#1

I opened the door to welcome him, a daily ritual that had become second nature.

May mga ngiti sa aking mga labi, niyakap ko ang aking papel para pagsilbihan siya ng mabuti upang mapanatili ang kanyang matinding pagnanasa sa akin.

Kailangan kong maging masunurin,  kumapit ng mahigpit sa suporta na binibigay niya sa akin.

Sa mga sandaling nakalapit ako sa kanya, itinaas ko ang aking kamay, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

“I’m done cooking, and I’ve also filled the bathtub. What do you want to do first?” nilangkapan ko ng saya ang aking boses.

“Take a bath with me,” he replied, his deep voice sending ripples of warmth through me.

I smiled, nodding as I grasped his arm, and we began our ascent up the stairs.

Sa paghakbang naming paakyat ng hagdan, I recalled the first time his deep voice sent chills down my spine.

…..

“Come here,” he had commanded, each syllable laced with authority.

Nanginig ako ng muli kong marinig ang boses niyang iyon. Ang aking buong katawan ay nanginginig na tila ako naipako sa aking kinatatayuan, hindi ako makagalaw.

“Did you hear me? I said come here,” he repeated, his tone tinged with irritation.

I swallowing hard, I cautiously stepped closer, my knees quaking with anxiety. It took all my strength to approach him, teetering on the edge of fear.

Kung hindi ko kinakalma ang sarili ko, I might have crumpled to the floor under the weight of his intimidating presence.

“Are you afraid of me?” he inquired, his gaze piercing.

Hindi ako nakaimik ng marinig ko ang tanong niyang iyon. Ano ba ang dapat kong isagot? Nag aalala ako na kapag ibinuka ko ang aking bibig at magsalita ay baka mali lamang ang maisagot ko at tuluyan pa siyang magalit sa akin.

“Why? Give me a reason why you’re afraid? I haven’t done anything to you yet,” he pressed, his voice a mix of curiosity and frustration.

As he lifted his hand to hold mine, I flinched, instinctively taking a step back.

I bent my head, unable to meet his eyes, even in the dim light of the room illuminated only by the soft glow of moonlight spilling through the window.

The shadows danced across his face, making his eyes flash as though they were a warning—not of danger, but of a bond I was both drawn to and terrified of.

“Are you having second thoughts? You know there’s nothing you can do even if you want to back out now. I don’t give money for nothing,” he said, and I felt a lump form in my throat as I struggled to swallow my apprehension, caught between desire and dread.

Nagdadalawang isip ako kung hahakbang pa ba akong palapit sa kanya, nanginginig ang mga tuhod ko, hindi makalma ang pagkabalisa na kumalat sa buong katawan ko

Ngunit, bago pa man ako makakilos, umangat ang kamay niya, humawak sa pulso ko at hinatak palapit sa kanya, bumagsak ako mismo paupo sa kandungan niya.

A shiver ran down my spine as his warm breath brushed against the back of my neck. Lalo na ng maramdaman ko ang natigas na bagay na iyon sa pang upo ko.

“S-sir,” I whispered, my voice a fragile murmur, thick with nervousness.

“As I mentioned before, you will take her place,” he responded, ang malalim niyang boses na bumasak sa katahimikan sa buong silid.

“Fulfill the duties of a wife for her husband. As long as she remains absent, our contract will bind you to this role.”

The weight of his words sunk into my mind, a chilling reminder of the agreement I had signed. I would become his canary, trapped in this arrangement for a significant sum of money.

Naisip ko noong una? Bakit ako? Marami naman diyang babae na pupuno ng pangangailangan niya?

I flinched as I felt his lips graze my neck.

“Your natural scent is so fragrant. Hmm,” he murmured in a hoarse voice, each syllable sending shivers down my spine.

Before I could process his words, he grasped the back of my neck, pulling me closer, and then kissed me fiercely.

My eyes widened in surprise; this was my first kiss, and I was utterly unprepared. And a kiss from a man.

Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang magkakahalong imosyon na bumalot sa aking pakiramdam, hindi ko alam kung ano ang dapat kung ikilos, o di kaya naman hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang susunod na gagawin?

“Close your eyes, and open your mouth,” he commanded in a low voice that resonated only for me.

At his words, my eyelids fluttered open, and as I hesitated for a moment, my lips barely parted to comply with his desire.

Surrendering to his request, I felt the intensity of his kiss deepen, his tongue sliding into my mouth with a thrilling urgency.

Nakakliyong pakiramdam ang bumalot sa akin, tila ako mahihilo sa kakaibang sensasyong dulot ng kanyang halik, ang dila niya na nasa loob ng bibig ko, naglulumikot, sumisipsip. Nakakapangilabot.

Paano ang isang tulad niya na malakas ang aura, malakas ang karisma, malakas ang dating ay tila uhaw na uhaw sa paghalik sa akin gayong isa din akong lalaki.

I was lost in a complexity of emotions, struggling to name the strange and exhilarating feeling gripping my heart. It felt as if my sanity was momentarily abandoned, overtaken by an overwhelming tide of passion.

Kusang gumalaw ang aking mga labi, ang dila ko na kanina ay naninigas sa loob ng bibig ko ay kusang kumilos at ginaya ang galaw ng dila niya sa loob ng bibig ko.

Tuluyan akong nadarang, nakalimutan ang dahilan kung bakit ba ako ngayon narito, binalot na ako ng init na sinilaban ng kanyang mga halik.

…..

I woke up the next morning feeling as though I had been battered by the weight of my own body.

As I attempted to sit up, a sharp wince of pain shot through my hip, reminding me of the previous night’s newfound experiences.

Naipinid ko ang aking mga labi, naramdaman ko ang pag iinit ng mukha ko ng bumalik sa alaala ko ang namagitan sa amin kagabi.

It was the first day of our contract, marking my initiation into a world I had never known.

At nineteen, I had never experienced a romantic relationship; he was my first in every sense.

The first hold, the first caress, the first kiss—he was the man who made me feel whole, leaving a mark on my soul with his claim. Na ang akala ko ay babae lamang ang makakaranas ng ganun.

Nagpakawala ako ng malalim na paghinga, napangiwi pa ako ng muli kong sinubukang gumalaw.

My body was reluctant to cooperate, parang gusto ko na lang bumalik sa pagkakahiga ko sa kama at huwag na munang bumangon pa.

Despite this, I fought through the fatigue and managed to swing my legs over the side, preparing to stand.

Just then, I heard the door creak open, and the sound of footsteps filled the quiet room, prompting me to instinctively turn around.

As he approached, pakiramdam ko ay biglang bumagal ang paggalaw ng oras habang nakatingin sa kanya.

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him; it was the first time I truly noticed his features.

He was undeniably handsome—strikingly so. His eyes held a depth that seemed to reach right into my soul, pulling me in with an intensity I had never experienced. His lips, naturally tinted with a soft red, curved elegantly, while his sharp nose complemented the strong lines of his face.

And his height—if I stood beside him, I would barely reach his shoulders. The broadness of his shoulders enhanced his striking posture, exuding confidence and strength.

“Are you done staring?” he asked, breaking the spell and making me blink in surprise.

Sa kanyang mga salita ay bumalik aa huwesyo ang kamalayan ko, and I found myself bowing my head, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

“Just rest; you don’t need to do any housework. There are helpers who will do that,” he continued, his voice firm and commanding

I couldn’t summon a reply, instead choosing to look up at him again and nod, feeling an overwhelming sense of vulnerability in his presence.

“I have a business trip. I’ll be gone for two days,” he said, his tone shifting to something more serious.

“In those two days, you’ll probably have regained your strength. And I don’t want you to lose consciousness in the middle of me possessing you again.”

Ang mga katagang binitawan niya ay nakapagpainit ng mukha ko, bumalik sa alaala ko kung paano niya ako inanggkin kagabi na hindi ko namalayan na nawalan pala ako ng malay. I couldn’t muster the courage to meet his gaze again.

“Rest well and behave while I’m gone,” he commanded softly, a reminder woven into his authority.

Before I could respond, he turned and left the room, leaving me in a stunned silence, my eyes trailing after him until he vanished from sight.

#2

I stepped out of my room, the soft click of the door echoing in the quiet hall. Making my way from the second floor to the living room, I spotted a maid diligently cleaning.

  Narinig nito ang mga hakbang ko kaya awtomatikong umangat ang mukha nito mula sa paglilinis nito.

  “Good morning,” I greeted her politely, a smile brightening my face.

  Ngunit, sa pagbati ko dito ay hindi man lang ito tumugon, binawi nito ang mga mata akin saka pinagpatuloy ang paglilinis.

  Napasimangot ako, pero mas pinili ko na huwag na lang din itong pansinin, nagpatuloy ako sa paghakbang at nagtungo sa kusina para maghanda ang aking agahan o agahan pa bang matatawag gayong halos tanghalian na. Mag aalasdose na ng tanghali.

  As I opened the refrigerator, the same woman from earlier glanced my way, her brow furrowing as she admonished me.

  “Huwag ka basta hahawak ng mga bagay sa paligid, hindi mo ba alam kung gaano kamahal ang mga iyan?”

  Kunot ang noo ko na bumaling dito na gusto ko sanang sagutin ng pabalang ngunit kinalma ko ang sarili ko.

  Hindi ako nagsalita o sumagot sa sinabi nito. Nakatayo lamang ako na matamang nakatitig dito.

  Sa tingin nito ay tila ba minamaliit lamang niya ako, as if her eyes were mocking my right to exist freely within the confines of this vast house.

  My heart sank, but I quickly turned my attention back to the refrigerator, hoping to find something to cook that would distract me from the tension in the air.

