"What about you, Rizza? Are you ready?" she asked while looking at the confident woman standing in front of her."I've been ready, Almira. This is really my dream," she replied, putting on her shoes."Just make sure that once you place it, leave immediately. You might end up making a bet," she reminded her."I know that, Almira. We usually do this in the mountains," she said while tying her hair."Are you sure you want to be the one doing it? Can't we get someone else to do it?" she asked with concern in her voice."Almira, you know me. I'm careful in doing things," Rizza answered arrogantly."When will you consider me your sister?" she asked, surprising Rizza."How will you accept someone like me as a sister, who's known for her bad behavior? Honestly, I was afraid to acknowledge you before because rumors about your bad character were widespread. But not all the time, you're bad."She just looked at Rizza. More than a year has passed since she learned that she had a half-sister. Her
He couldn't believe that Almira could commit such a heinous crime. He knew she had a bad temper, but he never thought she could kidnap his grandfather and friend."Am I to blame for what's happening in my life? Did I pave the way for her to become this evil woman who only wants me to love her?"He cried in the living room out of intense worry. Various thoughts raced through his mind. 'What if I never see my grandfather again? What if something bad happens to Monica? I can't handle what's happening in my life.'Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Bernard and Lovie entering with the police."Hey," Bernard called out, "I haven't told Monica's parents yet. We've also stopped the media coverage. Has Almira called?""Not yet," he replied, holding his cellphone. "I'm getting worried.""We are too," Lovie said, sitting beside him and comforting his back."Do you know any places owned by the Madrigals?" a police officer asked, holding a paper and pen."Their houses around Manila and... and
There was chaos in that place."Come here, Beautiful!" Marvin pulled Monica's hair out of the cage."Aaah.. ouch! I'm in pain, what the heck?" the woman screamed."That darn gay is dangerous. I told Almira we should have killed him," Marvin said as he gagged Monica with a cloth.The woman couldn't speak as Marvin dragged her. She was put in the car, her head covered with a sack.Meanwhile, Monte didn't notice Marvin's departure. He saw his grandfather barely breathing, and Jeremy lay dead beside him.Rescuers quickly approached, providing oxygen to the old man on a stretcher.Harry searched the entire area for his wife. "Monicaaaaa! Monicaaaaa!!!!" he shouted."Monica isn't here?" Harry asked after getting his grandfather out and into the ambulance."She's not here," Harry scratched his head, "where should I look for my wife?""Sir, there's no one else here," said a police officer with them."Men, put the dead in the truck; it seems there's no life left in the people here," the chief o
"Let me go!" Monica shouted at Rizza."You beast, you have a tracker!" Rizza pulled her by the hair, almost ripping her scalp.She cried in pain, unable to resist and forced to follow Rizza's direction. They passed by numerous casualties, some lifeless."Rizza!" Almira called, "Have you seen that monster? Come on, let's escape!""I can't, I can't leave them," Rizza refused, handing Almira something. "Hold onto this!""Rizza!!!" Almira pleaded as she was dragged by the hair. "Please don't!""Stick together. No one gets left behind! Even if it costs my life to help them!""But..." Almira couldn't speak as Rizza pushed her."Almira!!!" Almira fell to the ground as Rizza's forceful push let go of Monica.They witnessed Rizza being shot repeatedly until she fell.Hurriedly, Harry approached Monica, embracing his wife tightly."Love!" Harry hugged her, removing his jacket and putting it on her. "Are you okay? Your cheeks are swollen.""I'm okay, love. Thank God you found me," she tearfully
Monte continued to gaze at his grandfather's grave. The influence of money was evident; no issues about their lives surfaced. They were well-known in the business industry, like a celebrities. However, due to media payment, no articles could be published anywhere.He mourned in silence, accompanied by friends and Lovie.He remembered feeling the same when Erica was buried. Everything he loved disappeared, taken away from him. Was he such a cursed person?Tears flowed uncontrollably until people dispersed. Only he and his friends remained. Monica cried inconsolably. They loved the old man for his kindness. Harry was beside her, comforting his wife. Bernard stayed close to Marie, their relationship still unconfirmed but apparent to him.He noticed Lovie, eyes closed, leaning on his shoulder. What happened between them back then?***Flashback***He was outside the room when he noticed a girl carrying a lot of stuff. He decided to help her, and as he saw the books, he couldn't resist askin
His cellphone rang. It was Monica."Oh, how are you?" he greeted her.'Are you busy?'"Not really, why?"'Good, I'm in the elevator. Bye.'"This girl is really weird," he murmured, shaking his head.It had been two months since his grandfather passed away, and it was the first time he would see Monica again after she was taken by her parents to another country to unwind. They had talked on the phone, and Monica seemed anxious in their last conversation. Perhaps she couldn't wait to share her stories.The door opened, and there was Monica. She was wearing pants and a blouse, an outfit she rarely wore when meeting him. She was a fashionista."Monte," she looked serious."Why?" he asked."I'm sorry," she hugged him, and he felt her wet clothes."Why are you crying?" he patted her back. He guided her to sit on the sofa in his office's corner. He grabbed tissues and water from the mini fridge. "Have a drink first.""I couldn't tell you right away," she took a breath. "Almira confessed ever
"Wait... what am I doing here?" he asked as he stood up. He looked at his body, he was naked "Who undressed me?"Lovie stopped the cart beside him and sat facing him. "It's me. You were vomiting a lot last night. Bernard was a bit drunk too. Luckily, my friends and I happened to be there and saw you."He held his head; the pain seemed to intensify. "Where are my clothes?""Just got washed. I'll get them later. You want to eat?" she smiled before leaving his side and heading to a table with two chairs.She set the table, presenting the food she brought. Everything was arranged neatly, like in a restaurant. He remembered his wife. 'My wife used to be this meticulous, especially when it comes to setting things up. Some women probably share similar gestures, especially if educated.'"Let's eat," she smiled. He couldn't leave his seat as he was undressed. "Oh, I'm sorry..." the woman took something from the closet, "here, wear this robe for now."He turned away while putting on the robe. Sh
"Seven years swiftly passed. Ericka sat in a chair facing the ocean. The resort she bought has made significant progress, largely due to her savings. She managed to grow the business she inherited, now overseeing a restaurant.She hired staff from the cooperative she established for the locals. Only the manager, supervisor, and HR knew her as the owner; others believed she was a financial advisor and cooking trainer.Her business thrived for three years, having been sold at a low price by the previous owner who couldn't make it profitable. In her business experience, she found that success comes with dedicating time.When she planned to work abroad and left Manila, her plans changed upon discovering relatives in the Bicol region. Witnessing the hardships, she suggested establishing a cooperative. Her funds became the foundation, earning trust from many.Lost in thought, children approached her—a girl and two boys, around six years old."You're playing in the water again," she greeted