Sharon Rose

All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2009

Love Match

CHAPTER 1

WHERE the hell was she now? Was she already in the tip of the Philippines? She had been driving for eternity yet she could not find the landmark specified in the map she had been following. Binagalan niya ang  pagpapatakbo sa sasakyan at inabot ang nakalukot na mapa sa dashboard. Iyon ang mapang ibinigay sa kanya ni Detective Kalinawan, ang private investigator na inupahan niya ng halos tatlong buwan upang hanapin ang kanyang ina.

She released a very deep sigh at the thought. She felt the bitter pain in her heart which had been there for more than twenty years. Kung siya nga lamang ang masusunod, hindi na niya hahanapin pa ang taong kinamumuhian niya sa loob ng mahabang panahon.

Eventhough against her will she was coerced to unearth her mother’s whereabouts. It was stipulated in Gilda’s Last Will and Testament that she must find her biological mother else she will not get hold of her inheritance. Mapapasalin lamang sa pangalan niya ang pag-aari ng labinlimang ektarya ng Manggahan sa Iloilo na minana pa ni Gilda sa mga ninuno nito kung matutunton niya ang ina at mapapatunayan iyon kay Atty. Joshua Edmundo, ang abogadong itinalaga ni Gilda upang subaybayan ang pagsunod sa Last Will and Testament nito.

So here she was, traveling alone in the far-flung part of Southern Philippines. Detective Kalinawan found her mother in Makilala, North Cotabato; the place was a remote town in the Southern part of Mindanao; living in the company of her current family. She felt her chest tautened that she tussled to breath. Nagpakawala siya ng isa pang malalim na buntong-hininga. Hatred and bitterness started to brim over in her heart. The notion that her mother was blissfully living with her family made her felt ill and despondent. Her stomach started to toss that she wanted to throw up the vile fluid in there.

Her biological mother had her own family. And it was such a twinge in her heart thinking that she was superfluous. Ipinamigay siya ng ina kay Gilda, isang nurse sa ospital sa Iloilo kung saan ito nanganak at hindi na binalikan pa. Her surrogate mother did not conceal the truth with her. But despite of everything, Gilda only showered her kindness and love. She had acknowledged her as her own flesh and blood. Loved her unconditionally and gave her all the things a normal child longed to have. Hindi na ito nagkaasawa at siya na ang nagsilbing katuwang hanggang sa huling hininga nito.

Gilda died of a heart attack. Natagpuan na lamang niya itong nakahandusay sa loob ng silid nito. Kaaagad na tinawag niya ang private nurse na nag-aalaga dito ngunit huli na ang lahat. The woman had no pulse anymore. Ayon sa nurse ay mukhang ilang oras na itong patay.  The tragedy was a total surprise to her. She could not believe that Gilda passed away. It was so abrupt. Suddenly, she felt so alone. Nawalan siya ng kakampi. Wala na ang nag-iisang taong itinuring siyang kapamilya. Hindi lamang pag-aaruga ang ibinigay sa kanya ni Gilda kundi pati na rin ang pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit. She could not accept the incident. It was a total nightmare. She collapsed at that moment at sa ospital na nagising kinabukasan.

She felt her eyes moistened. Melancholic tears threatened to fall anytime. She blinked her eyes for several times to drive the tears away. Pilit na pinapatatag ang sarili. She hated crying. Isa siyang matatag na babae at kailangan niyang patunayan iyon. Kaagad na itinakwil niya sa isipan ang mapait na bahagi ng kanyang kahapon.

She stretched her back and calmed down her emotions. She raised her chin as if showing to the whole world her courage and strength. Wala na ang taong itinuring niyang tunay na ina. Wala na ang taong sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay inalagaan siya. Therefore she needed to be strong. Para kay Gilda… at para na rin sa sarili niya. Wala na siyang ibang makakapitan kundi mismo ang sarili niya.

Three years had passed since Gilda’s tragic death. But she had no plans to follow Gilda’s Last Will and Testament. Why should she look for someone who left her in the care of a stranger? Why would she insist herself on someone who never wanted her in the first place?

She had tons of reasons not to heed Gilda’s Last Will and Testament. She will never track her mother; will never waste a single sweat, even if it meant she will lose the vast Mango Plantation.

Wala siyang interes sa kanyang mana. Kahit hindi iyon maisasalin sa pangalan niya, pangangalagaan at palalaguin niya iyon like her own property. She owed Gilda more than her life. And taking care of the Mango Plantation was not a burden. It was her joy.  Ngunit may isang bagay siyang natuklasan apat na buwan ang nakararaan na nagpabago sa takbo ng kanyang pag-iisip at pagpapasiya.

Sa puntong iyon ay mas malalim na buntong-hininga ang pinakawalan niya. Nadagdagan ang paninikip ng kanyang dibdib dulot ng samot-saring emosyon. She could not help but pity herself. She must be the most unfortunate people in the world. All the while ay naging mabuti naman siyang tao pero palagi na lang ay hindi nagiging madali ang buhay para sa kanya.

Her leg automatedly shoved the brake like it had its own mind. Tumigil ang sasakyan sa gitna ng makipot ngunit sementadong daan. She combed her raven black hair with wobbling fingers. She tried to compose herself. When she thought she had successfully unruffled her raging emotion, she grasped the map and scanned it again with ardent eyes.

Ayon sa mapa, tama naman ang daang tinatahak niya. She had followed the map’s bearing strictly, for crying out loud! Boredom may have consumed her during the whole duration of the travel that she ran out of patience.

Lihim siyang nagpasalamat na ang sariling pickup ang kanyang ginamit, else she would find herself more frustrated driving an unfamiliar car. Nagpasya siyang dalhin ang pickup niya upang magamit oras na dumating siya sa Davao. Isinakay niya sa barko ang sasakyan mula sa port ng Iloilo hanggang sa Davao City. Hapon ng dumaong ang barko sa Davao at doon na siya nagpalipas ng gabi.

Nag check in siya sa isang disenteng Inn at tumulak na siya papuntang Makilala kinaumagahan. Ayon kay Detective Kalinawan, mga apat na oras ang gugugulin niya sa pagbibiyahe mula Davao City papunta sa pakay na lugar sa mabagal na takbo ng sasakyan.

She was already traveling for three hours in a very fast speed. She stretched her patience at muling pinausad ang sasakyan. She hummed a song.

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag ng mapansin na mga puno na ng Rubber Tree ang nakatanim sa magkabilang gilid ng daan pagkalipas ng ilang minuto. Ibig sabihin, malapit na niyang marating ang pakay na lugar.

She passed through the endless rows of Rubber Trees at mga ilang minuto pa ang nakalipas at nakita na niya ang pasangang daan at mula sa arkong nakatayo sa bukana ng kalsada, nakasulat in Bold Gothic Letters ang karatulang “Jasmin Mountain Resort.”

Her face suddenly scrunched up and her jaw tightened in consternation. Her eyes narrowed angrily. Kasabay ng pag-alpas ng kinikimkim na galit, ang pag-aalinlangang pumasok sa daan kung saan magdadala sa kanya sa loob ng resort.

Jasmin… Cursed that name! Her teeth gnashed angrily. At kung hindi nga lang buo na ang pasya niyang maipasalin sa pangalan niya ang Manggahan ng sa ganuon ay magawa niya ang gusto, hinding-hindi siya papasok sa teritoryo ng ina. Kailangan niya ng malaking pera at kahit labag man sa kalooban niya ang gagawin, wala siyang ibang mapagpipilian. She needed to see Jasmin.

It was now or never at all!

Her face was hard and twisted as she maneuvered the pickup to enter Jasmin Mountain Resort’s vicinity. Panay ang kanyang buntong-hininga. There was no chance to backout anymore. She had already prepared herself for this moment. Alas, she will come face to face with her heartless mother.

SHE sauntered her censorious eyes around the magnificent resort. She was skeptic in every detail that entices her sight; though she cannot deny that the place was indeed beautiful. It was perfectly planned and constructed.

The resort was situated on top of a hill, bounded by exquisite botanical garden. Ibat-ibang nagagandahang bulaklak at halaman ang nakatanim sa paligid niyon, mga exotic and wild plants ang karamihan. Shrubs, flowers and trees were intricately landscaped and fabricated into very enticing scenery. Natural elements remained untouched but enhanced gracefully using additional plants, trellises and benches.

The resort’s attraction was a gigantic pool with flattering water slides.  There was also a wide golf course and a sport’s club. And the unique cottages of Bamboo stilts Ngunit mga modernong construction materials ang ginamit looked like a wonderful work of art. The resort also had private Villas partially owned by rich families throughout the country.

And the climate was cool and clean. No wonder kahit na malayo ang resort ay maraming mga tao ang nakikita niya sa paligid.

Nakapag check in na siya at nasa loob na ng cottage ang mga gamit. Though she was dead tired from the exhausting travel, she could not afford to stay in her cottage and take some nap.  She was restless. A lot of things were inside her mind. Bagamat maaliwalas ang ekspresyon ng kanyang mukha, magulo naman ang takbo ng kanyang damdamin.

Muli niyang sinuyod ng paningin ang resort. Maganda at maipagmamalaki ang mga amenities nito. Lubos na kahanga-hanga!

So ito ang magandang resort na ipinatayo ni Don Faustino para sa asawa nito? She snorted. Huh, her mother was a very lucky woman! Having such rich husband and enjoying a huge fortune were nothing but pure luck. Mariwasa pala ang buhay nito sa piling ng mayamang napangasawa kaya no wonder at kinalimutan na siya nito ng tuluyan! O siguro ay dahil sa umpisa pa lang, hindi na siya gusto ng ina kaya ipinamigay na lamang sa iba.

Where was justice afterall? Her mother should be rebuked for abandoning her. A karma should struck her life. She should suffer.  She should not have a privileged life. She surely was not worth of all the good things that she was enjoying right now. She was the worst mother ever.

Gusto ng tumulo ng luha niya sa mga oras na iyon. Gustuhin man niyang ikaila Ngunit ilang beses din siyang umasam na hahanapin ng ina. Pero hindi iyon kailanman nangyari. It was but a sheer stupidity of a hoping abandoned child; more of an illusion actually. Itinigil na niya ang ilusyon ng tumuntong siya sa edad na beinte y uno lalo na nang mamatay ang surrogate mother niya.

It was an open knowledge to her that her mother was forced to leave her in Gilda’s care after her birth. She had no resources to nurture an infant. She was alone too. Nabuntis ito sa murang edad, tinakbuhan ng kasintahan at itinakwil ng mga magulang dahil sa kahihiyan.

Her mother was young, confused and helpless. And she understood it. Ngunit ang kaalamang hindi na siya nito binalikan at hinanap sa loob ng dalawampu at anim na taon ay maituturing ng ibang usapan.

Dahil iyon pala, maganda na ang kalagayan nito sa piling ng mayamang napangasawa. Malakas ang kutob niyang itinago ng ina sa pamilya nito ang tungkol sa kanya. She was her dark past. Isa siyang kahihiyan at puwedeng maging dahilan ng pagkasira ng kasalukuyan nitong pamilya. Her blood boiled vilely.

Oh, how she hated her mother for making her looked pathetic!

But she cannot hide her for perpetuity. Her plan right now was actually to convey the revelation to her mother that she was still alive. She will be reminiscent of her well-kept dark past. She did not worry whatever danger she might entangle into her mother’s current family.  Her mother deserved to be punished… in a hard way possible.

Humakbang siya ng paatras mula sa kinatatayuan upang pumihit at bumalik sa cottage. She wanted to dip at the pool awhile ago so she put on her bikini. She knew that her destination was a resort so she brought a bikini with her. But she suddenly amended her mind as depression and anger engulfed her. Nagagalit siya sa ina at mas gugustuhin niyang puntahan ito at komprontahin kesa i-enjoy ang kagandahan ng resort nito.

Ayon kay Detective Kalinawan, nasa itaas pa ng bundok ang mansion ng mga Travilla, mga limang kilometro ang layo mula sa resort. At gustong makita mismo ng mga mata niya ang tahanan nito. Well, at ito na rin mismo! Hindi niya kailanman nasilayan ang pagmumukha nito and she was more than curious to see her mother face to face.

She had kept an only picture of her which was taken when she was seventeen years old.  It was a very old photograph but was well-kept. Her mother might be around forty seven years old this time.

Detective Kalinawan gave her Jasmin’s pictures but she did not bother to check it. She told herself that she will only look at the pictures if they had an impending encounter. And this was the right time. She will go back to her cottage, will check Jasmin’s photo, pagkatapos ay susugod na siya sa mansion ng mga Travilla.

A pale smirk camberd in her lips as her mother’s shocked face pierced her mind. She will give her mother a doze of her own medicine. That was for sure. But her eyes caught a glimpse of a manly tall figure blocking her way, sa pagpihit niya. She tried to avoid him but it was too late. Nakabangga niya ang lalaki and their bodies collided in a strong impact.

He immediately lost his balance and his tall lithe figure swayed in the air. Nasa likuran nito ang malapad na pool na tila naghihintay ng pagbagsak ng katawan nito.

On instinct, naghanap ng makakapitan ang lalaki at naabot ng mga kamay nito ang kanyang baywang. Siya man ay hindi pa gaanong naibalanse ang sarili. Her initial reaction was to reach for him and to prevent his fateful fall. But he was such a big guy that her force was not a match to his weight.

She closed her eyes when she realized that they will fall together to the pool. Humigpit ang pagkakahawak ng lalaki sa kanyang baywang kasabay ng pagkahulog nila sa pool. There was a loud splash and a large volume of water showered into the textured floor.

She immediately pushed the man’s body away from her and when his grip loosened, she swum into the edge of the pool in opposite direction. Mabilis na lumanghap siya ng hangin ng sumulpot ang ulo sa ibabaw ng tubig. Naghahabol siya ng hininga at kinukusot ang mga mata ng marinig ang malalim na tinig na kaagad na kumuha sa kanyang atensiyon.

“Sa susunod ay mag-iingat ka ng hindi ka nakakapag-agrabyado ng ibang tao.”

Her eyes suddenly flung open. Kaagad ang pagsikdo ng dibdib ni Mia ng masilayan ang mukha ng lalaking nasa kanyang harapan. Her breathing was stuck in her diaphragm. My, but the man was drop dead gorgeous! She could not almost believe that such handsomeness really existed.

He was tall. Umaabot lamang sa baywang nito ang tubig sa pool na hanggang leeg niya. Dark skinned and very handsome. He was probably the most handsome descendant of Adam that she had ever laid eyes upon with. His thick arrogant eyebrows perfectly matched his dark but gentle eyes. His upturned nose was a sight to behold and an added point to his handsomeness. His thin but sensual lips were slighly parted and seemed to sip the dormant sensuality in her. So she was not able to stop herself fantasizing how it would be if he kissed her.

Damn, but she wanted to deem that he was a first-rate kisser!

A gust of wind passed by and the chill pulled her wandering mind back. Mia could not believe that she had envisaged such thought! It was the very first time. Oh hell, but this guy was certainly a high caliber gigolo who could interweave her righteous mind. He can actually awaken her murky womanly instinct.

He had a very magnetic sex appeal, made even stronger by his strapping square jaw face. Her eyes dropped to his torso and she was even more enthralled. Lihim siyang napalunok habang nagpipiyesta ang mga mata sa magandang katawang nakalahad sa kanyang harapan. His sexy body has no trace of fat and very lean. She can see muscles and a few veins which made him even more mightily sexier.

She was not aware that she was gawking at his handsomeness for awhile. Nang lumipat sa mga mata nito ang kanyang paningin at makitang nakatingin din ito sa kanya, nakaramdam siya ng pagkapahiya.

She felt blood rushed to her cheeks and a burning sensation blocked up her senses. At hindi niya alam kung galit ba o amusement ang nakikita niyang kislap sa mga mata nito.

She retracted her gaze and took a few steps backward. Ang balak niya ay umaHon ng pool. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin ng mga oras na iyon. She knew that the heavy thudding of her heart was not due to the fall incident. She knew very well that her erratic heartbeat was caused by this gorgeous man standing gloriously half naked in front of her starstruck eyes.

Ngunit sumunod ang lalaki. At bago pa man siya makaabot sa gilid ng pool ay nanduon na ito, blocking her way. “Hindi ka ba hihingi ng paumanhin sa ginawa mong perhuwisyo?” Hindi ito nagtatanong kundi nag-uutos.

She arched her eyebrows. It was not entirely her fault. Kung siguro ay tumitingin din ito sa dinadaanan, siguradong nakita nito ang pag-atras niya. So he should not put the blame on her. And he deliberately dragged her upang sabay silang mahulog sa pool. Therefore how dare he impose such thing on her!

“And why should I say sorry?” She said in a hard voice, her eyes sharpened. “Hindi ka mabubunggo sa akin kung nakatingin ka sa dinadaanan mo. And besides ikaw ang dapat na humingi ng paumanhin. Alam kong sinadya mong abutin ako upang may karamay kang mahulog sa pool. And you succeeded.”

Her face lightened in satisfaction when she delivered her statements smoothly. Salamat at nakipag-cooperate ang kanyang dila at hindi siya nautal o nabulol. She knew she would be further embarrassed kung nagkataong nautal o nabulol siya.

The corner of his mouth warped in hasty amusement. “And so the pretty woman barks, huh.” He shook his head. At tumabing ang basang hibla ng buhok nito sa makinis nitong noo.

And she found herself spellbound. This man really looked scrumptiously appealing. Wet hair and water streaming over his sculptured body. Lihim siyang napalunok. She was on a far-off place. At bulubundukin ang bahaging ito ng Mindanao. Hindi niya inaasahang makakita siya ng ganito kaguwapong nilalang sa liblib na lugar na iyon. Oh well, she was in a resort. At isa marahil itong turista.

“Hindi ako hihingi ng paumanhin Mister.” Dahil nakakaloko ang ngiti nito. At hindi niya iyon nagugustuhan. She will not permit anybody craft fun at her expense!

“What if sasabihin kong hindi ka makakaaHon ng pool hanggat hindi ka humihingi ng paumanhin?” There was a lace of challenge and naughtiness in his baritone voice.

She opened her mouth but closed it before she can utter any word of protest. Matalim ang mga matang nakipaghamunan siya ng titig sa lalaki. But it looked like he was not distracted at all. “If I were you ay umalis ka na diyan sa harapan ko and stop blocking my way.” She presaged in a dangerous tone.

But he only shrugged his wide shoulders, infuriating her further. At hindi man lang ito tuminag sa kinatatayuan. At tila nag-eenjoy ito sa nakikitang kislap ng galit sa kanyang mga mata.

They were in a public place. Getting the attention of the people in the resort was the last thing in her mind. She despised hullabaloo. If possible, she did not want to employ herself in public mortification.