  Just as I reached for the handle, she suddenly slammed the refrigerator door shut, her sharp eyes piercing through me like daggers.

  Nakaramdam ako ng pagkairita sa ikinilos nito.

  “What’s wrong with you?” I snapped, hindi ko na maitago ang pagkainis ko dito.

  “Sinabi ko sayo na huwag ka basta hahawak ng mga bagay dito sa loob ng bahay, hindi ka ba nakakaintindi?” PBalang din na sagot nito sa akin, her tone laced with anger as she pushed me away, leaving me stunned and feeling even more adrift in this hostile space.

  Sasagot pa sana ako ng muli niya akong itinulak. Sa pagkakataong iyon ay mas malakas ang naging pagtulak niya sa akin, hindi ko napaghandaan kaya hindi ko nabalanse ang aking katawan, alam ko na sa mga oras na ito ay babagsak ako sa sahig.

  Mariin na lang akong napapikit at hinintay na lang ang pagbagsak ko.

  Ngunit, sa hindi kp inaasahan, isang malaking kamay ang mabilis na humawak sa pulso ko, hinila ako at tuluyang napayakap ang braso niya sa akin.

  I opened my eyes to find Sir Kendrick had caught me. One of his arms was firmly secured around my waist, and his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity na muling nakapagparandam sa akin ng kilabot sa buong katawan ko.

  “S-sir,” I stuttered, caught off guard.

  Ang katulong na siyang nanulak sa akin ay hindi maitago ang kaba sa biglang pagdating ni Kendrick, nanginig ito sa takot

  Without breaking his arm from me, Kendrick turned toward the maid, his expression unreadable.

  “Leave,” he commanded in a tone that brooked no argument.

  Hindi na nakasagot ang katulong sa takot, kumaripas ito ng takbo palabas ng bahay.

  Once alone, Kendrick shifted his attention back to me, helping me regain my footing.

  Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko na mapatitig dito sa pagkalito. Why had he returned when he claimed to be on a business trip for two days? He was supposed to come back tomorrow.

  “I didn’t leave you here to be bullied by others,” he stated, his voice deep and steady. “Remember this, no one else should bully you but me. Do you understand?”

  “Y-yes, sir,” I replied, nodding, a strange mix of fear and comfort washing over me.

  Silence hung heavily between us for a few moments, as if the world around us had paused.

  He seemed to be waiting for me to make the first move, and his deep eyes bore into mine, unblinking.

  “S-sir, is there dirt on my face?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper, the question spilling out before I could think.

  Kunot ang noo niya, hindi nagustuhan ang naging tanong ko. Ano ba ang hinihintay niya na gawin ko?

  “I guess you’ve forgotten what your obligation is?” Sabi niya na mas lalong nakapagpalito sa akin.

  “Huh.” I could feel the weight of his unspoken expectations.

  “What does a wife do when her husband comes home from work?” he asked pointedly, his words cutting through the tension like a knife.

  It dawned on me then.

  Yes, of course.

  It was clear what he desired; I simply needed to embody the role he envisioned for me. Doubt crept into my mind, but despite the uncertainty, I took a breath and acted.

  Hindi ko ipinahalata na pilit lamang ang mga ngiti na napaskil sa aking mga labi, upang hindi siya magalit sa akin ay umakto ako ng natural lamang kahit sa loob ko ay nanginginig na naman ako sa takot sa kanya.

  Slowly, I raised my hand, fingers trembling slightly as I reached for the nape of his neck. I leaned in close, tumingkayad pa ako para maabot ko ang mukha niya, mabilis ang pagtibok ng aking puso. Dahil sa tangkad niya ay ang kamay ko na nasa batok niya ay hinatak siya and pressed my lips against his, a gentle kiss that was both a question and an answer all at once.

  After I gave him a quick kiss on the lips, my heart raced as I quickly retracted my hand from his neck, para kasing may bultahe ng kuryente na kumalat sa mga ugat ko sa pagkakadikit lamang ng labi ko sa mga labi niya.

  But before I could completely distance myself, he acted with surprising swiftness, wrapping an arm around my waist and drawing me back into him with a sense of urgency that sent shivers down my spine.

  Ang kanyang palad, humawak sa batok ko para hindi ako makaiwas, hinatak din niya ang pagkakayapos sa baywang ko kaya mas nagdikit ang katawan namin.

  Our breath mingled in the fleeting moment before his lips crashed against mine, kissing me with a fervor that was almost primal.

  Tila siya nagugutom sa paraan ng paghalik niya sa akin. Sucking my lipa as if he aas eating me. Kinilabutan na naman ako. Halos magsitayuan lahat ng balahibong pusa ko sa katawan.

  It consumed me completely, halos mawalan ako ng hininga sa tagal ng pagkakalapat ng labi namin.

  Magkakasunod na paghugot ko ng hangin sa baga ng pakawalan niya ang labi ko. Ngunit sandali lamang iyon at muli niya akong hinalikan.

  His tongue traced the contours of my mouth, exploring with a fervency that caught my own tongue, his playful yet possessive suck drawing me deeper into a whirlpool of desire.

  My pulse quickened as the kiss deepened, and just when I thought I would suffocate beneath the weight of his passion, he finally pulled away, releasing my lips again with a slow, deliberate motion.

  His eyes, dark and intense, locked onto mine, searching for something unspoken as he lingered in that charged silence for a few heartbeats before finally letting me go.

  He stood up, the movement fluid yet slightly awkward as he adjusted the rumpled suit he wore, evidence of our earlier entanglement.

  Inayos niya ang kanyang suit na bahagyang nakusot sa pagkakadikit ng katawan namin kanina.

  “I’ll send another maid to be with you,” kaswal niyang sabi na para bang walang mainit na halikan na namagitan sa aming dalawa.

  “N-no need.” Nautal pa ako ng tanggihan ko ang sinabi niya.

  Kung inaalala niya ang gawaing bahay ay kaya kong gawin iyon sa sarili ko.

  “I can do the housework.”

  Napatitig siya sa akin. Para bang inaaral ang sinabi ko kung mapapanindigan ko ba iyon. Blanko lang ang ekspresyon ng mga mata niya na nakatitig sa akin.

  “D-don’t worry. I won’t forget my obligation to you. So don’t hire a maid to come with me to the house.”

  He didn’t reply; instead, he just stared at me, his eyes piercing through the air, until he exhaled deeply, a sigh of resignation.

  He adjusted the end of his shirt sleeve, his movements meticulous, then nodded slightly.

  “Do as you like,” he said, his voice cold and distant, a stark contrast to my racing heart. “I’ll go back to the company, and before I return later, make sure to get yourself ready for tonight.”

  Parang may bumasa sa lalamunan ko sa sinabi niya. Marahas ang naging paglunok ko dahil wala akong karapatang tumanggi dahil iyon ang nakasulat sa pinirmahan kong klntrata.

  “Y-yes, sir.”

  “Very well. See you tonight,” he said, and before I could utter another word, he turned and walked away.

  I watched him leave, my heart heavy with unspoken words and lingering emotions.

  When the door shut behind him, I exhaled deeply, trying to steady myself.

  Refocusing, I pushed aside my swirling thoughts and turned my attention to the tasks at hand. With purpose, I approached the refrigerator, determined to find ingredients for tonight’s meal.

  A wave of anticipation washed over me as I considered what to cook, knowing I wanted to prepare something special for Kendrick—something to serve him when he returned.

○○○

#3

Every day, without fail, I find myself serving him, a ritual I’ve come to know all too well since I became his canary.

With the passage of days, weeks, months, and years, I’ve become accustomed to this way of life, learning to meet his needs in the bedroom as a trade for the substantial sums he provides. That money is my lifeline, supporting my family who depend entirely on me.

“What? Are you still with me?” he asks, ang boses niya na nakapagpagising sa akin sa kasalukuyan.

Napakurap ako, doon ko napagtanto na nasa loob na kami ng banyo.

Tulad ng namagawian ko na, sinimulan ko siyang hubaran, inalis ang kanyang suit, kasunod ng pagbukas ko ng botones ng kanyang polo shirt. Matapos kong matanggal ang pang itaas niyang damit, isinunod ko namang pagtuunan ang kanyang sinturon. Maingat kong kinalas ang sinturon niya, kasunod ng pagbukas ng botones at zipper. Tinanggal ko ang pantalon niya kasama na din ang kanyang panloob.

Napalunok pa ako ng makita ko kung gaano siya kahanda. Binawi ko ang tingin ko doon.

I do all of this not just out of obligation, but to please him—ensuring that the flow of money continues, securing my family’s future.

After I removed all of his clothes, he stepped into the bathtub, the water rising to meet him.

Naupo ako sa gilid ng bathtub, the cool porcelain contrasting with the warmth of the moment.

Reaching for the bath soap, I began to lather my hands, ready to give him the care he needed.

As my fingers glided up his arm to his broad shoulders, the tension slowly started to dissipate under my touch.

With each soapy stroke, I infused not just cleansing, but a gentle massage, a ritual I had come to cherish over the years spent together.

Although I found myself confined within the walls of his house, wala akong pinagsisisihan. Kahit na ang relasyong mayroon kami ay dahil lamang sa kontrata, hindi naman niya iyon ipinaramdam sa akin na isa lamang akong bilanggo niya.

I was aware that my freedom would one day return, coinciding with the arrival of the woman he truly loved.

Habang minamasahe ko ang balikat niya, napansin ko ang pagkakakunot ng noo niya habang nakapikit. Ngunit, sa patuloy kong pagmamasahe sa kanya, ang kanyang pagkakakunot ng noo ay unti unting nawala, at naging payapa ang mukha niya sa pagkakapikit

“Hmmm,” he sighed softly, a gentle moan escaping his lips as I continued to work my fingers into his shoulders, grounding us in this intimate moment.

