

Napapantast
ikuhanman,umi
li
ngsi
yanapar abangnasaharapanniyaangkausap."I
'm
not
.Mysi st
erisintheI
CUandshe'
sget t
ingmarri
edandl'
m noteventhere.AndIcan't
l
eaveIt
alybecauseofyourgr
eedyr
elat
iveswho'sconst
ant
lyplot
ti
ngagainstme."

"I
'l
ltel
lPi
etr
otoreadythepl
anesoyoucangovi si
tyoursi
ster
."Wi
kani
tonaiki
nagul
at
ni
ya."Anddon'
twor r
yaboutyoursi
ster
,knowsomeonewhocanoperat
eher
."

Par
angnawal
aangmabi
gatsapaki
ramdam sadi
bdi
bni
ya."
R-r
eal
l
y?"

"
Yes.
"

Nakahi
ngasi
yangmal
uwang."
Thankyou.
"Maasahant
alagaangkoneksyonngasawa
ni
ya.

"Don'tt
hankme.I
t'
smyj
obt
oeaseyourbur
denaway.
"Wi
kani
tosawal
angemosyong
boses.

"I
'm miser
able because ofyou.
"Wika niya sa mahinang boses.Pal
aginiya i
yong
si
nasabisaasawakapagt umatawagi
to."
Isitalsoyourjobtomakemesuf f
erli
kethis?"
Nanati
li
ngwalangi mikangnasakabil
angl i
nyakayanagpat ul
oysiya."
I'mlonel
yand
miser
ableandlevendon'tknow whyl
'
m suf f
eri
ngliket
his."

Lumipasangmahabangmi
nut
obagonagsal
i
taul
i
tangasawani
ya."
I'
llmakei
tupt
o
you.
"
Pal
agi
nal
angi
tongnagsasabinababawiper
owal
anamangnangyayar
i."
How?"

"
Fir
st,Iwi
l
lmakesurethatyoursi
sterwi
l
lbesaf
e.Second,youcanbuyanyt
hingyou
wantand t
hir
d,youcango whereveryouwant.Haveavacati
on.Anywhereinthe
worl
d."

Mapaklasiyangngumi
ti
."Thankyouf ort
hefi
rstone,andf
orthesecondandt
hir
d,I
'l
l
pass.YouknowwhatIwant,Raci
ni.IwantmyhusbandandIwantachil
d-"

Thel
i
nedi
ed.

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awasakanapai
l
ing.

SoRaci
ni.

Parang natat
akoti
tong magpakit
a sa kaniya atmas l
along t
akoti
to sa usapi
ng
pagkakaroonnganak.Palagisi
yanitongpinapatayanngtawagkapagnasaganung
part
enasi l
angusapankayawalasil
angmat i
nongpag-uusap.

Ohwel
l
...shecan'
thaveever
ythi
ngshewant
.

Miser
abl
emansiyasabuhaynamayr
oonsiyangayon,kai
l
anganni
yanglabanan'yon.
Angkakambalngani
yanabuhaypapagkataposngmganangyariri
to,kayari
nni ya
'
yon.

Hi
ndiangkami
ser
abl
ehanna'
toangmagpapasukokayI
ri
sGonzaga.

Kumuyom angkamaoni
yasakat
inawaganangf
iancéngkapat
idni
ya.

"
Andr
ius.
"

"
Iri
s."Tugonni
to."
Makakar
ati
ngkaba?"Angkasal
ngmgai
toangt
inut
ukoyni
to.

Mal
ungkotsiyang ngumi
ti
." Pasensi
ya na,paki
sabisa kakambalko na hi
ndiako
makakar
ati
ngperohahabolako."

"
I'
ll
tel
lher
."

"
Thankyou.
..f
ort
aki
nggoodcar
eofmySi
ster
."
"
Noneedt
othankme.I
t'
smypl
easur
etot
akecar
eofher
."

Par
angnanikipangdibdibniI
ri
sngmarinigangsi
nabingnasakabil
angl
inya.Hersi
ster
i
s ver
yl ucky indeed.Atgust ori
n niyang may ganung l
alaki
ng mag-aalaga at
magpapahalagasakaniyaperoumaasananamani yasawala.

Nagpaal
am nasi
yakayAndr
iusatpi
nat
ayangt
awagsakanahi
gasakama.

I
pini
kitni
yaangmgamatapar
alangsanai
pahi
nga'
yonper
ohi
ndini
yanamal
ayang
nakat
ulognapal
asi
ya.

Nagi
si
ngsi
yasapag-i
ngayngcel
l
phoneni
ya.

Ti
ningnanni
yaangor
as.Isl
eptf
ort
hreehour
s?

Si
nagotni
yaangt
awag."
Andr
ius,kumust
aangkasal
-"

"She'
sincomaagai
n."Hewaspanickingandshecanhearfeari
nhisvoice."Kai
l
angan
naraw nami
nsi
yangil
ipatngHospi
tal
saMi nessot
a.Canyoumeetusthere?"

"
Sige.
"Kaagadsi
yangt
umayoatpumasoksawal
k-i
ncl
osetni
ya."
I'
ll
meetyout
her
e."

Pinatayniyaangtawagti
nawagansiPietr
ogami tangi
nter
com nanasakuwar
toni
ya.
"Piet
ro,changeofpl
an,I
'm goi
ngt
omi nessot
a."

"
Si,Si
gnor
ina.
"

I
nil
abas ni
ya sa l
alagyan ang luggage ni
yasaka hi
ndina pumil
ing mga damitna
dadal
hin.Sapagmamadal i
,kunganongnahawakanni yaay' yonnaangi ni
l
agaysa
l
uggage.Nangmai saraniyaiyon,ini
l
agayniyalahatangmgaimpor t
ant
engpapelesat
kakai
l
anganinsasl
ingbagni yaatkaagadsiyanglumabasngkuwar t
osakabumaba.

Nakasal
ubongni
yasiPi
etr
osai
kal
awangpal
apag.

"
Signor
ina,
"bahagyani
tongyumukodsakani
ya,"
thepl
anei
sready.Yourl
uggage?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Inmyr
oom.
"Sagotni
yasakanagmamadal
i
ngbumaba.

Nang makal
abas ng bahay,nakahanda naang kot
se na sasakyan ni
ya pat
ungong
Air
por
t.NangmakababasiPi etr
okasamaangl uggageniyanai nil
agaynit
osaback
compart
mentng sasakyan,kaagad itong sumakay sa dri
ver'
s seatatmabi l
i
s na
nagmanehopal
abasnggat engmansiyon.
Habang nasa bi
yahe,ki
nuha ni
yaang cel
l
phonesabag atnagpadal
ang mensahe
saasawaniya.

Hindinamansi
yapuwedengt
umawagdi
tokasihi
ndini
tosi
nasagot
.Pal
agi
ngi
toang
t
umat awagsakani
ya.

'
I'
m goi
ngt
oMi
nessot
aformysi
ster
.Iwon'
tbehomef
orawhi
l
e.'

Wal
aiyongr
epl
ygal
i
ngsaasawaatsanaynasi
ya.Hi
ndinasi
yaumasa.

Nangmakarat
ingsaAir
port
,mabi
li
sangbawathakbangniyahabangnasali
kodniyasi
Piet
roathi
l
a-hil
aangbagaheni
ya.Atnangmakasakaysi
yasapr i
badongeropl
anoat
komport
abl
engnakaupo,l
umapi
tsakani
yasiPi
etr
onakatataposl
angit
abiangbagahe
ni
ya.

"
Signor
ina.
"

Nag-angatsi
yangt
ingi
ndi
to."
Yes?"

"
Pleaset
akecar
e.Si
gnoreasi
l
yget
swor
ri
ed.
"

Mapaitsiyangngumiti
."Ei
ghtyears,Pietro,ei
ghtyear
sofmar ri
ageandIst
il
lhaven'
t
seen hi
m.I sthatthe man who'swor r
ied ofmy well-bei
ng? He'
smaki
ng my li
fe
miser
able."Tumi
im angbagangniya."
Icanhandl emyself.
"

"Ofcour
se,Signor
ina."Bahagyani
tongyumukod."|al
readysentamessaget
oRaci
ni'
s
HotelManagerinMinessot
a.Theywil
ltakeofyouwhentheplanelands.
"

"
Grazi
e,Pi
etr
o."

"
Prego,Si
gnor
ina.
"

Nangmakababanger oplanosiPiet
ro,il
angsandal
il
anganglumi
pasaykaagadsil
ang
umal
is.Habangnasabi yahe,alagang-alagasi
yangmgast ewar
dess.Lahatnggust
o
ni
yabini
bigayatnakaal
alayangmgai t
osakaniyasamahabangorasngbiyahe.

Nangmakarat
ingnamansiyasaMinessota,nar
oonnanaghi
hint
ayangl
i
mangst
affng
Hotel
atangManagersapagdat
ingniya.

"Welcomet
oMinessot
a,Mrs.Raci
ni.
"AnangManagersakanaki
pagkamaysakani
ya."
I
am Davi
dGunn.TheManagerofRacini
'
sHotel
."
Tumangosi
ya,"
nicet
omeetyou.
"Ti
pidsi
yangngumi
ti
."T'
mti
red.Shal
lwe?"

"
Yes,ofcour
se.
"

I
gini
ya si
ya niDavid pal
abasng hot
elatpi
nasakaysa l
i
mousi
ne na nakapar
ada at
naghi
hint
aysakaniya.

Nangmakarat
ingsi
l
asaHot el
,handanaangl ahat
.igi
niyasi
yaniDavi
dpat
ungosa
pi
nakamat
aasnapalapagngHotel
atbi
nigaysakani
yaangkeycar
dngkuwart
oniya.

"
Thi
sisourPr
esi
dent
ialRoom."Maypagmamal akisabosesniDavi
d."Weonlyhave
t
wo.Thi
sonei
syour
s,Mrs.Raci
ni"I
minuwest
ranit
oangkamaysapintongnasakanan.

Ti
nur
oni
yaangpi
ntongnasakal
i
wa."
Howaboutt
hatone?"

Davi
dsmi
l
ed."
It
'soccupi
ed,buti
fyoui
nsi
st,wecant
alkt
otheguest
-"

"No...no need.
"Umi l
i
ng siya saka nagl
akad pal
api
tsa pi
nto ng kuwar
to ni
ya at
binuksan'
yongamitangkeycard.

Ext
ravagant.Expensi
ve.Breat
htaki
ngl
ybeaut
if
ul.Yonkaagadangpumasoksai
si
pni
ya
ngipal
ibotniyaangti
nginsakabuanngkuwarto.

Wow. .dapathindina siya magulat

.Racini
's Hoteli
s known worl
dwide.Atkapag
nagbabakasyonsi
ya,palagi
ngsaRaci niHotelsi
yanag-i-st
ay.Atdahilasawasi
yang
mayar i
,pal
agingmayspecialtr
eatmentsakaniya.

Oneoft
heper
ksofbei
ngNi
ccol
oRaci
ni'
swi
fe.

"I
fther
e'sanyt
hingyouneed,Mr
s.Raci
ni,
"aniDavi
dnapumukaw sadi
wani
ya,"
don'
t
hesi
tat
etoaskforme."

Tumangosi
yaatngumi
ti
."Gr
azi
e,Davi
d."

"You'
re ver
y much wel
come,Ma'
am.
"AniDavi
d bago nagpaal
am atl
umabas na
ngkuwarto.

Hinubadniyaangsti
l
ett
onasuotsakaumuposasof
ananakahar
apsagl
asswal
lkung
saankit
ang-ki
tani
yaangbuongsi
yudad.
Pr
ett
y.

Kinuhani
yaangcell
phonesabagat ti
nawagansiAndri
us.Hi
ndini
yaitoma-cont
act
kayanamanpinadal
hannalangniyai
tongmensahe.Bakanasabiyahepa.Angal
am
ni
yamasmatagalangbiyahepat
ungongMinessot
akungmanggagal
ingsaPi
l
ipi
nas.

'
Ial
readyar
ri
vedi
nMi
nessot
a.I
fyour
eadt
his,cal
lme.
'

Nangmasendangmensaheni
ya,nagpal
i
tsi
yangdami
tatl
umabasngkuwar
toni
ya.

She'
l
lexpl
oreMi
nessot
awhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
orAndr
ius'cal
l
.

Tumayo si
ya sa har
ap ng el
evatoratpi ni
ndotang but
on pababa.Nang maki
tang
malapi
tnaiyonsapalapagniya,pini
kitniyaangmgamat aatdahan-dahangpi
naikot
angulohabangminamasaheangleegni ya.

Tamang-t
amanamannabumukasangel
evat
ornanasaganungposi
syonsi
ya.

Herli
pspart
ed,eyesclosed,herhead goi
ng i
n a sl
ow ci
rcul
armot
ion whi
l
e she'
s
massagi
ngherneckandshoul
der.

I
ri
sopenhereyesandst
il
ledwhenshesaw aver
yhandsomemanst
ari
ngatherwhi
l
e
hol
dingt
heel
evat
or'
sdoornott
oclose.

Hindial
am niI
ri
skungi l
angsegundoanglumi
pasnanagkat
it
igansi
l
angguwapong
l
alakinamaynakakabi
ghani
ngberdengmat
abagoni
yanaramdamananghi
ya.

Omi
odi
o!OhmyGod.Whydoesshehavet
obei
nthatposi
ti
on?

Andthenshesaw t
hemangul
pedbef
orel
ooki
ngdownandst
eppi
ngoutf
rom t
he
el
evat
or.

Sumunodnamanangmgamat aniyari
toatnapaawangangl
abini
yangbuksanni
to
angkuwar
tonakat
abingkuwar
toni
ya.

Oh!That
'sembar
rassi
ng.

Nai
l
ingnasumakaysi
yangel
evat
orati
si
nandalangkat
awansagi
l
idni
yonat
ipi
niki
tang
mgamata.

Per
okaagaddi nsiyangnapamul agatngpumasoksaisipniyaangguwapongmukha
ng l
alaki
ng kat
abiniya ang kuwart
o atang ber
de ni
tong mga mat
a na par
a bang
naghi
hipnot
ismongt
it
iganni
ya.

Marahasni
yangpini
l
igangul
osakanagul
atngakmangsasar
anaangpi
ntongel
evat
or
per
omayhumar angnakamaydahil
anpar
abumukas'yon.

Atpumasokangguwapongl
alaki
namayber
dengmat
a.

Mi
odi
o!Thosegr
eeneyes.

Nang sumaraang elevat

oratbuma-bi
yahe'yonpababa,puno ng kat
ahi
mikanang
buongelevat
orhanggangsabasagi
nyonnglal
aki
.

"
Hi.I
'm Cor
mac-"

"
Marri
ed.
" Kaagad ni
yang put
olsa iba pani
tong sasabi
hin saka nagmamadal
i
ng
l
umabasngelevat
orngbumukas'yon.

Hindiniyaalam kungbakitgust
oniyangt
akasanangpr
esensi
yangl
alaki
.Dahi
lsi
gur
o
saber deni
tongmat anaibaangepektosa
kaniya.

Mal
alakianghakbangni
yapar
amakal
ayosal
alakiper
ohumar
angsahar
apanni
yasi
ManagerDavi
d.

"
Mrs.Raci
ni.
"Magi
l
iwi
tongngumi
ti
."Shal
lIpr
epar
eyourr
ide?"

"
No.I'
llj
ustwalk.
"Aniyaathahakbangnapar
alampasani
toper
ohumar
angnanaman
i
tosadaraananniya.

"I
fyou'r
eplanni
ngtoexplor
etheci
ty,Mr
s.Raci
ni,i
t'
sbet
tert
otakeacar
.Wedon'
t
know t
hedangeroutt
her
e."

"Take t
he Manager'
sadvice.
"Sabad ng pamil
yarna bosesng l
alaki
ng nakasabay
niyasael
evat
or."
It
'sbet
tert
obesafet
hansor r
y."

ManagerDavi
dsmi l
edatthemanst
andi
ngbesi
deher."
Oh,hel
l
o,Si
rCormac.It'
sni
ce
toseeyouagain.
"Atbumali
ngnanamanangat
ensi
yonnit
osakani
ya."
Please,l
etme
prepar
eacarforyou,Madam."

"
No.
"Pagmamat
igasni
ya."
I"l
lwal
k."

"
Butmadam-"
"
Davi
d."Tumi
i
m angt
it
igni
yasal
alaki
."I
'l
lwal
k."

WalangnagawasiDavi dkunditumango.SiyanamanaynaglakadpalabasngHot
elat
nang nasa gi
l
id na si
ya ng kal
sada,nar
amdamanniyang mayt umabisakani
yasa
pagl
alakad.

"
It
'sCor
mac.
"

"
Mar
ri
edt
otheownerofRaci
ni'
sHot
el.
"Wi
kani
to.

"
Noneofyourbusi
ness.
"

Tumi
gil
itosapagl
alakadsat
abini
ya."
Mrs.Raci
ni.
"

Nagdadal
awangi
si
pman,ni
l
ingonni
yaangl
alaki
."What
?"Mat
arayni
yangt
ugon.

"
Takecare.
"Hisgreeneyesboredintoher
s,"
you'
ret
oobeaut
if
ul,youmi
ghtgetki
dnap.
I
'm sur
eyourhusbandwil
lbedevastat
ed."

Mapakl
asi
yangnat
awasahul
ini
tongsi
nabi
."Devast
ated,myass.
"

Umi
rapsi
yasahangi
nsakat
inal
i
kur
anangl
alaki
athumi
ngangmal
ali
m bagonagl
akad.

CHAPTER2

NANG mai pasoksaHospit

aldit
osaMi nessotaangkakambalniyaatnakil
alaniyaang
Doctorni
to,i
bakaagadangt umakbosaisi
pni Ir
is.Hi
ndil
angyon,par
ehopasi l
ang
Hotelnati
nutuluyanati
bari
nkungtrat
uhinitoniManagerDavid,hal
atangmayspeci al
t
reatment.

Thi
scan'
tbeacoi
nci
dence.

She'ssur
ethatDoc.CormacPaulCr ai
gknowsherhusband.He'samil
it
aryDoctor,and
he wasassigned i
nIraq,napaka-imposi
blel
ang sa kani
ya na pumunta pa i
to ng
Minessot
aparalangsakakambalniya.

Somet
hingi
sof
f.

Kayasai
l
angbuwannai
noobser
bahanniDr
.Cr
aigangkakambalni
ya,i
noobser
bahan
ni
yar
ini
to.Bawatgal
aw atbawatsi
nasabi
nit
o,nakabant
aysi
ya.

I
fDr .Crai
gknew herhusbandpersonal
l
y,thenshehavet oknow whatheknows.Pero
kai
langan ni
ya munang makasi
gurado na tama ang hi
nal
a ni
ya na per
sonalni
tong
kakil
alaangasawaniya.

Kayangaraw na'yon,naglakasloobnasi
yangt
anungi
nangDoct
or.Hi
ndipuwedeng
gani
tonanagugul
oangi si
pni ya.

Hi
nar
angni
yasiDr
.Cr
aigngmakal
abasi
tongI
CU.

Hestar
edatheranddamnthosegreeneyesofhis.I
tst
il
lhasanaf
fectonhereven
t
houghtheyal
waysbumpedi
ntoeachot
herever
yday.

"
Youneedsomet
hing?"Heasked.

I
ri
sst
il
l
ed.Hesoundedl
i
keherhusband.Butno.
..magkai
baangbosesngmgai
to.

Humugotsi
yangmal
ali
m nahi
ninga."
CanIt
alkt
oyou?"

Hefrowned."Youwantt
ot al
ktome?"Hesoundedst unned."
Why?It
houghti
tsyour
goal
tonotspeaktome.You'dbeenavoi
dingme,Inot
iced.
"

Don'
tfol
d,I
ri
s!Si
gawngi
si
pni
yasakani
ya.Youneedt
oaskhi
m somet
hing,r
emember
?

"
Canwet
alk?"Ul
i
tni
yanahi
ndii
nal
i
sangt
ingi
nsal
alaki
.

"
Sur
e."Dr
.Cr
aigshr
ugged."
Whati
sit
?"

I
ri
stookadeepbr
eat
h."
Doyouknowmyhusbandper
sonal
l
y?"

Dr
.Cr
aigbl
i
nkedather
."What
?"

"Do you know myhusband personal

l
y?"Ul
i
tni
yang t
anong,sa pagkakat
aong '
yon
binagal
anniyaangpagsasal
i
ta.

Dr
.Cr
aigf
rowned."
Thatl
ooki
nyoureyes.
..am Isupposet
osayyes?"

Herli
pspar
ted."
Do-d-doyouknow hi
m?"She'
sneverbeent
hisner
vous."
Wel
l
?Do
you?"
l
l
angsegundosi
yangt
ini
ti
ganniDr
.Cr
aigbagoumi
l
ing."
No.Idon'
t.
"

"Li
ar.
"Mabi li
s niyang sabir
it
o." We're stayi
ng i
nt he same hotel,wit
ht he same
tr
eatmentfrom theSt af
fandtheManager .Andyou' r
eher einMinessot
af oronethi
ng
onlyandthat'
sbecauseofmysi st
er.You'reaMi l
i
tar
yDoct orassi
gnedinIraqandnow
you'r
ehere.Itmust '
vemeansomet hi
ng.I'
m suremyhusbandhassomet hingtodowi t
h
i
t-"

"
Can'
tyouj
ustbet
hankf
ult
hatIsacr
if
icemyj
obf
oryoursake?"

Napat
angasi
yasal
alaki
."M-mysake?"

"
Why?I
sn'
tthi
sal
lforyou.
..t
her
easonwhyI
'm her
e?"

Hindimawal
aanggul
atsamgamat
ani
ya.Herhusbandr
eal
l
ypul
l
edsomest
ri
ngsf
or
hersake?

".
..Irecei
vedacal
lfrom mysuperi
orsayi
ngsomeonewantsmei nMinessot
at odoa
brainsurger
y.I
twasn'tar
equest
,itwasanorder
.Andl
'
mj ustf
oll
owi
ngmyor der
,Mrs.
Racini.
"

Nagbabasiyangt i
nginsakakumuyom angkamao."Mysake.
..
"mapai
tsi
yangngumit
i,
i
fit
'sreal
l
yf ormysake,whywon' theshow hi
msel
ftomet oendmymiser
y?Nagtagi
s
angbagangni ya."
I'
m si
ckofthi
s."

Gust
oniyangsumi
gaw sasobr
anggal
i
tatf
rust
rasyonnanar
aramdamanper
opi
nigi
l
an
ni
yaangsari
li
.

Taasnuosi
yangt
umal
i
kodatnagl
akadpal
ayor
it
o.

Atnangmakasakaysi
yasael
evat
or,doonl
angni
yahi
nayaangmaki
taangemosyonsa
mukhani
ya.

Whatar
eyoudoi
ngthi
stome,Raci
ni?Whyar
epl
ayi
ngwi
thme?Ar
eyout
oyi
ngme.
..i
s
t
hati
t?I
sal
angbaakonglar
uanpar
asayo?

Kuyom angkamaongl
umabasSiyangel
evat
oratnagl
akadpal
abasngHospi
tal
.Hindi
ni
yaalam kungsaansi
yadinal
angmgapaani yaperonat
agpuanni
yaangsar i
l
isa
i
sangmal i
tnapar
knawalangt
ao.

Par
asi
yangnanghi
hinangnapauposai
sasamgabenchdo'
n.
ShethoughtDr
.Cr
aighasaconnect
ionwit
hherhusband.She'
swr ong.
..agai
n.l
l
ang
taonabaangnapagkamanl
anniyangkil
alangpersonalangasawaniyaperohindi
namanpala.

Dapatmasanaynaako.

Walatalagasi
yang bal
akmagpakit
asaki
n.Kahi
tanong gawi
nko,kahi
tkani
noako
magtanong,wal
angnakakaki
l
alar
it
o.

Ayawnani
yanggani
to.Nagsasawanasi
ya.

Racini
,kai
lankabamagpapaki
tasaki
n?Napai
gtadsi
yangmaykamaynahumawaksa
bal
ikatni
ya.

"
Alone,Mi
ss?"

Ki
nakabahangtumayosiyaathumarapsanagsal
i
ta.Bahagyangnanlakiangmgamat a
ni
yangmaki t
aangtat
longkalal
aki
hannamaymgat at
tooatnakangi
sisakani
ya,bakas
saki
sl
apngmgamat anitonamaybalakangmgaitonggawinsakaniyangmasama.

Awt
omat
ikosi
yangnapaat
ras.

Ngumi
siangnasagi
tnangl
alaki
."Oh!Comeonnow,Mi
ss,havef
unwi
thus.
"

She'
snotI
vy,shecan'
tfi
ght
.Andshecan'
trunei
theri
nherst
il
ett
os!

Anonggagawi
nni
ya?

"Comeon,Mi ss.
"Sabadng lal
akinanasakananhabang humahaktbangpal api
tsa
kani
ya."Youl
ooksosad.Wecanmakeyouver yhappy.
"Di
nilaannitoangsari
li
ngmga
l
abisakapunongpagnanasangngumi
tisakani
ya."
Comehere...pl
aywithus.
"

Umatras na naman siya habang nag-ii

si
p ng gagawin.Kung si
si
gaw siya,may
makakari
nigbasakaniya?Kungt atakbosi
ya,malakiangposi
bil
i
dadnaabut
ansiyang
mgaitoperowalanamansi yangibangpagpipi
l
ian.

Umatr
assiyaul
i
tathandangt
umakbongbi
glanghinawakansiyangdal
awangl
alakisa
magkabi
l
angkamayhabangangi
sanamanathinawakansiyasabeywang.

"
Letgoofme!
"Shescr
eamed."
Hel
p!Hel
p!"

Tumawal
angangl
alaki
nghi
nihi
masangbeywangni
ya."
Keepscr
eami
ng,noonewi
l
l
hearyou.
"

Umat r
assi
yaperomal
akassi
yangnahi
langdal
awadahil
anparamapasubsobsi
yasa
dibdi
bnglal
aki
ngmayhawaksabeywangni
yanangayonaynasahi
tananiyaangmga
kamay!

Isai
dletgo!
"Pi
l
itsi
yangnagpupumi
glasper
owal
asi
yangl
abansadal
awangl
alaki
.

"Goon!Hurr
yup."Nakangisi
ngsabingmayhawaksakamayni
ya."
We'
l
ltaket
urnson
hersohur
ryup.Iwannafuckheral
ready!
"

Si
napongl alaki
ngnasagi
tnaangbabani
yaatngmaki
tanghahal
i
kansi
yaaymar
ii
n
ni
yangpi
nikitangmgamataatsumi
gaw.

"
Raci
ni!
"Hel
pme!

Lumipasang i
lang segundonawal
angl
abinalumapatsakahi
tnaanongpart
eng
kat
awanni yaatnar amdamanni
yaangpagl
uwangnghawakngdalawanglal
akisa
kamayniya.

I
minulatniya ang mga mat
a atnapaawang ang mga l
abing maki
tang eksper
tong
naki
kipagl
abanngsuntukanatsi
pasiDr.Cr
aigsalal
aki
nghumawaksabeywangni ya.

I
ri
sgaspedwhenDr .Crai
gwaspunchint hechestbutt
heDoct
ordi
dn'tevenseem to
mind.Patul
oyi
tosapag-atakengmal
alakassasuntoknat
umatamalahatsakalaban
ni
toatisangmal
akasnasi
pananagpat
umbar it
o.

Atnangtul
uyannasiyangbi
nit
iwanngdal
awangl
alakipar
ahar
api
nsiCor
mac,nag-
al
alasi
yanabakahi
ndinit
okayani
nangdal
awa.

Per
o doon siya nagkamal
i,madaling napat
umba atnapatul
og niDr
.Cr
aig ang
dal
awangl
alakisakabahagyanghi
nihingal
nahumar
apsakaniya.

"
Areyouokay?"Heaskedandshecan'
thel
pbutt
orememberherhusbandaski
ngher
t
hesamethi
ngoverthephone.

Umi
l
ingsi
yaatmagsasal
i
tasanaper
owal
angl
umabasnabosessabi
bigni
ya.

Dr
.Cr
aigt
skedbef
orecombi
nghi
smessyhai
rwi
thhi
sfi
nger
sandwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsher
.

"Itol
dyoutot
akecare,didn'
tI?"Maygali
tsabosesnit
osakahi nubadangsuotnacoat
sakaipi
nal
i
botiyonsal
ikodniyaatbal
i
kat."Whydidn'
tyouli
stentome?"Matali
m ang
kisl
apngmgamat ani
toper onghindisiyagumalaw saki
natatayuan,l
umambotang
ekspr
esyonngmukhani
to."
I'
m sor
ry.Yougotmewor
ri
ed.
"

Hi
ndisi
yamakapagsal
i
takayapi
l
itnal
angsi
yangngumi
ti
.

Dr
.Cr
aigsi
ghed."
Comeon.
..I
'l
ltakeyoubackt
otheHot
el.
"

Walangl
akassiIr
isnat
umanggiatsabi
hingkayani
yaangsar
il
ini
yakasial
am ni
yang
hi
ndipani
yakaya.

Eversi
nceshewasachi
ld,shehat
edviol
ence.Lumakisi
yasamar
ahasnakapal
i
gir
an
atnawalaangi
nasamar
ahasdingpar
aan.

Vi
olencescar
esher
.

HindinamalayanniIr
isnanakabal
i
knasi
l
asaHot
elati
gini
giyasi
yaniCor
macpapasok
sakuwartonginuukupaniya.

"
Sit
."Ut
osni
tosakani
ya.

Nanl
alambotnamansiyangumuposasof
aatnapat
it
igkayDr
.Cr
aignabumal
i
katmay
dal
angisangbasongt
ubig.

"
Dri
nk.
"

Ti
nanggap ni
ya ang baso saka mabi
l
isna i
nubosang l
aman niyon pagkat
aposay
napat
it
igsi
yasaglasswallkungsaankit
ani
yaangbuongsiyudad.

"
Areyouokay?"Heaskedagai
nandshecan'
thel
pbutt
ocompar
ehi
mtoherhusband.

Myhusband.Niwal
angait
ongkaal
am-alam sanangyarisakani
yangayon.She'
sused
t
oPiet
roprot
ecti
ngheri
nbehal
fofherhusbandbuthe'
snothere.

I
bangtaoangt
umul
ongsakani
ya.I
bangt
aoangdumat
ingngt
awagi
nni
yaangasawa
ni
ya.

Mapaklasi
yangtumawa." I
'm donewai t
ingforhi
m.I
'm donebei
ngagoodwi f
e.He
doesn'
twanttoseeme?Fi ne.
"Nagt agi
sangbagangniya."
Ifhewi
llnotshow hi
msel
f
tomeunti
lthi
syearends,l
'
m divor
cinghim!"

"
W-whatdi
dyousay?"
Nat
igi
lansi
yaatbumali
ngkayDr
.Cr
aignabakasangki
sl
apsamgamat
anahi
ndii
to
makapani
walasasi
nabini
ya.

"
You'
l
ldi
vor
ceyourhusband?"

Shenodded."I'
m givi
nghi
m andmysel
fanult
imat
um.I
fhewi
l
lnotshow hi
mselft
ome
unti
lthi
syearends,"'
ldi
vorcehi
m.AndIwil
lfi
ndamanwhocanactual
lygivemehi
s
ti
meandhi spr
esenceandamanwhocangi vemeachi
ld.
"

Nati
gil
ansi
yaatbahagyangkumunotangnuongmaki
tangnagt
atagi
sangbagangniDr
.
Crai
g.

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
ya."
Youokay,Doc?"

Tumangol
angit
osakat
inal
i
kur
ansi
ya."
Iml
eavi
ng.Rest
."Pagkasabino'
nayumal
i
sna
i
tosakuwar
toni
ya.

Si
yanamanaynapat
it
igsani
l
abasanni
tongpi
nto.

Maynasabibaakonghi
ndini
tonagust
uhan?"
Hindimanl
angakonakapagpasal
amat
sakani
ya.
"

Bumuntong-hi
ningasiyasakanapasandalsal
i
kodngsof
akapagkuwanaynapat
it
igsa
bagkungsaannar oonangcell
phonenanag-ii
ngay.

Ki
nuhani
yai
yonsakat
ini
ngnankungsi
noangt
umayawag.

Raci
niCal
l
ing.
..

I
t'
sbeenmont
hssi
ncehecal
l
ed.Kaagadni
yangsi
nagot'
yon."
Pront
o?"

"
Iri
s."

"
Yes?"

Nawal
anngimikangnasakabi
langl
i
nya.Hi
nint
ayni
yangmagsal
i
tai
toper
oangend
t
oneangnar
ini
gni
yakapagkuwan.

Walangbuhaysi yangnapangi
tisakahumigpitanghawakni yasacel l
phone."Niccol
o
Racini
,are you pl
ayi
ng wit
h me?"Napat i
ngala si
ya sa ki
same saka napati
ti
g doon
kapagkuwanaymapai tnangumiti
."Pl
ease.
..stopmakingmef eel
mi serabl
e..
."
Tumayosiyamul asapagkakauposasof aathinubadangl ahatngdami tniyasaka
pumasokngbanyopar amaligo.Pagkat
aposaynagbi
hissi
yangsimplengiti
m nadamit
na hanggang t
uhod ang haba saka l
umabasng kuwarto atkumatok sa pint
o ng
kuwart
oni Dr
.Crai
g.

Kaagadnaman'
yongbumukasatsumal
ubongsakani
yaangi
ri
tadoni
tongmukha.

I
ri
sbl
i
nkedatCor
mac'
sir
ri
tat
edf
ace.

"
Ahm.
..busy?"

"
No.
"Padaskol
nit
ongsagot
."Youneedsomet
hing?"

"
I,ahm,wannat
hankyouf
orsavi
ngme.
"

"
Noneed.
"

Akmangi
sasar
ani
tongpi
ntongmagsal
i
tasi
yaul
i
t.

"
Havedi
nnerwi
thme-"

"
Don'
tyouhaveahusband?"Mat
ali
m angbosesni
tongt
anong.

I
ri
swast akenabackbyhishosti
li
tyt
owardsher
."I
t'
sjustathankyoudinner
."nag-
i
sangl
inyaangkil
ayniya,"
Ifyoudon'
twantt
odinewit
hme,that'
sokay.Ij
ustwantto
t
hankyou.That
'sal
l.
"

Ti
nal
i
kur
anni
yai
toatakmangaal
i
snangpi
gil
ansi
yani
tosapul
suhan.

"
Dinneri
sfi
ne.
"

Napali
ngon si
ya sa kay Cor
mac saka bumaba ang t
ingi
n ni
ya sa kamay ni
tong
nakahawaksapulsuhanni
ya.

Pasi
mpl
eni
yai
yongi
nagaw."
Let
sgo?"

Tumangoi
tosakabumunt
ong-hi
ninga."
Okay.Let
sgo.
"

Nang makal
abasito ng kuwar
to,sabaysilang sumakayng el
evat
or.Par
eho si
l
ang
wal
angimikhanggangsamagsal i
taangl
alaki.
"
Unt
ilwhenar
eyougonnast
ayher
einMi
nessot
a?"Heasked.

"
I'
m goi
nghomenextweek.
"Sagotni
ya.

"
Isee.
..
"

"
Yeah.
..
"

"Toobad.
"Anit
ongmakalabassi
l
angel
evat
oratnagl
alakadpat
ungosaRest
aur
antna
nasal
ooblangdinngHot
el.

"Whyisthat?"Kunotang nuo ni
yang t
anong di
to habang nagl
alakad papasok ng
Rest
aur
ant.

Dr
.Cr
aigshr
ug."
Ili
keseei
ngyouar
ound.
"

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Areyouhi
tt
ingonme,Dr
.Cr
aig?"

Tumaaslangangsulokngl
abini
toathi
ndii
tonagsal
i
ta.Nanati
l
ilangangmist
eryusong
ngi
tisamgalabi
nit
ohanggangsamakapasoksil
asaRestaur
antatmakapag-order.

"
Haveasaf
etr
iphome.
"Wi
kaniCor
machabanghi
nihi
ntayangor
derni
l
a.

Ti
pidsi
yangngumi
ti
."Thankyou.
"

Pi
nal
ibotniCor
macangdulongdal i
risari
m ngbasosakat
umi
ngi
nsakani
ya."
I'
m
l
eavi
ngnextweekt
oo.Af
teryoursi
ster'
ssur
gery.
"

"
Real
l
y?Wher
e?"

"
Wor
k."

"
Oh.
"Mustbeconf
ident
ial
.He'
sami
l
itar
ymanaf
teral
l
."Haveasaf
etr
ipt
oo.
"

Tumango l
ang i
to saka hi
ndii
nal
is ang t
it
ig sa kani
ya.May pagkai
l
ang si
yang
maramdamanlal
ona'ti
baangepekt
osakaniyangber deni
tongmgamata.

Nagl
akasl
oobsi
yangsal
ubungi
nangber
deni
tongmgamat
aat'
yonangpagkakamal
i
ni
ya.
Herhear
tthr
obbedf
orsomer
eason.

Tumi
khi
m si
ya."
Ahm.
.byt
heway,t
hankyouf
orsavi
ngmebacki
nthepar
k."

Cor
macj
ustnodded,hi
seyesst
il
lst
ari
ngi
ntent
lyather
.

"And,ahm,coul
dyoupl
easest
opl
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?"Sheasked."
It
'smaki
ngme
uncomfort
abl
e."

Cormacdi dn'
tli
sten.Hecont inuedstari
ngather."Myapologies,Ijustcan'
ttakemy
eyesoffofyou.Ihat et
het houghtofnotseei
ngyouanymor e,evenwhenal lIcandois
tookagl i
mpseatyouever yday.Idon'tcareifyoudon'ttalkto me,seeing youis
enough.Butl'
m scaredtogetusedt oit,t
ogetusedtoyou.I
'm afrai
dofwhatImi ghtdo
j
usttokeepyouwi t
hme. "

Naguguluhan siyang napat

it
ig kay Cormac.Ramdam ni
ya ang emosyon sa bawat
katagang bi
nit
iwannitoperohi ndiniyait
omainti
ndi
hanangibi
gni t
ong i
parat
ingsa
kaniya.

"
You'
reconf
usi
ngme.
"'Yonl
angangnasabini
ya.

Cormacj
ustsmi
l
eandcont
inuedst
ari
ngather
.Napai
l
ingnal
angsi
yasakanagbabang
t
ingi
n.

Nagpasalamatsiyangdumati
ngnaanginor
dernil
angpagkai
n.Dapatdoonmatuon
angatensiyonni
yaper
onarar
amdamanpari
nniyaangt
it
igniCor
macsakaniya.

Hi
ndinal
angni
yapi
nansi
n'yonatpi
nagpat
uloyangpagkai
n.

Aft
erthei
rdinner
,theywentbackt
othei
rownr
oomsandshel
ayont
hebedwhi
l
e
st
ari
ngattheceil
i
ng.

I
nisi
pni
yaangmgasi
nabiniCor
machabangt
it
ignat
it
igi
tosakani
ya.

Napabunt
ong-hi
ninga si
ya saka i
nabotang cel
l
phone na nasa gi
l
id ng kama ng
t
umunogyon.

"
Hel
l
o?"Sagotni
yanahi
ndit
ini
ti
ngnankungsi
noangt
umat
awag.

"
Iri
s."
Napabali
kwassi
ya ng bangon ng mar
ini
g ang bosesng asawa sa kabi
l
ang l
i
nya.
"Raci
ni.
"

"
I'
ll
seeyoui
namont
h."

Napat
igal
gal
siyasanar
ini
g."
A-Am-mont
h?"

"
Yes.
"Wi
kani
to."
I'
ll
seeyoui
namont
h,I
ri
s.Takecar
e."

Thel
i
nedi
ed.

Nawalanaangasawasakabi l
angli
nyaperonakal
api
tpar
inangcel
l
phoneni
yasa
t
aingani
yaatnakat
igal
gal
siyasakawalan.

Herhusband.
..i
scomi
nghomei
namont
h.

Af
terei
ghtyear
s!

He'
l
lbehome.

Gal
i
tsiyasaasawani
yadahilgi
nawanit
ongmi
ser
ableangbuhayni
yasanakal
i
pasna
mgataonper
ogumuhitpar
inangngit
isamgal
abini
ya.

Myhusband.
..Fi
nal
y.

CHAPTER3

PAGOD NA UMUPO siI ri

s sa sof
a sa sal
as pagkadat
ing na pagkadat
ing niya sa
mansiyon.Gali
ngsiyasaRacini
'
sEmpi r
e.Napakaraminiyangpapelesnapi nermahan
kayanatagal
ansiyangmakauwisabahay.

Tr
abahoni
ya'
yonkasiwal
anamandi
toangasawani
ya.

Kaninapamaini
tangul
oni yasaopisi
naperodahi
ltumawagsiAndr
iusparasabi
hing
gi
singnaangkakambal
niya,kahi
tpapaanoaygumaanangpaki
ramdam ni
ya.

I
t'
sbeenweekssi
nceshelef
tMinessot
a.Mal
api
tngmag-i
sangbuwan.Per
oniani
noni
Raci
niaywal
apari
nsiyangmaki
ta.
Sabini
tomagpapaki
tai
tosakani
yasal
oobngi
sangbuwan.He'
spl
ayi
ngwi
thher
agai
n.

Baki
tbaumasananamanako!
?

Peromaykirotsadi
bdibni
ya.Umasatal
agasi
yaatpinaghandaanangsinabinit
ong
pagki
kit
ani
l
angdalawa.Per
omulangtumawagit
osakaniyaayhindipai
totumatawag
ul
it
.

Bumuntong-hi
ninga si
ya attumayo mula sa pagkakaupo saka akmang aakyatsa
hagdanngpumasoksiPi et
rosasalassakamayi nabotsakani
ya.

"
Thi
sarri
vedt
wohour
sago.
"Ani
tonabahagyangnakayukod."
Epert
é,Si
gnor
ina.
"It
's
f
oryou.

Ti
nanggapniyaiyonsakati
nungoangkuwar
toniya.Nangmakapagpal
i
tngdami
t,saka
l
angniyabi
nigyangpansinangnat
anggapsaimbit
asyon.

Sheopenedt hebackenvel
opandandandani
nvi
tat
ionwi
thbl
ackbackgr
oundand
reddi
shgol
dlett
eri
ngwel
comehersi
ght
.

'
You'
rei
nvi
tedt
oTempt
ati
onI
sland.
'

Bi
nali
ktadni
yai
yonparati
ngnanangli
kodatnanl
akiangmgamat
ani
yangmaki
taang
per
mananasalikodngimbit
asyon.

Raci
ni'
ssi
gnat
ure!

Shewoul
dknow.I
l
angchequenar
inangpi
nadal
ani
tosakani
yanamayper
mani
to!

Umawangangl
abini
yaatbi
nasaul
i
tangnasahar
apanngi
mbi
tasyon.

Tempt
ati
onI
sland.

Wher
ethehel
li
sthi
sisl
and?

Mabi
li
sniyangbinuksanangl
apt
opati
ti
nipasaaddr
essbarangwebsi
tenanasal
i
kod
ngi
mbitasyon.

Kumunotangnuoni
yangbumukasangwebsi
te.

Pl
ainbl
ackbackgr
ound,af
lami
ngf
ir
eint
hemi
ddl
eandbel
ow i
stheuser
nameand
passwor
d.

Wai
tami
nut
e!

Ti
ningnanniyaul
i
tangl
i
kodngi
mbi
tasyonatsai
l
ali
m ngper
maniRaci
niayuser
name
atpassword.

Ther
e!

User
name:I
ri
sRaci
ni

Passwor
d:Amor
eMi
o

Shebl
i
nked.Myl
ove?

Hi
ndini
yaal
am kungbaki
tnapangi
tisi
ya.

Mabi
li
sniyangit
ini
paanguser
nameatpasswor
datkaagadnabumul
agasakani
yaang
i
sangnapakagandangi
sl
a.

Beaut
if
ul.

Thenhereyesdr
opdownt
o'aboutt
hei
sl
and'
.

'
Welcome to Temptati
on I
sland,wher e yourfantasi
esbecomesreal.The I
sland i
s
l
ocatedi
nPal awan,Iti
sthesoughtaf terexcl
usiveisl
andinthewor
ld.Asafe,secure
andopenpr i
vat
espaceto
expl
oredeepestanddarkestfant
asies.Iti
saper fectpar
adi
sewhereyourki
nkiestand
mostdepraveddesi
resbecomesr eal.
'

Napangangasi
yasanabasa.I
nshor
t,i
t'
sasexi
sl
andunl
esst
hef
ant
asi
esanddesi
res
hasdi
ffer
entmeani
ng.

Lumi
patangt
ingi
nni
yasaper
maniRaci
ninanasal
i
kodngi
mbi
tasyon.

He'
sther
e..
.int
hisi
sl
and?

Hindiniyaalam kungbaki
tmaykumur
otsapusoni
ya."
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nthatki
nd
ofplace,Niccol
o?"

Kumuyom angkamaoni
ya.I
shecheat
ingonme?Ofcour
se,i
twasal
readygi
ven.He
hasneeds.
Lumapi
tsi
yasai ntercom atpini
ndotiyon."Pi
etr
o,Pr
epar
ailaer
o.Vadoi
nfi
l
ippi
ne"
Readyt
heplane.I
'm goingtot
hePhili
ppines.

Pagkasabini
yon ay pumasok siya sa wal
k-i
n cl
oset ni
ya at nag-i
mpake. Sa
pagkakat
aong'yon,mai
ngatni
yangpini
liangmgadamitnadadal
hinhabangnasai
sip
ni
yaangasawa.

Raci
ni.
.wi
l
lIr
eal
l
yseeyoui
nthati
sl
and?

Shehavet
ogo.

Nang mataposmag-i
mpake,t
inawag ni
ya siPi
etr
o sa i
nter
com par
aipakuha ang
bagaheni
yabagol
umabasngkuwarto.

Nangmakababasi
yanghagdan,nakasal
ubongni
yasiPi
etr
o.

"
Signor
ina.
"Bahagyani
tongyumukodsakani
ya."
Lamacchi
naepr
ont
o."Thecari
s
r
eady.

Tumangolangsiyasakal
umabasngmansiyonatder
etsongsumakaysakot
se.Habang
hi
nihi
ntaysiPi
etr
o,nag-r
ingangcel
l
phoneniya.

Raci
nical
l
ing.
..

Hi
ndial
am niI
ri
skungbaki
tbi
glasi
yangi
nat
akengkaba."
P-Pr
ont
o,Raci
ni?"Hel
l
o.

"
Vogl
i
oveder
ti
."Iwannaseeyou.

Shefeltherbr
eat
hinghi
tched."
Tuf
arai
.Hor
icevut
oilt
uo.
"Youwi
l
l.Ir
ecei
vedyour
i
nvi
tat
ion.

"
How di
dyouknowi
twasmi
ne?"Heasked.

Humi
ngasi
yangmal
ali
m."
Losoi
ltuof
ir
ma.
"Iknowyoursi
gnat
ure.

Nat
ahi
mikangnasakabi
l
angl
i
nyabagonagsal
i
ta."
Doyour
eal
l
ywantt
oseeme?"

"Whydoyousoundsosad?"Pansi
nni
yasabosesni
to."
Areyouj
ustf
orci
ngyour
sel
fto
seeme?"
"Adessoseit
ri
ste."Now you'
resad.Pansi
nnitosakabumunt
ong-hi
ninga."
Don'
tbesad
anymore.Civediamoali
sola.
"I'
l
lseeyouintheisl
and.

"
Sonoancor
atr
ist
e."I
'm st
il
lsad.Si
nadyani
yangsabi
hin'
yon.

"
Lasci
ast
are.Cosavuoif
arechet
ifacci
ofel
i
ce?"Don'
tbe.Whatdoyouwantmet
odo
t
omakeyouhappy?

Hi
ndini
yamapi
gil
anangmapangi
tisat
anongngasawa."
Woul
dyour
eal
l
ydoi
t?"

"
Cipr
over
ó."I
'l
ltr
y.

"Wil
lyou si
ng?"She want
sto push hi
m t
o hi
sli
mit
s.Gust
o ni
yang mal
aman kung
gagawinnit
o'yon.

"
Ahm.
"mi
nut
esofsi
l
ence,"
sing?"

"
Yeah.
"

"
Ahm.
"het
ookadeepbr
eat
h,"
areyoust
il
lsad?"

Si
nusupi
lni
yaangngi
tisamgal
abi
."Yes.I
'm st
il
lsad.
"

"
Oh.
..okay.Ahm.
."t
umi
khi
mit
o,"
whatdoyouwantmet
osi
ng?"

"
Qual
si
asi
."Anyt
hing.

"Okay.Ahm..
"tumikhi
m nanamani t
o,"Cuandoyolavi,Di
je,siesamuj
erf
uer
apar
ami
.
Perdóname,t
eloteníaquedeci
r.
..Tasdura,dur
a,dura,dura..
."

Nasaponi
yaangbi
bighabangpi
nipi
gil
anangsar
il
inat
umawangmal
akas.

He'
sact
ual
l
ysi
ngi
ng'
Dur
a'?

Ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abi
,pi
nipi
gilni
yanahi
ndimat
awadahi
lsaki
nakant
a
ngasawa.

I
ri
sdoesn'
twantt
ospoi
li
t.I
toangunangpagkakat
aonnagani
toangasawani
ya.
Il
i
kei
t.

Tal
agangpi
nigi
lni
yaangpagt
awahanggangsamat
aposni
tongkant
ahi
nang'
Dur
a'.

Heblowsoutal oudbreat
h."Thatsongi
str
endi
ngnow adays.So.
..
how wasi
t?Sei
f
eli
ceadesso?"Areyouhappynow?

"
Si"Shesmi
l
ed."
Grazi
e,Ni
ccol
o."

"
Iri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"Midispi
aceperavertir
esoinfel
icepert ut
tiquestianni
.Til
opromet t
ochefacci
ot ut
to
perr i
prender
ól'
annichespr ecato."I'
m sorryformakingyouf eelmiser
abl
eallthese
years.Ipromi
sethatIwil
ldoever yt
hingtomakei tuptothel
ostyears.

Sheshoul
dhatethi
sman,butatthatver
ymoment
,shecoul
dn'
t."
Besur
etomakei
tup
t
ome.Iwai t
edforei
ghtyear
s,Raci
ni.
"

"
Si,l
ofar
ró,mi
amogl
i
e."Yes.Iwi
l
l,mywi
fe.

Nat
ahimi
kmunasi yangi
l
angsegundongSumakaysiPi
etr
osakot
seatnagmaneho
pat
ugongai
rpor
t.

"
I'
m hangi
ngupnow.
"Ani
yasaasawa."
I'
ll
bei
ntheai
rpor
tsoon.
"

"
Okay.St
aiat
tent
a,mi
amogl
i
e."Takecar
e,mywi
fe.

"
Iwi
l
l.Civedi
amo.
"Seeyah.

"
Civedi
amo.
"

Pi
nat
ayni
yaangt
awagatnapat
it
igsascr
eenngcel
l
phone.

Raci
ni.Sohewasn'
tplayi
ngheraft
erall
.Ser
yusoi
tosasi
nabi
ngmagpapaki
tanai
tosa
kani
ya.Gust
onggust
onani yangmaki
taangasawani
ya.

Gust
oniyait
ongmakil
ala,gust
oniyai
tongmakausapnghar
apanatmahawakanman
l
angatmatupadnaangkagustuhanni
yangmagkaanak.
Humingasi
yangmalal
im atl
umabassakot sengmakarati
ngsil
asaAir
port.Mabi
li
sang
mgahakbang ni
yahabang nakasunodsakani yasiPiet
ro.Nang makasakaysi
lasa
pr
ibadonger
opl
ano,umuposiyaatinayosangbahagyangnagusotnadamit.

"
Signor
ina.
"

Ti
ningal
ani
yasiPi
etr
o."
Yes?"

"Mymast eri
sveryfragi
leandvulnerabl
e."Wikani
tosamal ungkotnaboses."
Luipuó
sembrareduroeagir
e,manelpr ofondoemor bi
do.Luieunbuonuomo,Si gnor
ina,per
favor
e,puoisoppor
tarl
oecomprender l
o."Hemayl ookandacttough,butdeepdown,
he'ssof
t.He'
sagoodman,Si gnorina,pl
easebearwithhi
m andunderst
andhim.

I
toangunangbesesnanagsal
it
asiPietr
opatungkolsaasawaniya.He'
susuall
yquiet
and r
eser
vewhenitcomest o herhusband'
sidenti
ty.Butnow he'
sactual
l
yt al
ki
ng
aboutNi
ccol
o.

"Doyouknow hi
sreasonwhyhedi
dn'
tshow hi
msel
ftomef
orei
ghtyear
s?"Tanong
niya
kayPiet
ro.

Pi
etr
osmi
l
ed."
You'
l
lseehi
m soon,Si
gnor
ina.Askhi
m your
sel
f.
"

Tumangosi
yaatakmangaal
i
snasiPi
etr
ongspi
gil
anni
yai
to."
Aspet
ta.
"Wai
t.

Kaagadnahumar
apsakani
yasiPi
etr
o."
Si,Si
gnor
ina?"

"
Ist
her
eanyt
hingIneedt
oknow aboutNi
ccol
o?Anyt
hingatal
lwi
l
lhel
pmeal
ot.
"

BahagyangyumukodsiPiet
ro."
Mymast
erhasat
att
oo.A pl
antwi
thswor
d-shaped
l
eavesandshowyfl
ower.
"

That
'sal
readyabi
ghel
pforher
."Gr
azi
e,Pi
etr
o."

Yumukodi
tosakal
umabasnger
opl
ano,si
yanamanayi
nil
abassabagangi
mbi
tasyon
nanat
anggapni
ya.

'
You'
rei
nvi
tedt
oTempt
ati
onI
sl
and'

"Tempt
ati
onIsl
and.
..
"bulongni
ya,"
anoba'
ngmayroonsaisl
ana'yonatnandoonang
asawako?Andwhydi dhewanttomeetmether
e?Ofal
lpl
aces?Whyinasexisl
and?"
Bumugasi
yangmar ahasnahi
ningasakai
si
nandalangl
i
kodsaki
nauupuanati
pini
kit
angmgamata."
Niccol
o..
."

I
minul
atniyaang mgamatasakat umingi
nsal abasng bi
ntanang er
opl
ano.Nang
maki
tangnasaibabaw nasi
l
angul ap,ipi
niki
tni
yaulitangmgamat ahanggangsa
pumasokangimahengmay-aringber
dengmat ana'yon.

Napasinghapnanagmul
atsi
yangmat
aatbahagyangnapaawangangl
abihabang
kumurap-kurap.

Cor
mac!

Marahasniyang i
pini
l
ig ang ul
o."
No.
.per
che st
o pensando a l
ui?"No.
..whyam I
t
hinki
ngofhim?

Isi
nandalni
yauli
tangkatawansali
kodngki
nauupuanatnapati
ti
gsakawalan.Marahas
nanamansi yangnapail
i
ngngpumasoknanamansai sipniyasiCor
macatangmga
sinabini
tosakaniyangnag-di
nnersi
lasaminessot
anapil
itni
yangbinubur
asaisipan
niya.

Cor
mac.
..

Nasaannakayai
tongayon?Magki
kit
apakayasi
l
a.

I
pini
li
gni
yaangul
o.Hi
ndisi
yadapatnag-i
i
sipngganun,l
alona'
tmaki
kit
anani
yaang
asawani
ya.

I
pini
kitni
yaangmgamat
aatnagpasal
amatsi
yangdal
awi
nsi
yangant
okhabangnasa
bi
yahe.

TEMPTATIONISLAND.NangumapakangmgapaaniI r
issabuhangi
nngisl
a,nabi
ghani
si
yasatagl
ayniyongganda.Put
ingbuhangi
n,mal
i
nawnatubi
gatsari
wanghangin.

Whatabeaut
if
uli
sl
and.

Sumunodsi yasamgakasamaniyasayat
epatungosaSecuri
tyOff
ice.Maymai
kl
ing
ori
entat
ionnanaganapsaloobngopi
si
naatbi
nigyansi
l
angtag-i
sangkuwent
aspara
daw sakali
gtasanni
l
asai
sl
a.

Athabang pal
abas si
l
a ay napat
igi
lsi
ya atnapat
it
ig sa condom atl
ubr
icantna
nadaanan.
I
ri
sbl
i
nkedatt
hecondom.

"Youcanhaveasmanyasyouwant
."SabiniCr
ist
inasakani
ya,angnagbr
ief
ingsa
kani
la.

Shest
il
l
edandl
ookedatt
hewoman."
What
?"

Cr
ist
inasmi
l
edather
."They'
ref
orf
ree.
"

Ti
pidlang si
yang ngumi
tisaka l
umabasng Secur
it
yOf
fi
ce na hi
ndikumukuha ng
condom ol
ubricant
.

Humi nga si
ya ng mal
ali
m ng makal
abasng Secur
it
yOffice atnapatit
ig sa susina
bi
nigaysakaniyaniCr i
sti
nanamaykasamangdalawangcard.I sangkeycardpar asa
cabinatcardnasiyanggagami
ti
nniyakungmaybibi
l
hinsi
yasal sla.

Lumapi
tsi
yasamganakahil
ir
anggol
fcartatisi
nakaymunaniyaangl
uggagebagosi
ya
umuposaharapanngst
eer
ingwheelnggolfcartatt
ini
ti
gan'
yon.

"
Whereto?"Tini
ngnanniyaangkeycard."
Cabin25."Shebl
owsal
oudbr
eat
h."
Wher
e
t
hehel
lareyou,Cabin25?"Bul
ongniyasahangin.

I
niwannasiyangtourguidedahi
langsi
namahanni t
oaymgaguestsnaimbitadong
i
sl
and management.Siya kasii
mbit
ado ng i
sang member
,ang asawa ni
ya,kaya
hi
walaysi
yasamgaito.

Hindini
yaal
am kungsaansiyapupuntakayabumabasi
yanggol
fcar
tatbumal
i
ksa
l
oobngSecurit
yOffi
cesakahinanapsiCr
ist
ina.

"
Yes?How mayIhel
pyou,Mr
s.Raci
ni?"

Humingasi
yangmal al
im."Iwasi
nvi
tedbyamember
."Pani
mul
ani
ya."
Puwedeba
akongmagpasundosakani
ya?"

Ngumi
tisiCr
ist
ina."
I'
m sosor
ry,Mr
s.Raci
ni.Wecannotdi
scl
oset
hei
dent
it
yoft
he
memberwhoinvit
edyou-"

"
Iknowhi
m."Sansal
ani
yasababae."
He'
smyhusband.
"

Naki
tani
yangnat
igi
l
ansiCr
ist
ina."
Alam bangasawamonapupunt
akangayon?"
Tumangosi ya."
Nagkausapkamibagoakoumal i
sperohindipasiyatumat
awagmula
no'n.Ir
eall
ydon'tknow anyt
hingoranyonei
nthisisl
and.I
justcameherebecausemy
husbandinvit
edme.Hisnamei sNiccol
oRaci
ni.
..coul
dyoupleasecall
himforme?"

Crist
ina smil
ed atherpol i
tel
y."Justa minute,Mr s.Racini.
"May t ini
ngnan it
o sa
comput erbago ini
-angatang awtomatibo ng t
elepono atini
lapitsatai
nga." Thi
sis
Crist
inafrom Securi
tyOffi
ce.Pleaseconnectmycal ltoMonast eri
oPalace."Pause.
"Thank you."Il
ang segundo ang lumi
pasbago i to nagsal
i
ta." Good aft
ernoon,Mr.
Monast eri
o.Wehaveaspeci alcaseherei ntheSecur i
tyOf f
ice.Mayr equestyour
presence?"Pause." Yes,ofcour se.Thank you."Ibinaba ni
to ang awtomat i
bo ng
tel
eponosakanakangi t
ingtumingi
nsakaniya."Sumamakasaki n,Mrs.Racini
."

Nakahi
ngasi
yangmal
uwang."
Sal
amat
."

Lumabasi
l
angSecur
it
yOf
fi
cesakai
toangnagmanehonggol
fcar
tni
ya.

"
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?"Tanongni
yakayCr
ist
ina.

"To Monaster
io Pal
ace."SagotniCristi
na saka si
nul
yapan siya atngini
ti
an."Doon
nakati
ra ang may-aring I
sla.I
t'
s againstthe rul
es ofthe Isl
and to discl
ose t
he
whereaboutsofthemember sandguest s.Outsi
deorinsi
det heIsland.Butsincehe'
s
yourhusband,maybewecanbendt her ulebuti
tsnotmydecisiontomake. "

Umayossiyangupoathindinanagsal
i
tahanggangsamakar at
ingsil
asai
sangmal
a-
pal
asyongbahaynanasakuwebaangelevat
ornasasakayanpataas.

Thi
sisl
andi
sreal
l
ynotanor
dinar
yisl
and.

Nang makarat
ing sa it
aas,igi
niya si
ya niCri
sti
na pat
ungo sa mahabang hal
l
way
hanggangsamakar at
ingsi
lasaduloatkumatokit
osapinakahul
ingpi
nto.

"
Comei
n."Anangbosesmul
asal
oob.

UnangpumasoksiCr
ist
inabagosi
ya.

"Goodaft
ernoon,Mr.Monaster
io.
"BatiniCri
sti
nasalalaki
ngnaka-uposaswi
velchai
r.
"Thi
sisMr s.I
ri
sGonzaga-Racini.
"Pagpapakilal
anitosakaniya."Andshewantsto
know t
hewhereaboutofherhusbandsincehe'stheonewhoinvit
edher:
"

Kumunotangnuongl
alaki
."Raci
ni?Ni
ccol
oRaci
ni'
swi
fe?"

Mabi
l
isnasumikdoangdibdibniyangmarini
gangpangalanngasawani
ya."
Yes.I
'm
hi
swif
e."Mabi
l
isni
yangsabi."Ij
ustcameheretomeethi
m."
Pi
nakat
it
igansi
yangl
alakisakabumunt
ong-hi
ningai
to."
Hel
eftal
ready.
"

Paki
ramdam ni
yaaynami
ngisi
ya."
W-what
?"

I
minuwest
rangl
alakiangvi
si
tor
'schai
r,
"haveaseat
-"

"No.Wher eismyhusband?"Kani
napasiyanagt
it
impi
.Kani
napasiyai
ri
tadodahilhi
ndi
kaagadnagpakit
asakaniyasiRacini
."Whatdoyoumeanhel ef
t?Sabiniyadi
tokami
magkiki
ta.Icameherefr
om It
alyj
ustt
oseehim.Hehastobehere!
"

Umil
ingangl al
akingsakahinar
apnit
oangl apt
opatmaygi nawadoonsakaihi
narap
'
yonsakani ya."
Thisisoursyst
em i
stheisl
and.Di
tonaka-loglahatngpumapasokat
l
umalabasnamemberatguest sngIsl
a.Andhere,
"tinuroni
toangpangalangNiccol
o
Raci
ni,"
isyourhusband'snameandhelef
tthismor
ning."

Parasi
yangnauuposnakandi
lananapauposavisi
tor
'schai
ratparangsasabogang
di
bdibni
yasagali
tnabi
glangl
umukobsakani
ya."
Butheknewt hatI
'm comi
ng.
..
"

"I
'm sor
ry,Mr s.Raci
ni.
"Hingingpaumanhi
nnglal
akiper
obinginasi
yaparado'n."
Iwil
l
tr
ytocont acthimtoinfor
m himthathi
swif
eisi
ntheisl
and.Bakamayginawalangsiya
atbabali
kdin-"

"Al
am niyangdar
ati
ngako."Ani
yananakakuyom angkamao."He'spl
ayi
nggameswi th
meagain."Tumayosiyasakawalangemoyongbahagyangt
inanguananglal
aki
."Thank
youforyourti
me."

Hindinani
yahini
ntayangsagotni
to,nagmamadalisi
yangl
umabasngopi
si
nana'
yon
sakamalal
akianghakbangnati
nungoangelevat
or.

Angbigat
-bi
gatngdibdi
bni
yahabangsakaysael
evat
or.Nagt
atagi
sangbagangni
ya
atgal
i
tnagali
tsi
ya.

Sheshoul
dhaveknownbet
ter
!

Niccol
oRaci
niwi
llnevershow hi
msel
ftoher
!Dapatt
anggapi
nnaniya'yonati
-di
vor
ce
i
to.Sigur
onamansobr a-sobr
anaangwal ongtaongpaghi
hint
ayniyarit
oparaang
pasayahi
nnamanniyaangsaril
ini
ya.

"Mrs.Raci
ni,ar
e you okay?"Bosesiyon niCr
ist
ina na pumukaw sa pag-i
i
sip ni
ya
habangwalasasari
l
ingnakatayol
angsatabinggolfcart
.

Ni
l
ingonni
yai
to."
Iwantt
oleave.
"
"Weonl yhaveonetri
pperday.Umal
i
snayonkani
nangumaga.
"Mabi
l
isnapal
i
wanag
niCr
ist
inasakaniya.

Shehavet
ost
ayf
orani
ght
?"Andt
omor
rowIcanl
eave?"

"
Ofcour
se,Mr
s.Raci
ni"

"Thankyou."Walangemosyonni
yangpasasal
amatsakasumakaysapassengerseat
ng gol
fcar t
."Puwedebaakong magpahat
idsacabin25?Hindikokasial
am kung
nasaan'yon."

"
Ofcour
se.
"Nakangi
ti
ngt
ugonniCr
ist
ina.

Habangti
nat
ahakangdaanpat
ungosaCabi
nni
ya,panayangkuyom ngkamaoni
yaat
t
agisngbagangni
ya.

WhenPi et
rospoketoheront hepl
ane,hesoundedsosur
ethatshe'
sgoingtosee
Raci
ni.Kayaumasasiyanabakangasapagkakat
aongi
tomagki
kit
anasil
angdal
awa.
Butherhusbandpul
l
edadickmoveonher.

Thatbast
ard!Pi
napunt
apasi
yar
it
otaposaal
i
snamanpal
a.

"
We'
reher
e."AnunsyoniCr
ist
ina.

"
Thankyousomuch.
"Ani
yasakabumabanggol
fcar
t.

Tumangolang siCri
sti
naatnagpaal am nasakaniya.Siyanamanaybi nuksanang
Cabi
ngami tangkeycardsakai pi
nasokangluggageniya.Pagkat
aposno'naynali
go
si
ya at nagbihi
s ng sundress saka lumabas ng cabin para magpahangi
n sa
dal
ampasiganatngkumalmasi yaomabawasanmanl anganggalitnanar
aramdaman
ni
ya.

Whil
el ookingatthehori
zon,she'
sfel
tsodi
sappoi
ntedandsheneverf el
tsoangryin
herl
ife..
.justnow.Onlyherhusbandcanmakeherf eell
i
kethi
s..
.thi
smi ser
abl
eness
andthisrage.

"
Mrs.Raci
ni?"

Hereyeswidenwhenshehear
dthatver
yfami
l
iarvoi
ce.Can'
tbe!Hi
ndini
yaal
am kung
baki
tbigl
aniyangnakal
i
mut
ananggali
tnanar
aramdamansamgasandal i
ngyondahi
l
sabosesna'yon.
Mabi
li
sniyang ni
l
ingon ang nagsal
i
ta atmaslal
ong nanl
akiang mgamata ni
yang
maki
taangmay-ar ingberdengmgamat anahi
ndimaburasaisi
panniya.

"
C-Cor
mac?"

I
nayosni
toangbul
lcapnasuotsakangumi
tisakani
ya."
Hey"

Hi
ndipari
nsiyamakapani
walangnakati
ti
gdit
okahi
til
angsegundonaangdumaan."
I-i
w-what
..
."shewassti
ll
shock,"w-whatareyoudoi
nghere?"

"
Member
."

Real
i
zat
iondawnonher
."Oh.
"

I
nil
anghakbangni
toangpagi
tanni
l
asakat
umi
gilsahar
apanni
ya."
Anonggi
nagawa
mor i
to?"

Napat
angananamansi
yasal
alaki
."N-nagt
atagal
ogka?"

"
Oonaman.
"

"Per
osabimokayAndri
ushi
ndikamar
unongmagt
agal
og.
"Bul
alasni
ya."
Nagt
anong
kapangakunganoangt
agal
ogngmaganda.
"

Nat
igi
l
ani
to."
Youhear
dthat
?"

"
Yeah.
"

"
Soyouhear
dmesayi
ngt
hatyou'
re'
maganda'
?"

"
Yes.
"

Tumaasangsul
okngl
abi
nit
o."
Andyourr
eact
ionwas?"

Sheshr
ugged."
I'
m mar
ri
ed.
"

Bumabaangt i
ngi
nnit
osaweddi ngringniya."
Sti
l
lloyal
,huh?"Hesi ghedandt hen
smil
ed."
I'
m st
ayi
ngint
hatCabi
n."Ani
tosabaytur
osacabinnakatabinginuukupaniya.
"l
kaw?"
Ti
nuroni
yaangcabi
nniya."Cabi
n25."Sagotni
yasakati
ningnananglal
aki."
Mar
unong
kanamanpalangmagt
agalog,baki
tsabimokayAndri
ushindikamarunong?"

"I
t'
sf unmaki
ngpeoplebel
ievethatyoucan'
tdoanyt
hingwhent
het
rut
his,you'
regood
ati
t."Awtomati
koni
tongsagot.

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yar
it
o."
Ihat
eli
ars.
"

Hest
il
l
edandl
ookedi
ntohereyes."
Soyouhat
eme?"

Hi
sgr
eeneyes.
..i
tst
il
lhast
hesameaf
fectonher
.

I
ri
srol
l
edhert
onguei
nbet
weenherl
i
ps."
Depends.
..i
fyou'
rel
yi
ngt
ome.
"

Ti
nit
iganlangsi
yaniCormacsakamasini
l
api
tpaangkatawansakat
awanni
ya.Hindi
ni
yaal am anggagawi
nngmapansingi
l
angdangkalnal
angangl
ayongngakatawan
ni
l
a.

"
Whatar
eyou-"

"Yes,I'
m lyi
ng to you I
ri
s.Butt
hat'sthe l
eastofyou worr
y.Thi
sisl
and i
sful
lof
predat
ors.
"Anit
osamababaatbar i
tonongboses,"
sotakecar
e."

Napal
unoksi
ya."
Whatdoyoumeanbypr
edat
ors?"

"
Men.
"

"Butl'
m marr
ied.
"Napakadal
iparasakaniyaangsabi
hingkasalsi
yakahi
tangt
otooay
parangwalanamansiyangasawa."Icanhandl
emyself
."

"Idon'tthinkso.Thi
sisnotyourtypi
cali
sl
and.Menherearedangerous.
"Umangatang
kamayni toparahawi i
nangilanghibl
angbuhokni yananakatabingsamukhaniya
dahilnil
i
lipadiyonnghangin."lfsomeonepreysonyou,don'
thesi
tatetot
ellt
hem my
name.That '
l
lsil
encethem.
"

Napat
it
igsi
yakayCor
machabangnar
aramdamanni
yaangmabi
l
isnapi
nti
gngpuso
ni
ya.

'
Tel
lthem hi
snameandt
hat
'l
lsi
l
encet
hem.
'

Heleanedcl
osertoher,thei
rli
psar
ejustbr
eat
hawayandhewhispered,"
it
sCor
mac
PaulCrai
g"He,then,winkedather."Ri
cor
dat
iilmi
onome,amore."Remembermy
name,l
ove.

Shewasst
unned.HecanspeakI
tal
i
an!

Napati
ti
gl angsi
yakayCormacnanamul
saatt
inal
i
kur
ansi
yanghi
ndisi
yanagsal
i
ta
sakanaglakadpat
ungosacabi
nni
to.

Nangmawalaanglal
akisapaningi
nniya,napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yahabangpaul
i
t-ul
i
tna
nagr
i-r
epl
aysai
si
pniyaangsinabiniCor
mac.

Tel
lthem mynameandt
hat
'lsi
l
encet
hem.

I
nil
apatni
yaangpal
adsadi
bdi
bni
yakungnasaanangpusoni
ya.

I
t'
sst
il
lbeat
ingf
ast
.Cor
macPaul
Crai
g.That
'shi
sname.

Buti
sn'
titherhusbandj
obt
opr
otectherf
rom pr
edat
ors?

CHAPTER4

MAAGANG NAGI SI
NG sil
ri
spar
apanuorinsanaangsunri
se.Nangmakalabassi
yang
cabi
n,kaagadnadumer et
soangpaaniyasadalampasi
ganperoganunnalamangang
pagkadismayaniyangmapansi
nghindiyat
asapar t
eng'yonngisl
asisi
katangaraw
kundisakabil
a.

Baki
tbaangmal
asko?

Bumugasiyangmar ahasnahini
ngasakawalasasari
li
ngnapat
it
igsal
alaki
ngnal
i
li
go
sadagat.Nasamalali
m naparteit
operodahilmal
inaw namanangmgamat aniya,
mali
naw ni
yangnaki
kit
aanglal
aki
ngnakatal
i
kod.

Mul
asaki
nat
atayuanni
ya,hal
atangmat
ipunoangkat
awanngl
alaki
.

Nagl
andasangmataniyapababasali
kodnglalaki
.Angpaghangasamgamat ani
ya
aynapal
i
tannggul
atatpagkayani
gngmundoniyangmakit
aangt at
toosal
i
kodni
to.

'
Mymast erhasat at
too.Apl antwithsword-shapedl
eavesandshowyflower.
'Parang
si
rang plakang paul
it-ul
it'yon na nagr
i-repl
aysa i
si
p niIr
ishabang nakat
ingi
n sa
matit
ipunongli
kodngl al
aki
ngnal i
l
igosadagat.

"
R-Raci
ni?"Mahi
nani
yangsambi
thabangangmgapaaayunt
i-unt
inghumahakbang
pal
api
tsat
ubi
g."
Niccol
o..
."

Sumisi
duli
tanglal
aki
,hindini
yamakit
aangmukhanitodahi
lnakat
ali
kodi
tosakani
ya
per
omal i
naw namali
naw sakani
yaangtat
toona'
yonsali
kodni
to.

Panayanglingani
ya,hi
nahanapkungsaanaahonangl
alakiper
olumi
pasnal
angang
i
langminut
oaywalangumahon.

Hi
ndimakapani
wal
angnapakur
ap-kur
apsi
ya."
W-whatt
hehel
l
?W-wher
eishe?"

Lul
usongnasanasi
yasadagatngmaymagsal
i
tasal
i
kodni
ya.

"
Wher
eiswho?"

Nati
gil
ansi
yaatni
l
ingonang may-ar
ingbosesnapami
l
yarnapami
l
yarsakani
ya.
"Cor
mac..
."

"
Hey.
..mor
ning.
"

Sadagatbai
tonal
i
go?

Wal
asasar
il
ingnapat
it
igsi
yasal
alaki
.

He'si
nhi
strunks.He'sdri
ppingwet
,hi
shairismessyandhehasal
arget
owelar
ound
hi
sbackandshouldertocoveruphi
supperbody.

Hmm.
..abs.'
Yont
alagaangnapansi
nni
ya.

"
Enj
oyi
ngt
hevi
ew?"Maybahi
dnapanunuksoangbosesni
to.

Sahali
pnamakaramdam nghiya,nag-angatsi
yangt
ingi
nsamukhaniCor
mac,"
you
shoul
dbet
hankf
ulthatyou'
reanicevi
ew."

Sl
owl
y,asexysmi
l
eappear
edonhi
sli
ps."
Real
l
y?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Yes."Kapagkuwanaykumunotangnuoni
ya."
Byt
heway,saangpar
te
kanal
il
i
gokani
na?"

Ti
nur
oniCormacangmedyomaykal ayuangpar
tengdagatnanasagil
i
dnayat
ang
i
sl
a."Medyomal
akaskasiangcur
rentdi
tolal
onakapaggani
tongor
as.
"
"Kungganun.
..
"hermi
ndisrunningandcalcul
ati
ngandanal
ysi
ng,".
..
hindibadapat
masmalakasangal
ondoonsapinal
iguanmokasipal
i
kosi
yatapospapuntado'
n'yong
curr
ent
?"

"
Nope.
"Her
epl
i
edcal
mly."
Hindimal
akasangcur
rentdo'
n."

I
ri
simmedi at
elydr
opthetopi
c.Napat
ango-t
angol
angsiyasakabumali
ngsaparteng
dagatkungsaannaki
tani
yaanglal
aki
ngmaykapar
ehasngtatt
oosaasawaniya.

Pi
nagl
alar
uanbaakongmgamat
akokani
na?

But
,no.
..i
twasr
eal
!Itf
eltsor
eal
!

Bakangabumal i
knasiRaci nidi
tosaIsl
aathindil
angnagsabisakani ya.Knowi
ngher
husband,he won'tj
ustshow hi msel
fto her
.Wal ong taon i
tong hi
ndinagpaki
ta sa
kani
ya,kayabaki
tbasta-bastait
ongmagpapakitangayon?

She'
ssureashellthatNi
ccol
oiscal
cul
ati
ngal
lthepossibil
it
iesandtheout
comeoft hei
r
meeti
ng.He'sthatkindofper
son.Hi
ndii
tomagigingsuccessfulnabusi
nessmankung
hi
ndii
tomaingatsamgapuwedengmangyar iatkal
alabasanngbawatdesisyonni
to.

Ormaybehe'
sjustpl
ayi
ngwi
thher
,whoknowswhatt
hatasshol
eist
hinki
ng?

I
ri
ssi
ghedandf
aceCor
mac."
Doyouwantt
ohavebr
eakf
astwi
thme?"

Hal
atangnat
igi
l
ani
to."
What
?"

"
Breakf
ast
.Wi
thme.
"Ul
i
tni
ya.

Cor
macbl
i
nkedather
."Why?"

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katsiya."Wal
aakongi
bangkaki
l
alasai
sl
ang'
to,i
kaw l
ang.Andyoucoul
d
ser
veasmyt ourguide.
"

Umasi
m angmukhani
to."
Soyou'
rej
ustgoneuseme?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Yes.CanIuseyou?"Der
etsoni
yangt
anong,wal
angpal
i
goy-l
i
goy.

Napati
ti
g sa kani
ya siCor
macng i
l
ang segundo bago sumagot
."Sur
e.I
'm atyour
di
sposal.
"
"
Great
"Shesmi
l
ed."
Saant
ayokakai
n?"

"
Unfort
unat
ely,wal
apangbukasnamakakai
nanngayon.
"Ani
tonabumur
asangi
tini
ya.
"
It
'sj
ust5AM.Restaur
ant
shereopensat6AM or7AM.
"

"
Oh.That
'sdi
sappoi
nti
ng.
"

"Butwehaveamarkethere.Theysel
lfr
eshfi
shesandotherseaf
ood."Bigl
angdagdag
niCormacnapar
abangayaw ni t
ongma-disappoi
ntsi
ya."Puwedetayongbumil
ido'n,
tayongal
angangmaglul
uto."

"
Wal
angkusi
nasacabi
nko.
"Ani
yasakanapasi
mangot
."Bummer
."

"
Mayr
oonsaki
n."Sabini
to.
"

Real
l
y?That'sni
ce.
"Ngumi
tisi
ya."
Bumi
l
inal
angt
ayosamar
kett
aposakonal
angang
magl
ulut
o."

Hest
aredather
."Youcancook?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Yeah.
..oneofmyski
l
ls.
"

"
You'
l
lcookf
orme?"Par
anghi
ndi
itomakapani
wal
a.

Tumangouli
tsi
yahabangmayt ipi
dngngi tisamgal abi
."I
'm savi
ngmycul
i
naryskil
l
s
formyhusband..
.but
,looksl
ikehe'snotplanningtoshow hi
mselftomeso..
.yeah."
sheshr
ugged,"whywouldIwastemytalentforsomeoneli
kehim?"

Ti
ti
gnat
it
igsi
yasamukhaniCor machabangnagsasal
i
ta.Naki
tani
yaangpagt
ali
m ng
mgamat
anitoatangpaggal
aw ngpanga.

He'
sangr
y.

"
Sige.
"Ani
tosawal
angemosyongboses."
Magbi
bihi
slangako.
"

"Okay.
"Tugonni
yasakapi
nagmasdanangl
i
kodngbi
nat
ananat
atakpanngmal
apad
natuwalya.

Thef
rame.
..t
hebui
l
t,i
t'
sfami
l
iar
.
Bumugasi
yangmarahasnahini
ngasakal umapi
tsaduyannanasagi
l
idngcabi
nni
Cor
macatdoonumupohabanghi
nihi
ntayi
to.

Habangmag-isangnagduduyan,l
umi
padnanamanangi
si
pni
yasal
alaki
ngnal
i
li
gosa
dagatkani
na.

Thatt
att
oo.
..

I
sheRaci
niorj
ustanot
hermanwhohappenst
ohavet
hesamet
att
ooasherhusband?

Thankst
oPi
etr
o,maypar
aannasi
yapar
amaki
l
alasiNi
ccol
o.Thatt
att
oot
hough.

Naguguluhansiya.Lalonangmakitaniyangbagongpal
igol
angdi
nsi Cor
macsadagat.
Per
ohi ndinamani t
onaligosapar
teng'yonngdagatkungsaanni
yanakit
aanglal
aki
ng
maykapar ehongtattoosaasawaniya,peromaymunt i
nghi
nal
asiyangnarar
amdaman
napil
i
tniyangwi nawaksi.

Hecoul
dn'
tbe,r
ight
?

Cor
maccan'
tbeRaci
ni.

Herhusband i
sa busi
nessman and Cormac i
sa mil
i
tar
yDoct
or.Hi
ndilang 'yon,
magkai
baangpangalanni
langdal
awa.Oneper
soncan'
thavet
wonames.I
t'
sil
legal.

ButIst
il
lhavet
omakesur
e.Ther
e'sst
il
ldoubt
s..
.lot
sofdoubt
s.

Butshe doesn'
tbel
ieve i
n coi
nci
dence.Raci
nii
nvi
ted herhere,i
nthe i
sl
and.And
Cormachappenstobeamemberoft hisi
sl
andandtheonlyper
sonsheknows.Andhe
speaksI
tal
i
an.

Ihavet
omakesur
eifi
tshi
m ornot
.Iwon'
tletyoupl
aymeagai
n,Raci
ni.Nott
hist
ime.

She'
sdonebeinghist
oy.Tamanaangtagotaguan.Tamanaangpagl
alar
o.Hi
ndina
si
yabumabat
a.Kail
angannani
yangmaayosangbuhayniya.

"
Let
sgo?"

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yangmar
ini
gangbosesniCor
macatkaagadnanginit
ianit
ong
magtamaangmgamatani
l
a."
Sige.
"Umal
issi
yasaduyanatl
umapi
tdi
to."
Magl al
akad
l
angbatayo?"

Ti
nur
oni
toangnakapar
adanggol
fcar
tsat
abingcabi
nni
to."
Mapapagodkakung
magl
alakadt
ayo.
"

"
Ah.Okay.
"

Nangmakasakaysi l
angsagol
fcartatbumabiyahenapatungosamarket
,pasi
mpl
e
si
yangsumusul yapkayCormac.Pinagmamasdanniyaangguwaponi
tongmukhaat
nakakapang-akitnaber
dengmata.

"
Stoplooki
ngatme,I
ris.
"Bigl
ani
tongsabihabangnakat
utokangmat
asakal
sada."
It
's
maki
ngmeuncomf or
table.
"

"You'
reaniceview t
olookat."She'
sshamelessl
yst
ari
ngatCormac.I
'm sor
ry,Cormac.
Ihave t
o do thisto make sureifyou'
re myhusband ornot
."You'r
e actual
l
yver y
handsome.
"

"
Thanks.
"Wi
kani
toper
owal
anamangemosyonangbosesni
to."
You'
rebeaut
if
ult
oo.
"

Thatact
uall
ymadehersmile.Notaf
orceone."
Thankyou.So.
."umayossi
yangupo,
"saankanatut
ongmag-i
tal
i
an?"

"
From myf
ather
."

"
Crai
gisnotanI
tal
i
ansur
name.
"

"
He'
shal
f.
"

Raci
ni'
spar
ent
sar
epur
ebl
oodedI
tal
i
an."
Oh.
"

"
Yousounddi sappoi
nted.
"Pansi
nni
tosakani
ya."
Baki
t?I
babaangi
naasahanmong
i
sasagotko?"

"Hindinaman."Ngumi
tisi
ya."
AndI
'm not
disappoint
ed.
"

"
Liar
."

"
Soar
eyou.
"Shecount
ered.

"
What
?"Hel
ooksner
vousal
loft
hesudden.

"
Sabimokahaponnagsi
si
nungal
i
ngkasaki
n."Paal
alani
yar
it
o."
Thatmakesyoual
i
ar.
"
"
Oh.
"

"
Someonesoundsr
eli
eve.
..
"Pansi
nni
yasaemosyonngbosesni
to.

"
I'
m not
."Her
epl
i
ed.

Hi
ndinasi
yanaki
pag-ar
gument
osabi
nat
a.Unt
i-unt
ingnawawal
aanghi
nal
ani
yar
it
o.

Hi
ndingasi
gur
oit
osiRaci
ni.I
fhermemor
yser
vesherr
ight
,Cor
mac'
smot
heri
sfi
l
ipi
na.

"
So...
"Cor
mact
rai
l
edashedr
ives,"
Bogot
á,huh?How di
dyouendupmar
ri
edt
oan
I
tal
i
an?"

"
How di
dyouknowI
'mf
rom Bogot
á?"Bumal
i
knanamananghi
nal
ani
ya.

"
Yoursi
ster
'smedi
cal
fil
e."

"Oh.
"Disappoint
mentagai n.Mababaliw yatasiyabagomat aposangar aw na'
todahil
samgahi nal
aniya."Ahm,i twasanar r
angemar ri
age.Myfatheri sascaryman.Ican't
sayno to hi
m.Si gurot i
nanggap ko rin kasigusto kong makat akassa magulo at
marahasnabuhaynami nsaBogot ánoon.Igr ow upinaveryviolentenvi
ronmentandit
scar
esme.Papádi dpr omisethatIwil
lhaveapeacef ulli
fei
nItaly."

"
And.
..di
dyouhadapeacef
ull
i
fe?"

Mapakl asi yangtumawa." Peacefulli

fe?Idon'tevenknow whatthatmeans."Nagbaba
siya ng tingin sa mga kamao niyang hindiniya napansi
ng nakakuyom pal
a."Nang
tanggapi nkoangkasal ,naka-planonasai sipkokunganongkl asengbuhayanggust o
kokasamaangasawako.Ipr omisetomysel fthatevenifi
tsj
ustanar r
angemarr
iage,I
wi l
lrespectmyhusbandandIwi l
ltr
ymyhar desttobeagoodwi febecauseIwanttobe
l
ikemyMamá.WhenIsi gnourmar r
iagecont r
act,eventhoughhewasn' tpresent
becausehe' sbusy,Ipr
omi setobel oyalandfait
hful.

"Peronasiralahatnggust okosabuhaykosalooblangngi l
angbuwanmul angi kasal
kami.Myhusbanddi dn'tshow hi
msel
ftomeandIst ar
tedtobecomemi serabl
e,l
onel y
andangr y."Mahinasiyangnatawangwal angemosyon."Ist
ayedloyalandfai
thfulfor
eightyears..
.andwhatIgeti saninvit
ati
ontoasexi sl
and.Fuckhim.He' ssuchan
asshol
e."

"Heis."SabadniCormacnai ki
nagulatni
ya."Yourhusbandisadi ck.Notshowing
himsel
ftoyouforei
ghtyear
s,l
ett
ingyoubealoneinthathugemansi
onwi t
honlymaids
and a butl
er.
..kahi
tsaan anggulo mo '
yon ti
ngnan,hindimagbabago na isang
tang'
nanggagoangasawamo. "
Cormac'swordsshockedher
,notbecausehel
ooksear
nest
...buthow t
hehel
ldi
dhe
knew t
hatshe'
sli
vi
nginamansionwit
honlymai
dsandabutl
erasacompanion?

Notevenhersi
sterknowst
hat
!Andt
hey'
recl
ose!

Onl
yRaci
ni!

I
sCor
macf
ri
endswi
thRaci
ni?ButCor
macsai
dhedi
dn'
tknowherhusband.

I
sCor
macRaci
ni?

Napat
it
igsi
yakayCor
macnagumagal
awangpanga.

Raci
ni.
..i
sthatyou?

Apersoncan'
thavetwonames.ButRaci
nii
saweal
thyman.Hehast
heconnect
ion
andmoneytomakeithappen.

"We'r
ehere.
"Anunsi
yoniCor
macsakabumal
i
ngsakani
ya."
Sasamakasaki
noako
nal
angangbibi
l
i?"

"
Sasamaako.
"Mabi
l
isni
yangsabisai
si
pingbakangat
amaanghi
nal
ani
yakani
na.

Ihavetomakesurebefor
eImakeamove.Kai
l
anganni
yanggami
ti
nangut
akni
yapar
a
matal
osiRaci
nisalar
ongsini
mul
anni
to.

"
Let
'sgo.
"

Nangparehosi
l
angmakababanggolfcar
t,hi
nawakanni
toangkamayni
yasakai
gini
ya
si
yapat
ungosaloobngmerkadonabil
anglangangnagt
it
inda.

Sumal
ubongsakani
l
aangmgasar
iwaatbagonghul
i
ngmgai
sda.

"Magandangaraw,Si
rCor mac.
"Nakangi
ti
ngbatingmedyomayedadngl
alakikay
Cormacnaparabangclosenacl
oseangdalawa.

"
Magandangar
aw,'
TayNar
di.
"Nakangi
ti
ngbal
i
k-bat
iniCor
macsal
alaki
.

"
Anohoangsai
nyo,Si
r?"
BagosumagotsiCor
mac,bumal
i
ngmunai
tosakani
ya."
Anonggust
omo?"

l
sa-i
sani
yangt
ini
ngnanangmgabagonghul
i
ngi
sdabagoi
ti
nur
oangmi
l
kfi
sh."
Isang
ki
l
oponit
o."

"Yes,Ma'am."Kaagadnanagl agaysacel l
ophanesimangNardingisdananapi
lini
ya
habang nagsasal
i
taatkinakausap siCormac." But
inamanho,Sir,maykasamana
kayongbabaengayon.Palaginalangkasikayongmag-i
sa.Bagayhokayongdal
awa."

Ngumit
ilangsiCor
macatnagbayadsakanagpasal
amatbagosi
l
aumal
i
s.Pagkat
apos
aynagmanehosiCormacpat
ungosaisangSuperMarket
.

"Wow." Manghang-mangha si
ya."
Kompl
eto t
alaga ang i
sl
ang '
to sa l
ahat ng
kakai
l
angani
nngmganandi t
o?"

Cor
macnodded."
Yup.Lucas,Luci
en,andLuci
ferwanti
tthi
sway.Par
araw l
esshassl
e
samgamyembronahalostumir
anarit
o."

"
Ganunba?"Thatgothercur
ious.

"
Bumi
bisi
takal
angbar
it
oodi
tokanagl
alagi
?"

"
Depends.I
fI'
m notbusy.
"

"
Ah.
"Bumabaangmat
ani
yasakamayni
tonghawaknanamanangkamayni
ya.

Bakitpaki
ramdam ni
yaparangwal
asiyangginagawangmasamakahi
thawakngi
bang
l
alakiangkamayniya?Dahil
bapi
naghihi
nal
aanniyangsiCor
macaysiRaci
ni?

Napai
l
ingsi
ya.Paanokunghi
ndipal
a?

Saisi
ping'
yon,pasi
mpleni yangi
nagaw angkamayniyanghawakni
toatal
am ni
yang
nahal
atani
to'yonkasibahagyansi
yanit
ongnil
i
ngon.

Ngini
ti
anlangniyasiCor macsakawalangimiknasi namahanniyai
tongmami li
.Siya
angnaglagayngl ahatngkakail
angani
nniyasapagl ul
utosapushcart,t
uladngmga
gul
ayati ba pang pampalasa,kumuha r
in si
ya ng porkatchi
cken atibang pang-
agahan,bago'yonbinayar
anniCormac.

Atnangmakabal
i
ksi
l
asaCabi
nni
to,kaagadni
yanghi
nugasanl
ahatnggagami
ti
nni
ya
sapagl
ulut
o.
Dapatmai
langsi
yananakaupolangsiCor
macsapandal
awangmesaatnakamasi
dsa
kani
yaper
omasgi naganahansi
yangkumi
l
os.

I
fyou'
reRaci
ni,Iwi
l
lgi
veyouar easont
oint
roduceyoursel
ftome.Atkapagdumat
ing
angar
aw na'
yon,angsar
il
inamanniyaangi
i
sipi
nniya.

Ei
ghtyear
sisaver
ylongt
ime.

NAKANGITING I
HINAIN niIri
sang mgani l
utoniyasamesa."Fri
edSt uffedMilkf
ish.
Gri
ll
edPorkBel
lyandoneoft heveryf
amousdi shinthePhi
l
ippi
nesthatIlearnt
ocook
becauseofmysister
..
.Tinol
angmanok!"Pumal akpakpasi
yakasinasisi
yahansiyang
masarapangpagkakalut
oniyasanapi
l
iniyangputahe.

"
Par
angpang-l
unchangpagkai
nnat
in.
"Koment
oniCor
mac."
Hindipang-agahan.
"

Ti
nignanni
yai t
ongmasama." Bukasnayongl unchnabaconwit
hhot
dogandeggs
andgarl
icr
ice.Hindiakokumai
nkagabi,eh.Nagugut
om naako.
"

"
Ipagl
ulut
omopaakobukas?"Gul
atni
tongt
anong.

"Yep.
"Shesmiledandsatonthechai
ronhisl
eft
."Si
nceyouhaveakit
chenher
e,I'
l
l
cookasmuchasIcan.Dal awangli
nggol
angnamanakongnarit
o,dal
awangli
nggo
l
angkitangmai
i
stur
bo.
"

Nakat
it
igpar
ini
tosakani
ya."
Akal
akouuwikakaagad.
"

"Baki
tnaman?"Nag-angatsi
yangt
ingi
nkayCor
macsakangi
nit
iani
to."
Nandi
toang
asawako,baki
takoaal
is?"

Napai
gtadsi
yangmabi
tawanniCor
macanghawakni
tongkut
sar
a.

Hersmi
l
eremai
ns."
Ayoskal
angba?"

"
Y-yes.
"Nagbabai
tongt
ingi
n."
Let
seat
."

Malapadsi
yangnapangit
isakanag-umpisangkumai n.Satuwingnauubusani
tong
kani
noulam sapi
nggan,nil
alagyanni
yai
tokaagadatngi
ningi
tankapagbumabal
i
ngsa
kani
ya.

"
Kai
nkal
ang.
"Ani
yahabangpasi
mpl
engpi
nagmamasdansiCor
mac.
Kung i
kaw ang asawa ko,bibigyan ki
ta ng dahi
l
an par
a magpaki
l
ala saki
n.May
dal
awanglinggosiyaparagawin'yon.Kunghanggangsadalawangli
nggonayonay
walapari
n,susukonasiyaataayawna.

"
God.
..I
'dneverbeensoful
l.
"Katat
aoslangkumai
nni Cormacsakat
umi
ngi
nsakani
ya,
"
angsar
apmongmagl uto.Thatwasonehell
ofabrunch."

"
Thanks.
"

Akmangt
atayosi
yangmaunai t
oatinagaw sakani
yaanghawaknaki
nai
nan."
Akona.
I
kawnangaangnaglut
o,eh.Yourest
."

HinayaanniyalangsiCormacatpinagmasdani
tohabangnaghuhugas.Nangmabagot,
t
umayosi yasakanaglakad-l
akadsaCabin.Medyomal aki'
yonkeysasacabinniya.
Kompl et
or i
nngkagamitan.

Thenhereyesf
ell
ont
hebed.

Busognabusogsi
yakayaangsar
apmat
ulog.

Umuposi yasagi
li
dngkamasakat
inanggalangsandal
snasuotsakanahi
gasakama
ati
pini
kitangmgamata.

Hi
ndini
yaal
am kungbaki
tkompor
tabl
esi
yanggawi
n't
o.

There'
sabi
gpossi
bil
it
ythatCormacisn'
treal
l
yherhusbandbutst
il
l
,she'
scomf
ort
abl
e
wit
hhim.Maybebecausehesavedherfr
om beinghur
tonce.

Hi
ndial
am niI
ri
snanakat
ulogpal
asi
yasakamaniCormachanggangsanagisi
ngang
di
waniyaatnar
amdamanniyangmaymasuyonghumahapl
ossapi
sngini
ya.

"
Don'
tteasemet
oomuch,I
ri
s..
.Imi
ghtcr
umbl
eandbegyout
ost
ay.
..
"

Whatdoeshemeanbyt
hat
?

Bahagyansiyangdumaingatumakt
ongkagi
gisi
nglangsakanaghi
kabpaati
ninatang
mgabr asobagominul
arangmgamat a."
Cor
mac. .
.a-anongor
asna?"

"
Pastl
unch.
"
"Oh."Ki
nusotni
yaangmgamat asakabumangon."
Sor
ry,nakat
ulogako.Hi
ndikasiako
nakatul
ogngmaayoskagabi
,eh."

"
It
'sokay.
"

"
Thanks.
"Shesmi
l
edatCor
mac."
Ifeel
ref
reshnow.
"

UmangatangkamayniCormacpar
aayusi
nangnagul
oniyangbuhokdahi
lsapagt
ulog
sakapi
nakat
it
igansi
ya."
Doyouwantt
ohavedi
nner
..
.wit
hme?Toni ght
?"

Ngumi
tisi
ya."
I'
ll
thi
nkabouti
t.Bakamagal
i
tangasawakokapagnal
amanni
ya.
"

"
Sti
l
lbei
ngl
oyal
..
."

Hi
ndinawalaangngi
tisamgal
abini
ya."
Isn'
tloyal
tyandf
idel
i
tyt
her
ealdef
ini
ti
onof
marr
iage?"

"
Buthe'snother
e."wikaniCor
macsamababangbosesnapar abangnang-aaki
t.
"
Hindi
namanniyamalal
aman.Hi
ndingasi
yanagpapaki
tasayo.
"

Sheshrugged."I
'm st
il
lmar r
ied.Peropag-iisi
panko.
"umal i
ssiyasakamaati
nayos
angnagusotnadami t
," anyways,doonmunaakosaCabi n.BakatumawagsiRaci
ni,
kai
l
angankosiyangmakausapt ungkol
sadivorcenai
pa-f
il
eko. "

Cor
macsi
l
ent
lynoddedandopent
hedoorf
orher
.

Nagpasal
amatsi
yari
toattumakbopatungosacabinni
yadahi
lmaini
tangaraw.Nang
makapasoksacabi
n,napasandalsi
yasanakasar
angpint
oniyonhabangnakat
it
igsa
ki
same.

Shej
ustt
hrowsabai
t.
..woul
dhebi
tit
?

Sayi
ngt hattoCor
mac,it
sli
ket
ell
i
ngPiet
rot
ot ellhi
smast
ertocallher
.Atwalapang
pagkakataonnahi
ndit
umawagsiRaci
nisakaniyakapagsi
nabini
yangkai
langanni
ya
i
tongmakausap.

I
fCormaci
sRaciniorifhe'
sfr
iendwithhi
m,thenherhusbandwi
l
lcal
l
.Hindimanang
di
vor
ceangpag-usapannil
aperotat
awagitopar
ali
tuhi
nnanamansi
ya.

Buti
fhedidn'
t,t
henRaci
nii
snotconnectedt
oCor
maci
nanywayandt
her
ewi
l
lbeno
di
nnerbet
weenherandCormactoni
ght.
Nati
gil
ansi
yaatbahagyangnapai
gtadngt
umunogangt
elepononasabedsi
det
abl
eng
kama.

Nil
api
tanni
yaiyonatkalmadongini
-angatangawt
omat
ibongt
eleponoatsi
nagotang
t
awag."Hel
lo?Ir
isGonzaga-Raci
nispeaki
ng."

Nangsumagotangnasakabi
l
angl
i
nya,gumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abini
ya.

Hebi
tthebai
t.

Nowi
tst
imet
otur
nthet
abl
etoheradvant
age.

Youwantt
opl
ay?Thenl
et'
spl
ay,mi
omar
it
o.

CHAPTER5

I
TWASAsi mpl
edinnerwithCor
maci
nGyros.I
ri
swasinal
ertmodethemomentshe
ent
eredtheRest
aurant
.It
onglar
onasi
nimul
anniNi
ccol
o,hindini
yahahayaangsi
ya
angmatalo.

Aft
erRaci
nicall
edherearl
ier
,shecan' tstopt
hinki
ngaboutther
elat
ionshi
pbet
ween
Cormacandherhusband.Ormaybet hey'r
ethesameperson.Ormaybenotandshe'
s
j
ustbei
ngcrazymaki
ngtheori
esinherhead.

Shedoesn'
tknow anymor
e!Mababal
i
w nasi
yasakakai
si
pkungsi
nobat
alagaang
asawani
ya!

ButRaci
nial
readyt
ookt
hebai
t.
..nowi
t'
sti
met
ogat
herevi
dence.

"
Whatdoyouwantt
oeat
?"Tanongsakani
yaniCor
macnagumi
si
ngsadi
wani
ya.

"
Ikaw naangbahal
a."Sabini
yakayCor
macsabayngi
ti
."Sur
pri
seme.
"

"
Sige.
"Bi
nasani
toangmenusakanag-angatngt
ingi
nsawai
ter
.

Pi
naki
ngganni
yaangpaki
kipag-usapniCormacsawait
eratlahatngi
norderni
toay
umaakmasamgapabor
it
oniyangpagkain.Atbi
l
angnat
aolangangnakakaal
am no'
n.

Sor
ry,butdon'
tbel
i
evei
ncoi
nci
dence.
"
Maygustokabangidagdag?"Tanongni
tosakani
yahabangnasahar
apanpar
inng
mesani
l
aangwait
er.

Tumangosi
yasakat
ini
ngal
aangwai
ter
."Doyouhavescal
l
ops?"

Mul
asagil
i
dngmgamat
ani
ya,napansi
nni
yangnapat
igi
lsapag-i
nom ngt
ubi
gsi
Cor
mac.

"
Yes,Ma'
am.
"

"
Isamamosaordernami
n."Sumi
msi
m si
yangt
ubi
gsakabumal
i
ngkayCor
mac."
Okay
l
angnamandi
ba?"

"
Ihat
escal
l
ops.
"Hel
ooksi
rr
it
ated.

"Bakit
?Masarap kaya '
yon.
"Thatwasa l
i
e.Hi
ndisi
ya kumakai
n ng scal
l
opsdahi
l
all
ergi
csi
ya.

She'
sjustt
ryi
ngt
obai
tCor
mac.

"
Bur
ahi
nmo.
"Mat
ali
m angbosesnaut
osni
tosakawawangwai
ter
."Ihat
escal
l
ops.
"

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
yaper
oli
him si
yangnapapangi
ti
."Scal
l
opsi
sgoodand-"

"
Noscal
l
ops.
"Wal
angemosyonangmukhani
to,"
I'
m al
l
ergi
c-"

"I
'm not
."Sabadni
yasakakini
ndat
anangwai
ter
."Goon.I
'm wai
ti
ngf
ormyscal
l
ops.
Tel
lthecheft
omakeitdel
i
cious.
"

"
Yes,Ma'
am,Si
r.
"Anangwai
teratnagpaal
am na.

Pasi
mplesi
yangbumal i
ngkayCormac.He' sr
eall
ynothappyt
hatsheorder
edscall
ops.
Doesheknow thatshe'
saller
gict
oscall
ops?ThatshewassenttoaHospitalbecause
ofsever
eal
ler
gyofscallopsandherhusbandsenttenel
i
teDoct
orstot
akecareofher?

We'l
lsee..
.Alam niRaciniangall
ergyko.I
l
angtaolangangnakakaal
am no'n.Andnow
Cor
maci sclaimi
ngt hathe'sall
ergi
cwithscal
l
ops.Perohi
ndiparinsapatnapr uweba
'
yonnaiisangtaolangangdal awa.

Theycoul
dbef
ri
ends,whoknows?
"
Scal
l
opsi
sbadf
oryou.
"KapagkuwanaysabiniCor
macsakani
ya."
Don'
teati
t.
"

"
How bad?"

"
Justbad.
"

"
Don'tworry,I
'l
lbefine.
"TugonniyakayCormachabangnakatit
igsaguwaponi tong
mukha.Andwhenhest aredbackather
,hi
sgreeneyesisatitagai
n,begui
li
ngher ."
I
l
i
keyoureyes."Bigl
aniyangsabinakahi
tsi
yaaynagulatper
ohindini
yapinahal
ata."I
t
t
ransf
ixesme."

Hi
seyesbor
edi
ntoher
,unf
li
nchi
ng."
Areyouf
li
rt
ingwi
thme?"

Shesmi
l
ed."
Maybe.
..
"

"
You'
remar
ri
ed.
"Hepoi
ntedout
.

Bumabaang t
ingi
nniyasasingsi
ng nanasadal
ir
isakaini
-angatang kamayatsa
har
apanmismoniCor
machinubadniyaangweddi
ngri
ng.

"This?"lyonangunangbesesnahi nubadniyaangweddi ngring." Wal

anaman' tong
halaga kasiwal a naman ang asawa ko.Kapag t umatawag si ya,palagi
ng kong
sinasabinggust
okonanganakper opi napat
ayanniyaakopalagi."Shesighedheavil
y
and dr amati
cal
y."Magpabunti
snalang kayo ako saiba?lkaw...kayamo baakong
bunt i
si
n?"

Cor
macwasunmovi
ng.Hewasj
ustst
ari
ngather
,asi
finshockbyherwor
ds.

"Whatdoyout
hink,Cor
mac?"Shel
eanedintohi
m."I
kaw l
angangkilal
akori
tosaIsl
a,
atdahi
lwal
anamanangasawako,i
kaw nal
ang.We'
reinTemptati
onIsl
andaf
teral
l
.Sa
ti
ngi
nkonamankayamoakongbunti
si
nsaloobngdalawangl
inggo."

Hewasj
ustst
ari
ngather
.St
unned.

"
Wel
l
?"

Tumi
i
m angbagangni
tobagosumagot
."Idon'
tfuckmar
ri
edwomen.
"

"Ah..
."tumango-tangosi
yasakangumi
tiati
binal
i
kangsi
ngsi
ngsadal
i
rini
ya,"
youj
ust
datethem,isthati
t?"

"
Iri
s-"
"
Ihaveaquesti
on.Pleasedon'
tli
etome.
"Pi
na-ser
yusoni
yaangmukhaatboses.
"
Magkaki
l
alabakayongasawako?"

Wal
angpag-aal
i
nlangansasagotni
to."
Hindi
."

"
Butyou'
rebot
hmemberofTempt
ati
onI
sland.
"

"
Butt
hatdoesn'
tmeanweknow eachot
her
."

"
Sohi
ndikayomagkai
l
ala?"Pani
nigur
adoni
ya."
Hindikanagsi
si
nungal
i
ngsaki
n?"

"
Hindi
."He'
slooki
ngst
rai
ghti
ntohereyes."
Idon'
tknowhi
m."

I
fyoudon'
tknow hi
m,t
henyouar
e'hi
m'."
Okay"Shesmi
l
ed."
Thankyouf
ornotl
yi
ngt
o
me,Cor
mac."

Nagbabalang i
to ng t
ingi
nsakapar
ang nakahi
ngang mal
uwang ng dumat
ing ang
or
dernil
a.

I
ri
sli
psformedintoagenui
nesmilewhenCor
macputfoodonherpl
atebef
orehi
msel
í
.
Asi
kasong-asi
kasosi
yani
toathi
ndini
yamapi
gil
anangmatuwa.

Kung i
to nga ang asawa ni
ya,sayang ang pagi
ging maal
aga ni
to na hi
ndini
ya
nar
anasandit
o...ngayonl
ang.

"
Thankyou.
"Ani
ya.

"
Eat
"Ani
toatangsar
il
inamanangi
nasi
kaso.

Butshedoesn'
twantt
oeat
..
.shewant
stopl
ay.

Umangatangkamayniyasakai
nabotangscal
l
ops.Napai
gtadsi
yasabi
l
isngkamayni
Cor
macnapumi gi
lsakani
ya.

"
Don'
t.
"

"
But
-"

"
Iri
s.Don'
tpushi
t.
"
Napat
it
igsi
yakayCor
mac.

Doesheknow?Canhef
eel
thatshe'
spushi
ngi
t?Thatshe'
str
yingt
obai
thi
m?

Ofcour
se,herhusbandi
sasmar
tman.Mi
dispi
ace,Ni
ccol
o,I
'm smar
ttoo.

Iwi
naksiniyaang kamaynitong pumipi
gilsakani yasakakumuhasiyang scal
l
ops.
Gami tangkut
sara,ki
nuhaniyaiyonsashellatisusubonanghawakanniCormacang
kamayni yaatigi
niyasabibig ni
toangkut sar
anghawakni yaatit
oangkumai nng
scal
lops.

Hereyeswi
den."
Butyou'
real
l
ergi
c-"

"I
'm not
."Ni
l
unokni
toangscal
l
opssakai
ri
tadoangmat
angt
umi
ngi
nsakani
ya."
But
youare.
"

Raci
ni!

I
nagaw ni
yaangkamayni
yanghawakni
tosakat
umayo."
Excuseme.Sar
est
room l
ang
ako.
"

Hal
ostakbuhinniIr
isangdist
ansi
yapat ungongr
est
room per
opil
i
tniyanghi
nahamig
angsar
il
i.Sakal
angniyaini
l
abasangt unaynaemosyonsamukhaniyangmakapasok
sai
sasamgacubi cl
esaloobngrestr
oom.

Parang nanghihinang napaupo si

ya sa mayt
aki
p na bowlatnapahawaksa t
uhod
ni
yangnangi nginig.

What'
sgoi
ngon?Cor
macbi
therbai
taswel
lDoest
hismeant
hatt
hey'
ret
hesame
per
son?

Ineedmorepr
oof!EventhoughCor
macknewaboutheral
l
ergy,hecoul
dbel
yi
ngabout
notknowi
ngherhusband!

Hanggathi
ndinanggagali
ngmismosabi
bigniRaci
nioniCor
macnai
sangt
aol
angang
mgaito,wal
angkasigur
aduhanangmgahinal
aniya.

He'
sreal
l
ypl
ayi
ngme!I
sheenj
oyi
ngt
his?I
sheenj
oyi
ngmyconf
usi
onandmymi
ser
y?

Mahi
gpi
tnakumuyom angkamaoni
yasakal
umabasngcubi
cleatt
ini
ngnanangsar
il
i
samal
apadnasal
amin.
Youcandothis,I
ri
s.Wal
ongtaonkaniyangpi
naglar
uan.Youhavet
oret
urnt
hef
avour
andl
ethi
m experi
encet
hetast
eofhisownmedicine!

Lumabas si
ya ng r
est
room atakmang babal
i
k sa mesa ng maki
ta ni
yang may
magandangbabaenakausapsiCor
mac.

Andhe'
ssmi
l
ingasheconver
sewi
thher
.

Shef
eltapai
nful
pinchonherchest
.Ifhe'
sCor
mac.
..t
heni
shecheat
ingonher
?

Myhusband.

Tumali
m angmgamataniyaatnagpatul
oysapagl
alakadpabal
i
ksamesasakat
aas
nuongumuposai
niwanni
yangupuan.

"
Cor
mac?"

Cor
macgl
anceather
."Hmm?"

Hershar
peyesbor
edi
ntohi
sgr
eenones."
Idon'
tshar
e."

KaagadnabumalingsiCormacsababaenanakat
aasangki
l
aysakani
yaathal
atang
hi
ndinagust
uhananginakt
oniya.

"
Maybet
omor
row,Vi
vi
an.
"AniCor
mac."
MeetmeEr
oti
caf
é."

"I
paglul
utoki
tabukas.
"Sabadni
ya."Justt
ellmeifyou'
renoti
nter
est
edanymor
e,I
'm
sureIcanfi
ndsomeonewhowouldlovetot
aste-"

"No,t
hat'
snoti
t.Wecanhavebr
eakf
asttoget
her
,I'
l
lmeetVi
vi
anatlunch-"napat
igi
li
to
sapagsasal
i
tangmaki
taangmaspagtal
i
m pangmgamat aniya.

I
ri
ssmiledpol
it
ely."
Kungi
kaw si
gur
oangasawakoatgi
nagawamo'
tosahar
apanko,
hi
ndiakobayol
entengt
aoper
omakakapat
ayako.
"

Cor
macgul
pedandgl
ancedatVi
vi
an."
Sor
ry.
.."
I'
m busy.Maybesomeot
hert
ime-"

"
Maybenever
?"Shesmil
edatVivi
an."Pleaseexcuseus.You'
respoi
l
ingourdi
nner
."
Maspi
nat
amispani
yaangngi
ti
."Vaf
fanculo.
"
Ti
naasan l
ang siya ng kil
ay ng babae habang si Cor
mac naman ay hi
ndi
makapani
walangnapat
it
igsakani
ya.

"
Ican'
tbel
i
eveyout
oldhert
ofuckher
sel
f.
"

Umingossi
ya."I
t'
sinI
tal
i
an.Asifshe'
l
lunder
stand.
"Ti
naasanni
yangkil
aysiCor
mac.
"Shoul
dIhaveusedputt
anainst
ead?Ormaybeyouwantt ohearanot
hercur
sefrom
me.Foryouthi
sti
me."

"
Iri
s-"

"
Cor
mac.
"

Hesi
ghed."
What
?"

Shesmi
l
edsweet
lyathi
m."
Afanabl
a."Got
ohel
l
.

Cor
macl
ookf
lat
lyather
."That
'snotni
ce.
"

"
Iknow.
"Shesmi
l
edandcont
inuedeat
ing.
"

Hi
ndisi
yaumimikhabangkumakai
natkaagadsi
yangnag-ayangumuwipagkat
apos.
Al
am ni
yanghi
ndi'
yonnagust
uhanniCor
macperopaki
alam namanni
ya.

I
ri
tadopar
insi
yadahi
lkayVi
vi
an.

"I
tsst
il
lear
ly.
"Pigi
lsakani
yaniCor
macngmakal
abassasi
l
angGyr
os."
Gust
omomag
-cl
ubmunat ayo-"

"I
naant
oknaako"Walangbuhayni
yangsabisakanaunanangmaglakad."
Maunana
akosayookayanamanhanapi
nmosiVi
vi
an,siyanal
angangisamamosaClub.
"

Sumakaysi
yasasar
il
inggol
fcar
tatmi
naneho'
yonpat
ungosacabi
nni
ya.

Nangpatayi
nni
yaangmakinanggol
fcar
t,nabal
otngkadi
l
imanangpal
i
gidper
owal
a
si
yangt
akotnanagl
akad.

Sahalipnapumasokkaagadsai
nuukupangcabi
n,pumuntasi
yangdalampasi
ganat
tumi
gill
angngmaramdamansamgapaani yaangtubi
gsakapasal
ampaknanauposa
buhangin.
Wal
asiyangpaki
alam kungmamahali
ngdami
tangsuotniyaokungnababasamanang
mgapaaniyapat
ungonghi t
adahi
ltumat
amaroonangalonngdagat.

Shejustsatt
hereasshestaredatthedarkandst arl
essnight.Niwalangasiyang
buwan na maki
ta.Madi
l
im ang kal
angi
tan atkapal
igi
ran pero wal
a naman si
yang
maramdamangtakot
.

Walar
ingmgaCabi
nsapaligi
dnabukasangi
l
aw,l
ahat'
yonnakapat
aykayapanat
ag
si
yanawal
ari
ngmakakaki
tasakani
ya.

Andshel
i
kest
hisdar
knessengul
fi
ngher
.

Gusto ni
yang mapag-i
sa atmakapag-isi
p ng t
ama.Isang ar
aw pal
ang si
ya sa
paghi
hinal
ani
yaperopakir
amdam ni
ya,nauubosnaangl
akasni
ya.

Ngayonl
angniyanalamannanakakapagodpalangmaghinal
angmaghi nal
anawala
namang pr
uweba.Nakakapagod maki
pagl
aro sa t
aong mai
ngatang bawatgal
aw.
Kahi
tpangaminsannadudul
asit
odahil
nari
nsapanggigipi
tni
ya.

I
fonlyshecanstri
pCormacnakedt oseehi
sback.Butt
hatwoul
dbeawkwar
di fhe'
s
notRaci
ni.Andi
fheisRaci
ni,hi
ndi
nit
omapapayagannamaki
tani
yaangl
i
kodnit
o.

Thatasshol
eissmar
t.Butshehavet
obesmar
tert
hanhi
m.Shehavet
ouseherbr
ain.

Napat
igi
lsi
yasapag-i
i
sipngmakar
ini
gngkal
uskos.

Saisi
pingbakasiCor
macyonatnaglakadl
angpauwi
,pi
nagsawal
angbahal
ani
ya'
yon.
Nanati
lil
angsi
yangnakat
it
igsakawal
anatkadi
l
iman.

Butt
henast
rongsetofar
msembr
acedherf
rom behi
nd.

Handanasiyangsumi
gaw,magpumi
glasatmagwal
angbumul
ongangpangahassa
t
aingani
ya.

"
Amor
emi
o."

Hereyeswi
den,herhear
thammer
edandherbodywentr
igi
d.

Thatvoi
ce!Thatvoi
ce!"
R-Raci
ni.
.."sheact
ual
l
yst
ammer
ed.

Hi
ndisi
yanakagal
aw saki
nauupuan.Hi
ndini
yamagawangl
umi
ngonokumi
l
ospar
a
humarapdi
to.Nar
amdamanl
angni
yanaumuposal
i
kodni
yaangasawasakahumi
gpi
t
angyakapsakani
ya.

Nanl
alami
g si
ya.Hi
ndiniyaalam ang gagawin.Pinagpapawisansi
yakahi
tmal
ami
g
namanangsimoynghanginatpar
angkinakapossiyanghininga.

Omi
odi
o!

WhenNi
col
orest
edhi
schi
nonhershoul
der
,shewashyper
vent
il
ati
ng.

Hindiit
oangreaksi
yonnainaasahanni
yasasar
il
i.Gust
oniyangsampali
nangasawa,
kutusanosakt
ansakahitnaanongpartengkat
awannitoperowalasi
yanggi
nawasa
mga' yon.

"
Amor
emi
o..
."hewhi
sper
edagai
n,"
breat
h."

Napahawaksi
yasabr
asoni
tosakapi
nakawal
ananghi
ningangkani
napapal
ani
ya
pi
nipi
gil
an.

Andshecan'thel
pbutnoti
cehismuscl
edar
ms.Herhusbandi
snotl
ean.Anot
herbi
g
possi
bil
i
tyt
hathemightbeCor
mac.

"
Amor
e..
."napakal
ambi
ngngbosesni
to,"
midi
spi
ace.
"

Hindipa ri
n siya makagal
aw.Halo-hal
o ang emosyong nararamdaman niya per
o
nagpapasalamatsiya dahi
lnagawa pa r
in ni
yang i
buka ang bi
big atmagsal
it
a ng
pabulong.

"
You'
re pl
aying wi
th me..
."humigpitang hawak ni
ya sa pul
suhan ni
tol
alo na ng
maamoyniyaangpami l
yarnapabangonit
o.

"
I'
m sor
ry.I
'm sosor
ry.
"Hewaski
ssi
nghershoul
der
."Amor
emi
o."

"
Eightyear
s,Ni
ccol
o."Hernai
l
sdugi
ntohi
swr
ist
,"ei
ghtl
ongyear
s..
."

Hindini
yaalam kungbaki
tnamali
sbi
sangluhani
ya.Dahi
lsi
gurosapi
naghalonggal
itat
munting saya na may kasamang pagt
atampo atpagti
ti
mpina hindisigawan at
sumbatanangasawa.

Peropi
li
tniyangpinakal
maangsar
ili
.Wal
anamangmagbabagokungsusumbatanni
ya
i
to.Aal
alahani
nlangniyaanghi
ndini
yamagandangnakar
aannakagagawanni
to.
"
WasPi
etr
ogoodt
oyou?"Heaskedaf
teral
ongsi
l
ence.

Tumangosi
ya."
He'
sanexcel
l
entbut
ler
."

"
Good.Themai
ds?"

"
They'
reni
ce.
"

"
Andt
hehouse?"

"Ir
enovat
edt
hesecondf
loorandt
hebackyar
dandt
hepoolandIt
hrow al
lyourt
hings
away."

"
Ihear
d."Hisl
i
psbrushedagai
nstherneck,sendi
ngshi
ver
sdownherspi
ne."
Piet
ro
t
oldme.Andmyrel
ati
ves?"

Sheblowsal
oudbr
eat
h."
Annoyi
ngasusual
.Const
ant
lypl
ott
ingagai
nstmeandt
he
house.
"

Hechuckled."Pi
etr
otol
dmet
hatyouor
der
edhi
mtogetr
idoft
hesof
abecausemy
auntsi
tonit
."

"
Yes.Idi
d.I
t'
smyhouse.Icandoanyt
hingwant
."

"
Ofcour
se,i
tsyour
s.Mycompany?"

"St
illstanding,highand mi ghty."Sheblowsal oud breath."Anyways,whyar eyou
here?"Sheasked.Hi ndinani yakayangpigi
lanangkur yusi
dadniya." Whynow?Oh
wait,whyam I speaki
ngi nengl i
sh,magtagal
ogt ayo.Dibanakakai nt
indikanaman?I
mean,nandi t
okasai slana'to.Myembr okari
to.Siguradongnakakainti
ndika.Napaka-
i
mpossi blenghindi.Andl etmeaskyou,youasshol e,whyt hehelldidyouinvi
temei n
thi
sf r
eakingsexi sl
and-"

Napati
gilsi
yasapagsasal
it
anabi gl
analanghi
nawakanniNiccol
oangpi
sngini
yaat
bi
glangigi
niyapahar
apdi
toati
nil
apatni
toangmgalabisal
abini
ya.

Parangsi
yangnapasonal
umayoper
omapi
l
itsiNi
ccol
oatnagl
apatul
i
tangmgal
abi
ni
langdal
awa.

"
Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ng-"

"
I'
m yourhusband"Hewhi
sper
edoverherl
i
ps."
Ihavet
her
ightt
oki
ssyou,r
ight
,amor
e
mi
o?"

Hindisi
yanakapagsal
it
aatnawal
ansiyangl
akasnakumawal
asamgal
abini
tong
banayadnahumahali
ksamgalabini
ya.

I
ri
swasconf
usedandshockedandshedi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odowi
thNi
ccol
o'ski
sses.

Hi
ski
ssesar
esof
t,yetaggr
essi
ve.Cal
l
ousyetpassi
onat
e.

Maykunganongi ni
tnanabuhaysakat awanniyangbumabaangkamayni t
osahi t
a
ni
yaathi
napl
os'yon..
.atmaykil
it
isi
yangnaramdamansapusonniyangangksani
tong
kamayayhumaplosatbahagyangminasaheangisani
yangdi
bdi
b.

Mi
odi
o!

Shewant
edachi
l
dfr
om Ni
ccol
o..
.butt
his!Thi
sismaki
nghercr
azy!

Mi
odi
o!

Nanghumapl
osangdal
i
riniNi
ccol
osamaysi
ngi
tni
ya,mabi
l
isnaki
nipotni
yaangmga
hi
ya.

Natat
awangpinakawalanniNi
ccol
oangmgal
abini
ya."
Forsomeonewhowant
sa
chi
l
d,you'
redemure."

"I
,ahm,I -"she'
sthankf
ult
hati
tsdarkbecausehecan'tseeherblushprof
uselyl
ikenow,
"-Ih-havenoexper i
encei
no-oppositesexandeventhoughyou'remyhusbandyou' r
e
sti
ll
astrangertomeandIcan'tletyoutouchmeunlessI'
m comfortabl
ewithyouand-"

"
Amor
emi
o?"

"
S-Si
?"

"
I'
m yourhusband.
"

"
Iknow.
"

"
Thendon'thol
dback."Hewhi
sper
edandki
ssedherearl
i
kehe'
steasi
ngher
,"t
hinkof
t
hisasourhoneymoon."

Nowherf
acei
sheat
ingup."
Honeymoon?That
'sei
ghtyear
stool
ate-"
"
Bet
terl
atet
hannever
."

"
Ihat
eyou.
"

"
Iknow.
"

Shecan'tbeli
eveshe'stal
kingaboutsexwi t
hherhusbandatt
heirfi
rstmeet
ingaf
ter
ei
ghtyears!"Andweshouldn'tbedoingthis.Youshoul
dbeexpl
aini
ngt omewhythe
hel
ldi
dn'tyoushow your
selftomeineightyears-"

"
Don'
twor
ry.
.."
I'
ll
begent
le.
"

Si
mpl
ewor
dsyeti
tsentherbr
ainsandvei
nshaywi
re."
W-what
?"

"
I'
llt
ast
eyouandmakeyoucum.Iwantt
oheart
hemoansofmywi
fe.
..sowi
l
lyoul
et
me?"

"J-j
ustl
i
kethat?"Hi
ndimakapani
wal
angt
anongni
ya."
'Yonl
ang?Napar
abanghi
ndika
nagpaki
tasaki
nngwal ongt
aon-"

Nahi
gitni
yaanghi
ningaatpi
si
li
nni
toangi
sangdi
bdi
bni
yaathi
nal
i
k-hal
i
kanangl
eeg
ni
ya.

"
Niccol
o!St
opi
t-"

Nasakop na naman ng mga labini

to ang l
abiniya atsa pagkakat
aong'
yon ay
nakahar
apnasiyari
toatnaput
olnaangibapaniyangsasabi
hin.

Naaninagniyaangbul
tongkatawannit
o,angbuhokatanghugi
sngmukhaper
ohi
ndi
sapatiyonparamal
i
nawniyangmakit
aangmukhangasawa.

Shewant
edt
oseehi
m.Tol
ookedi
ntohi
seyes.

Butsher
eal
ize,hewouldn'tbeher
erightnowifi
t'
snotdar
k.Hindii
tolal
api
tsakani
yaat
magpapaki
l
alangsiNicoloatkakausapinsi
yaatyayakapinsiyasakahahal
ikankung
hi
ndimadal
im angkapali
giran.

He'
shi
dingf
rom her
..
.shenot
icedandr
eal
i
zedt
hatnow.

Andshewi
l
llethi
m unt
ilhecannol
ongerhi
def
rom her
..
.justwai
t,Ni
ccol
o,Iwi
l
lgi
ve
youar
easont
ofacemei
nthel
i
ght
..
.wher
eIcanseeyourf
ace.

Butf
ort
oni
ght
..
.thi
swi
l
ldo.

Amini
nmanniyaohi ndi
,masayasi
yananar i
toangasawaniya.Kahi
thi
ndiniyai
to
naki
kit
angmaayos.Walasi
yangpag-aal
i
nlangangnar
aramdamanokaguluhankung
i
tobaangasawaniya.

I
ri
sknew itsNiccol
o.The wayhe t al
ks,t
he wayhe ask,the emot
ion i
n hi
sdeep
bar
it
onvoi
ce.Hemaybefacelessbutsheknew,i
t'
sherhusband.

Noconf
usi
onandnodoubt
s.

"Malakasang l
oob mo kasihi
ndiki
ta naki
kit
a."Kaposang hi
ninga ni
yang sabing
bahagyangnaghi
walayangmgalabini
l
a.

Hechuckl
ed."
Yes.That
'st
rue.
"

"
Tang'
nanggagoka.
"Ul
i
tni
yasasi
nabiniCor
mackani
nangumaga.

Ni
ccol
ojustl
aughed."
Iknow t
hatt
oo.
"

"
Ihat
eyou.
..doyouknowt
hatt
oo?"

"
Yes.
"

"
Sowhyar
eyouher
e?"

"
Ican'
thol
dbackanymor
e."Par
ait
ongnahi
hir
apangami
nin'
yonsakani
ya.

Umi
ngossi
ya."
You'
reanasshol
e."

"
Iknow.
"

Tumayoi
toatki
nabahansi
yanabakaumal
isnanamani
toper
onapanat
agsi
yakaagad
ngbuhat
insi
yani
toatnag-umpi
sangmagl
akad.

"Youcanseei nthi
sdarkness?"Manghangt
anongni
yangmapansi
ngwal
angpag-
aali
nlanganangmgahakbangnit
o.
"
Yes.Myeyesar
etr
ainedt
oseei
nthedar
k."

Hi
seyesar
etr
ained?Li
kei
nthemi
l
itar
y?

"
Soyoucanseeme?"Sheasked.

"
Yes.
"

"
That
'sunf
air
."

"
Lif
eis.
"

Sa sement
o umapakang mga paa ni
ya ng i
binaba si
ya ni
to atang l
i
kod ni
ya ay
nakahar
apdit
o.

"Nasalabasnat
ayongCabinmo."I
mpormanit
osakani
yahabangyakapangbeywang
niya."
Openthedoor
.Buti
fyouopenthel
i
ght
s,I'
ll
begone,amor
emio."

Tumal
i
m angki
sl
apngmgamat
ani
ya."
You'
repl
ayi
ngmef
oraf
ool
,Raci
ni.
"

"
No.I'
m negot
iat
ing.
"Hewhisper
edashehol
dherhand,"
eightyear
sisaverylongt
ime
f
ormet oo,Ir
is.Sat i
ngi
nmo tal
agapi
nakasal
anki
tadahil'yonang gust
o ng mga
magul
angko?"

"
Yes-"

"
No. "Heinter
twi
ned t
hei
rhands."Iknow you.
..nagki
tanat
ayo dat
ibago pat
ayo
i
kinasal
.Hi
ndimolangakomaal
ala.
"

"
You'
rel
yi
ng-"

"
Iwasoneofyourpat
ient
s."

Hereyeswiden."
W-what?"Pil
i
tni
yangkinakal
kalangi
sipkungsi
no-si
noangmga
nagi
ngpasyent
eni
yanoonperowal
asiyangmaalal
amasyado.

I
t'
sbeenal
ongt
ime.

"Pl
ease,amor
emi
o"hewaspl
eadi
ng,"
justf
ort
oni
ght
..
.Iwannabewi
thyou.I
nthi
s
dar
kness."
Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Hindimonga'
yonsaki
nbi
nigay,baki
tki
tapagbi
bigyanngayon?"

"
Kasihi
ndikonakayangpi
gil
anangsar
il
iko-"

"Hi
ndi'yonsapatnarasonpar
asaki
n."Pagmamat
agi
sni
ya."
Pinagl
alar
uanmoakoat
nagsasawanaako."

Nangangapaman,nabuksanni
yaangCabi
nathumakbangsi
yapapasok.

I
ri
scanst
il
lsenseRaci
ni'
spr
esence,he'
sst
il
lst
andi
ngbehi
ndher
.

Malapitl
angangdi st
ansi
yangkamayni
yasai
l
aw ngCabi
nper
ohi
ndini
yanagawang
abuti
n'yonatbuksanangilaw.

Mer
da!Baki
tbaayawkosi
yangmawal
a?!Baki
tbagust
okosi
yangmanat
il
i?

"
Comei
n."Ani
yasamahi
nangbosesatnagl
akadsi
yapapasoksamadi
l
im naCabi
n.

Tumigi
lsiyasapaghakbang ng mari
nig nasumaraang pint
oatng maymasuyong
yumakap sa kani
ya atbi
nuhatna naman si
ya saka i
hini
ga sa mal
ambotna kama,
nagpaubayasiya.

Atnangmaramdamanniyangkumubabaw i
tosakani
ya,napabunt
ong-hi
ninganal
ang
si
yaathi
nayaani
tosagust
onggawin.

We'
remar
ri
ed.Thi
sispar
tofmyr
esponsi
bil
i
tyashi
swi
fe.

Umangatangkamayniyasakaini
lapat'yonsapisngini
to.Hi
nahapl
osniyaangmukha
ni
tomulanuo,pababasamatangosni t
ongil
ongatmal ambotnamgal abi
.Angkamay
ni
yaayhumaplospabal
iksapi
snginito,sapanga,sababaattumigi
liyonsamgamata
ngasawa.

Doeshehasgr
eeneyes?Li
keCor
mac?

HinawakanniNi
ccol
oangkamayniyasakaigi
niyai
yonpat
ungosadi
bdi
bni
tokung
saanmaynahawakansi
yangpabi
l
ognametal
.

"
Ano'
to?"

"
Myweddi
ngr
ing.
"
Herli
pspar
ted."
Akal
akoakol
angangmayr
oonni
yankasiwal
akanamansakasal
nat
in.
"

"I
ri
s,saati
ngdal awa,akoangbal i
w nabal
iwvsayokayahindipuwedengwal
aako
ni
to."Hi
naplos nit
o ang pisngini
ya."
Pagdudahan mo na l
ahat
,huwag l
ang ang
narar
amdamankopar asayo."

Hi
ndimakapagsal
i
ta siIr
is.Sigur
o dahi
lit
o na yong pi
nakaaasam ni
ya noon,ang
makausapni
yangpersonalangasawaniya.

Becausei neightyears,deepdown,shewantedt obewi thhi

m andhaveaf amil
ywi t
h
hi
m.Tobewi t
hthemanwhowoul dgiveheranythi
ngshewant s,t
hemanwhosentTen
Doctorsjustbecause she has all
ergi
es,the man who boughthera pr i
vate pl
ane
becausesheoncecompl ai
naboutacommer ci
alfl
i
ght,themanwhoneverf or
gether
bi
rthdays,thevalent
ine'
sday,theChri
stmasdayandt hei
rweddinganni
ver
sary.

The man who nevershowed himselft

o her
,buthe'
salwaysther
e,suppor
ti
ng and
hel
pingher
.Al
waysof f
eringassi
stancet
oeaseherbur
denavway.

Cazzo!Mapai
tsi
yangnapangi
ti
.Si
ncewhendi
dIst
artl
i
kingandpr
aisi
ngmyhusband?

Nagkabuhol
-buholanghini
nganiyangmaramdamananglabingasawasapangani
ya,
humahali
kpababasal eegniyaatnagi
iwaniyonngkakai
bangini
tsabal
atni
yanang
l
umaonaynag-alabatl umaganapsabuoniyangkat
awan.

Atnanghumapl
osangmgadal i
rini
tosal
abasngpant yni
ya,habangnag-i
-espadahan
angmgadil
anil
a,napadai
ngnal
angniyaati
niyakapangmgabr asosal
eegngasawa.

Myhusband.I
'm wi
thmyhusbandaf
terei
ghtl
ongyear
s.

A/N:I'
m notsur
ekungma-a-updatekongayonsiHavoc.I
'm sti
l
lwri
ti
nghisChapt
er11.
Nawalanakongor askani
nakasinasabi
yahekoatbukasbiyahenanaman.Hopeful
ly,
makapag-updateakobukasperohuwagumasabakahi ndi
.Bast ai
-a-updat
ekosiya
kaagadpagnataposko.

Restdaykosimulabukas(21
)hanggang23parai
-cel
ebr
ateangbi
rt
hdayko.Hopeyou
underst
andatsanahi
ntayi
nniyopari
nsaHavoc.

Anyways,HappyReadi
ng

CHAPTER6

NAKAGATniI
ri
sangpang-ibabanglabingmaramdamangdahan-dahanginaal
isni
Ni
ccol
oangdamitni
ya.Nangmahubadnitoi
yonayi
ni-unhookni
toangbraniyasaka
pi
naglandasangdul
ongmgadali
rimul
asadi
bdi
bniya,pababasat
iyanni
ya,sapuson,
hanggangsadumakoangkamaynit
osapant
yni
ya.

"
N-Ni ccol
o." hi
ndini
ya al
am kung baki
tnanunuyo ang l
alamunan ni
ya habang
i
binababanit
oangpantyni
ya.

Andt
henshef
elthi
sli
pski
ssi
ngherknees,t
rai
l
ingupt
ohert
highs.

I
ri
scan'tseehim,butshecanf eelhim andthere'
ssomet hi
ngsosexyaboutbei
ng
i
nti
matei nthe dar
kness.Heranti
cipat
ion i
s buil
ding.
..herst
omach i
sfil
l
ed wit
h
but
ter
fl
ies.

I
ri
sl i
pspar
tedandshestar
tedpanti
ngwhenNi ccol
o'sl
i
psst
art
edki
ssi
ngheri
nner
t
highsandni
ppi
ngherski
nunti
lher
eachhersex.

"Mi
odio.
."mahinaniyanghal
i
nghi
ngngl
umapatangl
abiniNi
ccol
osapagkababae
ni
ya."
N-Niccol
o..
."

Histongue par
ted herf
oldsbef
ore hi
sfi
ngerst
art
ed r
ubbi
ng t
he sensi
ti
ve ar
ea of
hewomanhood.

Oh,God!Whydoesi
tfeel
sogood?

Niccol
obl
owsawarm br
eathonhersexbefor
eki
ssi
ngi
tagai
n,t
easi
ngherwi
thhi
s
t
ongueandmaki
nghermoanwit
hhi
sfi
ngers.

"
Openyourl
egswi
der
,amor
e."

Atwal
angpagdadalawangisi
pnasinunodniyait
o.Masibi
nukani
yaangmgahi tat
wal
asasar
il
ingnapahawaksamagkabilanghi
tani
yangmag-umpi
sangpagl
andasi
nni
Ni
ccol
oangdil
asabasaniyangpagkababae.

Shecanf
eelherownwetness.
"Ni
ccol
o."mahi
nani
yanghal
i
nghi
ngngi
ki
niski
sni
toang
dul
ongdi
lasakli
tor
-sni
ya."
N-Niccol
o..
."

I
ri
stoescur
ledandherbodyar
chedwhenNi
ccol
osuckhercl
-ti
nsi
dehi
smout
hand
l
i
ckit.

"Oh!
"Hindiniyamapi
gil
anangmapasigaw sakakai
bangsensasyongr
umagasamul
a
sapagkababaeni
yapatungongpusonni
ya."
Uhm!Ah!"

Umaangatangpuwi
tanniI
ri
satwalasasari
l
ingnapasabunotsi
yasabuhokngasawa
ngsi
psi
pinnanamannit
oangkl
it
or-sni
ya.
Hindiniyaal
am kungbaki tparangnawawalannglakasangmgahi tani
yaper oang
sarap-sar
apnggi nagawanito.Hindipasi
yanakakar
anasngganitosatanangbuhay
niyaatkungpat
uloysiyangpali
l
igayahi
nngganit
ongasawaniya,bakama-adiksi
yasa
sarapnahati
dniyon.

"Uhm!Ni ccol
o..
."dai
ngniyasapangalanngasawahabangdi
nidi
laanangpagkababae
niya,si
nisi
psi
panghi yasni
yaatnil
ulunokl
ahatngkat
asnainil
alabasni
ya."
Uhm!Oh!
Oh!"

Niccol
ostopssucki
nghercl
-tbuthi
stonguest
art
edenci
rcl
i
ngar
oundi
t,maki
ngher
bodyarchedandwanti
ngmore.

ThenIri
sfel
tNi
ccolo'
sthumbonhercl
-t,r
ubbi
ngitandmassagingi
twhi
l
ehist
onguei
s
teasi
ngherent
ranceandli
cki
ngt
hespacebetweenhert
wohol esdownt
her
e.

Pabi
li
ng-bil
i
ngsahi gaansiI
ri
shabangpabil
isngpabil
isangpagdil
angasawani
yasa
pagkababaeniya.Hindini
yaalam kungsaansiyakakapi
t,kungsaansi
yahahawak.
Panaylangangdaingniyahabangl
umi l
i
yadangkatawanniyasasar
ap.

"Ni
ccol
o..
.Niccol
o..
."walanasi
yangi
nhi
bisyon,maspi
nagdudul
dul
anni
yaangul
oni
to
sapagkababaeni
ya,"si
gepa..
.wantmor
e..."

I
fthi
siswhati
tfeel
sli
ket
obepl
easur
ebyherhusband,she'
l
lbeaddi
cted.

Shehasbeenmi
ssi
ngt
hiski
ndofpl
easur
eforei
ghtyear
s!

"Uhm!Ah!Niccol
oooo!"Si
gaw ni
yasapangal
anngasawangipasokni
toangdul
ong
dil
asapagkababaeniya."
Uhm!Iwantt
hat
..
.dothatagai
n."

Bumil
isangpagdi l
anit
osabasani yangpagkababae,masl al
osiyangnahihi
bangsa
bawathagodngdi l
anit
osakaselananniyaatangpami nsan-mi
nsangpagpasokngdil
a
ni
tosal oobniya.Napapakaptsi
yasabedsheet ,napapasabunotsasari
l
ingbuhokat
napapasabunotsabuhokngasawa.

"
Niccol
ooo..
.Uhm!Ah!Cazzo!"Hi
ndiniyamapi
gil
anang mapamur
ang mal
akasng
i
pasoknit
oangisangdal
i
risal
oobni
ya.

She'
sdr
ippi
ngwet
!OhmyGod.

Mahigpi
tsiyangnapasabunotsaasawanghi
murinngdi
lani
toangpali
gidnghi
yasni
ya,
ki
nakagat-kagatngl
abinit
oanghiyasni
yasakasi
si
psi
pinatdi
dil
aan.
I
ri
s't
hroati
sal
readydr
y,hervoi
cehoar
sef
rom moani
ngandscr
eami
ngherhusband'
s
name.

Nadagdaganpangisaangdali
ringasawananasal
oobni
yaatngmagl
abasmasok
i
yon,maslal
osi
yangnahi
bangsasarap.

I
ri
scageNi
ccol
o'sheadar
oundhert
highs,pl
eadi
nghi
mtogof
ast
er.

Buthe'
steasi
ngher
..
.

"
Niccol
o..
.pl
ease,f
ast
er.
"shewaspl
eadi
ng.

Somet hi
ngisabouttobur
sti
nsi
deherandshewantt
ogr
aspit
,totast
ethepl
easurei
t
holds.Atsasaboglang'
yonatmat
it
ikmanangsar
apnadal
aniyonkungbibi
l
isanang
asawani ya.

ButNi
ccol
oist
aki
nghi
sti
mel
i
cki
ngherandf
inger
ingher
.

"
Niccol
ooo.
..
"napadai
ngsiyangbumi
l
isangpagl
abas-masokngdal
i
rini
tosal
oobni
ya.
"
Niccol
..
.Uhm!Ah!Oh!Si
gepa..
."

Walanasiyasakat
inuan.Al
am '
yonniIr
is.Dar
angnadar
angnasi
yasamakamundong
pagnanasananar
aramdamanatpinapal
asapsakani
yangasawani
ya.

Masbumili
snarinangpagdilaniNiccol
osapagkababaeni
ya,kumi
ki
walangdil
anit
o
atsumi
si
psipangngalabiatmaslal
ongnagi
gingmapusokangpagkai
nni
tosakani
ya.

"
Oh!Uhm!Oh!"NamamaosnaangbosesniI
ri
sper
opat
uloyl
angangpag-ungolni
ya.
"
Uhm!Niccol
o!Uhm!Oh!
"

Pabi
l
ing-bi
l
ingsi
ya,minsannapapaupodahilsasarap,atmar
amingpagkakat
aonna
umaangatangpaani
yaatmaslaloniyangbi
nubukaangmgahit
a.

"
Uhm!
"Mal
api
tnangsumabogangsar
apsakai
but
uranni
ya."
Niccol
oo!Oh!Oh!Ohh!
"

Lumi
yad ang kat
awan niya atnapasabunotsa sari
li
ng buhok ng mar
amdamang
sumabogangnakakahi
bangnasarapsakaibut
uranniya.

l
orgasm.
..mi
odi
o..
.

ButNi
ccol
oisi
nsat
iabl
e.Hekeepsonl
i
cki
ngherandeat
ingherevent
houghherl
egs
ar
eshaki
ng.
Butshedi
dn'
twanthi
mtost
opei
ther
.Shewant
edhi
mtocont
inuepl
easur
ingher
.

Heowesherei
ghtf
reaki
ngyear
s.

Niccol
oneverst
opsli
cki
ngherandt
asti
ngherandmaki
nghermoanloudl
y.Maslal
o
pangbumili
sangdi
lanit
oatangdal
i
rinadumidi
i
nathumihi
massahi
yasniyaaymas
nagingmabil
i
sdi
n.

Masnagingmai
nitatmapusokangpagpapaligayani
tosakaniya.Pi
nagsasal
i
tsal
itnit
o
angdal
ir
iatdi
l
asapagkababaeni yaatlahatngkalamnanniyasahi t
aaynangingini
g
nangsumabogangpangalawangniyangorgasmo.

"Uhm!Oh!Niccol
ooo!
"Si
gaw ni
yangmaabotangr
urokngkal
i
gayahansai
kawal
ang
pagkakat
aon.

ButNiccol
odidn'
tstopt her
e.Hekeepsonli
cki
nghersoftl
yandthenfastandt
hen
roughl
yandthenhi
sfingerswoul
dpenet
rat
eher
,causi
nghertol
osehermi
nd.

Atangisangkamaynitoaymi
namasaheangisani
yangdi
bdi
b,pi
nipi
si
langut
ongni
ya
atpar
angnanggigi
gil
angbawathapl
osni
tosakani
ya.

