Desiring Her

Untitled Part 1

WARNING: DON'T READ THIS STORY IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE DEPRESSION OR SENSITIVETOPICS OR MATURE CONTENT.DESIRING HEREvery part of her body, aches. Parang hinahati ang ulo niya sa sakit at hindi niya maigalaw ang katawan. Andwhen she open her eyes, white walls greeted her sight, the smell of antiseptic seeped her nose and acontinuous beeping filled her ears.Then a man with square tightened jaw block her vision of the room. He stood beside her bed, foreheadfurrowed, lips tightening and his eyes sharp like an animal ready to attack his prey."Finally," he spoke with coldness in his voice that made her shiver, frightening her. "My infamous wife isawake."Ayiiieut Oemjiiiiwww.ebook-converterWattpad Converter deP 1-1PROLOGUE247K 9K 1.4Kby CeCeLibWARNING: DON'T READ THIS STORY IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE DEPRESSION OR SENSITIVETOPICS OR MATURE CONTENT.PROLOGUEMALAKAS NA napaigtad habang impit na umiiyak ang batang babaeng nakaluhod sa sahig habangpinapalo ng sinturon ng kaniyang ama. Pilit nitong pinipigilan ang hikbi na gustong kumawala sa bibignito pero hindi nito magawa 'yon.Ang walang imik nitong pag-iyak ay nauwi sa mahinang hikbi at pagkalipas ng ilang segundo,pumalahaw na sa iyak ang bata ng hindi na sinturon ang pinalo sa kaniya kundi mahabang pampalo nagawa sa kawayan.Bawat hampas ng kawayan sa katawan ng bata ay nagbibigay ng hindi matatawarang sakit. Bawathampas ay palakas ng palakas hanggang sa nag-umpisang manglabo ang mata ng bata."Hindi ba sinabi ko na sayo!" Malakas na pumalo sa hita ng bata ang kawayan. "Huwag na huwag kanglalabas ng bahay! Ilang beses ko bang dapat sabihin 'yon sayo para makinig ka?!"www.ebook-converterNakakuyom ang kamao ng batang umiiyak habang hilam ng luha ang mukha na umiiling. "H-Hindi p-poako l-lumabas, D-Daddy." Humihikbing sagot niya. "H-Hindi ko po k-kayo s-sinuway—"Isang malakas na hampas ng kawayan sa mga binti ng bata ang nagpatigil dito sa pagsasalita."Sinungaling! How many times to I have to tell you not to lie to me, huh?!""B-but D-Daddy—""Shut up! Shut up!"Mariin nalang na ipinikit ng bata ang mga mata na hilam ng luha at sakit habang humahampas samusmos nitong katawan ang kawayan.Sa hita. Sa paa. Sa likod. At sa mga braso. Nakapagtataka kung bakit nakakaya pa ng bata na mabuhaypagkatapos saktan ng sarili nitong ama.Wattpad Converter de"S-sorry, Daddy." Umiiyak at nangangatal ang boses na hingi ng tawad ng bata. "Sorry, Daddy. S-sorry.S-sorry."Pero bingi ang ama nito sa paghingi ng tawad ng anak na walang awa nitong sinasaktan. Bulag din angama sa mga sugat na natamo ng bata dahil sa kawayan na hinahampas dito. Walang pakialam ang ama sadugong dumadaloy mula sa mga sugat ng bata na nagmamakaawa dito."T-tama na p-po, D-Daddy. T-tama na. T-tama n-na—h-hindi n-na po a-ako uulit. H-hindi k-k-ko n-n-naP 2-1p-po k-kaya."Hindi na ng bata mabilang kung ilang beses na itong hinampas ng kawayan at sinturon. Sa sobrang sakitng nararanasan nito ay namanhid nalang ang katawan at nawalan ng malay.Humahangos na napabalikwas ng bangon ang dalaga mula sa masamang pamaginip na gabi-gabi siyang hindinilulubayan at habol ang sariling hininga na pinalibot ang kabuonan ng silid ng kinaruruonan, sinusuri angpaligid habang malakas ang kabog ng dibdib.I'm alone. Calm down. I'm alone.Nang masigurong walang tao sa kuwarto maliban sa kaniya, nakahinga siya ng maluwang saka napabaling sapulsohan niyang namamanhid sa sakit.Pulang likido. Nababalot niyon ang pulsohan niya pero wala siyang pakialam.Hindi na 'yon bago sa kaniya. Hindi na bago na makitang dumudugo ang pulsohan niya pagkatapos niyanghiwain 'yon. Of course, it's nothing new. Wala nang bago sa ginagawa niya sa sarili. She'd done it a hundredtimes already and she's still alive.Why can't I just die, already?www.ebook-converterShe can slit her wrist but she can't seem to kill herself. She tried over and over again, but each time, shewakes up alive in a Hospital. Hindi niya alam kung bakit hindi niya magawang patayin ang sarili samantalangwala namang dahilan para mabuhay siya. Walang dahilan para gumising pa siya sa umaga at harapan angbukas.She has no plan for her future and no care of the present. She struggle to live her everyday life. Gabi-gabi,hinihiwa niya ang pulsohan niya, nagbabakasakaling hindi na siya magising na siyang gusto niya. Yes. Shewanted to die so bad, but slitting her wrist is another way of letting herself know that she's still alive and nota walking corpse.If someone would know what she's doing to her life, they would judge her and make accusation. No. She'snot insane. And she's not depress. Those Doctor's who diagnose her with depression doesn't know shit abouther.She's tired of living her life full of misery, she's not like other people. Those people have purpose in life, shedoesn't. They have a reason to live, she have none. They have someone who cared for them, while she ...have no one.Wattpad Converter deShe has always been alone. Alone in this dark scary world she lived on. No one reach put their hands to her.Some did, but only to hurt her and used her and do sort of things only a vile human would do.Nightmares after nightmares. Dread after dread. Ayoko na. She's tired to living a hellish life every day.Ilang minuto siyang nakatitig sa kawalan bago niya hinawakan ang sugat sa pulsohan saka diniinan iyonhanggang sa makaramdam siya ng sakit pero pinagsawalang bahala niya iyon. Hindi niya inalis ang kamay sasugat niya hanggang sa namanhid nalang ang kamay niya.P 2-2Nagbaba siya ng tingin saka tinitigan ang sugat sa pulsohan. Mas lalo iyong nabalot ng dugo kasama na angkamay niyang dumiim sa sugat niya.Walang imik na ibinagsak niya ang katawan sa kama at tumuon ang mata niya sa kutsilyong nasa katabingmaliit ng mesa ng higaan.Walang pag-aalinlangang pinulot niya iyon saka pinakatitigan ang kutsilyo bago inilipat iyon sa sugatan atnanginginig niyang kamay at mabilis na may diing hiniwa ang kabilang pulsohan.She didn't whimper nor grunt in pain. She welcomed it. It feels right. The pain feels good. She let the painconsume her as she close her eyes.Sana matapos na dito ang bangungot na araw-araw niyang dala-dala. Sana hindi na siya magising pa."Saan ka pupunta, ha?!" Galit na sigaw ng ama ng bata na nanginginig sa takot lalo na ng makitang mayhawak na tubo ang ama.Nanginginig sa takot na umatras ang bata na bakas sa katawan ang maraming pasa at sugat na natamo."W-wala, D-Daddy. H-hindi p-p-po ako l-lalabas."Panay ang atras ng bata sa lasing na ama. Naamoy nito ang alak sa ama na papalapit ng papalapit sakaniya.www.ebook-converterKapag ganitong lasing ang ama nito ay takot na nagtatago ang bata sa kuwarto nito. Dahil kapag lasingang ama nito ay ito ang pinagtutuunan ng galit nito sa lahat ng bagay."D-doon l-lang—a-ko sa taas, D-daddy."Akmang tatakbo ang bata palayo sa ama ng mapigilan nito ito sa braso."Saan ka pupunta, ha?! Aalis ka rin?! Iiwan mo rin ako?! Hindi ako makapapayag! Dito ka lang! Dito kalang!"Nanlilisik ang mata ng ama ng bata habang pinaghahampas nito ang katawan ng bata gamit ang tubo.Tanging iyak at puno ng sakit na pagsigaw lang ang nagawa ng bata habang pinaghahampas ito ng ama.At tulad ng mga nagdaan na araw, nakatulugan nalang nito ang pambubugbog ng ama.At nang magising ang bata, nasa sahig pa rin siya. Nanginginig ang katawan nito sa sakit. Hindi nitomaigalaw iyon. Walang imik nalang na umiyak ang bata habang iniinda ang sakit ng katawan habanggumagapang sa sahig sa takot na baka saktan na naman ito ng ama kapag nakita ito.Wattpad Converter deNagising ang diwa ng dalaga sa loob ng mabilis na sasakyan. Naririnig niya ang sirenang nag-iingay atnararamdaman niya ang presensiya ng mga taong nakapalibot sa kaniya.She felt a hand in her chest, pumping up and down, like someone is resuscitating her. She can feel the panicinside the car as they try to stop the bleeding on her wrists. Nararamdaman niya ang pagpapalibot ng tela sapulsohan niya at ang pagtusok sa kaniya ng karayom.P 2-3Gusto niyang sigawan ang mga ito na huwag siyang pakialaman, na hayaan na siyang mamatay, na hayaan nasiyang manahimik pero hindi niya maigalaw ang katawan.Sinubukan niyang imulat ang mga mata pero wala siyang lakas. Sumisigaw ang isip niya na patahimikan nasiya ng marinig niya ang malakas na tunog ng pagbangga ng isang bagay saka naramdaman niya ang sasakyanna gumiwang at humampas sa kung saan dahilan para tumilapon ang katawan niya sa ere at may bumaon namatulis na bagay sa likod niya.Then pain consumed her. The kind of pain that she seek to wake her up from her nightmares.But she didn't wake up. She continued being immobile and for the first time in her life, she felt a spark ofhappiness in her dark and lonely world.Instead of fearing death, she smiled, and welcomed it as she took her last breath.Mhhh sarap Tss ganyan rin tatay ko baliw. sana mawala na lang ako at pumunta na lang ako sa wattpad worldwww.ebook-converterWattpad Converter deP 2-4CHAPTER 1204K 8K 1.4Kby CeCeLibWARNING: DON'T READ THIS STORY IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE DEPRESSION OR SENSITIVETOPICS OR MATURE CONTENT.CHAPTER 1THE MOMENT SHE opened her eyes, she squinted them as the light from the open window filled her sight.She tried moving but her body remains immobile. Only her eyes can move freely and she immediatelyfrantically looked around, observing her surroundings as she tried to move her body but to no avail.She tried wiggling her toes or her legs but nothing. She can't feel anything. She tried everything to move butnothing is happening.What happened?A familiar fear consumed her. Instinctively, she immediately seek pain. Anything that can wake her up fromthis nightmare. But nothing. The dear intensified and she was sweating bullets. She felt like it's about toswallow her whole when the door to the room opened.www.ebook-converterAwtomatikong tumingin doon ang mga mata niya, nagdarasal na sana hindi iyon ang ama niya. Her nightmareshas always been vivid. So vivid that it renders her weak after she woke up.Her pulse immediately quickened when she saw a man, a stranger, in a white coat with two women in whiteuniform behind him. Her mind is shrinking away, it's sending a warning through out her body but she couldn'tmove.She wanted to leap out from the bed, to get away from these stranger but nothing. She couldn't move."Hello, Mrs. Valcarcel." Anang lalaki sa kaniya habang ang dalawang babaeng kasama nito ay sinusuri siyaat ang mga makinaryang nakakabit sa katawan niya. "I am your private Doctor, Dr. Jacobe. You'd been in acoma state for three weeks now." He smiled but it made her fear him even more. "I know, you're afraid butyou don't have to worry. You're safe here. For the meantime, hindi mo pa maigagalaw ang katawan mo. Butgive it days. It's nice to see that you're finally awake." He smiled at her but his smile did not erase the panicin her system. "We've already called your husband and inform him of your health improvement. He's on hisway from Japan."Wattpad Converter dePilit niyang ipinipilig ang ulo at ibinubuka ang labi para magsalita pero naninigas ang bibig niya at walanglumalabas na salita dahil siguro sa tubong nakabaong plastik na tubo sa bibig niya. Tanging daing at ungollang ang tunog na kaya niyang gawin na mas lalong nagpapalala sa takot niya.It seems the Doctor saw how uncomfortable she is with the tube in her mouth, he, then, carefully and slowlypulled it out.Nang mawala ang tubo sa bibig niya, humugot siya ng isang malalim at mahabang hininga saka namamaos angP 3-1boses na pilit na nagsalita kahit nananakit ang lalamunan niya."Na—u—h-haw," namamalat ang boses niya. "U-u-h-haw a-k-ko."Kaagad na inutusan ng Doctor ang isa sa mga babae nitong kasama na kumuha ng tubig saka nilagyan nito ngstraw ang baso bago iyon inilapit sa kaniya at pina-inom siya.Uhaw na uhaw siya kaya madali niyang naubos ang tubig."More?" The Doctor asked.Mahirap man, pinilit niyang tumango.The Doctor smiled. "Go ahead, Justina." Anang Doctor sa babaeng walang emosyong nakatitig lang sakaniya. "Go get some water for Mrs. Valcarcel."Her brows slowly furrowed. She's confused. Why does he keep on calling her Mrs. Valcarcel? Sino si Mrs.Valcarcel? Ano ba ang nangyayari?"N-na—saan a—k-ko?" Namamalat at nanginginig ang boses na tanong niya sa Doctor na inilapat angstethoscope sa dibdib niya kung nasaan ang puso niya. "A-an—n-nong nang—y-yari s-sa—ki—n?"www.ebook-converterMasuyo siyang nginitian ng Doctor. "Huwag kang ma-alala, Mrs. Valcarcel, you're in a safe place.""Si—no s-si M-Mrs. V-Valc-car—c-cel?" Naguguluhan niyang tanong.Nagtatakang napatitig sa kaniya ang Doctor. "It's you."Namilog ang mata niya, bakas ang kaguluhan sa mukha niya habang pilit siyang umiiling. "H-hin—di a-ako ya—n—" pilit niyang ini-angat ang nanginginig na kamay at hinawakan niya ang IV sa braso saka hinila iyon,"h-hindi a-ko y-yan—" p-pilit niyang tinatanggal ang mga nakakabit sa kaniya. "H-hindi a-ako... h-hindi a—ako yan..."Bumagsak ang kamay niya sa kama, unti-unti siyang nawawalan ng lakas na pinagtaka niya. Unti-unti nangbumabalik ang lakas niya bakit nanghihina na naman siya?Nang mapatingin siya sa Doctor, nakita niyang may hinugot itong syringe na nakabaon sa braso niya."A-ano y—an?""It'll calm you down." Anang Doctor.Wattpad Converter deHer sight gets blurry and her strength slowly fades away until she became unconscious of everything."WHAT HAPPENED?" Kaagad na tanong ni Cadmus sa Doctor ng makapasok siya sa kuwarto. Kararatinglang niya galing Japan. "You said she's making progress. Bakit tulog pa siya?""She was awake, Mr. Valcarcel." Bumaling ito sa asawa niya. "Then she started panicking. PinagtatanggalP 3-2niya ang mga nakakabit sa katawan niya, so I sedate her."His eyes landed on his unwanted wife. "Did she say anything?"May pag-aalangan si Dr. Jacobe bago sumagot. "S-sabi niya hindi daw siya si Mrs. Valcarcel."Cadmus sighed, annoyed. "Wala akong pakialam kung anong sabihin niya. Wala nang bago do'n. She's lyingconniving bitch after all. She's good at that. Just keep her alive." Nagtagis ang bagang niya. "Marami siyangdapat na ipaliwanag sakin."Tumango ang Doctor saka umalis siya ng kuwarto at dumeretso sa mini-bar ng bahay niya.Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng pagsasalin ng alak sa baso ng pumasok ang sekretarya niya."Cadmus, I cancelled your meeting and moved it tomorrow, Ten A.M."He grunted and drank the whiskey straight from the bottle. "Thank you, Nadia."Lumapit sa kaniya si Nadia saka hinaplos ang balikat niya pababa sa braso niya. "Is there anything you want,Cadmus?" Mababa ang boses nito at nang-aakit. "Is there anything that you want me to do for you?"Inalis kiya ang kamay nitong nasa braso niya saka malamig na tinitigan niya ang babae. "Don't touch me,Nadia. That's what you can do for me."www.ebook-converterUminom ulit siya ng whiskey sa bote saka ibinalik iyon sa lalagyan at umalis ng mini-bar. Nagtungo siya samaster's bedroom na nasa ikatlong palapag ng bahay.Nang makapasok do'n, kaagad niyang inalis ang necktie at hinubad ang damit.Unconsciously, his eyes looked at his study table. Gumalaw ang panga niya at kumuyom ng mahigpit angkamao ng makita ang papeles na nasa ibabaw ng mesa.I won't give in to your antics, wife.Nagtatagis ang bagang na nagpalit siya ng damit saka umalis ng kuwarto at bumaba sa ikalawang palapag.He was planning to go to his private office but his feet started walking towards his wife's room. Bukas angpinto ng kuwarto kaya malaya niyang napagmasdan ang mala anghel na mukha ng asawa mula sa pintuan.She's a real beauty but very deadly.Wattpad Converter deHe shook his head. A devil in disguise, that's what she is. He was deceived once, not happening again.Hinding-hindi niya ito hahayaang paikutin siya.He's not the man to be played with. It's always the other way around. No one plays and deceive CadmusValcarcel and gets away with it.Akmang aalis na siya ng tumuon ang tingin niya sa pulsohan ng asawa.P 3-3The cut on her wrist is now healed. But it makes him wonder. Why did she want to kill herself? Isangmapagmataas na babae ang asawa niya. Matapang at magaling magmanipula. Kaya bakit nito tatapusin angsariling buhay kung lahat ay naayon sa plano nito na pabagsakin siya?Napailing nalang siya ng wala siyang maisip na sagot.It's a good thing that she's still alive. He will make sure that she will regret playing him like a fool.Cadmus turns around and was about to leave when he heard a fast beeping sound. Nang umikot siya paharapsa kamang kinahihigaan ng asawa, nakita niya ang pagmulat ng mga mata nito.A cold heartless smile stretch on his lips. Time to pay for every trouble you caused me.EVERY PART OF HER BODY, aches. Hindi pa rin niya maigalaw ang katawan katulad kanina ng magisingsiya, nanghihina pa din siya at nararamdaman niya ang pagpintig ng sakit ng sentido niya.But something has changed. She can not move her toes unlike earlier.What happened earlier?She opened her eyes and white walls greeted her sight, the smell of antiseptic seeped her nose and acontinuous beeping filled her ears.www.ebook-converterNagpasalamat siya ng sa wakas ay naigagalaw na niya ang kaniyang leeg. Luminga-linga siya, sinusuri angbuong paligid. Pinag-aaralan kung nasaan siya at kung paano siya makakaalis dito.She's in the same room from earlier but now she's more attentive and observant. The same as earlier, she'sstill hooked into some medical equipments but now she can finally move her legs but not enough strenght towalk.And her sorounding screams Hospital.This explains everything. Her last memory. She must have been in a car accident...no, an ambulance accident.And after all that, she's still alive.She wanted to die, why can't just God let her? Gusto ba nitong mahirapan pa siya? Is that it? Hindi pa basapat ang pinagdaanan niya para hayaan siyang manahimik.All she wanted was to die. But here she is, alive and breathing again!Wattpad Converter deShe stilled when a man with square tightened jaw block her vision of the door. He stood beside her bed, hisback, straight. He's stance, authorative and commanding. His presence screams danger and callousness. He'sforehead furrowed, lips tightening and and his eyes are like a sharp edge of a knife, ready to cut her up.He looks like an animal ready to attack his prey. Me.Fear automatically crept into her. His presence, this man's aura, it's frightening. He reminded her of the menP 3-4who had hurt her. She feels terrified of him."Finally," he spoke with coldness in his voice that made her shiver, frightening her even more. "My infamouswife is awake."She couldn't speak, and could not reply. Her lips just trembled as she wait for him to hurt her.But he didn't. He just stared at her with disgust."Quit playing like a victim." His voice was harsh and angry, "you're not."Hindi siya makapagsalita. Nanatili lang ang mga mata niyang nakatingin sa baba, natatakot siyang tumingin samga mata nito dahil baka maging dahilan iyon ng pagdapo ng kamao nito sa katawan niya."Ano ba talaga ang pina-plano mo?" Galit at matalim ang boses ng lalaki. "Sa tingin mo hahayaan lang kitangpaikutin ako? Huh! What do you take me for? A fool?!"Napaigtad siya ng lumakas ang boses ng lalaki. Gusto niyang bumukas ang lupa at lamunin siya paramakatakas siya sa nakakatakot nitong presensiya pero nanatili siyang nakahiga sa kama.She can't do anything but to lay there...in the bed. Defenceless and scared.www.ebook-converter"Quit playing around, Cherry. You, disgusting slut!"Slut. Ilang beses na ba niyang narinig iyon na kakabit ang pangalan niya? That word meant nothing to hernow."Talk, damn it!"She remained silent, her eyes trained on her feet. Hindi siya nagsalita o gumalaw. Hinahanda niya ang sarilisa pag-atake ng lalaki pero naroon pa rin ang takot sa dibdib niya.Would he slap her? Punch her? Kick her maybe? Kung ano man 'yon, nasisiguro niyang naranasan na niyaiyon at natatakot siyang maramdaman ulit ang sakit na naranasan na niya.He tsked. Angry. "Sa tingin mo madadaan mo ako sa drama mo? Huh! You want to play?! Lets play then!Howabout I do this, huh?" He grab her wrist and pulled the IV. "And this?" Pinangtatanggal nito ang lahat nanakakonekta sa katawan niya. "Do you think I won't let you die? Binuhay lang kita kasi pagbabayarin kita."She trembled in fear. Pilit siyang tumatalikod sa lalaki para hindi siya masyadong mapuruhan kungbubugbugin siya nito.Wattpad Converter deSa tuwing sumasayad ang kamay nito ay napapaigtad siya at mas lalong kinakain ng takot ang kabuonan niya."