Winning The Magnate's Heart (#LTNI Book 2)

- TWO YEARS AFTER – Cardoza-Fonseca Asylum | North Carolina, USA The nurse on her usual white uniform carries the tray with medicines on her left hand and a clipboard with names of the patients on her right while walking on the quiet hallway of the asylum. [A/N: Asylum - an institution offering shelter and support to people who are mentally ill or those who simply wanted peaceful retreat.] Only the muffled stump of her square heels on the floor is the only sound vibrating on the place. She stops in front of a door and knocked twice. "I'm coming in." Then pushes the door open. The female nurse saw the elderly man sitting on his bed and looking out at the window. "I got your daily medicines, Mr. Miller." Arthur Frederick-Miller turns to the nurse in silence. Gone is his youthful glow on her ocean-deep blue eyes, his golden hair marred with grey hairs as a sign of aging. Deep wrinkles sullen the side of his eyes. Lumapit sa kaniya ang nurse habang may hawak na injection. "As usual, this will hurt like a bite of an ant." She wipes a wet cotton on his arm then slowly inserts the needle. While the light-green serum slowly enters his system, Arthur looks back at the window. "There." The nurse smiled with her robotic smile. "Done." Di sumagot si Arthur. Tumingin narin ang nurse sa labas ng bintana kung saan makikita na unang signos ng tag-lagas (fall) sa mga pulang dahon na nagkumpulan sa ibaba ng bintana. "Do you like the fall season, Mr. Miller?" And for the first time after Arthur was confined inside the asylum, he spoke. "Yes. The red leaves remind me of a dear friend I once had... now forever lost." TIAMBAN BEACH | TIAMBAN, ROMBLON Elaine pinned her long, wavy hair behind air as the sea breeze blows from east. The sun is rising on the horizon. From the seashore, she hugs her body and inhales, filling her lungs with salty scent of the sea. It's a new day – a new beginning. Well, everyday is a fresh start. But she feels that today has something in store for everyone. Na para bang may panibagong yugto ang mangyayari. She's back in Romblon. It's been almost two years since she returned here for good. After Isaiah steps down as the Nation's Idol, she also handed her resignation as his manager. Umupo siya sa malapad na bato sa dalampasigan at hinayaang halikan ng munting alon ang kaniyang mga paa. She doesn't want to risk it. She doesn't want to get more closer to the Miller, to her family, especially that the people behind her k********g are still running wild, still at large. Baka kasi pag binunyag niya na buhay siya, at umabot sa media... babalik rin ang mga hayop na yun at saktan ang pamilya niya... ang anak niya... ang mga taong malalapit sa kaniya. Now that Isaiah sits on the very top of the Miller food chain, there will be big chance that her disguise might be compromised – and eventually, her whole family's be compromised. She looks up at the calm, cloudless, blue sky. What happened two years ago... was too sudden. Isaiah became the powerful player in the international business market, bearing the name of the Millers. Isla --- No, Margaret, became the next royal heir to the Scottish and Irish throne. It doesn't made sense... How does everything unfold without her knowing? Was she that to busy minding her own business that she forgot that her half-brother is already suffering from the loss of his great love? Di na niya nalaman pa ang buong katotohanan kasi di niya halos malapit-lapitan si Isaiah sa mga oras na 'yun dahil nakapaligid ang mga Miller rito. All she knows, Margaret left Isaiah broken and everything she heard are all theories, gossips on televisions, magazines, social media. Tanging mga Miller lang, ang ina ni Isaiah, si Isaiah at si Margaret lang ang may alam sa mga buong pangyayari. May karapatan ba siyang malaman lahat? Karapat-dapat ba niyang malaman lahat? No. She still has her own demons to fight within her. She stopped seeing Dra. Melanie and left the busy life in Manila to spend more time with her... Biglang dumilim ang paningin niya nang may maliliit na mga kamay ang tumakip sa mga mata niya. "Guess who?" She smiles. "Hmmm... Let me think... gwapo ba siya?" "Yes." The little voice answers. "Hmm... mahal niya ba ako?" "Correct again." He laughs. "Siya ba ang batang di makatulog na di ako katabi ---- " "MAMA!!!" Inis na binaba ni Miguel ang mga kamay nito mula sa mukha niya. Tumatawa siyang nilingon ito. "What?" Sira ang mukha ni Miguel na nakatingin sa kaniya. "I can sleep without you! I can sleep alone!" Namumula nitong depensa. "Come here..." Hinila niya ang pitong taong gulang niyang anak at niyakap. "I know you can sleep alone." He pouts. "But you always look for me when you wake up in the middle of the night." She taps his cute little nose. He crinkles his nose. "Not all the time." Now it's Elaine's turn to pout. "Miguel Andrei... please stop acting like big boy. Mama wants you to stay forever a baby." "I will always be your baby." He grins – the same as his father's – alluring, very charming. He'll make a lot of girls cry when he grows up. "....but I won't act like a baby." "Good enough." She smiles back. "Mama?" "Hmm?" "I've been meaning to ask you this... why don't I have the same eyes as yours?" Dama nito sa mga mata