While my hands were busy massaging his shoulder, nagulat na lang ako ng bigla niya akong hinaaakan sa pulsuhan at hinatak palapit sa kanya.

Hindi ko inaasahan ang ginawa niyang iyon,  tumalsik ang tubig sa bathtub sa oras na nahulog ako sa ibabaw niya. Bumilis ng pagtibok ng aking puso.

“You…” I attempted to speak, but the moment our eyes locked, a weight settled in my throat, silencing me.

Nakakakaba ang kanyang mga titig. Naipilig pa niya ang kanyang ulo na tila ba hinihintay sa kung ano ba ang magiging reaksyon ko sa ginawa niya.

Yet, I couldn’t muster the courage to break the silence.

He continued to stare at me, and then, with a deliberate motion, his hand rose to cup the back of my neck. Marahan pang menasahe ang batok ko bago niya ako hinila hanggang sa tuluyang maglapat ang mga labi namin.

Mapangahas na halik ang agad na iginawad niya sa akin. Hindi pa ako halos nakabawi sa kabiglaan ko sa paghila niya sa akin at ngayon ay sinisibasib na niya ako ng halik. Agad na nakapasok ang dila niya sa loob ng bibig ko at naglulumikot hanggang sa matagpuan ang dila ko, hinuli ang dila ko and he hungerly suck it.

Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang paghalik niya sa loob ng limang taon na kasama ko siya. Nandoon pa rin ang init at tila aiya gutom na gutom sa mga labi ko sa paraan ng paghalik niya.

“Uhmmp.” I gasped, magkakahalo na namang emosyon ang bumalot sa aking pakiramdam.

Hindi ko maipaliwanad ang init at hindi ko maitatanggi na agad akong nadarang sa paghalik niya sa akin, kumalat na naman ang tila bultahe ng kuryente sa buong katawan ko. Nasasabik sa kung paano na naman niya ako aangkinin.

Sa pagkabalisa ko, natagpuan ko ang sarili ko na tumutugon na nga sa kung paano niya ako halikan. Tumutugon na sa bawat haplos niya sa aking katawan.

Sa loob ng banyo nabalot ang ingay sa mahinang ungol ko sa init ng kanyang halik, sa mapangahas niyang mga haplos. At patuloy na inaangkin ang aking labi. Hinihigob kung ano ba ang nasa loob ng bibig ko.

Sa mapangahas niyang mga haplos, nagsimula nang maglakbay ang kanyang mga balad sa katawan ko.

Pinakawalan ang labi ko, itinaas ng kaunti ang katawan ko at sinalubong ng mainit niyang bibig ang isa sa utong ko.

“Uhmp.” Napasinghap akong muli ng maramdaman ko ang init ng kanyang bibig na aumisipsip sa isa sa mga nipples ko. And then, with a gentle shift, he moved my underwear aside, allowing his manhood to rest against my most sensitive places. Sa ilalim ng maligamgam na tubig sa bathtub na bumalot sa katawan namin, ang kanyang kahabaan ay tuluyang ibinaon sa lagusan ko.

Napaliyad ako ng maramdaman ko ang laki niya na nagsumimsik sa kailaliman ng lagusan ko.

“Uhmp.” Napaliyad ako habang nakayakap ako sa ulo niya, habang siya ay nagpalipat lipat lang sa pagsipsip ng nipples ko.

He was deep inside me, each thrust urging us closer to an edge I craved. At sa bawat paglabas masok niya sa lagusan ko, ay siya namang tumatalaik at umaalon ang tubig sa bathtub. Mahigpit akong napayakap sa kanya dahil sa kakaibang sarap na muling ipinaramdam niya aa akin habang naglalabas masok siya sa akin.

“Fuck! You are still tight until now. Hmmm.” Paos na boses na sabi niya habang paguloy sa pagbaon ng kanyang kahabaan sa loob ko.

Nakahawak siya sa baywang ko para supurtahan ako sa paggalaw sa ibabaw niya.

Every moment wrapped me in a strange excitement, heightened by the overwhelming feeling of his fullness, mingling inside me.

As he buried his entire length inside me, a rush of intoxicating pleasure surged through my body, igniting a fire deep within.

My back arched involuntarily, and in that suspended moment, everything felt electric and alive.

Narating ko ang sukdulan, tumalsik ang katas ko na humalo na sa tubig, habang naramdaman ko naman ang init ng kanyang katas na pinakawalan sa loob ko. Para akong malulunod sa dami ng kanyang katas na kumalat sa loob ko.

Marahan na ang kanyang galaw habang pilit na ibinabaon parin ang kanyang kahabaan sa loob ko. At ang kanyang tingin ay muling nabaling sa dibdib ko. Muli niyang isinubo ng isa kong nipple as if he was so thirsty.

“Ahhhh.” Muli akong nagpakawala ng ungol sa pagsipsip niya sa nipples.

The sensation sent waves of intensity through me, each wave building like a symphony of sensations, harmonious and overwhelming.

“Ahhh,” a loud groan escaped my lips again, breaking the silence and echoing the fervor that kindled between us, especially ng muli kong maramdaman ang paggalaw ng kahabaan niya sa loob mo.

Outside, the world faded away, leaving only the shared heat and the rhythm of our intertwined desires.

As he suckled my nipples with exquisite precision, pulling and teasing them, he began to move his hips again, thrusting deeper and igniting a relentless passion that swelled within us.

Every thrust reverberated through my core, drawing me closer to the edge of an abyss filled with bliss.

Together, we approached the peak of overwhelming ecstasy once again, teetering on the brink, ready to plunge into a realm where nothing else mattered but the fire we had ignited.

…..

I sat quietly on the edge of the bed, the remnants of the hot moment we had shared in the bathroom lingering in the air around me.

“Drink that,” he instructed, his gaze fleetingly drifting to the medicine on the bedside table.

He hadn’t worn protection, leaving me with no choice but to take the medicine he insisted would prevent pregnancy after he had released himself inside me.

Bago ako pumirma ng kontrata noon, ay pinafully body check up niya ako. Para masiguradong malinis ako at wala pang kahit na sinong nakakagamit sa akin. At doon ko namalaman ang kakaibang kundisyon ng katawan ko. Pwede akong magdala ng bata tulad ng normal na babae. At iyon ang isa sa iniiwasan niya. Ang magkaroon ng anak sa isang tulad ko.

“Okay,” I murmured, reaching for the bottle, but his words stunned me further.

“This is the last day of our contract.”

The gravity of his statement sent a jolt through me, freezing me in place.

I couldn’t blink, and it felt as if something was lodged in my throat. My heart began to race uncontrollably.

“I’m leaving this house in your name. So you’re free to do whatever you want. I’ve also transferred a hundred million to your bank account.”

As he spoke, his focus remained on fixing his clothes, oblivious to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me.

How was I supposed to respond?

Would I feel joy?

Wasn’t this the moment I had been waiting for—freedom from our contract?

Yet a disquieting part of me resisted the happiness I thought I should embrace.

What was happening to me? Why was I hesitating? Did my uncertainty even matter?

Nothing changed; I was not the one holding the reins.

His love had returned, and I was about to be liberated from the bonds of our contract.

After five long years of being his canary, my time was up in what felt like the blink of an eye.

“O-okay,” I gasped, the words slipping from my lips involuntarily.

He stepped out of the room without a backward glance, leaving me alone with my tumultuous thoughts.

The moment he disappeared from my view, I whispered, “I’m finally free,” but tears streamed down my cheeks.

Oo, dapat lang na maging masaya ako, dahil sa wakas, makakamtan ko na ang aking kalayaan.

Yet, bakit ang bigat ng aking pakiramdam.

Bakit?

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YuChenXi NOTE:

Hanggang dito na lang ito dito sa watty. Naipost ko na po xa sa GoodNovel. Sa mga gusto itong sundan, find my post in Facebook. Doon ko po inilpag ang link niya. Hindi po kasi siya makikita sa mga works ko as long as hindi siya nakakontrata. Kaya links lang ang maibibigay ko para mabasa niyo para free siya to read. Kaya gora na. Doon na tayo magpatuloy magbasa. 😁😁

#4

I carefully packed all my belongings into the suitcase, each item a fragment of a life left behind.

  Again, iginala ko ang mga mata mo sa kabuuan ng silid na kahit sa huling sulyap na lang ay maalala ko ang ayos. This room had been my home for the past five years with Kendrick—the backdrop to my first experiences, including sleepless nights and whispered dreams, as I lay next to him.

  A bittersweet smile spread across my lips, a façade that couldn’t mask the sadness in my eyes.

Ang lugar kung saan nakasanayan ko na, at mga alaala na tumatak na sa akin isipan na ngayon ay iiwan ko na at kahit na anino ko ay hindi na pwedeng manatili.

  “You brought back so many memories for me,”

  I whispered to the empty space, my voice barely audible as if afraid to disturb the memories that echoed within the walls.

  After a lingering glance around my room, I let out a deep breath, the weight of my decision settling heavily on my chest.

Nabaling ang mga mata ko sa envelope na nasa ibabaw ng kama. Naglalaman iyon ng kontrata namin ni Kendrick na ngayon ay nawakasan na. At kasama din doon ang titolo ng bahay at lupa na ipinangalan na niya sa akin.

  I had no intention of taking it with me when I left. The hundred million he had given me for our separation felt like a lifeline—enough to change my life and distance myself from the familiar shadows of my past.

  “Goodbye. Thank you for the good memories you left me,” I murmured, a quiet farewell to a chapter closed.

  With the last sentence lingering in the air, I turned around, dragging the suitcase out of my room.