Pinigil niya ang hininga sa kanyang lalamunan at mariing ipinikit ang mga mata upang kontrolin ang sarili. Kasunod niyon, tinungo niya ang mababang parte ng pool dahil doon niya planong umaHon.

Ngunit nasa harapan kaagad niya ang lalaki. And she could not pass by without her shoving his statuesque figure. Now, she was already seething in anger. Malapit ng maubos ang pagpapasensiya niya at matutuon na sa lalaki anumang oras ang galit na para sa kanyang ina.

“I’m not in the mood to play games with you Mister.” Pinilit niyang magpakahinaHon sa kabila ng lahat. “I’ll call the security of this resort kung hindi mo ako titigilan.”

He smiled waywardly. Na lalong nakadagdag sa galit niya. Hell, pinagtitripan ba siya ng lalaking ito?

Sasabog na siya sa galit at inis ng mamataan ang lalaking nakaputing uniform sa di kalayuan. May nakasukbit na baril sa baywang nito. “Guard!” Malakas na tawag niya sa guwardiyang kaagad na lumapit. “Hinaharass ako ng lalaking ito.” Itinuro niya ang lalaking wala man lang pag-aalalang nakapinta sa mukha.

“Sir?” Ang guwardiya na hindi siya pinansin bagkus ay tinapunan ng nag-aalalang sulyap ang lalaki.

She seized advantage of the moment. Hindi man umaalis sa kinatatayuan ang matangkad na lalaki ngunit nagawa naman niyang umaHon sa pool.

“That man is a threat to your customers.” Ngayong nakaaHon na siya sa pool, nakahinga siya ng maluwag. “Arestuhin mo ang lalaking iyan at magpa-file ako ng complaint. Harrassment.”

Ngunit sa halip na sundin ng guwardiya ang utos niya, takot ang bumadya sa mukha nito. For God’s sake, ano bang klaseng security meron ang resort na ito at bahag ang buntot ng mga security guards?!

Wala siyang mahihitang tulong mula dito ayun sa nakikita niyang reaksiyon ng guard. So she had changed her plan. “Nasaan ang manager ninyo? Gusto ko siyang makausap.” She asked stridently.

“Naririto lang ako Miss kung gusto mo akong kausapin.”

“Hindi ikaw ang gusto kong kausapin.” Galit na baling niya sa lalaki na ngayon ay nakaaHon na rin sa pool. And she can’t help but ingested stiffly nang mapagmasdan ang kabuuan ng magandang katawan nito. The man was wearing scanty swimming trunks which paraded all his manly chattels.

Regular bang pumupunta ang lalaking ito sa gym? Why, but he had muscles in all precise places. At makitid ang baywang nito and the abs was great. Muscles bulged beneath his skin in a sexy way.

“Siya ang manager dito sa resort Ma’am.” Ang guard na hindi alam ang gagawin.

She was taken aback by the revelation but she remained cool. The last thing she wanted was for this man to intimidate her.

“Siya si Sir John Micheal Travilla. Anak ng may-ari ng resort at ang tumatayong manager.” Pagpapatuloy ng guwardiya.

Umalingawngaw sa pandinig niya ang sinabi ng guwardiya. Kasabay ng pagdidilim ng kanyang mukha ay ang pagtutok ng mga mata niya sa lalaki. The man must be in his late twenties, kung ang bukas ng mukha nito ang pagbabasehan. At hindi nagkakalayo ang edad nilang dalawa.

Posible kayang kapatid niya ang lalaking ito? Napangiwi siya sa naisip. Surely, hindi niya gugustuhing maging magkapatid sila nito. Hindi dahil sa disgusto kundi sa kadahilanang nahihiya siyang tukuyin.

“Travilla,” she uttered the name like acid. “Nasaan ang tinatawag na good customer service? Dahil mismo ang manager ng resort na ito ay hindi nagpapractice ng ganuon. I wonder how many unsatisfied customers you do have who share my own sentiments?!”

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nagpakita ng pagkapahiya ang lalaki. At lihim na nagdiwang ang damdamin niya. Now she knew how to wound this arrogant man.

“Bumalik ka na sa puwesto mo Rey. Ako na ang bahala dito.” utos nito sa guard na kaagad sumunod. “Okay,” baling nito sa dalaga ng makalayo ang tauhan. “I’m sorry about the incident. Naughty me. Hindi ko naisip na mauuwi sa ganito ang simpleng kasiyahan.” Ngunit salubong ang makakapal na mga kilay nito at mukhang hindi naman sinsero ang paghingi ng paumanhin.

Mas lalong nadagdagan ang galit sa kanyang dibdib. Pakiramdam niya ay gustong umusok ng kanyang ilong. At talaga nga palang pinagtripan siya ng lalaking ito! And to think that this man was a Travilla! Ume-echo pa rin sa kanyang pandinig ang pangalang binanggit ng guwardiya.

“You made fun at my expense!” Mariing turan niya. Kung puwede nga lang siyang magcheck out sa resort ora mismo ay gagawin niya. Ngunit ito lamang ang nag-iisang resort sa lugar na iyon. “So professional for a manager like you, huh!” Puno ng sarkasmo ang kanyang tinig.

He made a sharp sigh as if he winced awkwardly. “Look, I’m sorry. Hindi ko alam kung paano icompensate ang naging kalokohan kong ito. But if it’s a consolation, I’m not letting you pay. You can stay here for as long as you want and that’s for free.”

“Huh!” She grunted. “Hindi nababayaran ng pera ang lahat Mr. Travilla. Dahil ang perang iyan mismo ang sisira sa pagkatao mo.”

Kumunot ang noo ng lalaki. “You sound so bitter about money.” His eyes tapered.

“May sarili akong pera at kaya kong magbayad. At hindi rin naman ako magtatagal sa resort na ito kaya naman siguro ay hindi malaki ang babayaran ko.” Iniba niya ang usapan sa halip na magkomento tungkol sa sinabi nito.

“Yeah.” Malamig ang naging hagod ng boses nito. “Looking at you, I know you have money. In fact, you’re screaming of money.” Micheal’s gaze voyaged from her face down to her feet at pabalik sa kanyang mukha.

She had a very alluring loveliness. The beautiful oval-shaped face with expressive eyes na nanatiling kaakit-akit sa kabila ng galit na nakabadya doon, can enslaved any man’s heart. Her brown eyes sHone with hate but only fueled his male hormones even more. Her insipid pink lips which were faintly twisted looked delicious under his now ravenous eyes.

And her scorching body which was clad in a sparse swimwear was a sight to behold. His stare plummeted to the gorge between her breasts and moseyed at her rich cleavage.

Katamtaman ang sukat ng dibdib ng babae but was so chock-full and firm. Her narrow waistline was a disparity to her wide and very round bottom. The cute hole of her belly button beleaguered his eyes that for a moment he forgot to bat an eyelid. Her lengthy and well shaped legs seemed to stretch in endless glory.

He articulated a silent curse as he felt her marvelous effect to his manliness. Man, but the woman had lethal yet innocent trinkets! And it looked like she was not aware of it. His admiring eyes did not miss the brand of her two piece bikini. It was Speedo. At libo ang halaga niyon. Gayundin ang Havianas na suot niyang tsinelas.

She had a marvelous loveliness that was simply breathtaking. Just by looking at her, he felt the gush of raw desire. He knew he was wearing a skimpy swimming trunks and he needed to stop his throbbing manhood from pulsating further else he would be trapped in an undescent situation. His big bulge will create such a humiliating scene.

But as much as he wanted to persecute his male hormones, he could not simply impede it. His shaft was growing bigger and longer in every second.

She was a bombshell and a helluva of a hottie. And he was a normal descendant of Adam who appreciated such loveliness. High inclining testosterone level was a pretty normal reaction. Afterall, he was a hot blooded male specie.

Gusto niyang tumakbo pabalik ng cottage at ibalot ang katawang puting two-piece bikini lamang ang suot sa klase ng titig ng lalaki. Ang mga titig nito ay nagtatagal sa kanyang dibdib at bumababa sa kanyang mga binti. And hell, nanayo na ang mga balahibo niya sa katawan!

“Your skin is smooth all over at pantay ang kulay. Halatang kutis mayaman.” He alleged in a brackish but still sexy voice.

Hindi niya alam kung papuri ba iyon o pangungutya. Hindi siya masyadong kaputian Ngunit makinis siya at katulad nga ng sabi nito, pantay ang kulay mula ulo hanggang paa.

And she was genetically endowed with a beautiful stature na hindi na niya kailangang magpakahirap sa pag-eehersisyo at gutumin ang sarili sa pagdidiyeta mapanatili lamang ang magandang kurba ng katawan. Malakas ang metabolism niya at kahit magana siyang kumain, hindi siya madaling tumaba.

Isang irap ang naging tugon niya dito. Alam niyang walang patutunguhan ang pag-uusap nilang iyon kaya ipinasya na lamang niyang tumalikod.

At isa pa, kanina pa siya hindi makahinga ng maayos dahil sa epekto ng mga titig ng lalaki. And she could feel rare tingle at the end of her fine hair under the depth of his penetrating gaze.

Jhon Micheal Travilla… Muli siyang pumihit upang harapin ang lalaki. “Ilang taon ka na ba Mr. Travilla?”

Bagamat nagulat ang lalaki sa tanong niya ay saglit lang iyon. “Twenty-nine.” He said in voice he would qualify as a DJ.

Nakahinga siya ng maluwag sa narinig. So hindi sila magkapatid. Mas matanda ito sa kanya ng tatlong taon. Must be his mother’s step son.

“And you?” Friendly na ngayon ang tono ng boses nito. “At ano nga pala ang pangalan mo?”

She smirked icily. “I don’t give personal information Mr. Travilla. And besides hindi mo gugustuhing malaman kung sino ako.” She smirked again, deadly this time. Pagkatapos ay tuluyan na siyang tumalikod at iniwan ito.

Makapal ang report na isinubmit sa kanya ni Detective Kalinawan Ngunit hindi na niya binasa ang lahat ng iyon. Sapat na sa kanya ang kaalamang natunton nito ang kanyang ina at kung saan niya ito matatagpuan.

Hindi na niya inalam ang ibang detalye lalo na ang tungkol sa kasalukuyan nitong pamilya. Dahil nasasaktan lamang siya kapag naiisip na may ibang pamilya ang ina na siyang pinag-aalayan nito ng panahon at pagkalinga. At pinagkaitan siya nito ng mga bagay na iyon.

Habol ng paningin ni Micheal ang babaeng papalayo na sa kanyang paningin. She was walking in spur-of-the-moment steps, siguro ay upang makalayo kaagad sa kanya.

The silky swaying of her hips entertained his ferocious eyes. Her every movement was beguiling sexy. He can see her full behind that he desired to salivate. She had indeed a body worth dying for.

Micheal was bemused by his reaction. No other woman had captured his attention since his breakup three months ago. Even his previous girlfriend, na maituturing ding maganda at sexy, never made him feel this way.

Nang una niyang makita ang babae na palakad-lakad sa paligid ng resort, so beautiful and sexy in her two piece bikini, lihim na sinundan niya ito.

Through the duration of his stalking, he did not take his eyes off her. He even could not afford to blink. He was so intrigued why the woman can extremely rein his elusive eyes. She looked so beautiful yet mystifying.

There was a different shade in her sulty eyes. And she seemed so consumed with something that she did not notice his existence. She was the first woman who neglected his presence. He was a head turner yet for the first time, his amulet tailed off. Lalo pa at nakasuot lamang siya ng makitid na swimming trunks.

Actually, maraming mga pares ng mata ang nakasunod sa kanya, except for that one hot chick. At hindi niya matanggap ang bagay na iyon. He wanted to impress her, to leave a lasting impression to her, to entangle her into his life.

So he made a plan.  At ang pagkahulog nila sa pool ay sinadya niya. But the woman proved to be more than standoffish. Hindi umubra ang style niya bagkus ay nagalit niya ang babae. Though he could not deny that he felt heaven for some split seconds while he held her on his arms. It was worth everything afterall.

Micheal shook his head in incredulity. He had encountered one of the most colossal moment of his life.  He knew he was attracted to the mysterious woman. Her mystery heaped on as she did not give her name. And she was talking in riddles.

But he knew that their paths will cross again. She was in his resort. And he will do everything under his power to know more of her.

He was determined to uncover her mystery.  He was afterall John Micheal Travilla, the most influential man in the town.

He smiled bafflingly.w

CHAPTER 2

NALULULA sa nakikita si Mia. Naroroon siya sa harapan ng  Bgate ng mansion kung saan nagbubuhay reyna ang kanyang ina. And damn, but the mansion was big enough to house ten people. Mistula iyong isang palasyo na nakatayo sa itaas ng bundok.

She was expecting that Travillas were rich. Dahil iyon ang sinabi sa kanya ni Detective Kalinawan. But she never expected to be this smutty rich. Napailing na lamang siya. Mas lalo tuloy siyang namuhi sa ina.

Mula sa kinatatayuan niya ay kitang-kita niya ang malaking puting bahay na may accents na yellow ochre at Tegulang atip, mga dalawampung metro ang layo mula sa kanya.

The house was a modern Carribean in Architectural design and was simply majestic. Napapaligiran ito ng malapad na Bermuda lawn at natural landscaping. The natural sloping terrain of the land added more to its allure. Maraming mga puno ng Fire Tree sa paligid at ang pulang bulaklak ng mga iyon ay lalong nakadagdag sa kagandahan ng mansion.

“Sino po ang sadya ninyo Ma’am?”

Mula sa façade ng mansion ay nalipat sa security guard ang pansin ni Mia. Nakatayo ito sa loob ng gate at sinusuri siya ng paningin mula ulo hanggang paa.

“I’m looking for Jasmin Travilla.” Bagamat kumukulo ang dugo sa galit ay nagawa niyang ngitian ang guard.

A puzzled look passed in the eyes of the security guard pagkatapos ay napakamot ito sa ulo. “Sino po kayo Ma’am at ano ang sadya ninyo kay Ma’am Jasmin?”

Isang malalim na hininga ang hinugot niya at pinatatag ang sarili. “I’m Mia Catherine Fernan, anak ni Jasmin Fernan Travilla. At gusto kong makita ang aking ina.”

Hindi niya alam kung matatawa sa nakitang reaksiyon ng guwardiya. Nanlaki ang mga mata nito habang nakatutok ang paningin sa kanya. Ngunit maya-maya ay sumeryoso ito ng makabawi mula sa pagkabigla.

“Baka lang nagkakamali kayo ng pakay Ma’am-“

“Alam ko ang ginagawa ko guard. At hindi ako nasisiraan ng bait.” Matigas na ang boses niya. “Alam kong nandiyan lamang siya sa loob ng mansion. Tell her na nandito ako at puwede siyang lumabas or ako na ang papasok kung ayaw niyang lumabas.” Nakita niya ang pag-aalinlangan sa mukha ng kausap.

“Sandali lang Ma’am. May tatawagan lang ako.” Pumasok ito sa loob ng guard house at may tinawagan sa telepono.

Si Mia ay muling inilibot ang paningin sa kabuuan ng mansion habang nakikipag-usap ang guwardiya sa telepono. Mataas ang bakod na nakapaligid sa mansion Ngunit dahil gawa iyon sa grills, kitang-kita ang kabuuan ng malaking bahay. Siguro ay sinadya iyon ng sa ganuon nga naman ay makikita ninuman ang nakakalulang mansion. Lihim siyang napaismid.

Muling tumutok sa guwardiya ang kanyang paningin ng makita niya itong lumabas ng guard house. Binuksan nito ang pantaong gate. “Pasok po kayo Ma’am. Parating na si Sir JM. Pakiantay na lang po.”

Pumasok siya sa bakuran ng mga Travilla at sumunod sa guard. Sa tabi ng guardhouse ay may nakatayong isang gazebo. Doon siya dinala ng guard.

“Umupo muna kayo habang hinihintay si Sir, Ma’am.”

“Si Jasmin Travilla ang gusto kong makita at makausap.” Nanatili siyang nakatayo at hindi sinunod ang utos ng guwardiya.

“Si Sir JM ang dapat ninyong kausapin tungkol sa bagay na iyan Ma’am. Hindi ninyo makakausap si Ma’am Jasmin nang hindi dumadaan sa kanya.”

Nagkukot man ang kalooban ay napilitan siyang umupo sa isa sa outdoor bench sa loob ng gazebo. Kinakalamay niya ang kalooban at inihahanda ang sarili sa pagkikita nila ng ina.

Hindi niya alam kung makokontrol niya ang sarili at mapakitunguhan ng civil ang ina sa napipintong paghaharap nila. Iisa lang ang tiyak, puno ng galit at hinanakit ang kanyang dibdib.

KAAGAD na napatayo mula sa kinauupuan si Mia ng marinig ang pagtigil ng sasakyan sa harapan ng gate. Binuksan ng guwardiya ang gate at pumasok sa loob ang bagong-bagong Land Cruiser.

Tumigil iyon sa driveway. Ang paningin niya ay nakapako sa driver’s seat. Tinted ang salamin ng sasakyan kaya hindi niya nakikita ang nagmamaneho niyon.

“Andito na si Sir JM Ma’am.” Ang guwardiya na binigyan siya ng sulyap pagkatapos ay muling isinara ang gate.

Saglit na natuon sa guwardiya ang paningin niya at nang muling tapunan ng pansin ang Land Cruiser ay nakalabas na ang driver niyon. And the beating of her heart suddenly hammered violently against her chest.

She convened the man’s smoldering black eyes. Magkasalubong ang mga kilay nito habang ang paningin ay naglakbay sa kanyang kabuuan.

Ang lalaking buong kisig na naglalakad palapit sa kanya at ang dahilan ng mabilis na pagpintig ng puso niya ay walang iba kundi ang manager ng Jasmin Mountain Resort na naka-engkwentro niya dalawang oras pa lamang ang nakalilipas.

John Micheal Travilla… So ito ang Sir JM na tinutukoy ng guwardiya. At kahit gusto ng manghina ng mga tuhod niya sa klase ng titig ng lalaki ay hindi niya iyon pinansin.

Mas nangingibabaw ang galit niya para sa inang nang-abandona sa kanya kesa pagtuunan ang ibang mga bagay-bagay lalo na ang damdaming dulot sa kanya ng lalaking ito.

“Hinahanap mo raw si Mama?” Buo at seryoso ang tinig na lumabas sa bibig ni Micheal. Ang mapanuri nitong tingin ay lalong nag-igting habang nakatutok ang paningin sa mga mata ng dalaga.

He knew that the presence of this woman meant trouble. But he simply could not resist appreciating her beautiful face. She still had the same loveliness hours ago. Despite of having clothes on; she was wearing black, body-hugging denim and a ruffled blouse, she nevertheless looked blazingly hot. Her beauty gave him the reason to smile aboard a sinking ship.