niya. Her soft blue-eyes softens. "Because you have your dad's midnight... dark eyes. Domineering, powerful..." Her thumb traces the skin underneath her son's eyes. "...the most beautiful pair I've ever seen." "Where's my father?" Nanigas ang mga daliri niya. "MIGUEL!!!" Sabay silang napalingon sa direksyon siya kubong pinagtataguan ng bangka ni Tatay Kiko. "Sasama ka ba o hindi?" Tanong ng butihing matandang lalake na kumukop kay Elaine nung matagpuan siya nito na palutang-lutang sa dagat --- at siya na ring tumatayo bilang lolo ni Miguel. Nilingon ni Elaine ang anak. "Saan kayo pupunta?" He small shoulders shrug. "Tuturuan ako ni Lolo Kiko paano ang tamang pagtapon ng lambat (fish net) sa dagat." She smiles and pats his chubby cheeks. "Go on. Lolo Kiko is really a strict teacher when it comes to fishing." "BATANG 'TO!" Nameywang si Lolo Kiko na may hithit pa na tabacco-ng sigarilyo. "Pag dating natin sa laot ay wala na ang isda roon sa tagal mong kumilos!" "Oo na!!" Kumawala si Miguel sa yakap niya at tumakbo palapit sa matanda. He then took off his blue shirt and helped the older man carry the fishing materials towards the small boat in the shore. Sinundan lang niya ito ng tingin. She knew she had a bad memory about riding a boat – but those are still vague in her mind. She is scared for her son to travel the wide sea, but just like his father, he loves the vast body of water. And she will not be selfish to take that away what he loves just because of her own fears. "AALIS NA KAMI MA!!" Sigaw ni Miguel sa kalayuan at kumaway pa sa kaniya. She waves back. "MAG-INGAT KAYO!!! UWI KAYO MAMAYANG TANGHALIAN AH!!" SANTORINI, GREECE "WOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Nicolo happily screams as he reeves his jet-ski faster in the aquamarine sea in Greece. He always love the sea breeze wild touch on bronze skin... on his face... This is the only time he can feel the physical sense of freedom. The woman behind him tightens her clutch on her back, scared by his daredevil act. "N-Nico... s-stop... t-the ski might broke d-down and we'll be stuck in the middle of the sea!!" Sigaw nito. "What?" While driving, he turns to his.... new flavor of the month... her new girlfriend, a model from... Hmmm... he forgot. Wait, who is she again? He lost track of the girls he's dating. "Don't be scared! I can swim well!!" Sigaw niya pabalik para marinig siya nito dahil sa malakas na ugong ng makina ng jet ski. "J-JUST DRIVE!!" Nakapikit at takot na sagot naman ng babae. He rolls his eyes. 'Tsk. Such a bore.' . . Pagdating nila sa dalampasigan na puno ng mga tao – pawang mga modelo ng Prima Nova para sa kanilang annual get-together party (...or what Prima Nova wants to call "TEAM-BUILDING" ... yeah right, as if it's not full of drinks, girls, money and sex.), pumanaog si Nico sa jet-ski. "Hey!" Inis na bumaba ang 'girlfriend' niya sa ski. "Nico!" Nicolo smiles on one male model. "Hey, glad you make it." Gives him a bro-fist then turns to the woman. "What?" Lumapit ito sa kaniya at bakas sa mukha nito ang di-makapaniwalang reaksiyon. "Seriously, you could at least help me get off that ski." "Ow come on..." Still looking at her, he grabs a beer from the tray being served by a waiter. "You can easily get off without my help." Tumungga siya sa bote. "Asshole!" Galit na sigaw ng babae. "Babe..." Inakbyan niya ito para humupa ang inis. "Babe... Wilma, calm down." "f**k YOU!" Kinuha ng babae ang hawak niyang bote at binuhos ang laman sa ulo niya. "MY NAME IS IRIS! NOT WILMA!" "Wooooohhhh~" Sabay na anas ng mga taong nakapaligid at nakakita sa pangyayari. Tinapon ni Iris--- este ni Wilma--- este Iris pala ang bote sa buhangin at mabigat ang mga paang naglakad sa puting bahangin palayo sa kaniya. "Call me later?" Pahabol niyang sabi. "Room 541!" Nag-dirty finger ito sa kaniya. He chuckles and picks the bottle on the sand. "At least throw your garbage on the right place!" Sigaw uli niya. . . "You smell beer." Lumukot ang ilong ni Rexo, co- male model niya, nang umupo siya katabi rito sa sofa sa open veranda ng bar na ni-rent ng Prima Nova para sa kanila. Kumuha ng beer si Nico sa mesa at gad nilagok ang laman nito hanggang sa kumalahati iyon. "It's just the smell of your rotten mouth." Sumandal siya sa sofa at niyuko ang cellphone para contact-in ang ibang babaeng kilala niya na andito sa party para maging bagong girlfriend niya. He's in the middle of texting a girl when he saw a family of three – a father, a mother and a little girl – happily passed by infront of the veranda. The girl cutely says something that made her parents love. Sinundan niya ito ng tingin hanggang sa mawala ito sa paningin niya. Niyuko niya ang message na kino-compose niya sa Iphone niya. He curses as he deletes it and shove the phone back to his pocket. Inisang nilagok niya ang natirang beer sa bote. What's this f*****g sense of emptiness he's feeling? His jaw clenches. Seeing Isaac dotes on his one-year old twins (Sebastian Jacob and Athena Suzette) with Avery f***s his emotions. Seeing Isaiah doing really great managing the huge business empire of the Miller f***s his emotions. Seeing his cousin, Zoey, stands up to their family (The Hsiao's) that a woman can manage their century family's commerce f***s his emotions. Seeing that