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Colton is known in the Philippine Navy Seal for his fierce underwater swimming skills. But in his last mission before marrying his longtime girlfriend, Colton got shot multiple times by their opponents. The pain was unbearable, and he almost lost consciousness. While struggling to hold onto his precious life, soft, enticing lips suddenly pressed against his, bringing him back to life, saving him, and overwhelming his senses. Colton didn't think he would ever see the mysterious woman again after she rescued him. But it seems fate has other plans. The lips he tasted belonged to none other than Karen, the nurse who would be taking care of him as he recovered from the accident. There was no way he would let her slip away from him. Especially now that he had tasted her lips once more. He would have her in his own way... in his own possessive way.
Prologue
Using the high-tech telescope, Colton surveyed from their location a vessel that would carry the rebels they were tracking out of the country. Aside from that, the ship was also loaded with weapons believed to have been stolen from the soldiers they had slain.
The war against the rebels in Zamboanga had stretched on for nearly a month. The affected people in the area endured ceaseless gunfire and explosions day by day.
At eleven o'clock in the evening, the departure of the ship's passengers was scheduled, according to the information they obtained from a trusted source within the rebels' stronghold.
He lowered the telescope he was holding and checked the time on his wristwatch. It's 21:02. Military time.
The crash of the waves and sporadic explosions in the distance were the only sounds in the dark surroundings.
"Colton," his brother Carter called out to him.
Even with only the moonlight illuminating them, Carter managed to handle the weapons they brought. Rifles, bombs, and guns.
"Oh?" He responded curtly.
"I am your big brother-"
"I haven't forgotten that-"
"Show some respect, fucker."
He smirked at his brother. The two of them were tasked with planting bombs on the rebels' vessels. They were a team even before they embarked on their careers in the Philippine Military. They were personally selected by their commodore for this mission to aid the troops in ending the war in Zamboanga.
"Bro, you know how much I love planting bombs in vessels. Give me this opportunity." He removed his long-sleeved shirt, pants, and shoes before putting on the black rush guard overall. "Be my eyes this time."
His brother laid out three bombs on the thick foliage-covered floor. He squatted down to inspect them. He checked each one. They were all sealed to prevent water from seeping in when he ventured into the ocean.
His job was highly perilous, but his heart longed for it. He vowed to risk his life in service of his country. He wanted to be a true hero, not in everyone's eyes but in his own. He wanted to prove to his parents that the path he chose to walk was the right one and that they should be proud of him.
"Can you swim 500 yards within 12 minutes and 30 seconds?" His brother asked skeptically.
"That's only a piece of cake for me," he confidently answered while smirking at his brother, who looked at him with evident doubt on his face. "Trust me with this, it's not like we're even brothers."
"Our parents are waiting for us. Come back here while you still can."
"Even if I'm on my last breath, I'll come back. I promise." He raised his right hand, swearing. "But there has to be a girl here ready to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on me when I return."
"You're still hoping that a girl will end up here?" He shook his head before tossing a bomb to him, which he promptly caught. It hung from his ear, a waterproof listening device. He attached the three sealed bombs to his waist.
"I'll be here at exactly 22:00."
"No, you should be here at 21:57."
"What?" He frowned.
"If you can't handle it, I'll do it." Carter stood up, about to remove the bombs he attached, but he stepped back. No way!
"Alright. I'll be here at 21:57."
"You only have five minutes to plant the bombs," Colton nodded his head and took a deep breath. "I'll be waiting here."
"Noted."
"We are running out of time, Colton. Do your job properly and wisely. I don't want our boss to be disappointed."
"I didn't go through intense training in America just to fail in this mission, bro."
"Good. We need to leave this place at exactly 22:00."
He nodded and determinedly stretched his arms, thighs, legs, and head before giving his brother a fist bump.
"I'm ready!" Colton declared.
"Be safe."
He hid a smile. His brother will always be his brother.
"You too," then he silently waded into the water, taking a deep breath before beginning his strokes.
Colton is part of the Philippine Navy SEAL. Before that, he trained in America for over a year to be a SEAL. He also served there for three years, then he decided to transfer to the Philippines when his parents built a resort in Villa Altaraza as an extension to their mansion. He has dual citizenship since he was born in America.
