I looked up at the sky while enjoying the breeze in the garden. I was waiting for Dannie to come home.We've returned to our usual routine with Dannie. However, he always comes home late at night because he's busy with work, dealing with new and important business partners.I believed his explanation about the woman I saw with him at the restaurant before. He said she was his longtime best friend, and when the time is right, he'll introduce her to me. I chose to believe him, although I still felt uneasy about that woman.I sighed because I was starting to overthink things again."DANNIE!" I turned my attention to the gate upon hearing a woman's voice screaming.I stood up and walked towards the gate."DANNIE, COME OUT!" she shouted again from outside.Who could this woman be? Why does she seem so angry at my husband, shouting from outside the gate?I was about to open the gate, but one of the guards stopped me."Ma'am, please don't go outside. Don't mind that woman because she might j
"I don't want to eat!" I shouted and threw the food in front of me."Get out of my sight!" I yelled at them again.As they left, I locked the door to our room, Dannie's and mine.It had been days since my husband came home to me. I didn't know where he was; he told Jea he had something important to take care of.How important could it be that he couldn't even properly inform me?I wished he had at least called or texted me.I wished he had said goodbye to me so I wouldn't worry, but he didn't. He left without a proper goodbye.Tears streamed down my face once again. The tears hadn't stopped since he left.There was a knock on the door, so I quickly stood up and opened it, hoping it was Dannie.I forcefully closed the door when I saw Jea knocking, but she managed to block it and swiftly entered my room.I ignored her and lay down on my bed, covering myself with a blanket."Tasia, I don't have any news about Dannie, but I found out something," she said.I immediately sat up from lying d
"What did you say to Dannie?" Jea asked as she entered my room. I had returned to my old room, which now had my child's belongings.She was helping me move my things from Dannie's room. I never expected that we would reach this point.I trusted too much in what she showed me.When I went upstairs earlier after my conversation with Dannie, I decided to move to a different room. Staying in that room was too painful.I also felt like I didn't have the right to sleep in his room."I told him that I don't care anymore. I told him to do whatever he wants, and I'll do what I want," I said as I placed my clothes in the cabinet."That's why," Jea said softly, but I heard it and turned to look at her."Why, what?" I asked.She bit her lip and quickly averted her gaze. When she does that, she mentioned something she shouldn't have."I just need to get the other things I left there," she said, hastily walking out of the room.I quietly followed her."Come on, Jea, you really can't control your mo
In my joy, I immediately hugged him until I started crying."Dannie," I said through tears as I held him tightly.He let go of the hug and wiped away my tears."I'm sorry, Anastasia," he said sincerely.I nodded at him to let him know it's okay."My parents had me take care of their partnership with the Lees, so I couldn't come home. They sent me straight to their house to report, and that's where I've been staying. I apologize for not being able to contact you; I've been overwhelmed with demands from the Lees due to my family's issues with them. I'm really sorry," he said sadly.I could feel the sincerity in his voice. I hugged him again and caressed his head."It's okay, I've heard your explanation, and I understand. What matters is that you're here with me again," I whispered.Am I being weak right now? I don't care anymore, I love him.He let go of the hug once again and held my arm."But Anastasia, I have to
"Mmmmm. Your cooking smells so good, Jea," I said as I waited for her to prepare my meal. I sat facing the table with a spoon and fork in my hand. I eagerly anticipated the taste of Jea's delicious dish, my favorite since I started living here in Dannie's house. "Dannie will be coming home tomorrow, right, Jea?" I asked excitedly, but she just nodded. "I really miss him," I said sadly. Jea turned to me, blowing on the soup in the spoon and offering me a taste. Her cooking was really delicious. "Oh, he won't be home until the afternoon," she said while scooping some food. I wanted to pout, but... "Oh, here it is. Tasia, you only have two months left until you give birth. You should start dieting," she said jokingly. I frowned at her, she was such a bully. "Why? Am I that fat already, huh, Jea?" I asked as I took a bite of the dish and rice. She didn't pay attention to me, instead, she grabbed a pl
I glanced at the large clock outside, and it was only two o'clock in the early morning.I took off the ring from my hand and placed it on the side table in Dannie's room. I tucked my letter for Dannie underneath, as I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye, just like him.I walked carefully outside, trying not to wake the household staff until I reached the exit.I looked at the sky; it was still dark, but there was a faint light.I scanned the entire house of Dannie with my eyes.Thank you for the happy memories, although I don't know if they were real or just your lies, Dannie.I let out a sigh. I forced a bitter smile and turned away, carrying my two bags filled with my belongings.I tried my best not to look back because it was too painful.As I took steps away from the house filled with painful memories, tears started to stream down my face again.I didn't know where to go without Dannie finding me. I was afrai