family passed by infront of him... f***s his emotions. The past years have been f*****g him hard --- like slapping him the reality that his life, as of now, is meaningless... purposeless. What does he want in his life anyway? Of course, not modelling... looks don't last forever... money don't last forever... Is he getting older that he's in that stage that he wants to settle down? But to whom? No girls – no women he bedded or dated passed his tastes... except... > "Follow your dreams, Dos." Ellie smiled at him as she turned to him, hair softly riding the sea breeze. Umiling nalang si Nico para kalimutan ang masalimuot na pahina na iyon sa buhay niya. Tumayo nalang siya at pinatuloy ang naudlot na text niya sa babae. Maybe shagging someone tonight might clear his mind with these cheesy feelings. NOAH'S BACHELOR PAD | PHILIPPINES In his kitchen, Noah Benjamin is peacefully cooking an egg omelet when he is startled by a cashing sound on his living room. He immediately presses off his stove "KIRA!! PEA!!" Hinubad niya ang suot na apron at mabilis na lumabas sa kusina. Naabutan niya ang pusa sa tuktok ng wooden figurine niya. "E-EH!! P-PEA!! PEA!! Bumaba ka diyan!!" Agad niya itong kinuha ito at sa naninigas nitong katawan, halatang kinaiinisan na naman nito ang Golden Retriever niyang si Kira – as always. "Ano na naman ba pinag-awayan niyo – OW!" He winces when Pea's nails bury passed his dark blue long-sleeve shirt. "PSSSKKK!!!" Asik ni Pea pababa sa aso na noo'y nanlulumo sa carpet at tinatakpan ang mukha gamit ang dalawang paa. 'HANGAL NA KULAY MANTIKANG ASO KA!!! BA'T HILIG KANG SUMINGHOT NG PUWET!!! MAMATAY KA NAAAAAAAAA!!!' "Calm down, Pea..." Noah rubs her furless. "Don't be hard on, Kira... he just wanted to play with you..." "PSSK! PSSK! PSSK!! INNNNN...." Gigil na ungol ni Pea na matulis pa rin ang titig sa kawawang aso. 'HANGAAAAL.... HANGAAAAAALLL! Ulitin mong amuyin puwet ko, maging tocino 'yang ilong mo!!' "Hmmm.." Malungkot na ungol ni Kira. Pumasok si Fire sa pad ni Noah at naudlot ang tuluyang pagpasok nang makita si Noah na karga si Pea. His eyes fall on the poor dog on the carpet. 'Weird scene...' "I thought you're a pediatric neurosurgeon, Noh. Veterinarian ka rin pala." Finnian Reed picks an apple on the fruit basket on the kitchen counter and takes a bite. "Good morning too, Fire." Sarkastikong bati ni Noah at binaba ang pusa sa sofa. "Behave you two..." He eyed the two animals. Napailing nalang si Fire. "And now you talk to them..." "Aunt Lizbeth will be visiting her province, okay. She needs someone to look after Pea." Sinuot niya uli ang apron at ini-on uli ang stove. "You came here for another free breakfast again, huh?" Fire, with his dirty blonde hair, in a messy ponytail behind his head and a dangling one-ear cross earring on his right earlobe, raises the apple. "I already have my breakfast, thank you." Noah, as always --- the father figure among the cousins, places the food on the plate and laid it on the table. "Sit down and eat." Hinubad niya ang apron at sinabit sa hook sa may ref. He then rolls his sleeves near his elbows, revealing a well-maintained and toned arms. Umupo siya at kumuha ng toast sa plato. "What are you waiting for? You're waiting for the food to fly to you?" Naghila ng upuan si Fire at umupo roon. "I'm not really hungry --- " At pareho silang natigilan nang marinig ang pagkalam ng sikmura ni Fire. Fire immediately clears his throat at kumuha ng sunny-side up na itlog at nagbuhos ng orange juice sa baso. Noah bites his crunchy toast in silence. After the fiasco two years ago, their cousins went home to each of their hometown and tried to move on after the tragedy. Noah tried to convince them to sit down and settle the bad blood forming within their family, yet Juniper was too upset and was crying when she rejected his offer to patch things among them. Dylan then told him that he should have more trust on them since Dylan believes that even there's no "sorry's" being said, they can heal and still accepts each other. Santino returns to Spain. Dylan returns to Saudi to resume his prince-ly duties. June and Juniper returns to Finland... still not talking to each other --- the longest cold war between the twins. While Fire remains in the Philippines despite his mother's plea for him to return to Greece. Finnian is firm not to have something to do with the Miller even though he is a Miller himself. Di pa rin nito lubusang tanggap ang pagkamatay ng fiancée at malakas pa rin ang kutob nitong may kinalaman ang lola niya sa nangyaring aksidente. Until he resolves the mystery behind it, he's stripping off any trace of Miller in him. That includes using the family's money. Adamson Gil Miller, Fire's father, wanted to lend Fire money but he's stubborn to accepts it. Now, Fire is working as the head of a security in a two-star hotel/motel (which he deserves as an ex-US Navy Seal) and living on a 3,500Pesos/month apartment with no aircon and has a common bathroom shared by three occupants of the said apartment building. At dahil sanay na ito sa payak na pamumuhay, di naman naging problema iyon kay Fire. [A/N: Agents, Soldiers and Militaries are trained to live in condition with limited resources.] Pero di ito sanay sa pag-ba-budget ng pera. 3,500 ang apartment nito... may nirerentahan pa itong second-hand na kotse na 2,300/buwan... 