Hindi na ako lumingon pa, mabibigat ang bawat hakbang ko palabas ng silid, na sa bawat hakbang mo ay pasikip na pasikip ang aking paghinga, at sa bawat hakbang ko ay nagpapaalala na hindi na niya ako kailangan pa.

  …..

  Life goes on.

Umuwi ako sa aming lugar. Walang kasiguraduhan kung matatanggap pa ba nila ako ng buong puso ngayon babalik ako sa kanila makalipas ang mahabang limang taon na nawala ako sa pangangalaga nila.

Nagulat pa sila ng makita ako na nasa labas ng pinto ng aming munting tahanan, walang pinagbago ang bahay na iniwan ko noon. Hindi nila binago iyon kahit na nagpapadala ako ng malaking halaga at sinabi sa kanila na ipagawa ang bahay.

“Mama.” Tanging kataga na lumabas sa bibig ko ng ito ang nagbukas ng pinto.

  I forced a smile, a thin veil to conceal the sadness deep within me. My heart felt heavy, burdened by the end of my contract with Kendrick, yet I was determined not to let my parents and siblings see my pain. Na kahit nakikita ko naman na tila wala silang pakialam ngayong bumalik na ako.

  “Kuya Zeon!” my younger sibling exclaimed, rushing towards me for a warm embrace. “I miss you,” she said eagerly, a sweet innocence in her words.

Siya lang ang nakitaan ko ng kagalakan nang makita ako.

Muli akong bumaling kay mama, na nasa likuran na nito si papa, nakatayo siang pareho na nakatitig sa akin. Seryoso, at wala akong nakikitang ibang emoayon sa kanilang mga mukha.

“Nakabalik ka na, buti at alam mo pa ang daan pauwi ng bahay.” Si mama na hindi itinago ang pagkadiagusto ng makita ako.

Hindi ko sinabi sa kanila kung ano ang naging trabaho ko sa loob ng limang taon na pagkawala ko. Pero nakikita ko na paraan ng tingin nila na alam na nila kung ano ba ang pinasok ko kung bakit ganun na lang kalaking pera ang halagang naipapadala ko sa kanila.

“Zeon,” ang panganay kong kapatid.

Ito na ang lumapit sa akin, niyakap ako at nakikisimpatya sa akin. Na tila ba naramdaman ang bigat na aking nararamdaman.

Hindi ko man naramdaman ang pangungulila sa aking mga magulang, atleast, naramdaman ko ang kagalakan na dalawa kong kapatid ng makita ako.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin ang kalamigan nina mama at papa sa akin.

At sa pagyakap sa akin ni kuya Jasper, doon na tumulo ang pinipigilan kong luha.

  The moment was soon filled with the warmth of my older brother and our youngest sibling, all finding their way to me in a heartfelt group hug.

  As they hugged me, my tears began to flow freely.

  It was difficult to discern whether they were a result of joy from the reunion or the lingering sorrow of my departure from Kendrick’s life.

  In that moment, surrounded by my sibling’s love, the emotions struck hard, serving as a reminder of both home and loss.

  …..

  For almost a week, I locked myself in my room, at at halos ayaw kong lumabas ng silid ko aa mga araw na dumadaan.

  My parents still cold at hindi man lang ako kinakausap, and my siblings were surprisingly respectful of my space, likely believing that I simply needed a break to recharge from the exhaustion that had been weighing me down.

  Their unspoken support provided the comfort I didn’t realize I needed at that time.

Sa isang linggong lumupas na iyon, nakapagpasya na akong lumabas at simulan ang bagong buhay malayo sa nakasanayan ko na sa loob ng limang taon.

Nagdesisyon ako na mag aral ulit at mag eenrol na sa pasukan sa college.

  Kendrick, with whom I had entered an agreement, had previously curtailed my educational journey, leaving five precious years of my schooling unfulfilled. He jsut locked me in his house.

  But now, with a newfound resolve, I was ready to reclaim my future. I took my younger sibling under my wing, enrolling us both together.

  We stepped into our first year of college side by side, ready to embark on this new chapter of our lives.

  And so, my fresh start began.

  ….

  “Hi!”

  My eyes lifted from the page I had been engrossed in, drawn by the familiar greeting.

Kunot ang noo ko napatingin dito at kinikilala dahil parang pamilyar ito sa akin.

  It was recognizable, yet his name eluded me.

  “Zee,” he said with a warm smile, invoking a nickname I hadn’t heard in years.

  Suddenly, realization sparked in my mind, and my eyes widened in recognition.

  “Dandan?” the name escaped my lips like a gasp of disbelief.

  He nodded, and in a rush of surprise and joy, I sprang to my feet and rushed towards him.

Para akong bata na nagtatalon pa sa kagalakan ng hawakan ko siya sa braso.

  “Is that really you?” I asked breathlessly, needing to confirm that this joyful reunion wasn’t a figment of my imagination.

  It felt like a lifetime since I had last seen him—seven years, perhaps?

  During that time, his family had moved around frequently, and though they had only stayed briefly in our neighborhood, we had forged a close friendship because our families were intertwined.

Labing dalawang taon lamang ako noon nang una ko itong makilala.

  “What are you doing here? Why did you come back? Don’t tell me you’re still studying?”

Magkakasunod ang naging tanong ko, my voice bubbling with excitement.

Simula nang umuwi ako, ito ang pagkakataong nakipag usap ako sa ibang tao

  “I should be the one to ask you that? What happened, why are you still studying until now?”

  I was stunned, caught off guard by his unexpected question.

Natahimik ako habang napatitig dito, lumuwang ang pagkakahawak ko sa braso niya hanggang sa tuluyan ko iyong binitawan.

Nagdadalawang isip akong sumagot, at lalong hindi ko masabi dito ang katotohanan kung bakit pa ba ako nag aaral sa ngayon.

  “You know how hard our lives are, right?” Those words escaped my lips, rooted in the harsh truth I had lived.

  The struggle had been real—while pursuing my studies, I juggled multiple part-time jobs to support my family.

  It was during one of those shifts at a bar that I first crossed paths with Kendrick, an encounter that would forever change my life.

  One night, after finishing my evening classes, I made my way to the bar where I worked part-time, a place bustling with life and laughter.

  My role involved selling alcohol to customers, and my earnings depended on the volume of sales I could achieve within a set timeframe.

  As I stepped into the bar’s private box, nakaramdam ako ng matinding kaba dahil iyon ang unang beses kong u.apak sa lugar na ganito. This place was where the wealthy businessmen gathered, seeking both luxury and exclusivity.

  I approached their table, ready to serve them their drinks, but then, to my dismay, I was met with rude and aggressive behavior from some of the customers.

Kaya mas naging doble ang kaba ko ng mapansin ang kakaibang tingin ng mga lalaking nakapalobot sa halos buong silid.

Sa gulat ko pa, isang matandang lalaki ang bigla na lang pumalo sa pwetan ko, catching me completely off guard.

  The unexpected jolt made me spill the wine I was holding, prompting laughter to erupt around me.

  “Cutie Pie, don’t worry. We’ll cover the cost of the wine you spilled—on one condition,” a man said, hinawakan ang pulso ko ng mahigpit.

  As I instinctively struggled against him, the wine splattered even more, further fueling their amusement.

  Their laughter quickly turned to aggression, compelling me to press my hands together in submission.

  One of the men poured more wine into a glass and, without hesitation, grabbed my face, forcing me to drink.

Napaubo ako, halos masunod ang lalamunan ko sa tapang ng alak na ipinainum nila sa akin.

Ito ang unang beses kong makatikim ng alak, kaya agad akong nakarandam ng pagkahilo ilang minuto lang ang lumipas and I quickly became more dizzy, my surroundings blurring.

Hindi na halos malinaw sa akin ang mga sumunod na nangyari, narinig ko na lang ang paulit ulit nilang pagmamakaawa sa nagngangalang Kendrick Hidalgo.

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IYAN PO ANG LINK NG STORY! PAG HINDI NIYO MACOPY PASTE. ILALAPAG KO PO SA COMMENT SECTION PARA MABASA NIYO.

GORA NA! NASA CHAPTER 5.

Narito ang magandang kwentong  The Billionaire’s Canary (M2M), I-click ang link para basahin. https://www.novelol.com/goodnovel/share?bid=31000993814&uid=105191848&l=bookDetail&sc=fxrw_0_bookDetail&rd=0&type=3

#5

“Mr. Hidalgo, this way.”

  I remained silent, my gaze fixed intently on Mr. Tuazon.

  They’ve come to know me as a man of few words, one who speaks only when necessary. My demeanor is serious and composed, which has earned me a reputation for being difficult to approach.

  In fact, no one dares to approach me unless I personally instruct my assistant to facilitate the meeting.

  Sa sandaling umapak ang mga paa ko sa loob ng club na ito ay halos hindi ko na nais pang magpatuloy. Ang pinakaayaw ko pa naman ay ang maiingay na lugar, and my frustration grew as they insisted on meeting me here.

  I questioned their intentions; were they attempting to deceive me?

  We proceeded down the hallway, passing by every private box, isa sa malalagpasan namin ang private box na bahagyang nakaawang ang pinto, kaya napasulyap ako sa loob.

  My attention was immediately drawn to a young boy who was struggling as several men forced alcohol upon him, laughing insensitively at his predicament.

Kunot ang noo ko na parang may nagtulak sa akin na pumasok sa loob.

  Before the young boy could collapse, I quickly grasped his hand, pulled him towards me, and wrapped my arm around his thin waist for support.

Hindi na kayang suportahan ng batang lalaki ang sarili nitong katawan, his frail form sagging in my arms.

  It’s clear he is unaccustomed to drinking, his body’s weakness a testament to the damage inflicted upon him.

