The Billionaire's Wife: Estranged

Chapter 1

"Any news?"

Sunod-sunod lang na iling ang isinagot kay Elise ng kanyang personal assistant na si Julie kaya mas lalo siyang kinabahan at hindi mapakali sa sobrang pag-aalala habang pabalik-balik siya sa paglalakad sa living room ng kanyang bahay. Sino bang hindi magkakaganito kung nawawala ang kanyang mga anak, the most precious treasures in this world for her.

Isang oras pa lang mula nang umalis siya ay tumawag ang head housekeeper niya na hindi daw makita sa bawat sulok ng estate ang mga anak niya at hindi rin daw ma-contact ng mga ito ang dalawa sa mga bodyguards ng mga bata kaya kaagad siyang umuwi.

It's been more than 3 hours since then but there wasn't any kind of news about her triplets and they still can't contact the two bodyguards, she's very worried what might happened to them.

"Ellie."

Nabaling ang tingin niya sa tumawag sa isa sa palayaw niya at nang makita niya kung sino ito ay sunod-sunod na bumagsak ang kanina pa niyang pinipigilang mga luha.

"Kuya!" Napatakbo siya rito at kaagad naman siyang niyakap nito. "Kuya, my kids...my kids they're missing...I d-don't know what to do if I lose any of them."

"Don't worry, we'll find them no matter what." Pag-alo nito sa kanya. "Besides, I know Rico and Marc are with them. They'll protect the kids with their lives."

She hope so, she really hope that those two were with the kids. She knows that she could trust those two with her kids, they treat her kids like their real niece and nephews as they treat her as a younger sister.

"I already asked my men to locate them using any means." Imporma pa sa kanya ng kanyang nakakatandang kapatid. "So don't worry too much."

A loud ring from a phone broke the tension around the house, it came from her brother's pocket. She moved a few inches away from him so he can answer the call.

"It's Mike." He immediately answered the call and put it on loudspeaker. "You're on speaker, Mike. What do you got? Did you find them?"

"We got to track the young masters and young miss through the CCTVs around the city and we ended up at the airport, according to the airport staffs, they already flew out of the country aboard one of your family's private jet with Rico, Marc and another person about 2 hours ago." Mike reported.

Her heart suddenly thumped with what he said, finally some news. "What?! Where are they going?"

"To the Philippines."

Her eyes widen with his answer and her heart beats more erratically.

No! Hindi ito maaari!

"Mike, do you have any info about the other person with them?" Usisa ng kanyang kapatid.

"A certain Joey Faux and we're still looking into him but what we know right now is that Young master Slate deposited $100,000 to him. He's a private investigator from a small detective agency in downtown, he was hired by the young masters to investigate the Vauxgard." Mike answered seriously.

It looks like her kids were planning to meet the man she loathes the most without asking her permission. They've always been so eager to meet that man, no matter how much she disagreed, she's afraid that he would inflict the same kind of pain on the kids or worse than what he caused her.

"Julie, call Captain Moore. Tell him to prepare the plane, we're going to Manila tonight." She anxiously ordered. "Then, call Kreia to pack some clothes, you're both coming with me. Also, tell her to compile all the recent business proposals from the companies in the Philippines, we're going to bring those. And have the rest of the quad to bring all the urgent papers and documents that I need to sign and review here, I also have to discuss a few things with them before we leave. You may go home now so you can pack your bags, I'll have Yin to fetch you and Kreia by five in the evening, I'll see you at the airport."

Tumango lang ito saka umalis.

"You're going back there?" Her brother asked after speaking to Mike on the phone.

She smiled bitterly. "As if I have a choice. It seems like destiny is pushing me to go back, no matter how much I avoided it in the past."

"Then, take Mike and Jin with you." He said in a very firm tone indicating there's no room for any kind of discussion. "For you and the kids' security."

Niyakap siya nang mahigpit ng kapatid. "I'm sorry if I can't go with you right now because I have various of things to finish but just call me if you need me there, I'll leave everything and immediately go to your side."

"Thank you, I appreciate it." Ginantihan niya ito nang mahigpit na yakap. "Don't worry, I have no plans to stay there for long. We'll immediately return home, the sooner the better."

He laughed. "You haven't left but you already wanted to go home. Since you're already there, how about taking the kids to one of our hotel resorts to unwind and bond with the kids, I know the kids would love that since it's there first time in the Philippines. Don't worry about the company, I'll asked Hyacinth to supervise it while you're out of the country since she's not that busy."

"I'd think about that unwinding stuff."

"I need to go back to my office and inform Hyacinth that we know where the kids are, she's very worried about the kids when she heard that they're missing." Dinampian nito ng halik ang kanyang noo. "I'll take you to the airport later and I'll call Kuya Erick and Francine about the situation so don't worry. See you later."

"Alright. Thank you, Kuya."

