“Hello, state your name please?”“Hello I am Mrs. Fernando from the Philippines. Who is this? Where is my husband, Mr. Marco Fernando?”“Why you call this number and how you got it, from whom?”“Please I want to talk to my husband. This is the emergency number my husband gave it to me, in case I will call him for emergency purpose. And, this is the first time I used it.”“Mrs. Fernando, this Oliver Luna, son of Mike Luna and Lina Luna. Do you know my mother?”“Yes she’s working with me, in Makati City, here in the Philippines. So, you are Oliver Luna. Yes I knew you, Lina told me that you’re with Marco in Shanghai. Where is my husband now and why you are the one answering this phone?”“Mrs. Fernando, actually, it’s confidential and your husband is taking an operation at the other place. Can I get your message to him?”“Oliver, kindly tells him that I will call again tomorrow. Tell him to take good care always because I loved him. And, my concern is about our children. Thank you Oliver
Marco Fernando Junior POV “Hershey Chocolate, how are you?”“Nice to hear your voice, Marco! I’m happy that you called! Yes, it’s very exciting and at the same time, grueling time to prepare what I need for my schooling in NYU. You remember I told you about my scholarship? You will pursue your Law study in NYU too?”“Good to hear about your plan will push through. But, for me, a lot of negative things going on here and I think, my plan is being stalled for the meantime. My father disappeared last week, and I have to stay to help find him.”“What? What do you mean disappeared?”“He was taken forcefully from his apartment by some men and I called my grandfather Ben about it. He did not elaborate to me why and he said to forget the incident. But, his Personal Assistant Jiyo Kael told differently. I was confused Chocolate.”“Marco, I’m with you and if you want I could travel to Shanghai, just for you?”“No baby, don’t’ ever do that. Please bear with me. I have to stay for a month to deci
Marco Fernando Junior POV“Follow me,” Jiyo Kael stood up and rush to his car at the parking lot near my car. I followed him forgetting the group of Anne Rose. I opened the other car door and hurriedly put my seatbelt.“Jiyo where to?” I asked him seriously while the car sped-up at the main road.“To my place where no one’s dared to watch, and of course, to plan the rescue of Billionaire Marco Fernando Senior, your father.”“Why are so concern in helping me? Or do you know my father personally?”“Yes, we met before and I must admit, he has this aura of a gentleman and very sharp. But, he has also a place inside his heart, the frontrunner, his family first even though he was away for too long.”“So you knew him before, I mean my father, and my grandfather too?”.“Yes throughout my service to your grandfather.”As we travelled along the highway and along so many structures, I viewed a dilapidated warehouse at the far side.“Jiyo is that the warehouse where they kept my father?”“Yes,” h
Shanghai, China“Oliver, please call Marco Junior to prepare his things to be sent in a cargo going to the Philippines. Also kindly prepare the secret room for video conferencing with CIA Headquarter.”“Yes Sir.” Oliver looked at Janet Liang with excitement on his eyes.Janet said to Oliver, “Yes Oliver I’ll call Marco Junior now.” She dialed Marco Junior’s number, but nobody’s answering. She looked at Oliver and mimicked with her hands on the air.“Sir Marco, no answer for Marco Junior. I suggest, we have to visit him on his apartment?”“Yes Oliver, by the way, what happened to Benjamin Gustilo?”“Our source said he disappeared without a trace even his apartment was closed.”“Did Marco Junior meet his grandfather?”“I don’t know Sir, but it’s better we have to go there now.”“Where’s Anne Rose?”“She’s still in her room sleeping.”“Okay Oliver, Janet, Let’s go!”When Marco Senior, Oliver and Janet arrived at Marco Junior's apartment, it was locked and there was no sign of him. Marco
"How long have you been back?" Hershey asked, pulling her legs up onto the bed. Entering his flat, he was silent. "It's been about a week now."Hershey laughed, "No way.""Sure. Why didn't you call me?""For good?" She asked, her heart racing a thousand beats per minute. "I just tried to be busy moving things and living here in Manila." His tone was filled with pleasure."Where are you? I want to see you.""I'm at UST and registering for my classes." Hershey's eyes widened in shock. "Are you serious?""Yeah, I decided I might as well forge ahead with my education too. I won't allow you to beat me there. And we're at the same university."Hershey laughed, "Yeah, I bet." She stood up and left her dorm. Closing the door, she locked it with her key. Hanging on her shoulder was the wallet that she took from her cell phone. "So, do you know what you're getting?""Yep. I'm going to major in Criminal Justice, minor in Political science and then Law school." By the time he finished that se
At Hershey DormitoryJade Alberto suddenly arrives at Hershey's dorm to invite her to the party."Are you ready to go?" Jade asked."Where will we go?" Hershey stared at her, annoyed that he had woken up."You know to the party. I told you this is the beginning of school bash. Where they introduce the new pledges for the year, the skunks come out and who knows what else." Jade stated with laughter in her voice.Hershey sighed, running her hands over her hair, "Whatever, I'm going back to sleep, see you on Monday.""Foolish girl, I drove all the way over here to pick your black ass up."Hershey laughed, "Don't you know that's a discriminatory remark?""Shut up, you know the dark-skinned, and fair-skinned men and women, white-skinned men and women, aren't their groins really black? So why can't I say get your black ass up and out. We're gonna go to the party gurl!"This made Hershey giggle again, "I have company."Jade Alberto took off her glasses and pushed them over her dark hair. Dar
Marco Junior shook hands with the young man who had just introduced himself. There were very few men who could look Marco Junior in the eyes standing right in front of him. "Nice to meet you, Danny Robert. I'm Marco...""You too, Marco. So, where are you from?""I am...""Excuse me."Danny Robert turned his eyes to the pretty woman who approached Marco Junior. The light in her eyes said she was the girl he was going to get a drink too, but ended up talking to Marco."Sorry, Chocolate. I got caught up in the moment." Marco handed her the drink he got from her. Hershey sighed, "Can we go baby?""We're only here for an hour Chocolate." Marco pointed out."I know, I just want too..." Hershey's voice trailed off as she glanced at the man she was talking to."How did you get here so fast, and why are you dressed differently?"James frowned, "What?""Marc, this is the bone head I was just talking to in the other room," Hershey reported.Marco shook his head, "No, we've been talking about th
(Somewhere in Shanghai, China)Jiyo Kael took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and then slowly let it out again. He could still feel the adrenaline pumping through his body, even as the tension slowly began to ease. The moment when he would have calmed down, his breathing would flow evenly again and his mind would be able to process the events of the past day, that was the moment he feared the most. He knew the feeling too well. Had it too many times already.As soon as tiredness set in and his body began to cry out for relaxation, all the hard-pressed feelings that he hadn't been able or didn't want to take the time for in the whirlpool of events would surface again. The images then inexorably caught up with him with a power that made him a defenseless victim of his imagination.People he had lost, people who had died through his fault, people he had killed himself, they all looked at him, could never be chased away, gradually turning him into an unfeeling monster, the longer it
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