He also excelled in sniper training in the USA, but he genuinely prefers working in water. He loves the color of the ocean and everything related to the deep blue sea. He enjoys swimming immensely!
"Five minutes more, Colton," he heard his brother's voice through his waterproof listening device.
He hadn't yet felt the strain in his breath due to several minutes of swimming in the dark, chilly sea. He lifted his head slightly to estimate how close he was to the vessel.
"I can see their lookout."
"Of course," the voice on the other end sounded sarcastic. "Don't get caught."
He returned to swimming with little splashing. When the vessel was clearly in his sight, he descended further, gauging the depth before lifting his head slightly from the water.
"We need to leave earlier tonight," he heard that voice from above. He concealed himself beneath the bow of the ship. "By eleven, the boss said this ship should be gone."
"They changed their departure time," he informed his brother.
"What?"
"They moved up the ship's departure. Eleven o'clock."
"Stay with the plan, Colton."
"Yes."
"Hurry. The rebel's getaway ship is set to explode at 22:30."
He didn't speak further and swam beneath the ship. He propelled his body toward the ship's stern, detached one bomb from his waist, and affixed it there.
"Two more to go. Come on, Colton." Carter's voice sounded urgent. "You only have three minutes left."
He submerged his body beneath the water and swam toward the ship's midsection. Just as he did earlier, he attached another bomb there.
He swam faster towards the front of the ship, seeing from above that rebels were boarding, armed and alert. Some were even looking into the water, in his direction. It seemed like they were ready to shoot at the slightest suspicion.
He submerged even further to avoid detection, removing the remaining bomb from his body and sticking it to the ship's bow, coinciding with a light shining down on him from above.
"Fuck..." He silently cursed as he looked up and saw three men holding a flashlight, pointing it in his direction.
"It seemed like something moved just now!"
"Fire your guns!"
Before he could hear the succession of gunshots, he quickly swam away.
He's really skilled in underwater swimming. The training in America was life-threatening, but he was glad he surpassed it.
"Colton!" It was his brother's voice, shocked and concerned at the same time.
He must have heard the gunshots and seen the attack through the telescope.
"There's someone! He's there!"
A series of gunshots echoed, chasing him even as he remained underwater. Above the water's surface, he noticed the red dots following him; they were from rebel rifles.
It wasn't the lack of breath that caused him to slightly slow his strokes, but rather the throbbing pain in his left arm and the spreading ache in his leg.
"Colton! Speak!" He groaned in so much pain as a response, so his brother would know he's still breathing. "Damn! You're alive! Come on!"
Despite the pain in his arm and leg, he still managed to swim to where his brother was. He could endure the pain, but the dwindling air in his chest gradually pulled him down. It was so dark and cold, he couldn't see anything underwater.
He badly needed air! He forced his head above the water, gasping for breath and storing it in his chest. When he opened his eyes, he saw a figure not far away on the shore. His brother.
"Go down! Fucking go down! Colton! They have their snipers at your back!"
Before he could submerge again, he felt the stinging pain in his shoulder and back. Another shot from their opponent hit him, making his body weak and immobile.
If this is the end of his life, he would gladly accept that this is God's plan for him.
At least, before his life would end, he was able to finish his mission. That's the only matter that he is proud of.
Each powerful wave felt like a lash on his body and wounds. With the pain, he felt like a stone with no sensation. He couldn't even manage to take a sip of the salty water.
Colton let the waves carry him to the seashore where his brother, Carter, was waiting.
All he needed was the air to ease the tightness in his chest. He had passed the drowning test to become a full-fledged Navy SEAL, but it seemed like he might drown now.
His legs were numb. He couldn't feel any pain in that part of his body. This added to his concern. Not his legs! No, not his legs!
His eyes were closed, but he knew he was conscious because he could hear his brother repeatedly calling his name along with sharp curses.
"Colton! fuck! Wake up!" His brother gave him CPR, but it didn't seem to have much effect. "You want me to cut off your wedding proposal with Gail?!" He threatened him.
No!
