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.

Life is full of challenges. But where do we find the strength to keep fighting when the people who once inspired us are gone? Is it still possible to rise when we are drowning in pain-shattered, broken, and betrayed by those we trusted the most? Farreah Red Leviathan is a young woman who is kind yet feisty, strong-willed yet tender-hearted-especially when it comes to her parents. Forced by life's harsh realities to stop her education after high school, Red carries a quiet insecurity about her past. Yet despite this, her wisdom, resilience, and depth of knowledge reveal a mind shaped not by classrooms, but by experience. Her closest friend, Dretheia Ellyn Suizon, lives a life far removed from Red's struggles-born into wealth and comfort. Through Dretheia's mother, Red is offered a job as a helper in a grand Mansion. Desperate for work, she accepts without hesitation-unaware that her bosses were gays. The people under her care are three adult men with childlike minds-gay siblings whose personalities clash with Red's patience and challenge her emotional limits. Each day becomes a test of endurance, self-control, and compassion. As fate continues to pile hardship upon hardship, Red finds herself on the verge of surrender. But through the unwavering support of her sister and her closest friend, she discovers that even at her weakest, strength can still be reborn. Dreiko Zin Florencio: will he become a turning point in Red's life, or merely another trial she must endure? Cziendro Finn Florencio: could he be the one destined for her heart, or will their bond forever remain just friendship? Keinzo Shun Florencio: the youngest of the siblings-will he be Red's greatest enemy, or t the connection she never expected? Join us as we unravel the pages of Red's story-one filled with pain, resilience, unexpected bonds, and the question that lingers above all else. Can a broken soul still rise-and love again?

Midnight Series #1 Is being smart a blessing. . . or a curse? Sera's life feels like a game- quiet, calculated, and always a step ahead. Like a chessboard laid out before her, where she moves as the queen and others exist merely as pieces. She's an independent woman. She doesn't need anyone. She knows her boundaries. She knows her worth. Or at least, that's what she believes. Then she meets a man who was the complete opposite of her. A man who doesn't plan ten steps ahead, only the next day. Someone who wakes up just to survive. A pawn, trapped in the same game she thought she had already mastered. She was never meant to fall. Yet somehow... she already does. -Sarvanta

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When her boyfriend asks for a break right before Christmas, holiday-obsessed Celeste Brighton has to team up with lone wolf Sterling Holt to fake a relationship in hopes of saving her Christmas. --- Overachieving college student Celeste Brighton is excited to spend Christmas cozied up with her first love, Jared. Christmas has always had a special place in her heart, and she can't wait to share it with him. That is until Jared asks for a break... right before Christmas! With her plans--and heart--shattered, Celeste needs to find a way to get Jared back to recapture the perfect Christmas she had planned. But how? Guarded lone wolf Sterling Holt has never liked Christmas. He's never had one of those 'perfect' holidays like they do in the movies--all he's had is bad memories, and so he'd much rather keep himself distracted. When a distraction comes in the form of a brokenhearted girl begging for his help to get her ex back, it sounds too fun to refuse--until he learns that means becoming the Perfect Holiday Boyfriend. --- ✨ Rankings & Features The Wattys 2023 Shortlist Featured on Wattpad's Cozy (Hot) Reads Featured on @Romance #1 in #Xmas #1 in #Winter #1 in #ChristmasRomance #1 in #College #5 in #Holiday #5 in #Christmas

"We could just . . . *do it*, you know," he says now, teasingly. "Clear all that sexual tension up with one quick ten minute session?" I seriously hope he's joking, but I'm not certain he is. Either way, I can't prevent the exasperated huff of laughter that escapes my lips at those words. "You must be dreaming if you think there's *any* sexual tension between us," I scoff. "Anyway, I'd rather not be another notch on your bedpost, thanks very much." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ruby Rafferty has won the ultimate prize - a luxury holiday in Crete! In theory, it couldn't be more perfect - endless sun, Greek food, an unlimited free bar . . . There's only one problem. The man she has no choice but to share the prize with. Lewis Sheridan may be ridiculously attractive, but he is also cocky, cynical, and comes complete with his own specific set of red flags. He's everything Ruby has never wanted in a guy, and she's not sure she can survive *one* day alone with him, let alone ten. It's *fine*, though . . . Their suite is massive, the cocktails are flowing, and Ruby can't help but notice how handsome and charming the hotel manager is. If only he didn't think she and Lewis were already a couple . . . Will forced proximity push our vacationers closer or further apart? Can enemies really become lovers? And what will happen if anyone realises they're technically on holiday under false pretences? I guess we're about to find out . . . Cover by @jspromcoms

Falling for their opponent's outside spiker isn't a part of rookie libero Kaizen Reyes' plan. But when Kai discovers that Roen Alejo has liked him for so long, maybe receiving that facial hit from him before isn't that bad after all. *** Determined and innocent, rookie libero Kaizen Reyes believes in the power of manifestation. Whether it be through his studies or winning their volleyball games, as long as he sets his mind on it, he makes a way to make it come true. However, after obtaining a facial hit from Roen Alejo, their opponent's outside spiker, Kai's quiet world suddenly becomes disturbed. Through their constant meetings and communication, Roen is making him feel something he can't fully name, making him doubtful and confused. Now torn between confessing to Roen and keeping their friendship afloat, can Kai remain focused and keep his emotions in check? Or will he take the leap of faith and risk it all for the sake of love? DISCLAIMER: This story is written in Taglish. COVER DESIGN: Louise De Ramos Published under Pop Fiction

A standalone story • NOW A PUBLISHED BOOK • Available in National Book Store and Fully Booked, also in Precious Pages Bookstore's Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok shop. • Featured in WattpadRomancePH's Official Reading List! •Highest Ranking: #1 Savior *** One day, a handsome stranger named Jump appears in front of Fammie, claiming to be her bodyguard. Since then, a normal day for the two includes non-stop bickering, romantic tensions, and literal life-and-death situations. Despite the many red flags, Fammie can't help but get attracted to Jump, which leads to her discovery of his unpleasant past as an underground criminal. Akala ni Jump ay nakatakas na siya mula rito, ngunit isang pagkakamali--isang inosenteng halik-ang nagdulot ng kanilang kapahamakan at nag-udyok upang harapin nilang muli ang mapait na nakaraan. After being constantly paired up together by fate, Fammie and her arrogant bodyguard eventually find themselves risking their lives in order to keep each other safe. LANGUAGE: FILIPINO-ENGLISH

Rare Disorder Series #1 complete | unedited "Does my condition invalidates my right for life? Would everything be better if I die?" If there is one truth that Bliss Audrey Laure wanted to turn into a lie, that's probably her own reflection. It constantly reminds her how flawed she is being born with her condition. She's a broken masterpiece, destroyed by the ruthless society. She wants to be accepted. Bliss Audrey wants to be loved without an ounce of pity. But she's well aware that it would be impossible for she is different. Until he came, Devyn Braun. The man who made her feel like a dozen of hyper kittens has been rumbling inside of her heart. But Devyn, despite the life he gave her, is as broken as she is too. He also needs someone who will save him from his pain. Someone who will make him want to live again. Two broken souls met in a cruel world. Will they be able to fix one another? Or one will give up before they could even reach the end? --- Highest Ranking Rank 2: Tula Rank 8: Spiritual Rank 3: Spiritual (10.16.2020) Rank 1: Tula (10.24.2020) Rank 1: Teenfiction (11.14.2020) (07.22.2023) Rank 1: Teenfic (11.14.2020) (07.22.2023) Date Started: May 11, 2020 Date Finished: October 3, 2020

Tadhana (Self-published)