CHAPTER 2
"Catalina we're leaving!" sigaw ni Hugo mula sa ibaba.Catalina took her bag and went out of the room. It's been a year since they got married, and never once did she hear Hugo call her by her second name again. She was at fault by that, but Hugo also kept things from her so it's a fair situation for the both of them.Napaangat ang tingin ni Hugo nang makita niya si Catalina pababa ng hagdan. His throat went dry and he gulped at the sight of her. She was on her usual black dress, but today was different, she was wearing a black skin tight halter top dress. Wala sa sariling napahilot ng sintido si Hugo."What are you wearing?" he asked, a little irritated."Damit, Sebastian. And if you don't stop staring, I'll poke your eyes."Agad na nagiwas ng tingin si Hugo nang tuluyang bumaba si Catalina. She was always wearing dark-colored clothes it matches her porcelain skin. Contrasting her beauty, she didn't have jewelry around her except for the golden rings on her fingers, isa na roon ang simple nilang wedding ring.Hugo stared at their wedding ring on her finger. Wala sa sarili niyang inabot ang daliro niyang may singsing nila."Papasok ka ng opisina ngayon?"Umiling si Hugo, hawak-hawak pa rin ang singsing sa sariling daliri. "I'm coming with you.""I'm staying in the mansion," Catalina referred to her childhood house.Umangat ang tingin ni Hugo sa dalaga. "Walang ibang tao doon, what are you planning?""Swordfight, horse rides, shooting... What else?" Catalina counted her fingers. "I'll swim."Ngumisi si Hugo. "Then, I'm coming."Umirap si Catalina. Tinalikuran niya ang binata at lumabas sa bahay. They were in a secured village and Hugo occupied two lots since he was a shareholder of the company that built this subdivision. Their house is two-story, compose of a gym for two, an infinite pool, a rooftop for the helicopter, an underground parking space, 6 bedrooms including the masters, and 3 spacious bathrooms. Modern design ang bahay at ang kulay ay naaayon sa gusto ni Catalina, itim."We're taking my car.”Umiling si Catalina. "Too late, my car is ready. Babana ka pa?" She smirked at him."You got me, I'll drive."Ngumisi lalo si Catalina. "Oh no, dear, I'm driving."Umiling si Hugo at kinakabahang tumawa. "We almost died when you drove...""Then we'll definitely die now."Catalina went inside the passenger’s seat and turned the engine on. Walang magagawa si Hugo kundi sumunod. He doesn't know that the car was in voice-command and had fingerprint sensors on the steering wheel. Kung sino mang hindi registered sa system ang gumalaw ng kotse ay tiyak na makukulong."Seatbelt, dear, baka lumipad ka na ngayon," ngising asar ni Catalina."This isn't funny... Fck..."Catalina pressed something on the steering wheel making the roof open. Natulala si Hugo."What the fck are you doing?"There was an attached tablet on the car's headboard. Catalina clicked some things and suddenly a hand outline showed up on the screen, requesting for fingerprints."Please," Catalina pointed at the tablet.Hugo placed his hand on the tablet and in an instant Hugo was registered."Hello Hugo, welcome to the system," the car said.Hugo frowned, "What is this car?""Let's go," Catalina said.The gates automatically opened and Catalina drove the car in her normal speed but Hugo thought it was too fast. Nang makalagpas sila sa gate ng subdivision ay lalong binilisan ni Catalina ang pagpapatakbo nito."Too fast, Babe. Slow down!""Hugo, I'm only running 40 kilometers per second,” Catalina lied while chuckling.“Fck, I told you I’ll drive!” Napakapit ng mahigpit si Hugo sa kinauupuan niya.Biglang inapakan ni Catalina ang preno kasabay ng malulutong na mura ni Hugo. Catalina started laughing so hard that it made Hugo pissed off. Catalina parked her car before looking back at Hugo. Bumaba ang binata sa kotse at umikot papunta sa driver’s seat kaya bumaba na rin si Catalina. She stood in front her husband with crossed arms.Hugo was tall, he stood 6 feet from the ground, with broad shoulders and tanned skin. He had long hair and it was tied into a half ponytail while the lower part was clean. Hanggang balikat lang ni Hugo si Catalina, but whenever she wears heels she stood close to his ears.