Gail was his longtime girlfriend, and he had been planning to propose to her after this mission. That's why he needed to make it out alive and breathing.
Carter tried to revive him several times, but his body was too weak to respond. It wasn't until he heard a woman's voice from somewhere that he found the strength to fight for his life. Maybe this was the help his body had been waiting for. A mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from a woman didn't sound bad at all.
"Wait! Where are you taking me?" I anxiously asked. I already have an idea of where he's taking me, but my mind is still hopeful for a positive answer. It seems unlikely now as he takes large strides towards the Police Station. "Just a moment, Mister! Please don't take me there! I haven't done anything wrong to you," I plead, on the verge of tears. "You trespassed," he replies, pulling me along. I almost stumble due to the force of his grip on my wrist. "I was just hiding!" I shout, but all I can see is his broad back. Handsome? The hell, Adriana? You still have time to compliment this guy despite what he's doing to you? Blood rushes to my face as we finally enter the station. Cubicles and policemen fill every corner. People are complaining, and some are even arguing, with a police officer trying to intervene. Good heavens, Adriana. What have you gotten yourself into? "Good evening. What's the matter?" A police officer greets us and quickly approaches. I force a laugh and shake my head. "Nothing, sir! Just passing by—" "I saw her hiding inside my car. I don't know her. What charges can I file against her?" he interrupts. My lips part in horror. I look at the man beside me, briefly seeing how handsome he is. But fear and anxiety prevent me from admiring him further. "Quit it! I'm just avoiding my debtor!" "Did she steal anything, Sir?" I shift my gaze to the police officer. He looks at me for a moment. I sniff, holding back tears. "None. I don't have important things in my car. But I don't like the idea of a stranger hiding inside it while I'm out. Don't you think it's dangerous? What if she has malicious intentions?" My forehead wrinkles at his words. With one hand, I slap his arm. How pretentious! "And what harm could I do to you? Look at your huge physique! Do you think I can do anything to you? And even if you have important stuff inside your car, I don't care!" I yell in frustration. People are now looking at us, but I ignore them. Damn! I feel so frustrated and messed up right now. What does he think of me? Committing a crime? Being a thief? If only I could reveal my true life situation, I would. But I can't. I gulp as the man's dark eyes settle on me. He raises an eyebrow, as if finding my words unbelievable. "This woman seems to be telling the truth, Sir. She looks decent and doesn't seem like she'd do anything mischievous," the police officer says, looking at me. I smile at him, relieved that he sees me as a decent person. The policeman smiles back, but his gaze travels down my body. I frown at the kind of look he's giving me. "Looks can be deceiving. Send her to jail and let her stay there until tomorrow. If you won't do it, I have no choice but to file a complaint against you," he says, releasing his grip on my arm.
"Can we just forget that? I want you to forget what happened last night, that was a mistake!" She shouted at me, she's angry. Now I know why she's blushing, it's because she's angry but— what does she say? Forget? Immediately my head heated up because of what she said. "Mistake? Forget? how can I forget that moment whenever I will see my bed your naked body was the one who I always see there? ”I shouted at her, I am now mad. I slowly approached her. I saw how her cute eyes forms into a big circle when I step closer, once again. "D-Demeur ..." she called my name sweetly. That would have worked for me if I was in the right frame of mind but I'm angry now. I am now mad because of what have she said. "How can I forget that whenever I will close my eyes your lovely moan were the one I will here?" I asked her. "C-Can you p-please stop–" "How can I forget that when my body and mind is always looking for you? Tell me Anaya, how can I forget that night? How can I forget that baby?"
"I miss you and love you so much huh?" I was startled when I heard Ethan's voice behind me. "Who's that?! Your man?!" I closed my eyes when he screamed. He held my elbow so tightly that I winced from the pain. "Ouch, E-etha--" "Answer me!! Do you have a boyfriend?!!" He tightened his hold on my elbow even more. I immediately shook my head. "W-nothing" He threw me on the bed and ran. he brought his face close to my ear and whispered. "Just make sure. Because it's time to find out if you have a man. I won't think twice about killing that man."
