Isang magarang kotse ang pumarada sa harapan malaking gusali. Kasunod nito ang dalawang kotse. Mula sa passenger seat, bumaba ang isang lalaki at binuksan nito ang pinto ng backseat.
Mayamaya pa, bumaba naman ang isang lalaki. The man was handsome and he's oozing with confidence, authority and power. He’s Cassiuz Velasquez, a well-known business tycoon in the business world but a well-known Mafia Boss in the Underground Organization.
The man who opened the car's door bowed to Cassiuz who just stepped out from the car.
Agad na tumabi ang mga bodyguard ni Cassiuz rito na bumaba naman mula sa dalawang kotse.
"Boss."
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Cassiuz at tinignan ang gusali na nasa harapan. He gestured his bodyguard to raise their head.
Namulsa si Cassiuz at pumasok sa loob ng Velasquez Empire habang nakasunod ang mga bodyguard niya sa kaniya. Anim ang bodyguard na sumunod kay Cassiuz habang naiwan naman ang iba sa labas ng gusali.
The employees of Velasquez Empire, seeing their Boss, they slightly bowed their head.
Tuloy-tuloy lang si Cassiuz sa paglalakad hanggang sa makapasok siya sa elevator.
Mark, Cassiuz’ assistant pushed the elevator button.
“Did Lester already come to work?” Cassiuz asked Mark.
“Yes, Boss.”
Napailing si Cassiuz. “Your partner is really an early riser. I haven’t seen him late to come for work.”
Ngumiti lang si Mark.
Nang bumukas ang elevator, lumabas si Cassiuz at naglakad patungo sa sariling opisina.
“Sir.” Bahagyang yumukod si Lester na siyang sekretaryo ni Cassiuz. Then Lester looked at Mark. “I already sent you Sir Cassiuz’ schedule. He has a lot of work today in the Empire so you better not give him schedule about the underground.” Seryosong sabi ni Lester.
Hindi alam ni Cassiuz kung matatawa siya o hindi isa dalawa. Para kasing hindi mag-partner ang dalawa sa paraan ng pakikipag-usap ni Lester kay Mark.
Tumikhim si Cassiuz saka pumasok sa sariling opisina. Sumunod naman ang lima niyang bodyguard at naiwan si Mark sa labas.
“I really envy Mark.” Ani Kiel.
Tumaas ang kilay ni Dan. “Bakit naman?”
“He had a partner.” Kiel answered.
“Gusto mo tayo rin?” nakangising tanong ni Anthony kay Kiel.
Ipinakita ni Kiel ang kamao. “Suntok gusto mo?”
Nagtawanan ang mga kasama nila. Gustong-gusto talaga na asarin ni Anthony si Kiel. Dahil siguro na si Kiel ang pinakabata sa kanila.
Tumikhim si Cassiuz at agad naman na umayos ang tayo ng lima.
“Mark will be taking my post at the underground for this day. I have a lot of work for the Empire so you better get ready now. I heard from Mark early this morning that there are many works and you will assist him.” Cassiuz ordered.
“Yes, Boss.”
Tumango si Cassiuz.
Yumukod ang lima bago ang mga ito pumasok sa connecting door na nasa loob ng opisina ni Cassiuz patungo sa kabilang room kung saan doon ang mga ito nagtatrabaho kung tungkol sa Underground Organization ang gagawin ng mga ito.
That’s when Mark entered his office.
Napailing na lang si Cassiuz nang makita ang ngiti ni Mark. Yumukod si Mark kay Cassiuz bago ito pumasok sa connecting door.
Actually, Mark is his assistant when it comes to his underground business. Lester is his secretary when it comes to his Empire. Mark and Lester are lovers. The relationship of the two is okay with him. Wala naman silang nasasaktang ibang tao. Moreover, Mark and Lester are big help for him. Ginagawa ng dalawa ng maayos ang kanilang trabaho.
Sighing, Cassiuz leaned on his swivel chair.
“Sir, can I come in?”
“Come in.”
Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Lester. “Sir, your schedule.”
Tumango si Cassiuz. “Go ahead,” aniya.
“Sir, you’re not free today. You have a lot of papers to sign. At nine AM, you have a meeting with the four CEO of the company about the land that you wanted to improve, the hotels that needed to be constructed, the condominiums that needed to be finish by the end of this month and also, the construction of the manufacturing building. This meeting will take a lot of your time, Boss. At one PM, you have board meeting. Joining the meeting are the investors and shareholders of the company. Sir, you’re busy today so let’s start working.”
“I’m really busy today. But do I have a schedule for lunch meeting?” Cassiuz asked.