"Uhm.
..Uhm..
."hi
nang-hi
nanasiyaatwal anasiyanglakasl
alonangl
umabasna
namanangkat
asngpagnanasani
yasaikat
longpagkakat
aon.

Niccol
oisinsati
abl
ei ndeed.Hedidn'tstopuntilshepl
eadhi
mt o."
Ic-cantt
akei
ta-
anymore.
"wal anasiyangbosesatlakas."C-cantmovemyl-l
egs.
"

ButI
ri
s sti
lmanages to moan sof
tl
y when Niccol
o star
ted t
rai
l
ing ki
ss f
rom her
womanhoodtoherbel
l
y,uptotheherbreastandhesuckedherni
pples.

Shewasmoani
ngbutunmovi
ngunt
ilshef
eltherbodybur
ningagai
n.

Nir
oromansa niNi ccol
o ang kat
awan niya.Hinahal
ikan athinahapl
os ni
to ang
mgkaselanan ni
ya,ang mga part
e ng katawan ni
ya na gumi
gisi
ng na naman sa
pagnanasaniya.

Niccol
oisromancingherbody,ki
ssi
ngherneck,l
i
cki
ngherear
lobe,pal
mingherbr
east
,
r
ubbinghislengt
hagainstherwetsexandki
ssi
ngherbr
east
.

Umangatangkamayniyapar
ahapl
usi
nangkat
awanngasawa.Mul
abal
i
kat
,pababa
sadi
bdi
batsati
yanni
to.
Abs.

Shecan'
thelpbuttosmil
e.Hindimanni
yanaki
kit
aangmukhangasawa,r
amdam
ni
yangnagt
atagl
ayi
tongguwapongmukhaatmaki
signakat
awan.

Herhandsst
art
edmovi
ngt
ohi
swai
st,t
ohi
shi
psandt
henshegr
iphi
sass.

"
Cazzo!
"Ni
ccol
ocussedandsuckherni
ppl
e.

Kapagkuwanaybumabaangkamayni
ya,hi
nahanapangbagayna'
yonsakat
awan
ni
tonapag-aar
ini
ya.

Herhandwr
appedar
oundherhusband'
slengt
h.

Herl
i
pspar
tedandshegul
ped.Bi
gandl
ong.

"
Cazzo.
..
"Ni
ccol
ohi
ssedandbi
therni
ppl
es.

Napadai
ngsi yasapinaghal
ongki
rotatki
l
itiper
ohi
ndino'
nnawal
aangat
ensi
yonni
ya
sapagkal
alakini
to.

"Thi
sismi
ne,Ni
ccolo."Sabiniyasaasawahabanghi
nahapl
osangkahabaanni
to,"
so
don'
tyoudar
eusethiswithotherwomen."

Nicccol
ogroanedi
npurepl
easur
ebefor
ehewhi sper
edoverherear
."Amor
e,you'
re
nottheonl
yonewhohasbeenl
oyalf
orei
ghtyear
s."

Hi
swor
dsact
ual
l
ymadeherhear
tski
psabeat
."Real
l
y?"

Bahagyanghumi
gpi
tanghawakni
yasapagkal
alakini
toatnag-umpi
sasi
yangi
taas-
babaangkamay.

"
Oh!
"Ni
ccol
omoanedhername."
Iri
s..
."

Nicol
o'sbodyisshakingbecauseofhert ouch.Nakakai
l
angtaas-babapalangsiyaat
akmang masbi bi
l
isan pa '
yon ng bi
glanalang i
nali
sniNi
ccolo ang kamayniyasa
kahabaannit
oatwal angsabi
-sabi
ngipinasoknit
oiyonsamadulasniyangpagkababae
atisi
nagad.

I
ri
sst i
l
led.Ther
e wasa deaf
eni
ng si
l
ence aspai
n er
upted i
nsi
de her
.Parang may
napuni
tsaloobngpagkababaeni
yaatnangini
gangbuongkatawanniyasasobrang
saki
tnal
umukobsakani
ya.

Shewassi l
ent
,shedi
dn'
tscr
eam i
nsomuchpai
nbutt
ear
ssl
i
ddowni
nbot
hcor
ner
sof
hereyes.

I
twasr eal
ypainf
ul.Per
onakat
ulongnamabawasanangsaki
tnghi
ndinagumal
aw si
Niccol
osaloobni
ya.

"
Midi
spi
ace,amor
e."Hewasbr
eat
hinghar
d,"
can'
thol
dback.
"

"I
ts.
..
okay.
"Dahan-dahangi
nangatangmgahi t
a.Mayki
rotpari
nperonandoonna
angsarapatki
l
iti
.Nat
atal
onani
yonangsaki
t."
Miodi
o,Ni
ccol
o.You'
resobi
g."

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed,sendi
ngavi
brat
iondownhi
slengt
hshef
eltasensat
ioni
nsi
deher
.

"
Uhm.
..t
hatf
eel
sgood.
"

Niccol
okissedherneck,herjaw andherear
lobe.Hi
stongueevenl
i
ckt
hei
nsi
deofher
ear,ear
ningagroanofpleasurefrom her
.

"
Thankyou,amor
e."

Ki
nagatniyaangpang-ibabanglabidahi
lmaynar
aramdamannasi
yangmasar
apna
ki
l
itisal
oobngpagkababaeniya."F-f
orwhat
?"

"
Forbei
ngfait
hful
,"heslowl
ywi t
hdraw himselffrom herandt
henburyhi
msel
fdeepl
y
i
nsi
deheragai
nmaki nghergaspinpleasure,"
...
Andf orbei
ngl
oyal
."

Napahawaksiyasabali
katngasawanaparabangdoonkumukuhanglakas,"
we'
re
marri
ed,Ni
ccolo."Shewhisper
edandshecoul
dn'
tspeakanymor
ebecausehewas
al
readymovi
ngi nandoutofher
.

Hersupposedwor
dst
urnsi
ntomoansandgr
oansandscr
eamsofpl
easur
e.

Niccol
owassl
owlymovingi
nsi
deher,teasi
ngheragai
nbutsheli
kest
hesensati
oni t
s
givi
ngher
.Maslalosi
yangnat
atakam sasarapnapuwedeniyangmalasapdahilsa
asawa.

"Niccol
oo.
..Uhm...
"mahinani
yangdaingngmar amdamangangulolangngkahabaan
nit
oangnilal
abas-masoksal
oobniya."Perf
avor
e,Niccol
o,vel
oce!
"

ButNi
ccol
oisat
ease.Hedi
dn'
tgi
veherwhatshewant
sunt
ilhernai
l
sdugonhi
sback,
l
eavi
ngmar
ks.

"
Hodet
tovel
oce,f
ancul
o!"Isai
dfast
er,dammi
t!

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
edbef
oregi
vi
ngherwhatshewant
s."
Si,amor
e."

Herhusbandgri
ppedherhipsandthenhebur
iedhi
msel
fdeep.Thenhewi
thdr
aw and
bur
iedhimsel
fagai
n.Deeperthi
sti
me.

"
Uhm!Ni
ccol
o..
.Oh!
"

Andal
lIr
iscoulddowasgaspinsati
sfact
iont
hrustaf
tert
hrust
.Deeperanddeeperand
i
tget
smor epleasur
abl
ethant
helast
.

Mi
odi
o!I
'm cumi
ngagai
n!

Hindiniyamasal
ubongangbawatulosngasawasaloobniyadahi lpi
nipi
nidni
toang
balakang ni
yasakama.Pero kahi
tganun,masl
alo si
yang nababali
w saginagawa
ni
tongpag-angki
nsakaniya.

"
Niccol
oooo!Oh!Oh!
"Hernai
l
sdugonhi
sbackagai
n,"
oh!Ni
ccol
o!"

Hert
oescur
led,herbreat
hing r
agged and she waspant
ing and cat
chi
ng herown
br
eat
hwhenherthi
rdor
gasm ri
ppedthr
oughher .

I
ri
swasi nbl
i
ss!Pur
ebl
i
ssasNi
ccol
ocont
inuedt
oownherandpl
easur
eherandmake
herscr
eam.

"
Oh!Oh!
"Hersexcl
enchedar
oundhi
sshaf
t,"
oh!Ni
ccol
o!Oh!
"

Kumakal
motangkukoniyasali
kodngasawa,sabal i
katatbr
asonit
ohabangwal
ang
habassi
yani
tongi
naangki
natni
l
alabas-masokangkahabaanni
tosaloobni
ya.

Gonet
het
easi
ngNi
ccol
o,t
hisonei
sdef
ini
tel
ynott
easi
ng.

"
Iri
s!Amor
e..
."

Ni
ccol
owasmoani ngandgroani
ngi
npl
easur
e.Sabaysi
l
angumuungolatsabayna
umi
dayogangkat
awannil
a.

Umawangangl
abini
yangmar
amdamangmal
api
tnanamansi
yangl
abasan.
Bumaonangkukoni yasabrasongasawaatl
umi
yadangkat
awansabaysi
gaw sa
pangal
anni
to."
Niccol
oooo!
"

I
ri
slosthermindforamomentasshecum andt henextt
hingsheknew,Ni
ccol
owas
pul
li
nghisl
engthandfel
thi
m mast
erbat
ingandspur
ti
nghersemenonherthi
ghs.

Shebli
nked,st
unned."W-whydidyoup-pul
laway?"I
ri
sneverknew t
hatshecanf
eel
t
hiski
ndofpaininherhear
taf
teranut
mostpl
easurewi
thherhusband.

Racci
nidr
ophi
sbodyont
hebedbesi
deherandhewasunmovi
ng.

"
Niccol
o-"

"
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.
"Maypi
nal
i
dadsabosesni
to.

Thatact
ual
lyanger
edher
."I
'm yourwif
e,Niccol
o.AndIf eeli
nsul
ted.
"Tumagi
li
dsi
yang
hi
gapaharapsaasawa."Hi
ndiakobastababaemol angnagagawi nmo'yonsaki
nna
parabangayaw moakongmabunt i
s.Itol
dyoubef ore,Racini
,Iwantachil
d.Sowhy
di
dyoupullaway?"

Walait
ongimikhanggangsamahi
gpi
tsi
yani
tongni
yakapathi
nal
i
kansapi
sngi
."Next
t
ime,Iwon'
t.
"

Whyi
sshehavi
ngahar
dti
mebel
i
evi
nghi
m?

"
Promi
se?"

I
l
angsegundoi
tongnat
ahi
mik."
Gust
omobat
alagangmagkaanakt
ayo?"

Tumangosiya."
Gust oko.Matagalna.Kayanamannat i
n'yondiba?Imean,wecan
evenhavef
ivechil
dren.Mayperanamant ayokayakayanat
insi
l
angalagaanatbi
gyan
ngmasaganangbuhay."

Bumunt
ong-hi
ningai
tosakahumi
gpi
tlangangyakapsakani
yaathi
ndi
itonagsal
i
ta.

"Raci
ni.
"somethi
ngisof
fwit
hhim.Shecanfeeli
t,he'sdi
stantandal
oof."
...don'tyou
wanttohavechil
drenwi
thme?Don'
tyouwannagohomei nourhouseandbewi thme?
Kail
angankobangmagmakaawaparalangmagpakit
akasaki n?"

Raci
nicar
essherf
acesof
tl
y."
No.
..myI
ri
sdon'
tbeg,sodon'
tyoudar
e."
"
Thengohomewi
thme.
"

"
Ican'
t.
"

"
Baki
t?"

"Isti
llhavesomepr oblemstotakecareofHumapl osangkamayni t
osalikodniyana
parabangi naal
osiya."Midi
spi
ace,amore.Yourhusbandcan'tf
aceyouyetbecausehe
l
acksal otofthi
ngst hatahusbandshouldhave.Iwouldlovet ogohomewi thyour
,
amor e,butnotri
ghtnow.Bakahindiki
tamapasayaatnatatakotakonai
wanmokapag
hindikasumayakahi tkasamamonaako. "

"
Wecanwor
kitout
,Ni
ccol
o-"

"I
t'
smewho'slacki
ng,I
ri
s.Hi
ndii
kaw.You'r
eaperf
ectwifeandanamazi
ngpar
tner
.
AndI'
m awedt
hatyoust
ayedl
oyalandf
ait
hfult
omeall
theseyear
s."

"Yes,Iam."Wal angpagmamal akiyon,kasial

am niyasasar i
l
iniyananagi
ngmabuti
siyangasawar i
to."Butmypat i
enceiswearingthi
n,Raci
ni.Ayawkonangmaghintayng
i
lanpangt aonbagokamagi nghandanahar apinako.I
'm st
ayingint
hisi
sl
andfortwo
weeks,andI '
m gi vi
ngyou1 3daystomakeupyourmi ndandgohomewi thme.Andif
youchooset ostay,I'm sor
rybutI
'm di
vorci
ngyou.Sigur
onaman,sapatnaangwal ong
taonkongpaghi hint
aysayopar amag-demandako. "

"
Amor
e..
."

"I
fyoudon'twantt
oloseme,thenyouknow whatt
odo.Buti
fl'
m wor
thl
esst
oyou,I
'm
sorr
ytosaythi
sbutIwil
lfi
ndamanwhocanseemywor t
handamanwhocanandwi ll
show methatl
'
m worthi
t."

Raci
nibur
iedhi
sfaceont
hehal
l
ow ofherneckashehuggedhert
ight
ly."
You'
rewor
th
i
ttome,amore.
"

"
Don'
tjustsayi
t,pr
ovei
t.
"Shebr
avel
yrepl
i
edbutheri
nsi
dei
scr
umbl
i
ng.

Nagt
atapangt
apanganl
angsi
yaper
okaunt
inal
ang,susukonasi
ya.

Nanghi
ndiumi
miksiNi
ccol
o,maingatni
yangi
ni-angatangul
oni
tosakapi
naunansa
br
asoni
yangmasuyoni
yai
tongni
yakap.

"
Niccol
o?"
"
Hmm?"

"
Iknowmywor
dswer
ehar
sh,but
Ist
il
lwannasayt
hankyou.
"

"
Forwhat
?"Hesoundssodown."
Wal
anamanakongmagandanggi
nawapar
asayo.
"

"That
'snott
rue.
"Hinapl
osni
yaangbuhoknito."Angdamimongnagawapar asaki
n.
Sigur
ongamal i
tnabagayl
angyonsayoperopar asaki
n,sobr
angl
akino'
n.Especi
all
y
whenyouhelpmehi demysi
sterf
rom myf
atherandwhenyousentCormactooperate
onher."

"
Cor
mac.
"Hewhi
sper
edt
henamel
i
kehehat
esi
t.

Li
him si
yangnapangi
ti
."Yes.Cor
mac.He'
smynei
ghbourher
e.Hi
sCabi
nisnextt
o
mineandhe'sver
yhandsome."

"
Doyoul
i
kehi
m?"

"
Oo. Kaya kung ayaw mo akong bunt
isi
n magsabi ka l
ang, sa kani
ya ako
magpapabunt
is.
"

Bi
glait
ongnaubonapar
abangnabi
l
aukani
tosasar
il
ingl
away."
You'
remar
ri
edt
ome,
amore-"

"Idon'
tcare.Isti
l
lhat
eyou.Maghuhubadakosahar
apanni
ya,t
ingnannat
inkunghi
ndi
niyaakobunti
sin.
"

"
Don'tsayt
hati
nfr
ontofyourhusband,amor
e."Mat
ali
m angbosesni
to."
I'
m get
ti
ng
j
eal
ous."

Mahi
nasiyangnat
awasakahi
napl
osangmukhani
toatt
umi
gilangmgadal
i
rini
yang
humapl
osiyonsagi
li
dngmgamatangasawa.

"
Niccol
o?"

"
Si,amor
e."

"
Doyouhavegr
eeneyes.
..l
i
keCor
mac?"

I
naasahannani
yanghi
ndini
toi
yonsasagut
inkayanagul
atsi
yangsumagoti
to.
"
Yes.
"

Shesmi
l
ed."
Aret
heybegui
l
ingt
olookat
?"

"
Yes.Butdon'
tyoudar
ecompar
emet
ohi
m."

"
Baki
t?Sel
oska?"

"
Oo.Nagsesel
osako.
"

"
Paano'
yan,i
pagl
ulut
okosi
yabukas.
"

"
Iri
s-"

"Gust
osanaki
tangi
pagl
utokayal
angayaw monamansamal
i
wanag,kayapaanot
ayo
kakai
n?"

Nat
ahi
mikbi
glaangasawani
ya.

I
ri
scaresshi
sface,"
hur r
yupandmakeupyourmi
nd,Ni
ccol
o,bef
oreIsetmyeyeson
Cormacandfor
getallaboutyou.
"

"
Hecan'
tmakeyouhappy.He'
slacki
ngt
oo.
"

"
Iwoul
dn'
tknow t
hatunt
ilIt
ryhi
m."

"
He'
snotat
oyt
hatyoucanj
ustt
ry.
"

I
ri
schuckl
ed.Oh,Ni
ccol
o."
Forasmar
tman,you'
repr
ett
ydumbsomet
imes.
"

"
Sayol
angnamanakongnagi
gingbobo.
"

Ang sweetnaman ng asawa ko.Sayang kung i

di-divor
ce ki
ta per
o nasi
si
gur
o ko
namannamakakahanapakongmassweetpasayo.I 'm sur
eCormaccanbesweet -"

"
Iri
s-"

"
Hal
i
kankokayasi
yabukasbagokosi
yai
pagl
uto-"
"
Iri
s!Don'
tyoudar
e-"

"
-Dr
.CormacPaulCr
aig.Whatahandsomename.MaybeIshoul
dki
sshi
mtomor
row.
We'
rei
nTemptat
ionI
slandaf
teral
l
.Icandowhat
everIwant
-"

Ni
ccol
oseal
edherl
i
pswi
thhi
s,maki
ngherchuckl
e.

"
Shutup,I
ri
s."

"
Whathappenedt
o"amor
e'?"Nangi
ngi
tini
yangt
anong.

"
I'
mjeal
ous.
"

"
What
ever
."Shesai
dnonchal
ant
ly."
Gal
i
tdi
nnamanakosayokayapat
asl
angt
ayo.
"

"
Iri
snaman.
..
"

"
Manahi
mikkari
yan,matutul
og naako.
"Sawayni
yasaasawanakaagadnamang
t
umahi
mikper
onari
nigni
yangbumulongi
to.

"
Angt
araypal
angasawako.
"

Li
himlangsiyangnapangi
tisakapi
niki
tangmgamata.Angt
otoo,pagodsiyakaya
gust
onaniyangmagpahingakahi
tpangagust
oni
yapait
ongmakausapatmakasama.

Mahi
mbingangt
ulogniyanggabing'
yonatngmagi
si
ngsi
yaki
naumagahan,wal
anasi
Ni
ccol
o.Per
onag-iwanit
ongsulatsabedsi
det
abl
e.

'
Unt
ilt
henextdar
kness,amor
e.'

Umingos si
ya saka bumangon atpumasok sa banyo.Mukhang magl
olokohan na
namansil
angdalawangayongaraw.

Tumaasangsuloknglabini
yahabangnakatingal
asamal
ami
gnashowernat
umat
ama
samukhaniya.Sor
ry,Ni
ccolo.Iwon'
tloset
oyou.

CHAPTER7

NATI
GILANSApagii
sipsiI
ri
shabangnakat
it
igsaki
samengkuwar t
ongmaykumat ok
sapi
ntongCabi
nni
ya.Mali
wanagnamaliwanagnakayai
mposi
blengsiRaci
ni'
yon.
Ti
nat
amad si
yang bumangon kaya hi
ndina ni
ya bi
nuksan 'yon.Hi
nayaan ni
yang
kumat
okngkumatokkungsinomanangnasalabasngmar ini
gniyaangpag-t
unogng
l
ockngkuwar
toatbumukasangpinto.

Bahagyansi
yangnati
gil
anngmaki
tasiCor
macnapumasoksaCabi
nni
yaatt
umayosa
gi
li
dngkamani ya.

"
Iri
s."Hal
ataangi
ri
tasyonsamukhani
tohabangnakat
it
igsakani
ya.

Pi
nagmasdanni
yai
tomul
amukhapababangt
orsoni
to.

Sweat
shi
rt
.

Tumuonangti
ngi
nniyasabr
asoni
toatbal
i
katsakanapabunt
ong-hi
ninga."
Whatdo
youwant
,Cor
mac?"

Tumal
i
m angmgamat
ani
to."
Sabimoi
pagl
ulut
omoako.Iwai
ted,I
ri
s."

Oh.Mybad.
"Notr eal
l
y."
Naghint
aykabangmatagal
?Nang-uuyam paangbosesni
ya.
Napunongi
ri
tasyonangkisl
apngmgamatani
to.

"
Ginagagomobaako?Al
am moba'
nghal
ost
atl
ongor
asakongnaghi
ntaysayo?"

Iknow."
Sor r
y"Wal
angbuhayniyangsabisakat
umi
ti
gsi
yasaki
same."
Maykai
l
angan
kabamalibansahi
ndiki
tapi
nagl
uto?"

Nat
ahi
miki
tongi
l
angsegundo."
Wal
ana.
"

She l
ooked atCor
mac." Baki
tnaka sweat
shirtka? Mai
nit
,Cormac.
"Tanong niya
habangangmataaynakat
uonsabrasoatbal
ikatni
tonanatat
akpanngsweat
shi
rtni
to.

"
Walanaakongi
bangdami
t.
"Mabi
l
isni
tongsagothabangnakat
it
igsamgamat
ani
to.
"
Baki
t?"

Hecan'
tseel
i
esi
nhi
seyes.That
..
.orhe'
sreal
l
ygoodatl
yi
ng.

"Hmm."'yonlangangsi
nabini
yasakabumunt
onghi
ningani
to."
Saankapal
anagpunt
a
kagabingiwankit
asaGyros?"

Hi
seyesr
emai
nbor
edt
oher
s."
Club.Wi
thVi
vi
an.
"
Vi
vian?Pasimpl
engkumuyom angkamaoni
ya."
Tal
aga?Anonamananggi
nawani
yo
pagkataposmag-cl
ubbi
ng?"

"
Wehadsex.
"

Doont umii
m angbagangniyaatnakar
amdam nggal
i
t.Per
osai
si
pingbakai
tongasi
Raci
ni,pini
l
itni
yaangsar
il
ingkumal
ma.

Raci
niwaswi
thherl
astni
ght
.Ifhe'
sCor
mact
henhe'
spr
obabl
ylyi
ng.

Butwhati
fhei
sn'
t?Andt
henshe'
sfeel
i
ngt
hisway.She'
sfeel
i
ngj
eal
ous.

Pi
nil
itni
yaangsari
linangumit
i."
Well,Ihadmyownf
unl
astni
ghtt
oo.Hi
ndimoba
t
atanungi
nkunganongginawakokagabi?"

Bumuntong-hi
ningait
osakawal
angpangingi
mingnahi
gasat
abini
yasakamabago
nagt
anong."Anoba'nggi
nawamokagabinaini
wanmoakongmaaga?"

Hersmi
l
ebecamesweet
."Ihavesexwi
thmyhusband.
"

Hebl
i
nkedather
."Doyour
eal
l
yhavet
otel
lmet
hat
?"

"Yes.Weevenhadadeal ."Ti
nit
iganni
yai
tongmat i
im samgamata,angkl
asengt
it
ig
nasigur
adongnang-aaki
t."Atkasamakasanapag-usapannami
n."

Kaagadnaumasi
m angmukhani
to."
Spar
emewi
thyourbul
l
shi
ts,I
ri
s-"

Cor
macact
ual
l
yst
il
l
edandst
opst
alki
ngwhenshemoveherf
acecl
osert
ohi
s.

"
W-whatar
eyoudoi
ng?"

Humawaksiyasakamaynit
oatpi
nagl
andasniyaang dul
ong dal
i
risasuotni
tong
sweat
shi
rtatngumabotangmgakamayniyasabali
katnit
o,dumi
inangkukoniya
doon.

Hedi
dn'
tevenf
li
nch,l
i
kehedi
dn'
tfeel
thepai
n.

I
'm sur
emyscr
atchmar
ksar
ether
e..
.doest
hatmeanhe'
snotRaci
ni?
"
Cor
mac?"

Hi
sbr
eat
hingbecomesunevenashest
aredather
."What
?"

"
Canyoust
ayst
il
lforami
nut
e?"

Tohersur
pri
se,henodded."
Sur
e."

Ti
pid si
yang ngumi
tisaka i
pini
kitang mga mata habang hi
napl
os ang buhok ni
to
pababasabat ok,athumaplosang kamayni yamulasanuo ni t
o pababasai l
ong,
mukhaatmgal abi
.

Andthenherhandsstart
edcaressi
nghi
sneckdowntohi
schestandwhenherhand
t
ouchhisneckl
ace,Cor
mac'shandwassofastt
ost
opher
.

"
Don'
tgot
her
e."

Sheopenhereyes."
Why?"

"
Becausel
sai
dso.
"Maydi
i
nni
tongsabi
.

Pi
napungayni
yaangmgamat
a."
Justal
i
ttl
elower
?"

"
No.
"

"
Please?"

"
Thatbeaut
if
ulf
aceandseduct
ivevoi
cewon'
twor
konme.

Mapangahas ni
yang i
nil
api
tang mukha sa mukha ni
to."
Please?"She whi
sper
ed
pl
eadi
ngly.

"
Iri
s."Heeyesar
eint
ense."
Pul
laway.
"

"
No.
"Pagmamat
igasni
ya.

"I
ri
s."Maybabal
asabosesni
to."
Don'
tpushme.Bakahi
ndikomapi
gil
anangsar
il
iko
atmaha-"

"
Atmahal
i
kanmoako?"I
ri
swasn'
tfazebyhi
swar
ning."
Goon.Ki
ssmet
hen.
"
"
Iri
s-"

"
Kissme.
"Panghahamonni
ya.Nanghi
ndii
toumi
mik,t
umaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Hahal
i
kan
mobaakooakoanghahali
ksayo-"

"
Cazzo!
"Hecur
sedbef
oreseal
i
ngherl
i
pswi
thhi
sandherwor
dswer
ecutof
finan
i
nst
ant.

I
naasahan na ni
yang baka malisiya,na baka hi
nditama ang hi
nala ni
ya pero ng
maglapatangmgal abinil
a,atnaramdamanni yaangkapar ehongsensasyon,i
binuka
ni
yaangmgal abisakaipi
nasokangdi l
asaloobngbi bi
gnit
o.

Cor
macgr
oanedandgr
ippedherwai
st.

"
Cazzo.
."Cor
machi
ssedunderhi
sbr
eat
hashedeepent
heki
ss.

Napasabunotsi
yasabuhokniCormachabangnagl
alabanangdi l
anil
angespadahan.
Naghahaloanghini
nganil
angdalawaatparehosi
l
anghi ni
hingalper
opatul
oypar in
angsi
psipannil
angdil
aatkagat
annglabi
.

Cor
macwasgr
oani
ng,shewasmoani
ng.

Andt
henextt
hingsheknew,Cor
maci
sont
opofher
,ki
ssi
ngherf
ervent
ly.

I
ri
str
iedt
opul
laway."
Cor
mac-"

Cor
macdi
dn'
tlether
.Heki
ssedheragai
nbutshet
ri
edt
opul
laway.

"
Cor
mac-"

Heki
ssedheragai
n,i
tsl
i
kehedi
dn'
twantt
hei
rli
pst
opar
t.

"
Cor
mac-"

Hesuckedhert
onguemaki
nghermoan.

"
Oh!
"Ni
ccol
o.."
cazzo.
..
"

I
t'
sget
ti
ngoutofhand,sheneedst
ost
opt
his.
I
fthi
scont
inues.
..

Malakasni
yangt
inul
aksiCor
macsakanagmamadal
i
ngumal
i
ssakamaathabolang
hi
ningangt
umayongpatal
i
kodsal
alaki
.

Cazzo!Cazzo!Cazzo!

Shecanst
ilf
eel
herbodybur
ning!

ButwhatifI
'm wr
ong?Hefeel
sli
keheisherhusband.Hiski
sses,hi
sembraceandhis
groansofpl
easuresar
ethesame.Eventhei
rhairfeel
ssimi
larandthei
rfacefel
tthe
same.

No!Ofcoursenot
!She'
snotwrong!He'
shidingt
hosescrat
chmarkfr
om her,hencet
he
sweat
shi
rt.Si
nadyananiyai
yonkagabipar
amakasigur
adosiyasahi
nal
aniya.

Per
onagawananamanni
tongmakapagt
agosakani
ya.

Humar ap si
ya kay Cor
mac atnat
igi
lan si
ya ng nakahiga pa ri
ni t
o sa kama at
nakapatongangbrasosamgamatanit
ohabangmaysar kast
ikongngit
isamgal abi
.

"Whydi d Ievenbot
her
?"Hewhi
sper
ed butshehear
d hi
m cl
ear
ly."
It
snotl
i
keI
'm
sexual
l
yhealthy.
"

Shef
rowned.Conf
usi
onf
il
ledher
.Anongi
bigni
yangsabi
hin?

Hermindisanalyzi
ngCormac'swor
dswhenhetakeshi
sar
m of
ffr
om hi
seyesandhe
l
ookedather."
What ?Doneplayi
ngwit
hme,I
ri
s?"

Kaagadnaunt
i-unt
ingnabur
ananamananghi
nal
ani
ya.

Thei
rvoi
cear
enott
hesame,dammi
t!

Nang hi
ndisi
ya sumagotsa t
anong ni
to,bumangon i
to atumal
i
s ng kama saka
nagl
akadpal
abasngCabin.

"
Cor
mac-"

"Don'
tpushmetoomuch,I
ris.
"Maybabal
asabosesni
to."Bakahi
ndimomagust
uhan
angkayakonggawi
nsasusunodnasi
nubukanmoakouli
t.
"
Tumii
m angbagangni
ya."
Hindimoakomat
atakot
.Gagawi
nkokunganonggust
oko,
Cormac.
"

"Justdon'
tpushmet
oomuch.
"Wi
kani
tosakat
uluyanngl
umabassiCor
macsaCabi
n
niya.

Napat
it
igsiI
ri
ssani
l
abasangpi
ntoni
Cor
mac.

Di
dshepushhi
mtoohar
dtoday?

Sahal
i
pnamakar
amdam ngkosensi
ya,napangi
tipasi
ya.

I
t'
scal
ledpr
ogress.Angkai
l
angankonal
anggawinayi
sa-i
sangal
i
sinangpagdududa
konabakamagkaibangt
aosiCor
macatRaci
ni.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
handsmi
l
eagai
n.

Iwi
l
lbai
tyouandIwi
l
lcat
chyour
ed-handed.Mar
kmywor
ds,Raci
ni.

THENIGHTi syoungandst ar
sfi
l
ledtheni
ghtsky.Event
hemoonisawakeandshi
ning.
Napangi
tinal
angsiIr
is.Ti
yaknawalangNiccol
ongayonggabi
.Mal
iwanag,eh.

I
ri
ssi
ghed.

I
sang araw na naman ang l
umipasper
o wal
ang t
awag mul
a kayNi
ccol
o athi
ndi
nagpaki
tasakaniyaul
i
tsiCormac.

I
ri
ssi
ghedagai
nandst
il
l
edwhenshehear
dfoot
stepscomi
ngt
owar
dsher
.

Raci
ni?No!I
t'
snothi
m.

Att
amasi
ya.SiCor
macangt
umi
gil
atumuposat
abi
niya.

Hedi
dn'tsayawor
d,hej
ustr
est
edhi
sheadonhershoul
derandst
ayedbyhersi
de,
si
l
ent
ly.

"
Cor
mac-"
"
Notnow,I
ri
s.Kahi
til
angmi
nut
olang,pat
ahi
miki
nmoako.
"

Dini
gni
yaangpagodsabosesni
to."
Sobaki
tlumapi
tkasaki
n?Al
am mongmai
ngay
ako.
"

"
Idon'tcar
e.Youcal
m me.
"Wi
kaniCor
macsakamal
akasnabumunt
ong-hi
ninga."
I
wantt
odie..
."

"
A-anobangpinagsasasabimo?"Nakar
amdam si
yanggal
i
t."
Don'
tyoudar
esayt
hat
t
omeagain.Tat
amaankasaki n.
"

I
ginal
aw niCor
macanguloni
toatbi
nagoangposisyonni
yon.Thi
sti
me,he'
srest
inghi
s
chi
nonhershoulderwhi
l
ehi
sfaceisfaci
ngher
s.

"
Mysuper
iorcal
l
ed.
"Ani
to."
Ihaveanassi
gnment
.I'
mleavi
ngt
omor
row.
"

Maykumudl
i
tnakal
ungkut
ansapusoni
ya."
Aal
i
ska?I
kaw l
angangkaki
l
alakor
it
osa
I
sla.
"

"
Yeah.I
tsmyj
ob.
"

"
Saankapupunt
a?"

"
Iraqt
hist
ime.
"

"
Iraq.
..
"Nani
niki
pangdi
bdi
bni
ya."
Ii
wanmot
alagaako?"

"
I'
m sor
ry.
"

I
l
angmi
nut
osi
yangnat
ahi
mikbagonagsal
i
ta."
Don'
tleave.
"

"
Iri
s..
."

"
Don'tl
eave.
"Shelookedi
ntohi
seyes."
Please?Wal
aakongkasamar
it
osai
sl
a.I
kaw
l
angangkil
alakor
it
o."

Pi
nakat
it
igansi
yani
tokapagkuwanayumi
l
ing."
I'
m sor
ry.Ihavet
ogo--"

"
Please?"Shepl
eaded.
"
Iri
s-"

"
Don'
tleave,Cor
mac.
"

Cor
macst
aredatherbef
oresi
ghi
ngi
ndef
eat
."Oona.Hi
ndi
naakoaal
i
s."

Thatst
unnedher
.Justl
i
ket
hat
?She'
sjustt
est
inghi
m.

Hewon'
tleavebecausesheaskedhi
m nott
o?

"
Per
oakal
akomayassi
gnmentkasaI
raq?"

"I
tcanwai t
."Umayosit
ongupoatnapati
ti
gsakaragat
annakumi
kinangsail
ali
m ng
buwan."Palaginal
angangt
rabahokoanginuunako.Maybei
tst
imet ochangemy
pri
ori
ti
es.
"

Herf
acesof
tened."
Hindikat
alagaaal
i
s?Hi
ndimoakoi
i
wandi
to?"

"
Nope.
"Hesighed."Medyonag-aal
anganngaakongumal
i
s,ngayonpaba?Yousl
ay
mewit
hyourpl
eadi
ngeyes."

Thatmadehersmi
l
e."
Isl
ayyouwi
thmypl
eadi
ngeyes?"Nat
awasi
ya."
That
'scheesy,
Cormac.
"

"
Tot
oo'yon.
"Gi
i
tni
tonanangi
ngi
ti
."Ewankoba,ngt
umi
ngi
nkasaki
n,hi
ndikokayang
t
umanggi
."

"
So kapag may hi
ningiako sayo,ti
ti
ngi
nlang ako sa mat
a mo par
a hi
ndika
makat
anggi
?"Nangi
ngiti
ngt
anongniya.

"
Don'
tpushme,I
ri
s."

Nat
awal
angsi
yasakasi
yanamananghumi
l
igsabal
i
katni
to.

"Don'
tdot
hat
."KapagkuwanaysabiniCor
macsamahi
nangboses."
Magagal
i
tang
asawamo.
"

Shet
sked."
Lethi
m be.Hayaanmosi
yangmagal
i
t.Pakikosakani
ya.
"

"
Ithoughtyouhadsexwi
thhi
m."
"
Yeah.Wedi
d."

"
Andyoudon'
tcar
eabouthi
m?"Maysar
kasmosabosesni
to.

"IcarebutsometimesIdon't.
"Sagotni yasakangumiti
."I'
m bei
ngabadwi fenow.
Sinabi
hankonanamansi yakunganonggust oko.I'
dbeenagoodwi feforei
ghtyear
s.
I
neverletanyonetouchmeinappropri
atelyandthat'
sbecauseIhaveahusbandandI
wanttobef ai
thf
ultohim.Peronagsasawanaakongmagi ngmabut i
ngasawa.Gust o
kongmagi ngmasamanaman. "Ti
ningal
ani yaangbinat
ananakatingi
npalasakaniya.
"Gumawakayat ayongmasama?"

I
rr
it
ati
onf
il
ledhi
seyes."
Sol
olokohi
nmoangasawamo?Ganun?"

"
Lol
okohi
nkongabasi
yakungmaymangyayar
isat
ingdal
awa?"

Nati
gil
anangl al
aki
."Whyar
eyouaski
ngmet
hat
?Al
am mongl
olokohi
nmosi
ya.I
'm
notyourhusband.
"

Ti
nit
iganni
yasiCor
mac."
Areyousur
e?"

Hest
il
l
edandi
tseemst
ohert
hathe'
snotbr
eat
hingsoshesmi
l
edpl
ayf
ull
y.

"I
'm kiddi
ng!"Shegrinned."Alam konamanghi
ndii
kaw angasawako.Myhusbandi
sa
Busi
nessMan nota Mi l
i
taryDoctor.Hi
ndinaman si
guro si
ya magsi
si
nungal
i
ng ng
ganunsaki nkasini
mi nsanhindiako
nagsinungali
ngsakani ya.
"

Tumi
i
m ngt
it
igsakani
yasiCor
mac."
Whati
fhe'
slyi
ngt
oyou?"

"I
fhe'sl
yi
ng?"Tumal
im angmataniyangnakati
ti
gkayCor mac."
Oh,I'
l
lbeveryangry
andhewouldn'
tli
kemewhenangr y.Hindikoalam kunganoangkayakonggawinsa
kani
ya.Mahaba'
yongpagti
ti
mpi
koper oibaakomagal i
t.
"

"
Ii
wanmosi
ya?"Maykakai
bangemosyonsabosesni
to.

"Oo.
"Kaagadni yangsagot."I
'l
ldivor
cehi
mr ightawayandleavehi m.Babali
kakosa
Bogotá.Walaakongpakial
am kungmaguloangbuhaynanaghi hi
ntaysakindo'n,mas
okayna'yonkeysasakasinungali
nganngasawakonadapatayhi ndinagsi
si
nungali
ng
saki
n.Andl'
m suremyfatherwillf
indmeanotherhusbandagai
n."

Nagt
agi
sangbagangni
to."
Whati
fhehasr
easons?"
"Reasons?"Mapakla si
yang t
umawa." Hi
sreasons doesn'
tjust
if
ythe end.Kahi
t
bali
ktari
nnaminangmundo,kungnagsi
nungal
i
ngsiyasakinsakahi
tnaanongdahi
l
an,
nagsinungal
i
ngparinsi
ya."

"
Whati
fhe'
sjustt
ryi
ngt
okeepyousaf
e?"

Nagt
agi
sangbagangni
ya."
Baki
tkanagt
atanong?l
kawbaangasawako?"

Bumali
ngsakani
yasiCor
mac.Ti
ti
gnat i
ti
git
osakani
yakapagkuwanaynagbabar
inng
t
ingi
natpabul
ongnasumagot
."No..
.I'
m not
."

"
Iknow.
..
"..
.you'
rel
yi
ng."
Anyways,wher
ewer
eyout
hewhol
eday?"

"
Looki
ngf
orme?"Hel
ookedather
,"di
dyoumi
ssme?"

"
I'
mjustaski
ng.
"

"
Iwasout
."

"
Playi
ng?"

"
No.Bei
ngal
oneandt
hinki
ngofyou.
"

Herhear
thammered."Oh.
"Walasiyangmasabimal
i
bandoonper
opi
nil
i
tni
yaangsar
il
i
namagsali
ta."
Whyareyouthi
nki
ngofme."

"
Iwast
hinki
ngaboutt
heki
ssweshar
ed.
"Cor
macbl
owsal
oudbr
eat
h."
Itscar
esme.
"

Youshoul
dbe."
Why?I
tsj
ustaki
ss.
"

"
Becauseki
ssi
ngmemeansyoucanki
ssot
hermenaswel
l
."Ther
e'sawor
ryi
nhi
seyes.
"
Idon'
tli
ket
hat.
"

"
lkawpal
angnamananghi
nal
i
kanko.
"

"Youcanst
il
lki
ssot
hermen.
"Kumuyom angkamaoi
to."
AndIdon'
tevenknow whyI
'm
scar
ed."

Yes.Your
eal
l
yshoul
dbe.Butshe'
snotevensur
eifshecanr
eal
l
yki
ssot
hermenl
i
ke
hefear
ed.
l
langmahabangsegundoangpi
nal
i
pasni
yabagosi
yanagsal
i
ta.Shewant
edt
otr
y
somet
hingi
fthi
swil
lwork.

"
Niccol
o?"Tawagni
yakayCor
mac.

Awt
omat
ikongl
umi
ngonsakani
yasiCor
mac.

"
Si?"Thenhest
il
l
edl
i
kehej
ustr
eal
i
zedsomet
hing."
...who'
sNi
ccol
o?"

Tini
ti
ganni
yalangangbi nat
asakaginawaranitonghali
ksapi
sngi."
Papasoknaakosa
Cabin.Medyoinaant
oknaako."Shegi vehi
m anotherki
ssonhi
stemple"Don'
tbotheri
f
youseemyCabi nwit
houtanyli
ghtson.Ipr ef
ertobeinthedarktoni
ght.
"Aniyasaka
tumayoatnaglakadpatungosaCabi
nni ya.

Nang makapasoksi
ya,der
etso si
yasakamaniyang hi
ndibi
nubuksanang il
aw at
l
ampshade.Perowal
angRacininadumat
ing.Wal
angRaci
ninanagpaki
tasakani
yang
gabi
ng'yon.

A/
N:I
'l
lupdat
eHavocl
ater
.Si
nusul
atkopasi
yaehHappyReadi
ng.

CHAPTER8

NAGLALAKADsiIri
spatungongErot
icaf
édahi
lbi
glasi
yangnagut
om ngmayt
umi
gilna
Gol
fcar
tsatabini
ya.Kunotangnuongtumi
ngi
nsiyasanagmamaneho.

"
Yes?How mayIhel
pyou?"Tanongni
ya.

I
nil
ahad ng l
alakiang kamaysa kani
yanapar
ang nagpapaki
l
alaatt
amangasi
ya.
"
Balthazar
."

Sa hali
p na tumaas ang ki
l
ay niya t
ulad ng gawai
n niya kapag may lal
aki
ng
nagpapaki
l
alasakani
ya,ngumi
tisi
yaatti
nanggapangpaki
kipagkamay."
Iri
s."

Bal
thazarsmi
l
edather
."Goi
ngsomewher
e?"

"
Yes.Er
oti
caf
é."Sagotni
ya.

"
Oh.
"Het
apt
hespacebesi
dehi
m."
Hopi
n.Papunt
ari
nakodo'
n."

Pal
i
him nat
umaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Tal
aga?Whatacoi
nci
dence.
"
Ngumi
til
angsiBal
thazarngsumakaysi
yasagol
fcar
tni
to.

"
So?"Pani
mul
aniBal
thazar
."I
nvi
tedbyamemberort
hei
sl
and?"

Ngumi
tisi
ya."
Member
."

"
Oh.
"Hesoundsdi
sappoi
nted."
Who?"

I
lang segundo si
yang nag-i
sip ng pangal
ang isasagotbago sumagot
.Gust
o ni
yang
malamankunganoangal am ngmgat aosaisl
angt o.

"
Niccol
oRaci
ni.
"Sagotni
yakapagkuwan.

Napahawaksiyasagil
idnggoldcar
tngbi
glangt
umi
gilyonathi
ndimakapani
wal
ang
napat
it
igsakani
yasiBal
thazar
.

"
You'
reki
ddi
ngmer
ight
?"Hest
il
ll
ooksshock.

Nagsal
ubong ang ki
l
ayniyadahi
lsagulatsamukhanit
o."Baki
t?Ki
l
alamobaang
asawako?"There'
seager
nessi
nhervoi
ce.DoesheknowRaci
ni?

Pi
nausadul
i
tniBal
thazaranggol
fcar
t."
Yes,Iknowhi
m butnotr
eal
l
y."

Thatconf
usesher
."Whatdoyoumean?"

"Ni
ccoloRacinii
sthef i
rstmemberofTempt ati
onl sl
andbutnobodyreal
lyknowshim
here.Wala pang nakakaki
ta sa kaniya ri
to sa i
sl
a.Some sayst hathe hasspeci
al
pri
vil
egef
rom Monast er
ioBrot
hersf orbeingthefir
stmember."

I
ri
slipspar
tedi
nshock.Unangmyembr osaisl
ang't
o?"Ganunba?"Walapalasi
yang
aasahansamgataosaisl
ang'
to.Kat
uladni
ya,hi
ndir
inki
l
alaangasawani
ya.

"
Yeah.Butar
eyour
eal
l
yhi
swi
fe?"

Nakangi
tisi
yangumi
li
ng."Bini
birol
angkita.
"Binunt
utanpaniyaiyonngmahi
nangt
awa.
"Nar
ini
gkokasiangpangalang'yonkahapon.Iwasjustcur
ious.
"

Bal
thazarf
rowned."
Agossi
per
,huh?"
Umili
ng si
ya."Nope.Iwasjustcuri
ous.Pangal
anlang ni
yaang al
am ko atparang
napaka-mist
eryusoni
yangt
ao."Tot
oonamankasi'yon."Buti
tst
ruet
hatI'
mi nvi
tedby
amember ."

"
Sino?Tanongni
Bal
thazar
."Thet
rut
hthi
sti
me,pl
ease?"

Naal
alani
yaangsinabisakani
yaniCor
macngunasi
l
angnagki
tasai
sl
ana'
to."
His
nameisCormacPaulCrai
g."

Bal
thazareyeswi
den."
Him?Fuck!
"

Bi
glang bumi
li
s ang pagmamaneho ni
to atnang t
umi
gilsa har
ap ng Er
oti
caf
é ay
pi
nababalangsiyaatnagpaal
am na.

Napakur
ap-kurapnamansi yasapapal
ayonggol
fcar
t.What
'swi
thCor
mac'
sname?
Par
angnatakotsiBal
thazar
.

Ohwel
..
.

PumasoksiyasaEr
oti
cafésakaumuposabakantengupuan.Hi
ndipanag-i
i
nitang
ki
nauupuanni
yangmaylumapitsakani
yal
alaki
.

"
Hi,beaut
if
ul.Al
one?"

I
ri
spol
i
tel
ysmi
l
ed."
I'
m wi
thCor
macPaul
Crai
g."

Kaagadnanagpaal
am angl
alakinapar
abangnat
akotsapangal
angbi
nanggi
tni
ya.

That
'snotacoi
nci
dence.

Ngini
ti
anniyaangwait
ernal
umapi
tsakaniyaatnag-abotngmenu.Gustoniyang
subukanang nasamenunamaynakaka-i
ntr
igang pangal
ankayai
nor
derni
ya'yon
l
ahat.

Nangmakaal
i
sangwai
ter
,mayl
umapi
tnanamansakani
yangl
alaki
.

"
Alone,mi
ss?"

Thi
sti
me,shedi
dn'
tuseCor
mac'
sname."
Yes.Why?"

"
MayI
?"I
minuwest
rani
toangkamaysakahar
apnaupuan.
"
Sur
e."Ngumi
tipasi
yapar
aisi
pinngl
alakingi
nter
esadosi
ya."
Haveaseat
."

Nangmakaupoangl
alaki
,ngi
nit
iansi
yani
toati
nil
ahadangkamay."
Demar
cus.
"

"
Iri
s."Sagotni
yasabayt
anggapsapaki
kipagkamayni
to.

"You'
reverypr
ett
y."Ani
tohabangt
it
ignat
it
igsakani
yaathi
ndipar
inbi
nibi
ti
wanang
kamayniya.

"
Thankyou.
"Sheanswer
edpol
i
tel
y.

"
Do you wantt o have dinnerwith me?"Wal
ang pal
i
goy-l
i
goy ni
tong t
anong na
i
kinagul
atni
ya."
Ipromise,you'l
lenj
oyi
t."

Sasagotsanasi
yang'
whynot
'ngmayt
umi
gil
sat
abingmesani
l
a.

l
tsnoneot
hert
hanCor
mac.

"Cor
mac.
"Mat ami
sniyai
tongngini
ti
ansakapi
naki
lalaanglal
aki
nghawakpar
inang
kamayni
ya."
Thisi
sDemarcusandheinvi
tedmetodinner
."

"Did he now?"Ang mat

ali
m ni
tong mat
a att
umuon kayDemar
cusna unti
-unt
ing
l
umul uwagangpagkakahawaknit
osakamayniya."
Didyou?I
nvi
tedmyIri
stohave
dinner?"

Demar
cusf
rownedandl
ookedather
."You'
rehi
s?"

Umili
ngsiya."
I'
m mar r
iedbutnott
ohi
m.Buthesomet
imesactl
i
kemyhusbandso,
yeah..
.yougetthepi
cture.
"

Kaagadnat umayosiDemarcusathumingingt
awadngCor
macnai
kinakunotangnuo
ni
ya."Sor
ry,Crai
g,t
houghtshe'
salone.
"

Cormac'
sjaw t
ight
ened."Don'
ttouchmywomanagain.Sasusunodnahawakanmosi
I
ri
s,babal
ii
nkolahatngbutosakamaymo.AndyouknowIdon'tbluf
f."

Tumangol
angsiDemar
cussakanagl
akadpal
ayo.

Napasi
mangotsi
yahabangnakat
ingal
akayCor
mac."
You'
renof
un.Iwasj
ustpl
ayi
ng-
"
"
Fli
rt
ing,youmean?"

"
So?"Ti
naasanni
yai
tongki
l
ay."
Masamabaanggi
nawako?"

UmuposiCormacsakatabiniyangupuan.Ramdam niyaangini
tngkat
awanni
toat
naal
alananamanni
yaanghali
knapinagsal
uhanni
lakahapon.

Andwhenhel
ookedather
,thei
rfacei
sonl
yani
nchesapar
t."
You'
remar
ri
ed-"

"-t
oamanwhodi dn'
tshow hi
mselftomeforei
ghtyear
snow andcount
ing.
"Tumi
m
angbagangni
ya."
I'm get
ti
ngti
red,Cor
mac.Mal
api
tnaakongsumuko.
"

"
Iri
s..
."

I
sinandalni
ya ang kat
awan sa l
i
kod ng upuan para magkar
oon ng dist
ansi
ya ang
mukhanilakapagkuwanaynanunudyongngini
ti
anniyait
o."So.
..I
'm yourwomannow,
huh?"

Cor
mac'sunf
li
nchi
ngeyesr
emai
nbor
edt
oher
s."
Sinabikol
ang'
yonpar
aumal
i
snasi
Demar
cus.
"

Napat
ango-t
angosi
yasakai
ti
nukodangsi
kosagi
l
idngl
amesaatbahagyangi
nil
api
t
angkat
awansakahar
ap.

Ir
isdoesn'
tcar
eiftheirf
aceissonearwi
theachot
her
.Shel
i
kest
hecl
osenessandt
he
sensat
ioni
tsawakeninginsi
deher
.

"
Cor
mac.
"

"
Yes?

"
Doyouwantt
ohavedi
nnerwi
thme?"

"
Whatf
or?"

I
ri
scansmel
lCor
mac'
smi
ntybr
eat
h.

That
'showcl
oset
heyar
e.
Sheshr
ugged."
Tot
hankyou,f
ornotl
eavi
ng.
"

"
Noneed.Maygagawi
nakomamaya-"

"Kunghindikamaki
kipag-di
nnersaki
n,maki
ki
pag-di
nnerakosai
ba.MaybeI
'l
lask
Demarcus."

"
Let
shavedi
nner
."

Gumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abini
ya."
Yonnamanpal
a,eh.I
'l
lcookusdi
nnert
hen.
"

"
You'
l
lcook?"

"
Yes.
"Shesmi
l
ed."
Okayl
angba?"

"
Sur
e.What
everyoul
i
ke.
"

"
Thankyou.
"

Tumango l
ang siCormacatng dumat
ing ang pagkai
n,nal
ukotang mukhani
to ng
maki
taangpenironi
past
anaisasamgainorderniya.

"
Real
l
y?"Hel
ookedatherf
lat
ly."
Apeni
roni
?"

I
ri
sgri
nned."That
'smi
ne.
"Shepushedtheboobi
ronit
oCor
mac."
Par
asaki
ndapatyan
per
onandit
okanamankayaibi
bigaykonal
angsayo.
"

Cor
mac'
seyesl
ookedathert
hendr
opt
oherbr
east
."I
'dr
atherhavet
hat
."

"You'
renotmyhusband"Sabini
yasakasumimsi
m ngkapeatki
nidat
anit
ongmagt
ama
angmgamat ani
la."
Onlymyhusbandgetstopal
m andmassagemybr east
."

Hi
seyesdar
kened."
Husband,huh?"

"
Yup.
"Ngumi
tiul
i
tsi
ya."
Asawakol
ang.Wal
angi
ba.
"

Cor
mac'
seyes,t
hen,movet
oherl
i
ps."
How'
sthat
?Saasawamol
angdi
nbayan?"

"Thi
s?"Sinadya ni
yang paglandasi
n ang dul
o ng di
l
a mul
a sa kanang dul
o ng l
abi
patungongkali
wa."Ofcourse.Formyhusbandonlyaswell
."
"
Weki
ssed.
"Hepoi
ntedout
."AndI
'm notyourhusband.
"

"
Hindi
ba?"

"
Iri
s-"

"I
'm justki
ddi
ng"Sumimsi
m ul
itsi
ya ng kape atkumain ng kal
ahat
ing pi
raso ng
chocolat
ecooki
essakat
umi
ngi
nkayCormac." Ihaveaquest
ion.
"

Ni
l
unokmunaniCor
macangki
nakai
ngboobi
ronipast
abagonagsal
i
ta."
Anoyon?"

"Maytatt
ooshopbar
it
osaI
sl
a?"Pasi
mpl
eni
yangt
anongpar
ahi
ndini
tomahal
ataang
bi
nabalakni
ya.

"
Wal
a."Mabi
l
isni
tongsagot
."Baki
t?Gust
omongmagpa-t
att
oo?"

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katsi
ya."
Sana.
"

"
Anobaanggust
omongt
att
oo?"

"
AnI r
isf
lower
."Nakangi
tini
yangsagot
.
"
Likemyname. "

Nat
igi
l
ansi yaatnar
amdamanniyaangmalakasnapagt
ibokngpusoni
yanginil
api
tni
Cor
macangmukhasakani yaatnaramdamanniyaanghini
ngani
tonatumatamasa
l
eegniya.

"
Dit
okasapar
teng'
tomagpa-t
att
oo.
"AniCor
macsabayhal
i
ksal
eegni
ya.

Sumal
akayangkakai
bangi
nitsakat
awanni
yadahi
lsagi
nawangl
alaki
."Cor
mac.
..
"

"Fr
om here-"he kissed t
he back ofhereart
hen t
rai
l
ed down hi
stongue t
o her
col
lar
bone."-t
ohere."

I
ri
sgulped.Thatsensat
ion.Thesamepl
easur
eherhusbandhadgi
venher
."You'
ret
oo
cl
ose.
"

Shedi
dn'
treal
i
zet
hathervoi
cewasshaki
ng.Mi
odi
o!
Pi
nagsi
kl
opniCormacangkamaynil
angdal
awahabangangmgalabini
toaypadampi
-
dampipari
nsaleegni
yaathi
ndinamanni
yamagawangsawayi
nit
o.

Shel
i
kest
hesensat
ionandt
hepl
easur
eit
sgi
vi
ngher
.

"
Iri
s?"Bumul
ongi
tosat
aingani
yahabangbahagyangki
nakagat
-kagatanggi
l
idni
yon.

"
Hmm?"I
tsmor
eli
keamoant
hanahum."
W-what
?"

"
Gust
omobaakongmagi
ngasawa?"

Hindiniyahinayaangmaki
tani
tongapekt
adosi
yasat
anongni
to."
Baki
tmonaman
natanong?"

Kahaponkapa,akal amohindikonapapansin?"Humawakangisangkamayni t
osa
batokniyaatnaglandasi
yonpababasaspi nalcordni
yahanggangumabotiyonsa
beywang niya athi
nawakan si
ya r
oon ng mahigpi
t."
Do you r
eal
lyt
hink I
'm your
husband?"

Doonnagkabuhol
-buhol
angt
ibokngpusoni
ya.

Relax,I
ris!Don'
tyou dar
efol
dinf
rontofhi
m.He'
spl
ayi
ng youandyou mustpl
ay
excepti
onall
yaswell
!

"Oongapal a,hi
ndimopasiyanaki
ki
ta."Bul
ongnitosat ainganiya,"normallangna
pagdudahanmoakokai sakolangnamanangmal apitsayonglalakiri
tosaIsla.But
you'
renotsureandyou'
rest
il
li
ndoubt.Butt
ellme,I
ris,doyoureall
yt hi
nkthatI
'm your
husband?"

"
Idon'tknow."Raci
nii
ssmar
t.Shecan'
tli
etohi
m.Al
lshecandoi
sbai
thi
m."
I'
m st
il
l
f
igur
ingthatout
."

"
Doyout
hinkIwoul
dletyou.
..f
igur
eitout
?"

Mabil
issi
yangl
umingonpahar
apdi
toatbumi
l
isangpi
nti
gngpusoni
yangmaki
tang
gahi
blanal
angangpagi
tanngmgal
abini
l
a.

"
Whywouldn'tyou?"Pi
li
tniyang ni
l
alabanan ang kakai
bang nar
aramdaman."
Kung
wal
akangt
inat
agosaki
n,hindimoakopipigi
lan.
"

Gumuhi
tangmapang-akitnangi
tisamgalabini
to."I
ri
s..
"pinakawalanni
toangkamay
ni
yanghawakni
tosakamasuyonghi napl
osangpi snginiya."Kunghahayaanki
tasa
gust
omo,bakamasgustuhinmopaakongmagi ngasawakeysasaasawamo. "
Thati
ntr
iguedher
."Whywoul
dyousayt
hat
?"

"
Becausel
'
m bet
tert
hanhi
m.AndI
'm nothi
dingf
rom you.
"

Hereyesdr
op,di
sappoi
nted."
Sohi
ndii
kawangasawako?"

"
Hindi
."

Napabuntong-hiningasiyasakamapaklangt umawa."Tamaka...pi
nagdududahankita
nabakai kaw angasawako.Kayangaayosl angsaki
nnahinal
i
kanmoakokasiakal a
koikaw siNiccolo.Butnow I '
m sur
e,you'r
enotmyhusband. "Bumagsakangbal ikat
ni
yaatbumakasangl ungkotsamukhaniya."Sinokayatal
agasi
ya?Gustokonasiyang
makit
a.Akalako,i kaw si
ya.Perongayonmalinawna.Pasensi
yakana."

"
It
sokay.Yourhusbandi
s-"

"Idon'twanttotal
kaboutmyhusbandanymor
e."Pi
nil
i
tni
yangngumi
ti
."So.
..backt
o
ourtopicear
li
er.
..t
het
attoo.
"

Fi
nal
l
y,Cor
macpul
l
edawayandl
eanedont
hebackofhi
schai
r."
Whatabouti
t?"

"
Doyouhaveone?"

"
Yeah.
"

"
Real
l
y?"Herl
i
psf
ormedi
ntoan'
o'."
Wow.
..di
dithur
t?"

"
Likehel
l
."

"
Isi
tbi
gorsmal
l
?"

"
Big.
"

"
Whereisi
t?"Ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abi
."Par
anggust
okonat
uloymagpa-
t
att
oo.
"

"
Just
..
.somewher
einmybody.
"

Shesmi
l
eexci
tedl
yatCor
mac,shedi
dn'
tlethi
m seet
heeager
nesshi
dingbehi
ndher
exci
tement
."Mat
agal
kanabangnagpa-t
att
oo?"

"
Sevenyear
sago.
"

Napatango-tangosi
yaathi
nint
ayangt
amangpagkakat
aonpar
amagt
anong."
Saanka
nagpa-tat
tooparadoonnari
nakomagpa-t
att
oo.
"

"
US.
"

Umakt osiyangnag-ii
si
p."Kail
anbaakomakakapunt
angUS?Hmm. .
.bakamatagal
an
pa.Isti
llhavetoprocessmydi vor
cepapersandendwhateverconnect
ionIhavewi
th
Racini
."Napatango-tangosiyasakanapangit
ingmapansingdumili
m angmukhang
l
alakisamgasi nabi
niya."
MayIseeyourtatt
oo?"

"
No.
"

"Bummer."Perohindisi
yasumuko.Shecanfeelit
.Justalit
tl
epushandhe'l
ll
oosenup
abit
."Justtel
lmewhati ti
sthen.Idon'
tneedtoseei t.Sabihi
nmonalangsaki
npara
namanmagkar oonpaakongi deyasai
papa-t
attooko."

Nanghi
ndinagsal
i
tasiCor
mac,nagpat
uloysi
yasapangungul
i
tdi
to.

"
Isitadragon?"Hereyeswi
deninexci
tement
."Oh.ALion?Ormaybeasnake?Ora
t
ri
balt
att
oo?Ormaybei t
sCel
ti
c?Orsomethi
ngli
keanol
dl anguage?"

Si
nukl
ayniCor
macangsar i
l
ingbuhokgami
tangngadal
i
rini
tobagosumagothabang
mi
nasaheni
toangsar
il
ingmgabali
kat
.

"
Eunf
ior
e."

Shebl
i
nkedatCor
mac."
Afl
ower
?"

"
Yes."Napat
it
igit
osakawalan."
Eunafi
oremolt
oimport
ant
echeecosivi
cinoper
óe
mol
tomoltol
ontanodame."Averyi
mport
antf
lowert
hati
ssonear
yetso,sofaraway
f
rom me.

Napati
ti
gsiyakayCormacsakabumuntonghini
ngasi
ya."
Pasensi
yanasapangungul
i
t
ko.Thoughthanksf
oranswer
ingmyquesti
ons."

Hej
ustshr
uggedandcont
inuedeat
ing.

Si
yanamanaypi
nakat
it
igansi
Cor
macnapar
angmal
ali
m angi
nii
si
p.
Heactual
l
yboughtthatdi
sappoint
edf
aceofher
sandanswer
ed.Buthe'
sreal
l
yhel
l
-
benti
nmakingherbel
i
evehisl
ies.

Toobad,amor
e,youj
ustmademebel
i
eveevenmor
ethatyouar
emyhusband.

TULAD NG NAPAG-USAPAN,nagl utosiI

ri
sngpanghapunanni l
aniCormacsacabin
ni
to.Haloslahatmgakil
alangfi
li
pinodi
shangni l
utoniya.Per
fectnani
yaiyondahil
pi
nagl
ulutoniyano'
nsiI
vysaisi
pingbakamakat
ulong'yonsapagbabal
i
kngal
a-alani
to.

Goodt
hinghert
winsi
steri
singoodhandsnow.Wi
tht
hemanshel
oves.

Napangi
tisi
yasaisipingmasayanaangkakambalni
ya.Vydeser
vesi
t.Pagkataposng
pi
nagdaanannit
o.Nagpapasal amatsi
yasapangal
awangpagkakat
aonnabi nigayng
di
yossakakambal niyapar
amagbagongbuhay.

I
ri
scl
aspherhandaf
tershe'
sdoneset
ti
ngt
het
abl
e."
Per
fect
."

ButCor
maci
snowher
etobef
ound.

Lumabassi
yangcabi
natnat
igi
l
anngmaki
tangnakaupoi
tosaduyanatnakat
ingi
nsa
malayo.

"
Cor
mac,hal
i
kana,kai
nnat
ayo.
"Ayani
yar
it
o.

PerohindikumibosiCormac.Nanat
il
il
angi
tongnakat
ingi
nsakawal
annapar
abanang
l
ali
m-lali
m nginisi
pni
to.

I
ri
ssighedandwalktowar
dsCormac.Nangmakalapi
tsiyar
it
o,umangatangkamay
ni
yaparahawakanangbal
i
katni
tongbi
glasi
yangpi
gil
anngkamayni
to.

Hismovementwasf
ast
.Hedi
dn'
tevenl
ookatheryethemanagedt
osei
zedherhand
andst
oppedher.

Atnanghumigpi
tanghawakni
tosapul
suhanni
ya,sahal
ipnaagawinangkamayni
ya
sapagkakahawakni
toayhi
nawakanni
yaangkamayni t
ongnakahawaksakani
yaat
pi
nisi
l'
yon.

"Cor
mac..
.it
sme.
"Ani
yasamal
umanaynabosesngmaki
taangt
akotatpangambana
dumaansamgamatani
to.
Unti
-unt
i,l
umuwagangpagkakahawakni
tosakani
yasakadahan-dahangt
umi
ngi
nsa
kani
ya.

I
langul
iti
tongkumurap-kur
apbagor umehi
str
osamukhani t
onaki
l
alasi
yani
to."
Iri
s?"
Kaagadni
tongsinur
iangkamayniya."Ar
eyouokay?I
'm sor
ry."

"
Imf
ine.Anongnangyar
isayo?"

Masuyonit
ongmi nasaheangkamayni
ya."
Naal
alakolang'yonghuli
ngassi
gnmentko
saAfghani
stan.Anghir
apmakali
mut
an.Par
angkahaponlangnangyari
."

Gamitangisangkamayni
ya,hi
napl
osni
yaangbuhokni
to."
Ayoskal
angba?Doyou
wanttotal
kabouti
t?"

Bahagyang napasi
nghap sa gul
atsiI
ri
sng hi
l
ahi
n si
ya ni
to pa-upo sa hi
ta ni
to at
ni
yakapsiyasabeywang.

Handanasiyangtumayoper
ohumi gpi
tangpagkakayakapsakani
yaniCor
macna
par
abangkail
angansi
yani
toayayawsiyani
tongpaal
i
sin.

"
Cor
mac?"Nagt
atakasi
yasaki
niki
l
osni
to.

"
Amor
e?"

Sameendear
mentdi
ff
erentvoi
ce."
Hmm?"Sheanswer
ed.

"
Tumivuoi
?"

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yasat
anongngl
alaki
."A-ano?"

"
Gust
omobaako?"

Napat
it
igsi
yasabuhokni
todahi
lnakat
ungoi
toathi
ndini
yamaki
taangmukhani
to.
"Whyareyouaski
ngmet
hat?"

"Dahilnasapuntonaakongbuhaykonahi ndikonakayangmagt i
mpi
.Nahi ndikona
kayangpi gi
l
anangsar i
l
ikot uladnoon."Wi kani
tonapar abangnahihir
apangami ni
n
'
yon sa saril
ini
to atsa kaniya."Araw araw,pahirap ng pahi
rap,I
ri
s.Par a akong
nakagaposathindiakomakawal akahitgust
uhinko.
"

"
Cor
mac.
..
"
"
Per
óhopaur
a"Ther
e'svul
ner
abi
l
it
yinhi
svoi
ce."
Hopaur
a,I
ri
s."

I
ri
swantedtounderst
andCor mac,tounderst
andwher
ehe'scomingf
rom.She'
str
ying
t
oseehim asani ndi
vidual
,notseehim assomeoneelse.Per
opaanoniyagagawin
'
yonkungli
mit
adolangangal am ni
yari
to.

Al
lsheknew i
sCormaci
saMi
l
itar
yDoct
or.Hal
fIt
ali
anf
atherandFi
l
ipi
nomot
her
.Ot
her
t
hanthat
..
.nothi
ng.

Hi
napl
osniyaangbuhokniCor
macsakapi
nisi
langbal
i
katni
to."
Comeon.
let
seat
.
Masar
apanglut
oko.
"

Ti
ningalasi
yaniCor
mac." Perchéseiancor
aconme?Nonmiconosci
."Whyar
eyou
st
il
lwithme?Youdon'tevenknow me.

Hi
naplosniyaangmagkabi
l
angpi
sngini
tosakahinal
ikani
tosanuo."
Hindingaki
ta
ki
l
ala,per
opuwedemamannati
ngbaguhi
nyondiba?"

Cormacstar
edatherf
oral
ongt
imebef
orest
andi
ngupandsmi
l
ingather
."Comeon.
..
l
etseat
."Ani
to.

Napangi
tisi
yasakanagpagi
yapapasoksaCabi
nni
to.

Thedinnerwasfun,uneventf
ul,butf
ulf
il
li
ng.Cormacopenedupabouthisworkandhis
l
if
einthisi
slandandoutsideandsomehow,r eadingbet
weent
heli
nes,shereal
izedt
hat
j
ustl
ikeher,Cormacislonel
yandmi ser
ablyalone.

Par
ehol
angsi
l
a.

Andasshel
eaveCor
mac'
scabi
n,sheki
ssedhi
m ont
hecheeksandbi
dgoodbye.

Shehavet
oputherpl
ani
nmot
ionnow.Bef
orei
tbecomest
olat
eforher
.

"Buonanot
te.
"Goodnight
.Shewhisper
edaft
erpul
l
ingawayf
rom t
hatsi
mpl
eki
ssshe
placeonhi
scheek."
Dormibene.
"Sl
eepwel
l.

Cormacsmi l
edandkissheront
hef
orehead."
Buonanot
te.Civedi
amodomani
."Good
ni
ght.I
'l
lseeyoutomorr
ow.

"
Maybenot
."
KumunotangnuoniCor
mac."
Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?"

Ir
istookadeepbreath."Thatwasourl astmealtogether
.Ngayonghindinamanpala
i
kaw angasawakoatmal ianghinal
akopasensi yanasamgagi nawakongpang-aaki
t
sayo.Kal
i
mut anmonamaynaki l
alakangI r
is.Mulabukas,maaasahanmonghindina
kit
agugul
uhinopapansini
n.Ii
wasannaki t
a.Pasensiyasaabal
a."

Pagkasabini
yonayngumi
tisi
yasakaumat
rasathumakbangpat
ungosaCabi
nni
ya.

Tul
adkagabi
,pi
nat
ayni
yal
ahatngi
l
awsaCabi
nni
yakahi
tangl
ampshade.

I
langmi nut
onasiyangnakahi
gangmaynagbukasngpi
ntongCabi
nni
ya,i
ni-l
ockyon
uli
tsakatumabinghigasakani
ya.

Thesamescent
.Raci
ni.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e,Ni
ccol
o?"

"
Imi
ssyou,amor
e."Hi
nal
i
k-hal
i
kansi
yani
tosabat
okdahi
l
anpar
amapakagat
-labisi
ya.

Bumali
ngsiyanghigapahar
apsaasawani
yaatsi
nal
ubongnamanngmgal
abing
asawaniyaangl
abini
ya.

Napadai
ngnal
angsi
yaaynagpaubayangi
sa-i
sani
tonghi
nubadangdami
tni
ya.

Atnang mag-umpi sa i
tong hali
kan ang puson ni
ya pababa sa pagkababae ni
ya,
napapikitnal
angsiyaati nungolangpangalanngasawahabangangmukhani tona
nasaisipniyaayangguwapongmukhani Corr
mac.

CHAPTER9

NAPAYAKAPangmgahi taniIr
issabeywangngasawaatnapasabunotsi
yasabuhok
ni
to ng i
sagad ni
to ang pagkal
alakisa l
oob ni
ya.Napal
i
yad si
ya atmalakas na
napadai
ng.

"
Ah!Ni
ccol
o!"Herl
egsar
etr
embl
i
ngaspl
easur
efi
l
ledhercor
e."
Niccol
o..oh.
"

Umaangatangpuwit
anniyanaparangsinasal
ubongangmabagalnaul
osngasawa
ni
yaati
nuundyukani
tongmasbi
l
isanpa.

"
Amor
e..
."Ni
ccol
owhi
sper
edasheki
ssedherneckdownt
ohercol
l
arbonedownt
o
herni
ppl
es.

"Oh!"Ungolni
yangl
arui
nngdi
l
ani
toangut
ongni
yahabangangi
sangaymi
namasahe
nit
oatpini
pisi
l
.

Dumadal
oyang kakai
bangkil
it
isabawathimaymayngkatawanni
ya,buma-bi
yahe
i
yonpababasamgahitani
ya,sapaaatbumabal
i
ksapusonni
ya.

Ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babanglabingmar amdamanangdali
rini
tonahumahapl
ossa
hi
yasni
yahabangnagl
alabas-masokangkahabaanngasawasaloobni
ya.

"
Ah!Uhm!
"Hi
ndi
niyakayangmagi
ngt
ahi
mikhabangi
naangki
nsi
yangasawa.

Ir
iscan'tcont
ainher
sel
f.SabawatpagpasokatpagsagadniNiccol
osakahabaanni
to
saloobniyaaynapapasi
gaw si
yasasar
apathabangpabili
s'yonngpabi
l
isaynakapi
kit
si
yaatpumasokangguwapongmukhaniCor macsai si
pniyanagumagawano' nsa
kaniya.

I
ri
sdi dn'tknew i
fseeingCor mac'sfacei
nhermi ndheight
enherli
bidobutherbody
burnedevenmor e.Masnadagdaganangpagnanasangnar ar
amdamanniyaatmas
nagingmapusokangpagt ugonniyakay
Niccolo.Masnagingmai nitangbawatgalaw ni
ya,angbawathapl
osniyasakatawan
ngasawaatpumi pi
si
l-pi
silpa.

Atnangmagtagpoangmgalabini
langasawa,si
psipansil
angdil
aatkagat
annglabi
hanggangsapar
ehosi
langhi
ngal
i
n.Perohi
ndipari
nsilat
umigi
lsamapusoknahal
i
kan.

I
ri
sbecomesmoreaggressiveasshekissedNi
ccol
ofer
vent
lyashepumpedi
nandout
ofher
,maki
ngherheaddizzywit
hpleasure.

"Uhm!Oh!Oh!"Bumaonangkukoni
yasabal
i
katniNi
ccol
ongmasl
aloni
tongi
si
nagad
angkahabaansaloobni
ya.

Napali
yad si
ya sa sar
ap.Cazzo!Cor
mac..."
Uhm!More..
.harder.
"Parang ahasna
kumiki
walangkatawanniyahabangbi
nabayongasawaangpagkababaeni
ya.

Nakakawal
asatamanghuwisyo.Nawawal
asi
yasat amangpag-ii
si
patt
angi
ngang
sar
aplangnanar
aramdamanniyaangl
amanngbuongpagkat
aoniya.

Parang sasabog ang kat

awan ni
ya sa sar
ap.Sobrang sarap.Mas l
alo si
yang
nahihi
bangsabawatpagbaonngkahabaanngasawasaloobniya.

"Veloce,Ni
ccol
o."Nahihi
bangni
yangdainghabangsi
nasal
ubongangbawatpagbayo
nit
osabasang-basaniyangpagkababae.
Herp-ssyfel
tsoful
l
.Ramdam ni yangsagadnasagadngpagkalal
akingasawaang
kai
but
uranngpagkababaeniya.Kayabawatsagadni
yonaynaaabotni
yaanglangi
tsa
sar
ap.Walasi
yangpagkabi
ti
ngmar amdaman.

"Angsar
ap."hi
ndini
yamapigi
langdai
ngngmasbi ni
li
sanpangasawaniyaangpag
angki
nsakani
ya."Si
gepa.
..Si
gepa,Ni
ccol
o.Yes!Har
der,Ni
ccol
o.Fuckme.
..
"

"Cazzo"Ni
ccolo hi
ssed underhisbreat
hashef
uckherhar
derand f
ast
er."
Cazzo!
You'r
esoti
ght,amore.Feelsgood..
."

"
That
'si
t.
.Uhm.
..Oh!
"Shegr
ippedhi
sassasherbr
eat
hingr
agged."
Oh!Cazzo!Cosí
..
."

I
ni-apakni
yaangmgapaasakamaati
ginal
aw nar
inangbal
akangpat
aasatbaba
habanggumigi
l
ing'
yon.

"I
ri
s..
.Ir
is.
..
"mahinangdai ngniNiccol
onamukhangnasar
apansagi
nawani
yaper
o
bi
glanalangni
tonghinugotangkahabaansal
oobni
ya.

Handa na si
yang mur
ahin ang asawa ng i
giya ni
to padapa ang kat
awan ni
ya at
i
naangki
nsiyamulasal
ikur
an.

"Oh!Fuck!"Hersani t
y sl
ipped agai
n as Niccol
ofucked herf
rom behi
nd."
Uhm!
Niccol
o..
.cazzo!Uhm!Har
der,Niccol
o!Har
der!More!More!
"

Si
napongmgakamayniNi ccol
oangmagkabil
angdibdi
bniyahabangmabil
issi
yang
i
naangki
n.Bawatul
osaymakapangini
g kal
amnan kasabayng pagmasahe ni
to sa
mayayamanni
yangdi
bdi
b.

Kapagkuwanayini
wanngisani
tongkamayangdi
bdibniyaatbumabaiyonsahiyas
ni
yangpumipi
nti
gatiyonanghi
nimas-hi
masni
tohabangbinabayoangpagkababae
ni
ya.

"Oh!
"Mar i
i
nni yangipi
niki
tangmgamat aatit
inukodangmagkabi
l
angsi
kosakama
habangnakasabunotsasaril
ini
yangbuhok."
Oh!Ah!"

I
ri
swasmoaningandwr
it
hingwi
thhereyesshutcl
osewhenCor
mac'
shandsomef
ace
f
il
ledhermi
nd.

Sa imahinasyon niya, i
to ang na-i
-isip ni
yang umaangki n sa kaniya. I
to ang
nagpapal
igaya sa kani
ya atnang maabotni ya ang sukdul
an ng pagangki
n nit
o sa
kani
ya,angpangalannitoangini
-ungolniya.
"Niccol
o..
.Cor
mac.
..
"Mahi
nani
yang dai
ng ngsumabog ang or
gasmosakai
but
uran
niya.

Bumagsakangkat awanni yasakamaathi nang-hinasi

yahabanghabolangsari
li
ng
hini
nga.Atnang unti
-unt
ing humupaang ini
tng katawanniya,doonlang ni
yana-
real
izeangpangal
anginungolniyangl
abasansiya.

Mer
da!Andt
hensher
eal
i
zesomet
hingaswel
l
,Ni
ccol
odi
dn'
tcum.

Kaagadsi
yangbumangonathi
nagi
l
apsiNi
ccol
ongmayyumakapsakani
yamul
asa
l
ikur
anathi
nil
asi
yapahi
gasakamauli
t.

"Ni
ccol
o...
"humaplosangkamayni
yamul
apusonni
topababasapagkal
alaki
ngnag-
uumigt
ingpari
n,"
youokay?"

Hej
ustgr
oanathert
ouch."
Keepdoi
ngt
hat
..
."

Lumal
im angpaghingani
tokayanamanmaspinag-igi
hanni
yaangpagt
aas-babang
kamayniyananakahawaksabasapari
nni
tongkahabaan.
"

Hmm!Cazzo!
"Ni
ccol
obur
iedhi
sfaceonherneckandsuckherski
n."
Iri
s..
"

Masbi ni
l
isanpaniyaangpagtaas-babangkamaysapagkal al
akini
tohanggangsa
nanigasi
toatpumulandi
tangmai ni
tnit
ongkatasnadumaloypababasakamayniya
kasabayngpagsi
psipni
toatpagkagatngbal
atsaleegni
ya.

"I
ri
s..
"hi
nihi
ngalni
tongdai
ngsapangal anni
yahabanghi
nahal
i
k-hal
i
kanatdi
nidi
l
aan
angkahabaanngleegni
ya."Uhm.
.cazzo."

Bi
nit
iwan ni
ya ang pagkal
alakini
to saka napadai
ng ng i
giya ni
to ang kat
awan ni
ya
padagandit
o.

Hindial
am niIr
iskungnari
nig baniNi
ccol
oanghul
i
ngpangal
annai
nungolni
yao
nagbibi
ngi
-bi
ngi
hanlangi
to.

Ormaybehedoesn'
tcar
ebecauset
hey'
ret
hesameper
son?

Kahitanomanangrasonni
to,napaka-i
mposi
blenahi
ndisi
yani
tonar
ini
gnaumungol
ngibangpangal
an.

Par
ehosi
langwalangi
mikniNi
ccol
ohanggangsaihi
gasiyani
tosakamaathi
nal
i
kan
angdi
bdi
bniyaatbumabaangmgalabi
nit
osapagkababaeni
ya.
Napadai
ngul
i
tsi
yaatnapunonghal
i
nghi
ngni
yaatungol
angbuongCabi
n.

Hi
ndinagsawasiNi
ccol
osapagpapal
i
gayasakani
ya.

Hekeepsoneati
ngherl
i
kehe'sthi
rst
yforhercum.Hesuck,l
i
ck,si
pandl
appedhercl
-
tandwetp-ssymaki
ngherbodytr
embleindesir
eandpl
easure.

Hi
ndimabil
angniI
ri
skungil
angbesessiyangni
l
abasan.Magalingkumai
natdumi
l
asi
Ni
ccol
o.Eksper
tor
inangdal
i
rini
tongsi
yangnagl
alabas-masoksaloobni
ya.

Hindiniyanamalayankungil
angorassiyangpinal
i
gayangasawa.Nagpapahingalang
i
tongi l
angmi nut
oatbaliknanamansapagkai natpagdil
asapagkababaeni yang
pumipinti
g-pi
ntigpadahi
lsapagnanasasakatawanniyanahi
ndimaubos-ubos.

Tumigi
ll
angsiNiccol
ongwalanasi
yangl
akasatnghi
ndinanar
ir
ini
gangmgaungolat
dai
ngniyadahi
lpaosnapaosnasi
ya.

Thatwasanunfor
gett
abl
enight.Thepleasur
ethatNiccol
omadeherf eelwastoomuch
and over
fl
owi
ng.Hindini
ya namalayang nakat
ulog si
ya sa sobr
ang pagod dahi
lsa
gi
nawasakaniyangasawaniya.

Andwhenshewokeupi nthemorni
ng,herhusbandisal
readygone.Walait
ongsulat
nai
niwanatparabangwalangbakasngpagbi
sit
anit
osakaniyakagabimal
ibannal
ang
samahapdini
yangpagkababae.

I
RIS DECI
DED t
o have l
unch i
n Gyr
os.Nang makal
abassiya ng Cabi
n,kaagad na
t
umuonangmat aniyasakatabingCabi
n.Andherheartbeat
sf ast
erwhenhereyes
Cor
mac's.

Per
otul
adngsi
nabini
yakagabi
,ii
wasannani
yai
to.

"
Iri
s."

Hindini
yai
topinansinatnagt
uloy-t
uloyl
angsapagpunt
asagol
fcar
tni
yaatmi
naneho
i
yonpatungongGyr os.

Pagkataposmananghali
anngmag-isa,magi
sarinsi
yangnamasyalsaI
sl
a.Dahilwala
namansi yangmasyadongal
am,nagtanongt
anongsiyanamagil
i
w namangsinasagot
nglahatngstaf
fngIsl
a.

HaponnangmakabaliksiyasaCabi
nniyaper
ohindir
insi
yar
oonnagt
agal
.Nal
i
gol
ang
si
yaatnagbi
hissakat
inungoangfl
oati
ngRest
aur
ant.
Shewantedt
otryt
heirseaf
ood.Nar
ini
gni
yakani
nangmasar
apdaw angmgal
utor
oon
kayanamandoonni
yabalakmaghapunan.

WhenIr
isreacht
heRestaur
ant,she'
sinqueue.Mag-isaattahi
miksi
yangna-uposa
wai
ti
ngareangbi
glanal
angniyangnar
ini
gangpangal
anniya.

"
Yes.I
ri
sGonzagaRaci
ni.She'
swi
thme.
"

Mabil
i
snahinanapngmgamat aniyaangnagsal
i
taattumuon'
yonsamat
angkadat
guwapongl
alakinakausapngst
affnasal
i
kodngcount
er.

Nangmagt
amaangmgamat
ani
l
a,ki
nindat
ansi
yani
tonai
pinagt
akani
ya.

Feel
i
ngcl
ose?

Andt
ohersur
pri
se,t
hest
affusher
edhert
owar
dst
hemanwho'
ssmi
l
ingather
.

"
Naka-or
dernaako."Anangl al
akinahi ndini
yakil
alaatnakangi
tipar
insakani
ya.
"
Tayonaangsusunodsaf
loat
ingcottage.Getready.
"

I
ri
sisdyi
ngtoknow whot hehel
lhei
sbutshest
ophersel
ffrom aski
ng.Mayt
amang
or
asparamagt
anongsiya.Mamayakapagsi
l
angdal
awanalang.

TahimiknasumunodsiIri
ssamgastaffnagini
yasil
apasakaysafl
oat
ingcott
ageat
i
nihati
dsil
asamalali
m napar
tengdagat
.Atnangsi
langdal
awanalangnglal
aki
,doon
tumaasangkil
ayniya.

"
Whoar
eyouandwhatdoyouwantf
rom me?"Sheasked.

Pinakat
it
iganmunasi
yang est
rangher
obagonagpaki
l
ala."
Luci
ferMonast
eri
o,your
husband'sfr
iend.
"

Monast
eri
o?Theowneroft
hisi
sl
and?

Theemot
iononherfacedi
dn'
tchange.Sher
emai
nst
oic."
Real
l
y?Anddoyouexpect
metobel
i
eveyou?"

"
Yes.
"Luci
feranswer
ed,hi
seyest
rai
nedonher
s."
Wevebeenf
ri
endssi
nceCol
l
ege.
"

"
Idon'
tbel
i
eveyou.
"
Tumaasangsul
okngl
abi
niLuci
fer
."Doyouwantt
oseeapi
ctur
eofhi
m?"

I
shet
est
ingme?"
Baki
tmonamangagawi
n'yon?Anongmapapal
amo?"

"
Nothi
ngbutmyfr
iendshappi
ness.
"Sagotnit
osakanapail
i
ng."
Eightyear
siswayt
oo
l
ongforamar
ri
edcoupl
etobeapart,don'
tyouthi
nkso?"

Heknew t
hataswel
l
?"Andyourpoi
nti
s?"

"
Maybei
tst
imef
oryout
oseeeachot
her
."

"
That
'snotyourdeci
si
ont
omake.
"

"Notyoursei
ther
.Butasf orme,IcandowhateverIwantwi
ththeinf
ormat
ionIhave.
"
Ngumisii
to."Ayaw mobangmaki lal
aangasawamo-"t umi
gilit
osakamasl umapad
angngit
isamgal abi
,"oh,hel
l
,
ki
lal
amonasi ya."

Shesi
ghedandl
ookedatt
hesunset
."Justahunch.I
'm st
il
lnotsur
e."

"
Oh.
..okay.
"Luci
fert
sked."
Sinoangpi
naghi
hinal
aanmo?"

I
bi nali
kniya ang ti
ngi
n sa l
alaki
."Baki
tko naman sasabi
hin sayo?"Matar
ayniyang
tanong." Malaykobakungsi nokabat alagaokungnagsasabikangt otoosaki
n.You
coul dbepl ayi
ngme,tryi
ngt olearnwhat'sonmymind.Sorry,Mr .Monast
eri
o,Idon'
t
trustthateasil
y."

"
Damn.
."Luci
ferl
ookedatheri
nawe,"
your
eal
l
yar
etheDr
ugBar
on'
sdaught
er.
"

Shest
il
l
ed.Heknowst
hatt
oo?"
Whot
oldyout
hat
?"

"
Raci
ni.
"

"
Idon'
tbel
i
eveyou-"

"Youhaveatwi
n,ri
ght?Ivy.She'
sexcepti
onalatcombatandshe'
sreal
l
ysmar twhenit
comest of
ight
ing.
..butyou on the ot
herhand isa si
lentt
act
ici
an.You playwit
h
peopl
e'smi
ndandmani pulat
ethem asyouli
ke.
"

Tumaasangdal
awani
yangki
l
ay."
Doyouwantt
oknow howmani
pul
ati
veIcanbe?"
"
No,thanks.
"Mabi
l
isni
tongsabisakamahi
nangt
umawa."
Irat
herhaveaconver
sat
ion
wit
hyou."

"I
st hatso?"Shecrossherlegs."Kung'
yananggustomo.Tellme,Mr.Monast
eri
o,"
ti
nit
iganniyai
tosamgamat a,"
anoanghulingbansanapi
nunt
ahanngasawakopara
sanegosyoniya?I
taly,maybe?London?Canada?Rome?"

Not
hing.Nor
eact
ion.

"
How aboutMi
nessot
a?"Sheasked.

Luci
ferl
ooksdef
ensi
vej
ustbyl
ooki
ngathi
sshoul
der
.

"
Ori
sitAf
ghani
stan?"Sheaskedagai
n.

Thi
sti
meLuci
ferl
ookssl
i
ght
lyal
armed.Thegl
i
nti
nhi
seyessaysi
tal
l

I
ri
ssmi
l
ed."
I'
m sur
ehe'
str
ansact
ingbusi
nessi
nAf
ghani
stan,yes?"

Nat
igi
l
anangkausapatnapaawangangl
abi
."Ofcour
se,hei
s."

Ngumi
tiul
i
tsi
ya."
Ofcour
sehei
s."

"Hereal
lyi
str
ansact
ingbusi
ness.
"Gi
i
tni
tosakabumugangmar
ahasnahi
ninga."
Don'
t
playgameswit
hme."

"
I'
m not.Nagtat
anong l
ang namanako.
"Malumanayni yang sagot."Yousee,that
's
whatyou cal
l
ed conver
sat
ion.Backand f
ort
h shar
ing ofopinion,infor
mat
ionsand
i
deas.
"

Hescof
fed."
Yeah,r
ight
."

Shesmi
l
edagai
n."
Isn'
titf
unconver
singwi
thme?"

"
Yes,ofcour
se.
"

Mai
ngatsi
yanghumugotngmal
ali
m naahi
ninga."
Yousai
dyouknow myhusband,i
s
t
hatr
eal
lyt
rue?"
"
Yes.
"

"
DidRaci
nit
ell
youever
ythi
ngyouknow?"

"
Yes.
"

"
IsCr
aigawel
l
-manner
edman?"

"
Yes.
"

"
Ismyhusband'
snameNi
ccol
oRaci
ni?"

Luci
fersi
ghedi
nannoyance."
Yes"

"
Areyoucl
osewi
thCr
aig?"

"
Yes.
"

"
IsRaci
niagoodman?"

"
Ofcour
se.
"

"
Crai
gisRaci
ni,yes?"

"
Ye-whatt
hef
uck?"

Shesmi
l
edsweet
ly."
Thankyouf
ort
hati
nfor
mat
ion.
"

"
It
'sano.
"

Shesmi
l
ed."
What
evermakesyousl
eepbet
teratni
ght
."

Luci
fergr
oaned."
Raci
niandCr
aigi
stwodi
ff
erentpeopl
e."

"
How di
ff
erent
?"

"
Wel
l
...t
hey'
rej
ustdi
ff
erent
."
I
l
angsegundosi
yangt
umi
gil
sapagt
atanongdi
tobagoumul
i
tul
i
t.

"
Tot
oobangangasawakoangpi
naka-unangmyembr
ongI
sl
a?"

Luci
fersi
ghed."
Yes.
"

"
Sinoangpangal
awa?"

"
Baki
tbapat
i'yont
inat
anongmo-"

"
Justcur
ious.Anyways,Cor
mac,t
oldmet
hathehaveat
att
ooonhi
sback.I
sitt
rue?"

Umakt
ongnag-i
si
psiLuci
fer
."Yeah.Pal
agikoyongnaki
kit
akapagnagsu-sur
fkami
."

"
Hindi
kopa'
yonnaki
kit
aper
osabini
yabul
akl
akdaw.
"

"
Yes.I
tsan-"Luci
ferst
il
l
edandl
ookedr
ather
,"you'
rebai
ti
ngmear
en'
tyou?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
No,I
m not
."

"
Yes,youar
e."Hi
sli
pspar
ted."
Fuck!Cr
aigdi
dn'
ttel
lyouabouthi
stat
too,di
dhe?"

"Hedid.Butnow Ialsoknow thatyou'

refr
iendswit
hRaciniandCrai
g.Andyou'r
enot
evenconfusedonhow Iknow Cr ai
g.Youdidn'
tevenaskmeevenwhenIquestionyou
aboutthem al
ternat
ely.Youknow why?It
'sbecauseinyourmind,Raci
niandCraigis
thesameper son,soyourmi ndi snotconfusedbecauseyouknow,andyourmi nd
assumedthatI'
mt al
kingaboutthesameperson."

Shesmiledsweetl
y."Andaccor
dingtoPiet
ro,mybutl
er,myhusbandcansur
f,Crai
g
cansurfaswellsinceyousaw hist
att
oowhi l
esur
fi
ng.Meaning,yout
woarer eal
l
y
cl
ose-"

"
Shuti
t.
"

Shechuckl
ed."
Onequest
ion.
"

"
Nomor
equest
ions.Nomor
econver
sat
ion.
"

"
Ithoughtyouwantt
ohaveaconver
sat
ionwi
thme?"
"
No.I
'm done.
"

"
Onemor
equest
ion.
"Pangungul
i
tni
ya.

"
No.Nomor
emi
ndgames.
"

"
Justanswert
hisone.
"Paki
usapni
ya.

Luci
ferst
il
l
edandl
ookedather
."Fi
ne.Whati
sit
?"

"
Myhusbandi
snotj
ustaBusi
nessman,i
she?"

Hindit
umangoo umi
l
ing siLucif
ersahali
p aynaki
kiusap i
tong t
umingi
nsakaniya.
"Havemer
cyonhi
m,Mr s.Raci
ni.OneWrongmoveandyou' l
lbreakhimforgood.
"

Nagt
agisangbagangni
ya."
Whataboutme?Bakitdapatpal
agisi
yaangi
nti
ndi
hinko?
Hi
ndibapuwedengakonamanangi
nti
ndi
hinni
ya?"

"I
kaw angini
nti
ndini
yakayaayaw ni
yangmagpakit
asayo.
"WikaniLuci
fersakabi
gla
nal
angitongl
umusongsatubi
gatlumangoypabal
iksadal
ampasi
gan.

Nai
wansiyangnakat
ingi
nsat ubi
gkapagkuwanaynapabunt
ong-hi
ninga.Bi
glasi
yang
nawal
anngganangkumai n.

She'sevenmoreconfused.I
tobaangpuntongpakiki
pag-usapsakani
yaniLuci
fer
?
Paraguluhi
nsi
yaatl
agyanngibangi
deyaangi
si
pniya?

Bumuga si
ya ng marahas na hi
ninha saka nagpasundo si
ya sa st
affng Fl
oat
ing
Rest
aur
antatbumali
ksaCabi nni
ya.

Nat
igi
l
ansi
yangmaki
tasiCor
macsal
abasnapar
abanghi
nihi
ntaysi
ya.

"
Canwet
alk?"

Hindisi
yasumagot.Bi
nuksanni
yalangangpint
ongCabi
natisi
nar
a'yonsakai
ni-l
ock
pagkataposaybi
nuksanniyal
ahatngil
aw bagonahi
gasakamaatpini
li
tangsari
li
ng
makatulog.

Ki
naumagahan,nasa l
abas na naman ng Cabi
n ni
ya siCor
mac atgust
o si
yang
makausapper
ohindini
yai
topinansi
n.
Sasakaysanasi
yasagol
fcar
tni
yapar
amag-agahansaEr
oti
caf
engmapi
gil
ansi
ya
ni
tosabraso.

"
Tal
ktome,I
ri
s."Hewasal
mostpl
eadi
ng.

Wal
angemosyongsi
nal
ubongni
yaangt
ingi
nni
to."
Asawabaki
ta?"

Anemot
ioncr
ossedhi
seyes."
H-hi
ndi
-"

"ThenIdon'twantt otal
ktoyou.Angasawakol angkakausapinko.Andsinceyou
madei tcl
eartheotherdayt
hatyou'r
enotmyhusband,thenletsstoptal
ki
ng.
"Pini
ksi
niyaangbrasoni
yanghawaknitosakasunmakaysagol
fcartatminanehoi
yonpal
ayo.

Nang nasa daan na si

ya,napat
igi
lsi
ya sa gi
l
id ng kal
sada atnapabal
i
ng sa
pi
nanggal
ingan.

Cor
mac.
..

Ramdam niya ang kahungkagan sa dibdi

b ni
ya.Maykir
otsa puso ni
ya.Per
o pag
pi
nai
ral
niyaangnararamdaman,mat atal
osiyangasawani
ya.

Huminga si
ya ng mal
ali
m atnagpat
uloysa pagmamaneho hanggang sa maybi
gla
nal
anghumar angnagolfcar
tsadi
nar
aananniya.

"
Cazzo.
..
"

SiCor
macangDr
iverno'
n.

"Look,wehavenot hingelsetot
alkabout
."Sabiniyahabangnaglal
akadpal
api
tsa
kaniyaangl
alakiatnakat
ionangmgamat anit
ongmatii
m nanakat
it
igsakani
ya."
You
arenotmyhusbandsowehavenot hingt
odiscuss-"

Naput
olangibani
yangsasabi
hinngbi
glani
tonghi
nawakanangbabani
yaatsi
nilsi
ya
ngmaini
tnahal
iksamgalabi
.

Nagul
atsi
yasagi
nawani
toatbagopasi
yamakapag-r
eact
,pi
nakawal
annani
toang
l
abini
ya.

"
Cor
mac-"

"
Itakei
tback.
"Ani
tonai
kinakunotngnuoni
ya.
"
Ano?"

"Itakeitback.Walanaakongpaki
alam kungpagduduhanmoakonaakoangasawa
mo.I '
m givi
ngyoual lt
heti
meinworl
dtof i
gur
eoutifI'
m hi
m ornot
.Idon'
tcar
e.Just
please.
.please,I
ri
s..
.tal
ktome.
"

Hindisi
yamakapani
wal
angnapati
ti
gkayCor
mac."
Gust
omongpagdudahanki
tana
asawakopar
alangkausapi
nki
ta?"

"
Ifthat'
swhatittakest
ohaveyourat
tent
ionagai
n,f
ucki
t,doubtmyi
dent
it
yal
lyou
want.Idon'
tcar
e."

Shebl
i
nkedatCor
mac."
Why?Soonerorl
ater
,Iwi
lfi
ndoutt
het
rut
h."

"Goahead.Bemyguest.Justpl
ease,t
alkt
omel
i
keImat
tert
oyou.Lookatmel
i
ke
bef
ore.
.li
keImat
tert
oyou."

Herf ace sof

tened t
hen she smiled."
Nagugut
om ka na ba?"Pi
nal
ambi
ng ni
ya ang
boses."Gustomongboobi roni?"

Cor
macchuckl
edandhuggedher
,"yes,I
ri
s,Il
i
keyourbr
east
."

Nat
awanar
insi
yasakakumawal
asayakapni
to."
Notmybr
east
,butboobi
roni
."

Cormacgr
inned,t
hensecondsl
ater
,hel
ookembar
rass,"
ahm,d-doyout
hinkyoucan
cookmeb-breakf
ast
?"

Napat
it
igsi
yasakahar
apnanauut
alnapar
abangnahi
hiyai
tosahi
nil
i
ngsakani
ya."
I
candothat
."

"
Real
l
y?"Hel
ooksexci
ted."
Imi
ssyourcooki
ng.
"

"
Ofcour
se,youdo.Masar
apakongmagl
uto,eh.
"Maypagmamal
akipani
yangsabi
.
"
Seeyouint
hemarket
?"

Cor
macnodded."
Seeyou.
"

Naunanasi
yangnagmanehoathi
ndi
mapi
gil
anangmapangi
ti
.

Ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngaccor
dingt
opl
an.
A/N:Noupdat
esanangayonperogust
okongmagpasal
amatsasuportani
yo.Apatna
taonnari
npal
amulangpasuki
nkoangmundongwattpadatngayonngaaynaabotko
naangisasamgapangar
apkolangnoon.

Anyways,happyreading.Bukaskonai -updat
esiHavoc,masaki
tkasiangmat
ako
kayahi
ndikosiyanat
aposkaninaathanggangngayon,masaki
tpar
in.

CHAPTER1
0

PAGKATAPOSmag-agahanniIri
satCormackomportabl
engnahi
gasiIr
issakamani
Cormac.Atnangnat
aposl
i
nisi
nniCormacangpinagkai
nanni
la,t
umabii
tonghigasa
kani
ya.

May di
stansi
ya ang mga kat
awan ni
l
a per
o hi
ndisapat '
yon par
a hi
ndini
ya
mar
amdamanangi ni
tngkat
awannit
o.

Atnangpat
agi
li
dnahumi
gasiCor
mac,pahar
apsakani
ya,bumi
l
isangpi
nti
gngpuso
ni
yangmagtamaangmgamatani
l
angdal
awa.

Tamaba'tonggi
nagawako?Walapasiyangpr
uwebanai
i
sal
angangasawani
yaatsi
Cormacperokomport
abl
esi
yasapresensi
yani
to.

Hindinamanni yamagawangdumist
ansi
yakayCormac.Gust
oni
yaangpagkakalapi
t
ni
lang'to.Gustoni
yaangpaki
ramdam nanakahi
gasi
l
asakamaparehoatnakat
it
igsa
i
sa't-i
sa.Masarappagmasdanangberdenit
ongmgamatanawalangpi
nagbagoang
epektosakaniya.

"
Cor
mac?"

"
Hmm?"

"WhendidyoubecomeaMi l
i
tar
yDoct
or?"Tanongni
yahabangumangatangkamayat
hi
nahapl
osangbuhokni
to.

Nagdar
asalsi
yanasanaaysumagoti
topar
anamanal
am ni
yakungpaanoi
i
nti
ndi
hin
i
to.

"
Nineyear
sagoIt
hink?"

Pat
uloyl
angsiyasapagsukl
aysabuhokni
togami
tangmgadal
i
ri."
Masayakabasa
t
rabahomo?"
"
Minsan.
..mi
nsanhi
ndi
."

"
Baki
tnaman?"Humapl
osangdul
ongdal
i
rini
yasanuoni
topababasat
ainga.

"Bi
langisangDoctor,akoangnag-aal agasalahatngsugatangsundal
okungsaanako
na-assi
gn.Usuall
y,Af ghanist
an,Ir
aqorLi bya.
"Bumuntong-hiningai
to."Si
gurokung
mahinaangl oobko,nabal i
w naakosamganasaksi hanko.Bl ood,fl
esh,bodypart
s
bei
ngcutof fandlosingsomeoneI 'vegrowntocareinbatt
leistoomuch.ButIhaveto
conti
nuedoingmyj obasi fnothi
nghappened,asi fI
'm notscaredtodieinaforei
gn
countr
y."

Herf
acesof
tened."
Cor
mac.
..
"

"Bagopalangakonoonngmakatanggapakongt
awaggali
ngsasuper
iorko.Iwas
senttoIr
aq.Onthewaytot
hebasecamp,wewereambushedandwewereallt
aken
ashost
ages."

Hereyeswi
den."
Na-host
ageka?"

Cormacnodded." Therearetwel
veofus,i ncl
udingme.Hanggangngayon,nar i
rini
g
koparinangsigaw ngmgakasamakohabangt i
no-tor
tur
esil
a."Kumuyom angkamao
nit
o."Iwasendur ingthesamepainbutt hescreamsofmycomr adesismorepainful
thanbeingtor
tured.Hindikoal
am kungilangaraw kamingnandoon,oumabotbakami
roonngi l
angl
inggo.Whenwegotr escued,ther
ear eonl
yfourofuslef
t.
"

Damani
yaangsaki
tnanar
aramdamanni
tokahi
tnagkukuwent
olangi
to.

"
Cormac..
."Bumabaangkamayni yasapisnginit
oatmasuyonghinapl
osniyaiyon.
"
Youcanst op.Youdon'thavet
otellmeeveryt
hing.Don'
tpushi
t.Idon'
twantyouto
r
eli
evet
hepai nyouf
elt
.I'
m nott
hathear
tl
ess.
"

Cor
macl ookedather ,vulner
abi
l
ityi
sinhi
seyes."
Iwantt
oexpl
ainmysel
fsobad.
Nat
atakotkasiakonghusgahanmo,Ir
is.
"

"
Iwon'tjudgeunlessIknow al
lthefact
s."Sabini
yasakangi
nit
ianitoathi
napl
osang
t
ungkingi l
ong."Asawakonga,hi ndikomagawanghusgahan,i kaw pabanamas
mal
apitkasakinkeysasaasawako?"

"Masmal
apitakosayokeysasaasawamo.
..
"ul
i
tni
tosasi
nabini
yasakakumunotang
nuo."
What'
sthatSupposedtomean?"

Sheshrugged."
Oongaatasawakosi Ni
ccoloperohindipakaminagkausapnggani
to.
Heneversharedanythi
ngtomeexcepthe'ssorr
y.Unlikeyou.Youtol
dmeaboutyour
work,youtol
dmet hatyou'
rescar
edandthatyou'r
et i
redoversomethi
ng.Hi
nabolmo
akonghi
ndiki
tapinansi
nkahiti
sangar
aw l
ang'yon.Andweshar
edamealt
oget
her
.It
maybet
hesimplestconnect
ionwehavebuti
tsst
il
labond.
"

"
Inshor
t,youl
i
kememor
ethanyoul
i
keyourhusband.
"

Nakakahi
yamangami
ninper
otumangosi
ya."
Yes.Ido.
"

"
Areyousur
e?Bakanamangust
omol
angakokasisat
ingi
nmoakoangasawamo.
"

"
Ther
e'st
hat
."

"Ayaw monangaakongkausapi
nnuongsi
nabikosayonghi
ndiakoangasawamo"
Cormactsked."
I'
m hur
t,I
ri
s."

Napakagat
-labi
siya."
Sor
ryaboutt
hat
."

"
I'
m st
il
lhur
t.
"

Ngumi
tisi
ya."
Don'
tbe.Kungi
kaw namanangasawako,baki
tkamasasakt
an?"

"
Paanokunghi
ndiakosi
ya?"

"
Thenweshoul
dst
opt
hisconver
sat
ionr
ightnow.
"

"
Do'
tgo."Kaagadnit
ongpigi
lsakani
yangakmangbabangonsi
yasakama."
Suspect
meal
lyouwant,j
ustst
ay.
"

"Okay."Umayossiyanghigapatagi
li
d,pahar
apdi tosakabumuntong-hini
nga."Yong
tot
oo,gust
okongmakausapangasawako,gust okosiyangmaka-bondingnapar ang
ganit
o,per
omasi mpor t
antesakani
yaangmagt agosadili
m keysamakasamaakosa
l
iwanag.Pumapasokl angnamansiyasaCabi nkopar anakipag-sex,malibando'n,
walana.Ki
nabukasan,walanasi
yanaparabangi sangpanagi
nipanglahat.

Ngumi t
isi
yakapagkuwan."Anyways,don'
tbescaredofme,Cormac.Walakanamang
dapatnaikat
akotsaki
n.Iwon'tjudgeyouunl
essIknow ever
ythi
ngaboutyou.I
'l
ltr
yto
underst
andandifIdon'
tunderst
and,I'
l
ltr
yharder
."

LumapatangkamayniCor macsamukhaniyasakahinaplosangpi
sngini
ya,pababa
sababaniyahangganghumapl
osangdal
i
rini
tosapang-ibabangl
abini
ya.

"
Iwantt
oki
ssyou.
"Hewhi
sper
ed."
Sobad.
"
"
Comecl
oser
."Shewhi
sper
edback.

Andhedid.Hemovehi sbodycl
oset ohersandsnakehi
sarm aroundherwaist.She
canfeelt
inglesofant
ici
pati
onspreadingthr
oughherbodyShe'
sact ual
l
yant
icipati
ng
Cormac'
skiss.Andshewanthisl
i
psonher s.

Mer
da.
..whati
fhe'
snotmyhusband?Thendoest
hismeant
hatI
'm cheat
ing?

Bagopaniyamasagotangi si
p,l
umapatangl abiniCor
macsamgal abini
ya.Masuyo
i
yonatmai ngatang bawatpaghapl
os.Itwasapassi ornat
eki
ss,asofttenderki
ss
awakeni
nghermindandbodyt oki
sshim back.

Andshedid.Sheki
sshi
m back.Yumakapangmgabr asoni
yasal
eegniCor
macna
nauwisamapusoknahal
ikanangmasuyongespadahanngmgadi
lani
l
angdahi
lsa
kani
ya.

Napadai
ngnal
angsil
ri
sngkubabawansi yaniCormacatbumabaanghali
ksaleeg
ni
yanamasnagpaumigi
ti
ngsaini
tngkatawanniya.Nasasar
apansi
yasaki
l
it
ingdal
a
ngdil
ani
tosal
eegni
yapababasacol
l
arboneniya.

"Ah..
."mahi
naniyangdai
ngngsi psipi
nniCormacangbal
atni
yasat
aasl
angngdi
bdi
b
niyabagobi
nal
i
kangmgal abisaalabini
ya.

ButCormacdidn'
tstopt
hen.Hestart
edkissi
ngherfer
vent
ly,f
rom hi
sli
ps,t
ohi
sneck,
l
icki
nghercol
l
arbone,bi
ti
nghershoul
derangsucki
ngandlappi
nghernape.

Kumawala ang mahihi

nang dai
ng ng pagnanasa sa bi
big ni
ya ng pat
uloy ni
yong
hi
nal
ikanatdini
l
aanangl eegniya,angbatokniya,pababasadi bdi
bniyaatbali
kna
namansaleegniya.

Angkil
i
tinghat
idni
yonayr
umar
agasapat
ungosapagkababaeni
yangnar
aramdaman
ni
yangparangbasana.

Baki
tmagkai
ba?Hi
ndi
niyanapi
gil
angt
anongsasar
il
i.

BeingwithNiccol
ointi
matel
yfeel
ssogood.PeroibaangepektosakaniyaniCormac.
Sigur
o dahilnakiki
ta ni
ya ang mukha nit
o,naki
kita ni
yang hi
ndil
ang siya ang
nasasasar
apsaginagawanilakundipat
iri
nit
onghal
atangnag-i
-enj
oy.

Kusangbumukaangmgahi taniyaatyumakapyonsabeywangniCormachabang
maini
tpari
nsil
angnaghahal
i
kan.Nagkakagat
ansi
langl
abinahal
atanggi
gilsai
sa'
t-
i
saatnagsi
si
psi
panngdil
a.
I
ri
swassot ur
non,herbodyi
sachi
ngforCor
macandshe'
sreadyt
obei
nti
mat
ewi
th
hi
mthatver
ymomentwhenhestops.

Mabil
i
sit
ongumali
ssapagkakakubabaw sakaniyaatmal
ali
m angpaghi
nganaumupo
sakamaathi
ndimakat
ingi
nngderetsosakaniya.

Kumunotangnuoniya."
Areyouokay:
"Bumangonnari
nsiyaatmasuyongsi
napoang
mukhanit
oathinul
iangmail
apnit
ongmgamat a."Whati
sit?Maynagawabaakong
hi
ndimonagust
uhan?"

Paki
ramdam niI
ri
saypar angmaykumurotsapusoni
yangmaki
taangt
akotsamga
matanit
ohabangnakat
inginsakani
ya.

"
Cormac,anobangnangyayar
isayo?"Nag-aal
alanasi
yasaki
niki
l
osni
to."
Ayoska
l
angba?"

Bumukasangbi
bigni
toatpar
angnat
atakotnanagsal
i
ta."
I-l
ostsomet
hingaf
terIwasr
-r
escued.
"

Now she'
swor
ri
edofhi
m."
What
?"Hel
ooksr
eal
l
ywor
ri
edandshecanseef
eari
nhi
s
eyes.

Cormacaver t
edhiseyesli
kewhathe'sabouttosayisshamef
ul."
I-"hepausedli
ke
he'
sst r
uggl
ingtosaythewords,"
i-l
ostmyabi
li
tyt
o..
.-cum whi
lehavi
ngsex.
"Parang
nahi
hiyangbulongni
toper
orini
gnarini
gni
yayon.

Unti
-unt
ingbumit
aw angkamayni yangnakasaposamukhani
toatbumagsaki
yonsa
kamasasobranggul
atsanari
nig.

Hi
ndini
yaal
am angsasabi
hinni
yamal
i
bansa,"
A-ano?"

Nagtagisangbagangni
toatal
am ni
yangnahi
hir
apani
tongi
pagt
apat'
yonsakani
ya
per
ogi nawapari
nnit
o.

Nagbabai
tongtinginsanakakuyom nakamaongmagsalit
auli
tit
o."
Iwasdiagnosed
wi
thimpai
redej
aculati
on.
"Shameandembar r
assmenti
sinhi
sshaki
ngvoi
ce.

Nanat
il
i
ngnakaawangangmgal
abini
ya."
E-expl
ain!
"

"SabisakinngDoctorko,epektoraw 'yonngpag-tor
turesaki
n.Thoughhedi dn'tknow
i
fit'
sal i
fel
ongproblem.Butguessi ti
s,it
sbeeneightyearsandIsti
llcan'
tcum except
whenI '
m pleasur
ingmyself.So,yeah."mapaiti
tongngumi t
iatparangnahihiyapar i
n
sapinagtapatni
tosakaniya."
I'
ml acki
ng."
Napakurap-kurap si
ya kayCor mac na t i
ti
g na tit
ig pa r
in sa kani
ya na para bang
bi
nabasaangl amanngi si
pni ya.Atnghi ndisiyanagsali
ta,nagsali
taitouli
tnapar a
bangnatatakotsasasabihi
nniyakayakai l
anganni tongmagpal i
wanag.Ican'tproduce,
I
ri
s.He l ooksscared whil
e wai t
ing f
orherj udgement." Kung maymagkakamal i
ng
magkagust o atmagpakasalsakinathi l
inginniyanamagkaanakkami ,masakitkasi
hi
ndiko' yonkayangibigaysakani ya.Ican'thaveachi l
dandIcan' thaveacompl et
e
happyfami l
y."

Herchestt
ight
enedi
npai
n.

"Kahitgaanokopasiyakamahal,kahi
tpasiyaangbuhaykoatkahi
tpasabi
hinkong
kayakongi bi
gayatgawinl
ahat.Thefactsti
llr
emai
nthatIcan'
tgi
veheracompl et
e
family.Andthat
'st
herealt
ort
ure.Sigurokungmayasawaako,hahayaankonalang
siyangiwanako.
"

Angsakit-saki
tsadibdibngmgapi nagtapatniCor
mac.Ramdam ni
yaangsaki
tsa
bosesni
to.Angkalungkutanatf
rust
rasyon.

Niccol
osai
dhe'slacki
ngt
oo.Kungi sangtaol
angangdalawa,i
bigbangsabi
hinni
yon,
ganundinsiNiccol
o?Kayababi nababaansiyani
tokaagadngt el
eponokapagnag
uumpisanasi
yangmanguli
ttungkol
sapagkakaroonnganak?

Miodio.
.."
W-whenwast
hel
astt
imeyouhadsex?"I
fhe'
sNi
ccol
o,shedi
dn'
tknow
whatshewoul
dfeel
.

Cor
macst
areddeepi
ntohereyes."
Theot
herni
ght
."

Herl
i
pspar
ted.Ni
ccol
owentt
oherCabi
ntheot
herni
ght
!

"
H-how i
sit
?"

Umi
l
ingi
to."
Sameout
come.
"

Nanati
l
ingnakaawangangmgal
abini
yaatnagi
ngmai
l
apangmgamat
ani
yahabang
nag-i
si
p.

"
Iri
s?"

Shewasst
il
lindaze.Hermindi
srunni
ngandanal
yzi
ngever
yconver
sat
ionsheever
hadwi
thNi
ccoloandCormac.

"
Iri
s..
.lookatme.
"Cor
macpl
ead.
Shedidn't
.Shewasbusyt hi
nki
ng.Kungt amaanghi nal
aniyanai isangt aolangsi
Niccol
oatCor mac,ngayonalam naniyakungbakitbinababaansiyani tongt awag
kapag anakna ang pi
nag-uusapan nil
a.Kung baki
thindisa loob niya i
nil
abasni
Niccol
oangkat asni
tongunasi l
angnagtali
k..
.kungbakithindii
tonilabasannghuli
si
langnagtal
i
k.

"
Tal
ktome,I
ri
s."

"Hahayaanmobat al
agangiwankangasawamo...kungsakal
i
ngmayasawaka?"
Tanongniyasamahi
nangbosesatt
umi
ngi
nkayCor
mac.

Cormacnodded."
Shecan'
thaveacomplet
efami
l
ywi
thme.Atayokongi
pagkai
t'yon
sakani
yal
alonakungyonanggust
oni
ya.
"

"
Whati
fyourwi
fest
il
lwant
stobewi
thyouevenaf
terknowi
ngt
hatyou'
rel
acki
ng?"

Cor
macstaredstr
aighti
ntohereyes."Kungikaw baangasawakoatnalamanmona
maysaki
takongganun,mananati
likabakahitgust
omongbuongpami l
ya?Si
sir
ainmo
baangpangarapmonamagkaanakpar alangsakinkungkayanaman'
yongibi
gayng
i
ba?"

Hi
ndisi
yamakasagot
.Hi
ndini
yaal
am angi
sasagotni
ya.

Gust
oni
yangmagkaanak.Angdami
niyangpangar
appar
asamagi
ginganakni
ya.

"See?"Mal
ungkotangbumakasnangitisamgalabiniCormac."Mahi
rapdiba,kung
kayamonamanyonmakuhasai ba?Angasawanapapali
tan,per
oanganak,hi
ndi.
"

Doontumul
oangluhani
ya."
P-paanokungakoangasawamo,hahayaanmor
inba
akongi
wanka?"

Umi
l
ingsiCor
mac."
I'
m sel
fi
sh,I
ri
s.Iwantt
okeepyou.
"

Patul
oyangpag-agosngluhani
ya."
Per
okungi
kaw angasawako,ati
nil
i
him mosaki
n
'
to,magagal
i
takosayo."

Nabanaagni
yaangpangambasamgamat
ani
to."
Iri
s..
."

"Kungikaw siRacininawalongtaonghindinagpaki
tasakindahilsarasonghindini
ya
akokayangbi gyannganak,iwantalagakit
a."Napahi
kbisiya."Hi
ndisapatangrasong
yanparahayaanmongmag-i saakosal oobngwal ongt aon.Kahi
tmar aminaang
nagawa mo par a saki
n,hi
ndi
ng-hindimabubura no'n ang sakitng katut
uhanang
nagsi
nungali
ngkasaki n-"
"
-Ir
is-"

"Angsaki
t-saki
tna."Hindini
yamapi gi
lanangsunod-sunodnamapahi kbikahitpini
pigi
l
naman niya."Isa akong mabuti
ng asawa.Wal a akong gi
nawa na makakasi ra sa
pangal
anng asawako.Kahi tmal ungkotatmi ser
ableang buhayko,nagawakong
maghint
ayng wal ong taonnahindinagloloko.Hindiakonagsinungal
ing kail
anman,
walaakongiti
nago,taposmalal
amankonaangdami mongsekret
o!

"Masakitna masakit
.Kung sinabimo sana ng maaga,sana nagawan pa nat
in ng
paraan.Kung nagsabika lang noon,matat
anggap ko naman.Pini
pigi
lko lar
ng at
ni
lal
abanankokasiayokongmagi ngkawawa.Ayokongmagmukhangt anga.Peromay
hangganinangpagt i
ti
mpikokayahuwagmongabusuhi nangpasensiyako.Kaunt i
ng-
kauntinal
ang,susukonaako."

Napahagul
holsi
yangi yakngyakapinsi
yaniCor
macathinal
ik-hali
kansi
yasanuo.
Hi
ndisiyani
topinakawalanhanggangsatumahansi
ya.Hi
nahagodlangni
toangl
ikod
ni
yahabanghinahaplosangbuhokniya.

Andt
henCor
macdr
iedhert
ear
sandl
ookedather
."I
'm sor
ry.
"

"Forwhat
?"Suminghot
-si
nghotsiya."
Hanggathindikonapapat
unayannai
kaw ang
asawako,wal
akangdapatihi
ngingpasensi
yasaki
n."

"
Iri
s..
."

Shetookadeepbr eat
handt r
iedt
osmil
e."Akoangdapatmag-sor
y.Ibr
okedowni
n
fr
ontofyou.Ishoul
dhavest
oppedmysel
f.
"

Pi
nakati
ti
gansiyaniCor
macsakagi nawar
ansiyanghali
ksamgalabikapagkuwanay
t
umiti
g na naman sa kani
ya."Kung ako ang asawa mo,mas matat
akotako na
magtapatngtotoosamganari
nigko."

Ngumit
isiya."Dapatlang.Magtapatmansiyaomalamankoangt otoo,par
eholang
angkal
alabasanno'n.liwankosiyaatmagpa-f
il
eakongdi vor
ce.Idon'twantt
obe
wit
hamanwho' slyi
ngtomef orei
ghtyear
snow.
..andcount
ing.
"

"
Butyousai
dyoumadel
ovet
ohi
m."Paal
alani
tosakani
ya.

Sheshrugged."Asawakosi ya,eh.Obl
igasyonkoyonsakani ya.Andhe'
sr eal
lygoodi n
bedsoIcan' treall
ysayno.Gust okor i
nnaman,eh.Nag-i -enj
oyakosagi nagawa
namin.Perokahitil
angbesespangmaymangyar isamin,kapagnalamankoangt otoo,
pasensi
yahan nalang kami
.Hi ndisapatang pagigi
ng magal i
ng ni
ya sa kama par a
mapatawadkosi ya."
Napat
it
igsakani yasiCor
macsakahinaplosangil
ali
m ngmgamat
aniya."
Iwantt
o
makelovetoyou,Iri
s.Iwantt
ostr
ipyounakedandmakeyouscr
eam mynameagai
n
andagain.
..butl
'
m ashamedbecausel
'mlacki
ng.
"

Umusog si
yapal
api
tkayCor
macsakamasuyongsi
napoang mukhani
to."
Tel
lme,
Cor
mac."

"
What
?"

"
Ikaw baangasawako?"

Hedi
dn'
tevenf
li
nchatherquest
ion."
Idon'
twantt
osayno,youmi
ghtl
eaveme.
"

"
ThenI
'l
laskyouagai
n,ar
eyoumyhusband?"

"
Idon'
twantt
osayyesei
ther
,becauseyouwi
l
lleaveme.
"

Herl
i
pst
hinned."
Yes.Iwi
l
l.
"

"
Thenl
etsset
tl
ewi
thmaybe.
"

"
Idon'
twantamaybe,Cor
mac.
"

"
Asl
ongasyoudon'
thaveapr
oof
,itwi
l
lremai
nas'
maybe'
."

I
ri
sblowsaloudbreat
h."I
fthat'
swhatyouwant.Fi
ne.Perokungikaw angasawakoat
al
am moangmagi gi
ngdesisyonkosabandanghuli
,gal
inganmongmagsi nungal
ingat
magtagongkatut
uhanansakin.Dahi
lkapagnal
amankoangt ot
oo,hindi
ng-hindimo
magugust
uhananggagawinko. "

Umali
ssiyangkamaatl umabassaCabi
nnit
o.Habangnagl
alakadpat
ungosaCabi
n
ni
ya,samu'
tsar
ingsenar
yoangpumapasoksaisi
pni
ya.

Sheneedt
imet
otakeal
lthi
sinf
ormat
ionandunder
stand.

Pumasoksi
yasaCabi
nni
yaati
ni-l
ock'
yonsakanauposagi
l
idngpaananngkama.

Hi
nil
amosni
yaangmgapal
adsamukhasakanapasabunotsasar
il
ingbuhok.

Gul
ong-gul
oangi
si
pni
ya.
Sinobatal
agaangasawani ya?IsCormacr eal
lyNi
ccol
o?Whyi sNiccol
ohidi
ngfrom
her?Whyi sNiccol
o'svoi
cedif
fer
entfrom Cormac'
s?Isshemissi
nganythi
ng?Andi f
Niccol
oisCor macthenwhydi dheshow himselft
oherasCor mac?Whyr i
skthat
?
Cazzo!Andifhehasanimpai
redejacul
ati
onthenwhytel
lherasCor
macnotasNi ccol
o?

Angdami
ngbaki
tsai
si
pni
yanawal
anamangkasagut
an.

"Ar
ghhh!"Punongfr
ust
rasyonni
yangsi
gaw habangnakasabunotsasar
il
ingbuhokat
pabagsaknanahi
gasakama."Whyareyoudoingthi
stome,Racini
?"

Napati
ti
gsi
yasakawalanhabangangisi
pniyaayinaanal
i
saanglahatngmganangyar
i.
LahatngmgasinabiniNi
ccoloorniCormacman.Lahatngemosyongnaki t
aniyasa
mukhaniCormacatangnapag-usapannil
aniLuci
ferMonast
eri
o.

Per
okahi
tpaul
i
t-ul
i
tni
yanganal
i
sahi
n'yon,wal
asi
yangmakuhangsagot
.

Hi
ndina nakapananghali
an siIr
is sa kakai
si
p.Gulong-gul
o si
ya.Hanggang sa
makat
ulugan ni
ya ang pag-i
si
p.Nang magi si
ng si
ya,gabina.Pero sa hal
i
p na
maghapunan,pi
nat
ayniyalangangil
awngCabi natbur
mali
kuli
tsapaghi
gasakama.

Momentl
ater
,thedoort
oherCabi
nopens.I
t'
stoodar
ktoseewhoent
ers.

Raci
ni?

Hi
nintaynal
angni
yanatumabisakani
yaangasawaattawagi
nsi
yani
tongamor
eper
o
bi
glangbumukasangi
l
awattumambadsakaniyasiCor
mac.

Napabangonsi
yasakakunotangnuongbumabaangt
ingi
nsadal
ani
tongpabul
ogna
Tupper
ware.

"
A-anong.
..
"

"Iwasworri
ed.
"Nagl akadi
topal
api
tsamesangpandal
awahansakadooni
nil
apagang
dala."
Eat
.Alam kongnagugut
om ka.Kani
nakapahi
ndil
umalabas.
"

Nati
gil
ansiyangl
umuhodit
osagil
idngkamaathinawiangmgahi blangbuhokni
yana
nakat
abingsamukhani
ya."Huwagkangmagpapagutom.Pi
nag-aalalamoako.
"

Hindisi
yaumimi
k.Ti
tignati
ti
glangsiyakayCor macatganundinit
osakani
ya.Atng
i
nil
apitni
toangmukhasamukhani yaatinangkinngmgal abini
toangmgalabini
ya,
kahitmagul
opaangisi
pniyaaynagpaubayasiya.
CHAPTER1
1

NAALI
MPUNGATAN siCor
macnapar angmaynakat
it
igsakani
ya.Nangi
mul
atniya
angmgamat
a,par
angnakipagkar
eraangpusoni
yangmagtamaangmgamatani
l
ani
I
ri
s.

Nakat
agi
l
idit
onghi gapahar
apsakani yaatti
ti
gnat i
ti
gsamukhani
ya.Andhecan't
l
ookaway.Titi
g nati
ti
gdinsiyasamagandani t
ongmukhanakahi
tkail
anayhindi
nawal
asaisi
pniyamulangmakil
alani
yaito.

Andt
henhersmi
l
esl
ayshi
m.

"
W-what
?"I
tsear
lyi
nthemor
ningandhe'
sst
ammer
ing.Fuck!

"Not
hing"Shesmil
ed,thatsweetsmi
l
eofhersthatsaysI
'm pl
anni
ngsomet
hing."
Ang
guwapomol angkayahindikomai
wasangmapati
ti
g."

Yep.She'
spl
ayi
ngmi
ndgameswi
thmeagai
n.

"
Mat
agal
naakonggwapo.
"Sabini
yasakabumabaangt
ingi
nsamgal
abi
nit
o.

Awt
omat ikong naal
ala ni
ya ang hal
i
kan nil
a kagabi.Maini
t'yon.Mapusok.Walang
i
nhi
bisyon.Hissexhardened.Itwasaf ever
ishkissbutshestopbefor
etheycoul
dtake
t
hei
rclothesoff.Sayi
ngonlyherhusbandisall
owedt oseehernakedbody.

Whataf
ait
hful
woman.

"
So.
..whatdoyouwantt
odot
oday,mi
omar
it
o?"

Hisbreat
hing st
ops.Mi
o mor
it
o?Than meansmyhusband i
nIt
ali
an."
I'
m notyour
husband.
"

I
ri
sjustkeepsonsmi
l
ing."
Humourme,evenj
ustf
ort
oday.Magi
ngasawaki
ta.
"

Cor
macaut
omat
ical
l
ycont
rol
shi
semot
ion."
Ayoko.Hi
ndimonamanakoasawa-"

"
ThengetoutofmyCabi
n."

Bigl
asi
yangnakar
amdam ngt
akotkayamabi
l
isnanagbagoangi
si
pni
ya."
Okay.I
'l
l
humouryou.
"

God.Thi
swomani
sanexper
tbl
ackmai
l
er.

I
ri
sgr i
nnedhappi
l
y." Great
."Umangatangkamaynit
osakahi
napl
osangbuhokni
ya
pababasatai
nganiya."
Anonggustomonggawin?"

Hergest
uremakeshi
shear
tfl
utt
er.God!Whycan'
tIr
esi
sther
?Shehadmewr
apped
ar
oundherfi
nger
s!

Tumi
khi
m si
yasakanagki
bit
-bal
i
kat
."Anobaanggi
nagawangmag-asawa?"

Nagki
bit
bal
i
katdi
nsiI
ri
s."
Ihavenoi
dea.
"

"
Havesex?"

Pi
nani
ngki
tansi
yani
tongmgamat
a."
Exceptt
hat
."

"
How canwebehusbandandwi
fei
fwe'
renotgoi
ngt
ohavesex?"

I
nir
apansiyani
tosakal
umapitit
onghigasakaniyaatgi
nawangunanangbr
asoni
ya.
"
Hindinamansexangbatayanngpagi
gingmag-asawa.Bonusl
ang'
yon.
"

Il
angsegundonghi
ndinakagal
aw atnakahingasiCor
macdahi
lsaginawangpagl
apit
sakaniyaniI
ri
s.Atnangmakabawisiya,tumikhi
m munasi
yabagonagsal
it
a."
You'r
e
toocl
ose,I
ri
s."

"Iknow.
"Par angwal
angpakenat
ugonni
to."
Ano,maynai
si
pkanabanggagawi
n
nati
nngayon?"

"
Dat
e?"

"
Ayoko."Kaagadnai
nayawanniI
ri
sangi
deyani
ya."
How aboutwej
ustst
ayi
nbedand
l
etsj
usttal
k."

Yes.She'
splanni
ngsomet
hing."
Iri
s,hi
ndiakonil
alabasanper
oti
nit
igasanako.Baka
kunganongmagawakosayokapagnanati
lit
ayosakama. "

Ti
ningal
asi
yaniI
ri
snamaypil
yangngi
tisamgal
abi
."Hmm.
..Iwonder
..
.magal
i
ngka
ri
nkayasakama?Magal
i
ngangasawako,eh.
"
Hesmirked,"
andsinceyouwantmetopr
etendasyourhusband,wannat
ryme?I
'm
bet
tert
hanhim,Icanassur
eyout
hat
."

Humabaangngusoni
to."
Pret
endi
sthewor
d,Cor
mac.Wecan'
thavesex!
"

Hesi
ghed."
Yeah,yeah.
..nosex.
"

ThatmadeI
ri
ssmi
l
e."
See?Iknow you'
reagent
leman.
"

"
Icanbeanani
mal
aswel
l
."Nang-aaki
tangbosesni
yangsabi
.

I
nir
apanl
angsi
yani
Iri
ssakat
umal
i
kodsakani
yahabangnakaunanpar
insabr
asoni
ya.

Andnowt
hey'
rei
naspooni
ngposi
ti
on.

Ear
lyinthemor
ning.Wi
thhi
scocksal
uti
ng,herassi
sact
ual
l
yani
nchawayf
rom hi
s
l
ength!

God!I
sthi
swomant
ort
uri
ngme?I
sthi
sherpl
an?Fuck!

"
Iri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Puwedebangumusogka?"

"
Sur
e."

Atumusogngait
o,pal
api
tnamansakani
yasakagumal
aw i
topahar
apsakani
yaat
ngi
nit
iansi
ya.

"
Ifyou'
reNi
ccol
othennow Icanconf
ir
mthatmyhusbandeasi
l
yget
shor
ny.
"

"
It
'smor
ning!
"Pi
nanl
aki
hanni
yai
tongmat
a."
Mor
ninger
ect
ion.
"

"
Oh.
"Herl
i
psf
ormedi
ntoan'
o'."
Wantmet
omast
urbat
eyou?"

Hi
sli
pspar
ted."
Real
l
y?"
I
ri
sinst
ant
lygri
nned."
Justki
dding.
"Shepl
aceaqui
cksof
tkissonhi
sli
ps.Kapagkuwan
ayti
nul
aksiyani
topat
ihayasakamasakanahi
gai
tosai
babawniya.

"
I-I
ri
s-"

"Ial
wayswanttodothi
swi
thmyhusband.
"Bul
ongni
tosakanaghi
kab."
Sinceyou'
re
humouri
ngme,canIdoi
twi
thyou?"

Hi
schestt
ight
ened."
Ofcour
se.I
'l
ldowhat
everyouask.
"

"Tal
aga?"Hi
napl
osnit
oangni
ppl
eni
yamul
asal abasngsuotni
yangt-shi
rt
."Sokung
hihi
l
ingi
nkonghubar
inmoangdami
tmoatipakit
amosakinangt at
toomo,gagawin
mo."

Hi
sli
pspar
tedt
henhi
sjaw t
ight
ened."
Whydoyouwantt
oseemyt
att
oo?"

"Kasi'
yonlangangalam kongpagkakaki
l
anl
anngasawako.
"Mayl
ungkotsaboses
nit
osakati
ningal
asi
ya."
Puwedeba?"

"
Iri
s."Hebr
eat
hesout
."Ther
eisnouni
quet
att
oo.Lahatngt
att
oo,maykapar
ehas.
"

"
Alam ko'yon."Sadnessf
ellonherbeaut
if
ulf
ace."
Per
ogust
okopar
ingmaki
ta.I
'm
i
ntr
igued.Pl
easeletmeseeyourtat
too.
"

Cor
macsi
ghed.Sher
eal
l
ywon'
tst
op."
Sur
e.Butnott
oday.
"

I
ri
seyesspar
kled."
When?"

"
Tomor
row?"

"
Okay.
"Sheact
ual
l
ylookshappyandhe'
sasuckerf
orhersmi
l
e."
Promi
se'
yan,ha?"

Napabunt
ong-hi
ninganal
angsiya.I
ri
sisr
eall
ypersi
stentandagoodmindgamer.Ti
yak
nahabangnag-uusapsi
langayonaytumatakbosakungsaan-saanangi
si
pnit
o.

"
Cor
mac?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Sat
ingi
nmo,mabut
ibaakongasawa?"
Hi
shear
traced."
Whyar
eyouaski
ngmet
hat
?"

"
Kasidi
baasawaki
tangayon.
..sohumourme,am Iagoodwi
fe?"

Hecl
osehereyesandhugsher
."Yes.Youar
e."

"
Paanomonasabi
?"

"
Becauseyou'rel
oyal
,fai
thf
ul,smar
tandyoucandef
ini
tel
yrul
etheRaci
ni'
sempi
re
wit
houtRaci
ni.
"

Shelookedupathi
m."
How di
dyouknow aboutt
heempi
re?Wal
aakongnai
kuwent
o
sayotungkol
-"

"
Luci
fert
oldme"Sagotni
ya.

"
Ah"Napat
ango-t
angoi
tosakangumi
ti
."Wel
l
,wantt
omakemyhusbandpr
oud.
"

"
Luckybast
ard.
"Hegr
oaned.

"
Areyou.
..pr
oudofme,Cor
mac?"

"I
'm notyour
-"hestopsandsi
ghed.Hef
orgot
,he'
spr
etendi
ngt
obeherhusbandt
o
humourher,"wel
l
,ofcour
seIam."

Yumakapi
tosal
eegni
yasakahi
nil
aangsar
il
ipat
aaspar
amagl
apatangl
abini
l
a.

Napadai
ng nal
ang siya atlumali
m ang paghi
nga dahi
ldamang-dama ni
ya ang
mayayamannit
ongdibdibsadibdi
bniya.

God!Herbr
east
!Fuck

SiI
ri
sangpumut
olsahal
i
katki
nagat
-kagatangl
abini
ya.

"
Doyouwantt
obi
teyourhusband'
sli
psaswel
l
?"Heasked,hi
sbr
eat
hingr
agged.

I
ri
snodded."
Yes.Bi
tehi
sli
psandsuckhi
stongue.Ofcour
se.Notwhent
hel
i
ghti
sof
f.
Gust
okongmakit
akunggustoni
yaanggi
nagawako."
I
nil
abasni
yaangdi
l
a."
Sucki
t.
"

I
ri
sgri
nned t
hen she sucked hi
stongue and t
ease i
twi
th her
s.Napadai
ng si
ya sa
gi
nawani
toatnapahawaksi yasabeywangnit
o.

Ti
gasnat
igasnaangpagkal
alakini
yanahi
ndini
yanapi
gil
anangi
kiski
syonsahi
tani
l
Ir
is.

"Cormac." mahi
na nitong ungol habang nag-i
-espadahan ang di
l
a ni
to at
nagkakagat
annglabi"
Cazzo.
."

Cormacrol
ledherover
,thi
stime,he'sontopofher."St
opt easi
ngme,Iri
s."Hi
nihi
ngal
ni
yangsabihabangmati
im nanakat
it
igdi
to."
Please.
..masakitnaangpusonko.
"

ButI
ri
sjustl
augh."
Gust
omongmakar
aos-"

"
Iri
s!"Nag-uumpi
sanasi
yangmai
ri
ta."
Stoppl
ayi
ngwi
thme!
"

Nawalaangngit
ini
tosakasumer yusoangmukha."
Hindibamasayangpagl
aruan?"
Tumaasangki
l
aynit
o."Hi
ndinakakatuwadi
ba?"

Napat
it
igsi
yakayI
ri
ssakanapabunt
ong-hi
ningaatt
inul
akangsar
il
ipaupo.

Si
nusubukanni
yangpahupai
nangi
nitsapusonni
yaper
ohi
ndini
yamagawa.

Cormacgr i
tt
edhi
steet
handl
ookedatI
ri
swho'
sjustl
ooki
ngathi
m wi
thnoemot
ionon
herface.

"
Masayakana?"Tanongni
ya.

Umi
l
ingi
to."
Ayokongnaki
ki
tangnahi
hir
apanangasawako.
"

Hi
sbr
eat
hingst
opped.

Lumapi
titosakaniyasakalumuhodsaharapanniyapagkat
aposatmasuyongsi
napo
angmukhani yakapagkuwanayhinal
i
k-hal
ikansi
yasanuo,pababasail
ong,pat
ungo
samgal abiniyahabangangisangkamayni t
oayhumahaplossabukolngpantal
on
ni
ya.

Napal
unoksi
yaatmasl
alongl
umal
i
m angpaghi
nga.
"
Fuck.
."

I
ri
swasmassagi
nghi
slengt
hfr
om out
sidehi
spant
sandhe'
spant
ing.

Fuck!How cant
hiswomanaf
fecthi
mthi
smuch?

"
Iri
s..
.fuck!
"Mar
ii
nni
yangi
pini
kitangmgamat
a."
Fuck.
..f
uck.
..
"

Nagl
akbayangmgal abiniI
ri
smul
asalabiniyapat
ungosat
aingani
yaatdi
nil
aanni
to
anggi
li
dniyonati
pinapasokpaangdi
l
asal oob.

Cor
macgr
oanedf
oll
owedbyamoan."
Fuck.
"

She'
sjustr
ubbi
ngme!She'
snotevenmast
urbat
ingme!WhydoIf
eel
li
keI
'm cumi
ng?

Tumi
gilsiI
ri
ssagi nagawanitoatpahar
apsaumuposahi
tani
yaatangpagkababae
ni
toangiki
niski
ssatigasnat
igasni
yangpagkal
alaki
.

"
Iri
s..
.fuck.
..
"

NakayakapsiI
ri
ssal
eegni
yahabanghi
nahal
i
k-hal
i
kanangbat
okni
yaatl
eegatni
l
a-
l
apdanceniya.

Yes.She'
sgi vi
nghi
m alapdanceandhe'sfucki
ngcuming.Lal
ona'
tbumibi
li
sang
pagki
ski
snitosapagkababaesakahabaanni
yaatdumidii
npasakagumigi
li
ngang
beywangniya.

"Ohh.
..f
uck,Ir
is..
.ahh.
"Cormaccan'
thel
pbutt
omoanwhenhi
sbodyst
if
fenandhi
s
semenspurt
edi nsi
dehi
spants.

Habol
anghi
ninganabumul
ongsat
aingani
yasiI
ri
s."
Didyoucum?"

Hegul
ped."
Y-yes.
"

"
Doyouwantmet olapdanceyouagai
n?"Nang-aaki
tangbosesni
to."
I'
ll
letyout
ouch
mybr
eastt
hist
ime."

Hegul
pedagai
n."
Ithoughtyou'
rel
oyal
."

"Iam.
"Sagotni
tosakaki
nagat
-kagatanggil
i
dngtaingani
yasakabumulong."Asawa
kit
angayongar
aw di
ba?Kayawalangmalisagi
nagawako.Ihavenoproof,butIcan
feeli
tinmygut
,Cor
mac.SoIsuggestyoul
i
eandhi
def
rom meexcel
l
ent
ly.I
'm keepi
ng
up."

Napat
it
igsiyasamgamat aniI
ri
s.She'sper
sist
entandshedoesn'
tchangehermi
nd
onceshesethermindonsomet
hing.Andatthatver
ymoment,herat
tent
ioni
sonhi
m.
Andshe'sanal
yzi
ngever
ywordhesaysandeverymovehemakes.

Hesmi l
ed."Gutfeel
i
ng?"Hechuckl
ed."Ihaveagutfeel
ingaswellthatIcanmakeyou
scr
eam ifyouletmeeatyou.
"Hebi therlowerl
i
p."Atkungt al
agangnanini
walakasa
gutfeel
i
ngmonaakoangasawamo,t henlet
smakeslove.I
'l
lshowyoumyt att
oo.
"

Hesmi
rked.You'
renott
heonl
yonewhoknowshowt
othr
owabai
t,I
ri
s.

I
ri
ssmi r
kedback."
Whydon'
tyoucl
eanupandcomebackher
e.Ihavesomet
hingi
n
mind.
"

Cor
macnar
rowedhi
seyesatI
ri
swhohasapl
ayf
ulsmi
l
eonherl
i
ps.

"
Whati
sit
."

Kinindat
anlangsi
yani
tosakaumal
i
ssamgahi
tani
yaatt
inur
oangpagkal
alakini
ya.
"Cleanup.Now."

WalangnagawasiCormackundiangsundi
nsiI
ri
s.Bumal
i
ksi
yasaCabi
nni
yaatnal
i
go
sakabumali
ksaCabi
nniIr
is.

Nangmakapasoksi ya,natigi
l
ansiyangmaymaki t
angchessboardsaibabaw ngkama
habang silr
is ay i
nil
alagay sa t
amang posi
syon ang whi
te pi
eces attumingi
n sa
kani
ya.
"Letsplaychess."Ayanitosakani
ya.

Umuposi
yasakama,pahar
apsachessboar
d."
Why?"

"Pi
etr
otol
dmet hatmyhusbandisaki
ll
eri
nChess.
"Nanghahamonangbosesatt
ingi
n
nit
osakaniya."Pi
etr
oevenboastedt
hatmyhusbandcancheckmateanenemyi na
thr
eeminut
es."

Napat
it
igsi
yasabl
ackpi
ecesngchessnahindipanakaayosati
binal
i
kangt
ingi
nkay
I
ri
snanakamasi
dsakani
ya."
Andyourpoi
nt?"

Shesmil
edandsl owl
ycaressesherbodyli
keshe'
steasi
ng hi
m."Beatmei nthr
ee
minut
eandI'l
ltakeonepi
eceofmyclothesof
fandi
fyoubeatmesixconsecut
ivet
imes,
I
'l
ldowhateveryouwant.
"
Ti
ningnanni
yasiI
ri
smul
aul
ohangganghi
ta."
Fourcl
othes.Si
xwi
ns.Gi
vemef
if
teen
minutes.
"

I
ri
ssmi
rked."
Canyoubeatmet
hough?"

Hi
ndisi
yanagsal
i
taati
nayosangbl
ackpi
ecesni
ya.

"
Whati
fIwi
n?"

Nat
igi
l
ansi
yasapagl
apagngbi
shopsaboar
dsat
anongna'
yonniI
ri
s.

Hel
ookedather
."Whatabouti
t?"

"Iwil
laskyouaquesti
onandyouwi l
lanswermehonest l
y.Noli
es.Nopr et
ensi
on.No
hidi
ng."Thenshesmi
l
edsweet l
y."
Butdon'
tworry,hi
ndikonamanitat
anongsayokung
i
kawangasawako.I '
l
lplayf
airandIwi
ll
askfai
rquesti
ons."

Sabikonangaba.Hi
ndii
tomag-aayamagl
arongchessngwal
angdahi
l
an.

"
Finewi
thme.
"Ani
ya."
lf
..
.youcanwi
nagai
nstme.
"

Nanat
il
il
angangngi
tisamgal
abini
Iri
s."
Let
sst
art
?"

Henodded."
Sur
e."