“Tatanggalan kita ng lisensya, Sienna,” ngising tugon ni Hugo.Ngumisi rin si Catalina. “Oh, I bet you babe.”“Get in the car,” malamig na sabi ng binata.Mabilis na naglakad si Catalina papunta sa passenger’s seat at padabog na sinara ang pintuan ng kotse nang makaupo na ito. Hugo also went in the driver’s seat and started the engine again.“Let’s go to the office first.”Mabilis na umangal si Catalina. “Sebastian!”“Mabilis lang tayo.”“Ayoko,” nguso ng dalaga.Hugo sighed and started driving. “Babe, I swear we’ll be fast.”“Sebastian, the last time you swore, na late ako sa klase!”Ngumisi si Hugo. “What? It was babe time in the shower, can’t I swear again?”“Oh, dear, ikaw ang papatay sa ‘kin…” bulong ng dalaga.“Babe, sa sarap kita papatayin. Hindi sa inis.” Hugo laughed sexily.Umirap si Catalina dahil sa kapilyuhan ng binata pero kalaunan ay naikagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi para pigilan ang pagngiti. Hugo ang his antics, he never changed his sweet little ways.Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas nang tuluyan silang makarating sa harap ng kumpanya. It was the SHR Software Corporation, which typically focuses on developing software games with strong security for both the game and the device that they use.Bumaba si Hugo mula sa kotse at hinagis ang susi sa valet attendant. Hugo opened the door for Catalina who was wearing her sunglasses. Bumaba ang dalaga mula sa kotse at naunang pumasok sa loob. She handles this company with no risk, she’s smart, and she’s friendly also. But whenever Hugo is around, nagkakagulo ang mga staff. Katulad nalang ngayon.“Nandiyan na si Mr. Ruiz!” taranta nila.A warm hand was wrapped around Catalina’s waist. “Can’t you wait for me?”Umirap si Catalina sa loob ng salamin niya pero kitang-kita ‘yon ni Hugo. He chuckled a bit then cleared his throat and went back to his serious mode. Naglakad sila papunta sa private elevator na para lang sa kanilang dalawa. When the elevator door closed, Catalina took off her glasses and put on her contact lenses.“You have beautiful eyes, Sienna…”“I’m just preventing harm from everyone, Hugo. Alam mo naman siguro kung bakit, hindi ba?“I’m here, okay? You’re in my company and everyone is safe here. Hindi mo kailangan magtago…”Hinarap ng dalaga ang binata matapos nitong isuot ang lenses niya. “’Wag kang magpapakakampante… Kahit kailan, Sebastian. Huwag.”Kasabay ng mga salita ni Catalina ay ang pagbukas ng pinto ng elevator. Naunang lumabas si Catalina kaya sumunod na lang si Hugo. She headed directly to her office and Hugo followed her there.“Babe…”“Seb, kung wala kang gagawin dito, umuwi na tayo sa mansion.”Binaba ng dalaga ang bag niya sa center table at humarap kay Hugo. Hugo was standing near her desk, while she was standing across him, near the sofa.Hugo sighed and looked at his watch. “Give me an hour, I have a meeting. Stay here, anong gusto mong kainin?”Ngumuso si Catalina. “Strawberries?”Ngumiti ng maliit si Hugo. “Come here…”Wala sa sariling lumapit si Catalina kay Hugo. Hindi niya alam kung anong gagawin ng binata pero lumapit pa rin siya. It’s been a year of marriage. It’s been a year of hate for the both of them.Umangat ang tingin ni Catalina kay Hugo sabay ng pagyakap ng binata sa beywang niya. Hugo planted soft kisses on Catalina’s forehead making her comfortable. Pumikit ang dalaga at yumakap pabalik kay Hugo. She thought it was just that but he suddenly spoke words that melted her heart and made her knees completely weak.“Sorry, babe… I’m sorry…”Isang marahang katok ang nagpahiwalay sa kanilang dalawa. Catalina cleared her throat when Hugo finally excused himself to attend the meeting. Huminga ng malalim si Catalina at sinundan ng tingin ang asawang naglalakad na palabas ng opisina niya.