“Who did this?!” I snapped, startling everyone around me especially Sir Lim. Vanessa quickly moved closer and whispered in my ear.“It’s… Lauren,” she said.I wasn’t surprised, but the anger instantly flared up inside me. I couldn’t understand why she was doing this to me. I never did anything to her that would justify this kind of humiliation.This must’ve been what she was hinting at earlier. But how did she find out? Only Aunt Rosa, Godmother Lydia, and Vanessa knew about it.“Y-You’re… pregnant?”I suddenly turned my gaze to Sir Lim, who was now staring at the phone in his hand. He looked up at me, his expression filled with shock.My heart pounded in my chest. I didn’t know how to answer him without making it obvious that I was lying. He must not find out that I’m pregnant because there’s a chance he’ll tell his friend right away.“Uhm… don’t believe that, sir. That’s fake news,” Vanessa quickly said when she noticed I couldn’t answer Sir Lim’s question right away. “The girl who
I smiled while watching the children playing at the playground. It’s like all the stress and fatigue melts away when you see things like this. Their laughter and smiles bring joy and complete your day.After a few hours of cleaning the house, I decided to come here to relax and enjoy myself a bit. I’m just making the most of my day off because tomorrow I’ll be back at work, and I’m sure it’s going to be exhausting again. But I can handle it for the sake of my family's future."Here’s the ice cream, Thena," Vanessa said with a smile, handing me a cone of ice cream. I immediately took it and thanked her."Thanks, I thought you were going to buy balut." I said."Well, no one's selling yet. Maybe they'll be around this afternoon," she said.She suddenly stopped and looked at me with a teasing expression. What is she thinking now?"Don't tell me... are you pregnant?" she asked, which shocked me."What? Me... pregnant? I just want to eat this," I quickly responded, avoiding her gaze.She pr
"Dear..."I quickly turned around when I heard Aunt Rosa's voice. She had just arrived from the market. She left earlier with Vanessa, saying she was just going to buy something for us to cook.I immediately went to the door to meet her when I saw her carrying several large plastic bags filled with groceries and two paper bags. It was a bit strange, but I didn’t ask right away."Thank you, dear. By the way, where's your son? I didn’t see him playing at the neighbor’s house," she said while looking around the entire house."He's in his room, organizing his school things. He already has classes tomorrow," I replied, placing the bags she brought on top of the table."That's right... that child is really diligent, not even relying on you to fix his school things.""Exactly, that's why I didn't help him anymore—he said he could handle it on his own, so I just left him in his room. I'll check on him later, but I'm sure he's already asleep by now. He got tired from playing at the park earlie
“Sweetheart, your snacks are already in your bag, okay? And your tumbler’s here too. Drink lots of water and finish your food, alright?” I reminded my son. He nodded in response and smiled at me.He was putting on his shoes. I was about to help him, but he didn’t want me to—he said he’s a big boy now and can do it on his own. My son has learned to be independent.“Thank you, mommy,” he said, then hugged me after putting his shoes on.“You’re welcome, baby… be a good boy, okay? Don’t be naughty and listen well to your teacher.”“Yes, mommy,” he replied with a smile, even giving me a little salute like a soldier. I just laughed and playfully pinched his cheek.After making sure we hadn’t forgotten anything, Aaron and I left the house. Once I locked the door, we headed to the garage. Aunt Rosa was already there, waiting for us.That car was a gift for me on my birthday last year from Vanessa’s parents. It was secondhand, but it was nice and I really liked it. I didn’t know how to drive t
After Maurice and I logged in, we immediately entered the office and headed to our desks. As soon as I sat down, I did a quick retouch and took out some of my stuff including my laptop, notebook, and pen."Good morning, Thena," greeted Paula, one of my coworkers."Good morning, Pau, how was the commute?" I responded while brushing my long loose hair.She sat down right after placing her bag on top of the desk. She couldn't help but let out a sigh. Maybe she was tired from the commute and all the other things she had to do."Hays, it was super exhausting… I got stuck in traffic along EDSA, but thank goodness I still made it, otherwise I would’ve been late," she said, frustration evident in her voice. "And I ended up sharing the elevator with our new boss. My gosh, I was so nervous just from his presence. The way he looked at me, it already gave off the impression that he's not nice," she added.I suddenly felt nervous too. What if it’s true? I really don’t like being scolded or snapped