"CHECKMATE"Nakangi singwikaniCormachabangnakat
ingi
nsakani
yanaparang
i
nii
nissi
ya."Paanoba' yan,pang-apatkongpanal
o't
o."Bumabaangtingi
nni
tosa
pagkababaeniya."
Takeitoff
."

I
ri
tadonghi
nubadni
yaangpant
ynasuotsakai
ti
napon'
yonsasahi
g.

Cormac'
seyesarefeast
ingonhernakedness.Hi
ndinamanniyamat
akpanngmga
kamayangmasesel
angpartengkat
awanniyadahi
lnagl
alar
osi
l
a.

"
Yourbr
eastl
ooksedi
ble.
"Hecomment
ed.

Sahal
i
pnamahi
ya,umayossi
yangpagkakal
uhodsakamaati
ni-st
rai
ghtangl
i
kodni
ya.

Yes.Hecanseeherbreastbuthecan'
tseeherwholewomanhood.Tangi
ngangnuo
l
angngpagkababaeni
yaangnakiki
tani
todahi
lnakal
uhodsi
ya.
"
Youshaved.
"Pansi
nni
tosapagkababaeni
ya.

Hi
ndini
yai
topi
nansi
nsakai
nayosangchesspi
ecesni
ya.

Cor
maci
swi
nni
ngal
ri
ght
.Inl
esst
hant
womi
nut
es.

Li
him si
yang napangi
ti
.Oo nga'
tnat
atal
o si
ya per
o nananal
o naman si
ya sa i
bang
bagay.

Masyadongnaka-focussiCormacsaideyangaalisi
nni
yaangdamitniyaatgagawin
ni
yakunganonggust onit
o.Kani
nangsabihinni
yaangr ul
esngl
aroni
la,hi
ndinasiya
umasangmananalosiyakungi
tongaangasawani ya.

Piet
roboast
edhismast er'
sabi
li
tyt
ocheckmat
ehisopponenti
nthr
eemi nutesandnow
she'
sactuall
y seei
ng it.Cor
mac iswinni
ng.Atkahi
tanong gawin niya,hi
ndikiya
magawangmanal orit
o.

"
Let
'sst
art
."AniCor
macsakahi
nayaansi
yangunanggumal
aw.

Cormac'
shand gl i
de i
nt he board.Walang pag aali
nlangan ang bawatgalaw ni
to,
walangpagdadalawangisipangbawatat ake.Lahatnggal aw niyaaynakikit
anito,
l
ahatng mgapl anoniyasabawatchesspi ecesniyaaynahuhul init
o.Atnang ma
checkmat
enitoanghar iniya,ki
nindat
anlangsiyanitoatmabi l
isnainayosangchess
pi
ecesnit
o.

"
Onemor
eandyouwi
l
ldowhatIwant
."

Herl
i
pst
hinnedandl
ookedatt
hecl
ock.Lesst
hant
womi
nut
esagai
n.Thatwasf
ast
.

I
shei
nahur
ry?

Nag-umpisanaangpang-anim ni
l
anglaro.Mai
ngatangbawatgal
aw nil
ri
ssamga
chesspi
ecesni
yasamant
alangumatakekaagadsiCor
mac.

Napakagatl
abisi
yangmakai
nni
toangbi
shopni
ya.

"
Cazzo.
"

"
Whatnow,I
ri
s?"
Nagt
agi
sangbagangni
yasakai
ginal
aw ni
yaangi
sapani
yangbi
shopatt
umi
ngi
nsa
or
asan.

Pastt
womi
nut
es.

Whyi
shest
all
i
ng?Kunggugust
uhi
nni
tokani
napasi
yani
tonat
alo.

Cor
macyawnedandmovehi
squeen."
Ther
e.I
'm open.Checkmat
eme,I
ri
s."

Andthat
'swhatshedid.Shecheckmatehiski
ngandl
ookedatCor
mac."
Youdon'
t
havet
oloseagame.Kayakit
angl
abanan."

Sahal
ipnasagut
insi
ya,nahi
gai
tosakamasakai
pini
kitangmgamat
a."
Anongt
anong
mo?"

I
ri
sst
il
l
ed."
Tanongko?"

"
Yes.Youwi
n,di
dn'
tyou?"

Hel
etmewi
nsoIcoul
dask?Whati
shepl
ayi
ngnow?"

Yourquest
ion,I
ri
s."Ul
i
tni
to.

Hini
l
aniyaangkumotsakapinul
upot'
yonsahubadniyangkat
awanbagonagt
anong.
"SaRaci
niHot
elbasaMinessot
amoakounangnakit
a?"

Heopenedhi
seyesandlookedather
."Tanggali
nmoyangkumotnanakapul
upotsa
kat
awanmosakakosasagut
inangt
anongmo. "

Mabi
l
isni
yangi
nal
i
sangkumot
."Answerme.
"

"
Comecl
oser
."

I
ri
ssi
ghedbef
oremovi
ngcl
osert
oCor
mac.

"
Hayanna.
"Ani
ya.

Het
appedhi
schest
."Si
ther
e."

"
Noway-"
"
ThenIwon'
tansweryou.
"

Medyolumal
i
m angpaghi
nganiyahabangginagawaangsi
nabiniCor
mac.Pahar
ap
si
yangumuposadi
bdi
bnit
oper
ot i
nakpannamanngkamayni
yaangpagkababaeni
ya.

"Comeon,Iri
s..
"maypagr
erekl
amosabosesni
to."
Iwonf
airandsquar
e.Igett
osee
younaked,r
emember?"

"
Justanswermyquest
ion.
"

"
Nope.Notunt
ilIseet
hatpr
eci
ousgem i
nbet
weenyourl
egs.
"

Nag-i
nitmanangpi
sngi
,inal
i
sni
yaangkamaynanakat
aki
psapagkababaeni
ya.

Thi
sisdi
ff
erentf
rom Ni
ccolo!Ever
yti
meNiccol
oeatsher
,it
sdarkandshecan' tsee
hi
m.Butnow,shecanseeraw l
usti
nCormac'
seyesashel
ookedathernakedness.

"
Damn.
..
"her
oll
edhi
stonguei
nbet
weenhi
sli
ps,"
Iwannaeatyou.
"

"
Justanswerme.
"

"
No.Hi
ndi'
yonangunanat
ingpagki
kit
a."SagotniCor
mac.

"
Kungganunsaanmoakounangnaki
ta?"

Cormacsmir
kedather."
Isangbeseskal
angnanal
o,kayai
sangbeseskal
angdi
n
puwedengmagt
anong.
"

Pagkasabini
toni
yonaywalangsabi
-sabi
ngi
niyakapangmgabr asosahitani
yaat
hi
nil
asiyapal
api
tsamukhani
toatnar
amdamanniyaangdi
lani
tosapagkababaeni
ya.

CHAPTER1
2

IHINI
LIG NINi
ccoloanglikodsarai
l
ingngter
asangmansiyonngmgaMonaster
iosa
Isl
asakabumunt ong-hi
ninga.Humi
gpitanghawakniyasatasangmayl
amangkape
sakanagpakawalananamanngmal al
i
m nahi
ninga.

"
Kahi
til
angbeseskangbumuntong-hi
ningar
iyan.
"aniLuci
fernanaka-uposacof fee
t
abl
eatsumi
simsi
m ngkape,"
wal angmagbabagokayatamanaangbunt ong-hi
ninga.
Si
nisi
ramoangar
aw ko.
"

Ni
ccol
otskedandl
ookedatt
hevasthor
izon.

"
Iwantt
obewi
thmywi
fe,Luci
fer
."

Luci
fert
sked."
Thenbewit
hher.Madal
il
angnaman.Umali
skari
tosapal
asyonaminat
pumuntakasaCabinni
ya.Kumatokatmagpaki
l
ala.Tamanaangpagt
atago.Dahi
lsa
gi
nagawamo,mapapali
tankasabuhayni
ya.
"

Nagt
agi
s ang bagang ni
ya."
Per
o paano ko si
ya hahar
api
n? Gal
i
tsi
ya saki
n at
si
gur
adongii
wanniyaako.
"

"Si
mplel
ang,magpakita ka:
"Luci
ferletouta loud breat
h."Atkung nat
atakotka
namangi
wanniya,romanceher.Nagingasawamosi yanahi ndimosiyanil
il
i
gawan.
Whydon'
tyoucourthernow?Makeherloveyou.Parahindikani
yai
wan."

Niccol
osighed."
Makeherloveme."Mapaitsi
yangnapangi
ti
."Mamahal
i
nkayani
ya
ako?Walongtaonkosi
yanghi
nayaangmag-i
sa.
"

Tumabingtayosakani
yasiLuci
feri
pinat
ongangsi
kosar
ail
i
ng."
Mat
ali
noka,dapat
al
am mo'yon.
"

Kunotangnuongbumal
i
ngsi
yasakai
bigan."
Alam angano?"

Luci
fergl
anceathi
m."
Whydoyout
hinkshest
ayedf
ait
hful
toyoual
ltheseyear
s?"

Mabi
l
issi
yangsumagot
."Becauseshe'
sanhonestwoman.
"

"
And?"

Hi
sfr
owndeepened."
Andwhat
?"

Luci
fert
sked."
Forasmar
tman,youar
edumb.
"

"Whatexact
lydoyoumeanbyt hat?"Mayir
it
asyonsabosesni
ya."
Tamanamanako
di
ba?She'sanhonestwoman,t
hat'
swhy."

I
binal
i
kniLuci
ferangt
ingi
nsakabuonanngi
sl
a."
Angmanhi
dmo.
"

"
Ano?"
"Manhidka,Ni
ccol
oRaci
ni.
"Ul
i
tniLuci
fernamaykakabi
tpangpangal
anni
yasaka
napai
li
ng.

"
Youknow whyshest
ayedl
oyal
?"

"
Why?"

Luci
ferl
ookedathi
m."Becausesomehow,youmanaget oenterherhear
t.Nakit
ako
'
yon ng magkausap kami
. Yong determinasyon ni
yang maki t
a ka,nakakabil
i
b.
Napamahalkanasakani
yanakahitsi
ya,hi
ndiniyanamalayan.Kayangahi
nahanapka
ni
yadiba?"

Hindini
yanapigi
lanangmat awa."SiIr
is?Angasawako?"Tumawaul i
tsiya."Shefelli
n
l
ovewi t
hme?"Hel aughagain."Yeah,ri
ght!
"Hewaschuckl ingtohimselfandt hen
shookhishead,sti
l
lchuckl
i
ng." Luc,hi
ndipaniyaakonaki
ki
ta,paanosi
yama-i -i
n-love
saki
n?Bini
bir
omobaako?"

Napail
i
ngul i
tangkaibi
gansakasumi msi
m ngkapeatbumunt ong-hi
ninganapar
ang
sukonangmagpal i
wanagsakani ya."Whatever
.Angpunt okol angnaman,ehano
kunghindikapaniyanakiki
ta?Nag-uusapnamankayosacel lphone.Sakaangdami
mongnagawapar asakaniya.Hindikamannasat abini
yakapagmaypr obl
emasiya
peronakaal
alaykanamanatt umutulongkasaparaangalam mo."

Lucshookhi
shead."I
tmaynotbeabi gdealf
oryou,butf
orher
,iti
s.You'
vehel
pher
gett
hrought
oughti
mes.That
'swhyshest
ayedfai
thf
ul.
"

Hi
sli
pst
hinned,gonet
hel
aught
er."
Whyam Ihavi
ngahar
dti
mebel
i
evi
ngt
hat
?"

"
Youknow how mypar
ent
sfel
li
nlover
ight
?"AniLuc.

Tumangosi
ya."
Pen-pal
."

Lucnoddedl
i
kewhathesai
dexpl
ainshi
srel
ati
onshi
pwi
thhi
swi
fe.

"Dal awangtaonsilangnagsul at
anbagosil
anagpadalangl arawansai sa'
t-isa."I
nubos
nitoangl amangkapengt asasakabumali
ngsakaniya."
SeewhatImean?I twasn'tan
attracti
onthroughphysicalappearance.I
twasn'
tloveatfirstsightei
ther.Itwasl ove..
.
slow,t enderandreallove.'Yongklasengpagmamahalnahi ndibasta-bast anabubur a
ngpanahondahi lnakaukitna'yonsapusomo."ThenLucifersuddenlylaugh." Fuck.I'
m
turningmushy. "

Nat
awanar
insi
yakapagkuwanaypumasoksai
si
pni
yaangasawa.
Slow tenderandr
eall
ove.I
sthatwhatyouf
eelf
orme,I
ri
s?Aasanabasi
yanamay
katugonangnarar
amdamanniya?

Ni
ccol
ot ookadeepbreath."Sl
ow,tenderandr eall
ove.
"bulongniya,"
minewasn'
t
sl
ow.Ifel
lforheri
nani
nst
ant.I
twasn'
ttenderei
therbutwhatIf
eelf
orherisr
eal
.Il
ove
mywife."

Ti
napi
k-t
api
kniLuci
ferangbal
i
katni
ya."
Thengo.Showyoursel
ftoher
."

"
li
wanni
yaako,Luc.
"Maypangambasabosesni
ya.

"So?Givennayon."Napaili
ngito."I
naasahanmotal
aganamananat i
l
isiyasadaming
sekr
etongipagt
atapatmosakani ya?Anonamankungi wankaniya?Ehdisundanmo.
Angdamimongper a,kahi
tsaangsulokngmundo,kayamosiyangsundan."

Gumuhitangngi
tisamgal
abini
ya."
You'
rer
ight
.Sowhati
fshel
eavesme?I
'l
lwi
nher
backagai
n-"

"
Yes.Butf
ir
st,makesur
ethatshel
ovesyour
eal
l
y,r
eal
l
yhar
d."

Nati
gil
ansi
yaatt
ini
ngnanngmasamaangkai
bigan."
Kasasabimopal
angnamahal
ni
yaako-"

"
That
'smyopi
nionandmyobser
vat
ion.
"Lucgr
inned."
Hindi'
yonsi
gur
ado-"

"
Gago.
"

"
Mat
agal
na.
"Nat
atawangsabiniLuci
fersakai
niwansi
yasat
erasa.

Si
yanamanaynawal
annanamanngl
akasngl
oobnahar
api
nangasawa.

Hehavet
omakesur
ethatshel
oveshi
m.Buthowam Igonnadot
hat
?

NAKAGATNIIri
sang l
abihabang nakahi
ga sa kama ni
ya atnakati
ti
g sa kawal
an.
Mal
inawpasaal
a-al
ani
yaangnangyarikani
nari
tomi smosakamani ya.

Marii
nni
yangipi
niki
tangmgamat aparaiwaksiangal
a-al
ang'
yonper
opar
aiyong
si
rangpl
akanapauli
t-ul
i
tnanagr
i-r
epl
aysaisi
pniya.

Andshecan'
tst
ophermemor
yfr
om f
lowi
ng.
"C-Cormac.
.."napahawaksi
yasaheadboar
dngkamangmar
amdamangsi
nipsi
pni
to
anghiyasni
ya."Uhmm!Ah!"

Shewantedtopullaway,t
omoveawayfrom hi
m butherbodywon'
tlether.Nanati
l
i
si
yangnakal
uhodsaibabaw mi
smongbi
bigniCor
macnahinihi
modanglahatngsulok
ngkasel
ananniya.

Walangpatawadangdi
lanit
ongkumiki
walhabangsinusundot
-sundotangkaangki
nan
ni
ya.Si
nisi
psi
pangkunt
ilni
yaatki
nakagatkagatangl
abingpagkababaeniya.

"
Cor
mac!
"

I
ri
sgasped whenhei
nser
ted hi
shar
dtonguei
nsi
dehe."
Cazzo!Cor
mac-oh!Uhm!
Ahh!
"

Nawalanasaisi
pniir
isangumali
ssai
babawngbi
nata,maspinagdul
dul
anpani
yaang
pagkababaesabi
bignit
oatdi
lanawal
anghumpaynapinapal
i
gayasiya.

"Oh!Oh!Oh!
"Humi
gpitang hawakni
yasaheadboard atnapal
i
yad ng bumi
l
isang
pagdi
l
aniCor
macsabasani
yangkasel
anan."
Oh!Cor
mac!Oh!"

Nagdedel
i
ryonasiyasasarap,hi
ndini
yaal
am kungsaansi
yababal
i
ngatmashumi
gpi
t
paangkapitni
yasaheadboardngkama.

Umii
dayognari
nangkat
awanni
ya,umaangatangpuwi
tansakai
pagdudul
dul
ansal
abi
atdi
l
ani Cor
mac.

She'
sevengr
indi
ngherwetpussyonhi
shotmout
h.

Mashumi gpi
tangyakapngmgabr asoniCor
macsamgahi tani
yaatmassini
basibpa
ang pagkababae ni
yang al
am ni
yang mamula-mul
a na atpumipi
nti
g sa sobr
ang
pagnanasa.

"
Oh!Cor
mac.
..amor
e..
."

Napal
i
yadsiI
ri
sngsi
nundut
-sundotni
toangkunt
ilni
yaathal
osmapasi
gaw si
yasa
sar
ap.

"
Cor
mac!Ohh!Keepdoi
ngt
hat
!Oh!
"

Napasunotsi
yasabuhokni
toati
ginagal
aw ni
yaangbal
akanghabangangdi
l
ani
toay
gr
abemagpal
i
gaya."
Miodi
o,Cor
mac!Oh-angsar
ap-angsar
ap-"

I
ri
stoeskeepsoncl
enchi
nganduncl
enchi
ngasshesavorCor
mac'
stonguel
i
cki
ngand
l
appi
ngher.

Herbodyi
sswayi
ngwi
thpl
easur
e.Lal
onangbi
nil
i
sanniCormacangpagdi
l
asakani
ya.
Kakai
baangr
it
mongdil
ani
tohabangSumi
si
gawsiyasasar
ap.

"
Ah-Cor
mac.
..Oh!Cazzo!Il
i
kei t
."She'
sgri
ndi
ngherp-ssyonhi
smout
h."
Sigepa.
..
l
i
ckmemore.
..angsar
apnggi nagawamo."

Hindina ali
ntana niI
ri
s ang l
umalabas sa bi
big ni
ya.Bi
ngiatbul
ag na si
ya sa
pagnanasangsasabogsakaibut
uranni
ya.

"
Ah!Ah!Hayannaako!Oh!Oh!
"

Parangnangingi
sayangkat awanniyahabangpal api
tngpalapi
tangorgasmoni
ya.
"Cormac!Oh,Cormac!I
'm cuming!Oh!Cazzo!Cazzo!Cosi
!Chebuono!Ah!
"

Asherbodyreachi
tspeak,shewasalr
eadyconvul
si
nginpl
easure.Hawaknani
yaang
sar
il
ingdi
bdi
bhabangminamasahe'yonatpi
nipi
si
langut
ongniya.

Shecanf
eel
it.
..she'
scumi
ng.Justal
i
ttl
ebi
t.Mor
eli
cki
ng.

"Oh!That
'si
t,Cormac.
..Oh!Fuckmewithyourt
ongue!
"Shewast al
ki
ngdi
rtybutshe'
s
alr
eadygoneandf l
l
edwithlustt
ocar
ethewordscomingf
rom her
mouth."
Oh!Yan!Oh!
Sigepa.Mal
apitnaako.Sar
apanmopa.Idii
nmopa!"

Pini
kit ni
ya ang mga mat a dahil sa pagkahi
long narar
amdaman dahi l sa
sobransensasyongnalal
asapsamgasandalingyon.Grabengsarapanglumulukobsa
buoniyangkat awan.Kakai
bangkamunduhanit
ongpinagdal
hansakaniyaniCormac.

"
Ah!Cor
mac!Oh!
"

Walangtigi
lsi
yasapag-ungolhanggangsaumabotangorgasmoniyasakaniyang
kaangki
nanatnar
amdamanniyangnil
unokl
ahatniCor
macangkatasnai
nil
abasni
ya.

Butt hat wasn'tenough t

o Cormac.Eksperto si
ya nitong naihi
ga sa kama at
kumababaw i t
o sa kani
ya per
o nasa par
eho pa r
ing parte ng kat
awan ni
ya ang
atensi
yonniya.

Sakasel
ananni
ya.
I
binaonniCormacangul
osagit
nanghitaniyaatkinainnanamansiya.Li
bo-li
bong
kuryent
eangdumal
oysakat
awanni
yahabangpinapal
igayananamansiyani
to.

Paminsan-mi
nsanaynag-aangatngt ingi
nitosakaniyaatsat uwi
ngnagt
atamaang
mgamat anil
aaymaspi napapungayniyaangmataatpi napaki
tani
yar
it
onggust
ong-
gust
oniyaangkal
igayahangpinapal
asapnit
osakaniya.

Hindimabi
l
angniIr
iskungilangbesessi
yangnilabasansapamamagitanl
angngdi l
aat
dali
riniCormac.Kakaibang sar
ap yon na naranasan ni
ya.Kakai
bang sensasyon.
Nakakabal
i
w,nakakahi
bangatnakakawalasat amanghuwi syo.

Shetol
dhersel
fthatshewil
lneverdoanythi
ngsexual
l
yrel
atedwi
thCor
mac,buther
shei
s,wri
thi
nginpleasur
eandscreami
ngformor
e.

Andwhenhe'sdonepleasur
ingher
,hemast
urbat
edi
nbet
weenherpar
tedt
hingsand
spur
thi
ssemenalloverhi
swetmound.

He didn'tpenetrat
e herand she shoul
d be thankf
ul,butthe tr
uthis,she f el
t
di
sappointed.Gustoniyangmaramdamanangkahabaanni t
osaloobniya.Hindipara
al
aminkungi tobat al
agaangasawaniyakundidahi
lsi
guradosi
yangibangsarapang
maipaparamdam niyonsakani
ya.

Napakur
ap-kur
ap siI
ri
ssa ala-al
ang '
yon athi
ndimakapani
wal
ang napaawang ng
maramdamangnabasasiya.

Mi
odi
o..
.

Parangmaysar i
l
ingisi
pangkamaynapumasoksasuotnacot
tonnashor
tatpant
y
sakahinawakanangsari
li
niya.

Napapi
kitsi
yangmakar
amdam ngmasarapnakil
i
tiatpumasoksai
si
panni
yaang
mukhaniCormacper
opangal
anngasawani
yaangi
nuungol
niya.

"
Niccol
o..
.Oh!Ni
ccol
o!"

I
ri
swasshamelessasshepleasur
eherself
,remember
inghow Cor
macpleasuredher
wit
hhi
stongueandfi
nger
sandherlegstr
embledasshereacht
hepeakofherl
ust.

Nanghi
hinaatnahi
hiyangnapakagatl
abisi
yasagi
nawa.

Mi
odi
o..
."Whati
shappeni
ngt
ome?"
Mabili
ssi
yangbumangonsakapumasokngbanyoparamaghugasngkamayatmaligo
parahumupaangi ni
tngkatawanniya.Atnangnakapagbi
hissi
ya,l
umabassi
yang
Cabinatakmangsasakaysaduyanngmaki
tangpal
abasdinsiCor
macsaCabinni
toat
nagtamaangmgamat anil
a.

Pinal
abasniyait
okani nasaCabinni
yapagkat
aposngnangyarisakanil
aathabang
nagkakat
it
igansi
la,naalal
ananamanni
yaangpagpapal
i
gayani
tosakaniya.

Kaagadnanag-i
nitangmukhani
yasakasi
yaangunangnagi
wasngt
ingi
natbumal
i
k
ul
itsaCabi
nni
yaparamagtagori
to.

Whatifhe'snotmyhusband?Hermi ndistorturi
ngher.Whati
fI'm cheati
ngonmy
husbandnow?Shedoesn'twanttobeacheat er.Shedoesn'
twanttobeunf ai
thf
ulto
Niccol
obutsheli
kesCormac.Shel
ikeshow hecanmakehersmi l
eandl aughandf eel
sosexyandsheli
kesconver
singwi
thhim.

Andi
fhe'
snotmyhusband.Anonggagawi
nni
ya.Anonggagawi
nko?

Myhusbandi sagoodman.Hesuppor t
edhert hr
oughandthrough.Wal
amani t
osa
tabiniyaperonarar
amdamanniyaangsuport
ani t
osalahatnggustoni
yanggawinat
hindipasiyani
tongbini
gosat
uwinghumihi
ngisi
yangtul
ongdit
o.

I
fCor mac i
s notNi ccol
o..
.napasabunotsi
ya sa sar
il
ing buhok saka mahi
nang
napadai
ngatunt
i-unt
ingbumagsakangluhasamgamat aniya.

"No..
.they'
rethesame."Bul
ongniyahabanghumihi
kbi."They'
rethesame.
..I
'm nota
cheater
.Iwil
lneverhur
tmyhusbandli
kethat
.No.
..No..they'
rethesame.
"

I
ri
sknew t
hatshe'
sconvi
nci
nghersel
fbuthermi
ndi
stor
tur
ingher
.Itkeepsonaski
ng
'
whati
fCormacis notNi
ccol
o'?

Hindisi
yamababal
iw sapakiki
pag-hi
deandseekni
yakayNi
ccol
o,mababal
i
w si
yasa
guil
tnabinabat
ongi
sipniyasapusoniya.

Iwasanhonestwi
fef
orei
ghtyear
sandnow.
..

Huminga si
ya ng malal
i
m atdahilpaki
ramdam niya aykinakapossi
ya ng hini
nga,
nagmamadalisiyang l
umabas ng Cabi
n para sumagap ng sari
wang hangin per
o
bumanggasiyasaisangbul
to.

Whenshel
ookedup,shesaw Cor
macandherhear
trace.

Hereyeswi
denatt
hatr
eal
i
zat
ion.Myhear
traced!OhGod.
"Youokay?"Maypag-aal
alasabosesniCor
machabangnakat
ingi
nsakani
ya."
Iri
s..
.
youokay?"Ul
i
tni
tonghindisi
yasumagot
.

Wal
asasar
il
ingumi
l
ingsi
ya."
No.
..-myhear
tr-r
aced.
"

Cor
macf
rowned."
What
?"

Nasaponiyaangdibdibkungnasaanangpusoniya."M-myheartr-r
aced"Ul
i
tni
yang
sabihabangnakat
it
igkayCormac."Whyt
hehell
am l f
eel
ingl
i
kethis?"

Cor
macr
emai
nsconf
used."
Idon'
tunder
stand.
..ser
iousl
y..
."

Ti
nali
kur
anni
yasiCormacsakapumasoksacabinni
yaatwal
asasar
il
ingnapauposa
gi
li
dngkamaniya.Kaagadsi
yangsi
nundansal
oobniCor
mac.

"
Iri
s..
."Cor
macsoundswor
ri
ed."
Lookatme.
"

Shel
ookedupathi
m.

Nagsal
ubongangki
l
ayni
to."
Ayoskal
angba?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
H-hi
ndi
."

"
Maymasaki
tbasayo?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
W-wal
a."

"
Thentel
lmewhat
'swr
ong.
"Tumaasnaangbosesni
tonamaypag-aal
ala."
Tel
lme.
..
whati
sit
?"

Ti
napik-tapi
kni
yaangdi
bdi
bkungnasaanangpusoni
yahabangmakat
it
igdi
to."
My
hear
t.
.."

"
W-what
'swr
ongwi
thyouhear
t?"

"
W-whenII
ookedatyouort
hinkofyou.
..i
-it
'sr
aci
ng.Fast
.Andl
oud.
"

Unt
i-unt
ingnawalaangpag-aal
alasamukhani
tosakal
umuhodpar
amagpant
ayang
mukhaniya."
Kai
lanmonaramdaman' yon?"
"
N-ngayonl
ang.
"

"That'
s okay."Ani t
o na par
ang hindi'
yong seryusong probl
ema." You make my
heartbeatracedtoo.We'reeven.It
'sunfai
rthough,youjustfeeli
tnow,whileal
ways
fel
titeveryti
mel '
m wit
hyou.Darn..
.evenwhenI '
m notwithyou,youcansti
l
lmakemy
heartracejustbythi
nki
ngofyou."

Herl
i
pspar
ted."
Butyou'
renotmyhusband.
"

"
Hindi
ba?"

Hereyeswi
den."
Y-youar
e?"

Hesmi
l
ed."Youaskedmet opr et
endtobeyourhusband.Hindipanamantaposang
ar
awna't
o.Techni
cal
l
y,I
'm st
il
lyourhusbandsi
nceIagr
eedtohumouryou.
"

Tumal
i
m angmat
ani
ya."
Thenst
oppr
etendi
nganddon'
thumourmeanymor
e."

"
Ist
hatwhatyouwant
?"TanongniCor
mac,wal
anaangngi
tisamgal
abini
to.

Tumangosi
yaper
o"no"
.namanangl
umabassabi
bigni
ya.

Thesmi
l
eonCor
mac'
sfacer
etur
nsandhegat
her
edheri
nhi
sar
ms."
Iri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Woul
dyoul
i
ket
oseemyt
att
oonow?"

Kumal
assi
yasapagkakayakapdi
toathi
ndimakapani
wal
angnapat
it
igdi
to."
Y-youwi
l
l
l
etmeseei
t?N-now?"

TumayosiCormacsakahinubadangdami
tni
topagkat
aposayt
umal
i
kodsakani
ya
par
amakit
aniyaangtat
tooni
to.

AndasshestaredatCor
mac'sback,shedi
dn'
tknow whatt
othi
nk.Shebecameeven
moreconf
usethansheal
readyi
s.

CHAPTER1
3
THATNI GHT,Ir
isclosedtheli
ght
sandwai t
edforNiccol
o.Pi
nagdar
asalniyanasana
pumasokangasawani yasaCabinniyaparamakausapniyai
toperoisangorasang
l
umipas,walangNiccolonapumasok.

Hindisi
yamapakal
isahigaan.Mahi
higasi
yasakababangonnanaman.Ganunsi
ya
hangegangsamari
nigni
yaangpagbukasngpi
ntongCabi
nniya.

Raci
ni!

Tahi
mik siyang naghi
ntay habang nakaupo sa ul
uhan ng kama atnakasandalsa
headboard.Naaninagniyaangbult
onapumasoksaCabi nni
ya.

"
N-Ni
ccol
o?"Tanongni
ya.

"
It
sme,amor
e."

Nangmari
nigniyaangpamil
yarnabosesnit
o,kaagadsi
yangumalisngkamaatkahi
t
madi
li
m pi
l
itni
yanginani
nagangpal
i
gidatyumakapsaasawaniya.

"
Amor
e..
."

I
mpi
tsi
yangnapahi
kbi
."I
'm sosor
ry.
..I
'm sosor
ry.Midi
spi
ace,Ni
ccol
o.Midi
spi
ace.
"

"Amoremio.
..
"niyakapdi
nsi
yani
tosakahi
nagodangl
i
kodni
ya."
Whati
sit
?Whyar
e
yousayi
ngsorr
y?"

Humi
gpi
tangyakapni
yasaasawa."
I-Ic-cheat
edony-you.
"

Ni
ccol
o'sbr
eat
hingst
opped.Shef
elti
t.Shef
elthi
mfr
eeze.

"Midi
spi
ace,Ni
ccolo.
"Mabili
sni
yangt i
nuyoangbasaniyangpi
sngiper
opat
uloyl
ang
sapagl
agl
agangluhaniya."
Midi
spiace.Midi
spi
ace..
."

Akal
aniyaaal
issiNi
ccol
odahi
lsai
pinagt
apatni
yaper
onar
amdamanni
yanghumi
gpi
t
angyakapni
tosakani
ya.

"
Shh.
..
"hi
nagodni
toangl
i
kodni
ya."
Tahanna.Huwagkangumi
yak.
"

"
P-per
o..per
oni
l
okoki
ta.Ic-cheat
edonyou.
"

"
Shh.
..don'
tcr
y."Pat
uloyi
tosapag-al
osakani
ya."
Don'
tcr
y..
."
"Nahi
hir
apannaako,Niccol
o."Pag-aminniya."Hindikonaalam angsagawi nko.And
I
'm guil
ty.
..I
'm sogui
l
tybecauseIknow. ..Idi
di tnotbecausethoughthe'syoubut
becauseIwanthim.
"Napahagulhol
siya."
Mi di
spiace,Niccol
o.Midispi
ace.Forgi
veme.
Forgi
veme. "

Hi
napl
osni
toangbuhokni
yanaangi
naal
osi
ya."
Tahanna.Huwagkangumi
yak.
"

"
H-hi
ndikabagal
i
tsaki
n?"

Nawal
anngi
mikangasawa.

"Gali
tka..
."bul
ong ni
ya saka kumal
assa pagkakayakap di
to."
Iwantt
o go home,
Niccol
o.Ayokonari
to.
"

"
Iri
s..
."

"Ayokonangmaki pagl
arosayongtaguan.
"Marahassiyangumi
li
ng."Befor
elt
urnint
oa
badwoman,Ihavet ol
eave.Myhearti
sbeati
ngsofastforhi
m,Ican'
tstaymarri
edwith
you,Niccol
o.Let
shaveadi vor
ce.
"

"I
ri
s..
.no.
" Hinawakan ni Ni
ccol
o ang kamay ni ya. "Please, don'
tleave me.
"
Nangungusapangbosesnit
o."St
ay..
.pl
ease.
..d-don'
tdivorceme. "

"
Midi
spi
ace"

"
Amor
e-"

"
Pleasel
eavemyCabi
n,Ni
ccol
o."

"
No.I
ri
s.Let
'st
alk.Pl
ease,don'
tleaveme.I
ri
s..
.Ibegyou.
"

Pi
nat
igasni
yaangdi
bdi
bni
ya."
Midi
spi
ace,Raci
ni.Pl
easel
eave.
"

"
Iri
s-"

"Leave!
"Hi ndini
yanapigil
anpagtaasanngbosesangasawani ya."Sawang-sawana
ako.Sukonaako,Ni ccol
o.Ayokongmaki pagl
arosayo.I
'm doneplayingmi ndgames
withyouandgi vingyouallmyattent
ion.Pinaghi
ntaymoakongwal ongt aonatayoko
na.Idon'twanttobewi t
hyouanymor e..
.wanttobewi thCormac.Atleastsiya,naki
kit
a
ko.Nakakausapkomaayos.Atkayar inniyaakongpali
gayahintul
adngpagpapal i
gaya
mosaki n."
"
No.
..I
ri
s..
."hi
svoi
cei
sshaki
ng,"
no.
..
don'
tdot
hist
ome.No.
..amor
e..
."

"
Pleasel
eave.
"

"
Amor
e..
."

"Leave.Now.
"Aniyasamalamignaboses."Ayaw monamangmakit
akit
adi ba?Umali
s
kanapar ahindinatal
agakit
amaki ta.Iwil
lcal
lPiet
rotoreadyourdivorcepaper
.
Palayai
nnanati
nangisa'
t-i
saNiccol
o.Ayokongmagingasawamo."

Parang maybumabaon na kut

sil
yo sa puso niI
ri
shabang si
nasabini
ya ang mga
sal
i
tang'yonper
oit
oangmasmakakabut ipar
asakanil
angdal
awa.Parasasari
lini
ya.

"Ayokonghabul
i
nohanapinangt
aongayaw namangmagpaki
ta.
"Ani
yasakaumat
ras
atnapauposagi
li
dngkama."Sol
eave,Ni
ccol
o."

Mayhumawaksakamayni
yaatnar
amdamanni
yangmayl
umuhodsahar
apanni
ya.

"Pl
ease.
..don'
tleaveme."NagmamakaawasiNi
ccol
ohabangnakasubsobangmukha
nit
osamgapal adniya."
Amore.
..havemer
cyonme.Please.
..don'
tdot
hist
ome."

I
ri
sfel
thistearsbutthatdi
dn'
tsof
tenher
.Masmar
amipasi
yangi
niyakkeysar
it
o.
"
Leavenow,Niccol
o."

Walangemosyonangbosesni
yaatwal
angnagawaangasawani
yakundiangumal
i
s
saCabinni
ya.

Nangmakalabasi
to,t
inuyoniyaangmgaluhaniyasakabi
nuksanni
yaangi
l
aw ng
Cabi
nkapagkuwanaynapati
ti
gsapint
ongni
l
abasanngasawa.

Ni
ccol
o..
.mi
omor
it
o.

Bumali
ksi
yanghi
gasakamangpat
agi
l
idatnapat
it
igsal
ampshadenahugi
skat
awan
ngbabae.

Nangipi
kitni
yaangmgamat
a,pumasoksai
si
pni
yaangt
att
oonanaki
tani
yasal
i
kod
niCor
mac.

I
t'
snotasword-shapedleaves.Ther
e'snof
lower
.Itwasasi
mpl
etat
too.Cel
ti
cwor
ds.
Andi
tshookherworldearl
i
er.
I
fshebasedthetr
uthonthetatt
oo,they'
rereal
l
yadif
fer
entperson.Bakangaguni-guni
l
angni yaangnakit
aniyanglal
akinanal i
l
igosadagat
.A fi
gmentofheri maginati
on
becauseshewantedtoseeherhusbandsobadly.

Cor
maci
snotNi
ccol
o.l
fshe'
sbasi
ngever
ythi
ngi
nthet
att
ooonhi
sback.

Tumi
ngi
nsi
yasaor
asan.I
tsbeenf
ourhour
ssi
nceNi
ccol
olef
therCabi
n.

I
'm sur
ehe'
sst
il
lawake.Thati
s,i
fImat
tert
ohi
m.

Humugotsi
yangmal
ali
m nahi
ninga."
Dal
awangor
aspa.
"Pagkausapni
yasasar
il
i.

I
riswasgetti
ngimpat
ientbutsheremai
nedateaseandcompose.Wal
ongtaonsi
yang
naghi
ntay.Anobanamansakani yaangdal
awangoraspar
atul
uyanni
yangmahul
iang
asawaniya?

Herwordsandtear
searl
iersur
elydi
str
actedherhusband.Andi
fitdi
str
act
edhi
m,t
hen
he'
sst
il
lawakeunti
lnow,thi
nki
ngaboutthei
rdivor
ce.

Bumangonsi
yaatlumabasngCabi
nngl umipasangdal
awangor as.Yakapniyaang
sar
il
idahi
lsa mal
amig nasi
moyng hangi
nhabang nagl
alakad patungong Cabi
nni
Cormac.

Kumat
oksi
ya."
It
sme.I
ri
s."Ani
ya.

Mabi
l
isnabumukasangpi
ntongcabi
natnagkat
it
igansi
l
a.

"
Cor
mac.
..Hel
ooksbeatup,st
ress,wor
ri
edandhopel
ess.

"
Iri
s..
."hi
sfaceact
ual
l
ybr
ight
enswhenheseesher
."W-whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Humakbangsi yapal
api
tdi
tosakani
yakapit
o."can'
tsl
eep,Cor
mac.C-Can'tsl
eep.
.I
keepont hi
nki
ngaboutwhathappenedtousthismorni
ngandyourtat
too.
..andmy
husband.
..andmyheadisaboutt
oburst
."

"
It
sokay.."Hinal
ik-hali
kanni
toangul
oni
yahabangmahi
gpi
tdi
nsi
yangyakap."
Don'
t
t
hinkabouti
t.
.I'm here.
"

Tumangosiyasakakumalassapagkakayakapsalalaki
."Pasensi
yakanaperopuwede
bang di
to ako mat
ulog? Baka bumal
ik ang asawa kosa Cabin ko.Ayoko si
yang
makasama."
Cormacnoddedandgui
deshert owardst
hebed.Nangmakahi
gasi
yaayki
numut
an
si
yanit
oathi
napl
osangbuhok."
Rest.Namamagaangmgamatamo."

Napangi
tisi
yanghapl
usi
nniCor
macangpi
sngini
yaathi
nal
i
kansi
yasagi
l
idngmga
l
abi
.

"
Sal
amat
."Ani
ya.

"
Pahi
ngakana.
"

Tumangosiyasakai
pini
kitangmgamat
aper
ohi
ndisi
yanat
ulog.Pi
napaki
ramdaman
ni
yasiCor
mac.

Cormacswit
chofft
heli
ghtsexceptf
orthelampshadeonhersi
deandlayonthebed
besi
deher
.Thenshefel
thi
m embraceherar
oundthatwai
standpul
l
edhercl
oser.

"
Cor
mac?"

"
Hmm?"

I
ni-angatni
yaangul
oni
tosakapi
naunani
tosabr
asoni
ya."
Ther
e..
.muchbet
ter
."

Wit
h hi
seyesclose,he smiled and embr
ace hert
ight
ly."
Yeah.
..much bet
ter
."He
whi
sper
ed."
Ifeelsoti
red.ThankGodyou'reher
e.Makakatul
ognaakongmaayos."

Napati
ti
gsi
yasaneckl
aceni
tonanagtat
agoangpendantsaloobngt
-shir
tnit
ongsuot
.
"Tul
ogkana.Mat
utul
ognari
nako.Hindiakoaal
i
ssatabimo,gust
okori
to."

Cor
macgr
oanedandnodded."
Okay.
..
"

I
ri
s smiled and st
art
ed car
essi
ng Cormac'
s neck down t
o hi
s Adams appl
e and
col
lar
bonewhi l
ehummi ngasoftmelody.Parahindii
tomagul
atsabinabal
akni
yang
gagawinmamaya.

Shehavet
ocondi
ti
onhi
smi
ndt
hatshewon'
tdoanyt
hingt
ohi
mtol
oosenhi
m up.

I
ri
skissedCor mac'
sf or
eheadandstart
edcaressi
nghi
shairandhi
shandsomef ace
downtohisjaw.Sti
llhummingsof
tl
y.Thenshestar
tedt
rai
l
ingt
heti
pofherfi
ngerover
Cormac'sneckl
ace.

AndCor
macf
eltatease.Mashumi
gpi
tpangaangyakapni
tosakani
yaathal
atang
gust
oanggi
nagawani
ya.

Hert
ouchcal
mshi
m.

I
ri
swon'tdenyi
t.Cor
mac'
sembr
acef
eel
sgood.Shewant
edt
ost
ayi
nhi
sar
msand
cuddl
ewit
hhim.

ButIhaveot
hert
hingsi
nmi
nd.

Pi
nakat
it
igan ni
ya ang guwapo ni
tong mukha na t
angi
ng ang l
ampshade l
ang ang
t
umatanglawhabanghinahapl
osangnecklacenit
o.

Cormaclooksbeatupandstressed.Ther
ear
ebagsunderhi
seyes.Hi
sfor
eheadi
s
cr
easedevenwhensleepi
ng.

"
Shhh.
"hi
nal
i
kanniyaangnakakunotnit
ongnuosakahinapl
osni
yaiyonhanggangsa
mawal
aangpagkakakunotathi
nal
i
kanni
yaul
it
."Sl
eept
ight,amor
e.Sl
eepti
ght.
"

Napangitisi
yahabanghi
nahapl
osangmukhanito.Wer
eyoustressedout,miomor i
to?
Natakotkabatalaganai
d-di
vorceki
ta?Huwagkangmag-al
ala,darat
ingtayor
iyan.

Butt
oni
ght
..
.Iwi
l
lendmyconf
usi
ononceandf
oral
l
.

Iwil
lnotlose,Niccol
o.Nottoyou!Yout
hinkthegameendedbecauseyousaw mecry
andItol
dyout hatgiveup,wel
lyou'r
ewrong.It
sjustst
art
ing,mi
omori
to,Tat
apusi
nko
naangpagl al
aromosakin.AndthenIwi
lll
etyoutast
eyourownmedici
ne.

Pi
nagmasdan ni
ya siCormac ng hal
os i
sang or
as hanggang sa mapansi
n ni
yang
malal
i
m naangpaghingani
toatkal
madonaangkat awannit
o.

Alam ni
yangmabi l
i
sangr efl
exesnit
oper oal
am niyangnasanaynaangi si
pnit
osa
hawakniyadahikaninapani yait
ohinahapl
ossapar t
engleegatdindi
b.Per odahan-
dahanatmaingatpar i
nniyanghinawakanangnecklacenit
oathaloshindinasiyang
humihi
ngahabanginilal
abasiyonmulasapagkakat
agosaloobngt -shi
rtni
to.

Atnangt ul
uyannglumabasangpendantngneckl aceni
to,mai
ngatni
yangini
l
ipatang
pagkakaunanngulonit
osabar asoniyapatungongunansakamabil
isni
yanghinubad
angweddi ngri
ngni
yaatpinagdi
kitangdal
awangsingsi
ng.

Herhear
thammer
edi
nsi
deherchestwhensher
eal
i
zedsomet
hing.

Thet
wor
ingsar
ethesame!Di
ff
erentsi
zes!Butt
hesamedesi
gn!
Shedoesn'tbeli
eveincoinci
dence.Thi
sringwashandmadebyaf amousj
ewel
lerin
I
tal
y.AccordingtoPietr
o,hismasterspecif
ical
l
ytoldhi
mthedesignhewantedthat
wouldsui
thiswife'
sfi
ngerwit
hwor dsengr
avedinsi
detoper
sonal
i
zeit.

AndPi
etr
owasgener
ousenought
otel
lhert
hewor
dshi
smast
erhadchosen.

Anglakasngkabogngpusoni
yahabangbi
nabasani
yaangnakasul
atnaka-engr
ave
sal
oobngsingsi
ng.

'
Desi
der
ome.
'Justl
i
kewhatPi
etr
osai
d!

Herl
i
pst
rembl
ed.Maynaka-engr
aver
insal
oobngsi
ngsi
ngni
ya.

Andi
tsays'
amor
emi
o.'

Desiderome,amoremio.
"Bul
ongni
yahabangbahagyangnakaawangangl
abini
ya.
"Desir
eme, mylove.
"

Napat
iti
gsi yakayCormacatmahinangnat
awangwalangemosyon."Iwasn'
twrong
af
terall
."Nangili
dangluhaniyasahal
o-hal
ongemosyongnar
aramdaman."I
t'syou,
Ni
ccolo.It
'syou..
.mi
omor i
to.
"

Kahi
tnangingini
gangkamaydahilsanal
amanatnangingi
l
idangluhani
ya,maingat
ni
yangnaibali
kangpendantni
tosaloobngtshi
rtni
tosakabumangonparahamigin
angsar
il
iatumuposagil
idngkamahabangnakat
it
igkayCor
mac.

"Baki
t..
."bul
ong ni
ya habang t
it
ig na t
it
ig sa asawa."
Baki
tmo ako pi
nagl
aruan ng
ganit
o?"

Tul
uyanngbumagsakangl
uhasamgamat
ani
ya.

Masuyoniyanghinaplosangbuhokngasawasakaangpisngini
to.Youmisl
eadme
fr
om theverybegi
nning.YouusedPi
etr
oandLuci
fert
oconfusedmeusingthetat
too.
Youplayedmegood,mi omorit
o.Pi
naniwal
amoakosaisangkasinungal
i
nganpar a
l
anghindiki
tamakil
ala.

"Wel
l,I'
m sorrytodi
sappointbutyourwifei
sasmar twoman."Shewhisper
edwhil
eshe
cont
inuecar essi
nghishairandf ace."Butl
'm notthatbad.I
'l
lgi
veyouachancet o
comecl ean.Only8daysr emains,miomor i
to.Youhave8dayst otellmeever
ythi
ng.
Andifyoudon' t
,midi
spiace.I'
mleavingyou."

Maingatsi
yangnahigasatabingasawasakai
niyakapni
yaangbr
asoni
tosabeywang
ni
yasakamasi di
niki
tpaangkatawandi
to.
I
ri
sclosehereyeswi that r
iumphantsmil
eonherlips.Pagkagi
singniya,hindinasiya
maguguluhan. Pagkagi
sing ni
ya, i
bang lar
o naman ang uumpi saharn niya. Sa
pagkat
ataong'yon,hi
ndinaparaalaminangpagkat
aonitokundiparapaamininito.

Nat
ulogsiI
ri
sngwalangbigatsakal
oobanni
ya.Atnangmagi
si
ngsi
yaki
nabukasanay
magaanangpaki
ramdam niya.

Nang imul
atniya ang mga mata,nakit
a ni
yang nakaupo sa pandal
awang mesa si
Cormac,nagka-kapeatnakatingi
nsakawal anhabang hawakni t
oang pendantng
neckl
acenit
omulasal abasngsuotnat-shi
rt
.

Wal
angi
miksi
yangnapat
it
igsaasawani
ya.

He'
ssuchagor
geousman.Hi
ndini
yaakal
ainnamagkakagust
osi
yakayCor
mac.

Naalal
apaniyangmaynambast ossakani
yasaparknuongnasaMi
nesott
asi
ya.She
cal
l
edRaciniforhel
pbutCormaccameandsavedher .Atii
sangt
aolangpalaang
dal
awa.Soitwasreal
l
yherhusbandwhosavedher
.

Asal
ways.

"
You'
reawake.
"Bosesi
yonniCor
macnapumukawsakani
ya.

Napakur ap-kurap si
ya saka bi
nigay ang buong at
ensi
yon sa asawa ni
ya."
Good
Morning."Ngi ni
ti
anniyaitosakaumalissiyangkamaathi nal
ikanit
osanuo."How'
s
yoursleep?"

"
It
sokay.
"

Napat
it
igsi
yasaasawani yangyumakapsabeywangni
yaati
hini
l
igangul
osat
iyan
ni
yanaparangnagl
alambi
ng.

Hi
napl
osni
yaangbuhokni
to.

How hemanagetochangehi
svoi
cef
rom Cor
mact
oNi
ccol
oisst
il
lamyst
eryt
oher
.
Butshewi
l
lfi
ndoutsoon.

"
Youl
ookst
ress.
"Koment
oni
ya.

"
Iam.
"
Pat
uloyni
yanghi
napl
osangbuhokni
topat
ungosabat
ok."
Car
etot
ell
me?"

"
Notnow.
..I
'm st
il
lthi
nki
ngabouti
t.
"

"Okay."Ngumi t
isiya saka i
kinul
ong sa mga.al
ad ni
ya ang mukha niCor
mac at
pinakat
it
igani
to."CanIaskabi gfavor
?"

"
Whati
sit
?"

"
Can Imove i
n her
e wi
th you?"Napangi
tisi
ya ng nami
l
og ang mat
a niCor
mac.
"
Please?"

"
Why?"

"
KasiayokongmakasamasiNiccol
o."Gi
nawaranni
yai
tonghal
i
ksamgal abi."
Atleast
,
i
fI'
m her
eandl'
m withyou.Hi
ndisi
yapapasoksaCabi
ndahi
lmagkasamatayo."

I
l
angsegundoi
tongnat
ahi
mikbagopumayag."
Sige.Doyouwantmet
ohel
pyoumove
i
nwit
hme?"

Umili
ngsiya."
Hindinamanmaramiangdami
tko.
"Hi
nal
i
kanni
yaangt
ungkingi
l
ong
ni
to,"sal
amat.
..
dahi
lpumayagka.
"

Cor
macjustnoddedandhuggedherwai
stagai
n."
Doest
hismeant
hatyou'
rechoosi
ng
meoveryourhusband?"

Kunghi
ndini
yanakompi
rmakaninangmadal
i
ngar
aw anghi
nal
ani
ya,bakanagul
uhan
nasi
yangayonsasi
nabi
ngbi
nata.

Butshe'
swaypasst
hatnow.

"Yes.Iam choosi
ngyou.
"Ani
ya."
Pagbal
i
kkosaI
tal
y,i
hahandakokaagadangdi
vor
ce
papernamin."

"
Ithoughtyouwantt
obewi
thyourhusband.
"

Pi
gil
niyaangmat
awadahi
lnar
ir
ini
gni
yaangsaki
tsabosesni
to.

I
shej eal
ousofhi
msel
f?"
Thatwasbef
ore.
..butnotanymor
e.Now,Iwannabewi
th
you.
"
Ti
ningal
asi
yani
to."
Doyoul
i
kemet
hatmuch,I
ri
s?"

Tumangosiya."
Yes.Il
i
keyoual ot
.Andknow youl
i
kemet
oosol
etsnotmakei
t
compl
icat
edanddealwi
thi
tli
kegr
ownups.
"

"Gr
ownups."Cormacsi
ghedbef
orehest
andsupandl
ookedatheri
ntent
ly."
Okay.
Let
'sdeal
wit
hit
."

"
Whatdoyouhavei
nmi
nd?"

Hinawakansi
yani
to samagkabi
l
ang beywang ati
ti
nul
aksi
yapaat
rashanggang sa
bumagsaksi
yasakama.

"
Iwannapleasur
eyou."AniCormacsakaki
nubabawansi
ya."
Likeyest
erday.Iwantt
o
makeyouscream andt
alkdi
rt
ytome."

Walanasiyangmar amdamangkaguluhanoguil
tkayamadal
isi
yangnapapayagng
asawa."
Ofcourse,Cormac.YouknowIwoul
dlovethat
."

Hesi
tat
ioni
sinhi
seyesbef
orehepr
essedhi
sli
psonher
s.

Thi
sti
me,herhusbandi
stheoneconf
used.Good.Now,t
ast
eyourownmedi
cine.

WARNI
NG:SPG

CHAPTER1
4

KAAGAD NAyumakapsil r
issaasawaatmaini
tnati
nugonanghalikni
tongangkini
n
ni
toangmgalabiniya.Humahaplosangkamayni
yasakatawanathinahabolnaman
ni
toangmgal
abiniyasatuwingkumakal
assi
yasahal
i
knapinagsasal
uhan.

Sini
psipniI
ri
sangdi l
aniCormacnghawakanni t
oangwai st
bandngsuotni
yangcott
on
shortsakai
binabaiyon.Akmangbababaitosakatawanniyaper
oini
yakapniyasal
eeg
nit
oangmgabr asoniyasakamaspinal
ali
m anghali
kanni
l
a.

"
Iri
s..
."hewhi
sper
edbet
weent
hei
rki
ss,"
Iwannaeatyou-"

"
Lat
er.
"Shebi
tCor
mac'
sli
psanggl
aredathi
m."
WhenIsayyoucan.
"

Tumaas ang sul

ok ng l
abini
to saka puno ng pagnanasang t
umi
ti
g sa kani
ya.
"Cont
rol
l
ingme,ei?"
Shesmi
rkedandl
i
ckhi
slowerl
i
p."
Yes.Iam.
"

Hegul
ped.I
ri
sknew.Cor
macl
i
kesi
t.

"
Whatdoyouwantmet
odot
hen?"Heasked,whi
l
eherl
i
psi
smovi
ngt
ocat
chher
s.

Shest
aredst
rai
ghti
ntohi
seyes.Noconf
usi
on.Nodoubt
s.Noi
nhi
bit
ions."
Kissmel
i
ke
youmi
ssme."

"Ican do t
hat
."Pinagsikl
op niCormacang kamaynil
ang dal
awa saka i
pini
nid ang
kamayniyasauluhanniyaatsini
i
lngmapusoknahal
ikangmgalabiniya.

"Uhm!"Hal i
nghing ni
ya habang gi
nagal
ugad ng di
l
a nit
o ang l
oob ng bi
big ni
ya,
nakiki
pag-espadahanangdilani
tosadil
aniyaatki
nakagatngngi
pinni
toangmgal abi
niya.

Yes.He'
ski
ssi
ngherl
i
kehemi
ssedher
.

Mashumigpitangpagkakapi
nidngkamayni
yasauluhanni
yahabangmapusoksi
l
ang
nagpapal
i
tannglawayatnaghahal
oangmgahini
nga.

Si
psi
panatespadahanngdi
l
a,kagat
anngl
abiatnaghahal
oangdai
ngni
l
angdal
awa.

"
Uhm!
"

"
Ah.
..
"

Pinaghiwalayng mga hi
ta ng asawa ni
ya ang mga hi
ta ni
ya atpumuwest
oi to sa
nakabukani yanghi
taathabangnaghahalikansi
laayiki
niki
ski
snitoangnani
nigasna
pagkalalakisal
oobngsweatpantsnit
osapagkababaeniya.

Masl
alongnag-i
nitangkat
awanni
yaatnabasaangpagkababaeni
ya.

"
Sogood...
"hini
hingalni
yangsabisakabumul
ongsaasawahabangnaghahal
i
kanpa
r
insi
ya."
Undressme,amor e.
"

Mabil
isnabini
ti
wanniCor macangkamayniyasakanagmamadal
i
nghi
nubadangpang
i
taasniyangdamitati
binabaangshor
tni
ya.

Napal
unoki
tohabangnakat
it
igsakat
awanni
yangt
angi
ngbr
aatpant
ynal
angangsuot
.
"
Fuck.
."hi
sli
pspar
tedi
nat
tract
ion."
You'
resosexy.
"

Ngumitil
angsiyasakabumangonatl umuhodpaharapkayCor mac."Letmet akethi
s
of"
Nakati
ti
glangsakani yasiCor
machabanghi nuhubadni yaangpang-i taasni t
oat
nang mahubad ni
ya 'yon,humaplosang kamayni ya sa mati
tipuno ni
tong katawan
habangkagatanglabiniyangsi
nusundanngnagnanasangt i
nginangkamayni ya.

"
Iri
s..
."he'
sbr
eat
hingi
sal
readyr
agged.

Shegri
ppedthewaistbankofCormac'
ssweat
pant
sandlookedathi
m."
Iwi
l
lsuckyou
andl
ickyouandpl
easureyou,butpr
omisemeonethi
ng?"

"
What
?"

"
Cum i
nsi
deme.
"

Hi
seyeswi
den,t
her
e'sf
eari
nhi
seyes."
Y-youknowIcan'
t-"

"
DoIhavet
obeg?"Shesl
owl
ypul
l
eddownhi
spant
s,"
cum.I
nsi
de.Me.
"

"
Ican'
t.
..
"

"
Try.
"Pami
mil
i
tni
ya.

"
Butyou'
l
lonl
ygetdi
sappoi
nted-"

"Iwi
l
ldealwithmyowndisappoi
ntmentifthathappens.
"Shecuppedhi
ser
ectsexand
hehi
ssed,"
try,Cor
mac,t
hat'
sall
I'm aski
ng.Try.
"

"
Whati
fIst
il
lcan'
t?"Hel
ookssoembar
rassed."
Wil
lyoust
il
lwantme?"

I
numpisahanniyangi
taas-babaangkamayni yangnakahawaksat i
gasnat i
gasnitong
pagkal
alaki
."Yes,Cormac,and ifyou sti
l
lcan' t
,we wi l
lt r
y again unt
ilyou can"
Deter
minadosiyangtul
unganangasawani ya."Ther
e'salwaysaway,amor e.I
ft hi
s
pathwil
lleadustoadead-end,thenwewi l
lfindanotherpath.Sodon'tyoudar egive
uonmebecauseIwi l
ll
eaveyoutooli
keIdidtomyhusband. "

"
Iri
s..
."

Shesmi
l
edandpl
aceasof
tki
ssonhi
spar
tedl
i
ps."
Iknow you'
reaver
ypr
oudman,
baby,Iknow you'
reembarrassedandashamedbecauseyout
hinkyou'
l
ljustdi
sappoi
nt
me.Butplease,don'
tthi
nklikethat
.Nandi
toako,Cor
mac.AndIwanttobewi t
hyou..
in
ever
ywaypossi bl
e.Soplease..
.forme.
..t
ry?"

Nagt
atagi
sangbagangnat
umangosiCor
mac."
Okay.
..I
'l
ltr
y.Foryou.Buti
fIcan'
t-"

Sheki
ssedCor
mac'
sli
ps."
Thi
nkofmeandt
hepl
easur
eyoucangi
vemei
fyoucum.
"

"
Okay.
"Hewhi
sper
edoverherl
i
psashebi
therl
owerl
i
p."
I'
ll
try.
"

Napangi
tisiyasakati
nul
akniyapahi
gaangasawa."St
aysti
ll
.I'm gonnamakeyou
scr
eam."Kinindat
anni
yai
tosakahi
nubadni
yaangSweat
pant
snito.

NakagatniI
ri
sangpang-i
babangl
abingmaki
taangmahabaatmat
abangpagkal
alaki
ngasawa.

Shehadsuckedhi
m befor
e,asNiccol
oanditwasdark.Butnott
oday.i
t'
sbright
.And
shewi
ll
makeherhusbandscream l
i
kewhathedoest
oherwhenhe' spl
easur
ingher.

Gi
veandt
ake.Oneofmar
ri
age'
sgol
denr
ule.

HinawakanniI
ri
sangmahabangar ingasawaatpi
nakati
ti
gan'yon.Alam niyangmalaki
atmahabang ang pagkal
alaking asawani
yapero hi
ndini
yai nakalang gani
to'
iyon
kalaki
.

Feel
i
ngi
tint
hedar
knessandseei
ngi
tint
hel
i
ghti
stwodi
ff
erentt
hing.

"
Iri
s..
."Cor
macgr
oaned."
Please.
.Suckmeal
ready"Hewaspl
eadi
ng.

I
nil
api
tniyaangbi
bigsadulongpagkalalakini
toatpaikotnadi
nil
aananghelmetngari
ni
toatiyonmunaangini
labas-masokniyasakani yangbibi
ghabangtinut
uksongdil
a
ni
yaangmal i
i
tnahiwangpagkalal
akini
to.

"
Oh!
"Cor
machi
ssed.

Bi
nil
i
sanniyaangpagt aas-babangkamayni yananakahawaksapagkal
alakini
tong
maugathabangunt
i-unti'
yongipi
napasoksabibi
gni
ya.

Nari
ri
nig ni
ya ang mahi
nang dai
ng niCor
mac na par
a bang nahi
hir
apan i
to na
nasasar
apan.

"
Iri
s..
.fuck.
..
"
I
twassohardt
osuckhi
m.Kal
ahat
ipal
angangnasusuboni
yaper
oinatnai
natnaang
bi
bigni
ya.

Butshepr
omi
seshe'
l
lsuckhi
m andpl
easur
ehi
m..
.

Evenwhengaggi
ng,shecl
osedhereyesandbur
yhi
scöcki
nsi
dehermout
handshe
deept
hroathi
m.

"
Ah!Fuck!
"Cor
macact
ual
l
yshout
edandcur
sedl
oudl
ywhenshedeept
hroathi
m."
Iri
s..
.
f
uck!
"

Hi
slegsar
eact
ual
l
yshaki
ngandi
tmot
ivat
esher
.

Shemassagedhi
sbal
l
sasshemovehermout
hupanddown.

Cor
mackeepsi
ngr
oani
ngandmoani
ng."
Iri
s..
.oh.
.oh.
..f
uck.
."

Mula sa dahan-dahang pagl

abas-masok ni
ya sa kahabaan ni
to sa bi
big niya ay
bi
nil
i
sanniyaangr i
tmohanggangsaumaangatnaangpuwi t
anniCormacathi nahabol
angbibi
gniyakapaginil
uluwani
yaangkahabaannito.

Hiscöcki
scoveredwit
hhersal
i
vaandpr
e-cum andhert
onguei
senj
oyi
ngl
i
cki
nghi
s
l
engthandsucki
nghi
m.

"
Fuck!Fuck!That
'si
t,amor
e..
.fast
er.
.har
der
."

Masbini
l
isanpani
yaangri
tmongpagl abas-masokngkahabaanni
tosabi
bigni
yana
pi
napaki
potni
yanamasl
alongnagpapaungolsaasawani
ya.

Shel
i
kehear
inghi
m moan.I
tsmaki
ngherbodyhotandneedy.

I
nil
uwa niya ang kahabaan ni
to athi
nawakan iyon saka i
ti
naas-baba ang kamay
habangangdalawangi t
lognamannitoangbi
nigyanniyangatensi
yon.

Pi
nagsal
i
t-sal
i
tni
yaangdal
awasapagkai
natpagdi
l
anamasl
alongnagpahi
bangkay
Cormac.

"I
ri
s!Fuck!Fuck!Oh!Yes!
"Umaangatang puwi
tanni
to par
amasi pagduldul
anang
pagkal
alakini
tosabi
bigniyanabuongpusonamanniyangtinaggap."Fuck!Oh.So
good!Fuck!I
ri
is!
"
Hertonguei
sexper
tl
yli
cki
ngandl
appi
nghi
sbal
lbef
orehermout
hret
urnst
osucki
ng
her
.

Nangmaisagadsalalamunanniyaangkahabaanni t
o,napapiki
tsi
yangmar amdamang
maduduwalsiya dahilhal
os buong pagkal
alakini
to ay nakabaon sa bi
big ni
ya at
l
alamunan.

Per
ohindiniyapi
nat
igi
langasawaniya,kahi
tnangsapui
nnit
oangmukhaniyasakai
to
naangnaglabas-masokngkahabaansaloobngnakabukasni
yangbi
big.

"
Fuck!Oh!Good-sogood!Oh!Fuck!I
ri
ssss!Fuck!
"

Sheknew Cormacal
readyl
osthi
mselfwi
tht
oomuchlust
.Hewasf ucki
nghermouth
roughl
yasshewasgr
oaningandgaggi
ngashi
scöckmoveinandouti
nsi
dehermout
h.

"
Iri
s!Oh!Ah!I
ri
s!Fuck!
"

I
risl
etherhusbandf
uckhermouthl
ikeheownsitbecausehedoes.Shel
ethi
m have
hispl
easur
eunt i
lhi
sthr
ustbecomesfast
erand har
derand shefel
thi
sleg muscl
e
ti
ght
ened.

"
Fuck!Fuck!I
'm cumi
ng-I
ri
s-o-oh!Ah!Ohh!
"

Mas lal
o pang nagi
ng mapusok ang paglabas- masok ni
to sa bi
big ni
ya habang
ki
niki
walni
yari
nangdi l
apar
amasmasar apanangasawani ya.

"Oh!Oh!"Hewasmoani
ngloudl
y,andwhenhespurthiswar m semeni
nsi
dehermout
h,
hescreamedhernamemakinghersmi
lei
nwar
dly."
Iri
issss!
"

Kasabayngpag-agosngkat
asnit
opalabassabi
bigni
yaayangpagbagsakngmga
kamayngbinatasakama.Si
yanamanaynagmamadali
ngti
nungoangbanyoatdoon
i
nil
uwaangkatasngasawani
yaatnagmumog.

Nangmakabal
i
ksiyasakama,hi
ndipari
ngumagalaw siCor
mackayasi yanaang
l
umuhodsamagkabi
langgi
l
idngl
eegnit
osakai
nil
apitni
yaangpagkababaesabibi
g
ngasawa.

"
Eat
."Ut
osni
yar
it
o.

Cor
macopenshi
seyesandl
ookedst
rai
ghti
ntoher
s."
Tur
nar
oundandIwi
l
l.
"

Napangi
tisi
yasaka bi
nago ang posi
syon ni
ya.Sahal
i
p na nakahar
ap kayCor
mac
habangnakal
uhodaynakat
ali
kodsi
yar
it
oatnakahar
apsapagkal
alakini
tongunt
i-unt
i
nanamangnabubuhay.

Dumii
nangpaladni
yasamat
it
ipunongdi
bdi
bngasawangmar
amdamanangdi
l
ani
to
sakaangki
nanni
ya.

He'
sst
art
ing.

Hal
osmasugat
anangl
abiniyahabangkagatniyaiyonatmahi
nangumuungolhabang
angdi
l
angasawaaysi
nusundot-sundotangkunt
ilni
ya.

"Uhm!"Napapai
gtadsi
yasat
uwi
ngsi
nisi
psi
pniCor
macandkl
i
tor
isni
ya."
Oh!Cor
mac!
Ah!"

Umawang ang mga l

abini
ya habang umindayog ang kat
awan atsi
nasabayan ang
paggal
aw ngdi
lani
tosapagkababaeniyangnar ar
amdamanni yangsobr
angbasang-
basana.

"
Oh!Cor
mac-oh!Mi
odi
o!Amor
e!Uhm!
"

Napali
yadsiyaatsunod-sunodnanapadai ng.Angmgakamayni yaaysakamana
nakadii
natparangpi
napal
igayasiyangasawaniyasaposi
syongdogst
yle.Kahi
tdi
l
aat
dal
ir
ilangnit
oangnagpapasi gaw sakani
yasasobrangsarapper
oparangganundin
yonlal
ona'tmasarapkumainatdumilaangasawaniya.

"
Uhm!Oh!Cor
mac!
"Ni
ccol
o!"
Oh!Cor
mac!Uhm!Mer
da!Mer
da!
"

Hernai
l
sscr
appedoverCor
mac'
sabsashermout
hst
art
edt
ocr
avef
orhi
scöckagai
n.

Hi
ndiniyapi
nigi
l
anangsaril
i.DumapasiyasakatawanniCormachabangki
nakai
nat
di
nidi
l
aanparinnit
oangkaselananni
yaathi
nawakanangkahabaanni
to.

Cor
macgr
oanedandhi
stonguesl
i
dinsi
dehercor
e.

"
Cor
mac!
"

Andthenhist
ongueisbackli
cki
nghercl
i
tandsuckingi
twhi
l
ehi
sfi
nger
sist
hrust
ingi
n
andoutofherwetpüssyandshe'
sscr
eamingi
npleasur
e.

"Cor
mac-oh!Oh!Ahh!Uhm!Cor
mac!Oh!
"Nahi
hibangnasi
yasasar
ap."
Oh!Mer
da!Oh!
Cormac!Cor
mac!Oh!Ah!Ah!
"
Gigi
lnagigilsi
yasasar apatgust
oni
yari
ngpal i
gayahi
nangasawakayai si
nuboni
ya
ul
itangpagkalalakini
tosabi
bigni
yaati
nial
abas-masok'yonatnabal
otnglawayni
ya
atpre-cum ni
to.

Cor
maci
sgr
oani
ngwhi
l
eheeat
sherandshewasmoani
ngwhi
l
eshesuckhi
m.

Hermi nd i
sbl
ankatthatver
ymoment .Walasi
yang nakiki
ta.Walasi
yang nar
ir
ini
g
mali
bansamgaungolni l
angdal
awa.Tangi
ngangsarapl angdulotngginagawanil
a
nakat
uonangatensi
yonni
ya.

"
Cor
mac!Oh!
"

Masbumi
li
spalal
oangdal
i
rini
tonanagl
alabas-masoksal
agusanni
yananagpangi
nig
samgahi
tani
ya.

"
Ah!Ah!Uhm!
"

Hi
sli
cksbecamef
ast
er.

"
Ah!Cor
mac!
"

Sabaynapinapal
igayasi
yangdal
ir
ini
toatdi
l
ahabangdi
nidi
l
aanni
yaangpagkal
alaki
ni
tongti
gasnat i
gasnaatbuhaynabuhaynaul
i
tngmaramdamanniyangmal
apitna
si
yangmag-orgasmo.

I
ri
skeepsonmast
urbat
ingCor
macasherl
ustr
eachi
tspeak.

"
Oh!Oh!Uhm!I
'm cumi
ng!Cor
mac!Oh!
"

Lumiyadangkatawanni
yakasabayngpagsabogngorgasmoniyasakai
but
uranni
ya
atmahinangnapadai
ngngmaramdamanglahatngkat
asnaini
labasni
yaayini
nom ni
Cormachanggangsawalangnati
ra.

Hi
nihi
ngal
nabumagsakangkat
awanni
yasat
abini
toper
obal
i
katsi
l
angul
uhan.

Habolpani
yaangsaril
i
nghini
ngangkumubabaw sakani
yasiCor
macathi
nal
i
khal
i
kan
angli
kodni
yangnakaharapdi
to.

"
Letmet
ry.
"Hewhi
sper
edoverherear
.

Bi
lang sagot
,tumi
haya si
ya saka i
niyakap ang mga hi
ta sa beywang ng asawa at
i
niyakapangmgabrasosaleegnito.
"
Goon.
..t
ryi
tbaby.
"Hi
nihi
ngal
par
inni
yangsabi
."Cum i
nsi
deme.
"

Uncer
tai
ntyi
sinhi
seyesast
het
ipofhi
slengt
hrubagai
nstherwet
ness.

"
Cor
mac.
"

Sl
owl
y,hebur
yhi
sfaceonherneck."
I'
m scar
ed.W-whati
fIdi
dn'
tcum and-"

"Cor
mac,it'
sme. .
."hi
napl
osniyaangbuhoknit
o."Ako'
to.
"Angasawamo." Don'
tbe
scar
ed.Justthi
nkhow muchIneedyoui
nsideme.Thi
nkofme,amor
e.Justme."

Cormacnoddedbeforepushi
nghi
msel
fup.Andt
henhel
ookedather
,sof
tl
y..
.li
ke
she'
sthemostamazi
ngwomanheevermet
.

"
Don'
tlookatmel
i
ket
hat
."Shewhi
sper
ed.

"
Why?Paanobaki
tat
it
igan?"

"Ti
nit
it
igan mo ako na para bang ako ang pinaka-i
mportant
eng t
ao sa buhaymo.
"
Bulongniyahabanghi nahapl
osangpi snginito,"don'
tlookatmet hatway.Bakamas
l
alongmahul ogangloobkosayo. "

Gumuhi
tang masuyong ngi
tisa mga l
abini
to."
Iapol
ogize,amor
e,butIwil
lkeep
l
ooki
ngatyoul
i
kehowl l
ookatyounowsoyouwoul df
all
forme.Real
ly,r
eal
l
yhar
d."

"
Wil
lyoucat
chme?"Sheaskedsof
tl
y."
IfIf
ell
?"

"Matagalnaakonghandangsaluhi
nka,Ir
is.
"Masuyonit
onghinal
i
kanangnuoniya.
"Matagalnaakongnaghi
hint
aynamahulogkasaki
n.I
t'
smylif
elongdream f
oryout
o
desi
reme-"

"
-myl ove.
"Pagtataposniyasasasabi
hinnit
osakaniyakapniyasiCor
macatbumul ong.
"
Desiderome,amor emi o."Hert
earsfell
."Andmyansweri syes,Cormac,Idesi
reyou
i
nmor ewayst hatIcant hi
nkofandi magine.You.
..you'
retheonlymanIdesi reso
makelovetome. .
.li
keyoumi ssme."

"
Imissyoueveryday,baby.
"Sl
owl
y..
.hef
il
ledherwi
thhi
slengt
h."
Ever
ydaydamnday.
..
f
uck-t
hatfeel
sgood. "

Mahi
nasiyangnatawadahi
lnapal
it
anngpagnanasaangmalambingni
tongboses.Si
ya
man ay napakagatna sa pang-ibabang l
abini
ya ng mar
amdaman ang buong
pagkal
alakini
tonasagadnasagadsapagkababaeni
ya.

"You'
resobig"Bul
ongni yari
tohabangkagatpar
inangl
abini
yaatbakassamukha
angsarapnadul
otniyon."Angsar
ap..
."

Hinal
i
kanniCormacangmgal abini
yaatbumabaanghali
kni
tosal
eegniyahanggang
satumuonsanani ni
gasniyangnippleatipi
nasokni
toi
yonsabi
bigni
yakasabayng
paghugotatbaonngpagkalal
akini
tosaloobniya.

"
Ah!Cor
mac!
"

l
l
angsegundoangpi
nal
i
pasni
tobagoni
tohi
nugotatsi
nagadnabaonul
i
tangar
isa
l
oobni
ya.

"
Ohh!
"

Hugot-baon.Hugotatbaon.Pauli
t-ul
i
tatmas pasagad ng pasagad kaya mas
nahi
hibangsi
yahabangt
umatagal
.

"Angsar
ap.
.."hi
ndini
yamapi
gil
angdainghabangnakayapsaasawa,"
angsar
ap.
..
uli
ti
nmo.Di
i
nanmo.Fuckmeharder
,baby.
"

Humaplos ang kamay niCormac mul

a di
bdi
b ni
ya pababa sa beywang ni
ya at
hi
nawakanangbal akangni
ya.

"
Her
eIgo.
"Ani
to.

I
pini
kitniyaangmgamat
aati
binukaangmgahi
tani
ya."
Imr
eady.Fuckmehar
d.Make
mescr eam."

Cormactookhernippl
einsidehi
smouthandpl
ayedwi
thi
twhilehesl
owl
ymoveinand
outofherwetness.Athabangpabil
i
sngpabil
isangpag-angki
nnit
osakani
ya,mas
l
alongnawal
asiyasasaril
i
.

Napahawaksi
yangmahigpi
tsabedsheetatpabal
i
ng-bal
i
ngangul
ohabangbi
nabayo
niCor
macangkaangki
nanni
ya.

"Ahh!Ah!Uhm!"Lumili
yadangkatawanni
yasasar
ap."Si
gepa,Cormac!
"Kaposang
hini
nganiyangsabi
."Si
gepa..
.bi
li
sanmopa.Fuckme,baby.Fuckmehar
der
.Oh,yes!
Oh!Oh!"

Umuugaangbuoni yangkat
awansabawatmalakasatsagadnaulosniCormacsa
l
oobniya.
"Oh!Yes!Fuckmeliket
hat
,baby.
"She'
stal
ki
ngdir
tyandheri
nhi
bit
ionsi
sno
wheretobef ound.She'
sshamelessasl
ustconsumeher
."Oh!Fuck!Si
gepa!Fuckme!
That
'sit
.
Fast
er,baby.Makemypüssyr edandswoll
en."

"
Fuck!
"Cor
macgr
oanedashebur
yhi
msel
fdeeperi
nsi
deher
."Fuck!I
ri
s!
"

Oh!Uhmm! "Kumiki
walangkatawanniyasanakakahi
bangnasensasyon."
That
'si
t,
baby.
..f
il
lmypüssy.Fuckmypüssyunt
ilyouCum.

GroansandmoansescapeCormac'
sli
psashef uckherfeveri
shly.Theintensi
tyofhis
t
hrustkeepsgett
ingmor
eint
ensebythesecondastheirlovemaki ngintensif
ied.She
wasscreamingandhewasmoani
nghisnameli
kehe'schanting.

"
Cormac!Oh!Cormac!Oh!Uhm!"Bumaonnaangkukoni
yasabal
i
katni
to."
Oh,yes!
Makemeyours,baby.Fuckmehar
der
."

"Fuck!Fuck!"Sunod-sunodnanapamurasiCormachabangmasbi ni
l
isanpani
toang
pagbayo sa pagkababae niyang pumi
pint
ig sa sobr
ang pagnanasa atsar
ap na
nalal
asap."Fuck!I
ri
s!Oh!Amore..
."

I
ri
sgri
ppedCormac'swai
st,hernai
lsdugsint
ohisski
nbutthatdi
dn'
tmat
tert
oCor
mac.
Hekeepsont
hrust
ingdeeplyl
ikehe'sbur
yinghi
mselfi
nsi
deher.

Si
yanamanaymasl al
ongnahi
bangsasarap.Maslal
ongibi
nukaangmgahi ta.Atmas
l
alongnapapal
i
yadangkat
awanniyasabawatpagsagadngarini
tosakasel
ananniya.

"
Cor
mac-oh!l
'
m-uhm.
..c-cumi
ng.
."

Cormacli
ckedthebackofherearandhither
earl
obe."
Thencum.
"Sasinabingasawa,
maslalosiyang nabal
otngpagnanasaatumindayognari
nangkatawanni yapar
a
sal
ubungi
nangbawatul osni
to.

"Uhm!Uhm!Oh! "Halosmangisaynasiyasasar
aplal
onangmar amdamanni
yaang
orgasmoniya."Oh!Cazzo!Cazzo!Uhmm-Cormaaaaac!
"Shescr
eamedhisnameas
heorgasm r
ippedthr
oughher.

ButCormacconti
nued.Hedi
dn'
tstoppumpi
nginandoutofher.Masmapusokatmas
maini
tsanauna,maslal
ongmabi
li
sangpag-angki
nni
tosakani
ya.

Orgasm aft
erorgasm.Shecoul
dn'
tcounthow manyt
imessheor
gasm butCor
maci
s
st
il
lthr
usti
nginandoutofher
.

I
ri
sisweakbecauseoft
oomuchpleasur
ebutshecanseehow f r
ustr
atedCormacis.
Kahi
tsi
yanar
aramdamannar
inni
yaangpaghapdingpagkababaeniyadahi
lkani
napa
nagl
alabas-masokangpagkal
alakingasawani
yasal
oobni
ya.

Andaft
ertwentyort
hir
tyminut
esofthr
ust
inginandoutofher
,Cor
mac'
spacesl
ows
downunti
lhe'
snotmovingi
nsi
deheranymore.

"
Cor
mac.
"

Hebur
iedhi
sfaceonherneck."
I'
m sor
ry.
..I
'm sor
ry.
..Ican'
tdoi
t.
"

Hi
nagodni
yaangl
i
kodni
tonaal
am ni
yangpunongkal
motni
ya."
That
'sokay-"

"
No,i
tsnot
!"Hesnappedather
."I
tsnotokay,I
ri
s!I
tsnevergonnabeokay!
"

"
Shh..
."masuyoni
yangi
kinul
ongangmukhani
tosamgapal
adni
ya."
Cor
mac.
..l
ookat
me.

Hedi
dn'
t.

"
Cor
mac.
..pl
ease?"

Hiseyessl
owl
ylookedather
."Don'
tbeg"Hesai
dwhi
l
est
ari
ngather
."MyI
ri
sdon'
t
beg.
"

Thatmadehersmi
l
einwar
dly.SoNi
ccol
o.Si
nabi
rinni
to'
yonsakani
ya.

"
I'
m sor
ry.
"Ani
yahabanghi
nahapl
osangpi
sngini
to.

"
Akoangdapatmag-sor
ry-"

"
No.
"Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
It
sokay.
"

Umili
ngi
to."
It
'snotokay,I
ri
s.Iknow youwantmet
ocum,Icanf
eeli
tbutIcoul
dn'
tand
Ican'
tmakeyouhappyanddi sappoi
ntedyou-"

"That
'snottrue.
"Put
olni
yasaibangsasabihi
nnit
odahi
lanparamapatit
igsakaniyasi
Cormac." You made me happy.Hindiko nga mabi
l
ang kung i
lang beses akong
nil
abasan.Youmaybecan'
tcum butyoufucksogoodmylegsarest
il
lshaki
ng."

Nakahi
ngasi
yangmal
uwangngnapangi
tini
yasiCor
macsasi
nabi
niya.
"
Thankyou.
..f
ort
hatcompl
i
ment
."

Shechuckl
edandkissedCormac'slips."
I'
m staying,Cor
mac,Isti
lldesi
reyou,Ist
il
l
wantyouandwe'regonnadoi tagainandagai nandagainunti
lyoucanf inal
l
ycum
i
nsi
deme."Sherubbedhernoseagainsthi
s."Butfornow,I
'l
lmakeyoucum. "

Cor
macsmi
l
ed."
Bemyguest
."

I
ri
srol
l
edt
hem overandshewasont
opofhi
minasecond.

Hinal
i
kan ni
ya mul
a sa mga l
abiniCormacbago si
ya bumaba sa kat
awan ni
to at
i
si
nuboangkahabaannitosabi
bigni
ya.

Fornow,thiswil
ldo.Butshewon'
tst
opunt
ilhecanf
inal
l
ycum i
nsi
deher
.Hi
ndini
ya
susukuanangasawaniya.

Thoughsheonl
yhavesevendaysl
eft
.

NAPANGITISICormac ng sumandalsa di
bdi
b ni
ya siI
ri
shabang nakaupo si
l
a sa
dal
ampasi
ganatnakahar
apsapapalubogngaraw.

Theymadel ovecount l
essoft i
met odaybuthestil
lcouldn'
tcum.ButIri
sremained
support
iveandsher eal
lybeli
evethathecancum.Hi ndii
tonapapagodnapalakasi
n
angloobniyaatkausapi
nsiyaatpagaaninangpaki
ramdam niya.

"
Cor
mac?"

Her
est
edhi
schi
nonI
ri
s'shoul
der
."Hmm?"

"
I'
m happy.
"

Nat
igi
l
ansi
ya."
Real
l
y?"

"
Yes.
"Bakasangngi
tisabosesni
to."
I'
m di
vor
cingmyhusbandandImetyou.
"

Parangmaykunganongsumakalsapusoni
ya."
Areyour
eal
l
ygonnachooseme?Over
yourhusband?"

Tumangoi toathal
atangsi
guradonait
osadesisyonni
toathi
ndinamagbabago'yon.
"Oo.Siguradonaako.Ako' yongti
pongt aonaayokongpal i
goy-l
i
goy.Gust
okita.
Gustokit
angmakasama.Gust okokungpaanomo
akonapapasayaatnapapal
i
gaya.Atayokongitagoangnar
aramdamanko.Hi
ndina
akobumabata,Cor
mac.Ayokonangmakipagl
aruan.
"

Mari
i
nniyangi
pini
kitangmgamatasahul
ini
tongsi
nabi
."Paanokunghi
ndipumayag
angasawamonamaki paghi
wal
ayka?"

Shelookedathi
m overhershoul
der."Baki
t?Hi
ndimobaakoi paglal
abansakani
ya?"
Tumaasangkil
ayni
to."Ngayonpalangmagsabikanakungnaglal
arokalang-"

He sealed herl
ipswit
h hers.And when he pulled back,he l
ooked atherint
ent
ly.
"I
paglal
aban kit
a, I
ri
s. Hi
ndir i
n kita susukuan. Kahit ayaw mo na, hindiako
makakapayag.Hahabuli
nkit
akahitsaangbansakapamagt ago.
"

Napati
ti
gsakani
yasiIr
issakapat
agi
l
idnai
si
nandalni
toangul
osabal
i
katni
yahabang
t
ini
ti
ti
ganpari
nsi
ya."Youknowwhat?"

"
What
?"

"Yout alkli
kemyhusband. "Ngumitii
to."
Ifnotforthetat
too,bakapinagdududahanpa
ri
nki t
angayon.Butt hankstothatt
att
oo,I'm now fr
eetof eelwhatIf
eel
."Mahinaitong
tumawa." Anokayaangi nisi
pngasawakongpl anuhi
nni ya'to?Naiwasankitakasi
hindii kaw ang asawa ko? Iknow my husband i s smar tbutnow I'm actuall
y
disappoi nt
ed.
"

Tumi
i
m angbagangni
ya."
Yourhusbandunder
est
imat
edyou.
"

TumangosiI r
is."Yes.Hedi d.
"Iri
ssmi led."
Alam kongmaramisiyangalam t
ungkol
sakinperol
ahat'yongalingkayPietr
o.I '
m surePi
etroal
waysreporttohi
m butthat
's
onlyhal
fofwhoIam.Thi s..
.thi
sist
her ealme."

Pi
nakati
ti
ganniyasiIr
issakahinapl
osangpisngini
to."You'
resmar tandmanipul
ati
ve.I
geti
tnow.Kahi tanopanggawi nngasawamo,mat at
alomosi ya.You'r
ealwaysone
st
ep ahead ofhim.Ever ymovehemakes,youcount eritwit
ht womoves. .
.you'r
e
al
waysaheadofhi m becauseyourhusbandi
sweakwheni tcomest oyou."

"
Nah,he'snotweak."Umil
ingsiI
ri
ssakabumuntong-hi
ninga."
Hejustwant
edt
obe
wit
hme."ti
nit
igansi
yani
tongmati
i
m,"that
'swhyhe'
dbeensl i
ppi
ng.
"

Hefr
owned.Whyisshel
ooki
ngathi
m?I
sshest
il
ldoubt
inghi
sident
it
y?Pi
naki
tanani
ya
r
it
oangtat
tooni
ya.

"
Cor
mac?"

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
ya."
Ha?"
"
Thankyou.
"

Hef
rowned."
Forwhat
?"

"
Forhel
pingmef
orgetmyhusband.
"

Hest
il
l
ed."
I-ahm,Idi
d?"

"Yes."Shekissedhi
m ont heli
ps."I
tsactual
lyyourfaultthatI
'm di
vor
cinghim."She
shrugged."
Butdon'tworr
y,I'
m notbl
amingyouf oranything.Il
i
kebeingwithyou.You
makemehappy,andf orme,happi
nessisveryhardtocomeby. "

HecuppedIr
is'f
aceandki
sshersoft
lyont
hel
i
ps.Andwhensheki
ssedhi
m back,he
cl
osehi
seyesanddeepent
hekiss.

I
ri
s.You'
rei
ndeedanamazi
ngwoman.AndI
'mf
all
i
ngevendeeperandhar
derf
oryou.

CHAPTER1
5

CORMAC st aredatI r
isint
entl
yasshecookedt hei
rbr eakf
ast
.She'shummi
ng,even
swaying herhipsand shel ookshappyand cont
ented.Why?Hi ndini
yamapi
gil
ang
tanongsasari
li.Baki
tit
omasayasapi l
i
ngniya?

Shewasmor ethanwill
ingt
ocasthi
m awaywhenhet ol
dherthat
he'
sherhusband.
Hindisi
yanitopinansi
ndahilwal
anamansiyanghal
agarit
ohanggathi
ndisi
yaang
asawanito.

Whathappened?Whatchanged?

Napaka-i
mpossi
blenamangnagbagoangi si
pnitodahi
ll
angsanangyar
isakanil
asa
Cabi
nni t
o.Heknew he'
sagoodl i
ckerbuthedoesn'tthi
nkthatI
ri
sisthatki
ndof
womant obeswayedbyj
ustpl
ainl
ustandpleasur
e.

Kumunotangnuoniya.Ther
emustbeanexpl
anat
ionf
ort
his.Anexpl
anat
iont
hatwi
l
l
expl
ainI
ri
s'ki
ndbehavi
ourt
owar
dshi
m.

Maybeshewant ssomet
hingf
rom him..
.ormaybeshe'ssti
l
lthi
nkingthathei
sher
husband.'
Yonl
angangal
am ni
yangrasonngpagbabagongpaki
ki
tungonit
osakani
ya.

Niayaw ngani
tongmagpahawaksakani
yanoonomagpahal
i
kdahi
lhi
ndisi
yaang
asawa ni
tot
aposngayon bast
a-bast
a nal
ang i
tong pumayag na maymangyar
isa
kani
la?

Herat
ti
tudeconf
useshi
m.Angdami
ngt
anongsai
si
pni
ya.

Isshesti
l
ldoubti
nghisi
dent
it
y?Doesshesti
l
lthi
nkthathei
sherhusband?Doesshe
sti
l
lbel
i
evethathehavet
hesametatt
ooasherhusband?

I
sthati
t?I
sthatwhatt
hisi
sal
labout
.

Si
nukl
ayni
yaangbuhokgami
tangmgadal
i
risakapasi
mpl
engnapasabunotdoon.

Mababal
i
w si
yasakakai
si
pkunganobat
alagaangt
umat
akbosai
si
pniI
ri
s.

She'sasmar twoman.Cont
rol
l
ingt
hesi
tuat
ionandmani
pul
ati
ngpeopl
ear
oundheri
s
herspeci
alt
y.

Am Ibei
ngcont
rol
l
ed?Am Ibei
ngmani
pul
ated?

Hebl
owsal
oudbr
eat
handst
il
l
edwhenhesawI
ri
slooki
ngathi
m,f
rowni
ng.

"
Youokay,baby?"Sheasked.Hereyebr
owf
urr
owed."
Youl
ookbot
her
ed.
"

Gust
oni
yangmagt
anongpar
amal
i
nawanper
opaanokungmal
isi
ya?

Maybesher
eall
yli
keshim.Maybeshewant
stobewi
thhi
m.Maybesher
eal
l
ydoesn'
t
wantt
obewithherhusbandanymor
e.

Napat
ii
m-bagangsi
ya.

I
sshepl
ayi
nggameswi
thme?

"Baby..
."kunotang nuong l
umapi
tit
o sa kani
ya saka hi
nawakan si
ya sa baba at
masuyongpi nat
ingal
angtingi
ndit
oparamagt agpoangmgamat anila,"Youokay?
Pinag-aal
alamoako."

Hel
ookedi
ntohereyes.Herwor
ryseemsgenui
ne."
-I'
mfi
ne.
"

"Yousure?"Pahar
api
tongumuposamgahi tani
yasakahinapl
osangbuhokni
yaat
pisngi
."Don'
tmakemeworr
y,Cor
mac.Ayokongnaki
kit
akanggani
yan.
"
Het
ri
edt
osmi
l
ed."
Ayosl
angako.Mayi
nii
si
plang.
"

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
to."
Car
etot
ell
me?"

"
Theusual
..
.youknow .
..Ican'
tcum.
"

I
ri
snar r
ovwed hersharp eyesonhi m." Alam mo,Cor mac,tat
long ar
aw natayong
magkasamar i
to saCabinmo.And i nthosethreedaysI '
vealreadymemor i
zeyour
habit
s,expr
essi
onsandot herthingsyoudo.Andnow,yourf acesaysyou'relyi
ng.
"
Pini
si
lni
toangtungkingi
longniya,"don'
tli
et ome,baby,youknowIdisli
kel
i
ars.
"

Toact
ual
l
yfeel
fear
justbecauseI
ri
ssai
dshedi
sl
ikel
i
ars.

Tumi
khi
m si
ya."
Ahm.
..Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ngi
fyou'
repl
ayi
ngme?"

Shef
rowned."
Whatdoyoumean?"

"
Idon'
tknow.
."nag-i
wassi
yangt
ingi
n,"
I'
m conf
usedmysel
f.
"

Masuyoni
tongsi
napoangmukhani
yasakahi
nal
i
k-hal
i
kanangtungkingi
l
ongni
yaat
l
abi
."Baki
tkanamannagugul
uhan?Hi
ndikabamasayasaki
n?Ayaw mobaakong
makasama?"

"
No...i
tsnott
hat.
..
"ini
yakapni
yaangmgabrasosabeywangniI
ri
ssakapi
nakat
it
igan
i
to."
Natat
akotl
angakonabakai wanmor
inakotul
adngasawamo."

Napat
ango-tangoitokapagkuwanayngumiti
."Don'
twor
ryabouti
t,baby.I
'm notgonna
l
eaveyou.
..unlessyou'
relyi
ngandkeepingsomethi
ngfr
om meofcour se.
"

Hef
rowned."
Anonamanangi
tat
agokosayo?"

Sheshr
ugged."
Thi
ngs.
..
stuf
fli
ket
hat
."

"
I'
m notl
yi
ng.

"Be sure about that

, baby. Kasi masasakt an mo ako ng sobr a-sobra kung
magsisi
nungali
ngonagsi si
nungali
ngkasakin.
"Shepl acedasoftki
ssonherli
ps."Don'
t
sulkanymore."Pi
nanggigil
annitoangpisnginiyasakaumal i
ssapagkakauposamga
hit
aniya."
Tatapusi
nkolangangpagl ul
utotaposlal
ambi ngi
nkit
a."

Napangi
tisi
yasahul
i
ngsi
nabi
nit
o.
Satat
longaraw nanakat
ir
asiIri
sdi
tosaCabi
nniya,pal
agini
tongsinasabi'
yon.Na
maghi
ntaysi
yakasimayginagawapai
toatmamayaaylal
ambi
nginsi
yanito.

Andi
tneverf
ail
stomakehi
m smi
l
e.Onl
yIr
iscandot
hat
.Suchanamazi
ngwoman.

Pi
nagmasdan lang ni
ya siIr
is habang naghahai
n kasiayaw si
yang patul
ungin at
pagkat
aposayhinawakansiyasakamayathi ni
lapatungosaupuanatni
lagyansiyang
pagkai
nsapinggan,gi
nawanngkapeatpi naghandangt ubi
g.

"
You'
respoi
l
ingme.
"Sabini
yahabangnakat
ingal
ari
to.

Shej
ustki
sshi
sfor
ehead."
Eat
."

Hesmi
l
edandnodded."
Grazi
e."

I
ri
ssmi
l
edathi
m."
Prego"

Hissmil
ewiden.Hemi ssedspeaki
ngI
tal
i
an."
Grazi
epersempr
epr
esocur
adime.
"
Thankyouf
oralwayst
akingcareofme.

Umuposakahar apniyangupuansiIri
ssakanagl
agayngpagkai
nsapi nggannitoat
tumingi
nsakani
ya."
Seidavverobravapar
lar
leI
tal
i
ano.Echenedi
cispagnolo?"You'
re
real
l
ygoodinspeaki
ngI t
ali
an.How
aboutSpani
sh?

"
Ahm,
"sumi
msi
m si
yangkape,"
Capi
scounpo.
"Iunder
standal
i
ttl
e.

"Beh,sono diBogot
à.Vuoii
mparar
el o spagnol
o dame?"Wel
l
,I'
m or
igi
nal
l
yfr
om
Bogota,doyouwanttol
ear
nspani
shfrom me?

"
Cer
to.
"Kaagadni
yangsagot
.

"
Ott
ima!
"Ir
isgr
inned."
Vet
eal
aver
gar
uco.
"

Nagsal
ubongangki
l
ayni
ya."
Thatdoesn'
tsoundgood.Anongi
bigsabi
hinno'
n?"

"
Fuckyou,Señor
"

Napi
pil
ansi
yangi
l
angsegundo."
Oh.That
'sver
yeducat
ional
."
Mahi
nangt
umawasiI
ri
s."
Chi
ngaust
ed.
"

"
Thatsoundsbet
tert
hant
hel
astone.
"Nakangi
tini
yangsabi
.

I
ri
schuckl
ed."
Itmeansf
uckyou.
"

Nawal
aangngi
tini
ya."
That
'sbad.
"

Nat
atawangt umangosiIr
is."
True.ButI
'm sousedtoheari
ngmysist
ersaythosewor
ds,
t
heydon'tbothermeanymor eli
ketheyusedto."Nauwisamasuyongngit
iangtawasa
mgalabini
to."Mysist
er.
..hopeshe'sdoi
ngwel l
.Imissher
."

"She'l
lbeokay.
"Hereassuredher
."AkoyataangDoctorni
ya.Maraminaakongna-
operahannamaybal
asaul okayaal
am kongmagi
gingmaayoslangsi
ya-"

Mapat
igi
lsi
yasapagsasal
i
tangt
umayosiI
ri
satbi
glanal
angsi
yangni
yakap.

"Thankyou.
..forsavi
ngmysisterandherbaby."Madamdaminnitongsabisakamas
l
alonghumigpitangyakapsakaniya."
Hindikot
alagaal
am anggagawinkokungmay
nangyari
ng masama sa kani
l
a.I 'm t
hankfult
hatmy husband sentyou.You'r
ea
godsend,Cormac."

Paramaykunganongsumunt
oksadi
bdi
bni
ya.Pi
nupur
isi
yani
toper
ohi
ndinamanni
ya
nagawangmagi
ngmasaya.

He'
sbot
her
edbyi
t.

Cormaccl
osedhiseyesandIri
sst
art
edcar
essi
nghi
shai
rdownt
ohi
seart
henhef
elt
herki
sshi
m ont
heforehead.

Heli
kesi
twhenshedot hi
s.Thegest
urealwayswar
m hi
shear
t.Hef
eltl
i
kehe'
sthe
mosti
mport
antper
soni
ntheworl
dforher.

Butheknewbet
ter
.

"
Baby?"

Evenherendear
mentf
orhi
m makeshi
shear
traced."
Yes?"

"
Coul
dyout
eachmehow t
osur
f?"Sheasked."
Sabi
niLuci
fermar
unongkar
aw.
"
Napat
ingal
asi
yakayl
ri
s."
Sur
f?Youwantt
olear
n?"

Sheeager
lynodded."
Badl
y.It
hinki
tsexci
ti
ng.
"

Thatmadehi
m smi
l
e."
Yes,i
tis.
"

Shecl
aspedherhands."
Soyou'
l
lteachme?Pr
ett
ypl
ease?"

"
Ofcour
se.
"He'
smor
ethanwi
l
li
ngt
oteachherhi
sfavour
it
espor
t.

"Yey!
"Masayangbumali
ksiIr
issaupuanni
tosakahi
ndimawal
aangngi
tisamgal
abi
habangpi
nagpapat
uloyangpagkai
n.

Napai
l
ingsi
yasakanat
igi
l
anngmayma-r
eal
i
ze.

Napat
it
igsi
yakayI
ri
snamasayangnakangi
ti
.

I
sthi
soneofyourpl
otordoyour
eal
l
ywantt
olear
nsur
f?He'
sconf
used.

PANAY ANG TI
LINII r
issa t
uwi
ng na-a-out
bal
ance si
ya sa sur
fboar d.Hi
ndiniya
magawangtumayo.Tawanamanngt awasakaniyasiCormacnasi yangnagt
utur
osa
kani
ya.

"
Stopl
aughi
ng!
"Ini
sni
yangsabir
it
o.

Cor
macst
oppedl
aughi
ngbuthe'
schuckl
i
ng.

Ti
ningnanni
yai
tongmasama."
Cor
mac!
"

"
What
?"Hel
aughed."
Nat
atawal
angakosa'
yo.Youcan'
tevenpaddl
eyourar
msr
ight
!"

Shestuckouthi
stongueathi
m."
Tigi
l
anmoako!Ichangedmymi
nd.Ir
atherpl
ay
chess!
"

Cormaclaughedagai
nandhuggedherwai
stt
henheki
ssedherneck."
Iagr
ee,l
etsj
ust
pl
aychess.Angmatal
o,maghuhubad.
"

Ti
ningnanni
yangmasamaangasawakapagkuwanaynat
awar
insi
yaul
i
t."
Gust
oko
'
yan."
"
Great
!Let
'sgobackt
omyCabi
n."Hel
ookseager
.

"
Nope.Yousur
ffi
rst
."I
ri
stappedt
hesur
fboar
d."
Impr
essme.
"

"
Impr
essyou?"Hegr
innedcocki
l
y."
Icandef
ini
tel
ydot
hat
."

Lumapadangngitini
yangmakit
angnag-uumpi sangisagwanniCormacangmga
kamayni
toatnangtumaasnaangal
on,bal
ansei
tongtumayosasur
fboard.

I
ri
swasinawe.Hegli
deinthewaveseff
ortl
essl
y.Andwhenhefl
iphissur
dboar
dmi
d-
ai
randl
andedper
fect
lyandgracef
ull
yonthewave,shecl
apherhands.

"
That
'smybaby!
"Shescr
eamedgl
eef
ull
y."
Dot
hatagai
n,baby!Doi
tagai
n!"

Wala si
yang paki
alam kung napat
ingi
n sakani
ya ang i
bang nagsu-sur
fna nar
oon.
Sobrangnakaka-proudnamaki taangasawaniyanahindilangbastamagal
ingkundi
sobr
angmagal i
ngsamgamat aniya.

Cormacper
for
medf
oursur
fboar
dtr
icksandmanoeuvr
esf
orherbef
oregoi
ngbackt
o
her
.

"Thatwasamazi
ng!
"Shewasgr
inni
ngf
rom eart
oear
."You'
reamazi
ng!Mybabyi
s
amazing!

"Cormaclaughedandki
ssedheront
hel
i
ps."
Mindyourhear
t,amor
e.Youmi
ghtf
all
harder
."

"
Imi
ght
..
."ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abi
,"i
fyousur
fshi
rt
less.
"

Tumawal angsiCormacsakagini
yani
yapat
ungongdalampasi
gan.Naka-akbayi
tosa
kani
yaatnakayakapnamansi yasabeywangnitohabangnaglal
akadsil
angdalawa
pabal
iksaCabinniCormac.

".
..
totoonaman.Masar
apkangmagl
uto.
"Papur
isakani
yaniCor
mac."
Nakaka-adi
ksa
sarap."

Ki
nur
otni
yai
tosat
agi
l
iran."
Ikaw t
alaga.Bi
nubol
amoakono?"

"
Masar
apt
alaga.
"Ser
yusoni
tongsabi
.
"
Anoangmasar
ap?Ni
l
utokooako?"

"I
kaw,syempre.
"Naglal
ambi
ngnahinal
i
kansi
yaniCor macsagil
i
dngnuoatsal
eeg
sakabi
glanal
angit
ongtumi
gil
sahar
apanni
yaatsi
nil
siyanghal
i
lsamgal
abi
.

Awtomati
ko naman ni
ya '
yong t
inugon athinabolang l
abini
to ng kumal
asi
yon at
t
inungoniCormacangli
kodniyaatniyakapsi
yamulasalikur
an.

"
Cor
mac.
..
"humabaangngusoni
ya."
Comebackher
eandki
ssme.
"

Cor
macsuckedt
heski
nonherneckbef
orewhi
sper
ing,"
I'
ll
dot
hatandmor
elat
er.
"

Nat
awasi
ya."
You'
regonnamakel
ovet
omeagai
n?"

"
We'
l
ltr
y,r
emember
?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Tryandt
ryunt
ilyoucum.
"

Malakasnat
umawasiCor macsakapi
nangkosi
yangmalapi
tnasi
l
asaCabi
nni
to.
Nangmakapasoksi
l
a,der
etsosi
l
angdal
awasabanyopar
amali
go.

Nangumapakangpaaniyasati
lenasahi
gngpali
guan,kaagadnahumar
apsi
yakay
Cormacatsi
nal
ubongnamanni
tonghal
ikangmgalabini
ya.

"
Uhm.
..
"

"
Iri
s..
."

Dahan-dahansiyanitonghi
nubaranhabangsiyanamanangnaghubadsasuotni t
o.At
nang pareho na si
l
ang walang sapl
ot,kaagad na nagl
apatang mga l
abini
l
a saka
i
sinandal
siyanit
osat i
lenapaderngbanyo.

Napadaingnamansiyaatnasundan'yonngungolngbumabaangmgal abini
tosa
pagkababae ni
yaatpinal
agaya si
yang pi
nal
i
gayahanggang sai
l
ang besessi
yang
ni
labasan.

Andwheni
twashert
urnt
opl
easur
ehi
m,hest
oppedher
.

"
Lat
er.
..Iwanti
tinbed.
"

Shesmi
l
ed."
Okay"Hi
nawakanni
yaangkamayni
tosakai
gini
yai
yonsapagkababae
ni
yangpumi
pint
igpasasobr
angpagnanasa."
Makemecum agai
n."

Cor
macsmi
l
ed."
Mypl
easur
e."

NakagatnalangniI r
isangmgal abihabangnakal
uhodsiCormacsapagi
tanngmga
hi
taniyaatkinakai
nsiyasakani
l
ulunoklahatngkat
asnai
nil
alabasni
ya.

Damn.Myhusbandr
eal
l
yisagoodl
i
cker
.She'
scumi
ngagai
n.

Nangmatapossi
yangpal
i
gayahi
nngasawasai
l
ali
m ngshower
,sabaysi
l
angnal
i
goat
l
umabasngbanyo.

She'
ssat
edofcour
se.Herhusbandagr
eatl
i
cker
.

"Anonggustomongl
utui
nko?"Tanongni
yasaasawamat
apossi
yangmagbi
hissa
harapanni
to.

Sahal
i
pnasumagot
,ti
nit
iganl
angsi
yani
Cor
mac.

"
What
?"Sheasked,f
rowni
ng.

"
Myshi
rtl
ooksgoodonyou.
"Ani
to.

Umi
kotpasi
yapar
amaki
tani
toangkabuonanni
ya."
It
'scomf
y."

Lumapi
tsakani
yasiCormacathi
napl
osangdi
bdi
bni
yasakat
umi
gilangkamayni
tosa
ni
ppl
eniya."
You'
renotweari
nganybr
a."

"Andpant
y."Shewi
nkedathi
m."
Ther
e'snouse.
Ipl
ant
omakel
ovewi
thyout
hewhol
e
damnday."

Cor
macpl
aceasof
tki
ssonherni
ppl
eout
sidehershi
rt
."I
'l
lbewai
ti
ng.
"

Shesmi
led."Yes,andyou'
remaki
ngmybodybur
nbutl
etsgobackt
owhatdoyou
wantmetocook?"

"
It
ali
andi
sh?"

Nag-i
isi
p na t
umingin si
ya sa cupboard atrefkapagkuwan aynag thumbsup kay
Cormac."Kabi
bil
ilangnati
nnggr ocer
ieskahapon.It
hinkIcanmakeI t
ali
andishoutof
t
hem."Tinur
oniyaangmesanapandal awahan."Si
tandwat chyouramore."
Nangigi
ti
ngsumunodnamansakani
yasiCor
macatumupongai
tohabangnaka-car
go
shor
tslangatnaka-hubadbar
o.

Yumakapsi
yasal
i
kodni
toathi
nal
i
k-hal
i
kanangbat
okni
to.

Hegr
oaned."
Iri
s..
"

"
Hmm. .
.mybaby.
..
"bumabaanghal
i
kni
yasal
i
kodni
toatnapat
it
igsi
yasat
att
ooni
to.
"
Baby?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Anongi
bigsabi
hinni
tongt
att
oomosal
i
kod?"

"
Dependsonhowyouseei
t.
"

"
Whatdoyoumean?"

"
Theupperpar
tisgr
eek.
"Pal
i
wanagni
to."
Meani
ngf
all
i
ngi
nlovewi
thar
ainbow.
"

Shef rowned."Rainbow..
"hereyeswi den.Rai
nbow i
sconnect
edt oI
ri
s.Whenyou
searchIri
sinDict
ionary,r
ainbow i
sal
wayspartofthemeani
ng."Ar
eyoureal
l
yinl
ove
wit
ht he.
..rai
nbow?"

"Yeah.Eightyear
s had pass butI
'm st
il
linl
ove wi
tht
he r
ainbow.t
s scar
y and
exhi
lar
ati
ngatthesameti
me. "

I
ri
ski
ssedCor
mac'
sneck."
Thankyouf
oranswer
ing.Magl
ulut
onaako.
"

Habangnaghahandasi
yangi
ngr
edi
ent
s,nagt
anongsiCor
mac.

"
Didyouf
ell
inl
ovewi
thyourhusband?"

Napabal
i
ngsi
yaatnapat
it
igdi
to."
Whyyouasked?"

"
Cur
ious.
"

"Ah.
"Tumango-t
angosi
yasakangumit
i."Wel
l
.atf
irst
,Ij
ustwantedafamil
y.Anor
mal
peacef
ulf
amil
y.Perohi
ndisi
yanagpakit
akayahindinangyar
ianggustoko.Andas
year
spassby,hemaynotbebymysi debutheal
waysmadesur etoeasemyproblems
andbur dens."Lumapadangngitini
yahabanginaal
alaangmgagi nawanit
opar asa
kani
ya."IonceaskedhimifIcanchangesomeofthemansion'
sdécorandthenextday,
hesentf iveengi
neer
sandthreearchi
tectsot
heycoul
dhelpmer enovat
ethemansion
tomyliking.

Mahinasiyangtumawa."Andt hentherewast histi

mewhenhecal l
ed.
..si
nabikosa
kani
yananai ni
sakosakatabikosaeroplanokasianglakasnghil
i
k.Thenextmorni
ng,I
was shopping fora pl
ane with Pi
etr
o.Ni ccolo sai
d he doesn'
twantme t o be
uncomfor
table.

"Andthen,there'salsot
histimewhenIaskhi mtoreservedmeaseatinoneofI
tal
y's
fi
nestRestaurant.Ofcour sehedi dn'
tjustreser
vemeaseat ,hereser
vet
hewhole
Restaur
ant.Forme. "Shelaughedandshook
herhead."Angdamipani yangginawapar asaki
n.He'st
hekindofmanwhowouldgi
ve
youanexpensi vechandeli
erifyouaskforasimpleli
ghtbulb.
"

"
Didyou.
.fel
l
...f
orhi
m?"

Herfacesof
tened."
Idon'
tnow.Ican'
ttel
l
.ButIknow t
hatIneedhi
m.Nothi
smoney,
buthi
m.Myhusband."

"
Thenwhydi
dyoul
eavehi
m?"

Tumingi
n siya sa mga mat a niCormac."Kasimay hangganan ang pasensi
ya ko,
Cormac.May hangganan ang pagt i
ti
mpiko.May hangganan ang paghihint
ay ko.
Ngayon,gustokol angmagi ngmasaya.Walanasakinhalagaangmamahal i
ngbagay
nakayamongi bi
gaysaki nkundiyongsimpl
engkasi
yahannakasamaki t
a.Masayana
akodo'n.Sapatna' yon.

"
Soeveni
fIcan'
tgi
veyout
hewhol
ewor
ld,you'
l
lst
il
lwantt
obewi
thme?"

Nakangi
ti
ngtumangosiya."Evenifyoucan'
tgi
vemeachild,Ist
il
lwannabewithyou,
Cormac.Justpl
ease.
..
don'tl
ieorkeepsomethi
ngfr
om me.I'
m beggi
ngyou.Kasihindi
koalam kunganongkayakonggawi nkapagnasakt
anakosamgakasi nungal
ingan
mo."

Nag-i
wasi
tongt
ingi
n.

"Kungmayt i
natagokamansakin,pl
ease,sabi
hinmona."Nangungusapangboses
niya."Huwagmonghi nt
ayi
nnadumati
ngakosapuntongsawanaakonamaghi nt
ayat
umi nt
indisayo."

Kumuyom angkamaoni
toatnapasandalsi
yangl
ababongmal
alakianghakbangna
l
umabassiCormacngCabi
n.
TinuyoniI
ri
sangluhasapi
sngisakamal
ungkotnangumi
ti
."Fourmor
edays,Ni
ccol
o..
.
fourmoredays.
"

CHAPTER1
6

HINDIPA sumisi
katang ar
aw,nasa dal
ampasigan na siI
ri
s atnagl
alakad-l
akad,
sumasagapngsariwanghangi
natnag-ii
si
p.Gustoniyangpaamini
nsiCor macpero
mati
gasangasawaniya.Hi
ndii
toaami
nngbasta-bast
a.

Shesi
ghed.Gi
nawanani yaangl
ahatngkayani
yanggawin.Siguronamansapatna
angmganagawaniyapar
aangasawanamanniyaanggumalaw atgumawangparaan
par
amagtagposi
l
angdalawa.

She'sgett
ingti
redplayi
nggameswi t
hhim.She'sget
tingt
ir
edofmovi ngtwost eps
ahead ofNiccol
o.Ayaw niya ng gani
to.Gust
olang naman ni
ya i
tong makasama.
Mahirapbaanggustoniya?

Baki
tkai
l
angansi
yani
tongpahi
rapannggani
to?

Bumugasiyangmarahasnahiningasakail
angmi nut
opangnanati
lisadal
ampasi
gan
bagobumali
ksaCabinniCor
mac.Tulogpaangasawani yakayanamannaghandasi
ya
ngmasarapnaagahanparapagkagi
singni
toatsabaysil
angmag-aagahan.

Tamang-t
amanamanng gumisi
ng siCormacaytaposnasi
yang magl
uto.Kaagad
si
yangnaghai
nathi
nal
i
kani
tosamgalabingnagmul
atngmat
aatbumangon.

"GoodMor
ning,baby.
"Nakangi
tibat
ini
yasaasawasakanagl
alambi
ngnayumakap
si
yasal
eegnit
oatumupopaharapsahit
ani
to."
How'
syoursl
eep?"

"
Good.
"He groaned and hugged herwai
stbef
oredr
oppi
ng hi
sbodybackt
o bed,
t
aki
ngherwi
thhim.

"
Cor
mac!
"Nasai
babaw si
yani
to."
Getup!Nagl
utonaakongagahan.
"

Heopenhi
seyesagai
nthenpucker
edhi
sli
ps."
Kissmegoodmor
ning.
"

"Asus.
..
"dumukwangsi
yaathi
nal
i
kani
tosamgal
abi
."Hayan.Bumangonkana,kakai
n
natayo."

"
Don'
twantt
o."
Pi
nani
ngki
tanni
yai
tongmgamat
a."
Cor
mac!
"

Hegr
inned."
CanIeatyouf
orbr
eakf
asti
nst
ead?"

"
No.Cor
mac-"

"
Seeing yourface ear
lyi
nthe morni
ng makesme happy.
"Seryuso nit
ong sabina
i
kinabi
glani
ya."Iwantt
oseeyourf
aceeverydaywhenIwakeupf
orther estofmyli
fe.
"

Lumambotangmukhani ya.Thi
smanreal
l
yknowshow t
osof
tenher
."That
'ssweet
.
Now,getupandl
etshavebreakf
ast
."

Nakangi
ti
ngbumangonsiCormacatpinupognghal
i
kangmgal
abini
yasakabi
nuhat
si
yapatungosapandal
awahangmesa.

Napai
li
ngnal
angsi
yangnilagyanni
tongpagkai
nangpi
ngganniya,gi
nawansiyang
kapenamaykremaathi
nal
i
kansiyasaul
obagoumuposakahar
apniyangupuan.

"Someonewakeupinther
ightsi
deoft
hebed.
"Koment
oni
yahabangnakat
ingi
nkay
Cormacnamasayaangaur
a.

Cor
macwi
nkedather
."I
'm wi
thyout
hat
'swhy.
"

Sher
oll
edhereyes."
You'
rebei
ngsweetagai
n."

"
Ayaw mo?"

"
Gusto."Kaagad ni
yang pag-ami
n."
Ili
kei
twhenyou'
resweet
.Itmakesmyhear
t
f
lut
ter
."

"
Fuck.
"Umi
nom i
tongt
ubi
g."
Thatmademyhear
traced.
"

Nat
awasi
yasakanapai
l
ing-i
l
ingatkumai
nna.

"
Anonggustomonggawi
nngayon?"TanongniCor
macsakani
ya."
Roam ar
oundt
he
i
sl
andorhavesex?"

I
nir
apanni
yai
to."
It
stempt
ingt
oseet
hewhol
eisl
andbutIchoosesex.
"

Cor
macgr
inned."
Met
oo.Lot
sofsex.Wi
thyou.
"
Nakagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abihabangnakat
it
igsabi
nat
a."
Hindikayasumukona
angkamamosat i
n?"

"
Mat
ibay'
yan.
"Sagotni
Cor
mac."
Kahi
til
angr
ound,kayani
yan.
"

Nat
awasi
ya."
Hal
atanaman.
"

Napai
li
ngnalangsiyasapi
nag-uusapannil
aniCor machabangnag-aagahansi l
a.At
nangnatapossi
l
angkumainatnail
i
gpitnaniyaangpinagkai
n,nahi
gaul
itsil
aniCor
mac
sakamasakapina-unansi
yanit
osabr asonit
oatyumakapangbr asonit
osabeywang
ni
ya.

Pagkal
i
pasngi
l
angsegundongkat
ahi
mikan,bi
nasagniCor
mac'
yon.

"
Iri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Aft
erher
e,whatdoyoupl
ant
odo?"

I
sini
ksi
kniyaangkat
awansakatawanni
to.Hmm...don'
tknow.Ihavet
otakecar
eof
mydivorcepaper
sandmaybeaf
tert
hat
,I'
l
lgobacktoBogotá.
"

"
Doyout
hinkyourhusbandwi
l
lletyougo?"

"Hi
ndikoal
am."Ti
ningal
ani
yaangmukhaniCor
macsakapi
nakat
it
igani
to."
Ikaw?
Anongpl
anomo?"

Hel
ookedather
."Susundanki
takahi
tsaangbansakamagpunt
a.

Shebl
i
nked."
Why?Becauseofwhatwehavenow?"

"
Par
tl
y,yes.
"

"
Andt
heot
herpar
t?"

Hesmi l
ed."Idon'tt
hinkI'
llf
unct
iont
hesamewayl ikebeforei
fIlostyouanddi dn'
tsee
you everyday.
"May l ungkotsa boses ni
to."Nasanay na akong kasama ka,I r
is.
Nasanaynaakongi naalagaanmoako.Nasanayna
akongpinaglul
utomoako.Nasanaynaakongkat abikangmatulogatmagi gisnankasa
umaga.Hi ndiko alam kung kaya ko pang bumali
k sa dati
,nuong hi ndipa kit
a
nakakasama.
"

Shebl
i
nkedagai
n.Under
standi
nghi
swor
ds.

Puwede naman nitong sabi

hin na'hi
ndipa si
ya naki
kil
ala,baki
t'hi
ndipa si
ya
nakakasama'anggi
namitni
tongsali
ta?

Li
him si
yangnapangi
ti
.Ah,Ni
ccol
o,you'
resl
i
ppi
ngagai
n.

"
Ganunmoakoka-gust
o?"Nangi
ngi
ti
ngt
anongni
ya.

Tumango siCor
mac."
Oo.Il
i
keyout
hatmuch.'
Yong par
ang mau-ul
olako kapag
nawal
akasabuhayko.
"

"Kungmawal
aakosayo,t
andaanmo,kasal
ananmo'
yon.
"Shesai
dthenki
ssedhi
s
chin.

Cor
macsi
ghed."
Iknow,I
ri
s.Iknowt
hat
."

"Mabut
inaman atmali
naw '
yon sayo.
"Ki
nubabawan ni
ya i
to saka sa i
babaw ng
kat
awanni
tonahi
ga."
Baby?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Thankyouf
ormaki
ngmehappy.
"

Hi
nagodni
toangl
i
kodni
ya."
Prego,I
ri
s."

I
ri
spl ayedwi
thCor
mac'
sni
ppl
e."
Cor
mac,doyoumi
ndi
fIsaysomet
hingaboutmy
husband?"

"No.Notatal
l
."Pabul
ongnasagotniCor
mac."
Anobaanggust
omongsabi
hinsa
asawamo?"

"Well.
..I
fthere'
samir
acleandhecanact uall
yhearmer i
ghtnow,gustokongsabihi
n
sakaniyanasawalongtaonnamag-asawakami ,walangar awnahindikosiya
naisi
pathinint
aynamagpaki
tasaki
n.Andbydoi ngthat,byt hi
nki
ngofhim andwai
ti
ng
forhi
mt ocomeseeme,Ididn'
tevenreal
i
zet hatI
fel
li
nlovewi t
hhim.
"

"
Butyoudi
dn'
tseehi
m-"
"Idon'tneedtoseehi mtolovehim,Cor mac.Ilovehow het reat
sme.Il ovehow he
alwayshelpedme.Ilovehow hemakesmef eelsospecialevenwhenhe'stherebesi
de
me.Ilovehow hetrustmetor anhisbusi
nessandhi shouse.Ilovehow hespoil
sme.I
l
ove
everyt
hinghedoesf orme,andI 'l
lsur
elymissit,perohindina'yonangkai l
anganko
ngayon.Iwanttobewi t
hhim,at'yonanghinding-hi
ndiniyakayangibi
gaysakin.
"

"
Whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
his.
..
"

ShelookedupatCor mac."Tel
lme,Cormac,anosat i
nginmoangr asonngasawako
kungbakitayaw niyangmagpakit
asaki
n?Maynagawabaakongmal i
?Maynagawaba
akong hindini ya nagust
uhan? Ayaw ba niya saki
n? Wal a bang kat
ugon ang
narar
amdamankopar asakaniya?Ayoslangnaman.Mai i
nti
ndihanko.Bast
asabihi
n
l
angni ya.Hindinaganitonapar apaakongmababal i
w sakakaisi
pkungbakitayaw
ni
yangmagpaki tasakin.
"

Cor
mac'
sfacebecamest
oic."
Ithoughtyou'
redi
vor
cinghi
m."

"
Iam.
"

"
Itseemst
omet
hatyou'
rest
il
li
nlovewi
thyourhusband.
"

"
Jeal
ous?"Sheasked.

Hi
ndiit
oumi mikathumigpi
tlangangyakapsakani
ya.Napabunt
ong-hi
ninganaman
si
yasakai
hini
li
gangulosadibdibni
to.

Shewant
edt
obewi
thhi
mli
ket
his.Tobet
hiscl
oseandi
nti
mat
ewi
thherhusband.

Eventhoughtshe'
shur
ti
ngbecauseofhi
m,t
hat
'sokay,shecant
aket
hepai
n,j
ustso
shecouldbewithhi
mli
kethi
s.

Per
omayhanggananangl ahatngto.Ayaw ni
yangbumitaw per
okai
l
angannapara
matauhannamanangasawaniyanahindisi
yaisangl
aruannapuwedenit
ongpai
kot
i
kut
inatlokohi
nkungkai
l
anni
togust
o.

"
Baby?"Tawagni
yakayCor
mac.

"
Hmm?"

"Iknow Ishoul
dhaveaskyout
hisbef
ore,but
,ar
eyousi
ngl
e?"Gust
oni
yangmar
ini
g
angisasagotni
to.
Hest
il
l
ed.

"
Bakamaysabi
tkapal
a,ayokongmapahi
ya.
"Dagdagni
ya.

Hi
ndii
toumi
mik.

"
Cor
mac-"

"
I'
m mar
ri
ed,I
ri
s."

Tumi
gil
angpaghi
ngani
yaatunt
i-unt
isi
yangumal
i
ssapagkakakubabawdi
to."
Mar
ri
ed?
Towhom?"

Abo't
-abo'tangkabangnarar
amdamanni
ya.Par
angsasabogangdi
bdi
bni
yahabang
hi
nihi
ntayangsagotniCor
mac.

"
Tosomeonel
i
vingi
nU.
S..
"

I
risst
il
ledandlookedatCor
mac.She'
snow sit
ti
ngbesidehim ont
hebed.Hi
ndini
ya
namalayangnagulogpal
asi
yamulasapagkakakubabaw sakat
awanni
topat
ungosa
kama.

He'stest
ingher
.Hewantedt
oseeherreact
ion.'
Yonangsi
nasabingisi
pni
yapero
baki
tparangmaynar
aramdamansi
yapagdududanamaykatutuhananangsi
nasabi
ni
to.

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yasakanag-i
wasngt
ingi
natakmangaal
i
sngkamangpi
gil
ansi
ya
ni
toatni
yakapngmahi
gpit
.

"
Iri
s."

Binakl
asni yaang yakap ni
tosakagal
itnabinal
i
ngani
to."
Hayaanmomunaakong
mapag-i sa."Ani
yasakal madongbosessakanagmamadal
i
nglumabasngCabi
nna
naguguluhan.

Wasshewr
ong?No!Hehast
her
ing!Thei
rweddi
ngr
ing!Hi
ndisi
yanagkakamal
i
!

Buthow coul
dhesayt
hathe'
smar
ri
edt
osomeonel
i
vingi
nU.
Swhenhe'
smar
ri
edt
o
her
?!

Nasaponiyaangpuso.Maybet
hisi
shi
ssecr
et?Thi
sist
hehugesecr
ethe'
skeepi
ng
f
rom her
?!
What
'st
his?Aj
oke?!

I
lang beses si
yang humi
nga ng mal
ali
m habang t
inat
ampalang puso ni
ya na
nasasakt
an.

No!

Jumpingt
oconclusi
onwi t
houtt
hefactsand.vi
denceisnothealt
hyforanyone.Dapat
al
amin muna ni
ya ang l
ahatbago si
ya magkar
oon ng concl
usi
on atmag-reactng
gani
to.

But
..
.Maybeshe'
swr
ongt
hist
ime!Maybehe'
stest
ingher
!

Butwhati
fthi
sist
rue?

Hindiniyanapigi
lanangmapahikbi
.No!No!No,I ri
s!Don'tcry.Thi
sgamei
sst
il
lon
going!Hindikapatal
o.Mananal
oka!Useyourbr
ain!Useitwisel
y!

I
langbesessi
yanghumi
ngangmal
ali
m bagopumasoksaCabi
nniCor
macatki
nuhasa
bagniyaangkeycar
dngCabi
nni
ya.

"
Iri
s-"

Hi
ndiniyapi
nansinsiCor
macsakanagmamadal i
nglumabasngCabi nni
toatlumipatsa
Cabin ni
ya.Pagkatapos ay mabi
l
is ni
yang ni
l
api
tan ang t
elepono atinangatang
awtomati
boniyon.

Mabut
inal
angatmemor
izeni
yaangnumer
ongasawaniI
vy.

"
Hel
l
o?Who'
sthi
s-"

"
Thi
sisI
ri
s.Ineedyourhel
p."

"
Whati
sit
?"Kaagadni
tongt
anong."
WhatcanIdof
oryou?"

"Do youknow someonewho cani

nvest
igat
eforme?"Shehast
o know."
Secr
etl
y.
Please.
"

"
Yeah.
.know somepeopl e.
"AniAndr
iussamedyo nag-aal
angang boses."
They'
re
I
vy'
sasset
s."Paused."
Bef
ore."
Hereyeswi
den.That
'si
t!"
Canl
uset
hem?"

"
Ahm.
..I
"I
lask.Why?"

"
Sinobaangmgaasset
sngkakambal
ko?"Shehast
oknowt
het
rut
honceandf
oral
l
.

"
Ther
ear
etwo.
..Yr
ozzangNat
e."

Nat
e?Hef
rowned."
Mor
ett
i?"

"
Yes.Youknow hi
m?"

"
No.ButIheardofhi
mt hroughmysi
sterwhenwe'r
esti
l
lli
vingtoget
her
.Pl
easet
ellhi
m
t
hatIwanthi
mt oi
nvest
igateamannamedCor macPaulCraig.
"

"
TheDoct
or?"Gul
atnagagadniAndr
ius.

"
Yes.
"

"
Whatt
hehel
l
?!"Andr
iussoundsshocked."
Why?Di
dhedosomet
hingwr
ong?"

"Justtel
lNateMor ett
i.
"Aniyahabangpahi
gpi
tngpahi gpitanghawaksaawt omat
ibo
ngt el
epono."
Andpl ease,kapagmaynal
amansiya,kahitkaunt
ilang,t
awaganmoako.
Gust okongmalamanangl ahatng
tungkolsaDoctorniI
vy."

"
Why?"Punongkur
yusi
dadnat
anongniAndr
ius."
HesavedI
vyand-"

"
Please,Andr
ius,
"shepl
eaded,"
hel
pme.
"

Andri
ussighed."
Sige.
"Ani
tosakai
l
angsegundoi
tongnat
ahi
mik."
Areyouokay?You
soundshakenup."

"
Iam.
"Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h."
Iwi
l
lnotl
ose.
"

"Idon'
tunder
standwhatyou'r
etal
kingaboutbutsi
nceyou'
rel
uy'
ssi
ster
..
.ofcour
se,
youwon'tl
osetoanyone.I
tsi
nyourbloodt
owin."

Thatmadehersmi
l
e."
Yes.Iwi
l
lnotl
ose.Pl
easet
alkt
oNat
e.Andt
hankyouf
ordoi
ng
t
his,Andr
ius.
"

"
Sur
e.You'
remysi
steri
nlaw soyou'
reaf
ami
l
y."

Thatmadeherf
acesof
tened.I
vydi
dfi
ndagoodman."
Thankyou.
"

"
I'
ll
cal
lyouwhenIknowsomet
hing.
"

Nangmawal
asakabi
l
angl
i
nyasiAndr
ius,napa-uposi
yasagi
l
idngkamani
ya.

Anobaangmagandanggawi
nhabangnaghi
hint
aysi
yasat
awagniAndr
ius?

Hi
ndipuwedengwal
asi
yanggawi
n.

Orshecoul
djustst
ayher
e.I
tssaf
ert
hatway.

Napai
gtadsi
yangmaykumat
oksapi
ntongCabi
nni
ya.

"
Iri
s!I
tsme,Cor
mac.
"

Napati
ti
gsi
yasapi ntongCabi
nathindiumimi
k.Ayaw paniyai
tongkausapi
nper o
parangmaysar
il
ingisi
pangmgapaaniyanahumakbangpat
ungosapint
oatbinuksan
yon.

"
Iri
s..
."

Tumingi
nsiyasamgamat
ani
to."
Pleasel
eavemeal
onef
orawhi
l
e."Paki
usapni
yar
it
o.
"Ineedspace.
"

ButCor
macdi
dn'
tli
sten.Hi
nawakansi
yani
tosabeywangsani
yakapsi
yangmahi
gpi
t.

Gust
oniyangkumawal adahi l'
yonangpi nakat
amanggawi nsasi t
wasyonnilangayon
atsa mga nalaman niya pero nanat
il
isiyang nakat
ulossa ki
natat
ayuan atwalang
gi
nawaparaitulaki
topalayo.

"
Mag-usapt
ayo.
"

"
Ayoko.
"Ani
yasakal
madongboses.

"
Iri
s-"
"
Youjustt
oldmeyou'
remarr
iedt
osomeone,Cormac."Kalmadopar
inangbosesni
ya.
"
Ithi
nkIhavet
heri
ghtt
oneedspacef
rom youandt
hink."

"
Youwi
l
lleaveme.
"Shecanhearf
eari
nhi
svoi
ce."
Iknowyouwi
l
l.
"

"
Please,Ineedspace.
"

"
Thenpushmeaway.
"

Kinagatniyaangpang-ibabanglabidahilalam niyanghi
ndini
yakayanggawin'yon.
"Please,Cormac.Hindiki
takayangit
ulakpal ayo,kayapuwedebangikaw munaang
l
umayosaki n?Kail
angankongmag-isi
p.Pl easelang."

Unti
-unt
ing l
umuwag ang pagkakayakap sa kani
ya niCor
macsaka humakbang i
to
paat
rasatpinakat
it
igansi
ya.

"
Iri
s."

Shel
ookedatCor
mac.

"I
'm-I,I
'm N-ni
-"hebl
owsal
oudbr
eat
handgi
veoutashakyl
aughbef
orel
eavi
ngher
Cabin.

Siyanamanaymahinangnat
awahabangnangingil
i
dangl
uhani
ya.I
fyou'
remarr
iedto
someoneelsewhi
l
eyou'remarr
iedt
ome,Iwil
lkil
lyoui
nmorewayst
hanone,Ni
ccol
o.

AN:IhahabolkosiTempIsl
and6tonight
.Kunghindikakayani
nbakabukasna.Sobr
ang
busythesepastfewdays.Sor
rysalateupdat
e.

Hopeyouenj
oyr
eadi
ng.

CHAPTER1
7

HINDINAKATULOG ngmaayossiI risngmganagdaanggabi.Lamanngi si

pniyasi
Cormacatangmgasi nabini
tongnagpagul
onanamansai si
panniya.Hi
ndinaniya
al
am anggagawin.Walasi
yangmai si
pnamagandanghakbang.Bl
angkoangisi
pniya
atpaki
ramdam ni
yaaysukonasiya.

Peronangakosi
yasasar
il
inamatat
aposl
ang'tosahul
i
ngar
aw ni
yar
it
osaI
sla.Hi
ndi
si
yapuwedengsumukohangga'
tnar
it
opasiya.
From f
ourdays,now sheonl
yhaveonedaylef
t.Atsanagdaang mgaar
aw,wala
si
yangnatanggapnatawagmulakayAndr
iusatwal
aringCormacnanagpaki
tasa
kani
ya.

Maybehe'sgui
lt
yormaybehedoesn'
twantt
otal
ktoher
.Whoknowswhat
'sgoi
ngon
i
nthatheadofhi
s.

I
ri
ssighedbeforesteppi
ngoutf rom herCabintohavelunchint hef
loati
ngcottage.
Ginamitni
yaanggolfcartparamakar at
ingdoon.Il
angminut
ol anganghi ni
ntayniya
bagosiyaigi
niyangRestaurantstaf
fpatungosaf l
oat
ingcot
tageatini-assi
stsiyang
makarati
ngsamedyomal al
im napartengkaragat
an.

Atnangmapag-i
sasiya,napat
it
iglangsi
yasadagatsahal
i
pnakumai
n.Bi
glasi
yang
nawal
anngganalal
onangmaal alananamanni
yaangasawani
ya.

ButI
ri
swaspul ledoutfrom herrever
iewhenshehear dasoundofamot or
.Nang
bumal
ing si
yaroon,naki
taniyasiLucifernanakasakaysaJetSkinapapal
api
tsa
ki
nar
uruonanni
yangfloat
ingcott
age.

"
Yow!
"Bat
ini
tosakani
yananakangi
ti
.

Pinag-kr
usni
yaangpaasakai t
inukodangsi
kosagi
l
idngmesanapunongpagkai
n.
"Goodnoon,Mr.Monast
eri
o."

Lucifernarrowedhiseyesonher."
Youhavet
hatcal
cul
ati
ngl
ooki
nyoureyes.
"He
tsked."Tr
yingtotr
ickmeagai
n?"

Umil
i
ngsiya."No.Ofcour
senot
.Baki
tkonamangagawi
n'yonsayo?I
'm nott
hatki
nd
ofaper
son."

Hesnor
ted."
Yeah,r
ight
."

Mat
ami
slangsi
yangngumi
tisal
alaki
."Anobaangkai
l
anganmoatni
l
api
tanmoako?"

Luci
fersmi
l
ed."
I'
m her
ebear
ingnews.
"

Ti
naasanni
yai
tongki
l
ay."
Anonaman'
yon?"

"
Cor
maci
sinourpal
ace.
"Sabini
to."
He'
spassedoutdr
unk.
"

Wor r
yconsumed her
."I-i
sheokay?"Stupi
d,I
ri
s!St
op wor
ryi
ng abouthi
m,"
Ishe-
pi
nigil
anni
yaangsari
l
i."
-Idon'
tcar
eabouthi
m."
Nat
atawangt
ini
ti
gansi
yaniLuci
fer
."Jokeba'
yon?"

Nag-i
wassi
yangt i
nginatkumuyom angkamao."
He'smarr
ied,Mr.Monast
eri
o.At
mayasawar
inako.Kunganomanangnangyari
sami
n,wal
angpatut
unguhan'
yon.

Shehear
dLucif
ersi
ghedheavi
l
y."
He'
snotmar
ri
ed-Imean,yes,hei
sbuthi
swi
fei
s
l
ivi
ngi
nIt
aly.
"

Li
him si
yangnapangi
ti
.Got
cha,Luci
fer
!"Idon'
tbel
i
eveyou.
"Ani
yasamal
ungkotna
boses."
Sinabini
yami
smosaki
nnanasaUSangasawaniya-"

"
Cor maci
smyf r
iend.
"AniLuci
fe,"
andIknow hi
m sobel
i
evemewhenIt
ell
yout
hathi
s
wif
eisinI
tal
ynotinU.S.
"

"
Buthesai
d-"

"Tr
ustme,okay?Iwon' tl
i
et oa womanwho'
shur
ti
ng"Hesi
ghed agai
n."
Ayokong
nakakaki
tangbabaengumi
iyak.
"

I
binal
ikniyaangmgamatakayLucif
er."Well
,thankyou,f
ort
hati
nfor
mat
ion.
"Wal
ana
anglungkotsamukhani
ya."
Iappr
eciat
eit.
"

Napai
li
ngnalangsiLuci
ferngmaki
taangpagbabagongemosyonsamukhaniya."
Ah,
averymanipulat
ivewoman."Heblowsaloudbreat
h."Ni
ccol
oisreal
l
yhavi
ngahar d
t
imebecauseofhow stubbor
nyouare.
"

I
ri
s'f
acedar
kened."
I'
m al
sohavi
ngahar
dti
mebecauseofhi
m."

"Areyour eal
l
y?"TanongniLuci
fersakaniyahabangt it
ignat i
ti
gsamgamat aniyana
para bang bi
nabasa ang l
aman ng i
si
p niya." Hi
ndimo al am kung anong hi
rap na
pinagdaananngasawamomagi ngmaayosl angangbuhaymo,mal ayosabuhayna
nakagisnan mo.Hindimo alam ang isi
nakri
pisyo niNiccolo par
alang il
ayo ka sa
bayolentengmundonaayaw mo."

Doonsi
yanat
igi
l
an."
Anongi
bigmongsabi
hin?"

Luci
fert
ookadeepbr eathlikehe'scont
rol
l
inghi
msel
fbefor
espeaking,"
huwagmo
si
yangsusukuan,Mr
s.Raci
ni.Niccol
oist
oughandnoonecanbreakhi
m,exceptyou.
"

Herl
i
pspar
ted."
Me?"
Luci
fernodder
."I
kaw angl
akasni
yaper
oikaw di
nangkahi
naanni
ya.Tandaanmo
yan.
"

Napati
ngi
nlangsiyakayLuci f
ernapi naandarulitangJetSkisakapinahar
urot'
yon
pal
ayo sa f
loat
ing cot
tage ni
ya dahi
l
an par a bahagyang umal
on atgumalaw ang
cot
tagenakinar
uruonan.

Ni
ccol
o..
.masl
alosi
yangnagugul
uhan.

Shedoesn'
tknow whattot
hinkanymor
e.Whati
fLuci
feri
ssentbyNi
ccol
otoconf
use
heragai
nli
kethef
ir
stti
me?

Anonggagawi
nni
ya?

Hindisiyagumagalaw ngwalangkasi
guraduhanathindil
ahatnaayonsaplanoniyaat
kalkul
asyon.Atngayon,bul
agsiyasalahat.Walasi
yangalam.Wal angkasi
guraduhan
angmgahakbangni ya.

Andonl
yNiccol
ocandothi
stoher
.Theonl
ymanwhocanout
smar
tandconf
usedher
evenwhenshe'
sal
waysonest
epahead.

Pi
nul
otni
yaangt i
nidorsakat i
nusokanglonggani
sasakaki
nagatiyon.Gal
i
tnangi nuya
ni
yaang pagkainhabang nagt at
agisang bagangI
swearNiccol
o,thiswi
llend soon!
I
sangar
aw nalangangnat i
ti
ra.Bukas,aal
i
snasiya.

Bumunt
og-hi
ninga si
ya saka i
nubosang pagkai
n na i
nor
derhabang nakat
ingi
n sa
kar
agat
anatl
amanngi si
pniyaangasawa.

Nangmataposmananghali
an,nagpasundosiyasaRestaurantStaf
fpar
aibal
i
ksi
yasa
dal
ampasi
gansakaminanehoanggolfcartpabal
iksaCabinniya.

Andther
eshesaw Cor
macsi
tt
ingont
hef
loor
,hi
sbackl
eani
ngagai
nstherCabi
n's
door
.

Andhel
ooksl
i
keamessandher
eeksofl
i
quor
.

Nangt
umigi
lsi
yasaharapanni
to,kaagadi
tongt
umi
ngal
amul
asapagkakayukosaka
t
umayongmakit
asi
ya.

Pigi
lniya ang sar
il
ina dal
uhan i
to ng bahagyang gumi
wang ang kat
awan ni
to at
napasandalsapint
ongCabinniya.

"
Cor
mac.
..getoutofmyway.
"Mat
igasangbosesni
yangsabi
.
"
N-No.
"

"
Cor
mac.Leavemeal
one.
"

"
No,I
ri
s-"

"
Leave.
"

"
Iri
s-"

"
Leave!
"

Hest
il
l
edandst
aredather
."It
houghtyoucar
eforme.
..
"

"
We'
rebot
hmar
ri
ed.
"Ani
yasakanag-i
wasngt
ingi
n."
Tigi
l
annanat
in'
to-"

"No.
..
"hinawakannit
oangmgakamayni yakapagkuwanaymukhanamanni
yaang
si
napo."
Iri
s..l
ookatme.
..pl
ease.
..l
ookatmeli
kebefor
e,l
ikeImat
ter
."

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
No.I
'm sor
rybutpl
easel
eave.
"

"
Iri
s,pl
ease-"

"Aali
snaakobukas."Aniyasakainal
i
sangkamaynitongnakasaposamukhaniya.
"Kayati
gil
annanat
in't
o.Wal ari
nnamanit
ongpat
utunguhan.I
'l
ldi
vor
cemyhusband
whenIgetback.Andpl ease,huwagmoakongsundant ul
adngsabimo.Ayaw na
kit
angmakita.
"

Mar
ahasnaumi
l
ingsiCor
mac."
No-no!I
ri
s,pl
ease,l
etst
alk.Letmeexpl
ain-"

Umil
i
ngsiya."Youhaveal
ltheti
metoexplai
ntome,butyoudi dn'
t.Solet
sendt
his-
what
everthi
sis-andbeonourown.I
tsbet
tert
hatway,don'
tyouagree?"

"
No!I
t'
snotbet
tert
hatway-"

"Cormac.
"Mahinani
yangt
awagsapangal
anni
to."
Aal
i
snaakobukas.Uuwinaako
kayatamana.
"

"
Pleasel
etmeexpl
ain.
"
I
ri
stookadeepbr
eat
h."
Fine.Expl
ain.Pl
ease.
"

Dahan-dahanniyangpi
nakawal
ananghinugotnahini
ngahabanghi
nihi
ntaysiCor
mac
namagpaliwanagperobumukalanganglabini
toperowal
anamanglumabasnasal i
ta
sabibi
gnit
o.

Wal
angbuhaysi
yangnat
awa."
Expl
ain,Cor
mac.I
'm gi
vi
ngyout
imet
oexpl
ain-"

"
I-IC-can'
t.
"Bumagsakangbal
i
katni
to.

"Ofcourseyoucan'
t.
"Shel
etoutanexasperat
edsighedbeforepushi
nghi
m awayfrom
thedoor."Gobackt
oyourwif
eintheU.S.,Cormac."Pagkasabini
yani
yonaypumasok
siyasaCabinni
yaatpar
angnauuposnakandil
ananapauposagi l
i
dngkamaniya.

Baki
tba hindimo kayang sabi
hin saki
n ang t
otoo? Baki
tba napakahi
rap di
tong
pagkat
iwal
aansi
yangkunganomangsekr etoangti
nat
agonito?

Sunod-sunodnanahul
ogangbut
ilngl
uhasapi
sngini
ya."
Ayokona.
..
"

Sukonaako.

NANGSUMAPI TANGgabi,pinatayniI
ri
sangil
aw ngCabi
nni
yaparakayNiccolo.Par
a
bi
gyanitongi
sapangpagkakataonnamagpali
wanagsakani
ya,nakausapi
nsiya,per
o
hanggangdumat
ingangmadalingaraw,wal
angNiccol
onapumasoksaCabinniya.

Tear
sfel
ldownhercheeks.Hi
ndit
alagasi
yamagsasabingt
otoosaki
n.