Umiling si Lester. “But if there will be someone who will schedule for an appointment then there will be.”
Tumango si Cassiuz.
Then Lester placed some folders on Cassiuz’ table. “You need to sign it before nine, Sir.”
Cassiuz sighed. “Lunes na lunes, ang dami mong ipapagawa, ah, Mr. Secretary.”
Nagkibit lang ng balikat si Lester saka ngumiti. “Goodluck, Sir.” Lester slightly bowed his head before he stepped out from his office.
Sighing, Cassiuz looked at folders. “Need to sign before nine.” Nagkibit siya ng balikat.
Nasa kalagitnaan ng pagpirma si Cassiuz sa mga papeles nang pumasok si Mark at may ibinalita.
“Boss, one of our warehouses got burned. The suspect is now in our hands.” Imporma ni Mark.
Not looking at his Assistant, Cassiuz spoke. “Tell our men to lock the suspect, I will deal with him later.”
“Yes, Boss.”
“Don’t torture him yet.”
Tumango si Mark. “Yes, Boss.” Yumukod siya at bumalik sa kinaroroonan ng mga kasama.
“What did Boss say? Is he mad?” tanong agad ni Jerome.
“Parang hindi niyo kilala si Boss. He’s always calm. Minsan lang siya magalit pero nakakatakot.”
“Ang minsan na ‘yan ang nakakatakot.” Pagsegunda ni Anthony sa sinabi ni Kiel.
Napailing naman si Nate. “Let’s get back to work, idiots.”
Maliban kay Mark na sanay na sa ugali ng mga kasama, lahat ay tumingin ng masama kay Nate na ipinagkibit lang naman nito ng balikat.
AT EXACTLY SEVEN PM, Cassiuz and his assistants arrived at the warehouse. Pagpasok nila sa loob, lahat ay yumukod kay Cassiuz.
“Where is he?” Cassiuz asked coldly.
“He’s in the cell, Boss.” Sagot ng isang tauhan.
Right, their warehouse has a cell. Doon nila minsan nilalagay ang mga nahuhuli nilang pumapasok sa gusali na pag-aari nila. Cassiuz knew his limit.
“Mark, did you tell the police not to interfere with this?” Cassiuz asked.
“Yes, Boss. Wala na kayong dapat ipag-alala.”
Ngumisi si Cassiuz. He’s a Mafia Boss and he’s doing illegal but he never hurt innocent people. He never hurt those people who is out of his business circle.
Pagdating ni Cassiuz sa selda, nakita niya agad ang lalaki na sumunog sa warehouse nila.
Namulsa si Cassiuz saka pumasok sa loob ng selda. Sumama si Mark at Anthony sa loob ng selda at hinawakan nila ang lalaki.
“Who sent you?” Cassiuz asked coldly.
“Hindi ko sasabihin sa inyo!”
Cassiuz sighed. Hinawakan niya ang panga ng lalaki ng mahigpit. “I don’t like people who were yelling at me when I’m asking them nicely.” Aniya. “Madali akong kausap. Since hindi mo sasabihin sa amin, then,” inilahad ni Cassiuz ang kamay, “I will kill you.”
Nate placed a gun on his Boss’ hand.
Ikinasa ni Cassiuz ang baril at itinutok sa lalaki. “Hindi mo ba talaga sasabihin?”
“Huwag mo akong patayin… sasabihin ko na… si Mr. Del Moran ang nag-utos sa akin. Huwag mo akong patayin…“ Cassiuz shoot the guy on his leg.
“Bring him back to his Boss.” Utos ni Cassiuz.
“Yes, Boss.”
“Sigurado akong malalaman niyang hindi basta-basta ang kalaban niya.” Malamig na saad ni Cassiuz.
Ibinalik ni Cassiuz ang baril kay Nate saka naglakad paalis.
“Anthony, ordered someone to spy on Mr. Del Moran. I want to know his moves and everything he does in the Underground.”
“Noted, Boss.”
Dumeretso palabas si Cassiuz at pumasok sa mini-van. He crossed his leg and leaned on his chair as he closed his eyes.