—But now that you won't even talk, don't test my patience woman. I'm not a very patient man. I will makeyou regret everything that you did to me. Everything trouble you caused, every headache you gave me andevery damn things that you lied to me—""D-do—n't h-hurt m-me." She manage to say in trembling voice as she shrink away from him. "P-please—d-P 3-5on't." She begged him. "D-don't h-hurt me. P-please. P-please."Napatigil ang lalaki sa ginagawa saka galit na itinapon sa sahig ang mga hawak nitong nakakonekta sa kaniyapagkatapos ay nagmamadaling umalis ng kuwarto.Siya naman ay ikinuyom ang kamao nanginginig at nakahinga ng maluwang ng makaalis ang lalaki. Perokaagad din siyang nakaramdam ng kaba ng pumasok ang Doctor at ang dalawang babae nitong kasama.Dr. Jacobe immediately went to her side and tried to calm her down but her fear just intensified."D-don't touch me! D-don't touch me!" Nagwawala niyang sigaw habang pilit siyang pinipigilan ng dalawangbabae.She keeps on fighting their strength over her. She was panicking. She was losing her breath in fear and thenext thing she knew, she was dozing off and she was in oblivion.Cherry- Berry mhhh make sense kambal nga to Nadia lustre?THE HOSPITAL ROOM SHE WAS in was turned into a normal room in just a matter of hours after Dr.Jacobe announced that she's officially okay after two weeks since she woke up. Pinalabas lang siya ngkuwarto sa loob ng tatlong oras at nang pabalikin siya ay isa na iyong simpleng kuwarto. The medicalequipments are now gone but her uncomfortableness did not go away because it was replaced by two guardsoutside her roomMagdadalawang linggo na siya sa bahay na 'yon mula ng gumaling siya at para siyang preso. Lahat ng galawniya ay dapat naayon sa gusto ng may-ari ng bahay. She cannot leave her room without the company of theguards and she is not allowed to roam around the house. She cannot eat without his permission and she willnot be stunned if he told her she's not allowed to breath without his consent.Dr. Jacobe already said she's fully healed but the man of the house, that man who has a commanding auraaround him did not even let her set off outside the household.www.ebook-converterShe planned to beg him to let her go and explain that there's must be a misunderstanding but he haven't beenhome for weeks now. She tried asking around but no one would answer her. Palaging umiiwas sa kaniya angmga tao sa bahay na 'yon na para bang mayroon siyang nakakahawang sakit.Hindi rin nakatakas sa paningin niya ang mga tingin nito sa kaniya na para bang may kasalanan siya sa mgaito.The woman who looked like her—that man's wife must've done something bad in this household. Akala niyapinaglalaruan siya ng mga taong naroon, lalo na nang lalaking 'yon, pero nang makita niya ang larawan ngbabae sa salas na nasa ikalawang palapag ng bahay. Halos nanlamig ang buong niyang katawan.They are alike in every angle. Physically. Wala silang pagkakaiba. Magkamukhang-magkamukha sila.And her desperation to escape from this house—from that man only grows. Kailangan niyang makaalis sabahay na 'to. Houses like this makes her uncomfortable. It brings back old and ugly memory from her past andnightmares plague her sleep.Every night, she shivers in fear. She trembles in her sleep. Her feet and hands are cold because of fear everytime she heard a creak on the floor. And no amount of expensive duvet can calm her nerves.Wattpad Converter deAll she wanted is to stay in a rundown small hotel so she could what needed to be done.Berry nearly jumped out of her skin when the door opened.It's one of the Nurses, Clara. "Bumaba ka na. Kakain na daw."Halata ang iritasyon sa boses ng babae pero hindi niya pinansin iyon. Sanay na siyang ganun ang pakikitungoP 4-1sa kaniya ng lahat ng tao sa bahay na 'yon.Walang imik siyang tumayo at maingat ang mga hakbang na lumabas ng kuwarto.Nakahinga siya ng maluwang ng makitang wala doon ang dalawang bantay sa labas ng kuwarto niya.Napatigil siya sa paglalakad ng biglang humarang sa daraanan niya si Nurse Clara."I'm not buying this act of yours, Bitch." Wika nito habang tinitingnan siya mula ulo hanggang paa na parangdiring-diri sa kaniya. "Ang kapal din ng mukha mo, no? Wala akong palialam kung magalit ka. You have nopower in this house. Sana namatay ka nalang at hindi ka na bumalik pa.Hindi niya mapigilan ang matawa sa huling tinuran nito. If this woman only knew that she wants that too.Mas lalong nairita sa kaniya si Clara dahil sa pagtawa niya. "At anong nakakatawa sa sinabi ko?" Sikmat nitosa kaniya.Walang imik siyang umiling saka nakatungong nilampasan si Clara at nagtuloy-tuloy sa paglalakad.Nang makababa sa unang palapag, nakatungo pa rin siya habang naglalakad patungo sa hapag-kainan. Shetaught not to look at other person if not asked, or else, she will be beaten up again. Nadala niya iyonhanggang sa paglaki niya.www.ebook-converterWhen she entered the dining hall, her feet halt. Kaagad siyang nakaramdam ng pagkailang at kaunting takot ngmakitang naroon na ang lalaking may-ari ng bahay.She was in the middle of calming herself when someone pushed her, causing her to stumble and fall.Kaagad siyang tumayo mula sa pagkakadapa at lumingon para tingnan kung sino ang tumulak sa kaniya.Nakita niyang nakangisi sa kaniya si Clara at matalim ang matang tinarayan siya.Umayos siya ng tayo saka walang ingay ang bawat hakbang na naglakad palapit sa mesa.Nang makalapit sa mesa, nanatili siyang nakatayo sa tabi at nakatungo hanggang sa magsalita ang lalakingkumakain."Tatayo ka nalang ba diyan o kakain ka?"Napalunok siya. "K-kakain."Wattpad Converter de"Then sit." Wala mang emosyon ang boses nito pero ramdam naman niya ang talim no'n.Maingat siyang umupo saka ilang segundong tinitigan ang pinggan. Akmang itataas niya ang kamay parakumuha ng pagkain ng may katulong na naglagay ng pagkain sa pinggan niya."A-ako na." Nahihiyang sabi niya saka kinuha ang pinaglagyan ng ulam sa katulong at siya na ang naglagay sapinggan niya.P 4-2"That's a first." The man said in a gruff voice. "You like slaving the maids."Naglakas ng loob siyang tumingin sa lalaki at napatigil ang paghinga niya ng makitang nakatitig din sa kaniyaang kulay tsokolate nitong mga mata.Kaagad siyang nagbaba ng tingin.He tsked. "Look at me."Slowly, she looked up at him and her breathing becomes uneven when her eyes met his."So this is how you want it, huh?" His jaw keep on tightening. "You deserve an Oscar award for your acting.Bravo, wife. But you will never fool me again."She averted her gaze. "H-hindi ako ang a-asawa mo, S-Sir."He laughed coldly, making her goosebumps. "Sir? Really?" He laughed again with no emotion. "You reallywanna play with me?Umiling siya. "N-no, S-Sir." Palihim na kumuyom ang kamao niya. "N-nagsasabi lang h-ho a-ako ng totoo."He chuckled. "But you're a very good liar, Cherry. I'll give you that. Sa tingin mo maniniwala ako sa mgakasinungalingan mo—"www.ebook-converter"P-pero hindi ho ako si C-Cherry." Giit niya."Bullshit.""Totoo ho 'yon." Naglakas ng loob siyang tumingin sa lalaki. Magkasalubong ang kilay nito at matalim angmga mata. "Hindi ho a-ako si Cherry. Berry p-po ang pangalan ko. M-magkamukha lang k-kami ng asawa mo,S-Sir."Ilang segundo siyang tinitigan ng lalaki saka mahinang tumawa. "You know what, Cherry, I will never fall foryour acting anymore. Siguro kung noon nagawa mo akong paikutin dahil sa pagpapanggap mo, hindi nangayon.""Pero S-Sir—""Shut up." He sneered at her. "Eat. And go to your room if you don't want to anger me more."Kaagad siyang tumahimik ng makitang kumuyom ang kamao nito.Wattpad Converter deWould he hit her? Where?Ilang segundo niyang pinakiramdaman ang kasama kung sasaktan siya, saka lang siya nakahinga ng maluwangng tinapos nito ang pagkain at iniwan siyang mag-isa sa hapag-kainan.Ipinikit niya ang mga mata saka pinakalma ang sarili. Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas bago naging normal angpagtibok ng puso niya. Saka lang niya nagawang kumain.P 4-3"ANONG PINAGGAGAGAWA niya habang wala ako?" Tanong niya kay Manang Josie, ang dalawampongtaong Mayordoma ng bahay niya. "I'm sure her acting is off since I'm not around.""Wala kaming masyadong nakita, Sir Cadmus." Kunot ang nuo ng Mayordoma na para bang may gumugulo saisip nito. "Hindi siya lumalabas sa kuwarto niya nuong wala ka. Lumalabas lang siya sa tuwing kakain na. Atkahit nasa labas siya, hindi siya nagsasalita. Palaging nakatungo ang ulo niya kapag naglalakad at paranghindi siya si Ma'am Cherry."Tumaas ang kilay niya saka mahinang natawa. "Looks like she fooled you again."Nagbaba ng tingin si Manang Josie. "Pasensiya na, Sir Cadmus. Kakaiba lang talaga ang kinikilos ni Ma'amCherry—""Of course she's acting weird. That's her act to fool everyone again." Napailing siya saka nagtagis angbagang. "Naalala mo ng huli siyang umaktong parang ibang tao?""Oho.""Yes. I remember that too. And she fooled me into giving her another chance and a lot of money. Hindi namauulit 'yon, Manang Josie."www.ebook-converter"Oho, Sir Cadmus.""Good." He, then, dismissed her. "Sige, makakaalis ka na. Good night, Manang Josie."Tumango si Manang Josie saka lumabas sa pribado niyang opisina.Hinilot niya ang sentido saka isinandal ang katawan sa likod ng swivel chair.Lahat ng nakakausap niya na kasama ni Cherry sa loob ng dalawang linggo na wala siya ay pare-pareho angsinasabi. Para daw itong ibang tao.But he will never be fooled again.She will pay dearly.Malalim siyang bumuntong-hininga saka binuksan ang desktop niya at ini-open ang live surveillance ng bahayat inumpisahan niyang panuorin ang footage sa kuwarto ng asawa niya mula ng araw na umalis siya.Wattpad Converter deLike what the maids and Guards said, she didn't leave her room. She just stayed there, reading and lying onthe bed. She only goes out to eat at lunch and dinner. Other than that, she stayed in the room. And at night, shewould trash on her bed and woke up scared.Kumunot ang nuo niya sa pinapanuod. Nakakailang araw na siya ng pinapanuod na footage pero walangnagbago sa routine ng asawa niya.She didn't even try to escape from the Guards. She didn't try to trick them so she could get her phone in hisP 4-4private office to call her lover.Cherry cannot stand a lifeless room like what she'd been using for weeks. Umasa siyang nagpabili na ito ngmga furniture habang wala siya pero wala ni kaisa-isang palamuti ang kuwarto nito.The room is in the same state when he left.Napailing siya. For two weeks, she's in perfect character."She must be planning something big." Napailing siya saka walang buhay na natawa. "I won't let you fool meagain, Cherry. Hindi mo na ako maloloko kahit ano pang klaseng pagpapanggap ang gawin mo."Galit na pinatay niya ang desktop saka bumuga ng marahas na hangin bago tumayo at lumabas sa opisina niya.Nasa kalagitnaan siya sa pag-akyat sa ikatlong palapag ng bahay para magpahinga dahil maghahating-gabi nang mahagip ng mga mata niya ang asawa na papalabas ng kuwarto nito.There are no Guards to stop her and follow her because he already sent them home.I should have lock her up in her room. He tsked. Knowing Cherry, she would just do something to escape.Nagtataka nga siya at hindi pa ito tumatakas sa poder niya. Kaya nga naisip niya na tiyak na may pina-planoito para tuluyan siyang mapabagsak He nearly lost his two companies against her last attack. Hindi na niya hahayaang mangyari ulit iyon.With a frown, he followed her quietly.She was sneaking all right. She's up to no good again. Sabi na nga ba't hindi magtatagal ang pagpapanggapnito.Nang makababa ang asawa niya, dinala ito ng mga paa nito sa kusina.He was still wondering what she's up to when she picks up the knife on the sink.His eyes widen, the scene in front of him is like an slow motion. Nagawa lang niyang makagalaw sakinatatayuan ng makita ang dugo na umagos mula sa pulsohan nitong walang pag-aalangang hiniwa."Damn it!" Galit siyang napamura saka nagmamadaling sinalo ang pabagsak na katawan ng asawa. "What thehell are you doing, you witch!"Madilim ang mukhang kinarga niya ang asawa patungo sa kuwarto nito saka tinawagan si Dr. Jacobe atnagmamadaling kinuha ang first aide kit sa master's bedroom at bumalik sa kuwarto.Wattpad Converter deJust like earlier, she's still unconscious.Mabilis niyang nilinis ang sugat ng asawa saka nilapatan ng pang-unang lunas habang hinihintay si Dr.Jacobe.Nang bahagyang niya ang pagdurugo, tinawagan niya si Clara, ang private Nurse na inutusan niyang bantayanP 4-5ang asawa."Cherry's room. Now!" He ordered and went back to stopping the bleeding.Did she cut herself that deep? Matalim ang kutsilyo sa kusina. Nasisiguro niya iyon.Gumagalaw ang panga niya sa galit at frustrasyon. "What the hell are you thinking, woman?! You will reallystoop this low just to fool me?"Cadmus was putting a pressure on his wife's wrist when Dr. Jacobe and Clara came into the room.Kaagad siyang umalis sa pagkakaupo sa gilid ng kama para bigyan ng lugar ang dalawang bagong dating.Dr. Jacobe immediately examine Cherrie's wound. At nang makita niyang para itong nakahinga ng maluwang,doon lang niya pinakawalan ang hininga na kanina pa pala niya pinipigilan."May history ba ng pananakit sa sarili ang pamilya ng asawa niyo, Mr. Valcarcel?" Tanong sa kaniya ni Dr.Jacobe habang tinatahe ang sugat ni Cherrie sa tulong ni Clara.Mabilis siyang umiling. "Not that I know of. Her mother has no history of self-harm. So is she.""Then why did she slit her wrist so often?"www.ebook-converterNatigilan siya sa tanong ni Dr. Jacobe. "What do you mean?""I didn't tell you this because it was irrelevant at the time, but your wife has healed cuts on both of her wrist.""Meaning?""Ibig sabihin palagi niyang hinihiwa amg pulsohan niya." Napailing ang Doctor. "Some are deep and deadly.At itong hiwa niya, hindi ito malalim. I know some people who would cut themselves because they want tofeel pain."He's baffled. "Why would she do that? She's a proud woman. The last thing in her mind is to kill herself anddamage her skin.""Well... people kill themselves for far more less reason." Sabad ni Clara."She's my wife." Iritado niyang wika. "At hindi siya puwedeng mamatay hanggat hindi niya pinagbabayaranang kasalanan niya sakin."Wattpad Converter deGalit na umalis siya ng kuwarto pero natigilan din ng nasa may pinto na siya.He felt a magnet forcing him to look back. And he did.And the most absurd thing happened, his heart pounded. It wasn't loud but enough to anger and disgust him.Not a chance. Not again.P 4-6Nagmamartsa siyang umakyat sa master's bedroom saka pabagsak na ihiniga ang katawan sa malapad atmalambot na kama.'Hindi ho a-ako si Cherry. Berry p-po ang pangalan ko.'Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo. Impossible!BERRY WAKES up alive again. When she open her eyes and saw the ceiling of her prison room, she knewshe's not dead.Tiningnan niya ang pulsohan niya na nababalot ng bendahe.Malalim siyang bumuntong-hininga saka bumangon at umalis ng kama. Nang lumabas siya ng kuwarto, hindina siya nagulat ng makita ang dalawang Guard sa labas ng kuwarto.Looks like he's gone again.That's a good thing.He makes her very uncomfortable.www.ebook-converterMabagal siyang naglakad pababa ng hagdan saka nagtungo sa kusina para kumuha ng makakain.The only good thing in this house is the food. Hindi siya nagugutom at palaging may nakahain nang pagkain sakaniya pagkababa niya.But today is different.When she enter the dining hall, the table wasn't empty. A beautiful little girl was there, eating.Berry felt a small spark of happiness inside her when he saw the little girl. She's so beautiful and cute.Only kids can make her dark world light up. They are the only thing that can make her felt good. Maybebecause she knew that they won't hurt her like grown up does.Nilapitan niya ang bata saka umupo sa katabi nitong upuan."Hello, baby girl." Masuyo ang boses na kuha niya sa atensiyon ng bata.Nang mag-angat ito ng tingin, bumukas ang takot sa mga mata ito at kaagad na umalis ng hapagkainan attumakbo palabas.Wattpad Converter deGulat siyang napakurap-kurap. She knew that fear in the little kid's eyes all too well. Berry knew the littlegirls must be frightened by now but she adore kids and she can't resist.She followed her and found her in the living room.Nang makita siya ng bata, akmang tatakbo na naman ito palayo sa kaniya pero humarang siya sa harapan nito.P 4-7Kaagad itong umatras, halata ang takot sa kaniya. "I'm sorry. Hindi na po ako mag-iingay, Mommy."Mommy? Napakurap-kurap siya. "Did you just call me... M-mommy?"The little girl nodded, her eyes tearing up. "I'm sorry na, mommy, hindi na po ako mag-iingay. Makikinig napo ako sa inyo. Sorry. Mommy. Sorry."She doesn't want to pretend to be someone else's, but she couldn't let the little girl cry."Hey...It's okay." Lumapit siya sa bata saka masuyong tinuyo ang luha sa pisngi nito. "I won't hurt you."Malumanay ang boses na pagkausap niya sa bata. "Gusto ko lang makipaglaro sayo."May pagdududa man ang titig sa kaniya ng bata, pagkalipas ng ilang segundo ay tumango ito bilang pagsangayon sa gusto niya."Promise, you won't hurt me again?" Anang bata.She frowned. "Again?""Yes." Napahawak ang bata sa pisngi nito, "you slapped me, remember? Because i'm too loud and so noisy."What kind of mother does this little girl have? "I'm sorry." Hinaplos niya ang buhok nito saka pinanggigilanang pisngi nito. "I promise I wont hurt your cute fluffy cheeks again. Are we friends now?" Inilagad niya angkamay.www.ebook-converterMay pag-aalangan man ay tumango pa rin ang bata. "Sige. Kung yan ang gusto mo, Mommy."Hindi niya pinansin ang tinawag nito sa kaniya. She's delighted that there's an innocent soul in front of her,untainted from all the cruelty in the world. How she wished to be just like this little girl, oblivious andunharmed.Hinawakan niya ang kamay ng bata saka masuyo iyong pinisil. "Gusto mo bang maglaro, baby?"Kaagad na tumango ang bata. Bakas ang excitement sa mukha nito habang nakatingala sa kaniya. "Yes po.""Okay," she softly smiled at her, "anong gusto mong laruin natin?""Dolls?" She cutely suggested as she pout her lips.That made her smile. "Okay. Lets play dolls."Wattpad Converter deParang bumalik sa pagkabata si Berry habang nakikipaglaro sa batang babae. Nakalimutan niyang kumain atnawala sa isip niya ang gutom na naramdaman kanina. She even forget her nightmares and she felt a spark oflight in her void existence.For the first time in a long time, she's happy.P 4-8"WHERE'S MY DAUGHTER, damn it!" Galit na sigaw niya kay Clara na siyang tumawag sa kaniya atnagbalita na iniwan ng ina niya sa bahay ang anak niya dahil may importante itong lakad. "Nasaan si Snow?"Namumutlang sumagot si Clara. "Sa kuwarto ho ni Ma'am Cherry."Fear and anger filled him. The last time Cherry and Snow were together, she slapped his baby girl! And thatwas the last straw of his patience.Mahigpit na kumuyom ang kamao niya habang malalaki ang hakbang na tinungo ang kuwarto ng asawa.If she lay a finger on his princess, he will not hesitate to end her life. Pinalampas niya ito nuong una perokapag may ginawa pa ito sa anak niya, magkakamatay silang dalawa.Every step he makes, dread consume him. He can still remember Snow's whimpers and sobs. The redness ofhis Princess' cheeks and the pain and fear in her eyes as she looked at him.No. Not again.He have to hurry up! Baka kung ano na ang ginagawa ni Cherry sa anak niya.Ang malalaking hakbang ay nauwi sa mabilis na pagtakbo. Hinihingal siya ng makarating sa kuwarto niCherry. Kaagad niyang binuksan ang pinto pero bigla siyang natigilan sa nakita.www.ebook-converterNakadapa si Cherry at Snow sa sahig habang naglalaro ng Building Blocks at nagkalat naman sa sahig angmga barbie dolls ng anak nila. Pareho ang dalawa na walang pakialam sa paligid habang masayangnaglalaro.Napatitig siya sa anak niya. Walang takot sa mukha nito. Her face is filled with happiness. Just like Cherry's.His wife looks happy... genuinely happy. Her eyes even sparkles in happiness and it's the first time he eversee his wife like this.It's an act. Anang likod ng isip niya.Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo saka nilapitan ang anak at kaagad na kinarga palayo kay Cherrie."Daddy, we're still playing—""No." He said, firmly."But Daddy—"Wattpad Converter de"No buts, Snow." Pinanlakihan niya ng mata ang anak. "Go to your room. Now!"Nakasimangot na nagpaalam si Snow kay Cherrie na tinugunan naman nito ng tipid na ngiti.Nang makaalis ang anak niya, hindi niya alam kong sasakalin niya si Cherrie o tatawa dahil sa pagpapanggapnitong mapalapit sa anak nila.She already done this before, trying to get to him through their daughter and he will not let her used SnowP 4-9again."So this is your plan? Be nice to Snow so I'll be nice to you?"Tumayo si Cherrie mula sa pagkakadapa saka inayos ang bahagyang nalukot na damit. "A-ayos lang n-namankung hindi ka maging mabait sakin, basta huwag mo lang pagagalitan 'yong bata." Nakatungo ito habangmalumanay ang boses na nakikipag-usap sa kaniya. "Ako ang nag-aya sa kaniyang maglaro."Pagak siyang natawa sa sinabi nito. "Wow. You're giving me a Parental advice?" Dinuro niya ito. "Justpriceless and full of bullshit coming from you!""Nakikipaglaro lang naman ako—""I don't care. And can you cut out this nice and pitiful woman act of yours? It's starting to get into my nerves."Nanggigigil sa galit na sinapo niya ang mukha nito saka pilit na pinatingin ito sa kaniya. "And don't you daretalk nor play with my daughter again. The last time you used our daughter to your schemes, you hurt her. I'mwarning you now, Cherry, I can be a monster when I need to."Malakas niyang itinulak ang asawa sa kama saka malalaki ang hakbang umalis ng kuwarto nito at nagtungo sakuwarto ni Snow.Cadmus already left the room so he didn't see the tears of self pity and fear of being beaten in Berry's eyes.www.ebook-converterLahhh baka nmn nga deffernt person or twin ... Pshhhh magiging kayo rin sa huli ehhh advance ako magisip ??????Wattpad Converter deP 4-10CHAPTER 3167K 9.1K 2.1Kby CeCeLibCHAPTER 3MABILIS NA BINITIWAN ni Berry ang kutsilyong hawak ng makitang pumasok si Snow sa kusina. Kasamanito si Clara na matalim ang tingin sa kaniya."Mommy!" Snow gleefully run towards her and embraced her legs tightly as she looked up at her.She felt a warm hand caress her heart. This cute little girl thinks she's her mother and she can't say otherwisebecause she doesn't want to disappoint her like she was disappointed in her childhood."Good evening, Mommy." Nakangiting bati sa kaniya ni Snow habang nakayakap pa rin sa kaniya. "Are youhungry? Hindi mo ako sinabayan mag dinner kanina."If only she could tell this little angel that her father doesn't want her to."May ginawa kasi ako kanina." Pagdadahilan niya.www.ebook-converter"You're busy again, Mommy?" Tanong ni Snow saka pinakawalan siya sa pagkakayakap at umatras. "Am Inot allowed to talk, Mommy? Am I being too noisy? Puwede ba tayong maglaro ulit? Puwede mo ba akongsamahan mag half-bath?"Lumuhod siya para magpantay ang mukha nila ni Snow saka masuyong sinapo ang cute nitong mukha."Pasensiya ka na, hindi puwede eh." Nawala ang masayang kislap sa mga mata ng bata kaya naman kaagadniyang binawi ang sinabi. "Gusto mo, sabay tayong mag half bath?"Kaagad na bumalik ang liwanag sa mukha ng bata. "Talaga, Mommy? You'll do that for me? You won't mindif the water ruin your make up?"Umiling siya saka nginitian ito. "Let's go?"Kaagad na hinawakan siya ni Snow sa kamay saka hinila palabas ng kusina. Kaagad namang humarang sakanila si Clara."I'm sorry Snow, pero hindi ka puwedeng sumama sa Mommy mo." Ani Clara na masama ang tingin sakaniya.Wattpad Converter deKaagad na naglukot ang mukha ni Snow. "At bakit naman? She's my Mommy!""Snow, listen to me—""Why would i? You're not my Mommy. Hmp!"Hinila siya ni Snow paalis at walang nagawa si Clara. Nang lingunin niya ito, may tinatawagan ito sacellphone.P 5-1Mukhang magsusumbong na naman ito sa lalaking 'yon.Kinarga niya si Snow. "Saan ang kuwarto mo, baby?"Nagtatakang bumaling sa kaniya si Snow. "Why are asking me that, Mommy? Have you forgotten?"Napangiwi siya. "Something like that, baby.""Ah." Tinuro nito ang pasilyo sa ikalawang palapag. Its in the opposite direction to her room. "Doon, oh.Bilisan natin, Mommy. Baka dumating na naman si Daddy at pagalitan na naman tayo."Napangiti siya sa tinuran ng bata. "Natatakot ka ba sa Daddy mo?"Snow shook her head. "Nope. Daddy is the sweetest. Nang pagalitan niya tayo, he didn't really mean it.Ganun lang talaga si Daddy. Galit siya sayo Mommy eh.""Bakit siya galit sakin?" She wanted to know the reason why he won't believe that she's not his wife.Snow shrugged. "Daddy said its adult stuff only."Napatango-tango siya saka pumasok sa kuwarto ni SnowWala silang sinayang na oras, sabay silang naghubad saka nagbabad sa malaki nitong bath tub sa sarili nitongbanyo.Berry felt happy again as she bathe with Snow. Simpleng bagay lang 'yon pero masaya siya na walang takotsa dibdib niya. This is why she love kids, they are innocent and won't be able to hurt her.And Snow is just so cute, so sweet and so cuddly not to adore. Panay ang yakap nito sa kaniya habangnagsasabon silang dalawa.And they decided to put shampoo on each other's hair.Their half bath turns into a full bath as they play on the bath tub. Splashing water at each other and puttingshampoo foam and bath bubbles on each other faces.Their laughter echoed inside the bathroom.It's been so long since she laughed freely and happily. It's been so long since she felt secure and unafraid. It'sbeen so long since she felt like this...loving the feeling of being alive and not the thought of being dead.Wattpad Converter deShe's glad she meet Snow. She's happy to meet such cute little girl who's laughs are contagious.Tumigil lang sila sa paglalaro habang naliligo ng mapansin niya ang pamumutla ng mga kamay ni Snow dahilsa sobrang pagbababad sa tubig.Kaagad niyang kinarga si Snow patungo sa ilalim ng shower para magbanlaw. Pagkatapos ay tinuyo niyamula ang katawan ni Snow at pinagsuot ito ng bath robe bago tinuyo ang sarili at ipinalibot ang pambatangtuwalya sa katawan niya.P 5-2Maikli ang tuwalya pero pinagkasya na niya ang sarili. Tatakbo nalang siya mamaya patungo sa kuwarto niya."Mommy, can you sleep beside me tonight?" Tanong ni Snow habang binibihisan niya ito ng pantulog.Kaagad niyang naisip ang ama nito. "Baka magalit ang Daddy mo."Mahigpit siyang hinawakan sa kamay ni Snow saka nangungusap ang mga matang tumitig sa kaniya. "Please,Mommy. Please?"Berry doesn't have the heart to disappoint this little angel. Pero ayaw din niyang magalit sa kaniya ang amanito.Binuhat niya si Snow pagkatapos bihisan saka maingat na ihiniga sa kama at hinaplos ang buhok. "How aboutwe compromise, hmm, baby?"Snow looked at her with her innocent questioning eyes. "Compromise? Ano po 'yon?""Its like a negotiation." Paliwanag niya habang hinahaplos pa rin ang buhok nito. "I will do what you wantand you will do what I want."Snow immediately grinned happily. "Okay. What do you want, Mommy?"www.ebook-converter"Well," she smiled, "I want to sleep in my room. Magagalit kasi ang Daddy mo kapag nakita tayongmagkasama. In return, I will stay by your side until you fall asleep. Pangako, hindi ako aalis hanggat hindi kamahimbing na natutulog."Umaktong nag-iisip si Snow saka malapad ang ngiting tumango. "Okay, Mommy. Deal."She smiled and kissed her forehead. "Tulog ka na."Tumango si Snow saka ipinikit ang mga mata. Siya naman ay tumabi ng higa sa bata saka masuyong hinaplosang buhok nito habang mahina ang boses na kinakantahan.'... caterpillar in the three,How you wonder who you'll be,Can't go far but you can always dream.Wish you may and wish you might,Wattpad Converter deDon't you worry hold on tight,I promise you there will come a dayButterfly, fly away...'While humming Snow to sleep, Berry didn't realise that she was falling asleep as well. Ang huli niyangnamalayan bago tuluyang pumikit ang mga mata niya ay ang pagbukas ng pinto ng kuwarto at ang pagpasok ngP 5-3ama ni Snow.CADMUS HURRIEDLY went home when Clara called him, telling him that Cherry is with Snow again.Halos paliparin niya ang kotseng minamaneho habang maraming senaryo ang naglalaro sa isip niya.Pero ang senaryong hindi pumasok sa isip niya ay ang marinig si Cherry na kinakantahan si Snow paramakatulog ng mahimbing.From outside Snow's room, he can her Cherry's soft humming and he couldn't move his feet to enter the room.Gusto niya pang pakinggan ang mahina nitong pagkanta. Gusto niyang magpanggap na normal silang maganak.But reality came too soon.Cherry's voice fades away unto the air, waking him from his reverie.Hinawakan niya ang door knob saka binuksan ang pinto at dahan-dahan iyong itinulak pabukas.Cadmus felt his defences softened when he saw Cherry sleeping beside their daughter, her arms hugging herand her lips pressed against Snow's temple.www.ebook-converterThe scene in front of him is a picture of a loving wife, taking good care of their child.But he knew the truth. He know better than to trust Cherry again.The last time he gave her a third chance, she destroyed his companies and hurt his little Princess.He could never allow that ever again. Ayos lang na siya ang masaktan, huwag lang si Snow. She's tooinnocent to get hurt. She's too young for this mess.Huminga siya ng malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili saka lumapit sa asawa na mahimbing na natutulog.Natigilan siya at nagtagis ang bagang niya ng alisin niya ang kumot nito at nakitang nakatapi lang ito ngmaikling tuwalya.Snow's towel.Cadmus gritted his teeth and was about to shake Cherry awake when he noticed something in her back.Wattpad Converter deKumunot ang nuo niya habang pinagmamasdan ang likod nito.Cherry's back is flawless. No speck, no bruises and no cuts. Alaga nito ang katawan kaya paano itomagkakaroon ng maraming sugat sa likod? At sa parte lang iyon ng likod nito na nakikita niya. How about tolower part of her back?Paano ito nasugatan ng ganito? It's not from the car crash that's for sure. He is not a Doctor but he can tell thatP 5-4these wounds and cuts healed years ago not just weeks!What the hell is this?He run his fingers through his hair as he stared at Cherry's back. This can't be. Hindi iyon ang likod ng asawaniya. He knew his wife's body. They have a child together for Christ's sake! And this is not it!Hinubad niya ang suit na suot saka itinakip iyon sa katawan nito at ibinalik ang pagkakatakip ng kumot dito.Cadmus, then, get his phone from his pocket and called Dr. Jacobe. Ilang ulit munang nag-ring sa kabilanglinya bago nito sinagot ang tawag niya."Mr. Valcarcel—""When can you see me?" He cut him off. "It's urgent.""Oh. I'm in a Conference in Macau." Anang Doctor na mas lalong nagpasakit ng sentido niya. "I'll be homenext week."Cadmus blows a loud breath. "Can't you cancel that meeting?""No. I'm the speaker."www.ebook-converterMalakas siyang napabuntong-hininga saka lumabas ng kuwarto ng anak. "Fine. I'll ask you in the phone then.""What is it?""Is that woman really my wife, Cherry?"Cadmus was holding his breath as he wait for Dr. Jacobe's answer."I would gladly answer that, Mr. Valcarcel but it's better to show you than to tell you."Nagtagis ang bagang niya. "Just a no or a yes, Jacobe.""Sasagutin kita kapag nakabalik na ako, Mr. Valcarcel."Humigpit ang hawak niya sa baluster saka pinatay ang tawag. Kapagkuwan ay napabaling siya sa nakasarangpinto ng kuwarto ng anak niya.That woman. That can't be possibly Cherry. I just need a confirmation. But who the hell is she? They're faceare exactly the same in every angle.Wattpad Converter deNapasabunot siya sa sariling buhok saka marahas na napailing.This is fuck up! He's sure as hell that Cherry doesn't have a twin sister. She's an only daughter of a strugglingsingle mother. Mahirap lang ito kaya nga pinakasalan siya para umangat ang buhay nito. She only want hismoney, huli na nga lang ng malaman niya iyon. That's why she doesn't want a child. He should have known bythen that she doesn't really care about him.P 5-5And if that's not his wife then she's not really acting. That woman is really shy, nice and quiet. Very differentfrom his bitch of a wife. And she was really happy playing with his kid.Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga saka wala sa sariling naglakad patungo sa master's bedroom habang nasaisip niya ang babaeng kamukha ng asawa niya.NAKATAKIP ANG MGA kamay ng pitong taong gulang na Berry sa taenga nito at mariing nakapikit angmga mata niya habang pilit na winawaksi ang naririnig mula sa labas ng kuwarto niya."Oh! Sige pa! Oh! Oh! Hector. Sige pa! Ang sarap-sarap mo. Ah! Ah!"Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo at umiiyak na mas hinihigpitan ang pagtakip sa taenga niya."Tama na..." mahina niyang nagmamakaawang bulong habang umiiyak. "Tama na. Tama na.""Oh! Oh! Hector. Ang sarap! Sige pa. Isagad mo lang. Ah! Ah!"Dumapa siya sa kama saka nagtakip ng unan para hindi marinig ang ingay na nanggagaling sa labashabang impit na umiiyak.Nakatulugan nalang ni Berry ang ingay sa labas at nagising siya ng marinig ang malakas na pagsipa sapinto ng kuwarto niyang naka-lock.www.ebook-converterMahilis siyang bumangon saka isiniksik ang sarili sa gilid ng higaan habang nanginginig sa takot angkatawan."Buksan mo to, Berry!" Sigaw ng ama niya mula sa labas.Napaigtad siya sa takot at nanlalamig ang katawan na niyakap ang sarili habang nagdarasal kay PapaJesus na sana hindi mabuksan ng ama niya ang pinto pero hindi siya pinakinggan ni Papa Jesus.The door flew open and her father enter her room, a belt on his hand.Berry instantly quiver in pain when his father walked towards her. Inihanda niya ang sarili para sa sakit.Pero nagulat siya ng hawakan siya sa braso ng ama saka hinila siya pababa ng kama.Napaigik siya dahil sa sakit sa braso niya. "Daddy! Masakit!"Pero hindi tumigil ang ama niya sa paghila sa kaniya hanggang sa makalabas siya ng kuwarto. Patuloysiya nitong hinila pababa sa hagdan at sa bawat pagkahulog ng katawan niya sa bawat baitang,napapasigaw siya sa sakit.Wattpad Converter dePanay ang pagmamakaawa niya. "T-tama na, Daddy! H-hindi ko na p-po kaya." Umiiyak napagnamakaawa niya pero bingi ang ama niya.He dragged her towards the living room and slammed her body on the center table before beating her upwith his belt.P 5-6Sa likod, sa leeg, sa paa, sa hita, sa braso at sa binti. Lahat iyon ay tinamaan ng dulo ng belt nitohanggang sa manghina nalang siya sa sobrang sakit ng katawan niya.Sa mura niyang edad, hindi na kinaya ng katawan niya ang lakas ng bawat hampas ng sinturon ng ama sakatawan niya. At nang tuluyan na siyang nanghina, naramdaman niya ang paghaplos ng kamay ng amaniya sa kaniyang katawan."Kamukhang-kamukha ka ng Mommy mo."His father words made her wants to scream for help. Pero alam niyang walang tutulong sa kaniya. Sabata niyang edad alam niyang wala siyang magagawa. Walang makakarinig sa kaniya.Ang tanging nagawa lang niya ay sumigaw sa isip niya na huwag habang inaalis ng ama niya ang pangibaba niyang damit.Takot na pabalikwas na bumangon si Berry at nanginginig ang boses na sumigaw ng makita ang bultongnakaupo sa gilid ng kama niya.Her nightmares are still within her and she panicked. Her mind is telling her that it's her father and he cameback to abused her again. Pinagsisipa niya ang bulto habang umiiyak na nagmamakaawa."Leave me alone! Please! Please me alone! Ayoko na! Ayoko na! Please! Don't hurt me... don't touch me!"converterPero nagpumilit ang ama niya na hawakan siya pero mas lalo siyang nagpumiglas. Sa wakas ay sumuko na rinito kasabay ng pagliwanag ng buong paligid.Berry gasped and hugged her naked body as light engulfed the room. Her body trembling in fear.Kapagkuwan ay namilog ang mata niya ng makitang ang lalaking pinagsisisipa niya ay ang lalaking may-aring bahay.Shame consumed her. "I-I'm s-sorry."Berry expects him to shout at her and be angry at her but he didn't say anything. He just pick the duvet on thefloor and wrapped it around her nakedness."Natakot yata kita." Anito sa mababang boses habang inaayos ang pagkakakumot sa kaniya. "I was justmoving you to your room. Malamig kasi doon sa kuwarto ni Snow tapos wala ka pang damit kaya binuhat kitarito."Mahigpit siyang napahawak sa kumot. "I-I'm sorry." Hingi niya ng tawad. "P-pasensiya ka na. P-please don'th-hit me."Wattpad Converter deUmatras ito saka umiling. "Don't worry. I won't." Pagkasabi nito niyon ay lumabas na ng kuwarto niya.Siya naman ay naiiwang nahihiya sa ginawa pero naroon pa rin ang takot sa kalooban niya.Napatitig siya sa kawalan at mariing ipinikit ang mga mata habang dumadaos-dos pahiga sa kama niya. Athabang nakatitig siya sa kisame, alam niyang hindi na siya makakatulog pa. At alam din niya kung anongP 5-7kailangan niya para makatulog siya.Mabilis siyang bumangon saka nagdamit pagkatapos ay lumabas siya ng kuwarto at nagmamadaling bumabasa kusina.Nang mapatingin siya sa relong nakasabit sa dingding na dinaanan, lampas hating-gabi na.Malalaki ang hakbang niya papasok ng kusina at naghanap ng kutsilyo. Nang makakita ng isa sa lababo,kinuha niya iyon at lumabas ng kusina.Kapagkuwan ay napatigil siya sa paglalakad ng mahagip ng mata niya ang pinto ng bahay.No guards and no one is around.But it's lock from the inside and she have no key.She resumed walking and hurriedly went to her room. Ini-lock niya ang pinto saka umupo sa gilid ng kama atmahigpit na hinawakan ang kutsilyo.I want to sleep. I need to sleep. At nakakatulog lang siya kapag may sakit siyang nararamdaman. She needspain to sleep. Just enough pain to make her sleep and not die. She's thinking of Snow. She doesn't want her tosee her die like that.www.ebook-converterPero hindi pa rin nagbabago ang gusto niya. She still wants to die. But not in this house. Not in that littlegirl's presence. She doesn't want to taint her innocent view of the world.Huminga siya ng malalim saka pinakatitigan ang pulsohan habang unti-unti iyon hinihiwa. Hindi iyon malalimpero sapat na para mamanhid ang kamay niya. Nang maramdaman niya ang sakit, binitiwan niya ang kutsilyosaka nahiga siya sa kama at ipinikit ang mga mata.Kaagad siyang dinalaw ng antok. The pain in her wrist is like a lullaby for her. The pain make her sleepsoundly.Pero bago siya tuluyang makatulog, narinig niya ang pagbukas ng pinto at ang pagpasok ng kung sino man sakuwarto niya.A/N: How can someone love a woman like Berry? It's a rare kind of love.Aww my poor Berry :(( PUTANGINA MO GAGO SAKIT MO SA PUSO! DI MO DESERVE MAGKAANAK TANGINAGAGOOOO TUBUAN KA SANA NG PIGSA SA BAYAG GAGOOOOOOWattpad Converter deP 5-8CHAPTER 4176K 9.3K 1.9Kby CeCeLibCHAPTER 4BERRY WOKE UP AND her eyes instantly landed on her wrist to see her bleeding wound. Bahagyangkumunot ang nuo niya ng makitang may benda na ang pulsohan na hiniwa niya kagabi.Did Clara clean her wound and put bandage on it?Berry sighed and push herself to get up from the bed even though her head is pounding mercilessly.Pagkatapos ay pumasok siya sa banyo para maghilamos at mag-ayos ng sarili.After cleaning herself up, she change her clothes. Pinili niya ang damit na hindi masyadong revealing. And ittook her some time to choose because all of the clothes in the closet are revealing.She's guessing that Cherry own all the clothes in that closet.After a long deliberation with