  My gaze pierces through to the man responsible for forcing alcohol down his throat; I can see the fear flicker in his eyes as he witnesses my fury.

  Awtomatikong napaluhod ito ng makilala ako, at agad na humingi ng awa sa akin.

  Without hesitation, I lift my foot and deliver a swift kick, sending him stumbling to the ground. But he is quick to recover, kneeling again in a show of submission.

  The other men present follow suit, nagsiluhod na din sila sa harapan ko at kanya kanya na ang paraan ng pagmamakaawa nila sa akin.

  I glare at them with a serious expression, my face a mask of unreadable intent.

  Sa pananahimik ko, hindi maitatago ang nabuong galit sa puso ko.

  Habang nakahawak pa rin ako sa batang lalaki, mabilis na lumapit ang aking assistant.

  “Mr. Hidalgo, what should we do next?” he asks, but I remain silent, nanatiling nakatingin ako sa mga lalaking nakaluhod sa harap ko.

  In that moment, words are unnecessary; my assistant understands the unspoken directive: they must be punished without mercy.

  “Mr. Hidalgo, please. Show us mercy.”

  Their voices echoed in the dimly lit room, a chorus of desperation.

  “Mr. Hidalgo, have mercy on us. We had no intention of harming the young boy. We were just having fun.”

  The tone shifted, pleading grew more fervent.

  “Mr. Hidalgo, we are begging. Have mercy.”

  Ang paulit ulit silang nagmamakaawa sa akin.

 But I ignored their laments; mercy was not something I dispensed lightly. They showed no remorse for their actions; it was their choice to risk the wrath of fate.

  Napagpasyahan kong maghintay, maghintay na mahimasmasan ang batang lalaki kung ano ang balak niya sa mga lalaking nangbastos sa kanya.

  At that moment, the young boy stirred in my arms.

  “Hmmm,” he murmured, a soft, hoarse sound that hinted at confusion.

  His head lifted slowly, eyes fluttering open, struggling to focus.

  They revealed a mix of bewilderment and vulnerability.

  “You are just like a little kitten in the wild, daring to venture into this kind of place. Huh! Where did you find the courage?” I wondered.

  As he was unable to support his own weight and collapsed in my arms once more, I took action.

  I lifted her small frame effortlessly with one arm. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around my neck, signaling the urgency of his condition.

  With one final, serious glance at the men who were kneeling and still imploring me for mercy, I turned and exited the private box, carrying the young boy in my arms.

  …..

  As I looked at the young boy sprawled across the bed, his figure gradually sinking into a deep drunken sleep, hindi ko mapangalan ang kakaibang emosyong biglang lumukob sa akin.

  I had brought him to a secluded room within the club, isang silid tulugan sa mga nagbabalak gumawa ng mga bagay na pang pribado lamang.

  Reflecting on what I had learned about him, that he was a part-time worker, earning a meager sum from his sales of alcohol.

  At just nineteen years old, he juggled his role as a student while navigating the harsh realities of life, driven by the need to support his family despite the weight of poverty.

  I let out a deep sigh, feeling the burden of my observations pressing against my chest.

  As I continued to watch him, I was struck by a chilling resemblance—he looked so much like someone I once knew.

  My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sharp knock at the door, pulling me back from the depths of my contemplation.

  “Mr. Hidalgo, Mr. Rivera is waiting in the private box with Mr. Tuazon,” my assistant announced, the words cutting through the haze of my reluctance.

  With a serious tone, I replied, “Tell them that no transaction will take place. They are just wasting my time.”

  Nagpaalala sa akin kung ano ba talaga ang dahilan kung bakit ako napadpad sa ganitong lugar, sa pagkaalala ko ng bagay na iyon ay mas nagtagis ang aking mga bagang dahil nasayang lang ang oras na binigay ko sa kanila.

  From the very moment I had stepped through the club’s entrance, nagpasya na ako na hindi itutuloy ang pakiki pagnegosasyon sa kanila.

  “Yes, Mr. Hidaldo.”

  I heard my assistant’s footsteps receding from the door, leaving behind an unsettling silence that enveloped the room once more.

  “Hmmm.”

  Napasulyap ako sa batang lalaki,  noting the soft moan that escaped his lips, a barely audible sound na halos hindi ko naman maririnig.

  His body was restless, tossing and turning in the bed as if he were caught in a restless dream.

  “Damn you, kiddo.“

  I muttered under my breath, frustration welling up inside me as I hastily grasped his hand in a futile attempt to prevent him from undressing.

  The heat radiating from his skin, a consequence of the alcohol coursing through his system.

  Yet, despite my efforts to restrain him, he resolutely pulled away, his determination to undress only intensifying.

  “I-it’s hot. W-what?” he murmured, his frown revealing his irritation, although his eyes remained closed as if he were oblivious to his surroundings.

  With no means to stop him from undressing, I experienced a rush of urgency.

  In a moment of desperation, I removed my necktie, letting the fabric slip through my fingers as I bound his wrists, uncertain of what may transpire next.

  …..

  I was sitting in a dark corner of that part of the room, near the window.

  Outside, the full moon cast a bright glow, filtering through the thick fog that enveloped the night.

  Shadows cloaked me, blending me into the darkness as I waited patiently for the young boy to wake up.

  Five hours had passed since I brought him to this room, and as another moment slipped by, I noticed him stirring.

  Unti-unti siyang nagmulat ng mga mata, illuminated by the dim light, hindi maitatago ang kanyang pagkagulat ng ng tuluyan niyang napagtanto kung nasaan siya.

  With a gasp, he bolted upright, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings until his gaze landed on the dark corner where I sat.

  “W-who are you? W-what did you do to me?” he stammered, his voice trembling with fear.

  I could see his body quivering, napahawak siya sa kumot na nakabalot sa kanyang katawan.

Hindi maitago ang pinakawalan niyang paghinga ng masiguro na wala namang kakaiba sa katawan niya sa ilalim ng kunot.

Sa mundong ating ginagalawan ay wala ng babae o lalaki ang hindi nagagahasa ngayon, iyon ang nakikita ko sa kanyang ekspresyon.

 He focused on me once more, the unease in his eyes prompting him to ask again, “W-who are you?”

  I made no move to rush him, I simply observed as he attempted to pierce through the darkness to find me.

  He rose from the bed, tentatively walking toward my concealed form.

  But then, the winds rustled the thick leaves outside, causing shadows to dance around me.

  Suddenly, the moonlight broke through, illuminating my figure, and in that instant, his fear intensified as he caught sight of me.

#6

“Forget it.”

Napakurap ako ng marinig kong magsalita si Danilo, naputol ang pagbabalik tanaw ko sa nakaraan.

“I’m here to accompany my boss to survey the buildings here at the university,” he explained, answering my earlier question about his presence.

“Is that so?” I replied, curiosity piqued.

“Yes,” he continued enthusiastically, “if everything goes smoothly, he might approve the bid for other constructions right away.”

As he elaborated on the details, he suddenly grabbed both of my shoulders with a firm yet reassuring grip.

“So you, study hard. This university is good because I graduated from here,” he encouraged, his eyes glinting with a mix of pride and nostalgia.

I nodded, a smile spreading across my lips, feeling the warmth of his words.

Ilang taon ko na ding kaibigan si Danilo, kaya komportable ako sa kanya, itinuturing ko siya na parang nakakatandang kapatid.

We were just a year apart, and my brother, Jasper, was the same age as him.

Yet, as he held my shoulders, pakiramdam ko ay kinilabutan ako na hindi ko maaari, naging alerto ang pakiramdam ko at kusang gumalaw ang ulo ko at napalingon, scanning the room to see if anyone else was watching us.

As I turn my head, a sense of disbelief washes over me.

My eyes are drawn to the man standing at the classroom door, ang kislap ng mga mata niya ay parang nasa ilalim ng lupa na nagliliwanag. Ang kanyang malalim at malamig na titig ay tila bumalot sa aking buong pagkatao, kinilabutan ako at nanginig na naman sa takot sa kanya.

That very moment mirrors my feelings from the first time I encountered him. Naalala ko pa na parang kahapon lang iyon nangyari—the first night he rescued me from the grasp of rude patrons at the club where I was working part-time.

The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by a flickering light, yet his intense gaze felt achingly familiar.

It was a gaze that would haunt me, both terrifying and strangely comforting all at once.

That night, I was jolted from my dreams, the effects of the alcohol those rude men had forced upon me in the private box still swirling in my mind.

My body felt heavy, and though I struggled to recall much after feeling dizzy, a haunting echo lingered—a name: Kendrick Hidalgo.

Was that who he was? Had he been the one to help me? Ang mga katanungang iyon ang siyang lamang ng isip ko dahilan para naglakas loob akong lapitan siya.

As I stepped out of bed, humakbang na palapit sa kanyan.

Ngunit bigla din akong natigilan, para akong naipako sa kintatayuan ko.

Ang anino na nakatakip sa lalaking nakaupo sa dilim sa tabi ng bintana ay tumama ang liwanag buwan sa kanya, at ng makita ang mukha niya at makita ang mga mata niyang nakatitig sa akin ay nanuot ang takot sa loob mo.

His eyes sparkled with an intensity that both intrigued and terrified me.

I felt a knot of fear tighten in my chest, especially since he remained silent despite my earlier attempts to draw him into conversation.

It was as though my feet were anchored to the floor, leaving me seven hesitant steps away from where he sat by the window.

“What’s your name?” he asked, his voice deep and resonant, echoing off the cold walls surrounding us.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling an obligation to respond, almost as if the intensity of his tone demanded an answer.