Kaagad siyang naghanda ng kanyang mga gamit na dadalhin pagkaalis ng kanyang kapatid, kahit na kinakabahan siya sa muli niyang pagtapak sa lupang kanyang kinalakihan ay mas lamang ang pag-aalala niya sa kanyang mga anak kaya babaliin niya ang pangako sa sarili na hinding-hindi na siya babalik ng Pilipinas.

"Cancel all my meetings for the rest of the week and reschedule them. Hyacinth and my brother will supervise the company for the time being so just coordinate with them and I'm counting on you guys in assisting them, I know you can handle things but call me when it's really necessary." Imporma niya sa tatlong secretary niya habang abala siya sa mga papeles na nasa harap niya na dinala ng mga ito. "About the conference in Manila next week, did you already send an RSVP?"

"Not yet."

"Then, send the RSVP that I'll be in attendance and make the necessary arrangements for it."

"On it, Miss Elle."

Kung pwede nga lang ay susunod na agad siya sa mga anak niya pero marami pa siyang dapat asikasuhin at gawin bago niya magawa iyon. Alam naman niyang hindi papabayaan nina Rico at Marc ang kanyang mga anak kaya ide-delay muna niya ng ilang oras ang pagsunod niya sa mga ito.

***

ELISE can't believe that she is going to the Philippines after leaving almost 7 years ago. Isang napakalaking lamat ang mga nangyari noon sa pagkatao niya na halos ikabaliw niya, kung wala ang mga kapatid at mga anak niya ay baka kumalas na siya ng tuluyan sa reyalidad.

It never crossed her mind that after almost 7 years she'd set foot there again, yet she's currently on her way to the airport to go back to the Philippines to follow her 6-year-old triplets, who just decided to meet their father behind her back.

She knew how eager the triplets were to meet their father in person. She wanted to fulfill their wish, but she's not comfortable with them meeting that man since she doesn't know how he would react. She's afraid that he might react negatively, which would surely hurt the kids.

Napakahirap basahin ng ugali at mood ng lalaking iyon, laging naka-poker face kahit noong mga bata pa lang sila at tanging si Arabelle Morgan lang ang hinayaan nitong makalapit rito habang siya ay nasa malayo't nakamasid lang sa mga ito.

Nakilala niya ito noong 8 years old siya, kasama niya noon ang kinilala niyang pamilya. Naimbitahan sila sa welcome party sa mansyon ng mga ito, kararating lang ng buong pamilya nito mula sa America kung saan nanirahan ang mga ito for 5 years.

"Why don't you play with them?"

Natuon ang pansin niya sa batang lalaking kumausap sa kanya, ito yung panganay na anak ng mag-asawang Vauxgard na kaibigan ng kanyang mommy at daddy.

Umupo ito sa tabi niya dito sa wooden bench sa garden. "Kanina mo pa sila pinapanood, bakit hindi ka na lang sumali? Para hindi ka nag-iisa rito."

Napayuko siya habang mahigpit niyang yakap ang kanyang ragdoll. "They don't like me. So, they don't want to play with me."

Napakunot-noo ito. "How so?"

"Because At—"

"There you are, Liza." It was her Ate Arabelle who's coming there way. "Hi, Gray. It's nice to see you again. It seems you've met my little sister."

Sobrang lawak ng pakakangiti ng nakakatandang kapatid niya, matanda lang ito sa kanya ng tatlong taon.

"Yeah but it seems, she doesn't remember me."

Her Ate Arabelle smiled so sweetly. "It's been 5 years and she was only 3 years old that time so it's unlikely for her to remember you."

"Yeah. You're right."

"Come on, Liza. Hinahanap ka nina Mommy." Hinawakan ng Ate niya ang kanyang kaliwang kamay at hinila siya patayo. "Excuse us, Gray. Dadalhin ko lang si Liza kina Mommy."

Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sa kanya nito kaya hindi niya mapigilang mapangiwi at mas lalo pa nitong hinihigpitan.

"Didn't I warned you not to talk and stay away from Gray? Bakit magkasama at magkausap pa rin kayo, ha? I already told you that you'll regret it if you disobey me." Nakangiting saad nito pero iba naman ang sinasabi ng mga mata nito. "Ampon ka lang kaya matuto kang lumugar, naiintindihan mo?"

"Wala naman akong ginawa." Mangiyak-ngiyak na aniya. "He's one who approached me."

"Even so, kinausap mo pa rin siya so you need to learn your lesson." Anito.

Nagulat na lang siya nang iginiya nito ang hawak nitong kamay niya patungo sa may dibdib nito bago nito binitawan saka ito nahulog sa swimming pool na madadaanan papunta sa kinaroroonan ng mga magulang nila.

She was so shocked that she stiffen on where she stood while her Ate Arabelle was crying for help inside the pool. Malalim ang pool at alam niyang hindi marunong maglangoy ang Ate Arabelle niya, kahit siya ay hindi pa rin marunong maglangoy kaya hindi niya magawang sagipin ito.

"May nalulunod!"