herself, she finally choose the simplest dress in the closet she could find. Adress reaching her knees.www.ebook-converterHumarap siya sa salamin at tiningnan ang sarili doon. She looks pale and weak. She looks like death itself.And for a thousand times, she did not care wether she looks presentable or not. Nothing will change. She'sstill a damage person from the inside and out. Nothing can change that. Nothing.Berry let out a loud breath and stared at her wrist. Nababalot ng benda ang magkabilang pulsohan niya. Kungnasa Hospital siya ngayon, baka ini-endorse na siya ng Doctor sa isang Psychiatrist.And then the Psychiatrist would diagnose her with Major Depression. Then a Therapist would be given, atherapist who would just sit with a paper and pencil on her hand, who doesn't know shit about her whowould ask her the same question over and over again.How do you feel?Mapait siyang ngumiti. How do I feel?I feel like I'm in hell every time I wake up. I feel like my life is not worth living. I feel like I am worthlesshuman being. I don't feel the need to be happy. I don't know the reason why I'm still alive. I feel likeeverything will only be okay when I die. I feel that I will only forget everything that has happened to me if Ikill myself. That's what she feels. Every time.Wattpad Converter deNapatigil siya sa pag-iisip at napabaling sa pinto ng may kumatok doon.Then the door opened showing Clara."Kakain na daw." Padaskol na sabi ni Clara sa kaniya.P 6-1Tumango siya saka nagtanong tungkol sa kanina pa gumugulo sa isip niya. "Ikaw ba ang nagbenda sa sugatko?"Kumunot ang nuo ni Clara. "Hindi. Bakit ko naman gagawin 'yon?" Mataray nitong tugon.Umiling siya. "Wala naman."Inirapan siya nito saka nauna nang umalis sa kaniya. Siya naman ay humugot muna ng malalim na hiningabago naglakad palabas ng kuwarto.Nang makababa siya sa unang palapag ng bahay at nakapasok siya sa kusina, nabitin ang pagbati niya kaySnow na kumakain ng makitang naroon ang ama nito sa hapag-kainan.Kaagad niyang naalala ang nangyari kagabi. Nagbaba siya ng tingin saka walang imik na umupo sa tabi niSlow, medyo malayo iyon sa lalaki."Good morning, Mommy!" Masayang bati sa kaniya ni Snow sabay halik sa pisngi niya. "How's your sleep,Mommy?"She smiled at Snow. "Okay naman. Ikaw? Nakatulog ka ba ng mahimbing?"Nakangiting tumango si Snow. "Yes po. I slept really well. Puwede mo bang kantahan ulit ako mamaya?"www.ebook-converterNapabaling siya sa ama nitong walang imik na kumakain. Hinintay niya ang hindi nito pagpayag pero walangsinabi ang lalaki kaya naman sinagot niya si Snow."Sure, baby. It's my pleasure to sing for you." Aniya.Snow grinned and kissed her on the cheeks again. "Yehey! Thank you, Mommy." Then she kissed her again."School na po ako, Mommy."Tumango siya saka sinundan ng tingin ang bata na tinatawag si Clara para samahan ito sa paaralan.And then there's only her and the man of the house.Come to think of it, she doesn't even know his name.The dining table is filled with silence until he broke it."How's your wrist?" He asked.Wattpad Converter deBumaba ang tingin niya sa pulsohan saka mahina ang boses na sumagot. "O-okay lang."He sighed. "Look at me."Slowly, she looked at him. "A-ano 'yon?""Don't do that again."P 6-2"W-what?"Tinuro nito ang pulsohan niya. "Don't cut yourself again. Paano kung hindi kita nakita kagabi na may dalangkutsilyo? Sinong aampat sa pagdurugo ng sugat mo?"So he's the one who put bandage on her cut? "I-ikaw ang nagb-benda ng sugat ko?"Tumango ito saka bumuntong-hininga. "Huwag mo nang uulitin 'yon."Hindi siya umimik at nagbaba lang ng tingin."Look at me." He commanded.And she oblige. Slowly. "S-Sir?""Don't call me Sir." Anito saka hinilot ang sentido. "It's Cadmus. Cadmus Valcarcel.""C-Cadmus..." his name rolled her tongue softly. "Cadmus."Tumiim ang tingin nito sa kaniya. "Yes. Cadmus. Or if you find it mouthful, just Cad.""Cad." His name felt soft in her tongue. "Cad."www.ebook-converter"Yes. Cad or Cadmus."Tumango siya saka nagbaba ulit ng tingin at pinagpatuloy ang pagkain."Look at me." Cadmus ordered.She instantly looked at him. "Y-yes?"Cadmus frowned at her. "Why do you do that?""W-What?""You." Anito. "You're like a robot. You do immediate as I say."Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. "A-ayoko lang ng gulo.""I see." Paused. "So if I told you to stop eating now, you will?"Wattpad Converter deBinitiwan niya ang kutsara at tinidor saka tumayo at akmang aalis na ng pigilan siya ng lalaki sa kamay.Bigla siyang kinain ng takot kaya naman mabilis niyang hinila ang kamay niyang hawak nito. And as she holdher hand, she felt it tremble.Kinuyom niya ang kamao saka nagmamadaling umalis ng hapag-kainan.Nang makalayo siya, nanunubig ang matang napasandal siya sa malapit na pader at niyakap ang nanginginigniyang kamay na hinawakan ni Cadmus.P 6-3She's afraid. She's terrified of a man's touch. She's frightened of any man that gets close to her. She's scaredof their kind.Naluluhang tumakbo siya pabalik sa kuwarto niya saka ini-lock iyon at isiniksik ang katawan sa gilid ngkama at pinalibot ang kumot sa katawan niya na para bang po-protektahan siya no'n laban sa mga taonggustong manakit sa kaniya.CADMUS CAN'T focus on the job at hand. Naglalakbay ang isip niya patungo sa babaeng nasa bahay niya.She was scared earlier. He can tell. She was scared of him.But why? Wala naman siyang ginawang masama rito.Why the hell do I care?Marahas niyang pinilig ang ulo saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga at tinawagan ang kilala niyang Privateinvestigator."I need you to investigate someone for me." Sabi niya ng sagutin nito ang tawag niya."Sino ho, Mr. Valcarcel?"www.ebook-converter"I'll send you her picture." Aniya saka pinatay ang tawag.Kaagad niyang ipinadala sa e-mail ng P. I. niya ang larawan ni Cherry na may naka-kabit na instructions.'She looked like my wife, Cherry. But her name is Berry, I don't know her surname. Investigate her. I want toknow everything about her.' Then he hit send.He isn't sure yet though but he has a strong feeling that that woman is not his wife, Cherry. And he needs tofind out whoever she is.Malalim siyang bumuntong-hininga saka tinawagan si Jared, ang isa sa dalawang guard na nakabantay salabas ng kuwarto ng asawa niya sa tuwing aalis siya ng bahay."How's my—" tumikhim siya, "—wife?" He asked."Hindi pa ho siya lumalabas ng kuwarto mula kaninang umaga." Sabi ni Jared.For some reason, he's worried of her. If she's really not his wife, then she's not faking any of this. She's notfaking that fear in her eyes.Wattpad Converter deCadmus let out a loud breath and run his finger through his hair.What if she cut her self again? What if no one in my house noticed her? What if she have a hidden knife in herroom? What if it's too late to save her?Padaskol siyang tumayo saka pinatay ang tawag at nagmamadaling lumabas ng opisina niya.P 6-4"Nadia.""Sir?""Cancel all my appointments." Wika niya habang naglalakad patungo sa elevator."But Sir—""Tell them I'm busy." Pagkasabi no'n ay sumakay siya ng elevator at pinindot ang button para sumara angpinto.Nang makarating siya sa basement, nagmamadali siyang lumabas ng elevator at malalaki ang hakbang natinungo ang nakaparadang kotse. Nang makasakay, kaagad niya iyong pinausad at pinaharurot ng makalabassiya ng Parking lot.Madali siyang nakarating sa bahay dahil sa bilis ng pagmamaneho niya. He hurriedly parked his car outsidehis house and enter his home.Cadmus immediately went to his wife's room."Sir—"www.ebook-converter"She's still inside?" He asked.Tumango si Jared. "Yes, Sir. Hindi pa siya lumalabas.""Okay." He said then dismiss the guards. "Makakaalis na kayo."Hinintay ni Cadmus na makaalis ang dalawang bantay bago ginamit ang susi niya para buksan ang pinto ngkuwarto ng asawa.When he slowly pushed open the door, he silently walked inside the room. His eyes instantly settled on thewoman in the bed. Nakapikit ang mga mata nito na parang tulog pero pabiling-biling ito sa higaan, basa ngpawis ang unan at tumutulo ang luha sa gilid ng mata na para bang nananaginip ito ng masama."H-huwag—Daddy—no! No! Uncle, no! D-don't touch me. Please. D-don't hurt me!"Cadmus can feel a strong urge to console her but the last time he did that, he scared her even more.So he stayed two steps away from her and just stared at her. Ilang minuto din ang lumipas bago itobumalikwas ng bangon at habol ang hiningang niyakap ang sarili habang mahinang humihikbi.Wattpad Converter de"Hey..." mahina ang boses na kuha niya sa atensiyon nito.She was trembling as she looked up at him. Fear is in her eyes and it intensified tenfold when she saw him."D-don't h-hurt me." May pagmamakaawa sa boses nito habang namamalisbis ang luha sa pisngi. "P-pleasedon't. Please..."P 6-5Umiling siya habang nanatili sa kinatatayuan. "I won't hurt you." Humakbang pa siya paatras para mapanatagito, "I swear. I won't."Ang mahina nitong pag-iyak ay nauwi sa hagulhol habang pahigpit ng pahigpit ang yakap nito sa binti at sasariling katawan.And he just stayed there in silent. Maybe not by her side to console her but close enough to be with her ifneeded.AFTER HOURS OF CRYING, Berry was finally able to pull herself together and stop her tears from falling.With her watery eyes and damp cheeks, she glanced at the man who stayed throughout her breakdown.Cadmus.Hindi ito lumapit sa kaniya na pinagpasalamat niya. Sa halip ay umupo ito sa sahig at nakasandal angkatawan sa likod ng nakasarang pintuan.Hindi ito nagsalita o sinubukan siyang patahanin habang umiiyak siya. He just stayed there silently. And shepreferred that rather than him, touching her.Men frightened her. And Cadmus is no different.www.ebook-converter"Okay ka na?" He asked after minutes of silence.Tahimik siyang tumango habang tinutuyo ang basang pisngi.Cadmus stands up and walked towards her. But he stops two steps away from her bed and handed her a bluehandkerchief."Use this to dry your tears." Anito habang inaabot sa kaniya ang panyo. "It's made from a soft fabric." Nanghindi niya tinanggap iyon, ipinatong nito iyon sa ibabaw ng kama. "Take it." Wika nito saka lumabas na ngkuwarto niya.Hindi mapigilan ni Berry ang maguluhan.Why is he being nice to her? Nuong isang araw lang ay galit ito sa kaniya. May lihim ba itong binabalak sakaniya katulad ng mga lalaking naging mabait sa kaniya? Does he wants to use her too? Like those monstershiding in a form of a man?Tumulo na naman ang luha niya ng maalala ang nangyari sa kaniya.Wattpad Converter deNanginginig ang kamay na pinulot niya ang panyo ni Cadmus saka ipinahid iyon sa pisngi niya para matuyoang mga luha niya.All her life, pain is her best friend and tears are her allies. She has no one to talk to, no one to care for herand no one to even bother to know how she is doing with her life.She has no family and no friends. She has nothing. All she have is her self and her inheritance that she didn'tP 6-6need.All she wanted is someone who will care for her, but in this dark world she live in, no one cares for her. Noone. Not a single soul.She's alone. Always have been and always will be. At sanay na siyang mag-isa siya palagi. Hindi na 'yonmagbabago.Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga at akmang aalis ng kama para maghilamos sa banyo ng may kumatok sapinto at bumukas iyon.Its Cadmus."It's bothering me...but, ahm," tumingin ito sa mga mata niya. "Are you really okay? Do you want water? Orsomething to eat?""I'm okay." Namamaos ang boses na sagot niya."You sure?"Berry wrapped her arms around her chest. "W-why are you being nice to me?"www.ebook-converterIlang segundong napatitig sa kaniya si Cadmus bago sumagot. "I'm worried.""D-diba galit ka?""Yes. But, ahm, I'm more worried than mad.""I'm o-okay." Aniya saka nagbaba ng tingin.Cadmus sighed. "Okay. Ahm, if you need anything, just call Clara. Okay?""Okay.""Okay." Anito saka isinara na rin sa wakas ang pinto ng kuwarto niya.Nakahinga siya ng maluwang saka nagmamadaling pumasok sa banyo para maghilamos.Pagkatapos maghilamos sa lababo, hindi niya alam kung ilang minuto siyang napatitig sa salamin habangtumatakbo sa isip niya ang masamang panaginip bago lumabas ng banyo.Wattpad Converter deNapatigil ang balak niyang pagbalik sa kama ng makita ang meryenda sa paanan ng kama niya.Sino ang nagdala nito? Tanong niya sa sarili saka nilapitan ang tray na may lamang meryenda.A simple snack but it'll do to fill her hungry stomach.Habang nagmemeryenda siya, napabaling-baling siya ng makarinig ng tunog ng cellphone sa loob ng kuwartoniya.P 6-7First of all, she hate cellphones. Second, she doesn't own one.So why is a cellphone ringing inside her room.Sinuri ng mata niya ang bawat sulok ng kuwarto at ginamit ang taenga niya hanggang sa matagpuan niya angbagay na hinahanap.Ang cellphone na nag-iingay ay gilid ng tray, bahagyang natatakpan kaya hindi kaagad niya nakita.She frowned. Why is it in there?Berry picks up the phone and her frown deepened when she saw who's calling."Cadmus?" Basa niya sa pangalan ng tumatawag.Ilang segundo niyang tinitigan ang nag-iingay na cellphone bago iyon napipilitang sinagot.Hindi pa siya nakakapagsalita ay nagsalita na ang nasa kabilang linya."That's my old phone." Ani Cadmus sa kabilang linya. "I figured that you don't like being touch, so, ahm, let'sjust talk. It's easier this way, yes?"www.ebook-converterMas lalo lang na lumalim ang gatla sa nuo niya. "Bakit mo ba 'to ginagawa?""Because you're nice to Snow." He answered. "And it seems to me that she likes you."That made her smile. "I like her too.""I know. I saw you two. By the way, kinain mo na ba ang meryendang iniwan ko diyan sa kuwarto mo?"Napabaling siya sa meryendang hindi pa niya natatapos kainin. "Ikaw ang nagdala sakin ng meryenda?""Yes. And thank you for not stammering." He said. "Looks like not being around me while we talk is morecomfortable for you."Tumango siya na para bang nasa harapan niya ang lalaki. "Yes.""May I know why?""Because you make me very uncomfortable."Wattpad Converter de"Why?""Because you are a man.""So?""I dislike men."Natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya ng ilang segundo bago ito nagsalita ulit. "But you're talking to me now."P 6-8He pointed out."You're not here." She argued."Mauutal ka na naman ba kung sasabihin ko sayong nasa labas lang ako ng kuwarto mo?"Namilog ang mata niya at akmang papatayin niya ang tawag ng marinig na magsalita ulit si Cadmus sakabilang linya."Don't cut your wrist again. You're making me worried." Anito. "If you feel like doing it, call me. I'll talk youout of it."Hindi siya sumagot at pinatay niya ang tawag saka itinabi ang cellphone.She doesn't want to call him nor talk to him. She doesn't want anything to do with him.Pero salamat kay Cadmus...ngayon alam na niya ang pakiramdam na may nag-aalala. It might not be genuinebut that was the first time that someone told her that they're worried of her for the third time.It feels good. It's her first time feeling that kind of emotion.Feels good. Good. What does good even mean?www.ebook-converterShunnnnnnnn ShetWattpad Converter deP 6-9CHAPTER "WHAT DID YOU FIND OUT?" Cadmus asked his Private Investigator. "Who's Berry? Sino siya bago kosiya nakita sa Hospital? I want to know every single detail."Tumango ang P.I. saka may inilagay na larawan sa ibabaw ng mesa niya, sa harapan niya.It's a picture of Berry in her expensive looking High School uniform. And she looks so much like Cherry.Pero alam niyang hindi iyon ang asawa niya. His wife didn't go to a Private High School because her mothercan't afford it.Pinakatitigan niya ang larawan ni Berry na mag-isang nakaupo sa Bench at nakatingin sa kawalan. She isn'tsmiling in the photograph. She looks sad actually. Her eyes have that glint of sadness in them.Something might have happened to her for her to be like that now. Something happened that scarred her. Ormaybe something already happened before this picture was taken. Maybe she's just good at hiding it. Andnow, she's in the edge, in a brink of losing herself.www.ebook-converterCadmus sighed. "Who is Berry? What happened to her?"His P.I. immediately answered. "Her name is Berry Lacsamana, only daughter of the Owner of LacsamanaGroup of Companies."Umawang ang labi niya. "The Lacsamana Group of Companies?"Tumango ang kausap. "Yes. That one. Mr. Henry Lacsamana and his daughter, Berry, went to the U.S. afterher mother left them. Berry was just four years old at the time."Hindi pala siya lumaki dito sa bansa. Then why is she here? Last time he heard, the Lacsamana Group ofCompanies is about to elect a new Chairman. Is that why she's here?"What else?" He asked, curious."She was top of her class in High School. But she didn't show up in her Graduation. No reason was given.Lahat ng nakausap ko na mga ka-klase niya noon ay iisa lang ang sinasabi nila tungkol kay Ms. Lacsamana.They said that she keep to herself. Ayaw niya ng kausap, ayaw niyang may lumalapit sa kaniya lalo na kapaglalaki at wala siyang kaibigan, or rather, ayaw niyang makipag-kaibigan. She's a loner. No one really knowabout her that much."Wattpad Converter de"Family?""An orphan."So she's alone in this world. "No relatives?"P 7-1Umiling ang kausap. "Her father died when she was a Senior.""Cause of death?""Drunk driving."The hell? "So sino ang nag-alaga sa kaniya? She was a minor.""Kinupkop siya ng Auntie niya sa ama na dito nakatira sa Pilipinas. She was brought here and went toCollege here." Sagot nito. "But her aunt died when she was in second year college. Drunk driving also."Every family she have is dead? "And?""Then her Uncle from her mother side took her in. Malapit na siyang mag eighteen ng panahon na 'yon.""Nearly an adult.""Yes. Pero walang nakakaalam kung anong nangyari sa kaniya habang doon siya nakatira sa Uncle niya."Napailing ito. "That was the time when she dropped out of College. Something might have happened backthen, pero walang may alam. All I know is that her Uncle and his son was the one using her inheritancemoney since she's living in their house."www.ebook-converterNagsalubong ang kilay niya. "Are you sure that no one knows? Kinausap mo na ba ang Uncle niya? Ang anakng uncle niya?"His P.I. shook his head. "The son went to the U.S. after his father's death. Car crash. A year ago. That's whenBerry resurfaced again after not being seen for more than seven years."Kumuyom ang kamao niya. "So we can assume that it's about the money. Was she abused?""No one knows. I can't find her Hospital Records."What the hell happened to her? "Ahm, boyfriend?"Umiling ang P.I. "Wala siyang naging boyfriend."Is that because she dislike men? He's confused. "Is she related to my wife?""I'm still investigating that but as of now, I can't see any connection that will tie the two together."Wattpad Converter deBumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. "Okay. Just inform me immediately if you find a link between her and mywife."Tumango ang P.I. niya saka nagpaalam. Nang makaalis ito, napatitig ulit siya sa larawan ni Berry na nasaibabaw ng mesa niya. Even in the picture, she looks sad.Bumuntong-hiningang itinago niya ang larawan sa drawer saka lumabas ng pribadong opisina saka nagtungosa kuwarto ni Berry.P 7-2Natigilan siya ng pihitin pabukas ang pinto. It's locked. I wonder what she's doing inside?Kumantok siya sa pinto.No one answered.Maybe she's hurting herself again. Worry filled him.Mabilis niyang inilabas ang master keys sa bulsa saka ginamit iyon para buksan ang pinto. When he pushedopen the door, he let out a relieve breath when he saw Berry staring at the ceiling, unmoving and unharmed.Isinara niya ang pinto saka lumapit sa higaan nito.Her body was instantly in a defensive mode when he neared her, kaya naman umupo nalang siya sa sahig,medyo malayo sa kama nito para mapanatag ang kalooban nito."Hi." Kuha niya ang atensiyon nito.But she didn't move a muscle.Tears just keep falling from her eyes but her face is drained with emotion.www.ebook-converterPatuloy ang pag-agos ng