“I’m sorry too, Sebastian…”CHAPTER 3Sunod-sunod na putok ng baril ang binitawan ni Catalina. Hugo replaced the empty strawberry shake on her table as he watched her shoot all the dummies in a mile. Walang palya lahat ng baril ng dalaga, it was all bull’s eye, as if she was shooting with a sniper.Catalina was currently enjoying the shooting range in her parent’s mansion. Alas quarto na nang hapon pero abala pa rin si Catalina sa pagputok ng baril. It was like she was releasing her stress from something, she couldn’t tell.“Babe, sit down and drink your shake first.”Napatigil si Catalina sa paghila ng gantilyo, nilingon niya si Hugo at maliit na ngumiti. She sat down beside him on the bench and reached for her strawberry shake. Hugo pulled out a cigarette pack from his pocket and lit up one stick.“Anong lasa?” she asked him.“Mapait, it’s not for you.”“Sabrina smokes too… Though I rarely see her smoke,” saad ng dalaga. “May problema ba?”Umiling si Hugo. “No, babe, everything’s fine.”“Sebastian,” nagbabanta
CHAPTER 4Kunot ang noo ni Hugo habang nakaupo sa sofa ng opisina niya. Kanina pa nakatitig ang binata sa ibabaw ng center table niya pero wala pa rin itong kibo. Nakatitig si Adamson kay Hugo na mukhang naguguluhan pa rin. Napailing si Zero dahil sa inaasta ni Hugo habang halos matawa naman si Kyrus sa kanilang tatlo.“Men, you’re all smitten to the same sisters,” natatawang tugon ni Kyrus.Umiling si Adam. “I’m not smitten!” Dipensa niya.“I’m confused…” saad ni Hugo.“I think I failed as her boyfriend and her friend,” si Zero naman.Sabay na umiling ang tatlo habang si Kyrus ay napatawa. “Buti na lang hindi pa ako nababaliw.”“Magpakasaya ka na,” Zero said.“Sulitin mo na…” si Adam naman.“Araw-arawin mo na,” si Hugo.“What the fck is wrong with you guys?!”“We’re smitten!” Sabay-sabay nilang sigaw.Napahilamos si Kyrus sa mukha niya. “Ang gugulo niyo! Mauna na ako,” aniya at lumabas sa opisina ni Hugo.Kumunot ang noo ni Hugo. “She said that marriage is sacred…”Zero sighed. “She
Chapter 5“Sorry, I was late…” Bulong ng dalaga habang nakatayo sa harapan ni Hugo.Nakaupo si Hugo sa mahabang upuan sa labas ng courtroom ni Atty. Hidalgo dahil hindi pa tapos ang kaniyang hearing. Kitang-kita ni Hugo ang pagkurba ng katawan ni Catalina dahil sa hapit ng suot nitong damit. Hinilot ni Hugo ang sentido at huminga ng malalim.“Why are you wearing white?” Taka niyang tanong.“I decided to… Face my demons?” Patanong na sagot ni Catalina.Tunaas ang isang kilay ni Hugo. “You’re asking ‘cause you know you’re more like the devil than the demon,” sabat ni Hugo.Catalina smiled awkwardly. Tumango siya bilang pagsang-ayon sa sinabi ng asawa.“Akala ko ayaw mo pa magpakilala?”Huminga ng malalim si Catalina. “I… I think it’s time… Slowly. I won’t shock the public.”Hinilit ni Hugo ang sentido niya. “You’ll be in the headlines tomorrow."Alam ni Catalina 'yon. Kahit sabihin niyang doon lang siya sa loob ng meeting room nagpakil
Chapter 6Hugo made her drove back to their condo in Megaworld. Mas malapit 'yon kaysa sa bahay nila. It was a penthouse where Catalina had designed a glass divider in between the bedroom and the office. The city was overlooking, but the air was fresh. Nagtataasan rin ang mga building na kung titignan mo ay mukhang Makati lang.Marahas na hinubad ni Hugo ang suot niyang necktie habang tinatanggal ni Catalina ang butones ng vest ni Hugo. Paakyat sila nang hagdan habang mapusok na naghahalikan. Muling sinunggaban ni Hugo ng marahas na halik ang asawa sabay hila niya rito papasok sa kwarto.He pulled her closer to him as he continued his rough but gentle kisses. Tumama na sa kung saan-saan ang dalawa. Hugo threw his vest on the floor, pagkatapos ay sinira niya ang zipper ng suot na bestida ni Catalina. Napasinghap si Catalina sa gulat."Sebastian!""I'll buy you a new one, a lot," he answered and kissed her lips ferociously again.Mabilis na nahulog mula sa katawan ni Catalina ang bestid
