pertemuan tidak sengaja antara sepasang manusia yang ternyata mempunyai hubungan dimasa lalu.

billiam Maxwell seorang billionaire asal Amerika yang diimpikan setiap manusia untuk jadi ratunya. tetapi billiam masih menunggu wanita pujaan nya, gadi barbarnya yang masih mengisi hatinya, bahkan membuat seorang Maxwell masih melajang diusianya yang sudah sangat matang.

apakah billiam akan menemukan cinta masa lalunya? apakah seseorang dimasalalunyabmasih mengingatnya? bagaimana pertemuan mereka? bagaimana kisah mereka? lets reading guys.

And when Maru gazed at her divine countenance, what he saw was the face of an angel. Pure and innocent yet touched with a hint of mischief.

A promise that would tempt any man in the world. In this case, a boy. Still, the young tool of Maru responded to the presented delights with full vigor and potency.

Before he knew it, Maru was suddenly enclosed by the soft hands of Lucy. She expertly moved her gentle fingers on the face of the boy.

They were quite a pair to look at because Maru had only reached the hips of the woman and what lured his vision in was the blonde triangle patch of hair in the blooming flower of the goddess before him.

They were so near that he could practically smell the sweet fragrance of her femininity. Lucy dropped low to level with the head of Maru and granted the first kiss for both of them.

She grabbed the red haired boy and sucked greedily on his small lips. Although this was her first actual encounter with the opposite sex, that did not mean that she was innocent on the ways of pleasuring males.

There were mystics that could grant entry unto the minds where people can connect with others. It is a domain where the imagination reigns supreme.

A place where nothing is impossible. And also one where the lust of slaves like her who cannot be touched in the real world, would be allowed access to her desires. Even if only in that place, Lucy can feel how it is to be free.

"Hhmmmp.. Hmmm..." the wet sounds dominated the silence of the room.

Lucy automatically went through the motions and kissed the boy with all her years of expertise granted her. She emptied her mind and went to her task in a practiced manner.

Still, her seductive ways won as she could see that the young boy in her hands melted like a frozen piece of snow.

"Where am I?" Maru tried to open his eyes but deemed that he could not. His eyelids were so heavy he could only close them in the end.

"Madame Ais?" Maru tried communicating with the system.

"Yes, Maru." Madame Ais responded promptly.

"What's happening? Why can't I move or open my eyes?" Maru asked the system.

"You have been shocked by the technique of the human named Lucy, Maru. The system is trying to revert the effects but it will take approximately 5 minutes to remove it completely." Madame Ais answered the query of her host.

"Can I at see what's going on outside my body?" Maru hoped for some good news. It was an unnerving experience to be awake yet unable to see what's happening on his surroundings.

"Affirmative, Maru." The system responded and Maru was stunned once more on what welcomed his vision. There was a naked woman on top of him.

She was the definition of perfection itself. Yet even all off that paled to compare to the conflicting emotions Maru could observe from the eyes of Lucy.

He gazed at those beautiful wet windows of her soul and Maru was lost in the ecstasy that followed.

read until chapter 456 in

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Artificial Intelligence in Cultivation World

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One month after...

"What did you say you wanted to do first bago tayo magpunta ng Southern City?" Toby asked Nyssa the next mornibg after the last day of year-end test.

Of course, she was able to pass it.

Hindi niya inaasahang madali lang ito gaya ng sabi ni Adam. But still, it was better that she was expecting the worst and yet the good thing had happened than the other way around.

"Uuwi muna ako sa Meng Residence. I have few things to settle there and some things to get. I won't take a while though."

Natigilan si Toby dahil doon.

"What if they won't let you go again?"

"How can they even stop me?"

Nyssa's confidence when she said that was quite real. She was actually prepared to go to Southern City at whatever cost.

"How about we go with you?"

Doon lang naman narealize ni Nyssa that Toby was worried. She immediately smiled at him.

"Don't worry, okay? I have been conditioning them for quite a while now. They won't be able to stop me."

Toby was unsure whether to trust this lady's words. Minsan pa naman, napakadali niyang makunsensya.

Though he also knew that once she set her mind to do something, no one could even stop her. Ilang beses pa nga nilang kamuntikang ikapahamak ang trait niya na iyon during their out of campus training.

"Give me assurance more than your words, Ana."

"Ay grabe. Wala kang tiwala sa akin?"

"Sa pagiging makunsensyahin mo ako walang tiwala."

Nyssa made a face.

"What assurance you want?"

"Leave important things to us." Then a sudden thought occured to him. "Leave Maru with us."

"What?"

"Assurance, Ana. Do it and travel home alone or isasama mo kami? You choose."

***

Nyssa was uncomfortable with the idea na iwan si Maru.

Though sanay na sanay na naman si Toby dito. And somehow, even the three guys were also the same.

However, Maru was very important for her kahit na may pagkamaldita ito.

After all, she was the only thing in this life time that Nyssa really felt with real connection. Probably because of their bond as Master and Servant.

Hindi nga lang niya sigurado kung sino nga ba talaga sa kanilang dalawa ang Master at Servant.

"What do you think, Maru?"

The red-haired fair lady in front of her slowly opened her eyes.

Yes, this lady was Maru now.

She looked a little bit older than Nyssa. More likely, around the age of Alexandra. In fact, whenever they were traveling, she introduced her as her older sister.

This happened ever since Nyssa brokenthrough the Epic level of her cultivation. Seemed like her cultivation level really affected Maru and the void.

"I am okay going with them."

Nyssa pouted.

"Wow, ha. Ang bilis mo talagang nagdecide ni hindi ka man lang nag-isip."

Maru just snickered at her before shutting her eyes once again to continue cultivating. Well, actually, what she was doing was more on consolidating her power. After all, it depended on Nyssa what would be her cultivation level.

"Fine, then. I will leave you to them. Ilang araw lang naman eh." She decided.

However, Maru just ignored her. She was too absorbed with what she was doing.

Napahinga na lang siya ng malalim. Then she also shut her eyes and continued cultivating.

***

"I have a favor to ask." Nyssa asked Jin after nilang lima na mapag-usapan ang plano niyang pag-uwi sa Meng Residence.

"To me? Wow, bago to ah. Ano ba yun?" Jin was acrually surprised. As much as possible, this lady avoided their help. But now, she was asking a direct favor from him.

He didn't know why but he was kind of please. After all, it was him she asked not Toby nor Khalil whom she was closest to.

"You have the highest cultivation level amongst us. Can you please write me two spells?"

"Two spells?"

Hindi napigilang paningkitan ng mga mata ni Jin si Nyssa.

The lady just rolled her eyes at him.

"Hindi ako gagawa ng masama. But I am definitely using them for my gain." Sabi ng dalaga.

Natawa naman si Jin because of her honest confession.

"Give me your scrolls then."

"Really?" Parang batang nagliwanag pa ang mga mata nito.

"Yes, kiddo."

"Don't call me that. Magkaedad lang tayo no."

Hindi na siya kinontra pa ni Jin.

Naglabas naman agad ng dalawang scroll si Nyssa.

"For this one, write a procuring spell. Dito naman, an illusion spell."

Jin was stunned when she heard the spells she wanted.

Hindi siya pwedeng magkamali. These were the spell combo used by theives.

"What are you planning to steal?" Muli na naman niyang pinaningkitan ito.

"How..." Itatanong pa sana ni Nyssa kung paano niya nalaman that she was going to steal something. Then she realized that the two spells she asked him to write was common for theives. "I won't tell you. Basta hindi mo ikakapahamak yun. Don't worry."

Jin must be a fool because even with that little information from her, he still wrote the two spells for her.

"Here..."

"You really did write it."

He put his hand on her head and smiled.

"Of course. I trust you."

Nyssa almost choked. Why is this guy like this? He really reminded her of her old self.

She nodded at him. "Thank you."

"Do what you have to do in your residence and obtain what you have to obtain. Just make sure you will meet us again."

"I will."

Then with a huge smile, Nyssa went out of their dorm.

"Hay... Kapag talaga hindi pa nagkagusto sa akin yan si Ana, ewan ko na lang."

"Tigil tigilan mo nga yan, Jin. Kaunti na lang baka maniwala talaga ako na may gusto ka sa kanya." Saway ni Toby sa kanya.

"Besides, Ana seems to be also aware that the only reason you want her with us is for benefits. And that's exactly what she is doing to you too." Sabi naman ni Adam.

"You don't really believe that, do you? We may have benefited with each other but still, we have been a team for two years now. Surely, what we are now is more than just that." Sabi naman ni Khalil.

"Of course, Khalil. Adam is just being his usual doubtful self. Don't mind him." Toby even glared at Adam who just ignored him.

***

"Three days, Ana... If in three days, wala ka pa rin sa town inn malapit sa boundary ng Eastern and Southern City, we will come there ourselves." Paalala ni Jin sa kanya.

Today, they were gathered outside the gate of Central Cloud School with their horses. But unlike the usual, they were divided into two.

Jin, Toby, Maru, Khalil and Adam were traveling to the boundary of Eastern and Southern City.

Habang si Nyssa naman ay sa Eastern City papunta.

Aside from that, Zaki was also there.

Though, he was just waiting for Nyssa. Sabay kasi silang uuwi sa Meng Residence.

"I will. Pang-ilan mo ng reminder yan?"

"It is not just for you." Sabay tingin kay Zaki.

"I have already left the decision to her. So if she suddenly decided to stay, then it will be her own decision." Pang-iinis ni Zaki kay Jin.

Agad namang sinamaan ng tingin ni Nyssa si Zaki. He immediately looked away but a smile appeared on his face.

"Tch... Stop trying to piss each other. Are you two kids?" Inis niyang saway sa kanila. Then she looked on Jin. "I won't change my mind. You have Maru pati no."

Jin nodded at her. Then his expression got gentler.

"Be careful though."

"You too."

Then Nyssa looked at Toby and Maru.

Toby nodded at her though she knew he was just trying not to voice out his worry.

As for Maru...

She really didn't care about her.

Hay nako... Mas lalo tuloy siyang hindi mapakali. Parang maipagpapalit agad siya nito bilang Master niya kahit buhay pa siya ah.

***

Adarna Bird is an enchantress bird. It has a very long fancy tail with numerous shiny metallic colors.  It knows a total of seven songs that are believed to lull anyone to sleep as well as cure any type of afflictions and it changes its feathers into more colorful hues and shades after each song.  After the last song, it excretes waste, then finally, sleeps with its eyes wide open.  When Adarna bird is sad, it looks very ugly and hopeless.  It is believed that its droppings can turn any living things into stone.