TUMAWID si Wynter sa kabilang kalsada at tinungo ang kinaroroonan ng restaurant ni Valerie, ang matalik niyang kaibigan. Dala niya ang dalawang karton ng order nitong cake na ibibigay nito sa mga staff nito. Walking distance lang naman mula sa café niya patungo sa restaurant ni Valerie kaya mabilis siyang nakarating roon.Pagpasok niya sa loob ng restaurant, sinalubong siya ng isang waiter. Kilala na siya sa restaurant na ‘to dahil palagi siya rito kapag wala siyang ginagawa sa café niya.“Ma’am, ako na po.” Ani ng waiter saka kinuha ang dala ni Wynter na cake.“Thank you. Where’s Valerie?”“Nasa loob ng opisina niya po, Ma’am.” Tugon ng Waiter.Tumango si Wynter. “Okay. Thank you,” tinignan ni Wynter ang nametag ng waiter, “Rey. Pakidala na lang ang cake sa opisina ni Valerie.”“Yes, Ma’am.” Ngumiti si Rey saka sumunod sa kaibigan ng amo.Nagtungo si Wynter sa opisina ni Valerie at kumatok bago niya binuksan ang pinto ng opisina nito. “Hi. Your cake is here.”Niluwagan ni Wynter ang
NAPAILING si Cassiuz habang nakatingin sa video kung saan nagagalit si Mateo Del Moran. Ibinalik lang naman niya ang tauhan nito na sumunog sa isang warehouse niya. Mabuti nga at naging mabait pa siya at ibinalik pa niya ang bangkay ng tauhan nito at hindi niya sinunog. Ibinalik niya ang tablet kay Anthony. “Anthony, tell our spy to know whom Mateo Del Moran’s contact. I want to know every single detail. And also, since I’m merciful today, sent back every Mateo Del Moran’s spy to him safe and unharmed.”“Yes, Boss.”Cassiuz looked at Mark. “Mark, I ask you to look for her profile? Have you done it?”Tumango si Mark. “Yes, Boss.” Ibinigay niya sa amo ang tablet. Nagpakita roon ang larawan ng isang babae. “Her name is Wynter Aguilar. Twenty-six years old. She graduated Criminology but she only worked for three years. At the age of twenty-four, she built her own café. Her parents were both retired. Actually, her parents are friends of your parents when they are still alive. And she only
MABILIS na hinarangan ni Mark at Anthony si Ms. Gallego nang pumasok ito sa opisina ni Cassiuz. They are currently working at the Underground so they are at the Casino Bar. Dito ang opisina ni Cassiuz kapag ang trabaho nito ay sa Underground. Their Boss can really manage his time on his work in his Empire and his work in the Underground.“Cassiuz was here, right?” Ms. Gallego asked.“Pasensiya na, Ms. Gallego, pero busy ngayon si Boss. Hindi siya tumatanggap ng bisita.” Walang emosyong sabi ni Mark. “Please, go back first.”“I’m not a guest.” Mataray na sabi ni Ms. Gallego.Nagkatinginan ang mga bodyguard ni Cassiuz at sa totoo lang naiinis sila sa babae.Mark sighed. Mabuti na lang at wala si Lester dahil kapag nandito ‘yon baka magkakasagutan na naman ang dalawa. Mainit ang dugo ni Lester at Ms. Gallego sa isa’t-isa. Hindi niya alam kung bakit.Ms. Gallego tried to go in but Mark signaled Anthony. And Anthony blocked her way.“Step aside.” May diing sabi ni Ms. Gallego but Anthony d
WYNTER was out of stock before the weekends so she went to the supermarket after her work at the café. Napasimangot na lang siya dahil hindi niya maabot ang gusto niyang kunin. Nasa pinakamataas ito na bahagi ng istante at sa height niya na hindi biniyayaan ng tangkad, hindi niya ito maabot.“Which pasta?” May lalaking tanong mula sa likuran ni Wynter. “I’ll get it for you.”“That one.” Itinuro ni Wynter ang gusto nitong pasta. “Thank you.”Kinuha ng lalaki ang pasta na itinuro ni Wynter at inilagay ito sa push cart ng dalaga.“Thank you again…“ natigilan si Wynter nang makita kung sino ang tumulong sa kaniya. Kumunot ang nuo ni Wynter. “It’s you.”Cassiuz smiled. “Hi. We meet again.”Wynter shrugged. “Coincidence. Thank you for helping me. Gotta go.” Itinulak niya ang push cart para magpatuloy sa pamimili.Sinundan ni Cassiuz ng tingin si Wynter. Looks like my charm isn’t working. Interesting woman.Sinundan ni Cassiuz si Wynter. “Wynter, wait.”Wynter didn’t looked at Cassiuz. “What