Chapter 7Naalimpungatan si Catalina dahil sa kausap ni Hugo sa telepono. He was gently taking like he doesn't want to wake her up. Huminga ng malalim si Hugo."Yeah, I'm coming... No, you take care of it... I'll tell my wife... I'll call you later..."Marahang gumalaw si Catalina sa kunwaring pagtulog. She felt Hugo walking towards her. Maingat na nagmulat ng mata ang dalaga at unti-unting tumingin sa binata. He was standing beside the bed where she was sleeping, half naked."Good morning, Sienna," Hugo said and the blinds opened.Agad kumunot ang noo ni Catalina. Hugo bent down to kiss her forehead and smiled."Good morning, babe.""Good morning..." She answered. "Since when did you change my system's name?""Oh, four months ago when you'd suddenly throw a dagger at me," kibit balikat ni Hugo.Napairap si Catalina. "I'm washing up."Tango lang ang itinugon ni Hugo. He handed her her black satin robe as she went inside the bathroom to wash up. The bathroom was spacious, it had a sofa
Chapter 8Tumunog ang telepono ni Hugo sa kalagitnaan ng pagbabasa niya ng reports sa nakaraan taon. Mariing napapikit ang binata nang abutin niya ang telepono at sinagot ang tawag."What is it?" Inis na sabi ni Hugo."S-sir... May iniwan po kasi si Mrs. Ruiz n-na lunch b-box... P-para daw sa inyo..." Kabadong sagot ng receptionist.Kumunot ang noo ni Hugo at naptingin sa relo sa palapulsuhan niya. It was quarter to 11. Could it be that Catalina sent the lunch box?"From my wife?""O-opo sir..."Maliit na napngiti si Hugo. "A'ight, I'm coming down to get it."Binaba ni Hugo ang telepono at nagmadaling lumabas sa opisina niya. Nagkatinginan ang dalawang receptionist at napalunok."A-anong sabi ni Mr. Ruiz?" Tanong ni Lyn."B-bababa daw s-siya... Kukunin niya..." Kabadong sagot ni Anya."Hindi ba ayaw niyang bumabana sa o-opisina niya?"Tumango si Anya. "Except ka Mrs. Ruiz.""Ang sweet..." Saad ni Lyn. "Pero nakakatakot pa rin si sir, kahit gwapo siya.""Bad boy si sir e, gwapo," tili
Chapter 9Catalina stared at Hugo's dark face. Kakauwi niya pa lang sa bahay nila pero heto ang kaniyang asawa at lasing na lasing. He drank the whiskey straight and then he smoked his cigarette. Kanina pa umuusok ang kusina nila, even the lights were dimmed everywhere. Ilang araw nang hindi umuuwi si Catalina, hindi alam ni Hugo kung kailan siya maghihintay hanggang sa dumating ito.Hinagis ni Hugo ang hawak na kopita at kumuha ng bago. Catalina secretly gasped when he heard the glass shattered. Hugo poured the whiskey in and drank straight then ended up cracking the glass in his hands. Napamura si Hugo. "Fck!""Sebastian," he heard Catalina's voice.Tumawa si Hugo ng malakas. He's been hearing her here and there. Hindi alam ni Hugo kung totoo na ang naririnig niya at hindi niya rin alam kung totoo ang nakikita niya. He's been like this for a week, napailing na lang siya at muling kumuha ng kopita para sirain ulit.Before Hugo could even throw the glass, he heard noises from behind
Chapter 10Hugo accidentaly sat on the remote that turned the bedroom tv on. Buhat-buhat niya si Catalina at marahang ipinatong sa kandungan niya. They were both half naked. The top of her dress has fell down her waist and he was topless with an open fly.Catalina and Hugo were kissing senseless on the bed. Both touching each other's warm bodies. Hapit ni Hugo ang baywang ni Catalina gamit ang isang kamay habang ang isa naman ay marahang pinipisil-pisil ang mayayaman niyang dibdib. Hugo's mouth was ravishing Catalina's breast that caused her to moan and scream out loud.Sinubukang tanggalin ni Catalina ang suot na damit dahil parang saggabal 'yon sa pagtatalik nila. A sound came out from the tv and the Netflix was still on. It played 365 Days on the part where Laura was saved by Massimo from drowning in the water of his own yatch. Lalong umingay ang tunog ng halikan nina Catalina at Hugo kasabay ng tuluyang pagkakahubad ng damit ni Catalina. Hugo lifted her by the leg and placed her o