2,000 gym membership... at may pagkain pa nito... Tapos sahod nito sa pipitsuging trabaho na iyon ay 12,ooo lang? Kaya ang ending... tinitipid nito ang pagkain. Noah can't help but sigh as he wipes a jam on his toasted bread. Gusto niyang sabihin rito na lugi ito sa apartment nitong mahal na, wala pang aircon at sarili banyo.. tapos may kotse pang mas matanda pa sa kanila. Pero nasa lalake na siguro iyon na kahit na naghihikahos ay ayaw pa ring humingi ng tulong. They could share his spacious bachelor's pad if Fire wants to since it has two bedrooms. Isa pa'y di naman siya naglalagi roon kasi may kwarto naman siya sa clinic niya sa hospital na pag may emergency o may magdamagang operasyon ay doon na siya natutulog. He'll take another shot today. "Uhh.. you know, Fire. I have vacant room here that I could --- " Fire wipes the smear of jam on the side of his lips. "..and talk to your pets? No, thanks." Subo uli nito ng tinapay. "Bullshit. You know what I mean --- " Tinaas ni Fire ang isang kamay at uminom ng juice. "I'm still breathing, Noh. The electric fan I had in my apartment has cold air like your aircon here." Tumawa si Noah – dimples on both his cheeks deepen. "You mean, cold only at dawn?" He shrugs his shoulders. "Okay, I'll leave you on your business." Surrender nalang ni Noah. "Have you heard about Isaiah?" Natigilan ang doctor at napatingin sa kaharap. "Why? No... never heard from him ever since." And what they meant is Isaiah not talking to them. After he assumed the chairmanship, no one heard from him. They knew about his activities only on news outlets such as social media and business channels on t.v.. Far from his former Nation's Idol image, Isaiah practiced privacy this time. He doesn't do interviews... won't even let camera flashes their lights on his face... As much as the magazines loved to spread their covers with his face on it, Isaiah rejected all offers. All you can hear and see from him is only his name, printed, written and shown on those sites and magazines: Isaiah Clark Miller, Chairman. Nothing else. Fire shrugs again. "Just askin'." Uminom ng juice si Noah. "We could call him if you want to." "Huh?" Nalukot ang mukha nito. "Why would we call him?" He grins. "Well... you missed him ---" "f**k off, Noah." At umalingawngaw sa buong pad ang tawa ng doktor. LAKEHOUSE [A/N: In #10RTLW, Avery and Isaac, after having the twins; temporarily stayed on the Lakehouse since the mansion is on renovation for the twins' room.] Nakangiting nakasandal si Avery sa b****a ng pintuan sa verandah at nakatingin sa asawang may hawak na bagong diapers. Di niya mapigilang mapatawa. Kinatatakutan si Isaac sa trabaho pero heto ito ngayon... takot mag-palit ng diapers sa kanilang kambal na noo'y mahimbing na natutulog sa kama. Isaac forehead furrows as tiny sweats starts to form. "Love, you are not solving a business problem that you need to study or research before applying the possible solution." Bumagsak ang balikat ni Isaac tanda ng pagsuko. "This is hard..." Lumapit si Avery at yumakap sa beywang ng asawa mula sa likod. "Let me do it. Just go prepare for work." He looks down on her heart-shaped face beside his arm. "You sure?" "Seriously? Tinatanong mo yan sa ina ng mga anak mo." He chuckles and showers kisses on her face. "Thea can be handful." Kumawala siya rito at kinuha ang diapers sa kamay ni Isaac. "Ako pa." Umupo si Isaac sa kama at hinila siya paupo sa kandungan nito. "That's what I love about you." Humagikhik siya at dinampian ng halik ang labi ng asawa. "Owww... I love you too --- Oh shoot!!" Mabilis na tumayo si Avery at kinuha ang cellphone. "Tsk! Nakalimutan kong mag-send ng litrato ni Basti at Thea kay Isaiah!!" Mabilis niyang pinasadahan ang Gallery sa phone niya para mag-send ng litrato via Viber. Isaac leans on the bed with his arms enough not to disturb their twins sleeping soundly surrounded by numerous pillows. Matapos magpadala ng litrato, nawala ang ngiti sa labi ni Avery nang mahalatang nakatingin sa kumikinang na tubig ng lawa ang asawa. On his brown eyes are longingness for the brother he left broken. Lumapit siya rito at hinawakan ang mukha paharap sa kaniya. "What are you thinking?" Umiling si Isaac. "Nothing." "Or... Isaiah?" Nag-iwas ito ng tingin. Isaiah disconnected himself from them except Avery and his mother, Lizbeth. Yet even though Avery has the only means of communication to him, their talks are only limited by messages and photos exchanged via Viber. She never heard his voice and ohhh... she misses her bestfriend so much. Kahit di niya ito naririnig, ramdam naman niyang napapasaya niya ito sa mga litrato nila Thea at Basti. Of course, the twins are his nephew and niece... Plus, who could resist their angelic smiles that could light up even the darkest of the moods. Pero... Dinama niya ang mukha ng asawa. The brothers are still in not in good terms. Isaiah blames everyone around him for his pain and too deaf... too hurt to listen to any of their explanations. That's why they left him alone to heal and hope that one day, he'll learn to forgive and re-connect with his family. But is he already healed by now? "How is he, Avery?" His brown-eyes looked up to her. She feels