Kahi
twalangtul
og,bumangonsiI
ri
spar
amag-impake.Nangbahagyangnagl
ivwanag
angkal
angit
an,lumabassi
yangCabinhabangdal
a-dal
aangmal etaniyaatini
l
agay
'
yonsagolfcart
.

I
langsegundoniyangpi
nali
botangti
ngi
nsakar
agat
an,dal
ampasi
ganatmgaCabi
n
bagonapati
ti
gsaCabinniCormac.

I
shei
nther
e?

Par
angmaypumi
gasapusoni
yaper
opi
l
itni
yangwi
naksiangsaki
tatsumakaysi
yasa
gol
fcar
t.

Habangnagmamanehopat
ungosapor
tkungsaanangyat
enasasakyanni
yapabal
i
k
saIsl
akungsaannar
oonangHel
i
copt
ernamaghahat
idsakani
yasasi
yudad,pi
gilni
ya
angumiyak.

I
ri
sneverknew t
hatshecoul
dfeel
thi
ski
ndofpai
nbecauseofherhusband.

Niccolo.
..Iti
nigi
lni
yaanggol fcar
tsaharapngSecur i
tyof
fi
cesakaibi
nali
klahatng
i
binigaysakani yangmgaSt af
fdoon.Angkuwentas,angkeycar
datangisapangcard
nagi namitniyaparamagbayadsamgabini
lini
yasaIsla.

Nangmakasakaysayat
e,t
umayosi
yasagi
l
idathumawaksar
ail
i
ngni
yon.

Hermindisreminisci
nghert
imeherintheisl
andandhermemor i
eswithherhusband.
Hindini
ya namalayang l
umul
uha na pal
a si
ya hanggang sa naramdaman niya ang
kamaynatumuyono' n.

I
ri
sbl
i
nkedandf
ocushereyesatt
hemanst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofher
."C-Cor
mac.
..
"

"
Amore.
"Hesmi l
edatherbuthiseyeswer
esad."
Hindikokayangumal
i
skanahi
ndi
manl
angki
tanaki
kit
aatnakakausap.
"

Masl
alongnagi
ngmasaganaangl
uhani
ya.

Cormaccont i
nueddr yinghert ear
sandt henhest ar
edather ,str
aightt
ohereyes." I
'm
sorryforeverythi
ng,Iris.I
'm sorr
yIhur tyouandI 'm sosor r
yt hatIli
edtoyou.But
cannotdenyt hatbeing with you her
ei sone oft he mostamazi ng t
hing thatever
happenedt ome.Iwantt obesel f
ishandkeepyou,per osasi t
wasyonnat i
nngayon,
hindipapuwede.Per omakakaasakanapopr otektahankit
at ul
adngpagpr otekt
ako
sayo noon.Hi ndiki
tapababayaanathi ndiko hahayaang mapahamakka.Justl i
ke
before,Iwi
ll
laymyl i
fet osaveyours."

Napat
it
igsi
yakayCor
mac.

Justl
i
kebefor
e,Iwil
ll
aymyl
i
fet
osaveyour
s.Ul
i
tni
yasasi
nabini
tosai
si
pni
ya.What
i
shetalki
ngabout
?

Shedoesn'
tneedprotect
ionsowhyi
shet
alki
ngaboutpr
otect
ingherl
i
kehehadbeen
doi
ngthatf
orthepastyears?

Hi
ssecr
et.
..doesi
thavesomet
hingt
odowi
thher
?

"
Cor
mac-"

"
Besaf
e,I
ri
s."Gi
nawar
ansi
yani
tonghal
i
ksanuo."
Besaf
e,pl
ease,f
oryoursake.
..
andmi
ne.
"

Bagopasi
yanakat
ugon,nagl
akadnai
topababangyat
eatsumunodl
angdi
toang
mgamatani
ya.

Herl
i
pspar
ted,hert
ear
sfal
l
ingf
rom hereyes.

Cor
mac.
..Ni
ccol
o..
.

Mahinasi
yanghumihi
kbihabangdahan-dahangumaal
i
sangyat esaport
.Nakat
ingi
n
angl
uhaanniyangmgamat akayCor
macnanakapamulsaatnakati
ngi
nsakani
yamula
saport
.

Andwhenhewavehi shandgoodbyeather
,hersobsbecomesaudi
bleasshewave
herhandbackathi
m.

Thei
rwavinggoodbyeateachot
herandIr
isf
eltanexcr
uci
ati
ngpai
nfi
l
li
ngherheart
.
Thepainoflet
ti
nggoofherhusband,t
hepai
nofgivi
ngupandthepai
nt hatshewi
l
l
endur
ebecauseshe'l
lmi
sshimf
orsure.

Thepai
nofnotseei
ngherhusbandagai
n,t
hepai
nofforget
ti
nghim andmovi
ngonand
thepai
nofbei
ngaloneagai
n.Thi
sti
me,noonewil
lcar
eforherorspoil
her
.

Habangnarar
amdamanniyaangsaki
tsapusoni
ya,doonl
angni
yananai
si
pkungbaki
t
det
erminadosi
yangmaki
taangasawaniya.

I
ri
scl
osehereyesandhert
ear
scont
inuedt
orol
ldownt
ohercheeks.

Ni
ccol
o..
.Tiamo.

WALANG BUHAY na pumasoksiCormac sa Cabi

n na i
nukupa niI
ri
s.Si
gur
adong
nakabal
i
knai
tongayonsasi
yudadataasi
kusuhi
nnanit
oangdivor
cenit
o.

Napat
it
igsiyasakamakungsaanunani yangi
naangki
nit
o.Thememor
yisst
il
lfr
eshi
n
hi
smind,l
ikeitj
usthappenedl
astni
ght
.

I
ri
s..
.Amor
emi
o..
.

Unti
-unti
ngkumunotangnuoniyangmapansi ngmaypabi
l
ognamal
i
tnabagayna
nasaibabaw ngbedsi
det
abl
ekat
abingt
elepono.
Ni
l
api
tanni
yai
yonatpar
angmaysumakal
sapusoni
yangmaki
takungano'
yon.

I
t'
sIr
is'weddi
ngr
ing.

Shel
efti
t.She'
sreal
l
ygi
vi
ngup.

Si
nobanamanang hindi
?Pagkat
aposng mgagi
nawaatpi
nagdaananni
to.Dapat
i
nasahannani
ya'
yon.

Pi
nul
otni
yaiyonsakagi
nawai
yongpendantngkuwent
asni
yakat
abingsar
il
ini
yang
weddi
ngri
ng.

I
ri
s..
.midi
spi
ace.

Napabal
i
ngsi
yasapi
ntongbumukasi
yonatpumasoksiLuci
fer
.

"
Sher
eal
l
ylef
t?"I
yonkaagadangunani
tonggt
anong.

Tumangosi
ya."
Yes.
"

"
Youdi
dn'
tst
opher
?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Shedeser
vet
ohavesomeonewhocanmakeherhappy.
"

"
Mor
on.Youcanmakeherhappy.
"

"Butnott
oday,ornextweekornextmonth.Hel
l!Notevent
hisyearort
henextyear
s!"
Kumuyom angkamaoniya."Ican'
tmakeherhappy,Luc.Webothknowthat
."

Luci
fert
sked."You'r
eamor onforl
ett
inghergol i
ket
hat
."Napai
l
ingi
to."
Hindikana
naawasakaniya.Akalakobamahal
agasiyasayo?"

"Shei
s."Napabuntong-hi
ningasi
ya."
Kayangahinayaankosiyangumali
s,kasinaawa
akosakaniya.Shehastoli
veherli
fethewayshewantsit
.Ihavetosetherfr
eef orher
tobereal
l
yhappy."

Lucif
erblowsal oudbreath."Fuck.Ihat
eyourr
ati
onal
e.Yourmi
ndj
ustt
hinksway
di
fferent
lyt
hatot
herpeopleIknow."

Hechuckl
ed."Mul
anoonhanggangngayon,si
yalangnamanpal
agianglamanngisi
p
ko.Kungpaanokosi
yapoprot
ektahanatkungpaanokosiyamaal
agaan.Athi
ndi
ng-
hi
ndimagbabago'
yon.Mananat
il
iakosat
abini
ya,kahi
thi
ndini
yaakonaki
ki
ta.
"

Luci
fershookhi
shead."
You'
rest
il
lamor
ont
ome.
"

Ngumi
til
angsi
yasakal
umapi
tsakai
bigan."
CanIbor
rowyourphone?"

Luci
fert
akeouthi
sphonefr
om hi
spocket
."Don'
ttel
lLuci
en.He'
l
lki
l
lmei
fhef
indsoutI
havemyphonewithme."

Napai
li
nglangsiyasakat
inawaganangnag-ii
sangtaongpi
nagkakat
iwal
aanni
yana
al
agaanangpinaka-i
mpor
tantengt
aosabuhayni
ya.

"
Piet
ro.
..I
t'
sme.
"

AN:IwasbusysinceSeptember10Yatakayawalangupdate.Nagbakasyondi
nako
kayawal
angupdate.Babawipoakosamgasusunodnaaraw.Pasensi
yana.

Anyways,Happyr
eadi
ng.

CHAPTER1
8

NAKATITI
G LANG siIr
issakawal anhabanglamanngi si
pniyaangasawa.Hawak-
hawak niya ang di
vorce paper habang nagl
alar
o sa memorya ni
ya ang mga
pi
nagsamahannil
aniNiccol
osai sl
a.

Heintr
oducedhimsel
fasadi f
fer
entperson,yetshef
ellf
orhimli
kehow shef
ellf
orher
husband.Kahi
tnanghindipasi
yasi
guradonaasawani yait
o,al
am ni
yanggust
oni yasi
Cormac.

Somethi
ngabouthi
m dr
awshertohim.Ngayonal
am nani
yakungbaki
tmaykakai
ba
si
yangnarar
amdamanparakayCor
mac.Asawakosiya.

I
ri
ssi
ghed.Whydi
dIevenf
all
forNi
ccol
o?

Herhusbandwhomadeherf eelmiser
abl
eandlonel
yallt
heseyear
s.Nihi
ndingani
ya
napansi
nnanahuhul
ognapalaangl oobni
yaparasaasawa.Napansi
nnal
angniyang
nasaisl
anasi
yaatdesper
adasiyangmakit
ait
o.

Mal
akassi
yangbumunt
ong-hi
ningaul
i
tatpi
nakat
it
iganangpapel
esnahawak.

Partofherdoesn'
twantt
odi
vorceNiccol
obutther
e'sal
soapar tofherwhowantsto
st
artoverandhaveanormalf
amilysinceNi
ccolocan'
tgiveherthat
.Perobaki
tkahi
t
nakapag-desi
syonnasi
yangi
-di
vor
cei
toaynagdadal
awangi
si
ppar
insi
ya.

Whydoesshest
il
lwantt
ohol
dont
othei
rmar
ri
age?Shest
il
lwant
stobewi
thhi
m.

"
Signor
ina.
"Bosesi
yonniPi
etr
onapumukassakani
ya.

Nag-angatsi
yangt
ingi
ndi
tomul
asapagkakauposasof
a."
Si?"

"
Ever
ythi
ngi
sready.
"Impor
mani
tosakani
ya.

Humugotsi
yangmal
ali
m nahini
ngasakatumayoatpi
nal
i
botangt
ingi
nsakabuonan
ngmansi
onnawal
ongtaondi
nsiyangnagi
ngReyna.

"
Ist
hiswhatyour
eal
l
ywant
,Si
gnor
ina?"Pi
etr
oasked,st
art
li
ngher
.

Hi
ndisiyasanaynanagt
atanongi
tosamgadesi
syonni
ya.Sanaysi
yangpal
agini
tong
si
nusunodangutosni
ya.

I
rissi
ghed."Idon'tevenknow whatIwant.
"Aniyasamahi
naatpabul
ongnaboses."
All
Iknow i
sthatthi
sisthebestdeci
sionforme."

"
Andf
orSi
gnor
?"

I
ri
sst
il
l
ed."
W-whatabouthi
m?"

"
Signorwi
l
lbedevast
ated!
"

Ti
pidsi
yangngumit
i."
Hewon'
tbehappybuti
fhereal
l
ydoesn'
twantmet
odi
vor
cehi
m,
hewil
lbeher et
ost
opme.Iwait
edforhi
mforoneweektocomeseemeandst
opme,
buthedidn'
t.
"

"
Signoronl
ywant
syoursaf
etyandyourhapi
ness-"

"
Ift
hat
'swhathewant
sthenheshoul
dbeher
ewi
thmesi
ncehei
smyhapi
ness.
"

HindinasumagotsiPi
etr
oattumungol
angnapar
abangsumukongkausapi
nsi
ya
parabaguhi
nangdesi
syonni
ya.

Naglakad pal
abas ng mansi
yon siI
ri
s habang mabigatang kal
ooban ni
ya.Bawat
hakbangaynar ar
amdamanniyaangkurotsapusoniya.
ShewashopingthatNiccol
owouldcomet oItalyandtal
ktoherabouttheirdi
vor
ce.
Kayanganaghi
ntaysi
yangisangli
nggoperonianinoni
toayhindini
yanaki
ta.Masaki
t
manperomukhangayoslangtal
agari
tonahiwalayanni
yait
o.

I
ri
stookadeepbr
eathbefor
egett
ingi
ntot
hecar'
sbackseat
.Nangmakasakaysi
Piet
ro,
i
nil
agayni
yaangf
oldernadi
vor
cepapersangl
amansapassengerseat
.

"
Pleasegivet
hatt
oNi
ccol
o."Wi
kani
yakayPi
etr
o."
Tel
lhi
mtobehappywher
everhe
mightbe.
"

Tumangol
angsiPi
etr
osakanagmanehopat
ungongAi
rpor
t.

Habangnasadaan,t
umunogangcellphoneniya.Nangt
ingnanni
yakungsi
no'
yon,
ki
nabahansi
yangmakit
angangPapániyayon.

Humi
ngamunasi
yangmal
ali
m bagosi
nagotangt
awag.

"
Papá.
"Ani
yasakaki
nagatangpangi
babal
angl
abi
."Haveyour
eadmymessage?"

"
Yes.Ihave.
"

"
And?"

"It
syourl
if
e,mir ei
nit
a."Ani
tosamalambingnabosesnai ki
nagul
atni
ya.Herf
atherhas
alwaysbeenst r
ict
,notsoft."
Ial
readyforceyout omarrysomeoneyoudon' tl
ove.I
thi
nkyoualreadyhaveenoughofmycont rol
l
ingat
ti
tude.
"

She'ssti
llst
unned.Neverinherli
fedi
dshethi
nkt
hatherPapawoul
dsaysucht
hingst
o
her
." I
'm sorrytodisappoi
ntyou,Papá.Buti
'
m proudtotel
lyout
hatl
'
dbeenagood
wif
ef oreightyear
s."

"
Iknow,mir
eini
ta.Ourhousei
swai
ti
ngf
oryou.
"

Nakahi
ngasi
yangmal
uwangsasi
nabingama."
Graci
as,Papá.
"

Nagsal
i
taul
itangPapani
yaatil
angmi
nut
osil
angnag-usapt
ungkolsamagi
gingbuhay
ni
yasabahaynil
angayonbabal
i
knasi
yasaBogot
á.

Nangmataposangt awag,akmangi
babal
i
kni
yaangcel
l
phonesabagngbi
glanal
ang
t
umigi
langsasakyan.
"
Piet
ro-"

Bagopasi
yamakapagt
anong,i
nul
anngbal
aangkot
senaki
nal
ulul
anan.

Malakassi
yangmapahiyaw atnabi
tawanangcel
lphonesakamabi
l
isnanagt
aki
png
t
aingahabangt
umi
ti
likasabayngpagtamangbal
asasasakyan.

I
ri
swasshaki
ngi
nfearwhent
hegunshot
sst
opped.

Takotnadahan-dahansiyangtumi
nginsalabasatnanl
akiangmgamat aniyakasabay
ng malakas na si
nghap ng maki
tang may lal
akina pi
l
itbinubuksan ang pi
nto ng
backseat
.

"
Miodi
o!"Shegaspedi
nshockandf
earasshepushher
sel
fawayf
rom t
hel
eftdoor
.

Nanghindimabuksannglal
akiangpi
nto,i
ni-angatni
toangbar
ilnahawaksakai
ti
nut
ok
saani
yamul asalabasngbi
ntanangsasakyanatkinal
abi
tanggati
lyo.

Ir
issqueezedhereyesshutandletoutashr
il
lcr
yoff
eart
hent
henextt
hingsheknew,
she'scal
li
ngoutherhusband'
sname.

"
Niccol
o..Ni
ccol
o..
.hel
pme.
..
"

Nabawasanangpangi ngi
nigni
yasatakotngmakit
anghindinabasagangbi
ntanang
sasakyangki
nal
ulul
anan.Niwal
angasiyangmaki
takahi
tkaunt
ingbit
ak.

Habolang hi
ningaattakotnatumi
ngi
nsiyakayPi
etr
o.Kal
mado i
tong nakaupo sa
Dri
ver
'sseathabangmaykausapsacel
l
phone.

Abul
l
etpr
oofcar
?Al
lal
ong,she'
dbeenusi
ngabul
l
etpr
oofcar
?

I
sthi
sNi
ccol
o'si
dea?Myhusband.Thedangerhewast
alki
ngabout
.Ist
hisi
t?

"
P-Pi
etr
o-"

"
Ever
ythi
ngi
sokay,Si
gnor
ina.
"Put
olni
Piet
rosanangi
ngi
nigni
yangboses.

Umawangangl
abini
ya.

Ever
ythi
ng is okay? Bumal
i
ng si
ya sa kanang pi
nto ng backseat kung saan
pi
napaulanani
yonngbala.
I
ri
scanf
eel
thecarvi
brat
ingatever
yimpactoft
hebul
l
ets.

"
ButPi
etr
o-"

"
Thi
scarismadebyImpenet
rabl
emetalandglass.Si
gnorNi
ccol
oper
sonal
l
yover
see
t
heproduct
iont
omakesur
eofyoursaf
ety,Si
gnori
na.
"

Ni
ccolo.Napakurap-kur
ap si
ya atnaramdaman ni
yang nabawasan ang t
akotni
ya.
Hi
ndisiyapababayaanngasawaniya.Kahi
twal
ait
osat abini
ya,kampantesi
ya.

"Si
,Si
gnor"Nar
ini
gni
yangsabiniPi
etr
osakausapsacel
l
phone."
Signor
inaI
ri
sissaf
e
andunhar
med."

Herl
i
pspar
ted.Ni
col
o!

Mabi
l
isnai
nagawni
yaangcel
l
phonenahawakniPi
etr
oati
nil
api
tiyonsat
aingani
ya.

"-makesurethatshe'ssaf
e,Piet
ro.Shehavetol
eavethecountrysodri
vefastt
ot he
Air
port
.She'l
lbesafeinBogotásinceherfat
herwi
llpr
otecther
.I'
llt
akecar
eoft hese
scumbagswho'stryi
ngtohurtmywi f
e."

Napasandalsi
yasal
i
kur
anngupuanhabangnaki
ki
nigkayNi
ccol
onanasakabi
l
ang
l
inya.

Evenaf
tershel
efthi
m,he'
sst
il
lthi
nki
ngofhersaf
ety.

"
-I'
m al
readyi
nposi
ti
ont
otaket
hesemot
her
fuckerout
-"

"
Niccol
o."Ani
yasamahi
nangboses.

Theotherl
i
newentsi
l
entf
oracoupl
eofsecondbef
oreshehear
dherhusband'
svoi
ce
agai
n.

"
Areyouokay?"

Umi
l
ingsi
yanapar
abangnasahar
apanni
yal
angi
to."
I'
m scar
ed.
"

"Iknow,amoremio.
"Hisvoi
cewassof tandcari
ng."Don'
twor
ry.Letmet
akecar
eofi
t.
TellPi
etr
otost
artdr
ivi
ng.Mal
i-l
atekasafli
ghtmo."
Nani
kipnanamanangdi
bdi
bni
ya."
Okay.Thankyou.
"

"
Haveasaf
etr
ip.
"

"
Okay.
"Wal
asi
yangi
bangmasabikundi'
okay'
.

"
AndI
ri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Imi
ssyou.
"

Shef
eltherhear
tti
ght
ened."
I-mi
ssyout
oo,Ni
ccol
o."

"
Besaf
e."Her
epl
i
edbef
oreendi
ngt
hecal
l
.

Nanghi
hinangbumagsakangkamayniyangmayhawakngcel
l
phoneatwal
angbuhay
natumi
nginkayPiet
ro."
TotheAi
rpor
t,pl
ease,Pi
etr
o."

TumangosiPiet
roper
ohi
ndini
topi
nagal
aw angsasakyanhanggangsabi
glanal
ang
i
sa-i
sangnat
umbaangmgakalal
aki
hangnakahar
angsakani
la.

Mari
inni
yangipi
niki
tangmgamat
angmaki
taangdugongl
umabassamgakat
awan
ni
tonati
namaanngbala.

Shewaspr
ayi
ngt
oGodt
omakei
tal
lst
opunt
ilPi
etr
omovet
hecar
.

Nakahi
ngasi
yangmal
uwangngmakal
ayosi
l
asamgakal
alaki
hangnamar
ilsakani
l
a.

"
W-whathappened?"Nangi
ngi
nigpar
inangbosesni
yangt
anongkayPi
etr
o.

"Si
gnorNiccol
oenemi es."SagotniPi
etr
ohabangmabi
l
isnanagmamaneho."
They'
re
get
tingdesper
ate.Theyreal
lywantyougone.
"

"
Whatdoyoumeanbyt heywantmegone?"Nagt
atakaatnagugul
uhangt
anongni
ya.
"
Pleaseexpl
ain,Pi
etr
o,i
'
mi nt
hevergeofaner
vousbreakdown.
"

Piet
rolookedatherthr
oughtherear
view mi
rr
or."Theonl
yimportantt
hingr
ightnow is
you'r
esafe,Si
gnori
na.It
'snotmydecisi
ontotel
lyoueveryt
hingIknow.Myapologies,
Signori
na.
"
Kumuyom angkamaoni
ya.

Niccol
oiskeepi
ngherinthedar
kagai
n.She'
sadamselindi
str
essi
nherhusband'
s
eyes.Si
gur
ongat amal
angnaumali
ssi
yasamansi
yonni
to.

She'
l
lbesaf
einherf
ather
'smansi
on.

Wi
thoutNi
ccol
otopr
otecther
.

Per
obakitnakakar
amdam si
yangkahungkagansai
si
pinghi
ndinani
yamakakasama
angasawaniyatul
adngnasai
sl
asi
ya.

Ni
ccol
o.

Humingasi
yangmal ali
m athi
nintaynamakar at
ingsi
lasaAirport
.Nangi par
adani
Pi
etr
oangsasakyansaparki
ngar ea,kaagadsi
yanglumabasatkinuhaangmaletasa
backcompar
tmentatpumasokngAi r
portnahi
ndimanlangnagpapaalam kayPi
etr
o.

Dumeret
sosi
yasaCheck-Inatbagdr opsakapumasoksaboar di
nggate.But
inalang
athi
ndidel
ayang fl
ightni
ya pat
ungong Bogotá.Hi
ndiniya gi
namitang pr
ibadong
er
opl
anoniNiccol
okayanamanBusinessClassangki
nuhaniyangti
cket
.

Nangmakasakaysi
yasaer
oplanoatnakauposaupuanniya,pi
niki
tni
yaangmgamat
a,
pi
li
tnapi
napakal
maangsari
lihanggangsatumunogangcell
phoneniya.

Nakal
i
mut
anpal
ani
yangi
-ai
rpl
anemodeyon.

Nangtingnanni
yakungsinoangtumat
awag,sumi
kdoangpusoni
yangmaki
taang
pangal
anngasawaniyasaCal
lerI
.D.

Sahal
i
pnasagut
in,pi
nat
ayni
yaangt
awagsakai
binal
i
kangcel
l
phonesabagni
ya.

I
hini
l
igni
yaangkat
awansal
i
kodngki
nauupuansakai
pini
ki
tangmgamat
a.

I
ri
sdi
dn'
topenhereyesevenwhenthePi
l
otst
art
edtal
ki
ngaboutt
hei
rfl
i
ght
.Hereyes
r
emai
nedcl
ose.Minul
atl
angni
yaangmgamatanangnasahi
mpapawi
dnasil
a.

Outofbor
edom,shetookoutherphonefrom herbagtol
i
stentosomemusi
c.Per
o
bumul
agasakani
yaangsampungtextmessageniNi
ccol
osakani
ya.
'
Areyousaf
e?'

'
Areyoual
readyi
nthepl
ane?'

'
Pleaser
epl
y.'

'
Ir
is,pl
ease,r
epl
y.You'
remaki
ngmewor
ry.
'

'
Takecar
ealways,okay?Iwantyousaf
e,
amoremio.Pl
easebesafe.
'

'
Huwagkangmagl al
alabasdoonsabahayng
Papámo.Ayokongmaymangyar ingmasama
sayo.
'

'
Piet
rotol
dmethatyoul
ookmadear
li
er?
Gali
tkabasaki
n?'

'
I'
m sor
ryf
orkeepi
ngt
hingsf
rom you.Pl
easet
alkt
ome'

'
Alwaysbesaf
e,Amor
emi
o.'

'
Imi
ssyou.
'

Napat
it
igsi
yasahul
i
ngmensaheni
tosakani
ya.

Hemi
ssedme.

Sheclosedhereyesagain.Shemisshimt oo.Butthatdoesn'
tmeanthatt
heyshoul
d
getbacktoget
herl
ikenot
hinghappened,l
i
keshedi dn'
tgivehi
m anul
ti
matum.

Shehadbeenpat i
ent
.Shehadbeenal oyalandfai
thf
ulwi
fe.Shehadgi venhimti
me.
Atnasagad na ni
to ang pasensi
ya niya.Kahi
tmahalniya ang asawa niya,may
hangganannamanangpag-inti
ndiniya.

I
ri
stookadeepbr
eat
handl
etoutal
oudsi
ghed.

Pi
nil
i
tniyangmakatul
oghabangnasabiyahe.l
angor
asdi
nangt
inul
ogni
yaathi
nint
ay
bagonakalapagangeropl
anosaBogot
á.

Nangmakar
ati
ngsiyasaar
ri
valarea,akmangl
alabasnasiyasaexi
tngAi
rpor
tngbi
gla
nal
angmayyumakapsakaniyasabeywangmulasal i
kod.

Handanasiyangtawagi
nangat
ensi
yonngSecur
it
yngmagsal
i
taangpangahasna
yumakapsakani
ya.

"
Amor
e..
."
I
ri
sfr
ozewhensher
ecogni
zet
hevoi
ce!

Ni
ccol
o!

Dahan-dahansi
yangl
umi
ngonpar
ati
ngnankungt
amaangnar
ini
gni
ya.

I
ri
sfel
therhear
tbeatsof
astwhenshesawherhusband.

Facet
oface.Eyet
oeye.

Thef
aceoft
hemanwhopl easuredherandmakeherhappyint
hei
sl
andandt
heman
whoownst
hemostbeaut
if
ulgreeneyesshehadeverseen.

"
Niccol
o..
."

Theemot i
ononhisfacedi
dn'
tchangeasher
aisehi
shandt
ocupherf
aceandcar
ess
hercheek."Youmademeworried.
"

She can'
t st
op st
ari
ng at hi
s handsome face. "
Cor
mac.
" Tawag ni
ya r
it
o sa
pangal
awangkat
auhannapi
nakil
alani
tosakani
ya.

Ni
ccol
obi
thi
slowerl
i
pashel
ooksdown."
I'
m sor
ry.
"

Umil
ingsiyasakasinubukangngumi
tiperohi
ndiumabotangngi
ti
ngiyonsamgamat
a
ni
ya."That'
sokay.Youwon' tt
ell
meanythi
ngbutl
guessyouhaveyourreasons.
"

I
binal
i
knit
oangtingi
nsakaniyahabangkagat
-kagatpar
inangpang-i
babangl
abi
."I
caref
oryou.Al
ot.Al
wayskeepthati
nmind.
"

Tumangosi
ya."
Iwi
l
l.
"

Hinaplosngdulongdal
irini
toangpisnginiya,nuo,pababasailongatgil
i
dngmgal abi
niya."Gust
okongsabihinsayonahuwagakongkal imut
an...butIdon'twanttobe
selfi
sh.Go.
..l
i
veyourl
ifethewayyouwanti t,l
ivei
ttotheful
l
est.Behappyandbewi t
h
amanwhocanandwi l
lstaybyyourside.Unl i
kemewhocanneverdot hat.I'
m maybe
tell
i
ngyoutobehappywi thsomeonebutt hatdoesn'tmeanIwilfor
getyou."

"Youwil
lalwaysbeher
e,"het
appedhisheatashest ar
edst
raightt
ohereyes."
Iwi
l
l
alwayst
reasur
eyouandyouwi
llal
waysbemyforeveramoremio."
Hi
ndiniyanapigi
l
anangpagbagsakngl uhasapisngini
ya."
You'
rehurt
ingmeri
ghtnow
"Pag-ami nni
ya."Ithoughtal
lyouwantisf
ormet obehappy."Patul
oyangpagdal
oy
ngl
uhani ya."
Justsaythewordandi'
l
lstaywit
hyou."

Sahali
p nasumagot
,pi
nal
i
botni
to ang mgabr
aso sakat
awanni
yasakamahi
gpi
t
si
yangniyakap.

Umiiyaknai
niyakapni
yari
nangmgabr
asosabeywangni
tohabangpat
uloyangsunod
-sunodatmahinangpag-i
yakni
ya.

"
Whydi
dyouhavetosaygoodbyet
ome?"Sheaskedashert
ear
sfal
l
sdown."
Doyou
r
eal
l
ywantt
ohurtmesobad?"

"
Imi
ssedyou.
"Mai
kl
ingsagotni
to."
AndIwannaseeyou.
"

Maslal
ongnagi
ngsaganaangl uhangdumadal
oysapi
sngini
yakayanamanibinaon
ni
yaangmukhasabal
ikatngasawahabangpahi
gpi
tngpahi
gpi
tangyakapdi
to.

"Masyadong deli
kado ang buhayna kasama ako,I ri
s.That'swhyi '
m keepi
ng my
dist
ance from you.That '
s why Ididn'tletyou see me foreightyears.Pero sa
kagustuhankongmakasamaka,nagpaki t
apar i
nakosayo.AndwhathappenedinItaly,
Idon' twanti tto happen agai
n.Ayokong nanganganib ang buhay mo,ayokong
nangingi
nigkaatsumi si
gaw satakot
.IfIhavet ol
etyougot ogiveyouapeacefulli
fe
youwant ed,evenifi
'l
lgethur
tintheprocess,t
hat'
sokay.Justbehappy."

Ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abipar
api
gil
anangsar
il
inahumi
kbi
.

"
You'
rel
ett
ingmego.
"Ani
ya.

"
Yes.
"

"
Whatt
ookyousol
ongt
oletmego?"

"
Selfi
shness.
" Sagot ni
to. "
Hindiko kayang maki
ta kang may nagmamahalat
minamahalngibangl
alaki
."

"
Atngayonkayamongmaki
ta'
yon?"

Pi
nakawal ansiyani
tosapagkakayakapsakangi
nit
ianper
ohi
ndi'
yonmasayangngiti
.
"l
'
llprobablyt
rytoassassi
nat
ehi
m.Butifhecanmakeyouhappy,I
"l
ltr
ymyhardestnot
t
oki l
lhim."

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awasakat
inuyoangl
uhasapi
sngini
ya."
Thi
sist
heendt
hen.
"
Hi
ndimakat
ingi
nsiNi
ccol
osamgamat
ani
ya.

"Goodbye,Niccolo."Dumal
oynanamanangl uhasapisngini
yakayanamanmabi
l
is
niyani
tongt
inali
kuranatmal
alakianghakbangnalumabasngAirpor
t.

Per
obagosi
yat
uluyangmakal
abas,hi
ndini
yanapi
gil
annal
i
nguni
nangasawa.

Per
obagosi
yat
uluyangmakal
abas,hi
ndini
yanapi
gil
annal
i
nguni
nangasawa.

Shesaw Ni
ccol
olooki
ngatt
hecei
l
ing,dr
opoft
ear
sfal
l
ingf
rom hi
seyes.

Nar
amdamanniyaangkur
otsapusoni
yaper
oni
l
abananni
yai
yonatt
uloy-t
uloyna
l
umabasngAi
rpor
t.

Goodbye,mi
omar
it
o.

A/
N:HappyBi
rt
hday,Ami
guel
Alonzo.

HappyReadi
ngever
yone.

CHAPTER1
9

SABININiccol
omagingmasayasiyaatmagmahalngl al
aki
ngsasamahansiya.Per
o
paanoni
yamagagawa'yonkunghindisi
yal
umalabasngbahay?Ayaw ni
yangl
umabas
ngkuwart
o.Walasi
yangganangkumainatpar
angwalangbuhayangmundoniya?

Hindikomplet
oangbawatar aw nanagdar
aanathi
ndimanniyaami
ninsasar
il
inasa
i
sanglinggonadumaan,hi
nihint
ayni
yangtumawagsiNi
ccol
o.

Walanasiyangpaki
alm kungayaw ni
tongsabi
hinsakani
yaangt
otoo.Ayosl
angsa
kani
ya.Hi
ndisi
yamagtat
anong.

Perohi
ndit
umawagsiNi
ccol
o.Kapagsi
yanamanangt
umat
awag,hi
ndini
yai
toma-
cont
act
.

"
Mir
eini
ta.
"

Hi
ndisi
yagumal
aw sapagkakahi
gangmarini
gangbosesngamaniya,t
angi
ngang
mgamatal
angni
yaanggumalaw par
atumi
ngindi
to."
Yes,Papá?"
Herf
atherl
ookedworri
edashestandbesi
dethedoortoherr
oom." Areyouokay,I
ri
s?
Themaidst
oldmethatyouhaven'
teat
ensi
ncelastni
ghtandi
tsal
readytwil
i
ght
."

"
Idon'
tfeel
li
keeat
ing.
"Herf
athersi
ghed.

"
CanIcomei
n?"Tumangosi
ya.

Tul
uyangpumasokangamani yasakaumuposagil
idngkamani ya."Don'tsulk.Thisis
nott
heI r
isIknow.Doyour ememberhow youhidIvyfrom meflawlessl
y?Justl i
kelvy,
you'
reaf i
ghterbutinadiff
erentway.Ivyhasal
waysbeenaphysi calfi
ghter,butyou,
you'
rethebrain,I
ri
s.You'
resmar t
.Ifsomet
hingi
sbotheri
ngyou,thentel
lme.Iwi l
ll
end
myment ohel pyou."

Tumingi
nsi
yasaamani
ya."
Papá,whenMamál
eftust
obewi
thGod,how di
dyout
ake
i
t?"

Bumakasangl ungkotsamukhangamani ya."

Mir ei
nit
a,Il
oveyourMama.
..somuch.
..
that
'swhywhenGodt ookher,Inear
lywentinsane.ButIhaveyouandl
vy.Youtwo
savedmef rom myself.Imaynott el
lyouorshow i ttoyoubutyouandIvyar
emy
sourceofst
rengthtoli
vemylif
eevenwhenhalfofmei sal
readydead.
"

"Papá...
"ngayonl angsil
anagkausapngt ungkolsaMamáni ya.Kahitmasamangt ao
angPapáni ya,mahalnamahalni t
oangMamáni ya.He' sasof t
ywheni tcomest othei
r
mother.Andseei ngherPapásosad,i tbri
ngbackspai nfulmemor y."I
'm notasstrong
asyouorl vy.I'm weak.Idon'
tevenknow whatt odowi thmyl ifeanymore.Ithoughti'
ll
behappyi fldivorcemyhusband,buti '
m mor emi ser
ablet hanbefore.Ican'tevenfil
e
thedivorce.I'
ml oneli
erandi
'm suf
fer
ingf r
om abr okenhear t.
"

"Mirei
nit
a..
."i
nabotngkamayni
toangpisngini
yapar
atuyui
nangmgal
uhani
ya."
Do
youknow whyl f
orceyout
omarr
yNiccol
oRacini
?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya.

Ti
pidnangumitiangamaniya."
Becausehecamet omeandaskmef oryourhandi
n
marri
age.He'
sbravetof
acemeandt el
lmethathewant
stomar
ryyou.
"

Herl
i
pspar
ted."
Niccol
odi
dthat
?"

Nakangit
ing t
umango ang ama ni
ya."
Ofcourse,Iautomati
cal
l
ysaid no.Buthe's
per
sist
ent.SoItol
dhim,ifhecansmuggledr
ugsfrom her
etoNorthAmeri
ca,Iwi
l
llet
hi
m mar r
yyou."

Masl
alongumawangangl
abi
niya."
Hesmuggl
eddr
ugsf
orme?"
Herfathernodded." Andt henlater
,Ifoundoutt hathe'saMil
it
aryman.SoIf orceyouto
marryhi m.Att hetime,Ibel i
evet hathecanmakeyouhappy,t hathecankeepyou
saf
e...hepr omiset okeepyousaf e.I
'm happyt hatIf
oundamanwhocant akeyoufar
awayf rom t
hischaot i
clif
eIbui l
tforyouandl vy.Idon'tknow whathappenedaftert
hat
butnow you' r
edi vorci
nghi m.Af t
ereightyears.Why,I ri
s?Caret otel
lyourPapásol
canunder st
andyoubet t
er?"

Bumangonsi
yaatnapat
it
igsaamani
ya,habangnag-i
i
sipkungsasabi
hinbani
yar
it
o
angmganangyar
i.

Andthenshef i
ndher
sel
fopeni
ngupandt
ell
i
ngever
ythi
ngt
oherf
atherwhol
i
stenedt
o
herat
tent
ivel
y.

Atnangmat
apossi
yangmagkuwent
o,nakat
it
igl
angsakani
yaangamani
ya.

"Andwhatdoyoupl
ant
odonow?"'
Yonangt
anongngamani
ya."
You'
renother
eto
sul
kareyou.
"

Nagbabasi
yangt
ingi
n."
Ifeel
li
kemywor
ldi
sfal
l
ingapar
t.
"

"Mirei
nit
a"hinapl
osnit
oangbuhokni ya,"
themanyoul oveissti
llal
i
ve."Herf ather
cuppedherfaceandforcehertol
ookathim."He'soutt
here,fi
ghti
ngforyousafety.So
thi
nk.I
fyouwanttoprovetoyourhusbandthatyou'
renotadamsel i
ndistr
ess,useyour
brai
n.You'r
egoodati t.Manipul
atethesit
uati
on,contr
olhimi fyoumust .Youdon' t
wannalosehim,ri
ght
?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Iwantt
okeephi
m,buti
tsNi
ccol
owhodoesn'
twantt
okeepme.
"

"Iknow Niccolo,Mir
eini
ta.He'stheki
ndofmanwho' l
ldieforyousoi '
m sur
ehe'l
lkeep
you.Youj usthavetoknow whatbut t
ontopushf orhi
mt okeepyou. "Anangamani ya
sakakampant engngumi ti
."Don'tj
udgehim basedonhi swor ds.Us,men,alwayssay
the opposit
e when we act ual
l
ymeantsomet hi
ng else.Alwaysdeduce hisactions.
Understandinghisr
easoningbeyondhiswords."

"
How canIdot
hat
?"Shesoundshopel
ess.

"I
t'
soneofyourmot her'
sski
ll
s.Yougetitf
rom herwhi
lelvygetheratt
it
udefrom me."
Herfat
hersmi
ledlovingl
yatthementi
onoft hei
rmother."Andyourmotherneverfai
l
s
t
odeducemyact i
onsandr easoni
ngsthatwhysheunderstandsme..
.eventheworsti
n
me."

Thatmadehersmi
l
e."
Imi
ssMamá.
"

"
Idot
oo.
"Nagi
ngmal
ungkotnanamanangngi
tini
to."
Someday,I
'l
lbewi
thher
.I'
m
hol
dingont
othat
."

"
Butyou'
reabadperson.
"Sabini
ya,"
Mamái
sagoodwoman.She'
l
lbei
nheaven
whi
l
eyou'l
lbei
nhel
lwhenyoudi
e."

Nawal
aangngi
tisamgal
abingamani
ya."
Youj
ustki
l
lthel
i
ttl
ehopeIhave.
"

I
ri
ssmi
l
edt
hatt
urnsi
ntoachuckl
e."
Buti
tst
rue.You'
reabadman.
"

Herfat
hersi
ghed."Iknow,mir
eini
ta.Butyousmi
l
ed.
"Herf
atherpoi
ntedout
."Imi
ss
seei
ngyousmil
e."

I
ri
stookadeepbreat
hbeforel
ett
ingoutaloudone."I
'l
ltakeyouradvi
ce,Papa.I
'l
l
makehi
m keepmesi
nceI
'm mor
emi ser
abl
ewhenhe'snotwithme.
"

"That'
smyPrincess.Bebraveandfacet heworldthathe'
stryi
ngsohardtohideyou
from.Youdon'thavetobegoodi nbatt
leli
keIvy,youjusthavetouseyourbr
ainand
everyt
hingwi
l
lwor ki
nyourfavor
..
.well
,that
'swhatyourMamásai dbef
ore.
"

Shesmi
l
ed."
Graci
as,Papá.It
houghtyou'
l
lbemeant
ome.
"

"
I'
m get
ti
ngol
d,mi
rei
nit
a.Myat
ti
tudechangesasIaged.
"

Sher
oll
edhereyes."Idon'
tbeli
evet
hat.You'r
esti
llmean.Youj
ustwantt
omakei
tup
t
omeandlvyafteral
lthebadthi
ngsyoudidtous.
"

Herf
athersmi
l
efel
l
."It
oldyout
odeduceyourhusband,notdeduceme.
"

Mahinasiyangtumawasakaumal
i
sngkama."
Comeon,Papá,cooksomet
hingf
or
yourpr
incess.
"

Bumal
i
kangngi
tisamgal
abini
to."
YouknowIcan'
tcookeveni
fmyl
i
fedependsoni
t.
"

"
Let
sjustpr
etendt
hatyoucan.
"Ani
yasakanaunanangl
umabas.

Andt
ohersur
pri
se,herf
atherdi
dcookf
orher
..
.howeveri
tlookshor
ri
ble.

"I
'm noteat
ingthat."Ani
yahabangti
ti
nnat i
ti
gsapi
nggankungsaannar
oonangni
l
uto
ngamani ya."I
tlooksli
keit
sbeentor
tured.
"

Napakur
ap-kur
apangamani
yasakapasi
mpl
engi
ti
naponangl
amanngpi
nggansa
t
rashbi
n."
Itol
dyouIdon'
tknow howt
ocook.
"

Napai
l
ingsi
yasakasi
yanal
angangnagl
uto."
Sit
,Papá.I
'l
ldoi
t.
"

"
Wehavemai
dsf
ort
hat
-"

"Isai
di'
m doingitsoshutup,Papá."Maydii
nniyangsabisaamani
yanat
ahi
mikna
nauposastoolnanasaharapngisl
andcount
er.

Si
yanamanaymabi l
i
snaini
handaangingredi
entsatnag-umpi
sangmagl ut
o.Nang
matapossi
ya,nagl
agaysi
yasapinggansakaini
lapagi
yonsaisl
andcount
ersaharap
ngPapániya.

"
Tast
eit
."Ani
ya.

"
Itsmel
l
sdel
i
cious.
"Pur
ingamani
yasal
utoni
ya."
Justl
i
kehowyourMamácooks.
"

Ngi
nit
ianni
yai
to."
Eat
,Papá,andt
ell
mewhatyout
hink.
"

Kumainnamanangamani yaatnagt
humbsupsakani
yahabangngumunguya."
It
s
good.Tast
esgood.Del
i
cious.
"

Pagkal
i
pasng il
ang segundo,nag-i
baang emosyonsamukhani
to.Nag-umpi
sang
kumunotangnuoni
toatpanayanghingangmalal
im.

"
Whati
sit
,Papá?"Pa-i
nosent
eni
yangt
anong.

Hekeepsonbr
eat
hingi
nandouti
kehi
smout
hisonf
ir
e."
It
'shot
!"

Mat
ami
ssi
yangngumi
ti
."Iputsomechi
l
isaucei
nit
.Tast
esgood?"

Mabi
li
snaumil
ingangPapani
yasakanagmamadal
i
ngt
inungoangRefpar
akumuha
si
gur
ongmalamignatubi
g.

"That
'swhatyougetf
ort
hrowi
ngf
oodi
ntot
hebi
n."Pahabolni
yangsabisaama."
It
's
badyouknow."

Natawanalangsi
yangmagsal
i
taangamani
yaper
ohi
ndinamanni
yamai
nti
ndi
han
dahil
nagmumumogit
ongt
ubigsal
ababo.

I
ri
swasaboutt
oleavet
heki
tchenwhenamanst
epsi
n,hi
spr
esencesuper
iorand
conf
ident
.

Shebl
i
nkedatt
heman."
R-Russo?"

Henodather
."Señor
it
a."

Hindimaali
sangti
ngi
nni
yakayRusso.Nagr
i-r
epl
aysai
si
pni
yaangmgai
kinuwent
oni
Andriussakani
ya.

Russowast het
rai
torandherf
athert
ookhi
mtoBogot
átopuni
shhi
mforhur
ti
ngher
t
winsist
er.

"
Y-you'
real
i
ve?"She'
sshocked."
H-how?"

Russolookedatherf
atherwho'sst
il
lri
nsi
nghi
smout
hwi
thcol
dwat
er."
Hebeatmeup
butdi
dn'tki
ll
me.Hesaidi'mtooval
uabletodi
e."

"
DoesI
vyknow?"

Umili
ngit
o."AsfarasIknow,Señori
tal
vydoesn'
tknow anyt
hing.I
tsbett
erthatway,I
guess.Atl
easti
'l
lbeabl
etomovef or
wardwit
houtlooki
ngbackt oal
lthet
hingIdi
dand
toal
lthepai
nIfel
t."

I
ri
sisst
il
li
nshockwhenherf
atherspoke.

"
Don'
ttel
lI
vy.Shedoesn'
tneedt
oknow.
"

Ni
l
ingonni
yaangama."
Papá!I
vyneedst
oknowt
his!
"

Umili
ngangamani
ya."I
'm gi
vi
ngRussoasecondchance.Achancetoprovehi
mself
agai
n.AndIneedsomeonetotakecar
eofthebusinesswhenIdieso.
..I'
mtrai
ning
Russo."

Hi
ndisi
yamakapani
wal
asanar
ini
g."
Papá!Het
ri
edt
ohar
mIvy!
"

"Becausehe'sinl
ovewit
hher.
"Herf
atherr
easoned."
Buthe'
smovi
ngf
orwar
dnow.He
knew thathecan'
thavel
vy.
"

"
AndAndr
ius?"

"
Don'
twor
ry,Señor
it
a."SabadniRusso."wi
l
lnotdoanyt
hingt
hat
'l
lmaket
hewoman
l
ovesad.
"

She'
sst
il
ldoubt
ful
butherf
athert
rust
sRusso.Herf
atheri
spl
anni
ngsomet
hingf
orsur
e.

"Iwi
lll
endRussot
oyou.
"Anangamani
yasakani
ya."
Hel
lhel
pyouwi
thwhat
everyou
need."

Tumi
ngi
nsi
yakayRusso.Tahi
miknamani
tongt
umangosakani
ya.

"
Idon'
ttr
usthi
m,Papá.
"

"
Thent
rustme,Mir
eini
ta"Ani
ngPapáni
ya."
Hewon'
thar
m you.
"

Ti
nit
iganni
yasiRussonanagbabangt
ingi
n.

"
Lookatme.
"Ani
yakayRusso.

Sl
owl
y,Russol
ookedst
rai
ghti
ntohereyes.

Russo'
semot
ionl
esseyes,t
hecol
dnessi
nthei
rdept
hs.
..t
hismani
sinpai
nbuthe'
s
hi
dingi
t.

I
ri
ssi
ghed."
Fine.
"

Russonoddownagai
n."
Whatdoyouwantmet
odo,Señor
it
a?"

"
Findoutever
ythi
ngaboutmyhusband-"

"Nouse.
"Anangamani
ya."
Ial
soaskedRussot
hatbutapower
ful
indi
vi
dual
iscover
ing
him.
"

Shef
rowned."
Who?"

"
ASpani
ardCount
,Kni
ghtVel
asquez.
"

Masl
alongl
umal
i
m anggat
lasanuoni
ya."
Whoi
she?"

"A powerf
uland adangerousman.A verydeadlycombinat
ion.TheGonzagaonce
servethei
rfamil
ybutonlySignorandSeñori
talvyknowsit.
"SagotniRusso."
He's
blocki
ngeveryent
rancet
oNiccol
oRacini
'
ssecret
.Ican'
tgeti
n.There'
snouse.
"
Napauposiyasastoolnanasatabini slandcounter
."I
fIwanttokeephim,Ihaveto
f
ightforhi
m."Bulongniyasasari
lisakamal akasnabumunt
ong-hi
ninga."
Pasal
amat
t
alagaanglal
aki
ng'yondahi
lmahal kosiya."

Pagali
tsiyangt
umayoatumal
i
sngkusi
nasakat
inungoangkuwar
toni
yaatt
inawagan
siAndri
us.

"
Anynews?"Kaagadni
yangt
anongdi
to.

"
Nothing.
"Anit
osakabumunt
ong-hi
ninga."
Forsomer
eason,myfri
endscan'
tfi
ndany
i
nfor
mat i
onaboutCor
macPaulCr
aigothert
hanhe'
saMil
i
taryDoct
or."

Hi
nil
otni
yaangsent
ido."
Mal
i
bando'
n,wal
anat
alaga?"

"
Wal
ana.
"

Bumagsakangbal
i
katni
yaper
okaagadni
yangpi
naganaangi
si
pni
ya.

Ihavet
ooutsmarthi
m.I fshecan'
tdivorcehim,t
henshehavetodosomethi
ngt
okeep
hi
m.Alam ni
yasasari
lini
yanahindiniyakayangbit
iwanangasawani
ya.

Sheli
vedforei
ghtyear
sasNi
ccol
oRaci
ni'
swi
feandshewi
l
lremai
nhi
swi
feunt
ilGod
saysi
tsover
.

Ayaw moakongpapasuki
nsamundomo,p'
wes,sapi
l
itanakongpapasoksamundong
gi
nagalawanmo.

She'snotl
vybutshe'
snodamseli
ndist
ress.Herf
atheri
sri
ght
.Shecanal
waysuseher
brai
nforever
ythi
ngtowor
kinherf
avour.

Naki
taniyaang l uhananamal isbi
ssamgamat aniNi ccol
o ng maghi
walaysi
lasa
Ai
rpor
t.Alam niyangnapipi
l
itanl
angitongpakawal
ansiya.Atmayhinal
asiyangmal
api
t
l
angit
osakani yadahilangpinupunt
oni t
oayangkali
gtasanni
ya.

Hemi
ghtbeher
einBogot
áifherdeduct
ioni
sri
ght
.

Lumabassiyangkuwar
toatbumal
i
ksakusi
nakungsaannar
oonpar
inangamani
yaat
siRusso.

"
Russo.
"Tawagni
yasabi
nat
a.
"
Señor
it
a?"

"
Let
'sgot
othepar
kandgetsomef
reshai
r,shal
lwe?"

"
It
sdanger
ous.
"Sabadngamani
ya.

Shesmi
l
ed."
That
'sexact
lyt
her
easonwhy.
"

Napail
i
ng nal
ang ang ama ni
ya." Li
ke motherl
ike daught
er"He mur
mur
ed."
You'
re
mothersetat
rapformeaswel l
,justl
ikewhatyou'r
edoingnow."

"
Onl
yifmydeduct
ioni
sri
ght
."Ani
yasakahumi
ngangmal
ali
m."
Let
'sgo,Russo.
"

TumangosiRussoatnaunangl
umabasngkusi
na.

"Takecar
e,mirei
nit
a."AnangPapani
yasakahi
nal
i
kansi
yasanuo."
Cal
lmewhenyou
needmyhelp.
"

Tumango siya saka l

umabasng kusi
na atlumabasng bahay.Nakahanda na ang
sasakyanatnakauponasiRussosadri
ver
'sseat.

Bi
nuksanni
yaangpi
ntongDr
iver
'sseat
."Useanot
hercar
.I'
l
ldr
ive.
"

"
ButSeñor
it
a-"

"Tai
lmy carand don'
tlose si
ghton me.
"Sabini
ya kay Russo."
Iwantt
otest
somethi
ng.
"

Walangimiknat
umangosiRussosakal
umabasngsasakyan.Si
yanamanaysumakay
sakotseatmahi
gpi
tnahumawaksamanibel
a.

"Ni
ccol
o..
."bul
ongniyasakawalan,"yourwif
eisabouttodosomet hi
ngver
ystupi
dand
thi
sisal
lyourf
aultf
ornotf i
ghti
ngforourmar r
iage.
"Pagkasabino'naypi
nausadniya
angsasakyanpal
abasngmal apadatmat aasnagat engmansiyonsakapinaharur
ot
i
yonngnasadaannasi ya.

Madal
ilangsi
yangnakar
ati
ngsaparknanapil
ini
yaatnai
par
adaniyaangsasakyan.
Nangmakababasi
ya,t
aasnuongnagl
akadsi
yapat
ungosamarami
ngtao.

Nagi
ngdahan-dahanangpagl
alakadni
yahabangpi
nagmamasdanangpal
i
gidnapar
a
bangnamamasyall
angsi
yaatwalangbinabal
aksai
si
pni
ya.
Hanggangsadal
hinsi
yangmgapaani
yasapar
tengpar
knawal
angmasyadongt
ao.

That
'swhenf
ourmenappr
oachher
.

Kaagadsi
yangki
nabahanatnat
akotper
osaisi
pingbakanasapal
i
gidl
angsiNi
ccol
oat
bi
nabant
ayansi
ya,nagkar
oonsi
yanglakasngl
oob.

"
Chi
ngaust
ed,I
vyGonzaga.Youki
l
ledourboss.
"

Oh,shi
t.

Umat
rassi
yapar
amagkar
oonngdi
stansi
yaangpagi
tanni
l
angper
ohi
ndisi
yahi
nayaan
ngmgait
o.

Hi
nawakansi
yangmgaitosakamayatpil
i
tnahini
hil
apat
ungosanakapar
adangkot
se
ngmgait
ohabangpi
l
itsi
yangnagpupumi
glas.

Panayangsabingapatnakal
alalaki
hannapar
urusahansi
yangmgai
tosagi
nawani
ya
habangpanayangpagpupumiglasniya.

"
Letgoofme!Isai
dletgo!
"

I
ri
sisal
readyl
osi
nghercomposur
e.Ther
e'snoNi
ccol
otosavehernow.Herdeduct
ion
i
swrong!

Marii
nniyangi
pini
kitangmat
angakmangit
utul
aksiyangmgakalal
aki
hanpapasoksa
sasakyanngmgaitongmgasumuntoksai
sanglal
akinahawakangkamayniya.

Herhopel
if
tsup,buti
twasn'
tNi
ccol
owho'
sbeat
ingupt
hef
ourmen,i
t'
sRussowho'
s
ski
l
ful
l
yfi
ghti
ngandwinni
ngagai
nstt
hef
our
.

Napasandalnal
ang si
ya sa hood ng kot
se saka mahi
nang natawa ng maki
tang
nagt
akbuhanangapatnakal
alaki
hansatakotnamapatayniRusso.

"Señor
it
a."Lumapitsakani
yasiRussosakahinawakanangkamayni
yaatsinur
iang
namamagani yangpul
suhan."
Whatisitt
hatyou'r
eplanni
ngt
hatyouputyour
sel
fina
harmsway?"

"
Ithoughthe'l
lbeher
e."Bul
ongniyaatnat
awanal
angsakat
angahanni
ya."
Iguesshe
r
eall
ydoesn'twantmeanymore.
"
Russosighedbef
oretaki
ngof
fhissuitandwr
appi
ngi
tar
oundhershoul
der
."I
tst
oo
danger
ous,Señor
it
a.Wecan'
tstayher
e."

Tumangosi
yasakahi
nayaansiRussonaal
alayansi
yapabal
i
ksasasakyanni
ya.

Nang makasakay si
ya sa backseatatnasa daan na si
l
a niRusso,t
umunog ang
cel
l
phoneniyanainiwanpalaniyasadashboar
d.

I
nabotiyonsakani
yaniRussoatsumi
kdongmabi
l
isangpusoni
yangmaki
takungsi
no
angtumatawa.

"
Niccol
o..
."bul
ongni
yasakamabi
l
isnasi
nagotangt
awagati
nil
api
tangcel
l
phonesa
t
aingani
ya.

"
Don'tdothatagai
n."Wi
kanit
osawal ang emosyonmukhaatboses."Alam mong
mapangani
bperol
umabaskapari
n.Di
dn'tt
ellyout
ostayi
nsi
deyourf
ather
'shouse?"

Kahi
tmal
amigangbosesnit
oaynar
aramdamanpar
inni
yaangpag-aal
alani
tosa
gi
nawani
ya."
Iwantt
oseeyou."

"I
ri
s..
."hesoundst
ir
ed,"
please,don'
tri
skyoursaf
etyj
ustt
oseeme.Iwantyousaf
e
andunharmed."

Tumim angbagangni ya."No.

"Pagmamat igasniya."
Ar aw-araw,lal
abasakongbahay.
Iwil
lputmysel fi
nahar mswayunt i
lyouhavet heball
st okeepmeandbeahusband
who'l
lstaywithme.Andno,Ni ccolo,Iwil
lnotfi
ndanot hermant obewi th.Mayasawa
ako.I
kaw 'yon.Athindiakomaghahanapngi banapapal itsayo.Nagbagonaangi sip
ko.Iwil
lnotdivor
ceyou.I'l
lkeepyoueveni fyoudon'twantt okeepme.Soi fyouwant
togetri
dofmet hatmuch,di vorcemei nsteadandr equestar est
rai
ningorderagai
nst
me."

"
Iri
s..
."hesoundsf
rust
rat
ed.

Shepr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
her
."Di
vor
ceme.That
'show you'
regonnagetr
idofme.
"

Ni
ccol
oletoutaf
rust
rat
edsi
ghed."
You'
rebei
ngunf
air
.YouknowIcan'
t.
"

"Don'
ttal
kaboutbeingunfai
r,Niccol
o,becauseyou'
l
lwinhandsdown. "Humugotsi
ya
ngmalali
m nahi
ninga."Andifyoucan'tdi
vorcemethendon'
t.Iwi
llkeepinput
ti
ngmy
sel
finaharmswayunt i
lyoucomeandgetme. "

Pagkasabino'
naypi
nat
ayni
yaangt
awag.
Secondsl
ater
,sher
ecei
vedat
extmessagef
rom Ni
ccol
o.

'
Thr
owt
hesui
tthati
swr
appedar
oundyourshoul
derandback.I
'mj
eal
ousasf
uck.
'

Mabi
l
isnat
umi
pasi
yaatsi
nagotangt
extni
to.'
Sucki
tup.Gi
nust
omo'
todi
ba?'

I
nst
eadofr
epl
yi
ng,hecal
l
edagai
n.

"
What
-"

"
Thr
owi
t.
"

"
Idon'
twantt
o.I
'm col
d-"

"
Damni
t,I
ri
s.I
'mj
eal
ous!
"

"Don'tdamnitme,damnyou! "Shehissedback." Ehkungsanapi ni

gil
anmoakoedi
sanajacketmongayonangnakapulupotsabalikatatlikodko.Itoldyoui ntheAir
port
didn'
tI?Justsaythewor dandi'
l
lst
aybutyoudi dn't
.Sokungnagsesel oska,bil
isan
mongkuni nako.Bakabigl
angmagbagoangi si
pkoati pagpal
itkit
asai ba.Iknow you
won'tli
kethat
,Niccol
o.Youmayactcol danduncar ingandsel f
lessbutIknow it'
llki
l
l
youtoseemewi t
hotherman.Sohur
ryup."

Pi
nat
ayni
yaangt
awagkayanagt
extnanamani
to.

'
Stophangi
nguponme!
'

'
Chi
ngat
e.'Sher
epl
i
ed.

'
Didyouj
ustsayf
uckyout
omei
nSpani
sh?'

Sher
epl
i
ed.'
Doyouwanti
tinI
tal
i
an?'

"
No,amor
emi
o.Tel
lmeyoumi
ssmei
nst
ead'

Li
him si
yangnapangi
tiper
ohi
ndisi
yanagr
epl
y.

Haveat
ast
eofyourownmedi
cine,mi
omar
it
o.
Nangmakitangpapasoknasi
l
asagat
engmansi
yonni
l
a,nagpakawal
asi
yangmal
ali
m
nahi
ninga.

Shemi
scal
cul
atedherdeduct
iononNi
ccol
obutshest
il
lgotar
esponsef
rom hi
m.

TamaangPapáni
ya.

Hindisi
yadapatnagpapani
wal
asamgasi
nasabiniNi
ccol
o.Shehavet
odeducehi
s
everywordsandact
ion.

That
'showshe'
sgoi
ngt
oout
smar
thi
m.

•CHAPTER20•

AS PROMISED,Ir
iskeepsonput t
ing her
selfi
nahar msway.Andit
salwaysRusso
who'st
heretosaveher.Shedoesn'tmindthoughsinceherplani
sworki
ngperfect
ly.
Samganal amanniyasaPapaniyanagi nawaniNiccolopar
asakani
ya,alam ni
yang
hi
ndisi
yani
tomatit
ii
s.

Shej
usthavet
obepat
ient
.Justal
i
ttl
emor
edays.

"Idon'tfeelcomfor
table.
"ReklamoniRussohabangnasai sangCaf
ési
l
aatpar
ang
nasaisangdate."
Thisistooopen.Youmi
ghtgethur
t,Señor
it
a."

"Don'
tworr
y"Aniyasakakumuhangmal
i
itnahi
wangcake."
It
'l
lbef
ine.
"Kapagkuwan
aysumimsi
m si
yanglatt
e.

Russosighedbefor
esli
cinganot
hersmal
lport
ionofthecakeforher."We'
vebeen
pret
endingtobedat
ingf
orthr
eedaysnowbutnothi
ngi
shappeni
ng.Yourpl
ani
sfai
l
ing,
Señori
ta."

I
ri
sshr
uggedandsi
ppedherLat
te."
Hecal
l
smet
ent
imesaday.
"

"
Butyoudon'
tanswerhi
scal
l
s."Russopoi
ntedout
.

"Pr
ecisel
y."Shesmil
edandletRussof
edherwi t
hasmallsl
iceofcake."Iwon'
tbe
swayedbyhi scal
l
s.Hewantme,t
henhebet
tercomeandgetmehimsel
f."

"
Andi
fhedoesn'
tcomeandgetyou?"

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katsi
ya."
Myhear
twi
l
lbef
oreverbr
oken.
"
"
Likemi
ne.
"Ani
Russosamahi
nangboses.

Napat
it
igsi
yasakaharapathi
nawakanangkamaynit
osakapini
si
lyon."
Look,Russo,
maybelvyi
snottheri
ghtwomanforyou.I
'm sur
eyoucanst
il
lfi
ndsomeonewhowi l
l
l
oveyouinret
urn.
"

Sinal
ubongniRussoangmgamat ani
ya."Idon'
tthinkilbeabl
etolovesomeoneagai
n
l
ikehow ll
oveSeñori
tal
vy.Il
ovehertoomuchthatIbecomeat r
ait
orandIhur
ther
.It
s
scarytol
ovesomeonesomuch.Itmakesyouadifferentper
son."

I
ri
ssighed." Ifeelyou."Bumakasang l ungkotsa mukha niya."Somet
imesleven
wonderifNiccololovesme.Accor dingt oPapá,Niccolo'
sactionsmeanshelovesme
butact
ion withoutwor dsi
smeani ngless.People,especial
l
ywomenneed wor dst
o
makeusf eelsecur
ei nourr
elat
ionship.AndNi ccol
ocan'tgivemet hat
."

"
He'swi
ll
ingtodieforyou.
"Wi
kaniRussosakasi
nubuannanamansi
yangcake."
Ina
man'
svocabul
ary,t
hatmeanshel
ovesyouandyouarehisl
i
fe.
"

Hi
ndisi
yanagsal
i
taatwal
asasar
il
ingnapat
ingi
nsal
abasngCaf
é.

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya.

Naroonnanamanangsasakyannapal
agi
ngnakasunodsakani
yaosakani
l
aniRusso
kapaglumal
abassi
l
angbahay.

I
ri
sinwar
dlysmi
rked.ComeonNi
ccol
o.Kayamopaba?

Humingasi
yangmal al
im sakai
binal
i
kangat
ensi
yonkayRussonagi
nawanggi
nil
i
ng
angcakenaki
nakai
nniya.

"
You'
rehur
ti
ngt
hef
ood,Russo.
"

Tumi
gil
namani
tosakanangal
umbaba."
I'
m sobor
edwi
thmyl
i
fe.
"

"
Can'
trel
ate.
"Shel
etoutasmal
lbr
eat
h."
Myl
i
fei
sexci
ti
ngashel
l
."

Russochuckl
ed."
Butwi
thal
otofpr
obl
ems.
"

Ti
ningnanni
yangmasamasiRusso."
Shutup,Russo.I
'mt
hinki
ng.
"
"Yes,Señor
ita"SagotniRussosamababangbosessakaumor
derpaul
i
tngi
sangcake
parasakaniya."I
'l
lbei
nt herest
room-"

Bef
oreRussocanf ini
shhiswords,theybothhear
dascr eechi
ngsoundofcarti
res.
Nangtingnanni
laniRussoangpinanggagal
i
nganno'n,nanl
akiangmgamataniyang
makit
angsiyaangsentr
ongti
nat
ahakngsasakyannasasalpoksaCaf
é.

"
Señor
it
a!"Russohi
ssedbef
oregr
abbi
ngherwr
istandpul
l
ingheroutoft
heway.

Par
ehosi
l
angbumagsakni
Russosasahi
gkasabayngpagsal
pokngsasakyansacaf
é.

Mari
insi
yangnapapi
kitngmaramdamanangsaki
tsabraso,bint
iathi
tani
ya.Nang
i
mulatni
yaangmgamat ani
ya,naki
tani
yakungbaki
tsumakitangpart
eng'yonng
kat
awanniya.

Smal
lgl
assf
ragment
sar
eimbeddedi
nherl
egsandshoul
der
.

"
Oh,God.
..
"sambi
tni
yahabangpi
nagmamasdanangdumudugongbi
nti
,br
asoathi
ta.

"
Señor
it
a!"

TuminginsiyakayRussonanadagananpal
aniyangmat umbasil
aatnasai
babaw siya
ni
to.Kahi tgust
o ni
yang umai
ssa ibabaw ni
to hi
ndiniya mai
gal
aw ang paa dahi
l
masakit'yon.

"Señor
ita.
..
"siRussonaangt umul
ongsakani
yanamakaal
i
ssai
babaw ni
toatmai
ngat
siyani
tongbinuhatati
nil
abasngcaf
é.

Malal
akianghakbangniRussopatungosanakapar
adani
l
angsasakyansakamabi
l
is
i
tongnagmanehopatungongHospi
tal
.

I
nii
ndani
yaangsaki
thanggangsamakar
ati
ngsi
l
asaE.
R.

Thenur sestookoutt
heglassfragmentsimbeddedonherskinandmuscleswhi
leshe'
s
underlocalanaest
hesi
a.Marii
nlangsiyangnakapi
kitdahi
lhi
ndini
yakayangmaki
taang
sar
il
ingkatawannadumudugo.

Nangmaramdamanni yangnabendahannaangsugatni
ya,doonl
angni
yaiminul
atang
mgamat aatnapati
nginkayRussonaparangstr
ikt
ongbodyguardnanakabantaysa
kani
yaatsaNursenatumiti
ngi
nsasugatni
ya.

"
Areyouokay,Señor
it
a?"
Tumangosi
ya."
Yeah.
"

Russosi
ghedi
nr el
i
ef."
ThankGod.
"Ini
l
abasni
toangcel
l
phone,"
I'
ll
cal
lSeñort
oupdat
e
hi
m.He'sworr
ied."

Tumangosi
yasakabumuntong-hi
ningangisar
aniRussoangkur
ti
nananaghi
hiwal
ay
sakani
yasai
bangpasyent
esaERbagoi toumali
s.

Habangmag-i
sasi
ya,nai
si
pni
yasiNi
ccol
o.

Doesheevenknow whathappenedt
oher?Doesheevencar
ethatshe'shurt
?Oonga't
kasal
ananatkagagawanni
yakungbaki
tsi
yanasakt
anper
onag-aalal
abai t
osakani
ya?

Bi
glangbumul
asangkur
ti
nanai
si
nar
aniRusso.

She l
ookup,expect
ing Russo,butherhear
tbeati
nsanel
yfastwhen she saw her
husband.

Hel
ookswor
ri
edal
ri
ght
.

"
Iri
s."

Shepr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
herast
ear
sfi
l
ledhereyes."
Ithur
ts.
"

"
Amor e.
..
"ini
l
anghakbangni
toangpagit
anni
l
angdal
awasakamai
ngatsi
yangni
yakap.
"
Pinag-al
alamoakongsobra-sobr
a."

Humi
kbisi
ya."
Masaki
tangsugatkoNi
ccol
o."

Pinakawal
ansiyanit
osapagkakakayakapsakamai
ngatnahinawakanangkamayni
ya
atsinur
iangnakabendangsugatpat
inari
nangsapaaniya.

Thenheembraceheragai
nashecar essherback."
Huwagkangumi
yak.
"Hi
nal
i
kan
si
yani
tosagi
l
idngnuoniya."
Ayokongumiyakka.
"

"Sinungal
ing"Ini
sniyangsabi
."Pinai
yakmoakonuongnasaAir
por tt
ayo.Dibasabiko,
magsabika l ang atmananatil
iako sa t
abimo? Maypa sel
fless-sel
fl
esska pang
nalalamanperosinasaktanmonamanako.That'
snothow youmakeyourwi f
ehappy,
Niccolo.
"

Hi
napl
os ni
to ang buhok ni
ya saka ang nuo naman ni
ya ang hi
nal
i
kan ni
to."
Mi
di
spi
ace."Bul
ongnit
ohabangyakappari
nsi
ya."
Ithoughtyou'
l
lbesaf
ehere.Well
,you
ar
esafehere.Masyadongmat
igasl
angangul
omo.Sabi konanghuwagkanglumabas
ngbahayniyoeh.
"

"
Ayokongki
nukul
ongako.
"Ani
ya.

"Par
anaman'yonsakal
i
gtasanmo.
"Tugonni
to."
Ayokongmapahamakkasakahi
tna
anongdahi
l
an.
"

"Ayoko pa r
in.Nabuhay ako ng walong taon bi
l
ang asawa mo nang mag-i sa sa
mansiyonmo.Andthenyoui nvit
edtotheisl
andwher eIgettobewithyouandseeyou.
Ayokonangbumaliksadati,Niccol
o,yongdatinamag-i saakopal
agi.Nasanaynaako
nanandiyankaatayokongmaghanapngi banaipapali
tsayokasii
kawanggust oko.
"

Niccol
okissedthetopofherhead."Okay.Let
'skeepeachother
.Justpl
ease.
..st
op
putt
ingyoursel
finaharmsway.Natat
akotakopalagikapagl
umal
abaska.Athi
ndimo
ri
nsinasagotangtawagkoni
tongmganakaraangaraw."

"
Ser
vesyour
ightf
orhur
ti
ngme.
"

Ni
ccol
osof
tl
ycuppedherf
ace."
Amor
e?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Pleasest
aysaf
e."

Tumal
i
m angmgamat
ani
ya."
Inyourvocabul
ary,st
aysaf
emeansyou'
rel
eavi
ngme.
"

"You'
llbesaferwit
houtme."Hel etoutanexasper
atedsi
ghed."
Please.
..l
i
stent
ome.
You'l
lbesafeinyourf
ather
'shouse-"

"Andthenwhat ?"Shecuthi
m off
."l
l
angtaonmonanamanakongpaghihi
ntay?Tel
lme
Niccol
o,don'tyoutrustmewithyoursecr
ets?Asawamoako.Saayaw atgustomo,
damayako.Kunghi ndimonamanpalakayaakongpani
ndi
gan,sanahi
ndimonalang
akopinakasal
an."

"
Iri
s..
."

Nalagl
ag ang ilang butilng l
uha sa mga mat a ni
ya."Sa gi
nagawa mo,par ang
pi
naglal
aruanmol angako.Bawatdesi syonmo,nasasakt
anako.Lahatngginagawa
mo,apekt ado ako.Hi ndidapatganun,Niccol
o.Sabimo gusto mo akong maging
masaya.Wel l
,i'
mt ell
i
ngyounow,you' remyhappiness.Af
terknowi
ngthat,woul
dyou
st
il
lpushmeaway?"
"
Amor
e..
."

Nagbabasi yangt i
nginhabangkagatangpang-i babanglabiniya."NuongnasaI sla
tayo,nagpapanggapakongnasasakt anparamani pul
ahi
nka.Par amal amankoang
totoo.Butnow,i'
mr eal
l
yinpain,Ni
ccolo.Andyou'
rethecauseoft hatpain.How Iwi
sh
i
'm notinpai nsolcanl i
vemyl i
fethewayIwanti tbuti
'l
ljustbef ooli
ngmyselfifI
divorceyou.
..becauseIknow,Iwon'
tbehappywi t
hanyoneel se.I
tsjustyou.
"

Sahal
ipnasumagot
,ti
nanggalnit
oangkuwentasnasuotsakaki
nuhar
oom angi
sasa
dal
awangsi
ngsi
ngnaginawanitongpendant
.

Kapagkuwanathi nawakanni t
oangkamayni yaattumiti
gsakaniya."IfIputthi
sri
ng,if
youweart hisagain,you'
llbefor everbondedt ome.Letmer emi
ndyou,amor emio,i
'm
l
ivi
ngadanger ouslif
e,youwi llbeinconst antdangerandIcan'tgiveyouachi ldnora
happyf amilythatyouwant ed.I '
mi ncapableofgivingyouacompl etef amil
yanda
peacefull
ife."Hiseyeswat ered." Now tellme,Iri
s,wouldyoust il
ltakemeasyour
husband,insicknessandi nhealth,inri
cherandi npoorer
,'t
il
ldeat
hdouspar t?"

Kagatanglabinaumil
yaksi
yahabangtumatango."
Ido,Niccolo.I
nsicknessandi
n
heal
th,i
nri
cherandi
npoorer
,ingoodt
imesandbadti
mes,'
ti
lldeathdouspart.
"

I
sinuotniNiccol
o ang wedding r
ing ni
yasadali
rini
yasakamalamlam ang mat
ang
t
init
igansi
ya."Pr
omise,we'
llgetwedinthechur
chsoon,wi
thmethist
ime.
"

Tumangosiya."
Okay.Justdon'tpushmeaway.I'm yourwife.We' r
eallinthist
oget
her.
Youandme.Maasahanmoakoatmaasahandi nki t
a.Mapagkakat iwalaanmoakoat
pagkakat
iwal
aandinkit
a.Becauset hat
'swhatmarr
iagei sallaboutNiccolo.Notgi
vi
ng
expensi
vethi
ngs.Tr
usteachother.That
'showitworks."

"
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
"Ti
nuyoni
toangl
uhasapi
sngini
ya."
I'
m sor
ryf
ormaki
ngyoucr
y-"

"-andformaki
ngmyheadspin,forconfusi
ngt
hehelloutofmeandf orint
roduci
ng
yoursel
fasanotherman.God,Niccol
o!Iwantto bash yourhead i
nt he wallf
or
deceivi
ngmeli
kethat
!"

Nakatungolangangasawaniya,hi
ndimakat
ingi
nngder
etsosakani
yahabangkagat
anglabiatpi
napagal
i
tanni
ya.

"Alam mo ba ang kagul

uhang pinaramdam mo saking gago ka? It
houghtIwas
cheati
ngonyoubecausel i
keCormac!Ar gh!Nagagal
i
tnanamanakokapagnaal al
ako
anggi nawamongpagl al
arosaki
n!"Dinuroniyait
o."Youknow what,maybeIshoul
d
divor
ceyoufordecei
vingmeliket
hat -"

Hel
eanedi
nandl
ockhi
sli
psonher
s,si
l
enci
ngher
.
AndIr
iscan'
thelpbutt
oreal
i
zet
hatt
hisi
sherf
ir
stki
sswi
thNi
ccol
o.I
nthel
i
ght
.No
dar
knesst
histi
me.

Andherangermel
tedi
nani
nst
ant
.

I
ri
sclose hereyesand savourhi
ssoftl
ipson her
s.Banayad ang paggalaw no'
n.
Masuyo.Parangnagl
alambi
nganghal
i
knit
onabuongpusonamanni yangtinugon.

Atnangmaghi
walayangmgal abini
l
a,nagkat
it
igansi
l
aniNi
ccol
o.Mal
aml
am angmga
matani
toatmasuyongnakat
it
igsakani
ya.

"
What
?"Sheaskedi
nawhi
sper
.

"
I'
mreal
l
yluckyt
ohaveyouasmywi
fe.
"

"
Yes,you are." May pagmamalakiang boses ni
ya."Bi
lang l
ang ang babae na
i
pagl
alabanangasawanilakahi
tpangati
nutul
aksi
lapal
ayo.
"

Nauwisangi
wiangngi
tiniNi
ccol
o."
Canwemoveonf
rom t
hat
?"

"Nope."Umil
i
ngsi
ya."I
tsbr
andedi
nmyheartandsoul
,Niccol
oorCormacorwhat
ever
yournameis.
"Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Anobapalaangtotoomongpangal
an?"

"
Niccol
o."Heanswer
edt
hensmi
l
ed."
OrCor
mac.Whi
cheveryoupr
efer
."

"
Ili
keNi
ccol
o.Yanangpangal
anmosamar
ri
agecer
ti
fi
cat
enat
ineh.
"

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed."
Soi
'
mfor
given?"

Ti
ningnanniyait
ongmasamaatmat ali
m."Hindi
.Gust
okitangmakasamakayanandi
to
akoper ohindii
bigsabi
hinnanakal
imutankonaangpanl ol
okomosakinggagoka.
Akalamomasaya' yon?Akal
amohi ndiakonabali
w sakakai si
pnabakamagkaiba
kayongdalawa.Goodness,Ni
ccol
o.Halosmabal
iwako."

"
I'
m sor
ry"

"
Gagoka.
"

"
Alam ko.
"
I
nir
apanni
yai
to."
Ewankosayo.
"

"
Gal
i
tka?"

"Oonaman. "Pinandi
l
atanni
yai
to."
Alangannamanmat
uwaakonani
l
okomoakoat
pinagl
aruan?"

"
Idi
dn'
tmeant
o-"

"Liar
.You mean i
t.Pl
anado ang bawatgal
aw mo kaya i
mposi
bleng hi
ndimo
sinasadya.
"

Napakamoti
tosabat
ok."
Butyoupl
ayedmet
oo,r
emember
?It
houghtyouhaveno
i
dea-"

"
Oht
apos?"

"
Wal
a."

"Yonnamanpalaeh."Inirapanniyait
o."Hi
ndiakobobo,Ni ccol
o.Hindikongaal am
mung baki
thindiki
ta kayang i
-divor
ce eh '
yon ang pi
nakamati
li
no kong desi
syon.
Kabobohani
tongbumaliksayo."

Ngingi
ti
-ngi
tiangl
oko."
That
'sbecauseyoul
i
kemeandyou'
l
lmi
ssmeandyoucan'
t
l
ivewit
houtme."

"
Oht
apos?"

"AndIfeelt
hesameway.
"Sabini
tosakangi
nit
iansi
ya."
Imean,Idi
dsmuggl
edr
ugsso
yourf
atherwoul
dletmemar
ryyou."

Malakasnapit
ikangpi
nat
amani
yasanuoni
to."
Atnagmamal
akikapaemasamaang
gi
nawamo. "

Heshr
ugged."
I'
m cr
azyoveryou.
..t
hat
'swhy.
"

"
Crazyovermebutyou'
rewi
l
li
ngt
oletmego?"

"
Babal
i
kannamanki
takapagmaayosnaangl
ahat
."

Ti
naasanni
yai
tongki
l
ay."
Aba'
ymagal
i
ngPagkat
aposmoakongsakt
an,babal
i
kka
pal
anapar
angwal
angnangyar
i.Gagokat
alaga,al
am moba'
yon?"

Ni
ccol
opr
essedhi
sli
pst
oget
herbef
orespeaki
ng."
Let
sgohome?"

Nat
igi
l
ansi
ya."
Wher
e?"

"
Isangbahayl
angnamanangmayr
oont
ayo.
"

Herl
i
pspar
ted."
Forr
eal
?You'
l
lgohomewi
thmei
nIt
aly?"

Niccol
onodded." Si
ncewe'r
ekeepi
ngeachot
her
,Imi
ghtaswel
lst
aycl
oset
oyousoI
canprotectyou.
"

Hayan na naman ang '

prot
ect
'na yan,pero ayaw ni
yang magt
anong.Magsasabi
namanitosakani
yakapagkomportablenait
ongmagsabisakaniyanglahat
-lahatng
sekr
etoni
to.

"Uuwikat
alagasabahaynat
insaIt
aly?Tot
oo?"Hi
ndini
yaal
am kungbaki
tnangi
ngi
l
id
nanamanangluhasamgamat ani
ya.

Tumangoi
toatngumi
ti
."Uwinat
ayosabahaynat
in.
"

Mabi
l
issi
yangt
umango."
Sige.
"

Niccol
ogatheredheri
nhisandastheyembr aceeachother
,shesaw Russo'
sback
outsi
de t
he sl
i
ghtl
ypart
ed cur
tai
n.Mukhang hi
ndii
to pumasokpar
a bi
gyan si
la ng
pri
vacyniNi
ccolo.

"
Amor
emi
o?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Ihavemypr
ivat
epl
anewi
thme.
"

"
So?"

"
Let
smakel
ovet
her
e."

Nat
awanal
angsi
yaatnapai
l
inghabangyakappar
inangasawa."
Okay.
"
"
ButCountKni
ghti
staggi
ngal
ongso.
..we'
l
luset
hebat
hroom.
"

CountKni
ght
?"Whoi
she?"

"
Ipapakil
alaki
tamamaya.
"Hi
nal
i
kansi
yani
tosapi
sngisakahi
napl
osangmukhani
ya.
"
Now,l et
sgetyoubet
ter
."

"
Per
ookaynaako.
"Pi
naki
tani
yaangnakabendani
yangkamayatpaa.

"
I'
m st
il
lnotsat
isf
ied.Ineedasecondopi
nionandat
hir
dandaf
our
th.
"

Napai
l
ingnalangsiyangmaingatsiyanit
ongbinuhatati
niuposawheel
chai
rnanasa
gi
li
datit
inul
akiyonpal
abasngnakasarangkur
ti
na.

Napangi
tisi
yakayRussonghumar
angi
tosadar
aananni
l
a.

"
Señor
it
a."Ani
tosakat
ipi
dnangumi
ti
."Youdi
dit
."

Tumangosi yasakahi
nawakansiRussosakamaygami tangkamayni
yangwal
ang
sugatathi
nil
ait
opaukl
o,pal
api
tsakani
yapar
ayakapi
nit
o.

"
Thankyou,Russo.Forever
ythi
ng.
"

"
Anyt
hingf
oryou,Sef
ñor
it
a."TugonniRussonat
inapi
k-t
api
kangl
i
kodni
ya.

Nangkumawalait
osayakapniya,nagthumbsupsakaniyasiRussonamasi
nil
apad
ngngi
tini
yabagoi
toumal
issapagkakaharangsakani
l
a.

"
Don'
tsmi
l
eathi
m orhughi
m agai
n.I
'mj
eal
ous.
"Kaagadnasabini
Niccol
o.

Nat
awa l
ang si
ya saka nagpapaal
am na kumawaykayRusso.Russo sal
ute ather
bef
orewal
ki
ngtowar dst
heoppositedi
rect
ion.

"Ihat
ethatguy.Sinubuankani
yangcake."Halataangir
it
asyonsabosesngasawa.
"Athi
nawakanniyaangkamaymo.Sinobasiyasatingi
nni
ya?!Akoangasawamo,Ir
is.
Akolangangdapatgumagawano' nsayo.Bakithi
nayaanmosi yanghawakankang
ganun?"

I
sinandani
yaangkat
awansali
kodngwheelchai
r."
Shutup,Ni
ccol
o.Bakagust
omong
i
paalal
akonanamanangkagaguhanmo-"
"
I'
m shut
ti
ngupnow.
"

Shesmi
l
edsweet
ly."
Good.
"

Hindinawal
aangngit
isamgalabini
ya.Hindini
yaal
am kungmagpapasal
amatsi
yasa
sasakyangmunt
ikngbumanggasakaniya.

Butcometothi
nkofit
..
.whoisthedri
veroft
hatcar
?Wasi
tar
andom orapl
annedcar
cr
ash?Bi
glasi
yangnat
akotatki
nil
abut
an.

Someonei
sreal
l
ytr
yingt
oki
l
lher
.Andi
tsal
lbecauseshe'
sNi
ccol
o'swi
fe.

Thisist
hedangerNi
ccol
oistal
ki
ngabout.Andbecauseofwhathappenedt
oday,her
reconci
l
iat
ionwi
thNi
ccol
o,shej
ustent
erhiswor
ld.

Whatwi
l
lhappent
othem now?

AN:Thankyoupouli
tsamganaghear tr
eactdoonsami
smongphot
o.Thankyousoso
muchpo.Ir
ealyappr
eci
ateyourhel
p.

Enj
oyReadi
ng.

CHAPTER21

NAPATINGIN SII
ri
skayNiccol
onanakikipag-usapsaamani yahabangdalani
toang
l
uggageniyaatnakasukbi
tsabal
ikatnit
oangshoul derbagniya.Ni
ccol
olooksl
ikea
devot
edhusbandanditmadehersmile.

"Don'tworr
y,Señor
."Nar
inigniyangsabiniNiccol
osaamani
ya."
Youknow youcan
alwayscountonmewheni tcomestoIri
s'saf
ety.
"

"
Papá.
"Ani
yangmakal
api
tsadal
awa."
Thankyouf
orl
ett
ingmest
ayher
e."

"Ofcour
se,mir
eini
ta.Thi
shouseisal
soyour
s."Hi
nal
i
kansi
yani
tosanuo."
Takecar
e,
okay?Don'
tmakeyourPapáworrytoomuch.
"

Nakangi
ti
ngt
umangosi
yasakabumal
i
ngkayNi
ccol
o."
Let
sgo?"

Ni
ccol
oof
fer
edhi
shandather
."Comeon.
"

Ti
nanggapni
yaangkamayni
tonamabi
l
isni
tongpi
nagsi
kl
op.
"
You'
recl
i
ngy.
"Sabi
niyakayNi
ccol
o.

Ni
ccol
olookedatherf
lat
ly."
Kapaghi
ndinamanakomagpaki
tasayo,gagoako?Saan
baakol
ulugar
?"

Hi
nil
ani
yai
topat
ungosat
abi
niya."
Diyankal
ulugar
,sat
abiko.
"

Par
angmaysi nusupilnangit
isamgal
abingasawa."
Your
eal
l
yknow how t
owr
apped
mearoundyourfingers,amore.
"

Ti
naasanni
yaitongkilay."
Whatdoyoumean?l '
m notevendoinganyt
hing.Kabahan
kakungmagplanoakongpai kut
inka.Si
gur
adot
it
ikl
opka.Ti
ngnanmonga,sumukoka
ri
n.I
l
angaraw l
ang'yon."

Hi
ndimakapani
wal
ang t
ini
ti
gan si
yaniNi
ccol
o."
You'
re a cunni
ng woman.
..and
mani
pul
ati
ve.
"

I
nir
apanni
yai
to."
Andyou'
reanasshol
eandusi
ngt
hewor
dsel
fl
esst
ohur
tme.
"

Kaagadi
tongnat
ahi
mik.

Oh,ba'tnat
ahi
mik ka?"Nanghahamon ang boses ni
ya."Hindimo matanggap na
si
nakt
anmoako?Angasawamonat angi
ngkasiyahanlangniyaanggust
omoper o
si
nakt
anmo-"

"
Iconcede.
"

"
Good."Ani
yasakahi
nal
i
kanitosamgal
abiathi
nil
apal
abasngbahayni
l
apagkat
apos
magpaal
am ul
i
tsaamaniya.

Nangmakasakaysi
l
asakot
senadal
aniNi
ccol
o,nagul
atsi
yangmaki
tasiPi
etr
osa
Dri
ver
'sseat
.

"
Piet
ro.
"Ngi
nit
ianni
yai
to."
You'
reher
e."

Pi
etr
osl
i
ght
lybow ather
."Si
gnor
ina.
"

Bumali
ngsi
yakayNiccol
onanakauposat
abini
yasabackseat
."Whyi
sheher
e?"
Pabul
ongni
yangt
anongsaasawa.
Hewhi
sper
edback,buthisl
ipsistoocl
oset
oherear,itt
ickl
es."Walakanasal
tal
y.
I
kawl
angnamanangbinabantayanni
yar
oonkayanandi
tonasiyangayon.
"

Shel
ookedatNi
ccol
o."
Tal
agangbi
nabant
ayanni
yaako?Li
keabodyguar
d?"

"
Yeah.Masmahi
gpi
tngal
angkapagwal
aakosaI
tal
y."

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yakayNi
ccol
o."
Whatdoyoumean?"

SumandalsiNi ccol
osal i
kodngbackseatsakapi ni
kitangmgamat a."Sanakalipasna
walongt aon,kapagwal aakongmi syon,nasaIt
alyakoatbi nabantayanka.I '
mlikeyour
shadow.Igowher everyougo.I '
m alwayslookingatyouf r
om af ar.Savingyouf rom
afar
.Ther e'sthisti
me...you'r
eint hemal landyoul ookedatme.Oureyesmet .My
heartwasbeat ingi
nsanelyfastandthenyoul ookawayl ikeIwasnot hing.Andt henI
real
ize,hindipalaakokil
alangasawakonasobr akongpr otektahanko. "

Napat
it
igsiI
ri
ssaasawa."
Mat
agalmonapal
aakongsi
nusundan,hi
ndimomanl
ang
akoni
l
apit
an."

"
Iwasaf
rai
dyou'
l
lgethur
tbecauseofme.
"

I
niyakapniyaangmgabr asosabeywangniNi ccol
osakanagl alambi
ngnaipi
nat
ong
angbabani yasabali
katni
tohabangnakati
ti
gdito."Iknow younow.Kil
alanaki
ta.I
mean,hindipamasyadongkil
alaper
omar aminamant ayongorasparamasmakil
ala
nati
nangisa't
-isangmai
gi.
"

Ni
ccoloopenhiseyesandthenhel
ookedather
."l
kawl
angangki
kil
alani
nakokasiako,
ki
l
alang-ki
l
alanakit
a,I
ri
s."

Shebl
i
nkedathi
m."
Whatdoyoumeanbyt
hat
?"

"
Iknowyou.
"Hi
sfacesof
tened."
From t
het
ipsofyourhai
rtot
heendsofyourt
oes.
"

"
How?"Gul
atsi
yasamgasi
nabini
to.

Ni
ccol
ogi
veheral
oop-si
dedsmi
l
e."
Mymansi
onhasCCTV,amor
e."

Nami
l
ogangmat
ani
ya."
Youbast
ard.
"

Niccol
ochuckled."Whenl'm i
nI t
aly,Il i
kewatching youintheCCTV whi
lemoving
aroundthehouse.Il
i
keitwhenyouor derPiet
roaround,whenyou'
remad,i
rr
it
atedand
annoyedbecauseofmyr el
ati
ves.l
aughedwhenyout hrow al
lmythi
ngsawayandmy
heartachedwhenIseetear
sfall
i
ngf rom youreyes..
."
Nagbabasiyangti
ngin."
That
'syourf
ault
.Youmademef
eelmi
ser
abl
e.Akol
angyat
a
angiki
nasalper
owalanamangasawa."

"
I'
ll
makei
tupt
oyou.
"

"Youbett
er.
"Dinuroni
yai
tosakaki
nagatangbal
i
katni
to."
Sadamikongpi
nagdaanan
ngdahil
sayo,dapatl
angnabumawika.
"

Ni
ccol
o'ssmi
l
efel
l
."ButIcan'
tgi
veyouwhatyouwantmost
."

Nal
ukotangmukhaniya."
Niccol
o,wehavel
otsofmoney.Mayi
bangpar
aannaman
par
amagkaanaktayo.
"

"Okaylang' yonsayo?"Paranghi
ndimakapani
walasiNi
ccol
o."
Kahi
thi
ndinor
malna
proseso,ayoslang?Hindimoakoi
wankahitganun?"

Umi l
i
ngsiyahabangkunotangnuo."Niccol
o,hi
ndiakomababaw nat ao.It
oldyou
before,t
here'
sal
waysaway.Andi fit
sblock,wecanalwaysf i
ndanot
herway.Hindi
akomadal i
ngsumuko.Nahi
ntayngaki
tangwalongtaon,ngayonpabanakasamana
ki
ta?"

Ni
ccol
ocar
esshercheek."
You'
remaki
ngmef
all
toohar
d."

Ti
naasanniyangkil
ayangasawa."Hi
ndikapabanaf
a-f
all
?"Shet
skedassheshook
herhead."
Mahulogkana,sasal
uhi
nnamanki
ta.
"

Niccolobi
thi
slowerl
ipl
ikehe'scont
rol
l
inghi
mselfnott
osmil
e."
IfIt
ellyout
hatal
ready
f
ell.
..year
sago..
.whatwil
lyoudoorwhatwil
lyousaytome?"

Ti
nit
iganni
yangmat i
i
m angasawa." Whydon'tyout
ellmenow?Par
amal
amanmo
kunganonggagawi
natsasabi
hinko.
"Nanghahamonniyangsabi
.

Niccol
o'sl
i
pspar
tedandhe'
saboutt
osaysomet
hingwhent
hecarst
oppedandPi
etr
o
spoke.

"
Weal
readyar
ri
vedi
nCountKni
ght
'sHot
el.
"

Niccol
obl owsoutaloudbr
eat
h."
Givemeami nut
e."Ani
tosakahinal
ikanangtungking
i
longni yaatmayt i
nawagansacell
phoneni
to."Vel
asquez,I
'm alr
eadyoutsideyour
Hotel.
"
"
Sinoyan?"Tanongni
yasaasawangpat
ayi
nni
toangt
awag.

"
TheCount
."Ni
ccol
osi
ghedheavi
l
ybef
orel
ooki
ngather
."I
ri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"If
elli
nl ovewi t
hyouei
ghtyear
sago-"Bi
glanit
ongsabinaiki
nagulatni
ya."
-whenyou
weret endi ng my wound whil
e vol
unt
eeri
ng as a Nurse in our base camp i
n
Afghanistan."

Unti
-unt
ingnanl
akiangmgamat
ani
yaatumawangangl
abini
yangmaal
alani
yaang
t
inut
ukoynit
o.

Thememor yisvaguebutshecanr emembert hebasecamp. ..t

heinjur
edsoldiers.She
vol
unteeredforayearjusttogetawayfr om herPapáaftershegraduated.Hindipasiya
nag-aaralno'nparamagi ngDoktora.Gustoni yangmakawal akayanamant i
nanggap
ni
ya ang of f
erng Hospi t
alna pinagtatr
abahuan niya bi
lang Nurse na pumunt ang
Afghani
stanparatumulongsamgasundal oroon.

Hi
ndinamandaw magul
okasinasabasecampathi
ndinakakat
akotkayapumayag
si
ya.

Butbecauseofthat
,herf
earofvi
olencei
ntensi
fi
ed.Doonniyanaki
taangl
ahatngkl
ase
ngkarahasannapuwedeniyangmasaksi
hansat anangbuhayni
ya.

Tumuonangmgamat ani
yasamgamat
aniNi
ccol
o."
Nandoonka?I
sakasamga
sundal
onggi
namotko?"

Henodded."Wewe' rebombedandIwasl impingbecauseofal eginj

uryandeven
whenIsmellli
keshitand '
m cover
ed wi
thdirtand bl
ood,youwr apped yourar
ms
aroundmeandyouhel pmel ayontheHospi
talbed.Maingatnamaingatkahabang
gi
nagamotangsugatko.Ki
nakausapmopangaako.Ngumi ngi
tikaati
naali
w moako
habanggi
nagamotangsugatko.

"Youevent ol
dmeaboutyourf at
her,how stri
ctheis.Andt henyout
oldmethatyou
sal
uteme,yousal ut
ewhatIdo.Nuongmgapanahong' yon,bal
akkonangumalis.
Ayoko nang magi
ng sundal
o.Butyouchanged al lthat
.Yout ol
d methatl
'
m li
kea
super
hero,savi
ngtheweakandgivingthem hopetoli
ve.

"Youlookedatmei ntheeyesandtoldmet hati

ftheri
ghtti
mecomesandyouwantt o
getmar r
ied,youhopedtomar ryasol
dier
.Likeme..
.becauseI'm br
aveenoughtoput
myl i
feont heli
netosaveothersandyousai dyou'
resur
et hatI
'l
lbebraveenoughto
faceyourfatherandaskyourhandi
nmar ri
age.

"
Ist
hatwhyheaskedmyf
athermyhandi
nmar
ri
ageper
sonal
l
y?Dahi
lsi
nabiko?
She'
sspeechl
ess.

Angdamini yangtanongsai
si
pniya.Butbef
oreshecansaysomet
hing,t
hedoort
othe
passengerseatopensandahandsomemanent er
edthecar
.

Hi
ndimaiwasanniIr
isnamapatit
ig salal
aki
ng wal
asiyang mabasang emosyonsa
mukha.Hi
seyesar
eblankandshecanf eel
col
dauraradi
ati
ngfrom hi
sbody.

I
sheKni
ghtVel
asquez?

ThePowerful
andDangerousSpaniar
dCountwho'
sbacki
ngupNi
ccol
oandbl
ocki
ngal
l
theent
rancetomyhusband'
ssecret?

"
YourHi
ghness.
"AniNi
ccol
o.

TheCountgl
anceatNi
ccol
othenhel
ookedather
.

"
Mywi
fe,I
ri
sGonzaga-Raci
ni.
"Pagpapaki
l
alasakani
yaniNi
ccol
o.

l
lang segundo si
yang t
ini
ti
gan ng l
alakibago nagsal
i
ta."
Isee.I
vyGonzaga'
stwi
n
sist
er.
"

Hindinasiyanagul
atnakil
alani
toangkakambalni
ya.Russosai
dthatherf
ami
l
yonce
servetheSpani
ardCount
'sfamil
y.

"
Iwonderwhatki
ndofawomanyouar
e."Hemumbl
edbutshehear
dhi
m.

Hershar
peyeshel
dtheSpani
ardCount
'sgaze."
I'
m ami
ndgamer
."

"Amindgamer,huh.
"Tini
ti
gansiyani
tongmati
i
m."I
fltol
dyouthatIknow everysecr
et
yourhusbandi
skeepi
ngfrom you,whatwi
l
lyoudoformeiflpromisetot
ellyouevery
detai
lofi
t.
"

Shesmi
l
ed."
Let
'st
alki
tovercof
feemaybe?"

"Whatwilyoudot
oknow everydetai
l
sofRacini
'
ssecret
?"TheSpani
ardCountasked
agai
n,hi
seyesbor
ingi
ntoher
slikehe'
sreadi
ngheri
nsi
deandout.

"
Idon'thavetodoanyt
hing"Ani
yanamaymatamisnangitisamgal
abi
."Justt
alkt
o
me.Let'
shaveaconver
sati
onandyou'
l
lknowwhatIcando.
"
"
I'
m cur
ious.
"

"
Don'
tbe.
"Shecount
ered."
Youmi
ghtr
egr
eti
t,yourhi
ghness.
"

TheSpani
ardCountgl
anceatNi
ccol
obef
orel
ooki
ngbackather
."Bet
hankf
ulyou'
re
Raci
ni'
swi
fe.
"

"
Orel
sewhat
?"

"
Orel
sel
'
llcutyourt
ongueof
f.I
t'
stooshar
pIdon'
tli
kei
t"

"
Idon'tneedyout olikei
t,yourhighness.I
'mj
ustsayi
ngwhat'
sonmymi nd.AndIcan
t
ell
,yourhighness,yourt
onguei ssharpaswell
.ShouldIcuti
ttoobecauseIdon'
tli
ke
i
t?"

"
What
'sonyourmi
ndi
sunnecessar
y-"

"
Justl
i
keyour
s?"

TheSpani
ardCountst
opst
alki
ngbef
oreput
ti
ngt
heseat
bel
ton."
Raci
ni?"

"
Whati
sit
?"

"
Yourwi
fei
snotni
ceasyout
oldme.
"

Tumaasangsuloknglabingasawani
ya."
Itol
dyout
hatsher
ocksmywor
ldbutIdi
dn'
t
tel
lyout
hatshe'
snice.
"

Ti
ningnanni
yangmasamasiNi
ccol
o."
Gust
omongi
-di
vor
ceki
ta?"

Natat
awanghinal
i
kansiyaniNi
ccol
osapi
sngisakasal
eegpagkat
aposatbumul
ongsa
t
aingani
ya."
Tiamo,Ir
is."

Herbr
eat
hinghi
tched.

Damnt
hisman.

Paanoni
tonagagawayonsakaniya?How canhistiamoaffectherl
i
ket
his?Li
keher
wholewor
ldhasbeenshookj
ustbecausehet
oldherhelovedher?
"
Iri
s?"

"
W-what
?"

"
Teamo.
"

Ther
eiti
sagai
n.Herhear
tbeatr
aced.

"
Iri
s?"

"
A-ano?"

"
Iloveyou.
"

Herhear
tispal
pit
ati
ng.

"
Iri
s?"

"
Anonanaman-"

"
Mahal
kit
a."

Par
anangsasabogangpusoni
ya.

"
Iri
s?"

"
Niccol
o-"

"
Mahal
namahal
kit
a.Sobr
a."

Hal
oshindinasi
yahumigi
ngangpagsi
kl
opi
nni
toangkamayni
l
angdal
awaathi
nal
i
kan
angl
ikodngkamayniya.

"
Iri
s..
.br
eat
h."

I
ri
sl etoutal
oudbreat
hbef
oret
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
h."
Ithi
nkyouj
ustr
obbedal
lthe
oxygeninmyl
ungs.
"
Ngi
ngi
ti
-ngi
tiangasawani
ya."
Didi
?"

"
Yes.
"

"
Shoul
dIst
opsayi
ngi
loveyout
oyou?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
No.
"

"
Youl
i
ket
hatIl
oveyou?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Ver
ymuch.
"

"
Good.
"Ni
ccol
o,t
hen,r
est
edhi
sheadonhershoul
der
,"l
etmer
estf
orawhi
l
e,amor
e-"

"
Raci
ni.
"TawagniCountKni
ghtsaasawani
ya."
Par
isii
scal
l
ing.
"

Ni
ccol
ogr
oaned."
Tel
lhi
mtof
uckof
f."

"
He'
sinTempt
ati
onI
slandandheneedsbackup.TheMonast
eri
owon'
tlethi
min.
"

Niccol
oheavi
lysighedbef or
etaki
ngouthisphonefrom hi
spocketandthenhecal
l
ed
someone."Hey,Lucian,i
t'
sme,Craig.LetMont
iPar
isii
n.I
'l
lvouchf
orhi
m."

ThenIri
shear dtheSpaniardcountspokeont hephone."Mr.Monast
eri
o,t
hisi
sCount
KnightVelasquez.I
'm vouchi
ngforMontiPar
isi.Lethi
min.He'
snotgonnadoanyt
hing
st
upid.I'
l
lkill
himifhedoes."

NangpatayinniNi
ccol
oangtawag,kaagadit
ongyumakapsakani
yananagl
alambi
ng.
"Uhm.
..Ireal
lywannamakel
ovewithyou."

"
Please,stop yout
wo.
"TheSpani
ard Countgr
oaned."
Kani
napaako nasusukasa
i
nyongdalawa."

Nat
igi
l
ansi
yangmar
ini
gnanagt
agal
ogsiCountKni
ght
.Hi
ndini
yai
naasahan'
yon.

"
Heknowshow t
ospeakt
agal
og?"Gul
atni
yangt
anongkayNi
ccol
o.

"Yes,Mrs.Raci
ni.
"SiCountKni
ghtangsumagotsakaniyangpunongsarkasmoang
boses."Ican speak t
agal
og.Now please,st
op bei
ng mushy.I
t'
sget
ti
ng int
o my
nerves.
"
Nagsal
ubongangkil
ayniya."Idon'
tcar
ei fwe'r
eget
ti
ngi
ntoyourner
ves.Naki
ki
sakay
kal
ang,kamahal
an,matutokangmagadj ust
."

CountKni
ghtl
etoutanexasper
atedsi
ghed."
Raci
ni,you'
rewi
fei
sannoyi
ngasf
uck-"

"
Don'tcursemywif
e,Velasquez.
"Matal
i
m angbosesngasawani
ya,"
Imi
ghtf
orget
t
hatyou'
remypar
tnerandassassi
nat
eyouinyoursl
eep.
"

TheSpani
ardCountl
ookedatherhusband,hiseyesshar
p,dar
kanddeadl
y."
Don'
ttal
k
tomeli
kethati
fyoudon'
twanttogetki
ll
ed."

Niccol
omatchedtheCount
'sdar
kanddeadlyaur
a."
Don'
ttal
ktomywi
fel
i
ket
hati
fyou
don'twantt
ogetkil
l
edaswell
,Vel
asquez.
"

Naglabanngmat
ali
m nat
it
iganangdal
awaatkunotangnuongnapat
it
igsi
yasamga
i
to.

"
CountKni
ght
?"Tawagni
yasakamahal
an.

"
What
?"Sagotni
tohabangmat
ali
m par
inangt
ingi
nsaasawani
ya.

"
Chi
ngat
e."

Thecountst
il
l
edwhi
l
eNi
ccol
osmi
l
epr
oudl
yather
.

"
That
'smywi
fe.
"

Napat
it
igsakani
yasiCountKni
ghtbagoumayosnguposakat
umahi
mik.

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Yonl
angnamanpal
aanggust
oni
yangmar
ini
g."

Nangi
ngit
ingyumakapsabeywangniyasiNi
ccol
osakahi
nal
i
kansi
yasabal
i
katatl
eeg
sakapi
sngibagoangmgalabini
ya."
Iri
s-"

"
Niccol
o?"Shecuthi
m of
f.

"
Hmm?"Her
epl
i
ed.

"
Tiamo.
"
Ir
isexpectNi
ccol
otor
epl
y'Il
oveyout
oo'buthej
ustf
rozeandhi
sbr
eat
hingact
ual
l
y
stops.

CHAPTER22

NANG NAWALA angseat

beltsi
gnsapri
badongeropl
anongkinalul
ulanan,kaagadna
naramdamanni
yangyumapossakani
yasiNiccol
operoinal
i
sni yaangyakapni t
osa
kaniya.

Andwhenshel
ookedather
,hel
ookedal
armed.

"
Maynagawabaakongmal
i
?"Kaagadni
tongt
anong.

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
No.ButIwantt
otal
k."

Ni
ccol
obl
i
nkedather
."Weal
readydi
d-"

"A ser
ioustal
k,Niccol
o."Wi
ka ni
ya sa seryusong boses."
Gust
o ko ng ser
yusong
usapanatsalugarnahi
ndimoakomatatakasan."

Niccol
oroamedhiseyesar
oundt
heai
rcr
aft
."Youpi
ckt
her
ightpl
ace.Anopabaang
aasahankosaasawako?"

"Ni
ccol
o..
."hi
nawakanni
yait
osamukhasakai gi
niyai
topat
igi
nsakani
ya,"
gust
okong
ser
yusongusapan.Wal
anggaguhan.Ser
yusoako."

I
langsegundosi yangpinakati
ti
ganniNi ccol
obagobumunt ong-hi
ningaattumango.
"Fi
ne.Letstalk.Walanamanakongbal aknat akasanka.WhenIsaidthatwe'l
lkeep
eachother,Imeanit,I
ri
s.Iwil
lkeepyou,nomat terwhat
."

Kahi
tpapaano aynakahinga si
ya ng mal
uwang."
Mabut
inaman,kasiayoko nang
bumali
ktayosadat
i,Ni
ccolo.
"

"
EvenifIwantt
o,Icannevergobackt
othewaywewer e.
"Helookedatheri
nt heeyes.
"
Gustokongmat ul
ogatmagisi
ngnanasatabiki
ta.Gustokongmatikmanuli
tangluto
mo.Gustokonginaal
agaanmoako.Gust
okongmakasamaangasawako. "

"
Par
ehot
ayonggust
okayamag-usapt
ayongmasi
nsi
nan.
"

Ni
ccol
onodded."
Whatdoyouwantt
otal
kabout
?"
"
Kasal
kabasai
bamal
i
bansaki
n?"Der
etsahanni
yangt
anong,wal
angpangi
ngi
mi.

Kaagadnaumi
l
ingsiNi
ccol
o."
I'
m onl
ymar
ri
edt
oonewoman.Andhernamei
sIr
is
Gonzaga.
"

Hindini
yapinakit
angkini
l
igsi
yasasagotni
to.Shehavetobeser
iousaboutt
his."
Kung
ganun,baki
tsinabimongmayasawakangibabilangCor
mac?"

"Iwashopi
ngthati
t'
llchaseyouaway."Helooksashamed."
Nangmgapanahong'
yon,
akal
akotal
agawalakangal am atmaspini
pil
imosiCormackesasaaki
n."

"Whatacheapreasoni
ng."Tini
ngnanniyait
ongmasama." Al
am mobaangsakitna
pinar
amdam mosakindahilsasinabimo?Goodness,Ni
ccol
o,hi
ndiakobayol
ent
eng
taoperobakamapat
aytal
agakitakungtot
oongmayibakapangasawa."

Hebitherlowerl
ip."
Itwasacheapi
ndeedandI
'm sor
ry.Iwasget
ti
ngdesper
atet
o
chaseyouaway."

"Why?"Hindipar
inni
yamai
nti
ndi
hankungbaki
t."
Whydoyouwantt
ochasemeaway
sobad?"

"
Bei
ngwi
thmei
sdanger
ous,I
ri
s.

"I
ri
sletoutaloudsighed."
That
'si
t?Yonl
angangpal
i
wanagmosawal
ongt
aonghi
ndi
kanagpakit
asakin?"

Natahi
miksiNiccol
oatal
am niyaangi
bigsabi
hinno'n.Endofdi
scussi
on.Butno.Hi
ndi
si
yatit
igi
lsakakat
anunghanggatwal
asiyangnal
alamandito.

"
Whataboutyourt
att
oo?"Sheaskedaf
teracoupl
eofmi
nut
eofsi
l
ence.

"Iused Pi
etr
oto conf
used you wit
h wrong i
nfor
mati
on and added Luci
fertot he
confusi
on.
"Sagotni
tonahindimakati
ngi
nsakaniya."
WalaakongganungTat too.But
thet
at t
ooonmyback,i
tsf
oryou."

So,tamasiya.Gi
nami
tlangni
tosiPi
etr
oatLucif
erpar
agul
uhi
nangi
si
pni
ya."
Saan
gal
ingangpangal
anmongCormacPaulCrai
g?"

Napansi
nni
yangnat
igi
l
ani
to.

"
Niccol
o."May babal
a ang boses ni
ya."
Don'
tli
eto me.Al
am mong ayoko sa
si
nungal
i
ng.
"

Ni
ccol
opr
essedhi
sli
pst
oget
her
."DoIhavet
oanswert
hat
."

"Yes.
"Mabil
isni
yangsagotathindipi
nat
aposangt
anongni
to."
Magsabikangt
otoo
kungayaw mongmag-awaytayo."

Nagpakawal
angmal
ali
m nahi
ningasiNi
ccol
obagonagsal
i
ta."
it
sconf
ident
ial
,Ir
is.
"

"Idon'tgi
ve a fuck."Mati
gasang bosesna sabini
ya."
I'
m yourwi
fe,Ni
ccol
o.'
It
s
confi
denti
al'doesn'
tworkonme."

Ni
ccol
olookedatherwi
thhi
sbeggi
ngeyes,"
Iri
s-"

"
Don'
tmakeexcuses,Ni
ccol
o."Ani
yanamat
ali
m naangboses."
Naghi
hint
ayako.
"

Niccol
oblowsaloudbreat
hbeforespeakinginalow voi
ce."
Cor
macPaulCr
aigi
smy
l
dentit
yintheU.
S.That
'sal
lIcansay.I
'm sor
ry,Amor
e."

I
tsthatconfi
denti
al.Thatmeansit
'sei
therherhusbandi
saGover
nmentOper
ati
veor
he'
swor ki
ngforsomeoner el
atedt
olawenforcement.

Ormaybe.
..

"
It
snoti
l
legal
,isi
t?"Tanongni
yanamedyoki
nabahan.

Ni
ccol
obl
i
nkedather
."What
?"

"
You'
renotdoi
nganyt
hingi
l
legal
-"

"
Itdependsonwhi
chi
dent
it
yar
eyout
alki
ngabout
."

Umawangangl
abini
ya."
Y-youhavemany?"

Niccol
obithi
sli
pli
kehe'safr
aidtotel
lher
."Yeah.Per
oangmadalaskongginagami
tay
siCormacPaulCrai
g.He'seasi
ertouseandIhavemanyconnect
ionswit
hthatname."

Hindisi
yamakapani
walangnapat
it
igsaasawaniya.She'
str
yingt
otakei
never
ythi
ng.
She'str
yingt
oabsor
btheinf
ormat
ionhe'
sfeedi
ngher.
"
Butmyr
eal
namei
sNi
ccol
oRaci
ni.
"Headdedwhenshest
ayedsi
l
ent
.

"
Andyou'
rer
eal
l
yaMi
l
itar
yDoct
or?"Sheaskedagai
n,st
il
labsor
bingever
ythi
ng.

"
Yes.
"

"
Notabusi
nessman?"

"
I'
m bot
h."

Nakahi
ngasi
yangmal
uwang."
Atl
eastt
hatwasn'
tal
i
e."

"Amore.
..
"hecuppedherf aceandf or
cehertol ookathi
m."It
'sr
eal
lyconf
ident
ialand
I
'l
lgetinbigtr
oubleif
Idiscl
oseit,event omywi f
e.Si
nasagotl
angkit
angayonkasi
ayokongmagal
itkasaki
n.Butthat
'sallIcant
ell
you-"

"
Iunder
stand.
"

Hest
il
l
ed.Hel
ooksshock."
You'
renotmad?"

Umi l
i
ngsi ya."Bakitakomagagalit
?Nagpali
wanagkanaman.Si nabikonasayodi ba,
hindiako mababaw na t ao.Iunder st
and whatconfi
dent
ialmeans.Hindilang ako
tumigilsapagtanongkasipakir
amdam komaymasasabikapasaki nkahitgaanopaka
confi
dent i
alangimpor masyong'yon.AndIthankyouf ort
ell
i
ngmeevenj ustabitof
whoyouar eunder st
andnow whyyou' r
ehavingahar
dtimebeinghonestwithme.And
I
'llbepat i
entwi t
hyou.Hi hi
ntayi
nkoang panahonnapuwedemonasaki nsabihi
n
l
ahat."

Pinakati
ti
gansiyaniNi
ccol
osakabumunt
ong-hini
ngai
toatnag-i
wasngt
ingi
n."
Itol
d
you,Iri
s,Ican'
tgi
veyouanormall
i
feorapeacef
uloneatt
hat
-"

"I
'm notcompl
aini
ng"Shecuthi
m of
f."
Ayosl
angsaki
n'yon.Justdon'
tgoMI
Aonme
agai
n."

"
Iwon'
t.
"Hesoundl
i
kehe'
spr
omi
si
ng.

Tumangosi
ya."
Good.
"

"
Mayt
anongkapaba?"

Shebitherl
owerl
ip."
Nanghingi
nkoangt ul
ongmosakakambalko,wal
akabang
nahanapnai
bangDoct
ornagagamotsakani
yamal
i
bansayo?"
"lact
uall
ydon'twanttodisappoi
ntyou."Sagotngasawani yahabangni lal
aroangdul
o
ng buhokniya." Iknow how muchyout r
easureyoursister.Ayokong masaktanka
kapag may nangyar ing masama sa kaniya atmakakasi gur
ol ang ako na hindi
mangyayari'yonkapagakonag-oper asakaniyakasial
am kosasar i
likonagagawin
koanglahat,hindikal
angmasaktan."

Sothat
'swhenhi
splancametochaos.Sakagust
uhannitonghindisi
yamag-al
alaat
masakt
ansapuwedengmangyar
isakakambalni
ya,nagpakit
ait
osakaniyakahi
twala
sapl
anonit
o.

"Whenwesaw eachotheri
ntheHoteli
nMi nnesota,youdidn'
tplanit
."Sabini
ya
habangt
iti
gnat
it
igsamukhangasawaniya."
Napili
tankalangkasiayaw moakong
magalal
a."

Tumangoi
tosakabumunt
ong-hi
ninga."
Doonnasi
ral
ahatngpl
anoko.
"

"
Planomonahi
ndit
alagamagpaki
tasaki
n,t
amaba?"

Tumangoi to."Maramiakongkalaban,I
ri
s.Kahi
tsiPietr
o,nahihi
rapangpigi
l
ansil
ana
masaktanka.At' yonl
ang'yongmgakalabankosaItalynaki
lal
aako.Pero'yongi
bana
i
bang katauhankoangnaki l
ala,wal
asilangal
am namayasawaakonamakakaya
ni
lang saktan.And iflevershowed myselfto you,and int
roduce mysel
fasyour
husband,they'
llknow t
ooandyouwi l
lbei
nmuchmor edangerthanyouarenow."

"
Whatchanged?"I
nayosniyaangkuwel
yongsuotni
tongpol
oshi
rt
."Whydi
dyoui
nvi
te
met
oTempt at
ionI
sland?"

"Youtol
dCor macthatyou'
l
ldivor
cemesoonandIgetr eal
l
ydamnscared.
"Mahi
na
i
tongnatawa."Hi
ndiakomatat
akuti
nper
otakotnat
akotakonaipawal
angbi
samoang
kasal
natin.
"

Tumaasangsul
okngl
abi
niya."
Iwasmani
pul
ati
ngCor
macatt
het
ime.
"

Ni
ccol
ofr
ozeandst
aredather
,dumbf
ounded."
Yout
ri
ckedme?"

Tumangosiya."Mat agalnaakong naghi

hinal
asakatauhanniCormac,kahi
tnuong
nasaHospi
talpalang,hindil
angakosigurado.
"Pag-aminni
ya."Solthr
owabaitand
youbi
tit
,baby.YouinvitedmetoTemptati
onIsl
and.
"

"
Damn.
..
"Ni
ccol
omur
mur
edandt
sked."
Youmani
pul
atedmef
rom t
hever
ybegi
nni
ng.
"

"
Nope.Ij
ustt
hrowabai
t.
"
"
Andl
i
keal
ovesi
ckf
ool
thatl
am,I
'l
lal
waysbi
tit
."Nai
l
ingnasabiniNi
ccol
osaka

masamasi
yangt
ini
ngnan.

Ngumi
til
angsi
ya."
Kasal
ananmonamankasi
.You'
reusi
ngt
wodi
ff
erentvoi
ces.
"

"
What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?"Ni
ccol
oaskedusi
ngCor
mac'
svoi
ce.

I
nirapanni
yai
to."
Yanangpuno'
t-dulongkaguluhanko.Angmagkai
baniyongboses.
"
Shef l
ickt
heti
pofhisnoseandgl aredatNiccol
o."Andofal
lplaces,whyinasex
i
sland?"

"
It
'ssaf
ether
e."

Si
nimangutanni
yait
o."Don'
tusethatr
easoni
ngonme,Ni
ccol
o,Iknow whyyoui
nvi
ted
methere,soyoucanhaveyourwaywithme."

Si
nupi
lni
toangngit
inggustongkumawalasamgal
abini
to."
Yeah.Thatt
oo.Ei
ghtyear
s
ofmast
erbat
ingbyyour
selfwil
ldothatt
oyou.
"

Napai
l
ingnal
angsi
ya."
Ewankosayo.
"

Ngumisil
anganglokokapagkuwanayunt
i-unt
ingnabur
a'yonatnagi
ngseryusoit
o."
I
haveaquesti
on.
..
whent heCor macmeli
ckedyou,doyoual readyknow t
hatitwas
me?"

I
ri
ssmi
rked."
Baki
tkanagt
atanong?Sel
oskano?"

Hel
ooksner
vousal
ri
ght
."Justanswerme.
"

"
Baki
tnamanki
tasasagut
in?"Tudyoni
yasaasawa.

Napasabunoti
tosasar
il
ingbuhok."
BecauseI
'mj
eal
ouswi
thmysel
fandt
hat
'snot
nor
mal!"

"Abnormalkanamantalaga.
"Ini
rapanniyaangasawa."
Kunghi
ndikabanamankasi
gago."Ti
ningnanni
yai
tongmasama." Anobanggustomongmar
ini
gmulasaki
n?"

"
Thatyouknewi
twasmewhenyoul
etCor
macpl
easur
eyou.
"

Sher
oll
edhereyes."
Niccol
o,l
'
mfai
thf
ul.
"
Ni
ccol
ohel
dhergaze."
Soam i
."

Tumal
im angti
ti
gniyarit
o."Real
l
y?Kungganunbaki
tkamakikipag-usapsaVivi
anna
'
yonatsahar ap ko patal
agakayomismonag setng dat
e."Tiningnanni
yaitong
masama."Par
angwal akangasawakungmakaast
akado'
nsaI sla.
"

"
Vivi
anwasaski
ngf
ormymedi
cal
advi
ce.
"Pal
i
wanagni
to.

Umigossi
ya." Baki
t?Maybal
arinbasi
yasaul
oatkail
anganmosiyangoper
ahan?"
Punongsarkasmonasabini
ya."
Kal
andi
anl
angangsaki
tni
ya,wal
anangi
ba.
"

"
You'
rebei
ngj
udgement
al.
"

"
Sige,i
pagt
anggol
mo'
yangbabaeng'
yanatt
atamaankasaki
n."

Kaagadnanat
ahi
miksiNi
ccol
o."
Hindina.
"

I
nir
apanniyaangasawa." Ineverl
etanymangetcl oset oandIneverl
etanymant ouch
mei nappr
opri
atel
y.Ineverdatedinthateightyear
sandIhavenever ,evertal
ktoany
manwho' sint
erest
edinme.AndI '
mt el
l
ingyou,Niccolo,l
otsofmenint al
yisattr
acted
t
omeandyouknow t hatinfi
deli
tyisnotreall
yani ssuethere.ButIdidn'
tbecauseI
r
espectyou."

"
Iknow."wikaniNiccol
onaparabangalam ni
tolahatngsi
nabini
ya."
AndIwantt
o
t
hankyouforst
ayi
ngf ai
thf
ult
omeal
ltheseyear
s."

"
Don'
tthankme.
"Nahi
hiyasi
yangnagbabangt
ingi
n."
I'
m nott
hatf
ait
hful
."

Hal
atangnagul
atsi
Niccol
osasi
nabini
ya."
W-whatdoyoumean?"

"
Ili
keCormac.
..If
elli
nlovewi
thhi
m notbecausehei
syoubutbecausehe'
sCor
mac.
Mybaby.
"

Ni
ccol
owasunmovi
ng."
B-butl
'
m Cor
mac.
"

Tumangosi
ya."
Iknow.
"

"
D-doyoul
i
kehi
m mor
e?"Par
angnasasakt
anangbosesni
to.

Hi
ndisi
yasumagotatgumuhi
tangsaki
tsamukhani
to.
"
Doyoul
ovehi
m?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Yes-"

"
Fuck.
..
"nat
awaitonaparabanghi
ndimakapani
walasapi
nag-uusapanni
l
angdal
awa.
"
Whythefuckam Ij
eal
ouswhenIam hi
m?Bakitpar
angangsakit
-"

"
-ButIl
oveyoumor
e."Pagt
ataposni
ya.

Tumi
ti
git
osakani
ya."
Tal
aga?Masmahal
moako?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Oonaman.
"

Unt
i-unt
ing nawal
a ang sakitna bumal
atay sa mukha ni
to."
Bal
i
w na yat
a ako.
Pi
nagsesel
osankoangsaril
iko."

Umi
ngossi
ya."
That
'swhatyougetf
ordecei
vi
ngme.
"

"
Agai
n.I
'm sor
ry.
"

I
ri
sshrugged,sadnessf
ellonherf
ace."
Iwantt
omoveonf
rom ourpastbuti
tkeepson
comi
ngback."

HinawiniNiccol
oangi l
anghibl
angbuhokniyananakatabi
ngsamukhaniya."
That'
s
okay.Iwon'tforceyoutomoveonf or
m whatIdid.Tat
anggapi
nkokahi
til
angbeses
mopangi paalal
asakinanggi
nawako.Ideser
vei
tfordecei
vi
ngyou.
"

At
ri
umphantsmi
l
eappear
edonherl
i
ps."
Okay,i
fyousayso.
"

Thesof
tnessi
nNi
ccol
o'sf
acedi
sappear
ed."
Didyouj
ustt
ri
ckedmeagai
n?"

Tumangosi
yasakamat
ami
snangumi
ti
."Wor
ksl
i
keachar
m."

Hindimakapani
walang napat
it
ig sakani
yasiNi
ccol
osakanapai
l
ing nal
ang."
Her
eI
t
houghtI'
m smart
."

Mastumamispaangngi
tini
ya."Well
,I'
m sur
eyouhaven'
tint
eract
edwi
thyourwi
feyet
whenyouconcl
udedt
oyoursel
fthatyou'
re mart
."
Napabunt
ong-hi
ninganal
angangasawani
yanapar
abangsukonai
to.

Ngumi
tinamansi
ya."
Forasmar
tman,you'
redumbsomet
imes"Ani
ya.

"
Onl
ytoyouamor
e,onl
ytoyou.
"Hesai
dwi
thadef
eat
edvoi
ce.

Mahi
nangnatawasi
yasakahi
nal
i
k-hal
i
kanangasawani
yasai
l
ali
m ngt
aingapababa
sal
eegatsagil
i
dnglabi
nit
o.

Niccol
oimmediatel
yturntoherandcapt
ureherli
psmakinghermoansoft
ly.Andwhen
hishand st
art
ed caressi
ng herl
egsint
o herinnert
highs,she st
opshi
shand fr
om
reachi
ngit
sdesti
nati
on.

"
Don'
.t
"Pi
nanl
aki
hanni
yai
tongmgamat
a."
Maykasamat
ayo.
"

Ni
ccol
ogr
oanedt
henhegr
inned."
Bat
hroom.
"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Masi
kip.
"

Humabaangngusoni
to."
Whenwi
l
lIhaveyout
hen?"

"
Sabahaynat
in.
"

Ni
ccol
osi
ghedheavi
l
yanddr
amat
ical
l
y."
Amor
e..
.real
l
ywantyousobad.
"

"
Oht
apos?Magt
ii
ska.Si
noba'
yongt
inul
akakopal
ayo?"

"
Bal
i
knanamant
ayodo'
n?"

"Baki
t?Gal
itka?Dibasabimookaylangnai
pamukhakosayonangpaul
i
t-ul
i
tang
ginawamo?"Sabini
yananakangi
ti
.

"Sabikonga.
"Dumaos-dosnguposiNi
ccol
osaki
nauupuanni
ya."
l'
m shut
ti
ngup
now."

"Great
."I
nayosniyaangkumotnanakapat
ongsamgahi t
aniyasakanahigasi
yaat
ginawangunananghit
aniNi
ccol
o."
Gisi
ngi
nmonalangakokapagnasaI
tal
ynatayo.
"

I
risclosedhereyest
orestandt
akeanap,butmi
nut
esl
ater
,shehear
dCountKni
ght
's
voice.
"
Doyouhaveacakeher
e?"

Napamul
atsi
yangmat
aatnagt
agpoangt
ingi
nni
l
aniNi
ccol
o.

"
He'
sacake-addi
ct.
"Impor
masakani
yangasawani
ya.

"Oh.
"Bumangonsi
yasakat
umi
ngi
nsaconde,"
Icanbakeyouacakewhenweget
home."

Tumi
ti
gsakani
yaangconde."
Ihat
eowi
ngsomeone.

"
Iri
sshr
ugged."
ThenIwon'
tbakeyouacake.
"

TheCountsi
ghed."
Letspl
aychesssi
nceyou'
reami
ndgamer
.Letmeseewhatyou
cando.I
fIwi
n,you'
l
lbakemeacake."

Li
him nanapangi
tisiI
ri
s."
Andi
fyoul
oseyouwi
l
lansweronequest
ionf
rom me.
"

Tumiim angti
ti
gsakaniyaniKni
ght
,bi
nabasani
toangnasaI
i
kodngsi
nabini
ya."
Bast
a
walangkinal
amandiyansaasawamo,sasagut
inko.
"

Shesmi
l
ed."
Okay.
"

Tinur
o ni
ya ang i
sa sa over
head bi
n ng pr
ibadong er
opl
ano niNi
ccol
o."
Asf
aras
remember,t
here'
sachessboar dinther
e.

"
SiCountKni
ghtangkumuhano'
natpasal
ampaki
tongumuposasahi
gnger
opl
ano.
"
Comeon.Letspl
ay.
"

Napati
ti
gsi
yasaconde.I
toangkauna-unangdugong-bughawnanaki
tani
yangumupo
sasahi
g.

"Go.Playwit
hhim."UdyoksakaniyaniNi
ccol
o."
He'sbored.Bakabi
glayangt
umal
on
palabasngeropl
anokapaghi
ndinaali
wlal
ona'
tgust
oniyangkumainng
cake."

"
He'
swei
rd.
"Shewhi
sper
ed.

Ni
ccol
onodded."
Hei
s."
Tumayo siyaatpasal
ampakding umupo sasahig.SiNiccol
o namanayumupo sa
l
ikuranni
yaayipi
natongangbabanitosabali
katniyahabanginaayosni
yaangchess
piecesni
ya.

"
Nocoachi
ng.
"Wi
kaniCountKni
ghthabangi
naayosdi
nni
toangchesspi
ecesni
to.

I
ri
srol
l
edhereyes."
Idon'
tneedacoach,CountKni
ght
.Icanbeatyoui
nfourmoves.

"
CountKni
ghtshar
peyesset
tl
edonher
s."
I'
ll
kil
lyoui
nami
nut
e."

Shesmi
rked."
Iwannaseeyout
ry,yourhi
ghness.
"

Wal
amanl
angsi
yangmaki
tangemosyonsamukhani
to."
Ladi
esf
ir
st.
"

Si
ya ang unang t
umi
ra.I
ginal
aw ni
ya ang pawn ni
ya,mula E2 papunt
ang E4 par
a
magi
ngmal ayanggumal
aw angbi
shopatqueenniya."Yourmove.
"

CountKnightmove hi
spawn maki
ng heri
nwar
dlysmi
l
e.Hmm.Hi
smove i
sgoi
ng
accor
dingtoherpl
an.

I
ri
smoveherki
ng-si
debi
shopt
oC4t
ost
artherent
rapmentonCountKni
ght
'ski
ng.

CountKnightmovehisQueen-si
deKnightt
oC6.I
twasanst
andar
dmove.Hewant
ed
t
oattack.Hedidn'
tcoverhi
sE7.Good.

Pi
nagal
aw ni
yaangReynani
yapat
ungongH5par
asapaghahandasahul
i
ngat
akeni
ya.

CountKnightmove hi
sbishop butit
'sal
readyt
oo l
atet
o count
erat
tack.Mukhang
napansi
npalangni
toangbal
akniyanggawi
n.

I
ri
smoveherQueent
oF7,eat
ingt
hepawnandcapt
uri
ngt
heKi
ng.

Naghahamonsiyangtumi
nginkayCountKni
ghtnaal
am ni
yangpi
napaganaangi
si
p
kungpaanol
ulusut
anangatakeni
ya.

Butunfortunat
elyforthe count,she alr
eadythoughtofi tbefor
et he game star
ts.
I
nihanda na ni
ya ang bi
shop niya par
a kung at
aki
hin ng Har
inito ang Reyna ni
ya,
maatakingbishopniyaangHar ini
to.

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed."
Checkmat
e,Vel
asquez.
"
CountKni
ghtl
ookedather
."Thatwast
hef
ourmovecheckmat
e."

Shesmi
l
ed."
Yes.
"

"
IfImovemyqueent
oE7r
athert
hanmovi
ngmyKni
ght
,yourf
ourmovecheckmat
e
won'
twork.
"

I
ri
sshr
ugged."
Iwon,butdon'
twor
ry,Iwi
l
lbakeyouacake.
"

Nakat
it
iglangangcondesachessboardsakatumi
ngi
nsakani
ya."
Let
spl
ayanot
her
game.I'
m notbor
edanymor
e.I
'm chal
l
enged."

Tumangosiyaatnagl
arosil
auli
tniCountKnighthabangnakayakapsal
i
kur
anni
yasi
Niccol
oatpami
nsan-minsanayhinahal
i
kanangbatokatl
eegniya.

Af
terwi
nningfi
veconsecut
ivet
imes,CountKni
ghtst
art
edwi
nni
ngandhedi
dn'
tlether
wi
nanothergame.

A/N:Parai
tosalahatngnag-t
akengexam ngayongar
aw.Sanakahitpapaanoay
mapasayakayongchapt
erna't
opagkat
aposni
yongmakibakasaexamsni
yo.Happy
Readi
ng.

CHAPTER23

MASUYONGHI NAHAPLoSniI
ri
sangbuhokniNiccol
ohabangnakahi
gai
toatnat
utul
og
samahabangsof ahabangnakaunansahit
aniya.I
nayosni
yaangkumotnanakataki
p
sakatawannitoparahi
ndii
tol
amigi
natnapati
ngi
nsacondenanakaupopari
nsasahig
ngeroplanoatnagl
alar
ongchessnangmag-isa.

TheCountl
ooksli
kehe'spl
ayi
ngser
iousl
ywi
thhi
msel
f.I
tbaf
fl
esherhow hedoest
hat
.
Pret
endi
ngthathehasanenemytosl
ay.

"
Moveyourkni
ght
."Shesuggest
ed.

"
IfImovemybi
shop,t
heQueenwi
l
lgethur
t.
"

"
TheQueeni
sal
wayst
hesacr
if
ice.
"Ani
ya.

TheCountlookedatherandNi ccolo."
You'r
eRacini'
sQueenbuthedidn'
tsacri
fi
ceyou.
Yes,hedidn'
tshow hi
mselft
oyoubutt hat
'sbecausehe'
safr
aidyou'
l
lgethurtbecause
ofhim sohesacri
fi
cehimsel
finstead."
"
Hedi
dtol
dmeaboutt
hat
.Butwhymar
rymei
nthef
ir
stpl
ace?"

TheCountshr
ugged."
Raci
ni'
smi
ndwor
ksdi
ff
erentt
hanot
her
s.Heal
wayscont
radi
ct
hi
msel
f.
"

"
Myhusbandi
ssmar
t.Hemaycont
radi
cthi
msel
fbutheknewwhathe'
sdoi
ng.
"

"
Yes.Hedoes.That
'swhyhe'
skeepi
ngyousaf
ebynotbei
ngwi
thyou.
"

"
Bynotbei
ngwi
thme,i
sher
eal
l
ykeepi
ngmesaf
e?"

"
You'
rest
il
lal
i
ve.
"Hepoi
ntedoutl
i
kei
twi
l
lansweral
lherquest
ion.

Gustoniyangpagsal
it
aini
tongpagsal i
tai
nperoalam niyanghindi'
yonmangyayari
.The
Count'
s answeris contr
oll
ed.It'
slike he'
s manipulati
ng hert oreactand ask t
he
quest
ionshewantedtohear .Thequesti
onthati
ssafet oanswer.

Butunfor
tunatel
y,she'
snoteasyt
omanipul
ate.I
t'
sal
wayst
heot
herwayar
ound."
Ifhe
knew t
hatI'
ll
beindanger,whymarryme?"

"
Becauseheal
wayscont
radi
cthi
msel
fwheni
tcomest
oyouandhe'
sver
ymuchi
nlove
wit
hyou.
"

Asadsmi
l
egr
azeherl
i
ps."
Ifhe'
sthati
nlovewi
thme,whyl
etmegetwedal
one?"

"He nearl
ydied that
-"t
he Countpaused and chuckl
ed col
dly,"
myapol
ogi
es,Mr
s.
Raci
ni,butIwil
lnotpl
aywit
hyourmind-game."

"
We'
rej
usthavi
ngaconver
sat
ion,yourhi
ghness.
"Ani
yasakal
madongboses.

"
Aconver sat
ionisaf r
eeexchangeofi
deasandopi
nion.Butaconversat
ioncaneasi
l
y
t
urnintomani pul
ati
onwhent heonel
'mtal
ki
ngtoismanipulat
ingherquesti
onst
oget
t
heinformati
onsheneeded."

"
Idon'
tknow whatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
."Kai
l
ani
yanamayngi
tisamgal
abi
.

Knightmovest heblackbishop."Il
i
kepl ayi
ngmindgamesaswel lsoIknow when
someonei splayingwit
hmymi nd.
"Her est
edhiswri
stonhisf
oldedkneeandhel ooked
ather,"you'r
easki ngmequest i
onsthathassomethingtodowi t
hmyanswerbutt he
trut
his,youaddaquest ioni ntheendt ofishoutinf
ormat
ionf r
om mewi thoutme
real
izi
ngit.
"
Shebi
therl
owerl
i
p.Sohef
igur
edi
tout
."Thosear
ehar
mlessquest
ion,yourhi
ghness.
"

"Harmless,yeah,r
ight
."Hescoffedbutshecan'tt
elli
fhe'smadorwhatbecauseshe
can'
tseeanyemot ioninhi
sface."Tel
lme,Mrs.Raci
ni,whatdoyour
eal
l
ywantt oknow
aboutyourhusband?"

"
Iwantt
oknowt
her
eal
him.
"Sagotni
ya.

"You'
remarr
iedt
oNiccol
oRaciniandyou'l
lbestayi
ngint hesamehousesoon.You' l
l
know hi
mforsur
e.Butali
fewithhimisnotahappyeveraf t
er,butknowingRacini
,he
wouldmakeahappyeveraft
erpossi
blei
nthemidstofchaosanddanger .Foryou.
"

Bumaba ang mga mata ni

ya sa asawang mahimbing na nat
utul
og."Mybaby..
.he
doesn'
thave to makehappyeveraf terpossibl
einthemi dstofchaosand danger
becauseseei
nghim andbei
ngwithhimi sal
readyahappyeveraf t
ertome.
"

Pinagsi
kl
opniyaangkamaynil
angdal
awaniNiccol
osakahinali
kanni
yaangl
i
kodng
kamayni t
okapagkuwanayt
umingi
nsi
yasacondeathi
ndinagsal
it
a.

"
What
?"TheCountaskedaf
terami
nut
eofherl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Ngumi
tisi
ya."
Iwoni
nourf
ir
stgameofChess,r
emember
?"

CountKni
ghtsi
ghed."
What
'syourquest
ion?"

"
Whatki
ndofOr
gani
zat
ionar
eyoupar
tof
?"

Tumi
gilsapaglal
aroangcondengchesssakanapati
ti
gsakani
ya."
Walangki
nal
aman
saasawamoangt anongmo,per
osal i
kodniyon,angt
otoo,mal
akiangki
nal
aman
ni
yankayRacini.
"

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katsi
ya."
Idon'
tknow whatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
."

CountKni
ghtt
sked."
Ami
nd-gameri
ndeed.You'
redi
ff
erentf
rom yoursi
ster
."

"
How so?"

"I
vyisanat t
acker
,aft
ert
hatshewoul dthink,whil
eyouthi
nkfir
stbeforeyouatt
ack.I vy
i
ssmar tinplanni
ngbutyou,Mr s.Raci
ni,you'r
esmar ti
nmani pul
ati
ngpeoplear ound
you.I
tsli
keyoursecondski
n.Hindimahirapsayokasigawainmona' yon,hi
ndimol ang
napapansin.Yourmindbecomesdeadl ierwhenyou'rereall
yplanningtomani pulate
someone,becauseyouexertef
fort.
"
"
You'resti
l
lnotanswer
ingmyquest
ion,yourHi
ghness.
"Ani
yanahi
ndikumur
apsa
t
it
iganni
langconde.

He'
sint
imi
dat
ingal
ri
ghtbuthi
sint
imi
dat
ionwon'
taf
fecther
.

CountKni ghtmove hi s Queen before answering."I

'm par
tofan underground
organi
zat
ion.It
'snotil
l
egalbutnotlegaleither
.Ourmet hodsindoi
ngourjobcanbe
i
ll
egalorl
egal,dependsont hesi
tuat
ionathand. "Hepausedandlookst
rai
ghti
ntoher
eyes."
Didmyanswersat isf
yyourquery,Mrs.Racini?"

Yes.
"Shesmi
l
ed."
Thankyouf
oranswer
ingmyquest
ion.
"

I
langsegundosiyangti
nit
iganngcondebagonagsal
i
tahabangt
it
ignat
it
igpar
insa
kani
ya."
Justl
ikeyoursi
ster,youl
ovewayt
oohar
d."

Mukhangki
l
alang-ki
l
alani
tosil
vy.Ti
yaknaki
l
alar
ini
tongkakambal
niya.

"
Masamabangmagmahal
ngmat
indi
?"

"No.Ilovemywif
efier
cely,Mrs.Racini
."Forthefi
rstt
imesinceshemett
heCount,she
canseeemot i
oninhiseyes." Mywi feismyl if
e.That'swhyeveninchess,Idisl
i
ke
sacr
if
icingmyQueen,becauseIrathersacri
fi
cemyselfthantoseemyQueenhurt
ing."

Justl
ikeNiccol
o.ButwhatNi
ccol
odi
dn'
treal
i
zei
sthatshe'
shur
ti
ngbecausehechoose
tosacri
fi
cehimsel
f.

I
ri
ssoftl
ycaressNiccol
o'sf
ace."I
nchessorinrealli
fe,Iwouldneversacr
if
icemysel
f.I
bel
ievethatt
here'
salwaysaway.Ifi
tsbl
ock,Iwi
llf
indanot herwayorIwil
lmakeaway.
Nanini
walaakongkamatayanlangangwalangsol
usyon. "

Fort
hef
ir
stt
ime,t
heCountsmi
l
ed."
Ili
keyouf
orRaci
ni.
"

Shesmi
l
edback."
Thankyou.
"

"Takecar
eofhim.Hemi ghtbestr
ongenoughtotakeonal
lthevi
l
lai
nintheworl
d,but
he'sweakwheni tcomestoyou.Don'
tputyour
selfi
naharmsway.Ifsomethi
ngbad
happenstoyou,i
t'
llki
l
lhi
m."

"Iwil
lnotbehi
sweakness,yourhighness.
"Humigpi
tanghawakniyasakamayng
asawa."Iwi
l
lbehissourceofst
rengt
h.Idonotpl
antoblockhi
sway,r
ather
,Ipl
ant
o
staybyhi
ssi
deeveryst
epoftheway."
"
He'
sluckyt
hen.
"Anangcondesakabumal
i
ksapagl
alar
ongmag-i
sangchess.

Pi
nagmasdanniyal
angit
ongmaglarohanggangsamakar amdam si
yangant
ok.I
hini
l
ig
ni
yaangkatawansali
kodngpahabangsofasakai
pini
kitangmgamat a.

Masyadongmahimbi ngangtulogni
yananagi
singsi
yangmaramdamangl umapagna
angeropl
anongsinasakyan.Dahi
lsi
gur
osapagodatmedyonanakitpaangmaysugat
ni
yangbrasoatkabil
angpaakayanakatul
ogsi
yangganunkahabaatkahi
mbing.

Atnangmagmulatsi
yangmat
a,naabut
anni
yangni
l
il
ini
sniNi
ccol
oangmgasugatni
ya
atpi
napal
i
tanngbenda.

I
ngatnai
ngati
tonahi
ndisi
yamasakt
an.

Myhusband.

"
Thankyou.
"Ani
yanai
kina-angatni
tongt
ingi
nsakani
ya.

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedhersof
tl
yont
hel
i
ps."
We'
reher
e."

Tumi
ngi
nsiyasal
abasngbint
anasakagumuhitangngi
tisamgal
abini
ya."We'
l
lbe
homesoon.
"Humarapsi
yasaasawa."
Thankyouf
orcomi
nghomewithme."

"I
tsaboutdamnt
ime.
"Ani
tosakahi
nal
i
kannanamansi
yasamgal
abi
."Comeon,t
he
cari
sready.
"

Tumayosiyasakanagpagi
yapababanger
opl
anokayNiccol
o.Habangpababasi
la,
nar
ir
ini
gniyangmaykausapangcondesacel
l
phonehabangnakat
ayoit
omalapi
tsa
l
imousi
ne.