luha nito habang nakatitig sa kisame ng kuwarto at pakiramdam niya ay naninikip angdibdib niya habang nakatitig sa dalaga. He can feel the pain in her tears. It's suffocating him.Napabuntong-hininga siya saka pinakatitigan ang dalaga. This woman suffered a great deal of cruelty to belike this. And he's furious. He's angry at those people who made her like this.He saw how she treated his daughter. Berry is kind, caring, loving, innocent, shy and scared. And to thosepeople who scarred this woman, who hurt her, and who drove her to hurt herself, how can they do this toher?His jaw tightened.How can they hurt an innocent woman like her?Napakurap-kurap siya ng makitang gumalaw si Berry para tuyuin ang luha sa mga mata nito."Hi..."Slowly, she glanced at him.Wattpad Converter deAwtomatiko ang pagkislap ng takot sa mga mata nito ng makita siya."It's okay. I won't hurt you." Aniya.Doubt is in her eyes and he understand her. So Cadmus pushed himself away from Berry to gave a safedistance between them.P 7-3"Is this distance okay? O gusto mong lumayo pa ako?"Berry remained silent but her eyes are trained at him.Cadmus sighed. "Talk to me.""What for?" Mahina at malumanay ang boses nito na para bang pagod na pagod ito."I'm angry." He said while looking into her eyes.Fear filled her eyes. "A-at me?"Mabilis siyang umiling. "No. No. Not at you.""Then at w-whom?""To all the people that—" hurt you. Hindi niya tinapos ang gustong sabihin. "—you know... just the people ingeneral."Dahan-dahang dumapa si Berry sa kama saka pinag-krus ang braso sa kama at ipinatong doon ang babahabang nakatingin sa kaniya.www.ebook-converter"I'm furious too." She whispered absentmindedly. "And my anger won't go away that easily.""I can make you smile." He offered. "If you let me."Nakatitig sa kawalan na umiling ito. "Don't bother. That's not happening."As if on cue, the door opened and a gleeful Snow entered."Mommy! Mommy! Look! One hundred ako sa test namin!" Matinis ang boses ni Snow habang malapad angngiti sa mga labi.And like a light in the darkness, a sunlight breaking at dawn, Berry's face lit up and smiled softly at Snow.And without hesitation, Berry gets up from the bed and hug Snow.Berry's smile made him smile. So his Princess can make Berry smile. He's relieved."Ang galing-galing ko daw, Mommy, sabi ni Teacher. Look, oh!" Snow show her hand at Berry. "Threestars!"Wattpad Converter deThe smile remain on Berry's lips as she looked at Snow's hand with amazement. "Wow. You're so brilliant,Snow. I'm so proud of you."Snow grinned. "Can we play now?""Of course baby." Without hesitation, Berry agreed. Her eyes sparkling in happiness and she looks like adifferent person to him. "Anong gusto mong laruin natin?"P 7-4"Dolls and Blocks and let's bathe together again!""Sure, baby."Parang wala siya sa kuwarto habang nag-uusap ang dalawa. But he doesn't mind. He's happy because Berrylooks happy. And somehow, he felt good."Let's go, Mommy!"Hinayaan lang ni Berry na hilain ito ni Snow palabas ng kuwarto at siya naman ay napailing saka tumayo atlumabas na rin ng kuwarto.Cadmus hoped that Snow is enough to make Berry happy while he figures out what to do with her.NANG MAKATULOG SI Snow pagkatapos niyang kantahan, maingat siyang lumabas ng kuwarto sakadahan-dahan iyong isinara.Berry feels calm after tucking Snow to bed. She even felt happy and for her, happiness is hard to come by.Very hard. That little girl can calm her like a powerful sedative. She wished she could keep her, but she can'tdo that. She can't drag that little angel to hell with her.www.ebook-converterBerry took a deep breath, her shoulders sagging as she turn around... but only to gasped in shock and fearwhen she come face to face with Cadmus.Just inches away. She can feel the heat of his body and her anxiety was automatically triggered.Her father's fist punching her body. His powerful legs kicking her to the side, beating her up until shecouldn't stand anymore. And when she couldn't move anymore, his dirty hands would the button of herjeans.Berry stumbled as she move away from Cadmus. Her uneasiness doubled and she become agitated becauseof the memory flooding through her mind, frightening her.Her uncle's filthy hands touch her bare thighs and she screamed. Pero kaagad na natigil ang pagsigawniya ng sapakin siya ng tiyuhin sa magkabilang pisngi dahilan para magdilim ang mukha niya.Nanlaban siya. Pilit na nagpupumiglas palayo sa demonyo niyang tiyuhin pero hindi siya nito hinayaangmakalaban. Malakas siyang sinuntok sa tiyan dahilan para mamilipit siya sa sakit at unti-untingmawalan ng diwa. At ang huli niyang namalayan bago tuluyang nawalan ng malay ay ang tunog ngkadena na pinapalibot sa magkabilang binti niya.Wattpad Converter deMen. She abhor men. They are the only creature on earth that can make her feel so small, worthless,despicable and valueless.And as she walk away from Cadmus, the fear of being drag by the hair and being locked up and beaten filledher mind.She trembled.P 7-5Scared.Cold."Wait." Pigil sa kaniya ni Cadmus.Kaagad siyang napatigil sa paglalakad saka ikinuyom ang nanginginig na kamao. "A-ano 'yon?""Puwede ba tayong mag-usap?"She stilled."Don't worry." Kaagad nitong sabi. "I won't touch you or get close to you. Gusto lang kitang makausap."Huminga siya ng malalim saka mahinang tumango. "O-okay. Where?""In the Garden." He said then added, "if you don't mind."Tumango siya saka nauna nang naglakad patungo sa hardin ng bahay. Nang makarating doon, kaagad siyangumupo sa dulo ng bench na gawa sa semento.And when Cadmus arrived, he sat on the same bench but with space between them. Sa kabilang dulo itoumupo kaya kahit papaano ay nakahinga siya ng maluwang.www.ebook-converterNanatili siyang tahimik habang hinihintay itong magsalita. Panay ang hinga niya ng malalim at kuyom sananlalamig niyang kamay.Being in a dim lighted place like this make her very uncomfortable. She wants the comfort of her bed andduvet and she's getting anxious every passing minute of silence.Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata ng maramdaman nababalisa siya, at kapag ganito siya, alam niya kunganong kailangan niyang gawin.Pain. She needs pain to calm down.I need pain—"Ano ang naaalala mo bago ka nagising dito sa bahay ko?"Natigilan siya saka napabaling sa katabi. "B-bakit mo n-naitanong?"Wattpad Converter de"I just want to know."Nagbaba siya ng tingin at itinuon ang mga mata sa kaniyang paa. "N-naaksidente ang sinasakyan ko. P-parangnasa a-ambulansiya ako pero h-hindi ako sigurado k-kasi wala akong lakas para imulat ang mga mata ko.""So you get into an accident and you were brought to the Hospital where Dr. Jacobe works."Hindi siya umimik. She was focusing all her attention on keeping herself calm without pain and she'sP 7-6miserably failing."Do you remember anything else?"She fisted her knuckles."Where were you before the accident."Calm down. Calm down!"What did you do to be in an ambulance?"Calm down! Please! Come down!"Answer me—""Pain..." she whispered. "I need pain..."Tumayo siya saka malalaki ang hakbang na tinungo ang kusina.Berry was frantically looking for a knife when she spotted one. Nagmamadali siyang kinuha iyon pero bagopa niya magamit iyon ay may humawak sa kamay niya para pigilan siya saka inagaw ang kutsilyo sa kaniya.www.ebook-converterThe knife. The pain. Her own personal sedative...She looked up.It's Cadmus. And he looks furious."Don't even think about it!" He snapped at her. "Why do you always want to kill yourself, huh?!"Pilit niyang inagaw ang kamay niyang hawak nito pero mahigpit ang hawak sa kaniya ni Cadmus.Anxiety is spreading through her again. Her hands cold, pale and trembling. She was having an anxietyattack, her tears falling down on her cheeks when Cadmus held both of her hands and looked at her beggingeyes."P-please—d-don't..." her lips quiver, "I-I'll b-be g—g—ood g-girl. P-please don't h-hurt me. P-please. Pplease. I b-beg—of y-you..."Berry was sobbing so hard and was begging but Cadmus did not let go of her hand. Instead, he held it tighter.Wattpad Converter de"I'm not gonna hurt you." Wika nito sa mahinang boses na parang hinihele siya habang pinagsisiklop angkamay nilang dalawa. "Hindi kita sasaktan. Shhh... I'm not gonna hurt you. I won't hurt you. Shhh. Shh... Shh...it's okay. I won't hurt you. I won't hurt you like they did. I won't do that. Shhh... tahan na. Hindi kita sasaktan...tahan na ... tahan na ..."He won't hurt me. He won't hurt me. He won't hurt me.P 7-7Paulit-ulit niya iyong sinasabi sa sarili habang hawak ni Cadmus ang kamay niya.He won't hurt me. He won't hurt me. He won't hurt me.Seconds and minutes passed. Cadmus was still holding her hand firmly and he didn't hurt her. Like he said.He didn't hurt her.He didn't hurt her.He didn't...Just like he said. He didn't hurt her. He just held her hand and looked at her in the eyes with utmost sincerityin them. He didn't do anything to scare her and to make her anxiety more severe.He just stay in front of her, holding her hand while looking at her in the eyes.And slowly, she's calming down. Slowly, her breathing became even and her heart stops racing."There..." Cadmus whispered and squeezed her hand softly. "I told you I'll talk you out of it if you try to hurtyourself again."Her lips trembled. "I need it—the pain..."www.ebook-converter"No you don't." Umiling si Cadmus saka dahan-dahang binitiwan ang kamay niya. "Hangga't narito ka sabahay ko, hindi ko hahayaang saktan mo ang sarili mo. No. I will stop you. Every time you try. I'll be there tostop you."A tear rolled down her cheek. "W-why? W-why do you bother with me, a despicable, worthless humanbeing?"Cadmus looked at her intently. "There are a handful of human being who's despicable and worthless, and I'mpretty sure you're not one of them.""H-how'd you know?""Because you're kind to my daughter. And that makes you worth it to me."Nagbaba siya ng tingin saka tumuon ang mata niya sa kutsilyong inilayo sa kaniya ni Cadmus at mukhangnapansin iyon ng lalaki."Don't look at it as if your life depends on it." Anito. "You're not cutting yourself again. I won't let you."Wattpad Converter deWalang imik siyang nagbaba ng tingin saka niyakap ang sarili bago tinalikuran si Cadmus at naglakad patungosa kuwarto niya.Berry was calm until she entered her room. The darkness... the cold... the suffocating feeling...Her fear went back. Anxiety spreading through her like wildfire again and she immediately turn around andleft the room.P 7-8And she came face to face with Cadmus. Again.She was shaking and was about to walk away when Cadmus hold her hand and.He's not gonna hurt me. He's not gonna hurt me. He's not gonna hurt me.Nanatili siya sa kinatatayuan at nanatiling hawak ni Cadmus ang kamay niya.He didn't do anything, just hold her hand. He didn't come closer, he didn't touch her inappropriately, he didn'tdo anything that'll trigger her anxiety again. He just stand there until her breathing relaxed.And then he guided her back to her room and open the lights.Nakahinga siya ng maluwang ng lukubin ng liwanag ang buong silid. At nang bitawan ni Cadmus ang kamayniya, naglakad siya patungo sa kama saka nahiga at ipinalibot ang kumot sa buong katawan na para bang poprotektahan siya no'n.As she lay on the bed, she saw Cadmus looking around.Berry thought Cadmus will leave, but he didn't.Sa halip ay umupo ito sa sahig at isinandal ang katawan sa nakasarang pinto ng kuwarto niya na para bangbinabantayan siya saka ipinikit ang mga mata na para bang nagpapahinga ito.www.ebook-converterAnd she can't help but to stare at Cadmus' face, memorising ever angle and admiring his appeal until shebecome drowsy and her eyes dropped close.Uy beh depressed din ako, make me smile! Charot hahahhaahhahaha He's her new medicine..... WowWattpad Converter deP 7-9CHAPTER 6181K 10.3K 1.9Kby CeCeLibCHAPTER 6ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER pain. Berry woke up feeling nothing. Wala nang bago do'n. It's not the firsttime that she felt like ending her existence. This wasn't the first time that she thought of death early in themorning.In two years that she'd been out from that basement, thought about death never leaves her mind. Hours anddays may passed, but the thought of ending her life never changed.It's the only thing that makes her sane. That, and pain. Lots and lots of pain to survive a day. Minsan,tinatanong niya ang sarili kong masokista ba siya. At tulad ng mga nauna niyang tanong sa sarili, wala iyongnaging kasagutan.Sanay siyang nasasaktan. Sanay siyang iyon palagi ang nararamdaman. Pain has always been with her sinceshe was four years old. Pain and tears, her companion in her everyday hellish life.Her void existence always made her question herself again and again. Why am I still alive? As usual. Noanswer. Just silence. Long and painful silence.www.ebook-converterThe idea of dying has never been this inviting. She can already feel death as she stared at the ceiling.Gustong-gusto na niyang mamatay, pero sa tuwing sinasaktan niya ang sarili niya, hindi siya nagtatagumpay.She doesn't know why but she can't seem to kill herself.Hindi gumalaw si Berry sa kinahihigaan kahit ng pumasok si Clara sa kuwarto para linisin ang sugat niya.Clara's hands are callous and uncaring but she doesn't mind. She likes the pain. It comforts her. It calms hersomehow.Habang nakahiga, bumaling ang ulo niya paharap kay Clara. "Puwede ko bang hiramin ang gunting mo?" Sheasked politely with a low voice.Tumango si Clara saka iniwan ang gunting sa ibabaw ng kama niya at lumabas na ito ng kuwarto niya.Walang buhay siyang bumangon sa kama at pumasok sa banyo habang dala-dala ang gunting na hiniram kayClara. Sigurado ang bawat galaw niya. Lumapit siya sa bathtub saka umupo siya doon habang unti-unti iyongnapupuno ng malamig na tubig.Wattpad Converter deAnd when the water filled the tub, it overflows into the floor but she didn't make a move to stop the waterfrom spreading into the tile floor. She just submerged herself and remained underwater until she couldn'tbreath anymore ... Until her strength is fading away because of the lack of oxygen.Habol ni Berry ang sariling hininga ng umahon at isinandal ang katawan sa gilid ng bathtub. She was gaspingfor air and she likes the feeling of pain in her chest and lungs. It calms her.P 8-1Ilang beses siyang huminga ng malalim bago bumalik sa normal ang paghinga niya.Kapagkuwan ay pinagmasdan niya ang gunting na hawak bago iyon ibinuka at ibinaon ang dulo niyon, angpinaka-matalim na bahagi sa braso niya.Napasinghap siya saka napapaikit at kaagad na kumalma ng maramdaman niya ang sakit at pamamanhid sabraso niya. Mas lalo pa niyang ibinaon ang dulo ng gunting hanggang sa mabitawan niya iyon dahil sapanghihina.The pain and the blood comforts her. And she's addicted to the feeling of tranquility it gives her. It's peaceful.It's quiet. She likes it.Then she heard a voice of a little angel."Mommy? Mommy?"Kaagad siyang bumalik sa kasalukuyan at napabaling sa nakabukas na pinto ng banyo at bumalik ang tingin sabathtub na nagkulay pula na ang tubig dahil sa dugo niya.No...that little kid can't see her like this. She doesn't want to corrupt her innocence like what those people didto her!www.ebook-converterKahit nanghihina, pinilit niyang umalis ng bathtub at gumigiwang na naglakad patungo sa pinto ng banyo atmabilis na isinara iyon at ini-lock saka napaatras hanggang sa tumama ang likod niya sa lababo."Mommy? Mommy! Open the door, Mommy! Mommy!" Snow keeps on calling her from outside the bathroombut she didn't reply. She remained silent as she hold her wounded arm.Berry struggled to pull herself up to sit on the sink and lean on the cold bathroom tile.Dumadaloy pa rin ang dugo mula sa sugat niya pero wala siyang ginawa para patigilin iyon.She just let the blood flow and even pressed her fingers on her wound to feel the pain even more.Pain. Too much pain and she feels alive.Berry consciousness was slipping away when she heard the familiar voice of Cadmus.Cadmus. The man who told her he's worried of her. The man who made her feel good. The only man whostayed with her and didn't abused her. The only man who got close to her but didn't hurt her. For the first timein a very long time. That felt good.Wattpad Converter deIsinandal niya ang ulo sa malamig na pader na gawa sa tile saka papikit-pikit ang mga mata na nakatitig sapinto ng banyo."I'm coming in." Anang boses ni Cadmus. "Don't be afraid." Bilin nito bago pa pumasok. "Hindi kitasasaktan."Liar. Her mind screamed. You will hurt me too. Just like them. You will kill me too.P 8-2The door to the bathroom opened and Cadmus enter. Then he closed the door behind him before looking ather."...the hell..."Berry saw how worry filled Cadmus' eyes when he looked at her."H-hey..." mahina ang boses na sabi niya."What the hell did you do?" Cadmus immediately grab her hand, open the faucet on the sink and clean herwound with cold water.Pilit niyang inaagaw ang kamay niya mula rito pero nanghihina siya. Her hand just trembled.Berry hated being like this ... feeling afraid and weak and pathetic all the time. But she cannot control hermind and her body. She had been through too much already to be able to recover from the hell she'd beenthrough and all she could do is cry when she's frightened of what she had become because of thosemonsters..."Ano ba ang ginagawa mo sa sarili mo, ha?" Galit na singhal ni Cadmus sa kaniya na nagpagising sa kaniyasa kasalukuyan. "Bakit mo ba 'to ginagawa? You're making me worried again, damn it!"www.ebook-converterBerry felt so weak and lonely and she know she's breaking down again. Hindi niya mapigilan ang sarili nailabas ang tunay na nararamdaman. Umaasa siyang sa pagkakataong ito, may makikinig sa kaniya. Umaasasiya na pakikinggan siya. Kahit sino. Basta pakinggan lang siya.Because God knows, all her life, no one listened to her and that's what she needed the most. Someone who'lllisten to her. Someone who will save her. Pero ilang beses na siyang humingo ng tulong pero walangdumating para tulungan siya. All her life, from her father, to her aunt and to her uncle, not a single soul heardher. Even if she screamed from top of her lungs, no one would care.She already lost hope. She already let go. She already gave up trying. She welcome death. That's her onlyoption. Death will make things go away. Death will save her. Death will make everything okay. Death willmake her forget the hell that she'd been through. She craved death. She wanted it so bad. No one would care,no one will even miss her.But Cadmus...why is he worried of her? Does he still think that she's his wife? Kaya ba mabait ito sa kaniya?Kaya ba ganun ito kung tratuhin siya? But even though Cadmus is just nice to her because he think she is hiswife, she kinda liked it.Wattpad Converter deBecause for the first time, someone told her he's worried of her. It may not be for her, but he's still looking ather when he said it. And that...feels good. At least, kahit papaano, alam na niya ang pakiramdam na 'yon.It may be too late for her, but now she know what 'it feels good' means.Mapait siyang ngumiti habang nanunubig ang mga matang nakatitig kay Cadmus. "S-sana nakilala kita b-bagopa nila ako nawasak ng buong-buo. Those m-monsters... those monsters..." Mahina siyang napahikbi habanghinihila pa rin ang kamay niya palayo kay Cadmus. "S-siguro, m-may natira p-pa sana akong ppagpapahalaga sa s-sarili ko." She sobbed silently. "I-I'm s-scared, C-Cadmus. I'm s-scared."P 8-3Cadmus looked at her, his eyes bored into hers. "If you're scared, then let me hold your hand. Don't pullaway. Hayaan mo akong hawakan ang kamay mo. I swear, I will not do anything but hold your hand."Her lips quiver. "J-just my hand? P-promise you will not t-touch me anywhere e-else?"Tumango si Cadmus, ang mga mata nito at nakatigin pa rin sa kaniya. "I promise."She nodded. "O-okay. I c-can tolerate t-that much p-physical contact. J-just my hand...okay?""Okay."Cadmus held her