Whenever Dojin asked for a show from each one of them, the kids would respond with a random dance or an impression. The group around Dojin started laughing. Maru found himself smiling as well when he saw the others laugh as well.
Sure these kids were a bit behind in terms of grades and studying, but to most adults, these kids might seem like a problem in society. But so what? Grades didn't reflect a person's personality. Though… it wasn't like he was saying all kids with bad grades were good people.
"Hey, give me one too." said one of the kids at the back of the class. Dojin ignored the boy with a smirk.
"Come on, man. Don't be so stingy." the boy whined.
"Shut the hell up. Go buy your own." Dojin sounded unusually angry. The boy on the other side just responded with a shrug.
"Pft. Trying to look cool? You could've just said no."
"Looking cool my ass."
Sparks almost seemed to be flying between those two's glares. But the tension didn't last long. The atmosphere calmed as the other kids walked into the class. Maru took a look at the kid at the back.
The boy's name was Kang Dowook. He used to sit at the front, but after a few days he stole someone else's seat and moved to the back. The victim, of course… had to sit in the front. Dowook took a seat from one of the more 'meh' looking kids in the class.
You know the one. Almost every class has one. Guys who aren't that good at studying, but not that good at socializing either. Within the archetype of those only capable of responding.
Maru looked over the class one more time. If no one became friends with that guy in the front… He would definitely end up becoming the 'butler' of all the bullies in the class.
'Oh, I remember.'
The official butler of the class. That must've been the guy. In his memories, he could remember a kid that everyone in the class used to leave their work to. They always 'asked' him to do it, but it was nothing more than a thinly veiled threat. Maru observed passively. He couldn't even remember that boy's name or face, only of his annoyance of the situation back then. Not that he did anything about it though.
It was a personal problem, after all. At least, that's what he thought at the time. He could remember people talking about the guy during a few of the reunions where rumors that he got into a big company surfaced.
"Hey, doesn't Minji have a really nice body?" one of the boys in the class said.
"Ah crap, I almost caught the boss yesterday too." another one of the kids shouted from the other side of the class.
"Wanna play basketball after class?"
"What's on the lunch menu today?"
The classroom was increasing in volume, but the boy at the front was just staring forward quietly. He wasn't listening to music or reading either. His occasional glances to the class indicated his desire to join the conversation.
'I have to act now,' Maru thought to himself.
He needed to make his move while the other kids were still unfamiliar with the boy. If the boy were to be marked as a "class idiot"... then no one would even want to hang out with him. Lest the same happens to them.
"You know any other places to grind? The skeleton compound no. 8 is garbage. Has too many people as well," one of the boys complained.
"I told you, there's literally no better place."
The lone boy in the front chewed his lips for a second, almost as if he wanted to say something. But… in the end, he lowered his head with a deep sigh.
Maru sighed from the back at his seat as well.
"What's up?" Dojin asked, head up from his comic book.
"Hey, Dojin." Maru said.
"Yeah?"
"Us guys need to help each other out, right?"
"The hell are you talking about?"
Dojin looked at Maru with a confused expression. Maru grinned back and stood up from his seat, as he made his way over to the first row.
* * *
Park Daemyung wanted to live brightly as his name suggests, but that was never the case since his time in elementary school.
"Hah! You look pretty funny, don't you?" one of the kids said to him back then.
Daemyung's entire life changed from that one sentence. He could still remember it clearly. He stopped talking as much after hearing that from a friend back in third grade.
Why was he so sensitive to about that? After a point, everyone in the class had started pointing out his goofy looks, he remembered. People stopped calling him by his real name. That was when he accepted his ugly appearance. He kept his head low for the rest of elementary school until he entered middle school. Spent middle school without talking much as well. He was bullied then, too.
Daemyung hated his face. His cheeks were puffy like a frog's, and his eyes and forehead were abnormally small. He started talking less and less, but the bullying only got worse and worse. Daemyung went home immediately after his middle school graduation. He didn't want to hear the joy in his peers' voices.
'I can't keep living like this,' he thought. From then on, Daemyung was set on changing himself. That's why he decided to go to an engineering school instead of a normal one. Perhaps his personality would follow the change in environment.
'And… I wouldn't have to meet the kids from middle school if I went to an engineering school,' that was his intention at the very least. His mother wasn't vocal about his choice. That was her way of telling him she knew of what was happening to him at school.
And then… the first day of school. He wanted to hang out with the kids with a strong greeting, but nothing of the sort occurred.
'S-scary.'
The engineering school kids were something else. The boy next to him brought a pack of cigarettes on the second day. One of the other ones was excitedly talking about where to buy alcohol. Everything felt unfamiliar and scary to him. Almost as if he would be punched if he spoke a word.
And then there was this as well.
"Hey, let's switch seats," one of the more aggressive looking kids asked him to change seats with Daemyung. The boy took his bag and quietly moved up to the front without saying a thing.
"What a freaking coward," he could hear behind him.
Right there, Daemyung felt his middle school nightmare reappear. No, he felt something even worse this time: the contemptuous gaze of the delinquent's friends upon his back.
Why did he decide to come to an engineering school again? He should have just stuck to normal schools. Maybe he could have become friends with normal kids if he went there?
"Bahahaha!"
"Ugh, you bitch. Please? Just 500 won?"
"Fuck off."
People were swearing all around him. Just hearing those words made a chill run down his spine, especially since he never swore.
'I have to spend three years like before again?' he thought.
3 years of bullying in elementary school, 3 years of bullying in middle school. Did he have to live his life as a victim all the way through high school as well?
"You know any other places to grind? The skeleton compound no. 8 is garbage. Has too many people as well." one of the boys complained.
"I told you, there's literally no better place."
He heard a few kids start talking about video games behind him. They were talking about a game he played. He also did know a better place to grind. If he opened his mouth now… could he make friends with them?
He didn't end up talking to them. He was afraid of being treated coldly after approaching them. Plus, the kids looked like delinquents. They would surely ignore him if he tried to talk to them.
'Yeah, maybe later...' he excused himself with a thought.
Daemyung knew very well that there would be no 'later'. But there was no way for him to overcome 6 years of bullying so quickly. It's impossible, he found himself thinking. He could feel all the energy inside him stream out. Just like last time…
"Hey." he heard someone behind him. Someone calling out to his friend? In any case, it couldn't be him.
"Ah, Daemyung, was it?"
"Eh, ah?"
Someone said his name? No one's said his name since… Daemyung turned back in surprise. There was a pretty tall kid standing behind him. Han Maru, was it? He remembered because of the strange name.
'This kid looks like a delinquent, too...' Daemyung couldn't help but start worrying.
* * *
[This kid looks like a delinquent, too...]
Yet another word bubble. Maru couldn't help but laugh a bit in surprise when he saw the bubble. Just what about him made himself look like a delinquent?
"Park Daemyung, right?" he asked.
"Ah, yeah."
"You play World Crash?"
World Crash was the name of the game the other kids were talking about. And of course, Maru was familiar with this game as well. Why wouldn't he be? Games were practically the only thing he did with his time instead of studying. He didn't play this particular game much, though.
"Yeah, I do." Daemyung answered.
"What's your level?"
"Me? 23."
Oh boy. World Crash launched just 3 days ago. Level 23 already? Just how much did this guy play?
"Hey," Maru called out to the three kids talking nearby. "You guys play World Crash too?"
"Oh, of course. We were just talking about that," one of them answered.
"What's your level?"
"15."
"What about you guys?" Maru asked the two others.
"I'm 16."
"14 here."
They all had lower levels than Daemyung. Alright, Maru's set the boy up for a very nice play here. All Daemyung needed to do now was open his mouth.
* * *
Daemyung felt his entire body freeze up. The group of three was looking at him now.
'Could it be...' He looked up to Maru, who motioned towards the three with his head. This guy… was he helping him? Why? There was no reason for this boy to help him.
'Ah, he must be making fun of me.' Things instantly became clear for him. How depressing. They'd pretend to be his friends again before throwing him away. He's experienced this several times in the past.
'Of course it would be like that.' Daemyung glanced at Maru, who was still motioning him towards the group.
'You… stop acting like a nice guy.'
* * *
[You… stop acting like a nice guy.]
Maru saw the word bubble as soon as his eyes met with the boy. So that's what the dude was thinking now, with that depressed face of his. Maru didn't feel any annoyance from the reaction, he just felt sorry. Just how much was Daemyung burnt in the past for him to respond to him in this manner?
The boy would surely live antisocially if left like this. Maru wouldn't interfere if that's what he wanted, but… if that wasn't the case?
"Hey," he called out.
"W-what?"
"Are you doing this because you're comfortable being alone?"
He leaned forward so that others wouldn't be able to hear. Daemyung frowned angrily in response.
"A-are you making fun of me?" he said. He sounded clearly offended by the statement.
Maru turned to look behind him. The three kids were still looking at them.
"I didn't barge in for nothing here, right?"
"What?"
"I thought you wanted to talk with them? Sorry if I misunderstood."
"....."
"If you were just focusing on studying… Sorry about that."
Daemyung's eyes were shaking a little. Maru already knew from the beginning that the boy just wanted to be friends with people.
"But… if not, why don't you start talking with them for once?"
* * *
Daemyung looked away from Maru. Maru was right. He knew that Maru was talking because he just wanted to be nice, also that he was just lashing out because he decided to misunderstand the other boy's intentions on purpose.
The group of boys next to him would lose interest soon if he just continued sitting there like that.
'Is it fine if I talk to them? They won't treat me weirdly again, would they? Is it really fine?' all sorts of worries came up the more he thought. And he's worked so hard to try to change himself.
'Crap.' it was almost like he's forgotten how to talk. He could feel an awkward air start to surround him. Oh gods, they're going to make fun of him again…
"Are you trying to prepare for PT (personal training)? Why so worried? They're all just kids. Just talk about video games. Stop thinking about how you're going to act, just do it." it was Maru. He had no idea what PT meant, but he understood everything else.
Those words gave Daemyung courage.
"Skeleton compound no. 8 is good, but there are better places." he decided to continue off from where the conversation was before.
"Really?" the reaction was immediate.
"You play World Crash too?"
"What's your level?"
Oh right, this was what conversations were like. There was no need to think. Daemyung instantly found himself becoming more comfortable.
-end of chapter

Sometimes, as we go about with our lives, we all happen to think of one specific thought at least once.
What if... I could go back to "that" time?
The funny thing is, the moment you think such a thought is the precise moment when you came back to the past, from the future. 
"One more time."
Life, once again.

Kanina pa palakad-lakad lang si Maru' sa loob ng kanyang kwarto. Hindi pa rin s'ya dalawin ng antok mula pa kanina ng manggaling s'ya sa veranda.

Dahil hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin s'ya makapaniwala sa nakita at nasaksihan. 

Nakasanayan na kasi niyang tumambay muna sa veranda bago matulog. Pabalik na sana s'ya sa kanyang kwarto ng may marinig s'yang mga kaluskos.

Nagpalinga-linga s'ya sa paligid upang hanapin kung saan nanggagaling ang munting ingay? Mula sa tulong ng liwanag ng ilaw sa puno ng hagdan. 

Bahagya n'yang naaninag ang mga anino sa dilim. Unang pumasok sa isip n'ya na baka may nakapasok na magnanakaw. Pero base sa mga kilos at galaw ng mga ito. Sigurado s'yang hindi ito mga magnanakaw. 

Because of her curiosity she came closer, while she holding her breath. 

After a minute she kept more closer. Just to be surprised for what she saw and to feel disappointed.

Si Joaquin at Angela, habang naghahalikan sa dilim. "Paano nila ito nagagawa, meron ba silang relasyon? Hindi na sila nahiya, mga walanghiya sila!" Bulong n'ya sa isip.