"I'm Pregnant." I mustered up the courage to say those words in front of my husband. But he slapped me. My cheek tilted due to the strong force of his palm landing on my cheek, At the same time my tears began to fall. "Stop this bullshit!" he shouted loudly and threw the glass he was holding in front of me with all his might. I felt my toe splash because of the pain. I sat on the floor and did nothing but cry. How do we go wrong? "Did you hear me? I'm pregnant with your child." "Abort it". this cold answer to me made my heart tingle even more with pain. I couldn't believe looking at him. "W-what did you say?" He looks at me with disgust on his face. "I said Abort it, I don't want to have that damn child and I never wish to have a family with you, disgusting, so now leave and better get rid of that Fcking child." He firmly promised, you hurt me again for next time I am already crushed. How can you be so ruthless with your own child? I'm His Obsession that's why he doesn't want a child, all he wants is me. my body. He has everything, wealth and popularity but he doesn't know how to love. He's a CEO for fuck's sake. He can revive this child but he prefers to lose him because of his selfishness.
I smiled at my husband. They are the best gift of all. And here I thought I was an Unloved Princess. The first thing that was happened in Datlia was just a challenge, a challenge for me. And the one who stole my first kiss became my loving husband. You really can't tell the future. The future is unpredictable, and I am happy that it despite the challenge that I've been through, I didn't give up. Now this is the payment of all those.
I SILENTLY stared at the emptiness. I could see from the veranda the lights in the neighborhood. I gasped. How I wish I could be one of them --- an ordinary person who is free to live as normal. I am KEINTH LUCAS HARRISON, from the best clan in the town of Sta. Monica. I have no friends, and I used to be alone since then. But I'd rather be like this, than let other people know my secret, or should I say .. My family's SECRET.
"Sign the divorce papers and get out!" Leanna got married to pay a debt, but she was betrayed by her husband and shunned by her in-laws. Seeing that her efforts were in vain, she agreed to divorce and claimed her half of the properties. With her purse plump from the settlement, Leanna enjoyed her newfound freedom. The constant harassment from her ex's mistress never fazed her. She took back her identities as top hacker, champion racer, medical professor, and renowned jewelry designer. Then someone discovered her secret. Matthew smiled. "Will you have me as your next husband?"
He told her to call him Daddy. Not because he earned it, but because he fucking owned her. The moment she signed that contract, she stopped being a woman with dignity and became his filthy little plaything. His holes to use. His mess to ruin. He didn't just fuck her, he rewired her. Stripped her clean of boundaries and filled her with sin. Every punishment made her scream. Every game dragged her deeper into his twisted world. And the way he praised her... Good girl. She should've run the first time he said it. But Daddy doesn't let his toys leave. He breaks them until they beg to stay. ** Mia's life changed the night she let a stranger ruin her. One night. She never expected to see him again. Until she walked into her new job... and her boss turned around. Ace.Her one-night sin in a thousand-dollar suit. Only this time, he wasn't asking her to be his assistant. She was to be his wife.
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she grabbed a random stranger and declared, "Let's get married!" She had acted on impulse, realizing too late that her new husband was the notorious rascal, Collin. The public laughed at her, and even her runaway ex offered to reconcile. But Linsey scoffed at him. "My husband and I are very much in love!" Everyone thought she was delusional. Then Collin was revealed to be the richest man in the world. In front of everyone, he got down on one knee and held up a stunning diamond ring. "I look forward to our forever, honey."
Joelle thought she could change Adrian's heart after three years of marriage, but she realized too late that it already belonged to another woman. "Give me a baby, and I'll set you free." The day Joelle went into labor, Adrian was traveling with his mistress on his private jet. "I don't care whom you love. My debt is paid. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other." Not long after Joelle left, Adrian found himself begging on his knees. "Please come back to me."
After two years of marriage, Sadie was finally pregnant. Filled with hope and joy, she was blindsided when Noah asked for a divorce. During a failed attempt on her life, Sadie found herself lying in a pool of blood, desperately calling Noah to ask him to save her and the baby. But her calls went unanswered. Shattered by his betrayal, she left the country. Time passed, and Sadie was about to be wed for a second time. Noah appeared in a frenzy and fell to his knees. "How dare you marry someone else after bearing my child?"