“I’m looking for Jasmin Fernan.” Matipid na wika niya. At gusto niyang batukan ang sarili dahil mukhang hindi na niya mapaglabanan ang panlalambot ng mga tuhod. God, but this man’s stare could melt a heart of stone! At mukhang hindi yata siya immune sa epekto ng titig nito.

“At ano ang sadya mo sa Mama?”

“Look,” exasperated na pahayag niya. Hindi ito ang taong gusto niyang makausap. At wala siyang intensiyong magpaliwanag dito. “Si Jasmin Fernan ang sadya ko. Siya lang ang gusto kong makausap.”

His eyes narrowed dangerously. “Hindi mo puwedeng istorbohin ang Mama kung hindi mabigat ang iyong dahilan. She has no time for any nonsense charade-“

“I have all the rights to invade my mother’s so called privacy Mr. Travilla. Nandito ako para makita ang aking ina. Ngayon ilabas mo siya at iharap sa akin.”

Kumulimlim ang ekspresyon ng mukha ng binata habang ang paningin ay mas lalong naging mabalasik. Maya-maya ay isang patuyang ngiti ang kumurba sa mga labi nito.

“Magkano ang halagang iniisip mong makukuha kay Mama sa drama mong ito? Sabihin mo at ibibigay ko sa iyo ng labis pa. My mother could not bear this bullshit. And I’m warning you to back off else you will find yourself behind prison bars. Tinitiyak ko sa iyong hindi ko palalampasin ang katarantaduhang ito.”

Micheal felt his fists tensed up. He was torn between admiration and loathing.  He looked at her from head to foot. Yet, there was no trace of evil in her innocent face. How could a beautiful face be an opportunist?

He knew he esteemed the woman. But right now, he wanted to mash her in his bare hands. He could not tolerate anybody from hurting his family. She was indeed a beauty but he knew that behind the exquisite camouflage was a material woman. He knew very well na binayaran lamang ang babae upang magpanggap.

Nahigit ni Mia ang hininga sa narinig. Kung kanina ay kumukulo na ang dugo niya sa galit, ngayon yata ay umabot na sa two hundred ang blood pressure niya. Ngunit pinili niyang magpakahinaHon. Pagmumukhain niyang tanga ang lalaking ito at sa kanya mauuwi ang huling halakhak.

Kaagad na dinukot niya sa loob ng shoulder bag ang isang piraso ng papel at pagigil na iwinasiwas sa mukha ng lalaki. “Your nightmare Mr. Travilla.” Pauyam siyang ngumiti. “Scrutinize this Birth Certificate and prepare for the shocking revelation of your life. At ilabas mo ang walang kuwenta kong ina ng sa ganuon ay makapagtuos kami.”

Pahablot na kinuha ni Micheal ang piraso ng papel at halos ay mag-isang linya na lamang ang mga kilay habang binabasa iyon. “Magaling,” he said in clenched teeth pagkatapos suriin ang dokumento. “At may props ka pang ginamit. Hindi ako tanga para maniwala kaagad sa palabas mong ito kung sino ka man-“

“My name’s Mia Catherine Fernan.”

“Oh yeah Miss Fernan,” he shot her a dubious stare. “Try harder next time sweetie. Pero hindi niyon mababago ang katotohanang nagpapanggap ka lang. To tell you Honestly hindi ito ang unang pagkakataong may pumunta dito at nagpakilalang anak ni Mama. Marami na ang gumamit ng ganyang drama. Alam kong pera lang ang habol mo-”

“Scorn your money Mr. Travilla!” She interrupted callously. “Wala akong interes sa kahit isang sentimo basta perang may kinalaman sa walang kuwenta kong ina. Gusto ko lang siyang makita at ipamukha sa kanya ang kalupitang ginawa niya sa akin. Nang sa ganuon ay puwede na siyang mamatay-“

“Don’t ever dare say that again!” Marahas na turan nito kasabay niyon ang paghuli nito sa kamay niya in a rigid and chastising grip.

He knew he was angry. But he was dead aware of the verity that he was holding her wrist. He felt her pulse. It was beating in strange rhythm. Her body was a few inches away from him that he can smell her unsullied and tantalizing womanly scent.  Everything about this woman enticed him. In a different circumstance, he will appreciate the feeling. But right now, he was cursing it.

His grip in her wrist was like steel. She wanted to cry in pain Ngunit tiniis niya ang matinding sakit. Mas masasakit pang salita ang gusto niyang sabihin laban sa ina. At hindi siya masisindak ng lalaking ito.

“Huh! At ano ang tingin mo sa iyong kinikilalang ina, santo?” Nakipagsukatan siya ng titig sa lalaking ngayon ay nakayuko na sa kanya. Their faces were so close she could feel his tattered breathing. Naaamoy na niya ang mabangong hininga nito. At hindi niya gusto ang isanlibong kilabot na dulot niyon sa senses niya.

“Jasmin is a fair and well-mannered lady but nonetheless saint. Pero ang magpanggap na anak niya ay isang malaking kalokohan. Kung iniisip mong maloloko mo kami ay nagkakamali ka. Patay na ang anak ni Mama at hawak namin ang death certificate nito. Ngayon ay sabihin mo ang totoo, kung sino ang mastermind ng pagpapanggap na ito else ay ipadadampot kita sa mga pulis.”

She was caught off guard.  Ano ang pinagsasabi nitong Death Certificate? My goodness, kailanman ay hindi pa siya namatay. Kahit pa sabihing kamatayan din naman ang patutunguhan niya Ngunit hindi pa siya pinaglamayan, for crying out loud.

“Kung ito ang paraan mo upang matakasan ni Jasmin Fernan ang katotohanang ako ang inabandona niyang anak, puwes wala na akong pakialam doon. I should have sent my lawyer instead.  I can have my lawyer verify the fact that alas I found my mother’s hiding paradise.” She said disdainfully.

“And what exactly do you mean by that woman?” He lashed out like a tiger ready to devour his prey.

“Kung hindi ko rin lang naman makakausap ang aking ina ay wala ng rasong manatili pa ako dito. I’ll send my lawyer as soon as possible. Siya na ang bahalang kumausap sa iyo.” Ipiniksi niya ang kamay Ngunit hindi iyon binitawan ng binata. “Let go of me Mr. Travilla. And don’t worry, ito na ang huling pagkakataong tatapak ako sa teritoryo ng mahal kong ina.” She said the word ‘mahal’ like a poison.

“No.” Matigas na tanggi nito. “Mag-uusap tayo. You cannot leave hanggat hindi mo nililinaw ang lahat ng ito.” Micheal wanted to blow himself. He knew that the woman was dangerous yet he abhor her absence. He was enjoying their petty fight. He felt adrenaline rush roused his blood.

“Isa lang naman ang gusto kong mangyari. Ang makaharap si Jasmin Fernan pagkatapos ng dalawampu at anim na taon. At kung hindi mangyayari iyon ay nagsasayang lamang ako ng aking panahon. I’ll give my lawyer a job.”

“You cannot leave this easy woman.” It was a whisper but it clearly reached her eardrum. “Kinabog mo na ang pamilyang ito. Now stay and explain everything.”

“Hindi ako magsasayang ng pangaHon-“

“Okay, you can see Jasmin. You have my permission. But you need to be very behave para tuluyan kong pahintulutan iyon. Isa pa ay marami akong mga kondisyunes na dapat idiscuss sa iyo bago mo makikita ang Mama.”

Hindi na pumasok sa isipan niya ang ibang sinabi nito. Sapat na ang kaalamang magkakaroon siya ng pagkakataong makaharap ang ina at wala siyang pakialam sa mga demands ng lalaki. Sa oras na makakaharap niya ang ina ay ipapadama niya dito ang lahat ng galit at hinanakit na naipon sa kanyang dibdib sa loob ng napakahabang panahon.

Micheal sighed. He was disenchanted. Kung anuman ang damdaming pinukaw sa kanya ng magandang babaeng ito ay biglang nawala ng matuklasan niya ang pakay nito sa kanyang pamilya.

She was nothing but an opportunist. And she was an enemy.

IN A FEW WORDS ay sinabi niya sa lalaki ang kuwento ng kanyang buhay. Matiim lamang itong nakamasid sa kanya. Siguro ay inaarok ang katotohanan sa lahat ng kanyang mga sinabi. It was actually normal because she knew he was cynical of her true identity.

They were inside the library. Pagkatapos nitong payagang makita niya ang ina ay dinala siya ng lalaki sa loob ng bahay upang ipagpatuloy ang pag-uusap nila.

“Now what?” She asked in vehemence pagkatapos magkuwento. “Puwede ko na bang makita si Jasmin Fernan?”

“Base sa nakikita ko ay hindi mo naman gustong makita ang iyong ina, ano ang dahilan kung bakit nandito ka?” Si Micheal na kampanteng inihilig ang ulo sa headrest ng swivel chair.

He was watching her with fanatical eyes.  He wanted to see every emotion in her pretty face. She might be a good actress. She was actually putting up a plausible act. Iyon ay kung ang reaksiyon ng dalaga ang pagbabasehan.

Isang malalim na hininga ang hinugot ni Mia. “Wala ka ng pakialam sa dahilan ko Mr. Travilla-“

“You can call me Micheal,” maagap na putol nito sa iba pang sasabihin niya. “At wala naman sigurong problema kung Mia ang itatawag ko sa iyo.”

“Personal ang dahilan ko Micheal,” she was surprised to find out that his name sounded so right. “At hindi ko iyon sasabihin sa iyo. Oh well, matagal na panahon ko ring inasam na hahanapin ako ng aking ina Ngunit lumipas lang ang dalawampo at anim na taon ay hindi nangyari ang ilusyon kong iyon.”

She felt a lockjaw. Her eyes moistened. Ngunit kaagad na hinamig niya ang sarili. Madali pa namang tumulo ang luha niya at hinding-hindi siya iiyak sa puntong iyon. Not at the moment; especially not in front of a Travilla.

“Your story seems quite convincing Mia. Pero hindi mo pa rin ako maloloko-“

“Hindi kita niloloko Micheal!” Her fist stumped on the table. “Kung naglolokohan lang pala tayo dito ay mabuti pang itigil na natin ang pag-uusap na ito.” Nagsisimula na namang umaHon ang galit sa kanyang dibdib.

Kahit pa sa ilang pagkakataong napapatingin siya sa mga mata ng binata at nalulusaw ang galit na nararamdaman niya ay muli iyong namumuo kapag naiisip niya ang ginawang pag-abandona sa kanya ng ina. And this man was preventing her from seeing her mother na tila ito isang babasaging kristal na kailangang protektahan.

Tumayo sa kinauupuan ang binata at lumapit sa cabinet rack. Pagkatapos ay may hinugot na papel. Muli itong bumalik sa mesa at naupo. With sturdy hand ay inilapag nito sa mesa ang isang piraso ng papel.

“Here, take a look at this…”

Kaagad na inagaw niya ang papel at pinasadahan ng paningin. At ganuon na lamang ang pagkabigla niya ng mabasang isa iyong Death Certificate na nagpapatunay na patay na siya at may lagda mismo ni Gilda bilang testigo. Her eyes went dazed and confused as she looked at him again.

“Ngayon mo sabihin sa aking hindi ka nagsisinungaling Mia.” The corner of his lips weaved in revulsion. “Kung hindi ko lang hawak ang dokumentong iyan ay kanina pa ako naniwala sa iyo. Why, you look like Jasmin when I first saw her fifteen years ago.”

“No. This is a fake document.” Mas sa sarili niya sinabi iyon kesa sa lalaki.

“Or it’s you who’s a fake, Honey…” Of all the women who claimed that they were Jasmin’s daughter, Mia looked more authentic, because she looked like Jasmin. She had her eyes and they had the same innocent glow.  But he knew that the resemblance was just chaste chance. At sinamantala iyon ng dalaga upang magpanggap. He knew she had an accomplice. And he was determined to uncover the truth.

“I’m not yet dead!” Hindi makapaniwalang bulalas niya. Tapos ay napayuko at marahas na napailing. “Though I know I need to dig my grave soonest but I’m still very much alive. This is absurd!”

Napatayo siya at muntik ng nilamukos ang papel kung hindi maagap na naagaw iyon ng binata mula sa kamay niya. “Somebody might have forged Mama Gilda’s signature. And besides, tatlong taon na siyang patay.”

“At tatlong taon na rin ang dokumentong ito.” Si Micheal na nakahinga ng maluwag ng mapasakamay ang papel na buo at hindi nagusot.

Nagkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay sa narinig. Bigla tuloy ay sumakit ang kanyang ulo. Alam niyang may mali sa mga nangyayari. “Paano mo nakuha ang dokumentong iyan?”

Pain and anguish surpassed in his dark eyes for a moment. “Tatlong taon ang nakalipas ng nagpaalam si Mama na pupunta ng Iloilo dahil may balita na sa babaeng pinagbilinan niya ng kanyang sanggol. She was ecstatic. Nakausap ko pa siya sa telepono bago siya nakipagkita sa babaeng kumupkop sa anak niya.” A sudden change of emotion crossed his face.

“Ngunit nagulat na lamang ako ng makatanggap ng tawag mula sa isang ospital sa Iloilo na nasa kritikal na lagay ang Mama dahil sa tinamong matinding atake sa puso. Ang Death Certificate na ito ay nakuha sa loob ng hotel suite na tinuluyan niya sa Iloilo City. And I figured out she had a heart attack dahil patay na ang anak na matagal na niyang hinahanap.”

“Matagal ng hinahanap?!” Huh! Gusto niyang masuka sa sinbi nito. For sure ay nagsisinungaling ang lalaking ito at pinagtatakpan lamang ang kanyang ina.

“I know Jasmin’s story dahil sinasabi niya sa akin ang lahat ng mga problema niya pagkatapos mamatay ni Papa pitong taon na ang nakalilipas. Though itinago niya sa Papa ang tungkol sa anak niya ay hinanap niya ito ng masigasig sa loob ng apat na taon. Ngunit bago pa iyon ay tinangka na niyang hanapin ang anak limang taon makalipas na ipinagbilin niya ito sa nurse na umasikaso sa kanya sa ospital ng manganak ito.”

“That nurse name was Gilda Gabriel, ang babaeng itinuring akong tunay na anak.” She voluntarily supplied the information.

For a moment ay nakatitig lamang sa mga mata niya ang binata. Pagkatapos ay nagpatuloy. “After Jasmin gave birth, she left Iloilo at nakipagsapalaran sa Middle East bilang domestic helper. Nang sa gayun ay makapag-ipon ng sariling pera. Pagkatapos ng limang taon ay bumalik siya sa Pilipinas. Binalikan niya ang ospital kung saan siya nanganak Ngunit hindi na niya makita ang nurse.” He paused for a moment.

“Wala siyang ideya kung saan mahahanap si Gilda. She stayed for one year sa Iloilo upang magbakasakali na makikita niya ang nurse. Ngunit nabigo siya. After a year ay lumuwas siya ng Maynila. At doon niya nakilala ang Papa. Isang balo na nagpapahilom sa pangungulila dulot ng pagkamatay ni Mama. They fell in love. At iniuwi siya ng Papa dito sa plantasyon pagkatapos nilang magpakasal. Pinuno niya ng kasiyahan ang pamamahay na ito at tumayong ina ko sa loob ng labinlimang taon.”

“Bakit mo sinasabi sa akin ang lahat ng ito?” She tried to make her voice dense, in which she somehow succeeded. Hinanap daw siya ng kanyang ina? Huh! Isang ismid ang hindi niya napigilang pakawalan.

He showed hesitation Ngunit mas piniling isatinig ang nasa isipan. “Dahil hindi na niya kayang sabihin sa iyo ang lahat ng ito.”

He wanted to applause this hoax for acting surreal. She was really an awesome actress. Jamin’s sickness was an open knowledge. Lalo na sa lalawigan nila.

Kung may kasabwat ang babae, siguradong naipalam na iyon dito. Or was this one of the game she had perfectly mastered?

Nakuha ang buong atensiyon niya sa narinig. “Like what exactly do you mean by that Mr. Travilla?”

Sinalubong ni Mia ang nanghahamong titig ni Micheal. Wala siyang pakialam sa nakikita niya sa mga mata nito. Alam niyang hindi naniniwala sa kanya ang lalaki.

But convincing him was not included in her plans. She was only obligated to see her mother. She was not expecting that it would be this difficult. Though she had the urged to back out, she stood firm.

Nahihirapan man siya pero okay lang. The moment that she will encounter her mother, she will be free of any burden. She can leave in peace. Mapapasalin na rin sa pangalan niya ang Manggahan. At maasikaso na rin niya ang kanyang appointment kay Dra. Alva.

Everything will surely set off according to her plans.

CHAPTER 3

PAKIRAMDAM ni Mia ay matutumba siya sa kinatatayuan habang nakatunghay sa babaeng sakay ng wheelchair, immobile at nakatingin sa kawalan. Ang lahat ng galit na nasa dibdib niya para sa ina sa loob ng maraming mga taon ay dagling naglaho ng mga oras na iyon.

Napakapit siya sa mga bisig ni Micheal na hindi naging madamot upang alalayan siya. Pakiramdam niya ay bigla siyang pinanghinaan ng loob at kung hindi niya kokontrolin ang emosyon ay magpa-pass out siya.

She closed her eyes hoping that she was just deceived by her eyes. That what she saw was only a product of her imagination. Pero sa muli niyang pagmulat ay pareHong malungkot na tanawin ang nakita niya. It was all but reality.

She garroted a bawl. She was not able to hold back her tears. Kaagad na itinaas niya ang kamay at pinahid ng daliri ang luhang nag-unahan sa paglandas sa kanyang magkabilang pisngi.

“Puwede ko ba siyang malapitan?” Nilingon niya ang binatang tahimik na pinagmamasdan ang iba’t-ibang klaseng emosyong nagsasalimbayan sa mukha niya. Isang marahang tango ang itinugon nito at inalalayan siya upang makalapit kay Jasmin.

Ang ginang ay nasa likuran ng mansion kung saan may malapad na hardin at may overlooking view ng malawak na lupaing pinagtatamnan ng mga puno ng goma, ang pangunahing hanapbuhay ng mga Travilla.

Kasama nito ang private nurse na pansamantalang pinaalis ni Micheal at pinapasok sa loob ng kabahayan upang magkaroon siya ng pagkakataong makaharap ang ina.

Jasmin has a plump body Ngunit ang epekto ng tinamong matinding atake sa puso ay kitang-kita sa anyo nito.