"Yes,baby,ofcour se.Hindikokakalimutanangpasal ubongmo.Oonaman,akopa

ba." The Counti s smil
ing and there'
s softness in hisface." Uuwikaagad ako
pagkataposnggagawi nkor it
o.Yes.Imi ssyou,mir eina.Somuch."Thenhechuckled,
"hell
olit
tl
eguy,mi ssyourDaddy?Imi ssyout oo,kiddo.Daddywi llbehomesoon.
Gustomonger oplano?Doonkahumi ngikayNi nongValmo,mar amingeropl
ano'yon-
oh!Youmeanat oyplane?Sur e,ki
ddo,Iwi l
lbuyyouadozent oyplanewithdi
ff
erent
colorsandst
yleandwhat everisdiff
erentinthestore."

Bumal
i
ngsi
yakayNi
ccol
o."
Mayasawanapal
asi
ya?"

Tumangoangasawani
ya."
Yep.He'
smar
ri
ed.
"
I
nali
sni
yaangtingi
nsacondesakasumakaysiyasanakapar
adangimousi
ne.Nag-
usapmunaangcondeatsiNi
ccol
osal
abasbagosumakayangasawani
ya.

Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Hindibasasabaysat
insiCountKni
ght
?"

"
Nah.Hehassomewher
eel
set
ogo.
"SagotniNi
ccol
o.

Siyanamanaysinundanngti
ngi
nangcondenasumakaysamotornanakapar
adasa
l
ikodngli
mousi
nesakanagsuoti
tonghel
metatmabi
l
isnapi
nahar
urot'
yon.

ThenI
ri
sat
tent
ionwentt
othei
nsi
deoft
hel
i
mousi
ne t
hey'
rer
idi
ng.

Bi
nal
i
nganni
yaangasawa."
Ist
hisl
i
mousi
nebul
l
etpr
oof
?"

"
Yes.
"

Napat
ango-t
angosi
ya."
Lahatbangsasakyansamansi
yonbul
l
etpr
oof
?"

"
Oo.
"Sagotni
tosakasi
nal
ubongangt
ingi
nni
ya."
Themansi
oni
sbul
l
etpr
oofaswel
l
."

Napat
angasi
yar
it
o."
Ser
iousl
y?"

"
Yes.Whydoyout
hinkyou'
rest
il
lal
i
ve?"

Herlips parted."
How on ear
th di
d you manage t
o make t
he whol
e mansi
on
bul
l
etproof?"

Ni
ccol
osmi
l
esmugl
y."
I'
m Ni
ccol
oRaci
ni.
"Maypagmamal
akini
tongboses.

Napail
ing nal
ang siya pero gul
atpa ri
n si
ya sa nal
aman.Kaya naman wal
ang
nakakapanaki
tsakaniyakasibull
etpr
oofangbuongbahaynati
nit
ir
hanniyapat
iang
mgakot sengsi
nasakyanniya.

"
Andmyof
fi
cei
nyourcompany?"Sheasked.

"Theglasswalli
sbull
etpr
oofbutyouonl
yvi
si
tonceamont
hsol
'
m al
wayst
her
eto
prot
ectyoueveryti
me.
"

"
Didsomeonet
ryt
oki
l
lmewhi
l
eI'
m wor
king?"
"
Yes.
"

"
WhenI
'm onvacat
ion?"

"
Yes.
"

Shebl
i
nkedi
nshock."
Fuck.
"

Ni
ccol
olooksgui
l
ty."
I'
m sor
ry.I
tsmyf
aul
t.
"

"That'
s okay.
" Sabini
ya saka humi
nga ng mal
ali
m."
Nandoon ka naman par
a
protekt
ahanako.
"

"
Sti
l
l.
..
"

Napat
it
igsi
yasaasawanabakassamukhaanggui
l
t."
Niccol
o..
."

"I
'm r
eall
y sorr
y,Amor
e.Hi
nd sana mangangani
b ang buhay mo kung hi
ndiki
ta
pi
nakasal
an."

Naal
alani
yabigl
aangsinabiniCountKni
ght.Ni
ccol
oalwayscont
radi
cthi
mselfwhenit
comestoherbecausehel ovesher."Kahi
tnamansigurohi
ndimoakopi nakasal
an,
mangangani
bpar i
nangbuhayko.Bakanakakal i
mutanmokunganongkabuhayan
mayroonangPapáko.
"

"
Butyouwantapeacef
ull
i
fe.
..
"

Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Doyout
hinkIwi
l
lhaveapeacef
ull
i
fewi
thPapá?"

Bi
glangnapai
si
psi
Niccol
o."
Idon'
tthi
nkso.
"

"Met oo."Ani yasakangumi ti

."List
entome,Ni ccol
o."Hinawakanni yaangkamayni to
sakapi nisi
liyon."Iknow how danger ousitistobewi t
hyou.Na-sampl e-l
annaako
doonsaCaf éper ohindiakono'nmapi pigi
l
annagustuhinkangmakasama.Iwantal i
fe
with you,how maybe chaot i
c ordanger ousiti
s.Bast a kasama kita.Alam kong
natatakotkapar asakin,kasipakiramdam momahi naakoatwal aakongal am para
protektahanangsar il
ikoper olalabanakosapar aangalam kohi ndilangakomagi ng
pabigatsayo. "

Umili
ngsiNi
ccolo."
Youwillneverbeabur dentome,Amore.Never
."Umili
nguli
tit
o.
"I
tsal
waysapleasur
eprot
ectingyoubecauselosi
ngyouwoul
dkil
lme.Li
ter
all
y."
Umusogsiyapalapi
tsaasawasakaniyakapitosabeywangngmahi
gpi
tati
pinat
ong
angbabaniyasabal
ikatni
tohabangmagkayakapsi
l
a.

Butherhear
tr acedinf
earwhenshesaw amani
namot
orbi
kehol
dingagunand
poi
nti
ngi
tattheircar
.

Humi gpi
tang yakap ni
ya kay Ni
ccol
o.Nakal
imutan ni
yang bul
l
etpr
oofpala ang
sasakyangki
nal
ulul
ananhanggangsaki
nal
abi
tnglal
akianggat
il
yongbari
lathi
ndii
yon
tumagossabint
ananglimousi
ne.

"
Niccol
o..
."

"Iknow."Herepli
edbef
orepul
l
ingawayf
rom herembr
aceandpul
l
ingsomet
hingf
rom
below t
heseat.

Agun!

BinuksanniNiccoloangpi
ntongl
imousi
nesakahumawaksahandl
eniyonatini
l
abas
nit
oangkal ahatingkat
awansakabi
nari
langgul
ongngmotornglal
akingbumarilsa
sasakyanni
la.

I
ri
sgaspedi
namazementwhenNi
ccol
oact
ual
l
yhi
tthet
ir
eatf
ir
stt
ry.

Napal
i
tanangt
akotni
yangpaghangasaasawa.

Pi
naul
ananngbalangl al
aki
ngsakaysamot orsi
kloangasawaniyakahitgumi
giwang
naangmotorni
toperoparangwal
angtakotsiNiccol
osabala.Nihi
ndingait
okumurap
onag-i
bangposisyon.

Nanati
l
iit
ongnakahawaksahandl
engpi
ntongsasakyansakakinal
abi
tul
i
tanggati
l
yo
ng bar
ilatt
umamaang balaniyonsal
alakidahi
l
anparatuluyangbumagsaki
tosa
semento.

Nicol
opul
lhi
msel
fup,cl
osethedoorbef
orepressi
ngthegun'
smagazi
ner
eleaseand
checki
ngt
hemagazi
netoknow t
henumberofbull
etsi
nsi
de.

Andherhusbandl
ookshotwhi
l
edoi
ngi
t.

Nangbumal
i
ngsakani
yasiNi
ccol
o,nagt
amaangmgamat
ani
l
a.

"
Youokay,amor
e?"
Tumangosi
ya."
Y-yeah.
"

"
You'
renotscar
ed?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Kani
nal
angper
ohi
ndinangayon.
"

I
binal
ikniNi
ccoloangbari
lsapi
nagkunanni
tosakabumunt
ong-hi
ningabagot
umi
ngi
n
ul
itsakani
ya."
I'
m sorr
yyouhavetoseethat
."

"I
tsokay"Ani
yasakahumi ngangmal al
i
m." Ngayongmagkasamanat ayo,magi
ging
normalnanamakaki taako ng ganunpal
agi.Dapatko nang sanayi
nang sar
il
iko.
Ginust
okoto,pani
nindi
ganko."

Aproudsmi
legrazeNi
col
o'sl
i
ps."
You'
rer
eal
l
yanamazi
ngwoman.NowonderIf
elli
n
l
ovewit
hyou."

"Yes,mymot herrai
semewel l
."Tugonni
yasakamahi nangnat
awaatni yakapang
asawa."Angguwapomokani nahabangnaki
kipagbari
lanka."Kagatanglabingsabi
niyahabangyakapit
o."
Isuddenl
yhavetheur
get olockyouinourroom andhavemy
waywi t
hyou."

Ni
ccol
ogr
oaned."
Iwoul
dlovet
hat
."

I
ri
spul
lawayandl
ookedatherhusband."
Lat
er?"

Ni
ccol
osmi
l
ed."
Lat
er.Iwi
l
lravageyou.Iswear
.I'
l
lmakeyouscr
eam.
"

Ti
pidl
angsi
yangngumi
ti
."Okay.
"

Humil
igsabali
katniyasiNi
ccol
onapar abangnagl
alambi
nghabangnakayakapsa
beywangni
ya.Siyanamanayinakbayanit
oparamalayaangkamayni
yangmahaplos
angbuhokngasawapababasalikodnit
o.

Ganunangposi
syonni
l
ahanggangsat
umi
gilangl
i
mousi
nenasi
nasakyansahar
apng
mansi
onnil
a.

Umayosnguposi
Niccol
oatnapat
it
igdi
nit
osamansi
yonkagayani
ya.

AndwhenPi
etr
oopent
hedoorf
ort
hem,Ni
ccol
olookedather
.

"
We'
rehome.
"Wi
kani
to.
I
ri
sisget
ti
ngemot
ional
butshest
il
lmanaget
osmi
l
e."
Final
l
y."

Ngumi
tisiNi
ccol
osakanaunai
tongl
umabasati
nil
ahadangkamaysakani
ya.

Nangi
ngi
ti
ngt
inanggapni
yaangkamayni
tosakal
umabasngsasakyan.

Hal
o-hal
o ang emosyong nararamdaman niIri
shabang nagl
alakad si
l
a niNiccol
o
pat
ungo sapint
o.Atnang buksanniPi et
ro ang pi
nto par
asakanila,magkahawak
kamaysi
langpumasokniNiccolosaloobngkabahayan.

"Ineverthoughtl
'l
lent
ermyhomeagai n."Nar
ini
gni yangsabiniNi
ccol
onaiki
nabal
ing
niyari
to."Kapagnandi
toakosalt
aly,palagi
ngsalikodakodumadaankasidoonakosa
basementnagt at
agoparalangmakit
aangasawakosaCCTV.Andnow. .
."hel
ookedat
her,"I
'm here.Wi
thyou."

Shesmi
l
edatherhusbandl
ovi
ngl
y."
Wel
comehome,baby.
"

"
Thankyou.
..
"hest
epcl
osert
oherbef
orepl
aci
ngasof
tki
ssonherl
i
ps,"
...
forbr
ingi
ng
mebackhome."

I
nayosniyaangnagusotni
tongdami
t,angkuwelyoni
tosakaangbahagyangmagul
o
ni
tongbuhok."
We'r
efinal
l
yhomesoIwi l
lcookf
oryouandtakecar
eofyou-"

"
Canyoudoi
ttomor
row?"Hesoundsi
mpat
ient
.

Shef
rowned."
Youdon'
twanti
tnow?"

"
Iwantyounow.
"

"Oh.Okay."Hi
nawakanni
yaitosakamaysakahini
lapat
ungonghagdanati gi
niyaito
patungosakuwart
onainuukupani
yasaikat
longpal
apagngbahay."That
'smybed. "
Tinur
oniyaangkamapagkataposayti
nuroniyaangbanyosakuwartoniya."I
'llj
ust
takeabath.
"

HinubadniNi
ccoloangpolonasuotni
tosakahubad-baronanaglakadpat
ungosa
kamaniyaatumuposagili
dni
yonsakat
umingi
nsakaniya."Goon.Takeabath.Don'
t
makeyourhusbandwai
t.
"

Hi
ndimapi
gil
anniI
ri
snabumabaangt
ingi
nsamat
it
ipunongdi
bdi
batabsngasawa.

Andhe'
smi
ne.
Nakagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abihabangpi
nagmamasdanpar
inangkat
awanni
Ni
ccolo.

"I
fyoukeepl
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
,Iwi
l
lfuckyouwher
eyoust
and.
"Wi
kaniNi
ccol
ona
gumisi
ngsadi
waniya.

Napakurap-kur
apsi
yasakamal
alakianghakbangnapumasoksabanyoati
si
nar
aang
pi
ntoniyon.

Mal
akasangt
ibokngpusoni
ya.

Whyi sthat?I
t'
snotli
keit
sthei
rfi
rstti
medoi
ngit.Theyhadsexacoupleoft
imesinthe
I
sland alr
eady.
..butthi
sisthefirstti
meshe'
sdoi ng i
twi
thNiccol
ointhelight
.No
pr
et ensi
on.He'snotCor
macPaul Crai
gnow.Heisherhusband.

MyNi
ccol
o.

Mabi
l
isnahi
nubadni
yaangdami
tatpumai
l
ali
m si
yasamal
ami
gnat
ubi
gngshower
.

Kagatni
yaangpang-ibabangl
abihabangnali
li
go.Hi
ndipasi
yanakakapagsabonng
bumukasangpi
ntoatpumasokdoonsiNiccol
o.

Butinst
eadofshower
ingwi
thher,heleanedonthegl
asswal
lseparat
ingtheshower
and the comf
ortr
oom,and he j
uststar
ed ather
,hi
seyesslowlyfeast
ing on her
nakedness.

Nangmagsawai t
osakakati
ti
gsakaniyahabangnal
i
li
go,sakalangi
topumail
ali
m sa
showerkasamani
yasakabi
glanal
angsinakopngmai
nitnahal
i
kangmgalabini
ya.

Atsail
ali
m ngmalamignat ubig,mapusoknanaghal
i
kansi
l
aniNi
ccol
ohanggangsa
bumabaanglabi
nitosakaselananni
ya.

Napasabunotnalangsasari
li
ngbuhoksiIr
isngmar amdamananglabiatdil
angasawa
sa pagkababae ni
ya na si
nisi
psi
p atki
nakagat
-kagatnit
o.Atang tanging nagawa
nal
angniIri
sayiungolangpangalanngasawani yahabangnakapi
ki
tdahilsasarapna
nar
aramdaman.

A/
N:HappyReadi
ngt
oal
landHel
l
oIr
is.

WARNI
NG:SPG|R-1
8|Mat
ureCont
ent

CHAPTER24
NAKAAWANG anglabiniIri
snangmasuyosi yangi
hini
ganiNi
ccol
osamalambotna
kamahabangmati
im angtit
ignit
osakani yaBasapaangkatawanni
yadahi
lkat
atapos
l
angni
langmal
igoperohindini
l
aal i
ntanayon.

Niccol
oislooki
ng atherint
imat
ely and t
he emot
ion i
n hi
seyesmakesherhear
t
t
hrobbedandkneesweak.

Herhusbandwhopr ot
ectedheral
ltheseyears.Herhusbandwhol
ovesherandcar
es
f
orher.Aft
erei
ghtyearsofbei
ngapart,t
hey'
refinal
l
ytogether
.

NakagatniI
ri
sangl
abinangl
umapatanglabiniNi
ccol
osanuoni
ya,atbumabai
yonsa
t
ungkinangil
ongni
yaatlumi
patsapi
sngini
ya.

Dahan-dahangnapapiki
tangmgamat aniIri
snangl
umapatanglabiniNi
ccol
osamga
l
abiniya.Masuyoangpaghal i
kni
tonapar angi
ngatnai
ngat.Banayadangpaggal
aw
nangmgal abini
tonaginagadnamanniya.

I
ri
ssl
owl
ymoveherl
i
ps,mi
micki
ngt
hemovementofNi
ccol
o'sl
i
ps.

Thekissi
ssoft
,int
imat
e,passi
onat
ebutt
her
e'sahi
ntofl
ongi
ngi
nthem andt
hir
stt
o
tast
eeachot
her.

BahagyangnakagatniI
ri
sangpang-i
babangl
abingasawanghumapl osangkamay
ni
tosahubadniyangkat
awan.Mul
asabeywangniyapababasapang-uponi
yaatmga
hi
taniya.

WhenNiccol
ost ar
tedcaressi
ngherinnerthi
ghs,asof
tmoanescapedherl
i
ps.And
whenhishandmovet ocup oneofherbr eastandhi
sot
herhandcuppedherwet
womanhood,herbodyarchedindel
i
cioussensat
ion.

"
Niccol
o..
"mahi
nani
yangdai
ngnghapl
usi
nngdal
i
rini
toanghi
wangpagkababaeni
ya.

Umawanganglabini
yanaini
wannangmgal
abiniNi
ccol
onangdumausdosangl
abi
ni
topat
ungosal
eegniya.

Humahalikathumahaplosanglabiatdi
l
anitosabalatni
ya.Parangnakukur
yent
esiI
ri
s
sabawatpagdamping l abinitosakatawanniya,masnagl agabl
abang apoynang
pagnanasasakaibut
uranniya.

Bawathalikni
tosakahubdanni
yaaynapapaigtadsiyaatnapapadai
ngsaki
l
iti
nghati
d
ni
yon.Atnangdumakoangmai ni
tni
tongbibigsaisasatutokngmayayamanniyang
di
bdib,napahawaksiI
ri
sangbuhokniNiccol
o.
I
ri
sfeltt
ingl
ingsensat
ionshoott
hroughherbel
l
ywhenNi ccolost
artedplayi
ngwithher
ni
pple,l
icki
ng,l
appingandsucki
ngi t
,sendi
ngthousandbol
tsofelect
ri
cityt
hroughout
herbody.

"Ni
ccolo.
..
"mahinaniyangdai
nghabangpinagsasabayni
toangpagl
alar
ongdi
l
ani
to
sautongniyaatpagmasahesai
sangdi
bdi
bni ya.

"Oh.
..
"hi
ndimapi
gil
angdai
ngniI
ri
s,ramdam ni
yaangpanggi
gigi
lniNi
ccol
osabawat
hapl
osngkamayni
tosakat
awanniya.

Lumali
m ang paghinga niI
ri
s ng bumaba ang mga labiniNi ccol
o,ini
wan ang
mayayamanniyangdibdi
batbumabasapusonniya.Napali
yadsiyanghali
kanni
toang
punongpagkababaeniyaperobumabaul i
tangmgalabini
to.
..humahali
ksahit
aniya,
satuhodni
ya,pababasapaaniya,atpat
ungosatal
ampakanniya.

I
ri
swantedt
opul
lawayf
rom herhusband'
ski
ssesbutNi
ccol
ohel
dherf
eetandki
ssed
hert
oes.

Hindimakapaniwal
angnakati
ti
glangsiIri
ssaasawani yanghi
nahali
kananglahatng
part
engkatawanni yanaparabangsinasambanitoiyon.Nakapi
kitangmgamat anit
o
atparang sasabog ang damdamin sa dibdi
b ni
ya habang pinagmamasdan it
ong
sambahinsi
ya.

Ki
ssingherf
eet,t
oes,legs,kneesandthi
ghsbacktoherf
emini
nit
y,I
ri
scan'thel
pbutto
gapeatwhatherhusbanddi d.She'snotanexper
tinsexbutwhatherhusbanddid,i
t
st
unnedher.Sobra-sobraniyangnadamaangpagmamahalni t
osakaniyasagi nawa
ni
to,sahi
ndini
yamal amangdahilan.

Bumagsakangul oniI
ri
ssaunanatnapasabunotsabuhoknghal
i
kanni
toangsi
ngi
t
ni
yaatpinagl
andasangdil
asahi
wangpagkababaeniya.

"Ni
ccolo.
.." may sar
il
ing i
si
p na bumuka ang mga hi
ta ni
ya at humi
gpi
t ang
pagkakasabunotni
yasasari
li
ngbuhok.

"Oh!Niccol
o!"Umangatangpang-uponi
yananghal
i
kanniNi
ccol
oangbasani
yang
kasel
anan.

Par
angti
namaansi
yanglibo-l
ibongbolt
ahengkuryentengi
pit
inngmgal
abini
toang
pumupi
nti
gni
yanghi
yasatnil
aroiyongamitangdi
l
anito.

"
Uhm.
..Ni
ccol
o..
."

Lumiyad ang kat

awan ni
ya atbumaba ang i
sa ni
yang kamaysaka napahawaksa
bedsheethabangangi
sanamanatnapasabunotsabuhokngasawa.
"Ni
ccol
o..
.Ni ccol
o..
."pabi
l
ing-bi
l
ingsi
yasakamahabangsi
nasambangasawani
ya
angbasaniyangpagkababae.

Umaangatanghi
tani
ya,nabal
uktotangdal
i
risapaani
yahabangsi
nisi
psi
pni
toang
kat
asni
yakasamaangkl
it
or-sni
ya.

"
Ah!Oh!Ni
ccol
o-Uhm!
"

Napuno nang ungolniya ang buong si

li
d habang si
nasamba ng asawa ni
ya ang
pagkababaeni
ya,hini
higopangkatasniyaatpinapangi
nigangkal
amnanniyasasarap
nadulotni
yonsakaniya.

"
Cazzo!Ni
ccol
o-Ah.
..Uhm!Oh.
..
baby,oh!
"

Pumali
botangmgahitaniI
ri
ssal
eegngasawaatmaspi
nagdul
dul
anpaangl
abini
to
sapagkababaeni
ya.

I
ri
sisshamelessl
yrubbi
ngherwet
nessagai
nstNi
ccol
o'smout
h."
Mor
e,baby.Li
ckme
more-oh!Yes,Il
i
kethat
."

Habolanghi
ningaatpi
nagpapawi
sannaumindayogangkatawanniI
ri
spar
asabayan
angdil
angasawaniyanasumasambasapagkakabaeni
ya.

"Uhm!Ah!
"Iri
ssuckedherbr
eat
hwhenNi
ccol
osuckedhercl
-t."
Oh!Cazzo!Baby,oh!
Uhm!Ah!Fast
er!
"

Dalawangkamaynani yaangnakasabunotsabuhokniNiccolonangmasbi ni
l
isanpa
ni
toangpagpapali
gayasakaniya.Mapusokangbawathapl osnangdi l
anit
osabasa
ni
yangpagkababae.Halosmahi
bangsiyasasarap.Pabi
l
ing-bil
ingsiya.Hindini
yaalam
kungsaansi
yakakapitatnangmaramdamangmal api
tnasiya,masi binukapaniyaang
mgahitaatmasisi
nubsobangmukhangasawasapagkababaeni ya.

"More!l
'm cumi
ng,Ni
ccol
o..
.oh,cazzo,
"hert
oescur
led,herbodyar
ched,"
oh,mi
odi
o!
Oh!Niccol
o!Uhm!Oh.
..Oh."

Al
am niIr
isnamaingaynasi
ya,hal
ossumi
si
gaw nasi
yasasar
ap per
o hi
ndini
ya
mapi
gil
anangsar
il
i.

Moanaf t
ermoanescapeherli
ps.Hereyessqueezedshut
.Herl
i
pspart
edopenasshe
catchherbreat
handmi ndl
essl
y,herownhandsar enow massagi
ngherbreastand
squeezi
nghernippl
esandpi
nchingi
tandmoaningloudl
y.
"
Niccol
o..
.fast
er,baby-oh!Yes!
"

Niccologri
ppedhert
highs,hi
stonguel
i
cki
ngherf
astandhar
dandshe'
smoani
ngl
oud
i
npl easur
e.

Andwhenherorgasm r
eachit
speakandi texpl
odedi
nsi
deher,herbodyconvul
sei
n
pl
easur
e,herl
egst
rembledatt
hei
ntensi
fyandhermindwentbl
ack.

I
sangmal
akasnaungolangpumunosal oobngsi
l
idni
yakasabayngpagsabogng
or
gasmoni
ya.
"Can'
t-t
-takei
t.
..s-t
op.
..
"

Perokahi
thingalnanagmamakaawanasi
yasaasawanat
umi
gilna,hi
ndit
umi
gilsi
Niccol
osapagpapali
gayasakani
ya.

Pat
uloyi
tosapagsambasapagkababaeni
yaatsi
nisi
psi
pangl
ahatngkat
asnai
nil
abas
ni
ya.
"S-t
op..
.do-don'
tst
op.
..
"

Kaagadnanag-ibaangl
umal
abassabi
bigni
yadahi
lsagal
i
ngkumai
nngasawani
ya
sapagkababaeni
ya.

Nanuyoangl
alamunanniI
ri
ssakakaungol
per
opi
napal
i
gayapar
insi
yani
Niccol
o.

Orgasm af
terorgasm...andit
sjusthi
stonguethat
'sgi
vi
ngherpl
easur
eandhi
shands
t
hat'snow massagingherbreastandt
easingherni
ppl
es.

Ramdam niIri
sangpagkaubosnangl
akasniyadahi
lsasunod-sunodnaorgasmong
nar
anasanniya.Nangi
ngi
nignaangmgahit
aniyaperogust
ong-gustopar
inniyaang
sar
apnanalalasap.

"
Niccol
o..
.Ni
ccol
o..
.baby.
..
"

Ni
ccol
osuckedhercl
-tagai
nandmadeheror
gasm agai
n.

I
ri
ssucked herbr
eat
hloudlyasanotherorgasm r
ipped t
hrough her
,render
ing her
capabi
l
ityt
omoveasherbodyspasm i
necst
asy.

Walanangl akassiIr
isnangkubabawansi yangasawaathinali
k-hal
i
kanangleegni ya,
pababa sa dibdi
b niya ati
pinasokni
to ang i
sang ni
ppl
e ni
ya sa l
oob ng bi
big nit
o
habangiki
nukuskossabukanangpagkababaeni yaangnani
nigasnit
ongkahabaan.

Napadai
ngnal
angsi
yahabangmakapi
kitatnakaawangangmgal
abi
.
Hal
i
nghingnanamanni yaangpumunosasil
idngdumakonanamansaleegni
yaang
mgalabini
Niccol
o,pat
ungosali
kodnangt
aingani
yaatsat
aingani
yami
smo.

NakagatniI
ri
sangpang-ibabangl
abisasar
apngipasokni
toangdil
asatai
nganiyaat
par
angmayt inut
udyoi
tosaloobnadumadagdagsapagkabasal
alonangpagkababae
ni
ya.

I
ri
sknew thatshe'
sdrippi
ngwetbutshecansti
llf
eelNi
ccol
o'sc-ckrubbi
ngagai
nsther
ent
ranceandsomet i
mest easi
ngherent
rancewit
hthet
ipofhishar
dlength.

Panayl
angangungolniI
ri
shanggangsamar
amdamanni
yangdahan-dahangi
pinasok
niNi
ccol
osaloobni
yaangkahabaannit
o.

Maslal
ongumawangangl
abini
yaatmi
nul
atni
yaangmgamat
asakanagkat
it
igsi
l
ang
asawa.

"
Iloveyou.
"Ni
ccol
owhi
sper
edoverherl
i
psashel
ookedatherwi
thf
ull
ofl
ust
.

I
niyakapni
yaangmgabr
asosal
eegngasawasakat
umugon."
Iloveyout
oo,Ni
ccol
o."

"You'
remylif
e,amore.
"Hewhisper
edagai
nashesl
owl
ymovei
nsi
deher
."You'
remy
happi
nessandyou'
remyever
ythi
ng."

Napakasar
apnangbawatul
osni
tosal
oobni
yaper
omasmasar
appaki
ngganangmga
si
nabini
to.

I
ri
scl
osehereyesi
npl
easur
e."
Y-you'
remyhappi
nesst
oo.
"

Napahawaksiyasamagkabi
l
angbal
ikatniNi
ccol
ohabangpabi
l
isnanangpabi
li
sang
bawatulosni
tosaloobni
yaatpal
akasnangpalakasnari
nangbawathali
nghi
ngat
ungolni
ya.

"
Niccol
o!Oh,Ni
ccol
o!"

Walasasari
l
ingsi
nakopniyaangmgal abinangasawaathinal
i
kanit
onangmapusok
habangmapusokdinsiyani
tonginaangkin.Nal
alasanni
yaangsari
l
ingkat
assabi
big
ni
toperowal
anasiyangpaki
alam do'
n.

Nakakahibangnasar
ap.'Yonanglumul
ukobkayI
ri
s.Nakakabal
i
w nasensasyonang
kumakainsabuongsi
stemaniya.

"
Yes,oh,f
ast
er,baby!Fuckmehar
der
,Ni
ccol
o..
."
"I
ri
s..
."kinagatni
toangpang-i babangl
abini
yahabangpabi
l
isnangpabi
l
isangbawat
ul
ossal oobniya."
Iri
s!Fuck!I
ri
s..
."

Yumakap ang mga braso ni

ya sa kat
awan nang asawa atsi nal
ubong ang bawat
pagsagadnangkahabaannitosaloobniya.Umi i
ndayogangkat awanniyasail
ali
m ng
kat
awannangasawani yanawalangpat i
dsiyangi naangki
nngmapusokhabangang
mgakukoniyaaybumabaonsal i
kodni t
oatalam niyangmag-ii
wan' yonnangmarka.

"
Oh!Ni
ccol
o!"

I
ri
sisaboutt
oorgasm agai
nandNi
ccol
oisst
il
lpumpi
ngi
nandoutofher
.Shewant
ed
hi
mtocum to.

Sowi
thal
lherst
rengt
h,sher
oll
edt
hem overandshewasont
opofhi
m now.

"
Letmepl easur
eyou.
"Hi
nihi
ngalnasabini
yasaasawasakasi
yanaanggumal
aw sa
i
babaw ni
to.

I
ri
sgr
indhercor
ewhi
l
eherhusband'
slengt
hisi
nsi
deher
.

NapahawaksiNiccol
o sa beywang ni
ya sa gi
nawa ni
ya atumawang ang l
abini
to
habangbakassamukhaangpagnanasa.

"
Oh!I
ri
s!Amor
e..
."

Masbini
li
sanpaniIri
sangpagt
aas-babasakat
awanni
yanghabanggumi
gil
i
ngnamas
l
alongnagpapabal
i
w saasawaniya.

I
pinat
ongniyaangmgapal
adsat
iyanngasawasakamabi
l
isnagt
aas-babasai
babaw
ngkahabaanngasawa.

Napunongmgaungolni
l
aangbuongsi
l
idhanggangsamaki
tani
yaangi
ri
tasyonsa
mukhangasawa.

Hecan'
tcum agai
n.

Pinadausdosni
ya ang kat
awan sa kat
awan ni
to atwal
ang i
nhi
bisyong i
si
nubo ang
kahabaannit
osaloobniya.

"
Oh!Fuck!I
ri
s..
."
Shewanthi
mtocum.Shewant
edt
otestsomet
hing.

HinawakanniyaangpunonangpagkalalakiniNi
ccol
oatit
inaas-babaniyaangkamay
habangini
l
alabas-masokni
yasabi
bigniyaangpagkalal
akini
toatsini
si
psipangdul
o.

"Oh!Fuck!
"NapasabunotsiNi
ccol
osabuhokni
yaatmasi
pinagdudul
dul
ansi
yasa
kahabaanni
to.

I
ri
sdi
dn'
tmi
ndt
hough.He'
sherhusbandandshewi
l
ldoanyt
hingf
orhi
mtocum.

I
ri
sdeept
hroatNi
ccol
o'sshaf
tandt
wir
lhert
onguear
oundhi
slengt
h.

"Fuck!"Isi
nagadniNi
ccol
oangpagkakal
akisal
alamunanni
ya."
Fuck!I
ri
s..
.I'
m cumi
ng
amor e..
.fuck!
"

I
nil
uwani yaangkahabaannit
oatmabi l
isnati
naas-babaangkamayhabangsi nisi
psi
p
nanglabiniyaangdulongpagkalal
akini
toatnangtumil
amsikangpaunangkat asnit
o
aykaagadnai gi
niyani
yapapasokangmaguumi gti
ngnit
ongpaglal
alakisal
oobniya.

Napapi
kitnal
angsiI
ri
shabangi
gini
gil
i
ngangbalakangpar
ahindimabi
ti
nangasawa
nangmaramdamangpumasokangkatasniNi
ccol
osaloobni
ya.

Ramdam ni
yaangi
nitngkat
asni
tonapumunosapagkababaeni
ya.

Hi
sbodyevenspasm i
npl
easur
eashi
ssemenkeepsonf
il
li
ngher
.

WhenIr
isopenhereyes,Ni ccol
owasl
ooki
ng atherwi
thwi
deeyes.Li
kehecan'
t
bel
i
evewhatj
usthappened.

Ngi
nit
ianni
yait
oatnangwalanangkatasnalumalabassaasawani
ya,bumagsakang
kat
awanniyasakat
awanni
toatyumakapsiyari
to.

"I
-cameinsi
deyou."Punopari
nnanggulat,pagt
atakaatkagul
uhanangbosesnang
asawa."
Imean,notreal
l
ybut
..
.Idi
d.Icum i
nsi
deyou...
"

Shel
ookedupathim,"youcum i
nsi
demymout hafew t
imesi
nthei
sl
and,Ni
ccol
o,
what
'st
hedi
ff
erencei
fIcant
ri
ckyourbr
ainal
i
ttl
e?"

Habolpari
nniNiccoloanghi
ningahabangpunonangpaghangananakat
it
igsakani
ya.
"Your
eall
ywon'tgiveuponme?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Iwon'
t.Al
am kongdar
ati
ngangpanahonnal
alabasankar
insal
oobko
nanghi
ndikoginagawaanggi
nawakosayongayon.Butfornow,I'
l
ltr
ickyourbr
aini
fI
havet
o.AndIli
kethefeel
i
ngofyouf
il
li
ngmewithyoursemen,itf
eelsgood.
"

Mahinai
tongnatawasakaniyakapsiyahabangnasaibabaw par
insi
yani
toatt
ini
ti
gan
nangmatim."
lcan'tbel
i
eveIactual
l
ycum insi
deyou."

Shesmil
ed."I'
l
lworkhard.
"Aniyaatbinunt
utani
yonnangmahi
nangtawakapagkuwan
aysumeryoso."ButIdohopet hati
twil
lworkagai
nonyou.Yourbr
ainwil
lnow know
whati
'l
ldosoitsgonnabetri
cky."

Bumakasang l
ungkotsa mukha ni
to."
So doest
hatmean Iwon'
tcum i
nsi
de you
agai
n?"

I
ri
sshrugged."Whoknows?Kai
langankopangmag-i
si
pnangibangpar
aan.You'
remy
husband,Ni
ccol
o.Wehaveallt
hetimeint
heworl
dtoexper
iment
."

Thatbr
ingsbackhi
ssmi
l
e."
Okay,myopt
imi
sti
cwi
fe,whatdoyouwantf
ordi
nner
?"

"
You.
"Pi
l
yani
yangsagot
.

Niccol
ochuckl
edbef
orecl
aimi
ngherl
i
ps."
Whatacoi
nci
dence.
..Iwantyouf
ordi
nner
t
oo."

Natawanar i
nsiyasakanapaawangangmgal abinangpinagpali
tni
toangposi syon
nil
ang dalawa ati
pinasokang kahabaan ni
to sa l
oob ni
ya na doon na unt
i-unti
ng
tumigas.

NakagatniI
ri
sangpang-i
babangl
abi
."Cum i
nsi
deme?"

Ni
ccol
olookedather
."I
'l
ltr
y.Ormaybeyoucant
ri
ckmeagai
n."

Napangi
tisi
yahabangkagatangl
abi
niya."
We'
l
lseei
fitwi
l
lwor
kagai
n."

"Okay"Ni
ccol
owhi
sper
edbef
orel
eani
ngi
nandcapt
uri
ngherl
i
psashemovei
nand
outofher
.

"NI
CCOLO. .
." Ni
yakap ni
ya ang asawa habang kal
ahatinang katawan ni
ya ay
nakadagansakatawannit
o."Don'
tfeelbad.Maybenextti
me,youwillcum i
nsi
deme
again.
..
"

Ngumi
tisiNi
ccol
osakani
yaper
oal
am ni
yangpi
l
it'
yon."
Okay.
"
I
ri
ssi
ghed."
Iloveyou.
..
"

Ni
ccol
o'sf
aceaut
omat
ical
l
ysof
tened."
Your
eal
l
yknowhowt
omakemef
eel
bet
ter
."

Ngini
ti
anni
yaangasawa." Huwagkanakasi
ngmal ungkot
.Masyadokasi
ngmat
ali
no
yangutakmo,hi
ndinanal
okosapangal
angpagkakat
aon."

Ni
ccol
osi
ghed."
Iwantt
ogi
veyouachi
l
d..
.sobad,amor
e."

Herhear tt
ightened." Ni
ccol
o...
"hi napl
osniyaang pi
sngini
to."
Let
sthinkposit
ively,
okay?Youcum i nsi
demef orthef i
rstti
meearl
ier
.Hi
ndikamandoonunangni l
abasan
athindinanaulituli
t,per
okal
ahat inangini
l
abasmonuongunaaynasal oobko.Mal ay
mo,mal aynati
n,maymabuot ayo. "

Niccolobecomeshopef
ul."
Thatcoul
dhappen.
.Imean,i
tonl
ytakesonesper
m t
o
f
er t
il
izeaneggcel
l
."

Shenoddedwi
thasmi
l
e."
Yes.Mal
aymo,maymabi
l
isnasper
m nanakapasoksaki
n."

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
edandhuggedher
."Thankyou,I
ri
s,f
oral
waysst
ayi
ngposi
ti
veeven
wheni
'mt
heopposi
te.
"

Sheki
ssedNi
ccol
o'sl
i
ps."
WhatcanIsay,Il
ovemyhusband.
"

Ni
ccol
opul
edawayf
rom herki
ss."
Yourhusband.
..t
hat
'sme.
"

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katsiya,"
Maramiakong asawakasimar
amikang i
dent
it
y.Thatmeans
Cormacismyhusbandaswell
-"

"
He'
sme-"

"
Preci
sel
y."Shegr
innedatherhusband."
Iwantt
omeett
heot
her
s."

Niccol
osighedandblowsal oudbreat
h."
Kahitpaibaangpangal
annagami t
inko,ako
pa ri
n'yon,iba l
ang ang ugal
iatpagkatao ni
ya.
"Maypagt at
ampo sa bosesnit
o.
"Maybeyoul i
ket
heCor macme. "

"
Yes.Ido.
"

Nat
igi
l
ani
tosakanapat
it
igsakani
ya."
Real
l
y?"
Damn!Hechangedhi
svoi
cet
oCor
mac'
s!

Napal
unoksi
yasat
ii
m nangt
it
igni
to.That
'showCor
macl
ooksather
.

Thoseeyes.
..t
hei
ntensi
tyshe'
sfeel
i
ng.

Masuyoniyangsi napoangmukhangasawaatpi nakati

ti
ganito."Idon'tthinkyou'r
e
j
ustNiccol
o.Ami ninmomansaki nohindi,Cormaci spartoftherealyou.Sapangal an
l
ang kayo nagkai ba.Kaya pal agimo si yang ginagamit,hindisa mar amikang
koneksi
yon sa pangalan na '
yon kundidahi lmadalilang si
yang gami t
in kasiwala
namangpinagkaibaangugal iniyongdalawa.Andyou' rear ealDoctor.Paranginil
i
pat
molangangkalahat inangkungsinokasakani ya.
"

Asmi
l
egr
azeNi
ccol
o'sl
i
ps."
Onl
ymysmar
twi
fecant
hinkoft
hat
."

She chuckl
ed."
Nakasama ko rin naman ang Cormac na i
kaw kaya alam ko ang
si
nasabiko.You'r
e so comfor
tabl
e usi
ng thatldent
it
y because you don'
thave to
pret
endtobesomeoneelse."

I
l
angsegundosi
yangpi
nakat
it
igannangasawa."
Andyourpoi
nti
s?"

"Mypoi ntis.
..youshoul
dn'tbejeal
ousifCormacsincehe'syou.Nakakabaliw'yon.At
hi
gitsalahat,dapatngamagi ngmasayaka.Nagkagustongaakosai ba,peroikaw pa
ri
nnaman' yon.Si
gurokunghindii
kawsi Cor
mac,hindir
inakomagkakagust osakaniya.
Andt hat'
swher eyourjeal
ousyiscomingf r
om..
.theideaofmel iki
ngsomeonewhi l
e
st
il
lmar ri
edtoyou."

Ni
ccol
osi
ghed."
Iconcede.
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awasakanapai
l
ing."
I'
mjustsayi
ng.
..
"

"
Iknow,butIst
il
lconcede.Tot
oonamankasi
lahatngsi
nabimo.
"

Napat
ango-t
angosiyasakaki
nubabawani
toatki
nagatangpang-i
babangl
abini
to.
"Li
ckme?"Sheasked.

Niccol
oimmedi
atel
yrol
l
edt
hem overbef
oreposi
ti
oni
nghi
msel
finbet
weenherpar
ted
l
egs."Mypl
easur
e."

CHAPTER25

HABANG naghahandasiI
ri
spar
asaagahanni
l
aniNi
ccol
o,angasawani
yaangnasa
i
sipniya.Nagpaalam i
tonglal
abasl
angpar amag-joggi
ngperoalam nani
yaangt
unay
nadahi l
ansal i
kod ni
yon.Sanakal i
pasnadal awang l
inggo namagkasamasi
l
asa
bahay,maramisiyangnalamantungkolsaasawaniya.

Niccol
ocan'
tsleepwit
hhisclotheson.Kail
angangwalaitongsapl
otniisa.Sanayit
ong
magpuyatperomaagangnagi gisi
ngpalagi
.Kaunt
ingingaylangokaluskos,nagi
gisi
ng
kaagadit
oatnagigi
ngalert
o.Kapaghi ndii
tonagl
alambingsakaniyaaynakahar apit
o
salapt
opnit
onagta-t
rabaho.

Hal osl
ahatnangpabor it
onitongpagkainayalam naniyaatgustong-gustonitokapag
siyaangnagl ul
uto.Alam dinniyaangt i
mplanangkapenagust onit
o.He' sobsessed
wi t
hhersaf etyandt hehousel ocks.Atkapagnagpaal am i
tongmagi a-j
oggingang
totoongginagawani toayi-checkangpal i
gidnangmansiyonnil
akungmayumaal i
gid.
Hewon' tsl
eepunt i
lshe'
salreadysleepi
ngpeacef ul
l
y.Andeverymor ni
ng,t heywoul d
makel oveandNi ccoloconsi
deritashisexerci
se.

Heli
kespamperi
ngherandindul
gingherwi
tht
het
hingsshel
i
kes.Heknowsal
otof
l
anguageandhel
ovesherver
ymuch.

Andi
nthatt
woweeks.
..hef
oundoutt
hatNi
ccol
oli
kest
ohavesex.Al
ot.

Par
angwal
ait
ongkapaguranatnagpapaubayanamansi
ya.Si
gur
ongabumabawii
to
samgat
aonghindi
sil
amagkasamaatganundinnamansi
ya.

Atsamganakali
pasnaar aw,walasiyangpinagsi
si
si
hansanagingdesisyonniyana
makasama ang asawa.Na tanggapinito kasama na ang mga sekreto ni
to at
pagsi
si
nungal
i
ngsakaniya.

She'
shi
swife.
..i
tsherdut
ytounderst
andandsuppor
thi
m.At'
yonanggi
nagawani
ya.
Ayawni
yangmagingpabigatdi
to.

"-Tut
to e pr
ont
o?"Everyt
hing r
eady? Nar
ini
g ni
yang t
anong niNi
ccol
o kay Pl
etr
o
habangpapasokit
osahapag-kainan.

"Si
,Signor
.Tut
tisono i
n posi
zi
onecomehair
ichi
est
o."Yes,Si
gnor
.Ever
yonei
sin
posi
ti
onasyourequest
ed."

"
Bene.Vogl
i
ochesi
aal
sicur
o."Good.Iwanthersaf
e.

"
Yes,Si
gnor
."

Kaagadnanapali
tanangseryosongemosyonsamukhaniNiccol
onangmakit
asi
ya.
Kaagadi
tongngumit
iatyumakapsakani
yasanainangki
nangmgalabini
ya.
"Hmmm. .
.angbangongasawako,ah.
"Koment
oni
tosakahumi
gpi
tangyakapsa
beywangniya.

Pabi
roniyait
ongini
rapansakainal
isangbrasoni
tosabeywangni
yaatpi
naupoi
tosa
upuan."
Colazi
oneepr ont
o.Mangia.
"Breakf
asti
sready.Eat
.

Kumunotangnuonit
osakaniyanangt
inabini
yaangpi
ngganni
yaatpi
ngganl
angni
to
angni
lagyanni
yanangpagkai
n.

"
Hindi
kakakai
n?"Tanongni
to.

Umil
i
ngsiya."
Walaakongganae.l
kaw nal
ang.Sakapapasokakongayonsaopi
si
na.
Madamiakongpi
pir
mahando'n.
"

"
Papasokka?"Sumi
msi
mit
ongkape."
Sigur
adongmaymagt
atangkananamanbuhay
mo.
"

Sheshr
uggednonchal
antly."
Vabene."That'
sokay." Nandi
yankanaman. "Sinukl
ay
ni
yaangbuhokni
togamitangmgadali
rini
ya."I
'm sur
eyou'l
lpr
otectme,yes?"

Napangi
tii
toathi
nal
i
kanangi
sasamayayamanni
yadi
bdi
b."
Ofcour
seIwi
l
l.Kai
l
anba
ki
tapi
nabayaan?"

Kinil
i
gsiyasasinabini
toper
ohi
ndini
yapinahalat
akayai
ti
nagoni
yai
yonsapag-i
l
ing.
"Pinabayaan?Nuonggust
omongmaghiwalaytayo."

Kaagadnat
umahi
miki
toangbumal
i
ksapagkai
nnangagahan.Si
yanamanaynat
awa.

Palagit
alagangt
umatahimikkaagadangasawakapagangnakaraanni
l
aangpi
nag-
uusapan.Healwaysconcede.Hindi
namantol
umalabansakani
ya.

Wel
l
,excepti
nbed.Pal
abanangasawani
ya.

"
Hindi
mot
alagamakakal
i
mut
anyon,no?"Kapagkuwanaysabini
tohabangkumakai
n.

Umil
i
ng si
yaatnagsali
nuli
tnang kapesatasani
to."
Nope.Sabimo ayosl
ang na
i
paal
alakosayokaya'
yonanggi
nagawako."

"
Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
-"

"
Imeani
tli
ket
hat
."
Tumahimi
knalangul
i
tsiNiccol
osakapat
uloynakumain.Si
yanamanayhinal
i
kani
tosa
nuosakanagpaal
am nababali
ksakuwar
tonil
aparakuninangbagni
ya.

Nangmakapasoksamaster
'sbedr
oom,nat
igi
l
ansi
yangmaynaki
tangi
sangbouquet
ngbul
akl
aksaibabawngkamanil
a.

Kunotangnuongni
l
api
tanni
yai
yonatki
nuhasakabi
nasaangcar
dnakasama.

'
Perl
ami
abel
l
issi
mamogl
i
e.Tiamo.Tomybeaut
if
ulwi
fe,Il
oveyou.
'

'
Yonlangangnakasul
atdo'
nper
oewanbakungbaki
tramdam niI
ri
snat
umagosi
yon
sapusoni
ya.

Masuyo ni
yang ni
yakap ang bul
akl
ak saka i
namoy '
yon atnapangi
ti
."SiNi
ccol
o
t
alaga.
..
"

I
nil
agayni
yasavaseangbul
akl
akbagoki
nuhaangbagatbumaba.

"I
ISignorNi
ccol
omihachiest
odigui
darepert
e,Signor
a."Si
gnorNiccol
oaskedmet o
dri
ve you,Signor
ina.Wika niPi
etr
o na nasa baba nang hagdanan na si
yang
sumalubongsakaniya.

Kumunotangnuosasi
nabiniPi
etr
o."
Per
che?Dov'
eli
u?"Why?Wher
eishe?

"Si
gnorl
eftwhenyouwentupt
ogetyourbag.
"Impor
masakani
yaniPi
etr
o."Hadet
to
chehaunacosaimpor
tant
edaaff
ront
are.
"Hesai
dhehaveani
mport
antmatt
ert
otake
car
eof.

May kur
otsa puso ni
ya kahi
tnai
i
nti
ndi
han naman ni
ya na may mga l
akad i
tong
mpor
tantet
uladnal
angngayon.

"Okay.Readythecar,Pi
etr
o."Sabini
yasakat
inungoangsal
ami
natt
ini
ngnanmuna
niyaangsari
l
iroonbagol
umabasngbahay.

Nangmakasakaysakotse,humingasiyangmal al
i
m ati
nihandaangsar
il
isapuwedeng
mangyaringayong ar
aw. Baka bi gla na namang may humar ang sa kani
l
a at
pagbabar
il
insi
l
a.Walari
tosiNiccol
opar ail
i
gtassi
ya.

For
tunatel
y,not
hinghappened.Kayanamannagpat
igi
lsi
yakayPi
etr
osaCof
feeBarna
malapi
tsakumpaniyaniNiccol
o.

"
Signor
ina,st
aat
tent
a."Si
gnor
ina,becar
eful
.
"I
tsokay,Pi
etr
o.Iwon'tendangermyself
."Sabini
ya."
Ijustwantt
obuysomet
hing
sweet.Goaheadandparkt
hecarnearthebar.
"

"
Si,Si
gnor
ina.
"

Nangtumigilangkot
semalapi
tsabar
,tumingi
nmunasi
yasapal
i
gidbagol
umabasat
malal
akianghakbangnapumasoksabar.

Nanubi
gangbagangni
yanangmaamoyangmasar
apnaar
omanapumupunosal
ugar
.

"
Buongi
orno.
"Bat
isakani
yangbabaenanasal
i
kodngcount
er.

"Buongi
orno.
"Sher epl
i
edbefor
eplaci
ngheror
der
,"Ahm,unl
att
emacchi
att
oeun
bri
osalci
occolat
oeunadicr
ema."

BinayarankaagadniIr
isangor
dersakaumupoparahi
ntayi
nangor
derniya.Pagkal
i
pas
nangilangminuto,nat
anggapdi
nniyaangor
derkayal
umabasnasiya.

Napansi
nniyakaagadnanagingal
ert
osiPi
etr
onanakat
ayosagi
l
idnangsasakyan
nangmakit
asiyangl
umabasngCoff
eeBar
.

Akmangsasakaynasiyanangmaytumawagsacel
l
phoneni
ya.Dahi
lhawakni
ya'
yon,
madal
ini
yangnasagotangtawag.

"
Pront
o?"Hel
l
o.

"
Amor
e..
."

Kaagadnasumamaangmukhani
ya."
Maykai
l
anganka?"

"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ult
oday.
"

Maslalolang si
yang nai
ri
ta."
How woul
dyouknow?Hi
ndimongaakohi
nint
ayna
makababae."

Mahi
nangt
umawaangasawani
yasakabi
l
angl
i
nya."
Masar
apbayangi
nor
dermo?"

Hi
squest
ionmadeherst
il
l
."Youcanseemehow?"
"
Yes.
"

"
How?"Lumi
nga-l
i
ngasi
ya."
Wher
ear
eyou?Lumapi
tkangasaki
n."

"
Mal
ayoakosayo.
"Wi
kani
to."
I'
mlooki
ngatyout
hrought
hescopeofmySni
perGun.
"

Napaawangangl
abini
ya."
Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme.
..
"

"
Nope.
"

"It
houghtyouhavesomei
mpor
tantmat
tert
otakecar
eof
."Maybahi
dnapagt
atampo
angbosesniya.

"
Yeah.Ihave.Yoursaf
ety.
"

Herhear
tmelted and herangerimmedi
atel
yf adesaway."
Youidi
ot.Akalakomas
i
mport
antepasaki
nangaasi kasuhi
nmo.Nagtampoako,al
am moba'yon?"

Mahinangt umawasiNiccolo."Huwagkanangmagt ampo.Sanayakonagani

toka
pr
otektahan.Maykomportableakori
tokasial
am koanggal
aw nangmgat
aosapali
gid
mo."

Napai
l
ingnal
angsi
ya."
Wal
anaakongsi
nabi
."

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed."
Now.
..whydon'
tyoudosomet
hingf
orme?"

Shef
rowned."
What
?"

"
Smi
l
eforme,I
ri
s."

Hindial
am niIr
iskungbaki
tawtomati
kosiyangngumiti
.Si
gurodahi
lsahi
ndimal
amang
kadahil
anan,ki
niki
l
igsi
yasaginagawaniNiccol
o."Okayna?"

"
Zoomi
ngi
n."Ni
ccol
owhi
sper
ed,"
and,ohboy,mywi
fei
sver
ypr
ett
y."

Sher
oll
edhereyes."
Flat
ter
er.
"

"
Yourbr
eastl
ooksgood.
"Ani
to.

Napai
l
ingnal
angsi
ya."
Gaanobakal
i
nawyangscopenagami
tmo?"
"Isaw yourol
l
edyourseyes.
"Natat
awangsabiniNiccol
o."
Kunggust
omo,magl akad
kanalang.Malapi
tkananaman.Sabi
hinmokayPiet
rosasundankal
ang-no,I
'l
ldoit
."

I
langsegundonghindini
yanar
ini
gangbosesngasawaatnaki
tani
yangmaybi
nasasi
Piet
rosacel
lphonenit
o.

"
Goon.Wal
k.I
'l
lpr
otectyou.
"Kapagkuwanaysabi
niNi
ccol
o.

"
Okay."Nag-umpi
sasiyangmagl
akadhabangsumi
si
msi
m ngLat
tenaor
derni
ya."
So.
..
whatdoyouwantforl
unch?"

"
You.
"Ni
ccol
oanswer
ed.

Shel
aughed."
I'
m notpar
toft
hemenu.
"

"
Oh.Wel
l
,how aboutpast
a?"

"
Gust
omol
utuanki
tangpast
a?"

"
Iwoul
dlovet
hat
."

Nakangit
ingnaglal
akadsiI ri
shabangkausapni yaangasawani ya.Hindiniyaalam
kungbakitnat
utuwasiya.Sigurokasii
toangunangbesesnaalam ni
yangkahitwalait
o
satabini
yaatnasapaligi
dlangitoatbinabant
ayansi
yakayapanat
agangl oobniya.

"
But
..
."Ni
ccol
owhi
sper
ed,"
Iwoul
dlovet
ohaveyoumor
e."

Nat
awaul
i
tsi
ya."
Toni
ght
."

"
That
'smyamor
e."Hal
atangnasi
yahani
tosasi
nabini
ya.

"
Ikaw t
alaga.
..anghi
l
ig-hi
l
igmo.
"

"Mahalkit
ae."KaagadnadepensaniNi
ccol
osasar
il
i."
Taposkat
abiki
tapal
agisa
kama.I'
m sor
ryi
fi'
m hotbl
ooded.
"

Umi
ngossi
ya."
You'
renotr
eal
l
ysor
ry.
"

"
I'
m not
."
Napail
i
ngsi
ya."
Umal
i
skar
aw kani
nakaagad.Hi
ndimoi
nubosyongni
l
utokopar
a
sayo?"

"
Hindi
per
oni
l
agaykosapl
ast
icbox.Baonko.
"

I
ri
slaughedagai
n."
Ewankosayo.
"

I
l
angsegundongnat
ahi
mikangkabi
l
angl
i
nya."
Iri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Whenwi
l
lyoucal
lmebabyagai
n?Il
i
kei
t.
"

Hindimawal
aangngit
isamgal
abi
niI
ri
s."
Ayusi
nmoangpagbabant
aysaki
n,baby,
kundiwal
akamamaya."

Ni
ccol
olaughedt
henhesuddenl
yst
opped."
Iri
s.Wal
kqui
ckl
y."

Kaagadsi
yangsumunoddit
oper
okal
madopari
nangmukhani
yahabangnagl
alakad.
Sakalangni
yanari
nigul
i
tangbosesniNi
ccol
onangnasal
oobnasiyangRaci ni
's
Bui
ldi
ng.

"
Youokay?"

"
Whatwast
hat
?"Tanongni
yasaasawa.

"
Theusual
.Badpeopl
e."

"Oh.
"Sumakaysi yasael
evat
ornagawasasalaminatkitaiyonmul
asalabasper
o
kungnakasakaykanamanayki
tamoangbuongsi
yudad."
Ikaw?Okaykal
angba?"

"
Yeah.I
'm good.Byt
heway,baki
tyanangbagnagami
tmo?"

I
ri
sfr
own."
Canyouseemenow?"

"
Yesandyourbackl
ookssexyashel
l
."

Napai
l
ingsiyaper
onakangi
tinaman."
Masyadongmahalyongbagnabi
nil
imosaki
n
l
astweek.
"
"
So?"

"
Baby-"

"
Okay.Yougotmeatbaby.Iwon'
tar
gueanymor
e."

Tumawasi
ya."
Sir
akatal
aga."Lumabassi
yangel
evat
oratpumasoksaopi
si
nani
yana
opi
si
nanamantal
agangasawaniya.

Nakahanda na ang mga papel

esna pi
pir
mahan ni
ya atmga r
epor
tsna kai
l
angan
ni
yangbasahin.

I
ri
susedherwi
rel
essheadsett
ocont
inuet
alki
ngwi
thNi
ccol
o.Thenshet
ookof
fher
coat
.

"
Damn,I
ri
s,t
hatwashot
."Ni
ccol
osoundssot
urnon.

Napangi
tisi
ya."
Iknow i
'
m hot
.Kayangabal
i
wnabal
i
wkasaki
ne.
"

"
That
'st
rue.
..
"

Naii
li
ng na umupo si
ya sa swi
velchai
rsaka nag-umpisang magtr
abaho habang
magkausapsil
aniNiccol
o.Paminsan-mi
nsanaynawawalaitoperobumabal
iknaman
kaagad.

Ever
yti
mesheaskedhi
m wher
ehewentorwhatdi
dhedo,hewoul
dal
waysanswer
'
badpeopl
e'.

Nangmat
apossiyasapag-pir
ma,inut
usanniyaangsekret
aryanaipadal
asabahay
ni
l
aangmgareport
snakai
langanni
yangbasahin.Andt
henshecal
lsf
orameeti
ng.

Whil
eont hemeeti
ng,Niccol
oisj
ustl
i
steni
ngt
ohert al
kthr
ought
hewi
rel
essheadset
onherl
eftearandf
rom t
imetoti
mehewouldspeak.

"
Myempi
rei
singoodhands.
"Wi
kaniNi
ccol
onangmat
aposangmeet
ing.

Maypagmamal
akisi
yangngumi
ti
."Ofcour
se.You'
reQueeni
sasmar
twoman.
"

"
Agr
ee.
"
Napangit
isiya saka l
umabasna nang conf
erence r
oom atsumakayng elevat
orat
nagpahati
dsababa.NakahandanakaagadsiPi etr
onangmakalabassi
yakayamabil
is
si
yangsumakayngkot se.

"
Bye,amor
e.Seeyah.
"Paal
am niNi
ccol
o.

"
Bye,baby.
"

Long si
l
encethenhespokeagai
n."Your
eal
l
yknow how t
otakemybr
eat
haway.
Anyway,bye,r
eadyyourl
i
psf
orme."

Hi
ndinasi
yanakapagt
anongdahi
lnawal
anai
tosakabi
l
angl
i
nya.

I
nali
sniyaangwi rel
essheadsetsat aingasakaibinal
iksabagniya.Kapagkuwanay
kumunot ang nuo niI ris nang maki tang i
bang daan ang tinat
ahan niPiet
ro.
Magtatanong sana siya nang tumigilang kotse atbigl
a nal
ang may pumasok sa
backseatnalal
akingnaka-leatherj
acketatnaka-bullcup.

"
N-Ni
ccol
o?"

Ti
nanggalnit
oangbullcupsakawal
angsabi
-sabi
ngi
nangki
nangmgal
abini
yaat
i
pinasokangdil
asal
oobniya.

Nagul
atatnapadai
ngsi
yasagi
nawani
toper
otumugonsi
yakapagkuwan.

Andwhenhepul
l
edaway,hegat
herheri
nhi
sar
msandhughert
ight
ly."
ThankGod
you'
resaf
e."

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
ya."
Nandi
yankae.
"

Hinal
i
kannanamansi
yani
tosapi
sngiatmasuyongsi
napoangmukhani
ya."
You'
re
okay.
.."

Naguguluhansi
ya."Iam."Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Whydoyoul
ooksowor
ri
ed?Di
d
yourenemiesnear
lygotmethi
sti
me?"

Nagbabai
tonangti
ngi
natbakasanggui
l
tsamukhani
ya."
Ali
tt
le.Goodt
hingCount
Kni
ghtwasar
ound.
"

"Oh."That
'swhyhel
ooksworri
ed."
I'
m okay.Kunggust
omo,hi
ndinaakopapasoksa
susunodnabuwan.I
papadal
akonal
angsabahayangmgapapeles.
"
"No.Don'tchange yourr
out
ine because ofme.Ayaw kong i
kul
ong ka sa bahay.
Poprot
ekt
ahankit
a.Huwagkangmag-al al
a,diyanakomagal
i
ng.
"

"
I'
m notwor
ri
edaboutmysaf
ety,Ni
ccol
o."Sabini
ya."
Nandyankae.
"

Sini
luli
tniNiccol
o ng hal
i
k ang mga l
abini
ya bago i
to yumakap sa kani
ya na
naglal
ambi
ng."Makemesomepasta,amore.
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awa."
Sige.Mamaya.
"Hi
napl
osni
yaangbuhokngasawa."
Baby?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Thankyouf
ort
oday.
"

"
Makel
ovet
omei
fyouwantt
othankme.
"

Napai
l
ingsi
ya."
Past
aorme?"Sheasked.

"
Youofcour
se.
"Tumi
ngi
nsakani
yasi
Niccol
o."
Tohel
lwi
thpast
a."

Pi
nangi
gil
anni
yai
tosapi
sngi
."MayanggabinaI
pagl
ulut
omunaki
tangpast
a."

"
Okay.
"

Bumali
knanamansiNiccol
osapagyakapsabeywangniyaatnakahi
l
iganguloni
tosa
di
bdibniya.Si
yanamanayhinahapl
osangbuhokni
tohanggangsamakarat
ingsi
lasa
bahaynil
a.

Nagbihis muna nang pambahay siIr

is bago nagl
uto ng pasta atmasaya ni
l
ang
pinagsal
uhan'yonniNiccol
o.Andaftertheyenj
oyedt hepasta,Niccol
ocar
ri
edherto
themaster'sbedr
oom andlai
dheronthebed.

I
tonaangnaghubadsadami
tni
yahanggangpar
ehonasi
l
angwal
angsapl
otnii
sa.

Niccolo posit
ioned hi
mselfinbetweenherpar t
edlegsto pl
easur
eherand Ir
iswas
r
eadyt of eelthatdeli
cioussensat
ion agai
n when t
heyheard Pi
etr
o'svoi
ce i
nthe
i
ntercom.

"
Signor
ina,youhaveavi
si
tor
."
Parehosil
angnati
gil
anniNiccol
okapagkuwanayhi
nal
i
kanni
toangpagkababaeni
yaat
hi
ndinil
apinansi
nangsinabiniPi
etr
o.

Ni
ccol
owasl
i
cki
nghercl
-twhenPi
etr
ospokeagai
n.

"
Signor
ina,i
t'
syourt
win,I
vyGonzaga-Sal
azarwi
thherhusband.
"

CHAPTER26

EXCITED NAbumabasiI ri
ssasal
asatmasayangnapat i
linangmakitaangkakambal.
"Vy!Vy!
"Sinugodniyaitonangmahigpi
tnayakaphabangmal apadatmasayangngi t
i
sa mga labiniya."Oh,Vy,it
sso good t
o see you again.
"Pinakawal
an ni
ya i
to sa
pagkakayakap,"kumusta?"

I
vysmi
l
ed."
Happy.
"

Herf
acesof
tened."
ThankGod.
"

Hi
napl
osni
yaangmai
kl
ing-mai
kl
ini
tongbuhok."
Eyongsaul
omo,kumust
a?"

"
Okaynar
in.
"

I
ri
scan'
tthankGodenoughf orI
vy'
sfastr
ecover
y."
Mabut
inaman.I
'm happyf
oryou.
"
Tumi
ngi
nsiyakayAndr
ius."
Kumusta?"

Andr
iussmi
l
e."
Happyandbl
essed.
"

Napangi
tisi
ya.Masuwert
etalagaangkakambalni
yasanagi ngasawanit
o."Mabut
i
namanatpumasyalkayori
tosamin.Per
osananagpasabikayopar
anasundokokayo
saAir
por
t."

"Si
nadyat
alaganami
nnahi ndimagsabi
."Ivytookasi
dest
epf
orhert
oseewho'
s
behi
ndher
."Meetmybabi
es.EvweandErres."

Hereyesautomatical
l
ywater edwhenshesaw herni eces."
Oh,myGod,t hey'
reso
cut
eandpr et
ty.
"Kaagadniyangnil
apit
anangdalawananasast r
oll
erathi
nali
kanang
pi
snginangmgai t
o."Aww.
.socuddly.Angcut
e-cute.
..
"

Hinaplosniyaangpisngingdalawaatmaynaramdamansi yangl
ungkotsapusoniya.
Matat agal
anpabagosi lamagkaroonnanganakniNi ccol
o.Sagulonangbuhayna
mayr oonsil
angayon,natat
akotsi
yangmagkaanak.Ayaw ni
yanamagulongbuhayang
kagisnannganakniya.
"They'
resopret
ty."Humarapsi
yakaylvy."
IknowIwi l
lsoundmean,butIal
soknow t
hat
youwon'tcomet omef ornor
eason.Hindikayonandi
toparamagbakasyon.
"

Mahi
nangt
umawasil
vy."
Paanomonasabi
?"

"
Kasiki
l
alaki
ta.
"Tugonni
yasakakambalsakabumal
i
ngsi
yakayAndr
ius."
Wel
l
?Tel
l
me.
"

"Ahm..
."siAndri
usangnagsal
i
ta."
Maycheck-upkasisiI
vysaMi
nnesot
a.Hindinaman
naminmai wananganaknami nki
naMommykasi ..
.alam mona.Maslal
onamansa
Daddyniyo,al
am ni
yonari
n."

"I
kaw l
ang ang nai
si
p nami
n."Dagdag niI
vysakanakangi
wing ngumi
ti
."l
kaw l
ang
namansapamilyanati
nanghindimagul
oangbuhay.
"

Hindini
yaalam kungmatatawasi
yaoanosasi nabingkakambal
.Hi
ndimagul
oang
buhay?Waitunt
ilshet
oldherwhat
'shappeni
ngi
nherli
fer
ightnow.

"Wel
l?"Pukaw niI
vysakani
yananghindisi
yaumimik."
Puwedeba?Isangli
nggolang
naman kamiro'n atwal
ang magbabant
aysa kani
l
ai feverna i
sama namin.Sana
pumayagka."

Bago pa si
ya makasagotatmakapagpal
i
wanag kung baki
tnag-aal
angan si
yang
bant
ayananganaknitoaymaynagsal
i
tamulasai
taasnanghagdan.

"
Amor
e..
."

Tatl
ongparesnangmat aangtumuonsaasawani yakasamanasi
ya.Ti
ningnanniyai
to
nangmasamakasipi naki
usapniyai
tonghuwagmunangbumabahanggathi ndipasi
ya
nakakapag-kuwent
okayI vyper
ohindinaki
nigsakani
ya.

"
Doc?"Gul
atnasabiniAndr
iushabangnakat
ingi
nsaasawani
yananakapamul
sa.

Habangsilvynamanayt
it
ignati
ti
gkayNiccol
o,maygul atsamukhangngkakambal
ni
yakapagkuwanaybumal
ingsakani
ya."
Mamár aiseduswell
,Ir
is,what
'shappeni
ng?
Nasaanangasawamo?Andwhydidhecallyou'
love'?"

"Fuck.
..
"Andri
usst
il
ll
ooksshocked."
Don'
ttel
lmeyout
woar
ehavi
nganaf
fai
r-Imean,
notreal
lyr
ight
?"

Magkapar
ehoangpi
nupunt
ongdal
awaper
omagkai
baangnaki
kit
angmgai
to.
"We'r
enothavi
nganaf
fai
r.
"SabadniNi
ccol
onabumababanananghagdan."
Akoang
asawani
ya-"

"
Bul
l
shi
t!
"

"
Ivy!
"Sawayni
yasakakambal
."Don'
tcur
seatmyhusband!
"

Napati
ti
gsakani yasil
vysakaparanghindimakapani
wal
angnapai
l
ing."
He'
snotyour
husband,I
ri
s.That'
snotNi
ccoloRacini
-"

"
Andhowt
hehel
ldi
dyouknowt
hat
-"

"Becauselknow hi
m andhi
snamei
sPaulLei
va!Mal
i
tlangangmundonggi
nagal
awan
namin.Andhekil
lsfor
ali
vi
ng!
"

Napunonang katahi
mikanang buong sal
as.Wal
ang umimi
kpagkat
aposnang mga
si
nabinil
vy.Kahi
tsiAndr
iusaynaki
tani
yangnagi
ngal
erto.

Bumuganangmar ahasnahini
ngasiI
ri
sathi
nil
otangsenti
do."I
vy.
..
"tumi
ngi
nsiyasa
kakambal,"
Iknow.Iknow whohei
sandhe'snotPaulLei
va.He'
smyhusband,Nicol
o
Racini
."

"
ButI
ri
s-"

"Youcancal
ltheCount
."Sabini
ya."
Kil
alakani
ya,soIassumednaki
l
alamor
insi
ya.
Hecanvouchformyhusband.
"

Nawalanngimi
ksilvykayanamanbumali
ngsiyasaasawaatnaki
tai
tongnaka-uposa
bai
tangnanghagdanatnakapangal
umbabahabangnakat
ingi
nsakani
ya.

Ti
ningnanni
yai
tongmasama.

'
What
?'Hemout
hedather
.

Pasi
mpl
eni
yangpi
naki
tar
it
oangkamaoni
yangnakakuyom.

Napangi
wiangasawasakanag-i
wasnangt
ingi
n.

"
How wel
ldoyouknowt
heCount
?"Tanongni
Ivysaasawani
ya.
Nakapangal
umbabapar
ingsumagotsiNi
ccol
o."
Ver
ywel
l
,I'
dsay.
"

"
And?"

"
He'
swei
rd.
"

Kaagadnanawal aangt
ensi
yonsamukhaatkat
awanngkakambalatkumal
mai
to.
"Yeah.That
'shi
m."

I
ri
sblinked."
So.
..we'
reokaynow?"Shecl
aspedherhandsandsmi
l
e,"
ayokonang
gul
o."

Natat
awangt umingi
nsakaniyasil
vy."
Iknow how muchyouhat
evi
olence,Ri
s,but
yourhusbandisway,way-"

"Youcanstopri
ghtt
her
e."Pi
gilniNi
ccol
okayI
ri
s."
Alam nangasawakokunggaano
akokabayol
ent
e."

"NoIdon't.
"Matali
m angmatangti
ningnanniyaangasawa."Al
am kol
angmar
ami
kangsekr
etoatkayamoakongprot
ektahan.Mali
bando'
n,wal
ana.
"

Yumakapsil
vysabr
asoni
ya,"
i'
llt
ellyouwhohei
s,bast
abant
ayanmoangbabi
esko.
"
l
vynegot
iat
ed.

Ti
ningnanni
yasi
lvysamgamat
a."
Alam mongkayaki
tangpagsal
i
tai
nkahi
tayawmo.
"

"Iknow.
"lvysmi l
ed."Butmybabi
esneedsthei
rAunt
.Atsakaisaangasawamosa
mgakinakatakut
ansamundongginagal
awankonoon.Tr
ustme,Iknow mybabi
eswi
l
l
besafehere,soareyou."

Bumunt
ong-hi
ningasiI
ri
s."
Oona.Bast
aikuwent
omosaki
nlahat
."

I
vysmi
l
edandl
ookedatherhusband,"
akobaangmagkukuwent
o,oi
kawna?"

Sahal
i
pnasumagotsiNi
ccol
o,t
umingi
nit
okayAndr
ius."
Alam namansi
gur
ongasawa
moangsal
i
tangut
angnaloobno?"

Andr
iusl
etoutashor
tlaugh."
Huwagmoakongi
sal
idi
yan.Il
ovemywi
fe.
"

"Ilovemywi fetoo.
"AniNiccolosakat
umayoatlumapitkayAndr
iusatpabulongi
tong
nagt anongperori
nigpari
nni l
aniMy."Lahinabat
alaganil
aangmatatapang?Imean,
hindikar i
nbamakapalagdiyansaasawamo?"
Andr
iuswhi
sper
edback."
Youhavenoi
dea.
"

"K act
ual
lyhave an i
dea.
"Ni
ccol
o whi
sper
ed agai
n."
MyI
ri
sisa l
i
oness.Ial
ways
concede.
"

"Mywifeisat i
gress.
"SagotnamanniAndr
ius."
Shecanki
l
lwi
thoutbl
i
nki
ngandI
,of
cour
se,Iconcedealso."

Napat
ango-t
angosiNi
ccol
osakanakangi
ti
ngbumal
i
ngsakani
ya."
Iloveyou,I
ri
s."

Ti
ningnanni
yai
tongmasama."Malal
amankori
nangmgasekretomokayahumanda
kasakin.
"Bumal
ingsi
yasakakambal
,"mayal
am kabangnagi
ngbabaeni
yamali
ban
saki
n?"

"
Wel
l
."t
umi
ngi
nsi
luysaasawani
ya,"
shoul
di?"

Niccol
ol i
psthi
nned."
Thisi
sblackmailandmyconsciencei
scleanbutyou'r
ethetwi
n
andi'm sureyourwor
dswil
lcarrysomeweightevenifit
snottr
uesoletsnegot
iat
e.I
'l
l
takecareofyourbabies.Wit
hmyl i
fe.Andyou.
..tel
lthetr
uthexcepttheoncewit
h
viol
ence."

Matamisnangumi tisiI
vy."
Gr eat
."Mahinangtumawasivysakai bi
nal
ikangti
ngi
nsa
kani
ya."Everyoneinmywor l
dknowshe' ssingl
eandhedoesn' tmingl
e.Iknow thi
s
woman,she'sat hi
efandshehashot sforyourhusband.Atnar
ini
gkongnaghubadna
si
yasahar apanngasawamoper oyangasawamo,hi ndir
aw gi
nal
aw atni
lampasan
l
ang."

Pi
l
itni
yangni
l
alabananangngi
tinagust
ongkumawal
asamgal
abi
niya."
Tapos?"

"Maraming maygust
o sakani
ya,Imean,kayPaulLei
va,per
omai
l
ap si
yasamga
babae.
"

Tumi
ngi
nsi
yakayNi
ccol
o."
Baki
tmai
l
apka?"

"
Mahal
kit
ae.
"

Okay.Herhear
tjustmel
ted."
Sige,bat
inat
ayo.
"

"Yes!
"Kaagad na lumapitsa kani
ya siNi
ccol
o atni
yakap si
ya sa beywang saka
hinal
i
kansiyasagil
i
dngnuoatbumal i
ngsamag-asawangIvyatAndr ius."
Baki
tniyo
palaiwanyonganakniyosami
n?Honeymoon?"
I
vyl
ookedatNi
ccol
ofl
atl
y."
Maycheck-upkamisayosaMi
nnesot
a."

Nat
igi
l
anangasawani
ya."
Oh.
..f
uck.
..nakal
i
mut
anko.
"

"
Sincenandit
okanaman, "ngumit
isil
vy,"
dit
omonal angakoi-checkup.Thatwoul
dbe
l
essexpensesinourpar
t.I'
m sur
eItal
yhasgreatHospit
als.
"

"
Yeah.Ther
e'sevenaHospi
tal
int
hebasementoft
hishouse.
"Anangasawani
ya.

Tumaasangki l
ayniyaatnag-aakusangt
umi
nginsaasawa."Ir
eal
l
yneedt oseethi
s
basement.Bakitpar
angayaw mongmakit
ako'yon?Ni
ccol
o,dal
awangl
inggonatayo
ri
tosabahay."

"Wewerebusyexpl
oring"Pil
yongki
nindatansi
yanit
osakanilapi
tanangi
sasaanakna
kambalnil
vynaumiiyak."Hell
o,t
here,li
ttl
ePri
ncess.Don'
tcry.
..Uncl
eHandsomeis
her
e."

SiAndr
iusnamanaymaykar
gasai
sanapi
napat
ahandi
nni
to.

AndasI ri
slookedatherhusbandcooinglvy'
schil
dwhil
esmil
ing,shereal
izedt
hati
t
doesn'
tmat t
erift
hei
rli
fei
samessr ightnow.Gustoni
yangmagkaanak.Gustoni
yang
magkaroon ng buo atmasayang pami l
ya kasama siNi
ccolo kahi
talam ni
yang
mahihi
rapansil
angdal
awa.

Tumingi
nsiyasakakambal
,"mahi
rapbangbumuongpami
l
yadahi
lsamagul
omong
buhaynoon?"

Tumangosil
vy."
Mahi
rapperokinakaya.Sigur
adongkayar
ingt
ali
kur
anniNi
ccol
oang
magul
ongbuhaynamayroonsi
yapar asayo,mukhanamangmahalnamahal
kaniya.
"

Napatit
ig si
ya sa asawa ni
yang karga-kar
ga pa r
in ang anak ng kakambalni ya.
"Ayokonghili
ngi
nsakaniya'yon.Buhaynaniya'
yonbagopakaminagkakaki lala.Kung
tat
ali
kuranmanni yaangbuhayna' yon,dapatmagkusasiya,hindinadahilhinil
ingko
sakaniya.
"

Well
..aslongashe'
sdoi
ngwhathe'
sdoi
ngnow,youwi
l
lnothaveapeacef
ull
i
fewi
th
hi
m,Ris."

"
Iknow.
"

"
Someonehast
osacr
if
ice.
"
Umili
ngsiya."Athindiakoyon.Sigurongabal
iw naako,Vy,dahi lhi
ndikosiyakayang
i
wankahi tpangaal am koangpanganibnadal
ani ya.Mahalnamahal koangasawako
kahi
tpanganagi ngmi serabl
eangbuhaykonangwal ongtaonngdahi lsakani
ya.At
al
am kosasar il
ikonahi ndinaakomagmamahalngi ba.Kayaipaglal
abanko'to.Hindi
akosusuko.Hi ndikosusukuanangasawako.Hi ndiakomagal i
ngsapaki ki
paglaban,
perolal
abanakosapar aangalam koparasaasawako.Hi ndiakomakakapayagna
paghiwal
ayinnanamankamingmagul oni
yangmundo. "

Hinawakannil vyangkamayni yaatpinisi

l
."Andi 'm her
e.I'l
lhelpyouli
kehow you
helpedmewhenIcan' tr
ememberanyt hi
ng.Hi ndimoakopi nabayaanathi
ndirinkit
a
pababayaan.Ti nal
i
kuran ko na ang magulo kong mundo noon,pero handa akong
bumalik,magsabikalang.Hindiakomakakapayagnamapahamakka. "

Tumango si
ya saka niyakap ang kakambal."
Thank you.
"Nang maghi
wal
ay ang
kat
awannil
a,ngumit
isiya,"wantsomethingt
oeat?"

"
Bast
abai
kawangmagl
ulut
o."

Tumawasi
ya."
Hanggangngayon,wal
akapar
inal
am sapagl
ulut
o?"

Kagatangl
abi
ngumi
l
ingsil
vyatt
inur
oangasawani
to."
He'
sthecook.
"

Napail
i
ngsi
yasakahi ni
l
aangkakambalsakusi
naati
niwanangmgaasawani
l
ang
abal
akayEvveatEr
res.

Habangnaglul
utosiya,nagkukuwent
onamansil vysaalam ni
tot
ungkolkayNiccol
o.At
habangnaki
kini
gsiya,na-reali
zeni
yanahi ndimalal
i
m angpagkakakil
alangkakambal
ni
yasakatauhanngasawani ya.Nihindinganit
onabanggitangorgani
sasyongsi
nabi
sakani
yangConde.

"Ahm..
. may al
am ka ba sa Organi
sasyong ki
nabi
bil
angan niCount Kni
ght
?"
Kapagkuwanayt
anongni
ya."
Kabi
l
angdinkasiroonsiNi
ccol
o."

Kaagadnat
umi
kom angbi
bignil
vy.

"
Vy-"

"I
ri
s,"ser
yosong t
umi
ngin sa kani
ya sil
vy,"
ifyourhusband i
s a memberoft hat
Organi
zat
ion,t
henyoudon'thavet oworryathi
ng.Hecandef i
nit
elykeepyousafe.
Theydon'
temployweakl
i
ngs."

"
Anobakasi
ngor
gani
sasyon'
yon?"Pangungul
i
tni
yasakakambal
.

Umi
l
ing sil
vy."
Can'
ttel
lyou.Isi
gnedanon-di
scl
osur
eagr
eementwhenIl
eftt
hat
Organi
zat
ion.Hindikopuwedengsabi
hinsayo.I
'l
lber
iski
ngmyl
i
fei
fIdi
d.Ayokong
i
wangmag-i sasiAndri
us.
"

Ganunkahi
gpi
tatnakakat
akotangOr
ganisasyonna'
yonparapatiangkakambalni
ya
aymagl
ihi
m sakani
ya?"Kayabahi
ndir
insaki
nmasabi
-sabiniNi
ccolo'
yon?"

I
vynodded."
I'
m sor
ry,I
ri
s."

"
That
'sokay"Bumunt
ong-hi
ningasiya."
Kail
angankonatalagangt
anggapi
nnamay
mgal
ihi
m angasawakonakahitkai
l
an,hindi
komalal
aman.
"

Bumakasangl
ungkotsamukhanil
vy."
Maybehe'
l
ltel
lyousomeday.
"

"
Maybe.
"Ti
naposni
yaangpagl
ulut
ongpast
asakai
nihai
n'yonsamesa.

I
vyi
mmedi
atel
ydi
gsi
n.

"Paanokayonagkaki
l
alaniCountKni
ght
?"Tanongni
yasakakambal
."Di
dyour
eal
l
y
servet
hei
rfami
ly?"

Uminom munangt ubi

gsilvybagosumagot
."Yes.Mat
agalnayon.Nagki
tal
angkami
ul
i
tkasikai
biganpal
asiyangasawako."

I
ri
sfr
owned."
Andr
iusi
sal
sopar
toft
hatOr
gani
zat
ion?"

Mabi
li
snaumil
i
ngsilvyhabangkumakai
nngSpaghet
ti
."Nope.Theyj
usthappent
obe
f
ri
endsint
hePhi
li
ppi
nes."

Napatango-t
ango si
ya."
E siNi
ccol
o? May i
ba pa ba si
yang kai
bigan mal
i
ban sa
Conde?"

Umaktongnag-i
si
psilvy."
Hmm. .
.wal
aakongmasyadongalam saasawamo.I
bang
kat
auhannamanniyaangnaki
l
alakosot
hat
'spr
obabl
yalie.
"

Sheletoutaloudsi
ghed."
Hindikonaal
am anggagawi
npar
amal
amanangmga
sekr
etongasawako.
"

"Justwai
t.
"Payonil
vysakani
yasakanapai
l
ing."
Butknowi
ngyou.
..you'
l
lfi
ndaway.
Youalwaysdo.
"

That
'st
rue.Makakahanapdi
nsi
yangpar
aankungpaanomapapaami
nangasawani
ya.
Tamang-tamanamannapumasoksiNiccol
oatAndri
ussakusi
nakasamasiEvweat
Err
es.Atparehosi
l
angnagul
atnil
vyngmaki
taangCondesal
i
kur
anngmgaito.

Kaagadnat
umingi
nsakani
yaangConde."I
'm her
et ogetmycake."It
inaasni
toang
kamaynamayhawaknachessboar
d."
Icameprepared.Iwantmycake.
"

"Whyisheser i
ous?"Narini
gniyangtanongniAndr
iuskayI
vyhabangnakat
ingi
nsa
Conde."
Hindiakosanay.Bali
w'yane.
"

"Hayaanmo na."AniI
vykayAndriussakaki
nuhar
it
o ang anaknakar
ga-kar
gani
Andri
us."
Masarapmagl
utosiI
ri
s.Ti
kmanmo."

Li
him nanapangi
tisiI
ri
snangmakitangkumai
nngasiAndr
iusper
oinunanamanni
tong
pakai
ninsil
vydahilsi
nubuanni
toangkakambal.

I
vyl
ookshappyandcont
ent
ed.

"
Mrs.Raci
ni,l
etspl
ay.
"Bosesi
yonngcondenakumuhasaat
ensi
yonni
ya.

Bumuntong-hi
ningasi
yasakaki
nuhaangdal
ani
tongchessboar
dati
nil
apagsai
sl
and
count
er.

"
IfIwi
n?"Sheaskedt
hecount
.

TheCountsmi
rkedather
."Youwon'
t.
"

"
Whati
f?"

"
Youwon'
t.
"Gi
i
tni
to,"
ladi
esf
ir
st.
"

I
ri
s move herpawn and analyse every piece oft
he Count'
s movement.Walang
nagbigaydaansakani
l
a,malakasatmat al
inongdepensaatatakeanggi
nagawani l
a
parehohanggangsama-checkmatesi yangCondepagkalipasngmahigi
ttat
lumpung
minuto.

"
Cazzo.
..
"shecur
sed.

"
Wher
e'smycake?"

I
ri
ssi
ghed."
I'
ll
bakeyouacake.Anonggust
omongf
lavor
?"
"
Iwantanal
mondcake.
"

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Almondcake.
..Sur
e,gi
vemeacoupl
eofhour
s."

Tumingi
nitosar
elongpambi
si
g."
That
'sokay.Myf
li
ghti
sthi
rt
y-sevenhour
sfr
om now.
Icanwait.
"

Napail
i
ngnalangsi
yasakanag-umpi
sananggumawangcakehabangsiNi ccol
oay
abal
asaisasakambal
naanakniy.Hal
atangnat
utuwai
tosabat
akasiayawbi
tawan.

Nangmat aposmag-bakengcake,kaagadniyangini
l
apagiyonsahar
apanngConde
natal
aganghini
ntaysi
yangnat
aposathi
ndiumalisngkusi
na.

"
Doesi
ttast
esgood?"TheCountaskedwhi
l
est
ari
ngatt
hecakeshemade.

"
Tast
eit
."

TheCountdoesn'thavetobet ol
dtwiceKumuhai
tongkut
sil
yoathumi
wangi
sang
sl
icesakai
nil
agayiyonsapl
ati
toatkumai
n.

TheCountactual
l
ycl
osedhi
seyesashesavourthecakeshemade."
Hmm.
"'yonl
ang
angsi
nabini
tosakat
umango-t
angoatnagpat
uloysapagkai
n.

Nai
li
ngnaini
wanniyaangCondeatpumunt asasalaskungsaanpi
nagmasdanni
ya
angasawananaki
kipagl
arosakambal
naanaknil
vyatAndri
us.

Ni
ccol
olookshappy.

Ni
lapi
tanni
yaangasawasakamasuyongni
yakapi
tosabeywangmul
asal
i
kur
anat
hi
nali
kani
tosabat
ok.

Tumuwi
dnangt
ayosi
Niccol
oatni
l
ingonsi
ya."
Amor
e..
."

"
Niccol
o..
."

"
Hmm?"

"
Bunt
isi
nmoako.
"Der
etsoni
yangsabi
."Iwantababy.
"

Humar
apsakani
yaangasawasakamasuyongsi
napoangmukhani
ya."
Ist
hatwhat
youwantmost
?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Wil
lyougi
vemeababy?"

"I
tsgonnabedangerous.
..i
t'
snotgonnabeeasy,
"he'
sser
ioust
henhesmi
l
ed,"
butf
or
you,ofcour
se,i
'
lldomybest."

"
Akal
akoaayaw ka.
"

Niccol
o pressed hi
sli
pson hersand looked atherint
entl
y,"
formyamore,i'l
ldo
everyt
hingIcan.Maybelcan'
tgi
veyouapeacef ull
i
febuti
'l
lmakesur
etodoever
ythi
ng
Icantomake' happyeveryaf
ter
'possi
blef
oryou,mylove."

Thatmadehersmil
e."
Beingwi
thyouisal
readyahappyeveraft
ert
ome,Ni
ccol
o.Okay
nasaki
n't
o.Justst
aywit
hmeandl et
smakeacompl et
efamil
y."

"
Icandef
ini
tel
ydot
hat
."Hechuckl
edandcl
aim herl
i
psagai
n.

Naghi
wal
ayl
angangmgal
abini
l
anangmar
ini
gangmgapapal
api
tnayabag.

I
tsAndr
iusandl
vy.

Akmangpapakawal
anniyasapagkakayakapangasawasabeywangper
ohi
nawakan
niNi
ccol
oangmgabr asoni
yaatmaspinahigpi
tpaangyakapni
yar
it
o.

"
Huwagmoakongbi
bit
awan.
"Wi
kani
tonamahi
nani
yangi
kinat
awa.

Sasagut
insanani
yaangasawangi
sangbi
rongmarini
gnil
aangsunod-sunodngbar
il
naparabangti
nat
adt
adnangbal
aangbuongbahaynil
a!

Parangbinubundolngkabaangdi
bdi
bniIr
isper
ohi
ndisi
yagumal
aw.Nanat
il
isi
yang
nakayakapsaasawal al
onanangmakit
anaangmgakasamaniyasabahayaymga
kal
madol ang.

Sil
vyatAndri
usaykalmadongnil
api
tanangmgaanakatki nargasamantal
angang
Condeaypumasokngsal
ashabangkumakai
nngCakeatnakakunotangnuo.

"
Aret
hosegunshot
s?"TheCountasked.

"Yeah."Niccol
oanswer
edwhi
l
ecar
essi
ngherhai
r."
Youokay,amor
e?Iwon'
tlett
hem
hurtyou.
"
Kahitpapaanoaykal
madonasiyakahitmayt akotpari
nsi
yasanar
ir
ini
gsal
abasna
sunod-sunodnaput
okngbar
il
."I
'm okay.You'
rehere.
"

"
Fuck.
"Andri
uscursedasheacceptagunf
rom t
heCount
."Wecameher
ebecausewe
t
houghti
t'
speacef
ul..
."

Humigpi
tangyakapsakani yaniNi
ccol
osakahi
nal
i
kansi
yasamgal
abibagosi
ya
pi
nakawalansapagkakayakap.

"
Piet
ro!
"Tawagni
tosabut
lerni
l
a.

Nakit
aniIrissiPiet
ronamabil
isnabumabanghagdanatmaydal angmalal
aki
ngbari
l
atipi
nasani toiyonsaasawaniyanakaagadni t
ongiki
nasaattumi
ngi
nsapi nt
ong
bahaynil
ahabangmakat ut
okdoonangbar
ilnahawakatnasal
ikodsi
yani
tonaparang
pi
no-protektahansiya.

Ganundi
nsiPi
etr
onai
hinar
angangkat
awansapagi
tanni
yaatnangpi
nto.

Habang ang Conde naman aykumakai

n pa ri
n ng cake na par
ang wal
alang ang
nangyayar
i."
Lal
abanka?Maybar i
lpaakori
to.
"Tanongni t
ohabangnakati
ngi
nkaylvy.

vyt
appedherhead."
Nope.Kai
l
angankomunangmagpa-checkup.Iwon'
tri
ski
t.
"

"
Sat
ingi
nmo,i
l
anangnasal
abas?"TanongnamanniAndr
iuskayNi
ccol
o.

"Justt
hree."Sagotngasawani yahabangnakatut
okpar i
nangbari
lsapint
ongbahay
nil
a na ngayon ayparang gi
nigi
bang mganasal abas."Wit
h machi
negunsand a
fucki
ngbigbouldertodest
roymyhousel i
kei
nt hemiddleages.
"

Napapai
gtadsiI
ri
ssabawathampasngkunganongmal
aki
ngbagaysapi
ntongbahay
ni
l
adahil
anparamayanigi
yon.

"
Iri
s."

Pi
li
tniyangti
nat
agoangtakotatkabananar
aramdamankayNi
ccol
odahi
layaw ni
yang
al
alahaninsi
yani
to."
Yes,baby?"

"
Trustme?"

"
Ofcour
se.
"Mabi
l
isni
yangsagot
.
"
Thengot oourr
oom andwaitf
ormet here.Idon'
twantyout
oseet
hevi
olentsi
deof
me.Iknowhow muchyouhat
eviol
ence."

Humugotsiya ng mal
ali
m na hi
ninga saka t
umango atnagpanggap na kal
madong
ti
nul
unganangkakambalnabuhati
nangi sasakambalatigi
niyai
topat
ungosat aas,sa
kuwart
onil
aniNiccol
o.

Ayaw ni
yangmagingpabigatsaasawani yakayadapatmagi
ngmat apangatmatat
ag
si
ya.Bakamasl al
ongit
ongmamr oblemakapagnasababasi yadahilhi
ndil
angang
sar
il
ini
toangpo-prot
ekt
ahankundi patir
insi
ya.

Nangmakapasoksakuwart
o,kal
madosilvyperosiyahi
ndimapakal
i
!Nag-aal
alasi
ya
saasawani
yananasaibabaatmaki
kipagl
abanpar
apr ot
ekt
ahansi
ya.

"
Iri
s.Cal
m down.
"Sabi
sakani
yaniI
vy.

Umuposiyasagil
idngkamasakat
umi
ngi
nsakakambal
."How canyoust
aycal
min
si
tuat
ionl
i
kethi
s?"

"
I'
m usedt
oit
."Sagotni
tohabangi
si
nasayawangi
sasakambal
naumi
i
yak.

Samant
alangangisasakambalaypanayangt
awakapagnakakar
ini
gnangput
okng
bar
il
.Mukhangit
oangnagmanakayIvy.

Humi
ngasi
yangmal
ali
m atki
nuyom angkamao."
Niccol
owi
l
lbef
ine,r
ight
?"

l
vynodded."
Ofcour
se.
"

Kahitpapaanoaynakahingasi
yangmal
uwangperokaagadiyongnapal
it
anngtakotat
kabangmar i
nignananggagali
ngnasaloobngbahaynil
aangmal akasnaputokng
bari
l
,hindinasalabas!

Andt
hensuddenl
y.I
tjustst
op.Andadeaf
eni
ngsi
l
encef
il
ledt
hei
rear
s.

Ni
ccol
o.

A/
N:Chapt
er27wi
l
lbepost
edt
omor
row.Goodni
ghtandhopeyouenj
oyr
eadi
ng.

CHAPTER27

NANG MAKI
TANINi
ccol
onanag-cr
ackangpi
ntonangbahayni
ya,pabagsaksi
yang
nauposapang-i
sahangsof
ahabangangbar
ilnahawakaynakat
utokpar
insapi
nto.

Kahi
tangCondeayumuposisapang-i
sahangsof
ahabangkumakai
npar
inngcakeat
mayhawaknabari
langi
sangkamaynit
o.

Samantal
angsiPi
etr
oatAndr
iusatl
umabassabackdoorpar
amapal
i
but
anni
l
aang
kal
aban.

"
Il
ansat
ingi
nmoangnasal
abas?"Tanongsakani
yaniKni
ght
.

Heshr
ugged."
Whoknow?Maybet
hreeorf
our
.Wi
thmachi
negunsandal
lthatshi
t.
"

"
Ithi
nkt
heyhaveat
ank.
"Kni
ghteat
saf
ork-f
ull
ofcake.

Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
ThePol
i
cewoul
dseet
hem.
"

Kni
ghtsi
ghed."
I'
m bor
ed.
"

Ini
pitngCondeangt i
nidorsamgal
abini
toatnagl
akadpat
ungosapint
o,si
yanamanay
tumayoatginamitangdalawangkamayparahawakanangbari
latpi
nosi
syonangsar
il
i
sagi t
nangpint
uan.

"Let
scleanup.
"AniVelasquezbagobinuksanangpint
ongbahayni
yakahi
tumuul
an
parinngbal
aatisi
nandalni
toangkat
awansal i
kodngpint
o.

Si
ya naman aynagt
ago sa gi
l
id athi
nayaang makapasokang bal
a sa bahaypar
a
makalapi
tdi
nangkal
abannil
a.

Nangpapalapi
tnaangt unogngbari
l
,pi
nindotangremotengbahaynanasabul
sani
ya
kungsaankontr
oladoangpagbukasngemer gencyl
ight
ssal
abasngbahayni
ya.

Ang madi
li
m na paligi
d ay bi
glang nagl
i
wanag atnapai
l
ing nal
ang siNi
ccol
o ng
maki
tangnag-uunahangnagtagoangmgaduwag.

Het
sked."
Youmot
herf
ucker
!Howdar
eyouscar
emywi
fe.
"

Mahigpi
tniyang hi
nawakanang machi negunang ki
nal
abi
tang gat
il
yo no'
natsi
ya
namanangnagpaul anngbal ahabangangCondenamanaykumuhamunangi sang
sl
icengcakebagobi nar
ilangpapasoksakal
aban.

Napail
i
ng nal
ang si
ya atl
umabas ng bahay habang sunod-sunod ang put
ok na
nanggagal
i
ngsamachinegunnahawakniya.
Hindini
yaal
int
anaangbi
gatngbar
il
.Madal
il
angpar
asakani
yanamani
obr
ahi
niyonat
i
tutoksakal
aban.

Naki
taniyangil
andinangnapatumbaniAndr
iusatKni
ghtsamant
alangsiPi
etr
oat
hi
nabol
angi l
angnakat
akasatt
umakbo.

Andr
iust
sked."
Akal
akot
atl
olang?"

Bi
nit
iwanniyaangmachinegunatmalakasangt unognabumagsaki
yonsal
upadahi
l
sabigat
."Whocares?They'
real
ldeadanyways.
"

I
sa-isangtini
ngnanngCondeangmgakat awannanakahandusaysal upasakaini
l
bas
angcel l
phonesabul saatmayt i
nawagan." Hel
lo?Yes.Raci
ni'
smansion.Needabody
cl
eanupanddi dParisial
readyarr
ived?"Paused."Good.Tel
lhimtotalktothePolice
abouttheshoot i
ngandal sototheneighboursaswelltocl
eanthisal
lup.He'stheone
i
nchar gewi t
hthat.Tell
himtomove.Iwantt hi
smesscleanbeforeIwenthome."

Pumasoksiyasakabahayanatganundinangginawani
l
aAndriusatKni
ght
.Pagkal
i
pas
ngil
angminuto,pumasoksiPi
etr
oatisi
naraangpint
ongbahay.

"
Piet
ro.
"

"
Signor
?"

"Cal
ltheArchi
tect
sandEngineerst
omor
row.Idon'
twantmyhousetol
ookli
keawar
zonebecauseoft hebul
l
etshole.Mywi
fewil
lkil
lmesheseesthebul
l
etsontothe
wall
s."

"
Yes,Si
gnor
."

Umakyatsi
yasahagdan."
Sat
aasl
angako.
"

Pagkabukasnapagkabukasni yasapi ntongmaster'

sbedr oom,kaagadnasi
nugod
si
yangyakapniI r
is.Ramdam niyaangmal akasnatibokngpusongasawahabang
mahigpi
tsiyangyakapatal
am niyangnatakoti
tosanangyar
i.

Niccol
osof
tl
ywr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundhi
swi
fe'
sbodyandt
ight
enedhi
sembr
aceon
her.

"
Areyouokay?"TanongniI
ri
ssakani
ya.
"
Ofcour
se.
"Kaagadni
yangsagotpar
ahi
ndinai
tomag-al
ala.

"
SiAndr
ius?"Tanongnil
vy.

"
He'
sokay.
"Sagotni
ya.

Halat
angnakahi
ngait
ongmal uwangsakal
umabasngkuwart
odalaangi
sasakambal
ni
tonganaksamant
alangi
niwannit
oangisanamahi
mbingnanat
utul
ogsakamani
la.

"
Pinag-al
alamoako.
"Wi
kaniI
ri
snanagpagaansapaki
ramdam ni
ya.

Niccol
ogr untedwhenI
ri
sti
ght
enedherembr
acedandshequi
ckl
ypul
l
edawayt
olook
athim cl
osely.

Fuck!

Mabi
l
isnat
inakpanniNi
ccol
oangpar
tengt
-shi
rtnamaykumakal
atnadugo.

Akalani
yamagpa-pani
cangasawani
yaper
ohumi
ngai
tongmal
ali
m atkal
madoang
bosesnanagsal
i
ta.

"
Mayt
amaka?"

"
I'
m sor
ry.
"

"
Letmesee.
"Masuyoni
tongsabi
.

Maypaghangangt i
nit
iganniyaangasawaniya.Het
houghshe' l
lbr
eakdownaf terwhat
hashappened.Heknew how muchshedi sli
kevi
olence.Pinaul
anannang balaang
bahaynil
a,sapatnaang i ngayno'nparamakapagpawal anang uli
ratsabaguhang
makakari
nig ni
yon atnabar i
lpa si
ya.Butshe di
dn'tpanic.She stayed cal
m and
col
lect
ed.

Hi
swi
fei
sreal
l
yast
rongwoman.Conf
ident
,br
aveandsmar
t.

"
Dapl
i
slangnaman.
"Sabini
ya.

Maingatnai
ti
naasni
toanglaylayanngt-shi
rtni
yasakat
ini
ngnanangsugatni
ya.I
l
ang
segundoni
toi
yongti
nit
iganbagokalmadongnagsal
it
a.

"
Comeon,l
etscl
eanyourwound.
"
NagpaubayalangsiNiccol
onanghi l
ahi
nsi
yanangasawapatungosabanyoatki
nuha
angnakatagongfi
rst
-aidkitdoon.Si
yanamanaysumandalsalababohabanghawak
anglayl
ayanngt-shi
rtni
yananakataas.

Nakati
ti
glang si
ya sa asawa ni
ya habang ni
l
il
ini
s ang sugatni
ya.Malambotang
ekspr
esyonngmukhanitoperonakiki
tani
yangnangingi
nigangkamayni
to.

MyI
ri
s.

Hi
nawakanniyaangkamaynit
ongmaybul
akatpi
nisi
liyon."
Iri
s..
.I'
m okay.Hi
ndiako
mamamatay.Dapl
isl
ang'
yan.
"

Tumangoi
tonanl
alami
gpar
inangkamayni
to.

"
Iri
s..
.lookatme.
"

I
langsegundoangl
umipasbagoi tonag-angatngt
ingi
nsakani
yaatnaguunahang
dumal
oyangmgaluhasapisngini
to.

"
Iri
s."masuyoni
yang t
inuyoang mgal
uhani
tosakangi
nit
iani
to."
I'
m f
ine.Wal
ang
mangyayari
ngmasamasakin.
"

Ki
nagatni
toangpang-i
babangl
abi
."I
'm scar
ed,Ni
ccol
o.l
'
m scar
edf
oryoul
i
fe.
"

"
Shhh..
."hi
nali
kan ni
ya i
to sa nuo saka pi
nakat
it
igan i
to."
Wal
ang mangyayar
ing
masamasaki
n.Trustme.
"

Sumi
nghot
-si
nghoti
tosakaal
am ni
yangpi
l
itnapi
napakal
maangsar
il
i.

Hi
napl
osni
yaangbuhokni
yo."
It
sokay.Youcancr
y.Iwon'
tjudge.
"

Angpagsi
nghotni
toaynauwisahi
kbiatmal
akasnahagul
hol
.

Maingatni
yangniyakapangasawa,maingatsiyanghi
ndimai
pitangsugatni
yasaka
hi
nagodanglikodni
tohanggangsaunt
i-unt
iit
ongtumahan.

Pinai
yaknanamanni yaangasawani
ya.Kai
l
anganbadar
ati
ngangar
aw nahi
ndii
to
i
iyaknangdahi
lsakaniya?

"
I'
m sosor
ry,I
ri
s.I
'm sosor
ry.
"Nababal
otsi
yanangpagsi
si
siatgui
l
t.
Ti
nuyo ni
to ang mga l
uha sa pi
sngisaka kumawal
a sa yakap ni
ya atnaghi
l
amos
pagkat
aposatnapati
ti
git
osasalaminnanasaharapannglababo.

"Pasensi
ya ka.
"Wi ka nito sa mahinang boses."Gust
o kong magi
ng mat apang sa
harapanmoatsahar apannangl ahat,per
omayhanggananangpagpapanggapkona
matapang ako.Al am kong dapl islang yan,na malayo ang posi
bil
i
dad na may
mangyar i
ngmasamasayodahi lri
yanpero,kasi.
..mahalki
tae.Asawaki t
a.Ayokong
nakiki
takangnasasaktan.Natatakotako.
"

Humarapsi
yasaasawaatniyakapi
tomulasatagi
l
iranathi
nal
i
kanangul
oni
to."
Hindi
naakomagpapadapl
i
ssasusunodparahi
ndikanamag-alal
aatmat
akot
."

Tumingi
nit
osakaniyasasal
ami
n."
Sigur
aduhi
nmol
ang,dahi
lhi
ndit
atamaankana
saki
nsasusunod.
"

Ngini
ti
anniyaitosasalami
nsakahi
nal
i
kani
tosagi
l
idngnuo."
Trustt
hecapabi
l
it
yof
yourhusband,amore.
"

"
Ido.I
'mj
ustwor
ri
ed.
"Humar
api
tosakani
yasakabumal
i
ksapagl
i
li
nissasugatni
ya.

Masuyo ang bawatpaghapl

osng bul
aksagi
lid ng sugatni
ya.Mahapdipero hi
ndi
masaki
t.MagaanangkamayniIri
ssamgagani
tongbagay.Naalal
aniyat
uloynanguna
ni
yait
ongnakitasabasecamp.

Shecleanedhi
swoundsl i
kehemat ters.Herhandwassof tandcari
ng.Kayasiguro
nahul
ogkaagadangl oobniyarit
o.Sat anangbuhayni
ya,walangnagingganunsa
kani
ya.Hegrew upinaveryharshenvironment.Hi
sjobi
salsochaot
ic.He'snotused
toasoftt
ouchwithsomuchcarefrom awoman.

Maybebecausei
twasherj
obasaNur
sebef
orebutf
orhi
m,i
twassomuchmor
ethan
t
hat.

Hefeltherconcer
nassheaskedhi m aboutwhathappenedandherf rust
rat
ionwhen
shetol
dhim aboutherf
atherandhow st
ri
ctherfat
heris.Andthatf
eeli
nghef el
twhen
shetol
dhim shewantedasoldierf
orahusband.Asoldierwho'
sbraveenought of
ace
herf
ather.

Andt
hat'
swhathedi
d.Hebecameabr
avesol
dierandf
acedherf
athert
oaskherhand
i
nmarri
age.

Atsawalongt aonnakasalsi
la,angdamini yangpinagsi
si
hanatangdamirinni
yang
pagkukul
ang.Perohet
opar i
nsiIr
is,i
nii
ti
ndi
par insi
yaatpatul
oynat
apatsakani
ya.
He'
sal uckymani
ndeed.Kahi
thi
ndisi
yamahalni
tonuonguna,nagi
ngt
apatpar
ini
to
sakani
ya.

Wal
asasar
il
ingnapangi
tisi
ya.

"
Masayabangmabar
il
?"Bi
glani
tongt
anong.

Unt
i-unt
inawal
aangngi
tisal
abini
yanangmar
ini
gangt
ali
m ngbosesni
to.

Oh-oh.
.."
Ahm.
..I
'mf
eel
i
ngbet
ternow.
"

Nil
agyanni
tongbendaangsugatni
yasakat
umuwi
dnangt
ayoatt
umi
ngi
nsakani
ya.
"Masaki
tpaba?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Sanaynaako.
"

"Sanaykana.
..
"hinapl
osni
toanggi
l
idngsugatni
ya."
Sinongnagl
i
li
nisnangsugatmo
nuongwalapaako."

"
Sar
il
ingsi
kap.
"

I
binabanit
oanglayl
ayanngt -shi
rtni
yasakahinawakansi
yasamagkabi
langbal
i
kat.
"Mag-i
ingatkasasusunodha?Ayokongnaki ki
takangmaysugat.MyNiccol
oshoul
d
bewoundlessi
neverybatt
le.Ayokongnaki
kit
akangnasasakt
an.
"

Niccol
odoesn'tknow how canIri
sr obbedt
heai
ronhi
slungs.Si
mpl
ewor
dsbuti
t
seepedri
ghtt
hroughhisheart
."I
'l
ltr
y."

Masuyongini
l
apatniIr
isanglabisamgalabini
yaatnapapi
kitnal
angsi
yaatgi
nal
aw
angmgalabiatgi
nagadanglabingasawa.

WhenI r
ispull
edaway,hinapl
osnitoangpi sngini
yasakapinakat
it
igansi
ya."Al
am ko
angpanganibnangpasukinko' t
o,nanggust uhi
nkongmagkasamat ayoul
it
,athi
ndi
akonagsisi
si
,Niccol
o.I
paglal
abanko'to.Hindikohahayaannamaghi wal
aynanaman
tayodahi
lsamagulomongmundo.Pani nindiganko't
o,sanaganunkarin.
"

Hindiakonat
atakotnabakamapahamakako,masnatatakotakonabakakapagnai si
p
monanamannamasyadonangnangangani bangbuhaykonangdahi lsayoayi wan
monanamanako.Iknow yourmi ndthi
nksdi
ff
erent
lybutplease,f
orme,don'tchange
yourmindaboutkeepi
ngme."

Shesai
dpl
ease.
Hinawakanni
yaangkamayniIri
snanakasaposamukhani
yasakapi
nisi
l'
yon."
Iwon'
t
changemymindsodon'tpl
ead.MyIr
isdon'tbeg.
"

Maingatit
ongyumakapsabeywangni
ya,i
ngatnai
ngatnahi
ndimasagiangsugatni
ya.
"
Niccolo?"

Hewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundI
ri
s'shoul
der
."Hmm?"

Shel
ookedupathi
m andki
ssedhi
schi
n,"
Iloveyou.
"Shewhi
sper
edsof
tl
y.

Hestil
l
ed.Hecanfeelhishear
tbeat
ingi
nsanel
yfast
.Hi
ndinasi
yamagt
atakakung
nar
ir
ini
gnit
oangt
iboknangpusoni
ya.

"
Niccol
o?"

He'
sst
il
lnotbr
eat
hing."
Yes?"

"
Breat
h."

Hel
etoutal
oudbr
eat
h."
Iloveyout
oo,
amor
e."

Napangi
tisiI
ri
ssakapi
nagsi
kl
opangkamayni
l
angdal
awa."
Okaynabasababa?"

"
Piet
roiscl
eani
ngup.
"Ani
yasakahi
nal
i
kani
tosanuo."
Mamayanat
ayobumaba.Di
to
munatayo.
"

"
Okay.
"

Pi
natal
i
kodniyaangasawasakapinal
i
botni
yaangmgabr asosadi
bdi
bni
toatpi
nahi
l
ig
i
tosadibdi
bniyahabangnakahi
l
igpari
nsi
yasalababo.

Hi
sbr
eat
hinghi
tchedwhenI
ri
ski
ssedhi
sar
mthatwashuggi
ngher
.

How cant hi
swomanmakehi mfeelsoweakandst rongatt
hesameti
me?Parang
nakasal
alayr
it
oangl
akasni
ya.Hi
ndini
yakakayani
nkungmawawal
ait
osakani
ya.

Hewi
l
lkeephi
sIr
is.That
'sapr
omi
se.

Hemaybeabletotakeonever
ybadguysi
ntheworl
d,butwhenitcomest
ohiswif
e,
he'
sweak.Onl
yIri
scanbri
ngouthi
semoti
ons.Onl
yhiswifecanmakehim cr
azyin
l
ove.Onl
yIr
iscanmakehi
m sof
tandneedy.

He'
snotcl
i
ngybutwheni
tcomest
ohi
swi
fe,hebecomesadi
ff
erentper
son.

I
sinubsobni
yaangmukhasamabangongbuhokniI
ri
s."
Iri
s?"

"
Yes,baby?"Mal
ambi
ngni
tongt
ugon.

"Don'teverleave me,okay?"Nakiki
usap ang boses ni
ya."
Iknow Ihave l
ots of
short
comingsasyourhusband,butIhopeyouwon' tgi
veuponme.Alam kongalam
monamar amiakongsekr
etonahindikosi
nasabisayo,sanahi
ndi'
yonmagi
ngdahilan
parabit
awanmoako. "

I
ri
sr est
edherheadonhisshoulder
."Don'
twor
ry,Ni
ccol
o,Iwon'
tletyougo.Masyado
ki
tangmahalparabi
tawanko."

Masyadokitangmahalparabi
tawanko.Napangit
isi
ya.Dati
,pinagdar
asall
angniyana
mahaldi
nsi yani
toatnatupadnanga'yon.Mahaldinsiyangasawani ya.Akal
ani ya
wal
angkat ugonangnararamdamanniykasialam namanni yangnapil
i
tanlangit
ong
magpakasalsakani
ya.

"
Amor
e?"

"
Hmm?"

"Pasensi
yanadahi lhi
ndiakonakarat
ingsakasalnat i
nnoon."God.Angdaminiyang
pagkukul
angsaasawani ya."
I'
m sosorry,Amore.Ididn'
tmeanfori
ttohappen.Iwas
onmywaywhenIwasshot .Nangmagisingako,walanapalaakosaItal
y.I
nil
i
patako
ngHospitalsaibangbansakasiil
angbesesnapinagtakaanangbuhaykohabangwala
akongmal ay.

"Iwokeupaf tertwoweeks.Brokenr i
bsandagunshotnearmyt orso.Tinawaganko
kaagad siPietr
o para al
amin kung pumi
rma ka sa marri
age contractnati
n,nang
sumagotsiyanangoo,ewankoba,nai si
pkokaagadangposi bl
engmangyar isayo
kapagnagsamat ayokayahi
ndiakonagpakit
asayokahitpangagust ong-gust
okitang
hal
ikanatyakapinsabawatpagkakataonnanaki
kit
akit
a."

"Atsa nakal
ipasna taon,natat
akotako kapag l
umalabaska ng bahay,hindibaka
mapahamak ka kundidahilbaka mayka-dat e ka,o baka maynahanap ka nang
mamahal i
nmo.Everyt i
me,Iwoul dfeelsoscar
ed.Ialwayscontradi
ctmyselfwhenit
comest oyou.Nag-ibaangdesisyonngi si
patpusoko.Pi nagsi
si
hankonahi ndiako
nagpaki
tasayo,I
ri
s..
.I'
m sorr
ydahilanggagokoper oi
nii
nti
ndimopar i
nako."

Humarapsakani
yasiI
ri
ssakangini
ti
anslya."I
tsokay.Asawamoako.I
int
indi
hinki
tasa
abotngmakakayako.Ayoslangsakinkahitmaramikangsekr
etobastamagkasama
l
angt
ayoatmahal
moako.
"

Hecuppedherfaceandpressedthei
rfor
eheadtoget
her
.Wal angl
umabasnasali
tasa
mgalabini
l
angdalawaperogumaanangpaki r
amdam niya.Theyst
ayedl
i
kethatfora
coupl
eofminut
esbefor
eIr
ispull
edaway.

Nakangit
ingpi
nagsi
klopni
toangkamayni l
anai
kinangi
tir
inni
ya.Atnanghi
l
ahi
nsi
ya
ni
topalabasngbanyo,aynagpaubayasi
ya.

Kapagkuwanatnapatit
igsi
yasasanggolnamahi
mbi
ngnanat
utul
ogsai
babaw ng
kamanilangmag-asawa.

"Hangaakosakakambalmoatsaasawani ya."Sabini
yangnaili
ng."Kal
madosi l
ang
dalawakahitumuulannangbalaatkasamapani l
aangdalawanilanganak."Hetsked,
"kungmayanakt ayoatnangyar
isat
inangnangyarikani
na,hi
ndikoalam anggagawi n
ko.Ikaw pangal
anganginaalal
ako,paranaakongnanghihi
nae."

"Sanaynakasisil
a."WikaniIri
ssakani
l
apit
anangsanggolsakamaathi napl
osang
pisngiatbuhokni
tobagomai ngatnaki
nar
gaatbumalikul
i
tsakani ya."
Lookather
.
She'ssocute.Shewasl aughi
ngearl
i
erwhenitwasr
aini
ngbull
ets.Manayata't
okay
Vye. "

Pi
nagmasdanni
yaangmasayangmukhangasawahabangpi
nagmamasdananganak
ngkakambal
nit
ongkar
gani
to.

"
Kapagnagka-anakt
ayo,dapatnagmanasayo.
"Ani
ya.

Mahi
nangnatawasiI
ri
ssakanag-angatngtingi
nsakani
ya."
Dapatl
angnamagmana
saki
nno.Ayokongmagingpessi
mist
icanganakkot
uladngDaddyni
ya.
"

Nat
awanar
insi
ya."
Kayangabagayt
ayoe.Youbal
ancemeout
."

Pabir
o si
yang i
nir
apan ni
to saka i
naya si
yang l
umabasng kuwart
o.Si
ya naman ay
kaagadit
ongsinundanpal
abasatinakbayanitonangmaabut
anniya.

I
RISwaslookingatherhusbandashecl
eansupt
hemessi
ntheli
vi
ngr
oom wi
thPi
etr
o
and Andr
ius.Habang siCountKni
ghtnamanaykar
gaang i
sasakambalnil
vyat
Andri
usatsil
vynamanangmaykar gasaisa.

Hindinamannawasakangpi nt
onangbahayni la.Maykaunti
ngcrackl
angiyonper
o
halat
anghindimapakal
iangasawani yadahi
langdaminitongti
nawaganpar
amaayos
'
yonatmaibaliksadat
inahindibast
a-bast
anasisir
a.
Andshefoundoutthattheyopenedthedoort
oret
ali
atet
hat
'swhyt
heli
vi
ngr oom i
sa
mess!Humingangmal ali
m siI
ri
ssakanagtungosakusi
naatdoonayhinayaanniya
angsar
il
inamapatulal
asakawalan.

She fel
tso hel
pless.Wala siyang maisi
p na par
aan kung paano makakat
ulong sa
asawa niya athindiniya gusto ang paki
ramdam na yon.Hi ndiniya gusto ang
paki
ramdam napar angwalasiyangsil
bi.

She'snotVywho'sgoodatf ight
ing.She'sj
ustsmar t
.Yonl
angangmayr oonsi
ya.Ang
ut
ak niya.Pero paano? Paano siya makakat
ulong? Mal
akas si
yang napabunt
ong-
hi
ningasakaihi
nil
amosangmgapal adsamukhaniya.

Paanobaakomakakat
ulong?

Napasabunotsi
yasasar
il
ingbuhokatakmangl
alabassi
yangkusi
nangpumasokdoon
siNi
ccolo.Maydal
ait
ongbaril
nakaagadnit
ongiti
nagosal
ikodngmaki
tasi
ya.

"
It
sokay.
..Idon'
tmi
nd.
"Sabini
yasamahi
nangboses.

"
Youhat
egunsandvi
olence.
"

Mapakl
asi
yangnat
awa."
Idon'
thaveachoi
cebutt
oli
keandgetusedt
oit
."

"
Iri
s-"

"Paanobaakomakakatulongsayo?"Hi
ndini
yanapi
gil
angt
anongsaasawani
ya."
I
dontli
kef
eel
i
nghel
pless,Niccol
o."

Akmangmagl
alakadi
topal
api
tsakani
yanangbumabaangt
ingi
nni
tosamgahi
tani
ya.
"Amor
e..
."

Shef
rownedwhenshesaw wor
ryi
nhi
seyes."
Hmm?"

"
Whyar
eyoubl
eedi
ng?"Tanongni
tonapi
nagt
akani
ya.

Si
nundanni
yaangt
ingi
nngmgamat
ani
toatbumabaangmat
ani
yasamgahi
tani
ya.

Umawanganglabini
yaatpaki
ramdam ni
yaaynayani
gangmundoni
yangmaki
taang
pul
angkul
aynakumakal
atsakulaykr
emaniyangpant
alon.

Malalakiangmat angpunongtakotnanapat
ingi
nsi
yasaasawani
yahabangnakat
ulos
sakinatatayuan."Ni
ccol
o..
."
Nabi
tawanniNiccol
oangbari
lnadal
asakakaagadnadi
nal
uhansi
yaatmai
ngatna
pi
nangkosakal
umabasngkusi
na.

"
Piet
ro!Opent
hebasement
!Now!
"

Bakasangt
akotatpag-aal
alasabosesniNi
ccol
ohabangmal
alakianghakbangni
to.
Si
yanamanaynapapiki
tati
mpitnanapahi
yawngmaramdamanangki r
otsat
iyanni
ya.

Angsaki
t.
..

Hindinaal
i
ntananiI
ri
sangkapal
igir
anniya,angatensi
yonni
yaaynakat
uonsat
iyanna
parangmaymahapdi sal
oobnahindini
yamawar i
.

"
Nicol
o..
."Nasaponi
yaangt
iyandahi
lsasobr
angsaki
t.

"
Mal
api
tnat
ayo,Mahal
.Mal
api
tna.
"

Nag-umpisanangmagdi l
i
m angpani
nginniI
ri
s.Si
gur
odahi
lnaghalo-hal
onaangmga
nangyar
isa araw na yon.Takot
,st
ressati t
o.Nakar
amdam siya ng paghi
hina at
pagkawalangl
akasniya.

Nakapi
kitangmat
ani
yangmar
amdamanni
yangi
hini
gasi
yaniNi
ccol
o.

"
Niccol
o..
."

"Sh.
..I
'm her
e.I'm here.
"BulongsakaniyaniNiccoloatkaagadnahi
nawakanang
kamayniyangmahi gpitathi
nahapl
osangnuoni yapababasabuhokni
ya."
Nandi
to
l
angako.Hindiakoaali
ssatabimo-no,sorr
y,Ihaveto.
"

Nal
ukotnanamanangmukhani
yangmakar amdam ngkir
otsatiyanni
yaatpi
l
itna
i
minul
atangmat
ani
yasakat
umi
nginsaasawa."W-what
'shappeni
ngtome?"

"
Idon'tknow."Halat
aangpangambasamukhani
tohabangmaybi
nubuksangsyr
inge.
"
Butwhat everthati
s,you'
l
lbeokay.Youwil
lbeokay,amor
e.Iwil
lfi
ndoutwhat 's
wrongwithyou.
"

Tumangosiyaathinayaangpumiki
tangmgamat
a,nanghi
hinasi
yahanggangsaunt
i-
unt
ingnawalansi
yanangmal ay.

CHAPTER28
NANGHIHI
NA ANG katawan nanagmulatnang mgamat asiIr
is.Hindipamil
yarsa
kani
yaanglugarnaki
naroroonanni
yakayanagtakasiya,per
onangmaki t
aniyaang
asawananakayukosagili
dnangkamanaki nahi
higaanniyaatnatut
ulog,napanat
ag
si
ya.

I
niangatniyaangkamaysakahi
napl
osangbuhokniNi
ccol
onakaagadnanagi
si
ngsa
gi
nawani ya.

"Amore.
"Humahangosit
ongnagisi
ngatnag-aal
alangsi
nur
iangkat
awanni
ya."
Are
youokay?Ar
eyoufeel
i
ngbett
er?"

Tumangosi
yakahi
tangtotooaymedyonakakar
amdam pasiyanangpaghi
hina."
I'
m
fi
ne.
"Thenshef
rowned."
Whathappenedt
ome?Bakitakodi
nugo?"

Pi
nagsikl
opnitoangkamayni
l
angdalawasakahi
nal
ikanangli
kodni
yon."
You'ref
ine.
"
Ngi
nit
iansiyaniNi
ccol
o."
You'
reamazingandi
'
mluckytohaveyouasmywi f
e."

Masl
alongkumunotangnuoni
ya."
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Pi
nupogniNiccolonghalikangl
i
kodngkamayni
yasakahi
nal
i
kansi
yasanuobago
bumul
ong,"
you'repregnant.
"

I
ttookI
ri
sacoupleofsecondfort
henewst osi
nkin.Andwhenitsunkdeepi
ntoher
t
hought
s,herhear
tbecamefi
l
ledwi
thhappi
nessandcontent
ment
.

Humapl
osangkamayni
yangmal
ayasat
iyanni
ya."
Isourbabyokay?"Tanongni
yakay
Ni
ccol
o.

Niccol
okissedherstomachbef or
eansweri
ng."Yes.Thebabyi
sokay.Butf
rom nowon,
nostressandnopr oblems.Iconsul
tedafr
iendofmi newho'
sanOBandshesai dthat
thebabyisweak.Mahi naangkapitni
ya.Nagbigaysiyanggamotatvi
taminsparasa
i
nyonibabyper okail
anganmopar i
ngmagingmai ngat.
"

Worry cr
eased herfor
ehead."No st
ress? No pr
obl
em? Ni
ccol
o,al
am mo ba ang
si
nasabimo?Whathappenedi nourhousecanhappenagai
nanyti
me.I
twi
llst
ressme
outandourbabywill
beindangeragai
n-"

"
That
'swhyit
oldPi
etr
otor
eadymypl
ane.Babal
i
ktayosaI
sl
a."

Napat
it
igsi
yasaasawa."
InTempt
ati
onI
sland?"

Tumangoi
to."
You'
l
lbesaf
ether
e."
"
You?Akol
ang?Hi
ndikasasama?"

"
Ihahat
idnamanki
ta.Ihavet
ofi
nisht
his-"

"Ni
ccol
o naman.
"Hindini
yaalam kung i
yakomagtat
apang-tapangan."
Huwag mo
namanakongiwangmag-i
sangayon.Kai
lankanami
nnibaby.
"

Ni
ccol
olooksconf
li
cted."
Iri
s-"

"
Please?"Shepl
eaded.

Niccol
osighedandhi
sfacesaysital
l.Heconcede."Okay.Hi
ndiki
tai
wansangayon.
Perosasusunodnabuwan,kail
angankonangmagt r
abahoatsaIsl
akamunahabang
walaako.You'
ll
besaf
ethere.
"

Ayaw niyangumu-oot
umangokayahi
ndinal
angsi
yaumi
mikatnapahawaknal
angsa
t
iyanniya.

MineandNi ccolo'
sbaby.Shecl osedhereyesandt hankGodsil
entl
y.Opti
mist
icsiya
pero hi
ndisiya umaasa na makakabuo si
l
a niNiccolo.Thi
sisa miracl
e.Oo nga't
ni
labasansaloobniyasiNiccol
oper ohi
ndiganunkataasangpag-asaniyadahi
layaw
ni
yangma-di sappoint
.

Buther
eiti
s.Godr
eal
l
ywor
ksi
nmyst
eri
ousways.

Thankyou,God.Thatyouf
ort
hisbl
essi
ng.Iwi
l
ltakecar
eofhi
m orher
.Hi
ndikosi
ya
hahayaangmapahamak.

Maingatsi
yangbumangonsakapinaki
ramdamanangt i
yanni
ya.Wal
anaangki
rotna
kat
uladkani
naperomaypanghi
hinapar i
nsi
yangnar
aramdaman.

Yumakapsakani
yasiNi
ccol
ohabangnakaupopar i
nitosastoolatsiyanamanaysa
gi
li
dngkama.Atnanghindipait
onakontento,mai
ngatni
tongibinukaangmgahita
ni
yaatdoonsagi
tnai
topumuwest
osakaniyakapsi
ya.

"
Iloveyou,I
ri
s."mal
ambi
ngni
tongsabi
.

Pi
nal
ibotni
yaangt
ingi
nsakabuonanngl
ugarkungnasaansi
ya."
Nasabasementba
t
ayo?"

"
Ooper
onasaanangIl
oveyout
ooko?"
Hindini
yait
opinansi
n.Herli
psjustpart
edi
namazementasshel
ookedatt
hebasement.
Shecan'tbel
ievesomethi
ngli
kethisexi
stj
ustbel
owt
hehouseshel
ivei
nforei
ghtyear
s!
"Wow. .
."

Nat
igi
lansiI
ri
ssapagpapali
botngti
nginatpagsur
isabawatsul
okngbasementng
maramdamanniyangmayhumali
ksati
yanni
ya.

Bumabaangt ingi
nniyasati
yanniyaatnagi
ngmasuyoangekspresyonngmukhang
makit
anghi nahali
kanpari
nniNiccol
oangt i
yanni
yahabangmasuyoitongnakayakap
sakaniya.

Hi
napl
osni
yaangbuhokngasawasakangi
nit
iani
tongmag-angatngt
ingi
nsakani
ya.

"I
'm sor
ry."Niccol
olooksgui
l
tyallofthesudden."
Thisismyfaul
t.Akonangaangmay
pagkukulang,akopaangdahilannit
o.I'
mr eal
l
ysorry,I
ri
s."

Umili
ngsi
yasakapat ul
oynahinapl
osangbuhokni
to."
Huwagmongsi sihi
nangsari
l
i
mo.Walangmaykasal anansat
ingdal
awa.Bast
amulangayon,mag-ii
ngatnaakoat
ganunkarinkasikapagmaynangyari
ngmasamasayo,parangsaki
nnar i
nnangyar
i
yon.
"

Mabil
i
snatumangosiNiccol
osakahi
nal
i
kannanamanangt
iyanni
yaatpanayang
bul
ongni
tong'
ll
oveyou,mybaby'
.

Hi
napl
osl
angni
yaangbuhokngasawahabangpi
nagmamasdani
to.

Niccol
olookshappynow.Gonet
hegui
l
tthatwasi
nhi
seyesear
li
er.Andi
tmadeher
happyaswell.

Sothisi
show i
tfeel
sli
ket
obepr
egnant
.Mar
ami
ngt
aonnani
yangpi
nangar
api
toat
ngayonhet
ona.

Hindipangalumal
abasanganakniya,pr
otect
ivenasiya.Ngayonpal
ang,kapananan
nanitoangi
nisi
pni
ya,hi
ndinapansar
il
ini
ya.Bi
glangnag-ibaangmgapri
ori
ti
esniyasa
buhay.

Mybabyf
ir
st.
..

Si
nukl
ayni
yaangbuhokni
Niccol
ogami
tangdal
i
rini
yasakaki
nil
i
tiangt
aingani
to.

Natawa si
ya nang napai
gtad ang kat
awan ni
to nang i
pasokni
ya ang dal
i
rini
ya sa
t
aingani
to.
Hi
nul
ini
toangkamayni
yasakahi
nal
i
kani
yon."
Stopi
t,amor
e."

I
ri
schuckled."Gust
okongkil
iti
anka."Sabini
yasakai
pinasokangi
sangkamaysal
oob
ngt-shi
rtni
tongsuotsakapi
nisi
langni
pplesni
to.

Pi
nanl
aki
hansi
yangmat
aniNi
ccol
o."
Iri
s!"

Natawa si
ya per
o kaagad di
niyong naput
olng maki
tang pumasok siPi
etr
o sa
basement.

"
Signor
,Si
gnor
ina.
..Thepl
anei
sready.
..andal
sot
hecar
."

TumangosiNi
ccol
o."
I"l
ltel
lyouifwe'r
ereadyt
oleave.Tel
llvyandAndr
iust
ocome
downherewhi
l
eyoucareforthei
rtwi
ns.
"

TumangosiPi
etr
oatl
umabasnanangbasement
.

"
I-t
si-checkupmonabasil
vy?"Tanongni
yasaasawanahi
nahapl
ospar
inangbuhok.

Ni
ccol
ocl
oserhi
seyesl
i
kehe'
ssavour
ingsomet
hing.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?"Sheasked.

"
Ili
keyourhandi
nmayhai
r.
"Ani
tosakamagmul
atngmat
aatt
umi
ti
gsakani
ya."
Ifeel
l
ove."

Napangi
tisi
yaatt
inanongi
toul
i
t."
-tsi
-checkupmonabaangkakambal
ko?"

Tumangoito."
Yes.Kasamanat
insi
l
angbabali
ksaPili
pinas.Masmakakabutikungma
check-upkonasi
yabagotayoumal
ispar
ahindikanamag-alalasal
agayniya."

Herfacesoftenedand herhear
tmelt
ed.Pal
agital
agang si
yaang i
nsi
p ni
topalagi
.
Pal
agingkal
igtasanni
yaatannarar
amdamanniya.Tal
aganggagawinnitoanglahat
par
asakaniya.

Myhusband.
..Ni
ccol
o..

Si
naponi
yaangmukhangasawasakabahagyansi
yangumukl
opar
amagl
apatang
l
abini
l
angdal
awa.
When theirli
psmet ,I
ri
ssighed i
n cont
entmentasNi ccol
o ki
ssed herbacksof
tl
y.
Parangingatnaingati
tosapaggagadsal abini
yaatnangmaghi walayangmgalabi
ni
la,awt
omat i
kongbumabaanglabinit
osatiyanni
yaathinal
i
kansiyadoon.

Shecanseeanover
fl
owi
ngl
oveonNi
ccol
o'seyes.

"Ourbabyi sinthere.
"Nangingi
ti
ngsabiniNi
ccol
osakahinal
i
kannanamanangt iyan
niya."
I'
m excit
edt oseeyou.YourMammai smyworld,soyouwi
llbePapa'
sli
tt
lestar
.
Youwi l
ll
ightupmyl if
e,l
i
keyourMamma. "

Lumambotang puso ni
yasa mga si
nabing asawa ni
ya.Herhusband i
sreal
l
ythe
sweet
est
.

Napat
igi
langpaghapl
osniIr
issabuhokngasawani
yanangmayt
umi
khi
m.Napangi
ti
si
yangmakitaangkakambalatsiAndr
ius.

"
Congr
atul
ati
ons!
"Masayangbat
isakani
yani
Vy.

"
Congr
atz!
"SabinamanniAndr
iusnapumal
akpakpa.

Hersmi
l
ewi
densevenmor
e."
Thankyou.
"

"
Mukhangmaymagpapai
nom mamaya,ah.
"SabiniAndr
ius.

Kunotangnuongbumal
i
ngsiNi
ccol
okayAndr
ius."
Nagpai
nom kar
inbangmal
aman
mongbunti
sangasawamo?"

"Ahm."mahi
nangnatawasiAndri
usnaparangmaynaal al
a."
Ooper ooneyeart
ool
ate
na.GanunkasisaPi
nas,kapagmaycel
ebr
ation,hi
ndinawawalaangal
ak."

Napat
ango-tango si Niccol
o. "Yeah. Napansin ko ri
n. Anyways, saka ako
magpapai
nom kapagmaayosnaangl ahat
."TumayosiNi
ccol
oathinal
i
kansiyasanuo
bagohumarapkayIvy."
Let'
scheckyouup,shallwe?"

Nakangi
ti
ngt
umangoangkakambal
niya."
Saan?"

Lumapi
tsiNi
ccol
osaisangcomput
ersakamaypini
ndotdoonatbi
glanal
angnag-i
l
aw
angi
bangpart
engbasementnaakal
aniyaaywal
ana.

Napakur
ap-kur
apsiI
ri
ssanaki
ta.
High-t
echMedi
calEqui
pment
sisi
ntheot
hersi
deoft
hebasement
,it
sinsi
deagl
ass
r
oom.

"
Damn.
"Shemur
mur
ed.

"
Mier
da.
"lvygasped.

"
Fuck.
"Andr
iusi
sshocked.

Maypagmamal
aki
ngngumi
tisi
Niccol
o."
Myhaven.
"

Tumaasangkil
ayni
ya."
Atnandi
tol
ang'
tosabasementsawal
ongt
aonnanakat
ir
aako
sabahayna'
to?"

"
Yes.
"

"
Wow.
..
"she'
samazedal
ri
ght
.

I
minuwestraniNi
ccol
oangkamaysal
oobnggl
assr
oom."
Comeon.Letmecheck
yourhad.
"

Nakati
nginl
angsiIr
iskayNiccol
ohabangsinusur
ini
toangkakambalniyasal
oobng
gl
assroom.Mar ami
ngmachi neangginami
tnitokayIvypar
asigur
omaki t
anit
oang
l
oobngul ongkakambal.Shesaw hi
mtooksampleofivy'
sbl
oodandtesti
tandhedi
d
alotmore.

Nangl
umabassi
lvysagl
assr
oom,nai
wansiNi
ccol
osal
oob.

"Hi
hint
ayi
ndaw ni
yaangresul
ta.
"Sabisakani
yanil
vysakai
nayasiAndr
iusnabumal
i
k
sabahaybakar
aw umii
yaknaanganakngmgai t
o.

Siyanamanaymai
ngatnabumabangki nahi
higaanatnagl
akadpal
api
tsagl
assr
oom
sakakumat
oksapi
ntoni
yonper
ohindisi
yapumasok.

Kaagadnalumingonsakani
yasiNi
ccol
oatnagl
akadpal
api
tsapi
ntoper
ohi
ndini
to
bi
nuksani
yon.

"
Diyankamuna?"Tanongni
yar
it
o.

Hef
rownedandpoi
ntedhi
searbef
oreshaki
nghi
shead.
Sheshr
ugged.

Ni
ccolopout
ed,t
hensuddenl
yhebr
eat
hont
hegl
assanddr
aw ahear
tshapeont
he
wetdoor
.

Nat
awasi
yasagi
nawangasawaatnapai
l
ing."
You'
recheesy.
"

Ni
ccol
ofr
ownedatheragai
n.

Hi
nawakanni
yaangt
iyansakat
umi
ngi
ndi
to.

Wor
ryst
reakedhi
sfaceandhei
mmedi
atel
yopent
hedoor
.

"
Youokay?"

Nat
atawangngumi
tisi
ya."
I'
mjustmessi
ngwi
thyou.
"

Ni
ccol
olooksi
rr
it
ated.

"
Loveyou.
"Sabini
ya.

Kaagadnanawal
aangi
ri
tasyonsamukhani
to."
I'
m asuckerofyourIl
oveyou'
s."

Natawasi
yasakai
nayosangst
ethoscopenanakapal
i
botsal
eegni
to."
Youl
ookhot
,
Doc."

Kaagadnabumabaangt ingi
nniNiccolosamgalabini
yaatnakit
aniyaangki
slapng
pananabi
kdo'
n."Ihavet
or ei
nmyselffr
om maki
nglovetoyou.Bakamapaanosibaby.
Sakana.Akonal
angangmag-a-adjust."

Natawananamansiyasakati
nuroangkamanaki nahi
higaanni
yakani
na."
Bal
i
klang
akodo'
n.Doonnal
angki
tahihi
ntayi
n.Mat
atagal
ankapaba?"

"
Hour
s."

Humabaangngusoni
ya."
Mat
utul
ognal
angako.Gi
si
ngi
nmonal
angakokapagt
apos
kana.
"

Ni
ccol
opucker
edhi
sli
ps."
Kissme.
"
Hi
nal
i
kanniI
ri
sangsar
il
ingdal
i
risakai
yonangi
nil
apatsal
abingasawa.

"
Iri
s!"

Hi
ndiniyai
to pi
nansi
natbumali
ksakamasakamai ngatnanahi
gapagkat
aposay
hi
napl
osangti
yanniyahabangmayngi
tisamgal
abi
.

Fi
nal
l
y.Ababy.Mi
neandNi
ccol
o's.Ican'
twai
ttobeaMom.

MAHIMBING ang t
ulog niI
risathindikayang gi
si
ngi
nniNiccol
o ang asawa.Ayaw
ni
yang mabi
ti
n ang tul
og nit
o.Kaya ang ginawa ni
ya,i
si
nara ni
ya ang basement
,
kumuhangbari
lsadrawerniyasakatumabi nghi
gasaasawa.

Mai
ngatni
yangi
nil
i
patangul
oni
tomul
asaunanpat
ungosabr
asoni
ya.

Gumal
aw sapagkakahi
gasiI
ri
sper
ohi
ndinagi
si
ng.

Yumakapl
angi
tosakani
yaati
si
nubsobangmukhasadi
bdi
bni
ya.

I
nil
agayniNi
ccol
osauluhanangbari
lpar
amadal ii
yongmaabotkungmaymagtangka
nanamangpasuki
nangbahayniyasakamasuyonghinapl
osangbuhokngasawa.

Nangmahi
naitongdumaingnaparangnagigi
si
ng,mahinaangbosesnakumant
asi
ya
par
amakat
ulogitoul
i
thanggangsanakat
ulognari
nsiya.

Buthi
ssleepisnotdeep.Kaagadnanagi
si
ngangdi
wani
yanangmayl
umapatna
kamaysapisngini
yaathi
napl
os'
yon.

Nagpanggapsi
yangt
ulogpar
inkahi
tgi
si
ngnasi
ya.Heknewi
tsI
ri
s'hands.

Thenhef
eltasetofl
i
pspr
essedagai
nsthi
s.Thenhehear
dIr
is'sof
tvoi
ce.

"
Iloveyou,myNi
ccol
o."

Hefel
thi
sheartbeatf
ast
ert
hannor
mal
.Per
okaagadi
yongnawal
angmayt
umampal
sapi
sngi
niya.

"
Openyoureyes,Ni
ccol
o.Iknow you'
reawake.
"

I
sangmat
alangni
yaangbi
nuksanni
ya."
Howdi
dyouknow?"
"Madal
ikalangmagi
si
ngkahi
tngamahi
nangt
unog,nagi
gisi
ngka,l
alonamankung
hahawakanka.
"

Napakamotsi
yasabat
ok.Hi
swi
feknowshi
m ver
ywel
lnow.

Lalambinginsananiyaang asawang makarini

g si
yang kal
uskossalabas.Kaagad
ni
yangki nuhaangbarilsaul
uhanatmali
ksi
nglumipatsakabi
l
angpani
gngkamapar a
protekt
ahansiIr
isati
ti
nutokangbar
ilsapi
nto.

Onl
ytoseePi
etr
oent
eri
ng.

Ni
ccol
oletoutal
oudbr
eat
h."
Fuck.Tal
kbef
oreyouent
er,Pi
etr
o."

"Midispi
ace,Si
gnor
,butt
heplaneandt
hePi
l
oti
snow r
eadyandt
heCounti
saski
ngi
f
you'
rereadytol
eaveaswell
."

Ni
l
ingonni
yasi
Iri
s."
Ali
snat
ayo?"

Tumangonamani tokaagad."Theear
li
erweleave,t
hebett
er.Hi
nditayopuwedeng
magtagaldi
tokungnangangani
bnamanangbuhaynati
n.I
fwe'l
lbesaf
ei nTempt
ati
on
I
slandthenl
etsgother
easfastaswecould.
"

"
Let
sgo,t
hen.
"Ani
ya.

Bumangonsi
yaatinal
alayangmakababangkamasiI
ri
ssakahi
nawakanangkamay
ni
toatl
umabassi
l
angbasement .

Atsahi ndiniyamalamangkadahil
anan,parangayaw niyangsumamakayIr
ispabali
k
sa Pil
i
pi nas. Gust
o niyang mahuliat sumunod nalang dit
o dahi
lgust
o niyang
pr
otektahanitosaparaangalam ni
yaatkomportabl
eSi
ya.

Per
owal
anamansi
gur
ongmangyayar
ingmasamakungmagkasamasi
l
a.

Sananga.

CHAPTER29

SINICCOLO ang naglagayng mga damitnil

a sa bag atl
ahatnang i
mpor
tant
eng
kakai
l
anganinnil
a.Tahi
miklangnanakamasidsiIr
issaasawanamabi l
i
sangkil
osat
ayawsiyangpagalawi
nbakaraw dugui
nnanamansi ya.
Kayanamannakaupol
angsi
yasagi
l
idngkamahabangnagl
alagayi
tongmgagami
t
sadal
awangmalet
a.

Hindipi
napahalat
aniI r
isnaki
nakabahansiyasagagawinnil
angpag-al
i
s.Somethi
ngi
n
thebackofhermi nddoesn'twanttoleavethehouse.Shewant stostayher
e.Per
o
alam di
nniyanghindisi
lamagigi
ngli
gtasdi
topagkataposnangmganangyari
.

Niccolo'
senemyisget
tingdesper
ate.Andifst
ayi
nginTemptati
onI
slandi
stheonl
yway
t
ohel pherhusband,f
orhim nott
owor ryabouthersaf
etyanymor
e,thenshewel
lst
ay
t
her e.

"
-Ir
is.
"

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yasakanapat
ingi
nkayNi
ccol
o."
Youwer
esayi
ng?"

Il
angsegundongnakat
it
iglangsakaniyaangasawabagosiyanil
apit
anatmaingatna
hini
l
asiyapat
ayosakamasuyongni yakap.Kaagaddi
nni
yangi
pinal
ibotangmgabraso
sakatawannit
oparayakapindi
nit
o.

"
Nag-aal
alakaba?"Tanongni
tohabangyakapsi
ya.

Hi
ndisi
yanakai
mik.

"Huwagkangmag-alal
a,hindiki
tapababayaan.
"Ani
tonapar
angnangangako."
Iwi
l
l
keepyousaf
e,I
ri
s.Nomatterwhat."