his eyes as he closes them. "Why don't you ask him yourself, Isaac. I know you have all the means to talk to him directly." With his eyes close, he responded. "You know I can't do that. He's still angry." "At patuloy ka pa rin bang tatawag nalang sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya doon sa America para kamustahin siya?" He opens his eyes. "How'd you know --- " "Asawa kita, Isaac. Alam ko lahat ng mga mannerisms mo... I know when you are nervous... I know when you are agitated... I know when you are worried..." He holds her hands and kisses her knuckles. "I can never hide anything from you, wife, huh?" She smiles and nods. "Of course." Tumabi siya rito. "Alam ko rin na tumatawag ka kay Tita Lizbeth to ask about Isaiah." He intertwined their fingers on Avery's lap. Alam kasi ni Avery na nahihiyang magtanong ang asawa sa kaniya. Maybe bec. he's scared she'll reject since he's one of the reasons why Isaiah fled the country. "Isaac..." titig niya sa asawa. "Baka naghihintay rin lang si Isaiah na ikaw ang unang tatawag sa kaniya." Umiling ito. "That's one thing you don't know about us, Ava." She rolls her eyes and sighs. "Oh yeah..." Miller and their pride, indeed. "...ayokong lumaki sina Thea at Basti na di kayo magkabati, Isaac. I wanted to set a good example to our children... Enough with the fights in the family." He nods. "Do it not for yourself... but for your kids... for the future." They turn to look at their twins on the bed, still sleeping. BALMORAL CASTLE, SCOTLAND [A/N: In consideration for those readers who had hard time reading and understand English, I'll use Tagalog/Filipino in their conversations and lessen the use of English. But seriously, please... learn English. :/ It will take you to different place while reading since it can enhance your imagination accurately.] Lumabas sa kwarto si Ursula (Ussie) at bakas sa mukha nito ang pagkakataranta. "W-Wala rito ang prinsesa!" Suminghap si Jean. "H-Ha! Patay!!! Dapat niyang maghanda para sa pananghalian mamaya kasama ang Prime Minister ng Canada!!" Dabog nito at lumingon sa paligid. "Saan na naman ba siya nagsusu-suot?! Pagagalitan na naman tayo nito ni Lord Brock --- " "Yes?" Biglang sulpot ni Nelson sa likuran ng mga babae "WAAAAAAAH!!" Sabay hiyaw ng dalawa at agad tinakpan ang mga bibig. It's one of the rules in the palace that there must be no unnecessary noise made inside. Lumingon ang mga ito sa kaniya. "Where's Princess Margaret?" Sabay ring yumuko ang dalawang personal maids ni Marga. Napabuntong-hinga nalang si Nelson. "Not again..." . . At dahil sa biglang pagkawala ni Margaret ay nahukay ang buong tao sa palasyo para hanapin ang pilyang prinsesa. Nasapo nalang ni Nelson ang noo habang nakatayo sa balkonahe at tiningnan lahat nga maids, butlers at kahit mga drivers at mga gardeners na tumulong naris a paghahanap rito. Ang prinsesa 'ata ang papatay sa kaniya dala sa tigas ng ulo nito. Halos araw-araw itong may pakulo sa kanilang mga trabahante. Once they caught her, she'll say sorry but with her usual excuse: "I'm just giving some fun, guys! Loosen up! Para kayong mga robot rito! Play with me!" Kahit napupuwerhisyo'y napangiti si Nelson. Since Princess Margaret arrived in the palace, they became lively because of her very sunny attitude – of course, they see to it that the Queen is not around to see them act like kids. One time, they had a BBQ fiesta on the palace backyard. Or last week, when Princess Marga wears a chef uniform and cooked them food without them knowing it was her behind those delicious servings. Halos ikinahimatay naman ni Nelson nung naglaba ito kasama ang mga maids sa likod. She's the combination of the late King Francis' friendliness and the late Princess Helena's naughtiness rolled into one. But when it comes to her royal duties, she's all Queen Mary-like. "Lord Brock?" Natauhan si Nelson at nilingon ang reyna na lumabas mula sa palasyo at naglakad sa terrace palapit sa kaniya. "Y-Your Grace?" Yuko niya. 'This is bad... if the Queen finds out that Princess Marga is not yet ready for the --- ' "Why is everybody quite noisy today?" Puna ng reyna na nakasuot ng itim na tailored-suit at may crystal brooch na nakadikit sa chest pocket na may official insignia ng Scotland and Ireland throne. "Uhh.. i-it's just..." Pinagpawisan siya at taimtim na nagdasal na wag sanang malaman nitong di pa handa ang --- "Is Marga ready? We need to leave at 10AM. I don't want to make the Prime Minister wait when the restaurant is just few blocks from here." "Y-Yes..." Kinakabahang tango ni Nelson. "She's already in her room and---" "WOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Masayang sigaw ng isang babae. Yumuko nalang si Nelson at mariing pumikit nang makilala ang pamilyar na boses na iyon. "I-I'm sorry, Y-Your Grace." Agad niyang hingi ng paumanhin sa pagsisinungaling. Lumingon si Queen Mary sa malawak at berdeng royal grounds kung saan sumulpot ang kulay chestnut brown na malaking kabayo palabas sa masukal na kagubatan sa may silangan ng palasyo. Riding on the back of the horse is a princess still wearing her white night-pajama sullied by mud and grass. Also barefooted and laughing loudly, her long, wavy wine-red hair danced on the breeze as she rides the majestic horse on the open