A Love Unforseen

ALU1 : PROLOGUE

"Isa pa po" the photographer requested‚ snapping another shot.

My mind wandered to my husband, Alezanthriel.

A high-ranking executive at Montero's Enterprises. Alezanthriel's ruthless business tactics were whispered about in hushed tones.

As I changed into my next outfit, my phone buzzed. Alezanthriel's text appeared. "Don't leave the house tomorrow‚ clear your schedule."

My heart sank.

'What had I done now?'

My instincts screamed warning. Alezanthriel's messages always hid an underlying threat. I recalled our wedding vows, now a distant memory.

"I love you. Until my last breath."

But our love had withered, like a rose in winter. Alezanthriel's obsession with power and control suffocated me.

"Okay, done!" the photographer exclaimed, snapping me back to reality.

Inalalayan ako ng mga staff sa pagsusuot ng slippers ko. Napagdesisyonan ko na rin na magpunta sa dressing room.

"Oh bakz‚ parang pinagbagsakan naman ng langit at lupa 'yang mukha mo." bungad ng manager ko pag pasok ko sa dressing room.

Umupo ako sa harap ng vanity mirror‚ nagsimula namang kumilos ang mga staff at nagpahid nang kung ano-ano sa mukha ko.

Pag tapos kong mag retouch ay hinarap ko ang manager kong si Areez. "May importanteng shoot ba bukas?" tanong ko.

Sinilip niya sandali ang iPad na hawak niya at nilingon ako. "Wala naman bakz" aniya.

"Good. I-clear mo yung chedule ko ah. Bukas hanggang next week." utos ko.

"Shala‚ anong meron?"

"I don't know either‚ utos lang ni Alezan--" hindi ko naituloy ang sasabihin nang maalalang hindi nito alam ang namamagitan sa amin.

Alezanthriel is a famous founder and CEO of a big company. Hindi lang sa buong pilipinas, pati na rin sa ibang bansa. Kaya malaking gulo kung may ibang makaka-alam na mayroon siyang asawa.

Hindi na iba sa'kin si Areez‚ ngunit iniingatan ko pa rin na hindi kumalat ang kahit anong balita tungkol sa amin.

I looked at Areez, naghihintay na ituloy ang sasabihin ko.

"Nothing, Areez. Gusto ko lang mag-bakasyon, mag relax. Me time, ganornz?" natatawa kong wika.

He just shooked his head and laughed. "Oh, sige na, enjoy your vacation. Hindi ba pwedeng sumama?"

"Me time nga diba? bakit ka pa sasama." pabiro ko itong tinarayan, pabiro niya rin naman iyong ibinalik.

After I finished packing up my things, nagpaalam na rin ako kay Areez at sa iba ko pang kasama na mauuna na ako.

Nah, here we go again.

I stepped into our mansion, exhausted from the long photo shoot. Walang katao-tao, kahit mga maids at body guards at wala rin.

Dumeretso ako sa kwarto ko sa taas. Tila hinahanap na ng katawan ko ang malambot kong kama.

As I dropped my bag, Alezanthriel emerged from the shadows, a glass of scotch in hand. His tailored suit and chiseled features made him look every inch the powerful mafia boss he was.

Anino niya palang ay alam ko nang siya iyon.

"Welcome home, my love" he said, his voice low and smooth.

I forced a smile, feeling a familiar knot in my stomach.

"How was your day?" I asked, trying to sound interested.

Zanthriel's eyes seemed to bore into mine, as if searching for something.

"Just... business. You know how it is."

I nodded, feeling the familiar chill run down my spine.

I headed for the bedroom, needing a moment to myself.

"Zanthi, I'm tired. Can we talk later?"

He caught my arm, his grip firm but gentle.

"Actually, we need to discuss something now. Tonight's gala...?"

'What had he planned?'

Alezanthriel's eyes narrowed slightly as he poured himself a glass of scotch, his voice dripping with calculation.

"Ah, Rossi's been making waves, and I need to calm the waters. You, my lovely wife, are the perfect... gesture of goodwill."

He handed me a champagne flute, his smile cold.

"Tonight, at the gala, you'll meet Donato Rossi. Be your charming self, and... impress him. Consider it a favor to me, to our family."

My instincts began to stir, sensing something beneath Zanthriel's polished facade.

"What do you mean, 'gesture of goodwill'? Why would I need to impress him?"

Zanthriel's gaze locked onto me, his eyes glinting with a warning.

"Let's just say, Donato's interested in acquiring... assets. And you, my beautiful wife, are the most valuable asset I possess."

My heart skipped a beat as unease crept in. I set the flute down, my mind racing.

'don't tell me...'

"What exactly are you planning, Alezanthriel?" I forced my self to low my voice.

Zanthriel's smile widened, but his eyes remained icy.

"Merely ensuring our future, Bella Mia . Now, shall we get ready? The car is waiting." He said before turning his back.