"There you are," he uttered as he panted, catching his breath. He smiled and was about to walk closer to her, when suddenly he paused, seeing that she was with another man.The smile slowly faded away from his lips. "What is this? Why is this happening?" he asked while his gaze was fixed on them.He could see how happy Ethel was with that man. She was taking care of him. He took a deep sigh turned his back on them and left the hospital in despair.As he headed back toward his car, sadness dominated him. "Did I just lose again? I had to take the risk, but why? Why I'm losing her again?" he asked himself and then started the engine and drove away.On the other hand, Ethel was taking care of Nate because she felt guilty about what had happened to him.They're in the garden now, Nate wanted to breathe some fresh air. She was staring at the sky as Nate was staring at her.He sighed and smiled at the same time. He was happy with her, but then he was still thinking that Ethel loved another m
In the following weeks, Ethel never received any news from Marcus. She had been worried about him and took her phone and dialed his number, but then, he didn't answer the call."Why is this happening again? Is he ghosting me just like what Nate did?"She decided to turn off her phone and headed towards the bar. The bar had been cleaned, yet as she arrived, it was still closed."Where is he?" she asked herself as her eyes roamed around the place."Ethel!" her co-worker called her and walked towards her."The bar had been closed after the incident. Should we find another job now? I had many bills to pay," she said and Ethel was thinking about it as well."I think you're right. But, wait," she then walked towards the door and placed a note."Why did you do that?" she asked in confusion."I just think we must leave the bar with a note, so that, the owner wouldn't be waiting for us," she explained and her co-worker nodded in agreement.As they strolled the city, looking for jobs, Janine, h
"M-Marcus?" she stammered as her eyes were fixed on him.She then started to walked towards him with a frown. "What are you doing here? When did you-"She didn't even finish what she was about to say when Marcus leaned in and hugged her. Her eyes widened as he tighten the hug."I missed you," he whispered while hugging her.Later that day, Marcus and Ethel were walking in a quiet park. She looked at him as she couldn't believe that he's here."What happened to you? I thought you ghosted me. I think-"He paused and looked at her. He then smiled and hold her hands. "I wouldn't do that. Why would I?""I'm sorry, I haven't replied to your text. I was with someone," she honestly tell Marcus about just happened on the bar.While Marcus listen attentively, he then realized that he misunderstood her. A smile was slowly forming on the corner of his lips."I..." he raised his head and look at her."I like you too, Marcus," she confessed and smile spread through her lips. "I really like you."Ma
A year later...Marianne and Emma were in the garden. She was watering the plants when she heard the cry of Zoey. She hurriedly ran towards her."Are you okay? What happened?" she asked in a worried tone as she headed towards her daughter.Zoey continued to cry and when Marianne helped her to get up, she saw a little bruise on her knees."Oh no, you got hurt. Come on let's get you clean up," she carried Zoey as she continued to cry.Emma smiled while looking at them both. She could see herself from Marianne when she was just her age."She's the same as I am."Marianne cleaned Zoey and put her some new clothes. "Shh, stop crying now. Mother is here," she smiled at her and just that, Zoey slowly stopped crying.She looked at her mother and she could ease on her. Marianne then carried her, gently patting her back. "Let's sleep now, Zoey. It's bedtime," she said.After a few more minutes, Zoey fell asleep on her mother's shoulder. Marianne then headed towards her room and gently put Zoey.