DANNIE'S POV After taking a shower and changing, I sat on my bed and took out the picture of Anastasia and the ultrasound of our baby from my wallet. Just one more night and I'll be going home to you. We didn't even have much time together since Mom sent me abroad again. I know Mom's plan, she wants to keep me away from you and closer to Honey. Ever since Mom found out about my feelings for you, she's been supportive of Honey and didn't introduce any other girls to me. But I don't know, it seems like my feelings for Honey vanished into thin air. Maybe if there's anything left, it's just my love for her as a friend. But I don't know, it feels like I might love Anastasia. I'm not sure about my feelings yet, but I always miss her. That's why I had her picture and our baby's ultrasound developed, so I can see them even when I'm far away. I sighed, missing my family. I should call them. I searched for my cell phone but couldn't find it on the table where I remember leaving it earli
ANASTASIA'S POV I let out a sigh as I noticed that it was already getting late and the surroundings were dark. I wondered where I would sleep tonight. I've been here in the park since I left home earlier. I wonder how my mother is doing. Most likely, my father has hurt her again because of me. I shouldn't have gone to their place in the first place. It's my fault again that my father hurt my mother. I kept my head down and played with the bottle at my feet. Someone stopped in front of me, so I looked up to see who it was. I was surprised to see TJ smiling at me. "TJ," I softly said his name. He just smiled at me and handed me my favorite isaw (grilled street food). I smiled back at him and took the isaw because I was hungry. "Thank you," I said and took a bite. He sat beside me. "How long have you been here?" he asked while looking ahead, watching people pass by. "Ummm, since this morning. My hips are hurting,"
Ate let my straight hair down. She was busy fixing my eyelids and lightly applying blush on my cheeks."I'll put those earrings on, alright? It'll enhance your beauty," she said.I nodded slowly and didn't complain. I wasn't used to wearing jewelry on my body. I feel uncomfortable with those things. I don't know why.She smiled and then applied pink lipstick to my lips. I parted my mouth and closed my eyes."Finished. Stand up, lady. Let me see the result," she happily said.I grinned and gave her a confident aura. She winked and clapped."You look really beautiful," she exclaimed.I looked at the mirror to see myself. I wore a red sleeveless dress that suited my fair complexion. With a smile, I gently touched my face and couldn't believe what I saw. Only a few things were done by Ate, but why? It seemed like I became more beautiful."Yes, I am beautiful!" I exclaimed and winked.She handed me her black clutch bag."It matches your outfit," she said with a hint of joy.I accepted it.
I slowly got uncomfortable with his presence. "What brought you here?" I sheepishly asked. After he called me, I immediately said goodbye to Benjie and Lavly. Though they seemed puzzled, they allowed me to leave. Actually, Benjie even drove me back to Manila. I'm really thankful to them for trusting me, at least to some extent.He just shrugged off my question. I carefully placed my bag down and approached him. "Where's Pa?" I wryly asked. A tray with snacks was already set on the small, fragile table between us."I'm glad you're here! I just need your company tonight," he muttered. I rested my elbow on the armrest of the sofa and messily ran my fingers through my hair."You need me tonight? And then what am I supposed to do there?" I skeptically asked him. He was wearing tokong-shorts and a fitted white polo shirt, resembling a model from famous magazines."Be my date," he casually replied."Why me? I have a lot to do right now. You're insane," I said through gritted teeth.With his
"You're late." I almost swallowed all my saliva when he started speaking.He pretended to sit on the mahogany chair and it was obvious that he had just arrived. He was wearing a black long-sleeve shirt with a necktie and black slacks. His physique was even more pronounced. He looked at me seriously from head to toe.I raised an eyebrow."Have a seat! Why are you late?" he coughed.I avoided looking at him and quietly sat on an empty chair.I glanced at him again and rolled my eyes. He silently read the menu placed on the table."What do you want?" He glanced at me. I stared intensely back at him. A smirk played on his lips."You disappeared for days! Just when I was about to take a break, you show up." I added irritably.He slightly loosened his necktie."I just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten about you." His response was cold.I sighed."Can we stop? It's not really my fault, right? You're the one who claimed that I did something wrong to you, right?" I answered sharply.