Before I could make a scene, I immediately decided to leave the room. Despite the crowd and the tight space, I managed to run and get out.Once I was outside the conference room, that’s when I was able to breathe freely. I could feel my whole body trembling, and my chest felt tight. I couldn't stop the tears from falling.So this is why I was feeling this way—because he was here, because he was close to me. I didn't expect him to be the one Mrs. Montero was referring to. I thought the man we rode the elevator with earlier would be the new CEO and our new boss. But I was wrong. It wasn’t him; it was the man I never wanted to see again for the rest of my life.What am I going to do?Should I resign from my job?Should we return to Bukidnon?Oh my God, what am I going to do? I don’t want to resign from my job just because of him.But what if he remembers me? What if he suddenly talks to me? What if he finds out we have a child?I feel like I’m going to lose my mind. I won’t be able to ha
I’ve been thinking about the favor Mrs. Montero asked from me. But even if I say no now, it won’t change anything because I already agreed earlier. I’m starting to regret my decision. I’ll just pray that nothing goes wrong in his office so I won’t have to see him.“Mommy.”I quickly turned to the door when I heard my son’s voice. I saw him holding a piece of bond paper. I had a feeling I knew why he was here.“Yes, sweetheart? Come here to mommy,” I said, and he immediately came closer. “What does mommy’s baby boy need?” I asked sweetly, which made him giggle.“Mommy, I’m not a baby anymore,” he replied with a pout. “I’m a big boy now,” he added, making me kiss him on the cheek.“I know, but you’ll always be mommy’s baby boy, hmm? That will never change. So, what do you need from mommy?”“Teacher asked me to give this to you, and she said you need to sign it,” he said as he handed me the bond paper.I immediately read what was written on the paper. It was about an upcoming meeting thi
I'm still here at the clinic, resting. I think I've been here for about an hour and a half, but I can't leave yet because the nurse said I should stay for a while.When I got here earlier with my boss's secretary, they immediately checked my blood pressure, and the nurse asked a lot of questions, but I only answered with yes or no. I don't really feel any pain in my body. It's just that I'm really tired and sleepy. But that guy, he's being too dramatic and brought me here.But I’m still thankful because if I wasn’t brought here, I wouldn’t have known that my blood pressure suddenly dropped due to extreme exhaustion and lack of sleep. So, the nurse had me rest here and gave me some medicine to take."Miss Athena, I'll be stepping out for a bit. I just need to do something," she said."Okay, Nurse Anne. I'll be leaving soon anyway. Thanks for your help," I replied.""You're welcome, Miss Athena. If you feel dizzy, just call here right away and I’ll come to you.""Okay, thanks again."Sh
"Did you say something, Athena?"I immediately looked at Paula, who was now looking at me with confusion. She was a little tipsy, and I wasn’t sure if she also saw our boss."Sir Zach... I saw—"But he was gone when I looked back."... there..."Where did he go?It was really him I saw. I’m not hallucinating or imagining that he was here. And I’m not even drunk yet."What did you say, Athena?" Paula asked while leaning her ear toward me.I just shook my head in response and took a shot of gin. They had ordered another round of drinks that I didn’t notice. Our drinks were a mix of everything, but I just hope we’re not crawling home later."Another shot, Athena. Let’s make the most of it while we still can," Trixie said while handing me another shot of gin."Is this what you meant when you said we weren’t going to get drunk, Paula?" I teased, looking at Paula, who was now quietly sitting on the side, holding her head.She was drunk."It’s just this once, I swear it won’t happen again,"
I slammed into the chair after finishing what Miss Lina asked me to do. Thankfully, I finished it before lunch so I can rest later.It’s Monday, but I can already feel the intense exhaustion. Yesterday, I didn’t do anything except rest the whole day and take care of my child. But when I get to work, all the energy I saved up gets drained. And now, only ten percent is left."Thena, there’s a girl's night out later, are you joining us?" Paula asked as she approached me, with Maurice following behind her, carrying his bag and ready to head down to the cafeteria for lunch."Girl’s night out? But it’s Monday today," I said as I put my scattered things into my bag on the table."It’s just to relieve the tiredness. Don’t worry, we’re not going to get drunk, and it’s just the girls from our department joining later. No boys, only girls," Paula replied, which made Maurice laugh."That's why it's a girl's night out, right? Because there are no boys, you're not thinking straight," Maurice said w
I thought that once I finished fixing his internet, I’d be able to leave, but I was wrong. He still had me sort his files on his laptop by year. This wasn’t part of my job; it was supposed to be the work of his secretary. But since he’s my boss and I’m just his employee, I did what he asked.His friends were still here in the office. They’d been here for about an hour and a half already. They didn’t do anything else but talk about business.I realized that Sir Zach’s friends were also wealthy and well-known figures. The three of them were CEOs and heirs to their family’s companies. I couldn’t believe the life they were living. I thought they were just ordinary citizens of the Philippines, but I was wrong."Sh*t! What’s that?" I muttered when I suddenly felt my stomach growl. "Tsk! I haven’t eaten yet," I said as I realized that Sir Zach had given me tasks right when I was supposed to be eating.What should I do?Should I ask permission to eat?OrShould I ask to step out for a while?