Naikuyom n'ya ang mga kamay dahil sa bugso ng samot-saring emosyon. Ngani-ngani n'yang sugurin ang mga ito at komprontahin. 

Subalit agad rin s'yang natigilan at nakapag-isip bago pa man n'ya naiangat ang mga paa. 

Sinikap n'yang pigilan ang sariling gumawa ng anomang ingay. Sumandal s'ya sa ding-ding upang saglit na pakalmahin ang sarili. 

Mas pinili pa rin n'yang h'wag gumawa ng anomang hakbang na makakagambala pa sa mga ito.

Tahimik at walang kilatis s'yang tumalikod at dahan-dahang lumakad pabalik ng kanyang kwarto. Mabuti na lamang at nasa dulong bahagi ito ng pasilyo papuntang veranda. Kaya't hindi na namalayan pa ng mga ito ang kanyang presensya. 

Bukod sa dahilang wala s'yang karapatang sitahin ang mga ito. Ang katotohanan na isa lang s'yang basura na pinulot sa kung saan. Ang pumigil sa kanya na gawin ang nais. Ano nga ba karapatan n'ya na sumbatan ang mga ito? 

Ano bang pakialam n'ya kung may namamagitan man sa dalawa. Sino ba s'ya sa bahay na ito? Sunod-sunod n'yang tanong sa kanyang isip.

Subalit hindi pwedeng basta lang n'ya ito palagpasin! 

Kailangan n'yang mag-isip kung dapat ba n'yang sabihin kay Joseph ang nakita n'ya? Pero paano n'ya 'yun gagawin, ngayon pa ba wala na s'yang pruweba? Bakit ba hindi ko agad naisip? Sana nakakuha man lang ako ng picture o video ng nakita ko kanina, ay ang tanga ko talaga! Bakit ba hindi ako naging handa, pagkakataon ko na sana ito para sirain s'ya?

Pero kapag ginawa n'ya 'yun sigurado magkakaproblema s'ya. Kaya't kailangan n'ya itong pag-isipang mabuti. Hindi n'ya kabisado ang isip ni Joaquin. Pihadong madali lang para dito ang paalisin s'ya sa bahay na ito. Bigla n'yang naisip, hindi pa p'wede!

Hindi pa s'ya maaaring umalis sa bahay na ito at sa buhay ng walanghiya at sinungaling na babaing iyon!

______

Masaya at magaan ang pakiramdam ni Angela ngayong umaga. Kahit pa gabing gabi na s'ya nakatulog ng nagdaang gabi. Masigla pa rin ang bawat kilos n'ya, napapangiti pa s'ya habang tila lumilipad ang isip. Maya't maya rin ang pagsalat n'ya sa kanyang labi gamit ang likod ng mga daliri.

Para kasing nararamdaman pa rin n'ya ang mga labi ni Joaquin na nakadikit sa kanyang mga labi. Hindi pa rin maalis sa kanyang isip, ang mga halik na pinagsaluhan nila ng nagdaang gabi.

Mabuti na lamang at nagawa pa nilang pigilan ang kanilang mga sarili. Bago pa man sila makarating kung saan o makagawa ng bagay na hindi pa dapat. 

Nakakaramdam man s'ya ng guilt, dahil sa nangyari kagabi. Hindi n'ya maiitatangi na wala s'yang pinagsisihan sa kanyang ginawa. Dahil hindi na rin n'ya kayang pigilan, ang pag-usbong ng damdamin para sa lalaki.

Sigurado na rin s'ya na ito ang nilalaman ng puso n'ya at hindi si Joseph.

Kasalukuyan s'yang nagluluto na ng almusal. Kasabay ng paghahanda n'ya ng pagkaing babaunin ni VJ sa school. Para sa gaganaping Christmas party nito ngayong araw. 

Maaga s'yang gumising para makapagluto at maihanda ang mga kailangan n'yang gawin. Bago pa s'ya umalis ng bahay, ngayon din kasi ang punta n'ya ng Resort. Ihahatid lang n'ya si VJ sa school kasama ng yaya nitong si Didang.

Mabuti na lang laging nakaagapay si Nanay Soledad sa kanya, kaya napabilis ang kanyang pagluluto. Nakaluto na sila bago pa man magising ang lahat. 

Gumawa s'ya ulit ng veggie omelette na ginamitan n'ya ng broccoli at inihulma n'ya sa ibat-ibang kulay ng malalaking bell peppers. Katulad ng ginawa n'ya noon na dinala pa n'ya sa suite nila Joaquin noong nasa Venice pa ito. Hindi lang nito nagawang tikman dahil sa paghatid nito sa kanya ng sunduin n'ya si Joseph sa San Marco, Airport. 

Naisip n'yang ulitin ang pagluluto nito. Sigurado ring magugustuhan ito ni VJ dahil sa korte nitong pabilog at magandang kulay. 

Bukod pa sa eggplant roll at cordon bleu na babaunin nito sa Christmas party. Nagprito din s'ya ng dinaing na bangus na s'ya mismo ang gumawa. Gusto kasi ito ng kanilang Papa Liandro.  

Kahit pa uso na rin ngayon na mag-order na lang sa mga fast food. Gusto pa rin n'ya na s'ya ang personal na magluto para sa kanyang anak. 

Iniwan na n'ya si Nanay Sol sa kusina. Para maihanda na n'ya ang mga niluto sa dining table, nang biglang may yumakap sa kanya mula sa kanyang likuran. Batid n'yang si Joseph ito base sa kanyang pakiramdam.

Nakompirma n'ya ito ng batiin s'ya nito at halikan sa pisngi. 

 Kahit dati naman nito iyong ginagawa, nakaramdam pa rin s'ya ng pagkailang hindi lang n'ya pinahalata. 

Ang hindi lang n'ya alam kung dahil sa guilt o may iba pang dahilan?

Ilang segundo rin sila sa ganoong posisyon, nang pareho silang magulat ng biglang may tumikhim mula sa kanilang likuran. 

"Ehem!"

Sabay pa sila ni Joseph na napalingon kay Joaquin na nakatayo sa gilid ng dining table. 

Walang eksaktong ekspresyon ang mababakas sa mukha nito. Maliban sa nakapinid ang mga labi nito at palipat-lipat ang tingin sa kanila. 

Hanggang sa mapako ang tingin nito sa kamay ni Joseph na nakahawak pa rin sa kanyang baywang. Naging dahilan iyon upang bahagyang gumalaw ang panga nito at lumiit ang tingin sa kanila. 

Nang muling tumaas ang tingin nito, at tumingin sa kanya ng makahulugan. Bigla s'yang napalayo kay Joseph na ikinakunot naman ng noo nito. 

Nasa mukha ni Joseph ang pagtataka dahil sa naging reaksyon n'ya. 

Napatingin itong bigla sa kapatid na ngayo'y nakatingin na rin sa huli. Saglit itong tila nagsusukatan ng tingin. Bigla tuloy s'yang nakaramdam ng kaba at pagkaalarma. 

Subalit ang hindi n'ya maintindihan kung bakit bigla na lang tila ba gusto pa yata ng mga itong magsabong ng kay aga-aga? Nasa isip n'ya.

"Anak ng butiki naman" Bulong ng isip n'ya, dahil sa naiisip na posibilidad.

Huminga s'ya ng malalim at isa lang ang naisip n'yang gawin..

Humawak s'ya sa kamay ni Joseph upang pakalmahin ito. Dumausdos naman ang kamay nito at pinagitan ang mga daliri sa kanyang mga daliri. Tila ba ipinapahiwatig ng mga kilos nito na wala na itong balak na bitiwan pa s'ya. 

Dinala pa nito ang kanyang kamay sa tapat ng dibdib at saka ngumiti, na tila ba nakaramdam ito ng assurance mula sa kanya. Kaya kay dali napawi ang alalahanin sa mukha nito.

Hindi tuloy n'ya magawang tingnan man lang si Joaquin ng deretso. Namimigat ang kanyang mga mata at pigil ang sariling emosyon. Para bang walang namagitan sa kanila ng nagdaang gabi. 

Habang si Joaquin na nakatitig lang sa kanya, mariing napahawak ang dalawang kamay nito sa isang silya upang pigilan rin ang emosyon. 

Hanggang sa tumingala ito at napamura na lang sa isip. Pagharap nito sa kanila nakangiti na ito ng mapakla.

Habang sa isip nito sinasabing may nanalo na naman at sa sandaling ito s'ya na naman ang talo. Ang buong akala ni Joaquin, dahil sa nangyari kagabi. Matapang na nilang haharapin ang ano mang namamagitan sa kanila. 

Pero ano itong nangyayari? Sa nakikita at nararamdaman n'ya ngayon. Pakiramdam n'ya "secret lover" na naman ang ganap n'ya ngayon. 

Mapait s'yang napangiti at humarap sa mahal n'yang kapatid. 

As to pretend that nothing happened a while ago and no hurt feelings involved.

"Hey bro! Kay aga naman n'yan mag-almusal muna tayo ah." Sabi na lang nito sa kabila ng nadaramang sakit sa dibdib.

"Okay lang tol, kapag s'ya naman ang katabi ko okay lang sa'kin na hindi ako mag-almusal." Sabi ni Joseph sabay kindat pa nito sa kanya. Pinilit n'ya ang isang masayang ngiti upang hindi na ito mag-isip ng ano pa man. 

Pagbaling n'ya ng tingin kitang kita n'ya ang kapaitan sa mukha ng lalaking kanyang itinatangi. 

No one can read his emotions, except me. Because just the same what she feels now. 

Melancholy?

Pero ano bang magagawa n'ya? Hinihingi ng pagkakataon na gawin n'ya ito. Hindi s'ya handa at hindi n'ya alam kung kailan pa s'ya magiging handa?

Kahit alam pa n'ya ang gustong nitong mangyari. Hindi n'ya ito kayang pagbigyan, hindi pa sa ngayon.

"Please h'wag mo naman akong tingnan ng gan'yan!" Bulong ng puso at isip n'ya habang nakatingin sila sa isa't-isa.

Parang gustong manlabo ng kanyang paningin. Dahil sa nagbabadyang luha na gustong mag-unahan sa pagpatak. Subalit kailangan n'ya itong pigilan at magpanggap na walang nararamdaman. 

But how to pretend no one feels? If the reason why you are hurting is here in front of you.

Nakikita mo kung gaano s'ya nasasaktan ng dahil sa'yo. 

Instead of saying the words.. 

"You're my missing piece and you're the only one for me."

But my love for you will remains, the secret that only the two of us can understand. 

As a secret lover of yours..

"Ah, iha narito pa 'yung ginawa na.." Naudlot ang sinasabi ni Nanay Sol na palabas ng kusina, bigla itong natigilan pagkakita sa ayos nilang tatlo.

Una s'yang bumaling ng tingin sa ibang direksyon. Maingat at mabilis na pinahiran ng mga daliri ang umalpas na luha sa kanyang mga mata. Pinilit na maging normal ang kilos n'ya na parang balewala lang ang lahat at sinikap na ngumiti.

"Ah, gutom na ba kayo sandali lang hindi ko pa tapos ayusin itong mesa. Pero sandali na lang naman ito." Pilit n'yang inabala ang sarili kahit na nalilito na sa kanyang ginagawa.

