Silas and Donovan headed to Annalia's penthouse to provide the clothing she would wear to the dinner later tonight. She puts on her platform stiletto heels and her ruched chain dress with a crisscross tie backless and split thigh halter dress after she has completed applying her makeup and putting on all of her accessories. And with that, she is finished. Since Adam is still not here, and Silas has already visited the Delatorre at the venue, Don offered to be the one to drive her to the restaurant on his own. Annalia intended to ask Don whether or not Adam would be present, but she thought that the topic might make him curious and weirded out. When Anna and Donovan arrived at the restaurant, there were no people, which confused her. Is this exclusive for them? Donovan assists Annalia in stepping out of the car, and while she is doing so, she rests her hand on Donovan's forearm and looks around the restaurant. This location is enormous, exudes an air of luxury, and radiates grandeur
"How did you get here?" As if he didn't hear a word from Annalia said, Antonio simply gave her a stare of an unknown emotion Annalia barely noticed. He did not respond for a couple of seconds. "I followed you," Antonio said dismissively. "Yeah, I see that," she says, "but why?" Antonio stated, "I was worried if you were okay." Annalia frowned, but she quickly dismissed him by shaking her head. "Why would you ask that?" Annalia chuckles at the thought of the statement. She is aware of Antonio's reason to worry, but she must be careful not to appear to be affected by his father, even though she is confident of what is on his mind. While grabbing her phone from her purse, Annalia walks past Antonio. She heard Antonio sigh as he followed after her. "Nothing. I was just wondering if you are, Ann." Annalia stops walking upon hearing Antonio calls her name...for the first time. She pivots to take a gander at Antonio, her eyes grave. Perceiving how Antonio responded, Anna appears to bef
Don asks in a low voice, "Are you all right, Ann?" Though Annalia did not want to, he offered to help her leave the restaurant by walking her. After what happened with Adam, she returned to their table hastily and informed the gentlemen that she was going home. She disregards the fact that Antonio is nowhere to be found. He might have been upset from earlier.She answered promptly, "I'm alright. Just a little weary." Annalia still gets a sharp pain in her hands and an electric tingle as she recalls what Adam said. She went outside with Don, but thankfully she didn't see him. Annalia was expecting Adam to appear outside the restaurant or perhaps in the parking lot to beg her forgiveness once more. Though he would never do it, she was expecting the seemingly impossible. Despite not personally knowing Adam, she can read emotions from someone's eyes. And, though Adam wasn't aware of it, Annalia recognized how misled and disappointed he felt. Perhaps the strain of waiting for her is too m
Annalia was dropped off in front of the building by Antonio. Although, he actually wanted to accompany her inside till she reached her penthouse. Annalia resisted, though. It's already late, and she is aware that Antonio has further crucial responsibilities to fulfill. Annalia ponders what Zero meant when he texts her about the "crucial information" he had as she moves toward the elevator. She hasn't called him since the morning that she is aware of. Perhaps Donovan has already given him a brief overview of his job. Annalia throws her bag to her couch after entering the penthouse. She sets up her bathtub and bath essentials to use so she can wash her body. She then strips all of her clothing and marches naked in the direction of the bathroom. Annalia rubs down her body using the forming bubbles in the bathtub while letting her body drown in the warm water. As her body relaxed, she shut her eyes. Annalia continued to touch her body down to her crotch, unaware that she was doing so wh
"What brought you here?" Don inquired of Anna while sporting a frown. Anna flashed a grin before walking up to Don's desk and sitting on an empty couch. "What exactly happened, my dear? You give off the impression of being in a good mood," her father questioned, displaying his steady bewilderment over Annalia's actions. Well, something has taken place, and Anna is delighted by it. She let out a long breath before closing her eyes and leaning back on the sofa. While her eyes continued to be closed, she spoke, "I have something for us." Annalia felt someone was sitting next to her, which prompted her to open her eyes and flash a smirk. "It has to do with Marcel." As soon as Don heard those comments, he immediately put his laptop to sleep and gave his secretary strict instructions not to enter his office. Both of them are now positioned facing Anna and waiting for her to initiate the discussion regarding Marcel. Whatever it is, it must be significant if Anna is making an effort to co
After they entered the house and sat on the large sofa that was located in the middle of their living room, Silas handed Anna a glass of matcha tea, which was her favorite beverage. "Here's your matcha, love," he then uttered. Every piece of furniture remained where it had been precisely placed before Anna left this place; everything was exactly the same as it had been. Almost nothing changes, with the exception of the long drapes that are blocking some of the house's windows and are the cause of the mansion's dimmer lighting. Anna expressed her gratitude to her father by giving him a warm grin and saying, "Thanks, Dad." Don and Silas exchange glances, waiting for Anna to begin the subject regarding Marcel. They didn't want to force her to talk about it hurriedly, so they decided to let the young lady speak about it whenever she felt comfortable doing so. Annalia has just finished sipping her matcha, and as she begins to talk, she places the cup on the table that is in the center of
