Faith couldn't stop thinking about what Phil said earlier.
Why did he tell her to watch her back from Anthony? Was he just being vindictive? Faith wondered.
But it didn't make much sense. If Phil was the one who did Anthony wrong, then he should be apologetic, not vindictive. Guess he wasn't a nice man.
But then again, neither was Anthony some days. He was sweet and kind to her but, at the same time, overbearing and controlling. He gave her everything she wanted and more, but at what cost?
She couldn't sit by and wait. She has to ask because she had every right to as his wife.
Time to pay her husband a visit, Faith thought to herself.
She went to the kitchen and prepared to make him lunch. If she was going to interrogate Anthony, the least she could do was to bring him a nice lunch. She didn't want to seem like she was trying to attack him.
She made a sandwich because it was quick and easy and some side salad. Then headed to hi
Is Phil a murderer? Or is it Anthony?
Anthony watched Faith's reaction as he finally told her about his dark past. Her eyes were dark and her face twisted into a frown. He didn't even tell her everything yet. He didn't know if he should or not."Say something," he said grimly as she wasn't speaking."How...who killed her?" Faith asked.She was trembling slightly. She must be shaken up after hearing his story."Her death was ruled as suicide, but I knew she was murdered. She would never kill herself. She wasn't that kind of person," Anthony said. "Though everyone claimed she did it because I got in the way of her and Phil."Faith cleared her throat. "You don't know if she was murdered. Maybe she did kill herself. What if she was depressed about Phil and...""NO!" Anthony cried out. He braced himself as he saw Faith get startled at his outburst. He quickly softened his tone. "She was murdered. I am sure of it. And I think Phil had something to do with it."Faith gasped. "Yo
Faith had been staring at her half-drawn canvas for twenty minutes but couldn't get any work done. Instead, she kept thinking about Phil, Anthony, and Myra.What kind of woman was she?She must've been beautiful. Way more beautiful than her.Faith shook her head as she was disappointed in herself for thinking those empty thoughts. What did it matter if she was more beautiful than her? The poor woman was dead. And so was her baby.Anthony's baby.Is that why Anthony was so adamant about getting her pregnant? Maybe he wanted to replace the child he lost. Faith wondered what kind of father he would've been.She jolted as she felt a gentle touch on the nape of her neck."Come to bed," Anthony whispered behind her.Faith shivered. His deep and husky voice still gave her goosebumps. Even after all the things she disliked about him, she was still attracted to him to a fault."I...I wanted to finish this first," she said. She di
Phil took out the piece of paper from his box and read it for the 56th time.Each time, it seemed different than the last time. But it was the same letter he read all those years ago. The one that made him hate his brother. His only brother.Phil had gone through hell since that day while Anthony carried on as nothing happened. And people called him the coldest of the brothers.Suicide, what a joke.Phil knew Anthony hated her because she chose him over Anthony. That wasn't what he wanted. He liked Myra, but he never intended to destroy Anthony's marriage. He was young and still learning about love. Anthony had always craved love, and Phil didn't want to ruin his illusion.This was why he told Myra that they should stop seeing each other, but she wouldn't listen to him no matter what. Instead, she wanted to leave Anthony right away and run away with him."Run? Are you crazy?" Phil laughed when she suggested it."I am serious, Phil. An
"What's the matter?"Faith almost jumped when she heard Anthony's voice.Three hours had passed, and Anthony was home from work, but she couldn't stop thinking about the letter. Finally, she decided to take it back out so she could show it to him and get some answers."You look worried. Did something happen?" he asked."Anthony, I need to talk to you about something," Faith said."Uh oh, am I in trouble again?" Anthony smirked.Faith didn't smile. She didn't know where to begin. She knew he'd be angry once he found out that she had been talking to Phil and he had given her the letter from Myra, but Faith knew she had to confront him."Maybe we should sit down," Faith said, sighing.Anthony stopped smiling as he realized something was wrong. "Alright, what's this about?""I read the letter." Faith's voice was barely audible.He furrowed his brows. "Letter? What are you talking about?""Phil showed me the let
"Do you trust me now?" Anthony asked after the result was out. He had passed the lie detector test.Faith looked down and nodded. She always believed in him and didn't want to accuse him of anything, but she felt this matter was too serious to ignore.Anthony moved forward and nuzzled against her neck. "If there's anything else you want me to do, I'll do it in a heartbeat. Just don't leave my side."Faith didn't say anything. She was starting to feel guilty for doubting him and questioning his intentions."So the results came out negative, huh? You think that makes you innocent?"She was startled to hear Phil's voice. How long has he been watching them?"I think you've overstayed your welcome, Phillip. Why don't you pack your bags and leave us? Thanks for visiting," Anthony said curtly. Faith felt his hand squeezing hers. He was getting angry again."I'll leave but not before I get what I need. She is naïve enough to fall for you
Anthony stared at her without blinking. It was as if the shock of Faith's big news stunned him and he didn't know what to do with himself. His eyes turned wide then they lit up with joy. "Oh, sweetheart!" Arms fell around Faith, and a scent of aftershave wafted over her instantly, tearing up her eyes. Anthony's sudden embrace was warm, yet there was no removing that suspicious churning in the pit of her belly. She wanted a child, but the thought of raising a little life with a man she didn't fully trust gave wake to a horrid headache. They were married, yet there was no ignoring the burning question within her mind: how could she ever trust such a controlling man with her child?
