It was in the year 1991 February 15 when the deadline for withdrawal had been set by the United National Security Council.I remained in Dubai for my usual job, monitored the news headlines, and occasional night outings, and continued the manpower business. The news coming from the Philippines and the local dailies were buried deep in my heart while continuing to follow its development.The forces of a multinational coalition led by the United States compelled Iraq to withdraw its occupation forces from neighboring Kuwait. Iraq had illegally invaded and occupied Kuwait on August 2, 1990, and on January 15, 1991, the deadline for withdrawal had been set by United Nations Security Council. Iraq accused Kuwait of conducting "economic warfare against it by overproducing oil and thereby pushing down petroleum prices. When faced with international demands for withdrawal, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein tried to elicit Arab support by offering to pull out if Israel would withdraw its forces f
It was in the year 1993 of June when I visited my parent's house in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental.Along the way going to Bacolod City, we stopped by my parent's house in Hinigaran. My brothers and sisters thanked me for all the support I extended to them by sending money every month. And, my mother and father were very proud of my present status."Marco, stay with us for a month, so that we talked together with your mother," Father suggested."Yes father, mother...I love to stay with you.""Come children, come to grandpa...,." my father said."No, come to grandma....come....children...,." mother said while hugging them all."Mommy, we'll stay here in grandma's house?" Anne said to Ayah."Yes Anne, we'll stay for vacation."My parents, sisters, and brothers liked us to stay which I thought to be the best option for me and for my family. I needed answers to some of my inner thoughts for a long time; and the interaction of my children with their grandparents and relatives. The family con
We seated at the school open canteen and I told Edward to order our snacks while I went to Marco Junior's classroom. When I arrived, the teacher was explaining something in front of her class. I saw Marco talked to her teacher where he approached me and give me respect. "Good morning Daddy, my teacher wants to meet you inside the classroom?" "Yes, sure my son." We went inside the classroom smiling at them. "Miss Bueno....classmates....this is my father...his name is Mr. Marco Fernando!" Marco Junior introduced me. "Good morning Miss Bueno.....good morning to all!" I said. "You know Mr. Fernando, we have regulations here in school that when a parent visited his/her child in school...the student must introduce him/her parent on his classmates....and he's excused from class if he/she wanted to," the teacher said. "Okay then, Marco Junior...let's find your little sister." We visited Shaira Rose in her classroom, and I did the introduction too, then, left together with her maid, tut
We happily continued our conversation while drinking when Mike noticed Danielle Gustilo and Roger Ferrer come inside the bar, seated, and ordered."Marco, look, it is Danielle ....and Roger Ferrer..." Mike whispered to me."Where...What table?""Over there....near the counter...""Ohhh....yes, it's them....back me up, okay?" I went to their table, seated in front of them, and looked at them without saying a word,"How's the night Danielle?""Marco.....Marc just going out with Roger...my life is boring for the past months...you know..." Danielle answered."Can we talk personally, just you and me.... without the presence of an alien from Mars-like your companion now?""I'm not an alien you rotten....." Roger answered."Go...go...out!" I suddenly clamped my palm to Roger's fingers and twisted it.He went outside and Mike followed and observed him. When Mike came back, I gave him money for the payment of our food and drinks."Mike, drive my car....follow me to Jumeirah Beach...here's the
"Okay...fine...come with us. Ryan this is Mike Luna.""Hi...I'm Ryan Mallari...Mike." He extended his arm to Mike."Okay, guys let's go!" I said. "Ryan you're the driver, we're going to Jumeirah Beach House."It was around eight in the evening when I checked the time on my wristwatch. The evening air kept my mind absorbing things easily. It soothed my face and the whole of my body. It gave freshness on the outside, but deep in my heart, it's burning profusely.I entered the house, open the lights, and checked the house silently. I went to Danielle's room but she was not there. I checked thoroughly every angle of the room and I noticed a pocket-sized picture of Roger Ferrer at the base of the bed's leg. I kept it in my wallet and went outside."Okay, Ryan...Mike.... let's proceed to Le Rendezvous Disco."It was almost ten in the evening when we arrived at the disco where we were seated in the upper portion of the place with a video recorder in my hand. It's almost full of people, mostl
"Because you don't respect me...you gave your love to that crazy alien...for only three months....now you're asking me why?""I can't believe you can do it in front of him!""And why not....you are mine alone Danielle...if you don't want my love for you....then it's better that way...Roger will remember always. Oh...by the way, that Roger cannot love you anymore...you know why his body is for rent to any woman.....Talk to me in a civil way and I'll give you an appointment...."Silence at the other end of the line, "You want to talk to me...come to my flat tomorrow at 9 in the morning...I'm waiting for you." I closed my mobile phone and returned to the table."How are you doing people?""We're enjoying Marco" Mike answered."Mike I want to talk to you..." I said.I instructed Mike to purchase a video recorder and tape recorder to be positioned in the furniture, paintings, and indoor plants for my actual meeting with Danielle. I assigned Mike to assist me in positioning Danielle when sh