He said that half of her body was paralyzed. Ang mukha ng babae na sa kabila ng edad at sakit ay mababanaag pa rin ang taglay na kagandahan kahit medyo tabingi na iyon. She did not only suffer a fatal heart attack but also trauma ang depression for the loss of her daughter. She had also an Alzheimer’s Disease which added complication to her ailment.

Her plan to brazen out and admonish her mother’s laxity abruptly waned in her mind. She could not even bear looking at her mother’s condition.

Was she the ruthless mother who abandoned her years ago? The only person whom she hated for long years?

She felt a warm hand squeezed her heart. Her breathing was ragged and fluctuating due to intense emotion.

In a slow movement, she walked towards her mother. At gusto niyang mapalahaw ng iyak dahil tagus-tagusan ang titig nito, as if wala siya sa harapan nito. She reached for her hand and held it gently. She winced at the thought na sa wakas ay nahawakan na rin niya ang tunay na ina. Gumalaw ang mga mata ng babae, naramdaman siguro ang hawak niya.

But she did not saw any emotion least a look of recognition in her mother’s eyes when their gazes locked. She felt the sudden jolt of sadness.

“She could not identify faces anymore. Kahit ako ay hindi na niya kilala. She lives at the past memories. Ang sabi ng doctor ay mabilis ang naging paglala ng sakit niyang Alzheimer’s Disease. At ang sabi ng doctor ay si Mama mismo ang nagpapalala sa sakit nito. She’s not responding to her medications. Parang ayaw na niyang gumaling.”

“Oh Mama…” Napaluhod siya at hindi na niya napigilan ang sarili. She embraced her mother passionately; tears streaming from her eyes. She pitied her mother.

Ngayon niya napagtantong sa loob ng maraming mga taong kinamumuhian niya ang ina ay hindi niya maipagkakailang nangulila siya sa pagmamahal nito.

Na hinahanap ng puso niya ang pagkalinga nito. Na gusto niya itong makasama. Lalo na sa nalalabing panahon ng buhay niya.

She thought forgiveness will be next to impossible. But looking at her mother right now, she knew she had forgiven her that easily. Her pathetic condition successfully evoked the dormant daughter’s love in her heart. A love that was unselfish and forgiving.

She wanted to start a new life. A life that was so different with what she had before. There was no more hatred and bitterness in her heart. She will start a totally beautiful life with her mother.

Hindi pa huli ang lahat. She still had the chance to recover the lost time with her mother. Gagawin niya ang lahat upang maging maligaya sila ng ina hanggang sa huling hininga nito. Hanggat nabubuhay pa siya.

“Mama…” She whispered lovingly and tightened her embrace.

“HINDI ko alam kung ano ang sasabihin. Iniisip kong isa kang magaling na artista at nagawa mong ipakita ang emosyon ng nangungulilang anak na para bang totoong-totoo…”

She glanced back at him with inflexible moist eyes. “Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa iyo na wala akong intensiyong maghabol sa kayamanan ninyo?” She knew he was insisting that she was nothing but a con.

“Hindi ko alam kung bakit nagkaroon ako ng Death Certificate. Ang kaisa-isang taong matatanong ko tungkol sa bagay na iyan ay patay na. Si Jasmin Fernan na lang ang makakapagpatunay kung ano ang nangyari. Ngunit hindi niya iyon magagawa sa klase ng kondisyon niya.” She felt miserable.

“Yeah, tama ka. Ngunit hindi iyan magiging dahilan upang maipagpatuloy mo ang kung anumang masamang binabalak mo laban sa pamilyang ito.” Matigas at may igting ang boses ng binata. “That can never change the fact that you’re a fraud.”

Her teeth drudged in aggravation.  But she did not give a damn to his brutal accusation.  God knows, it was not true afterall.

What she only wanted was to be with her mom. Looking at her situation, she knew her mother needed her. And she needed her mother too. Kokonting panahon na lamang ang nalalabi upang mabawi niya ang mahabang panahong nagkahiwalay sila ng ina.

She will plunk against hell and damnation just to be with her mother.  Hindi siya masisindak ninuman.

“Sa korte na lamang tayo magkita JHon Micheal Travilla.” She said in rigid brevity. “I’ll get my mother. Ipaglalaban ko ang karapatan ko bilang anak niya at gusto ko siyang alagaan hanggat magagawa ko pa. Matagal na panahon n’yo na siyang nakasama. Now it’s my turn to spend our remaining days together.”

“Hindi mo makukuha sa akin ang Mama.” Bigla ang pagtigas ng expression ng mukha ng binata.

“You are wrong Micheal. Mababawi ko si Jasmin Fernan. Tandaan mo iyan.” Isang matatag na sulyap ang ipinukol niya sa lalaki bago tumalikod. Sa nagmamadaling mga hakbang ay lumabas siya ng malaking bahay.

She promised to herself that she will contract her ailing mother. Siya ang mag-aalaga dito at hindi ang kung sinumang private nurse. At mas lalong hindi si Micheal.

Hindi man siya kasingyaman ng mga Travilla ay sapat na ang salaping naiwan sa kanya ni Gilda at ang Manggahan upang maipagamot niya ito at maalagaan ng mabuti.

Kaagad na pinagbuksan siya ng gate ng guwardiya ng makita siyang palabas ng mansion. Hindi na niya sinulyapan ang guwardiya na nagawa pang ngumiti sa kanya. Mabilis na sumakay siya sa pickup at pinaharurot iyon pabalik sa resort.

She was planning what to be her next move. Surely she will not allow Micheal to come between her and her mother. She needed to think of a perfect plan. She knew she will overcome his challenges and set obstacles.

Nawala na sa paningin ni Micheal si Mia ngunit hindi pa rin ito kumukurap.  He was undeniably angry. If he could just shook her to death. If he could just expunge her subsistence.

Hindi ganitong ginugulo nito ang pamilya niya.  Naasawa siya kay Jasmin. Sa klase ng sitwasyon ng ina, hindi nararapat dito ang ganitong pakulo. Her vigor was so susceptible and he could not speculate it.

He will shelter Jasmin. Nangako siya sa kanyang ama na aalagaan ang babaeng minahal nito ng lubos. And Jasmin had been very good to him. She had been more than a mother to him. She was his source of potency; the spring of his wisdom.

It was his conscientiousness to sentry the family’s fortune.  Mula ng mamatay ang ama, naging katuwang na siya ni Jasmin sa pagpapatakbo ng kanilang negosyo. At siya na mismo ang namahala ng tuluyan sa negosyo ng pamilya ng magkasakit ang ina.

Dadaan muna sa ibabaw ng bangkay niya ang sinumang gugulo sa kanyang pamilya. He needed to think. This charade should end hastily. He will do everything within his power to mash the intrepid woman. Even if she had the prettiest face and body which can lure him into insanity.

He shushed a hard curse as he felt his manhood flexed.  And only then that he realized he was fully aroused. His eyes actually lingered to the sweet bulge of her breasts and to the fullness of her hips while they were exchanging heated words awhile ago.

She looked so intoxicatingly beautiful in his eyes eventhough he spurned her kind.

Now he knew he wanted her… Wanted her more than he had wanted another woman in his life. And hated her further as his maleness continued to pulsate in inexorable hunger.

He left the library with bleak face. With hasty steps, he went into his room and soaked himself in the bathtub. He needed cold water to neautralize his awesome arousal.  He had never been this rock hard before that he felt pain.

Damn that woman! He miserably stared at his still throbbing male anatomy while cursing repetitively.

CHAPTER 4

NAPAKISLOT mula sa pagkakahiga sa kama ang dalaga ng marinig ang sunod-sunod na katok sa pintuan. Her dinner might have arrived. Wala siyang ganang lumabas at kumain sa restaurant ng resort kaya umorder na lamang siya ng pagkain gamit ang telepono na nasa loob ng cottage.

She was crying all along and her eyes were already reddish and irritated. Namamaga na ang talukap ng kanyang mga mata. Katunayan ay hindi na niya maayos na nakikita ang kanyang paligid.

She stood up and pulled a towel in the rack. She wiped her damp face while she toddled to the door. She opened it. She was anticipating any resort personnel with her dinner. But to her surprise, she saw Micheal instead. Kaagad na umasim ang mukha niya at pomormal ang expression. Ano ang kailangan sa kanya ng lalaking ito?

Tapos na silang mag-usap kanina. She had already made her decision.

“We need to talk.” His face looked worn-down and haunted. He looked problematic just like her.

“I’ll let my lawyer talk to you Micheal. Tapos na tayong mag-usap.” She said in diismissal. Kanina ay tinawagan na niya si Atty. Edmundo. Ang gusto niya ay dumating ito bukas din mismo Ngunit may inaasikaso itong napakaimportanteng bagay at nakiusap na darating ito pagkatapos ng apat na araw. She abhored the idea Ngunit wala siyang magawa.

“There’s no need to get a lawyer Mia.” Isang buntong-hininga ang pinakawalan nito. “Tayong dalawa ang makakaayos ng problemang ito. Hindi kakayanin ni Mama ang anumang abalang maidudulot ng pag-aagawan natin sa kanya kapag umabot ito sa korte.”

She remained silent while her stare hover at his so damned handsome face. Though she felt she was quite relaxed right now. He too was looking at her face. Particular na sa mga mata niyang namamaga.

“Puwede ba akong pumasok? Mas makakapag-usap tayo ng masinsinan.” Masigasig nitong pahayag.

Niluwangan niya ang pagkakabukas sa pintuan at binigyan ng espasyo ang lalaking makapasok sa loob ng cottage. He closed the door. She walked towards the foot of the bed.

He remained standing at the back of the door. His hands were inside the pockets of his sleek black slacks. He was looking casually corporate in his checkered polo, velvet slacks and leather shoes.

And damn, but this man was so gorgeous she felt awkward that they were inside the cottage. There were just the two of them. Lalo pa at nasa paanan lamang niya ang kama. Kaagad na kinastigo niya ang sarili  sa naisip.

“Ngayon ay ano ang pag-uusapan natin Micheal?”

He walked towards her and stopped a few inches in front of her. She felt her heart dribbled inside her chest at the sudden closeness of their bodies. She was very aware of his warm body. And his eyes seemed to tickle her senses.

Micheal chose to guard his hands inside his pockets else they will linger at her face. She was so sweetly close that he can smell her feminine sexy scent.  Her fierce eyes seemed to invite his courage to subdue it by giving her a mind blowing kiss. He wondered if how she would feel if he kissed her; if her lips would be saccharine sweet; if how would she respond to his invasion.

His hands were actually started to itch inside his pockets. He longed to touch her soft body. She had a very soft and delighting body when he held her in his arms in the pool. He wanted to trace the lovely contour of her corpse with his bare hands. And they were inside the cottage tonight, no one was watching.

He wanted to imagine the unthinkable. Though he knew he needed to guard his wild imagination. But his male urge started to creep all over him.

He wanted to make love with her there and then, to unravel the mystery of his fatal attraction with her. He knew she was a very attractive woman. But he had met a lot of attractive women every now and then. Yet what he felt for her was peculiarly fervent.

He felt his manhood pulsated in abrupt delight. Excitement flowed in his senses as graphical pictures of them making love wildly in the soft bed filled his imagination. The magnet of desire was so strong that he almost nailed himself on the floor. Looking at her without touching her splendid loveliness was a torture.

Siguro mawawala din ang hayok na tawag ng kanyang laman kapag naangkin na niya ang dalaga. Siguro ay magsasawa din siya. His desire fueled his intention to stop his mind to go further. He cleared his throat as he assembled his thoughts again.

“May naisip akong magandang paraan upang hindi na natin kailangang mag-agawan pa sa korte kung sino ang mag-aalaga sa Mama. At maiiwasan nito ang anumang kaguluhan. Kung tunay kang anak ni Jasmin ay iisipin mo higit ang kapakanan niya. At hindi ang pansariling interes.”

“Stop beating around the bush Micheal. Sabihin mo na kaagad ang gusto mong sabihin. I don’t have time listening to you. Dahil hindi magbabago ang desisyon kong kukunin si Mama at ako ang mag-aalaga sa kanya.”

Tumaas-bumaba ang dibdib ng binata ng magpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga. “Marry me.” He said in firm and full voice. “Nang sa ganuon ay pareho nating maalagaan ang Mama. Hindi gugustuhin ni Mama na mawalay sa tahanang naging paraiso niya sa loob ng mahabang panahon. Marry me Mia and we will take care of Jasmin.”

Nahigit niya ang hininga. Hindi makapaniwalang tama ang naririnig niya.

Wow, was this gorgeous hunk indeed proposing marriage to her?! Hell, mukhang pinaglalaruan na yata siya ng sariling imahinasyon. Ngunit kaagad ang pagbabalik ng realisasyon sa kanya. Malinaw na nakikita ng kanyang mga mata ang kausap.

“No…” Sandali siyang nalito. Hindi niya inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng emosyon sa kanyang dibdib.

“This is for Jasmin’s sake Mia.” Mariin ngunit mahinang turan ng binata. “Handa kong isakripisyo ang sarili kong kaligayahan para sa kanya. Ganuon ko siya kamahal. Higit pa sa isang tunay na ina. I’m willing to negotiate. Kahit alam kong isa kang impostor, sige pagbibigyan kitang makalapit sa Mama. Kahit kayang-kaya kong gamitin ang kapangyarihan ko laban sa iyo at hindi ka makakagawa ng gulo, I don’t want to risk Jasmin’s welfare. The only way that you can go near my mother is to marry me. This is the sacrifice I’m willing to make for Jasmin. Ikaw, ano ang kaya mong isakripisyo bilang isang tunay na anak?”

She blinked her eyes for countless times. He was looking intently at her face at hindi niya kayang salubungin ang mga titig nito.

She gaped at the disturbing feeling that his closeness brought to her senses. His face was a few inches away from hers. At ang mabango nitong hininga na tumatama sa kanyang mukha ay mistulang alak na nakalalasing.

“Huh!” A devilish grin formed in his lips. “Hindi ka makapagsalita? Huwag mong sabihing natatakot kang isubo ang sarili mo sa palabas na hindi mo rin pala kayang panindigan? Back out now Mia and go home. Hindi kailangan ni Jasmin ng kaguluhan at gagawin ko ang lahat maprotektahan lamang siya. Kung gugustuhin ko ay hindi ka na kailanman makakalapit sa kanya at sa kulungan ka pupulutin.”

She gathered her scattered wits. Now she was ready to duel with him. “Hindi pagpapakasal ang solusyon sa sitwasyong ito Micheal. Maraming paraan. And don’t dare me,” she smiled sarcastically, “hindi kita uurungan. Huwag mong isubo ang sarili mo sa sitwasyong tiyak na pagsisisihan mo sa bandang huli. There’s always legal options.”

“Legal options?” He recurred. “Did you mean a court order? That crap takes time Mia. At sa klase ng sitwasyon ng Mama, hindi natin alam kung hanggang kailan siya magtatagal. Mahalaga ang bawat minutong lumilipas. Tatlong taon na siya sa kalagayang iyon at hindi ko alam kung napapagod na siya at gusto ng magpahinga. Ang gusto ko lamang ay ibigay sa kanya ang nararapat hanggang sa huling mga sandali ng buhay niya. Ngayon mo sabihin sa aking magandang ideya ang pag-agawan ang custody niya sa korte?”

Hindi siya nakapagsalita. Tama ito. Mahalaga ang bawat minutong lumilipas. She heaved a sigh. “Isa kang dakilang anak Micheal. Upang itali ang sarili mo sa isang babaeng hindi mo kilala at hindi mo mahal.”

Isang pagak na tawa ang pinakawalan ng binata. “You are wrong Mia. Hindi sakripisyo sa akin ang pakasalan ka.” He cupped her chin and she tilted her head, looking straight into his dark eyes. “Just by looking at your eyes, I’m sure I will never have regrets, Honey.” His other hand slid at her waist and pulled her body closer to his. Lihim siyang napasinghap. “And besides you have the face and body I want to sleep with every night.”

Micheal’s eyes hovered around her pretty face.  Marrying this woman meant he can have her lovely body. He can satisfy his sexual cravings. He knew it was an act of stupidity, but he can feel his fly started to contract again and again. He was just impersonally holding her yet he can already feel the surge of sexual delight.

What more will he encounter if he make love to her? It would surely be pure bliss. Her beauty seemed to promise wonderful passion-filled nights. The thought made him grew even more rigidly harder.

Marrying her will confer him supplementary benefits. Any untoward occurrence akin to court mishaps will be shuned. He can contol her daily activities because she was under his influence. He can protect his mother too. And he can also secure his huge amount of fortune.

Marrying this opportunist was a great idea afterall! Micheal smirked repugnantly. Anyway, madali na lamang kumuha ng annulment kapag nagsawa na siya sa katawan nito and that he did not see a threat for Jasmin anymore. May kakilala siyang Judge at tiyak ay hindi siya mahihirapang ipa-annul ang kasal nila.

His husky voice brought hundreds of shivers down her spine. At ang pagkakadikit ng mga katawan nila ay nagdudulot ng masarap na kilabot sa kamalayan niya. Isang malakas na singhap ang kumawala sa kanyang lalamunan when she tried to move her body and accidentally brushed at his throb.

“See?” He said in saline voice. “That’s what you do at my senses just by being this close Mia. And I can feel the same apprehension with you too. We have sparks for each other. We can make this attraction as good as it lasts. Our marriage will surely rock. I’m telling you Mia I’m a very good lover.” His seductive voice sent chills down her spine and her hair started to erect stiffly.

“At hindi mo pagsisihan ang desisyong tanggapin ang marriage proposal ko. Being my wife entitles you to a large chunk of Travilla’s Fortune. I knew you have an idea how big this fortune is before you made this grand act.” He jeered. “It includes the resort, the plantation and several big companies in Manila. I will provide all the things you want. And above all, you have Jasmin.”

“Binibili mo ba ang kaluluwa ko Micheal?” She made a wide irritated beam. “Nakakalula ang ini-ooffer mo sa akin. Why, I don’t need such elaborate offer. Kung magpapakasal man ako sa iyo, iyon ay dahil kay Mama. And I will outline my own conditions too. Una, ang kasal natin ay hanggang kasulatan lamang. Pangalawa, ako ang magiging personal caregiver ng Mama.” Kung naghahamon ang binata, nakahanda siyang tanggapin ang hamon nito. But she won’t be a sore loser.

“Wala akong tutol sa ikalawang kondisyunes mo Mia. But the first one was a crap.” He grunted. “Hindi mo alam ang sinasabi mo.” He tilted his head and flexed his biceps.

She raised her face. She knew his implications but she will not bite his bait. “Hindi pa ako nasisiraan ng bait Micheal. Hindi tayo magsasama bilang tunay na mag-asawa. We will have different rooms and you are not allowed to touch me.” She continued in a firm and steady voice.

