I woke up because of the noise of different voices around me. I furrowed my brow in confusion.“What did you do?” I heard a familiar voice ask.“I explained everything to him, but he won’t listen. He almost barged in! Thank God, we managed to stop him!” another familiar voice replied.“You can’t blame him, though. You made a move without them knowing first,” a female voice interjected.Wait, where am I? Who are these people talking to, and what are they discussing?I slowly opened my eyes and fully awakened when I saw Stephen sitting on a chair beside the bed, holding a gun.That made me get up and remember everything that happened. I then realized that Ace and Shantel must be the ones with the familiar voices I heard earlier.“We’ll just go outside,” Ace said. Shantel followed him, looking grumpy.As they finally left and closed the door, my attention turned back to Stephen when I heard the click of the gun.He stood up and slowly approached me. I began to back away until I leaned ag
Nathalia’s POVI tried to open the window here in my room, but to no avail. I let out a deep sigh when I noticed that it was locked from the outside. Though I can just break it, it will surely gain attention, which I’m trying to avoid as much as possible.I looked outside the window again and saw the guards standing unwaveringly with their guns. I scanned the surroundings and realized that the mansion was surrounded by high walls.When I took a shower earlier, I noticed there wasn’t even a small window in the bathroom. Perhaps it was intentionally designed that way to keep the people they abduct here.I shrugged my shoulders, lowered the curtain, and started pacing around the room. The room is huge, and elegance permeates every part of it. A small chandelier hangs from the ceiling, while plush area rugs cover the floor to add comfort when you walk.Then there’s the king-size bed with a white mattress and black pillows, along with the cream four-door closet that has full-length mirrors
Chapter 7: SecretsNathalia’s POVSurprise was evident on his face as a result of the question I threw at him. There was a passing look of concern in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared. I also noticed Ace and Shantel lowering their guns.“What do you mean?” he asked.He slowly let go of me before returning to the chair he had occupied earlier, as if nothing had happened.I gave him a doubtful look. “Who are you really? Do you have anything to do with my past?”He looked at me in disbelief. “What? I don’t know what you are talking about. Have you seen me before?” he countered.I was taken aback. Honestly, I didn’t know why I suddenly thought of and asked him that question. I wanted to slap myself for the embarrassment.“Not yet.”He shrugged. “That answers your question.” He glanced at his phone, which was now lying on the table. “Oh, I forgot something. I’m not done talking to—”Suddenly, I remembered our previous conversation.“Fine!” I shouted loudly, interrupting him as he was ab
Nathalia’s POV“Wow! I never thought you could look even more beautiful.” Shantel clapped her hands while standing behind me, staring at me intensely through the mirror in front of us.Meanwhile, I remained expressionless, examining my appearance from my hair down to the gown I was wearing. Shantel made me turn around so that I could also see the back of the gown I had on. She seemed genuinely impressed.Well, who wouldn’t be? It was a princess-like ivory bridal gown adorned with exquisite beaded lace embroidery on the plunging neckline over the illusion bodice. The beaded lace cap sleeves flowed into a magnificent illusion back with lace accents and a button closure. The gown was paired with four-inch, white embellished satin block heel sandals.My ash gray, wavy hair was styled in a loose updo, with a few strands framing my face to give the look a softer touch. I had light makeup on and wore a pair of diamond earrings.All in all, I looked perfect. But I just didn’t feel like it.De
“I can’t believe that you just got married, man! The gang went frantic when they learned about the news!”I chuckled at the story being shared by Stephen’s best friend and best man, Ashter, as he patted his shoulder.I only just saw him now because he had just returned from America to attend our wedding.“Don’t worry. My reaction will be the same once you all get settled as well,” Stephen said lifelessly while sipping wine from his glass.They continued talking, and I tried to pull my hand away, held firmly in his other hand. But his grip only tightened.My lips thinned in irritation as I scanned the room, searching for my family and friends. I’ve been itching to talk to them, but after the wedding, I haven’t seen them again.I noticed the concern on Ashter’s face. It seems like he doesn’t approve of the idea at all.“Not me, man. I still love my life,” Ashter said.Stephen shook his head. “Anyway, how’s the shipment going?”My heart skipped a beat. Stephen seemed to sense it as he gl
Nathalia’s POV“How dare you say that to them? We both know the truth!” I shouted weakly at him, trying to restrain myself from losing control.Doesn’t he have any other decent excuse in mind? Really?“It’s okay, Thalia. You have nothing to be ashamed of in front of us. You’re already married, and you’re like a sister to us.” Harold grinned like an idiot.I suddenly felt a headache coming on. My supposedly smart friends were fooled! Do I look like I’m secretly dating and just going along with whoever?Stephen raised an eyebrow and stared challengingly at me. “Then, what do you want me to tell them? The truth? Are you ready for the consequences, if ever?” he whispered teasingly.That made me shut my mouth. So he was just telling the truth to my family. Perhaps he had already gotten closer to Mads, so he didn’t want to involve them any further.He sighed and almost made me scream when he suddenly grabbed my waist.“Just save your rants for yourself, sweetie. Because it will no longer ma