Anthony didn't know what to say at first. A strange young woman was hugging him like they'd known each other forever. He had no idea who she was, but he could kind of guess. She looked just like Faith."Eh...who are you?" he cleared his throat and pried her off of him.The girl grinned ear to ear. "Faith, tell him!"Faith giggled, and Anthony snapped his head toward her. He had never seen her smile like that. She was radiant. This girl made her this happy? Why couldn't he do it too? He felt a bit jealous."Um...Anthony. This is my sister, Jodie. She lives out of state. I told you about her, remember?" Faith said."Ah," Anthony still didn't know what to say. He searched his brain to remember anything about Jodie, but Faith didn't exactly talk about her much. He did remember Faith having an estranged sister who was in medical school."I came to see my older sister. She is like a mother to me, so I hope you don't mind my intrusion. I promise I'll get out of your hair in a few days," Jodi
"I am a little worried about Jodie." Faith looked at Anthony and frowned."Why?" Anthony looked at her with surprise. They had already settled in bed, ready to sleep, although sleep wasn't what was in his mind.Stop it, Anthony. Stop attacking your wife like a hungry wolf every night. Things had been tense between Faith and him ever since Phil poisoned her mind with lies about him. He felt the constant need to make sure she was okay, and she still wanted to be with him.He couldn't let her leave him. The thought of being alone again scared him to his core."I don't know. Jodie seems a little too energetic."Anthony chuckled. "Is that a bad thing? You should be glad she is happy, right?""Yes. But Jodie wasn't like this before. I mean, she was always a bit energetic, but I feel like she is overly excited about everything?"Anthony wasn't sure where Faith was going with it. "Do you want me to tell her to tone it down?"Faith shook her head. "No, that's not what I'm saying. I just hope s
Phil squeezed Jodie's hand reassuringly as they walked into the adoption agency, both of their hearts beating fast with anticipation.The receptionist smiled at them. "Ah, you must be Lisa's two o' clock. Please have a seat."Jodie and Phil sat down, their eyes scanning the room, taking in the various brochure and adoption pamphlets.After a few minutes, a woman appeared from a door at the back of the room "Mr. and Mrs. DeMarco? Please follow me. I'm your adoption specialist." She led them into a private room.Jodie and Phil were nervous, but they answered all her questions as honestly as possible, telling Lisa about their backgrounds, jobs, and home life. Lisa listened carefully, taking notes as they spoke."It sounds like you two would make excellent parents," she said. "I think we can find a child who would be a great fit for your family.""Really?" Jodie's eyes lit up."Yes, there's an orphanage I'd like you both to visit. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to have you there," Lisa said.
Two years later,Phil nearly groaned as Jodie presented yet another ridiculous home decor in front of him."What the heck is this?"He demanded.Jodie smiled proudly. "It's a wall hanging made entirely out of recycled bottle caps! Isn't it amazing?"Phil rolled his eyes. "It's a bunch of garbage glued together. How is that amazing?"Jodie's pouted. "You just don't understand art."Phil laughed. "Oh really? Is that what it is?"Jodie narrowed her eyes, sensing Phil's sarcasm. "Yes, it is. And it's also environmentally friendly. I think it's a great addition to our home."Phil shook his head. "I'm all for being eco-friendly, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice style and taste.""Stop being so grouchy all the time," Jodie snapped."I'm not grouchy.""Yes, you are!" Jodie argued."No, I'm not." Phil shook his head."Yes, you are."Phil sighed. He could never win an argument against Jodie. "Fine, maybe I am a little grouchy. But can you blame me when you keep bringing home these...u
"OH MY GOD!" Jodie screamed as soon as Phil carried her inside his loft."What?" Phil scowled and put her down."This is the ugliest place I've ever seen! No wonder you wanted to hire me as your interior decorator."Phil groaned. "Jodie, I was joking when I said that and this place isn't the bad.""Oh no? Then why does it look like a dungeon?" Jodie gestured to the dark walls and minimal furniture. "And what is with that couch?""It's comfortable," Phil defended."Comfortable? It looks like a block of ice!" Jodie shook her head. "We need to start from scratch. New paint, new furniture, new everything."Phil sighed. "Fine, but we are not making the place look like a unicorn threw up on it."Jodie grinned. "I was joking about that too. Trust me, Phil. I'll make this place look like a palace." "Alright, my queen. You can do all that later. Now can we get on with our wedding night?" He smirked.Jodie rolled her eyes playfully. "Patience, my king. Let me just light some candles and put on
Phil and Jodie stood at the altar, holding hands as they exchanged vows."I, Phil, take you, Jodie, to be my lawfully wedded wife," Phil said, looking deeply into Jodie's eyes. "I promise to love, cherish, and support you in all you do. I promise to be there for you in good times and in bad, and to always be your partner and best friend."Jodie's eyes filled with tears as she repeated the same words back to him. They exchanged rings and sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by their family and friends.After the ceremony, they walked hand in hand to the reception, where a live band was playing and everyone was dancing and having a good time. Jodie's vision for the décor had come to life, with elegant white and gold accents throughout the room.As they sat down for dinner, Jodie leaned over to Phil and whispered, "I can't believe we're actually married.""I know," Phil said, beaming at her. "I'm already regretting my decision," he joked.Jodie playfully punched his arm. "Too late n
