Started: 04/27/2021 Ended: 08/24/2021 Ang hirap palang tumanda. Ang hirap magbayad ng bills. Ang hirap suportahan ng pamilyang akala ay isang milyon ang suweldo mo. Ang hirap ngumiti sa nanay na mataas ang tingin sa'yo pero hindi ka kayang ipagtanggol. Ang hirap tabihan sa hapagkainan ng tatay na pinag-uubusan mo ng pera pero hindi ka maalala. Ang hirap mag-abot ng tulong sa kapatid na baon sa utang. Ang hirap intindihin ng hipag na nakakapagpa-rebond pa kahit kapos na kapos na. Ang hirap pakisamahan ng bunsong halos ilahad ang mga palad tuwing makikita ka. Ang hirap ngitian ng mga taong tanong nang tanong kung bakit hindi ka pa nakakapag-asawa. Ang hirap humarap sa mundong isasampal sa'yo na mag-isa ka. Tulong, bigay, utang. Isang iling mo lang, madamot ka na. Kasama mo sila kapag may maibibigay ka, pero hindi mo sila mahahanap kapag wala na. Ikaw ang kakayod, sila ang tutuka. Ikaw ang iiyak sa pagod, sila ang magtatamasa. Iyon ang summary ng buhay ko. Sobra-sobra ang naririnig na paghingi, kulang na kulang ang naririnig na pasasalamat. Sobra-sobra ang pagpapasensya, kulang na kulang ang natatanggap na pagpapahalaga. Sobra-sobra ang binabayaran, kulang na kulang sa kasiyahan. Kaya nang dumating sa buhay ko ang nag-iisang lalaking hindi ako nakita bilang naglalakad na alkansya, ang nag-iisang lalaking nakinig sa mahabang listahan ko ng problema, ang nag-iisang lalaking nagbigay sa akin ng kakaibang saya, ipinangako ko sa sarili na sa gitna ng hirap ng pagtanda, magtitiis ako basta't siya ang kasama. Kahit pa ang kapalit noon ay pagtalikod sa minahal na pamilya. Kahit pa ang kapalit noon ay paglaban sa mundong pinatatakbo ng kapangyarihan at pera. Kahit pa ang kapalit noon ay ang pagdurusa't pag-iisa. Siya ang ginhawa, pahinga, at kasiyahan ko. Dumating man ang araw na tanaw ko na ang dulo. Dumating man ang araw na wala na kaming sagot sa lahat ng bakit at paano. Dumating man ang araw na pareho na kaming talo.

Nikolaus Hiero Cassano, a notorious mafia boss known for his heartless and merciless ways, finds himself in an unusual predicament. The only path to secure his family's inheritance for his parents is to have a wife. Malia Fey Acosta, a young woman desperately seeking money to cover her father's mounting hospital bills. In a chance encounter, Nikolaus presents her with a startling proposal: he will pay her one billion pesos in exchange for becoming his wife, a deal that seems unbelievable. As they begin this unexpected journey, their worlds collide in a tale of love, money, revenge, and danger. Can their agreement lead to something deeper than a mere transaction? Will love find a way into their hearts despite the shadows of Nikolaus's life? Join us as we follow the unexpected path of Nikolaus Hiero Cassano and Malia Fey Acosta.

You can read this as a standalone story! Sartori #2 "I abused Diablos..." Diablos, the third-born boss of the Sartorian Mafia, was a man who could not be tamed due to his uncontrollable anger. He had to drink the bitter medicines prescribed by the family doctor to keep himself restrained. Never did he imagine that he would taste the sweetest sensation from a woman's skin, far better than bitterness. That taste became the only thing that kept him under control during his fits of rage. But because of his obsession with it, his kindness was abused. . . . Mature Content Warning: R18+

You can read this as a standalone story! Sartori #1 "Damien... got addicted to me." Damien, the youngest boss of the Sartorian Mafia, was a man who could not be calmed. Illegal drugs were his way of coping with his anger, until he discovered a strange aroma. He never expected to experience true euphoria from a woman's natural scent, something far more intoxicating than the effects of the drugs he once relied on. . . . WARNING: This story is unedited! All chapters are in their first drafts! Thank you!

COMPLETE Cyienna Calixta Marcielo-more on-Ciara Callista Martell, a Runaway Royalty to get away from what her mother wants, running from her responsibility as a Royal Princess of their Palace-moved into the Philippines to have her own freedom-as she decided to hide her real identity, not only to hide from her Mother but also to protect herself. Ngunit sa kaniyang pagtatago ay hindi niya inaasahan na may taong nasasaktan-si Luther, ang bukod tanging tao na tumulong sa kaniya, hindi lang para patulutuyin siya sa tirahan nito ngunit pati na rin sa ibang bagay. At sa paglipas ng mga araw, magagawa niya pa kayang itago ang totoong pagkatao lalo na kung isa-isa na rin lumalabas ang mga pangyayaring pilit na itinatago sa kaniya ng ina? Would Cyienna able to hide everything especially if the truth is slowly showing-as her identity is starting to reveal?

Pacifico Trilogy #1: Pirate's Stella "A pirate, an heiress and a treasure that holds the key to their fate." *** Avyanna, the sheltered daughter of a wealthy surgeon and businessman, never expected her life to be thrown into chaos. After a failed attempt on her life, she wakes aboard a pirate ship and was transported to the 18th century of a different world. Now at the mercy of Halcon, a dangerous yet compelling pirate captain, she learns that only he can help her return home. But the key lies hidden in a sunken treasure they must find together. Through storms, sea battles and secrets, Avy and Halcon forge an uneasy alliance. What begins as a quest for survival becomes a journey of self-discovery and a love neither of them saw coming. ***Written in a mix of Filipino and English.

Kept in the shadows all her life, May Ann Vallejos always feels unwanted and unloved. As she enters an arranged relationship with Mergus Brilliantes, can she finally find the love she longs for, or will it only break her heart even more? *** Growing up, May Ann Vallejos longs to be loved unconditionally. Despite being overshadowed by her younger sister, she still gives it her all and tries not to disappoint her parents. However, her life takes a turn when she unexpectedly finds herself arranged to marry Engineer Mergus Brilliantes, their business partner's grandson. Not only does he seem to have feelings for her young sister, but she also can't stand being with him around. Left with no choice, can May Ann eventually find love and make her relationship with Mergus work? Or will being with him only deepen her feelings of being unwanted and hurt? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos

TO BE PUBLISHED UNDER TALKING PAGES Tears Series #4: Audrey Deana Valdez

Engaged for convenience, top model Chanel Alcantara finds herself genuinely falling for Engr. Travis Ford. But when a tragedy wipes her memories clean, Chanel must choose between guarding her heart or trusting a love her mind can't remember. *** Known as one of the highest-paid models in the country, Chanel Athena Alcantara loves being in the spotlight. To meet her parents' expectations, she consistently strives for perfection in both her work and studies. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she suddenly finds herself engaged to Engr. Travis Leandro Ford, the son of her parents' business partners. As they pretend to get along, what begins as a forced arrangement soon turns into something real. Just when everything's going well, complications and tragedies strike, eventually breaking them apart. Now that Chanel has forgotten everything about her past, can she manage to stay strong and guard her feelings this time around? Or will she choose to trust Travis and her heart, even when her mind is telling her otherwise? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Rayne Mariano