I don't know how I slept that night. The only thing I remember is falling asleep on the sofa while my friends were watching over me. When I woke up, I was already in bed in my room. I have also changed my clothes, and I guess Sabrina did it for me. I moved on the bed to get up, but I groaned when I felt the pain in my body. I feel like I've been beaten, and that's not far from what happened to me last night because of what Mr. Reyes said. I don't feel fear anymore, but I'm still not sure if the trauma has completely disappeared from me. I forced myself to get up from my bed and take a shower immediately. I soaked in the bath while remembering what happened last night. If Cristiano hadn't come last night and if I hadn't grabbed the key card from Mr. Reyes to open the door last night, maybe it would have been worse for me. I had no idea that would happen to me because I had so much trust in him. That's why, to this day, I still can't believe that he did that to me and that he planned
"Are you sure it's okay if they interview you?" Cristiano asked me. We were in the garden now, and it was just the two of us there because Sabrina and my three other friends had already left. They still have some work to do, and they really just came here early to check if I'm okay. "Yeah, no problem. Also, I have to answer that," I answered, then shrugged my shoulders. Cristiano nodded at me. He said that there are policemen coming here to interview me about what happened last night so that the case against Mr. Reyes can proceed. "You can say no if you don't want. We all know that you've been traumatized by what happened last night," he told me. I shook my head because it was fine with me. Another thing is for me to be clear about what really happened. Someone is spreading false news that I'm Mr. Reyes mistress; that's why I went to his hotel, where he was, and I knew that those were our company's competitors. Daddy is also taking care of that because he is clearing our name now
I left home with more thoughts. I don't really need a bodyguard, but what else can I do? I want to complain and don't let my guards go with me, so I can't do anything because they don't want to follow me in what I want. They said that's what Dad instructed them to do and that they will follow what I want as long as I don't send them away. I can't help but hide and sigh. I'm going to the restaurant where Stella and I will meet. I used my car, and behind me was the car of my two bodyguards. What they even wanted was for them to drive for me, but I didn't agree. Daddy only ordered them to watch over me and not to drive, so they didn't do anything about it. "Stay far away. I don't want anyone to see that I have bodyguards," I instructed the two. "Alright, ma'am. We'll take care of it," Romel answered me. "I'm going to the restaurant, and you can order what you want. You eat first, and I'll take care of the bill," I instructed them. They agreed to my order. When I got there, as soon a
"No! We already talked about not meeting and talking again. He agreed with that, but something happened last night," I told Stella. I told her about Cristiano helping me, and Stella was very happy because she felt that Cristiano liked me. I don't buy into what she says because I don't want to be attached to that man. He's so kind to me, and I admit that he's the only one who can make me happy with little things. I don't want it to continue because I know it will only hurt me. We just talked when Stella talked there until a group came to the other table, so we looked at it for a moment, but I immediately looked away because I focused more on Stella's stories. "Caroline and I need to see each other again. There are many rumors that she misses," said Stella. I nodded because Caroline had already missed a few events that we weren't at because she was busy with her work. "Let's set that date," I replied. When Stella and I finished our main dishes, we ordered desserts. While we were w
"Why don't you just ask her personally? She's at the other table," Regina added. In less than a few seconds, our table was so crowded that my heart was pounding. I'm not afraid to be asked about that; I'm just really surprised because I didn't expect it. "Architect Scott, is it true that you are the mistress of Mr. Reyes?" "What exactly did you do at the hotel where Mr. Reyes was?" "Is it true that it exploited you?" I don't know their other questions because they are one after the other. Someone pointed their camera and phones at me. Romel and Benz are trying to keep them away from me and make sure they don't stick to me. "Lily, you don't have to answer them," Stella told me. I nodded at Stella. Even though there was a part of me that wanted to speak there, I didn't. I want to explain everything to them, but I don't think that is the right place to answer their questions. We disturb the restaurant and the people who are eating there. I took a deep breath and straightened up w
I couldn't sleep that night, so I just used my phone. My friends sent me many messages, but I chose to ignore them at that time. I'm not in the mood to talk right now because I know they're asking me about what's going on. Daddy was also right because there were pages and websites that posted about the scene earlier in the restaurant. I also read that it was reported that I'm the mistress of Mr. Reyes. I looked at the comments there, and I saw a few who were very angry with me because they said I was destroying the family. There are also comments there defending me. I read a lot of hateful comments, and our company was getting involved. I don't know if it had a big impact, even if only a day has passed since what happened. I also don't know why most people immediately believe the news they read even though they don't have enough evidence. While I was scrolling on my phone, Liam's name appeared on the screen because of his message. From Liam: Stop browsing social media. It will no