field. Nananingkit ang mata ng reyna para aninagan sino ang nakasakay sa anak ng paboritong kabayo ni Arthur na si Misty. "That's ---- " The huge horse neighs and halts, standing on it's two hind legs as he topples his female rider off his back and on the green grass. "WAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Sabay takot na tili ng mga maids, butlers, hardinero, security at mga knights nang makitang paano bumagsak ang prinsesa sa lupa. Nanlaki ang mata ni Queen Mary sa nasaksihan. "MARGARET!!!" Putla niyang sigaw at mabilis na pumasok sa palasyo para puntahan ang apo. . . In just a matter of few minutes, hysterically, Queen Mary arrives in the scene gasping for air. "Out of the way!!" Hawi niya sa mga katiwalang nakapalibot sa apo niyang nakahiga sa damuhan. "Margaret! OH GOD, MARGA --- " Her voice stops when she saw lying on the grass.... laughing. "HAHAHAHHAHAHA!!" Malakas na tawa ni Margaret habang sapo ang tiyan. "HOOOOO!! Kung nakita niyo lang paano gulat na gulat si Chomper nung may nadakip akong palaga doon sa putikan." Patungkol niya sa kabayong sinakyan niya kanina. Tears are on her eyes as another laugh possesses her voice again. Her white pajama is very muddy with wet soil. Her disheveled red hair, spreading on the green grass have leaves clinging into the strands. Nahinto ito nang matingala ang mukha ng lola niya. "G-Grandma..." Huminga nang malalim ang reyna at pilit wag ipakita ang inis na reaksiyon. "Stand up, young woman and go get change... we have lunch with the Canadian Prime Minister, today right?" Napakurap si Marga. "W-Was that today?" Nasapo nalang ni Ussie at Jean ang mga noo nito – hinahanda ang sarili sa sermon mamaya ni Lord Nelson Brock. "Princess... don't do that again." Mangiyak-ngiyak na hiling ni Ussie habang tinatanggal ang mga dahon na dumikit sa buhok ni Marga. Noo'y nasa kwarto na ang tatlong babae at hinahanda na ang prinsesa para sa luncheon meeting. Nakatayo naman sa gitna ng malaking kwarto niya si Marga at tinanggal mula sa pagkakatali ang kaniyang maruming night pajama. Before the dirty cloth falls, Jean immediately covers the princess' body with a soft, white bathrobe to cover her nudeness. "I'm just having fun." "Princess Marga naman..." Lumabi si Jean. "Tiyak pagagalitan kami ni Lord Brock mamaya pag-alis niyo." Marga presses both Jean's cheeks. "Don't worry. Ako bahala sa inyo." Sabay na umingos ang dalawang personal maid niya na tinuring na niyang mga kaibigan at sabay ring nagsalita. "Ayan ka na naman... 'eh pagagalitan pa rin kami ni Lord Brock dahil tumatago daw kami sa palda mo." "Oh? Di kayo kasya sa ilalim ng palda ko." .... At tumawa nalang silang tatlo sa ka-corny ng joke niya. "Sige na..." Marahan tulak sa kaniya ni Ussie papunta sa banyo. "...baka dadagdag pa sa kasalanan naming pag na-late ka pa." "Oo na..." Tawa niyang lakad papasok sa banyo. On her almost two years stay here in the palace, Ussie and Jean became her confidantes when things get heavy especially with her royal duties as a princess. Kumbaga, sa dalawang iyon niya nilalabas ang kaniyang frustations pag maliit lang ang nakukuha niyang marka sa French History at sa English Literature. Kasama rin niya ang dalawa sa pagbibigay kulay sa tahimik na palasyo. Sometimes.... They fall as her victims. Just like today. She presses the door behind her and leans on it. Slowly.... Her smile turns upside-down as she looks herself on the mirror. Ussie and Jean, despite spending most of her time with them, doesn't know an inch of her life before becoming the heir to the Scottish and Irish throne. She looks at her sad eyes reflected on the glass. ...they don't know that she was just a nameless girl from Brgy. Tagpi. She unties her robe's ribbon. ...a girl who is still patching her heart with band-aids from a choice that pained her soul. She gazes at her huge bathroom with porcelain bathtub filled with lukewarm water and lavender petals. ...a girl whose mind is always dreaming the same face, over and over again. Slowly, she walks towards the tub and immerse her bare body beneath the cloud of bubbles. She closes her eyes and inhales the heavenly scent of the petals as she cups a water with one palm and drips it on her shoulder. > He moans her name as he trails kisses on her shoulder blade. Marga bites her lower lip as she rubs her collarbone. > He licks her neck wetly; the tip of his tongue draws little circles on her skin. She leans her head on the soft headrest as her body starts to shiver with desire. > He sucks her one tip of her breast as his hand starts to trail down her middle. Her breathe starts to get heavy. > He whispers, "Say my name, Isla." "HA!" Her gasps for air as if being awake from a bittersweet dream. Isla. Tears starts to sting her eyes. A name she has not heard for a long time. Nilulob nalang niya ang ulo sa ilalim ng tubig. Maybe in that way, all her sobs and tears will be drowned with the water. Bumaba sa hagdan si Margaret suot ang itim na dress na saktong yumakap lang sa hubog ng kaniyang katawan. The neckline is conservative enough to show a necklace with ruby-red teardrop-shaped pendant. She's wearing a three-inches nude-colored high-heels that gives boost on her height and curves. On her hair is a hairband adorned with expensive white crystals that