"Good morning Pareng Marco," Mike said."Where are they...Where's Ayah?""Don't worry she's with Edward and Vivian...and Lina too. They left together last night.""Why she's not telling me?""You drink too much, that's why my friend. They will go shopping today.""She's okay or still angry with me?""I don't know but she smiled when he saw you sleeping like a log.""I see...okay...get dressed, we will take rounds with the fast-food stores today.""Okay, Sir!""And why you're calling me Sir today?""Because... I played basketball yesterday night.""You...cannot live without that basketball?""Marco...you like to eat breakfast?""No just strong coffee.""Okay sir, your shower is ready."I smiled and entered the bathroom with a feeling that Ayah will reconcile with me. We went first to the Al Riqqa branch; checked the store interior, staff, stock items, equipment, and the logbook. Mike and I continued our work to all stores' businesses that need uplifting of its operations."Mike let's g
We ate together and the children enjoyed the food while Ayah was not in the mood to talk to me. I talked to my children as usual, as their father and I observed them one by one. The time I spent with them was not totally in full force while I was staying in Dubai. I thought that this was the time to tell them about their education and to open up their concerns in front of Ayah Isabel."Guys, I decided to send you all to universities, so that all of you can interact with your friends while growing up. But be aware of the danger that comes with this new development. To all of you, do you have any concerns that I want to know about?""Daddy, as for me I'm with you with that decision and will take in charge of my brothers and sister. Count on me, Daddy." Anne said."Very good Anne, I can count on you with this one...get in touch with your Uncle Eduardo for your needs, okay?"The children approved my decision and they're glad for the outcome. Ayah's only listening to us while sipping her c
"Welcome my lady Danielle and Mr. Ferrer...Welcome!" Danielle Gustilo and Roger Ferrer sat in their respective places saying nothing about my greeting. The waiter approached us to take our orders. I sensed their aloofness to me that I changed my strategy, for them to catch my bait. I kept my silence looking at them squarely. They noticed the situation that Roger started to talk about. "Marco Fernando, we're glad to see you again." "Me too, but it seems that your wife's...," my words trailing deep inside my throat. "Forgive her Marco, she's happy too...but...," Roger stops and looks at his wife. "I hated you so much Marco....that I want this meeting very badly," Danielle Gustilo said suddenly. "Ohhh I see....then it's the best time to talk to you, Danielle. Can I ask you why you hated me so much?" "You knew it, bastard!" "Me a bastard? It's you my Lady Danielle...looks at you now? It's the year of the Billionaire now...and you......a poor-struggling lady of the beautiful city o
They applauded as a sign of thanking me. Media people at the front started to ask me. "Sir Marco, I'm from FNN International; my question is....Why you decided this dangerous game that could result to your death? Thank you." "I liked excitement....and I have all the material things that I ever wanted in my life. So, this excitement doubled when I knew that my ex-lover will do it." "Sir Marco Fernando, do you still love your ex-lover Danielle?" "Actually, I have two children from her which she kept away from me....I missed them....She's married now to Roger Ferrer, also, the accomplice for this Game FX." "And why you selected them to do this job, Sir?" "As I said, it excites me...it gives total satisfaction...by the way I have to go...thank you." I hurriedly left the stage, walked briskly towards the sanctuary room, open the locked door, and undressed naked. I hastily put on the camouflage, get dressed, and carried my backpack. I opened the secret passage where the vehicle was p
"Aira wakes up...quick," whispered to her but with urgency. She followed what I said where I gathered my things, especially the backpack. It's always ready and handy. We groped our way to the back door in the kitchen going to the concrete wall where I pushed her up totally into the other side. I carefully lifted her up for easy access to the narrow way going to the other street. We ran as fast as we can, going to Roxas Boulevard but the assassins were following us. They're not together on this pursuit but instead allowing themselves to run after us.As we ran farther from them heading to the corner of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard, we turned right going to EDSA-Pasay Rotonda, where I decided to enter a Beer House. But the assassin fired a shot at us and a customer was hit in the stomach. The Police Patrol car arrived at the Beer House that we distanced ourselves from the place. We continued running even though dangers were looming to us.I stopped a taxi cab which gave us the freedom to go
I decided to go to Hinigaran wherein I can find a refuge for my daughter. I was still contemplating my situation while traveling inside the taxi cab. Danielle was alone. Did she need a long rest in heaven...or hell? And I'll be the next in the line. I held Aira's hand which she didn't oppose and hugged her tightly. She started to cry again."Be brave my daughter...Daddy loves you...""Daddy...mommy's dead...," Aira's continued to cry."Stop crying Aira...we'll find out who's behind the killing of your mother, okay?""Yes Dad...""Where's your brother?""He's with me at the San Agustin church when you took me? Can't recognize him anymore Dad?""I can't recognize both of you because your mother and grandfather took away from me....both of you...""Dad....sorry...I recognized you ever since...I have a photo of you in my wallet. And, I knew this Game X in the newspaper.""Shaira.....where are you staying in Manila?""Actually Dad, we visited San Agustin Church to pray together because Mar
I was quite troubled by Mike's behavior so I changed my plan; instead of staying in Bacolod City, going to my house in Cavite was the best option to settle this game. Knowing what really matters with the Game FX agreement and I for one, changed my outlook on this game in my life. I need to live more to be with my daughter and for all the loved ones I had with Ayah Isabel.We traveled by plane and after two hours we were at Manila Domestic Airport. I left Shaira in a hotel room, hired a car, and proceeded to my house in Cavite. I was still wearing my mask when I arrived. I entered the gate and the guard questioned me about my identity."Guard, call Mike Luna," as I removed my mask."Yes sir.""Guard, what is it?""He's not answering sir.""Okay, watch carefully.""Yes sir."I dialed Mike Luna's number while parking the car; he was not answering the phone. My instant actuation called for me to be aware of myself. This feeling of doubt since Danielle told me that Roger was here. He's not
The morning light was seeping through the window curtain when I woke up; that I looked around from the ceiling to the walls. I'm sure that I was on my bed and I saw some hospital equipment. My head still spinning but I stood up, walked slowly, opened the door, and sat in front of the door outside. I cannot tackle myself to walk alone."Anybody there!" I shouted that a male nurse came running towards me."Sir, why you don't call me first," the nurse said."Where's Edward?""I'll call him sir right away."The male nurse dialed a number on his cell phone," Sir Edward, the patient wants to talk to you. Can you come over here now?""Sir Edward's coming now...sir?""Okay, take me to the garden now.""Yes sir.""And don't forget to serve an orange juice...and the daily newspaper.""Alright sir got it. Want a wheel chair?""No, just help me...walk...""Okay sir, come."As we walked near the garden, I felt the sun's rays warming my skin and flesh. An invigorating freshness, after an emotional