I woke up with a rumbling feeling in my stomach. I didn’t want to get up just yet because I still wanted to lie down, but my hunger was getting unbearable.I rubbed my eyes before slowly opening them. As I looked outside, I noticed that it was already dark.I yawned and sat up, glancing at the small clock resting on the bedside table. My drowsiness disappeared instantly as I realized it was already eight in the evening.“No wonder I’m so hungry,” I said to myself.I stood up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Afterward, I quickly tidied myself up before heading out. However, I nearly jumped in surprise when I noticed a man standing beside the door, keeping watch.He was wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and a black coat. He also had black slacks and black shoes. There was a gun holstered on his waist, and his hands were clasped behind his back.“Good evening, Madame!” he greeted cheerfully, displaying deep dimples as he smiled.I was used to seeing guards scattered around inside a
Nathalia’s POVAfter eating, I decided to watch TV for a while. Cole sat on the single sofa beside me and watched as well. Despite that, I couldn’t help but think about Stephen’s condition and his wound, wanting to know how he was doing and help him heal.But I restrained myself. I shouldn’t care about him. If he wants to end his life, it’s his own business. It might even be better for me if that happens.“How long have you been working for Stephen?” I asked Cole while my eyes were fixed on the TV.To be honest, I couldn’t understand what I was watching because my thoughts were wandering all over the place.I saw him smile from my peripheral view.“The truth is, I was just a child when I ended up under Anderson’s care. They found me wandering on the streets back then. I escaped from the orphanage I grew up in because I didn’t get along with the other kids there.”I heard him take a deep breath.“They took me in, cared for me, dressed me, educated me, and gave me a home. So, I owe them
TYLER woke up to the sound of his wife’s loud scream. He jolted out of bed and quickly searched for Sabrina with his eyes. He saw her lying on the floor, clutching her belly and wincing in pain. He rushed to her side immediately.“Wifey, what happened? What’s hurting?” he asked anxiously. However, his words caught in his throat as he noticed liquid flowing down her legs.“My water broke! I think I’m in labor, hubby!” She held onto his arm tightly. Her nails dug into his skin, but he paid them no mind.Tyler was at a loss for what to do. He had been about to grab their prepared items, but her screams continued to fill the room. He carefully lifted her into his arms and quickly headed out of the room. They had been sleeping in a room on the first floor for ease of access in case she suddenly went into labor.They were met by a startled Salome, who was still wiping her hands, probably from doing the dishes.“What happened? I heard Sabrina scream loudly,” she asked, her eyes moving down t
SABRINA couldn’t help but laugh when she noticed her husband’s sullen face. Today marks their second wedding anniversary. But it seems like it’s been hit by a stroke of bad luck. “Hey. You have nothing to worry about because we can still celebrate our anniversary tonight.” She cheered him up.Tyler let out a deep sigh before walking over to her and wrapping both of his arms around her waist.“I can’t help it. We are supposed to be celebrating already right at this moment. But suddenly, there was a problem in the company. Why does it have to happen on this day of all days?”She gently stroked his arm. “Let it be. What’s important is that we sort out the issue first. We can celebrate anytime.”He snorted before kneeling down and kissing her stomach.“Baby, just wait for Daddy, okay? Just behave there, alright? Don’t give Mommy a hard time. I love the both of you,” he said to their child.Tears welled up in Sabrina’s eyes. She never imagined that such a day would come. “We love you more
SABRINA blinked as she looked at herself in the mirror; she had no idea what was happening. It had only been a few minutes since Tyler left earlier, and she was taken aback when David suddenly appeared at the mansion’s door, accompanied by well-known stylists. Some of them she had even worked with before.“Wait. You still haven’t told me who sent you here or what kind of event I will be attending. Why don’t I know anything about it? I haven’t received any invitation,” she wondered aloud to the stylists.At first, she thought that her manager, Josefa, had accepted a project for her without consulting her. But when she called him earlier, he said there were none.“Just wait and see later, mamsh. For now, just sit back and relax,” said the makeup artist in a playful tone.She didn’t speak anymore and just let them continue with their work. When she tried calling her husband, his phone was turned off. So, for now, she will trust David. She’s known the man for a long time, so she knows he’