His embrace went tighter that she felt almost suffocated.  “Let’s see. But one thing is for sure, you’ll beg on bended knees one day to let me touch you… to let me make love at you. At kapag dumating ang pagkakataong iyon ay hindi kita pagbibigyan.”

Haha! At ang kapal ng apog ng lalaking ito!

She wanted to laugh in hysterics. Hindi mangyayari iyon. Hinding-hindi niya gagawin ang kabaliwang iyon. Magunaw na muna ang mundo bago niya ilulublob sa kahihiyan ang sarili. She never craved for sex for the last twenty-six years of her life.

At hindi ito ang lalaking luluhuran niya just to have a taste of it. Kahit pa sabihing ito na yata ang pinakaguwapong lahi ni Adan na natunghayan niya. But she cannot stop the strange warmth from seeping inside her.  He was holding her like he wanted to crush her. Yet it gave her delight. His skin brushed with hers and she gasped. He hated the idea that this man can create havoc to her dormant senses. She needed to hold a grip of herself or else she will lose the fight.

“Bilib din naman ako sa self-confidence mo Micheal.” Pauyam na wika niya. “But I won’t stoop down at your level. Bahala ka kung ano ang isipin mo. You can write that in your wish list. But expect it won’t ensue darling. I don’t give a damn. Basta malinaw ang mga kondisyunes ko. And those are the things I wanted.”

“Very well,” his thumb finger taped the corner of her lips. And it brought waves of sensation in her veins that she shuddered reflexively. His mouth twisted in amusement. “Oh Mia, are you sure you can fulfill your conditions? Why, you’re affected by just a mere touch Honey. What more if I kissed you, carnally?” He uttered the last word with menacing malevolence which unnerved her for a moment.

His head bent down to her face that she thought he will kiss her. At bigla siyang nagpanic. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang magiging reaksiyon niya kapag hinalikan ng binata. Tama ito, just his measly touch alone can fumble her defenses. Ano pa kaya kapag hinalikan siya nito? Oh God, her heart chased in anticipation.

But she won’t embarrass herself. She needed to stop this foolishness. What she needed to establish is sanity and not to tolerate the awesome attraction between them. She hated this strikingly handsome arrogant bastard! Umigkas ang kamay niya ngunit bago pa man iyon dumapo sa mukha ng binata ay maagap nitong nahuli iyon.

“Oh My God, my wife to be has vicious streaks in her!” Exaggerated ang ipinakita nitong reaksiyon, taunting her patience even more.

“Respect begets respect Micheal. Matuto kang rumespeto ng sa ganuon ay rerespetuhin din kita.” Binigyan niya ng diin ang bawat salitang binigkas niya.

“Very well said Honey,” his sulty voice laced with sarcasm. “I as well do not tolerate violence lalo na sa loob ng pamamahay ko. Whatever your reason is, it is not enough to lay your finger on me. May katumbas na kaparusahan ang bawat paglabag mo sa tuntunin kong iyan.” Ipiniksi nito ang kamay ng dalaga.

“Huh!” She was furious. Ngunit nakahinga siya ng maluwag ng pakawalan ng binata. Though she felt emptiness, she threw the abominable feeling abruptly.

“Now pack up your things. Magmula sa oras na ito ay sa mansion ka na titira. And prepare yourself for our wedding tomorrow afternoon.”

Nahigit niya ang hininga sa narinig. Bukas na sila magpapakasal? My, that was so fast!

“Bakit Mia ayaw mo bang alagaan ang Mama sa lalong madaling panahon?” He asked shrewdly while watching confusion fooled arounded her dazed eyes.

He made a silent begruntled groan. He wanted a quick wedding. He did not like marriage ceremonies because it prolonged his agonies. He was excited to have her, to splunge his desire over her loveliness. Ngayon pa lamang, he was already imagining his would be reaction.

“Of course not!” She snapped.

“Ganuon naman pala. Then why the hesitation?” Mapakla nitong tanong habang humugot ng malalim na hininga. “We do not need a grand wedding. A simple garden wedding will do. Ang ninong kong pari ang magkakasal sa atin. You might be busy in the morning for some wedding details. A designer will meet you to show her designs. I give you the priviledge to choose. At ito na rin ang mag-aayos sa iyo para sa gaganaping kasal natin.”

Ni hindi siya nakakurap habang nakikinig lamang sa binata. Hindi pa rin makapaniwalang ikakasal na siya bukas. She must be getting crazy. At ano nga ba ang kalokohang napasukan niyang ito? “Wait!” She said sharply. “This is getting absurd! I needed time to think—“

“So I thought you have made your decision already, huh?!” His voice went harsh as he cut her off.

“Look Micheal,” she said in exasperation. “You need to understand that what we are going into is a very serious situation.  Unless this is all but a fake wedding…” her voice trailed off.

“Fake wedding?” He snorted. “Eveything will be in black and white, Honey; I can guarantee you of that.”

Tumaas-bumaba ang dibdib niya as she took profound breaths. “I’m not yet crazy…” Mas sa sarili niya sinabi iyon kesa sa binata.

“This made me think that you are really a fraud Mia. You failed my simple test—“

“Simple test?!” She hissed as anger erupted within her.  “What we are talking about here right now is all about my future.  And how dare you think that I will accept your proposal this easy? Oh well, this isn’t a marriage proposal at all…”

“It is.” He said in a steady and clear voice. “I am asking you to marry me. What do you call that bytheway, huh?” He cocked his thick eyebrows.

Muli siyang napasinghap. She shook her head rowdily.

“Hindi mo na kailangan pang magpaliwanag Mia. Nakikita kong hindi mahalaga sa iyo ang kapakanan ni Jasmin,” he said in a stone cold voice. “Now get out of here and stop creating havoc in our peaceful home. I am warning you, I will never let you come near Jasmin again.”

“Ako ang tunay na anak kaya ako ang mas may karapatan na alagaan ang Mama. Kahit saang korte tayo umabot, sa akin papanig ang batas.” Naghahamong titig ang iginanti niya sa lalaki.

“Iyon ay kung aabot tayo sa korte. But in case it may happen, then I’ll make sure that the hearing’s progress will be as slow as a turtle. It will surely be for eternity. Mark my word. I won’t care if I’ll spend all of my money just to keep you out of our life…” His eyes narrowed shrewedly as he stared at her with firm challenge. “…away from my mother. That’s how far I can go protecting Jasmin from opportunists!”

Pakiramdam niya’y nanlaki ang butas ng kanyang ilong sa narinig. Hindi siya isang oportunista! He was staring at her for several minutes with displeased reaction while she cannot pick up her wits.

“I can see that there’s no more need to talk to you Miss Fernan,” the corner of his mouth coiled in distaste as he utter her name.  Then he slid his fists on his pockets and turned to leave.

“Hey! Hindi pa tayo tapos mag-usap!” She snapped as she recovered her drifting sanity.

“Pumapayag ka na bang magpakasal sa akin?” He turned around to face her. He has a strange glow in his handsome face.

Damn, but why does this man unfortunately needed to look so handsome? Hindi tuloy siya makapag-isip ng matino.

Kanina pa niya iniinda ang malakas na kabog ng kanyang dibdib. At sa tuwing mapapatitig siya sa mga mata nito, hindi niya maiwasang mapabuntong-hininga ng lihim.

“No!” She blurted out.

His face turned seriously grim. “I am not playing your tricks woman. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nakikipag-usap pa ako sa iyo gayung alam ko namang nagpapanggap ka lamang sa simula pa man.

“Hindi ako nagpapanggap. At higit sa lahat hindi ako kailanman namatay!” Hindi niya alam kung papaano iyon sasabihin sa paraang maniniwala ang lalaking ito.

Micheal barked a sarcastic laughter.  Obviously, hindi ito naniniwala sa kanya.  “Goodbye Miss Fernan.” He gave her a heart stopping grin, then with hurried strides, he walked out of the cottage, banging the door behind him.

Napahawak siya sa dibdib nang mawala sa paningin niya ang binata. It took a few moments bago bumalik sa normal na tibok ang kanyang puso. Darn, but the devil surely has irresistible smile!

Nang mahimasmasan ay kaagad na sinundan niya ang lalaki ngunit hindi na niya ito nakita ng makalabas siya ng cottage.

Nanlalatang muli siyang bumalik sa loob ng cottage. Padarag na isinara niya ang pintuan at muling napasubsob sa kama. She needed a rest. Her encounter with Micheal and his marriage proposal simply pulled out all her body’s energy and left her weak and exhausted.

Baka pagkatapos niyang makapagpahinga ay makapag-isip siya ng magandang solusyon sa kanyang problema.

Sisiguraduhin niyang hindi siya magpapatalo kay Micheal. Siya ang tunay na anak kaya dapat lamang na sa kanya mapunta ang pangangalaga kay Jasmin. And to hell with that fake Death Certificate!

MAAGA siyang nagising kinabukasan. Pagkatapos kumain ng agahan sa restaurant ng resort ay buo ang loob na bumalik siya sa mansion. Kaagad na nagkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay ng tumigil ang pickup sa gate ng mansion. She saw six uniformed men guarding the gate of the mansion.

Kaagad na bumaba siya ng sasakyan. Nakatatlong hakbang pa lamang siya ng salubungin ng tatlong mga armadong kalalakihan.

Sa halip na matakot ay galit na hinarap niya ang mga ito. They were carrying high caliber guns as if she was a criminal! My God, she was just an ordinary woman. Her strength had no match with them. And she had no bludgeon at all.

“Good morning Ma’am.”

Sa kabila ng tensiyon ay magalang na binati siya ng mga armadong lalaki. She gave a wide sweet smile. “Dadalawin ko ang Mama Jasmin. Alam kong nadidiyan lang siya sa loob.” He felt the sudden rush of anger for Micheal.

Kahapon ay nag-iisang guard lamang ang nakabantay sa mansion, ngayon ay nadagdagan ng anim. He must be making sure that she cannot enter his haven. Well, hindi siya masisindak ng hudyong iyon! She cannot be easily discouraged by using force.

Hindi kaagad nakapagsalita ang tatlong lalaki. “Paumanhin Ma’am ngunit mahigpit ang bilin ni Sir Micheal na hindi kayo papasukin sa loob ng mansion.” Ang pinakamatangkad sa grupo ang sumagot.

“Nasaan si Micheal?” Her voice immediately became high pitched. “Gusto ko siyang makausap.”

“Hindi nyo rin po pwedeng makausap si Sir Micheal.”

“What?!” She felt her nose flared.

“Sorry po Ma’am ngunit sumusunod lamang kami sa iniuutos ni Sir Micheal.”

“That’s bullshit!” She hissed loudly.  “Hindi ako aalis dito hanggat ko nakakausap si Micheal.” Nakapamaywang na sabi niya sa mga lalaki. But the six men only stared at her. Bumalik ang mga ito sa kanya-kanyang puwesto.

Sinunod niya ang kanyang banta. Nanatili siyang nakatayo habang nakapaywang sa harapan ng gate.

She was already tired and the scorching heat of the sun already burned her skin and she knew she might contract a sunburn but no shadow of Micheal appeared. Now she was really getting pissed off.

Ngayon ay tumutulo na ang kanyang pawis. Nakikita niya ang pag-aalala sa mukha ng mga guwardiya Ngunit nanatili lamang silang nakatitig sa kanya; which added more to her irritation and anger. She braved her way to come near the gate Ngunit kaagad na humarang ang mga guwardiya.

“Hindi ka namin gustong saktan Ma’am. Huwag na po kayong magpumilit na pumasok. At isa pa ay nakasarado mula sa loob ang pintuan ng gate.” MahinaHong babala ng isa sa anim na guwardiya.

“Micheal, lumabas ka diyan. Ilabas mo ang Mama Jasmin!” Galit na sigaw niya. Pakiramdam niya ay nanakit ang kanyang lalamunan sa lakas ng kanyang sigaw.

Ngunit walang nangyari. Walang Micheal na lumabas. At mukhang imposible na makakapasok siya sa loob ng mansion. Hindi siya kailanman makakalusot sa anim na armadong guwardiya.

Pinukol niya ng matalim na tingin ang mansion. Mataas ang wrought iron fence at hindi niya iyon kayang akyatin. Maliban pa duon ay matulis ang dulo ng bakal. Nakapalibot iyon sa malapad na mansion.

“Hindi pa tayo tapos Micheal Travilla!” She swore under her breath. Pagkatapos ay sumakay siya sa pickup. Napatampal siya sa manibela as her frustration doubled even more. The yearning to see Jasmin was growing every minute.

Simula ng masilayan niya ang ina at ang kalagayan nito, natunaw ng tuluyan ang galit na itinanim niya sa dibdib para dito. Nangibabaw ang kanyang pangungulila sa ina.

Inabot niya ang towellete at pinunasan ang pawis sa mukha at katawan. Pagkatapos ay ini-on ang aircon.  Kung ang iniisip ni Micheal ay madali siyang susuko, puwes, nagkakamali ito.

PANGATLONG araw na niya ngayong tumatambay sa harapan ng mansion. Nagdala na siya ng pagkain upang hindi na niya kailangang umalis kapag ginutom siya sa pananghalian.  In the span of three days, she did not see anybody come out of the gate. There was no trace of Micheal. And she can’t help but feel very worried.

Maybe he was not already in the mansion and that he took her mother to another place just to hide Jasmin from her. It will surely give her a hard time in case if it was true.  She would start from scratch again looking for her mother. Or maybe, there was another exit aside from the gate that she was ardently watching.

Napakislot siya sa kinauupuan ng marinig ang tunog ng sirena. Kaagad na lumabas siya ng pick-up ng makita ang paparating na ambulansiya. Tumigil iyon sa harapan ng gate. Mabilis na bumukas ang pintuan at pagkatapos ay sumara ulit.  Dahil grills ang gate ay kitang-kita niya mula sa kinatatayuan kung ano ang nangyayari sa bakuran ng mansion.

Isang stretcher ang inilabas mula sa ambulansiya ng isang babaeng naka-uniform ng puti na sa hinuha niya ay isang nurse. Ipinasok niyon ang stretcher sa loob ng mansion. Halos ay mahigit niya ang hininga ng makita ang kanyang ina na lulan ng stretcher ng lumabas iyon sa loob ng mansion. Nakasunod dito si Micheal na hindi maipinta ang mukha sa matinding pag-aalala.

“Mama!” She shrieked as panic started to lure her. Lumakad siya palapit sa gate Ngunit kaagad na pinigil siya ng dalawang lalaki. Ipiniksi niya ang mga kamay Ngunit hindi siya makawala sa higpit ng pagkakahawak ng mga ito. “Let me go! I need to see my mother!” She said in pleading voice. Ngunit nagmistulang bingi ang mga ito.

“Mama! Micheal!” Wala siyang nagawa kundi ang magpumiglas habang pinapanood ang paglabas ng ambulansiya sa looban ng mansion. Saka pa lamang siya pinakawalan ng dalawang guwardiya dalawampung minuto ang nakalipas ng makaalis ang ambulansiya.

Kaagad na sumakay siya ng pickup at pinaharurot iyon ng takbo hoping na maabutan pa niya sa daan ang ambulansiya. Puno ng pag-aaala ang kanyang dibdib. Halos ay lumilipad na siya sa bilis ng takbo ng sasakyan. Ngunit malayo na ang kanyang nalakbay ay hindi pa rin niya nakikita ang ambulansiya. Ni hindi alam kung saang ospital dinala ang kanyang ina.

Nang makarating sa lugar na maraming kabahayan ay tumigil siya at nagtanong-tanong kung nasaan ang pinakamalapit na modernong ospital sa lugar. Itinuro siya ng mga ito sa bayan.Buti na lamang at kaagad niya iyong nakita.

She swallowed hard as she stood in front of the hospital, her chest constricting. She had developed a sudden fear entering a hospital since she was admitted four months ago. Oh well, hospitals are for ailing people. At sa malaon at madali ay doon din siya babagsak sa huli.

She immediately erased that grim thought in her mind. She was here to see her mother and not to entertain any phobia that she had about hospitals. This was an emergency. Her mother must be sick; else she would not be rushed in the hospital. May sarili itong private nurse at mga modernong medical facilities sa mansion na umaalalay sa kalagayan nito ayon kay Micheal. At sa sitwasong iyon ng ina, gusto niyang nasa tabi siya nito at siya ang nag-aalaga dito.

Ang mga pagkakataong ito ang kinatatakutan niya. With Jasmin’s failing health condition, she knew every minute counts.

Micheal… That bastard! She tightened her fists and took a deep breath. As she was about to enter the hospital, she saw Micheal coming out of it. “Micheal!” Kaagad na iniharang niya ang katawan sa daraanan nito.

Nagtaas ng ulo ang lalaki and saw her. His forehead crumpled.  “Hello Miss Fernan,” malamig na wika nito.

“Anong nangyari sa Mama? Kamusta na ang sitwasyon niya. I’m so worried I needed to see her.” Sunod-sunod na turan niya habang puno ng pag-aalala ang boses.

Sandaling tumigil si Micheal at tinitigan ng matiim ang babae. “I’m not surprised that you are convincingly looked worried Miss Fernan but don’t worry Jasmin is fine. Nagpapahinga na lamang siya ngayon.”

“I need to see my mother Micheal.” Matigas na saad niya. Gusto niyang makiusap Ngunit hindi niya dapat na gawin iyon.

Siya ang tunay na anak at hindi ang lalaking ito. Kahit pa sinasabi nitong nasa magandang kalagayan si Jasmin, gusto niyang makatiyak. Baka niloloko lang siya ng lalaking ito upang hindi na siya magpumilit pa. Hindi siya matatahimik hanggat hindi niya nakikita ang tunay na kalagayan ng ina.

“You cannot come near Jasmin and disturbed her peace of mind.” May diing sagot nito. “Her condition is so delicate I could not allow anyone to give her problems. I already warned you Miss Fernan and I’m keeping my word.”

“You cannot do this to me Micheal!”

A sarcastic grin formed in his lips. “I’m sorry to disappoint you but you see I am already doing it. At patikim pa lamang iyan Mia. Hinding-hindi ka makakalapit sa Mama!” Naniningkit ang mga mata nito habang pagalit na nakatitig sa kanya. “Alam kong sa malaon at madali ay ititigil mo na ang kalokohang ito.”

Pauyam siyang ngumiti sa narinig. “Diyan ka nagkakamali Micheal. I will raise hell with you kung patuloy mo akong ilayo sa Mama! I have come this far. At hinding-hindi ako titigil hanggat hindi nakukuha ang Mama.”