“BOSS, may delivery para sa ‘yo.” Ani Eliza nang makapasok siya sa opisina ng amo. Nakita niya ang Boss niya na abala sa harapan ng oven.Without looking, Wynter asked, “what is it?”Tinignan ni Eliza ang hawak. “A bouquet.”Natigilan si Wynter saka tumingin kay Eliza. “Was it from him again? Sinabi ko na sa ‘yo na kapag basta galing kay Dean Peralta, itapon mo na lang. Huwag mo ng ipakita sa akin.”“Ahmm, Boss, hindi ‘to galing kay Mr. Peralta.” Ani Eliza.Kumunot ang nuo ni Wynter. “Kanino?”Tinignan ni Eliza ang note na nakalagay. “Galing kay Mr. Cassiuz Velasquez, Boss.”Wynter rolled her eyes. “Pakitapon na rin.”“Oh.” Tumango si Eliza. “Okay, Boss.” Lumabas siya ng opisina ng amo saka lumabas ng café. Itinapon niya ang bouquet sa malaking basurahan na nasa labas ng café.Nanlaki naman ang mata ni Dan na nakakita. Siya ang inutusan ng Boss niya na magdeliver ng bulaklak kay Ms. Wynter Aguilar pero hindi inaasahan na ipapatapon lang nito. Dan sighed and called his Boss but he was
“SIR, Attorney Salazar is here.” Imporma ni Lester nang makapasok siya sa opisina ng amo.Kumunot ang nuo ni Cassiuz. “Attorney Salazar? What is doing here? Wala naman akong maalalang ipinagawa ko o ipapagawa ko sa kaniya.” Aniya.“I don’t know, Sir. But he told me that it’s important.” Sabi ni Lester.Isinara ni Cassiuz ang hawak na folder. “Let him in.”Bahagyang yumuko si Lester saka lumabas ng opisina ni Sir Cassiuz.“Attorney, you can go inside.” Sabi ni Lester sa may edad ng attorney na naghihintay.“Thank you.” Attorney Salazar walked into Cassiuz’s office.“Mr. Velasquez.”Iminuwestra ni Cassiuz ang visitor’s chair sa harapan ng kaniyang lamesa. “Have a seat, Attorney.”“Thank you.” Umupo naman si Attorney Salazar.“What do you want, Attorney? Soda, coffee, tea or wine?” Cassiuz asked.Sandaling napatitig si Attorney Salazar kay Cassiuz bago siya napailing. “Ikaw na bata ka, alam mo naman kung ano ang gusto ko, tatanungin mo pa.”Natawa na lang ng mahina si Cassiuz saka tinawa
“MOM, I’m home! Dad!” Ibinaba ni Wynter ang hawak na bag sa sofa.“We’re in the kitchen, sweetheart!” Her father responded.Bitbit ang hawak na cellophane na may lamang pagkain, pumunta si Wynter sa kusina.“Hi, Dad. Hi, Mom.” Bati niya sa kaniyang mga magulang. Niyakap at hinalikan niya ang mga ito sa pisngi.“I miss you, sweetie.” Malambing na saad ni Catherine na siyang ina ni Wynter. Pinakawalan niya ng yakap ang anak saka sinapo ang mukha nito. “Bakit parang pumayat ka yata?”Nagkibit lang naman ng balikat si Wynter sabay nagbiro, “nagpapasexy ako ngayon, Mommy. Baka sakaling may magkagusto sa akin.”Her father, Ramon, tsked. “Your mom was a voluptuous woman.” Inakbayan niya ang asawa. “And I love her for that.”Wynter rolled her eyes. “I know, right. Kaya hindi ako mag-aasawa kung hindi katulad ni Dad ang magiging asawa ko.”Tumikhim si Ramon, “bakit? May umaaligid na ba sa ‘yo?”“Meron, Dad, pero ayaw ko sa kaniya. He’s annoying.” Inis na sabi ni Wynter.“Like your father when
“I DON’T KNOW. I don’t have any idea, Cassiuz. Before they died, they sent us away so I didn’t know what happened next. Nalaman ko na lang na patay na sila.” Napabuntong hininga si Ramon. “I’m sorry, Cassiuz.”“I’ve been looking for those people who killed them for almost ten years and I’ve been seeking for justice for fifteen years,” Cassiuz said and he looked at Ramon. “Tito, wala ba kayong alam kung sino ang mga naging kalaban nila sa negosyo?”Umiling si Ramon. “Since I become your father’s assistant, wala akong nabalitaang naging kalaban niya sa negosyo niyo. Your father was a good businessman. He never does illegal things and he never threatens people.”Napayuko si Cassiuz. “Yes, he never threatens people because he likes to do everything in fair.” Aniya. “I’ve investigated all the people who are linked to them before.” Umiling siya. “None of them are suspicious.”Ramon sighed. “Cassiuz, there are two kinds of people. Good and the bad. And one of them is the one who killed your