Si Gray ang unang tumalon sa pool para sagipin ang Ate niya, medyo malayo kasi ang kinaroroonan ng mga matatanda para sagipin ito. Paahon na mula sa pool si Gray na hawak ang Ate niya nang makarating ang mga matatanda, habang siya ay natuod sa sobrang pagkabigla.

"Oh, my god! Sweetie, what happened?" Puno nang pag-aalala na saad ng Mommy nila habang sinusuri ito. "Are you okay?"

Tumango lang ang Ate niya habang tuloy ang pag-ubo.

"Are you sure?" Usisa naman ng Daddy nila na tinanguan lang nito.

Binalingan ni Ate si Gray na katabi nito. "T-T-Thank you...G-Gray."

Tinanguan nito ang Ate niya. "Glad you're good."

"Ano ba kasing nangyari?" Tanong naman ng isa sa mga bisita.

"Did she slipped? Or someone pushed her?"

Kinabahan siya kahit alam naman niyang wala siyang kasalanan pero iyon ang gustong ipalabas ng Ate Arabelle niya. Hindi ito ang unang beses na ginawa nito ito sa kanya, kapag may hindi ito nagustuhan na ginawa niya ay gumagawa ito ng paraan para palabasin siyang masama o ipaako sa kanya ang mga kasalanan nito at kahit anong paliwanag niya ay walang naniniwala.

"I saw Liza push her to the pool." Sumbong ng isang batang babae.

"I saw that too. They were walking and suddenly she pushes Ara to fell in the pool."

"Liza!" Galit na lumapit sa kinatatayuan niya ang kanyang daddy saka bigla siyang sinampal kaya napasalampak siya sa may damuhan at may nalalasahan siyang tila bakal na likido na humahalo sa kanyang mga luha. "You've really gone too far!"

"B-But—"

Gusto man niyang magpaliwanag pero alam niyang walang silbi. With all the looks they were giving her, any kind of explanation would be futile. Even Gray, who she thought was so nice was glaring at her sharply.

"I shouldn't have adopted you, if you'll be the one to harm my own daughter!" Sigaw ng daddy niya.

"My God, Nicco! How can you say that to a child?!" It was Mrs. Vauxgard that came to her defense and helped her up. "Are you okay, Liza, dear?"

Tinanguan lang niya ito saka yumuko at mahigpit na niyakap ang ragdoll niya habang patuloy ang pagtulo ng mga luha niya. Niyaya na siya nitong pumasok sa loob para lagyan ng yelo ang pisngi niya at gamutin ang labi niyang dumudugo.

Such bitter memories even as a child.

Tama, inampon lang siya ng mag-asawang Morgan. Ayon sa mga kuwento sa kanya, natagpuan daw siya ng isa sa mga tauhan ng parents ng Daddy Nicco niya sa ibaba ng bundok na kalapit ng hacienda ng mga ito noong 3 years old siya at dinala siya sa mga ito, nagbabakasyon noon ang mag-asawang Nicco at Diane Morgan. Sa udyok ng mga mga magulang ay nag-desisyon ang mag-asawa na ampunin siya since hindi na ulit mabubuntis si Diane nang dahil sa tinanggal na ang matres nito nang dahil sa komplikasyon ng manganak ito kay Arabella.

Sabi ng Lola Minda niya ay minahal naman daw siya ng mag-asawa pero hindi niya iyon matandaan o naramdaman. Hindi naman niya masisisi ang mga magulang na nagpalaki sa kanya, sa mga hindi magagandang sinasabi o isinusumbong ng anak ng mga ito tungkol sa kanya ay nawala siguro ang amor sa kanya ng mga ito pero kahit ganoon ay ibinigay naman sa kanya ng mga ito ang mga bagay na kailangan niya at hindi naman siya inabandona ng mga ito kaya malaki pa rin ang utang na loob niya sa mga ito.

Tanging ang Lolo Neo at Lola Minda, ang mga magulang ng Daddy Nicco niya lang ang nagmahal sa kanya ng buong-buo at tinuring siyang totoong apo kaya mahal na mahal rin niya ang mga ito. At nang mamatay nga ang mga ito sa isang car accident, two weeks before she left the country, pinamana sa kanya ng mga ito ang 70% ng mga ari-arian ng mga ito na talagang ikinabigla nang lahat at ikinagalit ni Arabelle sa kanya.

"Are you sure that you're going back there?" Her brother interrupted her thoughts. "If you can't, I'll be the one to fetch the kids from there."

Umiling siya. "I can do this, Kuya. Don't worry about me."

Napakunot-noo ito. "How can I not worry after seeing you like that for a month after leaving there? I don't want to see you like that again. What if seeing that bastard again could trigger everything and this time you'll really drown."

"Kuya, I'm much stronger now than that time. So rest assure that I won't succumb to depression again." She said to assure him not to worry.

He smirked. "Depression? That's not simply a depression caused by the death of your grandparents and your broken marriage, that's trauma. After what they—"

"Kuya." Pagpigil niya sa kung anuman ang sasabihin nito.

Napabuntung-hininga ito. "I'm sorry."