Apphia Siren Gracia was the only daughter of a famous tycoon in Spain, managing chains of malls globally. Her life was princess-like living in a mansion with her grandmother and loving parents. Pero kahit perpekto at pangarap ng halos lahat ng tao ang buhay na tinatamasa niya, she somehow feels incomplete. As she grew older, napagtanto niyang hindi niya lubusang kilala ang sarili. She concluded that maybe it is because she grew up in Spain even though she has a fraction of Filipino blood in her veins. Kahit mapuslaw ang kulay ng balat nito at matatas magsalita ng Español kagaya ng mga karaniwang kastila. She then started to dream about the Philippines. Her other country! Circumstances were on her side later on as it makes a way for her ultimate dream to finally come true. Will Philippines finally complete her being? O mas lalo lang gugulo ang mundo niya dahil sa susunod pang magaganap? Leal Ricker Garrido was still on the other hand the only son of another businessman based on Manila. He's carefree and socialite making him famous with peers his age. His summer life turned out the way he planned it to be, not until their late farewell party. As a result, his mother decided to send him home to his grandparents in the province with his cousins. What would happen if their two different worlds collide? Masasabi ba nilang, nagkataon lang na nagkrus ang landas nila kagaya ng mga taong nalalagpasan lang sa daan at nakakalimutan din kalaunan? O magiging parte sila ng buhay ng isa't isa?
Society describes the world, imperfect. Magulo, maingay, masakit at hindi, masaya maaliwalas at puno ng pag-asa. Why do you think it is what it is? Because it is what it meant to be. Can you experience joy without pain, peace without war, and order without chaos? No. It is designed to be that way to appreciate everything.
The sun begun to set and the sky gradually colored orange which reflects to the peaceful sea. Tanaw ang dagat sa parteng ito samantalang ang nagsisimulang pagningning ng mga ilaw sa buong Espanya ang nasa kabilang dako. We were occupying a luxurious suite in one of the tallest and grandest hotel in Spain kung saan gaganapin ang party ni Mommy.
Today marks an important event for us. Mom finally decides to invest in her long time dream to build her own jewelry brand. Pinag aralan niya iyon ng ilang taon na pinaniwalaan ni Daddy at sinuportahan ni Lola.
Three knocks on my door, then I hurriedly grab my clutch to get out of my room. Daddy, wearing a suit looked so handsome at mas lalong bumabata. He's half Spanish kaya ang balat niya ay mapuslaw. He's holding Mommy's waist in front of the full length mirror. I was in awe nang makita ang ayos ng ina. She's wearing a simple yet elegant red laced long sleeved tight dress with a thigh high slit na may kumikinang na crystals.
I give Daddy a hug nang bumitiw ito kay Mommy hinarap ako. He returned the favor before kissing my forehead. "You're so beautiful anak." He whispered.
"Mas maganda pa kay Mommy, Dad?" I raised a brow.
"I'll have both." He chuckled.
My Dad's always been like that. Walang oras na hindi ko naramdaman ang pagmamahal niya. I think I didn't even saw him getting angry about something dahil madalas ay palangiti at kalmado. I always admire his love for our family, for my Mommy. Madalas ay abala siya sa kompanya at pamamalakad ng iilang malls but he never failed as a father and husband. Sometimes, nahuhuli ko siyang nagluluto ng breakfast, on Sundays, he'll go with us to attend mass and on special occasions, he'll dance with my Mom on our wide living room.
Pagpasok namin sa venue ay puno na ang inilaang mga mesa. Dad introduced me to some respected persons in their field habang si Mommy ay inasikaso ang iba pang guest. I just smiled and nod and bow the whole time of the introduction thingy. Nang maaliw si Dad ay tsaka na ako nagpaalam na pupunta sa aming mesa.
Eunice Rebecca was sitting graciously at her spot holding a glass of wine. She matured! Iyon ang una kong napansin. Bukod sa maiksi at mahigpit nitong damit, her body grew! She's more of a woman now compared to me kahit magkaedaran lang. Her lips was in bold red while her usually straight silky hair is in big curls making her looked too mature.