“Huh!” He mocked. “Oh, so you have come this far, huh?” his voice full of mockery. “But you aren’t willing to come farther for Jasmin’s sake! Kung totoo ka mang anak, which I highly doubt, you’re nothing but a selfish brat. Hindi ko kailanman isusugal ang kapakanan ni Jasmin sa kung sinumang nagpapanggap. Look, it’s a public knowledge that Jasmin is a rich ailing woman. Kalahati ng Travilla and Partners Incorporated ay pag-aari ng Mama. Gayundin ang malapad na plantasyon at ang resort. She’s worth millions. At hindi ko masisisi ang iba diyan na samantalahin ang pagkakataon para sa pansariling interes.” His eyes flickered in contempt.

Tatlong higanteng kumpanya ang pag-aari ng Travilla and Partners Incorporated sa Manila. Isang telecommunications company, steel and manufacturing company at household products.

“Hindi ako naghahabol sa kayamanan ng Mama. I want her custody!” Halos ay magtagis ang mga ngipin niya sa galit. “Wala akong pakialam kung gaano kayo kayaman Micheal but Jasmin is my mother. I would rather prefer I found her a beggar so I can avoid any complications like this.”

“Nice strike Miss Fernan. Pwede mong pabulaanan ang bagay na iyan. Sa ngayon ay custody ni Jasmin ang habol mo. But the moment that she’s gone, doon ka na magsisimulang maghabol sa kayamanan niya. Very very clever, huh!”

“You!” Nanggagalaiti na siya sa galit. Ang ilang mangilan-ngilang tao sa labas ng hospital ay nakatingin na sa kanila ni Micheal. “I could make a sworn statement anytime that I will never go after Jasmin’s money should anything unfortunate happen to her. Nakahanda akong gawin iyon sa harapan ng abogado mo Mr. Travilla.”

He gave her a devilish grin that almost took her mind away. Lihim na napabuntong-hininga si Mia. Sa kabila ng galit na nararamdaman niya ay hindi iyon sapat upang protektahan niya ang sariling damdamin laban sa napakaguwapong mukha ng binata.

Oh hell, he was not only handsome but he was truely devastatingly handsome in every angle. And he had an extra-ordinary body like a masterpiece of a well known sculptor. His naked torso flashed in her memory and she shuddered at the strange feeling it evoked from her again.

“Ipinangako ko sa puntod ng Papa na aalagaan ko ang Mama at poprotektahan siya. I will never give up her custody. Sa larong ito ay ako ang nakatakdang manalo Miss Fernan.” He surveyed her from head to foot as if noting her capacity. “But we can always settle to a mutual agreement. The offer still stands. Marry me and we can have mutual agreement about Jasmin’s custody. A little sacrifice from you will end this war. That’s the only time that you can see Jasmin. Kapag pumapayag ka ng magpakasal sa akin.”

She was tongue-tied.  She did her best the past few days to fight with this man but she failed. She wanted to give a fair fight but he was cunning enough to defy her. She insisted her right to get Jasmin but this man only shoved her with his impermeable power and strength. She discovered that he was very powerful in his territory. She had no match for him.

And her time was running out. She needed to make up her mind; she needed to come up with a decision. Any minute wasted could not be reverted back. She needed to be with Jasmin; while she still had ample time; while her mother still had time to spend life with her.

Isang napakalalim na buntong-hininga ang kanyang pinakawalan. This sacrifice was for her mother. She had no much time left; she had no better choice left. “Okay, I’ll marry you.” Her voice was so faint she could not even hear it. O dahil iyon sa kadahilanang mas malakas ang tibok ng puso niya.

The thought of marrying this gorgeous man created a stir in her stomach. “But everything will just be in papers. No more emotional involvement. No responsibilities. In short, hindi tayo magsasama bilang totoong mag-asawa.”

Malapad ang ngiti ng binata pagkuwan ay napakibit-balikat. “Okay, then prepare yourself for our wedding tomorrow. Everything is setlled then.”

So that was it! Everything sounded so businesslike. And what more could she expect of a wedding that both parties were only coerced to agree? At ewan niya kung bakit Ngunit lihim na nasaktan ang damdamin niya.

CHAPTER 5

ANG simpleng garden wedding na sinasabi ni Micheal ay higit sa kanyang inaasahan. Ang hardin na pagdarausan ng kasal ay maayos na nakaayos at maraming mga bulaklak ng Lily at Carnation ang nagkalat sa paligid. At ang aisle na paglalakaran ng bride ay elegante at punong-puno ng mga mamahaling bulaklak.

If everything was not made out of hasty, she might think that the wedding was well-planned. Her wedding gown for example was indeed fabulous and exquisite. She knew it was also expensive based on the intricate details made of beads and silver threads. The fabric was imported too. Lalo na ang mahabang trail niyon na umabot yata sa sampung metro ang haba.

And the wedding ring that Blezel showed her awhile ago took her admiration by surprise. It was a Travilla heirloom ayun sa designer. The band was made of gold with intricate design. On top of it sat a tear-shaped diamond and on its perimeter, smaller granules of the same gemstone abound. The diamond flashed in the afternoon light when ehe helf it with her hand. The ring simply took her breath away.

She could not almost believe the chain of events that lead to this hasty wedding. Everything seemed so surreal. Was she in dreamland? Lihim na kinurot niya ang sarili. Ngunit nasaktan na siya ay hindi pa rin nagbabago ang lahat ng nakikita niya. Hindi siya nananaginip.

Ang lahat ng ito ay naaayon sa kagustuhan ni Micheal. Ito ay labag sa kanyang kalooban. Ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay para sa kanyang ina.

Maraming tao ang nakikita niya sa paligid. Sabi ng designer na si Blezel karamihan sa mga bisita ay nagtatrabaho sa Jasmin Resort at sa malawak na Rubber Plantation ng mga Travilla. At ang ilan sa mga iyon ay mga malalapit na kamag-anak. At higit sa lahat, nanduon ang kanyang ina upang sumaksi sa kasalan nila. Nakaupo ito sa wheelchair kasama ang private nurse nito.

Maingay at abala ang mga tao sa gaganaping kasalan Ngunit tahimik lamang si Jasmin at animo ay walang nakikita at naririnig. At habang nakatingin sa ina ay gusto na namang tumulo ng luha niya. At kung hindi niya kokontrolin ang sarili ay tiyak na masisira ang makeup na pinaghirapan ni Blezel.

Lumutang ang kanyang ganda ngayong araw. At ang makeup niya ay successful na naitago ang bahagyang pamamaga ng kanyang mga mata. She had cried the last night. Masaya siya at maalagaan na niya ang ina but then her heart was filled with apprehension about marrying Micheal.

Oh well, kung ibang babae siguro ang nasa kalagayan niya ay tiyak na magdiriwang sa saya. Even if she hated it, he was actually quite a good catch; gorgeous, sexy and filthy rich. He embodied every woman’s fantasy.

But she was not one of those screaming girls. Walang ibang mahalaga para sa kanya kundi ang makapiling ang tunay na ina. This was her secet fantasy for so many years. Kahit pa galit ang itinanim niya sa dibdib para sa ina, she could never deny that she longed for her mother. Na ito ang kulang sa kanyang pagkatao.

Her absence in her life made her an incomplete person. She sighed. Finally she can say that she had now peace of mind. Kahit pa maraming mga katanungan ang hindi pa niya mahanapan ng kasagutan, she was contented.  Those questions were not so important anymore.

Her past was pretty much disoriented but she was starting a new life right now; a very different life than what she used to have. In a click of a finger, she had a mother… and a husband. Her life turned 360 degrees different.

She sighed again. She still had time to back out. But she had no guts to do that. She had acknowledged his power. She discovered that Micheal was like a Berlin Wall – strong and impermeable. She tried to break that wall but she failed. Panahong makasama niya ang ina ang nakataya.  She needed her mother. So she had to do this.

Muli niyang tinitigan ang sarili sa harap ng malaking salamin. Nang makita niya ang sarili kanina ay hindi siya makapaniwala sa transpormasyong nangyari sa sarili niya. Simple lamang ang kanyang ganda Ngunit ang beauty niya ay iyong tipo na mas lalong gumaganda kapag tinititigan ng matagal.

That was what she knew. She never had really an idea of how beautiful she was in the eyes of men. She was comfortab,,,mljjinuokjle thinking that she had an average beauty. Katunayan nga ay hindi pa siya nagkakaboyfriend. And she was already twenty-six.

But that was because she was aloof and unfriendly lalo na sa mga lalaki. She was so consumed with hatred and bitterness for being an abandoned child. She did not give men a chance to enter her life. She loathed them.

She thought all men were like her father, walang kuwenta. Kaya siya inabandona ng ina ay dahil iniwan ito ng kasintahan at nawalan ito ng katuwang sa pagpapalaki sa kanya. She was not only angry with her mother, but to her father too, and to his kind.

She actually hated Micheal. Lalo na at inilalayo nito sa kanya ang ina at pinararatangan siya ng mga walang kuwentang bagay; at pinagmumukha pa siyang mukhang pera. But she cannot ignore the fact that he was drop dead gorgeous, that he was the only man who can turn her life upside down. And even how viling was the idea of submitting herself to him, she had no choice but to heed his demands.

Anyway, she had laid out her demands as well.

She was looking at herself in the mirror like she had seen her true beauty for the first time. My, but she looked stunning at the moment. There was a definite glow in her eyes na ngayon lamang niya nakita. Was the glow because at last she found her mother? Or was it because she was marrying the most handsome guy ever?

Napangiwi siya sa pangalawang rasong naisip. Pinili niya ang unang rason sapagkat ang lahat ng ito ay para sa kanyang ina. And she disliked Micheal.

“Oh my, ikaw ang pinakamagandang bride na nakita ko Mia,” bulalas ni Blezel pagkatapos siyang maayusan. “JM is lucky to have you as his bride.”

She answered her with a coy smile. The woman was kind and sweet that she got along well with her instantly. She was young. Actually, she was younger than her. She was only twenty-two years old and had a baby face. She was a pretty gal and was very fashionable.

Lihim na nagpasalamat siya na hindi ito nagtanong ng kung anumang bagay tungkol sa kanila ni Micheal at sa kasalang gaganapin. At ngayon ay abot-abot ang kaba niya at ilang sandali na lang ay mag-uumpisa na ang kasalan. What will happen after the wedding? What will it be if she was already his wife and he was her husband? Lihim siyang napalunok ng maisip ang mga bagay na kaakibat ng pag-aasawa.

She expected that Micheal will follow her set conditions. Maybe life will not be difficult at all after the marriage. And above all, she had Jasmin. She will surely devout her remaining days to take good care of her mother.

“WITH the power bestowed upon me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Hindi alam ni Mia kung ano ang gagawin ng marinig ang sinabing iyon ng pari. Para siyang itinulos sa kinatatayuan habang hinintay ang susunod na kilos ni Micheal. Kanina nga ay muntik na siyang mabilaukan habang sinasabi ang vow niya.

She felt his grip in her wrist tightened as she found difficulty to say her vow. And she saw relief in his handsome face when she successfully said “I do.”

Ipinihit siya nito that she faced him squarely. Her heartbeat was already in panic rhythm but doubled as he shoved her veil. Her face was now uncovered. She saw his handsome face.

Micheal was actually was so out of this world in his magnificent black tuxedo. He was screechingly hottie and mesmerizing. She had seen him in his bare trunks, and he was diffinitely sexy and ravenous. But he looked just so heavenly in his groom suit.

Again she wondered why such gorgeous guy wanted to marry her. Would she felt lucky? Seemed like she had striked a jackpot. But she was disillusioned as she remembered what was this all about.

This was not a normal wedding between two people in love.

This was a sacrifice of two people who cared and loved Jasmin.

Her mother was really a very lucky person in all angles!

Bago pa siya makahuma ay ginawaran siya nito ng simpleng halik sa mga labi. It was light and no more than a smack. But it took her breath away. For a few seconds that his lips brushed hers, she felt the sudden constriction of her muscles. At ang kanyang hininga ay napigil sa kanyang lalamunan.

The smack kiss was already over but he continued to hold her in his arms. Micheal wanted to kiss his bride hard and deep. He wanted to plunge his toungue inside her mouth, to make a discovery that he will surely enjoy.

But he reigned himself hard that he felt pain. It was so agonizingly to hold a woman as beautiful as Mia in his arms and just gave her a smack kiss. He felt thirsty but he knew it was not the right moment.

Mia was in a strange place surrounded by strangers. And he did not want to make her uncomfortable and embarrassed. Surely, there was always the right place and right time to be alone with his wife.

He knew he had been harsh to himself. His body was screaming at him, scolding and despising him. But he chose to overrule his mind over his earthly drive. But he promised to himself that he will indulge himself tonight. He will bathe at her loveliness and splendor.

He did not lengthen the kiss, else she will surely lose herself in front of the crowd. Pakiramdam niya ay nanginginig pa ang kanyang mga tuhod ilang minuto matapos ang halik at isang masigabong palakpakan ang pumuno sa kanyang pandinig. Pagkatapos niyon ay isa-isang nagsilapitan ang mga tao upang bumati sa bagong kasal

She knew no one except her mother. Maliban sa mga kasambahay na ipinakilala sa kanya kagabi ni Micheal ay ngayon lang niya nakasalamuha ang karamihan sa mga iyon. She was in a distant land and a stranger in particular. What more could she expect?

Madalian ang kasal Ngunit mahigit sa limampung tao ang sa tantiya niya ay nasa hardin ng Mansion kung saan ginanap ang kasalan at ang reception.

Marami ang bumati sa kanila at tanging ngiti at tango ang itinugon niya. Naiilang siya Ngunit wala siyang ibang mapagpipilian kundi ang harapin ang mga tao. But she was thankful enough that Micheal was on her side all the time at ito na mismo ang nag-eentertain sa bawat taong lumalapit sa kanila upang bumati.

And the visitors were so vocal in praising her beauty. They were all warm and accommodating. Kaya medyo nabawasan tuloy ang kanyang pagkailang sa mga ito.

She took advantage of the opportunity to stay away from the crowd by attending to her mother. Siya na mismo ang naghatid sa ina sa silid nito upang makapagpahinga. She was so thankful at nasa maayos na kalagayan si Jasmin.

Ayon kay Micheal ay tumaas ng bahagya ang blood pressure ni Jasmin kahapon kaya nag-alala ito at kaagad na isinugod sa ospital ang ina. Ngunit kaagad namang na-estabilized ang blood pressure ng ginang.

Halos ay isang oras din siyang tumagal sa loob ng silid ng ina. Contenting herself by just looking at her mother. At kahit pa hindi siya nito napapansin ay wala siyang pakialam doon. Tumayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofang nasa gilid ng kama at binuksan ang pintuan ng makarinig ng mga katok. Napagbuksan niya si Leticia, ang tumatayong mayordoma sa Mansion.

“Ma’am Mia, may naghahanap daw po sa inyo sabi ni Badung. Nasa gazebo po at hinihintay kayo.”

Pagkatapos tanguan si Leticia ay lumabas siya ng silid at tinungo ang gazebo. Alam niya kung sino ang dumating. Ngayong araw ang dating ni Atty. Joshua Edmundo. She felt somehow normal. Pagkatapos ng mga rebelasyong nalaman tungkol sa sitwasyon ng ina at ang madaliang kasalan, finally may makakausap siyang taong personal na kilala niya.

“Josh!” She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. Tumayo ang binata ng makita siya at nakipagbeso-beso sa dalaga. She noticed her formal and dark expression. He must be tired coming from a long travel.

He boarded a plane between Iloilo to Davao City. And from there, rented a car and drove to Makilala. He got the details of the place from Detective Kalinawan.

“Ang sabi ng guard ay may okasyon daw dito ngayon. And that was your wedding. Hindi ako makapaniwala.” He said in a formal tone of voice.

Hindi niya alam kung contempt ba ang nahihimigan niya sa boses ng binata. Isang bahaw na ngiti ang pinakawalan niya. Kasabay niyon ang isang malalim na buntong-hininga. “I found my mother at last Josh.” Hindi siya nagkomento sa sinabi nito sa halip ay iniba niya ang usapan.

“That I know,” he sighed. “Kaya nga nandirito ako. But this wedding is a total surprise to me Mia. Ano ba ang nangyayari? Tell me, I’m willing to listen.”

“Mahirap ipaliwanag Josh. Ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay para sa Mama. Come inside. I’ll show you my mother.” Inakay niya ang lalaki papasok sa loob ng bahay. Naratnan nila sa loob ng silid ng ina ang private nurse na si Karina. Kasalukuyan nitong kinukunan ng BP ang ginang. Sinenyasan niya itong lumabas muna na sinunod naman ng babae.

“Si Mama Jasmin Josh.” Lumapit siya sa ina at hinawakan ang kaliwang kamay nito. Jasmin was silently lying in the bed. Nakamulat ang mga mata Ngunit walang nakikita sa paligid. “I’m glad I found her at last. Kailangan niya ako sa kalagayan niyang ito. She had a fatal heart attack three years ago dahilan para maparalisa ang halos buong katawan niya.”

“I’m sorry about what had happened to your Mom Mia.”

“It’s okay Josh. Ang mahalaga ay magkasama na kami ngayon.” She was thankful that she was forced to follow Gilda’s Last Will and Testament else she might not found her mother alive. At utang niya ang lahat ng ito sa nakagisnang ina.

A forlorn look passed in his eyes. Pagkatapos ay napabuga ng hangin. “Bukas na bukas din ay aasikasuhin ko ang pagsasalin sa pangalan mo ng Manggahan Mia. Ngayong natagpuan mo na ang iyong ina ay fulfilled na ang Last Will and Testament ni Tita Gilda.”

“Thank you Josh. At sa lahat ng tulong na ibinigay mo sa akin. Isa kang maaasahang kaibigan.”

“You can always count on me Mia.” He sighed. “Nandito lang ako para sa iyo. Kung anuman ang mangyari ay huwag mong kalimutang humingi ng tulong sa akin.”

She looked at his face and gave a smile of gratitude. Si Josh ay naging kaibigan niya sa loob ng apat na taon magmula ng kunin ni Gilda ang serbisyo nito bilang family lawyer. He was a handsome lawyer; successful in his line of career at the age of thirty-four but still single. During their four year friendship, he had won her respect and admiration.

He was a good man. That she had proven for countless times. And he was one of those rare men that she adored.

Si Josh lamang ang taong nagkaroon ng pagkakataong maging malapit niyang kaibigan. Lumaki siyang tinutukso ng mga kaklase at kababata na isang ampon at pinulot lamang sa basurahan ni Gilda. Dahilan para lumayo siya sa nakararami at naging mailap sa mga tao. Lalo na sa pakikipagkaibigan.

Gilda loved her unconditionally, she knew that. At ito ang naging constant companion niya. Nag-iisang anak si Gilda at hindi na rin nagka-asawa kaya ang mundo nila ay uminog lamang sa kanilang dalawa. Ang ibang kamag-anak nito ay nag-migrate na sa Amerika. So her sudden and tragic death was simply unacceptable.