wounded hand. Firmly. Pagkatapos ay binuksan ng isa nitong kamay ang kabinet sa taas ngsalamin saka kinuha doon ang first aide kit.And when utmost patience, he clean her wound with antiseptic and cover it with bandage. Pero kahit nataposna nitong gamutin ang sugat niya, hindi pa rin nito binitiwan ang kamay niya.Cadmus sighed heavily and looked at her. "Hindi ba sinabi ko na sayo? If you want to cut yourself, call me soI can talk you out of it?"Nanatili siyang nakahilig sa malamig na tile ng banyo. "W-why would—I, ahm—c-call you? I-I'm not used topeople. I have a-always been a-alone."www.ebook-converterBumuga ito ng malalim na hininga. "Just try. Call me. Okay?"Umiling siya. "N-no use. You'll never h-hear me. Mula ng bata pa ako, wala nang nakakarinig sapagmamakaawa ko. Even if I s-scream on the top of my lungs, no one would listen. I beg and b-beg a-and bbeg but n-nothing. N-no one came. No one."Berry wanted to shrink away from Cadmus when he raised his hand. Pero hindi sumayad ang kamay nito sapisngi niya. Nanatili iyong may distansiya sa kaniya."May I dry your tears?" He is asking for permission.Umiling siya."Please?" Nangungusap ang mga mata nito. "Ayoko nang nakakakita ng babaeng umiiyak, lalo na kung ikaw'yon.""B-because you think I'm your wife?"Wattpad Converter deNawalan ng imik si Cadmus pero nanatili itong matiim na nakatitig sa kaniya."Can you walk?" Kapagkuwan ay tanong ni Cadmus pagkatapos ng mahabang katahimikan.She nodded but didn't move a muscle."Can I carry you then?" He asked.P 8-4Berry shook her head as she shrunk away from Cadmus."Bubuhatin lang kita. Wala akong gagawing masama sayo." Anito.Umiling siya saka kusa siyang bumaba mula sa pagkakaupo sa lababo pero nang umapak ang paa niya sasahig, muntik na siyang mabuwal sa pagkakatayo kung hindi lang siya naalalayan kaagad ni Cadmus.Their closeness made her hard to breath. She can take him holding her hand but not like this... not this close.Her brain is alarming her of danger. It made her heart pumped like crazy in anxiety. She's having a panicattack as he carry her to her bed. She was gasping for air as tears fell harder from her eyes. Her body is coldand trembling. She's terrified but Cadmus manage to put her in her bed and cover her with duvet.Nang magkaroon ng distansiya ang katawan nila ni Cadmus, saka lang siya nakahinga ng maayos.And just like the other day, he silently sat on the floor, his back leaning on her bed and he stayed.Napatitig siya sa likod ng lalaki, tinatanong ang sarili kung bakit mabait ito sa kaniya. Dahil ba sa tingin nitosiya ang asawa nito?What does he want from her? Why is he being nice to me? She doesn't have anything to give to him.www.ebook-converterShe's already empty. Inside and out. Empty. Like a valueless vessel."Nagugutom ka ba?" Basag nito sa katahimikan."H-Hindi." Mahina ang boses na sagot niya."Inaantok ka?""H-Hindi masyado.""Masakit ba ang sugat mo?""Pain c-comforts me." She answered honestly. "I—I like pain.""Why?""It makes me sleep. And, ahm, b-because that's the only thing I can feel. And that's the only thing I know.Pain. Mula noon, hanggang ngayon. 'Yon lang."Wattpad Converter deUmikot paharap sa kaniya si Cadmus saka ipinatong ang mga braso sa gilid ng kama niya habang nakatitig sakaniya. "I don't mean to pry or offend you, but, have you tried seeking medical help?"Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kumot. "Ask for help? P-para ano? P-para pagpasa-pasahan n-nila ako hanggangsa ma-mental ako?" Umiling siya. "I-I already know what they're going to say. That I have a Majordepression and I should take some m-medication to make my life better. As if a piece of medicine can makeme forget everything."P 8-5Matiim siyang tinitigan ni Cadmus bago nagsalita. "I'm no Doctor but I disagree with them."That's a first. "B-bakit naman?"Cadmus took a deep breath. "You're not really depress, well not at first. You were first... broken ... I think.Broken from inside and out. And being broken comes depression and suicidal thoughts.""Its Depression. That's what the Doctor says." Aniya saka humugot ng malalim na hininga. She's starting tocalm down. The pain in her arm is doing its work of calming her. "But yeah, I'm broken as well."Cadmus nodded and stared at her for a minute before speaking softly. "I just want to say I'm sorry."She frowned. It's the first time she heard that from someone sounding so sincere. "F-for?""For shouting at you, for pushing you and ahm ... for everything."Berry didn't say a word. She just stared at his face.Cadmus took a deep breath. "If, you ahm, want to harm yourself again. Remember this ... Suicide is for theweak and you're strong. Very strong. I know you are. Because if you're not, you wouldn't be alive right now."Ilang segundo siyang natahimik bago sumagot. "I'm just lucky... that I'm still alive."www.ebook-converterUmiling si Cadmus. "No. You're strong, not lucky. Gustuhin mo mang tapusin ang buhay mo, I know, deepdown, you wanted to fight it. You wanted to live that's why you're still alive. Suicide is not the answer toevery problem in the world. No one should take their own life, because life is precious, life is a gift and you,you are blessed because you're alive. Ang daming tao na ginagawa ang lahat mabuhay lang."They would let Doctors cut them open so they could have a chance to live longer. And you, you're young,you may have suffered a great amount of cruelty but you can get through that. You can conquer your fear, youcan fight those demons and prevail. Would you let those monsters who made you like this win? Would youlet them see you weep and take your own life like what they wanted you to do? Because if you did, if you killyour self, they will be very happy that they destroyed you, completely."Death will not solve anything. Death will not make you feel okay. You want to get back at those monsters?You want revenge? Then stand up, pull your self together and live. That how you take your revenge. That'show you fight back."Sa unang pagkakataon, gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi niya. She smiled. Not because she's with an innocentchild but because she's with a man who make her feel good.Wattpad Converter de"Thank you." She whispered. "But ... I don't want to fight back. I just want to die."Cadmus tried to talk back but she closed her eyes and ears at him. Pero kahit ginawa niya 'yon, nanatili pa rinito sa kuwarto niya.He stayed with her and his presence somehow calms her. And that scared her. Men scares her but withCadmus, she's slowly adopting and her fear of him is slowly receding. Hindi siya puwedeng masanay sapresensiya nito. She's not his wife. She's not Snow's mother. She's not part of this family. She's an outsider, aP 8-6broken valueless vessel. She have to leave this house, soon.I can't stay here.A/N: I know that some of you is waiting for Andrius' updated. Sorry for not updating. This story drainsme, emotionally. I feel different writing this story but i hope that you'll like it and i hope that this storyinspires you to treasure your own life and for you to live well. Thank you for reading.VERY INSPIRATIONAL ?? isa sa pinaka the best na nabasa ko ??? lagi ko iniisip na yung mga tao na nagpapakamatay ay brave (don't hateme pls. this is just my opinion) kasi nakakaya nila na kunin buhay nila tapos di sila takot of leaving their friends and family. pls dont hate mewww.ebook-converterWattpad Converter deP 8-7CHAPTER 7194K 9.4K 1.9Kby CeCeLibA/N: The longest chapter i have written for Desiring her. 5,017 words. Hope you like it.CHAPTER 74 A.M. Only a couple of people are awake in the house. Cadmus is still asleep but Berry is fully awake. Athindi mahirap na makaalis sa bahay ni Cadmus lalo na't iilan palang ang gising at walang bantay sa gate. Itwas easy for her to climb the high gate, it wasn't the first time she escape from a huge house. But this is thefirst time she succeeded.She still remember how many times she escape her uncle's mansion. Ilang beses siyang sumubok at palagisiyang hindi nagtagumpay. And every-time she try to escape and she would get caught, her clothes will bestripped and her Uncle would beat her up with his belt for being a bad girl.A lone tear fell from her eyes. Kahit anong gawin niya, hindi niya matatakasan ang nakaraan niya. Kahitanong paglimot ang gawin niya, nakatatak na iyon sa kaluluwa niya.www.ebook-converterIlang segundo niyang tinitigan ang malaking bahay ni Cadmus. She's thankful to him. Hindi man ganun ka bigdeal ang mga ginawa nito sa kaniya pero nagpapasalamat pa rin siya. He made her felt good. At sa buhay namayroon siya, sobra-sobra na 'yon.Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga saka nag-umpisa nang maglakad palayo sa bahay ni Cadmus. Hindi alamni Berry kung ilang minuto o oras na siyang naglalakad. Tuloy-tuloy lang siya sa paghakbang, kahit pagod nasiya, kahit nangangalay na ang paa niya, kahit nahihilo na siya sa init ng araw, patuloy siyang naglakad.She walk, and walk, until she reached a long bridge. Napatigil siya sa gitna ng tulay at tumingin sa ibabaniyon.Water. It'll suffocate her. And it will kill her.Ipinikit niya ang mga mata. Wala siyang maisip na rason para hindi niya ituloy ang matagal na niyang balak.She's worthless...no purpose... walang silbi at walang halaga. There's no sense of living if she has no reasonto live.No reason. No purpose. No use. That's her. It's time to end this. To end everything.Wattpad Converter deBut Cadmus ... and Snow.Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo. No. Cadmus and Snow ... they're just people she met. She doesn't meananything to them. Ganun lang ang pakikitungo sa kaniya ng mga ito dahil akala ng mga ito siya si Cherry.But she's not Cherry. She's a different person. They might have the same face but they are not the same. She'sbroken and Cherry is not.P 9-1At that very moment, death is inviting. At kahit nanghihina at pagod, umakyat siya saka tumayo sa gilid ngtulay habang nakatingin sa tubig na nasa ibaba.This will kill her for sure. It's going to be the end of her. And she like it that way. No one will know, no onewill care. No one will save her. And she prefer it that way.Huminga siya ng malalim saka ipinikit ang mga mata. She savour the feeling of the wind, caressing her face,embracing her body... it's peaceful here. She likes it.A perfect place for someone like her.With a smile on her face, she lean down and let her body fall. And when her body hit the water and shesubmerged and she smiled.At last. She'll die now.CADMUS CAN'T FUCOS with his work. Mula nang malaman niyang wala na sa bahay niya si Berry, hindina siya mapakali. Ang daming senaryo na pumapasok sa isip niya.What if she hurt herself again? And she will. What if she get hurt? Who will care for her wound? What if shebleeds to death? What if she try to kill herself again? What if—www.ebook-converterNapasabunot siya sa sariling buhok saka padaskol na tumayo mula sa swivel chair saka hindi mapakalingnaglakad ng pabalik-balik habang nag-iisip.He shouldn't care. She's not his wife. She's someone he doesn't even know. He doesn't know her. Heshouldn't care. I shouldn't care.But... I promised her. He promised he won't hurt her. At kapag wala siyang ginawa, siguradong masasaktan siBerry. And she's been through too much already. Hindi man nito sinabi sa kaniya ang pinagdaanan nito, halatasa mga galaw ng dalaga na may hindi magandang nangyari sa buhay nito. He can see the pain in her eyes, hecan see how scared she is and how vulnerable she is.Suicide is not the answer, he told her that. Though it's easy to say but for a person like Berry, who had beenbroken and depressed for so long, words are never enough. Action is needed to make her see her worth as aperson again. She doesn't need another pain. What she need is understanding and care.And he can give that to her. He can care for her until she recovers. Yes. He can do that. I can.Wattpad Converter deCadmus took a deep breath before picking up his phone from his table to call his Private Investigator."Berry left my house this morning." Kaagad niyang sabi ng sagutin nito ang tawag. "Hanapin mo siya.Kailangan mo siyang makita ngayon—""Pero Mr. Valcarcel—""Find her. I don't care how. Just find her." Pinatay niya ang tawag saka lumabas ng opisina niya. "Nadia,cancel all my appointments."P 9-2"But Sir Cadmus, my meeting ka po sa Lacsamana Group of Companies and this is a big deal—""I don't care. Cancel it."Nagmamadali siyang sumakay sa elevator saka pinindot ang button para sa Basement kung nasaan angParking Lot. Nang makarating doon, sumakay siya ng kotse niya saka binuksan ang Map Application ngcellphone at tiningnan ang address ng mga Hospital sa lungsod.It's a very slim chance, and he's hoping that she's not in the Hospital, but he have to cover all his bases. Kungkailangan niyang isa-isahin lahat ng Hospital at suyurin ang buong lungsod, gagawin niya.Berry had been through too much already. He can't let her harm herself again. Kung kaya man lang niyangpigilan ito, gagawin niya.Inapakan niya ang selenyador at pinaharurot ang sasakyan patungo sa pinakamalapit na Hospital sa kaniya.He'll start there and then he'll move to the next Hospital and to the next until he finds her.Nine Hours later, still nothing. He couldn't find her in any Hospital and Clinics, until his P.I. Called him."You better have some good news." Aniya sa iritadong boses habang inaalis ang necktie. "What is it?"www.ebook-converter"I found her."Itinigil niya ang sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada at isinandal ang katawan sa likod ng driver's seat.Finally. He's relieve."Nasaan siya?""Nasa presinto."Humigpit ang hawak niya sa manibela, kinakain siya ng pag-aalala. "What is she doing there? Is she hurt?Something happened to her? What? Tell me!""Nasa presinto siya para kunin ang testimonya niya sa kasong Sexual Harassment."Umawang ang labi niya. "Give me the address."Kaagad na sinabi sa kaniya ng P.I. Niya ang address at kaagad naman niyang pinaharurot ang sasakyan niyapatungo sa presinto. Halos lumipad ang sasakyan niya sa bilis ng pagpapatakbo niya. Wala siyang pakialamkung madisgrasya siya, ang nasa isip lang niya ay si Berry at ang nangyari dito.Wattpad Converter deCadmus car tires screech when he hurriedly parked his car in front of the Police Station.Nagmamadali siyang lumabas ng sasakyan at halos tumakbo siya papasok sa presinto.His eyes instantly fell on Berry. She's wrapped in a thick blanket, she's pale, she looks scared and she'strembling.P 9-3Oh God...Kapagkuwan ay tumuon ang mga mata niya sa dalawang lalaking kaharap ni Berry. Halata ang pagnanasa samga mata ng mga 'to. And Berry...she looks so scared. She was looking down, tears in her eyes.She's frightened."You, bastards..." nagtatagis ang bagang at nanginginig sa galit na kumuyom ang kamao niya saka sinugod angdalawang lalaki.Malakas ang bawat suntok na kumawala sa kamao niya. He didn't give the chance for them to fight back. Hewas shaking in anger as he beat up the two men. He punch and punch the bastard's faces until the Police get ahold of him and stops him.Cadmus was huffing in anger when he heard a whimper of fear.He stilled and look behind him. His anger immediately receded when he saw that it was Berry."Oh..." humarap siya kay Berry saka ipinatong ang kamay sa balikat nito pero kaagad itong nagpumiglas atpilit na lumalayo sa kaniya.But he didn't let her.www.ebook-converterHe cup her face and force her to looked at him and he spoke softly. "It's okay... it's me. It's okay. Its me. It'sCadmus... sshhhh.""N-no... g-get a-away. N-no...""Shhhh... It's me. It's me. Cadmus... I'm not gonna hurt you. Shhh... Shhhh. Its me. Its me... Cadmus—Shhh...it's Cadmus. It's me."Finally, after a minute of whimpering and trying to get away from him, her eyes filled with tears looked athim and the spark of realisation in her eyes made him felt relieved."It's me... it's Cadmus." Aniya sa mahinang boses habang pinakatitigan ang mata ng dalaga. "Ako 'to. SiCadmus ... Shhh...""C-Cadmus?" Her voice was shaking and she looks so frightened. And his heart ached for her."Yes. It's me." Binitiwan niya ang pisngi nito saka hinawakan ang kamay nitong nakalabas sa kumot nanakapalibot dito. "It's okay. I'm here. I won't let them hurt you."Wattpad Converter deShe didn't say anything, her tears just keeps on rolling down to her cheeks. Her fear is still there, but he cantell, she'd calm down a little."Shhhh..." he rubbed his thumb on her wrist to calm her more. "Everything is gonna be okay. I'm here. I'mhere. I won't them hurt you."Iginiya niya pabalik sa pagkakaupo so Berry saka inayos ang pagkakapalibot ng kumot sa katawan nito bagoP 9-4humarap sa mga Pulis."What happened?"Napailing ang Pulis na ini-interview ang dalawang lalaki na pumutok ang mga labi dahil sa galit niya sakabumaling ito sa kaniya."May tumawag samin. May babae daw na binabastos ang dalawang 'to." Tinuro nito ang dalawang lalakilumilitaw na ang mga pasa na kagagawan niya. "Nang makarating kami sa lugar, nakita namin ang dalawang'to na pilit na hinahawakan si Ma'am. Wala na ho siyang damit, Sir. Mabuti nalang nagpahiram ng malapad nakumot yong pinakamalapit na bahay kaya 'yon na muna ang pinagamit namin sa kaniya. Ayaw ho kasingmagsalita ni ma'am eh, at ayaw niyang may lumalapit sa kaniya. Nang bigyan naman namin siya ng damit,hindi siya gumalaw para magbihis. Ayaw naman naming pilitin, Sir."At nang hulihin namin ang dalawang 'to, ang sabi ay baliw daw si Ma'am at pinagsisisipa sila kahit niligtasnila siya mula sa pagkalunod kasi tumalon daw sa tulay. Pero mahirap paniwalan ang dalawang 'to kayanaman kinukunan namin ng statement si Ma'am. Marami na rin kasi kaming na encounter, Sir, napinagsasamantalahan palagi ang mga babaeng katulad ni Ma'am na parang walang sa sarili.""Hindi siya baliw, Officer. At wala kayong lahat karapatan na tawagin niyang ganun at husgahan." Nagtatagisang bagang na bumaling siya sa dalawang lalaki na putok ang mga labi saka ibinalik ang tingin sa Pulis. "Wewill charge them both with Sexual Harassment and Battery. My Lawyers will be here later." Pagkasabi no'nay naglapag siya ng Business card sa ibabaw ng mesa ng Pulis. "You can contact me here if you needanything. I-uuwi ko na siya."www.ebook-converterAkmang aalalayan niya si Berry patayo ng pigilan siya ng Pulis."Teka lang ho, Sir, kaano-ano mo ho si Ma'am?"Ilang segundo siyang napatitig kay Berry bago sinagot ang Pulis at ipinakita ang wedding ring niya. "She's mywife, Officer. Now, can we go?"Tiningnan muna ng Pulis si Berry at nang hindi nito kinontra ang sinabi niya, tumango ang Pulis sa kaniya."Kokontakin ka nalang po namin kapag may kailangan pa kaming malaman."Tumango siya saka maingat na binuhat si Berry. Siniguro niyang hindi maaalis ang kumot na nakapalibot sakatawan nito. At nang maramdamang nanginginig ang katawan nito at bakas ang takot sa mukha dahil sapagkakalapit nila, malalaki at nagmamadali ang bawat hakbang niya patungo sa kotse niya.He immediately deposited Berry on the passenger seat to calm her down. But he didn't leave her side. He saton the edge of his car's floor, beside her bare feet and looked at her softly.Wattpad Converter de"Shhh... it's okay. I won't hurt you. Shhh... it's okay. It's okay. It's okay. Shhh... it's okay." He keep onwhispering 'it's okay' until her body relaxed a little."There...just calm down. Ako to, si Cadmus. Hindi kita sasaktan. Shhh..."Ilang beses na kumurap-kurap si Berry na para bang kababalik lang nito sa kasalukuyan saka napatingin sakaniya.P 9-5"C-Cadmus..."He continues staring at her softly. "Anong ginawa mo ng umalis ka sa bahay ko? Alam mo bang pinag-alalamo ako ng sobra?"She looked down. "N-none of your b-business."He sighed and looked at her intently. "I'm worried about you and that makes you my business."Umiling ang dalaga. "H-hayaan mo na ako. G-gusto ko nang m-mamatay. Pero bakit sa tuwing sinusubukankong tapusin ang buhay ko, may s-sumasagip sakin palagi? Bakit ba ang malas-malas