"Thank you Edward I'll open it later. How are you doing here my friend?""Fine, learning the trade here in Dubai environment and bonding with my son Ronnie. Did Mike tell you about our selected managers?""Yes and I'm planning to retain Mike. ...Edward kindly contact Bryan or Ayah Isabel for the documents of the applicants to be processed here. By the way, Ayah Isabel now is the new President of my organization in the Philippines together with Bryan.""Marco, Mike I'm going ahead, I have to check up all the stores today...bye!""Okay, Edward bye!"Marco, we're going somewhere?" Mike asked."Yes....want to meet Danielle....let's go, Mike!"After lunch, Mike and I roamed around Dubai observing other food businesses that were being constructed inside the new Shopping Mall. Some new businesses build their wares for the new ways of selling in the vicinity of the mall. New trends which captured the buying public to purchase in air-conditioned shops housed in one roof.Around six in the even
I went to the entrance even though I was in the entourage of the ceremony, where he instantly left to go to his car. I was still following him, got into my car, and followed him through Garhood Road to the vacant space near the road. He halted at a far distance that I stopped and was ever ready for his action. I observed the surroundings and viewed him go outside his car and face me. I went outside of my car too, stood erect wearing my sunglasses, and wait for him. He walked towards me."Marco this is between the two of us.""I know and what do you want?""Don't ever follow Danielle anymore.""Danielle's mine and we have two children.""I know that from her.""Where are my children?""I'm not in a position to tell you that...""Then who do you think?""Danielle, we're getting married this coming week.""And why are you telling me this? That I'll stop getting my children...no Roger you're such a fool! Tell her to give my children back and I'll stop bothering her!""I'll do that Marco..
Zenaida hands me a black lace bodice. I start to get myself into it and Zenaida turns me around to fasten the row of hooks and eyes trailing up the back. I'm distracted by my hesitancy by the thought of Marco's face and all this lace. I smile. He'll orgasm on the spot. I'm helped into the gown by Zenaida and presented to the oversized mirror. 'Holy shit!' she exclaims and then slaps her hand over her mouth. 'I'm sorry. That was so unprofessional of me.' Holy shit, indeed. I turn slightly to view the back and gasp a little. It clings to every curve I have perfectly and skims the floor when I raise on tiptoes. The lining under the lace is matt, giving the delicate, intricate pattern a shimmery effect, and the deep neckline is perfect with the cap sleeves sitting just off my shoulders, revealing my collarbones. I hear Zenaida scuttle off and return. She kneels before me. 'Put these on.' she instructs. I pull my eyes from the mirror and look down to find a pair of black, sling-back Dior
AYAH ISABEL FERNANDO POVOur wedding is fast approaching created by our children; Marco Fernando Senior siblings from me and Danielle Gustilo. As much as possible I have to keep it in a low-profile event. But, my Billionaire husband wanted to be a well-known marriage of all time. Even my personal things, I want to be discreet. But, Marco accompanied me to the first-class shopping mall.My eyes are immediately blessed with masses of drool-worthy handbags, but I'm not given the opportunity to look. He walks with purpose and meaning as he drags me along behind him and when we get in the elevator, he presses the button for the first floor. I scan the store guide.'Hey, I want the fourth floor.' I would like to avoid the international collections of the first floor. They scream expensive, but he completely ignores me. "Marc?" I look at him and find his face is completely impassive as he keeps a firm grip on my hand. The elevator door opens and I'm pulled out behind him.'This way.' he says
I collapsed on the sofa when I got home. I need an early night. Tomorrow is a long day in Country Hills and I need to get in shape. My phone is ringing. I rolled my eyes as I looked at the screen, but it wasn't what I expected. This is Tom. I growled to myself. When will my phone ring and it's someone I really want to talk to?'Hi,' I moaned. 'Okay?' he greeted, with his usual confident tone.'Yes, and you?' I knew he was fine. I heard that he was out almost every night, making up for a lost time. Not that our relationship stopped him from living exactly what he wanted.'Everything is fine. I rang to greet you tomorrow. It's tomorrow, right?' I was surprised when he remembered. He didn't really have an interest in my career.'Yes, thank you. I was just thinking of getting an early night.' 'Okay, I won't keep you,' he seemed disappointed. 'I've boxed up your other stuff.''Oh, right,' 'There's no rush,' he added. 'If you're free sometimes, it's better to chase.'Do you like it? Catc