“I’m happy that at last, you found Tita Jasmin. Kahit hindi mo sinasabi sa akin, alam kong matagal ka ng nangungulila sa iyong tunay na ina. I can see happiness in your eyes now Mia. And you look so pretty in your wedding day. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang macurious kung sino ang napangasawa mo.” Muling naglakbay ang paningin nito sa kabuuan ng dalaga.

She was wearing a cream colored halter dress bilang suot niya sa reception. Hanggang tuhod ang haba ng laylayan niyon and it fitted to her body perfectly. She knew she looked so sexy and stunning in her dress. She saw the same picturesque in the mirror ahile ago.

She looked away. “I married Mama Jasmin’s stepson Josh. Ito ang pinakamagandang paraan upang maalagan ko ang Mama. Micheal will not give up Mama Jasmin so we figure out it would be best if we share custody.”

“Sharing custody does not mean you two needs to get married. And besides ikaw ang mas may karapatan dahil ikaw ang tunay na anak Mia-”

“Sssh Josh,” she stopped him in mid-sentence. “Ayokong pag-usapan ang bagay na ito sa harapan ng Mama. Tama ka Ngunit hindi makabubuti sa kalagayan ng Mama ang pag-agawan ang custody niya sa korte. And that takes time. Ayoko na ng kung anumang kaguluhan. I just want to be with her. The risk that I may lose her any moment from now is already a torture Josh. Alam kong naiintindihan mo ang sitwasyon ko.”

Muli ay isang malalim na buntong-hininga ang pinakawalan ng binata. “Hangad ko ang kaligayahan mo Mia.”

“Salamat talaga Josh,” she sighed.

“Anyway I need to go now. Kailangan kong makabalik sa Davao bago sumapit ang gabi. Eight thirty ang flight ko pabalik ng Iloilo. I wish I can talk to your Mom,” he looked at Jasmin.

“I wish I can talk to her as well,” she said painfully. Muli niyang tinitigan ang ina. She swallowed the heavy lump in her throat as her heart bleed silently. “Ihahatid na kita. Mag-ingat ka sa pagbibiyahe Josh. And again, thank you for coming.”

HININTAY muna niyang makaalis ang rental car na ginamit ni Joshua bago pumihit upang pumasok sa looban ng Mansion. Nagulat pa siya ng makita sa pintuan ng bahay si Micheal, madilim ang expression ng mukha habang magkasalubong ang mga kilay na nakatingin sa kanya.

“Sino ang lalaking iyon?” Kaagad na tanong nito ng makalapit siya dito. He was blocking her way and she had no other choice left but to face him.

“My lawyer Micheal.” She answered casually. She can’t help but notice again and again how handsome her groom was in his black tuxedo. But she stopped her heart from somersaulting right on time.

She smelled trouble.

“Really?” The corner of his mouth twisted in mockery. “At bakit siya nandito? You don’t need a lawyer. Napag-usapan na natin ang tungkol sa bagay na ito.”

“There’s no need to fuss Micheal. May importanteng bagay lang kaming pinag-usapan. And he went to see my mother. At ano ba ang ipinag-aalala mo? Tapos na ang kasal.”

“You are my wife now Mia. And I don’t want you see other men. I demand fidelity in the duration of our marriage.” He stressed in hard and demanding voice. He felt sudden irritation as he saw his bride talking to another man. His light and happy aura instantly vanished.

“Sa papel lang tayo kasal Micheal. Hindi tayo magsasama bilang tunay na mag-asawa. Iyon ang kasunduan natin.” Pagigil ang pagkakabigkas niya ng mga salitang iyon.

He did not comment. Rather, he gave her a mischievous smile. And that was enough to send shivers down her spine. “Behave my wife,” he warned. “Marami pang natitirang mga bisita. Ayokong gumawa ka ng anumang kaguluhan sa mismong araw ng kasal natin.”

“Hindi ako gumagawa ng kung anumang kaguluhan-“

“At ano sa tingin mo ang ginagawa mo?” He scowled, stopping her in mid-sentence. “Kung sinuman ang nakakita sa inyo ng sinasabi mong abogado at kung marumi ang isipan ay tiyak na mag-iisip ng kung ano. Why, you two looked so sweet. I saw the hug and the goodbye kiss. This is a province Mia. At hindi sanay ang mga tao dito sa public display of affection.”

On instinct ay inilibot niya ang paningin sa paligid. Mangilan-ngilang tao ang naroroon. Karamihan sa mga tao at bisita ay nasa hardin sa likuran ng mansion. Ang tiyak na nakakita sa kanila ni Josh ay ang guwardiyang si Badung.

“Do you understand, huh my wife?”

“Suit yourself Micheal.” Umatras siya ng ilang hakbang at nang sumunod si Micheal at magkaroon ng espasyo upang makapasok siya sa loob ng bahay ay sinamantala niya iyon.

Malalaki ang mga hakbang niyang pumasok sa loob ng bahay at umakyat sa ikalawang palapag kung saan naroroon ang guestroom na inokupa niya kagabi. Pakiramdam niya ay bigla siyang napagod. Ngunit gayun na lamang ang pagkagulat niya ng makapasok sa loob ng guestroom at madiskubreng wala doon ang mga gamit niya. Kaagad na lumabas siya ng silid. Nakasalubong niya sa pasilyo ang isang katulong at tinanong kung nasaan ang mga gamit niya.

“Ipinalipat na po ni Sir JM sa loob ng Master’s Bedroom Senyorita.”

Ipinalipat ni Micheal ang mga gamit niya sa loob ng silid nito? She felt her head bloated at the thought that she and Micheal will share a room together as husband and wife. And she thought she had laid out her conditions with him.

Hindi! Hindi siya papayag sa gusto nitong mangyari. Bago siya pumayag sa kasalang ito ay nilinaw niya dito ang mga kundisyunes niya. At iyon ay hindi sila magsasama bilang totoong mag-asawa.

Humanda ang lalaking iyon at ngayon pa lamang ay sumisira na sa kasunduan nila.

CHAPTER 6

NAPABALIKWAS sa kama si Mia ng marinig ang pag-ingit ng pintuan at muling pagsara niyon. Kaagad na naghabulan ang mga daga sa loob ng dibdib niya ng makita si Micheal. He was wearing a sando and boxer shorts that showed off his extensive shoulders, muscled biceps and burly legs.

She gulped real hard that her gullet almost twinged.  My, Ngunit ang lalaking pinakasalan niya ay hindi lamang guwapo kundi talagang macho!

“Bakit dito ka natutulog?” He said in aggravated voice. His eyes rambled around her stature. Aversion and approbation sealed his eyes. Aversion dahil nagkulong ang asawa sa guestroom; approbation because she looked goddamned beautiful and seductive in her dress.

She was lying in the bed callously but nonetheless sexily. Her hotness seemed to be alluring. Micheal felt the gush of excitement.

Now, they had privacy. Sila lamang dalawa ang nasa loob ng silid. He was depriving himself for long hours; afraid to touch his wife further in front of the visitors else he could not contain himself.

But tonight, he had her all for himself.

Suot pa rin niya ang damit na ginamit niya sa reception kanina. Hindi siya nagkalakas ng loob na pumasok sa silid ng lalaki na ngayon ay asawa na niya upang magbihis. Isinumpa niya sa sariling mananatili siya sa guestroom at hinding-hindi papasok sa loob ng silid nito. Wala iyon sa kasunduan nila ng lalaki.

“Bakit mo ipinalipat ang mga gamit ko sa loob ng silid mo?” She asked irately. Kaagad na tumayo siya sa kama.

“Mag-asawa na tayo Mia. At magtataka ang mga taong nakapalibot sa atin kung hindi tayo magsasama sa loob ng iisang silid. As far as possible, ayokong gumawa ng usap-usapan sa loob ng pamamahay na ito.”

“Hindi kasama sa kasunduan natin iyan Micheal. Malinaw ang kondisyon kong hindi tayo magsasama bilang tunay na mag-asawa. I do not like this anymore. Hindi ka marunong tumupad sa usapan.”

He gave an infuriated sigh. “Mia, listen to me. Hindi natin alam kung nakikita ba tayo ni Mama o naririnig niya ang mga tao sa paligid niya. Gugustuhin mo bang bigyan siya ng alalahanin sa kalagayan niya?”

Hindi siya nakapagsalita sa sinabi nito. Ginagamitan ba siya ng lalaking ito ng emotional blackmail?

“I want this marriage as normal as possible. We can work things out Mia. Kasal na tayo. Why not just enjoy it?” He walked frontward and impeded hardly any inches away from her. He drew out his arms and cupped her chin.

Kaagad ang pagtayo ng mga pinong balahibo sa katawan niya dahil sa epekto ng pagkakadikit ng kamay nito sa balat niya. His pant fanned her face and added roughly to the tickling commotion of his impersonal stroke.

She panicked instantly. How could she defy the charms of this gorgeous hunk na ngayon ay asawa na niya? She took steps backward. Ngunit dalawang hakbang pa lamang ang nagawa niya ay nabunggo na ng mga paa niya ang paanan ng kama.

“Ayaw mong matulog sa Master’s Bedroom, hindi ba?”

“Hindi.” She answered in vehemence. “Hinding-hindi ako matutulog sa loob ng silid mo Micheal.”

“Fine.” He answered coolly. “Ako na lamang ang makikitulog sa loob ng silid mo.”

Her eyes grew bigger as she watched him occupy almost all the fraction of the bed. Seryoso ba ang lalaking ito na dito matutulog sa guestroom? At siya, saan siya matutulog ngayon? Kampante na itong nakahiga sa kama gayung siya ay hindi alam kung ano ang gagawin. Sa Master’s Bedroom na lang kaya siya matutulog?

“Umalis ka na dito Micheal. Gusto ko nang magpahinga. Doon ka sa silid mo matulog.” Sa kabila ng iritasyon ay sinikap niyang magpakahinaHon.

“Come here Hon.” Inabot nito ang asawa at pareho silang nabuwal sa kama.

“Hey!” She shoved him immediately Ngunit maagap na hinuli ng lalaki ang mga kamay niya and in an instant he was on top of her. He clasped her hands above her head. She struggled to break free but found her exertion fruitless.

She looked straight into his dark eyes and found herself hypnotized. Micheal’s stare simply could bring her into another dimension.

“I could not believe I married a very pretty woman in you Mia,” he murmured croakily while his eyes hovered around her face. He was on top of her and he can feel her malleable body, pliable underside his rigidity.

“Stop this crap Micheal. Hindi ako nakikipaglokohan sa iyo. Let go of me. And go back to your room.” She forced her voice to sound authoritative but deep inside she was melting sweetly.

Oh hell, but she was liquefying as his body chafed against hers.

“Stop!” She hissed as she felt the stark of flame growing bigger inside her. She pertained to his act of brushing his body against hers tormentingly. The mere act proved successful in creating fire between them.

“Hindi ako nakikipaglokohan sa iyo Mia. Asawa na kita. And we are in our Honeymoon, aren’t we?” He lowered his head and sniffed her fragrance. “You scent sweet my wife.” Muli nitong sinamyo ang leeg niya and deliberately brushed his lips on her exposed skin.

Napamulagat si Mia as she felt her body frissoned reluctantly. Now she needed to stop this travesty else she will be totally drawn into this man’s irristible trinkets. “Ang kasunduan ay kasunduan Micheal. Don’t give me reasons to file an early annulment dahil lamang sa hindi ka marunong tumupad ng usapan.”

He grimaced. “And what is the basis of your annulment request?”

“Psychological incapacity, neglect and non-consummation of marriage,” she hooted. Wala siyang maisip na dahilan at kusa iyong nanulas sa kanyang mga labi.

Sa halip na matakot ay isang nakakalokong ngiti ang kumurba sa mga labi ni Micheal. “Magagawan ng paraan ang lahat ng grounds na sinabi mo Mia specially the last one. Non-cosummation of marriage, huh. Let’s see…”

“Stop this Micheal please—“ Ngunit nalunod sa kanyang lalamunan ang iba pang sasabihin ng lumapat ang mainit na mga labi ng lalaki sa kanya. She wheezed. At sinamantala iyon ng asawa as his tongue probed inside her mouth.

Pakiramdam ni Mia ay biglang lumindol at umikot ang mundo niya. She closed her eyes as she felt her world turning upside down. He was kissing her masterfully. And right then and there she knew he was nothing but a connoisseur in the knack of seduction. And she was lost in his magical maneuvering.

She was not attentive that she was already retorting her husband’s erupting kiss. Her lips moved seductively, tagging along with his every progress, meeting his every assault.

She heard a soft moan. Ngunit hindi niya tiyak kung nanggaling ba iyon kay Micheal o sa lalamunan niya mismo. Ang mga kamay niyang hawak nito sa uluhan niya kanina ay malaya na ngayon. At nakakapit iyon sa batok ng lalaki.

She was adhering to him like a pytHon. Her legs swathed roughly at his hips. She was supple underside him.

Isang malakas na singhap ang pinakawalan niya when he stopped kissing her but his lips stalked damp kisses around her décolletage. His lips went on to inveigle her left ear. She shuddered involuntarily as his tongue taunted a very sensitive spot.

She was in the brink of insanity and sheer pleasure and she knew any moment, her defenses will give way. She could not help but welcome his thrilling advances.

“Micheal… no… stop…” She pleaded in between gasps. Ngunit walang awtorisasyon sa tinig niya rather it sounded like a sweet melody.

And she thawed on his caress when she felt his hand cupped one of her stripped breasts. She was not aware that he had already rolled her dress down to her waist; that he had successfully unhooked her strapless bra.

She unlocked her eyes and realized that she was already half naked. She attempted to pull her dress up, to cover her firm breasts from his poignant eyes, to stop his hands from touching her further.

Ngunit hindi natuloy iyon as his mouth swathed and nipped her now hard nipples. She sucked in her breathing as madness overruled her mind. She closed her eyes in wanton as precursors of astonishing sensation plugged her senses.

She whimpered; her head tossing over the velvety pillow; her body arching toward his steely body.

“Micheal…” Ang mga kamay niya ay napakapit sa buhok nito as his sizzling lips venerated her soft but dense breasts.

His hands were busy maneuvering her dress to be removed completely from her body. He wanted to undress her ravishing figure; the beautiful bod he longed to possess. He wanted to dig his shaft into her softness fast. He was already throbbing in pain.

But the pleasure of discovering her insane loveliness was surprisingly a great adventure. He can have her anytime, basked his earthly desire in her sweet geyser, but he was not a selfish lover. He wanted to give her all ecstatic pleasure until she begged for him to take her full.

She felt hot as if she contracted a deadly flu. And when his lips claimed her mouth again, she rejoined him with parallel passion. Wildfire multipled uncontrollably as their lips mated, as their bodies gyrated.

She had lost her sanity. His mastered kisses and skillful hands did conjectures over her now scorching and blazing form. Habang magkahinang ang mga labi nila ay tuluyang nahubad ni Micheal ang damit niya.

And when his naked chest brushed against her bare breasts, she almost felt burned. Nahubad na rin nito ang suot na sando at boxer shorts and now he was naked on top of her. Ang kamay niya ay yumakap sa likuran ng lalaki and touched his bare skin. She took pleasure as his muscles undulated against her palms.

“Mia…” He moaned her name and whispered something erotic that fueled her desire into a higher level.

She arched her body closer to his, unmindful of the throbbing shaft over her belly. He successfully aroused burning desire in her quiescent stature and she wondered at how wanton she countered his kisses and strokes.

She knew she wanted him. She can feel the growing need as hot fluid slithered between her thighs. She knew she was ready to welcome him in her world.

“You are beautiful, my wife,” he whispered lovingly. She opened her eyes. She saw his dark eyes, apprehensively dimmed even more by sweltering fervor. “I want to take you now… Mia…” He groaned aloud. He prodded her thighs apart while eyes not leaving her pretty face.

“Micheal pleasee—,” She agreed. She was impatient of his next assaut. She wanted him and the feeling was intolerable. She wanted him to possess her fast; hard but yet dreamingly sweet.

Ngunit nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi ng maramdaman ang pag-ulos ng asawa. His steely shaft cogently penetrated inside her undiscovered womanhood.  She felt she was being ripped into halves.

She was not prepared for this kind of pain. It was maddening. She shouted a cry of soreness as he thrust harder and deeper inside her.

Napatingin si Micheal sa mukha ng asawa and perceived the look of blistering pain in her pretty visage. And his lungs expanded in jubilation as realization took him by surprise. Happiness deluged his heart that he wished to disintegrate.  He made a temperate smile.

He kissed the solitary tear in the corner of her eye. He thought that the sole reason why he could not fully possess her was only discomfort. But he was not able to shun the shield in swift two thrusts. Now he knew why.

At sa kabila ng sakit na nararamdaman ay hindi maiwasang mapabuntong-hininga ni Mia. She saw the gentlest smile for the first time since she met this man. And it was enough to alleviate the sore away. She closed her eyes as he reached for her lips, giving her passionate but tender kisses.

“My virgin wife…” he sighed in between kisses. He contented himself by just kissing her. He stilled his body on top of her, giving her some moment of tranquility.

She started to writhe and move underneath him. Micheal groaned and bit her lips gently.  He got her signal. Then his hands started to stroke her everywhere, leaving burning sensation in every places and curves his hands surveyed.

And when he thought she was sizzling and all set for him again, he drove his maleness into her velvet being, dawdlingly and ploddingly. He knew he wanted to unite their bodies fast, but he needed to mull over his virgin wife’s adapting body.

Muli ay napakagat-labi si Mia. But she endured the hurting. She marveled as she copiously lodged his long pulsating shaft inside her feminity. She countered his every move until he smoothly went in and out of her.

She moaned as unthinkable pleasure rocked her senses. So this was it, the joy and delight of lovemaking; the most pleasurable experience on Earth. She sweetly joined him in this primitive but erotic movement.  Micheal’s powerful thrusts brought her to the highest heavens.

The pain was now gone; only pleasure existed. She squirmed in delight as she was about to reach the point of no return.

“Mia!”

Micheal was panting as he fastened his bold movements. He felt raw pleasure for the first time throughout his twenty-nine years of existence. The experierience was exhilarating that he cannot control himself. His wife was so sweet and wonderful. She was an enigma.

She heard him bellowed her name as she was conveyed back to Earth. They were both drained yet pleased as he subsided on top of her.

He stayed for a moment on top of her while he regained his normal breathing. He could not almost believe that he had just experienced an astounding release. He was actually still shuddering.

Si Mia lamang ang nakagawa niyon sa kanya. He had made love to a lot of women yet no one made him ever felt this way. Yes, he had possessed them, and he had climaxed, but never this sweet, never this mystifying.

