There's a moment of silence between the two of them. Marianne was on the sofa when Felix clears his throat and speak, "I wanted to say sorry for what happened back there," she looked at him with a fake smile. "It's fine, I understand. I just did my job as your hired bride," there's a piece of madness on her voice. "That's great that you still keep that in mind," she narrowed her eyes while looking at him. "We're just doing business, nothing more, nothing less. You're just my employee and I am your boss." "I know," she said sparingly. The following morning, Marianne started her day cooking breakfast for Felix. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen. When Felix came out from his room, he went straight towards the door and was ready to leave when Marianne called him. "Do you want some breakfast? I made some just for you-" He turned to face her, "This isn't stated in the contract, Marianne. You don't need to do this. I'll eat my own breakfast and you should too. D
Mr. Anderson turn his back on Marianne. "You..." "Yes, Father?" "You'll come too." "Alright." Marianne followed her father, Mr. Anderson, down the dimly lit corridor of their large Victorian estate. The air was heavy with tension, and the only sound that echoed through the hallway was the soft shuffle of their footsteps on the ornate carpet. As they reached the end of the corridor, Mr. Anderson paused and turned to face Marianne. "You're not good for my son, Marianne. How much?" her eyes widened when she heard that coming from him. "What do you mean, Mr. Anderson?" "How much do you need to stay away from him?" Marianne's gaze hardened, and she squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "I can't believe you're asking me to walk away from someone I love. Money can't buy happiness, Mr. Anderson." Mr. Anderson's expression remained stoic, but his eyes betrayed a hint of desperation. "This is about the family legacy, Marianne. Our reputation, our standing in society—it's a
"You... You were the first person who cared for me like this." As he said that, Felix lost his consciousness and his head fell towards her shoulder. Marianne gasped, her heart pounding as she felt Felix's weight against her. Panic surged through her, but she quickly steadied herself, realizing that he had simply passed out from exhaustion. The dim light in the room cast a soft glow on their surroundings, revealing the weariness etched on Felix's face. "Felix? Felix?" she called his name, but he's not responding. She panicked and was about to call an ambulance, dialing it on her phone, when a hand stop her. A gentle hand covered Marianne's trembling one, preventing her from making the call. She looked up to see Nate, Felix's friend. Nate knelt down beside them, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Hold on, Marianne. He's been pushing himself too hard lately. Let me check on him first." Marianne nodded, her eyes locked onto Felix's pale face. Nate gently laid Felix d
"W-why are you doing this, Marianne?" he asked confused. She slowly turned to face him, "What? I am just making some breakfast for you. Why? Don't you like it?" she answered him with a question. "I mean... why are you trying everything first? By any chance... did Nate told you about-" She sighed and nodded her head, "Yes. He told me about your issues on the food. So, I am doing this for you. For you to try something nice, for you to have a nice and proper meal at once," she admitted. Felix stared at Marianne, a mix of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. He hadn't expected her to go to such lengths to understand and accommodate his concerns. It was a new experience for him, someone genuinely caring about his well-being. "Thank you," he said, the words carrying more weight than he intended. Marianne simply nodded, a reassuring smile on her face. "That's the least I can do for you, Felix." On the other hand, Charlotte was so mad about what had Felix did to her. "He can't do this
Marianne decided to come back to Felix's apartment. She took a deep breath and went inside the house. As she entered she then saw him on the sofa, reading some books. "I'm home!" she then walked towards the door of her room, but Felix stopped her. She could feel the loud throb of her chest as she turned to face him. "Yes?" Felix then stood and without hesitation, he gently grabbed her and hugged her. Her eyes widened in surprise as Felix's arms enveloped her in a warm embrace. For a moment, Marianne was taken aback by the unexpected gesture. She felt the tension in her shoulders begin to melt away, replaced by the comfort of his presence. "W-What are you doing?" she stammered. Felix pulled back, looking into her eyes with a mix of sincerity and determination. "I got worried about you. Where have you been? Don't you know I've been waiting for you since last night?" Marianne's eyes softened, and she felt a warmth spreading through her. The concern in Felix's eyes was genuine, a
As Marianne continued to grapple with her conflicted emotions, the days passed in a haze of awkwardness and tension. Each interaction with Felix was clouded by the memory of that stolen kiss, a kiss that seemed to have unraveled the carefully constructed walls she had built around her heart. "What's wrong with me? I shouldn't be thinking about him! I shouldn't be thinking about that kiss! What we have aren't real after all. You shouldn't be falling in love with a man like him, Marianne," Marianne scolded herself inside her room as she was looking at the mirror, fixing herself before she went out. Despite her internal struggles, Marianne couldn't escape the growing awareness that her feelings were slipping beyond the bounds of their contractual arrangement. The realization only intensified her frustration. She found herself torn between the rationality of their agreement and the undeniable emotions that had been stirred. As she went outside, Felix was there standing before her. "Ar
Amid the dimly lit ambiance of the bar, Ethel moved with practiced grace behind the counter, expertly mixing drinks for the lively crowd. The air was thick with the mingling scents of various spirits, laughter, and the distant beat of music. As the night unfolded, the bar became a sanctuary for those seeking a temporary escape from reality. In the midst of the energetic chatter and clinking glasses, the door swung open, and a figure stepped in from the cold night. The door chimed, announcing the entrance of a new customer. Ethel glanced up, momentarily diverting her attention from the cocktail shaker in her hands. Her eyes met those of a solitary man who seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. She narrowed her eyes as she remembered that man, it was the man who bumped at her; the rude man. The man, oblivious to the recognition in Ethel's eyes, scanned the bar before making his way to an empty stool. He took a seat, his gaze fixed on the assortment of liquor bottles
As Ethel walked down the dimly lit streets, her mind was filled with a mixture of thoughts about the night at the bar. Nate's unexpected intervention had left an impression on her, and she found herself pondering the intriguing turn of events. The chilly night air wrapped around her, and the distant city lights created a gentle glow. Ethel's steps echoed against the pavement as she replayed the night's encounters in her mind. She couldn't deny that Nate's actions had sparked a curiosity in her, a curiosity that went beyond their initial encounter. "That was the first time someone stepped into just to save me from a situation like that," she uttered to herself as she had a though life after losing her parents. She's all alone now, and working for survival. The smile slowly fades from her lips when she remember that she shouldn't be focusing on other things, but work. The following day, Ethel found herself back at the familiar setting of the bar. The lively atmosphere, the clinking o
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