TYLER was engrossed in reading the report sent to him by Rodel when, suddenly, his car came to a halt. He was hesitant to send his friend back to work, but he was insistent.He closed his eyes and gently massaged his temples before setting down the tablet he was holding and getting out of the car. The sound of the strong waves greeted his ears from the nearby sea that was right in front of him. Because the sun was still scorching, he accepted the shades handed to him by his assistant and friend, David.“Your ex’s chosen location is pretty nice, huh? Going for the seaside restaurant vibe?” David chuckled humorlessly.Tyler looked at his friend with an expressionless face. While Rodel was quiet during work hours, his assistant David was the opposite—noisy and playful.“Shut up. Why haven’t you found a woman to love yet? So, you won’t be messing with my love life and bothering me,” he retorted, exasperated.David winced. “Man, I’ve seen enough of what you and Rodel went through because o
SABRINA remained in a daze, trying to comprehend Tyler’s words. Ever since their child disappeared, he has reverted to treating her coldly.But she understood him. What she couldn’t accept was the accusation he made against her a few weeks ago, right after they returned to the mansion from the hospital. He claimed that she deliberately and willingly allowed what happened because she wasn’t ready to have a child.She felt as if her husband had stomped on her heart, shattering it into pieces with the sharpness of his words. He didn’t even consider that it was also her child that they lost. She carried that child within her, even if it was for a short time. Above all else, she too experienced the pain of losing their baby. However, she couldn’t properly grieve because of Tyler’s cold treatment of her.After a few minutes, she finally recovered from her shock. She never imagined that her husband’s actions would lead to such a decision.With a sudden idea forming in her mind, she gently sq
TYLER raised the beer bottle he was holding before letting out a loud cheer. In the past few weeks, the bar had become like his second home, as he spent more time there than in his mansion.“Cheers!” he said before taking a big gulp from the bottle.“Ty, you’re drunk. We’ll take you home,” his assistant David intervened.“Yeah, that’s right. And Sabrina might be looking for you. It's already late, huh? I’m sure your wife is getting worried,” his secretary, Rodel, said as he tidied up the scattered empty beer bottles from the floor and gathered them on the table.Tyler shook his head and shrugged off David’s hand, who was trying to stop him, before looking at Rodel.“You should go home. Your wife needs you, especially since she just gave birth. You’re supposed to be enjoying your leave. I’m sorry for bothering you,” he insisted, shooing Rodel away.“You didn’t really bother me. Besides, Mayen’s older sibling is at home right now, so she has some company. But my wife would scold me if I
SABRINA posed gracefully, looking serious as she gazed at the camera. Today will be her final photo shoot before she completely leaves the modeling world. She didn’t want to create any major issues, so she aimed to quietly bid farewell to the world she had grown accustomed to.It had been a week since she and Tyler visited the obstetrician for a check-up. The doctor mentioned that her pregnancy was delicate, but they prescribed her vitamins and medication to support the baby’s development.“That’s it. Now, lay down slightly on the couch with your legs crossed and look in front of the camera with your parted lips. Give us your fierce look,” the photographer instructed.She immediately followed the photographer’s instructions. She carefully made her way and laid her body down slightly on the couch. She was wearing high heels. Despite not wanting to, she didn’t have any other choice. Besides, it was the last one anyway.From the corner of her eyes, she saw the manager attentively watchin
TYLER let out a frustrated curse when his assistant, David, showed him the pictures on his cellphone. He never thought that a picture of him and Tanya lurking at the bar a month ago would actually leak out.He stood up abruptly and slammed his hand on the table. “Find out who took those photos. Make sure they don’t spread any further,” he demanded, his jaw clenching as he looked at his assistant. “You already know what to do.”David nodded, “Yes, sir.” He excused himself before quickly leaving Tyler’s office.Tyler swiftly organized his things. Even though he hadn’t received a call from Sabrina about her photo shoot, he was determined to go to her immediately. He wouldn’t allow her to see those pictures. He didn’t want anything to upset her during this crucial time for both of them and their unborn child.Tyler practically flew his car to the restaurant where he left Sabrina earlier. When he arrived, he hurriedly went inside and looked for his wife.“Tyler!”He looked back to where th
SABRINA reached for Tyler’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Her husband was frowning, and she didn’t want to leave him while he was still upset, especially since they had just recently reconciled.“Do you still really need to go to work? I can talk to your manager, even the other companies you’re contracted with. For sure, they’ll understand once they find out that you’re pregnant,” he said with a mixture of irritation and concern in his voice.She released a deep sigh. “I can still handle it, you know. Besides, I plan to finish my other pending commitments while my baby bump isn’t too noticeable yet. Once I’m done with everything, I’ll finally take a break. I’ll also talk to Jose about that later,” she assured him.At that moment, he turned to look at her. “Fine. But please be careful, okay?” He held her hand tightly, as if not wanting to let her go.“I will,” she replied. She leaned in and planted a tender kiss on his lips before finally saying goodbye and getting out of the car.