The next day, when I woke up, I was surprised when Daddy and Mommy were at home, even though it was a little late. Usually they are not at home before seven a.m. "Good morning, sweetie!" Daddy greeted me. He was on the veranda of the house as he watched Mommy quietly watering her plants in the garden. "Morning, Dad!" I say hello back. I looked at Mommy and saw her looking at us, and she waved, so I just waved back at her while smiling. "Are you ready?" Daddy asked me. I frowned, then stood there properly before speaking. "Ready for what?" I ask. I have work today, but I will go to my office later because I will visit a site not far from our city. "The press conference will be held later. I didn't tell you right away last night," said Daddy. My eyes widened in shock. I knew Daddy had called for a press conference, but I didn't know it was right now. "As in today?" I asked, still in disbelief. "Yeah, and I think you're always ready, hijah. I can't spend the day anymore, so I
I quietly got into Cristiano's car. He was even going to come out earlier to open for me, but I had already preceded them. "I'll take care of her," Cristiano said before we finally left there. I don't know if I'll be happy to see him where I am. I took a deep breath and put on my seatbelt. "You should always check your car first before using it," said Cristiano. I looked at him while he was looking straight at the road. I took a sip before speaking. "I checked it earlier, and it was fine before I used it," I answered. "Well, that's good, but we can't really avoid getting damaged by a car," he said, making me nod. I didn't say anything and just kept quiet, but he spoke again. "How are you? I heard from my brothers that the media messed with you outside the other day," he said to me. "Yeah, I didn't expect that either. Good thing I have bodyguards," I replied to him. "What they did to you was terrible. Besides, you have bashers," he said, then laughed softly. I didn't know if
CRISTIANO'S POV."You should come to the event, Cristianous. Your brothers are expecting you tonight." It was my mom who's forcing me to come to the Scott Family event.I finished the whiskey I was drinking before I sighed and answered Mama."Alright. See you later."I know Mama is very happy because I agreed to join them at that event because I haven't been with them for a long time. She has requested me several times, and even once I did not accept her invitation. Maybe it's time. It's time to show up for them again."So, you're coming home to Manila to attend the event?" Andrew asked me, who had been by my side for a while.I nodded as I answered him, then poured whiskey into my glass again."Well, that's good. It's only right that you go home to be with your family," he told me.Andrew is also right. Now that I'm with him and I've trained him in my jobs, he's the one who rarely has meetings with my clients. He also sometimes takes care of my other businesses when I'm busy, so I ha
Cristiano and I returned to Manila, and Sabrina was very happy when she found out that we had returned with my memory. I don't know how I should feel now because, since I can remember, I've been sadder. I was sad because I feel like Mom and Dad died just yesterday.I looked at the wide garden of our house while our maids were busy arranging the long, big table in the middle. It was noisy there because of the shouting and laughter of Sabrina's three children. My two arms were crossed over my chest while standing in front, and I couldn't help but smile because of my nieces and nephews.Sabrina is preparing here at our old house for my homecoming. I don't know why she had to prepare such a dinner, even though we could have eaten outside."Lily."I looked at Cristiano, who stood next to me. He was wearing long white sleeves and black pants. I glanced at him because it looked like he meant to wear that so that what he was wearing would match the white mini dress I was wearing."Are you all
FLASHBACK!I wiped the tears that ran down my cheeks and took a deep breath to regain my courage. So much happened, and until now, it's still hard for me to sink it into my mind.The night Cristiano was shot, I thought I would never see him alive again. I thought he would never hear from me that I had forgiven him for all the sins he committed in our past. I thought I would lose him forever.Everything I thought of for Cristiano went to someone else because Mommy disappeared that night. She died because of the ambush that happened in our house while celebrating my father's birthday. I blame everything on me because if I had not returned to the Philippines, that incident would not have happened. I hope Mommy is still alive, and I hope Dad didn't get sick because of Mommy's loss.I'm sitting in front of Mom and Daddy's grave today, and I can't believe that the two most important people in my life are gone."I'm sorry if I failed to give you a grandchild from me," I said, holding Dad's g
And lastly, I thought I would finally have freedom and happiness in my life. I thought I wouldn't be miserable anymore, and I wouldn't feel any sadness, but I was wrong. I thought wrong.It's hard to wake up every day, and you don't remember anything, and you don't even recognize yourself. I don't know how it happened, but I just woke up one morning feeling like everything had changed. I just woke up one day, and I don't remember anything.I was sweating profusely while walking down the long stairs. I feel a pain in my stomach, and I can't explain how much it hurts. Until I looked at my thigh, and I saw a lot of blood coming out there. At the same time as the blood dripped on my thigh, my tears also fell."Lily! Lily!" a cold baritone made my eyes open.I almost took a deep breath when I finally woke up. I felt my hands trembling, and because of the fear I felt, I immediately covered my face. My tears flowed because I still felt the fear and pain in my heart."Lily, it's just a dream.