"What the hell are they trying to do by coming here?" Annalia muttered under her breath when she saw Adam's car parked in front of a building that she was unfamiliar with. However, given that the name "ASUL" is engraved in the right-hand corner above the glass entrance door, she believes that this establishment is a company. While Felix and Adam exit the vehicle and proceed into the building, Anna stays in the parking lot and keeps an eye on them from her vantage point in the car. When they eventually were able to enter the building, Annalia felt the urge to follow them and simply hide in an area where she would not be noticed by anyone. She exits the vehicle while simultaneously observing her surroundings to ascertain whether or not any security personnel is lurking nearby. Thankfully, there are none of them. Annalia tiptoed across the massive dumpsters that had been placed on the opposite side of the entrance door, next to the thick cement wall. She peeked her head slightly out of t
This is really breathtaking in every way! Even though it is already dark, Annalia can still appreciate the beauty of the ocean because of the light bulbs that emerge from the branches of the trees. They are reflected in the water. Since there are no other residents here except them, she inferred that Adam owns this property outright. Now, she gradually comes to the realization that she has never enjoyed anything quite like this before. Annalia is constantly occupied with work, films, interviews, paparazzi, and keeping her splendor and beauty. In essence, being subject to the expectations and demands of other people. But unfortunately, that's just part of her career role. But now, after many years of hiding both in front of and behind the cameras, the universe has granted her the freedom to experience this sensation yet again. "Hey, let's go inside the cabin," the speaker called out. Annalia was unaware that Adam was already following close behind her. When she looks at him, her eyes
Present… Two months had passed since Annalia's awakening, and during that time, she had made remarkable progress in her recovery. Her physical wounds had healed, and she had regained her strength and vitality. With the help of physical therapy and regular check-ups with her doctors, she was well on her way to returning to her old self. Adam, Silas, and Don had been by her side every step of the way, providing emotional support and encouragement. They had all but put their lives on hold to focus on Annalia's recovery, and it had paid off. They were proud of her progress and knew that she was a fighter. On the other hand, after spending some time in Switzerland, visiting the gravesite of his dear friend who had passed away, Adam was excited to return home to the Philippines. Although the trip had been emotionally difficult, it had also given him a sense of closure and peace. As he packed his bags and prepared to leave, he thought back on the years he had spent in Switzerland, struggl
Adam didn't realize that he had fallen asleep and thankfully the nurse woke him up. He is not allowed to stay inside. When Adam got out, he immediately saw Don and Silas sitting on a bench. Adam couldn't look at them because he was so ashamed and sorry for what he did."Adam," Silas called him. "What happened? What did the doctor say?”The three of them looked at each other before Adam glanced at Annalia from the outside."She's pregnant. 2 weeks," Adam softly said. He knew Don and Silas already knew that that's why he didn't expect a reaction from them. Adam looked back at Don before lowering his gaze to surprise the two."What, Adam? What happened? Why is she lying there?” Don continuously asked."She had surgery because of the internal bleeding caused by force trauma," Adam started explaining. He can hear them cursing Marcel while Don punched the wall beside him. Adam continued speaking, "She didn't have a pulse when I saved her and brought her here to the hospital, but they manage
Adam waited anxiously for hours outside the operating room, his mind racing with a thousand different scenarios. Finally, the door swung open, and the doctor emerged, looking exhausted.Adam approached the doctor nervously and asked, "Is she okay?"The doctor looked at him for a moment before replying, "Yes, she is. But there were some complications during the surgery. We managed to resolve them, but it was touch and go for a while there."Adam felt a wave of relief wash over him as he heard the doctor's words. Knowing that Annalia was okay and that the surgery had gone well lifted a heavy weight off his chest. He had been so worried during the long hours of waiting, fearing the worst, but now he felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders."Thank goodness," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "I was so worried."But now until Adam saw how the doctor's face turned serious; Adam's heart skipped a beat. "There's something else I need to tell you.” The doctor said, his tone gra