“Zeon. Zeon Sanchez,” I finally replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

“How old are you?” Muli niyang tanong,, piercing me with his gaze that seemed to glint eerily in the shadows.

“N-nineteen,” I stammered, a mix of fear and determination swirling within me.

The darkness of the room heightened my unease, hindi lang dahil sa kanyang boses kundi sa paraan ng kanyang mga titig.

“Nineteen? And you have the courage to work in a place like this?” he probed, ang kanyang tono ay para bang nahaharap lamang ako sa interview.

“I-I need to work to save up for my studies,” paliwanag ko, ang lakas ng pagtibok ng puso ko.

“Really?” His voice resonated again in the stifling air, amplifying the tension, na para bang nasa ilalim kami ng lupa.

I clutched the hem of my skirt tightly, the fabric barely grazing the tops of my thighs. Iyon ang ipinasuot sa akin ng manager ng club dahil maliit daw ang katawan ko na parang isa lamang babae.

Hindi naman sana ako papayag pero sinabi ng manager na kung hindi ko iyon isusuot at pwede na akong umalis dahil hindi na daw ako kukunin sa part time na trabaho kung sa simple lang na bagay ay hindi ko kayang gawin.

My hands quivered as I looked at him, his words lingering in the air like a dense fog, oppressive and foreboding.

“Would you like to make easier money?” he asked, the tension in the room tightening around me like a noose.

My throat constricted, and I nodded instinctively; that was precisely why I had taken a part-time job at the club.

“You remind me of someone I know,” he continued, his voice smooth yet disconcerting, slicing through my reverie.

“I want you to take her place while she’s away. How about it? You’d be her stand-in in return for a significant amount of money. I will support you during your time with me. When she comes back, you’re free to go, and I’ll give you a hundred million as a separation fee.”

The sheer audacity of his proposition sent shockwaves through me, each syllable resonating with an unsettling clarity.

It felt disturbingly transactional—myself in exchange for money. As the implications gnawed at my mind, I felt a cold sweat prick my skin: he was essentially offering to buy me for his own purposes, all while he awaited the return of the woman he cherished.

The weight of this realization crashed down upon me, making it difficult to find my voice or even formulate a coherent thought.

The promise of financial security was undeniably tempting, especially with his assurance of support during our time together.

Yet, the thought of sacrificing my dignity churned my stomach, bubbling up a mixture of anxiety and revulsion.

“My calling card is on the bedside table,” he said as he rose to his full height.

I couldn’t help but notice how tall he was; his long legs could easily cover the distance between us in just a few strides.

When he paused just inches away from me, I instinctively looked up, caught in the intensity of his gaze.

He gently tilted my chin upward with his fingertip, urging me to hold his eye contact.

“It’s late,” he murmured, his tone low and urgent, wrapping around me like a shroud. “If you’re interested in making a lot of money, give me a call. But I won’t wait long. Think this through carefully. Once you make the call, there’s no turning back.”

After he said that, he turned around and walked out of the room, leaving me speechless.

I stood there, staring at the door as it closed behind him, the weight of his words hanging in the air like a thick fog.

For a moment, I couldn’t move, paralyzed by a swirl of emotions until my eyes caught the glint of the calling card he had mentioned, resting on the bedside table.

I took a hesitant step toward it, each movement feeling both foreign and deliberate. I stared at the card for several seconds, my heart pounding in my chest, before raising my hand to grasp it.

I swallowed hard, feeling an internal battle rage within me; I tightened my grip on the card and slipped it into my pocket.

The uncertainty of what to do gnawed at my insides. Was I truly being tempted by the allure of his offer—a substantial sum that could change everything?

“Ahhh,” echoed a desperate scream in my mind, the chaos of conflicting thoughts overwhelming me.

One part of me vehemently resisted, while another was drawn toward the seductive promise of acceptance.

In my confusion, I made the decision to leave the room, hoping to find clarity outside those four walls.

But as I opened the door, I was met by an unexpected sight: two men clad in black, standing ready as if they had been waiting for me.

“Mr. Hidalgo sent us to take you home, Mr. Sanchez,” one of them stated, his tone firm yet strangely polite. “This way, Mr. Sanchez.”

Before I could gather my thoughts, my feet moved of their own accord, following them without a word.

#7:

Sinundan ni Danilo kung saan napako ang mga mata ko.

    “He’s my boss,” sabi nito ng makilala kung sino ang tinitignan ko na nakatayo ngayon sa may pinto.

    Binawi nito ang kamay na nakahawak at nakapatong sa balikat ko. Sa pagbitiw nito sa akin ay tila doon naman ako nakaramdam ng panginginig ng tuhod ko.

    Napakurap ako, suddenly aware of the man I hadn’t seen for nearly a month. Turning my eyes away from him, I directed my attention back to Danilo.

     “I’ll go first, Zee. I’ll just visit you later,” he said, tinapik pa ni Danilo ang balikat ko bago niya ako tinalikuran at humakbang na palapit sa boss nito.

I didn’t dare to look at them again until they were gone.

“Mr. Hidalgo, I just said hello to my friend,” narinig kong sabi ni Danilo, na para bang kailangan nito na magpaliwanad.

His words hung in the air, but there was no response from the man.

    Ang tanging narinig ko na lang ay ang tunog ng mga hakbang nila palayo, at sa paglayo nila ay muli na naman akong nabalot sa katahimikan.

I glanced back at them, my heart heavy, especially as I noticed the woman next to Mr. Hidalgo, her grip firm on his arm.

    Siguro siya na ang babaeng matagal nitong hinihintay. Sa mga sandaling ito, nakaramdam ako ng pagkahabag sa sarili ko.

    Sa loob ng mahabang limang taon na nakatali ako sa kontrata sa kanya, napagtanto ko sa sarili ko na tuluyan ng nahulog ang loob ko kay Kendrick.

Our agreement was clear from the start, yet here I was, wrestling with feelings I shouldn’t have.

    Napatingala ako ng mamuo ang luha sa aking mga mata, sinubukan mo iyong pigilan.

I shouldn’t feel this way; I needed to move on, to not let my emotions defeat me.

I took a deep breath, trying to summon my courage and calm my racing heart before I turned back to the book I had been reading earlier, before Danilo’s arrival.

But the words on the page blurred as I realized I just couldn’t concentrate.

Instead, I gently set the book aside, placing it neatly into my bag.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I decided to leave the classroom and seek out my sister.

    Patapos na din ang klase nito, pupuntahan ko na lang ito para sabay na kaming bumalik ng aming dorm.

……

As I navigated the crowded hallway, my thoughts were centered on finding my sister.

    Ngunit, ang paghakbang ko ay bumagal hanggang sa tuluyan na akong tumigil sa paglalakad nang mapagsino ko ang pamilyar na pigura sa harap ko.

     He stood upright with an air of composure, as if anticipating my passage, and I found myself hesitating, stepping back, stunned by the intensity of his stare.

His eyes locked onto mine—an unreadable expression marred only by the subtle frown knitting his brows together. Napapaisp ako na kung ano ba ang tumatakbo sa isip nito sa blankong ekspreyong nakikita ko sa mga mata nito.

Part of me wanted to retreat, to avoid this encounter altogether, but that desire wrestled with my resolve.

    Bakit kailangan kong umiwas sa kanya? I had every right to walk this hallway; it wasn’t his domain to control.

The truth lingered painfully in my mind: our relationship had concluded—the bond severed when he returned to the one he loved. This unexpected meeting had to be nothing more than a coincidence.

Steeling myself with that thought, I took a resolute step forward, even though each movement felt like a careful dodge as I averted my gaze from him.

As I approached, napansin ko ang kanyang isang kamay na tumaas na para bang balak niya akong hawakan.

My heart raced with the instinct to flee, but just then, his hand froze mid-air, interrupted by a voice calling out to him.

“Kendrick, let’s go,” a woman said, stepping out from the nearby classroom hallway, her warm smile brightening the tense air.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the woman grasped the hand that had been reaching for me.

    Sa pagdating ng babae, doon na ako nagmadali na umiwas sa kanila. Ang normal kong lakad kanina ay naging pagtakbo para lamang agad na makalayo sa kanya.

It wasn’t just about evading his presence; kundi ang katotoohanan na nakaramdam ako ng paninikip ng dibdib ko.

I watched helplessly as the woman clung to his arm—those familiar arms I had cherished and held for five long years. The reality hit me hard; now, the woman had the claim to them that I once held so dearly.

…..

“Kuya Zeon, are you okay?” Rosalie asked, ang boses niya na bumasag ng katahimikan na bumalot sa amin sa loob ng kwarto namin.

I hadn’t uttered a word since we returned to the dorm, at hindi maitago ang kanyang pag aalala sa akin.

With a heavy heart, I lay down on my bed, hoping to unburden myself from the weight that pressed down on my chest.

As she watched me, I pulled the blanket away, revealing my pensive expression.

    Hindi agad ako nakasagot, sa kataunayan, wala talaga akong alam na tamang sabihin habang nakatingin ako sa kapatid ko..

“Are you having a problem, kuya?” she prompted gently, her concern deepening.

    Sa kabila ng bigat na nararamdaman ko sa aking puso, nagawa ko paring ngumiti—a feeble attempt to assure her that all was well.

“Don’t worry about me,” I replied, though my heart knew that was far from the truth.

Rosalie’s eyes glimmered with understanding, and she continued, “That’s how you were when you came back. We didn’t ask at first, thinking you were just tired from working abroad for us so long. But now…”

     Naputol ang kanyang mga salita, nag-iwan ng hindi masabi na pagkakaunawaan sa pagitan namin.

     Malinaw na pinaghihinalaan niya na pinipilit kong ngumiti, pinipigilan ang mga emosyong nagbabantang kumawala.