tamed her flaming red-hair into a neat bun atop her head. As she walks down, she saw Jean and Ussie on the end of the hallway being reprimanded by Lord Brock. Napangiti nalang siya nang alanganin at tingi'y humingi ng pasensiya nang lumingon ang dalawa sa kaniya. "Princess." Tango sa kaniya ng butler na nagbukas ng pintuan ng itim at heavily-tinted na sasakyan. She nods and replies a timid smile. Pagpasok niya sa loob kung saan katabi niya ang reyna ay umayos siya nang upo. "I want you to behave, Margaret." Queen Mary then waves her hand for the driver to starts driving. Tumango ng marahan si Marga. "Yes, grandma." "And what did I told you to call me when we are in public?" Diretsong nakatingin ang reyna sa harap at di siya nililingon. Yumuko si Marga at sumagot. "Always address The Queen as, 'My Queen', 'Your Highness', 'Your Grace', 'Her Majesty' in the presence of other people." Kinagat niya ang ibabang labi nang maalalang natawag niya ng 'grandma' ang reyna nung nakahiga siya sa damuhan kanina. "You're un-becoming a princess, Marga." Striktang puna ng reyna. "A princess should not laugh that hard. A princess should not ride a horse without proper suit and most importantly..." The Queen's cold eyes turn to her. "No princess wears a dirty, night pajama on a horse." "I'm sorry, Your Highness." Natigilan si Mary. Nag-iwas ng tingin si Marga at umayos sa pagkaupo. "Were in the presence of other people, aren't we?" Tiningnan ng reyna ang driver at bodyguard na nakaupo sa harapan. "Remember who you are, Margaret. You have a reputation to hold." She nods and looks outside the peaceful streets of Crathie Village. Nakaramdam siya nang biglang paninikip ng dibdib sa loob ng kotse. She needs air... she needs space... she need freedom. . . Pagkarating nila sa marangyang restaurant, unang lumabas ang reyna na agad sinalubong ng Punong Ministro ng Canada na si Justine Rhodes. The media people immediately shutters their long-range cameras at them. "Your Majesty, please look here!", "Your Highness, what are your thoughts on the nuclear agreement between Russia and Hungary being one of the members in EU!" [A/N: EU – European Union is a political and economic union of 28 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Kumbaga kung sa Asia, ASEAN (Assoc. of Southeast Asian Nation)]. Nagdadalawang isip siyang lumabas. Did she matters to them? Then a hand reaches in to her. Napatingala siya. A smiling Joaquin welcomes her. "Hey there, Princess." Napangiti na rin siya. "Hi, Prince." Tanggap niya sa kamay nito at nagkaroon na rin ng lakas ng loob na lumabas sa kotse. She's still not used to media presence focusing on her. She finds it weird seeing her name and face on social media and magazines. Parang kailan lang... walang nakakikilala sa kaniya, She let go of Joaquin's hold when she composes herself. [A/N: Royals with no relationship shall not be seen holding hands or even gives a kiss of greeting on cheeks except on occasions like helping the female royal off a car or helping a female royal climb a stair.] Then they start walking behind the Prime Minister and the Queen. "Princess Marga, is the rumor circulating online that you and Prince Joaquin are dating?", "Princes Marga! Please look here!", "Princess Marga, are you aware of the growing presence of the Miller Group of Companies in the business world lead by your old flame, Isaiah Clark --- " And the voice of that reporter was shut off as the waiter closes the door of the restaurant behind them yet Margaret remains standing in the doorway. Lumingon si Joaquin sa kaniya. "Marga? Is something wrong?" Natauhan siya at pilit na ngumiti. "N-Nothing...." She was trained not to entertain questions from the press, may it be true or not, without formal invitation from them. She was also trained how not to show emotions especially on questions which are personal... But she can't help but spill some expression as she heard another name... she never heard for a long time.... . . Tahimik sna kumakain si Marga ng mushroom salad with parsley while the Queen and Prime Minister, as usual, discuss business that will strengthen the ties between Canada and Scotland & Ireland. Joaquin then secretly nudges her foot underneath the table. Tiningnan niya ito. Ngumiti ito at tinuro ang wristwatch sabay aktong humihikab na para bang sinasabing nabuburyo rin ito tulad niya. Kinagat niya ang labi para wag tumawa. She nudges his foot back and rolls her eyes, signaling: 'Sinabi mo pa.' Lumingon sa kanila ang reyna at agad silang umayos. On the restaurant's mini-garden at the back, Joaquin and Margaret are walking behind the two powerful figure of a country. She looks at him while feeling the flowers' petals with her fingertips as they pass by. "Bakit ka nga pala andito?" "Ayaw mong andito ako?" "O-Oy! Di 'ah!" Agad niyang iling. "I am really thankful you are here. That lunch is so..." In a tiny voice, she finishes her sentence. "..boring." He heartily laughs. "Indeed. Dad wanted to escort him here in Scotland. It's been a while since a Prime Minister visited Scotland. Consider me as his tour guide." Tumawa siya. "Gwapong tour guide." Ngumiti siya at nilibot ang paningin ng sa hardin. Her heart heaves with a familiar feeling. It gives off the vibe just like Mama Lizbeth's tiny