Marcel was swift on his feet and managed to break free, fleeing from the scene with all his might. As soon as Marcel broke free and attempted to escape, Don and Silas sprang into action, pursuing him with all their might. They were equally quick to give chase, At the same time, they gave orders to Adam's men to prepare for Marcel's capture, instructing them to secure the area and prevent him from running. “Delatorre! Don’t you ever think of escaping from us!” Don shouted using the horn speaker. With the police close behind him and Don and Silas closing in from either side, Marcel's options were limited. He looked around frantically, searching for any means of escape, but it was clear that he was trapped. As he realized that he had nowhere left to run, he slowed down and eventually came to a stop, panting heavily. Despite Marcel's attempts to outrun his pursuers, his luck had run out, and he was apprehended by the officers alongside Don and Silas. It was clear that his attempted esca
Adam went to the abandoned house by himself, his mind consumed with guilt over the terrible deed he had committed. He had killed Annalia's family and knew he could never make amends for his actions. As he walked through the darkened halls of the empty house, Adam could feel the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. The memories of that fateful night played over and over in his mind, tormenting him with the knowledge of what he had done. He had thought that killing Annalia's family was the only way to protect his father from the danger Marcel posed, but now he knew that he had been wrong. The guilt of his actions was overwhelming, and he felt as though he could never be forgiven. But still, he continued through the abandoned house, searching for her. This is the only way he could do to Annalia after what he had done to her. Perhaps, he thought, if he could find some way to atone for his sins, he could finally find some peace. As he walked, his mind raced with thoughts of what he
"It's been a while since I called you that," Marcel said, provoking Annalia to remember her past. And he was winning because she remembers her past when this monster destroyed her. "I have known your true form for a long time—one of the children of one Armand Vergara, my brother." Yes, the only sibling you ever had and killed, you monster! Annalia's mind is in chaos, she wants to attack Marcel and kill him on the spot, but she stops herself from doing so. "But thanks to your father's uncle, Philip Vergara, I was able to find out about the only child of my brother being alive. Apparently, you took all the possessions of the Vergara and made him insane.” The way Marcel said is as if he was blaming her for getting and inheriting the riches of his father. It was hers before and why the hell would she steal it? She didn't! Suddenly, a realization hit Annalia. Don and Silas… They are the ones who keep it. "But money is power, right? People can be bought anytime," Marcel said. This time he
For the past few days, Annalia isolated herself from work and people that even Don couldn't stop her as well. She went through a lot of researching, seeking, and investigating Marcel and his family. He needs to get information that is very much needed for her plan again. And for her career, Annalia is aware that her career is slowly being crushed by the number of scandals exposed by the media, people, and Marcel. She knew Marcel is still doing his job to bring down her career totally. And right now, she doesn't care anymore. She can take it back either way. And for Marcel, she'll make sure Marcel won't get what will destroy him. "Annalia, it's already late at the midnight. You should take a rest," Don said when he saw Anna busy with her laptop. She is currently staying at their residence, the Santiago mansion. Annalia knew that when she was there in her penthouse, the paparazzi and media might follow her. Worse could happen in that place. "I am fine, Don. I slept earlier in the afte
While everyone was celebrating, Marcel couldn't know what he was feeling. Everything seems moving so slowly and their voices echo loudly in Marcel's ears. Armand never spoke this to me. He thought to himself. Marcel watched everyone being happy and clapping at the announcement made by his brother, Armand. But he was the only one who didn't feel happy about this news. Marcel became anxious as many situations played in his brain as if he already knew what would happen in the future. "Dad? Are you okay?" Antonio's voice brought Marcel back to reality. "Huh?" "We're going to take pictures. Come on, everyone is waiting for you," Antonio said as he turned his attention to the people who were laughing as they took positions one by one for the picture taking. "Marcel, brother! Come here!" Armand called him. Marcel cleared his throat and forcefully smiled at his brother. "O-oh yes. I'll be there," Marcel uttered. Marcel fixed his suit while dismissing those thoughts. Maybe he can talk to
6 years ago… The mansion of the Vergara family was busy preparing for the celebration they will have this evening. Apparently, Armand wanted to have a special event before he'll announce the important announcement to his family and the people. His wife, Lorraine Vergara, was in the kitchen helping their cook and maids with the preparation. She also wanted to cook her specialty, the adobo, which is her family's favorite. On the other hand, his children also helped arrange the furniture in the living room and decorate the flowers—which were ordered by their mother. Heather, their youngest, was in the garden cleaning the dried fallen leaves and also cutting the long grass. She always enjoys helping their maids in cleaning their garden. Armand smiled watching his family being busy helping the people in their house. That's what makes him proud of his family. Despite being blessed with privileges, they are still able to help others whether they are maids or strangers. "Sir, where should we