"Mother!" she shouted and Emma ran towards the room."What? What happened?""I'm hired!" Emma took a deep breath as she heard that. She thought something bad had happened but then it was good news."You scared me. Congratulations!"They both shared a smile. Marianne gets ready to head to the company. She dressed up and looked in the mirror.She kissed Zoey for the last time before she left the house.As she arrived at the company, she wore a broad smile to greet everyone. As soon as she arrived at the office, she greeted Miguel with a smile."Good morning, Sir."Miguel smiled back. "That's your office.," he said as he pointed to the next office from his. Marianne looked at the office and nodded her head.Miguel instructed her everything that she had to do and all she did was just to nod her head. Miguel stood, "Follow me," he said and Marianne stood and followed him."Attention everyone," he said and all the employees looked at him."This is Marianne Carter, my new secretary. I hope y
Miguel received a message from Nate. He frowned while reading the content."A lunch meeting?" he uttered to himself.He typed 'okay' and sent it to Nate. As he was on his way to his office he saw Marianne, walking towards the entrance.He pauses as he waits for her. When he saw she was near the elevator, that was the moment he headed inside the elevator and pressed a floor number."Wait," Marianne said as she put her arms in the middle, causing the door to open again.Her eyes widened when she saw Miguel. She bowed her head before she headed inside the elevator.Marianne worked on her tasks as she was facing the computer until lunch. She heard a knock on the door. "Marianne? I mean... Ms. Carter?""Yes?""I'm having a lunch meeting right now. Would you like to join me there?"Marianne nodded her head. "Yes, Sir. I would love to.""Okay. Shall we?" she nodded her head and they both head out of the company.Marianne went inside his car, and she could feel the awkwardness between them. S
The next morning, Marianne was already dressed up. She didn't get a good sleep, thinking about Felix.She headed out of the room and saw her mother looking at her."How's your sleep?" she asked her, worriedly."It's fine, mother. I'm going now. Please take care of Zoey for me." Emma nodded her head and smiled at her.As Marianne was inside a taxi, she was preoccupied."Excuse me, Mam, we're here," the driver stated and that was the time when Marianne went back to her senses."Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't notice it. I'm sorry," she said and paid for her fair and headed out of the taxi.She was walking to her office when she bumped into Jill and Jace. She smiled at them. "Good morning." "Ms. Carter, are you okay?" Jill asked her. "Yes, why do you ask?" "You look tired. Didn't you have enough sleep?" she asked. "Ah, yes. I didn't rest well last night, but I'm fine. Thanks for your concern." "You need to rest well, Ms. Carter. We all need a good rest," she said to her and Marianne nodded
Marianne focused on her task, but then she couldn't take Felix out of her mind."What am I doing? Why do I think of him?" she asked herself and then shook her head.As the door opened, Miguel was there. He smiled at her. "Are you doing well? You look bothered," he said, but Marianne managed to smile in front of him."I'm fine, Sir. Don't worry about me.""Are you sure? You can take a leave if you're not feeling well," he said."I'm really fine.""Okay, if you say so."Miguel then headed out of her office and then went to his.Marianne watched him leave and took a deep breath. "I wanted to be honest with my feelings, but... How can I? I'm afraid to get hurt again."Later that day, Marianne walked down the streets. She wanted to clear up her mind, but then as she was about to continue walking, her eyes saw Felix.He was standing before her, his eyes looking at her. He then avoided his gaze and started to walk away.As Felix passed by her, she could feel the pain. She was hurt once again
A month later... Marianne and Felix's daily routine included sleepless nights and shared parenting challenges. Despite their tiredness, their home was filled with the soothing sounds of baby coos and Zoey's laughing. "I could never been happier. I couldn't wish for more, Marianne. This family we had build together? This is perfect. This is what I am dreaming of." When the evening arrived, Felix and Marianne had been thinking about taking a family photo together to post on the wall for display and memories. "Felix, what do you think about having a family photo? Something we can hang in the living room, a snapshot of our life together despite all the challenges?" Marianne said, her eyes bright with joy. Felix grinned warmly, since he had always been supportive of Marianne's ideas. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Let's capture these precious moments." He smiled as he gazed at his wife and two children. "Thank God for giving me these beautiful souls. I couldn't ask for more."
In the hospital room, the air was filled with a gentle warmth as Marianne cradled their newborn son. Felix, still beaming with pride, leaned down to place another tender kiss on her forehead. The soft melody of their baby's first cries echoed in the room, a sweet symphony of new beginnings. Just as the new parents were settling into the quiet joy of their family, the door softly creaked open. Zoey, Felix and Marianne's eldest daughter, burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. She had just turned six, and her anticipation to meet her baby brother had been palpable. "Mommy! Daddy! Where's my baby brother?" Zoey exclaimed, bouncing on her toes with uncontainable enthusiasm. Felix, with a warm smile, gestured towards Marianne, who was still nestled in the hospital bed. "Zoey, meet your little brother." Zoey's eyes widened with awe as she approached, her gaze fixated on the tiny bundle in Marianne's arms. "He's so tiny! Can I hold him?" Marianne nodded, her heart swelling w