"Tutulungan na kita d'yan anak, okay ka lang ba?" Sabi nito, nasa isip ang pagtataka sa ikinikilos n'ya at pagkalito.

"O-oo naman po nay, okay lang po ako. Kayo po ba okay lang?" kunwari'y tanong pa n'ya upang iligaw ang sitwasyon.

Habang ang magkapatid ay muling napatingin sa isa't-isa. Pero muli ding nagbawi ng tingin at nanatiling walang kibo. Kung ano man ang nasa isip nila, tanging sila lamang ang nakakabatid.   

Eksaktong namang tapos na nilang ayusin ang lahat sa mesa ng dumating ang maglolo at kasunod na rin ng mga ito si Maru'.

"Wow! Mukhang ang sarap ng almusal natin ah. Tito Joseph nauna ka ring gumising? Good morning tito, good morning po Mama, Lola Sol." Isa-isang binati nito ang lahat, maliban lang kay Joaquin na ngayon ay nakaupo na sa pwesto nito sa left side.  

"Iho, bakit hindi mo batiin ang Daddy Joaquin mo?" Tanong ni Nanay Sol ng paupo na ang bata.

Napatingin tuloy ang lahat sa bata, na saglit na tumingin sa ama. Pero agad din nitong binawi ang tingin at tuluyan ng umupo.

"Bakit ko s'ya babatiin eh, hindi rin naman n'ya ako binati?" May kasupladuhang tugon nito. 

Ikinagulat ng lahat ang naging tugon nito. Lalo ni Liandro at Angela, nagkasabay pa ito sa pagsaway sa bata.

"VJ, anak!"

"Iho, h'wag ganu'n ha!"

"Hayaan n'yo na s'ya Pa, tama naman s'ya hindi ko naman talaga s'ya binati." Tumayo ito at lumapit kay VJ. "Good morning anak, pasensya na ha? Nakalimutan kong batiin ka agad, promise hindi na mauulit. Mula ngayon palagi na kitang babatiin." Hinalikan pa ito ni Joaquin sa noo at ginulo ang buhok nito. Tumingin muna  kay Angela ang bata, bago ito muling nagsalita.

"Good morning po, Daddy." Nakayukong saad nito at yumakap pa sa braso ni Angela na tila nagpapasaklolo. "Mama" bulong pa nito sa kanya.

Kulang na lang isubsob nito ang mukha sa kanya na tila ibig mahiya. 

Habang si Joaquin na tuwang-tuwa sa narinig na sinabi ng anak. Hindi nito maipaliwanag ang tuwang nararamdaman. For the first time na tinawag s'ya nito ng Daddy. 

Ang sarap pala sa pandinig at pakiramdam. Alam ni Joaquin na malayo pa ang hahabulin niya. Bago pa sila lubusang magkalapit na mag-ama. Pero maganda na itong simula para magkaroon s'ya ng pag-asa. 

"Okay lang 'yun anak, kain ka na! male-late ka na sa party n'yo sige ka.." Sabay hinalikan ni Angela ang noo ng anak. 

Pagtaas n'ya ng mukha nakangiting si Joaquin ang nabungaran n'ya. "thank you" bulong pa nito habang nakangiti. Bago bumalik sa dati nitong pwesto.

"Mabuti pa kumain na tayo mukhang masarap nga itong niluto mo, iha ang bango nakakagutom." Saad ng kanilang Papa Liandro.

Nagsimula na ngang kumain ng tahimik ang lahat, si Joseph na tahimik na mula pa kanina at si Maru' na tila nakikiramdam at panay ang buntong hininga. 

Ang mag-ama na patuloy lang sa maganang pagkain na kung pagmamasdan iisa ang kilos at galaw, maging si Liandro ay maganang kumain. Nang bigla mapansin nito si Maru' na tila hindi mapakali.

"Ah, iho okay ka lang ba, hindi mo ba nagustuhan ang pagkain?" Tanong ni Liandro kay Maru' ng mapansin ito.

"Ano po, ah nagustuhan po, masarap naman po talaga!" saad nito na pinilit ngumiti. 

"Para kasing hindi ka komportable may dinaramdam ka ba iho?" Tanong pa nito.

"Wala naman po, medyo napuyat lang kasi ako kagabi. Kulang lang po siguro ako sa tulog." Pagdadahilan nito, habang kunwari'y hinahaplos ang batok.  

"Bakit ka napuyat hindi ba maaga kang pumanhik kagabi?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Joseph kay Maru'.

"Ah ano kasi Sir, hindi ako pinatulog nu'n dalawang pusa na nakita ko sa dilim kagabi habang palabas ako ng Veranda. Mukha kasing gumagawa pa yata sila ng milagro?" Simulang kwento nito.  

"Pusa, may nakapasok na pusa sa loob ng bahay?" Gulat na tanong ng kanilang Papa. Habang si Joseph napaangat ang mukha napaisip itong bigla. Si Angela napahigpit ang hawak sa kobyertos. 

Habang si Joaquin napangisi na lang sa sinabi nito. Parang alam na nito ang ipinahihiwatig ng katabi. Habang pinipigilan rin ang sariling h'wag itong maingudngud sa lamesa.

"A-ano po kasi Sir, natakot din akong lapitan 'yung mga pusa. Baka kasi lalong mag-ingay, lalong makabulahaw kaya hinayaan ko na lang, alam din naman po siguro ng mga pusa na tres passing sila!hehe" Bahaw na pagtawa pa nito na kunwari'y nagbibiro lang ito. 

Bahagyang tumawa naman ang kanilang Papa, tahimik na tumango-tango lang si Joseph. At si Angela na nakayuko lang at nakikiramdam. 

Bigla s'yang kinabahan, habang sa isip n'ya "posible kayang nakita sila ni Maru' kagabi?" Hindi n'ya naiwasang itanong sa sarili.

"Mabuti naman at hindi mo na inabala 'yung mga pusa. Kasi kung minsan ang mga pusa mapanganib din, lalo na sa mga kumakalaban sa kanila. Kaya mag-iingat ka sa pakikialam sa mga pusa, okay?" Sabi n'ya na hindi man lang nag-abalang tumingin kahit kanino. Habang abala ito sa pagpira-piraso ng kinakain na omelette at isinubo ng sunod-sunod at nginuya pagkatapos nitong magsalita. 

Parang balewala lang dito ang mga sinabi nito. Kahit halata namang may diin ang bawat salita at gigil ang mga kilos nito. Tuloy-tuloy lang ito sa pagkain.

Hindi naman nakatiis si Joseph na hindi magreact sa sinabi n'ya. "You're talking seriously, Bro? It's just only the cats, right?" Patutsada nito sa hindi mapigil na pagbangon ng inis sa kanyang kapatid.

"Yeah, you're right bro! It's only a cats, right Maru'?" Baling nitong tanong kay Maru' na nasa tagiliran nito kung saan ito nakaupo.

"Ye-yes Sir, pusa lang talaga!" Sagot nito, hindi naman talaga n'ya intensyon na gumawa ng gulo. Lalo na kung malalagay s'ya sa peligro. 

Hindi pwedeng mangyari 'yun marami pa s'yang plano na kailangang gawin. Masyado pang maaga para layuan n'ya ng tuluyan ang babaing ito.   

Deretso s'yang humarap kay Angela na nakatingin rin sa kanya at saglit pa s'yang nakipagtitigan dito. Hanggang sa una itong nag-iwas ng tingin at yumuko. 

"Ang galing mo talagang umiwas, paano mo nagagawang titigan ako na parang hindi mo ako kilala? Hindi mo man lang ba naisip na kamukha ako ng Tatay." Bulong ni Maru' sa sarili.

"Now you heard him right,  Brother? Did you think anything else?" Tanong pa ulit ni Joaquin na sadyang nang-iinis.

"Bakit, may dapat pa ba akong isiping iba?" Makahulugan nitong tanong ayaw man n'yang bigyang kulay ang hinala sa isip n'ya.

"Well, why don't you ask to your dog. Baka naman may alam pa s'yang iba? Besides, you believe him right?" Saad ni Joaquin na kanina pa pala naiinis dahil kay Maru'. Hindi n'ya gusto ang  nakikitang ginagawang pagtitig nito kay Angela. H'wag lang itong magkakamali, banta ng isip n'ya.

"Shit! Ano bang problema mo ha, kanina ka pa ah?" Hindi na nakatiis na sigaw ni Joseph kay Joaquin. 

Kanina pa s'ya naiinis sa kapatid, alam n'yang may ipinahihiwatig ito. 

Hindi n'ya gusto ang ganitong pakiramdam, ayaw rin n'yang isipin na tama ang kutob n'ya. 

Dahil hindi n'ya ito mapapatawad kung sakaling totoo man ang nasa isip n'ya.

"Ano bang nangyayari sa inyong dalawa, ha?" Tanong ng kanilang amang si Liandro na biglang naalarma. Dahil sa tono ng pananalita ng dalawang anak na lalaki at hindi n'ya  maintindihan kung anong nangyayari sa mga ito?  

"Bakit hindi n'yo itanong d'yan sa magaling n'yong anak. Kung may problema s'ya, sana h'wag s'yang mandamay ng iba." Mariing salita ni Joseph.

"Kuya, wala akong problema. Ikaw yata ang may problema sa  akin eh, bakit hindi mo na lang sabihin kung anong gusto mong sabihin. Sige na makikinig naman ako! Ano bang gusto mo?" Sarkastikong saad ni Joaquin.

"Eh, gago ka palang talaga..!" Si Joseph na marahas na tumayo na ikinagulat ng lahat. 

Napayakap namang bigla si Angela kay VJ na nagulat din. Agad n'yang tinakpan ang tainga ng bata upang hindi nito marinig ang mga salitang hindi nito dapat marinig. 

Pagkakita dito ni Joaquin, naikuyom nito ang mga palad at marahas ring napatayo.  

"Enough! Magsitigil kayo! Ano bang nangyayari sa inyong dalawa ha? Can we finish to eat our food. Before you continue to fight?" Malakas na sigaw ni Liandro na sinabayan pa ng paghampas nito sa ibabaw ng lamesa, na ikinagulat naman ng lahat. 

Gulat rin silang napalingon sa kanilang ama.




*  *  *

By: LadyGem25

Ang pagkawala ng lahat ng kanyang alaala ang naging dahilan ng pagbabago sa kanyang buhay. 

Hindi man ito sadya at lalong kailanman hindi n'ya ito inasahan. 

Subalit kailangang yakapin ni Angela ang kasalukuyan. Dahil dito na umiikot ngayon ang kanyang mundo. Simula ng magising siya bilang si Angeline Alquiza. 

Pero sino nga ba siya talaga? Hanggang kailan ba s'ya mananatili sa katauhan nito? Kung pwede nga lang sana gagawin n'ya ang lahat, h'wag lang mawala ang lahat ng ito sa kanya. Lalo na ang mga taong napamahal na nang husto sa kanya.

Subalit alam n'yang ang lahat ay may hangganan.

Pero paano kung patuloy siyang habulin ng kanyang nakaraan? 