Those women came in and went out of his life without carving any special emotion from him. And here was this woman, who was now his wife, made a sudden change in his emotions in just a very short span of time.

He knew she was special.

When his breathing returned to normal, he moved away but gathered her in his arms again. He planted a gentle kiss in her now swollen but still moist lips, a remnant of their fulfilling lovemaking.

Pagkatapos ay niyakap niya ang asawa ng mahigpit. She pressed her soft body against him. And for the first time, there was a smile on his lips as his mind peacefully drifted to sleep.

CHAPTER 7

NAGMULAT siya ng mga mata at nasilaw sa liwanag na nanggagaling sa nakabukas na bintana. Muli niyang ipinikit ang mga mata at dahan-dahang iminulat upang makapag-adjust iyon sa liwanag ng araw. Napabalikwas siya ng bangon sa kama ng maalala ang nangyari ng nakaraang gabi. Ngunit wala si Micheal sa tabi niya at nag-iisa siya sa loob ng silid.

Isang silk na roba ang suot niya at kaagad na nagkasalubong ang mga kilay ng mapansing hindi pamilyar sa kanya ang paligid. Wala siya sa loob ng guestroom. Kaagad na bumangon siya sa kama at nilapitan ang malaking closet. Binuksan niya iyon at nakita ang kanyang mga damit na maayos na naka-hanger. Ang katabi naman nito ay mga panlalaking kasuotan.

Nasa loob siya ng Master’s Bedroom, she realized.

Micheal must have transferred her in his room when she was sleeping like a babe. She was exhausted after their lovemaking that she immediately fell into deep sleep.

She felt blood rushed in her cheeks as she remembered how she wantonly responded to his passionate lovemaking. Nararamdaman pa niya ang pananakit ng katawan lalo na ang hapdi sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita.

Kaagad na pumasok siya sa loob ng banyo at ibinabad ang sarili sa ilalim ng dutsa. As if mababago niyon ang katotohanang naibigay na niya ang sarili sa lalaking pinakasalan. And even if her naked body was under the shower, the thought of their lovemaking last night lighted fires within her.

Oh shit! Hindi siya makapaniwalang nawala siya sa tamang pag-iisip kagabi.

Naglagay siya ng shampoo sa buhok at pagkatapos ay inabot ang sabon. She rubbed the soap in her body and in instant erotic images flashed back in her mind. She saw herself writhing and moaning under Micheal’s naked body. Nabitawan niya ang hawak na sabon as she realized she was fully aroused.

Mabilis siyang nagbanlaw ng tubig. Pinatay niya ang shower at inabot ang malaking tuwalya na nakasabit sa rack. Magulo ang isipan niya habang pinapatuyo ang sarili gamit ang tuwalya. Pagkatapos ay ibinalabal niya iyon sa katawan at lumabas ng banyo.

Isang white na Capri pants ang isinuot niya at pulang sleeveless blouse. Gamit ang Havianas na tsinelas ay lumabas siya ng silid pagkatapos suklayin ang buhok at mag-apply ng loose powder sa mukha.

MULA sa pinagtanungan niyang katulong ay nalaman niyang pumunta na sa resort si Micheal. Alas diyes ng umaga na pala siya nagising. Pagkatapos kumain ng agahan ay tinungo niya ang likuran ng bahay kung saan naroroon ang kanyang ina. Kasama nito si Karina na siyang makakatulong niya sa pag-aalaga kay Jasmin.

Micheal did not terminate her service. Ayon sa lalaki ay mas mainam na may kahalili siya sa pag-aalaga sa ina. Para magkaroon siya ng pagkakataong magpahinga. Mabuti na lamang at nanduon si Karina. Late na siyang nagising at kung wala ang babae ay wala sanang nag-aalaga sa ina.

Muli ay namula na naman ang kanyang magkabilang pisngi ng maisip ang dahilan kung bakit tanghali na siyang nagising.

She was a graduate of Computer Engineering ngunit Physical Therapy ang kinuha niya bago nagshift ng kurso. Marunong siyang magmasahe at ngayon niya magagamit ang kaalamang iyon.

Isa sa mga natutunan niya ay ang mainam na epekto ng pagmamasahe upang maibalik ang maayos na daloy ng dugo sa bahagi ng pasyenteng naparalisa dulot ng atake sa puso.

She asked for a liniment from Karina. Fortunately ay meron niyon ang babae. She put some liniment oil in her palms and started to massage her mother legs. Karina was watching with ardent eyes.

“Marunong pala kayong maghilot Ma’am Mia.” Si Karina na aliw na aliw habang pinagmamasdan ang ginagawa niya.

“Isang taon din akong nag-aral ng Physical Therapy Karina. Though hindi ko iyon ipinagpatuloy ay marami akong natutunan.” Pagkatapos masahein ang mga paa ng ina ay sinunod naman niya ang mga kamay nito.

She felt satisfied when she saw her mother’s blood circulation improved. Tila nagkaroon ng buhay ang mga ugat nito sa kamay. Alam niyang magkakaroon ng malaking improvement sa blood circulation ng ina kapag inaraw-araw niya ang pagmamasahe dito.

“Mas maganda pala na ang kinuha ni Sir Micheal na private nurse ni Ma’am Jasmin ay may background sa Physical Therapy. Buti at nandito na kayo Ma’am Mia. Maaalagaan ninyo ng husto ang inyong ina.”

Karina was right. She will absolutely take care of her mother. Kung sana ay noon pa niya ito hinanap, noong mga panahong hindi pa malala ang kalagayan ng ina. Sana ay naagapan niya ang paglala ng sakit nito. Kung sana ay kaagad na sinunod niya ang Last Will and Testament ni Gilda. Sana ay maaga niyang natuklasan ang tunay na kalagayan ng ina.

Sana… Napabuntong-hininga na lamang siya. Oh how she wish she could pull back time.

NAROON siya sa loob ng silid ni Jasmin at inaantay na makatulog ang ina ng marinig ang pagbukas ng pintuan. She looked back and saw Micheal. He smiled at her and in an instant, her heart leaped out of her chest. He quickly entered inside the room. She stood up.

“I’m sorry Hon. May mahalaga lang akong bagay na inasikaso sa resort kaya ginabi ako ng uwi.” He said while walking towards her. He planted a soft kiss on her lips ng makalapit ito.

She did not expect his chaste kiss. Ngunit bago pa siya makareact ay madaling natapos ang halik. She gawked at him for several seconds.

He wrapped his arms around her waist. “How’s your day?” Malambing nitong tanong habang magkahinang ang kanilang mga paningin.

And she found herself smiling. “I’m okay. Halos buong araw kong inalagaan ang Mama.”

“Yeah, I can see that. Hanggang ngayon ay nandito ka pa rin sa silid ng Mama. You need to rest now. Tinawag ko na si Karina upang pansamantalang humalili sa iyo.”

Kumalas ito sa pagkakayakap sa kanya at nilingon si Jasmin. “Hi Ma!” Nilapitan nito ang babae at hinalikan sa pisngi. “How’s Mama Jasmin? Hindi ka ba nahirapan sa pag-alaga sa kanya?” He asked while his fingers run through the locks of Jasmin’s hair.

“It will never be a burden to me Micheal. I just wish she will get better soon,” she sighed. Sa loob ng maikling panahong paninirahan niya sa Mansion ay nakita niya kung paano pahalagahan ni Micheal ang ina. Katulad ngayon. She can see love and concern in his eyes habang sinusuklay ng kamay ang buhok ng ina. Yumuko ito and whispered something in Jasmin’s ear. Pagkatapos ay umunat ito, lumakad palapit sa kanya and hugged her again, tighter this time.

“Dalawa na tayong mag-aalaga ngayon sa kanya so I’m pretty much sure she’ll get better. Magpa-file ako ng leave sa resort sa susunod na mga araw. Sinabi sa akin ni Karina na marunong ka raw magmasahe at hinilot mo ang Mama kanina. At nakita niya kung paano magrespond ang sirkulasyon ng dugo ng Mama dahil sa ginawa mo.”

She did not know how to react. Yakap siya ni Micheal at malakas ang kabog ng kanyang dibdib. He was so gentle and the killer smile that never left his lips seemed to hypnotize her. Nanatili siyang nakatitig sa mga mata ng lalaki, unaware of her hands on his nape.

“Thank you for taking good care of Mama Jasmin Mia,” he whispered huskily. Yumuko ito hanggang sa gadangkal na lamang ang pagitan ng kanilang mga labi.

She thought he would kiss her. At napuno ng pananabik ang kanyang dibdib. She was about to close her eyes and wait for his lips ng marinig ang mga katok sa pinto.

“Karina is already here. Let’s go.” He loosened his embrace. Iginiya siya nito palapit sa pinto habang nakakapit ang isang kamay nito sa kanyang baywang. Napagbuksan nito ng pintuan si Karina. “Ikaw na muna ang bahala sa Mama Karina. Magpapahinga na kami ng asawa ko.”

Karina smiled and nodded her head in agreement. Kaagad na hinila siya ni Micheal at nilisan nila ang silid ng ina.

“HINDI pa ako nakakain ng hapunan. Ikaw, kumain ka na ba?” Tanong nito habang nakaakbay sa kanya at iginigiya siya papunta sa malapad na dining hall.

She shook her head. Tinawag na siya ng katulong kanina upang kumain Ngunit sinabi niyang hindi pa siya gutom. Deep inside ay hinihintay niyang makasabay sa hapunan si Micheal.

“I’m glad you wait,” he smiled. “Let’s go. We’ll eat dinner together.”

Muli ay nagpaakay siya kay Micheal. Habang nakaakbay ito sa kanya ay nakadikit ang gilid ng pisngi niya sa dibdib nito. And he can feel his body’s warmth. She can hear his heartbeat as well. At hindi niya alam Ngunit nagbibigay iyon ng kaiga-igayang pakiramdam sa kanya.

Nadatnan nila ang isa sa mga katulong na naglilinis sa kusina. Nagpahanda ng pagkain si Micheal at dumiretso na sila sa dining hall na katabi lamang ng kusina. He pulled out a chair for her. Pagkatapos niyang maupo ay humugot din ito ng upuan sa tabi niya at magkatabi silang nakaupo sa mahabang dining table.

The long rectangular dining table was made of sturdy Narra wood. It was surrounded with well ornate chairs. An expensive red table cloth with intricate patterns made of gold thread covered the table. On top of it was a transparent glass that made the dining table looked luxurious and fabulous. The ten chairs matched the dining table. They had the same design and color. Nangingintab ang mga iyon at halatang mamahalin. On top of the table hung a grand chandelier. Gawa iyon sa kristal na lalong nakadagdag sa karangyaan ng hapag-kainan.

Hindi nagtagal at dumating ang katulong. Pagkatapos nitong maihanda ang pagkain ay nagpaalam na itong babalik sa kusina. Tinanguan ito ni Micheal pagkatapos ay nilingon ang asawa. Ipinaglagay siya nito ng kanin sa pinggan. Isang simpleng gesture na lihim na nakapagpataba sa kanyang puso.

“Thanks!” Masayang turan niya pagkatapos siya nitong ipaglagay ng ulam. Isang ngiti ang naging tugon nito at naglagay na rin ng pagkain sa sariling pinggan. Alas-nuwebe na ng gabi at talagang gutom na siya kaya nag-umpisa na rin siyang kumain. Isa pa ay masarap ang mga pagkaing nakahain sa mesa.

Naging maasikaso sa kanya si Micheal sa durasyon ng hapunan at hindi niya maiwasang mahulog ang loob sa lalaki. Tuluyan niyong winasak ang anumang natitirang pangingilag niya rito. Ngayon niya narealize na ang lalaking pinakasalan ay isa palang maasikaso at mabuting tao.

At ang ina niya ang nagpalaki dito. She wondered what a good mother Jasmin must be. And she could not help but envy this man. Naisip tuloy niya, ano kaya kung ang sariling ina ang nagpalaki sa kanya, ano kayang buhay ang meron siya? Isang malalim na buntong-hininga ang hindi niya napigilang pakawalan.

“May problema ba Hon?” Micheal’s voice was full of concern. Ginagap nito ang kamay ng asawa at marahang pinisil. “I promise to be a good husband. Hindi mo pagsisihang nagpakasal ka sa akin.” There was certainty in his husky voice.

“Micheal…” Alanganing ngiti ang pinakawalan niya. “Handa akong magsakripisyo para sa Mama.”

Ang ngiting nakaguhit sa mga labi ng lalaki ay dagling nawala. Naging pormal ang mukha nito. Marahan nitong binitawan ang kamay ng asawa. “Hindi ko nakakalimutang napilitan ka lang magpakasal sa akin Mia.” Malamig na wika nito. Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak nito sa  kubyertos at sumubo ng pagkain.

Ngayon niya gustong pagsisihan ang sinabi. Dahil sinira niyon ang magandang atmospera sa pagitan nila ni Micheal. Tahimik na ipinagpatuloy nito ang pagkain na tila may malalim na iniisip. Natapos ang hapunan ngunit nanatiling tahimik ang lalaki.

“Mauna ka nang magpahinga Mia. May gagawin lang ako sandali sa library.”

Nagtatanong ang kanyang mga mata ng lingunin ang asawa. Ngunit nakatalikod na ito. Tapos na silang kumain at sinisinop na ng katulong ang mesa. She sighed silently. His mood changed in an instant. She wanted to blame herself. Dahil siya rin ang may kagagawan niyon.

KANINA pa siya nakahiga sa kama at hinihintay ang pagdating ni Micheal. Puno na naman ng kaba at antisipasyon ang kanyang dibdib. She could not help but reckon last night’s enchantment. They made love. And it was marvelous! Sshe flushed at the thought of it.

Pinigil niya sa kanyang baga ang hininga ng marinig ang pag-ingit ng pinto pabukas at pagsara niyon. Kung kanina ay malakas ang tahip ng dibdib niya, dumoble ang bilis ng tibok ng puso niya sa mga sandaling iyon.

Naramdaman niyang pumasok sa banyo si Micheal at narinig niyang nag-toothbrush ito ng ngipin. Maya-maya ay naramdaman niya ang paglundo ng kama. At sa ilalim ng kumot ay mahigpit ang pagkakapikit niya ng mga mata, pretending to be in deep sleep.

“Mia…” He reached for the figure beside him.

She felt her body stiffened ng maramdaman ang dantay ng kamay ni Micheal sa ibabaw ng kumot. She maintained her pretension. The pressure on her closed eyelids intensified as he removed her blanket. She was now uncovered under his ardent eyes. She melted at his embrace. Lalo pa nang maramdaman ang paglapat ng mga labi nito sa kanya.

Oh God… As much as she wanted to panic, she needed to show no reaction. She needed to stay motionless. Ngunit hindi niya alam kung hanggang kailan mapaninindigan ang pagpapanggap na natutulog siya ng mahimbing. Her husband’s hands trailed burning strokes all over her body, softly kneading and caressing her flesh. Her body reacted instantaneously as heat gathered to burn her soul.

It was too late, a soft moan escaped from her mouth before she can take it back. And when his kiss deepened even more, she succumbed to the urge of answering his tormenting assault. Ang mga kamay niya ay kusang pumulupot sa mga batok ng asawa na ngayon ay nakadagan na sa kanya.

“Micheal…” She arched her back as she felt his hand cupped her breast. She swelled and hardened. She was writhing beneath him, her temperature soaring high, mind drifting away.

“Mia …” Mula sa mga labi ng asawa ay bumaba ang halik ni Micheal, patungo sa kanyang leeg, until it reconciled on the silky valley between her breasts. His lips lingered. Then he traced the base of her breasts, sucking her velvet flesh, giving her wild, primitive pleasure. And when his mouth ravished her now erect nipples, Mia jerked, sucked in her breath and let loose a soft but long moan.

She was betrayed by her responding human body. And once again, she capitulated her wanting with him. She welcomed and kissed him inside her softness. He was always unyielding and she was soft and accommodating. She danced with him, swayed with him, rocked with him.   Their bodies shared another sweet unison. They succumned to another heavenly climactic momentum; a yet another unforgettable night together.

ISANG mainit na halik ang nagpagising sa kanya. She opened her eyes and saw Micheal’s face. Nakapikit ito habang bihag ang kanyang mga labi.

Nang maramdaman nitong nagising ang asawa ay itinigil nito ang ginagawa. “Morning Hon,” his sexy bedroom voice vibrated inside the Master’s Bedroom.

“Anong oras na?” Sa kawalan ng masasabi ay iyon ang naisip niya. Nakadagan sa kanya ang asawa at pareho silang hubad sa ilalim ng kumot. Naramdaman niya ang buhay na bahagi ng katawan nito na sumanggi sa kanyang hita ng gumalaw siya. And she shivered at her body’s sudden reaction to it.

“Alas nuwebe ng umaga.” Sagot nito and planted a soft kiss in her lips.

“Naku, kailangan mo ng maligo at malelate ka na. May pasok ka pa sa resort.” Kailangan niyang itaboy ito dahil alam niya kung saan mauuwi ang tagpong pinagsasaluhan nila ng asawa ngayon.

He gave an amorous chuckle. “Ayan at umaasta ka ng isang concerned na maybahay.”

Namula siya sa sinabi nito.

“Wala akong pasok sa loob ng isang linggo, Hon. Nag-file ako ng leave. Marami akong tinapos na gawain kahapon sa resort kaya ginabi ako ng uwi. Kaya sa loob ng isang linggo ay masosolo mo ako Mia.” He explained in between kisses. “Saan mo gustong mag-Honeymoon tayo?”

“Kahit saan basta kasama ang Mama,” she moaned. She felt his pulsating manhood settled between her thighs.

“What do you think of a Carribean Cruise?” He used his leg to nudge her thighs apart.

Nalula siya sa sinabi ng asawa. My, but that was expensive. Ngunit bago pa siya makasagot ay nahigit niya ang hininga nang maramdaman ang pag-ulos nito. And in just one swift movement, he was inside her. He was pulsating delightfull and she warmly expanded.

“Micheal!” Dumiin ang pagkakahawak niya sa leeg ng asawa. She was surprised but it gave her rather excitement. And when he drove deeper and deeper inside her, she released a series of loud gasps.

She just woke up but she was totally aroused. Her husband was again creating havoc of desire within her. She marveled at how she insatiably wanted him again. Could there be an end to her wanting?

“Oh…” She groaned as he thrust in a circling movement.  She felt so full inside and the twist sent marvelous pleasure over her already squirming senses. Micheal’s lovemaking was always a sweet torment and an exhilarating new experience for her.

But she was not nitpicking anyway. Her husband was a very good lover. That was what he said when he persuaded her to accept his marriage proposal. And  she can tell by now that he stood by his promise.