I thought quickly. 'My car has new brakes. I forgot to remove my house key.'She accepted my excuse without further question. 'There's a spare door key in the pot by the kitchen window.' He ran back up the stairs and I followed, quickly opening a bottle of wine before rummaging through the fridge for something to eat. No one takes my wish. Wine will do. 'Yes, please.' Pearl came back into the kitchen. She's already jimmy-jammed up, and I can't wait to join her. I pour her a glass while trying to morph my face into anything other than the shocked expression that I know is still visible.'I'm going to change and call Mama,' I turned around, carrying my wine. 'I'll meet you on the sofa soon.' 'Cold,' I really need to talk to Mom. Pearl is my best friend, but you can't beat your Mom when you want comfort. Not that I can tell her why I need comfort. She will be afraid.After I put on my baggy pants and vest top, I lay on my bed and called my Mom Ayah. I called Mom Ayah Isabel when I want to
Stunned, I grabbed my clothes off the floor before running into the bathroom, closing the door behind me and flipping the lock. I leaned against the back of the door, almost naked, trying to control my ragged breathing. I looked up at the ceiling to stop my tears from falling. I am very disappointed in myself.I think I hear the sound of muffled voices coming from the room, and I try to steady my breathing so I can hear what's going on. But, nothing. No noise, no talking...nothing. Damn me for being half naked so I can't escape. Instead, I fled to the bathroom, hiding like a desperate tart. I am not comfortable with these feelings. I'm really ashamed of myself. I have been cheated on many times, and I have destroyed all the women who interfered in my relationships. Over many bottles of wine, I have condemned them, badmouthed them, and asked them for truly merciless vengeance. Now, I am one of them. I groaned, hitting the heel of my hand on my forehead. Crazy girl!When I heard the doo
He remained silent while I looked at him in shock, waiting for an explanation. I didn't get anything, except his intense green eyes staring at me from the other room. I felt like I was under a microscope, and that glass of wine was spinning in my stomach, twisting and turning as I moved nervously on my heels.'Is this some kind of joke?' I half laugh. I'm still waiting for clarity, but it won't come. I try to ignore the mass of beautiful people and frantically search my brain for guidance or instruction. It is useless. I'm not blind I'll happily volunteer that I've imagined his chest, more than once, and it's beyond even my highest imaginations and expectations. This man is beyond perfect. What will I do?He just stood there, head slightly bowed, staring at me through his long eyelashes. His eyes were piercing me, his mouth, and I could see the rise and fall of his incredible chest. There is some serious meaning; not too big, just clean...cut... perfection. If he's wrecking fully clot
"Yes, and I want to talk to you personally. Are you available tomorrow afternoon or evening?""Sister, you know that I am very busy with my job, very important or just a bonding moment?""This is very important, regarding your brother Marco Fernando Junior and your grandfather. Well, as for me, it is very important because of your inheritance. Are you interested?"Shaira Rose Fernando listen very carefully when she heard the word, inheritance. "Well, of course, I am interested to know my status for the inheritance.""Okay then, what time and place we will meet? Well, I suggest Le Jardin, a French Restaurant in BGC Taguig? We had the place on our own when we had lunch there, a dreamy place at the penthouse of W5th. Modern yet classic, I must say the irony blended well. Romantic but not boring. Complimentary slices of bread and small appetizers were served and the timing of every food we ordered was well observed (appetizers - mains). Also, there's a wine cellar where they keep some of
'Soon.' he whispered. It is a promise. He let go of my stiff thigh and got up. 'Nice to meet you, Pearl.''Hmmm, you too.' she answered thoughtfully.He stepped towards the back of the bar. Good God, he walks with purpose and it's sexy as hell. I closed my eyes to collect my mind, which was currently scattered all over the bar floor. It is absolutely hopeless. I turned to Pearl, finding the accusatory bright blue staring at me as fangs had sprouted.Her eyebrows hit her hairline. 'Fuck me, that was intense!' she spat on the table.'Was it?' I start pushing my sandwich around my plate.'You better stop with the blah-fucking-zay shit now, or I'll shove this fork so far up your ass, you'll be chewing metal. What question are you thinking?' Her tone was fierce.'I don't know,' I turned away from her. 'Attractive, arrogant and has a girlfriend.' I try for vague.Pearl let out a long, over-amplified whistle. I haven't experienced that yet. I heard about it but I didn't witness it.''What are
I turned to Herman's office to ask if he had notified Mr. Montero of the change in arrangements, but then it rang again, stopping me in my tracks. I sighed and connected the call. If Herman hadn't advised him, I would have. And if it doesn't fit, it's bad luck. I was making a mess of convincing myself that I passed on the contract because Herman was better suited for the project. I know damn well that's only half the reason'Hello.' I say, stamping my foot a little for sounding apprehensive in my greeting. I aimed for sure and confident.Shaira Rose?' His husky voice had the same effect on my fragile senses as it had on Friday. But at least on the phone, he doesn't see me physically shaking.'Who is speaking?' There. That's better - professional, businesslike, and firm. He laughed a little, and I completely passed out. 'Now, I know you already know the answer to that question because my name came up on your phone,' I cringed on the spot. 'Trying to play it cool?' Oh, the proud ass! H