The restaurant atmosphere was strained, the clinking of cutlery and distant conversations creating an uncomfortable backdrop for the unexpected gathering. Marianne tried to focus on the menu, her eyes occasionally darting towards Felix, who maintained a composed facade.Miguel, seemingly oblivious to the tension, initiated a small talk about the paintings, attempting to steer the conversation toward neutral ground. Marianne and Felix exchanged polite nods and forced smiles, all the while acutely aware of the shared history that lingered beneath the surface.As the waiter brought the dishes to the table, Miguel, with genuine enthusiasm, suggested a particular seafood dish for Marianne. "You should try the crab, Marianne. It's one of their specialties, and I think you'll love it."Miguel, in his friendly and hospitable manner, was about to place a serving of crab on Marianne's plate. However, just as the crab was inches away from landing on her plate, Felix intervened with a polite but
The following day, Marianne was still thinking about the event last night. She sighed deeply and shook her head, "What am I doing? Why am I still thinking about him? He's nothing to me. We're over, what we had before was just pure business." On the other hand, Felix had a business trip and it was near Emma's house, Marianne's mother. He was still on his way as he stopped at a flower shop to buy her some flowers and planned to visit her. As Felix drove towards Emma's house, his mind was still processing the unexpected encounter with Marianne. The memories of their past, both the joys and the pains, lingered in his thoughts. He hoped that the business trip and the visit to Emma's would provide a welcome distraction. Upon arriving at Emma's house, Felix hesitated. He walks back and forth while carrying the flowers. As he was about to walk away, he heard a voice behind him. "What can I do for you?" it was a voice that he knew. As he slowly turned his back on her, he smiled and his e
Meanwhile, Felix arrived at the venue where the meeting would be held. The professional setting provided a welcome distraction for Felix. He immersed himself in the discussions and tasks at hand, trying to push aside the lingering emotions from the encounter at Emma's house. As the day progressed, he found himself engrossed in business matters, temporarily setting aside the personal complexities that seemed to follow him. "Are you okay, Felix? You look distracted?" Nate, his secretary asked him. Felix looked up from his work, realizing that his mind had drifted back to the tumultuous encounter with Marianne. He forced a small smile, attempting to brush off the concern. "I'm fine, Nate. Just had a bit of a personal matter on my mind. Let's focus on the tasks at hand." Nate nodded, understanding that sometimes personal issues could seep into professional life. As the night unfolded, Felix and Nate went to a local bar. He wanted to drink to forget about Marianne, and how she reacted
As Nate turned to leave, Marianne walked towards Felix. Marianne hesitated for a moment, conflicted by the vulnerability in Felix's intoxicated state. She couldn't ignore the sincerity in his words, even if they were blurred by the effects of alcohol. Taking a deep breath, she continued to clean his face, her movements gentle yet tinged with a sense of resignation. His eyes half-opened, and a faint smile lingered on his lips. His hands reached out, seeking hers, and in that vulnerable moment, Marianne felt a twinge of the complicated emotions that had defined their shared history. Felix's voice slurred as he mumbled, "I... still love you." Marianne froze, her heart skipping a beat at Felix's confession. The words hung in the air, their weight echoing through the room. She stopped wiping off his face and was about to leave when Felix's hands reached out to her and grabbed her closer to him. She could smell the alcohol from his mouth. They were inches apart. Marianne's initial insti
As the day unfolded, Felix was about to go back to the venue when Nate texted him that they cancelled the meeting and they will extend their stay. "Marianne, I'm so sorry for this trouble, and about last night-" she covers his mouth, looking around. "What are you even talking about?" she asked him, and it was evident that she was nervous that Emma would know about this. "So, you're suggesting that we should forget about what happened last night?" he asked, his voice was full of confusion and frustration. Marianne looked at him. "that's right, I want you to forget about what happened last night. I want you to erased that on your memory." "Are you serious, Marianne? Something happened last night and you wanted me to forget about that? Why? Are you scared that Charlotte might -" "Don' t even mention her, Felix. You're right, I am regretting it now. And I know you're regretting it too," she stated, but Felix shook his head, disagreeing to what she was saying. "What do you mean?" "
Back at the Anderson mansion, Charlotte had a smile on her face as she had been waiting for Felix to come home.As soon as Charlotte saw Felix went inside the house, she walked towards him with a wide smile. "How have you been, Felix? How was your trip?" she asked, still wearing the same smile.Felix looked at her and smiled back at her. "I'm okay. And it went well," he answered, then after a minute, Nate went inside, bowing his head to respect Charlotte.She smiled at him, "Mr. Brown, long time no see," Nate just nodded his head and then placed Felix's things onto his room.Charlotte suddenly hugged him, causing Felix to paused. "I missed you," she uttered, and Felix gently tapped her back.Nate on the other hand, looked at them with a frowned brows. He didn't forget about his plan to ruin the Anderson family. He will continue to spread information that will cause chaos on the family.Later that day, Nate went to his apartment. As he was on his way there, he saw someone familiar. The
As the night unfolded, Daisy prepared a video presentation for her father saying how much she loves him. The video shows how caring and loving was Ramon to his children."Thank you, dad. I love you," that was the ending of the video and the next video started to play.Ramon was so happy for that gift made by Daisy. He looked at her with a smile. Everyone also loves it. They could see how Daisy admired her father and how she was thankful to have him.Nate on the corner crossed his arms. "One... Two... Three..." he counted and snapped his finger before the video begins to play."Where are you going, sweetheart," it was Ramon's voice on the video with a young teen girl, who was half naked. Everyone was surprised as they saw the video.They started murmuring, and pointed at Ramon on the table. Felix and Charlotte were also surprised by that sudden video clip.The young teen girl teared while looking at Ramon. He was drunk and payed the little girl to have a great night with him."I payed
The reporters had been outside the Anderson company. It was all chaos, they wanted to get an exclusive interview with Mr. Ramon himself.Felix watching the reporters above, inside his office, sighed, "What should we do now, Nate? How can we face all those reporters?" he asked in frustration.Nate looked at him and give him a concern look, "What we can do is to stay put. They just wanted to ask your father, so... I think it's better for him to tell them the truth about the incident," he suggested, and Felix nods his head in agreement.Meanwhile, Ramon was inside his office when a knocked he heard from the door." Come in," his secretary went inside, placing some documents on his table."What is this?""That's the address where the victim is, Mr. Anderson. You want to settle with them, we can go and talk to her," he suggested to him, and Ramon opened the documents and saw the young woman who'm he used to have s*x before."This is her now?" he asked, and his secretary nods his head."Alrig
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