“I’m just a bit inexperienced. It’s been ages since I was in school, Rose,” I replied, attempting to veer the conversation away from uncomfortable topics.

Inside, I was wrestling with a storm of unease, driven by fears that felt as if they might burst forth if I let my guard down.

    Alam kong may hinala na ang mga magulang namin, pero paano kung lumabas pa rin ang katotohanan, at pati ang nakakabata kong kapatid ay malaman ang dahilan kung bakit ako nawala sa loob ng limang taon? At nag aalala ako sa pwedeng maging reaksyon nito.

    Na ang perang ipinapadala ko noon sa kanila ay galing sa isang mayamang lalaking pinagsilbihan ko ng buong puso’t kaluluwa. Mandidiri ba ito sa akin? Magiging malamig din ba ang pakikitungo nito tulad ng malamig na ipinaparamdam sa akin ng aming mga magulang?

Dahil ipinagpalit ko ang aking dignidad sa malaking halaga, nasangkot sa isang negosasyon na hindi nila lubos na mauunawaan.

Alam ko na sinumang magulang ay magagalit kapag nalaman na ang kanilang anak ay nakompromiso ang kanilang integridad para sa pinansiyal na suporta.

     Pero, sa kabila ng pagkawala ko sa limang taon na iyon, nanatiling nakatali ang puso ko sa isang lalaki—si Kendrick.

He was more than just a name; he was a cornerstone of my journey, the first, and likely the last, to ever truly claim me.

As I sat on my bed, contemplating the future, I realized that I had no intention of pursuing another relationship once my contract with Kendrick came to an end.

The depth of the experience he had shared with me was more than enough, leaving an indelible mark on my heart that I would cherish for the rest of my life.

With a deep breath, I rose from my bed, determination fueling my movements as I turned to face Rosalie.

“Don’t worry. I’ll get used to it,” I reassured her, my voice imbued with warmth.

Gently, I placed my palm on her head and ruffled her hair affectionately, hoping to lift her spirits.

“Let’s go. Let’s eat first. It’s still early, so we can go for a walk after we finish.”

I invited her with a smile, my heart swelling with a sense of responsibility for my sister.

After getting ready, I reached for her hand and pulled her from our dorm room.

She didn’t ask any more questions; she simply followed me, trusting and eager for our little adventure.

#8:

As we stepped into the university canteen, it felt as if all eyes were drawn to Rosalie and me.

    Mahigpit na humawak si Rosalie sa aking braso, hindi maitatago ang tila takot sa iba na tulad rin naman naming estudyante.

     “That’s okay,” I reassured her, gently patting her hand that clung to my arm.

     I took a deep breath and continued walking, trying to inspire confidence in her.

     Yet, just as we ventured further inside, a group of well-dressed men and women blocked our path.

     Their proud postures and confident demeanor made it clear they were among the wealthy elite, exuding an air of entitlement that made the atmosphere feel even more charged.

     “New face? A man with a sissy look, and a chubby girl.“

     A woman’s voice cut through the hum of chatter as she glanced up at us, nakataas pa ang isa nitong kilay, as though she were sizing me and Rosalie up.

     Her finger danced idly with the ends of her hair, betraying a sense of casual dominance.

     Just as we considered slipping away, they stepped forward, blocking our path again.

     “What’s your problem?” I snapped, irritation lacing my tone.

     They stood there, their posturing unmistakable, as if they were asserting their power over the canteen—or perhaps even the entire university itself.

     Wala akong balak makipag away sa kanila, lalo na kasama ko ang kapatid ko. Kung kaya kong umiwas ay gagawin ko huwag lamang madamay sa isang gulo ang kapatid ko.

     Even if Rosalie and I found ourselves clashing with them, we would likely find ourselves at a disadvantage.

     Their high status could easily turn the tables against us, and the idea of being expelled from the university looms over me like a dark cloud.

     Everything would spiral out of control, even if we insisted we hadn’t instigated the confrontation.

     Just then, I heard a voice slice through the tension, “Well, such a courage, huh! Hey, slutty sissy. Don’t just answer, you might not know who you’re talking to.”

     A woman approached, her finger ominously pointed at my forehead, as if daring me to challenge her.

     My lips were pressed tightly together, a storm brewing inside me, while my hand rested on the back of Rosalie’s palm, which gripped my arm with an innocent strength.

     Suddenly, she stiffened, surprised by the sudden tightening of my grip.

     Sasagot na sana ako nang muling dinuro ako ng babae sa noo, the force of her gesture pushing me back as if I might stagger and fall if it weren’t for Rosalie’s firm hold.

     Instantly, chaos erupted; two men lunged forward, hinawakan si Rosalie at hinila palayo sa akin.

     Agad akong kumilos, kahit na ang lakas na ng pagtibok ng puso ko sa pinipigilang galit sa mga ito, sinubukan kong hawakan si Rosalie para bawiin sa dalawang lalaking humila dito.

     Sa loob ng canteen, nagkakagulo na lahat-lahat, walang ibang mga estudyante ang balak tumulong sa amin dahil s takot nila na lumaban sa mga mamayang estudyante na nakapalibot na nga sa amin ngayon ni Rosalie.

     A woman approached me once more, her face reflecting an unsettling blend of determination and malice.

     In an instant, she seized the collar of my uniform, yanking it tightly against my throat.

     Nanlaki na lang ang mga mata ko sa gulat ng tumaas ang kamay nito, striking my cheek with a sharp slap that echoed in the already tense atmosphere.

     I gazed at her in disbelief, shock intertwining with confusion, habang ang babae na sumampal sa akin ay nakapaskil sa mga labi nito ang isang ngisi na nagustuhan ang ginawa nito sa akin.

     With each racing heartbeat, an overwhelming urge to retaliate ignited within me; she had crossed a boundary I never imagined anyone would dare to breach.

     My hand instinctively latched onto her wrist, my grip unyielding as if that alone could crush her defiance.

     I’m still a man, at mas malakas ako kumpara dito kung nais kong lumaban kahit na halos mas malaki pa ang katawan nito sa akin.

     Rage coursed through my veins, urging me to unleash my own wrath, but just as I prepared to break her hold, a commanding voice pierced the tumult and silenced the chaos.

     “Anong kaguluhan ito?”

     All eyes turned towards the source of the voice—the university director had entered, accompanied by the very man I had been trying so desperately to forget.

     Nagulat na lang ako ng biglang bitawan ng babae ang pagkakakwelyo nito sa akin na halos matumba ako kung hindi ko nabalanse ang katawan ko, ngayon ay tila nahintakutan na umatras ang babae ng ilang hakbang palayo.

     “Kuya Kendrick,” she called out, her voice imbued with familiarity.

     I was taken aback; so she was a Hidalgo, just like him. No wonder she had the audacity to instigate a confrontation.

     I glanced at Kendrick, whose gaze was locked onto mine, na hindi pinansin ang babae na humawak sa braso niya na parang doon kumukuha ng proteksyon.

     “KuyaKendrick, we were just having fun,” she chimed in, her tone light and airy, but I could see through her act. “We were merely greeting the new students here.”

     I couldn’t shake the feeling that her playful façade was merely a desperate attempt to mask the tension in the air.

     In the five years I had spent by Kendrick’s side, I had never encountered any of his family; my existence was confined to the vast interiors of his grand house, never daring to wander beyond its luxurious walls.

     Sa totoo lang, hindi na mahalaga sa akin na makilala ang pamilya niya—I was merely a pawn in a contract binding only him and me.

     “Brother Kendrick,” the woman called again, striving to capture his attention, but he seemed oblivious to her.

     His gaze, however, was locked onto me, or rather, to the red mark where the girl slap had landed on my cheek.

     “Mr. Hidalgo, let’s not disturb the students further. It’s only natural for them to enjoy themselves,” pagpapagitna ng direktor, na parang gustong kunin ang atensyon ni Kendrick na namatingin parin sa akin.

     But Kendrick remained indifferent, his eyes fixated on the evidence of the girl aggression.

     As he advanced, trying to free himself from the girl grasp, she tightened her hold, defiantly stating, “Brother Kendrick, leave him be. He’s just an ordinary student, and you shouldn’t waste your attention on him.”

     Her dismissive words cut deeply, deepening the crease on my forehead.

     Sa mga sandaling iyon, sinasabi nito ang pagkakaiba ng katayuan namin sa buhay, at hindi maitatago sa salita nito na minamaliit niya ang buhay na mayroon kami.

     “Shut up,” Kendrick interjected, his voice deep and commanding.

     The room fell silent, a collective gasp echoing through the crowd as everyone turned to witness the display of authority.

     He seized the woman’s hand, which had been resting on her waist, mahigpit na hinawakan nito ang kamay ng babae at marahas na kinalas, at seryoso na tinapunan niya ito ng tingin.

     “Don’t sully the name of the Hidalgos. Hindi ka ibinilang sa pamilyang ito para lamang manghamak ng mas nakakababa sayo. Do you understand?“

Stunned, the woman froze, naiwan sa ere ang kamay nito na balak pa muli sana nitong humawak kay Kendrick. Awtomatiko pang tumango ito bilang sagot sa sinabi niya.

     As she bowed, her fingers folded delicately in front of her, the weight of Kendrick’s words hung heavily in the air.

     I could feel the tension swirling around us like an invisible force.

     Just then, Danilo, who had been eyeing me with concern, stepped closer.

     “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his hand reaching up to gently touch the cheek where the woman had slapped me earlier.

     I nodded, forcing a smile as I turned my face away from the warmth of his palm, a strange sensation reminiscent of a burn coursing through me.

     It wasn’t just the sting on my cheek; it was Kendrick’s piercing gaze, which seemed to anchor itself directly on Danilo’s hand resting on my cheek.