"Cous! I missed you!" sigaw niya nang mapansin ako. Thankfully the audio was too loud para marinig siya ng mga tao. Though may iilang lumingon pero hindi gaanong agaw atensiyon.
"Becca! Yung boses mo!" I rolled my eyes.
She giggled. "Sorry. I just missed you so much." Aniya bago pinasadahan ang suot ko which compared to her ay mukhang konserbatibo. I wore a white puffed short sleeve dress in knee length na may intricate designs of crystals and some hand made embroidery.
"What's with that examining glance?"
"Taray ha! Wala! Ang ganda mo pa rin!" she hooked my arm with her hands bago iginiya sa pag-upo sa aming table.
Hindi na kami gaanong nag-usap since nagsimula na ang program at dumagsa na rin sina Lola, Daddy, Mommy and other people na medyo malayo nang kamag-anak sa aming mesa. Nararamdaman kong marami siyang gustong itanong o ikwento ngunit hindi iyon nagawa dahil katabi niya si Lola who's strict when it comes to etiquette. She only glances to my side from time to time at kung miminsang nagkakasalubong ang mga mata namin at tinataasan ko ng kilay na iniilingan niya.
The program didn't last that long. We raised a toast at nagspeech si mommy para sa magiging plano niya at bakit naisipan ang ganitong proyekto. Everyone was so impressed the way she expressed her self and manage to talk with conviction.
"Congratulations Vera!" Sinalubong siya ni Lola matapos bumaba ng entablado. Everyone was now settled in their assigned seats for dinner kaya medyo umingay na rin ng kaunti.
Mommy smiled before embracing Lola. "Thank you, Mama."
They're like the opposite of in-laws in some soap operas that I watch. Mas nagmukha pa silang mag-ina kaysa kay Dad.
"Kanina pa ako nagpipigil. Kahit kailan hindi ko talaga magugustuhan ang ganitong set up ng party! Nakakasakal." Reklamo ni Becca ng magsimula ng mag serve ng appetizers. It was always her line everytime we attend formal occasions kaya ipinagkibit balikat ko lamang iyon.
"Ada! Who's that guy!?" she asked pursing her lips towards another table's direction.
"Anak ata ng kasosyo nina Dad. Bakit?"
"Gwapo." She smirked. "mukhang bagay kayo."
"Not interested. Napakilala na sakin yan. He seems jolly at palakaibigan, Pilipino din."
"Yun naman pala. Bakit ayaw mo?"
"Kasi ayoko! If you can't explain why you fall in love, then it is acceptable not to explain refusal."
"Ang taray! Pinapairal mo na naman iyang kamalditahan mo!" she chuckled.
Busy ang lahat sa pagkain at kanikanilang ginagawa kaya malaya kaming nagdadaldalan ni Becca. Even Lola was busy catching up with our relatives.
"How's Spain? I heard mas lalo ka pang gumagaling magpinta ah."
"Ganun pa rin naman walang malakihang pagbabago."
"Home schooling ka pa rin ano? Gosh hindi ko alam kung pano mo nakakakaya! Hanga na talaga ako sayo."
"Not that hard. You just have to deal with your self and the educator. That's all." I shrugged.
"Boring!"
Padarag niyang binitawan ang mga kubyertos bago uminom ng tubig. Akala ko doon na nagtatapos ang pagtatanong niya ngunit nagkakamali ako. She shifted her body facing me as if giving her full attention.
"I'm free tomorrow and I planned to go shopping at balak kong isama ka. I wonder if nakakalabas ka pa ba ng bahay."
Inirapan ko siya at masamang tinignan. "Of course Idiot! Hindi ako nakakulong?"
"Fine, whatever. Basta magsho-shopping tayo bukas so free your schedule." Deklara niya.