I
ri
stookadeepbr
eat
hbef
orenoddi
ng."
Iknow.
"

Ni
ccol
opul
l
edawayf
rom t
hei
rembr
aceandsof
tl
ycuppedherf
ace."
Lookatme.
"

Shedi
d.

"What everhappens,alwayskeepinmi ndthati

fsomethi
ngbadhappenst oyou,Iwi
ll
be
theretopr ot
ectyou.Sodon' tworr
yanddon' tbescared.Kahitsaanglupalopkapa
nangmundo,pupunt ahankitaati
li
l
igtaski
ta."Mati
i
m namat i
i
m angt i
ti
gnit
osakaniya.
"Ifyou'r
eindanger,justt
hinkofme,relaxbecausei'
ll
bether
et okeepyousafe."

Tumangosiyasakangumi
ti
."Iknow t
hatandIt
rustyou.Al
am konamanghi
ndimoako
pababayaan.
"

Hinaplosni
toangmagkabi
l
angpisngini
yasakaginawar
anngmasuyonghalikangmga
l
abiniyanakaagaddi
nnamanniyangt i
nugon.Andwhenthei
rli
pspar
ted,heki
ssedher
f
oreheadbef
orer
etur
ningt
opacki
ngt
hei
rcl
othes.

Nangmataposit
oaykaagadnitongi
sinar
aangmal
etaatt
inawagsiPi
etr
opar
akuni
n
yonsakasi
yanamananginasi
kasoni
to.

"
Maynai
wankapaba?Col
ogne?Makeup?Anyt
hing?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Okaynayongdal
anat
in.
"

Ni
ccol
otookadeepbr
eat
hbef
oreof
fer
ingherhi
shand."
Let
sgo?"

Nakangi
ti
ngtumangosiyasakati
nanggapangkamayngasawasakanagpagi
yasi
ya
pal
abas,pababasasal
askungsaannaghi
hint
aysiAndr
iusati
vy.

"Everyt
hingandeveryoneisr eady?"TanongniNi
ccol
ohabangpinapal
i
botsali
kodat
bali
katniyaangl
eatherjacketnit
o."Malamigsal
abaskasimadal
i
ngaraw na.
"Ani
tosa
kaniya.

Li
him si
yangnapangi
ti
.Kahi
tmasyadoi
tongbusy,nakuhapani
tongi
si
pinsi
yabagoi
to.

I
nayosni
yaangj
acketni
tosabal
i
katni
ya."
Okaynaba?"Tanongni
yasakakambalna
t
umango.

"
Wal
anakayongnai
wan?"TanongniNi
ccol
okayI
vyatAndr
ius.

Andr
iusshookhi
shead."
Nott
hatIknowof
."

"Okay,t
hen.Letsgo."NagmamadalingsabiniNiccol
osakahumigpitanghawaksa
kamayniyabagosiyamasuyonghi
nil
apalabasngbahayhabangsiPi
etr
oaynasalabas
naatnaghihi
ntaysakani
l
a.

Mal
api
tnangbumukang-l
i
waywaydahi
lmedyomal
i
wanagnaangkal
angi
tan.

"
SiCountKni
ght
?"Tanongni
yanangmakasakaysi
l
aathi
ndinaki
taangConde.

"
NaunanasaAir
port
."SagotniNi
ccol
osakahi
nawiangil
anghi
blanangbuhokniyana
t
umabingsamukhaniya."
Youokay?Feel
ingbet
ter
?Hindinabasumasakitangti
yan
mo?"

Umi
l
ingsi
yasakangumi
tipar
ahi
ndinai
tomag-al
ala."
I'
mfi
ne,Ni
ccol
o.Okaynaako.
"
"
That
'sgoodt
ohear
."Per
obakaspar
insamukhani
toangpag-aal
ala.

Pi
nagsi
kl
opniyaangkamayni l
angmag-asawasakapi
nisi
liyon."
Stopwor
ryi
ng.It
rust
myhusbandandthat
'syou.Okay?"

Ni
ccol
oki
ssedhert
empl
ebef
orer
est
inghi
sheadonherchest
.

KaagadnamanghinaplosniI
ri
sangbuhokngasawa.Al
am ni
yangpagodi
toathal
os
walangmaayosnatul
ogngayongar
aw.

Andasmuchaspossi
ble,shewant
edt
ogi
vehi
m comf
ort
.

She ki
ssed Ni
ccolo'
shead whil
e soft
lycoming hi
shair.Nang mapabal
ing si
ya sa
kakambal,magkahawakdinangkamaynilvyatniAndr
iushabangnakahi
li
gangul oni
Andri
ussakakambal ni
yahabangnakat
ingi
nsakambalnit
onganaknanasastroll
er.

I
twasasi l
entr
ide,herwor
ryst
art
edt
ofadeawayunt
ilshehear
dmul
ti
plesoundof
gunshot
s.

I
ri
sst
il
l
edbef
orecl
osi
nghereyest
ocal
m hersel
f.Rel
ax,I
ri
s.

Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h."
Niccol
o?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Someonei
sshoot
ingatus.
"Bul
ongni
yangsabi
.

"
Iknow.
"Her
epl
i
ed."
Lett
hem.l
'
llr
estf
orawhi
l
e."

Per
ohi
ndinat
upadanggust
oni
tongpahi
ngadahi
ltumi
gil
angsasakyanni
l
a.

UmayosnanguposiNi
ccol
o."
Piet
ro?What
'shappeni
ng?"

Bumukasangmalii
tnapint
onanaghihiwal
aysal
i
kodatsaDr
iverngl
i
mousi
nesaka
nagl
i
tasiPi
etr
o."
Theybl
ockedourway."

Hi
nil
otniNi
ccol
oangsent
ido."
They?"

"
Yes.Thr
eecar
s."I
mpor
maniPi
etr
osakani
l
a.
Ni
ccol
osi
ghedandt
ookt
wogunsf
rom bel
owt
hei
rseat
.

Tumi
ngi
nit
osakani
ya."
Stayher
e."

Tumangosi
ya."
Becar
eful
.Nowounds,Ni
ccol
o."Paal
alani
yar
it
o.

Hesmi
l
edather
."Yes,Boss.
"

Akmangl
alabassiNi
ccol
ongmagt
anongangkakambal
niya.

"
Anoangr
esul
tangcheckupko,Doc?"Tanongni
lvy.

"
Posi
ti
ve.Justdon'
tbashyourheadont
hewal
landyou'
l
lbef
ine.
"Sagotngasawani
ya.

Tumingi
nmunasakani
yasiI
vybagonagt
anongul
i
tkayNi
ccol
o."
Mayi
bangbar
ilkapa
ba?"

Ti
nur
oniNi
ccol
oangi
l
ali
m ngki
nuupuanngkakambal
."Ther
e'sacoupl
eint
her
e."

"Si
ncemyDoctorsaysi'm okay,
"kinuhanilvyangdalawangbar
ilsai
l
ali
m ngupuan
nangmgai t
osakaibi
nigayangi sakayAndr i
usatnagtat
agi
sangbagangnaiki
nasa
angbar
il
."Noonetr
iest
ohar m mysisterandgetsawaywit
hit
."

Binuksannilvyang pi
ntoatl
umabas,kasabayng asawani
yanasakabi
l
ang pi
nto
namanl umabas.

"MyErr
eswil
lcr
yf orsur
e,"sabisakani
yaniAndri
ushabangi
kinakasaangbar
il
,"but
notmyEwe.
"Anit
obagol umabasatnaki
pagbar
il
an.

Andt
ruet
oAndr
ius'wor
ds,Er
resst
art
edcr
yingwhi
l
eEvvest
ayedasl
eep.

Kinuha ni
ya sastrol
l
ersiEr
resatki
nar
ga.Mula sa l
oob,naki
ki
ta ni
yang mar
aming
kalaban.Lumuhodsiyasasahi
gnglimousi
nehabangkarga-kar
gapar i
nsiEr
resat
ti
ningnanangil
ali
m ngmgaupuan.

Shegasped.

Guns.Lot
sofgunsandacoupl
eofgr
enades.

Ki
nal
akihanni
yaangmgakagami
tangi
yonsabahayni
l
asaBogot
ánoonkayaal
am
ni
yakungpaano'
yongami
ti
n.
bi
nal
i
kni
yasast
rol
l
erni
tosiEr
ressakakumuhangdal
awanggr
anada.

Hermindi
mmediat
elyst
art
edworki
ng."Piet
ro!Movethecartof
ort
y-f
ivedegr
eesand
sl
owl
yconti
nuet
osixt
y.Makesur
ethatyou'r
ecoveri
ngthem."

"
Si,Si
gnor
ina.
"

Bahagyang umat
ras ang sasakyan atganun din si
l
a Niccolo,l
vy atAndr
ius na
sumusunodanggalaw ngkat
awansasasakyanbilangpang-harangsaumuul
angbala.

Nang tumigi
lang l
imousi
ne,inal
i
sniyaang saf
etypi
nng granadasakabahagyang
bi
nuksanangpi nt
o,sapatlangnamakalabasangkamayniyasakait
inaponsamga
bumabaril
sakanil
aangdalawanggranada.

Mabil
isniyang i
si
nar
aang pint
o atnagtaki
p ng t
aingakasabayng magkasunod na
pagsaboggawanggr anadangt
inaponni
ya.

"Great
...
"nangingi
nigangbosesnasabiniyangnabawasanangingayngputokng
bari
l."Shit
..I
'm tr
embli
ng.
"She t
apped herstomach."
Hang i
nthere,baby.You'
re
str
ong."

Bumali
ksiyasapagkakauposakaki
nuhasast
rol
l
ersiEr
resatki
nar
gai
to."
Shh.
..don'
t
cr
y,baby,Aunt
ieI
ri
sishere.
"

I
l
angmi
nut
opani
yangpi
l
itnapi
napat
ahanangbat
abagonat
ahi
mikangpal
i
gid.

Bef
oreshecanchecki
fherhusband,si
sterandbr
other
-in-l
aw i
sunhar
med,t
heyal
l
wenti
nsi
det
hecar.

AndNi
ccol
oisl
ooki
ngatheri
nawe."
Yout
hrowt
hosegr
enades?"

Tumangosi
yahabangkagatangpangi
babangl
abi
."If
igur
edyouneedal
i
ttl
ehel
p?"

Tumawaangasawani
yasakani
yakapsi
ya."
You'
reawesome.
"

Mahi
nanar
insi
yangnat
awasakai
bini
gaykayI
vysiEr
resnahi
ndinaumi
i
yak.

Napati
nginsi
yakayAndri
usnani
l
alagyanngbal
aangMagazi nengbari
lnitoatsi
nunod
ang bari
lna gi
namitnivy.Atnang bumal
ing si
ya kay Ni
ccol
o ay ganun di
n ang
gi
nagawani t
o.
Bot
hsoldier
s.Bothpr otectors.Butmyhusbandhasadi
ff
erentj
ob.Andshe'
spr
ett
y
sur
ethathejustdoesn'tprotect.

Ni
ccol
opushedt
hemagazi
nei
nbef
orel
ooki
ngather
."Yes,l
ove?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Not
hing.
"

Hef
rowned."
Yousur
e?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Yes.
"

Wal
asasaril
i
nglumingonsi
yasapinanggali
ngankaninaatnapakunotangnuoni
yang
maymaki
tangskat
ernanaka-ukl
omalapitsasasakyanni
la.

Whatt
hehel
li
sthatper
sondoi
ng?

Kukuni
nsanani
yaangatensi
yonngasawangl umayonaangskatersasasakyanni
ya
atmayhumahabolnanamansakanilangnaka-motor
sikl
oatbi
nabari
langsasakyan
ni
la.

Wal
asasar
il
ingnapahawaksi
yasat
iyanni
ya.

Rel
ax,I
ri
s!Rel
ax!Youcanbeast
oughasl
vy!

Napabal
ingsiyakayNiccol
onabinuksanangpi
ntonamalapi
tdit
ohabangtumat
akbo
angsasakyanati
nil
abasangkal
ahatingkat
awanhabangl
umalabanngbar
il
an.

Andr
iusdi
dthesame.

Atnangwal
anangbal
aangbar
ilniAndr
ius,mabi
l
isnai
nabut
ani
tonil
vyngbagong
bar
il
.

Ir
isl
ookedatherhusbandandsaw hi
mi r
ri
tatedbecausehej ustrunsoutofbullet
sso
shecopi
edIvy.Shet
ookagunfrom bel
owt heirseatandhandedittoherhusband.

Ni
ccol
ost
il
l
edf
orasecondbef
oreaccept
ingt
hegun.

Habangnaki
kipagbar
il
ani
to,nakat
ingi
nlangsi
yasaasawani
yangser
yosoangmadi
l
im
ni
tongmukha.
Andwhenheglanceatherf
orasecond-i
nthemi
ddl
eofshoot
ing-andsawherst
ari
ng,
hesmi
ledandwinkedather
.

Napai
l
ingnalangsi
yasakaipi
niki
tangmgamat
aatpi
nakal
maangsar
il
ihanggangsa
t
umigi
lnari
nangputukan.

Medyonasasanaynasi
yaper
omaypangambapar
insapusoni
yanabakamapaano
angasawaniya.

Nangmai sar
aniNiccol
oatAndr
iusangpi
ntongkotse,kaagadnanagl
alambi
ngna
yumakapsakaniyaangasawaathinal
i
khal
ikansi
yasaleegatli
kodngtaingasaka
bumulong.

"
Tiamo.
"

Herhear
tbeatf
ast
er.Asusual
."Tiamoanch'
i
o."Sher
epl
i
edsof
tl
yandi
nawhi
sper
.

Niccol
o smil
ed and t
ight
ens hi
s embr
aced on her
.Par
ang ayaw na si
ya ni
tong
pakawalan.

"
Amor
e?"

"
Hmm?"

He'
sst
il
lwhi
sper
ing."
Ihaveaconf
essi
ont
omake.
"

"
Whati
sit
?"Shewhi
sper
edback.

"
Youknow t
hatIl
oveyou,r
ight
?"

Shef
rowned."
Yes.
"

"Well
..
."humugotmunait
ongmal al
im nahini
ngabagonagsal i
ta."
Now thatwe'l
lbe
st
ayingintheI
sl
andasamarri
edcouple,youwillbewithCor
macandCor machadsex
wit
hseveralwomenbeforewegotmar ri
ed.I'
mj ustsayi
ngthi
sbecause,well
,Idon'
t
wantmypasttobitmebacki
ntheass.
"

I
ri
slookedatNiccolocol
dly."
Andyousai
dyouf
ellf
ormewhenIwasmendi
ngyour
wound."Maysarkasmoangbosesni
ya.

Nakagatni
toangpang-i
babangl
abi
."I
twasj
ustsex.
"
Ti
naasanni
yai
tongki
l
ay."
Justsex,huh?"

"Yes,Iri
s,amore,come on,lookatme."Sinapo ni
to ang mukha ni
ya sakapil
i
tna
pinati
ngi
nsi yar
it
o." Il
oveyouandIhavealwaysbeenf ai
thf
ultoourmar ri
age.But
beforeourweddi ng,Iadmi
t,Iwasanassholeevent houghIloveyou.I'm sosorr
y.
Pleasedon'tbemadatme. "

I
ri
sst
aredatNi
ccol
o.Wor
ryst
reakedhi
sface,hel
ookspal
eandhi
seyesar
ebeggi
ng.

"
Amor
e..
.tiamo.
"Ani
to."
Pleasei
'
lldoanyt
hing.For
giveme.
..pl
ease?"

Shebl
i
nkedatNi
ccol
o."
What
'st
her
etof
orgi
ve?"

Napat
angasakani
yaangasawa."
H-hi
ndikagal
i
t?"

Pinakawal
an ni
ya ang mahi
nang t
awa na kani
na pa ni
ya pi
nipi
gil
."Hi
ndika pa ba
sanay?"

Ni
ccol
olookedatherf
lat
ly."
Yout
ri
ckedmeagai
n."

Mahinasi
yangt umawa." Gust
okol angmakitakunganongmagi gi
ng-reaksi
yonmo
kapagnagal
itako.Andanyways,it
snotabi gdealformesincewe' r
estil
lnotmarr
ied
andwedon'thavear el
ati
onshi
patthatt
ime.Andasf orme,Iwasdatingsomeoneelse
whenDadtoldmet omar r
yyouso,yeah,Ievenki
ssedmyboyf r
iendand-"

"
Okay.That
'senough.
"

Ti
naasanniyait
ongki
l
ay."
Baki
t?Ayaw mongmar
ini
gangmgagi
nawakonuonghi
ndi
patayokasal
?"

Mabi
l
isi
tongumi
l
ing."
Nope.Iownasni
pergun,amor
e,Imi
ghtki
l
lhi
m."

I
nir
apanniyai
to."Huwagmokasiakongsi
mulan,Ni
ccol
o."Kapagkuwanaymat
ami
sna
ngi
nit
ianangasawa."Anopa?Maysasabi
hinkapasaki
n?"

"
I'
mjustt
ryi
ngt
obehonesther
e..
."

I
ristookadeepbr eathandcuppedNiccolo'schi
n." Baby,i
'm notashal l
ow woman.E
anonamanngayonkungmaynaka-sexkabagot ayoikasal
?Thef actst
il
lremai
nt hat
we'resti
llnotmarr
iedattheti
me.Iunderstandthat.Perokungmaybabaekahabang
kasalnatayo,'
yonanghindikomapapayagan.Mapapat ayki
ta,Niccolo.Yonggranada
kanina,i
l
alagayko'yandi
yansapagkal
alakimopar akasabaymo' yangsumabog. "
Napangiwiit
osakapasi
mplenghinawakanangpagkal
alakimul
asal
abasngpant
alon.
"GoodthingIwasagoodboyinthatei
ghtyear
s."

Nakangi
tingtumangosi
ya."Mabut
ingakayaumayoska,kayaki
tangpasabugi
n.Baka
nakakal
i
mut anmokungsinongamako.Hetaughtmehowtouseagr enade.

Mabi
l
isni
tongi
ti
naasangkamaynapar
angsukona."
IconcedeandIl
oveyou.
"

Ngumi
tisi
ya."
Good.
"

Nang mapat
ingi
nsiyasamag-asawang I
vyatAndr
ius,maysar
il
ing mundor
inang
dal
awaatnag-uusapngmababaangboses.

"
We'
reher
e."Anunsi
yoni
Piet
rongmal
api
tnaangsasakyansaai
rpor
t.

"
Cir
clet
owar
dsmypl
ane'
shangar
,Pi
etr
o."Ut
osniNi
ccol
o.

"
Yes,Si
gnor
."

Umikotngaangsi
nasakyannil
angl
imousi
nepatungonghangarnger
opl
anoniNiccol
o.
Nangmakarati
ngdoon,nakal
abasnaangeropl
anoatbuhaynaangmaki
naniyon.

I
pinasok niPi
etr
o ang li
mousi
ne sa l
oob ng hangarna wal
a nang l
aman saka
pi
nagbuksansi
langpint
o.

I
nalal
ayansiyapal
abasniNiccol
ohabangnaunanasilaI
vyatAndri
ussapagsakaysa
eropl
anodahilsaal
ikaboknaayaw ngkakambalni
yangmalanghapngmgaanaknito
dahil
bakaraw mahi
rapannamanangmgai tosapaghi
nga.

Nat
awa siI
ri
sng habang nagl
alakad pal
api
tsa er
opl
ano ayyumakap sa kani
ya si
Ni
ccol
omulasal
i
kuranatbumulong.

"Iwi
l
lhavemywaywi
thyoui
ntheI
sl
and.
"Hebi
therear
lobe."
Andi
'
lll
i
ckyouandmake
youscr
eam."

Natat
awa pa ri
ng si
niko ni
ya i
to atnauna nang umakyatsa hagdanan papasoksa
er
oplanohabangnasal i
kodniyai
toatpaminsan-minsanaypini
pisi
langpang-uponiya.

"
Niccol
o!Ti
gil
anmongayan!
"Nai
i
nisni
yangsabi
.
Atdahi
lbal
i
w angasawani
ya,hi
nal
i
kanpaangpang-uponi
yaatki
nagat
.

Gal
i
tnahi
nar
apni
yai
tonangnasat
ukt
oknasi
yanghagdan."
Niccol
o!"

Tawa-t
awalanganglokokapagkuwanaynati
gil
annaparangmaynapansi
n.Umangat
angkamaynit
osaleegatpar
angmayhinahanapitor
oon.

Nagsal
ubongangki
l
ayniNi
ccol
o."
...
fuck,wher
e'smyneckl
ace?"

Napakunotnar
inangnuoni
ya."
Hindibaangpendantno'
nayweddi
ngr
ingnat
in?"

"Fuck!
"Heact ual
l
ylooksbother
ed."Bakanahul
og.I '
l
lcheckt
hecar .
"Mabi
li
sitong
umakyatparamagpantayang mukhani l
aatmahalikansi
yasalabiatmagkabi
lang
dibdi
b,"wai
tforme,amor
e."Nakangi
ti
ngwikani
tosakanagmamadali
ngbumaba.

Napai
l
ingnamansi
yaatpi
nagmasdanangasawanakausapsi
Piet
ro.

"I
'l
lgolookfori
t.
"Wi kaniNi
ccol
okayPiet
ro,"
whileyoutakecareofthosel
uggages.I
'l
l
bequick."Kapagkuwanayhumar api
tosakaniyasakanag-fl
yi
ngkisspaangloko."Ti
amo,Iri
s!"Si
gawnito.

Mahinasi
yangnatawaatnapai
l
ingl
angnangumat
rasi
tohabangnakat
ingi
npar
insa
kani
yaatpanayangfl
yi
ngki
ss.

"
Loko-l
okot
alaga.
"Mahi
nani
yangsabi
.

Nakamasi
dlangsi
yasaasawanabumali
ksahangaratpumasokul
i
tngl
i
mousi
nepar
a
hanapi
nangnawawal
anit
ongneckl
ace.

I
ri
swassmi li
ngfrom eart
oear,she'
shappythatt
hey'l
lbefi
nall
ysaf
eandshe'st
hinki
ng
ofmakingherhusbandhappybymaki ngl
ovewi t
hhimi nt
heisl
andever
yday,whenthe
hangarinf
rontofherexpl
oded,shaki
ngever
ycor eofherbei
ng.

Hersmi
l
efel
lasshest
aredatt
hebl
azi
ngf
ir
eandbl
acksmokeengul
fi
ngt
hehangar
.

Bumabaangi
sani
yangpaasahagdan,"
n-no.
..no.
..N-Ni
ccol
o..
."

Malal
akiang matang nakat
ingi
n si
ya sa sumabog na hangar na ngayon ay
nagl
alagabl
abnasaapoy.

"
Niccol
o..
."I
ri
sisshaki
ng,"
no.
..N-Ni
ccol
o..
."
Bumabaangisapaniyangpaaathandanasiyangtumakbopapasoknghangarng
Sumabogul
i
tiyonatbi
glangumul
anngbal
asapali
gidni
ya.

Butshedi
dn'
tfeelf
ear
,shecont
inuedwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hehangarunt
il
asetofar
m
st
opsher
.

"
Signor
ina!St
op!
"

Pi
l
itsi
yangnagpumi
glassahawaksakaniyaniPi
etr
ohabangnamamal
i
sbi
sangl
uhasa
mgamat ani
yananakatuonl
angsahangarnanagli
li
yab.

Humahagul
holsi
yahabangpi
l
itnani
l
alabananangl
akasniPi
etr
o."
No!Letmego.
Ni
ccol
oneedsme!"

Shewasdesper
ateandgoi
ngi
nsane,whenshesaw t
heCountshout
ingather
,agun
onhi
shand.

"
Go!Leave!Now!
"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
No.
..Ni
ccol
o..
."

"Leave!
"Sigaw ni
tosakani
yahabangnaki
kipagl
abansamgakalalaki
hangbi
glanal
ang
nagsil
abasan."
Go!Fuckit
!Go!Pi
etr
o,t
akeheraway!Leave!She'
l
ldieherewi
thRaci
nii
f
shestayed!"

Nagpupumigl
assiI
risnangbuhatinsi
yaniPiet
roatpi
nil
i
tnapinasakayngeropl
ano.At
nangpakawalansi
yanito,kaagadnit
ongi
sinaraangpi
ntuanngeroplanoathumarang
doon.

"
Let
sgo,Mr
.Fel
i
x!"Si
gaw niPi
etr
osaPi
l
otonakaagadnamangt
umal
i
ma.

Nangmar amdamanni yanggumalaw angeroplano,nagmamadalisi

yangtumakbosa
bi
ntana na nakaharap sa hangaratnakaawang ang labi
ng t
ini
ngnan i
yon habang
bi
nabalotngsakitatpi
ghatiangbuoniyangpagkatao.

Andi
texpl
odedagai
n.Obl
i
ter
ati
ngt
hel
i
ttl
ehopeshehas.

I
ri
sclosed hereyes,she wascr
ying and scr
eami
ng wi
th so much pai
n and gr
ief
.
"
Niccol
oooo!"

CHAPTER30
DALAWANG LI NGGO na mul a nang makita niIri
s na sumabog ang hangarna
ki
naroroonanngasawaniyaperowal apar i
nsiyangbali
ta.I
niwanlangsiyaniPi
etrosa
Temptati
onIsl
andkasihindii
topi napasok.Nangakoi t
osakani yangtatawagansiya
kapag may bali
ta sa asawa niya per o hanggang ngayon,wal a pa rin si
yang
natat
anggapnatawagmul ari
to.

Hert
win,Ivy,andherfatherkeepsoncall
i
ngher
,aski
ngwher
eshei
sbutshet
uned
t
hem out
.Wal asi
yangsinasagotsamgai
to.

I
tsbett
ert
hattheydon'
tknow wher
esheis.She'
llbesaf
ert
hisway.I
tonamanang
gust
oniNi
ccol
o,angmagingl
igt
assi
yasapangani
b.

Butt
owhatexpense?!Hi
sli
fe?!

Namamal isbisnanamanangl uhasapisngini

yaperopi
li
tniyangpini
pigi
l
anangmagi ng
emotionalatma st resspero hi
ndini
yar i
n mapi
gil
an minsan.Inii
si
p nal
ang ni
ya na
kai
langanni yangmagi ngmatat
agparasaanaknilaniNiccoloperomaramingaraw na
nakatul
alalangsiyaatwalasasaril
i
.

Pal
agini
yangnaalal
aangmar amingf
lyi
ngki
sssakaniyaniNiccol
ohabangumaatr
as
i
topabal
i
ksahangar.Angpagsigawni
tongIl
oveyou.Hindini
yaakalai
nna'
yonnaang
hul
i
ng'Il
oveyou'namari
ri
nigniyamul
asaasawaniya.

Walongtaonsi
l
anghindinagkasama.Pi
nat
iki
mlangsi
yangdal
awangl
i
nggongkasama
i
to.Andnow,he'sgone.

Atsi
nisi
sini
yaangsar
il
ini
ya.Thi
sisal
lherf
aul
t.

Kunghi
ndil
angsi
yanagpumi
l
itnamagkasamasi
l
a,buhaypasanangayonangasawa
ni
ya.

AndasshewaitforPietr
o'scal
l
,allshewantedwastoburyherhusbandwithl
oveand
courageanddi
gnitythathedeserves.Perosalakasngpagsabognayonatt atl
ong
besespa,maykatawanpabasi yangmakiki
ta?Maykatawanpabasi yangmayayakap
kahi
twalanai
yongbuhay?

She'
sanopt
imi
sti
cper
sonbutast
hedaysgoesby,she'
sget
ti
ngpessi
mist
icever
yday.

She'
slosi
nghope.

Theonlythi
ngt hat
'shol
dingherandheremoti
oninleashi
sherbaby.I
tonal
angang
nagpapat
ino saisi
p ni
yaatnagpapatahansakani
yakapag gabiatmag-i
sasi
yang
umii
yak.
Herbabyi
swhat
'skeepi
nghert
oget
her
.

Losi
ngherhusbandt hatway...itkeepsherupatnight.Shecan'tsl
eepbecauseof
ni
ghtmarespl
aguinghersleep.ShekeepseeingNi
ccol
o'shappyfacewhil
egi
vinghera
fl
yi
ngkissandshouti
ngIloveyout oher.

Ifonl
yIstoppedhi
m.I
fonl
yhedi
dn'
tcomebackf
orhi
sweddi
ngr
ing.Kasamakopar
in
sanasiyangayon.

MyNi
ccol
o..
.amor
emi
o.Tiamo.

Ki
nagatniI
ri
sangpang-i
babangl
abihabanghabangnakahi
gasiyasaCabi
nniCor
mac.
l
yondinangCabi
nnainukupani
tonoonnangnandit
osil
asaIsl
a.

Andherheartal
wayst i
ght
enedinpai
never
yti
mesheseestheirl
uggage.Angisani
yon
ay puno ng damitniNiccol
o.Atkapag naki
ki
ta ni
ya '
yon,grabeng pi
ghatiang
nar
aramdamanni ya.

I
fbei
ngsaf
emeansl
osi
ngherhusband,t
henshewoul
drat
herst
ayi
ndanger
.

Buti
tsal
readyt
ool
ate.Tool
atet
oregr
et.Sheal
readyl
osthi
m.

MyNi
ccol
o.

Umal
issi
yangkamaatpi ni
li
tangsari
linapumasokngbanyopar amali
go.Pagkat
apos
aynagpahati
dlang si
yang pagkai
nsaCabi n.Ayaw ni
yang l
umabas.Ayaw ni
yang
maki
pag-usap.Walanamangmakakai nt
indisakani
ya.

Anhourl
ater
,ther
e'sal
oudknockont
hedoor
.

"
Del
i
ver
yfr
om Gyr
os!
"Si
gaw ngnasal
abas.

Tumayosi
yasakal
umapi
tsapi
ntoatbi
nuksan'
yon.

Nat
igi
l
ansi
yangmaki
tasiLuci
ferMonast
eri
o.

"Del
iver
y."Ani
tosamahi
nangbosessakangi
nit
iansi
ya."
Ihear
dwhathappened.How
areyouhandli
ngit
?"

Dahi
lsapagpapaal
alananamanni
to,kusangnamal
i
sbi
sangmgal
uhani
yasapi
sngi
.
Mabil
i
sni
yangi
yongti
nuyosakapil
i
tnangumit
i."Baki
tikaw angnaghat
idni
yan?Hi
ndi
baayawmongmaki
pag-usapsaki
n?"Pabi
roni
yangtanong.

ButLuci
ferdi
dn'
tsmil
e." I
tsokay.Youdon'
thavet
opr
etendt
hatyou'
ref
inei
nfr
ontof
me.Iknow,Mrs.Raci
ni,Iknow you'
rei
npai
n."

Hear
ingLuci
fercal
ledherMrs.Racini
,andknowingthatheknew t
hetwopersonal
i
tyof
herhusband and he underst
ands her,hert ear
sf el
lagain.Nag-uunahan i
yong
namali
sbi
satnatagpuannalangniyaangsaril
inahumahagulholhabangsapoangng
mgapaladangsari
lingmukha.

Andwhenshef
eltLuci
fer
'sar
msembr
acehersof
tl
y,shesobbedandcr
iedonhi
s
shoul
der
.

AndLuci
ferj
ustl
ether
.

Umi
yaksi
yangumi
yakhanggangsakayanani
yangpakal
mahi
nangsar
il
i.

"I
'm sorr
y." Sabini ya nang makaupo sil
a niLuci
fersa pandal
awang mesa na
nagsi
si
lbi
ngdi ni
ngt abl
engCabi n."Idi
dn'tmeanttowetyourshir
t.
"Basanangluha
ni
yaangbalikatnit
o.

Luci
fershr
ugged."
Idon'
tmi
nd.Kahi
tpapaanoba,gumaanangpaki
ramdam mo?"

Tumangosiya."
Palaginaman.Kapagumiyakako.Per
obabal
ikdi
nmamayayongbigat
sadi
bdibko.Perookaylangako.Ihavemybabywithme.
"Hinapl
osni
yaangt
iyan.

Napati
tigsiLucifersatiyanniyasakanapangiti
."Ist
il
lrememberhow happyhei swhen
he cal
led me and t old me thatyou're pr
egnantand thati'l
lbe a godf
athersoon.
"
Napail
i
ngi t
o." Thatfucker.Bakithi
ndisi
yanag-ingat?Alam namanniyangmapanganib
angbuhayni ya."

Nagbabasi
yang t
ingi
nng nanubi
g nanamanang gi
l
idng mgamat
ani
ya."
It
smy
f
ault
..
."

"
Mrs.Raci
ni-"

"I
tis.
"Kumuyom angkamaoniya."Kunghi
ndikolangsi
yapi
nil
itnamagkasamakami
,
hi
ndimangyayar
isakani
ya'
to.Thi
sisall
myfault
..
.all
myfaul
t.
..
"

"
Don'tbl
ameyour
sel
f,Mrs.Racini
."WikaniLuci
ferhabangnakat
ingi
nsakani ya."
Hi ndi
mo naman al
am na mangyayari't
o.Hindimo r i
n naman gi
nusto kaya wala kang
kasal
anan.Andknowi
ngNiccolo,he'
l
lbei npeaceknowingthatyou'
resaf
eher
e.I
promi
sethatasl
ongasyou'
reherei
ntheI
sland,noonecanhar
m you."

Tumangosi
ya."
Thankyou,Mr
.Monast
eri
o."

Tumango l
ang siLucif
ersaka ngumiti
."I
fyou need anyt
hing,anyt
hing atal
l
,don'
t
hesi
tat
etocomet othepal
aceandt al
ktome."

Shenodded."
Sal
amatul
i
t."

Nagpaal
am nasiLucifer.Atnangmakal
abasit
o,nai
wannanamansi
yangmag-isa.Sa
hal
ipnakumain,binuksanni yaangmal
etakungsaannar
oonangdamitniNi
ccoloat
i
sa-i
sanginal
i
siyonsal alagyan.

Bawatdami tng asawaayniyayakap ni

ya.Bawatdamitayumi i
yaksi
ya.Hi
ndini
ya
api
gil
anangl uhaniyaatangmahinani
yangpaghagul
holl
alonakapagnaamoyni
yasa
damitngasawaangpabangoni t
o.

Shecanpi
ctur
eNi
ccol
oinhermi
nd.

Hi
ssmi l
e,hi
sint
enseeyes,hi
slips,hi
sembr
aceandhi
stouch.Shecanr
ememberi
t
vi
vi
dlyandit
smakingherhear
tachesomuchagai
n.

Mari
inniyangi
pini
kitangmgamat
aatnapahagul
holnanamansasobr
angsaki
tng
pusoni
ya.

Angsakit
-sakit
..
.hindikonakaya.
..Butf
orherbaby,shehastobestrong.Shehasto
t
hinkl
ogical
ly.HindipuwedengmaapektuhananganaknilaniNiccol
or i
to.Hi
ndisi
ya
makakapayag.

I
t'
ll
bedi
ff
icul
tbutshehast
okeepi
ttoget
her
.

Pi
l
itnapinapakal
maniIri
sngsar i
lingmakit
aniyaangi
sangf
lashdr
ivesagi
l
idng
malet
a.Ki
nuhaniyai
yonatti
nuyoangluhasapi
sngi
.

Humigpi
tanghawakniyasaf l
ashdr
ivengmaki
tangnakauki
tdoonangapel
yi
doni
Ni
ccolosamet
alnal
alagyan.

Thi
sisnotjustar
andom f
lashdr
ive.Si
gur
adongi
mpor
tant
eit
osaasawani
yapar
a
dal
hinni
toi
yonsaI
sla.

Mayl
amankaya'
to?
She'sdesper
atet
oknow ever
ythi
ngaboutherhusband.Eveni
fit
sal
readytool
ate.She
wantedtobepartofhi
sl i
fesobad..
.andmaybet hi
sfl
ashdri
veisalsoanimportant
partofhi
m.

Kai
l
anganni
yangmal
amankungmayl
aman'
to.

Sai si
ping'yonatparamalibangnar i
nsiya,l
umabassi
yangCabinatnagt
ungosa
I
sland'sloungekungsaanmayr oondoongcomput
ernapuwedeni
yangmagamitpar
a
t
ingnankungmayl amani
yon.

"Thisway,Ma'am."AnangisangHotelst
affngmakar
ati
ngsi
yaI
slandloungeatigi
niya
siyapatungosaisangpri
badongsi
li
dkungsaanmaymahabangislandcounteratmay
nakahil
erangmgal apt
op.

Nagpasal
amatsiyasaHot elstaf
fsakaumuposaharapngl
apt
opatt
ini
ti
ganmunaang
scr
eenniyonbagoini
-insertsaUSBportandfl
ashdr
ive.

KumunotangnuonniI
ri
sngmaki
tangi
sal
angangl
amanngf
lashdr
iveatnakaMP4
for
matpayon.

Ano'
to?

Bi
nuksanni
yaangfil
eatpi
nal
aki
hanangvol
umengl
apt
opdahi
lsi
yal
angnamanang
t
aosasil
idna'
yon.

Bumukasang video atbumul

aga sa kani
ya ang nakangi
ti
ng mukha niNi
ccolo na
par
anginaayosangcamerakapagkuwanaykumi ndati
tosacamerasakabumulongng
'
TiAmo,Amor emio.
'

Hindipanag-i
l
angsegundoanghabangpi
napanuodni
yaper
onag-uunahannang
namali
sbi
sangluhasapi
sngini
ya.

"
Niccol
o..
."

Umangatangkamayni
yaathi
napl
osangmukhangasawasascr
eenngl
apt
op.

Angsi
kip-si
kipngdi
bdi
bni
yalal
onanangmagsal
i
tasiNi
ccol
ohabangnakahar
apsa
camer
aatmayhawaknagit
ara.

"Ir
is,l
ove,Iknow Ihavesomanyshor tcoming,ati
sanado'nanghindikopalagipag-
sipotsaweddinganniversar
ynati
n.Butthi
syear.I
tsgonnabedi
ff
erent.Magkasamana
tayoatgustokongmagi ng
espesyaltosayo.So,withallt
hecouragehave,"hechuckl
edandshookhishead," i
'
m
si
nging a song to you,and i
'm r
ecor
ding itbecause,wel
l
,it
sgonna bea mor
ning
sur
prise.
"Hebi thi
sl owerl
ip."
Hopeyoulike,mywife."

SinaponiIr
isangbibi
gparahi
ndimapahi
kbingmalakashabangnag-uumpi
sanang
kumantasiNiccol
osasal
i
w nggi
tar
anati
nutugt
ogni
to.

'
Don'
tbescar
ed

Causeyouandmeal
readybeent
her
e

LongasIknow t
hatyou'
l
lbeher
e

I
guesst
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s

You'
vebeenar
ound

Ever
yti
met
hati
'
vebeendown

Youwer
ether
eyoupul
l
edmeout

WhenIwasbr
uisedandbat
ter
ed!
'

I
ri
sissobbi
ngloudl
yasNiccol
osangthesongINTHEEND,oneofherfavouri
tesongs.
Par
ang sasabog ang puso ni
ya sa sobr
ang sama ng l
oob atkalungkut
an na
nar
aramdamanniya.

"Ni
ccol
o..
.Niccol
o."shewaschant
ingherhusband'
snameasshel
i
stent
ohi
m sangf
or
heri
nthevideo.

'
Youl
i
veandyoul
ear
n

Butnow i
tsmyt
urn

Todowhati
'
vegott
odo

Andi
'
m doi
ngi
tal
lforyou'

Sinapongmgapaladniyaangsari
l
ingmukhaatmasnapahagul
holngmal
akas.Hindi
si
yamakahingangmaayos.Nanini
kipangdi
bdi
bni
ya.Parangpaul
it
-ul
i
tnapinapatay
angpusoni
yasanari
ri
nig.

'
Evenwhent
her
ainst
art
spour
ing

Iwon'
tleti
ttouchyourhead

Evenwhent
hewal
l
sar
efal
l
ing

Iwi
l
lhol
ditbackandt
henIwi
l
ltur
nthi
ssongar
oundand
I
'l
lneverl
etyoudown

Eveni
fwehavet
ost
artagai
nwe'
regonnagett
her
eint
heend'

Lumul
uhangnapat
it
igsiI
ri
ssaasawangt
aposnakumant
aatnakat
ingi
nsacamer
a.

"I
ri
s..
.mahalnamahalkita.Sobrangmahalnamahalki ta.
"Napakamoti tosabatok."At
masayaakokasimagkasamanat ayoatpangakokosayo,hi nding-hi
ndinakit
aiwan.
Justl
ikethelyr
icsofoneofyourf avour
it
esong,i '
llneverletyoudownagai n.Thisli
fe
wehave,howeverdanger oust
hisis,wewillst
il
lst
ayt oget
her.I'
ll
makehappyeveraf ter
possi
ble,j
usthangon,l
ove,we'l
l gett
hereintheend.Wewi ll
getourhappyeveraf t
er.

"Hindi
ng-hi
ndikit
apababayaan.HappyWeddi ngAnniver
sar
y,mahalko.
"Malambi
ng
nit
ongsabihabangnakangi ti
."I
toangunanganniver
sarynat
innamagkasamatayo.
Bumangonkanar iyan,nasakusi
naako,pi
naglul
utokangpabori
tomongagahan.Ti
amo,amor e.Il
oveyousomuch. "

Marahassiyangumil
inghabangnangi
ngi
nigangl abiatumiyak."Si
nungal
ingka..
.ang
daya-dayamo...hi
ndimot i
nupadangpangakomo.Sabimohi ndimoakoi iwan-ano
'
tongayon?"Sinaponiyaangdibdi
bnaangkirot
-kirotna."Baki
tini
wanmoako?Akal a
kobamagkakasamanat ayo?Baki
tmoakoini
wan?Si nungali
ngka..
.si
nungali
ngka..
."

Malakassi
yang napahagul
holhabang yakap ang sar
il
i.Kapagkuwanaynangi ngi
nig
angkamaynainali
sniyaangfl
ashdri
vesaUSBpor tatpil
itnapi
natahanangsar
il
i.

Paki
ramdam niIri
saynanghi
hinasi
yahabangnaglal
akadpalabasngpribadongsi
l
idna
'
yon.Walasiyasasaril
ini
yahabangnagl
alakadsadaan.Punoangi si
pniyangala-al
a
ni
laniNiccolo.Hi
ndini
yanamalayanathindini
yaalam kungpaanosiyanakabali
ksa
Cabi
nnai nuukupa.

Bast
anatagpuannal
angni
yaangsari
linanakahi
gasakamaatyakapangdami
tng
asawani
yaatmahigpi
tpar
innahawakangfl
ashdri
ve.

"Ni
ccol
o..
."she'
scr
ying agai
nand sobbi
ng l
i
ght
ly."
Niccol
o..
.tiamo .
..Tiamo.
..Ti
amo..
."

I
r i
scl
osedhereyes,t
earsfal
l
ingfrom t
hecornerofhereyesdowntoherpil
low.And
thenshecurl
edupont hebed,st
il
lhuggingNi
ccol
o'sshi
rtashersobbecomeslouder
andlouder
.

Thenshefel
tapangofpai
ninherst
omach,t
hesamepai
nshef
eltwhenshenear
lyl
ost
herbaby.

Si
naponi
yaangt
iyan."
No.
..No.
..i
'
m sosor
ry,baby.
..I
'm sosor
ry.
..Idon'
twantt
olose
yout
oo.
"

Nagpasal
amatsilri
sngunti
-unt
ingnawalaangsaki
tngt
iyanni
yaper
oangsaki
tsa
di
bdibni
ya,nandoonpar
in,mahi
gpitangkapi
t.

Atkat
uladnangmganagdaanggabi
,nat
ulogsi
yangmaymgal
uhasamgamat
ani
ya.

CHAPTER31

BEING IN THEIsland,st
ayi
nginNiccol
o'scabinispuretort
uretoI
ri
s.Soshel eftt
he
i
sland af
terthr
ee weeks.Pero pi
nag-i
sipan ni
ya ang pag-al
i
sniya attangi
ng ang
kakamballangniyaangnakakaal
am peroli
mitadolangdinangalam ni
tosaginagawa
ni
ya.

Nanati
lisiya sa Pi
li
pinas per
o hindina sa mamahal
ing Hot
elo Condomini
um na
nakasanayan niya,kundisa isang si
mpleng apar
tmentatpaminsan-mi
nsan l
ang
l
umabasngbahay.

Atngayonangaraw ngappoint
mentniyasaOBni yakayakai
langannanamanniyang
l
umabas.Magtat
atl
ongbuwannaangt iyanni
ya.Hindipamasyadonghal
ataangti
yan
ni
yalal
onakapagangt shi
rtngasawaniyaangsuotniya.

Atkat
uladngmgapagkakat
aonnalumalabassi
ya,nagsuotngwigsiI
ri
sparamait
ago
angmahabani
yangbuhokatsungl
assesnamalakinapi
naresanni
yangbul
lcap.

Kunghindil
angit
oparasaanakniya,hi
ndisi
yalal
abas.Kai
l
anganni
yangal
agaanang
sar
il
ini
ya.WalanangNiccol
onapalagi
ngmaglil
i
gtassakani
ya.

She'
salonenow.Andshedoesn'twantt
odraghersi
steri
ntohermessevent
houghi
vy
hel
pedherwithherfakepapersanddocumentstochangehername.Pero'yonl
ang
angtul
ongnahini
ngini
yari
to.

Ayaw ni
yang gumul
o nanamanang buhaynit
o ngayong maymgaanaknai t
o.At
mukhangmasmanganganibangbuhayni
yakunghihi
nginni
yaangtul
ongngPapaniya
dahi
lmalal
amanngmgakalabanniNi
ccol
oangbawatgal awni
yakapagganun.

I
tsbet
tert
hisway.She'sj
ustanor
malci
ti
zennow.Notevenwor
tht
olookati
ntheeyes
ofsomanypeoplearoundher.

Walangi mi
knapumasoksiI r
issaCli
nicngOBniyaatnaghint
aynasi
yanaangtawagin
parai-checkup.Malapi
tlang'yonsaapart
mentniyaperosumakaypari
nsiyangtaxi
.
Ginagawaniyaanglahatngpar aanparamakapagtagosi
yasamgakalabanngasawa
ni
ya.
Nangti
nawagangpangalanniyaatnakapasoksapr
ibadongopi
si
nangDoct
ora,t
ipi
d
si
yangngumi
tingngumi
tii
tosakani
ya.

"
Kumust
a,Mr
s.Cr
aig?"Tanongni
tosakani
ya.

"
Okaynaman,Doc.
"

"
Sumasaki
tpabaangt
iyanmo?"Sunodni
tongt
anong.

Malungkotsi
yangngumi
tiathi
napl
osangt
iyan."
Minsan,per
ohi
ndinamadal
ast
ulad
nuonguna."

Napat
ango-t
angoangDoct
orsakapi
nahi
gasi
yapar
ai-checkup.

Tahi
miklangsiI
ri
shabangtsi
-ni
-checkup.Si
nasagotangbawatt
anongngDoct
ora
hanggangsamatapossi
l
a.

Tul
adnuonghulimongcheckup,mahinapar i
nangkapitnibaby."Mayl ungkotsa
bosesnit
o."
Thevi
tami
nsarehel
pingbutifyoucont
inuebei
ngstress,bakamapaano
angbata.
"

Ni
lukobsi
yangpag-aal
alapar
asababyni ya."Doc,ginagawakonamanhol ahatpar
a
magingmaayosangl
agaynaminnibaby.Bakitmahinapar i
nangkapi
tni
ya?"

Pinakati
ti
gan siya ng Doctora atmay nabanaag si
yang awa sa mga mat
a ni
to.
"Emotionalst
resscanaffectthebabysomuch,Mr s.Cr
aig.
"

Bumugasi
yangmar
ahasnahi
ninga.Emot
ional
str
ess?

Mapai
tsi
yangnapangi
ti
."I
'mt
ryi
ngt
omoveonf
rom myhusband'
sdeat
h.I
'mr
eal
l
y
t
ryi
nghar
d,Doc.
..
"

Mal
alakianghakbangni
yapat ungosapi nakamal
api
tnaGrocer
yStor
e.Mabil
i
sang
t
ahi
pngdi bdi
bniyaatmayt akotsi
yangnar ar
amdamandahi
lsapagl
abasni
yangi
to.
Kai
l
angangmas-doblei
ngatsiyangayon.

PagkapasoksaGr ocer
y,kaagadsi
yangbumil
ingmgakakai
l
angani
nni
yasal
oobng
dal
awangl i
nggosakanagbayadatl
umabas.

Habangnagl
alakadpatungosadadaananngtaxi
,nagi
ngalert
osiyangmaramdamang
maysumusunodsakani ya.I
niiwasanni
yangtumakbodahilbakamapaanoangbaby
ni
yakayanaabutansi
yanglalakiatmayi
ti
nut
oknapatal
im sali
kodni
ya.
"Taasangkamay!
"Pabul
ongper
omaydi
i
nni
tongsabi
,bakasangpananakotsaboses
nit
o."Aki
nnaangbagmo!"

Nanghi
ndisi
yasumunodaymasi
dini
i
npani
toangpat
ali
m sal
i
kodni
ya."
Aki
nnasabi
angbagmo!"

Humingangmalal
im siI
risatdahan-dahangi
nabotangbagsaholdupper
.Nangi
ngi
nig
angkamayniyadahilsakabangnar aramdamanperobagopamaagaw nghol duper
angbagniyaaybi
glanalangit
ongnatumbanapar abangt
inamaanngkungano.

NapaawanganglabiniI
ri
snglumingonsi
yaatnaki
taanghol
dupernanakahandusay
sasementoatdumadai
nghabangsapoangbr
asonadumudugo.

Malal
akiangmat
angpanal
i
botni
yaangt
ingi
nsamat
atasnagusal
inanakapal
i
gidsa
kani
ya.

Mal
akasangkabogngpusoni
ya.

Ni
ccol
o!

Naalal
ani
yangbant
ayansi
yani
tohabangpapunt
asi
yasaopi
si
naatnaka-sni
pergun
i
to.

Ni
ccol
o!

I
ri
swaslooki
ngar
ound,desper
atet
oseeherhusbandunt
ilt
ear
sst
art
edf
all
i
ngf
rom her
eyes.

"Ni
ccolo.
..
"mabil
i
sniyangti
nuyoangmgal
uhasakapi
l
itnapi
napakal
maangsar
il
ipar
a
sabatangnasasi
napupunanniya.

No.Ican'
tlosemybabyt
oo!

Malal
akianghakbangniyapalayosahol
dupperkapagkuwanayunt i
-unt
ingbumagal
angpaglal
akadni
yaatnamali
sbisnanamanangluhasapisngini
ya.

"
Niccol
o..
."bul
ongniyasahangi
n,"
ifyou'
real
i
ve,pl
ease,pl
ease,Ibegyou,comesee
me.Hindikonakaya.
..
"

MyI
ri
sdon'
tbeg.Naal
alani
yaangpal
agini
tongsi
nasabi
.
Umil
ingsi
ya.Iwi
l
lbegtoanyonewhocanbr
ingyoubackt
ome.Iwi
l
lkneel
,Iwi
l
lbeg.
..
j
ustcomebacktome..
.

Napati
gilsapag-i
yaksiIr
isngmayt umigi
lnamagarangkot
sesaharapanni ya.At
namil
ogangmat aniyangmaki
tangangcondeangsumi
li
psabi
ntanangsasakyan.

"
Yourhi
ghness!
"Sheexcl
aimed.

"
Geti
n."Punongawt
ori
dadangbosesni
to.

Tumangosiyaatunaniyangi
pinasokangmgapinamilibagoangsar
il
i.Nangmakaupo
si
yasapassengerseatatnagsusuotngseat
bel
t,napati
gilsi
yangmakit
angnakat
ingi
n
siKni
ghtt
iyanni
ya.

"
Thr
eemont
hs?"Heasked.

Hinapl
osni
yaangt i
yanhabangmaymunt i
ngngi
tisamgal
abi
."Yeah.
..mahi
nanga
l
angangkapitni
yaperol
umalabanpar
in.
"

"Baki
tmahi
naangkapi
t?"Tanongngcondehabangmi
namani
obr
aangsasakyanpa-u
-tur
n.

"Emotionalst
ress."Sagotni
yasamahi nangboses."
Buti'm copi
ng.
..i
nmyownway. .
.
i
'mt r
yingtomoveonandbest rongformybaby.Ican'tl
osemybabyt oo.Bakahi
ndiko
kayaninatmabal i
wnaakongt uluyan.
"

"
Nagpapa-checkupkaba?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Gal
i
ngl
angakosaOBko.
"

Napat
ango-t
ango i
to."
Ganun ba.
..Ihear
d you l
eftt
he I
sland.Sana hi
ndimo '
yon
gi
nawa.Mapangani
bdit
osalabas.
"

Mapai
tsiyangngumit
i."
Masmapanganibsaisl
a.Bakamabali
w akor
o'nsakakai
si
p
kayNi
ccolodahi
ll
ahatngsul
okngCabi
nsiyaangnaal
alako.
"

Hetsked."
You'
rest
il
lsaf
ether
e,t
hat
'swhatmat
ter
s.Hi
ndiba'
yonanggust
ongasawa
mo?"

Nagbabasiyangt i
nginsanakakuyom ni
yangkamao."Safenamanakokungsaanako
nakat
ir
a.Iseldom gooutsoi '
m safer
.Atwalangnakakaki
lal
asaki
nkayamasmabut i
yon.Hindiakolumalabasngwalangwi gokayanamanbul lcapatsungl
asses.Hi
ndi
namanakoboboparai
pahamakangsari
l
iko.Niccol
owant
smesaf
eandt
hisi
sme,
tr
yingmyhar
destt
obesaf
eandbesaneatthesameti
me.
"

TheCountbr
eat
hesoutl
oudl
y."
You'
rer
eal
l
yinhel
lforl
osi
ngyourhusband.
"

Tumango si
ya."
Yeah.Iam.Ever
yday,If
eltl
i
kei
'
m i
nhel
l
.Buti
'
m sur
vivi
ng so no
worr
ies.
"

Naki
tani
yangnagt
agi
sangbagangni
to."
l'
m sor
ry,Mr
s.Raci
ni.I
'mr
eal
l
ysor
ry.
"

Kunotang nuong napabal

ing si
ya sa conde."
Baki
tka humi
hinging t
awad saki
n?"
Nagugul
uhanniyangtanong.

Ti
nigi
lni
toangsasakyansagili
dngkal
sadasakatumi
ngi
nsakani
yangi
l
angsegundo,
i
binukaangbi
big,per
ohindinamani
tonagsal
i
ta.

Masl
alongl
umal
i
m anggat
lasanuoni
ya."
Whati
sit
?"Sheaskedhi
m.

Hesi
ghedheavi
l
y."
I'
m sor
ry.
"

Nakaramdam si yangkakai
bangkabasapaghi nginitongt awad."
Whyareyousayi
ng
sorr
y?Maynagawakabangmal isaki
n?"Umil
aw angpag-asasapusoati si
pni
yadahil
gumagaangi si
pni yaatpi
napaasananamansi ya."Pleasetel
lmeit
saboutNi
ccolo.
Promise,Iwon'tbemad.Please.
..t
ell
me...pl
ease...Ibegyou...
"

Kni
ghtl
etoutal
oudbr
eat
h."
I'
mjustsor
ry.
"

"Stopsayi ngsoryandtellmei fi
thassomethi
ngt odowi t
hmyhusband. "Nangi ngil
id
angl uhasamgamat aniyaatnagmamakaawaangbosesni ya."Ial
readylostmyhope,
Yourhi ghness.Ial
readystoppedhopi ngwhenldidn'
treceiveevenasi nglecallfrom
Pietr
o.Isaw myhusbandgetbl ownup.eventhelit
tl
ehopehavehasbeenobl i
terated.
Butint hebackofmymi nd,thepartofmymindthatcannotacceptwhathappent omy
Niccolo,isthi
nki
ngdiff
erentl
y.

"Thatpartofmymindt
hinkst
hatNiccol
oisal
ive.Thathe'swel l
.Thatthi
sisjustpar
tof
hispl
antokeepmesafeagain.Thatt
hiswhol
et hi
ngsisjustasetup.There'snobody,I
didn'
tevenburyhi
m.Pl
ease!Havemercyonme!Pl ease!Please!Ibegyou!"

Humi
gpi
tanghawakni
tosamani
bel
asakabumugangmar
agasnahi
ninga."
Fuck.
"

Napahawaksi
yasagi
l
idngupuanngbi
glanal
angni
tongpi
nahar
urotangkot
se.

"
Yourhi
ghness-"
"
T'm dr
ivi
ngyouhome.
"Wi
kani
to.

Napat
it
igsi
yasacondenapanayangpagt
atagi
sngbaganghabangnagmamaneho.

Ayaw niyangumasaperoumaasasi ya,umaasasi

yanasanat amaangnasai
si
pni
ya,
nat amaangpartengyonngi si
pni yanahindimatanggapnapat
ayangasawani
ya.
Niccoloi
sasoldi
er,awar
ri
or,hejustcan'tdi
eli
ket
hat,ri
ght
?

Hepr
omi
sedhert
hatt
hey'
l
lbet
oget
her
!Hecan'
tjustl
eaveherl
i
ket
his!

Butshesaw hi
m getbl
ownup.Shesawt
hehangargetbl
ownupwi
thherowneyes!

Marii
nniyangi
pini
kitangmgamat
aathi
ndii
yoni
minul
athangganghi
ndit
umi
ti
gilang
sasakyanngconde.

"
We'
reher
e."

Butshedi
dn'
tmove.

"
Mrs.Raci
ni-"

"My husband i
sdead.Why are you st
il
lbeing ni
ce to me?"Tanong ni
ya habang
nakakuyom ang kamao."
Wala ka namang mapapala saki
n.Baki
tkai
langan mo pa
akongihat
id?Atpaanomonal
amankungsaanakonakat ir
a?"

Hi
ndisumagotangconde.

Tumiim ang bagang niya."

I'
m notmani pul
ati
ngmywordsandquest i
onsnow,your
hi
ghness.I'm aski
ngyounow,no,i 'm beggi
ngyounow,str
aightandfacetoface.No
pret
ensions.No mi nd games.Justagr i
evi
ng wi
fewho can'tacceptherhusband'
s
death.
"

Bumugangmar ahasnahiningaangcondesakat umingi

nsakani ya."l
'
m doingt hi
s
becauseIpi
tyyou.That
'sal
l.I'
m sayi
ngsorrybecausei
tsmyf aul
tthatyourhusbandis
dead.Mymendi dn'
tcheckt hehangarbecauseIt houghtthatPietr
oalreadydid.I
shoul
dhavedoublecheck.I
twasmyf aul
t.Ni
ccol
oRacini'
sdeathi
sonme. "

Umili
ngsiya."That
'snott
rue.You'
resayi
ngsorr
yf orsomethi
ngelse,
"shecanfeelit
!
"You'
resayingsorr
ybecauseyou'
rekeepi
nghi
mf rom me..
.becausehe'sal
i
veand-"

"
Mrs.Raci
ni,
"umi
l
ingi
to,"
Niccol
oRaci
nii
sdead.Sakal
agayanmongayon,sat
ingi
n
mopababayaankani yakungt al
agangbuhaysiya?Doyour eall
ythinkIcanstophi m
from seei
ngyouandbei ngwithyouifhe'sst
il
lali
ve?Niccol
oknew yourconditi
onand
thebaby's,sowhywoul dhel etyousuff
erforthreemonths?He' snotthatheart
less.
And you know ver
ywel lthatwhen itcomest o you,he'sweak.Kung buhaysi ya,
nagpakitanasi
yasayo.Hindini
yakayangmakitakangnahihi
rapannggani t
o."

Namal i
sbi
snanamanangl uhasamgamataniyaperokaagadniyangti
nuyoiyonat
taasnuong tumi
ngi
n sa conde."
Sal
amatsa paghat
id.
"Sabini
ya saka l
umabasng
sasakyannit
oatpumasoksaapart
mentni
ya.

Kaagadniyangni-l
ockangpint
ongapar t
mentpatimgabint
anaparamasiguroni
ya
angkal
igt
asanniya.Sakasi
yanaglut
ongpagkainni
yasaar
aw na'
yonatpi
nali
pasang
orassapanunuodngvi deonaginawaniNiccol
oparasakani
yaatparasawedding
anni
ver
sarynil
a.

Napati
nginsiyasakal
endar
yonamal
api
tsapi
ntoatnar
amdamanni
yaangpani
niki
png
di
bdibniya.

Thei
rweddinganni
ver
sar
yist
odayandhi
svi
deogr
eet
ingt
oheri
spl
ayi
ngont
heTV
overandover
.

'
Ir
is.
..mahalna mahalki ta.Sobrang mahalna mahalki ta.Atmasaya ako kasi
magkasamanat ayoatpangakokosayo,hi ndi
ng-hindinaki
taiiwan.Justl
i
kethelyr
ics
ofoneofyourfavouri
tesong,i'l
lneverl
etyoudownagai n.Thisli
fewehave,however
danger
ousthisis,wewi llsti
l
lstaytogether.I
'l
lmakehappyeveraf t
erpossi
ble,j
ust
hangon,l
ove,we'llgett
hereintheend.Wewi l
lgetourhappyeveraf t
er.

Hinding-hi
ndiki
tapababayaan.HappyWeddingAnni
versar
y,mahalko.toangunang
anniversar
y nat
in na magkasama t
ayo.Bumangon ka na r
iyan,nasa kusi
na ako,
pi
nagl ul
utokangpaborit
omongagahan.Tiamo,amor
e.Iloveyousomuch. '

Hindinamalayan niI
ri
sna umi i
yakna naman si
ya kaya pi
natayniya ang vi
deo na
pi
napanuodsakapumasoksakuwar t
oatkumuhangdami tniNiccolosamal et
aat
ni
yakapiyonhabangnakahigasakamakapagkuwanaypi nakati
ti
ganniyaangweddi ng
ri
ngnaniyananasadal i
rini
ya.

"Yousai
dyou'l
lmakehappyeveraf
terpossi
bleinthemi
dstofdangerandchaos.
..you
saidyouwon'tl
eaveme..
.butyouli
ed,Niccol
o..
.youli
edtome.Youl ef
tmeandyou
tookmyheartwit
hyou.
"

I
pini
kitniyaang mgamat aatpini
li
tang sar
il
inamakat
ulog per
obagopat
uluyang
makaidl
ip,maynari
nigsi
yangkal
uskossal
abasngkuwart
o.

Kumunotangnuoni
yakasabayngkabasadi
bdi
b.

Bumangonsi
yaatumal
i
sngkamasakal
umabasngkuwar
topar
ati
ngnankungano
yon.

Per
okaagaddinsiyangnapaat
rasngmaki t
aangli
mangkalal
aki
hannamayt
aki
pang
mukhaatnakat
utokangmgabar i
lni
tonghawaksakani
ya.

No!

"
Mrs.Raci
ni.
"Maybahi
dngkasi
yahanangbosesni
to."
Final
l
y.Wef
oundyou.
"

Umatr
assiyapar
atumakboparahumingingsakl
oloatsumi
gaw per
onahul
ingl
alaki
angbuhokni
yaatmal
akassi
yanghi
nil
ipal
abasngkuwaro.

"
No!
"Si
gawni
yahabangnagpupumi
glas.

"Youbi
tch!You'
renotescapi
ngus!
"Nanggi
gigi
lsagal
i
tnasabingl
alakihabanghi
nihi
l
a
angbuhokniya.

"Ar
ay!
"Panayangsi
gaw ni
yahawakhawakangul
oni
yaatpi
l
itnanagpupumi
glas."
Let
goofme!Letgoofme,youasshol
es!
"

Hinarapsiyanglal
akiatumangatangkamaynit
oparasampal
i
nsigur
osi
yangbigla
nalangit
ongnanigassaki
nat
atat
uanatbumagsakangkat
awansasahi
gngapar
tment
atkumalatangdugonit
odoon.

Angapatnakasamanitongl
alakiaynati
gil
andinsanangyariatnangmakabawiay
si
nakalsi
yangisaper
obagopasi yani
tomasaktanatmapili
pitangl
eegniyaayi to
namanang bumagsaksasahi
tatkat ul
ad ng nauna,kumal
atdinang dugo ni
to sa
carpet
.

What
'shappeni
ng?!Asni
per
?!i
sthi
sPi
etr
o'sdoi
ng?I
shest
il
lpr
otect
ingher
?!

I
ri
sdidn'
tmoveamuscl e.Hi
ndisi
yagumal
aw kahi
tpanakat
utoknasakani
yaangbar
il
ngnati
ti
rangt
atl
ongl
alaki
.

I
pini
kitni
yal
angangmgamat aatnapapai gt
adsat uwingnar
ir
ini
gniyaangpagbagsak
ngkatawanngmgai t
osasahig.Atnangmagmul atsi
yangmgamat a,atnaki
tangwal a
nangmgabuhayangmgakal al
aki
hannagust ongmanakitsakaniya,mabili
sni yang
ki
nuhaanglahatngimport
ant
engpapel esni
ya,kasamanaangf l
ashdr i
veniNiccoloat
bast
analangi
yongipi
nasoksashoulderbagniyaatnagmamadali
ngt umakbopalabas.

Shedoesn'
twanttol
eaveherhusband'
scl
othesbutshehavet
okeepher
sel
fsaf
e!She
haveababytopr
otect
!
"
OhmyGod. "mahinaniyang sambitnapunonang t
akotatkabanang makit
aang
mahi
gitsampungkal
alaki
hansalabasngapart
mentni
yaatmaymgabaril
itongdal
a!

Umat
rassi
yaatakmangbabal
i
ksal
oobngi
sa-i
sangnat
umbaangmgai
to.

Nasaponal
angniI
ri
sangbi
bigatnangingi
nigangbuongkat
awansakabaatt
akotna
pi
nil
i
tangmgapaanahumakbangpatungongkalsada.

Ihavetogetawayf rom her

e!Ihavetoescape!'Yonl
angangnasai sipni
yahabang
malal
akianghakbangnanaglal
akadhanggangsamayt umi
gilnasasakyansahar
apan
ni
yaatnarini
gni
yaangpami l
yarnabosesniPi
etr
o.

"
Signor
ina!Geti
n!"

Nanlal
amigangbuongkatawanniI
ri
ssatakotnangsumakaysi
yasasasakyanniPi
etr
o
atni
yakapniyaangsar
il
ingmaramdamangnangingi
nigangbuong
kat
awanniya.

"
Ohmygod. .
.ohmyGod. .
.OhmyGod.
..
"she'
str
embl
i
ngi
nfearwhensomeoneasked
f
rom t
hebackseatoft
hecar.

"
Youokay,mi
ss?"

I
ri
sstopst r
embling,herfearr
eceded,herbodyfr
ozeandeveryt
hingelsesti
l
led.Her
worl
dstopsspinningashermindaccept
sandprocesst
hefami
li
arvoiceofherhusband
whojustcal
ledher'miss'
.

A/N:Exci
ted ako namabasaniyo t
o kayapo-postko na.Exci
ted ngabakayongg
basahi
n?eohf eel
skolang'
yon.Anyways,exci
tedmanohindi
,happyr eadi
ng.

CHAPTER32

I
RISCOULDN'Tspeak,shecoul
dn'tmove,shecoul
dn'
tdoanyt
hingbutt
ostareatthe
f
amil
i
arfaceofherhusbandwho'
slooki
ngbackatherwit
hnoemoti
ononhisface.

Hewasjustl
ooki
ngatherli
keshe'
snothingtohim.Andi
thur
ts.Ther
e'snoi
ntensi
tyon
hi
sst
aresanymore,nol
oveandadorat
ioninhiseyes.

Whathappenedt
omyhusband?

Nani
niki
p ang di
bdi
b niya habang nakat
ingi
n sa mal
amig ni
tong mga mat
a.Yong
gust
ong gust
oniyaitong yakapi
n,gustong-sust
oniyait
ong hal
ikan,per
ohi
ndini
ya
magawasal
ami
gngt
ingi
nni
tosakani
ya.

She'safr
aidt
obereject
edbyherownhusband.Bakahi
ndiniyakayani
n.Baka'
yonna
tal
agaangmagingdahilanparamawal
asi
yasasar l
i
ngkati
nuan,kawawanamanang
anakniyanaumaasasakaniya.

TheNiccol
oshe'slooki
ngatnow isnotherhusband.Thi
smaniscold,uncar
ingand
cal
l
ous.HerNiccoloi sa sweetman.He'scli
ngyand he woul
d have ki
ssherthe
momentsheenteredthecar.

Butsti
l
...shecouldn'tl
ookaway.Shemissedhim somuch.Shewantedt
otouchhi
m
badl
y,tof eelhim,tomakesurethathe'sreal
l
yal i
ve!Butal
lshecandoiskeepon
st
ari
ngathi m unti
lhesi
ghedandshookhi
shead.

"
God.Thi
sisbori
ngasf uck.
"Wikani
toati
nal
i
sangt
ingi
nsakani
ya."
Piet
ro,whenwi
l
l
wer
etur
ntoIt
aly?I
'm boredher
e."

SumulyapmunasakaniyasiPi
etr
obagosumagot
."Si
gnorNi
ccol
o,t
heCountwant
sto
t
alkt
oyouf i
rstbef
oreweret
urntoIt
aly.
"

Hindipari
nmaal i
sniIr
isangt
ingi
nsaasawani
ya.Pi
etr
ocal
l
edhim Ni
ccol
o,thenheis
real
lyherhusband.Butwhathappenedt
ohi
m?Whyi sheacti
ngl
ikehedoesn'tknow
her?

I
shepr
etendi
ngort
hisi
sal
lreal
?

Angborednit
ongmgamataaytumingi
nsakani
yaatt
umi
bokngmabi
l
isangpusoni
ya.
"What
'syourname?Whoareyou?"

"
Signor
-"

"Shutup,Pi
etr
o."Niccol
ocutPi
etr
oof
fwhilest
il
ll
ooki
ngatherandhel
ooksconf
used
all
ofthesudden."
Answerme,whoareyou?"

"
Iri
s..
.m-mynamei
sIr
isGonzaga-Ra"

"I
ri
sGonzaga-Cr
aig.
"SiPi
etr
oangt
umapossapekengpangal
annagi
nagami
tni
ya
ngayon.

Naguguluhang napat
ingi
n si
ya kayPi
etr
o.Atbago pa si
ya makapagt
anong di
to ay
t
umigil
angsasakyanatkaagadnal umabassiPi
etr
opar
apagbuksansiyangpi
nto.

"
Signor
ina-"
"What
'shappening?"Pabul
ongni yangtanongkayPi
etr
ohabangpini
pigi
l
annahi
ndi
magal
itdi
to.Hemusthavear easont odothat
!"Whydi
dyouli
eaboutmyname?How
comehe'sali
ve?Andwhyi smyhusbandl i
kethat
?Whyishesocol
dtome?Whydi d
hecal
lmemi ss?What'
shappening,Piet
ro?"

"Si
gnori
na,don'
tstressyoursel
f.
"BumakasanglungkotsamukhaniPi
etr
o."
Iwi
l
ltel
l
youeveryt
hingl
ater
,butlet
'sgetyouset
tl
edf
ir
st.Youneedtor
est
."

"
You'
rebl
eedi
ng.
"Anangbosesni
Niccol
onapumut
olsausapanni
l
aniPi
etr
o.

Kaagadnabumabaangmgamat aniyasahitani
yaatnasapoangti
yanngmakitang
dinudugonanamansi
ya."
No.
..mybaby.
..no.
..
"nat
atakotnat
umi
ngi
nsiyakayNi
ccolo,
"h-helpme.
..
"

Buthej
ustwal
kpassedhermaki
nghert
ear
sfal
l
.

"
Piet
ro.Car
ryher
"Ut
osniNi
ccol
o.

Pi
etr
ohelpl
essl
ylookedather
."Midispiace,Si
gnor
ina.
"Wi
kani
tobagosi
yamai
ngatna
pi
nangkoati
pinasoksal
oobngmal akingbahay.

"Si
gnor
ina,Ibegyou,don'
ttel
lhi
m whoyouar
einhi
sli
featt
hemoment
."AniPi
etr
ona
par
angnagmamakaawa.

Kaagadnanagsal
ubongangnuoni
ya."
Why?"

"Signori
sstart
ingtoremember,sl
owly,butsurel
y.Ifyoutel
lhi
m whoyouare,hemi ght
forcehimselft
orememberyouandi twil
lcauseasever eheadachet
hatcanrenderhim
unconsciousfordays.Andhi
sot hermemor i
esmi ghtbeblockedorfor
got
ten.Please,
Signori
na,Iknow i
'
m aski
ngalot,butpl
ease..
.forSignor.
"

Hindisi
yaumi
mikper oal
am namanni
yanggagawinniyaanghi
l
ingniPi
etr
o.Hi
ndisi
ya
gagawangkahitanongbagaynamakakasamakayNiccol
o.

Andsheknew whati
tsl
i
ket ocar
ef orsomeonewholostt
hei
rmemor i
es.I
nal
agaanniya
ri
nnoonangkakambalniyangwalai t
ongmaalal
aatkapagpi
nipi
l
itni
tongmakaal
alaat
sumasaki
tangul
onit
oatnawawal anngmalay.

Sheunderst
andwher ePietroi
scomi ngf rom.AndPi et
rowon' tbegli
kethatifit
snot
seri
ous.Shehavetobel evel
headedinal loft
his.Hindisi
yapuwedengmagpadal asa
emosyonniya kasikung'
yon ang paki
kingganni ya,walaiyong pat
utunguhan.Baka
tul
uyangmawalasakaniyaangasawani ya.
Angmahal
aga,buhaysiNi
ccol
o.

Nangmaihi
gasi
yaniPietr
osasof
a,pabagsaknaumuposiNi
ccol
osagi
l
idni
yonat
hi
nawakanangt
iyanni
ya.

Nagul
atsi
ya dahili
ri
tado ang mukha ni
to per
o masuyo naman ang kamayni
tong
humawaksakaniya.

"
Masaki
tba?"Tanongni
to.

Walangemosyonangmukhanitoper
omaypagsuyosabosesni
toobakaguni
-guni
ni
yalang'
yondahi
l'
yonanggust
oni
yangmar
ini
g?

Umi
l
ingsi
yahabangt
it
ignat
it
igsamukhani
to."
H-hi
ndi
."

Hel
ookedather
."Thenwhyar
eyoucr
ying?"

Nat
igi
l
ansi
yasasinabini
toatdoonlangniyanapansi
nnaumi
i
yakpal
atal
agasi
ya.
Namamal
i
bisangl
uhaniyasagi
l
idngkani
yangmgamat a.

Hetskedwhenshedi dn'
tsayanyt hi
ngandcont
inuedtocr
ysilent
ly."
Don'
tcr
y.You'
l
l
babywil
lsuf
ferbecauseofyoursadnessandt
ear
s."Wikani
to.

"
C-Can'
thel
pit
."

Napat
igi
lsi
yasapaghi
kbingpangkuinsi
yanit
ongwal angsabi
-sabiati
pinasoksa
i
sangsil
i
dnamaymgaHi gh-Technamedi
cal
equipment
s.

Nang i
higa si
ya ni
to sa kama,gusto ni
yang mag pr
otest
a. Gust
o pa ni
yang
maramdamanangyakapnit
okahitwal
angpagmamahalopag-aal
alanakasama'
yon.

Shewant
edt ofeelherhusband'
sembr
aceagai
n.I
sthatt
oomucht
oaskaf
tert
hree
mont
hsoflonel
i
ness?

"
Letmechecki
fthebabyi
sokay.
"Wi
kani
to.

I
pini
kitnal
angniIri
sangmgamat adahi
lmaslalongsumasaki
tangpusoniyakapag
naki
kit
aangasawanapar angwal
angpakial
am sakani
ya.Par
angsasabogangdibdi
b
ni
yasasobr angsamangl
oobperopi
nigi
lni
yaangmaiyaknanaman.

Butt
hisi
spl
aint
ort
ure!
Seeingherhusband,knowi
ngt
hathei
sal
i
ve.
..butnotbei
ngwi
thhi
mli
kehusbandand
wif
ei spl
aint
ort
ure!

"Yourbabyi
sweak. "AniNiccol
opagkal
i
pasngmahabangminut
o."
Nasaanbaang
asawamoathinayaankaniyangmag-i
sasakal
agayanmo?"

I
ri
sopenedhereyesandt her
egoeshertear
sagai
n..
.nakakagagolangkasiangt
anong
ni
to.Kungpuwedeni
yalangitongsi
gawannait
oangasawani yaperonaal
alani
yaang
paki
usapniPi
etr
osakaniya.

Shewon'
tri
skNi
ccol
o'sheal
thl
i
ket
hat
.

"
Hey,
"umupoi
tosast
ool
nanasagi
l
idngkamanaki
nahi
higaanni
ya,"
answerme.
"

Tumingi
nsiyakayNiccolo.Ti
nuyoniyaangmgal uhasakapili
tnangumi t
iatpinati
gas
angpusoni yaparamagawani yaangpaki usapniPiet
ro."I'
m okay.Nabuhaynaman
ako ng t
atl
ong buwan na wala ang asawa ko par
a prot
ektahan ako.Sa t
ingin ko,
makakayakonamansamgasusunodnabuwan. "

"
Andyourbaby?"

Hi
napl
osni
yaangti
yansakamasuyongngumi
ti
."I
'l
lkeepmybabysaf
e,Ni
ccol
o.AndI
'l
l
beagoodmom."

"Doyoureal
l
yknow me?"Kapagkuwanaybi
glani
tongt
anong."
Youactasi
fyoudo.
Youcal
l
edmynameasi fyoucar
ef orme.
"

Tumi
ngi
nsi
yasaasawaatt
umango."
Yeah.Ido.Icar
eforyou.
"

"
Am Ir
elat
edt
oyourhusbandor
..
.toyou?"

Kusangt
umangoangul
oni
ya."
Yeah.You'
reCor
mac'
sfr
iend.
"Shel
i
ed.

"Cor
mac' sf
ri
end.
"Tumiim angt i
ti
gnitosakani
ya."
Areyousur
eaboutt
hat
?Imean,
how sur
eareyouthatwe'r
ef r
iends?"

Ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abi
."Ij
ustknow.
"

He'
sst
il
lst
ari
ngather
.Int
ent
ly."
Alam banaasawamonamaygust
oakosayo?"
Tumi
gil
angpaghi
ngani
Iri
s."
A-ano?"

"
Ithi
nkIlikeyou.
..no,i
tsdeepert
hanthat
.Imean,whenIsaw youear li
er,Ifel
tthi
s
wei
rdemot i
oninmychest."Napai
l
ingi
tosakanatawa."Fuck.I
'm goingcrazy.Thi
sis
whathappenswhenyougetblownupandsurvi
ve.You'
l
lloseyourmind."

Hi
ndinapi
gil
anniI
ri
sangsari
l
i,umangatangkamayni
yasakamasuyonghi
napl
osang
pi
sngingasawanamaybakaspangpil
at.

"
Maayosna ba ang l
agaymo ngayon?"Mababa ang bosesna t
anong ni
ya."
May
masaki
tpabasayo?Nagpapahi
ngakabangmaayos?"

Hefrowned."
Whydoyoucar e?"Hest
aredather
."Ar
eyousur
ewedi
dn'
thadanaf
fai
r
behi
ndyourhusband'
sback?"

I
binabaniyaangkamayatnapangit
i."I
'mf ai
thf
ultomyhusband,Niccol
o.Ilovehim
verymuch.Iwoul
dneverdoanyt
hingthatcanhurthi
m.That
'show muchllovehim and
respecthi
m."

"
Ganunkar
inbani
yakamahal
?"

Nakangi
ti
ngtumangosiya."
Helovesme.Iknow hedoes.Mar
aminasi
yanggi
nawa
par
asakin.Ganunni
yaakokamahal
."

Tumangolangi
tonapar abangwalaitongpakial
am sasagotniyasakabinuhatna
namansi
ya.Sapagkakat
aong'
yon,mai
ngatnait
osakaniyanali
him ni
yangi
kinat
uwa.

Ramdam naramdam niI

ri
sangpagkakalapi
tnilangdalawaniNiccol
oatnami ssni
ya
angpaki
ramdam na'
yon.Shemissedhi
sembr ace,thewayhecli
ngst oher
,thewayhe
rest
shi
sheadonherchestandmore.Shemissedt hosemomentswithhim.

Kai
l
ankayamauul
i
tyon?

Atkahi
tanongpi
gil
niI
ri
s,hi
ndini
yanapi
gil
annai
hil
i
gangul
oni
yasabal
i
katngasawa.

"
Iri
s?"

Herhear
tbeat
ser
rat
ical
l
y."
Hmm?"

"
Don'
tdot
hat
.Magsesel
osangasawamo.It
houghtyou'
ref
ait
hful
."

Hi
ndisi
yagumal
aw atnanat
il
i
ngnakahi
l
igsabal
i
katni
to."
Niccol
o?"
"
Hmm?"

"
Hindi
mobat
alagaakonaaal
ala?"

Umi
l
ingi
to."
Ican'
trememberhal
fofmyl
i
fe.
"

Herhear
tsaddened."
Kahi
tnuongnagvolunt
eerakongnursesaAf
ghanist
anatsundal
o
karoonatgi
namotkoangsugatmo?"Tanongniya."
Naalal
amoba' yon?"

Umi
l
ingul
i
tit
o."
Can'
tremembert
hat
."

Ni
l
ukobsi
yangl
ungkot
."Yourchi
l
dhood?"

"
Nuongunahindikomaalal
a,per
opaunt
i-unt
ibumabal
i
knaman.I
'm now r
emember
ing
myHighschool
tocol
legedays.
..
"

Thatmeanshe'
l
lremembermesoon.I
j
usthavet
owai
tandbepat
ient
.Icandot
hat
.For
myNiccol
o.

I
niyakapniyaangmgabrasosal
eegnit
osakaisi
nubsobangmukhasaleegni
to.Hindi
ni
yapi nansi
nangmahi
nanit
ongpagdai
ngatangpasimpl
enit
ongpagt
ikhi
m saginawa
ni
ya.

TAHIMIKNAkumakainsiI
ri
snangmag-isanangpumasoksahapag-kainansiPietr
oat
l
umapitsakani
ya.Umupoitosakat
abiniyangupuanathi
ndimakat
ingi
nngder etsosa
kani
ya.

Kanina pa niya hi
nihi
ntay na magkausap si
lang dalawa.Para mal
iwanag si
ya sa
nangyayari
.Par aal
am ni yakunganonggagawi nniyasatuwingkaharapangasawa
ni
yanghi ndisiyamaalala,per
omukhangngayonl angi t
onagkaroonngpagkakataon
dahi
l kani
napai t
okausapniNi ccol
osasalas.

"
I'
m so sorr
y,Signor
ina.
"Pani
mul
ani
to."
Mypl
ani
sto cal
lyouwhenSi
gnorf
inal
l
y
r
emember syou.
"

Napati
gilsi
yasapagkai
nsakahumi
gpi
tanghawaksakut
sar
a."
Whathappenedt
omy
husband,Piet
ro?"

"TheCountrecover
edSignor'
sbodyaf tertheexplosi
on.Therewasami nimaldamage
physi
call
ybecausehe managed t o getinsi
det hecarand cl osei
t.Fort
unat
ely,t
he
l
imousine i
s made forthe passengersto survive even af
teritwas bombed and
att
acked..
.Signormadei tspecif
ical
l
yf oryou,Si gnori
na,foryoursafet
y.Unf or
tunatel
y,
hisheadwasdamagedi ntheloudexpl osi
onsandt helastbombt hatwentof fcaused
hishead to getsl
ammed mul ti
pletimeson t he car'
swal l
.Butt he Doctorsaid his
amnesiaistemporary,thathismemor i
eswi llcomeback,sl owly,andt hatwecannot
forcehi
mt orememberbecausehi smindi ssti
llfr
agil
eafterwhathappenedandt hathis
brainwi
llr
emembert hoseforgottenmemor i
esoni tsown."

I
sinandalniyaangkat
awansali
kodngupuansakanapat
it
igsakawal
an."Youcoul
d
havecalledmeandt el
lmethi
s.Whydi
dyouletmet hi
nkthatmyhusbandisdead,
Piet
ro?"

"I
twastheCount'
sdecisi
on.Iwantedtotellyou,butt
heCountthreat
enedme.Hesays
i
twil
lbetoomuchf oryoutobewi t
hSignorwhocan' trememberyou.Thati
twillaff
ect
youandyourbabybadly.
..andIcoul
dn'
tletthathappen.IknowhowmuchSi gnorloves
youandthebaby.
"

That
'swhyt
heCountwasapol
ogi
zi
ng."Whathappenedaft
erthat
?Whydi
dyouwentt
o
myapart
mentandsavedme?HowdidyouknowthatIl
ivether
e?"

"Eversi
nceyoul ef
ttheIsl
and,ImadesuretomonitoryoureverymovementforSi
gnor'
s
sake when the ti
me comest hathe'
llrememberyou. "Tumungo siPietr
o."Nothi
ng
dangerousishappeningsoIstayedhi
dden,unt
ilt
oday,whent heCountdri
veyouhome.
IdragSignortoyourapart
mentandaskhi mtotomesaveyouandhedi d.

Thenheaskedmewhoyouar e.
..heaskedmeifheknowsyou.ButIdi dn'
tanswerhi
m,
afr
aidt
hathemightgetasevereheadacheandlostconsci
ousnessagainli
kethelast
ti
meItol
dhimthatt
hewomanhel ovesiswai
ti
ngforhi
mt ogetbetter
."

Dahan-dahansiyanghumugotngmal ali
m nahi ni
ngapagkataposnangmganar ini
g.
Now sheunder st
andsand forsomer easons,she'snotmad.She'shappyt hather
husbandisokayandthatPi
etr
odidever
ythinghecant opr
otecthi
smasterandher.

I
ri
slookedatPi
etr
oandsmi
l
ed."
Thankyou,Pi
etr
o."

Gul
atnanapat
ingi
nsakani
yasi
Piet
ro."
You'
renotmadatme,Si
gnor
ina?"

Umil
i
ngsiyasakangumi t
iathi
nawakanangkamayni t
oparapisi
li
niyon."I
'm happythat
myhusbandhavesuchadevot edButl
er.I
'm happyt
hatyoudidn'tst
oppr ot
ecti
ngme
f
oryourmaster
'ssake.Iunderst
andwhyyoudi dwhatyoudi
d. .
.sodon'twor r
y.Al
lthat
mat
terst
omei sthatNiccol
oisali
ve.
"

TumayosiPiet
roatyumukodi t
osaharapanni
yahabanghawakpari
nangkamayniya.
"Thankyou,Signor
ina.Thankyou so much.Thankyou f
ornotbei
ng mad and f
or
underst
andi
ngmyr easoni
ng."

"
Whyar
eyout
hanki
ngher
,Pi
etr
o?"Bosesi
yonniNi
ccol
onakakapasokl
angnghapag
-kai
nan."Andwhyareyouhol di
ngherhand?Don'
tyouknow t
hatshe'
sfai
thf
ult
oher
husband?"Magkahal
ongi
ri
tasyonatsar
kasmoangtonongpananal
i
tani
to.

Binit
awanniPietroangkamayni yasakat umi
widnatumayoatngumi t
ikayNiccolo."I
'm
thanking herbecause aft
erexplai
ning t
o her,shefi
nall
yagr eesto beyourNur se."
PasimplengtuminginsakaniyaniPietr
onapar abangsinasabisakaniyangsakyanang
pinagsasasabinito."Signor
ina I
ri
si s a Doctor,Si
gnor.She' s notpracti
cing her
professi
on because she wasbusywi t
h herhusband'
sbusi nessbutnow t hatshe's
stayi
ng herewi t
hus,sheagr eestohelpmewi thyourmedi cat
ionandot hert hi
ngs
aboutyourhealth."

"
Butyousai
di'
m aDoct
or-"

"
Yes,youar
eaDoct or
."Put
olniPietr
osasasabi
hinniNi
ccol
o,"
but
,youcan'
tst
il
l
r
ememberi
tsoyou'
l
lbeDra.I
ri
s'pat
ient
."

Nagt
atanongangmat
angt
umi
ngi
nsakani
yasiNi
ccol
o."
Aal
agaanmoakokungmay
masaki
tsaki
n?"

Nakangi
ti
ngtumangosi
yaatlihi
m nanat
awasapl
anoniPi
etr
onapagl
api
ti
nsi
l
ang
dal
awani Ni
ccol
o."
Ofcour
se.Aal
agaanki
ta.
"

Si
naponi
toangt
agi
l
iranatngumi
wi."
Masaki
tdi
to,oh.
"

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Bigl
a-bi
gla?"

"Idon'tknow."Kapagkuwanaysinaponanamanni toangkabi
l
angt
agi
l
iran."
Inher
e
also-ouch!Fuck!I
thur
ts.Oh,f
uck.
..damnt
hathur
ts.
"

Hi
ndial
am niI
ri
skungmat
atawasi
yaoanosaasawani
ya.

Nagpapanggapbai
tongmasaki
tangmagkabi
l
angt
agi
l
iranpar
alumapi
tsi
yar
it
oat
al
agaanit
o?

Tumayosiyasakanaglakadpalapi
tkayNiccol
oati
ti
naasangt-shi
rtni
toparasur
ii
nang
tagi
l
irannit
o.Peronangpaglandasinni
yaangdali
risabal
atnit
oaypar ait
ongnapaso
naumat r
asatlumayosakaniya.

Andhereyesdr
oppedt
ohi
sgr
oinwher
eit
sbul
ging.

"Si
guradokabanghindit
ayomagkaroonngrel
asyonnoon?"Kunotangnuongt
anong
nit
o."
Imean..
.fuck.
..whyismyhear
tbeat
ingsofast
?"
Nagkibi
tbal
i
katsiyasakaumayosngt ayo."
Mukhangokaykanaman.Gust
omoi
-
checkkopa'yongisamopangt
agil
i
ran?"

Mabi
l
isi
tongumi
l
ing."
Nope.I
'mf
ine.Wal
anangmasaki
tsaki
n."

Bumabaangt
ingi
nni
yasapagkal
alakini
to."
Sigur
adokaba?"

Her ol
l
ed hi
stongue overhi
sli
pssexi
l
yashel
ooked ather
."And yousai
d you'
re
f
ait
hful
."

I
ri
ssmi
l
ed."
Iam.
"

"
Thenwhyar
eyouf
li
rt
ingwi
thme?"Maypag-aakusaangbosesni
to.

Ni
l
ingonni
yasi
Piet
ro."
Am I
,fl
i
rti
ng?"

Kaagadnaumi
l
ingsiPi
etr
o,"
ofcour
senot
,Si
gnor
ina.
"

Tumi
ngi
nsiyakayNiccol
oatnagki
bit
-bal
i
kat
."See.
..i
tsj
usti
nyourhead,Ni
ccol
o.I
woul
dneverdot
hat
."

Ti
ningnansiyani
tongmasamasakat
ingnandi
nsiPi
etr
ongmasama."
Don'
ttouchher
.
She'sfai
thf
ul.
"

Nagsalubong ang ki
l
ay ni
ya saka ni
l
ingon siPi
etr
o ng makal
abas siNi
ccol
o sa
hapagkainan.

"
Signori
sjeal
ous.
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnatawa."Ishoul
dn'
tenjoyt
his,buthel
llam.Pambawinal
angsaar
aw-
ar
awkongpag-i
yaknit
ongmganakar aangbuwan."

Nangi
ngi
ti
ngtumangosiPiet
roatnaunanait
onglumabassahapagkai
nan.Si
yanaman
aybumal
iksamesaatpinagpat
uloyangpagkai
n.

Nang matapos si
yang kumai
n,i
nil
agay ni
ya sa l
ababo ang pi
nggan atakmang
huhugasanyonngmayumagaw no'
nsakaniya.

"Akonaangmaghuhugas.
"SabiniNi
ccol
osakani
yahabangmagkasal
ubongnaman
angki
lay."
Magpahi
ngakana.Mahi
naangkapi
tngbabymo.
"
Herf
acesof
tenedasshel
ookedather
husband."
You'
rewor
ri
ed?"

"Kani
napa.
"bumugai
tongmar
ahasnahi
ninga."
Hindil
anghal
ata.Go,Mr
s.Cr
aig,r
est
.
Akonari
to.
"

Nagpasal
amatsiyaatakmangaal
i
sngmaypumasoksai
si
pni
ya."
Mayr
oonbakayo
r
it
onggrapes?"

Bumabaangt
ingi
nni
tosat
iyanni
yanahi
nahapl
osni
yabagosumagot
."Wal
a."

"Ah."Napat
angolangsi
yasakalumabasnangtul
uyansakusi
naatpumunt
asasal
as
paramagpali
pasngorashanggangsaant
uki
nsi
ya.

Nati
gil
ansiI
ri
sngdumaansal ikodni
yasiNiccol
oatder etsoi
tongl
umabasngbahay
ngwalamanl angpasabi
,per
odahili
naant
oknasi ya,t
uluyangpumi
kitangmgamata
ni
ya.

Hindial
am niI
ri
skungmahababaangit
inul
ogni
ya,bast
anangmagisi
ngsi
ya,mayroon
nanggrapessacentert
abl
enanasaharapanni
yaatnakit
ani
yangnat
utul
ogsiNi
ccolo
sasahigngsalas.

Andwhenshemovedandmadeasmal
lsound,hi
seyesaut
omat
ical
l
yopenedandhe
l
ookedather
.

Andwhenhesaw her
,het
sked,cl
osedhi
seyesandmur
mur
ed."
ldon'
tevenknow why
i
'm wor
ri
ed.
"

Napangi
tinal
angsi
yasakai
nabotanggr
apesnanasai
babawngcent
ert
abl
e.

"
Thankyou,Ni
ccol
o."Sabini
yakapagkuwan.

"
Forwhat
?"Nakapi
ki
tpar
inangmgamat
ani
to.

"
Fort
hegr
apes.
"

Hej
ustt
sked.

"
Niccol
o?"

"
What
?"
Ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abi
."HappyAnni
ver
sar
y."

Nagmul
ati
tongmat
asakanapat
ingi
nsakani
ya.

"
Coul
dyoupl
easesayi
tback?"Hi
l
ingni
ya.

"HappyAnniversar
y."Wikani
tosapabulongnaboseshabangt
it
ignatit
igsakaniya
kapagkuwanayt umagi
li
ditonghi
ga,nakahar
apsakani
yaangli
kodni
to."St
opfl
ir
ti
ng
wit
hme,Doc. "

Nat
awanal
angsi
yasakaki
nai
nanggr
apesnasi
gur
adoni
yangbi
nil
ini
topar
asakani
ya.

Ni
ccol
omi ghtnotr
ememberher
,buthi
shear
tandhi
sbodydoes.Ij
usthavet
owai
tand
bepat
ient
.

Napat
it
igsiyasali
kodngasawa.Maal
alamor
inako,Ni
ccol
o.Atkapagdumat
ingang
ar
awna' yon,humandakasaki
n.

A/N:Meetupwi th(Ceceli
b/C.C.|Maki
wanderRaceDarwin)onNovember25,201
8.
#16 Sto. Domingo, Precious Pages Bui
l
ding Quezon Cit
ySunday/ 1
0 AM -
onwards.
Seeyouther
e.

CHAPTER33

HI
NDINAKALIGTASsat i
ngi
nniI
ri
sangpagsunodngmgamataniNiccolosakani
yang
makababasi
yasaikal
awangpal
apag.Mai
kli
ngcott
onshor
tangsuotniyaatpi
naresan
ni
yaiyonngt
-shi
rtniNi
ccol
o.

Mabut
inalangatki
nuhaniPi
etr
oangnai
wanni
yanggami
tsaapar
tmentni
yakayamay
i
si
nuotsi
ya.

"Why ar
e you weari
ng that
?"Komento niNi
ccol
o habang nakat
ingi
n sa mapuput
i
ni
yanghit
a."Nang-aaki
tkaba?Alam monamangikaw langangbabaer i
tosabahay.
Magdamitkangangmaayos. "

Hi
ndini
yapi
nansi
nsiNi
ccol
oatnagt
uloy-t
uloyl
angsakusi
na.

Wala si
ya sa mood kausapi
n ang asawa ni
yangayon.Masaki
tsa dibdi
b ni
ya na
maki
pagusapdi t
operohindinamansi yanaki
ki
lal
a.Angaga-aga,sumasaki
tkaagad
angpusoniya.

Thesepastf
ew days,shehadbeent
easi
ngNi
ccol
o.Test
inghi
spat
iencewi
thher
.Per
o
ngayonaraw,walasi
yasamood.Sigur
odahi
lsapagbubunt
isni
ya'
to.Napapansi
n
ni
yangnag-ii
ba-i
baangmoodni
yaar
aw-arawator
as-or
as.

Pumasoksi
yasakusi
naatnag-t
impl
anggat
assakanagl
utongpancake.

I
ri
swasaboutt
ofi
nishhermi
l
kandpancakewhenshesawNi
ccol
oent
eredt
heki
tchen.

Hel
ooksi
rr
it
atedagai
n.

"Huwagkangmagso-shor
tdi
tosabahaykasimgal alakiangkasamamo.
"Sabina
namanni
tonamadi
li
m angmukha."
Ithoughtyou'
ref
aithful
."

Humar
apsi
yakayNi
ccol
oatnameywang."
Baki
t?Naaaki
tkaba?"

Napi
pil
ani
tonal
i
him ni
yangi
kinangi
ti
.

Umalissi
yangkusi
nanangmaubosangginawangagahanathinanapsiPiet
ropara
sanamagpabi
l
ingpagkai
n.Per
onai
kotnani
yaangbuongbahay,walasi
yangPiet
rona
naki
ta.

"NasaansiPi
etr
o?"Tanongni
yakayNi
ccol
onangmaki
tai
tosasal
asatnanunuodng
Newshabangsumisi
msim ngkape.

Kaagad na nal
ukotang mukha ni
to."
Hanapan ba ako ng mga t
aong nawawal
a?"
Tumayoitoatpinat
ayangTVsakahumar apsakaniya."Atbaki
tbapanayanghanap
mokayPi et
ro?Anobaangkailanganmosakaniyanahindikokayanggawin?Nandi
to
namanakoah. "

Napat
it
igsi
yasaasawa.Yes.He'
sjeal
ousagai
n.

Napail
i
ng nal
ang siya."
Nandi
yan ka nga,per
o panay naman ang rekl
amo mo. "
Nameywangsiya."Anobaangproblemamosakin,ha?Nuongisangar aw kapa,ah.
Baki
tbaangini
tngdugomosakin?Lahatnal
angnangginagawakopinapansinmo."

"Becauseyou'reali
ar.You'r
enotfai
thf
ul.
"Heretor
ted."Akal
amohi ndikonaki
tana
anglapit
-lapi
tmokayPietr
okahapon.Maypabul
ong-bulongpakayo.
"

Ti
nit
iganni
yai
to."
Gust
omobangmagbul
ungandi
ntayo?"

Hegl
aredather
."Justadmi
tit
.You'
renotf
ait
hful
."

Li
him si
yangnat
awa.Thi
sist
heNi
ccol
othatshedi
dn'
tgett
oknow.Theal
waysj
eal
ous
Ni
ccol
o.Al
am ni
yangsel
osoangasawani
yaper
ohi
ndigani
to.

Per
o dahi
lgust
o ni
yang magl
aro par
a naman makabawisa l
ahatng kahi
rapang
nar
amdamannit
a,tal
agangsi
nasadyaniyangpagsel
osi
nangasawanaalam niyang
pal
agi
nggumagana.

"Magbi
hiska.
"AniNi
ccol
osakat
inal
i
kur
ansi
ya."
Hindimat
utuwaangasawamosa
gi
nagawamo."

Ti
nit
iganni
yaangl
i
kodni
ya."
Hal
i
kankayaki
tapar
atumahi
mikka.
"

Napat
igi
li
tosapagl
alakadathumar
apsakani
ya."
Thenki
ssme,andwe'
l
lsee.
"

Mahinasi
yangt
umawasakani
l
api
tani
toathi
nal
i
kansapi
sngi
."Oh,'
yan,t
umahi
mikka
na,ah.
"

Nalukotangmukhani t
o."That
'snotakiss.Thi
sis.
"Thenhepr
essedhi
sli
psonher
s,
sendingsensat
iont
hroughoutherbody.

I
twasj
ustasi
mpl
eki
ss,asi
mpl
emeet
ingoft
hei
rli
psbuti
tsenthavoconhersyst
em.

"That
'sthesi
mplekiss.
"BulongniNiccolosamgal abiniyangmaghi walayangmgal abi
nil
ang dal
awa."And thisone-"he claimed herlipsagai n,it
smor e aggressi
ve and
passi
onate,heevensuckhert ongueandbitherl
ips," -i
stherealki
ss.Butthi
skisssays
-"hekissedhersensel
ess."-Iwanttofuckyou.Har d.Rough.Andfast."

Napakurap-kur
ap siya kay Ni
ccolo na mal
api
tpa ri
n ang mukha sa mukha ni
ya.
Nararamdamanni yaangpag-iini
tngkatawanni
ya,angreaksi
yonngpagkababaeniya
sasinabini
toperohindipuwede.

Nagpapanggapsiyangmayibangasawa.Kapagnagpadal
asi
yasai
nitngkat
awan
ni
ya,makakaapektoba'
yonkayNi
ccol
o?Yonangini
i
sipni
ya.

I
ri
sst
epsbackbutNi
ccol
oenci
rcl
edhi
sar
m ar
oundherwai
standpul
l
edhercl
ose.

"
Nope.You'
rest
ayi
ng.
"

Napahawaksiya sa magkabi
l
ang bal
ikatng asawa atnapat
it
ig di
to.Magkadi
kitna
magkadi
kitangkatawanni
laatramdam ni
yaangmatigasnit
ongpagkalal
aki
.

"
Niccol
o-"
"I
'm al
waysiri
tat
edatyoubecauseyoubr i
ngsoutsomet hi
ngdif
ferentinme. "Ti
ti
gna
ti
ti
gitosakani
ya." Hi
ndikoalam kungbakitperoisangsal i
tamolang,nag-ibaangi si
p
ko.Kapagmaygi nagawaka,apekt adoako.Hi ndikoalam kungbaki tkapagnakikit
a
ki
tangmasayangnaki ki
pag-usapkayPi et
ro,nagseselosako.Now tellme,Iri
s,minsan
ba,hindimoakonaki t
ang nagsel
ossaasawamo?Mi nsanba,hi ndiki
taniyakapo
si
nubukang hi
nali
kan? Dahilkong may nar aramdaman akong gani t
o kati
ndisayo,
i
mposi bl
engwalaakonggawi n.
"

Yes!That
'st
rue.Kahi
tnganuongnasaisl
asil
a,gumawapar
insiNi
ccol
ongpar
aan
paramagkal
apitsi
l
akahi
tini
i
wasansi
yanit
o.

"I
ri
s..
.answerme."Pabul
ongnit
ongpakiusap."Ican'
trememberyou,how wemetand
how Icamet ofeelt
hisemot
iontowardsyou,buti t
sinhere,I
ri
s,Icanfeelmyhear t
beati
ng so f
astforyou.Kaya sagut
in mo ako,Iri
s,si
nabiko ba sayo noon i
tong
narar
amdamanko?"

Wal
asasar
il
ingnapat
angosi
ya.

"
Hinal
i
kannabaki
tanoon?"

Shenodded.AndImi
ssyousomuch!

"
Thenwhydi
dyoumar
rysomeoneel
se?Masmahal
mobasi
ya?"

Nani
niki
pangdi
bdi
bni
yasahal
o-hal
ongemosyongnar
aramdamanni
ya."
Niccol
o..
."

"
Wal
abangkat
ugonangnar
aramdamankosayo?Kayabahi
ndiakoangasawamo?"

Hereyeswat
ered."
Niccol
o..
."

"T'
m scared"Ni
ccolowhisper
edinf earandherhearttight
enedinpain."I
'm scar
edto
remembermyf orgott
ernmemor i
es,Iri
s.Nat
atakotakonakapagnaal alako,maaalal
a
korinkungpaanokanagmahalatnag-asawangi ba.Fuck.
..Idon'
tevenknow whyi'm
hurt
ingsomuch.Kungsanasabaynanakal i
motangpusoati sipko.Hindisanaako
ganit
o.Pakir
amdam koanglakingkulangsaki
n."

I
ri
shat eseei
ngNi
ccol
oli
ket
his.Buthemi
ghtgetasever
eheadachei
fshet
oldhi
m
ever
ythi
ng.

Umangatangkamayniyasakahi
napl
osangpi
sngingasawa."
Getbet
tersoon,Ni
ccol
o.
Rememberme.Don' tbescaredofyourmemori
es.Ipromi
se,i
tsgonnabewor thi
t.
Het
ongaoh,naghi
hintayakonamaalal
amoako.
"

"
Ist
hatwhyyou'
reher
e?"
She nodded." Rememberme,Ni ccol
o.Justr ememberme.Gustong-gust
o kong
sabi
hinsayoangl ahatper
ohi ndipuwede,ayokongsumaki
tangul
omoatmawal anka
ngmalay.won'tri
skit.Soi
"ll
justwait
."

"
Paanokungsakahi
hint
aymo,dumat
ingangasawamo.Si
nongpi
pil
i
inmo?"

"
Angasawako."Mabi
l
isni
yangsagot
."MahalkoangasawakoNi
ccol
o.Mahalna
mahal
kosi
ya.
"

Pai
ncr
ossedhi
seyes."
Paanoako?"

Shecuppedhi
sfaceandsmi
l
ed."
Justr
ememberme,Ni
ccol
o.Ipr
omi
seyou,i
t'
sgonna
wort
hit
."

"
Paanoyonmagi
gingwor
thi
tkungi
i
wanmoako?"

"
Justr
ememberme,Ni
ccol
o."Sheki
ssedt
hecor
nerofhi
sli
ps."
Justr
ememberme.
"

"
DoIhaveachoi
ce?"

Sasagotsanasi
yangmaynagsal
i
tamul
asapi
ntongbahay.

"
Youmot
herf
ucker
!You'
real
i
ve!
"

Nami
l
ogangmat
ani
yangmapagsi
noangmay-ar
ingbosesna'
yon.

"
Luci
fer
!"

Kaagad si
yang l
umapi
tsabagong dat
ing atni
yakap i
to.It
olang ang t
aong nagi
ng
sandal
anniyangnasai
slapasi
yakayanamannagingmal api
tsi
yar
it
o.

"Whatar e you doi

ng her
e?" Tanong ni
ya sa l
alaking pakawal
an ni
ya i
to sa
pagkakayakap.

Luci
fersmil
ed."Hi
sbut
lerf
etchme.Sai
dthi
sasshol
efi
nal
l
yremember
smeandi
s
l
ooki
ngf orme.
"

ButNiccol
o doesn'
tseem happyashe gl ar
ed atLucif
er."Getoutofmyhouse!
"
Pagt
ataboyni
tokayLuci
fer
."Anddon'
ttouchIr
is!She'
sfai
thf
ul.
"
I
ri
swhi
sper
edatLuci
fer
."He'
sjeal
ousevenwhenhecan'
trememberme.
"

TumawasiLuci
fer
."Yeah.Hi
sbut
lert
oldmeever
ythi
ng.
"Het
skedandl
ookedather
,
"shoul
dwepl
ayhim?"

"
Later
."Nakangi
ti
ngsabini
ya."
Iwanttoeatsomepizza.
"Humarapsi
yakayNi
ccol
ona
masamapar i
nangti
nginsakani
lani
Lucif
er."
Niccol
o,beni
ce.
"

Ti
ningnanl
angsiyani
tongmasamaper
ohindini
yai
topi
nansinathinanapsiPi
etr
opar
a
magpabil
ingpagkai
n.Kani
napani
yagust
ongkumainngPizzaaticecream.

"ITHINKI'
LLbeassassi
natedlat
er.
"BulongniLuci
ferkayI
ri
shabangkumakai
nsil
ang
Pizzasaisl
andcounteratsiNiccol
onamanaypanaydaansapi nt
o."Angsamang
ti
nginsaki
nngasawamo.Hi ndinaakomagtakakungpaglalamayannaakomamaya
saIsl
a."

TumawasiI r
issakapi
nakagatulitsiLuci
fersapizzanahawakni ya."Hayaanmosi ya.
Alam ko namang wala si
yang kasal
anan sa l
ahatng sakitna naranasan ko ni
tong
nagdaangbuwanper oangsarappar i
nniyangsapaki
nmi nsan.Pini
pigi
l
ankol angkasi
hi
ndipaniyaakomaalala."

Luci
ferl
aughed."
Dapatnapal
asi
yangmaghandadahi
lbabawikakapagnakaal
alana
si
ya.
"

Tumangosiyasakakumagatngpi
zzasapar
tenawal
apangkagatniLuci
fer
."Hayaan
mosiya.Anyways,kumust
aangI
sla?"

Luci
fershr
ugged."
Sti
l
lasexi
sl
and.
"

Natawasiya."Akal
akobaayaw ngmgakapatidmonat i
nat
awagnaSexI
slandang
Temptat
ionIsl
and?Becausei
tsmor
ethant
hat
,remember
?"

Luci
fersnor
ted."
It
sst
il
lasexi
sl
andt
ome.Anyways,kai
l
anangbal
i
kni
yoniNi
ccol
o
doon?"

Umil
i
ngsi yaatbumunt
ong-hi
ninga."
Sakal
agayanni
yangayon,hi
ndipapuwede.Hi
ndi
nganiyaakomaalal
ae."

Napati
ti
gsakaniyasiLuci
fer
."Ar
eyouokaywithitt
hough?Imean,i
sitpai
nfult
olook
andtal
ktoyourhusbandwhodoesn'
trememberyou?"

I
ri
sputherhandoverherhear
tandsmi
l
esadl
y."
Myhear
tisachi
ngever
yti
meIseehi
m.
But
..
.Ihavet
oendur
eitf
ormyhusband'
sheal
th.
"

Luci
fert
sked."
Angsuwer
tesayonggagong' yon.Anghabangpasensi
yamoatang
l
awakngpag-unawamo.Hindilahatngbabaekatul
admonasobra-sobraangpag-
i
nti
ndisaasawani
l
a."

Gumuhitangngit
isamgal abini
ya."Igetitfrom myMom.Sakani yaakonagmana.
Noon,kahi
tangdamingginagawaniPapá,hindinaubusanngpasensi
yaangMamáko.
She'
salwaysther
eforPapá.AndIwanttobel ikethattoNi
ccol
o,Iwanttobether
efor
hi
m.Hanggatkayako,i
nti
ndihi
nkosiya.
"

"
He'
sal
uckymot
herf
ucker
."

Nat
awasi
ya."
Mahal
namanni
yaako,kayaayosl
ang.
"

"Nakali
mutankanga,mahalkapari
n."Nai
l
ingsiLuci
fernanatatawa."Thatsofuckup.
Nihindini
yaal
am kungbaki
tkani
yamahalobakitsi
yanagseselos.Nakakabal
iwyon."

"Hindikapabaaalis?"Bosesi
yonniNi
ccol
onahindinayatanakati
isatpumasoknasa
kusinapagkataposngmgapadaan-daanni t
osapinto."Lumayaskana,Monast er
io.
Anddon' tt
alktoI
ri
sorfli
rtwi
thher
.Don'
tyouknowthatshe'sf
ait
hful
?"

Luci
ferl
aughedandlookedather."Thi
siswhyi
'
mt el
i
ngyout
hatCor
maci sverylucky
tohaveyou.But
inganabunti
skakaagadniCormac.Wal
anangmakakaagaw sayosa
kani
yakasimagkakaanaknakayo."

Hi
napl
osni
yaangt i
yan."
Oongae.Masayaakokasimagkakaanaknakami
.I'
m sur
e
Cor
macisexci
tedt
oseeourbaby.
"

"
Ini
wankangani
ya.
"SabadniNi
ccol
o.

Hi
ndini
yai
topi
nansi
n."
Cor
macl
ovesmesomuch.
"

"
Nasaanbasi
yangayon?"SabadnanamanniNi
ccol
o.

"
Kapagbumal
i
ksi
ya,pupupugi
nkot
alagasi
yanghal
i
k-"

"
Iri
s,masaki
tangl
i
kodko.
"

Tumi
ngi
nsi
yakayNi
ccol
o."
Maymasaki
tsayo?"

Ni
ccol
opout
edandpoi
ntedhi
sback."
Ithur
ts.I
tsachi
ng.
..ouch.
"
Pi
gil
niyaangmat
awa.Nagda-dr
amananamanangasawani
ya.

"
Masaki
tbangsobr
a?"Paki
kisakayni
yasaasawani
ya.

Dahan-dahanit
ongumuposast oolatl
ukotangmukhanapar
angmaymasaki
tit
ong
i
nii
nda."Angsaki
t,I
ri
s..
.fuck.
."

Umali
ssiya sa pagkakaupo saka umi
kotpat
ungo kayNi
ccol
o athi
nawakan i
to sa
beywangathinapl
osangl i
kodnito.

Thenshepressedherchestagai
nsthisbackear
ningagr
oanf
rom Ni
ccol
o,t
henshe
whisper
edoverhi
sear."
Masakitpaba?"

Kumuyom angkamaoni
to."
H-hi
ndina.
"

Lihi
m si
yangnat
awa."Si
guradoka?"Pinagapangni
yaangkamaypababasahi
tani
to.
"Saanpaangmasaki
tsayo,Niccol
o?"

Mal
akasnatumikhi
m siNiccolo."W-wal
ana.Okaynaako.
"Umal
i
sit
osast
oolsaka
l
umayosakani
ya."AndIr
is,st
opf l
i
rti
ngwi
thme.
"

Napangit
isiyanangmagwalkoutsiNi
ccol
osakusi
na.Nagkat
ingi
nannamansi
l
ani
Luci
feratsabaynanat
awa.

NANG MAKAALISSILuci
fer
,masamapar inangti
mplaniNiccol
o.Nasasalasi
toat
nanunuodngNewsper
omadili
m angmukhani
toatpanayangtagi
sngbagang.

"
Niccol
o-"

"
Don'
ttal
ktome.
"

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katsiI
ri
ssakahinayaannal
angangasawa.Pumuntasiyasakusi
napar
a
gumawangsandwichatkapesakadinal
aiyonsasal
asayi
nil
apagsacent
ert
able.

"
Mag-mer
yendakamuna.
"Sabini
yakayNi
ccol
o.

Atangl
oko,t
umayol
angatni
l
ayasansi
ya!

Nagdadabognaumuposi
yasasof
aatki
nai
nangsandwi
chnagi
nawani
ya.Per
onang
angkapenaangii
numi
nni
ya,bi
glanal
angsumul
potsiNi
ccol
oati
nagaw '
yonsakani
ya
atpi
nal
it
anngjui
ce.

"
Masamasabunt
isangkape.
"Ani
tosakaumal
i
snanamanngsal
as.

Napat
it
igsi
yasaj
uicenagi
nawani
to.

Gal
itba i
to o nagpapal
ambing lang?Hi
ndiniya mai
nti
ndi
han ang ugal
iniNi
ccol
o.
Par
angit
oangbunt isatpabago-bagoangugal
i
.

"
Pasal
amatkat
alagangl
alaki
ka,mahal
kit
a."Bul
ongni
ya.

"
Paki
uli
tnga.
"

NapaigtadsiIr
issagulatatmunti
knangmapahiyaw ngmar
ini
gangbosesniNi
ccol
osa
l
ikodniya.Atnangl i
nguninniyait
o,gahi
blanal
angangpagit
anngmgal abini
l
adahi
l
naka-ukloit
oparamagpant ayang
mukhani l
a.

"
Iri
s."

"
W-what
?"

"
Subuanmoakongsandwi
ch.
"

"
Ayoko-"

"
SinubuanmongasiLuci
fere,taposakoayaw mo?"Maypagt
atamposabosesni
to.
"
Bakasumaki
tangul
okosagi nagawamo."

Atnanakotpaangl
oko!

I
nil
api
tni
yar
it
oanghawaknasandwi
chnaki
nagat
annani
yaatmabi
l
isnamani
tong
kumagat
.

"
Iri
s?"

"
Ano?"Sagotni
yahabangnakat
it
igsamukhani
to.

"
Nagsesel
osako.
"
"
Tapos?"

"
Masakit
"Wikanit
onaparabangnagsusumbongsakani
ya."
Dibasabimo,kapagmay
masaki
tsaki
n,aal
agaanmoako?"

"
Oo.
"Sagotni
ya,"
per
oibanaman'
yon.
"

"
Paanongi
ba,emasaki
tangpusoko?"

Hi
ndinapi
gil
anniI
ri
snamapangi
ti
."You'
recheesy,j
ustl
i
kemyhusband-"

"Don'tcomparemet ohim."Sumamananamanangekspr
esyonngmukhaniNiccol
o.
"I
'm bett
ert
hanhim!Hell!'
m moreamazi
ngt
hanhi
m!Compar et
ome,yourhusbandis
nothi
ngi'mtel
l
ingyou,nothi
ng!
"

"Si
gnor?"HumahangosnapumasoksiPi
etr
o."
Areyouokay?Icanhearyouf
rom
out
side."

I
nubosniyaangj
uiceatsandwi
chsakatumayo."
Nagsesel
ossiyasaasawakoPi
etr
o.
Shesai
dmyhusbandisnothi
ngcomparetohi
m.Tell
me,Piet
ro,isi
ttr
ue?"

Nat
awanal
angsiI
ri
ssakanapai
l
ing-i
l
ing.Nababal
i
wnaangasawani
ya.But
ingasayo.

CHAPTER34

I
RITADO nanamanangasawani
ya.Parait
ongbatanahindipi
nansi
nsiPi
etr
onang
maghapunansi
l
a.Hi
ndini
yaal
am kungdahi
lbanasaCol
l
egedayspalangangnaal
ala
ni
tokayapar
ait
ongbat
akungumakto.

Hegetsjeal
oussoeasil
y,heevent
ri
edt
ofir
edPi
etro!Hi
ndinamangani
toangNi
ccol
o
nanaki
l
alaniya.Doesmatur
it
ycomeswi
thmemor
ies?

Napail
i
ngnalangsiI
ri
shabangpi
nagmamasdansiNi
ccol
onanakatingi
nsaTVnahi ndi
naman naka-on. Si
gur
o ng nagugul
uhan di
n it
o sa nangyayariri
to, sa mga
nar
aramdamannitonghi
ndipami
l
yarr
it
o.

Ano ba kasi
ng nangyayarisa asawa ni
ya?Kai
l
angan ba ni
ya i
tong l
ambi
ngi
n par
a
mawalaangka-immat ure-ranni
to?

Bumuntong hi
ninga si
ya saka l
umapi
tdi
to atumupo sa kanang ar
mrestng pang-
i
sahangsofanakinauupuannito.
"
Niccol
o?"Pi
nal
ambi
ngni
yaangboses.

Hedi
dn'
tmovenoracknowl
edgeher
.

Umangatangkamayniyapar
ahapl
usi
nangbuhokni
toatdahan-dahan'
yongsi
nukl
ay
gami
tangdali
rini
ya.

"
Gal
i
tkapaba?"Tanongni
yasamasuyongboses.

Sahal
i
pnasagut
insi
ya,i
hini
l
igni
toangul
osadi
bdi
bni
yaati
pini
kitangmgamat
a.

Napangi
tisi
ya.Nagpapal
ambi
ngl
angpal
aangmagal
i
ngkongasawa.

"Huwagkanangmagali
tkayPiet
ro.
"Sabiniyasamasuyopari
ngboses."
Hi ndinaako
maglal
alapi
tsakani
yakungayaw mo.He' saniceguy,Ni
ccol
o.Kahitminsan,hindi
saki
nnagpakit
angmasamangugalisiPi
etr
o-"

"
Iri
s."

Shest
il
l
ed."
Hmm?"

"
For
getaboutPi
etr
o..
.thi
nkofme.Onl
yme.
"

Napangi
tisi
yahabanghi
nahapl
osangbuhokngasawa."
Justdon'
tbemadanymor
e."

MasuyongyumakapangmgabrasoniNi
ccol
osabeywangni
yahabangnakahi
l
igpar
in
angul
osadibdi
bniya."
Iri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Masaki
tangul
oko.
"

Kaagadnanar
amdamanniIri
snahindinagda-dr
amaangasawani
ya."
Gust
omobang
magpahi
ngakana?Sasamahanki
ta."

TumangolangsiNiccol
oper ohindigumalaw.Kayahinawakanni
yaangkamaynit
oat
i
nalal
ayanpat
aas,patungosakuwar toni
toatpinahi
gaitosakamahabangsi
yanaman
aynakaupoatnakasandalsaheadboardngkama.
Magkat
abisi
l
aniNi
ccol
oathi
nahapl
ospar
inni
yaangbuhokni
tohabangnakapi
ki
tni
to.

Panayangkunotngnuoni t
oatpaminsan-minsanaynapapai
gtadni
tonapar
abang
nasasakt
ankapagkuwanaybubunt
ong-hi
ninga.

Naawasi
yasaasawani
ya."
Areyoui
npai
n?Umi
nom kanabanggamotmo?"

Hej
ustgr
oaned.

"
Dadal
hinki
tasaHospi
tal
."

Bagopasiyamakagalaw par
atawagi
nsiPi
etr
oayt
umagi
l
idi
tonghi
gaatyumakapsa
kani
yasakaisi
nubsobangmukhasati
yanni
ya.

"
Stay.
"hewhi
sper
ed.

"
Per
o-"

"
Pleasest
ay.
..I
"l
lbeokayl
ater
."

Ti
ningnanni
yaangorasansabedsidetabl
enit
o.Kapaglumipasangtr
ent
ami
nut
ona
masakitpar
inangul
onit
o,dadal
hinni
yaitosaHospi
tal
kahi
tayawnit
o.

Butafterten mi
nutes.He fel
lasleep.Hindigumalaw siI
riso lumi
kha ng kahi
tna
kaunt
ingingayparahindii
tomagising.Bast
apinagpat
uloyl
angniyaangpaghaplossa
buhoknit
ohabangnakat i
ti
gsamukhani to.

"
Imi
ssyou.
"Bul
ongni
yasamahi
nangboses."
Imi
ssyousomuch.
"

Nat
igi
l
ansiI
ri
snghumi
gpi
tangyakapsakani
yaniNi
ccol
o.I
sheawake?

"
Rest
."Shewhi
sper
edandcont
inuedcombi
nghi
shai
r.

I
ri
sletherhusbandsleepwhil
ehuggingher
.Maybehemisseshert
oo.Hi
ndilangal
am
ni
to kung baki t nito nar
aramdaman iyon. Who knows? Gusto lang niya
makapagpahingasiNiccol
o.

Per
osapaglipasngil
angor
as,hi
ndinamalayanniI
ri
snanakat
ulogdi
npalasiya.Nang
magisi
ngsi
ya,maayosnaangpagkakahi
ganiyasakamaatnakaunannasiyasabraso
ngasawaatnakayakap.
Napangi
tisiIr
isatpinagsi
ksi
kanpaangsar
il
isakat
awanniNi
ccol
oathi
nal
i
kani
tosa
l
eegbagopi nagpat
uloyangpagtul
og.

Walasiyangpaki
alam kunganongisi
pinnit
obukas.Angmahalagasakani
yakasama
ni
yait
ongayon.Yakapsi yani
tongayonggabi.Kahi
tngayonmanlang,mar
anasanul
i
t
ni
yaangmat ul
ognakasamaangasawani ya.

Humigpi
tangyakapni
yasabeywangngasawaatbagosi
yat
uluyangl
amuni
nngant
ok,
nar
amdamanniyaanglabinahumal
i
ksanuoniya.

NAGISI
NG SIIr
iski
naumagahansakuwar
toniNiccol
operowal
anar oonangasawa.
Kaagadsi
yangbumangonatl umi
patsakuwart
oniyaatil
angorasnanatulogdoon.
Nangmagisi
ngsiyaul
it
,sakal
angsi
yabumangonatnagl
i
nisngkatawanatbumabasa
kusi
na.

Nakahandanaangagahankayakumai
nnasi
yapagkat
aposmag-t
impl
anggat
as.

Nasakal
agi
tnaanngpag-aagahansiI
ri
sngpumasoksiNi
ccol
osahapag-kai
nan.

"
Nakat
ulog ka ba ng maayos?"Tanong ni
to ng makal
api
tsa mesa atumi
nom ng
mal
amignat ubi
g.

Ti
pidsi
yangt
umango.

"
Yousur
e?Youl
ookbot
her
ed.
"Pansi
nni
tosakani
yahabangt
it
ignat
it
igsakani
ya.

Ti
pidsi
yangngumi
ti
."I
'm okay.
"

"
Hindi
baakomasar
apnakat
abi
?"Kapagkuwanayt
anongni
to.

Shel
ookedatNi
col
o."
Paanosasar
apewal
anamant
ayonggi
nawa.
"

Gumuhi
tangpi
l
yongngi
tisamgal
abini
to."
Gust
omomaygawi
ntayo?Maghahanda
nabaako?"

"
Bal
i
w."Yonl
angangnai
tugonni
yadahi
lgust
ori
nnamanni
ya.
.kayal
anghi
ndipuwede.

Perohanggangkai
lanbaniyamapi
pigi
l
anangsar
il
i?Maybethisishor
monestal
ki
ng,
butshereall
ywant
sherhusbandsomuch.Somuchthatshekeepsonthi
nki
ngabout
thei
rpastl
ovemaki
ng.
Pi
nakat
it
igansi
yani
tobagohi
nawakanangkamayni
yaatmasuyosi
yanghi
nil
apat
ayo.

Bumili
sang t
ibokng puso niI
ri
sng munt
ikan nang magl
apatang mga l
abini
l
a ni
Niccol
o.

Sananganagl
apatnal
ang.Sai
si
pni
ya.Nangmai
bsanmanl
angi
tongpangungul
i
lana
nar
aramdamanni
ya.

Per
obagopasi yamat
uksongil
apatanglabisalabingasawa,nar
amdamanni
yang
humapl
osangkamayniNi
ccol
osatagil
i
ranniya.

"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?"Sheasked,f
orci
ngher
sel
fnott
obi
teherl
owerl
i
p.

"
Checki
ngi
fthebabyi
sokay.
"

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
That
'smywai
st,Ni
ccol
o."

"
Yeah.Iknow.
"

"
Wal
angbabydi
yan.
"

"
Papunt
anamanakokaybaby.
"

Napai
li
ng nalang si
ya athi
nayaan ang kamay nit
ong humaplos sa beywang ni
ya
pat
ungongtiyan.I
baangepektono'
nsakani yaper
opi l
i
tnapini
pigi
l
anniya.

"
Ismybabyokay?"Paki
kisakayni
yakayNi
ccol
o.

"
Yeah.It
hinkso.
"Maypi
l
yongngi
tii
tosamgal
abi
.

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Taposnabaangcheckupko,Doc?"

Umuponai t
osaupuan."Yeah.You'r
eokay.A l
i
ttl
epalebutyou'
reamazing.
..and
beaut
if
ul.
..andyou'
rer
obbi
ngtheoxygeni
nmylungsever
yti
meyou'renear
."

Nat
awasi
ya."
Soi
'
m ar
obbernow?"

"Yes.
"Niccol
ostaredatherf
ace."
You'
rel
i
keadangerzonet
ome.Of
fli
mit
s,butIcan'
t
stopmyselff
rom goi
ngtoyou."
Andt
her
egoesherhear
tagai
n.Mel
ti
ng.

Li
him si
yangnapangi
tisakaawt
omati
konggumalaw angkamayni
yapar
alagyanng
pagkai
nangpinggannit
osakasi
nal
i
nanngkape.

"Kumain ka na,baby.
"Pagkasabini
ya no'
n aynat
igi
l
an si
ya att
umi
gilt
alaga ang
paghi
nganiya.Ohshit!

Hi
ndipal
asi
yadapatumakt
ongganun!

Buti
tst
ool
atet
otakei
tback!

"Si
gurado ka bang walatayong r el
asyon noon?Tanong nito habang nakat
ingi
n sa
kani
ya."Becausei'
m star
ti
ngt othinkother
wi se.You'r
elet
ti
ngmeki ssyou,yousleepin
mybedl astni
ghtandyouj ustcall
edmebaby.Hi ndiyongawainngbabaengmahal ang
asawaniya.Akinkababagokai nagawngasawamosaki n?"

Hi
ndimakapani
wal
angnapat
it
igsi
yakayNi
ccol
o."
Inagaw?Ako?"

"Yes.
"Helooksupsetal lofthesudden."
Yonlangnamanangr asonkungbaki
tnagi
ng
asawamosi ya.Kasisiguradoakosasaril
ikonahindiki
tapakakawal
ankungaki
nka.
Soanswerme,I r
is,nagingakinkaba?"

Napati
ti
gatnapakurap-kur
apsiyasaasawani
ya."Tayo?Ahm.
..
"Goodness!Thi
sis
conf
usingashel
l
!".
..
i'
m notsur
e...
"hermi
ndi
snotf
uncti
oni
ngasi
tshoul
dbe!

"
Whyar eyounotsure?"Hel
ooksi
rr
it
atednow."
Hindimobaakomi
nahal
nuongnagi
ng
t
ayokayahindi
sigur
adoangsagotmo?"

I
ri
slovesplayi
ngtr
icksonNiccol
o,shel
ovesteasi
nghim..
.butt
hisone.
..he'
sconf
usi
ng
t
hehelloutofher
!Anditsearl
yinthemorni
ngforcryi
ngoutl
oud!

"Don'
ttal
ktome. "Sabinalangni
yapar
ahindisi
yanitosundansakaumali
snghapag
kai
nanathinanapsiPietr
onanaki t
ani
yangnagli
l
ini
sngsasakyan."Pi
etr
o.Ni
ccol
ois
dri
vi
ngmecr azy!
"

Kaagadbumakasangpag-aal
alasamukhani
to."
Areyouokay,Si
gnor
ina?"

Hindisi
yamapakalisakinat
atayuan."He'saski
ngmeifheandIhadar el
ati
onshi
p
toget
her.
"Nagpapadyaksiyasaf r
ust
rasyon."
Heaskedmeif'
Cor
mac'st
olemef rom
him!Tel
lme,Pi
etr
o,how t
hehellam Igonnaanswerhi
m?"

Umakt
ongnag-i
i
sipsi
Piet
rokapagkuwanaysumagoti
to."
Ihavenoi
deaei
ther
."
I
nis na t
inal
i
kur
an ni
ya siPi
etro saka bumal
i
k sa sal
as atnati
gil
an ng maki
tang
kumakagatngmansanassiNi
ccol
ohabangnakasandalsadi
vider
.

Tumi
im angt
it
igniyari
to.I
sal
angangnai
si
pni
yangpar
aanpar
amawal
aangi
deyang
'
yonsaisi
pniNiccol
o.

Shehastoli
eagain.Ar
gh!Ihatelyi
ngtomyhusband!Lumapi tsi
yasaasawa."Baki
tba
panayang tanong mo kung nagkar
oon t
ayo ng r
elasyon noon?"Nakapameywang
ni
yangtanong.

"
Kasigust
oki
ta.
"Der
etsahanni
tongsagot
.

"Oh,tapos?Hi
ndibapuwedengwal
aakonggust
osayoatmasmahalkoangasawa
ko?"

Nagdil
i
m angmukhani
to."
Baki
tbamahalnamahalmoasawamoei ni
wankangani
ya?
Ehindibamag-i
sakangayon?Anobaangmayroonsakani
ya,ha?What'
ssospeci
al
abouthi
m?"

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
yakayNi
ccol
o.

Nakakagago ang usapan ni

lang dal
awa!Nakakabal
i
w!Per
o kai
l
angan ni
ya i
yong
sakyanhangganghindipasi
yanit
onaalal
a.

"
Niccol
o."Tini
ti
ganni
yai
to samgamat
a."
Mahalkoang asawako.Hi
ndini
yaako
i
nagaw sayo.
"

"ButIl
ikeyou.."hewhi sper
ed," no,that'
snotit,Ithinki
'minlovewithyou,I
ri
s.Idon't
evenknow whyi '
mf eelingt
hisway.MaybebecauseIal readyfel
tthi
swaybeforeIlost
mymemor y.Kayahindinawalakahi tnakali
mutankita.Myheartremembersyou,I
ri
s,so
i
'm sor
ryifi'
m hopi
ngt hatmyf eeli
ngswasr eci
procated.
"

Herhear
tmel
ted."
Niccol
o..
."

Nag-iwasit
ongt
ingi
nsakai
niwansi
yasasal
as.Si
yanamanaynapasunodangt
ingi
n
sal
ikodnit
o.

Hel
ooksr
eal
l
yfr
ust
rat
ed.Andsoi
sshe!

Thi
ssetup,t
hesel
i
es!Shehat
edt
his!Butf
orNi
ccol
o'sheat
hy,she'
str
yingt
oendur
e!
I
nisna umupo si
ya sa pang-i
sahang sof
a saka napahi
l
amosang sar
il
ing pal
ad sa
mukha.

Thisissoconfusi
ng!Parangbumali
knanamansi
yasadat
inananghuhul
asiyakungsi
CormacbaaysiNi ccol
o.Butthi
sti
me,noonewoul
dtakethebai
tbecausesheknew
thatherhusbandandNiccoloi
sthesameper
son!

Ang sar
il
ini
ya mismong asawa ang nagugul
uhan ngayon atnadadamay si
ya sa
kagul
uhang'
yon!

Inisnabumugangmarahasnahini
ngasil
ri
sataal
i
ssanasasalasnangdumatingsi
Niccol
oatpabagsaknanauposasahi
g,sahar
apanngki
nauupuanniyangsof
asaka
sinaponi
toangul
o.

"I
'minpai n,I
ri
s."Wi kani
tohabangnakati
ngi
nsakani
ya."
Masaki
tdi
tooh.I
naawaymo
kasiako,yontuloy,sumakitangul
oko."

Alam ni
yang umaart
el ang i
to pero si
nakyan ni
ya ang asawa saka bahagyang
dumukwangathinapl
osangnuonito."Masaki
tpaba?"

Tumangoit
o."Oo.I
naawaymokasiakoeouch!I
tshur
ts.
"Li
him si
yangnapai
l
ing,par
a-
par
aandinit
ongasawaniyae.

"
Hal
i
kar
it
o."l
binukani
yaangmgahi
ta,"
lapi
tkasaki
n."

Mabi
li
snaumusogsiNi ccol
opatungongsagi
tnangnakabukani
yanghi
taatdooni
to
umupo.Nakat
ali
kodi
tosakaniya.

I
numpi sahanniyangmasahii
nngmasuyoanggi
l
idngul
oni
to."
Masaki
tpaba?"May
pagl
alambi ngnatanongni
ya.

"
Hmm-mm. "Sagotnit
osakaihi
nil
i
gangul
osakananghi
tani
ya."Masaki
t,I
ri
s.Alagaan
moako.Hindibasabimoaalagaanmoakokapagmaymasaki
tsaki
n?Yongt agi
l
iranko
masaki
tnanaman.

"Li
him nanatawanalangsi
yasaasawani
yahabanghi
nihi
l
otangnuoni
to,pababasa
gil
i
dngt ai
nga,pababasabatokni
to.

Atnamal
ayannal
angni
yangmal
ali
m naangpaghi
ngangasawaatmukhangnakat
ulog
i
to.

Tumigi
lsi
yasapagmamasahesanuoni
yaatt
ini
ti
ganangmaamoni
tongmukhana
nat
utul
og.
Wal
asasar i
li
ngnapangit
isi
yaatpinaglandasangdul
ongdali
rini
yasapi
sngini
to.
Nat
utuwasi
yadahi
lmalayani
yangnati
ti
ti
ganangmukhangasawaniya.

"
Signor
ina-"

"
Shh..
."sawayni
yakayPi
etr
oatt
inur
osiNi
col
onamahi
mbi
ngnanat
utul
ogsahi
tani
ta.
"
He'sasleep.
"

"
Oh.Midispi
ace."ThenPi
etr
o'svoi
cedr
oppedl
ow."
Iwasj
ustwonder
ingwhatyou
wantf
orl
unch?"

Bumabaangt i
ngi
nniyakayNi
ccol
oatnaalal
ani
yanagust
ong-gust
oni
toangl
utoni
ya.
"How aboutwecookmyhusband'
sfavor
it
e?"

Pi
etr
osmi
l
ed."
Goodi
dea.
"AniPi
etr
osakaumal
i
snapar
asi
gur
obumi
l
ingi
ngr
edi
ent
s.

SiNi
ccol
onamanaygumal
aw angul
oatbahagyangnapasubsobkayanagi
si
ng.

"
Fuck.
..
"hegr
oaned.

Tumayoitoatnagul
atsi
yanang hawakansi
yasakamaysakahi
nil
asi
yapat
ayoat
gi
niyasi
yapauposamahabangsof
a.

Atangl
okoni
yangasawa,nahi
gasamahabangsof
aatgi
nawangunanangmgahi
ta
ni
ya!

"
Letme sl
eep f
ora l
i
ttl
e whi
l
e,I r
is.
"Bulong ni
to saka yumakap sa beywang ni
ya.
"
Maybei
fyou'
reher
ewithme,i'
ll
beabl et
osleepwithoutnight
mares."

"
Night
mar
es?"Gagadni
yanamaypag-aal
ala.

"
Yeah.WhenIgetbl
ownup.Ikeeponseeingiti
nmydr eamsandIdon'
tknow whyI
wassoaf
rai
dtodi
e.Iwast
hinki
ngofsomeonebutcan'
trememberwho."

Maybehe'
sthi
nki
ngofher
?Oh,myNi
ccol
o.

"Thensl
eep."Hinapl
osniyaangbuhokni
totul
adngpal
agini
yanggi
nagawanagustong
gustoni
to.Atpagkal
ipasngangil
angsegundo,l
umal
i
m angpaghi
nganit
oatbahagyan
panghumi l
i
k!

Napangi
tisi
yasakapat
uloynahi
napl
osangbuhokni
tohanggangsai
nant
oksi
yaat
nakat
ulogdi
nhabangnakaupo.

Perosagulatni
ya,nangmagi
si
ngsi
ya,nakahi
ganasi
yasasof
aatmayunanpa.And
Niccol
oisnowheretobef
ound.

Bumangonsi
ya."
Nasaankayaangl
alaki
ngyon?"

Kinukusotang mukhaatmaghihikabpanalumabassi yangbahaykapagkuwanay

natul
ossakinatat
ayuanngmakit
angnasaharapansiNiccol
ongsasakyangnakabukas
anghoodatpar angsi
nusur
ini
toangmakinangsasakyan.

Hi
ndil
ang'
yon,nakahubad-bar
opai
to!

Napal
unoksi
yangmapagmasdanangmat
ipunongkat
awanngasawa.

Alam ni
yangnakaawangangl
abini
yanangbi
glanal
angi
tonghumar
apsakani
yaat
ngumiti
.

"
Oh.You'
reawake.
"

Pasi
mpl
esiyangnag-iwasngt
ingi
n."
Yeah.
"Kapagkuwanayt
umi
ngi
nsi
yar
it
o."
Hindi
nabamasakitangul
omo?"

Si
naponi
toangdi
bdi
b."
Her
e..
.ithur
ts.
..
"

Hindini
yaal
am kungnagbi
bir
opaitoot ot
oo,kayanamankaagadniyait
ongni
l
api
tan
perobagopani
yamakitangmalapi
tanangdibdi
bnit
oayniyakapsi
yani
to.

"
Thankyou.Forbei
ngmypi
l
low.
"Masuyongsabini
to.

Wal
asasar
il
inat
inugonni
yaangyakapni
to.

I
tfeel
ssogoodt
oembr
acedNi
ccol
o.I
tfeel
ssogoodt
obewi
thhi
mli
ket
hisagai
n.

"
Ithoughyou'
ref
ait
hful
."

Bi
glasiyangnatauhansasi
nabini
tokayakaagadsi
yanghumakbangpal
ayoper
ohi
ndi
si
yahinayaanniNiccol
o.

Humigpi
tangpagkakayaposnit
osabeywangni
yaati
si
nandalsi
yasahoodngkot
seat
i
nil
api
tpanit
olal
oangkat awansakani
ya.
Shegul
ped."
Niccol
o-"

"
I'
mt aki
ngyout oIt
aly,I
ri
s."Wikanit
onaiki
nagulatni
ya."Thatwoul
dbet
hreedays
f
rom now.Atsatat
longaraw na'yonnahi
ndikakunindi
tongasawamo,hi
ndinaki
ta
i
babal
iksakani
ya.Akinkana."

Napi
pil
ansiI
ri
satnagpasal
amatsi
yanangdumat
ingsiPi
etr
o.

"
Signor
ina,handanaangl
ahat
."

Kaagadsiyanghumakbang pal
ayokayNiccol
oatli
him nanagpasal
amatkayPi
etr
o
sakanagmamadali
ngti
nungoangkusi
naparamagl
uto.

Twohoursl
ater
,masayanangnaghahai
nngpagkai
nsiI
ri
skasamasiPi
etr
onapi
l
itna
pi
napauposi
yaati
naagaw anggi
nagawani
ya.

"Readytheplat
esandi
'
llgogetmyhusband.
"Bi
l
inni
yakayPi
etr
osakai
niwani
tosa
hapag-kai
nan.

Exci
tedsi
yanghi
nanapsiNi
ccol
oatnat
agpuanni
yai
tosakuwar
toni
to.

"
Hey.
"Sumi
l
ipsi
yasapi
ntongsi
l
idni
to."
Lunchi
sready.
"

Ni
hindingasi
yani
topi
nansi
n.Pat
uloyl
angi
tosapagl
alar
osahar
apngcomput
er.

Kunotangnuongpumasoksiyasakuwar
toni
toati
nal
i
sangheadsetni
tongsuotsaka
nagsal
i
ta."
Lunchi
sready,Ni
ccol
o."

Hi
ndinanamansi
yani
topi
nansi
n!

Umuklo si
ya atisa-i
sa ni
yang t
inanggalang nakasaksak sa ext
ensi
on wi
re saka
t
umingi
ndito."Lunchi
sready.
"

Ti
ningnansi
yani
tongmasama."
I'
m nothungr
y.Goaway.
"

Nakapameywangsi
yasai
ri
tasyongnar
amdaman."
Niccol
o,Icookedf
oryou-"

"Li
ar.
"Puno ng pag-aakusa ang bosesni
to."
Ihear
d youear
li
er.Youcooked your
husband'
sfavor
it
e."
Napatanga si
ya sa asawa niya.Gusto ni
yang sabunutan ang sar
il
ing buhok sa
fr
ustr
asyongnarar
amdaman.Per opar
amai wasangmaymasabisi yatungkolsatunay
ni
langrel
asyongdal
awa,lumalabasnalangsi
yangkuwar t
onitoatpumasoksakuwar to
ni
ya.

Kaagadnanangi
l
idangl
uhani
yanakaagadnamam ni
yangt
inuyo.

Pinaghi
rapanniyaangnil
utoniyaparasanamasiyahanangasawani
yaatganahan
i
tongkumai n.Per
odahi
lsapagpapanggapni
ya,gumuguloangl
ahat
!

Kahi
t kail
an tal
aga, sa kahit na anong rason pa man, hi
ndi maganda ang
magsinungal
i
ng!Lal
onasat aongmahal ni
ya!

Thi
ssetup..
.thispret
ensionisdr
aini
ngher
!Gust
onani
yangsabi
hinl
ahatkayNi
ccol
o
per
oinaal
alaniyaangkalagayanni
to.

"
Butt
hisi
stor
tur
e."mahi
nani
yangbul
ongsakawal
angi
ngaynanapahi
kbi
.

"Kakai
nnaako."AnangbosesniNi
ccol
onanasapi
ntuanngkuwar
toni
ya."
Huwagka
nangumiyak.
"

Ti
nuyoniyaang mgal
uhaathumar
ap di
toper
ohi
ndini
yai
tot
ini
ngnan."
Magl
ulut
o
nal
angakongiba.
"

"
Hindi
nakai
l
angan-"

"
No.Ii
nsi
st.Bakahi
ndi
kamat
unawan.
"

Balakniyang l
ampasanl ang siNiccol
operonapi
gil
ansiyanit
oatnai sandalsi
yasa
hamba ng pintuan ng kuwarto ni
ya atmat
ii
m si
yang t
ini
ti
gan per
o siya,hi
ndisi
ya
tumingi
ndito.

"
Iri
s..
.lookatme.
"

Hi
ndisi
yasumunod.

"
Iri
s..
.pl
ease,l
ookatme.
"

Tumi
ngi
nsiyarit
oatsumasalangt
ibokngpusoni
yangmaki
tangmal
api
tnamal
api
t
angmgalabini
l
a.
Gahi
blanal
angangpagi
tanni
yon.

Bumukaangbibigni
yapar
amagsali
tangbigl
anal
angnitongsi
nii
lngmapusoknahal
i
k
angmgalabini
yananagpasi
nghapsakani
yangmalakas.

Sheshoul
dpushhim away.
..becauseshe'spr
etendi
ngtobemarri
edt
osomeoneelse,
butshecoul
dn'
t.Sheevenwoundherar msaroundhisneckandpul
l
edhi
m closert
o
her
.

Shemi
ssedhi
ski
ssesandhi
stouchandhi
sli
psonherski
n.