Five months had passed since that memorable family outing, and the Anderson household was brimming with anticipation as Marianne's due date approached. The journey of Marianne's pregnancy had been a mix of joy, excitement, and challenges, making each day a testament to their unwavering love and support for each other. On the morning of the day that would forever change their lives, Felix and Marianne stood in the soft glow of the sunrise, the city gradually awakening outside their window. Marianne, her radiant glow juxtaposed against the delicate hues of dawn, took careful steps while Felix walked by her side. "How are you feeling?" Felix inquired, his eyes filled with concern and love. Marianne offered a tired but genuine smile. "I don't know, Felix. It's a mix of everything. But I can't wait to meet our little one." The journey had indeed been challenging for Marianne. The sleepless nights, the physical changes, and the emotional roller coaster were all part of the intricate tap
The following day dawned with a sense of anticipation in the Anderson household. Felix's plan for a family picnic, featuring Ramon and his two sisters, Crystal and Daisy, was met with enthusiastic agreement from everyone. Marianne, fully supportive of the idea, smiled as Felix shared the details of their day. "Make it the happiest day for him. Enjoy your day," Marianne encouraged, her eyes reflecting the love she felt for Felix and the entire family. Felix grinned, his heart warmed by Marianne's support. "Thank you, love. I love you." With Marianne's blessing, Felix set the wheels in motion for a memorable family outing. The Andersons gathered their picnic essentials – a checkered blanket, a basket filled with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and a sense of excitement that permeated the air. As they arrived at the chosen park, a picturesque haven with sprawling greenery and the gentle murmur of a nearby stream, Felix couldn't help but marvel at the perfect setting for their family
The following month proved to be challenging for Marianne. The demands of pregnancy, coupled with the absence of Felix during long working hours, left her feeling weary and alone. With Zoey and Emma at school, the once lively house now echoed with a sense of solitude that weighed heavily on Marianne's shoulders. As she moved through the rooms, each filled with memories of laughter and shared moments, Marianne couldn't shake off the pangs of loneliness. The pregnancy, though a joyful occasion, had taken a toll on her energy, leaving her more susceptible to emotional waves. One quiet afternoon, the house seemed particularly empty. Marianne stood in the living room, gazing out of the window at the swaying trees. The gentle rustle of leaves seemed to underscore the stillness around her, intensifying the feeling of solitude. A wave of emotion washed over Marianne, and she found herself sitting on the couch, her hands resting on her growing belly. The silence pressed in, and she longed f
As the day unfolded, the sun painted the sky with hues of warmth, casting a golden glow over the family picnic. Marianne, Felix, Zoey, and Emma found themselves surrounded by nature's embrace, enjoying the simple pleasures of each other's company. A checkered picnic blanket adorned with an array of delicious treats lay spread out beneath the shade of a towering oak tree. Zoey, her laughter echoing in the air, chased butterflies and picked wildflowers, her enthusiasm adding a touch of joy to the scene. Felix, ever the attentive father, set up a small grill for a spontaneous barbecue, filling the air with the tempting aroma of sizzling delicacies. Emma, sitting on the blanket, couldn't help but marvel at the picture-perfect moment unfolding before her. As Marianne leaned back, taking in the beauty of the day, she felt a gentle squeeze on her hand. Felix, his eyes filled with warmth, whispered, "Are you feeling okay, my love?" Marianne nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I'm
As the stars twinkled above, casting a soft glow over the small family gathered at the cemetery, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Marianne, despite the emotional richness of the day, began to feel a dull ache in her head. She discreetly rubbed her temples, trying not to draw attention to the discomfort. Felix, attuned to Marianne's subtle signs of distress, noticed the furrow forming on her brow. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay, Marianne?" She offered a small smile, trying to dismiss the growing pain. "I'm fine, just a little headache. It'll pass." Emma, ever perceptive, observed Marianne's discomfort. "Sweetheart, if you're not feeling well, we can head back. We've had a beautiful time here." Zoey, still full of the innocence of a child, chimed in, "Mommy, you should tell Grandpa about your headache. He'll help you feel better." Marianne's heart swelled with both gratitude and warmth at Zoey's concern. "Thank you,
A few weeks after the joyous beach wedding, Marianne, Felix, Zoey, and Emma found themselves standing in front of Marianne's father's grave. The cemetery was peaceful, with the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds adding a gentle melody to the air. Zoey, their vivacious five-year-old daughter, clutched a small bouquet of wildflowers in her tiny hands. Her eyes sparkled with innocence as she looked at the headstone, adorned with fresh flowers. "Hi, Grandpa," Zoey chirped, her smile illuminating the somber surroundings. Emma, who had played the role of both mother and grandmother to Marianne and Zoey, felt tears welling up in her eyes. She gently placed a hand on Zoey's shoulder, her voice filled with a mix of love and longing, "I missed you so much, my love." Marianne, holding back her own tears, managed a tender smile. "I missed you too, Father." Felix, ever supportive, greeted the grave with a gentle smile, "Hello, Father. It's nice to see you again." The a
After spending some time at the hospital, Felix, Marianne, and Zoey made their way back home. The drive was quiet, filled with a sense of relief now that they knew Marianne and the baby were going to be okay. Zoey, nestled in the back seat, held onto a small stuffed animal, finding comfort in its familiar presence. As they entered their home, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The living room, once bustling with wedding plans, now felt serene and welcoming. Felix, still carrying Zoey in his arms, glanced at Marianne, his eyes reflecting a mix of love and concern. "Let's get you settled, Marianne," Felix suggested, guiding her towards the sofa. Ethel, who had been waiting at their home, stood up, her eyes filled with worry and guilt. "I'm so sorry, Marianne. I didn't mean for any of this to happen." Marianne offered a tired but genuine smile. "Ethel, it's not your fault. These things happen. And I already told you that it's not your fault."Ethel nodded, her eyes still reflecting the