"Ada anak, what do you think?" I cluelessly looked at my mom ng tawagin ako. They are all looking at me as if waiting for something. Nilingon ko si Becca kung may alam siya sa topic nila ngunit ipinagkibit balikat niya lamang iyon.
"One of our partners suggested to build a branch in our province sa Pilipinas and it's actually a good idea. Me and your mom was planning to go, to personally supervise since tapos na naman ang mga branches dito. Matatagalan iyon for sure kaya we were about to ask you kung gusto mo bang sumama o maiiwan ka lang dito with your Lola. Bibisita naman kami madalas."
I was in awe sa narinig na halos hindi makapagsalita. This is almost one of my dreams! I never been to the Philippines, the land where I was born. All I knew was facts based on research and some videos. Kaya ngayong tinatanong ako kung ano ang opinyon ko ay umiling ako. Kumunot ang noo ni Dad.
"Sasama po ako."
" Then, you need to transfer school there. And you requested to be in an actual school right? Kaya mo ba? " Mommy's eyes was full of concern when she asked that. Pero tumango ako ng paulit-ulit making her sigh in agreement.
"I heard mainit raw dun. For sure mangingitim ang kumikintab mong balat. Siguro nga di ka aabot ng isang linggo dun." Becca laughed.
I irritatedly eyed her ngunit ngumiti lang ito at nag peace sign.
"Wanna bet? I'm not obsessed with my skin, at siguro naman may aircon dun kahit papano. "
"Sige ba! I've been there! Everything was so beautiful except for the heat of the sun! Halos ilang araw rin ang binabad ko sa gatas nun para bumalik sa dating kulay. Pagnagtagal ka, doon din ako mag-aaral next school year!" Hamon niya.
"Deal!"
Caught in a web of betrayal, Nicole's life shatters in a single evening when her mother-in-law, Veronica, sets her up in an elaborate scheme. Blindsided, Nicole faces her husband Taylor's cold rage as he casts her out of his life and home, accusing her of infidelity and theft. As she tries to defend herself, her best friend, Sarah, adds another blow by denying their loyalty. "Please, Taylor, you have to believe me!" Nicole pleads, her voice breaking, but his icy response is a dagger to her heart. "I don't hate you, Nicole," he sneers. "I despise you." When Nicole reveals she's pregnant, she hopes for compassion, but it only fuels Veronica's determination to rid the family of her. After signing the divorce papers, a dejected Nicole wanders alone, where a brutal attack leaves her bleeding, helpless, and desperate to protect her unborn child. Six years later, Nicole returns from the ashes to inflict seven times the pains upon those who humiliated her and left her to die. "I'll make them pay so dearly that they'd regret ever been born!" She declares. This is a story of romance and revenge you don't want to miss!
COALESCENCE OF THE FIVE SERIES BOOK ONE: THE 5-TIME REJECTED GAMMA & THE LYCAN KING BOOK TWO: THE ROGUES WHO WENT ROGUE BOOK THREE: THE INDOMITABLE HUNTRESS & THE HARDENED DUKE *** BOOK ONE: After being rejected by 5 mates, Gamma Lucianne pleaded with the Moon Goddess to spare her from any further mate-bonds. To her dismay, she is being bonded for the sixth time. What’s worse is that her sixth-chance mate is the most powerful creature ruling over all werewolves and Lycans - the Lycan King himself. She is certain, dead certain, that a rejection would come sooner or later, though she hopes for it to be sooner. King Alexandar was ecstatic to meet his bonded mate, and couldn’t thank their Goddess enough for gifting him someone so perfect. However, he soon realizes that this gift is reluctant to accept him, and more than willing to sever their bond. He tries to connect with her but she seems so far away. He is desperate to get intimate with her but she seems reluctant to open up to him. He tries to tell her that he is willing to commit to her for the rest of his life but she doesn’t seem to believe him. He is pleading for a chance: a chance to get to know her; a chance to show her that he’s different; and a chance to love her. But when not-so-subtle crushes, jealous suitors, self-entitled Queen-wannabes, an old flame, a silent protector and a past wedding engagement threaten to jeopardize their relationship, will Lucianne and Xandar still choose to be together? Is their love strong enough to overcome everything and everyone? Or will Lucianne resort to enduring a sixth rejection from the one person she thought she could entrust her heart with?