May mga panaginip na patuloy na gumugulo sa kanyang isip, alam niya at ramdam niyang maaaring may kaugnayan sa nakaraan n'yang buhay.

Hanggang sa makilala niya ang isang babaing sa una pa lamang misteryosa na ang naging dating nito sa kanya. 

Pero sino nga ba ang babaing ito? Na tila gusto pa yatang agawin ang lahat sa kanya, maging ang kanyang kaligayahan.

Ang nakapagtataka pa tila ba may lihim itong galit sa kanya. Gayu'ng hindi naman n'ya ito kilala. Pero hindi nga ba niya ito kilala? Bakit unang narinig pa lang n'ya ang pangalan nito iba na ang pakiramdam n'ya.

May nagawa ba s'yang pagkakamali sa babaing ito o sa kanyang nakaraan? 

Kaya ba walang naghahanap sa kanya. Dahil ba, isa s'yang masamang tao? 

Until one day she just found out that someone was suffering greatly because of her.

After all that happened to her and after forgetting the past. Including the promise not being fulfilled. 

But how can she fulfill it? If she doesn't remember it, after all.


* * *


Author's Note:


Ano man sa istoryang ito ang may pagkakahawig o pagkakatulad sa iba. Kagaya ng pangalan, karakter, lugar, mga salita man o mga pangyayari at iba pa ay hindi po sinasadya.

Ang lahat ng nilalaman ng istoryang ito ay pawang kathang isip lamang. Bunga ng malikot na imahinasyon ng may akda.

Hindi rin po ito maaaring gayahin ng sinuman ng walang pahintulot. Ito po ay orihinal na akda ng inyong lingkod. 



MARAMING SALAMAT!?❤️


_____


BY: MG GEMINI
@LadyGem25

Bai Shin Lin's Group has been captured by the soldiers rummaging the entire forest. At first they resisted but feeling tired and hungry over their situation they decided to get caught. At least for the meantime they can rest for a while and think of their best course of action. 
They were detained outside and both hands and feet tied to a pole.
She didn't recognized it a while ago but the forest seems to be lively at that night. Lots of soldiers are camping.
This situation has never been new to her. Men! Just how many times did she get caught and kidnapped? Her fate really sucks. 
The camping soldiers caught them because they taught they are some kind of mountain people . With their ragged and almost filthy appearance one would think that they are.
Her view caught another cage in front of them which holds ragged and filthy children.So, they were not the only ones then. What would they do to them? Her mind wonder to that taught when a tall man in a sturdy armor peek unto them.
" Remember to tidied up our goods. I don't want to sell them at their unsightly appearance. Their cost will be low"
The man who seems to be a lower ranking soldier immediately nodded to that person. He was their platoon leader. Their unit specializes in finding a certain someone. However, their search is a failure so he decided to have a side business. Selling unfortunate children to other kingdom. Those children who don't have families and are soar to the eye pitch a high price selling into slavery. Of course he made sure that he made business carefully. He doesn't want his general to demote him of his position.
Bai Shin Lin pitied those children. 
One of them woke up just to cry loudly. That kid was about 3-5 years old only.
A soldier went up to the crying kid and shouted him to stop. But the more he shouted at him the more he cried. That's when the soldier dragged the kid out and slap him hard on the cheeks. The poor thing went on flying a few meters leaving his consciousness.
She was petrified to the situation.  The soldier pick the unconscious kid and throw back to the cage like some weightless bag.
"If you won't behave yourself you'll ended to be beaten up" said the leader of the platoon.

There's no way she'll not retaliate. The image of a helpless child was coming right through her mind. And without thinking blatant words come through her mouth.
" You useless piece of jerks!!!" She curse him.
"What did you say, girl?!" The leader went up straight to her and hardly grasp her hair. " Dare to say it again to my face" Xia and Maru are now  at their attack mode. One single wrong move that they would do to her they'll not gonna sit back and watch anymore. She look at the two who has now possess a killing aura and signals them not to interfere with her..
" You useless piece of jerks!!! Just watch and I'll beat your assess and kick you out of your service. you'll pay with what you did to the kid!!!" 
*Slap*
His hands reach her left face. Blood started to drift from her nose.
Tough she felt pain she didn't scream and even snicker to the man.
This time the man reach for her neck and started choking her. Xia can't stand the situation and summon his beast. 
The shock man let go of her upon seeing a wild creature appear out of nowhere and seems to frightened him.
Maru transform into his lion form and ransack the pole which holds them. 
"Soldiers!!!" Tho man shouted to his subordinates to find back up and in no time they were surrounded by large group of soldiers ready for the battle.
The situation is a disadvantage to them. 
They need to get out of this situation and save those little lives.
Arhghh! Why does she felt useless. She can't even on par with those soldiers.
Their only trump card on battle is the creature that Xia summoned but with weapons they have she doubted that this beast would last.
Right at that moment Maru step up while raising his hand towards up the dark sky. He was muttering something to himself. That very moment dark clouds started to form above and strange flying beast comes out from the sky surrounding them.
"I have tolerated you impudent humans, however when it came to the point where you harm my benefactor I will no longer tolerate it. Feel the wrath of a thousand year old wing beast of the celestial realm!!!"
"Stop!" Bai Shin Lin out of nowhere jump to him.
She look at him with a questioning look.
I'm trying to help you here, human.Why don't you thank me later. That was his  taught.
"Maru I'm gratefully but please consider to minimize your damage afterwards? There are innocent bystander nearby. I don't want them to be needlessly hurt by us"
"That's your concern?"
"Yup, can you?"
Hmmm. He hesitate.
" I will let you borrow my phone for a whole day"
The kid's eye twinkle in excitement. He took the bait!
" I'll right, I will minimized my damage to the limit."
The fight between the wing beast and their group started and things got chaotic. She unlock those children's cage and one by one led them to a much more safer ground .As they are running away more and more soldiers came in. 
It came for the worse when a much more leader came in bringing his large group.
General Han Wu just recently arrive upon receiving a report that part of his group is engaging in battle with the wild beast of the forest. He came in just to see the state they were in.  
The platoon leader saluted to him. " What is the cause of this commotion" he look upon their current situation and lots of his soldiers a losing. " We were ambush by a group of people who has control over these creature" what he pointed was the winged beast the ransacking their whole camp.
"Where are the intruder?" He demanded.
" They went over that direction" The platoon leader pointed the trail where Bai Shin Lin's group went. General Han Wu paddle his horse and turn to the way his subordinate pointed. Followed by his men, the general head off straight.
However, this general has no realization of his own men is plotting against him. The platoon leader taught that the situation has come to his side. It's the best time getting rid of this general. A wicked smile form unto his lips.
Upon reaching their destination, there where no traces or trail of people. He turn to face his subordinate who saw their escape.
"Where are they?"he turn.
However, before he knew it he was stabbed behind.
"General Han Wu it seems that this place will be your end" 
All his soldiers turn into him. Eyes and mouths perk up into a nasty smile while turning to him.
The platoon leader has conspire against him together with some soldiers and they are planning to eradicate him on this spot without any eyewitnesses and he'll report that his death was part of the casualty caused by the battle between the monsters.
"Why you!!!" he will not gonna loose without a fight. At least he'll take him to his grave. His wounds are reopening with the movement his doing. Though he didn't care. Right now he defeated some soldiers and only few has left including his traitor.
Not long after, his body give in and he fell to the ground. 
Damn it! He wasn't able to fulfill his duty to his last breath. He will dissappoint this time the Commander. He was full of despair and was about to accept his faith when out of nowhere a lion appeared with a lady on its back pointing arrow to his enemy.With the bright light of the moon the image of this young goddess illuminates his whole surrounding
Ah, this forest is protected by this goddess that's why the monsters retaliated when a group of his men trespass. 
Has this goddess came to rescue him?
The arrow which she is aiming towards the traitor hits and he fell straight to the ground.
But her goddess didn't kill the traitor.
She was truly the emissary of justice!
She turn to him just when he was dripping his consciousness. She hurriedly came off of her beast and frantically runs towards him. 
Ah my goddess... To see up close your beauty is truly a rare opportunity...
His delirium was getting stronger that he's beginning to be deluded. Bai Shin Lin knowing that this man's consciousness is dripping, is a pretty dangerous situation and decided to pull out from her pocket a freshly pick chili pepper and shove into his mouth then. She even crushed it beforehand that it's juicy taste would eventually goes out and would easily leave a flavoring to his mouth.
"Ahhh!" General Han Wu upon feeling the outrageous flavor to his mouth his full  consciousness return to him just to see beggar looking girl in front of him.
 ...and where did his goddess went?

[ The cold and domineering aura]
[Calm and gentle personality]
[Girl of the group]
[Child-Like Immature character]

The typical-timid out of this world Bai Shin Lin has transverse to a parallel historical world and the first thing that comes to her mind was to form her own boygroup. 
"why not create my own boyband! This world is as good  as half dead without the lively music and awesome dance steps" upon declaring and realizing that it's not that easy, she struggles as to recruit her own members and to find the right tune of this world full of treachery and malice.

*photo cover edited
Previously titled ( princess prestige: boyband in another world)

Chapter 3. Sakal

MARU looked for part time jobs. She works four to five hours everyday at iba-iba ang pinapasukan niya. Mas nag-e-enjoy kasi siya sa ganoon, at least hindi siya gaanong magsasawa. 

"Candace, sigurado ka bang kaya mo rito?" nag-aalalang tanong niya sa kaibigan. Mukha kasing hindi ito sanay sa pampisikal na trabaho. At bilang waitress ay kailangan nilang maghatid ng mga order sa iba't ibang mga customer, buong shift. 

"Oo naman. Kukunin at iaabot lang naman ang order," kaswal nitong sagot.

Tuwing Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes at Sabado ay nagpa-part time siya bilang waitress sa isang sikat na bar, ang The Dreams. Malaki ring magbigay ng tip ang mga customer doon lalo na ang mga VIP. Mag-iisang buwan na siyang nagta-trabaho roon kabilan na ang isang linggong training. 

Alas otso ng gabi hanggang ala una ng madaling-araw ang shift niya roon, habang si Candace, o Ace, nama'y magdamag.

"Nabuhusan na naman ako ng alak ng ilang mgasumasayaw!" naiinis na untag niya nang magpalit ng damit. Kasunod niya si Ace. 

Halos umiyak ang kaibigan niya sa kalagitaan ng shift nito. 

"Ayoko na!" 

"I told you. Mapapagod ka," sisi niya rito. 

"Hindi iyon, e. Gusto ko ring uminom pero hindi pwede!" 

"Ha?" nagtatakang tanong niya at inalis ang suot na uniform. 

"Kaya ako sumama sa iyo rito because I like to drink. Hindi ko naman inakala na kapag empleyado, hindi pwedeng mag-inom!" 

"Natural! E, 'di, plakda tayo buong shift? Nagtrabaho pa tayo, 'no? Sana p-um-arty na lang," sarkastiko niyang sagot. 

"Kasi naman... hindi ko alam!" padabog na tinanggal nito ang suot na uniporme. Nasa locker kasi sila at nagbibihis na siya para makauwi. 

"So, suko ka na?" 

"Of course not! I'll take it as a challenge. Baka ito na ang way para malayo na ako sa masamang bisyo." 