I let out a deep sigh as I once again thought about what happened yesterday — my meeting with Sir Lim and the things we talked about that left me with so many questions.I'm still wondering, still confused about what he said. I still can't believe what he told me about Zachariah — that he suddenly stopped showing up to him.Why? Why did he suddenly disappear?I know I shouldn’t be thinking about it anymore, but... I want to understand why it happened. But how could I find out when even now, I'm still too scared and unwilling to tell him about what happened between us in the past and about our child?"Tsk! Stop thinking about it, Athena. Just stop," I suddenly told myself as I threw myself back against the chair.I'm already here at the office, working on the task assigned to me by Miss Lina, my supervisor. It's not really that difficult since it’s just about the new software for our department. But I still haven’t finished it because I kept thinking about the conversation I had with S
"Didn't he find it strange when he saw Aaron?" Vanessa asked as she placed a glass of juice on the table."Thanks, Van. Umm, I don’t know, but he seemed interested in getting to know Aaron," I replied.We had arrived at Vanessa’s house, and I had already told her about what happened earlier at the school. It was just the two of us in the living room now, while Aaron was in his room watching cartoons. Vanessa had asked him to stay there so we could talk freely without him overhearing."That's a bad omen, Athena. What if he became interested in getting to know Aaron because he noticed they look alike? He even noticed it about your son. So, it’s really possible he saw that. You know what they say about a blood connection? Maybe that's why your son is confused and questioning things."I fell silent and placed my hand on my head. I’ve been thinking and worrying about my son’s situation for a while now. Now that the two of them have met, Aaron won’t be able to get Sir Zach’s face out of his
I suddenly faced Sir Zach, who was now looking at me, but I couldn’t see any emotion on his face. My heart was gripped with anxiety when he glanced at Aaron, who was also looking at him now.I quickly grabbed Aaron by the arm and pulled him behind me before he could notice how much they looked alike.“S-Sir Zach, I didn’t realize you were there,” I stammered nervously. “W-We won’t be staying long, I still have some things to take care of at home and—”“But your son still wants to play with his friends,” he cut me off. I fell silent and looked at Aaron, who was now frowning as he stared at Sir Zach.Dear God! He’s starting to notice something, and I’m sure later he’ll have a lot to say or ask me."Mommy, who is he?" Aaron asked curiously as he walked over to my side and held onto my arm. But his eyes remained fixed on Sir Zach."Umm... sweetheart, he’s my boss—""Your grumpy boss, Mommy?" he cut me off, turning his gaze away from Sir Zach.They really are father and son—always interrup
It’s Friday today, and the meeting at Aaron’s school is also happening today. That’s why I woke up early and got ready for it. Good thing it’s my day off, so I don’t have to worry or think about the work I left behind at the office. And I won’t be seeing my boss the entire day.It feels so good. I just hope the Lord gives me this day without having to see him. I just want to avoid him and not think about him—just for today.I need to focus on the meeting because this is for my son’s happiness. And I don’t want to ruin it just because I keep thinking about that guy.“Mommy, is it okay if I play with my classmates while you’re in the meeting?” Aaron asked while we were walking toward his classroom.We had just arrived at the school, and it seems like we’re early. I think I might be the only parent here for now, but that’s fine. Better that than having the teacher wait for us."Of course, sweetheart, just don’t go too far and don’t talk to strangers, okay?" I replied, and he nodded in re
Why did he suddenly ask that? And how did he know? I hadn’t said anything to Dr. Matteo for him to ask me something like that.Could it be that Dr. Matteo noticed I was scared?"Sir—""N-Nevermind, just go now and take some rest," he said, turning away. "I'll just tell my secretary to bring the food to your office," he added, walking back to his desk.I didn’t answer, just turned around and left his office.Once I had escorted Dr. Matteo to the ground floor, I headed back to my department and resumed the work I had left behind. The food Sir Zach ordered had arrived in the office, and there was enough for all of us."What's going on? Why did Sir Zach send food to the office?" Maurice asked, confused. Paula just shrugged because she didn’t know the answer."Maybe he's in a good mood, so he decided to give us food," Paula replied.We were all in the restroom, getting ourselves ready since it was almost time to go home. They didn’t know about what happened earlier because I didn’t tell th
I'm not the only IT in his company, but I'm the one he keeps giving tasks to. Ugh. Oh right, Mrs. Montero asked me a favor—that I'd be the one to help her son if he had any problems in her office. So I guess there's really no escape for me, and I can't avoid him.I really thought I wouldn't see him anymore, but turns out I still will and now I'm even walking with him toward his office. I'm behind him, silently following."What does Alexander do in your department?" he asked, catching me off guard.Why is he asking that? Even that, he needs to know?"Nothing, sir... he just stayed there and talked to us," I replied while watching his body.I don’t know, I just suddenly found myself staring. He’s changed so much now. He’s gotten taller, and even his physique has changed. Just like what Maurice said—he’s now got that “hot and daddy figure” vibe. That’s exactly how he is now.Well-defined physique, broad shoulders that give him a strong aura and commanding presence. A chiseled jawline tha