For as long as Emily can remember, she has wanted to overcome her shyness and explore her sexuality. Still, everything changes when she receives an invitation to visit one of the town's most prestigious BDSM clubs, DESIRE'S DEN. On the day she chose to peruse the club, she noticed three men, all dressed in suits, standing on the upper level, near the railing. Despite her limited vision, she persisted in fixating on them. Their towering statues belied the toned bodies concealed by their sharply tailored suits-or so she could tell. The hair of two of them was short and dark, and the third had light brown-possibly blond-hair that reached the shoulders. The dark, crimson background incised their figures, exuding an air of mystery and strength. They stood in stark contrast to the unfiltered, primal energy that pulsed through the club. Shocked by the desires these men aroused in her, she was disappointed to learn that they were masters seeking a slave to divide and conquer. She couldn't afford the fee, and she also realized that they were outside her league. Emily hurriedly left the club, feeling disappointed and depressed, unaware that she had also caught the group's attention. A world of wicked pleasure, three handsome men. Over the years, they have lived a life of decadence, their lavish lair serving as a stage for their most sinister desires. But despite the unending parade of willing subjects, one woman sticks out. A mysterious stranger with white porcelain skin and a killer body, a slave, a name with no address, the first lady to attract their eye and they will go to any length to obtain her no matter the consequences.
"You're pathetic!" Brenden sneered, each word cutting deep into Corinna's heart. Years of emotional wounds had drained every ounce of love she once held. "I've wasted enough time on you. If there's a next life, I hope we never meet again." Her words severed the bond between them like a blade. From that moment on, Brenden was haunted by her absence—unable to sleep, longing for the warmth he took for granted.
She thought he was the villain. He was only trying to save his soul. Rena lives in a world of sunshine, sweets, and simple dreams. Until one reckless decision drops her into a dark realm of secrets, curses and werewolves. Kidnapped, heartbroken. She doesn't know who to trust anymore especially not Logan, the arrogant, cruel Alpha who's keeping her as a hostage. Until she discovers his dark secret. He's been hearing her thoughts all along. Now the walls between them are crumbling. And when feelings grow where hatred once lived, a curse demands that blood becomes a love that demands sacrifice. But how can she give her heart to the one who might need it to die?
P-please, I beg you. Come let's go tell Christian I had no hand in whatever happened, p-please." I clutched the lapel of his jacket desperately. "Let's go. You need to tell my husband you were paid." "Young lady, you're harassing me." His tone was cold and his stare granite. But I could care less. "You harassed me first! You had sex with me without my consent, my husband knows and now I'm pregnant with this child he doesn't want. You ruined my marriage! I-I hate you!" ************************************ Caught by her husband with another man on their matrimonial bed the morning after her birthday, Hailey Codza could not defend herself. As though it's not enough, she gets pregnant. Her enraged husband decides to pay her back for her infidelity by having an affair with his ex-girlfriend - Denise Kellers, the family Hailey never knew she had. Losing her family's wealth and company to her husband and his ex (now girlfriend), she is devastated, homeless and penniless as all her credit cards are blocked by her husband. She sees the man who is responsible for her pregnancy. The man she has no idea how he'd found his way to her matrimonial bed - Jared Johnson. Jared is annoyed when this strange woman disrupts his meeting and accuses him of ruining her life, marriage and impregnating her. It affects his business deals and having no choice, he marries her to calm the public whilst engaged to someone else. But he loathes her and allows his family treats her badly. Hailey who has fallen in love with Jared is broken when she can no longer take the humiliation. She signs the divorce papers and leaves, only to arrive six years later to the country as a self-made, secret billionaire and a mother of twins. Now her two ex-husbands are begging to have her back...