"Wow, ang lalim ng masamang bisyo, ah!" 

"Too much alcohol is a bad habit!" katwiran nito.

"O.A. mo na," sita niya at nagbihis na. 

"Mag-inuman na nga lang tayo!" yaya nito sa kanya. 

Umiiling-iling na tinalikuran niya ang kaibigan.

"Hoy, tara na. Libre ko naman," pamimilit nito. 

"A-yo-ko," she mouthed. 

"Pwede na tayong uminom. Tapos na ang shift natin."

"Shift ko lang ang natapos. Ikaw, magtatrabaho ka pa. Kung gusto mong magpatuloy, wear your uniform again and get your ass out of here."

"Sungit naman! Sige na nga! Humanda ka sa off mo."

"Kung mahahanap mo ako," nakangising bulalas niya. Hindi sila magkasabay ng off. Biyernes at Sabado ang kay Ace habang siya ay abala sa tuwing wala siyang trabaho sa bar.

"Hmp!" singhal nito at bumalik na upang magbihis ulit ng uniporme.

"Siraulo talaga." Iyon lamang at umalis na siya ng bar.

Kinabukasan, kahit Biyernes ay kasama niya si Ace sa trabaho. Buong linggo itong magte-training at sa susunod na Linggo pa epektibo ang shift nito na seven ng gabi hanggang four A.M., at Friday-Saturday na off nito.

Buong shift na naman niyang narinig ang nga hanash o hinaing ni Yvonne pero alam niyang wala namang katotohanan ang mga iyon.

Kinabukasan, matapos magsimba ng umaga ay nagpa-spa sila ng kanyang inay bago umuwi. Alam niyang pagod ito sa pagtitinda sa pwesto nila sa palengke, kaya gusto niyang i-pamper ito. They have an eatery inside the public market at katuwang ng kanyang inay ang kanyang stepfather at ang stepsister sa pamamalakad niyon, may dalawang katulong din sila para sa mga hugasin at paghatid ng order sa malapit na mga tindahan sa palengke. Ang mga ito ang may-ari ng kainan sa palengke, doon din nakilala ng kanyang inay isang taon na ang nakararaan.

Mabigat ang loob ng kapatid niya sa kanya dahil 'ika nito ay hindi siya tumutulong sa kainan. Kaya naman na kasi ng mga ito iyon. At isa pa, wala siyang maitutulong sa pagluluto. May dishwasher din naman sila kaya literal na wala siya maiaambag doon.

Sa totoo lang, mas gugustuhin niyang maglagi sa bahay pero hindi niya magawa dahil panay ang sermon sa kanya ng kanyang stepdad. Isabay pa ang kanyang mama kapag nakasumpong ito.

Gaya na lamang ngayon, Linggo, day off niya. Dapat ay nagpapahinga siya pero mas piniling ngayon siya paglitanyahin ang ama.

"Tingnan mo si Luisa, dalagang tulad mo, pero hindi nag-iinarte sa pagtitinda sa palengke. Ikaw, wala ka nang inatupag kung hindi ang mag-inom. Aba, halos araw-araw, umuuwi kang amoy-alak at laging madaling-araw." 

Tumahimik lang siya. No one in her family knows that she's working in a bar. Ang lakas naman yata ng pang-amoy nito? Hindi naman niya suot ang uniporme sa tuwing umuuwi siya galing ng bar, kaya paano nito nalalaman na amoy-alak siya?

She just sighed.

"Hindi ka talaga makikinig, babae ka?" nanggagalaiting tanong nito. Wala pa ang inay niya, dumiretso ito sa palengke at nauna siyang umuwi. Ang kapatid niya ay umalis saglit.

"Magpapahinga na po ako." Iyon lamang at dumiretso na siya sa kwarto niya sa basement. Oo, roon niya piniling maglagi dahil tahimik at maituturing na sound proof ang kwarto. Bagay sa tulad niyang sa halos tulog maghapon. 

Pero nagulat siya nang hablutin ng kanyang amain ang kanyang braso. Hindi niya alam na sumunod ito. 

"Saan ka na naman ba nanggaling kagabi? Sinong lalaki ang kasiping mo? Naamoy ko sa damit mo ang alak!"

Nahihintakutang binawi niya ang braso at lumayo rito. Imposibleng mangamoy alak ang damit niya, pero ang damit panloob niya, hindi malabo, lalo pa't sa tuwing shift niya ay lagi siyang nabububusan ng alak o kahit anong nakalalasing na inumin sa tuwing napapadaan siya sa dance floor para maghatid ng drinks. 

"Ang nanay mo, kinasama lang ako pero hindi kailanman pumayag na sumiping sa akin. Baka ikaw ang magpupunan ng sekswal kong pangangailangan, Maru."

"Ano bang pinagsasabi mo?!"

"Mas bata ka. Mas sariwa. Nakalalasing ang amoy ng bra mo. Pero nitong nakaraan ay laging amoy-alak. Sinu-sino ba ang mga nakakasama mo sa inuman? Siguro kung sinu-sino rin ang sinasayawan mo sa kama, 'no?"

"Baliw ka ba?!" sigaw niya. Hindi siya makapaniwala na may sa demonyo ang ugali ng kanyang amain. Wala sa hinagap niya na nangyayari sa totoong buhay ang ganitong mga pangyayari.

Nanlilisik ang mga mata nito nang padabog na sinara ang pinto.

"Huli ka ngayon!"

Napasinghap siya nang dumiretso ito sa laundry basket niyang nasa tabi ng banyo at dinampot ang kanyang bra. Inamuy-amoy nito iyon na parang isang adik.

"Ang sarap talaga."

"Animal ka!" mura niya.

Mabilis na tumakbo siya sa may pinto pero mas mabilis ito at nahablot ang kanyang buhok. Padarag siyang hiniga sa sahig at sinakal siya ng lalaki.

"Kung hindi rin lang naman kita matitikman, papatayin na lang kita at pagsasawaan ang walang buhay mong katawan. Isusunod ko ang puta mong nanay." Nag-iba ang tingin niya sa lalaking itinuring niyang pangalawang ama. Sa isang iglap ay nawala lahat ang respeto niya rito.

"Mapatay mo man ako, sinusumpa kong hindi matatahimik ang kaluluwa ko... sisiguraduhin kong babalikan kita!" hirap na sambit niya. Halos tumirik na ang kanyang mga mata at nauubusan na siya nang hangin.

"Facundo! Ano'ng ginagawa mo sa anak ko?!" nanginginig na bulalas ng kanyang inay nang bumukas ang pinto. Kasabay jiyon ang pagluwag ng pagkakasakal sa kanya at napaubo siya ng ilang beses. 

"D-Dad?!" humahangos na untag ni Luisa. Nabitawan nito ang iniinumang na milk shake. "Ano'ng...?"

"Ate Maru?" nagtatanong na baling nito sa kanya. Hindi siya makapagsalita sa sobrang gulat at sakit na nararamdaman sa kanyang leeg. Parang marahas na pumipintig iyon.Ang kanyang ina ay nahahapong napaupo sa sahig.

"Dad!" Luisa demanded. Tulala ito at mukhang hindi rin inaasahan ang karahasang nagawa.

"Are you taking drugs again?!" naghihisteryang sigaw ni Luisa at lumapit sa amang nakaupo pa rin sa sahig. Niyugyog nito ang braso ni Facundo. "Ang sabi mo'y matagal ka nang nagbago! Hindi ba't nangako ka sa akin na kapag nakapag-asawa ka ulit, ititigil mo na? Na kaya ka lang naman gumamit ng bawal na gamot ay dahil nangungulila ka kay mommy? Dad naman!" 

Nang makahuma ay pabalyang itinulak ni Facundo si Luisa.

"Istorbo ka!"

Walang sabi-sabing sinakal ni Facundo ang sariling anak.

Nanghihina man at nasisindak sa pangyayari ay hinugot niya ang lahat ng kanyang lakas at dinampot ang paboritong flower vase sa ibabaw ng bedside table at buong-pwersang ipinukpok iyon sa ulo ng lalaki. Mabilis itong nawalan ng malay at pumutok ang parte ng ulo nito na kanyang tinamaan. 

Dumagundong ang kaba sa kanyang dibdib nang hindi na gumagalaw si Luisa. Mabilis na dinaluhan niya ito at ch-in-eck ang pulso. Tumitibok iyon pero mukhang may pumutok na ugat sa leeg nito. She doesn't know exactly.

Her mom lost consciousness and so is Luisa. Mabilis na tumawag siya ng ambulansya at pulis habang kumaripas ng takbo sa kapitbahay para humingi ng tulong sa kanyang mga kamag-anak na walang kaalam-alam sa nangyayari. Hindi na niya nahintay ang ambulansya para kay Luisa at sa kanyang inay, hinatid na nila ang mga ito sa pinakamalapit na ospital gamit ng sasakyan ng kanyang pinsan. Sigurado siyang hindi hahayaan ng mga naiwan doon na makatakas ang kanyang amain. 

Wala na siyang pakialam kung nilulupungan na sila ng mga tsismosa sa barangay nila. Ang importante ay mailigtas ang kanyang pamilya.

Maru excused herself to the stranger. 

"Wait," pigil nito. "You don't look okay. Your lips are pale," pansin nito sa labi niya. Wala sa sariling napahawak siya sa kanyang labi.

"Must be my nude lipstick," kaila niya. "Excuse me, Sir, pero kailangan ko na pong bumalik sa trababo." Magalang na aniya at inalis ang pagkakahawak nito sa kanyang kaliwang braso. Maging ito ay nagulat na nakahawak pala ito sa kanya.

Ngunit bago pa siya makalayo ay tuluyan siyang bumuwal at bumangga sa dibdib nito. Umiikot na ang paningin niya at sigurado siyang hindi na niya kayang lumakad o kumilos mag-isa.

Marahas na napamura ang lalaki at naramdaman na lamang niyang umangat ang kanyang mga paa sa sahig. Binuhat na siya nito at hindi na siya nakatanggi pa lalo na nang lumapat ang mukha niya sa matipunong dibdib nito. Hindi rin sinasadyang nasamyo niya ang panlalaking amoy nito na humahalo sa amoy ng alak.

"Ang bango mo," wala sa sariling pansin niya rito. Mas lalo niyang binaon ang mukha sa dibdib nito 

Marahas itong suminghap at bahagyang dumiin ang pagkakahawak sa kanya.

"Don't move too much. Baka mahulog ka," matigas ang tinig na sambit nito.

Chapter 22. Init

"SINASABI ko na nga ba, may something talaga sa inyo noon pa, eh!" 

Napainom ng tubig si Heizen nang buklatin ulit ni Bomme ang usapan kung saan pinakilala siya ni Ali bilang fiancée nito. Abala na ang mga ito ngayon sa mga gawain at naiwan sila ni Bomme sa loob ng beach house. 

"Uhm..." 

"Don't be shy! I'm married with Damien so I perfectly know how you feel." 

"Ha? Akala ko P. A. ka niya?" 