     I could also feel the weight of the woman’s eyes sharpening on me as Kendrick attempted to quiet her, but I chose to ignore it.

     Binalingan ko si Rosalie, who had remained silent since the woman slapped me earlier, I felt a mix of urgency and desperation.

     “Come on,” I urged, gripping her hand tightly as I pulled her away from the crowd of students and the imposing presence of the director.

     I needed to distance myself from Kendrick’s terrifying stare. With Rosalie by my side, I focused on moving forward, not daring to look back for fear of locking eyes with Kendrick once more.

#9:

Nakabalik na kami ni Rosalie sa dorm namin, the excitement of our planned outing abruptly fading.

     “Are you okay, kuya Zeon?” Rosalie asked, gently cupping my cheek.

     Hindi maitago ang pag aalala niya sa kanyang mga mata, and I could see the hint of tears threatening to spill as she examined the bruise marking my skin.

     Caught off guard, I turned to the small mirror on my computer table, where I noticed the faint finger mark on my cheek.

     “I’m fine. Don’t worry,” I reassured her, attempting to deflect her worry with a confident smile.

     “I’ll just buy some ice to put on your cheek so it doesn’t swell,” she insisted, her determination evident in her voice.

     But I quickly stepped in, placing a hand on her arm to halt her movement.

      “I’ll go, you just get the food we ordered later. I’ll be right back.” sabi ko sa kanya na nakita ko na hindi pa rin siya mapakali.

     “But…” she began to protest.

     I interrupted gently, “I said I’m fine. It’s nothing, just a small thing.”

    Pinilit ko ang ngumiti para ipakita na wala lang ang marka sa pisngi ko.           Without waiting for her response, I quickly stepped out of our room, the sense of urgency propelling me forward para hindi na niya ako mapigilan.

     As I descended to the ground floor of our dorm building, nasulyapan mo ang isang pamilyar na kotse sa kabilang panig ng kalsada.

     It was parked ominously on the opposite side, and an unsettling wave of nerves surged through me, hindi na naman naging maganda at ang lakas ng pagtibok ng puso ko.

     I instinctively glanced back at the black car, unease bubbling inside me as I continued my way to the nearby store, where I could buy an icepack.

     But as I walked along the side of the road, the black car I had noticed moments earlier suddenly came to a stop right in front of me.

     Panic coursed through my veins, urging me to quicken my pace and slip past it unnoticed.

     However, before I could react, the back door swung open violently, and the very man I had been trying to avoid stepped out.

     In an instant, he grasped my wrist with a grip that was both firm and commanding, pulling me towards the car as if I were a mere object.

     I pressed myself against the cold metal of the door, feeling its chill seep through my clothes as I was squeezed into the confined space.

     My body instinctively recoiled, trying to distance itself from him. I was utterly alone in this moment; even the driver had exited the car, leaving us in uncomfortable silence.

     The weight of my fear constricted my throat, making it impossible to meet his gaze. Panic surged within me, threatening to consume my thoughts.

     Ngunit umangat ang kamay niya at marahan iyong dumapo sa pisngi ko, I squeezed my eyes shut even tighter, my heart racing at the thought of his proximity.

     When he realized my reluctance, his hand hovered in the air for a moment, suspended between intention and rejection.

     Then, with a swift motion, he withdrew, retrieving something from the armrest of the seat.

     “Put it on your cheek,” he ordered.

     Maawtoridad na utos niya na hindi pwedeng suwayin saka niya ibinigay sa akin ang icepack na nais ko pa lang sanang bilhin.

     Tahimik lang ako, hindi kumilos sa kinauupuan ko, ni hindi ko balak kunin ang icepack na binibigay niya sa akin.

     “Don’t wait for me to repeat what I said,” he continued.

     His tone laced with resentment over my disobedience.

     “If you want to leave immediately, do what I’ve said.”

     My heart sank as the weight of his expectations pressed down on me, filling the car with a suffocating silence.

     “I told you before, don’t let anyone bully you but me.”

     Ang kanyang salita ay nagpaalala sa akin aa mga sinabi niya noong una pa lang, heavy and unyielding.

     I looked at him then; our eyes met, and a rush of emotions swirled within me.

     Hindi agad ako sumagot, ngunut sa mga sandaling ito ay nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong ilabas kung ano ang nasa loob ko.

     Wala na siyang karapatang diktahan ako sa mga sapat ko pang gawin—our contract was over.

     “Mr. Hidalgo, thank you for your concern, but you really shouldn’t be doing this anymore,” I said.

     My voice trembling slightly as I fought to maintain my composure, resisting the urge to recoil under the intensity of his gaze.

     “You have no obligation to me, nor do I have any to you, since our contract ended long ago.”

     I emphasized those final words deliberately, letting their weight linger in the air between us.

     Natigilan siya sa mga sinabi ko, ang kanyang titig sa akin ay mas lumalim na para bang hinahanap sa aking mga mata kung ano ang ibig kong sabihin sa mga katagang binitawan ko.

     Bago pa man siya makasagot sa mga sinabi ko, nagpasya na akong bumaba ng sasakyan, iyon na lang ang paraan para tuluyan siyang maiwasan.

     But he was quicker than I anticipated. Just as I reached for the door, he grasped my wrist, pulling me back inside with a swift motion while shutting the door behind.

     Surprise coursed through my veins, immobilizing me for a heartbeat.

     Nanlaki na lang ang mga mata ko ng unti unti pa siyang lumapit sa akin, kaunti na lang ang pagitan ng katawan namin.

     Then, in an unexpected surge of passion, he captured my lips with his. The intensity of his kiss took me by storm, a desperate hunger evident in the way he pressed against me.

     Nanigas ang katawan ko sa gulat, hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko sa bigla niyang paghalik sa akin.

     Ang kanyang halik ay tila ako hinihigop, sa halip na tumutol, kusang pumikit ang aking mga mata, surrendering to the moment.

     Ang kamay ko na nasa pagitan ng aming katawan na nais sanang manulak kanina, unti unting kumilos pataas at kumapit ako sa manyang batok, saka ko siya hinila na para bang ayaw ko siyang lumayo.

     Ang mga labi ko ay kusang tumugon, ginaya ang paraan ng paggalaw ng kanyang mga labi, ibinuka ang bibig ko para tuluyang papasukin ang dila niya sa loob.

     He wasted no time; as soon as I parted my lips, he pressed forward, exploring the depths of my mouth with fervor.

     Our tongues intertwined, and in a delicious moment of connection, he caught mine and sucked it gently.

     “Uhmmp.”

     The sensation was electric, and a soft moan escaped my lips, a breathless acknowledgment of the exhilarating rush that threatened to steal my breath away.

     As our lips met, his warm mouth enveloped mine, and I felt a thrilling spark ignite between us.

     He began to suck my tongue, pinalalim ang aming halikan, while his hand slipped beneath the fabric of my dress.

     Mas naging mabilis ang pagtibok ng puso ko ng maramdaman ko ang mainit niyang palad na bahagyang pumisil sa baywang ko.

     Hindi siya tumigil, ipinagpatuloy niya ang paglalakbay ng kanyang palad hanggang sa matagpuan ang isa sa nipple ko. And he pinch it. Pinaikot ang daliri, pinipisil iyon.

     The warmth of his finger pinching my nipple, I shivered at his touch.

     As he gently squeezed my nipple, waves of pleasure radiated through my body, each rotation of his finger pulling me deeper into a world where only the two of us existed.

     He lingered there, massaging with a tenderness that ignited my senses, completely captivating me in that moment.

     Those were the caresses my body craved and couldn’t deny. Now, as his lips pressed against mine, I felt the connection I had longed for in my dreams over the past month.

     I had hoped that my heart would move on, but letting go of those feelings was far more challenging than I anticipated.

     For five incredible years, he has filled my life with a peculiar pleasure every time he claims me, transforming our bond into something profound.

      How wonderful it is to be his lover who is lovingly claimed by the man I adore.

     Yes, I love him.

     I can’t deny it.

     A year ago, our relationship existed within the confines of a contract, but my feelings have transformed since then.

     What started as an obligation has evolved into a profound happiness. It’s no longer merely about fulfilling a duty; it’s about willingly giving my heart and soul to him.

I love him deeply, and I am ready to serve him with every fiber of my being.

     My body ached with the delicious intensity of his touch, each squeeze of my nipples sending ripples of pleasure through me.

     As his fingers danced over my nipples, igniting a dizzying pleasure as he explored my mouth, sucking gently on my tongue.

     Moans escaped my lips, echoing in the confined space of the car, as I surrendered to each kiss and every caress.

     The more I let myself go, the deeper he seemed to penetrate my senses.

     His kiss trailed a path from my lips to my cheek, up my jaw, and finally languidly to my ear, where he playfully sucked on my earlobe.

     With every new caress, my body trembled in response, craving more.

     As his lips journeyed to my ear, his hand slid from my breast down to my stomach, following the curve of my waist.

     He squeezed me again, and with a swift motion, his palm slipped beneath the garter of my shorts.

     Just as he was about to go further, a sudden knock on the window shattered our moment of intimacy.

     Kunot ang noo niya, hindi maitago ang pagkairita sa kung sino man ang taong kumatok sa bintana, as I turned around, feeling as if a bucket of cold water had been splashed over me.

     In a rush, I adjusted my clothes, nagkandaugaga na ako sa pag botones ng damit ko na hindi ko namalayang binuksan pala niya.

    Matapos kong ayusin ang sarili ko, napasulyap na ako sa kanya, na ngayon ay maayos na nakaupo, na para bang walang namagitang halikan sa aming dalawa.