garden back in the Philippines. On the stone pathway they walked on, little grasshoppers are hopping. "Alam mo ba... sa Pilipinas... hinahabol namin ang mga iyon." Nguso niya sa mga berdeng insekto. Joaquin looks down. "Grasshoppers? Really?" "Oo." Masigla niyang tango nang maalala niya ang panahon na andun pa siya sa Tagpi. "Turuan kita?" "Next time." He pokes her cheeks. She pouts. "Ayan ka na naman sa next time mo." Baka nahihiya lang ito kasi isa itong prinsipe. Huminto ito. "Do you have a plan after this lunch?" Umiling siya. "Wala sana... kaso bantay-sarado ako ngayon ni lola 'eh." Tingin niya sa reyna na panay ang tapon ng tingin sa direksyon niya. "You're being naughty again, I presume." She shrugs. Nagulat nalang siya nang biglang inabot ni Joaquin ang ilang hibla ng buhok niya sa pisngi para ipitin iyon sa likod ng tainga niya. Nag-iwas siya nang tingin at bahagyang umatras. "S-Salamat." She clears her throat. "L-Lapitan n-natin sila?" Turo niya sa reyna at punong ministro. "Tara..." At bagong siya makalayo'y hinawakan ng prinsipe ang kamay niya. "Marga." Nilingon niya ito at binaba ang tingin sa magkadaop nilang palad. "Do you want to tour Italy?" "H-Huh? S-Sa I-Italya?" He lets go of her hand. "I just got my license to drive a speedboat. Maybe you like the idea to travel the Italian waters with me?" "Uhh..." Yumuko siya. "T-Tanungin ko m-muna ang reyna ---" "You're worried about Queen Mary's approval? I'll do it for you." He winks. "Wait... Joaquin!" Pero bago niya ito mapigilan ay nakalapit na ito sa dalawang taong naguusap sa may di kalayuan. Based on the Queen's reaction, it was positive. Lumingon si Joaquin at ang reyna sa kaniya na nakangiti. Pilit nalang siyang ngumiti pero gusto niyang manlumo. She doesn't even have the say on her feelings anymore. Pati ba naman ang karapatan niyang sumang-ayon at tumanggi? It was around 7PM when they arrived back home on the castle. On her room, Marga is sitting on her bed as he massages her aching feet. Medyo nasanay na siya sa paghe-heels pero di niya napaghandaan ang tagal nilang pagtayo at paglalakad. "Oww... sakit..." Someone knocks. "Yes?" "Princess Margaret.... The Queen wants to ask if you will be down for dinner?" Huminga siya nang malalim at paika-ikang naglakad para buksan ang pinto. Bumungad sa kaniya si Ussie. "Hi, Ussie... tell the Queen I'm already asleep, okay? I'm not really hungry." Pagsisinungaling niya. "Are you okay?" She nods. "I'm just sleepy... Ussie." "Yes, Princess..." Talima nalang ni Ussie. Matapos marinig ang lumalayong yapak ng kaibigan, agad kinuha ni Marga ang lumang tsinelas niya sa ilalim ng kama at nagpalit ng malaking puting t-shirt at shorts. She carelessly pulls her hair up for a messy bun. Binuksan niya ang pintuan ng kaniyang verandah at lumingon sa madilim na paligid. Walang tao. Doon na siya ngumiti. Kinagat niya ang dalawang tsinelas at parang unggoy na yumakap sa punong-kahoy sa gilid ng kaniyang veranda para dumadaosdos pababa. At nang maramdaman ang lupa sa paa niya'y napatalon siya sa saya. "SUCCESS!!" Tinakpan niya ang bibig at maingat na tumakbo papunta sa kwadra ng mga kabayo sa likod ng palasyo. . . "Hi, Chomper!" Silip niya sa siwang ng pintuan ng kwartong-kahoy ng kabayo niya. [A/N: Chomper - a Plants vs. Zombie character, the violet venus-flytrap.] Chomper sways his thick tail. "You ready for a ride in the middle of the night?" The horse neighs as if agreeing to her suggestion. . . Mabilis na pinatakbo ni Marga ang kaniyang kabayo sa kadiliman. Just as she and Chomper memorize the trails towards a place far away from the palace, they gallop swiftly like a phantom on the night. Sa oras lang na iyon nakakadama si Margaret ng totoong kalayaan... at kaligayahan kahit humahampas ang hangin sa katawan nila. She tightly holds on the Chomper's reigns. "Chomper... let me embrace the night, okay?" She then lets go of the rope and spread her arms wide open to feel the breeze. Pinikit niya ang mata at di takot na mahulog sa kabayo. She trusts her horse. The full moon lights brightly, giving her her own spotlight. The wide, dark blue ocean shines like crystals on the horizon. Slowly, Chomper's run slows down until he eventually stops. Dinilat ni Margaret ang kaniyang mga mata. "We're here." Bumaba siya at tinali ang lubig ni Chomper sa kalapit na kahoy. She then walks towards her mini-garden she grew without anyone knowing. This is still part of the Royal Grounds, yet no one seems to visit here. It's just a plain green fields, so they say.. But they are unware that there's a part of the field that goes in a downward slope... and into a wide garden of... Napangiti si Margaret. "Hello..." Anas niya. Her breath caught on her throat. "I miss you." Sabay tulo ng mga luha niya habang nakatitig sa malawak na taniman ng mga sunflower. "I miss you..." Ulit niya na para bang may nakikita siyang pigura sa likod ng mga nagtataasang sunflowers. "I miss y-you..." Hikbi niya at napaupo nalang siya habang humagulhol sa pagitan ng kaniyang mga tuhod. "I miss you..." As she remembers him. "I.. I m-miss you..." Wishing the soft wind will carry her cries. "I miss you..." Into the ears of the person she yearns the most. "I miss you...." Patuloy na umagos ang kaniyang mga luha. "I m-miss y-you..." . . "Isaiah...."