Humagikgik ito. "To be honest, sa iyo ko nakuha iyong ideyang maging P. A. ako. Akala ko kasi talaga noon, tinatago n'yo lang ang relasyon ninyong dalawa. Pero base kasi sa kwento ni Dam, hindi nagtatagal si Ali sa bakasyon kaya naisip kong baka may L.Q. kayo." Tinutukoy nitong L.Q. ay 'Lover's Quarrel". 

"Ang hilig naman sa tsismis ni Damien," biro niya. 

"Silang lahat, tsismoso 'kamo. Hay, nami-miss ko na agad ang anak namin." 

Nasamid siya sa iniinom. Agad naman siyang inabutan ng tissue. "May anak na kayo?" 

Haumagikgik ito. "Naiwan siya kay mama, nakabakasyon kasi ang mama ko ngayon dito sa Pinas, sa Australia na nakatira."

"Ilang taon na ang baby ninyo?" 

"Turning two this year. Susundan na nga namin si Byron. After this, we will have a honeymoon." 

Wala siyang maapuhap na salita... At pinagselosan pa niya ito kanina lang! Bahagya aiyang nakonsensya. 

"Rati pa kami may relasyon ni Damien. College days." 

"Before debut?" 

Tumango ito. "Dapat nga pakakasal na kami noon. Pero sabi ko, mag-focus muna siya sa career."

Natigilan siya. Hindi ba't ang sabi niya'y pakakasalan na niya si Ali? Hindi kaya tama ito? That she was just too horny that's why she's blabbing about marriage.

"Tara, lumabas ulit tayo. Parang masarap mag-swimming."

Hindi na siya sumunod at nagsabing babalik na siya ng hotel suite. Hindi kasi sila sa beach house tutuloy, mga staffs daw ang matutulog doon mamaya. 

She went to the suite and just sent Ali a text message. It wasn't because of her trauma before. Magaling na siya't nalampasan na ang takot sa crowd. She just wanted some time alone to think.

Magkahiwalay ang suite nilang dalawa ni Ali, suhestisyon niya iyon para iwas issue. Kaya nama'y laking-gulat niya nang pagbuksan ng pinto si Ali. Mabilis na lumabas siya at hinarap ito. Dalawang oras na ang nakalipas mula nang pumunta siya sa kanyang suite at lalabas na sana para kumain ng dinner. 

"K-Kanina ka pa nakatayo riyan?" tanong niya habang sapo ang dibdib. "Ginulat mo naman ako, bakit hindi ka—" 

"I want you already, Heizen."

Bahagya siyang tinulak at sinadal sa nakasarang pintuan. Dumagundong ang kaba sa kanyang dibdib.

"Heize..." Namumungay ang mga mata nito. 

"Nakainom ka ba?" 

Umiling ito at yumakap sa kanya. Sinalo niya ang lahat ng bigat nito nang halikan siya. 

She immediately moaned when she felt his solft lips pressed into hers. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang mapagtantong mainit ang katawan ng lalaki. 

Naputol ang halik at bumaon ang ulo nito sa kanyang leeg. Natarantang kinapa niya ang key card sa bulsa ng kanyang hoodie at nang ma-unlock ang pinto ay pinihit niya ang seradura. Pero dahil sa sobrang bigat ay parehas silang bumalandra sa sahig. 

Ang akala niya ay babagsak sa kanya si Ali pero mabilis na napagpalit nito ang pwesto nila. He winced when she moved on top of him. 

"Inaapoy ka ng lagnat!" bulalas niya't akmang babangon nang higitin siya nito ng yakap. 

"Dito ka lang..." 

"Oo, pero kasi nilalagnat ka pala. Nagmaneho ka pa man din 'tsaka nagpawis. Saglit lang, tatawag ako ng room service para sa gamot." Bahagya ulit siyang bumangon pero hindi agad nakahuma nang maramdam ang unti-unting paglaki ng pagkalalaki nito. He also kicked the door so it would shut. 

"Hmm... Let's just stay like this for a while. Lagnat-laki lang ito." 

Bahagya niya itong tinampal pero hinigit lang ulit siya ng yakap. Napalunok siya nang magdikit ang katawan nila. Sa pakiwari niya ay mas mainit ang pakiramdam niya kaysa rito. 

"I was never joking when I asked you to marry me."

"I know that now. Let me go first, kailangan mo ng gamot. Ang init mo!."

"I want to kiss you but you might get sick, too." 

She did. And while kissing, she slowly moved on top of him, feeling his hard flesh. 

"Heizen, baby, I'm sick..." namamaos na bulalas nito sa pagkitan ng paghalik. 

"And you're horny." 

He groaned to protest.

"Bakit ba kasi nilagnat ka? I was planning to, uh, give in to you tonight," namumulang pag-amin niya. 

"Nagbabad ako sa shower magdamag." 

"Why would you do that?" 

"I couldn't calm down myself. Kinailangan kong magbabad sa malamig na tubig para pigilan anh sariling angkinin ka habang natutulog ka... at halos hubad na."

Napasinghap siya. "Kasalanan ko pa?" biro niya. Napapikit siya ng mariin at umayos ng upo. Mabilis na binaba niya ang suot nitong board shorts. 

"Baby, what are you— fuck!" 

"I'll make you feel good. Huwag kang gumalaw." 

Suminghap ito nang dakmain niya ang katigasan at dahan-dahang ginalaw ang kamay na pinagsiklop niya para mapaligaya ito. 

"You're already leaking... Ang dulas, Ali." 

Napamura ito at mabilis na bumangon at pumaibabaw sa kanya. "I am sick, baby. Mahahawa ka." 

"I— I'll be fine," anas niya. 

Pero sabay silang napakislot nang may kumatok sa pinto niya. Nataranta ma'y mabilis niyang naitaas ang suot na salawal ni Ali at bahagyang inayos ang sarili. 

"Go to the bed," utos niya kay Ali at pinabuksan ng pinto ang kumakatok. 

"Hi!" bati nito. 

Nakilala niya ito. 

"I'm Maru. Uh, nag-presinta na akong maghatid ng gamot kasi sabi ni JD, nilalagnat daw si Ali, tapos busy sila kaya walang magdadala. Bomme will be here shortly as well. Nagluto siya ng pagkain sa beach house, ipagdadala niya kayo." Tila nahihiya pa ito dahil parang iniisip na nakaistorbo ito. 

Nagpasalamat siya at nagmamadali itong umalis, pulang-pula ang mukha ng huli. 

Pinatong niya sa mesita ang dala nitong medicine kit 'tsaka mabilis siyang pumasok sa banyo para maghugas ng kamay at nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang makitang nag-smudge ang lipstick niya. Kaya pala ganoon na lamang ang reaksyon ni Maru kanina, alam nitong may ginagawa silang kamunduhan ni Ali bago ito dumating! 

Nakakahiya! 

Ilang minuto pa, imbes na si Bomme lang ang dumating ay nandoon din ang iba. As if they were checking if Ali was really sick or was just acting like one. Nang mapagtanto namang may lagnat talaga ay umalis din ang mga ito. 

"Ikaw na ang bahala sa kanya," bilin pa sa kanya. 

Nang makaalis ang mga ito ay umupo siya sa gilid ng kama, nakatingin ito sa kanya na parang humihingi ng paumanhin. 

"Matulog ka na," sambit niya at kinintalan ito ng magaan na halik.

"Ibibigay ko ang lahat ng nakasanayan mo, ang lahat ng gusto mo. Pinapangako kong higit pa ang kaya kong ibigay sa iyo."

Few minutes past and a chopper came whirling around the bridge. It landed near the edge where Darryl and his accompany were waiting patiently. Darryl who was in hurry tried to carry Baruk Tam in his arms yet Suma stopped him. His big bare hands dug into Darryl's arms as if warning him not to touch the boy. Maru who saw what Suma did, talked to him in their native language asking him to let loose.
Suma knew what a chopper was for. Since he was a Gunta he usually sees choppers hovering above their island and during one voyage to the mainland, Aki Owens once told them what choppers were for. It was some sort of transportation and so Suma was a little doubtful about the idea of leaving the bridge since he doesn't know where they were heading.
"He needs to see a physician or else he will die" Darryl told Maru who understood what a physician meant. Maru then pleaded with Suma and when the servant understood, he carried Baruk Tam himself and followed Darryl into the chopper. Soon, the three of them loaded the chopper and the flew to the nearest hospital. Suma and Maru was not used to flying by air and so both of them puke. Suma had the worst nausea but he held on desperately to Baruk Tam while Maru just closed her eyes praying that Darryl will save her beloved and not send them to their death instead. Despite the fact that Darryl helped them, she still had reservations because he was a roux blood.
The chopper landed in a tall building of Hampshire hospital and emergency nurses came to welcome them. Since Suma was not feeling well, he had no choice but to let go of Baruk Tam and have the nurses take him. Even Maru was not able to protest not even asked a single question because her head was turning.
***
Xhemin and Handmaid Si was walking on a hallway carrying small baskets with them. They were heading to the palace garden to check on Xhemin's newly planted strawberries. Amongst all the princess, only Xhemin do tedious task like farming, the rest were busy either with their embroideries or playing music. Mother Chieftana was of course against her strawberry farming as princesses were not meant for task like those yet because she was close to the Chieftain, the latter cannot do anything about it.
Truth was that particular morning, Xhemin's head was not really ready for any farming. For a couple of days, she had been planning on how to go to the Devil's lure to check whether Acamilla Apparaus was really there but being a princess made it hard for her to roam around the island freely. Since she entered the royal household, she did nothing but learned their islands rule as well as princesses' lessons, she barely had time to do her farming. Aside from that, the palace was heavily guarded and each princess had Guntas following them around so it was really hard for Xhemin to go outside without being noticed.
While they were walking, Xhemin didn't notice that Princess Wang and her handmaid where going into their direction. Since Xhemin thoughts were roaming around, she did not notice the latter and bump into her unintentionally.
"Oh! I'm so sorry Highest Princess," Xhemin apologize right away. "Were you hurt?"
Princess Wang's eyes held a menace when hit landed onto Xhemin. "I'm fine. How are you first princess?"
"Highest Princess, I'm not—"
"Oh I'm sorry I tend to forget all the time that you are not the first princess but just her dummy" She mocked at the little Miss. Everyone was aware that one of the reasons why the Chieftain adopted Xhemin was because she reminded her of his first born and so Princess Wang used that thing against Xhemin, making her feel that she did not belong in the palace all the time. She looked at Xhemin right then from head to foot with disgust but before she can withdraw her eyes back, it landed on a Xhemin's wrist where a beautiful silver bracelet hung.
"What is this?" The highest Princess pulled Xhemin's arms so she could see the bracelet carefully.
"A gift," Xhemin simply said. She wanted to talk back yet she thought it was rather too early to argue with anyone. Besides, Princess Wang do not annoy her no matter how much she tries.
"From a lover?" Princess Wang explained. Her voice was stern and loud when she asked that both Xhemin and handmaid Si was astounded on her reaction.
"No it isn't," Xhemin told her as she pulled her arms back. She covered the bracelet by cupping it with her other hand. It was important to her as it was Senior Han's gift to her on her seventeenth birthday. She still remembered that night when they surprised them exactly two years ago.
Princess Wang's reaction turned sour. "Liar. Who gave that to you?"
Annoyed by Princess Wang's unreasonable reproached, Xhemin answered mimicking the princess hard tone "None of your business. Besides why would you care?"
"I am the Highest Princess!" Princess Wang hollered loudly "And what you are doing is a straight insult to my face!"
"I don't remember doing anything wrong," Xhemin defended. "Why are you suddenly angry?"
"Acting innocent will do you any good," The Highest Princess replied. Her voice was cracking as if she was trying hard not to cry "Was it not enough that you shamed my sister Princess Tang and now you want to shame me?"
"Huh? But Princess Wang I did not do—"Xhemin was not able to finish her words because Princess Wang turned her back and left immediately. Her handmaid's ran and followed her, feeling sorry for what happened. However, Xhemin do not understand why Princess Wang suddenly went mad and ran away pitiful.
Confused, she turned her head to Handmaid Si who was trying to hold her laughter. "Did I do something wrong?"
The handmaid chuckled more, "You don't have any idea don't you?"
"Enlighten me please," She begged.
"She thought you have a lover already," The handmaid began "It's a great insult to the highest princess if the other princesses below her rank have lovers already. It only meant she had been skipped at"
"What?" Xhemin's exclaimed. "But I don't have a lover,"
"Clearly she didn't believe you," Handmaid Si explained further "Status and ranks are very important in the household. Since Princess Wang is the highest princess it only meant she was the most desirable woman to marry in the whole island. Men should propose to her first as she bear the ultimate title. However, princess Wang do not have suitors until now and if one of her sisters who is below her rank marries first, then it's a direct insult to her as it only meant that somebody was more desirable than her"
"I see. I get it now why she turned so upset" Xhemin said. "But I wonder why would she think that I would marry anytime soon when I'm not in the marrying age,"
"Princess what are you taking about!" Handmaid Si could not believe Xhemin's conclusion "You are nineteen already, that's past the marrying age!"
Handmaid Si let go of a loud guffaw after that with Xhemin's innocence, but Xhemin's reaction to her servant's words was the complete opposite.
If she's past the marrying age.
Does it mean she'll get to have marriage proposal's soon?
"Oh Shit!" Xhemin cursed at the thought.