Napapi
kitsiI
ri
sngbumabaanglabiniNi
ccol
osal
eegni
yaatt
inungoangt
aingani
ya
par
alar
uinanggil
i
datloobni
yonngdil
ani
to.

"
N-Niccol
o..
." mahi
na ni
yang dai
ng ng gumapang ang kamay ni
to pababa sa
mayayamanniyangdi
bdi
batsabayi
yongminasahe."
Uhm..
."

Si
nakopul
i
tngmgal abiniNi
ccol
oanglabini
yaatmasnagi
ngmai
nitanghal
i
kanni
l
ang
dal
awa,mapusoknalabananngdil
aathapl
usanngkat
awan.

Narar
amdaman ni
yang i
papasokna niNi
ccolo ang kamaysa l
oob ng suotni
yang
cot
tonnashor
tngmari
nignil
aangbosesniPi
etr
osai baba.

"
Signor
!Si
gnor
ina!Lunchi
sready!
"

Par
ehonghabol
anghi
ningangnaghi
wal
ayangmgal
abini
l
aniNi
ccol
oatnagkat
it
igan.

"
You'
renott
hatf
ait
hful
aft
eral
l
."Wi
kani
tohabanghabol
anghi
ninga.

Ngumi
tisi
ya."
Sti
l
lam,Ni
ccol
o.I
'm st
il
lam.
"

Pagkasabini
yonayhindinani
yapi
nigi
l
anangsar
il
i,si
yanaanghumal
i
kdi
tonakaagad
namannitongti
nugon.

Per
obagopal
umal
i
m anghal
i
kanni
l
a,nar
ini
gnanamanni
l
aangbosesniPi
etr
o.

"
Signor
!Si
gnor
ina!Thef
oodi
sget
ti
ngcol
d!"

Habol
anghi
ninganani
yakapsi
yaniNi
ccol
oati
si
nubsobni
toangmukhasal
eegni
ya.

"
Kunghi
ndil
angl
oyal
siPi
etr
o,kani
nakopasi
yanabar
il
."Bul
ongni
tonai
kinat
awani
ya.
"
Kumai
nnakasit
ayo.
"Ani
ya.

Ni
ccol
ogr
oaned."
Butyoucookedyourhusband'
sfavour
it
e.Idon'
twantt
oeati
t.
"

Li
him si
yangnapai
l
ing."
Oona.I
pagl
ulut
onaki
tangi
ba.
"

Niccol
owasgr i
nningwhenhepul ledawayf rom her."Hi
ndital
agaakonani
niwal
ana
walatayongrelasyonnoon.Marupokkapagdat i
ngsakin.Ayaw molangami
ninnamay
namagitansati
n.AndIcanf eel
from yourki
ssesthatyoumissedme.Somuch."

Shej
ustcan'
tli
eanymor
e."
Ido.Imi
ssedyou,Ni
ccol
o."

Ni
ccol
osof
tl
ycuppedherf
aceandcl
aim herl
i
psandbi
therl
owerl
i
p.

"
Signor
!Si
gnor
ina-"

"
Yes!Weheardyou,Piet
ro!
"Sigaw niNiccol
onai
nisnai
nis."
Wehear
dyout
hef
ir
st
t
ime!Youdon'
tneedt
orepeati
t,damnit!
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awasakahi
nawakanangkamayni
tosakahi
nil
apababa.

Nagpahi
l
anamansakani yasiNi
ccol
opatungonghapag-kainanperohi
ndimai
pint
a
angmukhani
to,kapagkuwanaypi
nauponi
yaitosahi
nugotniyaupuan.

I
ri
ssaw Ni
ccol
ost
il
l
edwhenhesawt
hef
oodont
het
abl
e.

"Thesearemyfavouri
tes.
"Wikani
tosakanagt
atanongangmatangt
umingi
nsakaniya.
"Butyousaidyou'l
lcookedyourhusband'
sfavouri
te.
"Hebl
inkedather."Am Iyour
husband,I
ri
s?"

Bagopasi
l
amakasagotni
Piet
ro,pumasokanghi
ndini
l
ainaasahangbi
si
ta.

Angconde!

"I
'm cr
avi
ngf orsomeAlmondcake!"Ngumi
tisakani
yaangconde."Icamepr epar
ed
agai
n."Sabinit
osabaypaki
tasakani
yangchessboardnadal
a."
Letsplaychess,Mrs.
Raci
ni.
"

Nawal
annangkuwent
aangpagtit
impiniI
ri
snangi l
angar
aw nahuwagsabi
hinkay
Ni
ccol
oangtot
oodahi
ll
angsasi
nabing'
yonngconde!
Andj
ustl
i
kewhatPi
etr
osai
d,Ni
ccol
ocl
utchedhi
sheadandhi
snosest
art
edbl
eedi
ng!

Andbef
oreshecanhel
ptost
ophi
snosebl
eed,hel
ostconsci
ousness.

"
Niccol
o!"

CHAPTER35

HI
NDIALAM NII r
iskung makakahinga si
ya ng maluwang o madi
dismaya si
ya ng
magisi
ngsiNiccol
oatwal apari
nitongnaalal
a,kahitnangtawagi
nsiyangcondena
Mrs.Raci
nikani
naayhindiri
nni
tomaalal
a.

Hej
ustwokeupandaskt
hem whathappened.

'
Yonl
ang.

Sigur
onadismayasi
yakasiumasasi
yanasanangamaal
alanasi
yani
toper
owal
apa
ri
n.Walangnangyar
i.

"You okay?"Tanong conde ng bumaba i

to ng sal
asatnaki
ta si
yang nakat
ayo at
nakat
iti
gsakawalan.

Kagatang pang-ibabang labina umi

li
ng si
ya."No.'m not.
"Pigilni
ya ang magi
ng
emosyonalbakabumabasiNi ccol
oatmaki t
asiyangumii
yak."I
'm doi
ngmybest ,i
'm
bei
ngbraveandunder standi
ngbutIcanonl yenduresomuch.Bakanakakal imut
an
ni
yonabuntisako,hindikonaalam anggagawinko."

NamulsasiCountKnight
."Thi
sisther
easonwhyIdeci
dednottotel
lyouinthefi
rst
pl
ace.You'
llsuf
fer
.lwanmonalangangasawamo.I
hahat
idki
tasaBogotákunggust
o
mo."

"l
i
wan?"Par angmaybumar asalalamunanni yaatsumakalsapusoni ya." Ipromised
hi
m.Whenheputbackt heweddingr i
ngonmyf ingerbackinBogotá.Ipromi senotto
l
eavehissideinsi
cknessandinheal t
h."nanubigangmat aniya,"
Ican'
tleavehi m.Ijust
can'
t.Icansti
ll
endure,yourhi
ghness.Atleasthe'
salive.That
'swhatmattersthemost ."

"
Evenwhenyou'
rehur
ti
ng?"

Tumangosiyasakapi
li
tnangumi ti
."Mahalkoangasawakoatmananat i
liakosatabi
ni
ya hanggang maal
ala ni
ya ako.li
nti
ndi
han ko si
ya atsasamahan.Kaya ko '
to.
Kakayani
nko."
CountKni
ghtt
sked."
You'
resad.Looksl
i
kecan'
ttr
ickyoui
ntobaki
ngmeanal
mond
cake.
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awasakanapai
l
ing."
May-asawaka,sakani
yakamagpa-bake.
"

Kaagadnanagl i
wanagangmukhangconde." That'
sagoodi dea.
"Nagl
akaditopaali
s
peroni
li
ngonsiyangnasapint
onasiya,"
bytheway,sinadyakotal
agangtawaginkang
Mrs.Raci
nikanina.Andi
'
m notsor
ry.
"Pagkasabino'
naylumabasnaitongbahay.

Siyanamanaynai wangnakat
ayosasal
as.Pagkal
i
pasngi
sangor
as,nat
agpuanniI
ri
s
angsari
lisakusi
naatkumakai
nngicecr
eam.

She'sf
rustr
atedandangry.Notagoodcombinat
ion.Butforherhusbandandfort
hei
r
baby,she'stryi
ng t
o cal
m hersel
f.Wal
ang mangyayarikung magagali
tsi
ya.Baka
l
umikhalang'yonngprobl
ema.

Herfocusnow shoul
dbeonherhusband.Niccol
o'sheal
thandr
ecover
y.Andherbaby,
ofcourse.Sakanani yai
i
sipi
nangsari
lini
yakapagmaayosnaangdal awangtaong
mahalagasakaniya.

Napaigt
adsiIri
sngbigl
analangmaymasuyongyumakapsakaniyamulasal
i
kur
an
habangnakauposi
yasastool
ngisl
andcount
eratkumakai
nngi
cecream.

Thenasetofl
i
pski
ssedhernapeandhughert
ight
er.

Ni
ccol
o..
.

Bi
nit
iwanniyaangicecream nahawaksakaakmanghaharapdi
toperohi
ndisi
yanito
hi
nayaan.Hejustkeeponhuggingherl
i
kehemissedherandhedoesn'
twanttoletgo
ofher.

"
Niccol
o..
."

"
Whycan'
tIr
ememberyou?"

Thequest
iont
hatbrokeherhear
t."
Don'
tfor
cei
t.Maal
alamor
inako.
"Masaki
tpar
asa
kani
yanasabi
hin'
yon.

"
Iwanti
tnow,I
ri
s.Iwantt
orememberyounow.
"

Mar
ii
nni
yangi
pini
kitangmat
asakapi
nisi
langkamaynanakayakapsabeywangni
ya.
"
Don'
tfor
cei
t.Maal
alamor
inako.Nandi
tol
angnamanako,hi
ndiakoaal
i
s.Hi
ndiki
ta
i
i
wan.
"

Ni
ccol
oki
ssedhert
empl
e."
Tel
lmesomet
hing.
"

"
What
?"

"
DidIpr
oposet
oyou?"

Sumi
kdoangpusoni
ya."
W-whydoyouask?"

"Isaw f
lashesearl
i
er .I
tsvague.Bl
urr
y.Butsaw mysel
fput
ti
ngar
ingonyourf
ingerand
promisi
ngt hatwe'
llgetwedinthechurchsoon.
"

Nahul
ogangi
sangbut
ilngl
uhasagi
l
idngmat
ani
ya."
Your
emembert
hat
?"

"
Isaw it
"Maslal
onghumi gpi
tangyakapnit
osakaniya."Butthat
'si
t.Wal
anaakong
maal
alangi
bakahi
tipi
l
itko.Maslal
ongsumasaki
tanguloko."

Masuyoniyangbinakl
asangpagkakayakapsakani
yangasawasakahumar
apdi
to
habangnakaupoparinsast
ool
atnakatayoi
to.

"
You'
recr
ying.
"Koment
oni
tongmaki
taangl
uhasapi
sngini
ya.

Ngumitisi
yasakahi
napl
osangpisngini
to."I'
m gl
adyouremembersomethi
ng.Kahi
t
'
yonlang,masayanaakodo'
n.Iknow you'l
lremembermesoon,andi
'l
lpati
ent
lywai
t
f
oritt
ohappen."

Ni
ccol
o'sf
acesof
tenedashel
ookedather
."Ki
nasal
bat
ayo?Saant
ayoki
nasal
?"

Sasagut
insanani
yaangasawaperonaalal
ananamanni
yaangpagsaki
tngul
oni
toat
angpagdugongil
ongni
to."
Int
ime,you'
l
lremember-"

"Justt
ellme-"hindini
tonat
aposangsasabi
hindahi
lnasaponi
toangul
oatmahi
nang
napadaing."
Fuck..
."

Mabi
l
isnaumali
ssiyasapagkakaupoatkumuhangt
issuesakai
nil
apatni
yai
yonsa
i
l
ongnit
onanag-uumpi
sananamangdumugo.

"Huwagmongpili
ti
n."Sabini
yangbumal
ataynanamanangsaki
tsamukhangasawa
niya."
Hayaanmona,maalalamori
nako.
"
She'
scomfor
ti
nghim butsheknew i
tsnotwor
king.Buthi
snosebl
eedt
hankf
ull
yst
ops
af
terami
nuteort
wo.

"Ther
e..
."panayangkuhaniyangtissueatpahi
dsadugongl umal
abassai
l
ongni
to
hanggangsatumigi
li
yon."
Noblood.
..shh.
..st
opt
hinki
ngaboutme-"

"
Ican'
thel
pit
."Hiseyesar
ebeggi
ng,"Mymindalwayswander
sbackt
oyou.Iwantt
o
r
ememberyou,I
ri
s.Iwantt
orememberyousobad."

"Shhh..
."sheshushedhi
m andsof
tl
ykisshi
sli
pstomakehi
m st
opt
alki
ng,"
stopi
t,
please.
..pl
ease,st
opmaki
ngmeworrysomuch.Pl
ease?"

Napati
ti
git
osakani
yasakamasuyosi
yangni
yakapatnagsal
i
ta."
Don'
tbeg.Idon'
tli
ke
seei
ngyoubeg.
"

Napangi
tisi
ya.Heal
wayssayt
hat
.Thenandnow.

"
Iwon'
tbegi
fyoul
i
stent
ome.Huwagmongpi
l
it
inangsar
il
imo.Maaal
alamor
inako.
"

Ni
ccol
osi
ghedheavi
l
y."
Okay.Iwon'
tfor
cemysel
f.Butanswermeonet
hing.
"

"
What
?"

Hepul
l
edawayf
rom herandl
ookedi
ntohereyes."
You'
remi
ne,r
ight
?"

Hi
ndisi
yasumagot
.

"
Iri
s-"

"
Don'
tpushi
t,Ni
ccol
o.Bakasumaki
tnanamanangul
omo.
"

Niccol
o si
ghed agai
n."Fine.Iwon't
.Buti'm wondering.
..
"kumunotang nuo ni
to.
"Paanokakinasal
saibakunginayaki
tangmagpakasal
?"

Ngumi
til
angsi
yasakahi
nal
i
kani
tosapi
sngi
."Comeon.Youneedt
orest
."

Nagpaubaya naman sakani

ya siNi
ccolo patungo sakuwarto ni
to atnahi
gasil
ang
dal
awa sa kama ni
to.Attul
ad nang nagdaang araw,hinapl
osniya ang buhoknit
o
habangnakayakapi
tosakani
ya.
Andsl
owl
y,shef
ell
asl
eepaswel
l
.

NICCOLO CAN' TtakehiseyesoffofI

ri
sthesepastf
ew dayssincehesaw her.He
knew somethi
ngisgoi ngonbetweenthem bef
orehelosthi
smemor i
es.Ayaw l
ang
ni
tongsabihi
nsakaniya.Hi
ndini
yait
omaalal
aperosi
guradosi
yangmaynamamagi t
an
sakanil
angdalawa.

Whathesaw befor
ehel osthi
sconsci
ousness.Thatmust
'vemeansomething!He'
s
tr
yingt
opi
eceeveryt
hingtoget
herandhe'
sforci
nghimsel
ftorememberbuthekeeps
onhavi
ngsever
eheadachesandnosebl
eeds.

Ti
nat
agoni
yal
ang'
yonkayPi
etr
oatI
ri
spar
ahi
ndiangmgai
tomag-aal
alasakani
ya.

HewantstorememberI
ri
s!Nar
aramdamanni
yangmal
akiangbahagini
tosabuhay
ni
ya.Hecanf
eeli
t.

Per
okahitnamananonggawi
nniya,t
hef
actsti
l
lremai
nthatI
ri
sismar
ri
edt
osomeone
-hi
sfr
iend,Cor
mac-andt
hey'
rehavi
ngababy!

Fuck!

Malakast
alagaangpaki
ramdam ni
yanamaynamamagi
tansakanil
angdal
awa.Nuong
unangpagkiki
tapal
angnil
anati
ti
gnati
ti
git
osakani
yaatnababasani
yasamgamat a
ni
toangpangunguli
l
a.

Thatemot
ioni
sforhi
m!Shemi
ssedhi
m!

WhenheaskedLuciferaboutIri
s,hejustlaughed.Andwhenheaskedt
heCount
,he
j
ustt
sked.AndPi
etr
owon' tt
ell
him anyt
hing!Andnow,Iri
s!

Ar
etheygangi
nguponme?

Bumugasiyangmarahasnahini
ngasakanapasabunotsasar
il
ingbuhokatnapat
igi
lsa
pagl
alakadngdumaansi yasakuwart
oniIri
s.Nakabukasangpi ntoni
yonatnakita
ni
yangnakahi
gait
osagitnangkamaatnakati
ti
gsakisame.

I
sshethinki
ngofherhusband?Wel l
,she'
snotreall
yfai
thf
ull
ikeshesai
d.Shelethim
ki
ssedher.Sheevenki
ssedhim back!Kayaalam ni
yangmaynamamagi t
ansakanila.
Noonpa.Alam ni
yangmayrel
asyonsil
aniIr
is.Al
am man'yonngasawanit
oohindi.

Akmangaal
i
ssi
yadahi
lnai
i
rit
asi
yangmaynagsal
i
tasal
i
kodni
ya.
"
Signor
,thepl
anei
sready.
"

Hef
acedPi
etr
oandmot
ionedhi
mtost
epback.

Nangmal
ayonasi
l
angdal
awasakuwar
toniI
ri
s,nagt
anongsi
ya.

"
You'
remybut
lerandyouknow ever
ythi
ngaboutme.
"Pani
mul
ani
ya.

"
Yes.
"SagotniPi
etr
o.

"
Then.
..Ihaveaquest
ion.
"

"
Whati
sit
,Si
gnor
?"Tanongni
tonghi
ndisi
yanagsal
i
tapagkal
i
pasngi
l
angsegundo.

Het
ookaver
ydeepbr
eat
h."
Iri
sandI
..
.dowehaveat
hingf
oreachot
her
?"

KumunotangnuoniPi
etr
o."
Athi
ng?Whatt
hing?"

Nasaponi
yaanghuoatpatul
oynanag-expl
ainkayPiet
ro."
WhatImeani s,I
ri
sandI
,
dowehavearomant
icr
elat
ionshi
pwi
theachotherbef
oreherhusband?"

Pi
etr
odi
dn'
tanswer
.

"Imean..
."hetookadeepbreat
hagainandsi
ghedloudl
y,"wasIr
ismi
ne?Isaw af
lash
Piet
ro.I
twasvaguebutIknow whatIsaw.Isaw mysel
fandIr
isandi
'm put
ti
ngaring
onherfi
nger.
"Hel et
soutal
oudbreat
h."Wasshemine?"

Napat
it
igsakani
yasiPi
etr
osakangumi
ti
."Yes.Shewasyour
s..
.unt
ilr
ecent
ly.
"

Sumi
kdoangpusoni
ya."
How r
ecent
?"

"
Signor
inametCor
macandshel
i
kesCor
mac"

"-mor
ethanme?"Hi
ndisi
yamakapani
wal
a."
Whoi
sthi
sCor
mac?How ar
ewef
ri
ends?
Tel
lme,Pi
etr
o,i
shest
il
lal
i
ve?"

Pi
etr
osighedbef
orel
ooki
ngdownandmur mured,"
i'
m goi
ngt ohel
lfort
his.Midi
spi
ace,
Si
gnor.
"Kapagkuwanaynag-angatit
ongt i
nginsakaniya."ShemetCor macinthe
i
sl
andandyouandSignor
inaar
ehavingtr
oubl
eandCor macmadeherhappy. "
Nagt
agi
sangbagangniya."Sothi
sCor
macwhohappenst
obemyf
ri
end-st
olemy
womanawayandi
mpregnateher
?!"

Pi
etr
otookadeepbr
eat
h."
Yes,Si
gnor
.I'
m sosor
ry.
"

Kumuyom angkamaoni ya."

Iknew it
..
.Iknew she'
smine..
.Icanfeeliti
nmyheartand
i
nmygut ..
.butshe'
sloyal
-well
,notanymore.
"Nagtagisangbagangniyasakanapati
ti
g
sabutl
er."Isshethewomanyout oldmewhom Il oveandi swait
ingf ormetoget
bet
ter
?"

TumangosiPi
etr
o."
Yes.
"

"
Andnowshedoesn'
twantmeanymor
ebecauseshe'
smar
ri
ed?"

I
l
angsegundoangl
umi
pasbagosumagotsiPi
etr
o."
Woul
ditst
opyout
hough?"

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
No.
"

"
Ithoughtso.
"

Ni
col
osi
ghed."
Goon.Readyt
hepl
ane.I
'mt
aki
ngI
ri
stoI
tal
ywi
thme.
"

"
It
sdanger
ous-"

"Iknow butI'l
lpr
otecther.I'
m star
ti
ngt
oremembermyl if
einthear
myandi
nthe
organi
zat
ion,soshe'
llbesafewit
hme.Iwon'
tletanyonehur
ther
."

TumangosiPi
etr
o."
Ofcour
se,Si
gnor
."

Nangmakaal
i
ssiPi
etr
o,bumal
i
kul
i
tsi
yasakuwar
toniI
ri
sper
owal
anar
ooni
to.

Kaagadsiyangbumabasasalasatnangwal
ari
ndoonsiI
ri
s,t
inungoniyaangkusi
naat
napangi
tingmakit
angkumakainnanamanitongicecr
eam nabinil
iniyanuongi
sang
arawhabangnakauposaisl
andcounter
.

"
Hey.
..
"ani
ya.

Ngumit
iit
osakani
yangmaki
tasi
yaati
pinaki
taangi
cecr
eam naki
nakai
n."
Sal
amat
di
to.
"

Tumangosi
yaatl
umapi
tdi
to.Hi
ndikat
uladngmganagdaangar
aw,hi
ndini
yapi
nigi
l
an
angsar
il
ini
ya.

Hinawakan ni
ya ang magkabi
l
ang hi
tani
to sakai
binukai
yonatdoonsi
yasagi
tna
t
umayo.

Nabi
ti
nangpagkai
nsananiI
ri
sngi
cecr
eam dahi
lsagi
nawani
ya.

Andwhenhesaw t
heicecr
eam sli
pout
sidebet
weenherl
i
ps,hel
eanedi
n,l
i
ckt
hei
ce
cr
eam of
fandsl
i
dhist
ongueinsi
de.

Fuckherhusband.Fuckever
yone.She'
shisandnooneistaki
ngherawayf
rom hi
m
thi
sti
me.Notthedangeranddef
ini
tel
ynothi
sfor
got
tenmemory.

Akal
aniyai
tut
ulaksi
yani
topalayodahi
lpal
agini
tongsi
nasabinamahalni
toangasawa
ni
tokayanagul
atsi
yangtuguninni
toanghali
kni
yangmasmapusok.

"
Fuck.
..
"napamur
asi
yangnabuhayangpagkal
alakini
yasapagsi
psi
pni
tosadi
l
ani
l
a.

Napasabunoti
to sa buhok ni
ya habang nagl
alaban ng hal
ikan ang mga l
abini
la.
Nagsi
sisi
psi
pansil
ang dila,nagkakagat
anng labinapar ang sabiknasabikatang
kamayniyaaynasamayayamanni tongdi
bdibatninamasahe'yon.

"
Niccolo.
..
"shegroanedwhenhesl
i
phi
shandi
nsi
deherbl
ouseandpal
m herbr
east
.
"
Ohh...yes,Imi
ssthat
,baby.
"

Hear
inghercal
l
shi
m babysnapshi
sremai
ningcont
rol
.

"
Youmi
ssme?"Heaskedwhi
l
eki
ssi
ngI
ri
s'l
i
psf
ervent
ly.

Yes.
"Pinal
ibotniI
ri
sangbintisabeywangni
yasakamasnagi
ngmai
nitpaangl
abanan
ngdil
anil
a."Yes,baby,Imi
ssyousomuch."

Bumabaangkamayni yasasuotni
tongcott
onshor
tsakainali
s'yon.Malakasangl
oob
ni
yang hubar
an siI
ri
sdahilalam ni
yang wal
ang t
ao sa bahayna 'yon mali
ban sa
kani
l
angdalawa.

"Uhm..
.Ni
ccol
o..
."dai
ngni
tonghapl
usi
nni
yaangpagkababaeni
tomul
asasuotni
tong
under
wear
.

Sunodni
yanghi
nubadayangdami
tni
tongpang-i
taassakaangbr
asoni
to.

Nanuyoangl
alamunanni
yangmaki
taangkahubdanniI
ri
s."
Oh,f
uck.
..
"
Walangi
nhi
bisyongbumabaangkamaynitosapant
alonniyaatipi
nasoknitosal
oob
angkamayatsinaposi
yanapar
abangsanaynai
tonggawin'yonsakaniya.

He can f
eeli
t.They'
d been int
imatel i
ke t
his bef
ore.Ginawa na ni
l
aito noon.
Nar
aramdamanni
yaiyonsawalanginhi
bisyongmgahapl osni
Iri
ssakat
awanni
ya.

Lumal
im ang paghi
nga ni
ya habang nakat
ingi
n sa nang-aaki
tna ti
ti
g niIr
is.Nang
bumabapaangt i
ngi
nniyasamayayamanni tongdibdib,nawalanasaisi
pniyanamay
asawait
o..
.nanagdadal
ang-t
aoi t
o.

Bumabaangmgal abini
yasamgalabini
toatmapusoknahinal
i
kansiI
ri
snamapusok
di
nnit
ongti
nugon.Yumakapul
i
tangmgabi nt
ini
tosabeywangniya.

Nangangapaangkamayni
tonghinubadangpang-i
taasni
yangdami
tathi
napl
osang
kat
awanniyagami
tangi
sanitongkamay.

Ni
ccol
ogr
oanedashi
sli
pst
ravel
sdownt
oherneckdownt
otheval
l
eyofherbr
east
.

NapasabunotsiI
ri
ssabuhokniyangi
pasokni
yasal
oobngbi
bigangi
sangni
ppl
eni
to
atki
nagati
yonsakasi
nisi
psi
p.

"
N-Ni
ccol
o..
."buongpagnanasani
tongdai
nghabanghi
nihi
masangpagkal
alakini
ya.

"
Fuck.
"Ni
ccol
ogr
oanedwhenI
ri
sst
art
edmassagi
nghi
smanhood."
Iri
s-Oh!
"

Angmali
kotni
yangkamayaynakapasoksaloobngpantyni
toatakmanghahapl
usi
n
ni
yaangnamamasananit
ongpagkababaengpigi
l
anniI
ri
sangkamayniya.

"
No.
..
"

Hel
ookedatI
ri
sindi
sbel
i
ef."
W-why?Iwantyou-"

"AndIwantyoutoo.
"Bul
ongnitosakahi
nal
ikansiyasapisngipatungosat
aingani
ya
sakabumul
ongit
o."I
nbed.Iwantyoui
nbed,Niccolo,noti
ntheki
tchen"

"
Oh.
"That
'smusi
ctohi
sear
s."
Inbedt
hen.
"

Maingatni
yangpi
nangkosiIr
issakadi
nal
asakuwart
oniya.Habangnaglal
akadsi
yaay
hi
nahali
k-hal
i
kanni
toangleegniyapat
ungosat
aingani
yaatnapapapi
kitnal
angsi
ya.

Masl
alongnag-uumi
gti
ngangpagkal
alakini
ya.Masl
aloi
yongt
umi
ti
gasatnagwawal
a.
Andwhenhel
aidI
ri
sont
hebed,t
hei
rli
psmetandt
hei
rtonguebat
tl
ed.

I
sa-i
sang nahubad ang dami
tni
l
ahanggang wal
anang nat
ir
ang sapl
otsakani
l
ang
dal
awa.

Andwhent
hey'
rebothnaked,hi
sli
pst
rai
l
eddownf
rom herbr
eastdownt
oherbel
l
y,
downt
ohermound.

Andi
nbet
weenhert
highs,hi
stongueandl
i
psbat
hei
nherwet
ness.

A/
N:Tot
hemostbeaut
if
ult
winsiknow,

Todayisyourbi
rthday,anew beginni
ng,anew pagei nyourl
ives,anew chapterfora
new age,anew storytoli
vebyandachancet oturnthepage.Mayyouhaveal lthej
oy
yourheartcanhold.
..allt
hesmil
esadaycanbr i
ng...al
ltheblessi
ngali
fecanunf old
andmayyougett hewor ld'
sbestinever
ythi
ng.Wi shi
ngyouahappi estBirt
hday,I r
is
andIvy.

CHAPTER36

NANGI NGINI
G ANG mga hita niI
risng sumabog ang or
gasmossa kai
but
uran ng
pagkababaeniya.Nakal
i
yadangkatawanniyaatnakaawangangmgal
abihabangpiki
t
angmgamat aatbakassamukhaniyaangsar ap.

"
Niccol
o..
."mahi
nani
yangdai
nghabangunt
i-unt
inghumuhupaangor
gasmoni
ya.

PerowalangbalaksiNi
ccol
onadoonmagt aposanglahat,patul
oyit
osapagsambasa
pagkababaeniya,pat
uloyangpagtudyongdil
anitosakasel ananniya.Napapai
gtad
si
yadahilsensi
ti
bopaangkl-t
or-sni
yasatuwi
ngsini
sipsi
pnito.

NapasabunotnanamansiI
ri
ssabuhokniNi
ccoloatmasl
aloi
tongpi
nagdul
dul
ansa
pagkababaeni
yanggust
oni
yangsambahi
npani
to.

Shemi ssthi
s.Shemissdoingthi
swithherhusband.Kayanagpaubayasiyakani
na,
kayanagpadalasi
yasahali
knit
oathapl
ossakatawanniya.She'
dbeencravi
ngfort
his
pleasur
e..
.si
nceshesaw hi
m agai
n.

OnlyNi
ccol
ocanmakehercr
avet
hispl
easur
e.Onl
yherhusbandcanpl
easur
eherl
i
ke
t
his.

"
Angsarap..
."bul
ongni
yahabangumaangatangbal
akangni
yaathal
osipi
ti
nnanang
mgahi
taniyaanguloniNi
ccol
ongbini
l
isannit
oangpaggal
aw ngdi
lasapagkababae
ni
ya.

She'sstar
ti
ngt
olosehermindi
npl
easur
eagain.Angbanayadnapaggal
aw ngdi
lani
Niccol
osapagkababaeni
yaaybumi
li
satnag-umpisananamansiyangmagpabi
l
ing-
bi
ling.

"Uhm...
"napasabunotsiIri
ssasar i
l
ing buhoksakanakagatang pang-i
babang l
abi
habanggumagal aw angbalakangniyapar asundanangpaggal
aw ngdi l
angasawa.
"Yes.
..yes,oh,keepdoi
ngthat,baby.Yes..
.ohh..
.uhm!
"

I
ri
sgaspedi nsuddenpl
easur
ewhenNicol
osuckedhercl
-t.Umaangatangpaani
yaat
napasabunotsi
yasabuhokngasawa.

"
Niccol
o..
."

"Uhm...
"Ni ccol
orepl
iedwit
hamoanashekeepsonl
i
cki
ngherandsucki
nghercl
-t
andlappingherwetness.

Oonga'tnawal
anngmemor yaangasawani
yaper
omagal
i
ngpar
ini
to.Magal
i
ngpa
r
ini
tongmagpali
gayakat
uladngdati
.

I
ri
ssqueezedhereyesshutwhenshef
eltanot
heror
gasm comi
ng.

"
Cazzo!
"

Angisani
yangkamayaynakasabunotsabuhokngasawaatangi
saaymahi
gpi
tna
hawakangbedsheetngkama.

"
Oh!Ni
ccol
o..
.I'
m cumi
ngagai
n-oh!Uhm!Ni
ccol
o!"

Pi
nagdul
dul
anni
yaangbibigniNi
ccolosapagkababaeni
yaatumangatangpuwi
tan
ni
yangsumabogangpangal
awaniyangor
gasmo.

I
ri
s'l
egst r
embl
ed.Herl
i
pspar
tedi
npl
easur
eandherwhol
ebodywei
ghtf
elli
ntot
he
matt
ress.

Nil
alasappar inniI
ri
sangsarapngor gasmoniyangmar amdamanni yaangpagpasok
ngpagkalalakiniNi
ccol
osaloobniya.Kaagadsiyangnapat
inginsagi
trnanghi
tani
yaat
napakagat-labinal
angngmaki t
angnakapiki
tangasawani yahabangdahan-dahang
pi
napasokangkahabaansal oobniya.

"
Fuck.
..
"mahi
nangmur
aniNi
ccol
ongmasagadni
toangkahabaansal
oobni
ya.
Si
ya man aynapadaing ng maramdamang sagad na sagad ang pagkababae ni
ya.
Nakakabal
i
w angsar
apnahat idniyon.

Napal
unoksiIri
satnag-umpi
sananamanglumali
m anghini
ngangbumabaangmga
l
abiniNiccol
osakat awanni
ya,sadibdi
bni
ya,humahal
i
k,pinagl
alandasangdi
l
asa
l
eegniyaatki
nakagatangbal
atni
ya.

Banayad'yon,parangnaglalambingatmasar
apangki l
i
tingdul
otni
yonsakaniyana
dumadaloypatungosapusonni yaatmasnagi
gingbasapaangpagkababaeni
yakung
saandahan-dahannanaglalabasmasokangkahabaanngasawaniya.

"
Niccol
o..
."dai
ngni
ya.

Hiski
ssesmovet oherear
,heli
ckedandlappeditbef
orehewhi
sper
ed,"
you'
remi
ne,
I
ri
s.Iwon'tl
etanyonet
akeyouawayfrom me.You'
remine.
"

Nakapi
kitnat
umangosi
ya,"
yes,i
'
m your
s,baby.
..
"shewhi
sper
ed,"
all
your
s."

"Good."Pagkasabinit
o ni
yon atmasisi
nagad pa ni
to ang kahabaan sa l
oob ni
ya
dahi
lanmapadai ngsi
yangmalakassasar
ap.

"
Ah!
"

Kusangyumakapangmgabi nt
iniyasabeywangniNiccoloatmashinapi
tit
opalapi
tsa
kaniyahabangnaglal
abas-masokit
osaloobniya.Angmgakamayni yaaynakayakap
saleegnitohanggangsabumaonangkukoni yasal ikodni
tohabangumiindayogang
katawanniyaparasundanangpaggalawngasawani ya.

Napunonghalinghi
ngangbuongsi
l
idhabanginaangki
nsi
yangasawa.Masbumil
ispa
angulosni
to,masnagi
ngmapusokangpaglal
abas-masokatmasl
alosi
yangnahi
bang.

"
Niccol
o-oh!Yes!Domegood,baby.Keeppumpi
ng-f
ast
er,baby.Fast
er!
"

Maslal
opangangbumili
sangpagkadyotngasawaniyasaibabaw ni
ya.Napapahi
yaw
si
yasasarapatmasl
alongbumaonangkukoni yasali
kodnit
okasabayngpagkalmot
ni
yari
to.

"Ni
ccolo.Niccol
o..
."She'
scumi
ng agai
n.Sonear
."Oh!Ni
ccol
o!Oh,mer
da.Fast
er,
baby.Oh!"

Niccol
ogr
ippedherassandhispumpi
nggeti
ntense.Lumi
l
ikhai
yonngmal
akasna
i
ngaynanagpapahi
bangsakani
ya.
"
Fuck!Ni
ccol
o!Oh!
"Shecan'
tkeepmoani
ngandscr
eami
ngherhusband'
sname.

Napal
iyadsiIr
isngmaramdamanangpagsabogngsarapsakaibut
uranni
yaatnang
mag-umpisanghumupaiyon,si
nil
niNi
ccol
ongmar
ubdobnahal
ikangmgalabini
ya.

"I
ri
s..
.oh,f
uck!
"Kumalasit
osahalikanni
laati
si
nubsobni
toangmukhasal
eegniyaat
si
nipsi
pnit
oangbalatni
yaroonkasabayngpagsabogngkat
asni
tosal
oobni
ya.

AndI
ri
swentst
il
lwhenshef
elther cum i
nsi
deher
.

She'sshockt
osayt heleast
.Shecoul
dn'
tmovef
oracoupl
eofsecondunt
ilNi
ccol
o
pul
ledawayfr
om herneckandstar
edather
.

"
I'
m sor
ry.
..
"hel
ooksapol
oget
ic,"
Ishoul
dn'
thavecomei
nsi
deyou.Ishoul
d'veasked.
"

Masuyoni
yangsi
napoangmukhangasawasakanagni ni
ngni
ngangmat
angtini
ti
gan
i
to. Hi
ndi al
am ni I
ri
s kung baki
t nanubi
g ang gil
i
d ng mga mata habang
pi
nagmamasdanangmukhangasawaniya.

"Youcame.
"Shewhisper
ed."Your
eal
l
ycame."Pinali
botni
yaangmgabrasosal
eeg
ngasawaathi
napi
tit
opalapi
tatmahi
gpi
tnaniyakap."Oh,Ni
ccol
o,youmakemeso
happy.
"

"
Bycumi
ng?"Heasked,conf
used.

Tumawasiyasakagul
uhannitoperohindinaSumagot.Bast
aniyakapniyalangang
asawani
yahanggangsaunt
i-unt
ingnahugotangkahabaanni
tosal
oobniya.

I
ri
scanst
il
lfeel
hiscum.Shecanf
eel
Niccol
o'ssemendr
ippi
ngdownt
oherass.

"
Thatf
eel
sgood.
..
"bul
ongni
yangumal
i
ssiNi
ccol
osai
babawni
ya.

Hef
rownedather
."Youf
eel
goodt
hatwe'
redone?"

"
No.
..
"sheshookhi
shead,"
yourcum f
eltgood.
"

"
Oh.
"Hesoundsr
eli
eve."
You'
redef
ini
tel
ynotf
ait
hful
."

Mahi
nangnat
awasiI
ri
s."
Sti
l
lam,baby,st
il
lam.
"
SumamananamanangmukhaniNi
ccol
osakanahi
gasat
abini
yaatnagl
alambi
ngna
gi
nawangunangangbr
asoni
ya.

"
Ifel
tli
keImi
sst
his.
"Wi
kani
tokapagkuwansakat
umi
ngi
nsakani
ya."
Ginawananat
in
'
tonoon,t
amaba?"

Ngumi
til
angsi
yasakani
yakapangasawaathi
nal
i
kani
tosanuo."
Iloveyousomuch,
Ni
ccol
o."

Niccol
oembracedherback."
Youknow whatIf eelforyou,I
ri
s.Youknow If
eelt
he
same.Doest
hatmeanyoudon'tl
oveyourhusband-"

"
Oh,Il
ovehi
m mor
e."

Hepul
l
edawayandgl
aredather
."I
ri
s!St
oppl
ayi
ngwi
thme!
"

Tumawal angsi
yasakaginawarannghal i
ksamgal abiangasawaatpi nakati
ti
ganit
o.
"Walaakongpinagsi
si
hannami nahalki
ta.Kahi
tgaanokahirap,kahi
tmasakitna,kahi
t
paki
ramdam kosusukonaako,hindiakonagsisi
sinahindiakobumitaw atpi
naglaban
kokunganongmayr oont
ayo."

LumambotangekspresyonngmukhaniNi ccol
o."
Icanfeelyourl
oveforme,I
ri
s.Ican
feeli
twit
hyoursi
ngl
eIl oveyouandt hewayyoul ookatme."Guil
tfi
l
ledhi
seyes."I
t
musthavebeenpai
nfulforyout
hatIdon'
trememberyou."

Tumangosiyahabangnangi
ngi
l
idangluhasamgamat ani
ya."I
tis.Ithurt
s.Somuch.
Hear
ingyouaskwhoIam,i tmakesmyheartache,Ni
ccol
o"Hinaplosniyaangpisngi
ngasawa."Alam konamannahindimo't
okasal
anankungbakitnasasaktanko,per
o
masaki
te.
"

"
Butyoust
ayedanyway.
..
"

Shenoddedandsmi ledathim." Mahalkit

ae.Itsthatsi
mple.Icanunderstandyou,I
canforgi
veyouandIcanandwi l
ldoanythi
ngforyoubecauseIloveyou.Walangibang
l
alaki
ngnagmay-arisapuso,ikaw l
ang,atwalaakongbalaknapali
tanka.Icanendure
anypainthati
sst
oreforme,aslongasi'm wit
hyou,Icanbeatit
."

Ti
ti
gnat i
ti
gsakani
yasiNi
ccol
okapagkuwanaygumalaw angkamayni
topar
atuyui
n
angluhasagi
l
idngmgamataniya."
Tel
lmesomet
hing,I
ri
s."

"
What
?"

"
Am Iyourhusband?"
Shefel
tuneasyt
otellNi
ccolot
het r
uth,scar
edthathe'
l
lgetheadacheandnosebl
eed
agai
n,buthe'
ssmar
t.He'
llf
igur
eitoutandmightfor
cehimsel
ftorememberagai
n.

Soshest
ayedsi
l
ent
.

"
Sil
encemeansyesi
nmyvocabul
ary,I
ri
s."

"Ever
ypeopleputsdif
fer
entmeaningtosi
l
ence.Asforme,si
lencecouldbeanything.I
am neit
herconf
ir
mingordenying.I'
minbetweenanditsupt
oyout ocompr ehendmy
wordsandsinceyourcomprehensi
onandmine'
saredif
fer
ent
,weseei tdi
ff
erentl
y."

Napai
l
ingsiNi
ccol
o."
Ifeel
li
keyou'
ret
ri
cki
ngmewi
thyourwor
ds,I
ri
s."

Sheshr
ugged."
Sueme.
"

"
Irat
hermakel
ovet
oyouagai
n."

Napangi
tisi
ya."
Mybabyhassmoot
hmoves.
"

Niccol
ochuckl
ed."Ist
il
lcan'
trememberhal
fofmyl
i
fe,solapol
ogi
zei
fi'
mlacki
ngwi
th
gestur
esandwords."

Nakangi
ti
ngumil
ingsi
ya."
Baby,yourmemori
esisst
il
lnoti
ntactbutyoust
il
lfucksgood.
You'
rest
il
lahel
lofali
cker
.God,thatt
ongueyouhaveissi
nful
."

Nat
atawanghinal
i
kansiyaniNi
ccol
onat
inugonnamanni
ya.Anghal
i
knanauwisa
mai
nitnapagt
atal
i
kul
it
.

THEYLEFTI
TALYf ort
hei
rsaf
ety,buther
etheyareagai
n.Bumal
iknanamansi
l
a.Alam
niI
ri
snamasmapangani bngayondahi lnagdadal
awang-t
aosiyaper
owalasi
yang
bal
aknahi
walayanangasawaniya.

She'ssuret
hatNiccol
owil
lprot
ecther
.Nomat terwhat
.Kayakampant
esiyahabang
nakasakaysi
lasaisangkot
senasiguradosi
yangbull
etpr
oofatmi
namanehoiyonni
Piet
ro.

Atsi
gur
adosi
yanghi
ndisi
l
apapunt
asamansi
yondahi
li
baangdaannat
inat
ahakni
l
a.

Nat
igi
l
ansapag-i
i
sipsiI
risngmar
amdamanni
yangmayyumakapsabeywangni
yaat
mayhumi
li
gsabal
ikatni
ya.
Li
him si
yangnapangi
ti
.Naglal
ambingnanamanangasawaniya.Maymganagbagosa
ugal
init
ongayonghindii
tonakakaal
alaper
oganunpar
inanggawainni
to.

Masuwer
tel
angsi
yanamahalnamahalsi
yangasawani
yanakahi
tnakal
i
moti
toay
si
yapari
nangmay-ar
isapusoni
to.

Shewillneverl
eavehi
mf orwhat
everreason.Hi
ndinasi
yamakakahanapngl
alaki
ng
hi
ndinakali
motangpusonamahali
nsiya.

"
Iri
s?"

Na-mi
ssnani
yaangpagt
awagni
tosakani
yang'
amor
e."
Hmm?"

"
Ithi
nki
'
m yourhusband.
"

Nagkat
ingi
nansi
l
aniPi
etr
osar
ear
viewmi
rr
orbagosi
yanakasagot
."Ar
eyouCor
mac?"

"No.Butsomehow,Icanf eelthatyou'r
elyi
ngtome. "Hekissedhershoulder
." And
maybe you're doi
ng i
tfora reason..
.a reason t
hathassomet hi
ng t
o do wit
h my
headacheandnosebl eedeveryti
meIf orcemyselftor
emember .You'
reafr
aidtosee
mehur t
ing.
"

Hindinasi
yanagtakakungpaanonit
onai
si
pyon.Mat
ali
noangasawani
yakayangi
ti
l
angangsagotniyasatanongni
to.

Shedoesn'
twantt
oli
etohi
m anymor
e.

"
Tamabaako,I
ri
s?"

Tumi
ngi
nsi
yar
it
onanakahi
l
igpar
insabal
i
katni
ya.

Hi
nal
i
kanni
yai
tosanuosakananat
il
ingt
ahi
mik.

"
Iri
s?"

"
Hmm?"

"
MayIseeyourpasspor
t?"

Hi
ndisi
yanagpaki
tangkahi
tnaanongemosyonor
eaksi
yon."
Baki
t?"
"
Iwantt
oconf
ir
m somet
hing.
"

He'l
lconfi
rm mysur
name.Smar tass!"
Mamaya,i
papaki
takosayo.Huwagnamuna
ngayon,medyosumasaki
tangt
iyankoe."

HinaplosnamankaagadniNi ccol
oangt
iyanni
ya."
Hanginther
e,baby.Mal
api
tnat
ayo
satutuluyannat
in.Don'
thur
tyourMommy,you'r
emakingherworr
ysomuch."

Napangi
tisi
yasagi
nawaniNiccol
oatnanghali
kannitoangt
iyanni
ya,hi
napl
osni
ya
angbuhokngasawanangayonaynakat
it
ignasakani
ya.

"Il
ikeitwhenyoudothat
."Hi
nawakanni
yaangkamayni yanghumahaplossabuhok
nit
oatdinal
anitoangkamayni
yasamgal abini
toathi
nali
kani
yon."If
eelli
keyou'
re
petti
ngme."

Ir
isl
eanedintokissNiccol
o'sf
oreheadbutNi
ccol
omovedandherl
i
pstouchedhis.But
shedidn'
tpullaway.Shel ett
hekisshappenandsheevenmoveherli
psagainsthis
makingNiccol
osmi l
e.

Naputoll
anganghal
i
kanni
l
angt
umi
gilangsasakyanatnag-anunsi
yosiPi
etr
ona
nakar
ati
ngnasi
la.

Ni
ccol
odr
oppedt
woki
ssesonherl
i
psbef
orepul
l
ingandst
eppi
ngoutf
rom t
hecar
.

Pinagbuksansi
yangpi
ntoniNiccol
oati nal
alayansiyangmakal
abasngkot
se.Si
ya
namanaykaagadnanapati
ngi
nsamal aki
ngmansi yonnanasahar
apanni
l
a.

Bumal
i
ngsi
yasaasawani
ya."
Your
s?"

Umil
i
ngsiNiccol
o."
Myhouseissti
l
lundergoi
ngsecur
it
ycheck.Hindipat
aposkaya
di
tomunat
ayo.We'l
lbesaf
eher
e.Piet
ro'
shousei
sli
keafor
tress.
"

Nagul
atsi
yasahul
i
ngsi
nabingasawa."
Thi
sisPi
etr
o'shouse?"

Ni
ccol
onodded."
Yeah.
"

Napaawangangl
abini
ya."
Thi
swhol
emansi
oni
shi
s?"

"
Yeah.
"KumunotangnuoniNi
ccol
o."
Baki
tpar
anghi
ndi
kamakapani
wal
a?"
"But
...
"ti
nur
oni
yasiPi
etr
onanagl
alakadpat
ungosapi
ntongmansi
on."
He'
syou'
re
butl
er.
"

"
Yeah.Hei
s."Ni
ccol
orepl
i
edl
i
kei
tsnor
mal
tohaveaBut
lerwhoownsahugemansi
on!

"
He'
sri
ch.
"Shepoi
ntedout
.

"
Iknow.Wegr
aduat
edi
nthesameUni
ver
sit
y."

She'
sst
il
lshock."
Paanomosi
yangnagi
ngbut
lerkungmayamansi
ya?"

Goodness!Sawalongtaonnanakasamani
yasiPi
etr
osabahayniNi
ccol
o,pal
agini
ya
i
tongi
nuutusanatwalait
ongr
ekl
amo!

Whatt
hehel
l
?!

Hanggang sai
giyasiyaniNi ccol
o papasoksamansi yonniPietr
o,bakaspar i
nsa
mukhaniyaanggulat,l
alonanangmaki taangloobniyonatangmgakasambahayna
naka-l
i
nyaatnakayukokayPietrohabangbinabat
iit
ongmaligayangpagdat
ing.

Atnang humarap sa kani

l
a siPi
etr
o atnaki
ta ni
to ang emosyon sa mukha ni
ya,
napakamoti
tosabatok.

"
Don'
tlookatmel
i
ket
hat
,Si
gnor
ina.
"Ani
to.

Herl
i
pspar
ted."
Whoar
eyour
eal
l
y?"Sheasked,st
ilconf
usedandshocked.

Pi
etr
osmi
l
ed."
I'
m st
il
lthesamePi
etr
oyouknow,Si
gnor
ina.
"

"Aft
erwhatIsaw,
"shel
etoutal
oudbr
eat
h,"
youwi
l
lneverbet
hesamePi
etr
oCal
vet
know."

"
Thenletmeintr
oducemysel
f.
"Lumapi
tsakaniyasiPiet
rosakai
nil
ahadangkamay.
"
Piet
roCal
vetBert
hel
ot.Ni
cet
omeetyou,Si
gnor
inaIr
is.
"

"
B-Ber
thel
ot?Fr
ench?"Gagadni
ya.

Pi
etr
onodded."
Yes.
"

Thensherememberssomethi
ng."How ar
eyour el
atedt
otheBer
thel
ot'
swhoowned
theworl
drenownedSecur
it
ySyst
em andServi
ces?"
Hi
ndisumagotsiPi
etr
okayasiNi
ccol
oangsumagotsakani
ya.

"
He'
stheowner
,love.
"

Shel
ookedatNi
ccol
ofl
atl
y."
Andt
heowneri
syourbut
ler
?"

Niccol
ojustshr
uggedandwalkedtowardst
hel
ivingroom l
i
keheownedt hepl
ace.
Kaagadnamannasumunoddit
osi Pi
etr
onamaypinaki
tangbl
uepr
intkayNi
ccol
o.

Habang si
yaaynakat
angalang sadalawa.Hi
ndipari
nsi
yamakapani
wal
anaang
but
lerniNiccol
onasi
yangumalalaysakani
yasaloobngwal
ongt
aonaybil
yonar
yo
pal
a.

CHAPTER37

NAPANGIWISIIr
isngmaramdamanni
yaangkir
otsagi
li
dngti
yanni
ya.Dahan-dahan
si
yangnauposagil
i
dngkamahabangsapoangmasaki
tnapar
tengt
iyanatpi
nakal
ma
angsar
il
ini
ya.

Ki
nakabahansi
yabakamapaanoangbabyni
ya.

Pl
ease,baby,pl
easebeokay.

Pipi
ng panal
angin ni
ya habang i
ninda ang saki
tng t
iyan.I
ba ang ki
rotni
yon,hindi
katul
ad nang mga nakasanayan niya.Atnagpapasal
amatsiyanang dahan-dahang
nawalaangkirotsaSinapupunanniya.

Tumayosil
I
rissakahi
napl
osangpar
tengt
iyannasumaki
tkani
na.

"You'
regonnabeokay,baby.
"Pagkausapni
yasasi
napupunanni
ya."
You'
regonnabe
okay.We'r
egonnabeokay."

Napangi
wisi
ya ng sumaki
tna naman per
o segundo l
ang '
yon atkaagad namang
nawal
a.

Nanglumi
pasangmahabangmi nut
onahi
ndinasumaki
tangt
iyanayl
umabassi
yang
kuwar
toathi
nanapangasawa.

Shesaw Ni
ccol
oint
hegar
den,si
ppi
ngcof
fee.
Gust
oni
yanggul
ati
nangasawani
yaper
ohi
ndir
innat
uloydahi
llumi
ngonangasawa
ni
ya.

"
Got
cha.
"Nakangi
ti
nghul
ini
tosakani
ya.

I
nir
apanniyait
oatnapasimangotsi
ya."Al
am kongnar amdamanmoakoper
odapat
hi
ndikal
umingon.Youshoul
dhaveletmeenjoysneaki
nguponyou.
"

"Oh.Wait
ami nut
e."KaagadumayosnguposiNiccol
oatumaktonghi
ndisi
yanaki
taat
naki
pag-usapsasari
li
."AsIwassayi
ngtomysel
f,I
ri
sisanamazingwomanandIknow
she'
sbehindmer i
ghtnow t
hat
'swhyi'
mtryi
ngtobesweet-"

Bi
nat
ukanni
yaangasawasakapi
ningotangt
aingani
to."
Hindiyangaganasaki
n."

Ni
ccol
olaughedbef
orest
andi
ngupandf
aci
ngher
."Hey,l
ove.
"

Atdahil
marupokangpusoniyapagdat
ingsaasawa,napangi
tisi
yaatni
yakapi
to."
Hey.
Youlookhandsometoday.
"

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed."
Masguwaposaasawamo?"

Umakt
osi
yangnag-i
i
sip."
Hindi
.Masguwapoyon.
"

Gumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abini
Niccol
o."
Guwapot
alagaako.
"

Ti
naasanni
yai
tongki
l
ay."
Baki
t?I
kawbaangasawako?"

Ni
ccol
oki
ssedheront
hel
i
ps."
Ibel
i
eveIam.
"

I
ri
schuckl
ed."
All
Icansayi
sthatmyhusbandi
nnear
."Sagotni
ya.

Ni
ccol
opr
essedhi
sbodyagai
nsther
s,"
thi
snear
?"

Hal
iksamgal abini
toangsinagotni
yakayNi ccol
onakaagadnamannitongti
nugon.
Nangmaghiwalayangmgalabinil
a,kaagadnaniyakapsi
yaniNi
ccol
oatnagl
alambi
ng
nahinal
i
k-hal
i
kannitoangbuongmukhani ya.

"I
ri
s,huwagkanangmagsi nungal
i
ngsaki
n."Hi
nal
i
kanni
toangt
ungkingi
l
ongni
ya,"
I
know i
'
m yourhusband,l
ove.
"
"
How sur
ear
eyou?"Sheasked,chal
l
engi
nghi
m.

HumabaangngusoniNi
ccol
o."
Baki
tbasi
nisi
ramoangar
awko?"

"
Asus.
..
"sheki
ssedhi
schi
n,"
loveyou,Ni
ccol
o."

KaagadnamanglumambotangmukhaniNi
ccol
o."
Loveyoumor
e,l
ove.Now l
etsgot
o
ourroom andmakel
ove.
"

Natat
awangki
nurotni
yaangtagi
li
ranni
to."
Ikaw t
alaga.Ayoko.
"Humawakangkamay
ni
yasati
yanni
ya,"sumaki
tangti
yankokani
na."

Kaagadnabumakasangpag-aal alasamukhaniNiccoloatumukl
oparapumant
ay
angmukhani t
osati
yanniya."Baby,Itol
dyounottohurtmommy.You'r
emaki
ngher
worr
y."Pagkat
aposaynag-angatitongti
ngi
nsakani
ya."Sumaki
tpaba?"

Hi
napl
osni
yaangt
iyan."
Hindina.Okaynasi
ya.
"

Tumuwidi
tongtayosakahinapl
osangbuhokni
ya."
Pal
agibangsumasaki
t?Gust
omo
samahanki
tangmagpa-checkup?You'
remaki
ngmewor r
y."

"T'
m okay.
"Gi
i
tni
yasakangumitikapagkuwanaynagt
anonghabangnakayakapsi
ya
sabeywangniNi
ccolo."Kai
l
ant
ayouuwisabahaynatin?Sasamabasati
nsiPietr
o?
Butl
ermopari
nbasiya?"

Perowal
angsinagotsiNiccol
osamgat anongni
ya,nakat
it
igl
angi
tosakani
yanapar
a
bangmaynasabisiyangnakapagpat
igi
li
to.

"
What
'swr
ong?"Tanongni
yasaasawa.

Hebl
i
nked."
Bahaynat
in?"

Shest
il
l
ed.Shi
t!

"I
ri
s,bahaynati
n?"Uli
tnit
ongtanongsakani
ya."Yousaid,ourhouse.
..
"ul
i
tni
to,"
it
sour
house,notj
ustmine.Thatmustvemeansomethi
ng.Right,l
ove?"

Pinakati
ti
ganniyasiNi
ccol
onabakasangkaguluhansai
si
patal
am ni
yanggumagana
angut aknit
o.He'st
ryi
ngtodeduceherwor
ds.

"
Niccol
o-"
"Don'
ttel
lmenottofor
cemyself
."Mayi
ri
tasyonsabosesni
to."
Walaakongpaki
alam
kungsumaki
tangulokookungdumugoangi l
ongko,maal
alal
angki
ta.You'
rewort
h
all
thepai
n,I
ri
s.You'
rewor
thi
t.
"

Humigpi
t ang yakap ni
ya sa asawa saka hi
nal
i
kan i
to sa l
eeg."
Hindika ba
makapaghi
ntaynamaalal
amoako?"

Umi
l
ingi
to."
Hindi
.Hi
ndinaakomakapaghi
ntay.Ayokongmaghi
ntay.
"

Humugotnangmalal
im nahi
ningasiI
ri
ssaka. umukaangbi
bigpar
asabi
hinangt
otoo
saasawaniyanangpumasoksiPiet
rosahardi
n.

"
Signor
,Par
isii
sher
e."

Hi
ndiniyaal
am kungmagpapasal
amatsi
yakayPi
etr
oohi
ndi
.Napi
gil
ansi
yani
tong
magsabingt
otoosaasawani
ya.

Niccol
osi
ghedbeforepul
li
ngawayf rom herembr
ace." Kakausapi
nkol
angsiPar
isi
t
aposbabali
kakokaagadatmag-uusaptayongmasinsi
nan."

Tumangolangsiyasakahinati
dngtingi
nangasawaniyaatsiPi
etr
onamal
alakiang
hakbangpapasoksakabahayan.Nai
wansiyasahar
dinngmag-i
sa.

Akmanguuposi
yasakinauupuankani
naniNi
ccol
ongsumi
gidangki
rotsat
iyanni
ya
nanagpawal
asabal
anseniya.

"
N-Ni
ccol
o..
"sambi
tni
yasapangal
anngasawa.

Akmanghahawaksi
yasaupuanpar asupor
tahanangsari
l
iperohul
ina,t
uluyanna
si
yangnawal
anngbal
anseatbumagsakangkatawanni
yasaber
mudaatnawalansi
ya
ngmalay.

NAGI
SING SII
ri
ssal
oobnginukupani
l
angsi l
i
dniNi
ccol
osabahayniPiet
ro.Tumuon
angmatani
yakayNi
ccol
onakausapsiPi
etr
o.Par
anghi
ndii
tomapakal
i
.

"
-havet
omakesur
e.I
'm Doct
orbutnotanOB.Weneedasecondopi
nion.
"

"Iwi
llgoandf
etchDr
a.Bi
anchi
."KaagadnasabiniPi
etr
oatkaagadnal
umabasng
kuwart
o.

Si
nubukanni
yangbumangonper
okaagadsi
yangpi
nigi
l
anniNi
ccol
ongmaki
taang
bal
akni
yanggawi
n.

"
No.
"Pi
gil
nit
osakani
yaatkaagadnal
umapi
tsakani
ya."
Rest
.Don'
tmove.Pl
ease.
"

Bumali
knamansiyasapagkakahi
gasakahi
naplosangt i
yan."
Isthebabyokay?"'
Yon
kaagadangt
anongniyangmaalal
aangnangyar
i sakani
yasahardin.

"Thebabyisweakbutokay,soar eyou.
"Heletoutadeepsi
ghed."
Buti
'
m st
il
lwor
ri
ed
soItol
dPiet
rotof
etchDra.Bianchif
orsecondopi
nion.
"

Nat
ahimi
ksiyasakahi
napl
osangtiyanni
ya.She'
sst
il
lstr
essandherbabyi
ssuf
fer
ing
f
ori
t.Shecan'
tkeepbei
ngli
kethi
s.Kawawaanganakniya.

Nat
igi
l
ansi
yangumukl
osiNi
ccol
oatmahi
gpi
tsi
yangni
yakapsakai
si
nubsobni
toang
mukhasal
eegni
ya.

"IwassoscaredwhenIsaw youunconsciousonthegr
ass."Bul
ongnitonaparang
nangi
ngi
nigangbosesatdi
nigni
yaangtakotdo'
n."
Youscaredthehel
loutofme,Ir
is.
Younear
lydrovemecrazywi
thworr
y."

Umangatangkamayniyasakamasuyonghinapl
osangl
i
kodngasawapar
akumal
ma
i
to."
Okaylangako,Ni
ccol
o.Hi
ndinamauul
ityon.
"

ButNi
ccol
odi dn'
tlethergo.Nanat
il
ii
tongnakayakapsakani
yanangmahi
gpi
tnapar
a
bangayaw si
yangpakawalan.

Hi
nayaanniyal
angangasawani
yanayakapi
nsi
yahabanghi
nahapl
osni
yaangbuhok
ni
togamitangmgadal
ir
ini
ya.

"
I'
m okay,Ni
ccol
o.I
'm okay.
..
"

Fi
nally,helethergo,"huwagmoakongtat
akut
inngganunuli
t,I
ri
s."Hi
naplosni
toang
pisnginiyaathinawiangil
anghi
blangbuhoknatumatabi
ngsamukhani ya."Mahi
na
angpusokopagdat i
ngsayo.Hi
ndiakomatat
akut
inperohal
osmanginigangbuong
katawankokani nanangmakit
aki
tangwal
angmalay.
"

Shesmi l
edatNiccol
o."
I'
m okaynow,baby.St
opwor
ryi
ng.Asmuchaspossi
ble,mul
a
ngayon,i
iwasnaakosastress.
"

I
langsegundosi
yangt
ini
ti
ganniNiccol
obagotumabinghigasakani
yaatmasuyo
nit
ongi
nil
i
patangul
oni
yasabrasoni
tosakamasuyosi
yangni
yakap.

Masar
apsapaki
ramdam angyakapni
tonanapapi
ki
tnal
angsi
ya.
"
Iri
s?"Kuhani
tosaat
ensi
yonni
yapagkal
i
pasngi
l
angsandal
i
.

"
Hmm?"

"
Puwedenatayongumuwisabahay."Sabini
to."
Par i
si
,afr
iendofmi
ne,t
oldmet
hat
myhousei
snow cl
eanandsaf
e.Bukaspuwedenat ayongumuwi.
"

She'
sgl
ad.Shemi
ssl
i
vingi
nthatmansi
on."
Sasamabasat
insi
Piet
ro?"

"
Yes.
"

"How comehe'syourbutl
er?"Hi
ndipar i
nsiyamakapani
walahanggangngayonna
butl
erni
toangi
sangkat
uladniPi
etr
o."Pi
etr
oisafr
eaki
ngbil
li
onai
re,Ni
ccol
o."

Lumapatangpal adniNi
ccolosati
yanniyasakahumapl osiyondoon." Heowesme
andhet hi
nksthathehastopaymef ori
t.Hindikonamansi yasi
nisi
ngil
,atayokong
tumanaw si
yangutangnaloobsaki
n.PeroibaangtakbongisipniPiet
ro,ibaangugal
i
niPi
etr
o.Forhim,heowesmeever ythi
ng,butforme,itwasj
ustajobt hatIneededto
do."

Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Whatdi
dyoudo?"

"Hi
sfami l
ygotnearlymassacredont hestr
eet.I
tjusthappenthatIwaspassingby,not
knowingthatitwasTheBerthelot'
sfamil
y.Ihel
pedbecauset hat
'swhatIdo...t
hat'
smy
j
ob.Iwasal r
eadyi ntheArmyatt heti
me.Af t
erlt ookouttheshooter,Icarr
iedthe
Bert
helot
'sfamilytomycar ,onebyone,andt ookt hem t
otheHospi t
al.God,Iwas
soaki
ngwi ththei
rbloodatthet i
me.AfterIwaspr ocessedbythePoli
ce,Iwenthome
andforgetaboutit
."

"Perohindinakali
motsiPi etr
o.Nanggumal i
ngsi yaatnakalabassaHospi t
al,hewentto
myhouseandof feredhimsel ftobemybut ler"Het sked,"thatmotherfuckerwasso
persi
stent.Ikeepsayi ngno,buthemovet omyhouse.Hi ndisiyaumali
satnagtrabaho
siyasabahayngwal anghinihi
ngingkapal
i
t.Hanggangsanasanaynaakonanandi yan
siyaparagawi nlahatngi nuutosko,kahi
tanopa' yon.ToPi etr
o,tohel
lwithhiswealth,
he'smybut lerandbei ngPresidentt
oawor l
dr enownedcompanywon' tchangethat."

Kayanamanpal
aganunnalangka-l
oyalsiPi
etr
okayNi
ccol
o.Lahatnggi
nagawani
to
sanakal
i
pasnat
aonayparakayNiccol
o.

ForhimtoserveNiccol
omusthavebeendi
ff
icul
tforhi
m.Thef
actst
il
lremai
nthat
Pi
etr
oisabi
ll
i
onair
e.

"
Now Iwonder
..
."t
ini
ngal
ani
yaangasawasakat
ini
ti
gani
to,"
how r
ichar
eyou?"Puno
ngkuryusi
dadniyangt
anongdit
o."Imean,alam kokunggaanokayamanangmga
Bert
hel
ot,si
gur
adonghindimadal
ingtanggapi
nangginawaniPi
etr
omal i
bannal
ang
kungmasmayamankapasakani l
a."

Kahi
tkailanhindisiyanagkaroonnangi nt
erestsakayamanannit
o,hi
ndiniyai
nal
am
anglahatngar i-ar
iannitokahitpaasawani yait
oatwalasiyangpi
nermahangpre-
nupt
ialagreement.Allshedi
distakecareRacini
'sEmpir
e,l
i
keheaskedherto.

"
Justyouknow.
"heshr
ugged,"
Imean,i
tsnotabi
gdeal
."

Bumangonsiyasakapahar
apnaumuposat abini
toatpi
nakat
it
iganangasawa."
Tel
l
meallt
heproper
ti
esandbusinessesunderyourname.
"

"Ahm,"Hetookadeepbr
eat
hbef
oreanswer
ing,"
Raci
ni'
sEmpi
rei
ncl
udi
ngchai
nof
Hotel
sandResor
ts.
"

Al
am ni
yai
yondahi
l'
yonangpi
namamahal
aanni
ya."
And?"

"
Insur
anceCompani
es,Banks,r
eal
est
ates,Hospi
tal
,War
ehousesandmi
nes.
"

Napangangasi
yasaasawa."
You'
ret
hatr
ich?"

Ni
ccol
oshr
uggednonchal
ant
ly."
Iguess.
..
"

Shebl
i
nked."
Whomanagest
hem?"

"
Asf
arasl
canr
emember
..
.Pi
etr
o."

Oh.So t
hat'swhyPi etr
oisalwaysbusywi
thpaper
wor
kswhenhe'
snotdoi
ng her
bi
ddi
ng."You'r
eluckytohavehi
m."

"Yeah.Buti '
m conf usedwhenhet ol
dmet hathe'snotmanagingt heRaci
ni'
sEmpi r
e,
TheCompanyt hatIinher
it
edf r
om myparents.I
naal
agaankoangkumpani yana'yon.
Nangt anunginkosi yakungsinoangnamamahala,sabini
yaikaw daw."Napati
ti
git
osa
kaniya,"youmustbet hemostimport
antper
soninmyl i
feformetogi veyoutheri
ghtto
manage my par ent'
s empir
e.ButPi et
ro won'ttel
lme aboutyou. "He tsked in
annoyance." Ihatehim."

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awa."
Youcan'
that
ehi
m.He'
sagoodguy-"

"
Don'
tyoudar
epr
aisehi
m,"he'
sir
ri
tat
ed,"
i'
m get
ti
ngj
eal
ous.
"
"
Aww.
..
"pi
nisi
lni
yaangpi
sngini
to,"
angsel
osomot
alaga.Don'
twor
ry,i
'
m your
s."

Niccol
oputhi
shandoverhi
shear
t."
Angrupokkotal
aga.
"Het skedandl
ookedather
,
"Anobaangmayroonkanaanghi
na-hi
nakopagdati
ngsayo?"

Sheshr
uggednonchal
ant
ly."
Mahal
moakoe.Pl
ainandsi
mpl
e."

"
Mahal
mor
innamanakokayapat
asl
angt
ayo.
"Kaagadni
tongbal
i
ksakani
ya.

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katl
angul
i
tsi
yasakanahi
gaul
i
tsakamaatgi
nawangunanangbr
asoni
Ni
ccol
o.

"
Niccol
o?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Iwantt
orest
."

"
Thenr
est
."Heki
ssedherf
orehead."
Nandi
tol
angako.Hi
ndiakoaal
i
s."

Nakampantesi
yasasi
nabini
tokayapi
niki
tni
yaangmgamat
aathi
nayaanangsar
il
ina
makatul
og.

NANG MAKATULOG siI

ri
s,mai
ngatnaini
li
patanguloni
tosaunansakamaingatna
bumangonatumal
i
ssakama.Pagkataposayhinagi
l
apniyaangshoul
derbagni
toat
bi
nuksani
yon.

He'sembar r
assedforopeni
ngherbagandgoi ngthroughherstuffbutheneedsto
confi
rm somethi
ng.Heknew t
hathe'
sdi
srespect
ingI
ri
s'pri
vacybuthehastoknow!

Hecanfeeli
t.Hecanf
eelt
hatt
heyhavesomet
hingspeci
al.Ayaw l
angami
ninniI
ri
ssa
kani
ya.

Hi
sbr
eat
hingst
opswhenhesawherpasspor
t.

Shehast
wo.

Hef
rownedandopent
hef
ir
stone.

I
ri
sGonzagaCr
aig.
Hi
shear
tti
ght
ened."
Fuck.
..
"

Nagt
atagi
sangbagangnabi
nuksanni
yaangi
sapani
tongpasspor
t.

I
ri
sGonzagaRaci
ni.

Tumi
gil
angpaghi
ngani
yaatl
umakasangkabogngpusoni
ya.

I
tshissurname.Thatmeanshe i
sherhusband!Butwhy doesshe have anot
her
passpor
twit
hadif
fer
entsur
name?What
'st
hemeaningoft
his?!

Masl
alol
angsi
yangnagul
uhan.

Fuck!Ihavet
ocl
ari
fyt
his!

I
nil
abasniyaangl
ahatnggamitsashoul
derbagni
to.Nat
igi
l
ansi
yangmaki
taangi
sang
f
lashdri
vesasecr
etpocketngbagnit
o.

Raci
ni.Basani
yasanaka-engr
avesaf
lashdr
ive.

Raci
ni?I
sithi
s?Si
yalangnamansi guroangRaci
ninaki
l
alani
to.Nott
oment
ionher
sur
nameinoneofherpasspor
tisRaci
ni!

Saki
nba'
to?

Mabi
li
ssi
yangnagl
akadpal
api
tsal
apt
opnanasamesasakai
ni-i
nser
tangf
lashdr
ive
saUSBPort
.

I
tonl
ycont
ainsonef
il
e.

AnMP4.

I
lang segundo ni
yang t
ini
ti
gan iyon,nag-ii
si
p kung t
ama ba ang gi
nagawa ni
yang
paki
kial
am samgagami tniIr
is,perobi
nuksanparinni
yaangvi
deona' yon.

Secondsl
ater
,hesaw hi
mselfi
nthevi
deo,f
ixi
ngt
hecamer
a'sangl
ebef
orewi
nki
ngat
t
hecameraandwhisperi
ng'
tiamo,amoremio'
.
CHAPTER38

NAGISI
NG SII r
isdahi
lsamasuyongpaghaplossapisnginiya.Nangimul
atni
yaang
mgamat a,nagtamaangti
ngi
nnil
aniNiccol
onat i
ti
gnat i
ti
gsakaniya.Maypaghanga
si
yangnababasasamgamat ani
tonanagpakunotsanupniya.

"Whati
si t
?"Tanongniyasaasawanangnanat
il
iit
ongnakat
it
igsakani
ya."
Ist
her
e
somet
hinginmyface?"

Umi l
i
ng i
to kapagkuwan ay hi
nal
i
kan si
ya sa nuo saka masuyong si
yang ni
yakap.
"Thankyou.Thankyousomuch,amore."

Amor
e.Hecal
l
edmeamor
e!

Kumalas si
ya sa yakap ng asawa atsi
napang mukha ni
to saka pi
nakat
it
igan,
nagt
atanongangmgamat aniya."
Naal
alamonaako?"

Anglakasngtibokngpusoni
yahabanghinihi
ntayangsagotnit
o.Paraiyongnaki
kipag
-kar
era.Nar
ir
inigni
yaangmalakasnapagtambol ni
yonsat
ainganiya.

"
Answerme,Ni
ccol
o,"she'
sget
ti
ngi
mpat
ientwhenNi
ccol
odi
dn'
tanswerher
,"naal
ala
monabaako?"

I
ri
s'hear
tsankwhenNi
ccol
oshookhi
shead.

Bumagsaksakamaangkamayni yangnakasaposamukhani tosakawalangbuhay

si
yangtumawa." Youcal
l
edmeamor e..akal
akotul
oynaal al
amonaako. "Pil
i
tni
yang
pi
nipi
gil
anperonanubi
gparinanggil
i
dngmgamat aniya."Pleasedon'
tcallmeamore
i
fyoustil
lcan'
trememberme.I
tsbr
eakingmyheart
,Niccolo."

"I
'm sor
ry.
"Hewhi
speredandembr
aceheragai
nandcar
essherback."
It
sjust
..
.itf
elt
sonatural
andf
ami
li
ar.
.."

Nakagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abipar
aPigi
lanangsari
l
inahi
ndit
umul
oangmga
l
uhaniyaperot
umul
oparin'
yonnanauwisamahi
nanghi
kbi.

"Shh..
."hi
nagodniNi
ccol
oangli
kodniyapatiangbuhokni
yanaparangpinapat
ahan
siya,"
huwagkanangumiyak.Il
oveyou,I
ri
s.Iloveyousomuch.Pl
ease,st
opcrying.
Thebaby..
."

Nangmar
ini
ganghul
i
ngsi
nabini
to,doonsi
yanat
auhanatpi
nigi
langpag-i
yak.

Thei
rbaby.Bakamapaanoi
to.
Kumawala si
ya sa yakap niNiccol
o saka t
inuyo ang basang pi
sngiatsuminghot-
si
nghotbagongumi tisaasawa." Pasensi
yana.I '
m emot ionalt
hesepastfew days.
Maybebecausei'm pregnant
."

Hi
naplosni
toangpi
sngini
yaatmasuyosi
yangt
ini
ti
gan,t
uladkani
nanangmagi
si
ng
si
ya.

"Di
dsomethi
nghappen?"Hi
ndini
yamapi
gil
angt
anungi
nangasawani
yadahi
lmay
kakai
basai
naakt
oni
to.

Umili
ngitosakangumit
i."I'
mj usthappy,andt hankf
ulthatyou'
reherebesideeven
whenIcan'trememberyou.Al am kongnahihi
rapankadahi lhi
ndiki
tamaalala,kaya
nagpapasal
amatakokasikahitganun,hi
ndimoakoi ni
wan."

Ngumitisi
yasakaini
l
apatangpal
adni
yasadi
bdibni
tokungsaanangpusoni t
o."
At
l
east,t
hispar
tofyouremember
sme.Panat
agakonaakolangt
alagaangsnagmamay
-ar
init
o."

"
It
syour
s..
.al
lyour
s,amor
e."

I
ri
s sti
l
led when she hear
dt hatendearmentagain.Gust
o niyang pati
gil
i
nito sa
pagt
awagni yonsakaniyahanggathindipasiyani
tonaaal
alaperomi ssnamissna
ni
yangtinat
awagsiyangganunngasawani ya.

I
tmakesherhear
tacheatt
hesamet
imehappy.I
sthatevenpossi
ble?

"
Yourhusbandi
saver
yluckyman.
"Wi
kani
tonagumi
si
ngsadi
wani
ya.

Napangitisi
yasat i
nur
annito."Heis.Angdamikonangpi nagdaanangmasaki tngdahil
sakaniya."Hindini
yanapigi
lannai l
abasangsal oobinni
ya."Pinakasal
anni
yaakoper o
hindisi
yanagpaki t
asakinngwal ongt aon.Andi nthateightyears,Iwasmi ser
able,
al
one and lonely.Iblame him fort hat.Forallthe pai
n and mi ser
yIfel
t.Mi nsan,
ti
natanongkoangsar i
likokunghindibaakokar apat-dapatnauwi anomakit
a.

Tumul onanamanangl uhaniya."Foreightyears,iblamemysel fforbei

ngal
oneandin
misery.Inii
si
pkonabakahi ndisi
yanagpapaki t
asaki ndahi
lhindiakosapat
,hi
ndiako
karapat-dapatatwalaakonghal agasakani ya.Per okahitganun,kahitangdaming
temptasyonnai wankosiya,naumal i
sako,nai -divorcekosiya,namaghanapakong
i
ba...hindikogi
nawa.Hindikokayanggawi n.

"Idon'tknow...maybebecauseatt hebackofmymi nd,Ibel

ieveinhim.Ibel
ieveinmy
husband.Sa wal ong taon na kasalkami,kahi
twal a siya sa tabiko,hindiko
naramdamannapi nabayaanni
yaako.He'salwaysthere,notphysical
lyt
hough.Kaya
sigur
ohi ndikosi
yanagawangi wannoon,kasial
am kosasar i
likonahahanap-hanapi
n
kosi
ya,angugal
ini
ya,angpag-aal
agani
yasaki
n,sal
ahatngl
alaki
ngmaki
kil
alako.

"AndIdi
dpromisetostaywi
thhi
m.Kahi
tmag-i
sal
angakongikasalkami,nangakopa
ri
nako.Ipr
omisetohaveandtohol
dhi
m,fr
om t
hatdayf
orwar
d,forbett
erorf orwor
se
-"

"-f
orr
icherandforpoorer
,insicknessandinheal
th,t
oloveandtocheri
sh,'
ti
lldeathdo
uspar
t."Pagtat
aposniNiccolohabangtit
ignati
ti
gsakaniyaatmasuyongti
nut uyoang
l
uhasapisngini
ya."Thi
sIsolemnlyvow."

Tumulonanamanangl
uhaniya.Shecanf
eelt
hesi
ncer
it
yonhi
svoi
ceandwor
dsl
i
ke
he'
sreal
lypr
omi
si
nginf
rontoftheal
tar
.

"Icouldn'tl
eavemyhusband,Icoul dn'tdivor
cehi m,Ican'tstopmi ssi
nghim andIcan'
t
stoplovinghi m.Iwasonl
ygivenasmal lt
imetobewi thhim whenanacci denthappen.
"
Napahi kbisiyangmaalalaniyaangt akotatpighatinanar amdamanni yangmaki t
ang
sumaboganghangarnaki naror
oonanniNi ccolo."Akalakowal anasi ya.Akalako
i
niwannani yaako.Ever
yday,Ifel
tli
kei'mi nhel
l.Everynight,Icr
iedmyselftosleep.

"Igrievef ormonthsuntilIsaw hi
m again.Iwashappy,Icanfeelmyhear tpi
eci
ngback
together .Mywor l
dl i
ghtupandi tst
art
edspinningagai
n.I'mthathappy.Soimaginethe
painIf eltwhenhel ookedatmeandaskf ormynamebecausehecan' trememberme.
I
tbr okemeagai n."Umangatangkamayni yaparahaplusi
nangpi sngingasawa,"But
no,"mar ahansi
yangumi l
ing,"
evenwithabr okenhear
t,Iwil
lf
ightf
ormyhusband! "She
l
ookeddeepi nt
oNi ccol
o'seyes."Iwil
lstaywit
hhim,unti
lheremember sme.Andt hat'
s
apr omi se."

Ni
ccol
ocl
osehi
seyest
hesamet
imeal
onet
earr
oll
eddownt
ohi
scheek.

Ni
ccol
..
.

Herfi
ngersaut
omat
ical
l
ydr
yhi
stear
."I
fIsee one mor
etear
,it
'l
lbr
eakmyhear
t,
Ni
ccol
o."

Nanat
il
i
ngnakapi
kitangmgamat
ani
Niccol
o.

"
Baby,openyoureyesf
orme.
"

Umi
l
ingi
to."
It
'l
lbr
eakyourhear
t.
"

"
Please?"

Dahan-dahangi
minul
atniNi
ccol
oangmgamat
aatnag-uunahangnal
agl
agangl
uha
sapi
sngi
nit
o."
MyI
ri
sdon'
tbeg.
"

Kaagadni
yangti
nuyoangmgaluhasapisngini
tosakagi
nawar
ani
tonghal
i
ksamga
l
abi."
Iwi
ll
stopbeggi
ng,i
fyoust
opcr
ying.
"

"
Yourhusbandi
sanasshol
e."Ani
tokapagkuwan.

Nakangi
ti
ngt
umangosi
yabi
l
angpagsangayon."
Hei
sbutIl
ovehi
m nonet
hel
ess.
"

"
He'
sal
uckybast
ardt
hough.
"

Tumawasi ya."Hei s.Pasal

amatsiyamahalkosiyadahilkunghindi,mat
agalkona
si
yang bini
tawan kasipunong-puno na ako.Nagt
it
ii
slang ako kasimahalko ang
gagong'yonathindiakomabubuhayngmasayakungmawawal asiya."

Ni
ccol
osmi
l
ed."
Hel
ovesyout
oo,i
'
m sur
e."

Shenar
rowedhereyesonNi
col
o."
Baki
tpar
anghi
ndikananagsesel
os?"

"
Baki
tnamanakomagsesel
os?"Bal
i
ktanongni
to."
Hindibaakoangasawamo?"

"
Areyousur
e?"Nanghahamonangbosesni
ya.

"
Yes.I
am.Hundr
edandt
enper
cent
."

Tumaasangki
l
ayni
ya."
Soconf
ident
..
."

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
edandhugherwai
stbef
orepul
l
inghercl
osert
ohi
m."
Tiamo,amor
e
mi
o."

Angbi
l
isngt
ibokngpusoni
yadahi
lsasi
nabini
to."
Tiamo,Ni
ccol
o,Tiamo.
"

Hindisi
yapinakawal
anniNiccol
osapagkakayakaphanggangsai
niyakapnar
inni
ya
angmgabr asosakatawannit
oatpi
nupognghalikangl
eegnit
o.

Ni
ccol
owaschuckl
i
ngashi
sembr
acedonhert
ight
ened.

HindimansabihinsakaniyaniNi
ccolo,al
am ni
yangmayi deyanait
onai toangasawa
niya.Nararamdaman niya i
yon sa mga si
nasabini
to atsa r
eaksiyon ni
to sa mga
si
nasabiniya.Atnagpapasal
amatsiyadahilhi
ndisumakitangulonitoodumugoang
i
longtul
adngki nat
atakut
annil
a.
"
Uwinat
ayosabahay.
"Wi
kani
tokapagkuwanhabangyakappar
insi
ya.

"
Gust
okonangar
ingumuwi
."Sabini
ya.

Hi
nal
i
kansi
yani
tosanuo."
Tiamo,I
ri
s."

Napangi
til
angsi
yasakani
yakapngmahigpi
tangasawahanggangsakai
l
anganna
ni
l
angbumangondahi
lkumakat
oknasi
Piet
rosal
abasngpi
ntongkuwar
toni
l
a.

"
Comeoni
n."Mal
akasangbosesnasabiniNi
ccol
ohabangnagpapal
i
tit
ongt
-shi
rt
.

Si
yanamanaynakauposagi
l
idngkamaatsi
nusukl
ayangmahabangbuhok.

"
Signor,Signor
ina,
"bahagyangyumukodsiPi
etr
ongmakapasoksakuwar
to,"
thecar
i
sready."

"
Grazi
e,Pi
etr
o."AniNi
ccol
o.

Tumayosi
yasakai
nayosangbahagyangnagusotnadami
t."
Let
sgo?"

Ki
nuhaniNi
ccol
oangluggageni
yabagolumapi
tsakani
yaatinabotangshoul
derbag
ni
yasakani
yabagomasuyosi
yanghi
nil
apal
abasngkuwart
o.

"
Signor,l
etmet
akecar
eoft
hebag.
"AniPi
etr
onapi
l
itnai
naagaw kayNi
ccol
oang
malet
aniya.

"Pi
etr
o,st
opitori'l
lshootyou.
"Maypagbabant
asabosesniNi
ccol
o."
AndIst
il
lhat
e
yousodon'tt
alkt
ome. "

Li
him si
yangnat
awasaasawaatkayPi
etr
onat
umi
gilngasapag-agaw ngmal
etani
ya
kayNiccol
odahi
lsapagbabant
anghul
i
.

Nang makababa si
l
a atmakal
abasng bahay,nakar
amdam si
ya ng pagkai
l
ang ng
pagbuksansi
yangpint
oniPi
etr
o.

Sumakaysi
yasakahini
ntaynamakasakaysiNi
ccol
onai
nil
alagayangmal
etani
yasa
backcompar
tmentngkotse.

NangsumakaysiNiccol
oatmaayosnangnakauposat
abini
yasabackseat
,hi
ndina
si
yanagt
akangihi
l
ignitoangul
osabal
i
katni
ya.
"
Areyout
ir
ed?"Tanongni
yasaasawa.

"
Masaki
tlangangul
oko.
"Sagotni
to.

I
ri
sknew he'
snotl
yi
ng."
Kai
l
anangsunodmongcheckup?Sasamahanki
ta.
"

Helookedatherwhil
ehi
sheadisst i
l
lrest
ingonhershoul
der
."I
'm okay,amor
e.Ij
ust
needtorest
.Kani
nakopakasipi
nipi
l
itnamakaal
alakayasi
gur
osumasakit.
"

"
Itol
dyoudi
dn'
ti?Don'
tfor
ceyour
sel
ftor
emember
."Hi
napl
osni
yaangbuhokni
to.
"
Pahi
ngakanamuna.
"

Tumangoit
osakaipi
niki
tangmgamat ahabanghi nahapl
osni
yaangbuhoknito.At
nangumusadnaangkot sengki
nal
ulul
anan,hi
ndialam niI
ri
skungbaki
tki
nakabahan
si
yanabakamaymagtangkananamansabuhayni la.

Nasasanaynasi
yanaganunpal
agiangnangyayar
iperomaytakotpar
insadi
bdi
bni
ya
pagkat
aposngmunti
kannangpagkawal
angasawani yasakani
ya.

Panayangti
ngi
nniI
ri
ssal
abasngbi
ntanangkot
sehanggangsamaynadaanansi
l
ang
Gelat
eri
a.

Bigl
angnanubi
gangbagangni
ya."
Piet
ro,canwest
opt
her
eforawhi
l
e?"Ti
nur
oni
ya
angGelat
eri
a,"
Iwantsome.
"

Bumali
ngsakani
yasiPi
etr
oatal
am ni
yaangi
sasagotni
toayhi
ndiper
onanghumapl
os
angkamayni
yasati
yanniyaayt
umangonari
nito.

"
I'
ll
accompanyyou.
"Wi
kani
topagkat
apost
umango.

Thatmadehersmi
l
e."
Okay.
"

AkmangbababasiPi
etr
ongsasakyannangnagsal
i
tasiNi
ccol
o.

"
No.I
'l
ldoi
t.
"

Li
him si
yangnapail
ing.Angdal
ital
agangmagi
si
ngniNi
ccol
o,kahi
tmahi
nangusapan
'
yonokal uskosman.

"
Come on.
"AniNi
ccol
o saka nauna nang l
umabasng kot
se saka i
nal
alayan si
ya
pababa.

Habangnagl
alakadpal
api
tsaGel
ater
ia,magkahawakangkamayni
l
a.

Sheor
der
edChocol
ateFr
appeandVani
l
lai
cecr
eam.

"Puwedebat ayongdumaansaBar
?"Tanongni
yasaasawahabanghi
nihi
ntayang
orderni
ya."
Gustokongkumai
nngcr
oissant
."

Ni
ccol
osmi
l
ed."
Sur
e.We'
l
ltel
lPi
etr
otol
ookf
oraBar
."

Excit
ed na ngumit
isiIr
is saka t
inanggap ang orderna t
apos nang bayar
an saka
ti
nikmaniyonhabangnagl
alakadsil
ani Ni
ccolopabali
k.

"Angsar
ap.
"Nakangi
ti
ngsabiniyasakaakmangil
alapi
tanghawaknaf r
appesabibi
g
niNi
ccol
ongmayhumaharurotnasasakyangnabi
glanalangbumunggokayNi
ccol
o.

Nat ul
ossakinat
atayuansiIr
isngmakit
angtumil
aponangkatawanngasawaniyasa
kalsada.Atnangmakabawisi yasapagkabi
glaaytat
akbuhi
nsananiyaangpagitan
ni
langdalawaniNi ccol
ongmayyumakapsakani yasati
yanatpil
i
tsi
yangipi
napasok
sasasakyantumigilsahar
apanniya.

"Ni
ccolo!No!Letgoofme!"Panayangsigaw niyahabangnakat
ingi
nsaasawani
yang
nakahandusaysasement
o."No!Niccol
o!Nicco-"

Naputolangpagsigaw ni
yangmaykamaynat
umaki
psabi
bigni
yaati
si
nal
yasi
ya
papasokngsasakyan.

Napadaingsaki
rotsiI
ri
sngt umamaangtiyanniyasakungsaanatnamil
i
pitsi
yasa
saki
t.Nawal
asaisi
pniyasiNi
ccol
oatangnangyayarisamgasandal
i
ng'
yon.

Angt
angi
ngnasai
si
plangni
yaayanganakni
yaatangkal
i
gtasanni
to.

CHAPTER39

THISISALLMYFAULT.PaninisiniI
ri
ssasaril
ihabangnakatal
isiyasaupuanatmay
ducttapeangbi
bigniyaatnapapal
ibut
ansiyangmgaar madongkal al
aki
han.Kung
hi
ndisanani
yagi
nust
ongkumainngmat ami
s,hindimangyayari
ito.

Whatwasshet hi
nkinganyway?!Al
am ni
yangmapangani
bperobakitpi
nat
igi
lni
yaang
sasakyanpar
alangbumi l
ingicecr
eam atf
rappedahi
ll
angnanubi
gangbagangniya?
Wassheeveni nherri
ghtmind?!
I
sthi
sapr
egnancyt
hing?Orst
upi
dit
ygott
hebet
terofher
?

Toolatet
oregr
etnow.She'
sal
readystr
appedinachai
rwi
thaducttapeonhermout h.
Hindinamababagopaangnangyarikahi
tsi
si
hinni
yaangsar
il
iniyasakatangahang
gi
nawaniya.

Justbecauseshewascr
avi
ngf
orsomet
hingsweet
,thi
shappened.

KumustanakayasiNiccol
o?I
sheokay?I
shei
ntheHospi
tal
?Di
dhehadbr
oken
bones'
m sur
ehe'
sworr
iedofme.

I
ri
stookadeepbreathandcalmlylookedatthemenwithhighcal
ibr
egunssur r
oundi
ng
her
.She'
ssti
l
linI
tal
y,justout
sidet
hecity.Gi
singsi
yahabangnasasasakyan.

Themenwhot ookherdidn'tevenbot
hert
obl
i
ndf
oldher
.Itmeansshe'
snotwal
ki
ng
outoft
hispl
aceal
i
vetotell
thetale.

Napati
gilsapag-iisi
psiIri
sngpumasoksakuwar t
ongki
naror
oonanniyaangi sang
l
alaki
ng kaseng edad si
guro ng ama ni
ya.Mat
ali
m ang mga mata ni
to,per
o mas
t
umalim'yonngmaki tasi
ya.

Themanspokei naslow mot

ionvoiceashelookedatherf
ullofmal
i
ce."
It
sni
cet
o
fi
nal
l
ymeetNiccoloRaci
ni'
swi
fe.Iam Gust
avo.
"

Hindisi
yanagbabangti
ngin,si
nal
ubongni
yaangt
ingi
nni
tohanggangmakal
api
tit
osa
kaniyaatnameywangsaharapanni
ya.

I
ri
sfl
inchedwhenthemanr i
ppedofft
heducttapeonhermout
h.She'
saf
rai
d..
.so
af
rai
d.Butshedi
dn'
tleti
tshow.Shehol
dherf
earin.

Thi
sisherf
aul
t.Shemustf
acet
heconsequencesofherst
upi
dit
y.

"Ihaveaquestion,I
fyoudon'
twantt
odi
e,Isuggestyouanswerme.
"Wi
kani
tosa
nananakotnaboses.

"
Ofcour
se.Iwi
l
lanswer
."Sagotni
yasakal
madongboses.

Gust
avol
ookst
akenabackbyt
hecal
mnessofhervoi
ce.Noshaki
ngandnof
earl
aci
ng
i
t.

Si
naponi
toangbabani
yangmal
akasatmahi
gpi
t."
Nof
unnybusi
ness,woman.You
don'
twantmeangr
y."

Gustoni
yangsabi
hindi
tonghindimangyayar
i'yonper
oayaw ni
yanggal
i
tini
todahi
l
nasakamayni
toangbuhayni
l
angmagi na.

"Whatisitt
hatyouwantt
oask?"Tanongni
yanahi
ndii
naal
i
sangt
ingi
nsal
alaki
ng
kausap.

Kumuhamunangst oolangl
alaki
ngnagngangal
angGust
avoatpi
nosi
syonni
toang
upuansahar
apanni
yamismo.

"I
fyouwantt olive,tel
lmeeveryt
hingaboutNiccol
oRaci
ni.
"Panimulani
to."
Hisother
i
denti
ty,hi
sotherj obs,theor
gani
zati
onhe'sinandeverysecr
ethehas.Iwantever y
detai
lofhi
shouse,t hepasscodetohisvaul
tsandhow t
ogetintothebasementofhis
mansionundetected."

"
MayIaskwhy?"

I
sangmalakasnasampasapi
sngini
yaangnagi
ngkasagut
ansat
anongni
ya."
Iwi
l
ldo
t
heaski
ng."

I
pini
kitni
yaangmgamat aparapakal
mahi
nangsar
il
ibagoi
minul
ati
yonatmat
apang
nasinal
ubongangt
ingi
nniGust
avo.

"I
fItel
lyouwhatyouwantt
oknow,wi
l
lyousetmef
ree?"Sheasked,notcar
ingi
fshe
getssl
apagai
n.

Gustavosmi r
ked."You'r
eonehellofawoman,huh. "Hegri
pherchi
nandhi sgri
pmove
t
oherneck,squeezi ngi t
."Youdon'tlookscaredandyou'resocalm.Idisl
ikewomen
l
ikeyou.ThoughIknow t hati
fIdothis,"Maslalonghumigpi
tangpagkakasakalni
tosa
l
eegni ya."
Wi l
lyousti
l
lstaycal
m andcol l
ect
ed?"

Hindinamakahi
ngangmaayossiIri
satnani
niki
pnaangdi bdi
bni
yaperohindipar i
n
si
yanagbabangt i
ngi
nhanggangsabumagsakangt al
ukapngmataniyadahilkul
ang
naanghanginsabagani
ya,doonl
angbahagyanglumawangangpagkakasakalni
tosa
l
eegni ya.

Sunod-sunod si
yang humi
nga ng mal
ali
m habang i
nii
si
p ni
ya ang bat
a na nasa
si
napupunanniya.

"Now answermyquesti
on,Mr s.Raci
ni.
"Sabini
tohabangt
inat
ampal
-tampal
angpi
sngi
niyanaparangt
inut
uyasiya.

Wal
angemosyonangmgamat
angt
umi
ngi
nsi
yakayGust
avoatkal
madongnagsal
i
ta.
"Letmeupdat eyou,Mr .Gustavo.Myhusbanddi dn'
tshow hi
sfacetomef oreight
years."Herj
aw ti
ghtened."Sohow doyouexpectmet oknow hi
sident
it
y,hi
sotherj
ob
andt heorgani
zati
onhe'sin?Idon'tknowanyt
hing-"

"
Liar
!"Hesl
appedheragai
n.Har
d.Numbi
ngherf
ace."
Don'
tli
etome!
"

"I
'm notl
yi
ng."Pini
l
itni
yangmagsal
i
takahi
tnananaki
tangpi
sngini
yakapagbumuka
angbibi
gniya."
It
'sthet
rut
h."

"
Iknow youknow something,
"hi
ndinani
niwal
asiGust
avosakasi
nungal
i
nganni
ya,
"
andIwil
lgeti
toutofyou,onewayoranot
her.
"

Nanatil
isi
yangkal
mado."
Mr.Gust
avo,t
hisisusel
ess.Youtookt
hewr ongper sont
o
i
nterr
ogate.Youshoul
dhavet
akenNiccol
o'sbutl
er,heknowsever
ything aboutmy
husband."

Matal
im angmat aatnagtatagisangbagangnat initi
gansiyaniGustavosakai ti
nutok
angmat al
im nadulongkut si
l
yosaleegni ya." Ididn'tt
ookthewr ongper son,Mr s.
Raci
ni.Ther
e'sonlyonereasonwhyNiccoloRaci nialwayscomesbackt oItal
y,andthat
i
syou.Itisal
readyprovenandt est
edovertheyear s.Youareveryimpor t
anttohim.Of
cour
se,won'thurtyou.Fornow."Ngumisi
ito."Yourhusbandwi llpay,thr
oughyou. "

Niccol
otook somet
hing f
rom t
his man.What
evert
hati
s,i
tmustbe somet
hing
i
mpor t
ant
.

"Myhusbandtooksomet hingfrom you,didn'

the?"Panimul
aniyasamalumanayna
boseshabangnakat
ingi
nkayGust avo."Tel
lmewhatiti
s,Imaybeabletohel
pyouwi
th
that
.Asyoucansee,i'
m pregnant.Mychildcomesfi
rst
."Shenegot
iat
ed.

MalakasnatumawasiGustavo."Hel
pme?Good!Il i
keyou."Pat ul
oyit
osapagtawa
hanggangsatumahi
mikit
oatmat i
m si
yangti
nit
igan."Yourhusbandtookmybrot
her'
s
l
if
eandIwantyoursandyourbaby'
sli
feaspayment."

Nanl
ami
gangbuoni
yangkat
awansasi
nabi
nit
o.

"Nocomment ,Mrs.Racini
?"Malakasnat umawananamansiGustavohabangsiyaay
nanl
alamignasat akotperoki
no-kontr
olniyai
yonnahi
ndinitomaki
ta."
Don'tworry,I
wil
lnotkil
lyounow.Iwillwai
tforyourhusbandandIwi
l
lki
llyouandyourbabyinfront
ofhim."

May inil
abas i
tong kutsil
yo saka gi
namitiyon par
a makawal
a siya sa pagkakat
ali
pagkataposaysi nakalna naman siya ni
to sa l
eeg atwal
ang habasna hinil
a si
ya
pal
abasngkuwar t
ongki naror
oonan.

I
ri
snear
lyf
allonherkneeswhenherst
omachachesagai
nbutshehol
diti
nandf
orce
hersel
ftowal
k.Whenherst
epssl
owsdown,shewasdr
aggedbyt
womeni
ntoanot
her
room.

Doon nangi
nig ang l
abini
ya atnanl
akiang mga mat
a ni
ya ng maki
ta kung anong
kl
asengkuwarto'yon.

"No.
..
"awtomat
ikonghumakbangsi
yapaat
rasper
opi
nigi
l
ansi
yangmgat
auhanni
Gust
avo.

"Str
apheront hechair
!"UtosniGustavosamgat auhannitohabangnakangisi."Iwi
ll
notkil
lyoubutIwil
lhurtyouandviol
ateyouwhil
ewai t
ingforyourhusband.Andwhi l
e
waiti
ng,Iwantyout ot el
lmesomet hingabouthi
m.Tel lmehi sotherident
it
ies,hi
s
otherj
obs,hi
sweaknesses,thenameoft heor
gani
zati
onhe'sinandever ypasscodeto
everylocki
nhishouse.

"
Hindi
umi
miksiI
ri
s.Shej
ustkeepsont
uggi
ngherhandbutt
hest
rapi
stoot
ight
.

Pasi
mpl
eni
yangpi
nal
i
botangt
ingi
nsakabuonanngkuwar
to.

Drybloodonthef
loor.Spatt
erbloodonthewallsandceil
i
ng.Tool
sthatar
eusedf
or
i
nfl
ict
ingpai
nanddif
ferentki
ndsofbl
oodykni
ves.Ator
tur
echamber.

Niccol
o..
.ki
nagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abihabangnagdar
asalnasanadumat
ingna
angasawaniya.

"Iwil
lask again.
"Bosesi yon niGustavo na ngayon ay may ki
nuhang kutsi
l
yo at
pinat
ayoiyonsahit
aniyanapar angnagl
alar
ohabanghawakangdul oniyon."
Whatar e
theotheri
dent
it
iesofyourhusband?"

Napatiti
gsiyasakahar ap.Ther easonwhyt hi
smanwant edtoknow isbecausehe
doesn'tknow anythi
ngot herthanhei sNiccol
oRacini
.Hehasnoi deaofherhusband
otherident
iti
esandhewant edtoknow becauseNi ccol
oRaciniisalwaysnotaround
andal waysofftheradar.Itsoneoft hereasonwhythismancan'tgettoherhusband.
Andt hismancoul dbet her easonwhyNi ccolocoul
dn'tshow hi
mselftoherforei
ght
years!

"Answerme!"Si
gaw niGust
avosakani
yakasabayngpagsampalni
tosamagkabi
l
a
niyangpi
sngi
.

Kumuyom angkamaoni yaatnagt

atagi
sangbagangnasi
nagotsiGust
avo."
Idon'
t
know anyt
hing.Iknow nothi
ng.
"

Saguti
n man ni
ya i
too hi
ndi
,pareho pa r
in naman ang kal
alabasan.Hindisi
ya ni
to
pakakawal
anatpagbabayari
nsi
yanitosabuhayngkapat i
dnitonaki nuhaniNi
ccol
o.
TumaasangkamayniGust
avonamayhawaknakutsi
l
yoatakmangi
sasaksakni
toang
hi
tani
yangmakari
nigsi
l
angsunod-sunodnaput
okngbar
il
.

Sahal
i
pnakabahan,ngumi
sil
angsiGust
avo."
Final
l
y.He'
sher
e."

Nagt
atagi
sangbagangnahumi
gpi
tanghawakniGust
avosakut
sil
yoati
nut
usanni
to
angmgatauhanni
to.

"Br
ingNi
ccol
oRaci
nitome!Now!"Ut
osni
topagkat
aposatnagmamadali
nglumabas
ngkuwar
toangl
ahatngt
auhannanar
oonmal
i
bankayGustavonanagpai
wan.

Humingangmalal
i
m siIr
issakai
hini
l
igangkat
awansal
i
kodngki
nauupuanpar
ama-
r
elaxangkat
awanati
sipniya.

Atnanglumapituli
tsakaniyasiGustavohabangmayhawaknakutsil
yoaywalasiyang
maramdamangt akot
.Inthemi dstofgunfi
reandchaos,shedoesn'
tfeelaf
rai
d.She
wascalm becausesheknew,herhusbandwi ll
comeandrescueher
.

PINALI
BOTNINi ccol
oangmgamat asanakat agongkuwart
osabasementni yana
punongbari
lkapagkuwanayisa-i
saniyangini
lagayi
yonsaduff
lebagkasamangmga
magazineatbal
apagkataposaybumal iksi
yasamansi yonatisa-i
sangini
l
apagang
l
amanngduf f
lebagsacentr
etablesasalaskasamaangmagazinesatmgabal a.

"
Whotookher
?"Kaagadni
yangtanongnangmar
amdamanangpr
esensi
yaniPi
etr
osa
l
i
kodni
ya."
Whotookmywife?"

"
Gust
avo'
smen.
"SagotniPi
etr
o.

Gust
avo?"
Thehumant
raf
fi
ckerf
rom Col
umbi
a?"

"Yes."Piet
roanswer edsilent
ly."
Thatone.Accordingtomysour ce,Gust avomoved
from Columbi
at oIt
alyjusttomakeyoupayf orendinghi
sbrother'
sli
fe.Thoseatt
acks,
thethreattoSignori
na'sIri
s'l
ifethesepastf
ew years,t
hosear ehim.Testingi
fyou'l
l
comeandsaveSi gnori
na.Looksli
kehe'dbeenplanningf
orthi
s."

"Ifi
redawar ni
ngshotf orhisbrothert
ost oprapingt hatwoman,buthedi dn'tst
op
i
nstead,hepoi ntedagunatme,anof f
iceroft helaw,soIshothi m andsavethe
woman. "Niccol
ocl osedhiseyes,hepict
urehiswi feinhi shead.Shemustbescared
butconceali
ngit.That'shi
sIr
is."
IfIseeevenasi nglebruiseonmywi fe'
sbody,Iwon't
hesi
tatetokil
lhi
mt oo."

"
Shoul
dIcal
lforbackup?"Pi
etr
oasked.
Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Wher
eisI
ri
snow?"

"
Gust
avo'
swar
ehouse,out
sidet
heci
ty.
"

Tumal
i
m angmgamatani
ya."
ift
hatmotherf
uckerhur
tsmywi
fei
nanyway,Iwi
l
lki
l
l
hi
minmorewayst
hanhecani
magine.
"

"Ial
readysentawor
dtot
heOr
gani
zat
ionf
orconsentt
oki
l
l,st
il
lnor
epl
y"Sagotni
Piet
ro.

Nagtat
agi
sangbagangnaisa-i
sani
yangnil
agyanngbal
aangmgamagazi
nenanasa
i
babaw nglamesa."
Askagai
nandiftheydon'
tansweri
ntwomi
nut
es,i
'
m notwai
ti
ng
f
orthem."

"
Youcan'
tdot
hat
-"

"Yes,Ican."Nil
agyanni
yang magazi
neang bar
ilnahawakati
kinasai
yon,"we'
re
tal
kingaboutmywi f
e,Pi
etr
o,Idon'
tcar
ewhathappenstome.Al
lthatmatt
ersi
sIr
is
andt hebaby.
"

"
Wit
houtt
hegosignalf
rom theOrgani
zat
ion,youwi
l
lbei
nbi
gtr
oubl
e."Pi
etr
oar
gued.
"
Youcan'
tmovewit
houtthei
rconsent
-"

"
Fuckconsent
."I
sa-i
sani
yani
l
agyanang mgabar
ilng magazi
ne,"
mywi
fecomes
f
ir
st.
"

I
binali
kniyaul
itsal
oobngduffl
ebagangmgabar i
lsakaisi
nukbi
tiyonpagkat
aposay
naglakadpal
abasngbahay.Hi
ndini
yapi
nansi
nangpagpigi
lsakani
yaniPiet
ro.

Sumakaysi
ya sa nakapar
adang motorsi
kl
o sa l
abasng bahayatpinaharur
oti
yon
pal
abasnggat
e,patungosakalsadahabangangduffel
bagaynasal
ikodniya.

Hi
smi
ndi
sfocusononet
hing.I
ri
s.

She'spregnant
.Thi
skindofpr
obl
em isnotokayf
ort
hebaby.I
fIr
isbleedsagain,i
twi
l
l
behisfault
.Andifsomethi
ngbadhappenstoherwi
fe,t
hosemotherfuckershoul
dbe
readytofacehi
swrath.

Niccol
o'sj
aw isclenchingashedri
vest
owardstheGust
avo'swarehouse.Namumuo
angtakotatpag-aalal
asadibdi
bni
yaper
opil
i
tniyai
yongwinawaksi
.

MyI
ri
sisal
i
veandwel
l
.Sabini
yasasar
il
ihabangmasbi
nil
i
sanpaangpagpapat
akbo
ngmot
or.

Whenhest
opsi
nfr
ontofGust
avo'
swar
ehouse,t
hegat
eiscl
osedandl
ockedwi
th
chai
ns.

Het
skedandt
ookoutt
wogunsf
rom hi
sduf
fel
bag.

Akmangbabar
il
inni
yaangl
ocknggat
engt
umunogangcel
l
phoneni
yasabul
sa.

Ni
ccol
osi
ghedbef
oreanswer
ingt
hecal
l
."What
?"

"Thi
sisPari
si.
"Pagpapakil
alangnasakabi
langl
i
nya."
TheOrgani
zati
onwantsyototake
GustavoinforEuropolint
err
ogat
ion.Ki
l
li
nghimisnotal
lowed.Theywanthim al
iveto
answerforhi
scri
mes. "

Kumuyom angkamaoniyaathumi
gpi
tanghawakni
yasacel
l
phone."
Whati
fhef
ight
backandshootatme?"

"
Theor
gani
zat
ionwant
shi
m al
i
ve.
"Ul
i
tniPar
isi
.

Nagt
agi
sangbagangni
ya."
Fine.I
'l
ltr
ynott
oki
l
lhi
mthen.
"

"
Tryhar
der
."

Het
sked."
Wher
ear
eyou?"

"I
ntheheli
copter
,sevenhundr
edyar
dsdi
stancef
rom you,wi
thmysni
pergun.I
'm your
aeri
alpar
tner
."

Het
skedagai
n."
Show of
f."

"
Jackass.
"Pari
sicursed hi
m."
You can shootf
rom a t
housand yar
d di
stance,now
who'
stheshow of
f?"

Napai
l
ingsi
ya."
Canyouseeme?"

Yes.
"

I
ti
naasni
yaangkamaysaer
eatpi
naki
tani
yaanggi
tnangdal
i
ri."
Seet
his?"
Par
isi
chuckl
ed."
Rightbackatyah,asshol
e."

Pi
natayni
yaangt
awagsakaibi
nal
i
kangcel
l
phonesabul
saatakmangbabar
il
inang
gat
engmaynaunasakani
ya.

Ni
ccol
oqui
ckl
ytur
nsar
oundandsawPi
etr
owi
thar
if
fl
e.Umuusokpaangdul
oni
yon.

Iwaspl
anni
ngt
osneaki
n."Pagsi
si
nungal
i
ngni
ya."
It
seasi
er.
"

Pi
etrosmirkedatthegatet
hatisnow wi
deopen."Sor
ryt
obur
styourbubbl
e,Si
gnor
,
butgrandentr
anceisal
waysthebestwayt
ogoin.
"

Henoddedandenterst
hegat
e,wit
hgunsonhi shandandlotsofgunsont heduf
fel
bagonhi
sback."
Letsgoandr
escueIr
is.I
'm sur
emywifemissesmealready.
"

CHAPTER40

NARIRI
NIG NII
risangmal akasnabari
lansalabashabangnasal
oobpari
nsiyang
kuwart
onapinagdalhansakaniya.Nakat
alipari
nsi
yasaupuanhabangi
nii
si
pkung
anongmangyayari
sakaniya.

"
Now..
."Gustavowhisper
edashest andsi
nfr
ontofher
,"t
ellme,Mr
s.Raci
ni,whatar
e
t
heot
heridenti
ti
esofyourhusband.
"

Eveni
fsheanswers,he'
l
lhurtheranyway.Butwhatar
eodds,r
ight
?Shehavet
omake
i
lookl
i
keshe'
sshiveri
nginf
ear.

"Idon'tknow."Aniyasanangi nginig naboseshabang nakatinginsamgamat ang

kaharap."Hewon'ttel
lmeanyt hing."Tearsrol
leddownt ohereyes." Iaskedal otof
ti
mesbutheal waysanswer edmyquest i
onswithsi
lence.Hewon' ttel
lme,afrai
dthatI
mightgetdraggedint
ohiswor l
d,likewhat '
shappening.ow.He'sprotecti
ngmebynot
tel
li
ngmeanyt hi
ng.Soi'm sorr
y,alllknow i
sthepasscodetoallthelocksinthehouse.
Nothingmore."

Pi
nakat
it
igansi
yaniGust
avohabanguntiunt
ingt
umutusokangdul
ongkut
sil
yoni
tosa
hi
tani
ya."Youl
ookver
yconvi
ncingbutIdon'
tbel
i
eveyou."

Ngumisii
toatmaslal
ongi
binaonangdulongkutsi
lyosahi
tani
yaatnar
aramdaman
ni
yangmalapi
tnani
yongmabutasangdeni
m nasuotni
ya.

"
Stopl
yi
ngt
ome,Mr
s.Raci
ni.
"
Umil
i
ngsiyahabangl
umul
uhapar
in."
I'
m notl
yi
ng.I
'l
ldoanyt
hingf
ormybaby,Mr
.
Gust
avo.
"

Maslal
onglumapadangpagkakangi
sini
to."
That
'st
het
hing,Mr
s.Raci
ni,youandyour
babywon'
tli
ve.Whydon'
tweplayagame?"

"
Whatgame?"Paki
kisakayni
ya.

I
nali
snitoangpagkakatal
isakaniyasakamayki
nuhait
ongbari
lmulasal i
kurannit
o
bago si
yapinat
ayo habang nakat
utokpari
nsakani
yaang kut
sil
yo atang bari
lna
hawaknito.

Shedidn'
tdar
emoveagai
nsthi
swi
shes.He'
stoocl
ose,hemi
ghtst
abherst
omachor
shoother
.

"St
andup. "Ut
osniGustavohabangnakakalokoi
tongtumi
nginsakani
yaathi
nahagod
ngtingi
nangkatawanni ya."
You'r
ever
ypr ett
y,Mrs.Raci
ni.Whydon'
tweplayalit
tl
e
whil
ewai t
ingf
oryourhusband?"

Shedi
dn'
tspeak.

"Now."Iki
nasani
toangbar i
lati
ti
nut
oksakani
ya."
Takeof
fyourcl
othes,Mr
s.Raci
ni
andletmeenjoyyourbody.
"

Herl
i
pst
hinned."
No-"

Gustavosqueezedthetri
ggerandt
hebul
l
etpassedt
hrought
heski
nonhershoul
der
,
shaki
nghertothecore!

I
ri
skneeswobbl
edbutshepushedher
sel
ftost
andupf
ir
mly.

Hehavet
ocomet
oherf
ort
hepl
anonhermi
ndt
owor
k.

"
Clot
hesof
f."Ut
osul
i
tniGust
avosamaydi
i
ngboses."
Now.Takei
tof
f."

Humakbangsi
yapaat
rasdi
to.Shewon'
tlett
hisscum seeherbody.I
tsf
orherhusband
onl
y!

"
Takei
tof
f!
"Si
gaw ni
tosakani
yasabaykal
abi
tnggat
il
yo.

Thebul
l
etpasst
hrought
hesi
deofl
eftar
m,buti
tdi
dn'
ttouchherbody.
I
ri
swastrembli
ngbutfi
ght
ingi
tnottobeseen.She'
stryi
nghar
dtostandstil
landnot
f
alli
nherkneesinf
ear
.Shetookanot
herst
epbacktolurehi
m andt
oirri
tat
ehim even
more.

Kungpapatayi
nsi
yani
to,kani
napadapat.Angpagbar
ilni
tosakani
ya,hi
ndii
yonpar
a
pat
ayi
nsiyaosakt
ankundipar
atakut
insi
ya.

He'
scont
rol
l
ingt
hesi
tuat
ion.
..andshehat
etobecont
rol
l
ed.

"Idon'
twantto.
"Hereyessharpened."Iwon'tl
etyout
ouchmeyouscum.Onl
ymy
husbandget
stotouchme.Onl
yNiccoloRaci
ni.
"

Gali
tnalumapi
tsakani
yasiGust
avoati
tonami
smoangpumuni
tsadami
tni
yang
i
langbeses.

Shewasscar
edt
odeat
handt
rembl
i
ngi
nsi
debutshepushhermi
ndt
othi
nkandher
bodyt
omove!

Nangmapuni tniGustavoangblousenasuotatnagpi-pi
yest
aangmgamat ani
tosa
dibdibni
ya,malakasniyangt
inuhodangpagkal
alakini
tosakabuongl
akasni
yait
ong
ti
nulakpal
ayosakaniya.

Mabi
li
snatumakbosiI
ri
spal
abasngkuwar
tohabanghi
nahabolsi
yangbal
angbar
ilni
Gust
avo!

"
Youbi
tch!
"Si
gaw niGust
avohabanghi
nahabol
siya."
Iwi
l
lki
l
lyou!
"

I
ri
sf orcedher
sel
ftorunfast
er,tur
ntol
eftandr
ightandtur
nri
ghtagainandl
eftagai
n
unt
ilshecameacr ossmountai
nsofwoodboxeswhileGust
avoischasi
ngherwit
hhot
bul
letsonherheel
s.

Nagmamadal ini
yanginal
i
sangsandalsnasuotparahi
ndisi
yal
umi
khangi
ngaysa
pagl
alakadhabangnaghahanapngmapagt
ataguan.

MaingatangmgahakbangniI
ri
s.Bawathakbangaysigur
adonahi
ndii
yonl
i
li
khang
i
ngaynamakapagt
utur
okayGustavokungnasaansi
ya.

Ihavet
obever
ycar
eful
.

Tumigilsil
ri
ssapaghakbangatnaki
ramdam sapal
i
gid.She'
snotNi
ccol
obutshecan
hearfootst
epsf
rom whereshecamef r
om.
Gust
avo!

I
ri
smovest otheopposi
teside.Sabawathakbang niGust
avopalapitsakani
yaat
humahakbangsi
yapal
ayori
to.Nar
ir
ini
gni
yaangpagl
apitni
tokayanauunahanni
yait
o.

"Don'
tangerme,Mr s.Raci
ni!
"AniGust
avosapasi
gaw naboses."
Iknow you'
reher
e
andwill
kil
lyouwhenIseeyou!"

Napahawaksi
yasasi
napupunan.

Kai
l
anganni
yangmat
akasansiGust
avo!

I
lang beses si
yang huminga ng mal
ali
m bago i
nihakbang ang mga paa pai
kotsa
kabi
langpanignangpinanggal
inganni
yakani
na.

Mal
akasangt
ibokngpusoniI
ri
shabangpi
napaki
nggangangyabagniGust
avo.

Abo't
-abotang kaba niya l
alo na nang sumagisa gi
li
d ng kar
ton ang l
ayl
ayan ng
napunitni
yangpang-it
aasatmunt i
knai yonmal agl
ag,mabutinalangaynasaloniya
i
yonpar ahi
ndil
umikhangi ngay.

OhGod!

"
Comeout
,comeout
,Mr
s.Raci
ni.
"AniGust
avohabangpanayangpaput
okngbar
il
.
"
Comeout
..
."

Nangingi
nig siI
ri
shabang dahan-dahang i
binababa ang kar
tonathumakbang si
ya
paat
ras.

Kagatang pang-i
babang l
abina nangi
ngini
g,naglal
ami
g ang buong kat
awan na
pat
uloy si
yang humakbang pal
ayo, paikot pat
ungo sa kabil
ang panig nang
pi
nagtat
aguanni
ya.

Nangmakabali
ksapinasukanniyakani
na,atnakaki
tasi
yangoport
unidadnamakalayo
kayGust
avo,mabil
i
ssiyangtumakboatmal akasnanapasi
gawngmakar i
nigngsunod-
sunodngputokngbari
latsumigidangki
rotsakalamnanngbi
ntini
ya.

She'
sshot
!

Pero kahi
tnagdidi
l
im na ang paningin ni
ya sa sobr
ang saki
t,hi
ndisi
ya t
umigi
lsa
pagtakboparasabuhaynilangmag-i na.Nagdarasalsi
yanasanaayhindisi
laabut
an
ngbalanapinapaul
ansakani yaniGustavo.
Shewassoscar
edforherbaby,shewashuggi
ngherst
omachandbeggi
ngGodt
olet
t
hem l
i
veandsavet
hem.

Whenshesuddenl
ybumpedi
ntosomeoneshecoul
dn'
tseebecauseshekeepson
l
ooki
ngbackassheran.

Pareho sil
ang bumagsak sa sahi
g ng nabunggo ni
ya atnang subukan ni
yang
bumangonpar aipagpat
uloyangpagtakbo,i
ti
nut
okngnabanggani
yaangbar i
lni
tosa
ul
oni ya.

That
'swhenhereyesmetherhusband'
s.Theowneroft
hegun.

Rel
i
efwashedoverher
."Ni
ccol
o."

Ni
ccol
oimmediat
elydropthegun,hel
ooksr
eli
eveaswel
lunt
ilagunshotechoedand
hewentpal
easfearf
il
ledhiseyes.

"
No.
..I
ri
s!"

NI
CCOLOwasbreathi
ngheavi
l
yashehidhi
mselfbehi
ndat hi
ckcementwal
lwhi
l
efi
ve
menwi
thhi
ghcal
ibr
egunsconti
nuedt
oshootathi
sdir
ect
ion.

Hel
etoutal
oudbr
eat
handl
ookedathi
sguns.

"
Nobul
l
ets.
..
"hewhi
sper
edandl
ookedathi
sempt
yduf
fel
bag."
Fuck.
"

I
sinandal
niyaangkat
awansasement
osakai
pini
kitangmgamat
a.

MyI
ri
s.She'
swai
ti
ngf
orme.

Hedr
ophi
sgunsandt
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Dahan-dahan si
yang sumi
l
ip per
o kaagad na bumal
i
k sa pi
nagt
ataguan ng mag
dumaangbalasaharapanngmukhaniya.

Ki
nuhani
yaangcel
l
phonesabul
sasakat
inawagansiPi
etr
o.

"
I'
m outofbul
l
ets.
"Sabini
yangsagut
inni
toangt
awag."
You?"
"
Downt
omyl
astbul
l
et,Si
gnor
,andIst
il
lhavet
hreeenemi
esshoot
ingatme.
"

Napamur
asi
ya."
Ihavef
ive.
"

"
Goodl
uckt
ous.Gust
avohasl
otsofmen.
"

"Thatdoesn'
tscar
eme.
"Pagkasabini
yonaypi
nat
ayni
yaangt
awagati
binal
i
ksabul
sa
angcell
phone.

"
Fuckt
his.
"Het
ookt
het
wokni
vesst
raponhi
sbackandhol
dthem t
ight
ly.

Sumi
lipul
itsi
yasagi
li
dngpinagt
ataguanatsunod-sunodnanapamuranamakit
ang
l
umalapi
tsakani
yaangli
mangkal
abanhabangpat ul
oyparinsapagpapaul
anngbal
a
saki
naror
oonanni
ya.

Helookedathi
sside.Twometer
sawayisanothercementwal
lbutanopenspacei
n
bet
ween.Hecoulduseitt
ohi
dehimsel
faf
terheatt
acks.

Ihavet
obepr
eci
se.

"Wi
shmeluck."Hesai
dwhi
l
elooki
ngathi
skni
vesbef
oreki
ssi
ngt
hem,"
formywi
fe.
Her
eIcome.
.."

Niccol
o qui
ckl
yrol
l
ed overunt
othef
loorwhi
l
ethr
owi
ng hi
skni
vesatt
het
wo men
nearestt
ohim.

Hehissedwhenabul
l
etpiercedthr
oughhi
sshoul
derbuthi
sbodycont
inuedt
orol
lover
unt
ilt
hewall
cover
edhim again.

"
Twodown.
..
"hi
nihi
ngal
nasabini
ya,"
thr
eemor
etogo.
"

Hepushedhi
msel
fupandhi
ssedwhenpai
nri
ppedt
hroughhi
sshoul
der
.

"
Fuck.
"Hecussedandpul
l
edt
hekni
fest
raponhi
slef
tleg.

Hi
slastkni
fe.Fort
hreemen.

"
Cazzo!
"Mur
ani
ya.

Humigpi
tanghawakniNiccol
osakutsi
lyoatwalangpag-aal
inl
angansakamal
alaki
anghakbangnal
umabassiyasapi
nagt
ataguanatibi
nat
oniyaangkutsi
l
yosakal
aban
namal
api
tsakani
yaatmabi
l
isnasi
nal
oangbar
ilnanabi
tawanngl
alaki
.

Kasabay ng pagbagsak ng kat

awan ni ya sa sement o,nasal
o niya ang barilna
nabit
awanngsi naksakni
yangkut si
l
yosakamabi l
isiyongit
inut
oksakalabannanasa
ul
uhan niya atkinal
abi
tang gati
lyo kahithindiniya ang mga it
o nakiki
ta habang
nakahigaparinsi
yasasemento.

Ni
ccol
olet
soutal
oudbr
eat
hwhenhehear
dat
wol
oudt
hudont
hef
loor
.

Her
oll
edhi
sbodyandpushedhi
msel
fup.

"
Ist
il
ldon'
tmi
ss.
"Het
skedandsmi
rked.

Niccol
owentt ocoll
ecthi
senemiesgunandhi skni
veswhenhehear danot
herloud
thud. Nang bumali
ng siya sa pi
nanggal
i
ngan ni
yon, naki
ta ni
ya ang l
alaki
ng
nakahandusaysasahi
g.

Hedi
dn'
thearagunshot
.

Looksl
i
kePar
isii
sdoi
nghi
sjobaf
ter
all
.

Niccol
owentinsi
det
hewarehousewi
thar
if
fl
eanda45i
nhi
shand,onemagazi
newi
th
f
ourbullet
sandtwokni
ves.

Kaagadni
yangbi nar
ilang l
i
manglalaki
ngsumal ubongsakani yagami
tangri
ffl
eat
nangmakari
nigngyabagsal i
kodni
ya,ki
nuhani yasahol
sterang.45ati
ti
nut
oki
yonsa
l
ikodni
yaatki
nalabi
tanggatil
yonahi
nditi
nit
ingnankungsi
noi yon.

Nari
nigni
yaangpagbagsakngkat
awansasahi
gkasabayni
yonatbi
ntawani
yaang
r
if
fl
enawal anangbal
a.

Thef
oot
stepoft
heoneheshoti
stooheavy,def
ini
tel
ynotPi
etr
ooranyoneheknew.

Wal
angi
ngaynanagl
akadsi
Niccol
opat
ungosakanangbahagingwar
ehouse.

Hisearpicksupamovementonhi sl
eft
.Hei
mmedi
atel
yai
m hi
s.45t
owar
dst
henoi
se
andpull
edt het
ri
ggerwi
thoutl
ooki
ng.

Whenhehear
dat
hud,abodyf
all
i
ngont
hef
loor
,hecont
inuedmovi
ng.

Humi
gpitanghawakniyasabari
lngmakar
ini
gngkaluskosmulasaunahanniya.May
mgasasakyannanakapar
adadoonnapuwedengpagtaguanngmgakalaban.
Anambush?

Gust
oni
yangmat
awa.Theybet
terknowwhatt
hey'
redoi
ngbecausehe'
snotpl
ayi
ng.

Thesoundsofhi
sfootst
epsdisappear
edashewalkedtowar
dsthefr
ontoft
hecarli
ke
nobody'
sbusi
nessandshott
het womenhidi
ng,r
eadyi
ngthemsel
vestoambushhi
m.

And when he f
elta pr
esence on hisri
ght,hequi
cklypul
l
ed hi
skni
feon hi
sboot
s
ant
hrowitatt
hecar'
swi ndshi
eld,shat
ter
ingi
tandhi
tt
ingt
hemanbehi
ndthewheel
.

Ni
ccol
otskedashewal
kst
owar
dst
hecar
.

Si
nili
pniyaangloobni
yonatnapai
l
ingnangmakitangmaynakahandanangbar
ilang
l
alaki
,naunahanl
angni
yakasimasmabi
li
ssiyar
it
o.

Ti
nungoniyaangpintongsasakyan,bi
nuksani
yonathinugotangkutsi
l
yongi
binat
o
ni
yasalal
akipagkat
aposaypat
uloysi
yangnagl
akadnangwalangingay

.
45onhi
slef
thand,hi
shunt
ingkni
feonhi
sri
ght
.

Tumigi
lsiya ng makar
ini
g ng yabag ng mga paa.Ipi
niki
tni
ya ang mga mat
a par
a
bi
langi
nkungi lanangkal
abannapapal api
tsakaniyasapamamagi t
anngmgayabag
nanari
ri
nigniya.

Four
.

Ni
ccol
ocr
oucheddownandst
eal
thi
l
ymovehi
sfeett
owar
dst
hef
oot
steps.

I
ti
nagoniyaangsar i
l
isali
kodngisangmalaki
ngdr
um.Nangsumi
l
ipsi
ya,t
amaang
bi
langni
ya,apatngaangkal
abangnaki
kit
ani
ya.

Hecheckedhi
smagazi
ne.

Thr
eebul
l
etsandhehast
orel
oad.

"Oh,fuckr
eload."Bul
ongniyabagolumabassapi
nagt
ataguanathindikumukurapna
ki
nalabi
tngtatl
ongbesesangbaril
-lahatayt
umamasaulo-ati
binatoniyasaleegng
i
saangkutsil
yonghawakniya.

Umukl
osi
yasal
alaki
ngbi
nat
oni
yangkut
sil
yosakaki
nuhai
yonsapagkakabaonsa
l
eegni
toatpumasoksai
sangpasi
l
yonanaghat
idsakani
yasai
sapangwar
ehouse.

Nagt
agi
sangbagangni yahabangmaingatangmgahakbangatmabi
l
isnai
ti
nut
utok
angbar
ilsakal
uskosnanar
ir
ini
gni
ya.

Hecan'
thearanyt
hingot
hert
hant
henoi
sef
rom t
heout
side.

Al
ldead?l
doubtt
hat
.

Nar
ir
ini
gpar
inni
yaangbar
il
ansal
abasngwar
ehouse.ThatmeansPi
etr
oisst
il
lbusy.

Akmanghahakbangsiyapat
ungosahagdanannamaghahatidsakani
yasaikalawang
pal
apagngwar ehousengmakari
nigsi
yangtumatakbongyabagatbigl
analangmay
bumunggosakaniyabagopasi
yamakaiwasdahi
l
anpar abumagsaksi
l
angdalawa.

Kaagadniyanghi
nagi
l
apangbar
ilbakakal
abanangmaykagagawani
yonatmabi
l
isna
i
ti
nutoki
yonsabumungosakani
ya.

That
'swhenhi
seyesmethi
swi
fe'
s.

Kaagadnabumabaangkamayni
yangmayhawakngbar
ilnanakat
utokdi
to.

"
Niccol
o."Shel
ooksr
eli
eved.

'
Yonang hul
i
ng nar
inig ni
yabagonaki
tasiGust
avonai
ti
nut
okang bar
ilkayI
ri
sat
ki
nal
abi
tni
toanggat
ilyo.

I
twasl
i
keasl
ow mot
ion.Hecanseet
hebul
l
etandi
tsaboutt
ohi
thi
swi
feont
hehead.

"
No.
..I
ri
s!"

I
PINI
KITNIIri
sangmgamat a,hi
nint
aynat umamaangbal asal
ikodni ya,perol
umipas
ang i
l
ang segundo,wala si
yang naramdaman kaya i
minul
atniya ang mga mat a at
umawangangl abini
yaatnayani
gangbuongmundoni yangmaki t
angsi nal
oniNiccolo
angbalanaparasakaniya.

Atngayonaypi
nipi
l
itni
tongmakat
ayokahi
tmayt
amai
to.

"
N-Ni
ccol
o..
."

Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed."
It
sokay,amor
e,go,hi
de.
"
Sagitnangpangi
ngi
nigni
ya,naki
tani
yamul
asagi
l
idngmgamat
ani
yasiGust
avona
nakangi
si
.

"
IfImove.
."shegul
ped,"
babar
il
inni
yaakosahar
apanmot
uladngpl
anoni
ya.
"

ButNi
ccol
ojustsmi
l
edather
."Tr
ustme?"

Shenodded."
Yes.
"

"Thenmove,amor
e."Ki
nindat
ansi
yani
to."
Leavei
ttome.Nakakal
i
mut
anmoyat
akung
sinoangasawamo."

"Hindiko nakakal
i
mut an.
"Humi nga si
ya ng mal
ali
m saka mabi
l
isna t
umayo kahi
t
hini
higopngtamani yasabint
iangbuonglakasni
ya.

Nakari
nigsiI
ri
sngdalawangmakasunodnaput
okngbar
ilbagosi
yanakapagt
agosa
l
ikodngisangmal
aki
ngwat ercanper
owal
angbal
anat
umamasakaniya.

Nangsumil
i
psiya,nakatayonasiNi
ccol
oper
onaki
kit
ani
yaangdugonat
umut
ulomul
a
samagkabi
langbal
ikatnit
o.

Si
nal
onanamanbani
toangbal
anapar
asakani
ya?

Nasaponiyaangbi
bighabangpi
nagmamasdanangasawani
yanakahar
apsiGust
avo
nanakat
utokangbari
lnahawakni
tokayNi
ccol
o.

Andherhusbanddoesn'
tevenhaveagunonhi
shand!Justakni
fe!

Ki
nakabahansiIr
is,gust
o ni
yang i
piki
tang mgamat apero nat
atakotsi
yanabaka
pagpi
ki
tniyaaymaymangyaringhi
ndi magandasaasawani
ya.

Nakagatni
ya ang pang-i
babang labiatnapal
uhod si
ya sa l
upa ng maki
tang may
pumasoknamgat auhanniGustavo.

Labi
ng-l
i
mal
abansai
sa!

Ni
ccol
o!OhGod,pl
ease,savemyhusband.

"
I'
m notgonnakil
lyou,Raci
ni.
"WikaniGustavonamal
apadnanakangi
si
."Youwi
l
lli
ve
t
owatchmevi ol
ateandkil
lyourwi
fei
nfrontofyou.
"
Napasi
ksi
ksi
yasapi
nagt
ataguanngt
umi
ngi
nsagawini
yasiGust
avo.

"
Fif
teenmen,includi
ngme,ver
susyou.
"Gustavol
etoutacoldlaugh."I
'dbeenwai
ti
ng
f
orthi
s,Raci
ni.I
'dbeenpl
anni
ng.Doyouthi
nkyoucanfi
ghtus?!I'
m prepar
ed!"

Hi
ndiumi
miksiNi
ccol
o.

"Don'
tshoothi
m."Ut
osniGust
avosamgat
auhanni
to."
Ihavepl
ansf
orhi
m.Iwanthi
m
ali
ve.
"

Hi
ndini
yanaki
kit
aangmukhaniNi
ccol
odahi
lnakat
ali
kodi
tosakani
yaper
onar
ini
g
ni
yangt
umawaito.

"Gust
avo,sor
ryt
obur
styourbubbl
ebutwasn'
tbor
ntobeki
l
ledbyamot
herf
uckerl
i
ke
you.
"

Pagkasabini
yonniNi
ccol
oaymabi li
snal
umingonit
oatibi
nat
oangkutsi
l
yonghawak
sakalabannapi
nakamal
apitsakani
yanamukhangsi
yaangbal
akl
api
tan.

Sabay-sabay na umat
akiang kal
aban kay Ni
ccol
o pagkatapos ng gi
nawa ni
to.
Malal
akasnasunt okatsipaangpi
nakawalanngmgakal abanperomadal il
angna
nakakai
lagangasawaniya.

Shewasscar
edf
orhi
m att
hesamet
imeamazedathowf
asthecanmove.

I
ri
sgaspedwhenNi ccol
odr
optohiskneesandusedhi
sfeett
opushhimsel
fandgl
ide
t
owardsthesecondmannearestt
oherwho'saboutt
ograbher-maybetouseherto
weakenNiccol
o.

Mabil
i
sangmgakamayniNi ccolonamaykinuhangkut si
lyosali
kodni t
oatisi
naksak
i
yonsapaangl alakiatpai
kotit
ongtumayosahar apanmi smongpi nagtat
aguanniya
naparabangi
hinaharangni
toangsaril
i
ngkat
awanpar aprotekt
ahansiya.

Niccol
olookbackather
,hi
sbodyst
il
indef
enceandof
fencemode."
Youokayi
nther
e,
l
ove?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Y-yes.
"

"
Ifi
tget
sbl
oody,cl
oseyoureyes,okay?"

"
O-okay.
"Heranswercameasamur
mur
.ButI
ri
sdi
dn'
tcl
osehereyes.
Shewatchherhusbandashemovewi thl
ethalandr
efi
nemovementcombinetot
ake
outhi
sopponent
s.ParangnababasaniNi
ccoloanggalaw ngmgakal
abannit
odahi
l
mabil
i
snit
ongnai
il
aganiyon.

He'seff
ort
lessl
yevadingever
yat
tackandef
for
tl
essl
yat
tacki
nghi
sopponentwi
tht
hat
l
ethalmovementofhis.

Punch,bl
ock,st
ab.

Ki
ck,punch,st
ab.

Bl
ock,ki
ck,st
ab.

Napapai
gtadnal
angsiI
ri
ssat uwi
ngbumabaonangkut
sil
yonghawakniNi
ccol
osa
kat
awanngmgakalabanni
to.

Andever
ysi
ngl
ekni
fewoundt
hathei
nfl
ect
edi
sint
hecr
it
ical
par
toft
hebody.

He'sr
eall
yabadassDoct
or.Heknowswher
etohi
tandst
abt
hathi
sopponentcan'
t
evenr
etal
iat
e.

Nakahi
ngangmal
uwangsiI
ri
sngbumagsakangpanghul
i
ngkal
abanniNi
ccol
osa
sement
o.

Kaagadi
tongt
umi
ngi
nsakani
ya."
Youokayi
nther
e,amor
e?"

Tumangosi
ya."
I-i
'
m okay.
"

Hesmi
l
ed."
Good.Letmecl
eanupt
hel
astpar
asi
tet
henwe'
l
lgohome,okay?"

"
Okay.
"Sher
epl
i
ed.

Hinar
ap niNiccol
o siGust
avo pero bago makal
api
tdi
to ang asawa ni
ya ay may
nagsi
dat
ingannanamannamgat auhannit
o.

Niccologroanedandwithoutsayi
nganything,hestar
tedatt
acking.Walait
ongit
ini
rasa
mgabagongdat i
ngathabangnaki ki
paglabanito,napapansi
nni yangpapal
api
tit
ong
papalapi
t. kayGustavonapanayangat ras.

I
ri
ssmi
rked."
Taket
hatasshol
e.That
'smyhusband!
"
Tumi
gilna r
in sa wakas sa kakaatr
as siGust
avo ati
nat
ake ni
to siNi
ccol
o nang
bumagsaknaanglahatngtauhanni t
o.

Agunver
susakni
fe.Acl
oser
angecombat
.

I
ri
sjustwat
chi
naweasherhusbandf
oughtGust
avo'
sgunwi
thasi
ngl
ekni
fe.

I
twasal i
kehandt ohandcombatwi thweapon.WalangsuntokosipasiGust
avona
hi
ndinasal
ag ng asawa ni
ya.Niccol
o easi
l
y block Gust
avo'
severy movement
,so
ever
yri
meGustavopull
sthetr
igger
-closer
ange-herhusbandisabl
etoevadeit
.

Hal
oshindimakit
a nil r
isang mabi
li
sna mga kamao niNi
ccolo na umaat
ake kay
Gust
avo.Angnaki
kit
al angni
yaaysatuwi
nghumihiwaangkut
sil
yonghawakniNiccolo
samgakamayni Gustavohanggangsamabi
tawannit
oanghawaknabar i
l
.

Mabili
snasini
pai
yonniNiccol
opal
ayosakamal akasnainapakanngpaani t
oangmga
bi
ntiniGust
avodahil
anparamapal
uhoditopagkataposaypinagdi
kitni
toangkamayni
Gustavoatnapai
gtadsiyangmakit
angibinaonniNiccoloangkutsil
yosagi t
nanang
magkadiki
tnapal
adni Gust
avonanapasi
gawsasaki t
.

"Youareunderarr
estforhumantraf
fi
ckingandr apingmorethantwent ywomen. "Wika
niNiccol
osakalmadongboses."Can'thidethist
ime.Yourmist
akei syoukidnappedmy
wife.Youshoul
dhavestayedinyourhel lhol
einColumbia.YouwillbetakentoEuropol
forint
err
ogati
on,t
henyouwi llbehandedovert otheFBlandCI A.Af t
erthey'r
edone
withyou,i
'l
lcomeandf i
ndyouandIwi llkil
lyouinmorewayst hanyoucani maginefor
l
ayingyourhandsonmywi fe.
"

"Signor!
"BosesiyonniPietr
onakadar ati
nglang,mayhawaki t
ongbarilnanakatutok
kay Gustavo."Whatt he hel
ldid you do?"Hindimakapaniwalang t
anong nito kay
Niccolo nang maki
tang ang ginamitna pinaka-posas ng asawa niya par
a hindi
maghi walayangkamayniGustavo.

Niccol
oshr
uggednonchal
antl
y."
TheOrgani
zat
ionsai
d'al
i
ve,t
heydi
dn'
tsay'
unhar
med.
There'
sabi
gdiff
erencei
nthosetwo.
"

Napabunt
ong-hi
ninganal
angsiPiet
rosakanapai
l
ing."I
tsdone.Backupar
ri
vedt
wo
minut
esago.Par
isii
sonthewaytocleanupt
hismess.
"

Tumangol
angsiNi
ccol
osakanagl
akadpal
api
tsakani
ya.

He'
sli
mpingandgr
unt
ingatever
yst
epsoshel
eftherhi
dingpl
acet
omeetherhusband
hal
fway.
"
Niccol
o."

Kahi
tnahihi
rapandahilsamgasugatni
toatt amangbala,hinubadni
toangsuotna
j
acketsakai
pinasuoti
yonsakani
yadahi
lnapunitangdami
tni
ya.

"
Thankyou.
"Shewhi
sper
ed.

"
Ismywi
feokay?"Tanongni
tohabangsi
nusur
iangkat
awanni
yal
alonaangt
iyanni
ya.

Tumangosiya."
Yes.Iam.Andi
'm sosor
ry.
"Lumuluhanghi
ngini
yangtawadsaasawa.
Thi
si sallmyfaul
t.I
fIhaven'
t-oh,God,l '
m sostupi
d.I'
m sostupi
d..
.Sostupi
d..
.
st
upid..
."

Niccolopressedhisli
psonherforehead."No...i
-it
snotyourfaul
t.Youwerewi t
hme.
And you' r
e pregnantwho's craving f
or somet hi
ng sweet.M-masyado ka l ang
napanatagnawal angmangyayar idahi
lk-kasamamonamanako.Wel etourguards
down. "Hinapl
osnitoangbuhokni ya,"Andi'm sorrybecauseIcouldn'
tprot
ectyou,
amor e.Lookatyou..
."

Maingatni
tonghinapl
osangpi snginiya."Pasensiyakana,hi
ndiakokaagadnakapunta
ri
toparail
igt
aska.Ihavet owai tforthepainr el
ieverIt
ooktotakeeff
ect.
"Hel ooked
i
ntohereyes."Ipromise,t
hiswi l
lnothappenagai n,I
ri
s.Iwon'
tputyourli
fei
ndanger
anymore.Iswearinourmarri
age,t hi
sisthelast."

I
ri
snevert
houghtshe'
l
lhearhi
m sayi
t.Andheevenpr
omi
sedt
hatt
hisi
sthel
ast
.

Ngini
ti
anniyai
tosakamaingatnahi
napl
osangmukhaatgagawar
ansananiyanghal
ik
angasawasamgal abinangbigl
anal
angbumagsakangkat
awanniNi
ccol
osasahigat
kumalatangdugonit
osasemento.

CHAPTER41

MASUYONG HI NAPLOS niI ri

sangnuoatbuhokngasawahabangnakahi gaitosa
kamaatwalaparingmal ay.Sahal
ipnasaHospi
talaysabahaysi
l
adi nal
aniPiet
ro.He
sai
dthatt
heorganizat
ionissti
l
lcl
eani
nguptheCi
tyforthr
eat
sagainstherandNiccol
o.

Hangga'
twal
apangsignalmul
asaorganisasyonnakinabi
bil
anganngasawaniyana
maayosnaangl
ahat
,nawalanangpanganibsalabas,hi
ndisi
l
apuwedenglumabasng
bahayni
l
a.

"Youshouldrest,Mrs.Racini
."AnangDoct ornat umi
nginatgumamotsamgasugatat
pasaniyapatinari
nsaasawani ya."Mr.Raciniwil
lbeokay.Hejustl
osttoomuchblood
and his body i
s exhausted that
's why he's unconsci
ous,butno need to worry,
"
i
mi nuwestr
a nit
o ang kamay sa I V na nakatusok sa pul
suhan ng asawa ni
ya na
papaubosna."
Thebl
oodt
hathel
osti
sal
readybei
ngr
epl
aceaswespeak.
"

Shesmil
edatDr.DeSant
is."
Thankyou,Doct
or"Bumabaangti
nginni
yasaasawasaka
hi
nal
ikanni
yai
tosanuo."
Iknow he'
ll
beokaybuti'
m st
il
lwor
ri
ed."

"Br
okenbone,spr
ain,gunshotwoundsandbr
uises.
"Dr
.DeSanti
schuckl
edl
i
kehe'
s
amazebysomethi
ng."Yourhusbandi
sonehel
lofaman,Mr
s.Raci
ni.
"

Thatmadehersmi
l
e."
Hei
s."

Umayossi
yangupokapagkuwansakat
umingi
nsanaka-castnabi
ntingasawa.He
f
oughtt
hosemenl
ikehehasnobr
okenbone!

"I
tmust'
vehurttomovearoundwithabr okenboneandaspr
ain.
"Ani
yasamahi
nang
boseshabangnaal
alaangpaki
ki
paglabanniNiccol
o.