The next morning when I opened my eyes, I immediately felt a headache. I sat on the edge of the bed and massaged my temples.I didn't know what time I fell asleep last night. When I woke up, I already felt the headache.I redirected my attention to something else to ease the pain a bit.Earlier, after we ate, Manang gave me a paracetamol. I took it and immediately drank it.Afterwards, I took a walk by the beach to at least sweat a little and alleviate the burden I was feeling.I found out from Shara that Xahel left early for Manila. She said he had a lot of paperwork to take care of and projects scheduled for this month until the fourth month.I couldn't understand why he left so suddenly. He only stayed for a day. Maybe he lost interest after seeing his ex!I also contemplated teaching him painting every weekend! I'm not really sure about it?But how can I back out now when I promised him that thing? He might get even angrier at me and make things more difficult for me."Zhanea, how
"What's your drama there? Why do you need filters and effects?" I said. The corner of my lips slightly lifted.His mind seemed like a video, so chaotic! The other day, he said he liked a girl who didn't like him back!We're walking along the shore now. He looks frustrated. His hair is messy, and his face is slightly scowling."She's pestering me!" he muttered.It's already eight in the evening, and the moonlight is our only source of illumination on the path we're taking."Huh? She's actually beautiful. As a sign of courtesy, couldn't you just talk to her?" I almost got nervous with what I said. I even emphasized it. It's like damn.He raised an eyebrow and gave me a stern look."What?" he asked, pretending to be innocent."Do you want me to repeat it?" I said.He sarcastically glanced at me."Shut up your mouth," he muttered.I raised an eyebrow and shrugged. When I got into his car, I glanced briefly at the girl. I saw her wiping her cheek.At that moment, I felt like slapping Xahel
I took a deep breath and raised my hand. It's getting a bit numb from the four hours of painting.I'm lying down on the hammock now, feeling the breeze brushing against my skin. Eventually, I lowered my hand from its raised position.I just wanted to enjoy my vacation and paint, but why did that guy have to come here? Hasn't he forgotten what I did to him? Huh? That was last week, for crying out loud. He has quite the memory.I closed my eyes, trying to let go of my worries caused by the cold wind. Well, also the view.I'm just really thinking about what Xahel said! Yeah, what's wrong with us having a meal together? But when we meet, all of that turns into a fight.It's also my problem, being clumsy like this. I don't want to add more problems with him, especially if it's about the woman he's with.It's hard to be jealous! I'm not used to having enemies. I may be talkative, but I don't know how to catfight. That would be embarrassing for me.Especially since I'll be a teacher. What wi
"In the next morning? I had a long sleep. No sound of cars and no neighbors shouting!The only things you can hear and feel are the cool breeze and the sound of waves on the shore.I held my head. It doesn't hurt anymore, unlike last night. Maybe it was just a migraine.I got up from my bed and walked towards the window. I pushed the curtain aside and partially opened the two windows.The blue ocean greeted me. The sun was beautifully positioned above, and a few fishermen were sailing in the distance.I smiled peacefully and took a gentle breath. It's such a really good start to the day. I rested my elbows on the windowsill and let the wind play with my loose hair.A wide smile appeared on my face as I glanced below. But before I could close my mouth, I couldn't help but be surprised.Under the shade of a coconut tree was a handsome young man. He was looking seriously at the accompanying woman. Every movement of his jaw and lips was like a hair-raising melody.I closed my mouth and sl
If that is how fast the world rotates? The journey of the day was also easy.I've been back and forth in the Echavez family mansion! I'm just grateful and Xahel didn't mess with me.I learned from Shara that one week she was on vacation with friends!Is that how he really is? No goodbye to me and if I go home? Don't know the right day and month! The world just revolves around itself.I also found out that he used to be Xahel's friend! But when they had each other's lambs he stayed away.I would have asked her about it? But don't. I don't want to care. Atleast I'm not kidding Xahel! So my brain is peaceful and there is no variety of thought events today. I wish he had been there for a long time and he would never remember my fault with her! That's okay!I turned around and followed the couple. We are here today at the rest house they bought in the lagoon. The wind is fresh because it is the beautiful sea! There is no vehicle in. No to poll! Yes to Fresh. Kidding.Thanks and they though
"I'm Xahel Royce Echavez. And you are?" He said while lifting the edge of the lip."Zhanea!" My answer is heartbreaking.He was even more sorry."You're suffering from a rare disorder!" I scolded and shook her."Really? Then prove it, Baby!" She was waking up.I want to rock her with this paint brush I hold! Then we could encounter each other. He pulled me over and never finished eating. My jaw dropped before I could speak he immediately suspected me. Its still tight in my arm."Go ahead!" I will invite him.We are here today in front of their infinity pool! After he hugged me earlier he brought me here.He sat in the non-cement chair and then whistled."Paint of me, baby. Paint!" He was a scout.She convinced me to paint for her! According to me I pay for everything I did wrong to her! Whack what!"Don't try to run away from me again!" He said after I took my left foot.I nodded at him. His strength to be able to concentrate ha? Proud that he is, what?She was weak in front of me.I