"So, what did Phil say?" Faith asked Jodie later that day. "He said he would be my sugar daddy," Jodie said in a daze. Faith's eyes turned wide, but then she laughed. "What? I meant, what did he say about your illness?" Jodie blushed. "Oh, right. He was really sweet and understanding about it. He said he wanted to be there for me and that we'll face it together if it came to that. It was actually really nice to hear," Jodie said, a small smile appearing on her face. Faith smiled back. "I'm glad he's being supportive. You deserve someone who will be there for you, no matter what." Jodie nodded. "Yeah, I know. And I'm starting to think that maybe Phil could be that person." Faith raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're considering him as a serious option?" Jodie shrugged. "I don't know. It's just...he always pushed me away before but..." "But now he's showing a different side of himself," Faith finished for her. "I get it. Just be careful, okay? Don't let yourself get too swept up at
Phil's heart jumped when he saw it was Jodie calling him. Fucking finally."What's going on, Jodie? Why are you avoiding me?" He demanded."I'm not!" Jodie whined."Yes, you are."Jodie sighed. "Alright, yes. But I have a good reason for it.""And what would that be?"He could hear her taking a deep breath as if to brace herself."Phil...I'm sick," she said.Phil's heart dropped as he heard Jodie's words. "What do you mean, sick? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with concern."I went for a check-up the other day, and they found a small tumor in my brain," Jodie said, her voice trembling.Phil was stunned. He didn't know what to say. "I...I don't even know what to say, Jodie. I'm so sorry," he finally managed to get out.Jodie sniffled. "It's okay, Phil. I just wanted you to know. I don't want to hold back anything from you, especially if we're going to be together. I don't want to waste any time pretending things are okay when they're not. I just needed some time to process e
Phil paced back and forth in his room the next day."Lisa!" he yelled."Yes, sir?" Lisa poked her head in."Did you send the flowers?" he growled."Yes, sir, and they sent me a confirmation email saying that the flowers were received.""I see," Phil said grimly. Jodie hadn't said anything about it. Not even a simple text saying thank you. Was she really going to make him work this hard?Phil paced back and forth in his room the next day."Lisa!" he yelled."Yes, sir?" Lisa poked her head in."Did you send the flowers?" he growled."Yes, sir, and they sent me a confirmation email saying that the flowers were received.""I see," Phil said grimly. Jodie hadn't said anything about it. Not even a simple text saying thank you. Was she really going to make him work this hard?Phil thought for a moment before turning to Lisa. "Send her a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries." "Right away, sir," Lisa replied, taking note of the request before leaving the room.Phil couldn't help but feel frus
Jodie knew she couldn't keep her cancer a secret. She had to tell Faith, so she decided to book a flight to visit her again.Jodie spent the next few days making arrangements for her trip to see Faith. She didn't want to tell anyone else about her cancer yet, not even Phil. She was still trying to come to terms with the news herself and didn't want to burden anyone else with it.Finally, the day of her flight arrived, and Jodie made her way to the airport. She felt nervous and scared but also relieved to be getting away for a while. She needed time to think and process everything that was happening.She took a taxi to Faith's home. But as she arrived at the front door, she was scared to knock on the door.Jodie took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock on the door. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She could feel sweat beading on her forehead as she waited for someone to answer.After a few moments, the door opened, and Faith stood before her with a surprised expression on he
Phil surveyed his loft carefully.He had hired an interior decorator to decorate the entire place because he didn't have the time or desire to do it himself.The decorator had chosen a modern, minimalist style with sleek furniture and clean lines. Everything looked nice and expensive. But for the first time since he moved in here, Phil realized it didn't feel like home at all.It didn't have the same feeling as Anthony's house. Anthony's house had the kind of warmth Phil had never felt in his own home, and now he knew why. It was because of Faith. Anthony had Faith, and Phil had no one.Phil had been so focused on his career that he had neglected his personal life. He had always thought that material possessions would bring him happiness. But they never did. And when he saw how happy Anthony was with Mayra, he decided to steal her from him, thinking she'd make him feel loved. And when that fell apart, he gave up on love altogether.But now, standing in his loft, he realized that love