Warning: Amazingly, absurdly and deliriously funny chaps ahead. Read and laugh at your own risk.

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

"You are one of my many dreams, and the only dream I wish I should have chased desperately" 

Darryl Lemmuel was an aspiring engineer. There was only one word to describe him—exceptional.

He was the only male heir of the Lagdameo clan and the future of L Empire. Apart from that, he was rumored to be financially independent at the age of eight, tricked the present president of L empire—his father— into agreeing with his terms and left home at the age of sixteen to live on his own. He broke all the socialite’s rule to have a good taste of adventure! 

Xhemin Lae Dugmoch was a struggling botanist.

Enrolled in an A-list school, she knew nothing but books, experiments and strawberries. As the granddaughter of a retired famous doctor, Xhemin was very keen in keeping her profile low as per her granddad's wishes. Nobody in the elite community knew that she existed and that her grandfather’s corporation— Feather HealthCare had an heir.

One witty heir and one crazy strawberry girl; their predicament started when their life got tangled up against each other in a conference.

HE suddenly became her target prey.

And SHE was a little trouble not worthy of his attention.

The trouble he soon learned to want— so desperately and dearly wanted.

-----------------------
After a long hiatus, daily updates resumes today (Feb 24, 2019 EST)

Chapter release: 14 Chapters a week 
Regular Updates will be release at 4AM and 4PM EST. 
Bonus Chapters will be marked as bonus


Note: The author publishes raw chapters daily. Editors are still backtracking the unedited parts.

Cover picture is from www.pinterest.ph

As Lu AnLing had walked towards Tang Yiling, there was a voice at the back of her mind that beckoned her to punch Tang Yiling so hard that her face would never recover but at the same time, she knew she couldn't do such a thing. 

Touching her stomach slightly as she began to get closer and closer to the three girls who practically seemed frozen in time, Lu AnLing calmed herself down. 

Once she arrived Lu AnLing put on a clueless expression and said, "Oh my god, Chu Nian, what happened to you?"  

Lu AnLing had truly been concerned, but because she didn't want to spark too much problems, Lu AnLing acted much differently than she would have. 

Lifting her head up to meet Lu AnLing's gaze, Gu Chu Nian said, "Ah... Mrs. Kang... it's nothing."

Hearing this, Lu AnLing frowned and touched the girl's face, "nothing? Your cheek is swelling, let's go get some ice for that..."

Lu AnLing completely ignored Tang Yiling and Ning Jie. 

Truly, now that Lu AnLing had had the time to think it over, she had noticed that it was best not to cause a commotion like Tang Yiling had done. This would only make her look bad in the eyes of her father but that wasn't the only and most important reason why. 

The real reason Lu AnLing didn't want to start something was because her body was no longer her own.  Lu AnLing knew that the first trimester of pregnancy was a very fragile time, and so, she didn't want to allow anything bad to happen to her child. If something did happen, she and Kang Jun would be devastated. 

Taking Gu Chu Nian by the hand, Lu AnLing led the girl away, but before she could take enough steps, Tang Yiling let out a shreik. 

Tang Yiling: "Lu AnLing you bitch! Did you put her up to this!" 

Hearing this, Lu AnLing frowned before she turned to Tang Yiling and said, "Up to what?"

"Don't play dumb! Are you trying to make people doubt my identity as a Tang by calling me Suyin?!" Tang Yiling said with anger pouring out of her every action. 

Lu AnLing had the gist of what had happened but she believed it was best to play dumb, so she said with confusion, "Suyin? Who's Suyin? And why does that have anything to do with your identity?" 

Lu AnLing's innocent act was very convincing. Everyone who surrounded them, including Ning Jie Who was still partially in shock that Tang Yiling had slapped Gu Chu Nian, believe her, but Tang Yiling was still unconvinced.  

"Is this kind of innocent act what you used to seduce Kang Jun? Truly, all you are is a dirty bitch." Tang Yiling said as she approached Lu AnLing tauntingly. 

Tang Yiling wanted to show that she was above Lu AnLing but as she gazed upon the woman's dress, which suited her figure and personality perfectly, Tang Yiling couldn't help but feel a bit bitter. 

Feeling this way, Tang Yiling sneered and as soon as she saw that, Lu AnLing laughed. 

"Careful Yiling, your bitch is showing, and I don't think Elder Tang or father would be too happy to see you making any more of a scene than you already have, mostly when it concerns a family member of the Kang's," Lu AnLing said sweetly. It sounded as if she was trying to protect Tang Yiling, but because of this tone of voice, Tang Yiling began to feel inferior to Lu AnLing and so her anger kept on rising. 

Hearing this, Tang Yiling scoffed. 

"You..." Tang Yiling started as she felt her blood boil. "As you threatening me?"

"Rather than threatening, I'm giving you an incentive to stop embarrassing yourself." Lu AnLing said simply as she gazed arrogantly at Tang Yiling. "Look Yiling, I don't want a fight, I just want to get Trailblazers over with. I want to sing and then be done with this, and if possible, never see your face ever again."

"What if I want a fight?!" Tang Yiling almost screamed. 

Hearing this, even Ning Jie's eyes had widened. 

What the hell was Tang Yiling doing?!

Hearing this, Lu AnLing laughed. "I don't have time for petty fights. But I'm telling you this... if you dare try to harm me, my husband will send you to hell, swiftly and without mercy"

Hearing this, Tang Yiling froze for a moment. This gave Lu AnLing enough time to go back to Gu Chu Nian Who was left in a daze. 

"By the way, If you didn't know, that was a threat." Lu AnLing said as she helped Gu Chu Nian away from the shocked Ning Jie and the embarrassed and ravenous Tang Yiling. 

Watching her walk away, Tang Yiling screamed, "Let's see if you're still able to say such things late tonight!"

Tang Yiling was angry but she tried hard to calm herself down. She had a plan. Today was going to be a good day and she was going to crush Lu AnLing whether she knew it or not!

That was Tang Yiling's vow. 

*** 

When Lu Shuya and Kang Liang got to the location where Lu Shuya had told him to go to, Kang Liang's face twisted. 

Looking around the area, which was filled with either smokers, drinkers or bums of all kinds, Kang Liang couldn't help but feel like this place was unbecoming of Lu Shuya. 

As if she was comfortable in these types of places, Lu Shuya walked down the street, looking at each house number carefully, making sure she didn't pass the man's place without noticing. 

Meanwhile, Kang Liang felt strange about leaving his bike, partially fearing that someone could steal his baby, but at the same time, he couldn't leave Lu Shuya alone. 

Looking between his bike and Lu Shuya, he contemplated a moment about what to do, but noticing that it would be wrong of him to allow the woman to wonder such a seemingly dangerous place alone, he let out an exasperated sigh and ran after her. 

"Wait up!" He said as he caught up to the woman.

Once he got to her side, Kang Liang stopped running and matched her pace before he said, "Are you sure were in the right place?" 

Lu Shuya shrugged. "It's the address he gave me 

"What if this is a trap?" Kang Luang asked with slight fear. He didn't know who this man They were meeting was, but any man who would allow a lady to come to the dangerous part of town was not good in Kang Liang's book. 

However, the boy didn't quite consider his privilege. He had grown up in a good home all his life. He didn't know that some people lived like this not because they were addicts, but because they had no choice. 

Giving Kang Liang an annoyed look, Lu Shuya said, "As I said before, he's not a bad person." 

Hearing this, Kang Liang felt slightly annoyed. He was about to say something else but suddenly, Lu Shuya let out a sound and ran towards a door. 

"This is it!" She said as she knocked. 

Not too long after, a tall man with a beard opened the door. The man looked dirty and ragged, but truly, this was only due to his beard. 

Looking at the man, Kang Luang didn't know what to say but before he could react in any way, the man took Lu Shuya into an embrace.

Six years ago, she left the country brokenhearted and pregnant, after a one night stand. Now, she's back due to her grandmother's deteriorating health and trying to avoid all problems and problematic people from her past. Sadly, that becomes much harder when an aloof, rich and attractive CEO falls in love with her. But they both have problems to deal with that are much bigger than romance. 

Kang Jun, CEO of Kang Corporations and the perfect bachelor, is trying to get guardianship of a child and Lu AnLing, who once believed her search had reached a standstill, wants to find out the truth about what happened to her own child. In order to fulfill both of their goals, they'll need each other. 

"I need your help."

Kang Jun: "Sure I'll help you, but you have to help me first."

"Okay..." AnLing pursed her lips and then looked at Kang Jun shyly. "With what?"

Kang Jun places marriage certificate on the table and then replied calmly, with a smile plastered on his handsome face, "Marry me."

AnLing was left dumbfounded. 

_____________________________

Thank you for checking out the story.

I appreciate every review, comment and stone you guys give the story.  ❤️

There will be 14 chapters/week and a mass release of 6 chapters the 1st of every month. 

Tho depending on where I am on the rankings I'll be adding chapters as in Top 50 = 8 chapters, Top 20 = 10 chapters etc. The story is around 7 Volumes with 50 - 60 chapters per volumes.

Discord: https://discord.gg/jh7nTX2

____________________________
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