ANASTASIA'S POV
"You're lost in thought again, Mommy?" he said affectionately as he hugged me from behind.
I closed my eyes and savored the sweetness of his calling me "mommy" and his warm embrace. We were here now on the porch of the house he bought in the province. The air was so fresh. The only sounds I heard were the chirping of birds whenever I was on the porch.
I felt his hand descend to my now swollen belly.
"I can't wait to see our daughter," he whispered in my ear.
A smile crept onto my lips as I held his hand on my belly.
"I feel the same way, Daddy. I'm excited to see our child," I said happily.
I looked up at him, and he rewarded me with a quick kiss, followed by a kiss on my forehead.
"I love you, Anastasia," he said and kissed me again on the lips.
"I love you too, Dannie," I replied as our lips parted.
"Let's go to sleep now. You and the baby shouldn't stay up late," he said gently and guided me ins
After Dannie's conversation with his dad, he felt like the weight of the world had come crashing down on him. He returned to their bedroom with heavy shoulders. As he
DANNIE'S POV *KNOCK *KNOCK *KNOCK I woke up to someone knocking on the window of my car. I realized I had fallen asleep inside my vehicle. I looked towards the source of the knocking. It was my dad. Where am I? I glanced around and realized I was parked in front of my dad's house. He gestured for me to roll down the car window, so I did. "Son, why do you sleep here? Come inside," he said. I yawned and opened the door of my car, stepping out. My dad greeted me with a man-to-man hug. "I miss you son," he said with a hint of sadness. Contrary to what others may think, my dad is not strict or mean. They have the wrong impression. He is kind and affectionate, but he appears serious when it comes to business matters. However, when it comes to me and my mom, he is a loving father and husband. "I miss you too, dad," I simply said. He invited me inside the house. "How's your wife?" he asked as we walked towards t
ANASTASIA'S POV I spent the whole day feeling lost. I searched the entire house for Dannie, both inside and outside, but he was nowhere to be found. Everyone in the house had no idea where he went. Where could he be? "The food on your plate is getting cold," Jea caught my attention. I looked at her lifelessly. Jea was also missing, and I had been looking for her as well. Maybe she knows where he went or if she has any idea about his whereabouts. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at her with sadness. "Why do you have that expression, Tasia?" she asked. "I can't find my husband. Do you know where he is?" I asked her sadly. She sighed. "He left early. He didn't say where he was going, but he just told me he would be back before you give birth," she replied. I became even sadder because I won't be able to be with my husband for several days, and it's only a few days before I give birth. "You kno
DANNIE'S POVI've been yawning since earlier, but I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about my family that I left behind. I was worried about what Celena might do to them.She destroyed my family, she took Daddy away from Mommy. And now, she's planning to ruin the family I built.I wish I hadn't focused so much on the state of my company. I should have prioritized them. It's all just wishful thinking now.I scanned the room I was in, still feeling drowsy. Is it already morning?I yawned again, but it was interrupted when the door to my room opened slightly.Celena entered with a wide smile on her face. A smile that could ruin anyone's morning. And she was accompanied by her black-clad bodyguards."Good morning, my baby boy," she greeted me sweetly.I just glared at her."Oh! Why so mean, baby boy," she said with a mocking tone."What do you want?" I replied coldly.The smile vanished from her face, and her expression turned
ANASTASIA'S POVI have already given birth to our child with Dannie, but he still hasn't arrived. I stare at the door, hoping that every time it opens, it will be Dannie walking in, but my hopes are in vain.I've been waiting for him for a while now."Oh, why are you sad?" Jea asks me.I look at her, and she has a wide smile on her face while holding our baby in her arms.I couldn't help but cry tears of joy because I successfully gave birth to our child, and tears of sadness because Dannie is still not here.Before Jea brought me to the hospital, I hoped that he would catch up before I gave birth to our child, but he didn't come home."Tasia, I know you're waiting for him, but maybe there's a significant reason why he hasn't come home," she says sadly.I wipe the tears from my cheeks. "I hope so, Jea. I hope his reason for being absent is more important to us, so I can understand when he explains it to me when he comes back,"
DANNIE'S POV"Everything is always wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Get out! now! Bullsh*t!" I shouted at one of my employees.Ever since I returned to my company, I've been hot-tempered. I feel like my stepmom is controlling me again.I slumped down on my swivel chair, massaging my temples to alleviate the headache. I haven't been able to sleep well due to thoughts about my wife and child.It has been a month since I last heard from them. The last update I received from Jea was about the day she gave birth, but I couldn't go because of the agreement between me and my mother.This will all end soon, I hope you can wait for me, Anastasia.My eyes squinted as the office door suddenly swung open with force."Ma'am, you can't go in there, I'll get scolded by Mr. Dannie," my secretary hastily said while holding Honey's arm."Dannie!" she exclaimed happily and ran towards me.I stopped her from embracing me, surprising her."Why? W
DANNIE'S POVI couldn't do anything but stand by Honey and the child she was carrying. I hope you can forgive me, Anastasia. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. "Dannie, your breakfast is ready," Honey called from outside my room. "I'm busy, I'll come later," I replied. I always made excuses to avoid eating with her and our child when I couldn't be with Anastasia and our child. Honey and I are now living in the same house with Mommy, but she stays in our child's room. I don't want to be near her because I still feel guilty towards Anastasia. It's been two years, and I don't know how I'll face Anastasia anymore. I feel like I've lost all face in front of her. I haven't received any news from Jea either. Celena has eased up on me, but I don't have the courage to visit my child and Honey. I also don't know where they are. I heard my child crying and a sound like something breaking, so I quickly went out and rushed
"I TOLD YOU I WANTED A REAL PROPOSAL, DIDN'T I? WHY IS IT THIS WAY? AS IF IT WERE A CHILD'S EFFORT!" I angrily shouted at my employees.I threw the documents they gave me in front of them. They all hung their heads low, reluctant to move from their positions."WHAT!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE? DO YOUR JOB WELL! I WANT YOU TO FINISH IT TODAY!" I yelled at them before storming out of the meeting room.Frowning, I walked back to my office.
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