"Mr.Cal
vett
oldmet
hatyourhusbandt
ooksomepai
nrel
i
ever
shour
sago,numbi
ngt
he
pai
n."I
mpormasakani
yaniDr.DeSant
is.

"Andbecauseofwhathedi d,
"sabadngOr thopaedi
cnaDoctornakasamani
lasa
kuwart
o,"hisbrokenboneworsenthat
'swhywecasti t.Nowal
ki
ngfortwoweeksi
f
possi
ble,i
fnot
,pleaset
ell
himtobeverycar
eful.
"

"Ot
herthanthat,myhusband i
sgoi
ng t
obeokay,r
ight
?"Sheasked,wor
ri
ed."
No
compl
icat
ionsorwhat
soever
?"

"
None.
"SagotniDr
.DeSal
i
snamayngi
tisamgal
abi
,"Al
lheneedt
odoi
srest
.That
's
i
t.
"

"
Thankyou.
"Ani
ya.

"
We'
l
lgetgoi
ngnow.
"AniDr
.DeSal
i
s.

I
minuwest
raniyaangkamaykayPiet
ronanakat
ayosagi
l
idngkuwar
toatnaki
kini
g
l
angsausapan."Pi
etr
owi
ll
cal
lyoui
fweneedanyt
hing.
"

Tumango ang Doct

oratnagpaal
am.Sinamahan ang mga i
to niPi
etr
o pal
abasng
kuwar
toatnangbumali
ksiPi
etr
o,maykasamait
ongDoktora.

"Si
gnori
na,
"kuhaniPi
etr
osaat
ensi
yonni
ya,"
Dra.Bi
anchiwi
l
lcheckuponyouandt
he
baby.
"
Ngumitisi
yasakaakmangaal
isngkamangsumi
gidangki
rotsabi
ntini
yangi
-apak
ni
yaiyonsasahigdahi
lsat
amaniyangbal
a.

"Letmehelpyou.
"AniPi
etr
osakamaingatsi
yangbinuhatatmai
ngatdi
ngi
nil
i
patsa
sofabed,sal
oobl
angdi
nngkuwart
o."
Comf or
tabl
e,Si
gnori
na?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Thankyou,Pi
etr
o."

Tumangol
angi
tosakabumal
i
ksapagkakat
ayosasul
oknapar
angnagbabant
ay.

Nakapi
kitlangangmgamat anilI
ri
shabangsinusurisiyangDoktor
a.Nangmatapos
ang Doktora aysunod-sunod i
tong nagt
anong sa kaniyanakaagad namanni
yang
si
nagot.

Afterthecheckup,t heDoct orgaveherasmal lsmile."Mrs.Racini

,youneedt oavoid
str
enuousact ivi
ti
es.Thebabyi stooweak,wecan' tri
skit.Thenextt i
meyoubl eed,
there'
sabi gpossibi
li
tythatyou'l
lhaveamiscarr
iage.Nost r
ess,please.Don'
trun,don't
j
ump,i fyouwal k,pl
ease,slowlyandalwaysbecar ef
ulnottofall
,eveninsit
ti
ng,please,
don'tdropyourwei ghtont hechair,si
tcaref
ull
y.Not ravell
i
ngandnosex.Don' tdo
anythi
ngt hatcanhar mthebaby."

"
Likeacompl
etebedr
est
?"

"
Notnecessar
il
yacompl
etebedr
est
,buti
t'
ll
hel
pal
oti
fyouar
ewel
lrest
ed.
"

Napat
ango-t
angosi
ya,"
...It
hinkl
candot
hatnow.
"

"That'
sgood.
"Hinapl
osngDoktoraangt
iyanni
ya."
Yourbabyi
shol
dingont
oyou,Mr
s.
Racini
.Don'
tlett
hebabyf
all
,okay?"

Shesmi
l
edback."
Iwon'
t.I
'l
lrest
."

That
'sgood.
"Maybi ni
gayit
ongprescr
ipt
ionsakani
ya."
Thi
scanhel
pst
rengt
hent
he
hol
dofthebabybutwhatyouneedmoreisrest
."

"
Thankyou.
"Shesai
dwi
thasmi
l
e.

"Yourwelcome,Mrs.Raci
ni.
"Anang Dokt
ora saka nagpaal
am na atsi
namahan i
to
palabasniPi
etr
o.

Minutesl
ater
,Piet
rocamebackt ot
her
oom.Sl
owl
yandcar
eful
l
y,hecar
ri
edherback
t
ot hebed,besi
deherhusband.
"
Ifyou need anythi
ng."Mayi ni
lagayna walki
e-t
alki
e siPi
etr
o sa bedsi
de t
abl
e na
mal
api
tsakani ya,"j
ustcal
l
,okay,Signor
ina?"

Tumangosi
ya."
Thankyou,Pi
etr
o."

Tumangol
angi
tosakani
yasakal
umabasngkuwar
toatmai
ngatnai
si
nar
aangpi
nto
ni
yon.

Nangsi
langdalawanal
angngasawani ya,mai
ngatsi
yangt
umagil
idnghi
ga,pahar
ap
kayNi
ccolo,sakamai
ngatnapinagsi
kl
opniyaangkamaynilangdal
awabagoipi
niki
t
angmgamat aparamagpahi
nga.

NAGISING SIIr
isnamaypumi pi
silsakamayniya.Nangimul
atni
yaangmgamat a,
napangit
isi
yangmakit
anggisi
ngnaangasawani yaatwal
anaangVsapul
suhanni
to.
Looksli
keheremovedtheI
Vf r
om hisownwri
st

Andnow,he'
slooki
ngather
.

"
Hey.
..
"hewhi
sper
ed,"
ismywi
fef
eel
i
ngbet
ter
?"

Shenoddedwi
thasmi
l
e."
Yeah.Iam.
"

Ni
ccol
ofr
ownedwhenhet
ri
edt
omovehi
sbody."
Can'
tmovemyot
herl
eg.
"

"TheDoct
orcastyourl
eftl
eg"I
mpormani
yari
tosakahi
naplosangbal
ikatni
tonamay
bendadahilsat
amangbal a,"Huwagkamunangmasyadongmaggagagal aw,baka
dumugonanamanangmgasugatmo.TheDoctorsai
dthatyouneedtorest
."

"I
'l
ltr
y."Niccol
o'shandsl
owl
ymovestotouchherst
omachandcaressit."
How'sour
baby?"Heasked,clear
lywor
ri
ed."
Okayl
angbaangbabynat
in,I
ri
s?Pleasetel
lmeour
babyisfi
ne."

Tumango si
ya."Sabing Doctorkai
l
angan kong magpahinga.The baby i
s weak, "
i
pinatongni
yaangsaril
ingkamaysakamayniNi ccol
onahumahapl ossat i
yanni ya,
"butourbabyisholdi
ng on.Ihavetobemor ecarefulf
rom now on.Nost renuous
acti
vi
ty."

Napat
ango-tangoi
tosakapi
nakat
it
igansi
yanaparabangmini-memoryaangmukha
ni
yakapagkuwanaytumuonangti
nginni
tosapi
sngini
yanaal
am ni
yangnamamaga.

Umangatangkamaynit
osakamasuyonghi
napl
osangpi
sngini
ya."
Masaki
tpar
inba
hanggangngayon?"
"
Medyo.
"Ayaw ni
yangmagsi
nungal
i
ng.

Nagt
agi
sangbagangni
to."
Pinahi
rapankabaniGust
avo?"

I
ri
scanseegui
l
tinNi
ccol
o'seyes."
Baby,i
twasmyf
aul
t.
"

Umi
l
ingi
to,"
no.
..i
twasmi
ne.Hi
ndimangyayar
i'yonsayokunghi
ndi
dahi
lsaki
n."

"
Niccol
o-"

"Heshotyouandsl
appedyou.
"Gumagal
aw angpangani
tosasobr
anggal
i
t."
What
else?"

Humi ngasiyangmal al
i
m bagonapipil
i
tangmagkuwento."Hestrappedmei ntoachair
andt hreat
enedmeandhesl appedmemul ti
plet
imes.It
inusokniyasahi takoyong
kutsi
l
yonghawakni yaperohindinamanbumaonpagkat aposaypi naghuhubadni ya
ako.Nanghi ndiakopumayag,pinunitni
yaangdami tko.Doonakonakat akaskasi
ti
nuhodkosi ya.WhenIwasrunning,heshotmeandchasemewi thbull
ets.That'
sit
."

Nag-iwasngt i
ngi
nsiNi
ccol
osakani
ya."
I'
m sor
ry.Ibr
oughtt
hismesst
oyou.I
'm so
sor
ry.I'
m sor
ry.
"

Umil
ing siyasakamasuyong sinapoang mukhanito atpi
l
itni
yait
ong pi
nati
ngi
nsa
kani
ya."Itwasn'
tyourfault
,Ni
ccolo.Taposna'
yon.Hi
ndinanati
nmaibabal
i
k'yonkahi
t
magsisi
hanpat ayong dal
awa.Letsjustmoveonand hopet hatt
hiswon'thappen
agai
n."

"Hi
ndina.
"Kaagadnawi
kaniNi
ccol
onaumi
i
li
ngpa."
Hindinamauul
i
tit
o,I
ri
s.Hi
ndi
na.
"

Shesmil
edathi m."
Mabut
inamankungganun,kayahuwagmonangsi
si
hinangsar
il
i
mo.I
'm okay,t
hebabyi
sfi
neandyou'
l
lbebett
erinnoti
me."

"
Andyourgunshotont
hel
eg?"Heasked.

Shesmi
l
ed."
It
'l
lbebet
tersoon.
"

Gumuhitang ngi
tisa mga l
ab i
niNi
col
o habang nakat
it
ig sa kani
ya."
Always t
he
opt
imi
sti
cone."

Masl
umapadpaangmat
ami
sni
yangngi
ti
."That
'sme.Youneedanopt
imi
sti
cli
keme
becauseyou'
resonegat
ive.
"

"Yeah.
"Ni
ccol
oagreed."
Ibadl
yneedyouinmyl i
fe,amor
e."Lumambotangmukhang
asawahabangpat
agalngpat
agalnanakat
it
igl
angitosakani
ya."
Imissyou,I
ri
s.Imi
ss
yousomuch."

"
Hindi
namanakomat
agal
nanawal
a."Ani
ya.

"
Imi
ssmywi
fe.
"Hesai
d.

Hinapl
osni
yaangpisngingasawasakasinal
ubongni yaangmat i
m nitongti
ti
g,"Can
you..
.ahm,can you r
ememberme now?"Ki nakabahan niyang tanong,hindisi
ya
umaasaperonagdar
asalsi
yanasananaal
alanasiyani t
o."Imean,yousai d'
ourbaby'
and'mywif
e'acoupl
eoftimes.Doest
hatmeanyoual readyrememberme?"

Niccol
olookedi
ntohereyes,"
Iri
sGonzaga-Raci
ni.Youmar
ri
edmeei
ghtyear
sagoand
youpromisetokeepmeeightyearsl
ater
."

Awtomati
kongnangil
i
dangl
uhani
yasamgamatahabanggumuguhi
tangngi
tisamga
l
abini
ya.She'
scryi
ngandsmi
li
ngatt
hesamet
ime.

"
Naaal
alamonat
alagaako?"

Tumangoangasawaniya."Hi
ndipar inbuoangmemoryakoper
onaaal
alanaki
ta.
rememberseei
ngyoui
nAfghani
stan,youmendedmywound.
"

Tumul
oangl
uhasagi
l
idngmgamat
ani
yahabangnakat
it
igsaasawani
ya.

"Fi
nal
ly..
."Maingatni
yang ni
yakap siNi
ccol
o habang wal
ang i
ngaysi
yang umi
l
yak.
"Ayoslangkahithi
ndipabuoangmemor yamosakin,angimport
ant
e,naal
alamona
kungsinoakosabuhaymo. "

"
Yes.Ir
emembernow.You'
remywi
fe.You'
remi
ne.
"

Tumangosi yasakakumalassapagkakayakapsaasawaatngi
nit
ianit
o." Yes.I'
m your
wife.That
'smeandi '
m allyour
s,baby.
"Tinuyoni
yaangmgaluhasapi snginiya,"ang
tagalkonghini
ntaynamar i
nig'yonmulasayo.I
tswor
tht
hewait,Niccolo.Allthepain
anddisappoint
mentIfel
tiswort
hi t
."

Niccol
obi
thisl
owerli
pli
kehe'sashamedandgui l
ty,"
I'
m sorr
yittookmeal ongtimeto
r
ememberyou.I '
m sosorr
ythatyousuffer
edwhilepregnantbecauseofme.I '
m sor
ry
f
orallt
heheart
acheIcaused.I
'm sosor
ryforever
ythi
ng,amore,i'
m sosor
ry."
Ngini
ti
anni
yaangasawasakahi napl
osangbuhokni t
o" I
tsokay,baby.Angmahalaga
saki
n,naal
ala mo na ako atmagkasama tayo.Kung ano man ang nangyar
isatin,
si
guradoakongmaspi nat
atagniyonangrelasyonnati
ngdalawa.Sodon' tbesorry,
okay?"

Sheconti
nuedcaressi
nghishai
r,sheknew heli
kesthat,"Nasi
ramanangbahaynat in,
nawalamanangmemor ymo,grabemangsakitangpi nagdaanankonangakal akoay
walakana,perohindinamahalagaangmga' yonngayon.Angi mport
ante,hi
nditayo
nasi
ranangmganangyar i
.We'
rest i
l
ltoget
her,Ni
ccolo.Ourr el
ati
onshi
pi sst
il
lgoing
st
rong.We'r
esti
ll
mar r
ied.Andt
hat'swhatmatt
ersthemost .
"

"H-Hi
ndikagali
tsaki
nkasinakal
i
mut
anki
ta?"Maypag-aal
alasabosesni
tohabang
nakat
ingi
nsakani
ya.

"Hindimo naman ginust

o' yon."Sagotni
ya sakapinagsi
kl
op ul
i
tang kamaynil
ang
dalawa."Perokapagokaykana,makakat i
kim kasakinngbugbog.Sobranghi
rapng
pinagdaanankongdahilsayo."

Niccol
olaughal
i
ttl
e."
Youcansl
apme,punchme,anyt
hing.
..i
'
llwel
comei
t.Ideser
vei
t
anyway."

Tumangosi
yasakamahi
nangnat
awa."
Dul
ynot
ed,baby.Dul
ynot
ed.
"

Nawalaangngi
tisamgal
abini
to."
Baki
tpar
angki
nakabahanakosa'
dul
ynot
ed'na
yan?"

Shel
aughed."
Dapatkat
alagangkabahan.Babawiako,bakaakal
amo.
"

Napail
i
ngnal
angangasawani
ya."
Youwon'
tki
ckmeoutofourr
oom aspuni
shment
,
r
ight
?"

Shesmi
l
edwi
ckedl
y."
Aww.
..youj
ustgavemeabr
il
ll
anti
dea,baby.
"

Ni
ccol
ogr
oaned."
Meandmybi
gmout
h."

Nat
awasi
ya."
Maybeyoucansl
eepi
nthel
i
vingr
oom?"

Ni
ccol
opout
ed."
Don'
twantt
o."

"Kapaghi
ndimosinunodanggust
oko,ma-ist
ressakot
apossasaki
tangt
iyankoat
bakadugui
nako-"

"
Fine.Oona.
"Put
olni
tosapananakotni
yaatsumukokaagad."
Whendoyouwantme
t
osl
eepi
nthel
i
vingr
oom?"

"Kapagmagal i
ngkana.Mgatwoweeksfr
om now."Matamisangngitisamgalabini
ya.
"Andbyt heway,whenmyDoctorsai
davoidstr
enuousacti
vit
ies,meaningnosextoo.
Sorry,baby,l
ooksl
i
keyou'
l
lbeusi
ngyourhandsforawhil
e."

"
Oryour
s."Hewi
nkedather
.

"
It
'l
lst
ressmeout
."Mabi
l
isni
yangsagot
.

Ki
nunot
ansi
yani
tongnuo."
Mast
erbat
ingmewi
l
lst
ressyouout
?"

Shesmi
l
ed."
Yes.
"

Hesi
ghedheavi
l
y."
Howabouti
fli
ckyou,di
dyouaskt
heDoct
ori
for
alsexi
sokay?"

Hindisi
ya makapani
walang napat
it
ig saasawa."
Bakitnamanako magt
atanong ng
ganun?Areyounuts?Ayokonga.Kayakonamangpi gi
l
anangini
tngkat
awankono."

"How aboutme?"Tanongni
tonapar
abangmal
alagut
ani
tonghi
ningakapaghi
ndi
naki
pagtal
i
k.

"
Mast
erbat
e."Sheanswer
ed.

"
Iwantyourhandst
hen.
"

"
Noway.Avoi
dst
renuousact
ivi
ti
es,r
emember
?"

Ni
ccol
obl
owsoutal
oudbr
eat
h."
Somuchf
or'
aft
erl
i
fet
hreat
eni
ngact
ionsex'
!"

Nat
awasiyadahi
lpar
angbataangasawani
yanahi
ndimat
anggapnahi
ndii
tobi
bigyan
ngcandydahi
li
yonangsabingDokt
or.

"
Par
akangbat
a."Sabini
ya.

"
I'
m yourbaby,r
emember
?"

Sher
oll
edhereyes."
We'
rehavi
ngababy,youwi
l
lnotbemybabyanymor
e."

Ti
ningnansi
yani
tongmasama."
Takei
tback.I
'm yourf
oreverbaby,l
ove.
"
Shestuckouthertongueathi
m."Nope.Yonangt
otoo.Kapagnanganaknaako,hi
ndi
naki
tapapansini
n.Bayadyonsapagpapai
yakmosaki
n."

"
Paanoako?Anongmangyayar
isaki
n?"

Shesmi
rkedatherhusband."
Shoul
dwegetadi
vor
ce?"

Ni
ccol
oact
ual
l
ypal
edatherquest
ion,"
y-you-w-what
-n-no-"

"
Asi
fIcandi
vor
ceyou.
"Shesnor
ted."
Iloveyout
oomuch.
"

Para itong nakahi nga ng mal uwang. " Goodness, Jesus, I nearl
y lost my
consci
ousness."Tiningnansiyanit
ongmasama." Don'tscaremelikethat.Anddon'
t
youdar esaythedi vorcewor dagain.
"Het sked."
Weshoul dmovet othePhi l
i
ppi
nes
andgetmar ri
edther e.Walangdivorcedo'
n.OrmaybeIwoul daskPietr
otolookfora
countr
ywi t
hnoDi vorceandannulmentofmar ri
age.
"

Napai
l
ingnal
angsi
ya."
Magpahi
ngakanangal
ang.Kai
l
anganmo'
yon.
"

Nat
ahi
miknamansiNi ccol
okapagkuwanaytumingi
nitosakani
yasakanagtanong,
maypag-aal
alasabosesni
to,"
hindimonamanakoidi
-di
vor
cediba?Imean,youlove
me.Hi
ndimonamanakoi wandiba?"

Kinunut
an ni
ya i
to ng nuo."Niccol
o,sa daminang pi
nagdaanan ko ng dahi
lsayo,
nandit
opar i
nako.Andi'm pl
anningtost
aybyyoursi
deforavery,veryl
ongt i
me."

"Good."Napat
ango-t
angopasiNiccol
o."
Butweshoul
dgetmarri
edinthePhi
l
ippi
nes
andmovet her
e.It
snicether
e.Nandoondinnamanangkakambalmo.Whatdoyou
thi
nk?"

Ayosl
angnamansakani ya,l
alona'
tmal
api
tnasi
yakayl
vy."
Buthow aboutyou?Your
workher
e?Yourbusi
nesses?"

"
Magagawankonaman'
yonngpar
aan.
"Wi
kani
to."
Wel
l
?Okayl
angbasayo?"

Tumango si
ya,"yeah,nandoon naman ang kakambalko.Per
o kai
l
angan munang
manganakako,bawalakongbumiyahesangayon."

Niccol
onodded." Habangnaghi hi
ntaytayonamanganakka,aasi
kasuhi
nkonaman
angmgapapel esnatinparamakali
pattayoatmakahanapakongbahaydo'n.I'
lll
ook
forasafeneighbourhood.Ithi
nkAndri
usknowsavill
agewheret
hesecur
it
yistightand
wecanvi si
tTemptationI
slandanyt
ime."
I
nungusanni
yai
to."
You'
ret
hinki
ngaboutsexagai
n."

Ni
ccol
ogr
inned."
Can'
thel
pit
."

Pini
si
lni
yaangt ungking i
l
ong ni
to."Magpahi
ngakanamuna.Sakananat
inpag-
usapan'
tokapagmaayosnaangl ahat
."

"Yes,boss.
"Unt
i-unt
ing pumi
kitangmgamat
aniNi
ccol
o."
Mybodyi
sst
il
lachi
ng.
Fuck."

Nai
l
ingnanapangi
tinal
angsiyahabangpi
nagmamasdanangasawani
yahanggangsa
l
umali
m angpaghi
nganito.

I
ri
sdidn'
tmoveormadeasound.Ayaw ni
yangmagisi
ngangasawaniya.Gust
oniyang
makapagpahi
ngai
tongmaayospar
amakapagpahingari
nsi
ya.Theybothneedit
.

WHEN IRI
Swokeup,i t
sal
readypastmidni
ght.AndNi
ccol
oisnotonthei
rbed!Saan
namankayanagpunt
aangasawaniya?Angti
gastal
agangul
onit
okahi
tkai
lan!

Gustoniyanglumabasngkuwar
toperomasaki
tpaangbint
ini
yanati
namaanngbal
a
kayananatil
inal
angsi
yasakamaathi
nint
aynamakabal
i
kangasawa.

Avoi
dstrenuousact
ivi
ti
es.Andf
orci
ngher
sel
ftowal
kwhi
l
eherl
egi
sinpai
nisdef
ini
tel
y
st
renuous.

Nanat
il
inalangsiyangnakahi
gahanggangsabumukasangpint
ongkuwar
toatnaki
ta
ni
yasiNiccolonapumasokhabangmaykausapsacell
phone.

"-yes,i'
dappreci
atethat
.CallmewhenIneedt ovisi
tHQ tosi
gnthenon-di
scl
osur
e
agreement-yeah,yeah,t
hanks,Velasquez."Pinataynitoangtawagsakangumit
ing
makitanggisi
ngsiya."
Hey..
.hungr
y?Thirsty?"

Ti
ningnan ni
ya i
to ng masama."
Baki
tnagl
alakad ka na? Hi
ndiba sabiko sayo
magpahingaka?"

Pai
ka-i
kai
tongnaglakadpal
api
tsakaniyagami
tangtungkodnagawasakahoy.Nang
makaupoi
tosagil
i
dngkama,sat abini
ya,dumukwangit
opalapi
tsakani
yaathi
nal
i
kan
si
yasamgalabi
.

Shedi
dn'
trespondsohepul
l
edaway.
"
Gal
i
tkaba?"Maypagl
alambi
ngni
tongt
anong.

Madi
l
im angmukhani
ya."
You'
remaki
ngmewor
ryagai
n.It
oldyout
orest
."

"I
'm okay"Ngini
ti
ansiyanit
o." I
'm usedtothi
s,amore.Gunshotwounds,notr
eal
l
y
painf
ul.What
'spainf
uli
sthi
s,"t
inuroni
toangpaananaka-cast
.

"Thenwhyt hehellareyouwalki
ng?!"Hindini
yanapi
gil
annamagt aasngbosespero
kaagadsiyangnagpakawalangmal ali
m nahini
ngaatbinabaangbosesngmagsali
ta
uli
t."
I'
m sorr
y,Idi
dn'tmeantoshoutatyou."

"
It
'sokay"Ani
tosakahi
napl
osangt
iyanni
ya.

"
Mayki
nausapl
angakosacel
l
phone-"

"
-nakai
l
anganmongl
umabaspar
ahi
ndi
komar
ini
g?"

Napat
igi
li
tosapaghapl
ossat
iyanni
ya."
Iri
s-"

"
Pahi
nganal
angt
ayo.
"Ti
nal
i
kur
anni
yaangasawasakai
pini
ki
tangmgamat
a.

Ni
ccol
odi
dn'
tmoveandshecanf
eel
hiseyesonher
.

"
Magpahi
ngakanar
in.
"Sabi
niyakapagkuwansakananat
il
ingnakat
ali
koddi
to.

Ni
ccol
odi
dn'
tmove.

Malakassi
yangnapabunt
ong-hi
ningasakahumar
apdi t
o.Walangemosyonangmukha
ni
ya."Magpahi
ngakana.Bakamasl umalapaanglagayngpaamo-"

"
Doyour
eal
l
ywantt
oknowaboutt
heor
gani
zat
ioniam par
tof
?"

"
Sasabi
hinmobasaki
nkungsasagut
inki
tangoo?"Bal
i
ktanongni
ya.

"
Tryme.
"

"Thenyes."Mabil
i
sniyangsabi
."Iwanttoknow youmore.I'
m yourwifeNi
ccolo,we
shoul
dn'thavesecret
sbuti'
mlett
ingyoukeepsomethi
ngfrom mebecauseIr espect
yourpri
vacy.Peropagkat
aposnangmganangyar i
,nangmganar anasankomul ang
makapasokakosamagul omongmundo,gustokongmalamanatmakilal
akungsinoka
bat
alaga.
..kungsi
nobat
alagaangasawako.
"

Pi
nagsi
kl
opniNiccol
oangkamaynil
angdal
awaathi
nal
i
kanangl
i
kodngkamayni
ya.
Hekeepstaki
ngdeepbr
eat
hbefor
ehespeaks.

"
Okay.
..
"tumi
ngi
nit
osamgamat
ani
ya."
I'
ll
tel
lyoumyst
ory.
"

CHAPTER42

UMAYOSNG PAGKAKAUPO siI

ri
shabangnakahi
l
igangli
kodsaheadboar
dngkama.
Ti
ti
gnat
it
igsi
yasaasawani
yanati
ti
gnati
ti
gdinsakani
ya.

"Whywouldyout el
lmeyourstor
ynow?"Tanongniyananagt
ataka,"
akal
akohi
ndi
puwedengsabi
hinsakahi
tnakani
noangsekr
etomo.
"

I
nabotni
to ang unansakai
nil
agayiyonsali
kur
anniya,"
usethi
stol
eanon,
"ani
to
habangi
naayosangunansal
ikuranni
ya, "
bakamangal
ayangl
i
kodmo."

Al
wayscar
ingandt
hought
ful
."Thankyou.
"

Ngini
ti
ansiyanitosakahumugotmunaitongmal al
i
m nahi
ningabagonagsali
tauli
t.
"Aboutyourquesti
on.
..t
he,ahm,or
gani
zat
iongavemepermi
ssiont
otel
lyou,butneed
t
oknow basisonly.
"

Shewast
akenaback."
Youaskedf
orper
missi
ont
otel
lme?Youdi
dthat
?Forme?"

"Ofcour
se."Tumangoi tosakapinisi
langkamayniyanghawakni
to."You'
remywife.
Ayokongmayt inat
agoakosayokasial am kongkahi
thi
ndimosabi
hinsaki
n,hi
ndimo
gust
onahi ndimoal am angpart
ena' yonngbuhayko.Kayahumi
ngiakongpermiso.
Matagalna,ngayonlangakopinayagan."

"
Okay.
"Shesqueezedherhusband'
shandback."
Thent
ell
me.I
'ml
i
steni
ng.
"

Niccol
otookadeepbreat
hbeforecont
inuing,"
Nag-umpi
saangl
ahatngmamat
ayang
mgamagul angko.Iwasalr
eadyasol dierbackthenwhenmanof f
eredmeajob.
..
anotherwaytoser
vemycountr
y,hesaid.
"

"
Andyousai
dyes.
"Ani
ya.

Henodded.
"Why?"Nagtat
akang t
anong ni
ya."Baki
tpumayag ka kaagad? Di
dtheyof
feryou
somethi
ngt
hattheMil
it
arycan'
tgi
veyou?"

Ni
ccol
onodded."
Yes.
"

"
Andt
hati
s?"

"
Theyof
fer
edmet
ohel
plot
sandl
otsofpeopl
eal
lovert
hewor
ldwhoneededsavi
ng.

Herfacesof
tened.Herhusbandissuchagoodman.Hewant
edt
ohel
p,t
hat
'swhyhe
accept
edtheofferi
mmediatel
y."
Andt hen?"

Nil
aro-lar
onitoangmgadal irini
ya."
Myf amil
yisr
ichandpr onet okidnappingsoDad
hidmei nFrancesinceIwast en.Homeschool
ed.Kayawal angnakakaki lal
asakindi t
o.
Peopleknew NiccoloRacini
,butonlythenameoft heheir,nof ace,evenmyr elati
ves
hasnoi deawhatIlookl
ike.Dadmadesur eofmysaf etyunti
lIgetsickofit.Igetsickof
the confi
nement.So Irebeland lef
tmyhome i nf rance when Iwasei ght
een and
volunt
aril
yent
erthemili
tar
y.

Mapaklait
ongnat awa." Iwantedtoshow myDadt hatIdon'
tneedprot
ecti
on,thati
'l
l
sur
viveonmyown. ..that,andIalwayswant edtobeasol di
ert
houghDaddi sagr
ees,
buthecouldn'
tstopme.I 'm al
readyatlegalagetodecideformyself
.Si
nceIwasaki d,
Ial
readyhavet hi
sst r
ongur get obecomeasol di
erandhel pother
sinanywayIcan.
Mom alwayssaidthatitsi
nmybl ood,li
keDad. "

HumingasiNiccolongmal al
i
m," asyouknow,mypar ent
swer ekil
l
edafterar obber
y
gonewr ongi
nourownhome.Iwasondut ywhentheFami l
y'sl
awyercall
edtoi nf
orm
meaboutmypar ent
s.Itookal eaveandhel dasimpleandqui etceremony.Justme,
themaidsandthefamil
ylawyer.Ididn'
tletanyonei
n."

"Aft
ertheburial
,aft
ertheAttorneytol
dmeaboutmyi nher
it
anceandot herlegalst
uff,
hetoldmet hatsomeonewant stoseeme.Af r
iendofmyf at
her,hesaid.Ilethimi n
andwet al
ked.That'swhenIl earnedthetrut
haboutmypar ents,aboutthi
ssecr et
organi
zati
onthatthey'r
ein.Mypar ent
swer en'
tkil
ledi
nar obberygonewr ong,itwas
anorderedhitbyasyndicat
ef r
om inRussi
a."

"Kayapalati
natagoakoniDad,kayapal
aingatnaingatsi
yanahindiakoi
paki
taokaya
makitakamingmagkasama,kasimaramipalasi
yangkalaban.Andli
keyouandme,my
parentscan'
tletgoofeachother.Hi
ndini
yakayangmawal aykayMommykayakahi t
mapanganib,nagsamaparinsi
langdal
awa."

Ni
ccol
ohast
hisf
arawayl
ookonhi
sfacel
i
kehe'
sremember
ingwhathappened.

"MyDad'sf
ri
endtol
dmeaboutt hi
ssecretor
ganizat
iont
hey'
rein,how t
heyoperateand
how t
heyassi
stt
hebiglaw enf
orcementagenci
esinsomebi gandconf i
dent
ialcases,
how widet
hei
rcoveragei
sandal lthethi
ngstheydidfortheciti
zensthr
oughoutthe
year
ssincet
heMi
ddl
eages.I
tsl
i
kean.
..or
ient
ati
onofsomesor
t.Af
tert
hat
,heof
fer
ed
meaj ob.
"

"
Whatki
ndofj
ob?"Tanongni
yanangnat
ahi
mikangasawa.

Hecont i
nuedpl
ayi
ngwi t
hherhand," Theyneedaf r
eshf aceont hefi
eld,someone
who'snew andunhear
dof ,someonewhocant akeanew i dent
it
yandfindoutabout
gun smuggli
ng i
nsi
de a mi l
it
ary headquar
ter
si n.Afghanist
an bei
ng soldt othe
enemies.
"

"
Cor
macPaul
Crai
g"Mahi
nani
yangsambi
t."
TheMi
l
itar
ySol
dier
."

"Yeah.
"TumangosiNi ccolosakabumunt ong-hi ni
nga."Sol
dier
sar ebeingkill
edby
thei
rown Gover nmenti ssued bul
l
ets and fir
earms.The FBlsentt he case t
ot he
organi
zati
onforassist
ance.Iwascur i
ousaboutt heor gani
zat
ionthatmyDadwaspar t
of,soIaccept
edt hejobandIalsowant edtohel pinanywayIcan.Thosesol di
erswho
diedhasfamil
iesandf ri
ends.Ayokongmaypami l
yapanamat ul
adsakani l
a.Alam ko
angpakir
amdam namawal anngpamilya.
"

"
Soyout
ookt
hej
obandbecomeCor
macPaul
Crai
g?"Sheasked.

Niccol
onodded." Yes.Alam konghi ndipapayagsiDadkungbuhaypasi ya,kayanga
i
ti
nagoni yaako,kayapi nrot
ektahanni yaako,butitsmyl ife,andIdeci
dewhatt odo
withit
.AndIwantt ohelp."Hel ookedatheri nt heeyes," Noonei sal
lowedt owalk
awayonceyouent eredt hemi l
i
tar
y,butt heorganizati
onpul l
edmeout .Legally.Thei
r
connecti
onsaremassi ve.Thatday,Iwasasol di
eri nItal
y,thenextday,Iwasi nthe
pl
aneboundt ot heU.S.t ostudymedi cineforsi
xmont hsbecauseIhavet opassasa
Mili
tar
yDoctor.
"

Nami
l
ogangmat
ani
ya."
Forr
eal
?Si
xmont
h?Maynat
utunanka?"

Napakamotsabatokangasawani ya."
Ali
tt
le.
..t
hebasi
c..
.justenought
opassasa
Mil
i
taryDoct
orboundt
oAfghani
stan."

Hi
ndipa ri
n si
ya makapani
wal
ang napat
it
ig sa asawa ni
ya."
So hi
ndika t
otoong
Dokt
or?"

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed."
Notatf
ir
st.
"

"
You'
renut
s."

"Yeah."Nakagatnit
oangpang-i babanglabi
."Thoughitwasasuccess,Ifoundthe
mole,r epor
tbacktot heorgani
zat
ionbutont hewayhome,wegotki dnappedand
tor
tured.Akalakokatapusankona,hindiakoumaasanamabubuhaypaako.Butwe
gotrescuedbytheorganizat
ionandIwassentbacktoIt
aly.Whi
l
eIwasrecuperat
ing,I
cont
inuedmyst
udi
esi
nmedi
cineasCor
macPaul
Crai
g."

"
Andt
heor
gani
zat
ion?"

"Ist
ayedincont actwiththem.Theytrai
nedmewhi l
eIstudy,t
hat'
stheti
mewhenImet
t
hatpersistentmot herfuckerPiet
rowhodidn'
tleavemyhouse.Pabal ik-bal
i
kakosa
Afghani
stan,mi nsansaI r
aqbilangCormacPaulCrai
gatsiPietr
oangnamamahal asa
l
ahat,per o hindiako nagt at
agaldoon kaya naman nakakapag-aralpa r i
n ako.
Nagmamasi dl
angsapal igi
dkunganongnangyayaritul
adngutossaki
n."

"
Likeaspy?"

"Yes.And Imetyou i
none ofmyvi si
tsinAfghani
stan.
"Hesmi l
ed ather
,"i
twas
supposedt
obeaoneweekvi si
tbutIsaw youandIstayedlongert
hanIshoul
dhave.I
missedmyfinal
exam.
"

Ti
naasanni
yai
tongki
l
ay."
Areyoubl
ami
ngme?"

"
No.Ibl
amemyhear
tfort
hat
."

I
nir
apanni
yaangasawasakanagt
anong,"
sowhendi
dyoubecomeaDoct
or?"

"
Thr
eeyear
saf
terwegotmar
ri
ed.
"

Napat
ango-t
angosi
yasakanagt
anongul
i
t."
Doyougetpai
dforwhatyoudo?"

Umi
l
ingsiNi
ccol
o."
No.
"

Hereyeswi
den."
Forr
eal
?"

"Yes.
"HinawiniNi
ccoloangi l
anghibl
angbuhoknanakatabi
ngsamukhani ya."
Lahat
ngmyembr ongor ganisasyonnakinabi
bil
angankoaymayayaman.Lahatgal i
ngsa
mayayamangpami l
yanagust ongmayma-i -ambagsal
i
punan.Ourpaychequegoes
totheor
phanageandot herchari
ti
es.
"

Goodhear
tedpeople.Ati
sasamga'
yonangasawani
ya."
Saannamanki
nukuhaang
pondongorgani
sasyonni
yo?"

"Ourorgani
zat
ionst
atedway,waybackinthemi ddl
eages. "SagotniNi
ccol
o,"the
founder
s ar
e composed ofr
oyalf
amil
i
es and nobil
i
ties.Butnow,we have seven
bosses.
"
"
Seven?"

"Oneheadi
nAsi
a,Af
ri
ca,Nor
thAmer
ica,Sout
hAmer
ica,Aust
ral
i
a,andt
woheadsi
n
Europe.
"

Tal
agangmal
awakangki
nasasakupanngOr
gani
sasyongki
nabi
bil
anganni
to."
Wow.
..
"

"
Yeah.
..Ican'
ttel
lwho'
swhobutI
'm underEur
ope.
"

Napat
ango-t
angosi
ya."
Mar
amibangkat
uladmor
it
osaEur
opa?"

KumunotangnuoniNiccol
onapar angnag-i
isi
pbagosumagot
."Ihavel
otsofmen
undermycommand.Idon'
tknow howmanythough.
"

Herl
ipspart
edandhereyesnar
rowedonherhusband."
Tamabaangpagkakar
ini
gko?
Underyourcommand?Sowhat,ar
eyouaboss?"

Napipi
lanangasawaniyaatnapakur
ap-kur
apsakani
yabagodahan-dahangt
umango.
"Yeah.Hal
fofEurope.
"

"
Andt
heot
herhal
f?"

"
Ahm.
..needt
oknowbasi
sonl
yamor
e."

"
Niccol
o."Maydi
i
natmaybabal
aangbosesni
to.

Ni
ccol
ogul
pedbef
oreanswer
ing,"
it
sundermyf
ri
end'
scommand,Par
isi
."

Napakur
ap-kur
apsi
ya."
Soyou'
reaboss.
..damn.
..baki
tbahi
ndinaakonagul
at?"

Gumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abini
Niccol
o."
Kasibi
l
ibnabi
l
ibkasaki
n?"

"Malamang,asawa ki t
a e." pinanl
akihan ni
ya ito ng mga mata kapagkuwan ay
nagtanongsakaninapagumugul osaisipni
ya"anyways,what'swi
thGustavo?Imean,
Niccol
oi syourr
ealidenti
ty.Bakiti
yonangki l
alaniyaathindiangi
bangkat auhanna
gi
nawamonasi yangginagamitmokapagnasat rabahoka?"

Niccol
ocombedhishairwit
hhi
sfi
ngersasherol
ledhi
stonguebetweenhi
sli
ps,"well
,I
metGustavowhenIwentt oBogot
átoaskyourhandi nmarri
age.Andi'
m Niccol
oat
t
hewhenyourFathertoldmetosmuggledr
ugsforhi
mt osayyes.
"
Ti
ningnanni
yai
tongmasama."
Andyoudi
d."

Napangi
wii
to."
Yes.Idid.That'
swhenIcameacr
ossGustavo'
sbrotherwho'
srapi
nga
womaninhiscar.Ii
mmedi atel
ycont
act
edthebossassi
gnedinSout hAmeri
cabuti
t
woul
dtakehour
sbeforehecansendsomeonesoItol
dhimi'l
ldoi
t."

"
And?"

"Iknockedont hecar'
sdoort ost
ophim,fi
redawar
ningshotbuthedidn'
tst
op.I
nst
ead
hepoi ntedagunatmesoIshotGust avo'
sbrot
heri
nself
-defenceandsavethewoman.
Pagkat aposginawakoyongpi napagawangPapámosaki natbumal i
kakosabahay
niyo.IthinkGustavogather
edinf
ormati
onaboutmeandhef oundoutthenamelused
whenent ert
hecountry.
"

"
Niccol
oRaci
ni.
"Shewhi
sper
ed.

"Yep.
"Hesai
dpoppi ngt
he'p'
."Idon'twantt
ouseafakenameinfrontofyourf
ather
becausemyi
ntent
ionsar
en'
tfake.Ir
eall
ywanttomar
ryhi
sdaught
er,I
ri
sGonzaga."

"That'
swhyGustavoknowsyouasNi
ccol
o."Now sheunder
stands,"
soahm,baki
thindi
nalanghi
nul
isiGust
avohabangmaagapa?Alam mobanasi yaangkal
abanmor i
tosa
I
taly?"

Tumangoangasawani ya."Yes,buthe'
sinhi
dingthesepastfew year
s,offradar
.Ang
mgat auhanlangni
yaanggumagal aw atwal
ar i
nangmgai tongalam kungnasaansi
Gustavo.I'
dbeentrackinghim downbutnol uckandIwasbusypr ot
ecti
ngyou,so,
yeah.Ngayonlangsi
yal umabas."

Napat
ango-t
angosi
ya."
Ganunpal
a..
.humugotsi
yangmal
ali
m nahi
ninga,"
ahm,may
mgamisyonkapabanakai
l
anganmoakongiwan?"

Umili
ngit
o."I
'm notasact
iveasbef
ore.Now,justmoni
tormymen.Per
omi
nsan,bil
ang
paborsaConde,bumabal ikakosaAfghani
stanatIr
aqparamagmanman,mal awak
kasiangkoneksi
yonkoroon."

Conde?"
TheCounti
sal
soaboss?"

"
Yes.Asi
a."

Hi
ndinasi
yanagul
at."
Andhow di
dyouendupi
nthePhi
l
ippi
nes?"

"
Tempt
ati
onI
sland.Ti
ghtsecur
it
y,saf
epl
ace-"
"
-andl
otsofwomen.
"

Nangingi
ti
ngdumukwangangasawani
yasakani
yasakahi
nal
i
kansi
yasamgal
abiat
t
ini
ti
gan."Jeal
ous?"

"
Maydapatbaakongi
pagsel
os?"

Ni
ccol
oshookhi
shead."
All
your
..
.si
ncewegotmar
ri
ed.
"

"
Good.
"Wal a siyang paki
alam kung anong pi
naggagagawa ni
to bago si
l
a ki
nasal
.
"
Anyway,whatthenameoft heorganizat
ionyou'
rein?"

"
None.
"

Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Whatdoyoumeannone?"

"
Wehavenoname.
"Ni
ccol
osai
dwi
thashr
ug.

"Li
ket
heorgani
zat
iondoesn'
texi
st.
"Ani
yangmai
nti
ndi
hankungbaki
twal
angpangal
an
angor
gani
sasyonnit
o.

Ni
ccol
onodded."
Exact
ly.
"

"
AndPi
etr
o?"

"
He'
spar
tofi
t.He'
sundermycommand.
"

"
Atl
ahatngi
kinuwent
omosaki
nngayonayangkai
l
angankol
angmal
aman,t
ama?"

Tumangoangasawani
ya."
Oo.
"

Napat
ango-t
ango si
ya. "
How about my si
ster
? Par
ang kabi
l
ang di
n si
ya sa
or
gani
sasyonni
yo.
"

"
Angal
am koumal
i
snasi
ya,mat
agal
na.
"

"AndmyDad?"She' sworri
edofherf
ather
."Imean,he'
sdoi
ngsomet
hingi
l
legal
.Hi
ndi
ba'yonangpi
nipi
gil
anniyoathi
nuhul
i
?"

"
Theor
gani
zat
ionwon'
ttouchyourf
ather
,wehaveadeal
wit
hhi
m."
"
Whatdeal
?"

"
He'
souri
nfor
manti
nSout
hAmer
ica.
"

Herf
atherisani
nfor
mant
?Oh,Jesus.Herfat
heri
sreal
l
ylivi
ngadangerousl
if
e!"What
youj
usttol
dmenow,aboutPapá,i
sitpar
toft
heneedtoknowbasi
sonly?"Sheasked.

"
No.
"Umi
l
ingsiNi
ccol
o,"
Butyouneedt
oknowt
hat
."

Pi
nakat
it
iganni
yaangasawasakangi
nit
iani
to."
Thankyou.
..f
ort
ell
i
ngmeal
lthi
s."

Hi
napl
osniNi
ccol
o ang pi
sngini
ya."
Mayt
anong ka pa ba? Maygust
o ka pang
mal
aman?"

I
ri
swasrel
uctantt
osayno.Al
am ni
yasasar
il
ini
yanamayi
tat
anongpasi
ya,hi
ndil
ang
ni
yamaal
alakunganoangmga'yon.

"
Ahm,thisneedtoknow basi
s,"nagaal
angam si
yaper
onagtanongpari
n,"
puwedeba
'
tohanggangbukas?Mag-ii
si
ppaakokunganopaanggust okongmalaman."

Natat
awang tumango siNiccol
o saka mai
ngatna umayosi
to ng upo sa t
abini
ya
habangnakahil
i
gdinangli
kodsaheadboardngkama.

"
Youcanaskmeanyt ime,amor
e."Hekissedhershoul
der
,"t
akeyourt
ime.Nandi
to
l
angnamanako,hi
ndiakoaal
i
ssatabimo.
"

Shei
nter
twi
nedt
hei
rhandsbef
orel
eani
ngi
ntoNi
ccol
oandki
ssedhi
stempl
e."
Baby?"

Bumal
i
ngi
tosakani
yaatnagt
amaangmgamat
ani
l
a."
Hmm?"

"
Tiamo.
"

Hesti
l
ledf
oracoupleofsecondsbef
orechuckl
i
ngandshaki
nghi
shead."
Damn,yourI
l
oveyoucanst
il
lrobbedt
heoxygeninmylungs.
"

Nai
li
ng nanatatawanaihini
li
g niyaangulosabalikatng asawa."
Pahi
nganat
ayo,
Ni
ccolo.
"Naghikabsi
ya,"
inaantoknaako.Bukasnakit
agigi
sahin.
"

"
Sige.
"Nakangi
ti
ngsabingasawani
ya."
Magpahi
ngakana.Mat
utul
ognar
inako.
"
I
ri
sfeltpeacef
ulknowingthatNi
ccolofi
nall
yopensupt oher.Shesmiledbefor
eshe
cl
osedhereyes,shepromi
sedtohersel
fthatshewi
lli
nter
rogat
eherhusbandt
omor r
ow.
Maramiparingtanongsai
sipni
ya,perongayonggabi
,magpapahinganamunasiya.

Herbabyi
smor
eimpor
tantt
hananyoneoranyt
hingi
nthi
swor
ld.Andsheneedt
orest
.

#Kat
uladNi
l
risMayTanongbaKayo?

CHAPTER43

I
HINILI
G NIIri
sang ulo sa bal
i
katniNiccolo habang nanunuod sil
a ng pel
ikul
a sa
kuwart
o ni
la.Pareho si
l
ang nakaupo sa mahabang sofa att ahi
mik na nanunuod.
I
nakbayan si
ya ng asawa kaya napahi
l
ig si
ya sa dibdi
b nito atdahan-dahan na
napahi
gasasofaatginawangunananghi t
anito.

Napasi
mangotsi
yangpat
ayi
nniNi
ccol
oangTVkahi
thi
ndipat
aposangpi
napanood
ni
l
a.

Ti
ningnanni
yangmasamaangasawa."
Tur
niton.
"Mahabaangngusoni
yangsabi
.

"
No.Kani
nakapananonood.
"Ser
yusoangmukhani
to,"
magpahi
ngakana.
"

I
ri
sgr
oanedi
nannoyance."
Nagpapahi
nganamanakoah.I
tongaoh,nakahi
gaako.
"

Ti
ningnansi
yangmasamaniNi
ccol
o."
Iri
s."

Napabunt
ong-hi
ninga si
ya."
Oo na.
" Naghi
kab si
ya saka pi
niki
tang mga mat
a.
"Ni
ccol
o?"

"
Hmm?"

"
CanIaskyousomet
hing?"

"
Aboutwhat
?"

"
Youror
gani
zat
ion.
"

Hinapl
osngasawaniyaangbuhokni
ya."
Hindipabanauubosangi
tat
anongmsaki
n?
You'dbeengr
il
li
ngmefort
woweeksnow."
Nagmul
atsi
yangmat
asakat
ini
ngnani
to."
IthoughtIcanaskanyt
ime.
"

Kaagadi
tongt
umango."
Ofcour
se.Whati
sitt
hatyouwantt
oask?"

"Ahm."naghi
kab ul
itsi
yabago nagtanong,"magi
ging payapabaang buhaynati
ng
dalawamulangayon?l'
m notcompl
aini
ng,Ij
ustwanttoknowsoIcanreadymysel
f.
"

Ni
ccol
otappedhi
slap,"
comeher
e..
.Iwannahugyou.
"

Ngumit
isiyasakabumangonatpat
agili
dnaumuposahit
anit
oatihi
nil
i
gni
yaangul
osa
bal
i
katnit
ohabangnakayakapangisangbrasoni
tosamgahi
tani
ya.

"
Wel
l
?"Sheasked.

"Ahm..
."he looked ather,"maramiakong pagkatao na maramiang kal
aban,pero
bil
angNiccoloRacini,wal
anaman.Sangayon,hi ndikopamasasabi .Well
,therehas
been no t
hreatsf orthe l
astt
wo weeks so that'
s an improvement.Per
o hindiko
masasabisahinaharapnati
n.Si
guromakakatul
ongkapagi naprobahannaangpag-ali
s
kosaorganisasyon-"

"Aboutt
hat.
..
"shetookadeepbr eathandstartedcar
essi
nghi
sjaw andchi
n,"ahm,
napag-i
si
p-i
sip ko ni
tong mga nakar
aang l
inggo,ahm..
.huwag ka nal
ang kaya
umali
s?"

Napakur
ap-kur
ap sa kaniya siNiccol
o,bakas ang gul
atsa mukha ni
to."
Iri
s..
.
nai
nti
ndi
hanmobaangsi nasabimo?"

Tumangosi yasakaginawaranitongmasuyonghal i
ksamgal abi
."Yes.Iknow whati'
m
tal
king aboutNi ccol
o.Napag-i sip-isi
p ko l
ang kasi
,kahitnaman umal i
s ka,baka
dumat ingangpanahonnamaki l
alangmgakal abanmoangt unaymongpagkat ao.
Hindiba mas makakat ulong sat i
n kung handa tayo,kung nasa li
kod nati
n ang
organisasyonmo.par aprotekt
ahant ayo?"

"Imean,l
ookatt heCount.He'smarriedbuthe'
ssti
llaboss.Iknow i
t'
sabi gr
isk,baby,
buti
sn'ti
tbet
tert oknow yourenemiesmovementbef or
etheyevent akethefi
rststep?
Masmabut i'yong alam nati
n ang mga galaw ni
l
a,keysa bulag t
ayo atnagtatago,
nagdar
asalnasanahi ndini
lamakil
alaangtunaynaikaw."

"Letsf
aceit,Ni
ccolo.Yourl
if
eisdangerous,butthat
'st
heri
skyouhavetotakei
nor
der
tohelpotherpeople,t
heinnocentandtheweak.Atkasalakosayo,asawamoako.It
s
alsoari
skthatIhavetotakeinordert
obewi thyou."

Ni
ccolostar
eddeepi
ntohereyes,l
i
kehe'
sreadi
ngher
."Whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
his,
amore?"
Sheshr ugged."
Becauseyou'r
egoodatwhatyoudo.You'regoodathelpi
ngpeopl
ein
yourownwayandIdon' twanttot
akethatawayfr
om you.Alam kongmaramikang
natut
ulungan.Al
am kongpini
pil
imoakokayaaali
ska,per
okungakoangpapi pi
l
inmo,
masgust okangmanatil
ika.
"

"
It
sgoi
ngt
obedanger
ous.
"

"So?"Shecuppedhisface."Kahitnamanumaliska,mapangani
bpar i
nnaman.Paano
kungmakit
akangmgakal abanmonaki l
alakasai bangpangal
an?Kahi
tmagkai ba
angpangal
anniyo,mukhamopar i
nkayamakiki
lal
akapar i
nnil
a.Par
ehol
angdin'yon.
Mapangani
bpar in.That'
sther i
skwehavet ot ake.AndwehaveGodusourshi el
d.
Hindini
yat
ayopababayaan."

Ti
ti
g nati
ti
g sa kani
yasiNi
ccolo bago hi
napl
osang pi
sngini
ya."
Whatdi
d Ido t
o
deser
veanamazi ngwomanl
ikeyou?"

I
ri
schuckl
ed."
I'
m amazi
ng,huh?"

"Very.
"Niccolosmil
edlovingl
yather."Masuwert
eakosayo.Napakalawakngpag-
unawamopagdat i
ngsakin.Youalwaystryyourhardestt
ounderst
andme.Hindiko
alam kungsaanmokinukuhaangpagti
ti
yagaatpagti
ti
ismomagkasamalangt
ayo."

Pinasi
lniya ang t
ungking i
l
ong ni
to."
Mahalki
ta e.Atasawa ki
ta.I
ts my j
ob t
o
underst
andyouandsupportyou.
"

"
Andi
tsmyj
obt
opr
otectyou-"

"And you did.

"Ani ya saka masuyo itong niyakap," pal
agimo naman akong pi no-
protekt
ahan.Wal anamangpagkakat aonnapi nabayaanmoako.Iknow,ourl if
eisnot
goingtobeaspeacef ulastheotherfamili
esoutt here,butthat'
sokay.BecauseIknow,
you'l
lalwaysbet hereformeandf orourbaby. "Ngini
ti
anni yait
osakahinal
ikanuli
tsa
mgal abi."
Butit
sst i
l
lyourdecisi
ont omake.Bast aalam mokunganonggust oko,ikaw
naangbahal akungaal iskaomananat il
ika."

Pinal
ibotniNi
ccol
oangmgabrasoni
tosabeywangni
yasakamasuyosi
yangni
yakap
atisi
nubsobni
toangmukhasal
eegni
ya.

"Iwanttokeepmyj ob,Iri
s."Anitosamahi nangbosesnaparabangnahi hi
yaitong
sabi
hinsakaniya'
yon."Iwanttokeepmyj ob,toconti
nuehel
pingother
sandput ti
ng
badmenbehi ndbarsandpunishingthem t
omaket hi
sworl
dabet t
erplacetoli
vei n.
Forever
ychil
drenoutt
here,especial
l
yourown. "

Hi
nagodniIri
sangli
kodngasawaniyasakaniyakapdinit
o."AndIunderst
andt
hat
.
Nai
int
indi
hankoanggust
omokayasusupor
tahankit
a.Nasali
kodmolangako."
Kumal
asitosapagkakayakapsakapinakat
it
igansi
ya."
Okayl
angbat
alaga?Okayl
ang
namansakinkungaayaw kasagust
oko-"

"Niccol
o."Hinapl
os ni
ya ang mga l
abing asawa para pati
gil
i
ni to sa pagsasal
i
ta,
"dalawangli
nggoko' t
ongpinag-i
si
pan.Ist
udiedeveryangle,analyseeveryscenario
andIunderstandever
ythi
ng.Okaynaokay. l
angsakin.Justpr
omi semeonet hi
ng."

"
What
?"

"Umuwikapalagisaki
n.Andasmuchaspossi bl
e,nowoundspl ease.Ayokongnaki
kit
a
kang may sugatatayokong nakiki
ta kang nasasaktan.Butifyou're hur
t,cal
lme
i
mmedi at
elysoIcanreadymyselfandthef i
rstai
dkit.Bakanakakali
mutanmo,Doktora
angasawamo. "

"
Speaki
ngofwhi
ch,
"hef
rowned,"
don'
tyouwantt
opr
act
iceyourpr
ofessi
on?"

"Iwil
lpr
act
icei
tonyou."Nakangi
ti
ngsabini
ya."Si
gur
adongdarati
ngangpanahonna
uuwikasabahaynamaysugatomayt amangbalaatsi
guradonghindikadadal
hinni
Piet
rosaHospi
tal
kayaakoanggagamotsayo.So..
.pr
omiseme."

Nat
atawangtumangosiNiccolo."
Okay.Ipr
omi
set
oal
waysgohomet
oyouandas
muchaspossi
ble,nowounds.
"

"
Good."Pinakat
it
igan atngi
nit
ian ni
ya ang asawa."
Now go and t
ake back your
r
esi
gnat
ion.
"

Ni
ccol
ogr
inned."
Thankyou!Thankyou,
amor
e!"

Bi
nuhatsiyani
topat
ungosakama,hinal
i
kansamgalabiatsanuobagonagpaal
am na
l
alabasl
angsandal
ipar
atawagankungsinomanangpinasahanni
tongr
esi
gnati
on.

Nakangi
ti
ngt
umangosi
yaathi
nayaanangasawani
ya.

Seeingherhusbandhappy,sheknew shemadet heri

ghtdecisi
on.Kahi
tanonggawin
nil
a,hi
ndimagigi
ngpayapaangbuhayni la.Niccol
ohasotheri
denti
ti
esanditmayhunt
them i
nthefut
uresobett
erbereadyforitthanactli
kei
tsnotgonnahuntthem.

Bumangonsi yasakainabotang walki

e-t
alki
enasiyang gi
nagamitniyanit
ong mga
nakaraang ar
aw paratawagi
n siPietr
o."Pietr
o,coul
d you pl
ease bri
ng me some
chocolat
eicecream?"

"
Si,Si
gnor
ina.
"KaagadnasagotniPi
etr
o.
Habangnaghi
hintaykayPi etr
o,umuposi yasamahabangsofasakait
inaasni
yaang
mga paa ati
pinatong i
yon sa ki
nauupuan.Pagkal
i
pasng i
lang mi
nut
o,kumatokat
pumasoksiPi
etrosamast er'
sbedroom.

Maingatni
tong i
nil
apag ang mali
itna gl
assbowlna mayl
amang i
ce cr
eam saka
t
easpoonnamaynakabal otnati
ssue.

"
Enj
oy,Si
gnor
ina.
"AniPi
etr
o.

"
Thankyou.
"Sagotni
ya.

Mukhang hahakbang paal

i
ssiPi
etr
o ng humar
ap ul
i
tit
o sakani
ya,"
mayIaskyou
somethi
ng,Signor
ina?"

Shel
ookedup."
Sur
e.Whati
sit
?"

Tumuwidito ng t
ayo."
Why di
d you l
etSi
gnorkeep hi
sjob when you know i
ts
danger
ous?"

I
ri
stookat
easpoonf
ull
ofi
cecr
eam bef
oreanswer
ing,"
hel
oveshi
sjob.
"

"
Iunder
standt
hat
,but
,it
sst
il
ldanger
ous.Youwi
l
lbei
ndanger
."

Ngumitisi
yakayPietr
o."It
sst i
l
ldangerousevenifhelefttheor gani
zat
ion.Hi
senemies
mighttr
ackdownhi sreal
identit
y,whoknows?Itsbetterthatweknow themovementof
hi
senemi esbefor
et heymaket hei
rmove.And Idon' tt hinkNiccol
o wil
lputmei n
dangeragainandlalr
eadyl earnmylessonnottopulloverjusttobuysomethingsweet
.
Iwil
lneverl
etmyguar dsdown
agai
n."

"True."AniPiet
rosakangumiti."
Eveni fSignorlefttheorganizati
on,hesti
l
lhaslotsof
enemi es.Theymightnotknow him asNi ccoloRaci nibutthere'sabigpossi
bil
i
tythat
theywi l
lfi
ndoutaboutthet r
uei dent
ityofSi gnor."Bahagyangyumukodsakani yasi
Pietr
o,"thankyou,Si
gnor
ina,forunderstandi
ngSi gnorandforal waysthi
nki
ngofhim."

"
It
smyj
ob.I
'mt
hewi
fe.Andheal
wayst
hinksofmesowe'
reeven.
"

TumangoulitsiPi
etr
obagol umabasngkuwar
to,si
yanamanaykaagadnakumai
nng
i
cecream habanghinihi
ntaynamakabal
i
kangasawaniya.

"
YOUKNOW,Pi
etr
o,Ist
il
lhat
eyou.
"SabiniNi
ccol
ohabangnaghahapunansi
l
angt
atl
o.
"Ist
il
lcanrememberhow youl
i
et omeaboutmywifewhenIcan'
trememberanyt
hing.
Butbecauseyousai
di'
mf armoresuper
iort
hatmyot
heri
dent
it
y,If
orgi
veyou.
"

"
Myapol
ogi
es,Si
gnor
."

"Andhow dar
eyouwhi spert
omywi fe'
sear
?"Gal
i
tnat
anongniNi
ccol
okayPi
etr
o,"
do
youwanttogetshotbyme,Piet
ro?"

"
No,Si
gnor
."

"
Good.Thendon'
ttouchmywi
feorwhi
speronherear
!"

Nat
awanal
angsiI
ri
ssapi
nagsasasabingasawani
ya.Al
wayst
hej
eal
ousNi
ccol
o.

"Andyou,amore,
"bumali
ng i
tosakani
ya,"youli
edtome.Al am mobangpar
ana
akongmababal
i
w sakakai
si
pkungpaanoki
taaagawinsaasawamo?"

Ti
naasanniyai
tongkil
ayatt
ini
ngnanngmat
ali
m." Gust
omobangi paal
alakosayona
nakal
i
mut anmoako?0bakanamangustomongi-detal
yekokungpaanoakonaghir
ap
sanakal
ipasnai
langbuwannawalaka-"

"
Iconcede.
"

Kaagadnanag-i
baangekspr
esyonngmukhani
ya.Gumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abini
ya.
"Madal
ikanamanpal
angkausap.
"

Ni
ccol
ogl
ancedatPi
etr
o."
Thi
sisal
lyourf
aul
t.
"

"
ButSi
gnor,
"pasulyap-sul
yapsakani
yasiPi
etr
o,"
itwasyourf
aul
t.Iof
fer
edt
ogoback
t
othehangarbutyouinsi
sted.
"

Sasi
nabiniPi
etr
o,maynaal
alasi
ya."
Nasaannapal
aangweddi
ngr
ingmo?"

Ni
ccol
ogl
ancedather
,ner
vous."
Ahm.
..Idon'
tknow.
..
"

Tumal
i
m angmgamat ani
ya."Al
ami
nmokunganongnangyar
isasi
ngsi
ngmokung
ayawmongsal
abaskangbahaymat
ulog.
"

Kaagadnabumali
ngsiNiccol
okayPi
etr
onat
ahi
miknakumakai
n."
Wher
e'smyr
ing,
Pi
etr
o?Thi
sisal
lyourf
aul
t."
"
Huwagmongangsi
si
hinsiPi
etr
o."Ani
ya.

Par
angnasasakt
annatumingi
nsakaniyaangasawa."Baki
tpi
nagt
atanggolmosi
ya?
I
ri
s,akoangasawamo.Akodapatangpinapani
ganmo-"

Pi
naki
tani
yar
it
oangweddi
ngr
ingni
ya."
Anongsabimo?"

Hegul
ped."
Iconcedeagai
n."

Shesmi l
ed."Good.Hanapi
nmo,kunghi ndimomahanap,magpagawakangbagona
kaparehangnawalamo.Kapaghi ndimagkapareho,t
atamaankasaki
n.Bakaakal
amo
nakakali
mutankoangpaghihi
rapkongdahilsayo?"

"
Butyousai
dit
sokayasl
ongasi
'
m al
i
veandwe'
ret
oget
her
-"

"
Ichangemymi
nd.
"

"
Hear
tl
ess.
"Hewhi
sper
ed.

"
Anongsi
nabimo?"Mat
arayni
yangt
anongsaasawa.

"
Not
hing.
"

"
Sabi
hinmoul
i
t?"Paghahamonni
yasaasawa.

Mabili
sitong umi
l
ing."
I'
m notbr
ave enough t
orepeati
tand Idon'
twantt
o sl
eep
out
sidethehouse.
"

I
nir
apanniyaitosakanagpatul
oysapagkai
n.Secondslater
,shehear
dhi
m mur
mur
ing
t
oPi et
rohow hear
tl
esssheisandhowshe'sal
waysbull
yinghim.

Hi
nayaanni
yal
angi
to.

Nangmat apossi
l
angkumai
n,naunanasiyangumakyatsakuwar
topar
amagpahi
nga.
SiNiccol
oaymaykausappasacel lphoneathini
ntayangpackagenapi
nadal
ang
Conderit
o.

Thi
rt
ymi
nut
esl
ater
,someoneknockedont
hedoort
othei
rroom.

"
Amor
e,openup.
"Sabini
Niccol
osamal
akasnaboses."
Baki
tnaka-l
ock?"
Hi
ndini
yai
topi
nansi
n.

"Amore.
..
"tawagsakani
yaniNi
ccol
osal
abas,"
comeon,l
ove,Iwantt
osl
eepbesi
de
you.
"

Hindini
ya umimik.Pagkali
pas ng mahabang mi
nut
o,nar
ini
g ni
yang par
ang may
kumakal
ikotsadoorknob.

"
Don'
tyoudar
epi
ckt
hel
ockofourbedr
oom'
sdoor
,Ni
ccol
o!"

Kaagadnamani
tongt
umi
gil
sakanagsal
i
ta."
Soyoul
ocki
tonpur
pose?"

"
Yes.
"

"
Why?"Par
ait
ongbat
ananagt
atanong.

"Youcal
l
edmeheartl
essandabul l
y."Sabini
yahabangnagkukumot
."I
'mj
ustshowi
ng
youhowhear
tl
essIcanbe,baby.
"

Ni
ccol
ogr
oaned."
Amor
e!"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awa."
Niccol
o?"

"
Yes,l
ove?"Bi
glangnagi
ngmal
ambi
ngangbosesni
to.

"
Goodni
ght
."

Hi
ndinapi
nansi
nnilr
isangsi
nabingasawananasal
abasngkuwar
to.I
pini
kitni
yaang
mgamatasakanat
ulog.

Hi
ndini
yaalam kungil
angminutooorassi
yangnakat
ulog,nagi
si
ngnal
angsi
yanang
maramdamangmayt umabisakani
yasakama.

Hi
ndinaniyakai
l
angant i
ngnankungsinoyon.Sheknew i
tsNiccol
o,especi
all
ywhen
hewrappedhi
sarmjustbelowherchestandsof
tl
ypul
l
edherclosert
ohim.

Naghi
hikabnatumagi
l
idsi
yanghi
gapahar
apsaasawasakai
niyakapni
yaangbr
aso
sabeywangnit
o.

"
Didyoupi
ckt
hel
ock?"I
naant
okni
yangt
anonghabangnakapi
ki
tangmgamat
a."
Itol
d
younott
o."

"Idi
dn't
."Ni
ccol
okissedherforehead,"
yout
oldmenott
opi
ckourbedr
oom'
sdoorl
ock
soIpickedt
hewindow'slock.
"

Hi
ndini
yaal
am kungmat
atawasi
yaomai
i
nissasagotngasawa."
Smar
tass.
"

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed."
Baki
tmobakasii
ni-l
ock?"

"
Yousai
di'
m hear
tl
ess.
"

"Iwasjustki
ddi
ng.I
fyou'r
eheart
less,how canyoul
oveme?"Pagdadahi
l
anngasawa
niyapar
amakatakassair
it
asyonniya.

"
Andt
hebul
l
y?"

"
Thatonei
str
ue.
"

"
Niccol
o.Out
."

Ni
ccol
ojustki
ssedherf
oreheadandcuddl
edher
."I
'm st
ayi
ng,l
ove.
"

Sahal
ipnaumangal
,isi
niksi
kniyaangkat awansaasawasakagi
nawangunanang
br
asoni
to."
Hmm..
.yousmel lgood.Okay,youcanst
ay.
"

Niccol
o chuckl
ed bef
ore car
essi
ng herhai
r,and f
orsome r eason,hersleepi
ness
st
artedtofadeaway.Dahilsi
guronagisi
ngsi
yaatnaki
pag-usapkayaganito.Nabit
in
angpagtul
ogniya.

Kai
nisnaman.

I
nisnaiminul
atni
yaangmgamat
aatt
umi
ngi
nsaasawa."
Can'
tsl
eep.
..Iwantt
osl
eep,
Niccol
o."

"
Comecl
oser
."

Bumabaangt
ingi
nni
yasat
iyanni
ya."
Mai
i
pitsibaby.
"

"
Tur
nar
ound,Amor
e."
Kaagadnamansi
yangtumali
koddit
ohabangnakaunanpar i
nsabrasonit
o.Kaagad
namansi
yangmasuyongni
yaposngasawasakapi
naglapi
tangkat
awanni
langdal
awa.

"
Ist
hisbet
ter
?"Heasked.

Shehummedasshecl osehereyes.Butshest
il
lcoul
dn'
tsl
eep."
Nawal
anaangant
ok
ko.Kasal
ananmo'
to.
"

Shef
eltNi
ccol
oki
ssedt
hebackofhi
sheadbef
orehest
art
edsi
ngi
ngsof
tl
y.

'
Don'
tbescar
ed,

Causedyouandmeal
readybeent
her
e,

LongasIknowt
hatyou'
l
lbeher
e

guesst
hat
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s.

You'
vebeenar
ound

Ever
yti
met
hati
'
vebeendown

Youwer
ether
eyoupul
l
edmeout

WhenIwasbr
uisedandbat
ter
ed.
'

Ni
li
ngonniI
ri
sangasawangmari
nigi
tongkumant
aatnaki
tani
yangnakapi
kitangmga
matani
tohabangkumakant
a.

'
Youl
i
veandyoul
ear
n

Butnow i
tsmyt
urn

Todowhati
'
vegott
odo

Andi
'
m doi
ngi
tal
lforyou.
..

Hi
ndini
yanapi
gil
annasabayani
tosamahi
nangpagkant
a.

'
Evenwhent
her
ainst
art
spour
ing

won'
tleti
ttouchyourhead

Evenwhent
hewal
l
sar
efal
l
ing.
..
'

Niccol
oopenshereyesandsangwhi
l
elooki
ngatheri
ntheeyes,maki
ngherhear
tbeat
f
ast
".
..Iwil
lhol
ditbackandt henIwillt
urnt
hissongaroundandi'
l
lneverl
etyoudown.
Evenifwehavetost
artagain,we'
regonnagett
her
eintheend.
'

Masuyonit
onghi
naplosangpisngini
yagamitangdal
i
rini
to."
Iknow i
tsal
readyt
ool
ate
but
..
.happyanni
ver
sary,l
ove.Happyweddinganni
ver
sary.
"

Hereyeswat
eredbutt
her
e'sasmi
l
eonherf
ace."
Happyanni
ver
sar
ytoo,baby.
"

Hesmi
l
edback."
Tiamo,amor
emi
o."

Bagopasiyamakasagot
,naagaw ngsuotni
tongsi
ngsi
ngangat
ensi
yonni
ya."
Your
weddi
ngr
ingisback?"

"
Yes.TheCountsentmeapackage.Somepaper
sand.
..myweddi
ngr
ing.
"

Napati
ti
gsi
yasasingsi
ngni
toatkunotangnuongnagt
anongngmaymaal
ala."
Why
engr
avedDesi
der
onme,amoremioonourrings?"

"
Becauset
hat
'swhatIwant
edbef
orewegotmar
ri
ed.
"

"
Youwantmet
odesi
reyou?"

Napakagat-l
abiangasawaniya."Kasinaman,parangsunt oksabuwannamahali
nmo
akongmgapanahongyon.Al am konamangnapi pi
l
itankalangnamagpakasalsaki
n
kayabinabaankonalangangpangarapko.Insteadof' l
oveme,'desir
eme'
nal
ang,mas
malakiangposi
bil
idadno'
nnamangyar ikasikaaki
takittal
agaako."

Tumawasiya."Magpapanggapakonghi
ndikonar
ini
gyongpar
tenasi
nabimongkaaki
t
aki
tka.Doontayosabinabaanmoangpangarapmo."

Niccoloshr
ugged."Nakakahi
yanamandaw sayo,angpangar
apkonal
angangmag-a
-adjustpar
asayo.
"

Ki
nur
otni
yasat
agi
l
iranangasawa."
Gago.
"

Mahinang tumawa siNiccol

o bago nagi
ng seryoso ang mukha habang nakat
it
igsa
kani
ya."Seryoso'yongsi
nabiko.Idon'
twanttogetbr okenheartedsoIputdesir
eme
i
nsteadofloveme.Ati t
ongsingsi
ngangpalagingnagpapaalal
asakinnahi ndimoako
mahalkayangagi nawakosiyangpendantparahi ndikonaki
kit
a,peronararamdaman
kopar i
nnaman. "

"
Andnow?"Sheaskedherhusband,"
yonpar
inbaangpi
napaal
alasayongweddi
ng
r
ingnat
in?"

"
Ibanasyempr
ekasial
am konangmahal
moako,per
ogust
okongpal
i
tan.
"

Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Whatdoyoumean?"

"
Stayr
ighther
e."Ani
tobagobumangonsakamasakapumasoksawal
k-i
ncl
osetni
l
a.

Nangmakabal
iki
to,umupoi
tosakamasakapi
na-upor
insi
yapagkat
aposayhi
nubad
ni
toangsi
ngsi
ngniya.

"Ni
ccol
o,no-"napat
igi
lsi
yasapagsasali
tangmaki
tanggi
nawani
tongpendantang
si
ngsi
ngni
yasakaisi
nuotangneckl
acesakani
ya.

Ganundi
nanggi
nawani
tosasar
il
ingweddi
ngr
ingni
to.

Kinunotanni
yai
tongnuo."
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Ni
ccol
o,Iwantmyr
ingbackonmy
fi
nger."

Ngumit
ilangsiNiccol
obagoumali
sngkamaatlumuhodsasahi
ghabangnakahar
ap
sakani
ya."Bukasnasana'
toper
onandi
tonae.
"

Kumunotangnuoni
ya."
Tumayokangar
iyan,anobanggi
nagawamo-"

"
Wil
lyoumar
rymeagai
n,I
ri
sGonzaga-Raci
ni?"

Shebl
i
nkedatherhusband."
Areyoupr
oposi
ng?"

Henoddedear
nest
ly."
Yes.Iknow i
t'
sayesbutcanyoupl
easesay'
yes'l
oudl
yand
cl
ear
ly?"

Hindiniyanapigil
anangmat awangmaki
tangdalawangt
uhodnit
oangnakal
uhodsa
sahig."
Bakitparangnagdadasal
ka?Hi
ndibadapati
sangt
uhodl
angangnakal
uhod?"

"
Sinasambaki
tae.
"

I
ri
slaughed."
Palusotkapa.Sabihi
nmohi
ndimot
alagaal
am nai
sangt
uhodl
angang
nakal
uhodkapagnagpo-propose."

Ti
ningnansi
yangmasamaniNiccol
o."Angimpor
tant
enakal
uhodako.Ayaw moba
no'
n,sabaynat
it
ikl
opangt
uhodkokapaggal
i
tkana?"
Napapantast
ikuhan si
yang napati
ti
g sa asawa habang mahi
nang tumatawa at
napapai
l
ing."Ewankosayo,Ni ccol
o."Inabotni
yaangkamaysaasawa."I
suotmona
ngayansadal i
rikoatt
umayokanar iyan.
"

I
sinuotni
to ang si
ngsi
ng sa dal
i
rini
ya saka napakamoti
to ng bat
okna t
umayo at
umuposakamabagomal akasnabumunt ong-hi
ninga.

"I
tsanepicfai
l
."Het
sked."
Ipl
ant
opr
oposet
oyout
omor
row wi
thf
lower
sandal
lthat
cheesyst
uff
."

"
Oh,baki
tngayonkanag-pr
opose?"

"
Ithoughti
tsper
fectbecausewe'
ret
alki
ngaboutourweddi
nganni
ver
sar
yandweddi
ng
r
ings.
..
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awa."
Yourt
imi
ngi
sper
fect
,baby,butt
hewayyoukneel
,it
swei
rd.
"

Hel
ookedatherf
lat
ly."
I'
m sor
ry,l
ove.Thi
sist
hef
ir
stt
imeIpr
oposet
osomeone.
"

"
Mar aminamangf
ir
stt
imerper
ohi
ndikat
uladmol
umuhod.
"Pang-aasarni
yar
it
o."
Yon
t
alagaangepi
cfai
l
."

Pabagsak na nahi
ga sa kama siNi
ccol
o.Hi
ndimai
pint
a ang mukha ni
to na mas
i
kinat
awani ya.

Lumipasangil
ang mi
nut
o,hi
ndipar i
nmai pi
ntaangmukhaniNi
ccol
okayanaman
ti
nawaganni
yasiPi
etr
osawal
kie-t
alki
e.Mabuti
'tgi
si
ngpai
to.

NangmakapasoksiPi
etr
osakuwar
to,bahagyani
tongyumukod.

"
Ist
her
eanyt
hingyouneed,Si
gnor
ina?"

"
Ahm,Ij
usthaveaquest
ion,Pi
etr
o."

"
Whati
sit
?"

"
Sayyou'r
epr
oposi
ngmar
ri
aget
othewomanyoul
ove,howwi
l
lyoudoi
t?"

Nagt
atakaman,l
umuhodangi
sangt uhodniPietrosakanakat
aasangdal
awani
tong
kamaynapar
angmayhawaknasingsing."
Liket
his,Si
gnor
ina.
"
Tumi
ngi
nsiI
ri
skayNi
ccol
o."
Didyouseet
hat
,baby?"

"
Out
,Pi
etr
o!"Si
gaw niNi
ccol
o.

NatawananamansiI
ri
ssakabumul
ongkayPi
etr
o,"
hepr
oposedandbot
hhi
sknees
kneel
edont
hefl
oor
."

"
Oh.
"Kaagadnat
umayosiPi
etr
o,"
Ishal
ltakemyl
eavebef
oreSi
gnorshootme.

"I
ni-l
ockul
i
tniIr
isangpintongkuwar t
ongmakalabassiPi
etr
osakatumabinghi
gasa
asawaathi
nal
ik-hal
ikanangpisngini
tobagonagl
alambi
ngnabumulong.

"
Tiamo,Ni
ccol
o."

Andhemelted.Yumakapangbrasonit
osakani
yasakai
si
nubsobni
toangmukhasa
l
eegni
ya."
Sor r
y.It
houghti
'
m doi
ngitr
ight
."

Shekissedherf
orehead."
Mybaby.
..i
tsokay.Il
oveyounonet
hel
essandyes,i
'
llmar
ry
youagain.
"

Hepul
l
edawayandl
ookedather
."Kahi
tepi
cfai
langpr
oposal
ko?"

"
Youpr
oposed,Ni
ccol
o,t
hat
'swhatmat
ter
s."

"
You'
rej
ustt
easi
ngmet
hen?"

"
Hindi
kapanasanaysaki
n."

Niccol
otsked."Dapatakongmagalitperodahi
lmahalkit
a,hi
ndinal
angakomagagal
i
t.
ButIwil
lfi
rePiet
rotomorrow!Sakaniyaakomagagal
itkasihi
ndikonamansi
yamahal
."

Anglakasngtawani
yasahuli
ngsinabini
to."
Magt
atamposiPi
etr
osayokapagnar
ini
g
ni
yanghindi
mopalasiyamahal
."

Ni
ccol
olookedatherf
lat
ly."
Areyoui
nsi
nuat
ingsomet
hing?"

Angpi
kont
alagangasawani
ya."
Wal
a."Nat
atawangsabini
ya."
Mat
ulognangat
ayo.
"

"
Ba'
ttumat
awaka?"
"
Nakakat
awakae.
"Umayossi
yanghi
gasakanagkumot
.

"
Iri
s,baki
tkangat
umat
awa-"

"
Niccol
o,huwagmakul
i
t,sasaki
tangt
iyanko-"

"
Hindina.Magpahi
ngakana."Kaagadni
tongbawiatpinaunansiyasabr
asoni
to.
"
Tulogna,mahal
ko.Huwagkanangmagal
i
t,bakamapaanosibaby.
"

Li
him si
yangnapangi
tisakai
pini
kitangmgamat
a.

Minutesl
ater
,whenNiccol
othi
nksthatshe'
salreadyasl
eep,herhusbandlef
tthei
rbed
whil
emurmur i
ng'
you'
resodeadPietr
o.Iwil
lfi
reyourassandburyyouali
ve'.

Bumangonsi yangmakal
abasangasawasakainabotangwalki
e-t
alkiesabedside
tabl
e."Pi
etr
o,myhusbandisbei
ngcrazyagai
n.Hegoingtoyoutofireyourassand
buryyouali
ve."

Pi
etr
orepl
i
edi
nal
ow voi
ce."
He'
sal
readyher
e,Si
gnor
ina.
"

l
'm so sor
ry Pi
etr
o.Ani
ya sa i
si
p saka bumal
i
k sa pagkakahi
ga.Pagkal
i
pas ng
mahabangminut
o,bumal
i
knasawakasangasawaniya.

"
Didyoubur
yPi
etr
o?"Sheasked.

"
No.
"Umi
l
ingsiNi
ccol
o."
Toomuchwor
k.If
ir
edhi
m."

"
Anonamanangsabini
ya?"

"
Hesai
dlcan'
tfi
rehi
m."

"
And?"Sheasked.

"IsaidokayandwentbackherebecauseIr
eali
zei
twasyourf
aul
t.Per
odahi
lmahal
kit
a,
hindiakomagagal
itsayo.Mat
ulognal
angtayo.
"

Nangi
ngi
ti
ngnagpayakapsi
yakayNiccol
omulasali
kur
anparahi
ndimai
pitangt
iyan
ni
yasakai
pini
kitangmgamatapar
amakapagpahi
nganasi
ya.
Atnakat
uloganniI
ri
sangmahinangpagkantaniNi
ccol
o,angmasuyoni
tongpaghapl
os
sabuhokniyaatangil
angul
i
tnit
ongpagbulongngmahalkit
asatai
nganiya.

CHAPTER44

NAPATIGI
LSApagpasoksiNiccolosakuwar t
oni l
angmag-asawanangmaki t
asiIr
is
nanakaharapsasal
aminatnaka-underwearlang.Pinagmamasdannit
oangsari
l
isa
sal
aminhabanghi
nahapl
osangmalapitnangmagsi yam nabuwanni
tongti
yan.

Sumandalsiya sa hamba ng pint

uan at t
ahi
mik na pi
nagmasdan ang asawa
kapagkuwanaygumuhitangngi
tisamgal
abini
ya.

Pagandal
angngpagandaangasawani
yasapani
ngi
nni
ya.

Napaka-suwert
eniyasaasawani ya.Oongaatpal agisi
yanit
onginaasaratbi
nu-bul
l
y
peroayoslangsakaniya.Sanaynasi yasaasawani ya.Saaraw-araw naginawang
di
yosna magkasama si l
ang dalawa,wal ang ar
aw na hindini
ya naramdaman ang
pagmamahal ni
tokahi
tpalagi
siyani t
ongini
ini
s.

Napakal
awakngpang-unawani t
osakani
ya.Kahi
thindinit
ominsannai
i
nti
ndihanang
mgadesisyonni
ya,kakausapi
nsiyani
toparamainti
ndihanni
to'yonatsasabihi
nsa
kani
yakunganosati
nginnit
oangdapatni
yanggawin.

Forsixmonthsthatthey'dbeent ogetheri
ntheirhouse,I r
isneverdeci
dedf orhim.
Never.Shewouldjustgavehi
m heropi ni
onandotheropt i
onsbutsheneverputwor ds
i
nto hi
smout h.Never.She respectshim and underst
andshi m and he'
strying hi
s
har
desttogi
veitbacktoher,t
her espectandunderst
andingshedeserves.

Perokapaggal
i
tnai
to,t
umi
ti
kl
opkaagadsi
yaatsumusuko.Hedoesn'
twanthi
swi
fe
angry.

Hebel
i
evest
hathappywi
fei
sahappyl
i
fe.

"Whatareyoulooki
ng at
,handsome?"Tanong ng asawani
yang mapansi
nsi
yang
nakahi
l
igsahambangpint
o.

Hesmi
l
ed."
You.
"

Gumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abini
to."
Tryi
ngt
obesweet
?"

Nat
atawangnagl
akadsi
yapal
api
tdi
to."
Isi
twor
king?"
"
Nope.
"Nangi
ngi
ti
ngsagotngasawani
ya.

Kinuhaniyaangdamitni
tongnasai
babaw ngkamasakalumapi tdi
toatsiyanamismo
ang nagsuotng mat
ernit
ydressni
to sakati
ningnanang asawasasal aminhabang
nakatayosiyasal
i
kodnit
o.

"
Mywi
fei
sver
ypr
ett
y."

Mahi
nangnat
awasiI
ri
ssakaumi
kotpahar
apsakani
ya."
Readyt
obeadad?"

Tumangosi
yasakamasuyonghi
napl
osangt
iyanni
to."
I'
mready.
"

"
Scar
ed?"

Napakamotsiyasabat
ok."
Al i
tt
le.I
'ver
eadsomear
ti
clesaboutwomengi
vi
ngbi
rt
hand
i
tsaysthatt
hepaini
sunbearabl
e."

Ti
nawanansi
yani
to."
Baki
tkanat
atakot
?Hi
ndinamani
kawangmanganganak,ah.
"

"Butyou'
l
lbei npai
n."Aniyasakamasuyongsinapoangmukhani
to."
Hindikoal
am
kungkayaki
tangmakitangsumisi
gawsasaki
t.
"

"
That
'snor
mal
."Shesmi
l
ed."
It
'sl
i
fe.
"

Napat
ango-t
angosi
ya."
Okay,mybr
avewi
fe,l
etsgo?"

Pi
nagsi
kl
op niya ang kamayni l
ang dal
awa saka i
nalal
ayan i
to pal
abasng kuwar
to.
Nangnasahagdannasi l
a,dahan-dahanatmai ngatangbawathakbangngpaani to.
Nangmakababasi l
aatmakal abasngbahay,inalal
ayanniyangmakasakaysakotsesi
I
ri
sbagosiya.

"
Piet
ro?"

"
Yes,Si
gnor
ina?"KaagadnasagotniPi
etr
onanasaDr
iver
'sseat
.

"
Thebaby'
sthi
ngsandcl
othes?"I
ri
sasked.

"
Alr
eadyi
nthebackcompar
tment
."SagotnamanniPi
etr
o.

"
Thankyou.
"
"
Hindi
bat
ayomaaga?"Tanongni
yasaasawangumusadangsasakyanni
l
a.

"Masokaynangmaaga,"hinaplosni
toangt i
yan,"ayokongnasabahaykapagnag-
umpisaakongmag-l
abor
.Masmabut ikungnasaHospi talnatayo.Sakaapatnaar
aw
nal
ang,duekona,mabut
ina'yonghandatayoathindinagpa-panic.
"

Napat
it
igsi
yasaasawani
ya.

I
ri
sal
wayspl
ansahead,weeksandmont
hsahead.

"
Your
eal
l
ythi
nkt
hist
hrough.
"Ani
yahabangnakat
it
igpar
indi
to.

Bumali
ng i
to sa kani
ya habang umaayosng upo."
Oo naman.Knowi
ng you,you'
l
l
pani
c."

Nawal
aangngit
isamgalabini
ya."
Walakangt
iwal
asaki
n?Love,evenwhensomeone
i
sshoot
ingatme,l
am f
ucki
ngcalm."

"Magkai
banamanyon.
"Inir
apansiyani
to."Sanaykanangnaki
kipagbar
il
anper
oito
angunangbesesnamanganganakakokayamanahimi
kkari
yanatsundinmonalang
anggust
oko."

That
'shi
scuet
oshutup."
Iconcede.
"

Nawalaangatensi
yonni
tosakani
yaathi
ndinakat
akassamgamat
ani
yaangpagt
ingi
n
ni
tosalcecr
eam shopnanadaananni
la.

"
Wantsomei
cecr
eam orf
rappe?"

I
ri
spr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
her
."Nope.Il
ear
nmyl
essonal
ready.
"

"
SiPi et
ro naman ang papababai
n nat
in.
" Ani
ya,"
kahi
t ma ki
dnap pa si
ya at
masagasaan,ayosl
ang.
"

"Si
rakatalaga.
"Pi
ningolni
toangt
aingani
yananagpa-ar
aysakani
ya."
Ikaw kayaang
pasagasaanko?You'r
ealwaysbul
l
yingPi
etr
o-"

"That
'sbecauseyou'
real
waysbul
l
yingme.He'
smyout
let
."Ani
yasabayt
urokayPi
etr
o
naabalasapagmamamehoatwalangimi
k.

Pi
etr
o,"kuhaniI
ri
ssaat
ensi
yonniPi
etr
o,"
whydon'
tyoul
eavemyhusband'
ssi
de?
We'
l
lseewhathappenst
ohi
m whenhedoesn'
thaveabut
lerwhocanbet
rust
ed.
"

Sumamaangmukhani
ya."
Piet
ro,don'
tli
stent
oher
.You'
rest
ayi
ngi
nmyhouseandI
'm
yourboss.
"

I
ri
s'col
deyesst
aredathi
m."
Whatdi
dyousay?Yourhouse?"

I
natakisi
ya ng kaba.Oh shi
t!l
'm so dead."Ahm."hinal
ukayniya ang i
si
p par
a sa
pal
i
wanagni ya,".
..i
tsal
soyourhouse,l
ove.Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngright
."

Hercoldeyeshel
dhisgaze."Haveyoufor
got
tenthatyourhouseisaconjugal
proper
ty,
meaningitsal
somi ne.Lahatngsayo,saakin.Atdahilnagta-t
rabahoparasayosi
Piet
ro,i
bigsabi
hin,nagt
a-tr
abahori
nsiyaparasakin.
"Bumal i
ngitokayPietr
o,"am I
ri
ght,Pi
etr
o?"

"
Si,Si
gnor
ina.
"

Masamaangt
ingi
nni
yasal
i
kodniPi
etr
o."
Trai
tor
."

"
Signor
inapr
omi
sedmeavacat
ionnextweekt
hatmeans,i
'
m onSi
gnor
ina'
ssi
de.
"

Het
sked."
Yout
woar
egangi
nguponmeagai
n.Ihat
eyou-"

Kaagadnabumal
i
ngsakani
yasiI
ri
satangmadi
l
im ni
tongmukha.

"Notyou,l
ove.Il
oveyou.
"Mabi
l
isni
yangsabisakat
inur
osiPi
etr
o,"
Ihat
ehi
m,not
you.
"

Kaagadnagumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abingasawanai
ki
nahi
ngani
yangmal
uwang.

ThankGod!I
ri
szi
l
lai
ssmi
l
ingagai
n.

Ni
ccol
owasr
eli
evewhenher
ememberwhatPi
etr
ojustsai
d.

"
You'
regoi
ngonavacat
ion?"Nagt
atakangt
anongni
yakayPi
etr
o."
Didl
agr
eet
oit
?"

"
Signor
inadi
d."Sagotngbut
lerni
ya.

Bumal
ingsiyasaasawaatnatigi
l
anngmaki t
angnakat
aasangki
l
ayni
tosakani
yana
par
anghinahamonsiyanasal
ungati
nangdesi
syonni
to.
I
fhe'
sbr
aveenought
ogoagai
nsther
,hewoul
dsl
eepout
sidet
hehousef
orsur
e.

Andwheni
tcomest
ohi
swi
fe,he'
sacowar
d.Hehasnobal
l
satal
l
.

"
Baki
tmosi yapinagbakasyon?"Mahi
naangmal
umanayangbosesnat
anongni
ya.
"
Kapapanganakmopal angno'n."

"I
lang taon na siyang nagta-t
rabaho sayo ng wal
ang bakasyon.
"Pali
wanag ni
to.
"Pagpahingahin mo naman siPi etro.Dalawang l
i
nggo lang naman.And i
fyou're
againstit
,speaknow orforeverholdyoursil
ence.
"

Niccolorol
l
edhistongueoverhisl
ipsbef
oret
aki
ngadeepbr
eat
handsmi
l
ing."
I'
m not
againsti
t,i
'
m act
uall
ysupport
ingyou."

Ther
e'snopoi
ntgoi
ngagai
nsthi
swi
fe.He'
l
ldowhatI
ri
szi
l
lasaysanyway.

"
Mabut
inaman."Ngi
nit
iansiyangasawasakahumi
l
igi
tosal
i
kodngki
nauupuansaka
t
umi
ngi
nsalabasngbintana.

"
Niccol
o?"Tawagni
tosapangal
anni
ya.

"
Yes,l
ove?"

"Ngayonkol angnaal
ala,
"bumali
ngitosakani
ya,nakakunotangnuo,"
Iover
hear
dyour
conversat
ionwithPi
etr
oyester
day."

"
And?"Baki
tpar
angki
nakabahansi
ya?MaybebecauseIknew t
hatt
oneoni
ri
s'voi
ce.
..
t
hatt
onemeansIdi
dsomethingshedoesn'
tappr
ove.

"Andyoucal l
edmeIri
szi
ll
a."Shelookedathim shar
ply,"
sigur
adoakongtamaang
pagkakar
ini
gkokasii
nuli
tmopa' yonngdalawangbeses.WhatdoesIri
szi
l
lameans,
baby?"

"
Ahm.
"I'
m adeadman."
It
'sahm,anendear
ment
."

"Endearment
?"Tumaasangdal
awangki
l
ayni
to."
It
snotacombi
nat
ionofmynameand
Godzil
la,t
hemonster
,isi
t?"

Yep.I
'm sodead.

Ni
ccol
ost
ayedsi
l
ent
.Hef
eltl
i
kehedi
dsomet
hingver
ywr
ongandhe'
sonadeat
hrow
whi
l
ehi
swi
fei
slooki
ngathi
m quest
ioni
ngl
y.

"
Answerme,baby.
"Mal
ambi
ngangbosesni
to.

Butheknewbett
er,I
ri
sisaboutt
oexpl
odeandhewi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ysl
eepout
sidet
hehouse.
Orinanot
herr
oom maybe.

Tumal
i
m angmat
ani
tonghi
ndisi
yasumagot
."Ni
ccol
o."Maydi
i
nangbosesni
to.

Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h,cal
m hi
msel
fandspoke."
Iri
s,Icanexpl
ain-"

"
DoIl
ookl
i
keamonst
ert
oyou?"

Mahi
l
issi
yangumi
l
ing."
No.
"

Pi
nakat
it
igansi
yaniI
ri
skapagkuwanaymahi
nai
tongnat
awa."
Nat
akotbaki
ta?"

Ti
ningnanni
yai
tongmasama."
You'
ret
easi
ngmeagai
n."

Natat
awanghi napl
osniI
ri
sangti
yan,"yourDaddyisaver
ydanger
ousandscar
yman
baby,butonl
ymommycanscar etheshitoutofhi
m."

Napabuntong-hini
nganal angsiyasakanapail
i
ng.I
ri
si sabull
y.Sheli
kesteasi
nghi m.
I
saiyonsamgaugal ini
tongkinaii
nisanni
yaper
okapaghindinamansiyani
tobinu-bull
y
ayhinahanap-hanapniyaokayanamanaymaymal isaasawaniya.

Naaal
alapaniyangmagkasakiti
todal
awangbuwannaangnakakaraan.Walangnang
-i
i
nisatnang-aasarsakani
yaatbal
i
wnasigur
osiyadahi
lhi
nanap-hanapni
yaiyon.

Hi
nahanap-hanapni
yaangugal
i
ng'
yonnangasawani
ya.

l
'
m al
waysawi
l
li
ngvi
cti
mtomywi
fe'
sbul
l
ying.

Het
skedandr
est
edhi
sheadonhi
swi
fe'
sshoul
der
."Amor
e?"

"
Hmm?"

"
Whatdoyout
hink?"Hecar
esshert
ummy,"
isi
taboyoragi
rl
?"

"
Agi
rl
."I
ri
ssmi
l
ed."
How aboutyou?"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Agi
rlt
oo.
"

"
Anongi
papangal
annat
insakani
ya?"

"Youdecide.
"Anit
o,"you'
ret
heonewho'
sgonnagi
vebi
rt
htoher
.Iwi
l
lgi
veyout
he
honourofnamingher
."

"Thehonour?"Nat
await
osakapabir
ongtinampalangmukhaniya,"
gago.Akonaman
tal
aga ang magpapangapan sa kani
ya kasi ako naman ang mahihi
rapan sa
panganganak."

Nat
awasi
ya."
Bemyguest
."

Ki
nur
otsi
yani
tosat
agi
l
irannai
kinat
awal
angni
yaatpar
ehosi
l
angnat
ahi
mik.

Nang makar
ati
ng si
l
a sa Hospi
tal
,ang head ng Hospi
talmi
smo ang umasi
kaso sa
admi
ssionni
l
a.

"Theperksofbei
ngaRaci ni
."WikaniI
ri
sngmai
hat
idsi
l
asapr
ibadongkuwar
tong
Hospi
tal
."Al
waysspeci
alt
reatment.
"

Nat
awasiyasakahi
nal
i
kanitosanuo."Rest
.Youneedi
t-"napati
gilsi
yasapagsasal
i
ta
ngngumi
wiangasawaniyanaparangnasasakt
an."
Whatisi
t?"

"
Ithur
ts.
."

"
Laborpai
n?"

"
Idon'
tknow-maybe.
..
"

Umupo siI
ri
ssa gi
li
d ng kama habang hawakang kamayni
ya atki
nakausap si
ya
t
ungkol
sapanganganakni
to.

Fi
ft
eenmi
nut
esl
ater
,shesqueezedherhandl
i
keshe'
sinpai
n.

Mahi
nangnapadai
ngangasawani
ya."
Ifel
titagai
n..
.oh,It
hinki
tsst
art
ing.
"

"
I'
ll
cal
lourOB.
"Nagmamadal
isi
yangl
umabasngkuwar
topar
atawagansiDr
a.Bi
anchi
.
DAHAN-DAHANG nahiga siI
ri
ssa hospi
talbed habang hi
nihi
ntayna makabal
iksi
Niccol
o.Wal
apasiPiet
rodahi
lbinal
i
kanni
toangmgagami tngbatasasasakyanpar
a
dalhi
ndit
osakuwar
to.

Hercont
ract
ioni
sst
art
ing.

Napat
ingi
nsi
yasapi
ntongkuwar
tongbumukas'
yon."
Niccol
o..
."

"
Dra.Bi
anchii
sontheway.
"Ani
tosakal
umapi
tsakani
yaathi
nawakanangkamayni
ya.
"
Youfeel
ingokay?"

Kagatangl
abi
ngngumi
tisi
ya."
Yeah.
..
"

Ni
ccol
onar
rowedhi
seyesonher
."Don'
tli
etome,amor
e."

"I
'm okay.
"Sabiniya saka pi
nisi
lang kamay niNi
ccol
o."
Tamang-t
ama l
ang ang
pagpuntanat
indi
tosaHospit
al.I
tsstar
ti
ng."

"
Oh.
"Wor
rycr
easedhi
sface."
Yougonnabeokay?"

"I
tsgonnabepai
nful
."Mahi
nasiyangt
umawa."
Isuggestyoubuckl
eyour
sel
f.Baka
bi
glakananamangmagpatawagngmarami
ngDoct
or,l
etmer emi
ndyoubaby,i
'
mi n
l
abor,okay?"

Ni
ccol
otookadeepbr
eat
hbef
orenoddi
ng."
Okay.Nandi
tol
angako.
"

Tumangosiyasakamahigpi
tnanapahawaksakamayngasawangmar
amdamanni
ya
angpagsaki
tngtiyan.

Shesl
i
ght
lygr
oan."
Ithi
nkIshoul
dwal
k."

"
Butyou'
rei
npai
n-"

"Masmasaki
tkapagnakahi
gaako.
"Ani
yasakabumangon,"
magl
alakad-l
akadl
ang
akopar
amaali
w ako.
"

"
Sasamahanki
ta.
"

Tumangosiyasakai
nil
alayansi
yangasawapat
ayosakal
umabassi
l
angkuwar
tona
magkahawakangkamayatnaglakad-l
akad.
Alam ni
yangal
am niNiccol
okungkail
ansumasakitangti
yanniyadahilmahigpi
tsi
yang
napapahawaksakamayni to.Per
owal ait
ongsinabikahi
tmaypag-aal alasamukha
ni
to.Hewouldjustcar
essherbacktotr
ytoeasethepainwhil
et heywalk.

Nang dumat
ing siDr
a.Bi
anchi
,pi
napasoksi
ya sa kuwar
to na i
nuukupa ni
ya saka
pi
nahi
gasakama.

Whi
l
etheDoct
orl
.E.her
,herhusbandi
scar
essi
ngherf
oreheaddownt
oherhai
r.

"I
ts2cm.Youareintheear l
ystageoflabor
."Dra.Blanchismil
ed."ButIwillr
eadyt
he
deli
verr
oom,per
sonall
y,asMr .Raci
nir
equested.Forthemeant i
me,youcanl ayont
he
bedoryoucanwalk.Iwil
lsendaNursetocheckt hei
ntervaloft
hecontract
ion."

"
Noneed. "AniNiccol
osakahi
nal
i
kansiyasanuo,"
IcanI.
E.mywif
eandcheckt
he
i
nter
val
s.Iknow athi
ngort
woaboutpr
egnantwomengi
vi
ngbir
th.
"

Dr
a.Bi
anchismi
l
ed."
Okayt
hen,Iwi
l
lcomebackaf
terIr
eadyt
hedel
i
ver
yroom.
"

Nangmakaal
isangDoktor
a,t
uminginsi
yakayNi
ccol
o."
Youaskedhert
oreadyt
he
del
i
ver
yroom per
sonal
l
y?You'
renut
s."

Ni
ccol
oshr
ugged."
Per
ksofbei
ngme.
"

I
nir
apanniyai
tosakanangi
ngi
ti
ngnagt
anong,"
so.
..youknow at
hingort
woabout
pr
egnantwomengivi
ngbi
rt
h?"

I
nayosnit
oangkumothanggangsabeywangniya."
Backi
nI r
aq,wewer er
escuinga
famil
yandthewi
fei
sinl
abor
.We'rei
nthemiddl
eofawar-zone,soIhel
peddel
ivert
he
baby."

"
Aww.
"hi
napl
osni
yaangpi
sngingasawa,"
mysof
tybadassDoct
or.
"

Ni
ccol
ochuckl
ed."
Justdoi
ngmyj
ob,l
ove.
"

Sasagotsanasi
yangsumakitnanamanangtiyanni
ya.Mahi
gpi
tsi
yangnapahawaksa
kamayngasawangilangsegundobagount
i-unti
ngnawal
aangsaki
t.

"Whew.
..
"t umagil
id si
yang higa,pahar
ap saasawang nakaupo sast
oolkat
abing
kamanakinahi
higaan."Thatwaspai
nful
."

Kaagadnahi
napl
osniNi
ccol
oangl
i
kodni
ya,"
i'
m her
e,l
ove,i
'
m her
e."
Shelookedatherhusband."
Youl
ookwor
ri
ed.
"Shesmi
l
edatNi
ccol
o."
Don'
tbe,i
'
m
okay.
"

"Iknow you'
llbeokay.
"bumabaangt i
ngi
nnitosati
yanni
ya,"
nag-aal
alaakosalagay
niya.Sadamingpi nagdaananmo,nat
atakotakonabakamaymagingepektoyonsa
anaknatin.

'
Yondi
nangi
nii
si
pni
ya.Sanamal
isi
l
a.

"
Stopworryi
ng.
"Sabini
yaparapagaani
nangl oobngasawaniya,"
i'
m sur
ethebabyi
s
f
ine.Wal
anamangsinabisat
insiDr
a.Bi
anchiatkompl
etonamanakosacheck-up.
"

Ni
ccol
otookadeepbr
eat
h."
Okay.I
fmywi
fesaysso.
"

Napangi
tisi
yasakanapat
inginsapi
ntongpumasoksiPi
etr
onadal
aangkagami
tanng
bat
aatbagnapar asakaniya.

Hi
nayaanni
yang mag-usap ang asawaniyaatsiPiet
rohabang nakapi
kitang mga
matani
yaatsi
nusubukangmakatulogper
ohindinamanniyamagawa.

Padal
asnanangpadal
asangcont
ract
ionni
yasapagl
i
pasngi
l
angor
as.

"
N-Ni
ccol
o..
."

"
Yes,amor
e?"Kaagadnasagotngasawani
yananasat
abil
angni
ya.

"
C-canyoucal
lDr
a.Bi
anchi
?"

"Piet
ro.
"Kaagad na t
awag niNi
ccol
o kayPi
etr
o ati
nut
usan i
tong t
awagan siDr
a.
Bianchi
.

Nangmakar
ati
ngangDoct
or,kaagadsi
yangi
ni-'
I.
E.'"
7Cm.
"

Napakagatl
abisi
yasakabumal
i
ngkayNi
ccol
o."
Mal
api
tnasi
baby.
"

Ni
ccol
oki
ssedherf
orehead."
You'
l
lbef
ine,amor
e."

"
I'
mtaki
nghert
othedel
i
ver
yroom now.
"AniDr
a.Bi
anchi
.

TumangosiNi
ccol
oati
tonaangbumuhatsakani
yapal
i
patsast
ret
cheratmal
alakiang
hakbangnasi
nundanni
toangst
ret
chernaki
nahi
higaanni
ya.

"I
'mj
usther
e,amor
e."Panayangsabini
toni
yonhanggangsamakapasoksi
yasal
oob
ngDR.

Niccol
oandPietr
or emai
nedoutsi
de.Usapannil
angasawani yanahindiit
osasamasa
DR kasiayaw niya.Ayaw ni
yang makit
a ni
tong nasasakt
an o nahi
hir
apan si
ya sa
panganganak.

"
Mrs.Raci
ni,i
ts9cm al
ready.
"Impor
masakani
yangDokt
ora.

Nakagatni
yaangpang-i
babangl
abi
,"okay.Icandot
his.
"

Dr
a.Bi
anchismi
l
ed."
Ofcour
seyoucan,Mr
s. Raci
ni.
"

Ngumit
isi
yasakanapahawaksahawakannanasauluhanni
yahabangnakabukaang
mgahitaniya.I
l
angminut
opaangl umi
pasbagoniyanaramdamanangpaghilabng
t
iyanni
ya.

When the Doct

orsaypush,she gi
ve ever
ythi
ng she got,everyenergyand ever
y
str
engt
hshehas.Anot
herpush,andt
henanotherandanot herunt
ilherst
rengt
hst
art
ed
fadi
ng.

"
Anot
herone,Mr
s.Raci
ni.
"AniDr
a.Bi
anchi
,"youcandoi
t,Icanseet
hebaby'
shead.
"

Balotnabal
otsi
yangpawisathi
ndimaipi
ntaangmukhani
yasasaki
tperopi
nil
i
tpar
in
ni
yangumi r
eparasaanakniya.Nangangalaynaangmgakamayni yaatmgahit
a,
pakir
amdam ni
yaaywalanasi
yanglakas.
..

.
..
hanggangsamar
ini
gni
yaangpag-i
yaknganakni
ya.

Mybaby.
..ThankGod.

Naramdaman niyang i
pinat
ong sa di
bdib ni
ya ang baby ni
ya pagkal
i
pas ng i
l
ang
segundokayai
mi nul
atni
yaangmgamat akahi
twalanasiyanglakas.

I
ri
ssmi
l
edandat
earf
ell
from hereyeswhenshesawherbaby,"
..mybaby.
..
"

Per
ounti-unt
ingnawalaangngi
tisamgalabiniI
ri
sngbahagyangnagmul
atngmat
a
anganakniyaatnaki
tani
yaangkulayngmgamatanit
o.

Mi
odi
o!
AN:1dedi
catet
hist
oIr
isGonzaga.Thankyouso,somuchf
orl
ett
ingmeuseyourname
andthankyoufort
hefri
endshi
p.Sananagustuhanmoangkuwentona't
oSananag
enj
oykasapagbabasanit
o.

Toallmyreadersoutt
her
e,toal
ltheCCbell
sandInoxent
es,sal
amatsasupor
tani
yosa
kuwentong 't
o.Sana ay pat
uloy ni
yong supor
tahan ang mga gawa ko atang
Temptati
onIsl
and.

Sananagust
uhanniyoangkuwentoniI
ri
satNi
col
o.Ienj
oyedwr
it
ingt
hei
rst
ory,sana
nagenj
oydinkayosapagbabasa.

Iwil
lbewr i
ti
nganspecialchapterper
ohindikonaposi
yaipopostdi
to.Sal
i
broniyona
posiyamababasa.Anyways,t hankyousosomuchf orreadi
ngandcomment i
ngand
forvot
ing.Ihi
ghl
yappreciat
eit.

EPI
LOGUE

NAGHAHAI NNANG pagkai

nsamesasiIr
isngpumasokangdalawanglal
akisabuhay
ni
ya.Kaagadsi
yangngumit
ingmaki
taanganakni
yangnagl
alakadpal
apitsakani
yaat
kaagadsi
yangni
yakap.

"
How'
smybeaut
if
ulMamma?"

I
ri
ssmi l
edandhuggedherbabyback."
Hel
l
o,sweethear
t.I
'm st
il
lpr
ettyandi
twi
l
lnever
change."Hi
nagodniyaangl
ikodnganakatt
ini
ngnanangmgamat anit
o."
How di
dit
go?"

"Everyt
hingi sokay."SiNi
ccol
oangsumagotnal umapi
tsakani yaathi
nali
kansi
yasa
gil
id ng nuo." Walang pr
obl
ema sa mga mata ni
ya o sa kahi
tna anong par
te ng
katawanni ya.Now,hugme.I '
mti
red,amor
e."

Nagl
alambi
ngnanamanangasawani
ya.

Nail
i
ng na kumalawa si
ya sa yakap ng anaksaka siNi
ccol
o naman ang ni
yakap.
"Nagpapa-babykananaman. "

"
'm yourforeverbaby,r
emember
?"Wi
ka niNi
ccol
o saka pi
nupog si
ya ng hal
i
ksa
magkabi
langpisngi
.

Kakawala sana si
ya sa yakap ng asawa ng maki
tang ang panganay ni
ya ang
nagpat
uloysapaghahainngpagkainsamesa.

Napangi
tisi
ya.
Haloskaugal
ingpanganayni
yaangamani t
o.Haloswalangnakuhasakaniyamali
ban
saisangugalini
ya.Herel
desti
scaring,underst
andi
ng,thought
ful
,cl
ingyandsweet.
Well,onl
ytoherandtothei
ryoungestthough.Toother
?He' scol
dasi ce,j
ustl
i
kehis
fat
her.

Ti
nampalni
yasabal
i
katangasawapar
apakawal
ansi
yani
to."
Letgo,Ni
ccol
o,kakai
n
natayo.
"

Napasi
mangotangasawani
yasakanapi
pil
i
tangpi
nakawal
ansi
yasapagkakayakap.
"I
'l
lgogetPar
is.
"

"
I'
ll
gogett
hedesser
t.
"Ani
yabagoumal
i
snghapag-kai
nan.

Nangmakar at
ingsakusina,i
nil
abasni
yaangginawangTi
ramisuCheesecakeati
si
nara
angfr
idge.Umi kotsi
yaparasanabumali
knangmakit
angnasali
kodniyaangpanganay.

Li
kehi
sfat
her
,hi
sfoot
stepshasnosound.

"
Niccos,It
oldyout
omakeasoundwhenwal
ki
ngdi
dn'
ti?"

Napakamotit
o sabat
ok,"midispi
ace,Mamma,i'
m justuset
oit
."Kapagkuwanay
nagl
alambi
ngit
ongyumakapsakaniya,"
Mamma.
..Ineedsomel
ovi
n."

Nangingit
ing i
nil
apag ni
yaang Ti
ramisucheesecakenahawaksai
sl
andcount
erna
malapitsakaniyakapanganak.Nagpapal
ambinglangi
to.

Li
kef
ather
,li
keson.

"
Mamma?"

"
Hmm?"

"
IsawCannol
iCakeandSt
rawber
ryPannaCot
tai
nthef
ri
dge.
..
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awadahi
lal
am nani
yaangi
bigni
tongsabi
hin."
Gogetsome.
"

Niccoswasgr
inni
ngf
rom eart
oearwhenhepul
l
edawayt
ogetsomeCannol
iCake
andPannaCot
ta.

Andwhenhelookedatherandsmi
l
edwi
thPannaCot
tai
nhi
shand,shecan'
thel
pbut
t
ostar
eathi
smi smat
chedeyes.
Bl
ue-Gr
een.Li
ter
all
y.Theot
heronei
sbl
ueandt
heot
heronei
sgr
een.

Shecanst i
llrememberhershockandworr
ywhenshesaw Ni
ccoseyecol
ourfort
he
fi
rstti
me.Angdami ngDoctornasumur
isamgamatanit
oatpare-par
ehonamanang
fi
ndings,walanamandawpr obl
emasamgamatanganakni
ya.

HeterochromiaIr
idum.It
'sagenet
icdisor
der
,thedi
str
ibut
ionofpi
gmentontheeyesis
di
srupted.TheDoct or
ssaysit
sbenign.It
soft
ennotaccompaniedbyvi
sualcompl
ains
orhealthabnormali
ti
es.

Butshe'
sworr
iedt
hatther
emightbeanunderl
yi
ngprobl
em asheageso,everyyear
,
t
heywouldt
akeNiccostoanOpht
hal
mologi
stt
ocheckhiseyes.Justl
i
ket
oday.

AndThankGodever
ythi
ngi
snor
mal
.

"
Yes,Ma?"Ni
ccosaskedherwhenhesawherl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Umi
l
ingsi
ya."
Wal
anaman.
"

Iknow t
hatl
ook,Mamma."Kumuhait
ongkut sar
aatt
ini
ti
gansi
yahabangkumakai
nit
o
ngStrawber
ryPannaCot
ta."
You'
reworr
ied.
"

Nagki
bit
-bal
i
katsi
ya."
I'
m yourmom,t
hat
'snor
mal
."

"Mamma,si xt
eenyearsnangganit
oangmatako.Andi'm okay"Anit
osakainubosang
Panna Cott
a na nakal
agaysa champagne gl
asssaka ngi
nit
ian si
ya."
Gir
lsdigsmy
mismatchedeyes.Whoam Itocomplai
n?"

Pi
nanggi
gil
anni
yaangpi
snginganak."
Angbat
amopa.
"

Tumawal
angsiNi
ccos.

Ti
ningnanni
yaitongmasama."Itol
dyounott ofoolar
oundwi
thgi
rl
s,Niccos.Hi
ndiako
nat
utuwanamayni lol
okoatsi
nasaktankangbabae.YourDadisanassholeandweird
sometimesbutheneverhur
tmeintenti
onal
ly.Never
."

"
Mamma.
..
"hesi
ghed,"
wal
anamanakongni
l
olokongbabae.
"

Masamapar i
nangt i
ngi
nni
yasaanak."
Anongwal
a?Bakaakal
amohi
ndikoal
am na
maramikanggi
rl
fr
iend?"
Napakamoti
tosabat
ok."
Mamma,i
'
m al
readysi
xteenandamal
e.Dadsaysi
tsnor
mal
-
"

"
It
snot
."Kakat
ayi
nni
yamamayasiNi
ccol
o."
Yourbr
eaki
ngt
hei
rhear
ts.
"

"
Theyknowt
her
eal
scor
e."

Pinandi
lat
anni
yaanganak."Walaakongpaki
alam.Si
gur
adongnakakasaki
tkapar
in
kahithi
ndimogust
o.YourDadneverhur
tsme.
"

"Because Papalovesyou. "Lumapi

tito sakani
yasakamasuyo si yang hinal
ikansa
nuoSa edad na labing-ani
m,mas mat angkad na it
o sa kaniya."Ipromi se,"hi
s
mismatchedeyesl ookedathers,"i
fIfoundthewomanIwi lll
oveint hefuture,Iwi
ll
neverhurther.Justli
kehow Papaneverhurtsyou.Butfornow,i'l
lhavefunwhi lei
'm
young.Papasaysi t
snecessaryt
oenjoymyyouth."

I
ri
ssi
ghed."
Youdon'
tli
stent
omeanymor
e."Pagda-dr
amani
yapar
amakonsensi
yai
to.

Ni
ccos gri
nned ather
."Mamma,thatdoesn'
twork on me anymore,r
emember
?
Nakakal
i
mut anmonabananamanakoangpagi
gingmani
pulat
ivemo?"

Natawanal
angsi
yasahal
i
pnamagal
i
t.Sal
ahatngnamanani
tosakani
ya,'
yonpa
t
alaga.

Napansi
nnil
aiyonniNiccol
ongmat ut
oit
ongmagsalit
a.WhenNiccoswasatoddl
erhe
al
waystri
ckedthem togetwhathewanted.From t
oystosweet
sanddesser
ts.Nuong
bat
apaito,nal
olokopaniyai
toper
ohindinangayon.

Niccosmi ndi sbecomingj

ustl
ikeher
s.Wit
hthecombi
nati
onofNiccol
o'sbr
ainand
skil
l
s..
.theirsonisgoi
ngtobeonehel
lofamanwhenhegrowsol
d.

I
ri
ssi
ghedi
ndef
eat
."Fi
ne.Per
opuwedebangmagbawas-bawaskanggi
rl
fr
iend?"

Ni
ccosgi
vesheral
oop-si
dedsmi
l
e."
Idon'
thaveagi
rl
fr
iend,Mamma.
"

"
Ihat
eli
ar,Ni
ccos.
"

"
Iknowandi
'
m notl
yi
ng,Mamma.Idon'
thaveagi
rl
fr
iend.
"

Shenar
rowedhereyesonherson."
Niccos.
"Maydi
i
nangbosesni
ya.

Napakagatl
abianganak."
Okay.Ihavet
wo.
"
"
Justt
wo?"

"
Thr
eeorf
ivemaybe?"Napangi
wii
to."
Ilostcount
,Mamma.
"

Napail
ing nal
ang si
ya saka i
niwan ang anak sa kusi
na atdi
nal
a ang t
ir
ami
su
cheesecakesahapag-kai
nan.

"
Whatt
ookyousol
ong?"Kaagadnat
anongsakani
yani
Niccol
o.

Pasi
mpl
engni
yangt
ini
ngnansiNi
ccosatkaagadnanai
nti
ndi
hanniNi
ccol
oangr
ason
ni
ya.

"
Whatdi
dhedot
hist
ime?"TanongniNi
ccol
osamababangboses.

Shesi
ghedbef
oresi
tt
ing,"
toomanygi
rl
fr
iendsandbr
eaki
nggi
rl
'shear
t.
"

"
Oh.That
'snor
mal
."

Ti
ningnan ni
ya ng masama ang asawa."
Kung ang babaeng anak kaya nat
in ang
ganiyani
n?"

Niccol
olookedatt
hei
rfour
teenyear
sol
dyoungestwho'
sbusyr
eadi
ngat
hickmedi
cal
book.

"
Par
is,wal
akanamangboyf
ri
end,di
ba?"TanongniNi
ccol
osaanak.

Par
isl
ookedatNi
ccol
owi
thadeepf
rown."
I'
m busy,Papa.
"

"
Wal
akangnagugust
uhan?"Si
yanamanangnagt
anong.

I
langsegundomunai t
ongtuminginsakani
yabagosumagot
.Ir
isknew thatl
ookon
Pari
sface."Unl
esshecanelaborat
eandexpl
aint
ometheHumanAnatomy,Iwillnever
l
ikehim.LikeKuyaNiccoswhoonlyknowstwohumanbodypart
s.Thebreastandt he
vagi
na."

"Hey!"Kaagadnaumalmaangpanganaynil
a."
Icanel
aborateandexpl
aint
heHuman
Anatomy.Itonl
yhappenst
hatonl
ythoset
wocaughtmyi
nterest
."

"
That'
sgood.
"Tumango-t
angosiNiccol
osakat
umingi
nuli
tsabunsonil
a,"Par
is,baby,
i
faboytr
iest
oaskyouonadate,t
ellmesolcanbeathi
mtopulpforhavi
ngthegutsto
askyou.
"

Tinur
oniParissiNi
ccoshabangangmgamat
ani
toaynakat
utoksabi
nabasangl
i
bro.
"Healreadydi
d."

"
Oh.
"Ni
ccol
osmi
l
ed."
I'
m pr
oudofyouson.
"

"Thanks,Papa-"napat
igilsapagsasal
i
tasiNiccosngmaki
taangmat
ali
m ni
yangt
it
ig
dit
o."-ahm,butIknowitsbadandIwi l
lnotdoitagai
n?"

"Whynot?We'rejustpr
otect
ingourPri
ncess"Ni
ccol
opausedwhenhesaw hergl
ared
athi
m,"-Imean,yeah,i
tsbad.Don'tdoi
tagai
n,Ni
ccos.
"

Ngi
nit
ian ni
ya ang dal
awa saka t
umi
ngi
n sa anakna babae."
Par
is,t
ama na '
yan.
Kumainkana."

Kaagadnamangi
si
nar
ani
Par
isangl
i
brongbi
nabasasakat
ahi
miknakumai
n.

"Nag-impakenabakayo?"Tanongni
yasamgaanakkapagkuwan."
Bukasnaangal
i
s
nati
n."

"
Done.
"SagotniNi
ccosnanakangi
ti
."Onel
uggageonl
yfort
hewhol
esummer
."

"
Doneaswel
l
."AniPar
is,"
onel
uggagef
ormycl
othesandonef
ormybooks.
"

Hi
ndinasi
yanagul
at.Par
isneverl
eaveherbooksbehi
nd.Kahi
tsaansi
l
amagpunt
a.

"
Can'twaitt
ospendmysummeri nthePhi
l
ippi
nesagai
n."Niccosl
ooksexci
ted."Last
weekItal
ktoVr
axxandVer
dect
,they'
rei
nvi
ti
ngmetoexplor
eEl Ni
doandCoron."

"At
e Erres has twent
y new medi cal books." Ti
pid na ngumit
i si Par
is per
o
nangni
ningni
ng naman ang mga mat
a nit
o." I
'm so exci
ted t
oread t
hem allwhol
e
summer."

Napangi
tisiI
ri
s.Mukhanghi
ndil
angsi
yaangexci
tednamagbakasyon.

Theyboughtahousei
nthePhi
l
ippi
nesaf
tershegavebi
rt
htoPar
is.

Ang bahaynil
asaBachel or
'sVi
ll
ageaynakapangal ansakakambalniyadahi
lhindi
namansi l
apuwedengmagmay-ar ingl
upasaPili
pinas.Atayaw ni
yanggumamitng
koneksi
yonsiNiccol
okungmayibangparaanpanamannal egal
.
Bumil
isi
l
angbahaykasipalaginamansil
angnasaPi
li
pinaskapagbakasyonngmga
bat
asapaar al
an.Theyevenspentt
hei
rChri
stmasandNew YearsinthePhili
ppi
nes
wit
hthei
rPapá.

They'
recomf or
tabl
espendingthei
rhol
idaysi
nthePhi
li
ppi
nes.Thevi
l
lageisful
lofwei
rd
butnicepeople.Thei
rneighboursbecametheirf
ri
ends.Andshefelli
nlovewi t
hthe
wholeplace.Sigur
odahilnagkaroonsiyangmgakai bigandoonatnaroondi nang
kakambalniya.

"Mamma,canIgovisi
tElNidoandCoronwit
htheVit
ale?"TanongniNiccossakani
ya.
Helookshopef
ulashel
ookedatNiccol
o."
Noguards,Papa.Nosniper
seither
."

"
Hindi
monamansi
l
anaki
kit
a."Ni
ccol
oar
gued.

Hindimaipi
nta ang mukha niNi
ccos."
Ican st
il
lfeelt
hem and i
ts maki
ng me
uncomfor
tabl
e."

"Ni
ccos,"t
umingi
nangasawani yasapanganayniya,seryosoangmukhanito,"i
tsf
or
yourown safet
y.Alam mo naman di
ba kung bakitmaynakasunod palagisayong
bantay?Weexplai
nthi
stoyou.YourMammaandIwi llbedevast
atedi
fsomethingbad
happenstoyou.
"

Ni
ccosl
ookedather
."Wi
l
lyoubewor
ri
ed?"

Hi
ndisi
yaumi
mikatnagpat
uloyl
angsapagkai
n.

HabangsiPar
isnamanaynapa-"
uh-oh"nangnanat
il
isi
yangt
ahi
mikhanggangsa
matapossi
l
angkumai
n.

"
Sakuwart
olangako,mag-aayosnggami
tnat
in.
"Sabini
yakayNi
ccol
osakahi
nal
i
kan
i
tosamgalabibagoumal
i
s.

Hindinanagul
atsiI
ri
sngsundansi
yaniNi
ccos.Nangmakapasoksi
yasakuwar
toni
l
a
niNiccol
o,t
umabinguposakani
yaanganak.

"
Promi
se?"

Ni
ccossmi
l
ed,"
promi
se.
"

Shesmi
l
edback."
Good.
"

Ni
ccossmi
l
edi
sappear
edandhesi
ghed."
Iknow you'
ret
ri
cki
ngmewi
thyourt
ear
s
ear
li
erbutIconcedebecauseIhat
eseei
ngyoucr
y.Eveni
t'
saf
aket
ear
."

Hi
napl
osni
yaangpi
snginganak."
Mybaby.
..suchasof
tyl
i
kehi
sDaddy.
"

Napangi
tiul
i
tsiNi
ccosati
hini
l
igangul
osabal
i
katni
ya."
Ineedsomel
ovi
n,Mamma.
"

'
Ineedsomel
ovi
n''
i
sat
ransl
ati
ont
o/wantat
ighthug'
.

Niyakapnamanni
yaanganaksakagi
nul
oangbuhokni
to."
Sigena,aasi
kasuhi
nkopa
angmgadadalhi
nnaminngPapamo."

"Okay,Mamma. "Hi
nal
ikansiyanitosanuo,"puntal
angakoki naTitoPiet
ro.I
ont
he
wantstoplaysoccer.I
fl'
m sti
llnothomeunti
l11PM,stopPapafrom sendi
ngawhole
batt
ali
on t
ol ookforme like t
he lastt
ime.Justcal
lme,please..
.Ihave a phone,
reminPapathat.
"

Nat
atawangt
umangosi
ya."
Not
ed.Nowgo.
"

Natat
awangnagfl
yi
ngki
sspasakani
yasiNi
ccosbagolumabasngkuwar
to.Napai
li
ng
nal
angsi
yasakamaslumapadangngit
ingpumasoksiNiccol
osakuwar
toatkaagad
si
yangni
yakap.

"
SiPar
is?"Tanongni
yasaasawa.

"
Readi
ngi
nherr
oom.
"Humi
gpi
tangyakapni
tosakani
ya."
Amor
e?"

Sheknew t
hatt
one."
Huwagkangmagpapa-gabi
."Kaagadni
yangsabi
."Atmag-i
ngat
ka.
"

Niccol
okissedheront heli
ps,"
i'
llbequi
ck.Ther
e'sabombt
hreati
nMi
l
an,Ihavet
o
t
akecar eofthesi
tuat
ion.
"

Shenodded."
Okay.Takecar
e,baby.
"

"
Seeyoul
ater
,love.
"

Nang makaal
is ang asawa ni
ya,nakar
amdam siya ng kahungkagan kaya naman
l
umabassiyangkuwar t
oatti
nungoangkuwar
toniPari
s.

Par
is.Napangi
tisi
yasai
pinangal
anni
yasaanak.Wel
l
,she'
smadei
nPar
is.
Gusto ni
yang makausap ang bunso ni
ya.Nang tumingi
nit
o kani
nasakani
yabago
sumagotkungmaynagugust uhannabai t
o,al
am niyaangemosyonna'
yonsamukha
nit
o.

Kumat
oksi
yaatpumasok.

Nagbabasananamani
to.

Ngumi
tisi
yangmag-angati
tongt
ingi
nsakani
ya."
Mammaneedsomel
ovi
n,baby.
"

Kaagadni
tongi
ti
nabiangl
i
bronghawaksakamal
apadnai
binukaangmgabr
aso.

Nangingi
ti
ngl
umapi
tsi
yasaanaksakani
yakapi
toatmagkat
abisi
l
angnahi
gasakama
ni
to.

"
How'
smybaby?"

Par
issmi
l
ed."
Happy.
"

"That'sgoodtohear.
"ShekissedPar i
sontheforeheadbeforel
ooki
ngatherdaught
er.
"Malibansamgabagongmedi calbooksniErr
esnagust omongbasahin,wal
akana
banggust onggawinbuongsummer ?HavefunwithAteEvve,maybe?Shopwit
hSweet
Mint?"

Umi
li
ngi
toperohi
ndinakat
akassat
ingi
nni
yaangt
ipi
dni
tongpag-ngi
tiatpagni
ngni
ng
ngmgamata.

"
Wal
akabangexci
tednamaki
taatmakasamasaPi
l
ipi
nas?"Tanongni
ya.

"
There'
sone buti
'm st
il
lst
udyi
ng so,i
'
m notent
ert
aini
ng i
t.Saka na kapag may
i
pagmamal
akinaako.
"

Asamother
,shefeel
sproudthatherdaught
ert
hinkst
hatway."
What
'shi
sname?
Woul
dyoupl
easet
ellMamma?"

"
Youwon'
ttel
lPapaandKuya?They'
reoveract
ingal
lthet
ime.
"

Umi
l
ingsi
yasakapi
naki
taanghi
nli
l
itni
yangdal
i
ri."
Pinkypr
omi
se?"

Par
iswr
appedherpi
nkyf
ingerar
oundher
s."
Pinkypr
omi
se.
"
"
Okay,t
ell
Mamma.
"Ani
yahabanghi
nahapl
osangbuhokni
to.

"He'soldert
hanme."Ginawanit
ongunanangbrasoni
yasakayumakapsabeywang
niya."
Buthe'ssocoolandhe'
salsosmar
tsoll
ikehim.Hecanelabor
ateandexpl
ain
theHumanAnat omy.
"

Nat
awasiyasahul
i
ngsi
nabini
tonapar
abangi
yonangst
andar
dni
tosamgal
alaki
.
"Hi
sname?"

"
SiKuyaPhar
aoh.
"Sagotni
tosamahi
nangboses.

Patul
oysi
yasapaghaplosngbuhoknito."
Baby,okayl
angsaki
nnamagkagustokakay
KuyaPharaohmokasinor mall
ang'yonsaedadmo.Per ohuwagkanggagawang
i
kakapahamakmooi kakawal angr
espetosayongKuyaPharaohmookahi tnasi
no.
Maaasahankoba'yon,'nak?"

Kaagad naman t umango siPari

s." Iknow i'm sti
llyoung,Mamma.Iknow my
l
imit
ations.
"Humi gpitangyakapni
tosakaniya."AndIsti
l
lhavelotsofthi
ngst
odo.Isti
l
l
pl
ant obeaDoct orlikeyouandPapa.That '
swhyi 'm notentert
aini
ngthi
semotion
becausei t
sjustattr
act i
ont
oopposit
esex.Itsnormalforteenagersikeme.I'
m sur
eit
wil
lfadeaway. "

"That'
sgood,baby"Masuyoni yangni
yakapanganak." Andalwaysremember,Par
is,
don'tbeaggressi
veorimpul
sivetodothi
ngs.Dapatlahatngbagaynagagawinmoay
pinag-i
isi
panmongmabut i
.Kunggust omonangkausap,nandi t
olangako,handa
akongmaki ni
gsayoatpapayuhankit
a.Pinagdaanankonaangmgapagdadaananmo
palangkayamagtiwal
akakayMamma,okay?"

"
Okaypo,Mamma.Tiamo.
"

I
ri
ski
ssedPar
isf
orehead."
Tiamo,bambi
na.
"

Mabut
inal
angatki
nakausapsi
yanganakniyasamgaganitongbagay.Hi
ndil
ahatng
i
naaygani
tokal
api
tsamgaanaknil
anasinasabi
hanngsekr
eto.

Nanini
wal a si
ya na ang mga magulang ang humuhubog sa mga anak.Hi
ndisiya
nani
niwalanakai l
angangsaktanangbatapar amakinigsamagulang,mayposibi
l
idad
namasl umayopaangl oobngbat a.Pinakamabutipar
asakaniyaaykausapinang
anakatinti
ndihini
tosakagabayansatamangl andas.

Ormaybe t hat'
sjustheropi
nion.Ganun kasisi
ya pi
nal
akikaya ganun di
n ang
pagpapal
akiniyasamgaanakni
ya.

"Paano '
yan,bambi
na,maki
kit
a mo ang Kuya Phar
aoh mo sa BV?"Tanong ni
ya
kapagkuwan.
"
Okay lang.
"ti
ningal
a si
ya ng anak saka ngumi
ti
,"sa bahay l
ang naman ako at
magbabasa.
"

Nat
awasiyasasinagotni
to."
Ikaw t
alaga.
..
"pi
nisi
lni
yaangt
ungkingi
l
ongni
to,"
kani
na
kapanagbabasa,i
pahi
ngamomunaanmgamat amo."

I
sini
ksi
kpal
aloniPar
isangkat
awansakat
awanni
ya."
You'
rest
ayi
ng?"

"
Umal
i
sangPapamoe.Mamayapayonbabal
i
kkayadi
tomunaakosayo.
"

"
Okay.
"

Ti
ningnanni
yaanganaknai
pini
ki
tangmgamat
ahabangnakayakapsakani
ya.

Maycr
ushnaanganakni
ya.

Napangi
tisi
ya.Naal
ala ni
ya noon ng kasing edad l
ang siya ni
to.Gani
tor
in ang
gi
nagawangMamani yasakaniya.Kinakausapsiyaatpinapayuhan.Kayat
umataksa
i
si
pniyanaangbabaedapatmayr espetosasari
liatt
apat.

Akal
aniI
ri
stul
ognaanganakni
yangmagsal
i
tai
to.

"
Mamma?Canl
askyousomet
hing?"

"
Sur
e,baby.Whati
sit
?"

"
Hindi
kabanagsi
si
sinahi
ndimopi
nagr
esi
gnsiPapanoonsat
rabahoni
ya?"

Walang si
l
ang i
nil
i
him niNi
ccol
o sa mga anak ni
la kaya al
am ng mga i
to ang
pi
nagdaananni
l
aatkungbaki
tganunnal
angsi
lakahi
gpitsamgaito.

"Hindi
."Awtomat
ikoangnagi
ngsagotniya."
Lahatngdesi
syonko,pi
nag-i
si
panko,
kayasigur
owalaakongpagsi
si
sinamaramdamandahil'
yonnamantal
agaanggust
o
ko."

"
Kahi
tumuuwi
siPapanamaysugat
?Ayosl
ang?"

"
Hindi,syempr
e,per
o kasama na '
yonsa tr
abaho ng Papa mo atkasamai
yon sa
t
inaggapkongpumayagakongipagpat
uloyni
yaangginagawaniya."
"Papaissoluckytohaveyou.
"AniPar
isnai
kinat
ubi
gngmgamat
ani
ya,"
kamir
inni
Kuya,masuwertekami
."

"Masuwer
ter
innamanakosai
nyo,bambi
na.
"Hi
nagodni
yaangl
i
kodni
to,"
pahi
ngaka
na.
"

Kasabaynangpagpi
kitngmgamat
ani
Par
isayangpagpi
kitdi
nnangmgamat
ani
ya.

Athindiniyanamalayangnakat
ulogpal
asi
ya.Nagi
singsiyangmaykumargasakaniya.
Al
am ni yangsiNiccol
o'yonkayanamanhumili
glangsiyasabal
ikatni
tohanggangsa
i
higauli
tsiyanit
o.

"
How'
swor
k?"Sheaskwhi
l
ehereyesi
scl
ose."
Maysugatkaba?"

"Nope.
"Nar
amdamanni
yanghi
nal
i
kansi
yani
tosanuo,"
mat
ulogkana,akonabahal
a
samgagamitnat
in.
"

Shegr
oaned."
SiNi
ccos?"

"He'
sontheway. "SagotniNiccol
onanar i
ri
nigni
yanginaayosangmalet
anal al
agyan
nggamitnil
a."
Pietr
oisdr i
vi
nghi m home.Looksli
kethey'
llbespendi
ngthei
rsummer
wit
husi
nt hePhil
i
ppinestoo."

"
That
'sgood.
"Naghi
kabsi
yaatumayosnghi
ga."
G'ni
ght
,baby.
"

"
G'ni
ght
,amor
e."

"
Mamma.
."bosesi
yonniPar
isnamukhangi
naant
okpa,"
canIsl
eepher
e?"

Sheopenhereyesandspr
eadherar
ms,"
ofcour
se,baby,comeher
e."

Kaagadnatumabinghigasakani
yasiPar
issakasabaysi
l
angpumi
ki
tngmgamat
a
habangmagkayakap.

I
langminutopangnakapiki
tlangsiI
ri
shabangpi
napaki
nggananggal
aw niNi
ccol
o
hanggangsatul
uyansi
yangdinal
awngant
ok.

Anghuliniyangnar
ini
gayangbosesniNiccosnapumasoksakuwar
toatgust
ong
t
ulunganangamanitosapag-i
i
mpakepar
asapag-al
i
snil
abukas.

I
ri
sfal
lasl
eepwi
thasmal
lsmi
l
eonherl
i
ps.Shehasahusbandandchi
l
drenwhom
she'sproud of
.Lif
eisnotper fectforthei
rfami
l
ybutwho car
es?Asl
ong t
hey'
re
toget
herandsafe,t
hat
'sal
lthatmatter
s.

"LOOKATMamma,shel ookspeacef
ul."WikaniNi
ccosnai
kinat
igi
lniNi
ccol
osapag-
zipperngmal
etaatnapat
ingi
nsati
nit
ingnannganak.

Napangi
tisi
yangmaki
tangmahi
mbi
ngngangnat
utul
ogsiI
ri
satPar
is."
Yeah.
..kul
ang
si
yasatuloge.
"

"
Why?"

"Readyi
ng ever
ythi
ng bef
ore oursummervacati
on."Umupo si
ya sa gi
l
id ng kama.
"Nandit
olangsabahayangMammamoper ohinditat
ayoangpamil
yana'tokungwal a
siya.
"

"Thatlagree."SiNiccosnaangnagpat ul
oysai
niwanni
yangbukasnamal et
asaka
tumingi
ni t
osakaniya,"Pa,nasabimonabakayMammanamaybal akakongsumal
i
saorganisasyononceItur
neighteen?"

Napasabunotsi
yasasar
il
ingbuhok."
YourMom wi
l
lki
l
lme.Ki
l
alamonamansi
ya.She'
s
I
ri
szi
ll
aremember ?"

Nat
awasiNi
ccos."
Your
eal
l
yhavenobal
l
swheni
tcomest
oMamma.
"

"Ar
eyoukiddi
ngme?"Hegi
vehi
ssonal
udi
crousl
ook."
Remembert
hel
astt
imeI
ri
szi
l
la
gotangr
yatme?"

Niccoschuckl
ed."Yeah,
"hi
schuckl
etur
ntol
aught
er,"
sheshotyoubutshemi
ssedand
t
henyougotki ckedoutoft
hehouse.
"

"
Yeah.AndIsl
epti
nyourTi
toPi
etr
o'shouse.Fort
wodays!
"Het
sked."
AndIcan'
teven
r
ememberwhathappenedt
hatday.
"

"Youf
orgotthatitwasyourbir
thdayandyoucamehomel ate.
"Paal
alasakani
yang
anaksakanapail
ingi t
o,"i
yonangunangbesesnanakit
akonghumawakngbar i
lsi
Mamma.Af t
erthat,shesentmetoTi
toPi
etr
o'shouset
ocheckuponyou."

Napangit
isiya."Well
.evenwhenyourMammai sbul
l
yingme,Iknow shelovesme.
We'vebeent ogetherf
oraver
ylongt
imenow t
hat'
swhyi'
m al
waysawi l
li
ngvict
imt
o
herbul
l
ying.I'
m asucker.
"

Ni
ccosl
aughed."
Sheevenbul
l
iesmeandshej
ustt
ri
ckedmeear
li
er.
"
"That
'syourMamma.
"Ni
ccol
osai
dwi
thashr
ugandsi
ghed."
Anyways,maybei
'
llt
ell
herontheplane.
"

Nal
ukotangmukhanganakni
ya."
Papa,sabi
hinmosakani
yakapagwal
aako.Ako
anggi
gisahi
nniMamma.
"

Hel
ookedathissonf
lat
ly."
Sabikonangaba,gust
omongakoanggi
sahi
nngMamma
mot
ungkoldi
to."

Ni
ccossmi
l
e."
You'
ret
hemanoft
hehouse,r
emember
?"

Ti
nur
oniyasiIr
is,"
andshe'stheboss,t
hecommanderandt
heQueenoft
hehouse.
Whatshesaysi
swhatwil
lhappen.Noquest
ionsask.
"

Niccost
ookadeepbr eathandlookedatIr
is."Mammaisonehel
lofawoman.Imean,I
know how dangerous and scar
y you are Papa,butonl
y Mamma can make you
surr
enderandconcedeinjustasecondofarguing.
"

"
She'
sIr
iszi
l
la.
"Sabini
yanapar
angi
yonangsagotngl
ahat
.

It
inabini
toangmgabagahesakahumar
apsakani
ya."
Ipar
ini
gmoyankayMamma,sa
salaskananamanmatutul
og,Papa.
"

Hel
ookedathi
ssonandhi
seyesneverf
ail
stocat
chhi
sat
tent
ion.

Thosebl
ue-greeneyes.Bl
ueont
hel
eft
,gr
eeni
nther
ight
.Oneoft
her
aresteyecol
our
i
ntheworld.

"
What
?"Ni
ccosasked.

"Youreyes.
..i
twasmyf aul
t.
"Pag-ami
nni
ya."
IputyourMammai
nal
otast
ressand
probl
emswhi l
eyou'
rei
nsideher
."

Ni
ccosshr
ugged."
Peopl
epr
aisedmyeyesal
lthet
ime,Papa.I
twasn'
tyourf
aul
t.
"

"Butt
heyal
solookedatyoudif
ferent
ly.
"Alam ni
ya'yonkasipal
agisi
yangpi
napat
awag
saPri
nci
pal
'soff
icenangnasaElementarySchoolpal
angit
o.

Nagkibi
t-bal
i
katsiNi ccos." Ial
ready made peace wit
ht he factthatIhave a
mismatchedeyes,Papa.Thosepeoplewhol ookedatmediff
erent
lydoesn'
taf
fectme
l
ikeitusedto.Hell
,i'
m Ni ccosCormacRaci ni
,mismat
chedeyesornot ,Iknow my
wort
h."
"
That
'smyboy.
"

Ni
ccoslaughed."Yeah,yeah,bytheway,i'
mt aki
ngt
heGuardswithmet oElNidoand
Cor
on."Tumingi
nitokayIri
s,"mag-aal
alasiMamma.Ayokongnag-aal
alasi
ya."

Ni
ccosi
ssuchaMamma'
sboy."
That
'sgood.
"

Lumi
patangt
ingi
nni
tokayPar
isnakat
abingasawani
ya."
Shel
i
kesKuyaPhar
aoh,
Dad.
"

Hispri
ncessisgrowing.She'
sal
readyatt
heagewhereshe'
sstart
ingtogetatt
ract
edt o
opposi
tesex.Hecan' tst
opit
,al
lhecandoispr
otecthi
spri
ncess."Makesurethatyour
si
sterwon'tgethur
t.
"

"Nowor r
ies,Papa."Niccossmi
l
ed."
I'
llt
akecar
eofher
.Nomeni
sal
l
owedt
ohur
tthe
Pri
ncessofthishousehold.
"

"
Good."Tumayosiyasakanilapi
tanangpanganayatt
inapi
kangbal
i
katni
to."
Meetme
i
nthebardownst
airs,l
etsdr
inkal i
tt
le.
"

"
Vodka,Whi
skeyorScot
ch?"

"
Vodka.
"Sagotni
ya.

Sumal
udosakani
yasiNi
ccosbagot
umal
i
kod."
OneshotofVodkaandani
cedcol
d
sodaf
orme.
"

"
Youcandr
inkoneshot
."Pahabol
niyangsabi
.

Lumingonangpanganayni
yasakani
ya."
Mammazi
l
lai
sgonnaki
l
lmei
fshef
indsout
.
I
'l
lst
aywithsoda.
"

Mahi
nasi
yangnat
awa.

Justl
i
kehi
m,Ni
ccosi
saf
rai
dofI
ri
szi
l
la.

Nail
i
ngnalumapi
tsi
yasast
udyt
abl
enanasagi
l
idngkuwar
toatbi
nuksanangpi
naka-
unangdr
awer.

Gumuhi
tangngi
tisamgal
abini
yangmaki
taangi
mbi
tasyonnapi
nadal
asakani
yani
Luci
fernakatat
anggapl
angni yanuongisangar
aw.Everysummer,t
heyrecei
vedan
i
nvit
ati
onfrom t
heMonaster
io.It
snotli
ketheyneedi
t,he'
ssti
llamember
,itsj
ustf
or
for
malit
ysake.

Hi
ndipani
yai
yonnai
bibi
gaysaasawaper
oti
yaknamat
utuwai
to.

Binuksanniyaang envel
op atini
labasang l
amanni
yonsakabi
nasaang nakasul
at.
"You'r
einvi
tedt
oTempt at
ionIsl
and."

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