ko?"His eyes softened as he looked at Berry. "Hindi ka malas. Someone is always there to save you because Godwants to save you. It's his way of saying that you still have things to do in the world of the living. God wantsyou to hold on, you may not see it now, but there's a reason why you're still alive.""A reason?" She scoffed. "To make me suffer more?""I'm here. I'll help you get through it."Umiling ang dalaga. "No one h-helped me before, why now when I don't n-need help anymore?"www.ebook-converter"You think you don't need help, but you do." Puno ng determinasyon ang boses niya. "And I will give it toyou, wether you like it or not." Pagsabi niya niyon ay inayos niya ang seatbelt nito saka umalis sa pagkakaupoat isinara ang pinto ng passenger's seat.Then, Cadmus quickly slid himself into the Driver's seat, turn the engine on and lock the doors. Kapagkuwanay binuksan niya ang maliit na ilaw sa loob ng sasakyan saka bumaling kay Berry.She's silent but her body is in a defensive mode. She's still wrapped with thick blanket and her hair looksdisheveled.Malakas siyang napabuntong-hininga itinaas ang kamay para sana suklayin ang buhok nito gamit ang mgadaliri niya, pero natigilan siya bago pa lumapat ang kamay niya sa buhok nito ng umurong ito ng upo palayosa kaniya.Napatitig siya sa dalaga saka napabuntong-hininga ulit. "Aayosin ko lang ang buhok mo. Puwede ko banggawin iyon?"It took her a minute to answer. "B-bakit?"Wattpad Converter de"You look like a mess."She blinked before nodding slightly. "O-okay. Just the hair."Lihim siyang napangiti sa pagpayag ni Berry. It only means one thing, she's starting to trust him. And that'swhat he need to help her. "I promise. Just the hair."Naramdaman niya ang paninigas ni Berry sa kinauupuan ng lumapat ang kamay niya sa buhok nito. Dahan-P 9-6dahan, iginalaw niya ang mga daliri para suklayin ang buhok nito.Maingat ang bawat galaw ng kamay niya. Masuyo ang bawat pagsuklay ng mga daliri niya sa buhok nito. Andto his surprise, her body started to relax as she leaned in on the back of the passenger seat and close her eyes.That made him smile. She likes it. She like what he's doing. That's a relief.Patuloy niyang sinuklay ang buhok ni Berry hanggang sa narinig niya ang malalim nitong paghinga.She fell asleep? Napangiti siya. That's good. She need to rest.Dahan-dahan niyang ibinaba ang kamay— ayaw niyang magising ito— saka maingat na minaobra niya angsasakyan paalis ng Parking lot. Nang nasa daan na sila, maingat pa rin ang pagmamaneho niya. Maingat nahindi magising si Berry.She must rest. She needed it.Hanggang sa makarating sila sa bahay niya, tulog pa rin si Berry. He's afraid that she'll wake up if he carriedher to her bed but staying in the car, asleep, is bad for her health. Kaya naman kahit ayaw niya baka magisingsi Berry, maingat niyang binuhat ang dalaga palabas ng sasakyan at ilang segundo munang nanatili sakinatatayuan para tingnan kung nagising ba ang dalaga.www.ebook-converterWhen Berry didn't woke up, Cadmus started walking towards the door to his house. Nang pagbuksan siya niManang Josie at akmang magsasalita ito ay sinenyasan niya itong huwag mag-ingay."She's asleep. Malinis ba ang kuwarto na katabi ng kuwarto ni Snow?" Pabulong niyang tanong.Kaagad na tumango si Manang Josie."Good. Samahan mo ako." He whispered at Manang Josie before walking towards the second floor.Kaagad namang sumunod si Manang Josie saka ito ang nagbukas ng pinto sa kuwarto na katabi ng silid nganak.Nang maihiga niya sa malambot at malapad na kama si Berry, kaagad niyang binuksan ang air-con ng kuwartoat kinumotan ang dalaga. Nang mapatingin siya kay Manang Josie, masama ang tingin nito sa kaniya."What?" Pabulong pa rin ang boses niya.Napailing ito saka pabulong na sumagot. "Lumambot na naman ang kalooban mo diyan sa asawa mo."Wattpad Converter de"Come on." Nangingiting iginiya niya palabas ng kuwarto si Manang Josie saka doon ito kinausap. "Manang,hindi ho siya si Cherry. Her names is Berry Lacsamana and my Private Investigator already confirmed heridentity. Hindi siya nagpapanggap na Berry. Ibang tao talaga siya."Umawang ang labi ng mayordoma, halatang hindi makapaniwala. "P-pero magkamukha sila...""Yes. They look alike. Pero magkaiba po sila. That's why I want you to treat her with respect from now on,Manang. Gusto kong mapanatag ang loob niya sa bahay na 'to. I want you to take good care of her when I'm atP 9-7the office. And if someone tried to harm her in anyway, call me immediately. Okay?"Mabilis na tumango ang mayordoma saka nag thumbs up pa. "Makakaasa ho kayo sakin Sir Cadmus.""Salamat." Aniya saka bumalik ulit sa loob ng kuwarto at pinagmasdan ang natutulog na dalaga.Hindi niya mapigilan ang mahinang matawa ng marinig niya ang mahinang paghilik ni Berry.Mahimbing na mahimbing ang tulog nito na ikinatuwa niya. Nitong mga nagdaang araw, mula ng malamanniyang hindi ito ang asawa niya, palagi niyang binabantayan ang pagtulog nito. At ito ang unang beses nanakita niyang mahimbing ang tulog nito.Huminga siya ng malalim saka humiga sa mahabang sofa na kaharap lang ng kama na kinahihigaan ni Berry.Pero may malaking distansiya iyon, sapat na para mapanatag ang kalooban nito kapag nagising ito at nakitasiya.Habang nakahiga sa sofa, nakaharap siya kay Berry at pinakatitigan ang maamo nitong mukha. She really looklike his wife, but now, he can tell the difference. Her features looked more sharper that Cherry's.Berry's nose is pointed and untouched by science and surgeons. Her cheeks looks smooth and soft. Hereyebrows are natural. Her eye colour is more vivid. And her lips... she have a chopped, heart shaped lipswith a prominent cupid's bow that he finds cute. And he never see a lips so inviting...www.ebook-converterMarahas niyang pinilig ang ulo saka ipinikit ang mga mata. He shouldn't think like that. Kahit baliktarin paniya ang mundo, may asawa pa rin siyang tao. And he would never disgrace Berry like that. But even if he'ssingle, Berry is not ready for any men including himself.Cadmus took a deep breath and forced himself to sleep.HINDI ALAM NI Cadmus kung ilang oras siyang nakatulog. Basta nang magising siya, madilim pa sa labasng bintana na gawa sa salamin. Tumingin siya sa relong pambisig.4:00 A.M.He blows a loud breath and when he looked at Berry, he stilled for a moment when she saw her staring athim."Hi." Aniya."H-hi." She replied.Wattpad Converter de"Kanina ka pa ba gising?" Tanong niya.Umiling ito. "N-nauuhaw ako."Mabilis siyang bumangon saka tumayo. "I'll go get you a water. Warm right?"She nodded. "W-warm."P 9-8"Okay."Lumabas siya ng kuwarto saka nagmamadaling tinungo ang kusina saka kumuha isang pitsel na tubig sakadalawang baso pagkatapos ay nagmamadali siyang bumalik sa kuwarto.When he entered the room, Berry was already sitting on the edge of the bed, the thick blanket is still wrappedaround her body."Here." Aniya saka nagsalin ng tubig sa baso at iniabot iyon dito saka ang isang baso naman ay inilapag niyasa center table ng sofa kasama ang pitsel. "Another glass?" Tanong niya ng maubos nito ang tubig sa baso.Umiling ang dalaga saka inilapag ang walang lamang baso sa bedside table. Siya naman ay bumalik samahabang sofa at umupo.Ilang minuto silang nabalot ng katahimikan bago niya iyon binasag. "Alam mo ba kung anong pinagdaanan kosa kakahanap sayo?"Berry looked down. "H-hindi mo na s-sana ako hinanap."Kumunot ang nuo niya. "And why is that?""B-because I'm not your w-wife."www.ebook-converter"Yeah, so?" Mas lalong lumalim ang gatla sa nuo niya. "I know that already."Namimilog ang matang bumalik sa kaniya ang tingin ni Berry, bakas ang pagtataka at kaguluhan. "Naniniwalaka na na h-hindi ako ang a-asawa mo?"He nodded and sighed softly. "Yeah. I believe you." He looked deep into her eyes. "And I'm sorry formistaking you as my wife. If I had known and if I hadn't let my anger get the better of me, I wouldn't havetreated you so harshly—""S-since when?" She pressed her dry lips together. "K-kailan mo pa n-nalaman?""A week ago."Her lips parted. "T-then, w-why are you nice to me? H-hindi ako ang a-asawa mo...""Yes you're not Cherry and I like that you're not... her.""Then w-why are you so n-nice to me?" Berry asked again. Para bang hindi ito makapaniwala sa pagtratoniya rito.Wattpad Converter de"Why can't I be nice to you?" Balik niyang tanong saka nagsalin ng tubig sa baso niya. "Is there a law thatsays don't be nice to Berry?""Y-you even know my name..." she whispered, stunned, then she looked down again. "A-akala ko mabait kas-sakin kasi akala mo ako ang asawa mo."P 9-9"Then you're mistaken."Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kaniya. "M-may I ask what did she do to you... y-you're—wife... g-galit na galit kan-nuong una tayong n-nagkita."Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. It's only fair to tell her the reason of his anger."Ahm, my wife... she's not a good person." Panimula niya. "Ilang beses na niya akong niloko at pinalalampasko 'yon palagi. She wants money, I gave it to her. She cheated on me with another man, I gave her a chance tomake it up to me."I always gave her a chance, even when she fake medical condition after she stole some classified documentsin may safe, when I found out, I still forgive her. But Cherry, my wife, she ahm, crossed the line when shehurt Snow. I won't let her hurt my little princess again. She can hurt me, but not my daughter. I won't let her.That's why I was so mad when we first met. Some people would call me a sucker for always giving Cherry achance, but, ahm, I'm doing it for my daughter."Ayokong lumaki si Snow na walang ina pero nasagad na ni Cherry ang pasensiya ko. Wala na akongpakialam kung mawalan ng ina ang anak ko. I know how hard it can be to grow up without a mother, butCherry is not a mother material. She's selfish and she hurt Snow. I can never forgive her with what she did tomy daughter."www.ebook-converterIlang segundong natahimik si Berry bago nagtanong ulit sa mahina at malumanay na boses. "Y-you said yougrow up without a m-mother. W-where is she?"Kumuyom ang kamao niya ng maalala ang nangyari sa ina niya. "She killed herself in front of me when I waseight years old."His jaw tightened as he looked away. He never speak about his mother. Never. So why did he answerBerry's question? He didn't even told Cherry about it. He didn't told anyone about it."Your mother k-killed herself?"Mas lalong humigpit ang pagkakakuyom ng kamao niya saka nagtatagis ang bagang na sumagot. "Nangmamatay si Mommy, nilunod ni Daddy ang sarili niya sa alak. Hindi niya matanggap na nagpakamatay siMommy dahil sa pambababae niya. And when he's drunk, he would beat me up, blaming me and saying it'smy fault that she died because I was there and I didn't stopped her. Bruises after bruises. Every time I try torunaway from home, he would look for me and when he finds me, well, another bruises well replaced thehealing ones. But I survived all that. I get through that hellish part of my life because I fought to live.Wattpad Converter de"Nangako ako sa sarili ko na hindi ko gagayahin si Mommy. Nangako ako sa sarili ko na magiging malakasako, na hindi ko tatakbuhan ang problema ko, na haharapin ko ang hirap ng buhay, na kahit gaano pa kalakasang tukso na tapusin ko nalang ang buhay ko para matapos na ang paghihirap ko, hindi ko gagawin. That'swhy I'm worried of you, Berry."He looked at her, deeply. "We may not have the same experience, but I can feel your pain, your hopelessnessand the feeling of being worthless because I'd been there and I saw it in my mother's eyes before she took herown life. And I don't want you to end up like my mother, Berry. Killing yourself is never an option."P 9-10She looked down. "Unlike your m-mother, no one will c-care if I die.""Ano naman ang tingin mo sakin? Do you think I won't grieve if you die?""You don't even k-know me." Berry whispered."That's true. Kaunti lang ang alam ko sayo, pero nasisiguro kong mas kilala kita keysa sa mga taong matagalmong nakasama. And unlike them, i'm always worried of you."Kinagat nito ang pang-ibabang labi. "Y-you always say that... that you are worried of m-me. W-why is that?""Hindi ko alam." Nagkibit balikat siya saka huminga ng malalim. "Palagi akong nag-aalala sayo. I can't evenfocus on my work yesterday morning because I keep on thinking about you. What if she hurt herself again?What if no one noticed? What if she bleeds out? What if—lots of what if's, Berry. Pinag-aalala mo akopalagi."HINDI MAPIGILAN ni Berry na mapatitig kay Cadmus dahil sa mga pinagsasasabi nito na hindi siya sanayna marinig sa ibang tao. "W-why do you care?" Ulit niyang tanong. "Y-you don't even k-know me that much.""Sure I do." He sounds so sure. "Sa umaga, kapag nag-aagahan tayo, mas gusto mo ng kape kesa kape na maykrema. Between corn-beef, bacon and hotdog, you prefer hotdog. And you like it better if the egg is cookedboiled. You hate scrambled egg and you like warm water. You have an amazing voice and when you sleep,you prefer sleeping in the left side of the bed. Do you want me to continue?"www.ebook-converterUmiling siya saka tumiim ang titig sa lalaki. Was he observing her these past dew days? How did he knowall that? Sa lahat ng taong nakasama niya mula ng bata pa siya, walang sino man ang nagsabi ng mga sinabi niCadmus ngayon. They don't care of what she likes, they only care about their themselves.But Cadmus ... he noticed what she like and what she dislike.And she felt happy. Finally. Someone noticed her. Kaya naisip niya na wala siyang halaga kasi wala namangmay pakialam sa kaniya. But Cadmus noticed those little things that she likes, does that make her worth it? OrI'm... "still worthless...""Berry, you're nice, kind and genuinely fond of my daughter." Ani Cadmus. "And to me, that's what makes youworth it."Umiling siya, hindi naniniwala sa sinasabi ni Cadmus. "Why do you keep saying I'm w-worth it when I'mreally worthless?"Wattpad Converter de"Don't say that." Kontra nito. "You're not worthless. You are far from being worthless—""B-but I am.""Not to me."She was about to say something to contradict him when a random thought suddenly crossed her mind.Napatitig siya sa mukha ni Cadmus habang umiinom ito ng tubig sa baso. While staring intently at him, sheP 9-11noticed something."You know what, y-you're really handsome, Cadmus."Napaurong siya sa kama ng maibuga ni Cadmus ang iniinom nitong tubig saka parang hindi makahingangumubo ito ng maraming beses habang habol ang sariling hininga."A-ayos ka lang?" Tanong niya."Don't. Say. That. Again..." he was catching his own breath, "...specially when I'm drinking. It's not safe."She frowned. "W-wala naman akong s-sinabi na masama."Cadmus looked at her and shook his head. "Yeah, right. Thank you by the way and ahm," he looked at her,"you're pretty too."Hindi siya umimik saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga habang nililinis ni Cadmus ang tubig sa sahig gamit ang footrug ng kuwarto. Sa unang pagkakataon, hindi niya alam kung anong nararamdaman niya.She was used to feeling nothing. Her existence is void ... blank. Only pain can calm her.But in the precinct, she was having an anxiety attack but when she saw Cadmus, slowly, she felt a littlebetter. She felt calm and not terrified of those two men...because Cadmus was there and her mind is tellingher that he will be with her, just like those nights he stayed in her room until she fell asleep.www.ebook-converterShe hate men. Pero si Cadmus ... hindi galit ang nararamdaman niya rito. Pero hindi din niya alam ang tawagsa nararamdaman niya kapag malapit lang ito.Is this what they call ... trust? Do I trust him not to hurt me?I don't know. I'm not sure. I'm scared."Gusto mong matulog ulit?" Tanong ni Cadmus na pumutol sa pag-iisip niya.Tapos na nitong tuyuin ang tubig sa sahig.Walang imik siyang tumango."Can I stay?" Tinuro nito ang sofa. "Doon lang ako. I promise. I won't touch you."Do I want him to stay? Ipinikit niya ang mga mata saka tumango. "Okay."Wattpad Converter deDahil nakapikit na ang mga mata ni Berry, hindi na nito nakita ang pagguhit ng ngiti sa mga labi ni Cadmushabang malamlam ang matang nakatitig sa dalaga.Ewan ko bakit ako natatawa tangina!?????????? HAKHAKP 9-12CHAPTER 8188K 8.8K 1.5Kby CeCeLibCHAPTER 8"MOMMY, MALAPIT NA po ang family day namin." Masayang kuwento ni Snow habang nag-aagahan sila."Diba po sasama ka? Para one big happy family tayo kasama si Daddy? Diba mommy? Diba?"Napatingin si Berry kay Cadmus, humihingi siya ng saklolo kasi hindi niya alam ang isasagot kay Snow."Mommy, you're coming right?" Snow's voice saddened. "Last year, hindi ka rin pumunta kasi sabi mo masmay importante ka pang gagawin."Nakaramdam siya ng awa kay Snow. "Ahm," she keep glancing at Cadmus but he just shrugged and smiled ather, "ahm, baby, kasi, ahm, ano eh..."Nagbaba ng tingin si Snow, bakas ang lungkot sa mukha.Napabuntong-hininga siya saka nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "Sige. S-sasama ako."www.ebook-converterSnow's face instantly light up. "Promise na promise, Mommy?"She smiled. "Promise na promise.""Yes! Thank you, mommy!"Bigla itong tumayo sa kinauupuan saka mahigpit na niyakap siya at pinupog ng halik ang mukha niya.Berry chuckled and hug Snow back. Ilang segundo silang nagyakapan bago ito kumawala sa yakap niya atnagtatalon sa tuwa.Kaagad namang binuhat ni Cadmus si Snow saka inilapag ito sa sahig naka mahulog ito sa upuan. "Finishyour milk then you go to School, okay? Hinihintay ka na ni Clara sa salas."Masayang tumango si Snow saka mabilis na inubos ang gatas saka nag flying kiss sa kaniya bago ito umalis.Napangiti siya. Snow is such a sweet little angel. Hindi niya lubos maisip kung bakit hindi umatend si Cherrysa Family day. Tiyak na masaya 'yon lalo na't masaya si Snow.Wattpad Converter de"Can you really do it?" Cadmus asked. "A-attend ka sa Family Day? Maraming tao doon at marami ringlalaki. Will you be okay?"Now she regret saying yes to Snow because of what Cadmus said.Niyakap niya ang sarili saka nagbaba ng tingin. "M-maybe I should tell Snow that I can't make it...""You promised her." Paalala sa kaniya ni Cadmus.P 10-1"I, ahm, k-know but..." naiisip palang niya na maraming lalaki do'n na hindi niya kilala, nanginginig na siyasa takot, "y-you know I can't.""I know..." inilapag nito sa pinggan ang hawak na kutsara at tinidor saka tumingin sa kaniya. "But I can helpyou with that. May dalawang linggo pa tayo bago ang Family day. Hindi maalis ng tuluyan ang takot mo perosa tingin ko, matutulungan kitang labanan yo'n.""H-how?" Kumuyom ang kamao niya. "I want to be t-there for Snow, but I don't know h-how, Cadmus. Alammo naman ang nangyayari sakin kapag—" hindi niya maituloy ang sasabihin kasi nararamdaman niyanginaataki siya ng anxiety. "—I'm sorry... I have to go. S-sorry."But Cadmus didn't let her leave. Ni hindi nga siya nito hinayaang makatayo. Lumuhod ito sa harapan niyasaka hinawakan ang kamay niya."Shh...it's okay. I'm here. You're in my house. Walang mananakit sayo dito. It's okay...it's okay..."Cadmus keep whispering 'it's okay' while he rub his thumb on her wrist, making a circular motion.And slowly, her body relaxed. Her anxiety attack slowly receded.Ilang beses siyang huminga ng malalim hanggang sa umayos ang pakiramdam niya at bahagyan siyangkumalma.www.ebook-converter"There you go..." he smiled at her, "feeling okay?"Reluctantly, she nodded. "H-how can you do that?""Do what?" He inquired as he continue holding her hand while kneeling on the floor beside her."M-make me calm down...""Oh. That?" Lumapad ang ngiti nito. "I don't know. Maybe because you trust me not to hurt you?"She stared at Cadmus. Tama ang sinabi nito. She trust him not to hurt her. She trust Cadmus and she couldn'tbelieve it. Siya? Nagtitiwala sa lalaki?"But I hate men." Aniya."Do you hate me?"Mas tumiim ang titig niya kay Cadmus bago nagsalita. "N-no."Wattpad Converter de"Then there's your answer." He smiled and get up, still holding her hand. "So, ahm, payag ka nang tulungankita? Hindi basta-basta mawawala ang takot at galit mo sa kalahi ko, pero paunti-unti, sa tingin ko,matutulungan kitang labanan 'yon. Yon ay kung okay lang sayo?"She's skeptical. "P-paano?"Cadmus grinned. "We'll go shopping."P 10-2Her eyes widen. "N-no. Too many p-people—""Shh... I know. Hindi naman ngayon kaagad. For now, let's go to the rooftop. You'll like it there. Nagpagawaako ng maliit ng hardin at kubo, sa tingin ko magugustuhan mo 'yon."Alam ni Berry na hindi magiging basta-basta madali ang sinasabi ni Cadmus na paglaban sa takot niya. Thiscan make her anxiety attack severe. And if she failed, this could worsen her fear and she will suffer moregreatly than before. Pero ayaw niyang makita ang malungkot na mukha ni Snow.She looked at Cadmus. "You'll be there? H-hindi ka a-aalis? Hindi mo ako iiwan?"Ilang segundong napatitig sa kaniya si Cadmus bago tumango. "I'll be with you. Every step of the way."Kinuyom niya ang kamao. Natatakot siya. But Cadmus is right, she promised Snow. And she doesn't want todisappoint her. She already experience being disappointed first hand, she doesn't want Snow to feel that.Ever.She wants Snow to be happy. Hindi man siya naging masaya sa kabataan niya, ayaw niyang maranasan iyonni Snow. She's a cute innocent little angel and she deserves to be happy."O-okay." Huminga siya ng malalim saka tumango. "Okay. S-susubukan ko."www.ebook-converterNakangiting pinagsiklop ni Cadmus ang kamay nilang dalawa saka iginiya siya palabas ng kusina. Atnagpaubaya naman siya.Habang masuyo siyang hinihila ni Cadmus patungo sa rooftop, hindi niya mapigilan ang mapatitig samagkasiklop nilang kamay.His hand intertwined with hers feels good. Somehow, it made her feel safe. And it confuses her. Men makeher afraid and nervous, but Cadmus, he's different. He can make her feel good and he can calm her down.Why is that?"Nandito na tayo." Anunsiyo ni Cadmus na nagpabalik sa kaniya sa kasalukuyan.Ilang beses siyang napakurap saka ipinalibot ang tingin sa paligid.Flowers. A lot of flowers.It's a small garden with a canopy.Wattpad Converter deNapangiti siya saka bumitaw sa pagkakahawak ni Cadmus at nakangiting nilapitan ang naggagandahangbulaklak.Hinaplos niya ang kulay pulang rosas habang nakatitig doon. "It's very pretty.""Like you?"She stilled and looked at Cadmus. "Am i? Pretty, I mean?"P 10-3Tumango ang kaharap. "Very."Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa mga bulaklak habang hinahaplos ang mga 'yon, "baka naalala mo lang ang asawamo sakin.""I doubt that." Ginaya ni Cadmus ang ginagawa niyang paghaplos sa mga bulaklak. "Cherry is different fromyou."Napatigil siya sa paghaplos sa bulaklak sa sinabi ni Cadmus. For some reason, something in her chest felt afang of pain."What is that?" Pabulong niyang tanong tanong sa sarili."What?"Mabilis siyang umiling saka humarap kay Cadmus. "W-what now?""Now, we ahm," uncertainty in his eyes, "ahm, don't hesitate to tell me if what we're about to do makes youvery afraid, okay?"Now she's afraid. Unconsciously, she step back.www.ebook-converter"Berry..." he offered his hand at her, "its okay. I won't hurt you. It's okay."Tumigil siya sa paghakbang paatras saka tinitigan ang kamay ni Cadmus. Slowly, she raised her hands toaccept his."There..." he smiled and took a step closer to her. "Is this distance okay? Do I make you uncomfortable?"Umiling siya."Good. Now... I'll touch you."Takot siyang napaatras pero pinigilan siya ni Cadmus. "Berry...it's okay. It's okay. Shhh..."Her eyes watered. "I-I'm scared.""I know. I know. But its okay. It's me. I won't hurt you." His hand move to hold her wrist. "Is this okay?"Pinakiramdaman niya ang sarili bago tumango.Wattpad Converter de"That's good. How about if I hold you here?" His hand moved to hold her arm.Napaigtad siya ng lumapat ang kamay nito sa bisig niya pero nagawa niyang pakalmahin ang sarili. It'sCadmus. He's nice. He won't hurt me. He won't hurt me."Okay..." he whispered, "I will move my hands now."Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata habang hinihintay ang paghawak ng kamay nito sa ibang parte ngP 10-4katawan niya at nang maramdamang lumapat ang kamay nito sa braso niya, napatalon siya at kaagad naniyakap ang sarili ng mag-umpisa siyang manginig sa takot."It's okay... Sshhhh. It's okay. It's okay. It's me. It's okay..."Nang umakyat ang kamay ni Cadmus sa balikat niya, tumutulo na ang luha mula sa mga mata niya habangnanginginig ang buong katawan sa takot pero pilit niya iyong nilalabanan para kay Snow, para maging masayaito."It's okay...it's me. Hindi kita sasaktan. Hindi kita sasaktan. Shhh..."His hold dropped to her hand as she trembled in fear."Shhh... it's okay. It's okay, Berry. Open your eyes. It's me. It's me, Berry. Shhh. It's Cad. Shhh..."Nabawasan ang panginginig ng katawan niya ng maramdaman ang kamay ni Cadmus na hawak ang kamayniya. Slowly, her breathing becomes even and her teary eyes slowly parted open.Berry felt like her breath was robbed when she saw how close she is and Cadmus.Only inch apart.www.ebook-converterShe nearly jumped out of her skin as she took a couple of step back. And thankfully, Cadmus didn't move. Hejust looked at her and offered his hand at her again.She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I c-can't do it...""It's okay... I understand." Dahan-dahan itong lumapit sa kaniya saka masuyong hinaplos ang pisngi niya paratuyuin ang mga luha niya. Kapagkuwan ay ngumiti ito. "I'm glad you can tolerate my hand on your face."She nodded. "S-slightly."Napatango-tango ito saka bumaling sa gilid ng rooftop kung saan may maliit na bahay-kubo. Simple langiyon. May duyah, sofa at mesa."Duyan..." napangiti siya saka tumakbo palapit sa kubo at kaagad na siyang-siya na sumakay sa duyan naparang bata.Berry was chuckling with herself when she glanced at Cadmus and saw him staring intently at her.She doesn't know the reason, maybe it's the hammock that she missed so much from her childhood, or maybeit's the soft sun kissing her skin earlier, or maybe its the cold morning air blowing her hair softly, butwhatever reason she have, the smile she gave at Cadmus was genuine and unafraid.Wattpad Converter deAnd it's new to her. It's rare for her. And her eyes watered again.Marunong pa rin pala akong ngumiti ng masaya kahit hindi inosenteng bata ang kasama ko.Tinuyo niya ang mga luha ng makitang naglalakad palapit sa bahay-kubo si Cadmus.P 10-5"You like it?" He asked as he sat on the sofa.Tumango siya saka natutuwang humiga sa duyan. Nasa bahagi ng paanan niya ang sofa na kinauupuan niCadmus at sinadya niya talaga iyon. Gusto niyang nakikita si Cadmus."Wala ka bang gagawin ngayon?" Tanong niya sa lalaki.He leaned on the back of the sofa as he take off his necktie. "Work. But ahm, I cancelled all my appointmentstoday."Kumunot ang nuo niya. "B-bakit naman?""Because I want to be with you so I can talk more sense into you. Baka kapag pumasok ako sa opisina,maghanap ka na naman ng kutsilyo at saktan mo na naman ang sarili mo."Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "S-sorry if I'm such a burden to you." She curled her toes, "s-siguro, you won't feelburden if it's Cherry, your wife. Sabi mo pa nga kanina, Cherry is different from me which I agree. I, ahm, Imean, she's not pathetic like me.""Berry..." Cadmus exhale loudly before looking at her, "hindi 'yon ang ibig kong sabihin ng sabihin ko 'yon.Yes, you're different from Cherry. But I didn't mean it like that."www.ebook-converter"T-then what do you mean?""I like you more."Nagsalubong ang kilay niya. "P-pero asawa mo siya diba? B-bakit mo siya pinakasalan kung ayaw mo namanpala sa kaniya?"Mahinang natawa si Cadmus habang nakatitig sa kaniya. "Well, it's a long story. But to make it short, ourmarriage fell apart when she cheated on me.""Oh." Umayos siya ng higa saka napatitig sa bubong ng kubo na gawa sa nipa. "I-I'm sorry to hear that."Cadmus sighed. "It's okay. Anyways, how about you? What do you do with your life before you, ahm, becamelike this, afraid of people?"Ipinikit niya ang mga mata saka malungkot na ngumiti. "Nothing. I'm already like this since I was five yearsold. I tried fighting it," tears fell from her eyes, "even when its so hard to fight it, to fight my f-fear, I still did.I thought to myself, I can do this. Kaya nag-aral ako kahit ayaw ni Dad. Kahit takot na takot ako, pinilit ko angsarili ko na mag-aral. Hatid-sundo ako. Bawal lumabas ng bahay kung hindi man lang sa paaralan pupunta. Ithought that, maybe, in s-school, I will met someone who would care, you—you know.Wattpad Converter de"And, I , ahm..." tumikhim siya para alisin ang bara sa lalamunan niya dahil sa impit na pag-iyak. "One day, Iwas in sixth grade, and ahm, I went to school with b-bruises. And ahm, the Guidance Counselor, s-saw meand she keep asking what happened to me, where my b-bruises came from, and I thought, f-finally, s-someonenoticed me.She sobbed, "I—I told her e-everything. E-Every pain. E-Every suffering. And I really thought she c-cared.P 10-6S-she told me that s-she'll help and I believed her even though I don't really k-know her. And then she went tomy house to talk to my father and I—I, ahm, I was so scared. Pero hindi, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi dapatako matakot kasi sa wakas may tutulong na sakin. T-That night, Dad was so mad at me. He b-beat me up untilI can't walk anymore and... and— a-and t-then..." she sobbed and whimper, "and then, t-the next morning, theGuidance Counselor was no where to be found. S-She left... she left m-me hanging. And a week after that, myf-father was so d-drunk and he was beating me... up and he was s-saying about that counselor w-whom hepaid with a l-large sum of money to k-keep her mouth shut.Napahagulhol siya. "M-Mas masakit pa ang nalaman ko keysa sa bawat pagtama ng sinturon ni Dad sa kkatawan ko. Iyon ang unang beses na nagtiwala ako, but, n-nothing. N-nothing happened. S-she betrayed me.And i—I'm s-scared that you'll—" her eyes full of tears, sobbing, as looked at Cadmus, "—b-betray me too."Niyakap ni Berry ang sarili habang malakas na humahagulhol. Telling part of her story, saying it out loudbring back painful memories, so painful that it made her felt numb. It made her felt so alone, lonely andscared.Until a hand hold hers firmly, like the owner of the hand doesn't want to let her go.At nang tingnan niya kung sino 'yon, bahagyan siyang kumalma at napanatag.It's Cadmus. He's kneeling on the floor, beside the hammock.www.ebook-converterAnd his eyes watering as he looked at her. "I won't betray you, Berry." He tried to smile even with his tearyeyes, "I won't. I swear on my daughter's life, I won't. I won't do that to you. I promise. I won't." Lumapat angkamay nito sa pisngi niya saka tinuyo ang mga luha niya. "Huwag ka nang umiyak. Hindi kita pababayaan.Trust me. I won't hurt you nor abandon you or betray you."Sumisinghot-singhot siya saka mahinang tumango.Sana nga totoo ang sinabi ni Cadmus. Giving her trust to someone is not easy for her. Kakabit ng tiwala na'yon ang buhay, kaluluwa at puso niya. At ito na ang panghuling beses na magtitiwala siya, na susubukanniyang lumaban kahit hindi na niya kaya. And if this failed, if Cadmus hurt and betray her, it's literally goingto be the death of her.BERRY IS VERY fragile. Alam na iyon ni Cadmus nuong una pero mas naiintindihan na niya ngayon kunggaano karupok ang damdamin nito.Wattpad Converter deWhat she told him was just a part of her childhood and he felt his heart broke for her.Huminga siya ng malalim saka tinitigan ang papeles na iniwan ni Cherry na nasa ibabaw pa rin ng mesa sakuwarto niya at hindi pa ginagalaw.Kinuha niya ang sign pen na nasa gilid ng mesa saka pinermahan ang mga dapat niyang permahan sa papelesna iniwan ni Cherry. Pagkatapos ay tinawagan niya ang abogado niya na matalik din niyang kaibigan.P 10-7"Yes, Cadmus, what can I do for you?"Tiningnan niya ang papeles na hawak saka huminga ng malalim. "I want you to do something for me, Axl.And I want a positive result in a week.""I'll see what I can do.""Good. Puwede bang dumaan ka nalang dito sa bahay, hindi ako puwedeng lumabas eh.""Okay. I'll be there in an hour.""Thank you." Aniya saka nagpaalam na at inilagay sa envelop ang mga papeles na hawak at dinala iyon sapribado niyang opisina sa ikalawang palapag ng bahay.While going to his office, he passed by Berry's room. Alam niyang wala doon ang dalaga dahil naririnig niyaang boses nito sa loob ng kuwarto ni Snow.They're laughing and telling lame jokes to each other and he can't help but to chuckled and shook his head. Henever heard Snow laugh happily until she met Berry.His daughter's happiness is his happiness.www.ebook-converterNangingiting tumuloy siya sa paglalakad patungo sa pribado niyang opisina saka doon hinintay si Axl.These papers in his hand, he wants to get this over with. He wants it to be done as soon as possible.Habang naghihintay kay Axl, nagpakuha siya ng maiinom kay Manang Josie.Hindi naman siya naghintay ng matagal kay Axl. Dumating ito ng mas maaga pa sa sinabi nitong oras atkaagad na dumeretso sa pribado niyang opisina.Tumaas ang kilay nito ng iabot niya rito ang pinakuha niyang inumin kay Manang Josie."Ilang taon mo na akong abogado at mula pa College ay magkaibigan na tayo pero nagugulat pa rin ako kapagpinapainom mo ako ng soda sa halip na alak." Anito na naiiling.He chuckled. "You know why I don't like liquor.""I know. I know." Umupo ito sa visitor's chair saka tinanggap ang inabot niyang envelop. "Is this it?"Tumango siya.Wattpad Converter deKaagad nitong tinignan ang laman ng envelop saka inisa-isa ang papeles at tumango-tango. "Perfect. I'll callnext week with positive result.""Thanks.""No thanks necessary, man, you pay good." Biro nito saka dala-dala ang soda na nagpaalam. "Hindi na akomagtatagal. Marami pa akong gagawin."P 10-8Tumango siya. "Okay. Safe driving."Nang makalabas si Axl, lumabas din siya sa opisina niya saka nagtungo sa hardin para mamili ng magandangbulaklak.A red rose caught his eyes.Napangiti siya ng makuha ang rosas. At habang naglalakad papasok ng kabahayan, tinatanggal niya ang tinikniyon.Nang makarating sa kuwarto ni Berry, alam niyang wala pa doon ang dalaga kaya naman kaagad siyangpumasok saka inilapag sa ibabaw ng kama nito ang rosas na kinuha niya sa hardin.Nangingiting naiiling na lumabas siya ng kuwarto ni Berry.I hope she likes it. He thought as went to his private office to work.AYiii ndddvlop kana Cadmus hihi Windang aq????www.ebook-converterWattpad Converter deP 10-9CHAPTER 9189K 9.3K 3.2Kby CeCeLibCHAPTER 9PAGKATAPOS NG MEETING ni Cadmus, kaagad niyang tiningnan ang relong pambisig. It's 3:30 P.M.Pumasok siya sa opisina para kunin ang cellphone na iniwan niya do'n saka lumabas kaagad."Sir Cadmus." Humarang sa daraanan niya si Nadia. "May available na table sa paborito niyong Restaurant,gusto niyo ho bang ipa-reserve ko na?"Kumunot ang nuo niya. "Bakit? Alam mong hindi ako kumakain ng mag-isa."Ngumiti si Nadia, "sasamahan naman kita, Sir Cadmus.""No, thanks." Aniya saka nilampasan ang sekretarya, "sa bahay na ako kakain."Sumakay siya sa elevator at nagpahatid sa basement. Pagkatapos ay sumakay sa kotse niya at mabilis nanagmaneho patungo sa bahay niya.www.ebook-converterWhen he arrived at his house, he immediately look for Berry and found her in the rooftop. Nasa kubo ito atnakahiga sa duyan habang mahina ang boses na kumakanta."Hey." Kuha niya sa atensiyon ng dalaga na kaagad namang bumaling sa kaniya. "Did you have a good day?""Cadmus..." bumangon ito mula sa pagkakahiga sa duyan saka paharap na umupo doon. "I-ikaw. Kumusta?""Boring day. Hectic. You?"Tumango-tango ito saka sinagot ang tanong niya. "I, ahm, I had an anxiety attack when I woke up." Kinagatnito ang pang-ibabang labi. "But, I'm s-still breathing and—" pinakita nito sa kaniya ang pulsohan, "—nocut."Cadmus can see sadness in Berry's eyes. Nagsisi tuloy siya. Sana pala hindi na siya pumasok sa trabaho.Kaya ayaw niyang iwan ang dalaga dahil alam niyang mangyayari ito. Laking pasasalamat niya na hindi nanaman ito naglaslas."Berry—"Wattpad Converter de"Ang t-totoo niyan, k-kanina pa kita hinihintay." Umalis ito sa duyan saka sa unang pagkakataon, inilahad nitoang kamay sa kaniya. "G-gawin ulit natin yong ginawa natin kahapon. T-touch me again."Napatitig siya sa dalaga, kunot ang nuo "Berry, huwag mong pilitin ang sarili mo."Umiling ang dalaga. "No. I'm not. I'm doing this for Snow.""Okay..." He loosened up his necktie and then held Berry's hand. "Sigurado ka ba dito?"P 11-1Tumango si Berry saka ipinikit ang mga mata. "H-handa na ako."Hinintay niyang lumapat ang kamay ni Cadmus sa bisig niya.She was anticipating his touch and when he did, she jump a little but his touch is bearable.Then his hand moved to her shoulder.Berry immediately tensed up, her body started shaking in fear. Pero pinilit niyang labanan 'yon. Mariingnakapikit ang mga mata habang nag-uumpisa siyang maluha pero pinilit niyang kinaya ang takot nanararamdaman.Her lips quiver as Cadmus hands moved to her neck. She was having an anxiety attack and she was losingher breath but she kept on pushing herself to her limit.For Snow. This is for Snow.Pilit niyang pinipilit ang sarili na kayanin ang nararamdamang takot pero naramdaman niya ang pagbana niCadmus sa kamay nito.Berry open her teary eyes and she came face to face with Cadmus.www.ebook-converterShe was trembling and whimpering in fear, tears rolled down to her cheeks and she was silently sobbing."I'm here, Berry. Everything is okay." Wika ni Cadmus sa malumanay na boses habang tinituyo ang luha sapisngi niya. "Ayos lang ang lahat. Tahan na. Hindi kita sasaktan. I'm here. Everything is going to be okay."Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata saka tumango at kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi hanggang sa malasahanniya ang dugo sa bibig niya."Berry..." She felt Cadmus hand cupped her face and then his thumb caress her bleeding lower lip.Takot na umatras si Berry palayo kay Cadmus at hindi niya namalayang nasa gilid na pala siya ng rooftop.Tumama ang hita niya sa baluster ng rooftop at bigla siyang na out balance.Berry was sure that she will fall when Cadmus reached for her, grabbed her hand and pulled her towardshim. May puwersang tumama ang katawan niya sa katawan ni Cadmus at nanigas siya na kinatatayuan ngmaramdaman ang pagyakap ng matitipuno nitong braso sa kaniya.So close. Her heart hammered in fear. Her hand sweating and cold. His body heat...his presence... it'ssuffocating her.Wattpad Converter deMalakas na itinulak niya palayo sa kaniya si Cadmus saka nanginginig sa takot na niyakap niya ang sarilihabang pinapakalma ang sarili.It's Cadmus. Pagkausap niya sa sarili. Hindi niya ako sasaktan. He's nice to me. He's nice. He cares. Calmdown. Calm down. I can do this. I'm okay. I'm fine.It took her a while to calmed herself down and Cadmus was patient with her. Hindi ito lumapit sa kaniya atP 11-2hindi siya pilit na hinawakan. Nanatili lang itong nakatayo sa harapan niya, pinagmamasdan siya at naghintayna umayos ang lagay niya."P-pasensiya ka na." Hingi niya ng tawad sa walang imik na Cadmus, "n-nagulat lang ako. You scared me.""It's okay. I understand." He said then changed the topic. "Anyway, gusto mo bang sumama sakin? Susunduinko si Snow sa School."Berry felt slightly better thinking of that little angel. "I like that."Cadmus smiled at her. "Mauna ka nang bumaba. Magbibihis lang ako."Tumango siya saka nakatungo ang ulong naglakad. Nang makababa mula sa rooftop, dumeretso siya sa garahepara doon hintayin si Cadmus.Habang naghihintay, nakita niya ang reflection niya sa bintana ng sasakyang nasa harapan niya.She looks like a tramp with her dress but she didn't mind. Wala namang magbabago sa kaniya kungmagpapalita siya ng damit.Bumuntong-hininga siya saka nang mapagod sa pagtayo ay umupo siya sa hood ng sasakyan. She even stretchher legs and stared at her ankles.www.ebook-converter