In the moments that I wait for Cristiano's arrival, I fight against my sleepiness and fatigue. I haven't had much of a break yet because that was also the day I returned home from America. My nervousness and fear prevailed so much that no matter how heavy my eyelids were, I could not close them. More than half an hour has passed, and I'm sure Cristiano is close. I stood up from my seat and looked out the window again. The men guarding there still didn't leave, so I just held my breath. Aren't they tired or sleepy? I just shook my head, and I was in agony. I just hope Cristiano brought enough men because Mike has too many men. I was standing there for a while when I felt the watch in my pocket vibrate, so I quickly took it out to look at it. Cristiano was calling, so I didn't take too long to answer because of the nervousness I was feeling earlier. "We're here. The house has three floors. What floor are you on?" Cristiano asked me immediately. "Second floor," I answered. "Alright.
"We've been separated for a long time since our baby was lost. So, why don't you want to let me go?" I asked him. There was a tear in the corner of my eye, but I immediately looked up to stop the tears from flowing. I told myself that I would never cry in front of him again. "I-I don't want us to separate. Forgive me, Lily. I will accept everything; just don't divorce me," he answered me, and his hug tightened even more. I got out of his arms to get him away from hugging me, but he was too strong for me. "Leave me alone," I told him. I felt him take a deep breath before he completely separated me from the embrace, but my eyes widened at what he did next. "W-What are you doing?" I stammered to him. I looked around us, and I was very thankful because there was no one there. He knelt down and held my hand. "Don't leave me. Please." His voice broke as he reached for my hands to hold them. I had to bend down to look at him and straighten him up from kneeling, but he didn't move, j
[After Flashback: Continuation of Chapter 8] *** "I-I'm so sorry to hear that, Lily. If only I knew what you went through," Liam told me. I wiped my tears and immediately drank the wine in front of me. I never thought that in a few years I would cry again. That made it very difficult for me to move on. After I asked Sabrina to help me take me to another country without anyone knowing, I started to forget everything that happened, but I still can't help but remember it sometimes. "What Cristiano did to you was wrong, but have you forgiven him yet? Are you ready to face him again?" Liam asked me. I laughed and shook my head because I could really face Cristiano. I really feel a little scared because I don't know how we will both react when we meet again. The only thing I want right now is to divorce our marriage, which is why I can't help but get angry every time he just throws away the papers I send him. Liam and I had a good conversation because I was able to explain to him eve
No one can say how much pain I feel right now. I just lost my child, and that's because Cristiano hurt me. I blame myself because if I hadn't fought him, I hope it wouldn't have happened. If only I had stayed in that room and made him hurt me. I was just stupid while sitting in the hospital bed. I've been crying there for a while now, and occasionally I'll stop when I get tired. I can't accept what happened. I can't accept that the child I was waiting for disappeared in an instant. I have never even touched her or seen her, and I will never see her as a woman with me. "Eat this so you can get some strength. I called Sabrina," said Cristiano. He never left my side, even though I pushed him away several times. I cried even more because I remembered our parents and siblings, who were very anxious for the arrival of my future child, but that will never happen. I have no appetite at all. I don't want to see Cristiano because I just remembered falling down the stairs. I'm afraid that he
"Why are you returning the words that should be yours to me? You're the one who's cheating here and not me!" I added to him. He is really the one who is cheating on both of us, not me. He returned to his ex; he was seeing her secretly. Francine's husband and I are being cheated on. "So, you're recovering? You're doing this to shame me?! Your face is thick! I only married you because I was shocked and because of the child you're carrying! I agree to marry a girl, but nothing like you!" he continued. I wiped my tears and shook my head at what he was saying. There is no truth in that because cheating is something I can never do because I know how it feels. "I'm not taking it back. I'm not fooling you-" "Stop lying!" he shouted because I stopped talking. "You know Liam likes you; that's why you're going out with him! I wish you'd just marry him! You were a bit shy at first, but you like him too!" he said to me one after the other. I almost caught my breath from crying there. I shoo