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Chapter 88
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Contract and Marriage Chapter 89
Bella's POV:Max and I were lying down—I meant Mr. Salonga.Damn it, I no longer knew what to call him. Maybe just Maximus.I didn't even know why I had called him "hubby." It had slipped out, and now I couldn't confront him when he called me that too.What was going on? Was I the only one allowed to utter another man's name while he wasn't?It wasn't even really a name, but still, we both had our spouses.The difference was mine was alive, while he was still grieving and couldn't move on from his late wife.I shook my head and closed my eyes."What were you thinking?" he suddenly asked.I turned to look at him, meeting his gaze. The way he looked at me felt different—a mix of happiness, confusion, and hope."Nothing," I replied."Why did you scream like that?" he asked."Huh?" I responded, without breaking eye contact.Neither of us looked away, so I probably seemed foolish by then.He rolled onto his side to face me, then pulled me onto mine so we were lying face-to-fac
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 90
Bella's POV:Maximus left the room for a moment while I picked up my panties, which lay near the head of the bed.When he returned, he brought the clothes he had removed from me earlier, handing them over.I dressed quickly, feeling uneasy.How could I not? He kept watching me while he dressed, too.You'd think we were really husband and wife. "Let's go and talk," he said after we finished dressing."Outside," I quickly replied, walking toward the open door. He hadn't even bothered to close it.I sat down on the couch, feeling him follow me. I glanced up when he sat beside me."What?" I asked."Sit over here," he said, pointing to the couch across from me. "Something happened between us, and you're still embarrassed?""I feel uneasy. What if you suddenly start calling me 'wifey' again?""Are you uncomfortable when I'm close to you?"Did he really need to ask that? Of course!What decent woman would feel at ease talking to a man right after they'd just slept together?"You
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 91
Bella's POV:Maximus refused to let me go home alone and insisted on driving me to my house.I felt embarrassed about where I lived, but I didn't argue—I didn't want any more tension between us.Deep down, I knew he was only worried about me, so I couldn't blame his protectiveness.Still, I didn't introduce him to Marga or the others in the household. Things weren't clear for either of us yet.Even after our conversation, I couldn't believe I was supposedly his deceased wife.Still, an odd sense of happiness stirred within me.Was it wrong to wish for someone's love when they already belonged to another—even if that other person was dead and might be me?Yes, I had a husband, but was it wrong to long for a partner I knew would love and cherish me?I had suffered at my husband's hands, as had Chase, who had done nothing wrong.Meanwhile, Maximus wanted to get to know him right away.It wasn't that I trusted Maximus easily, despite knowing him for only a short while. It was th
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 92
Bella's POV:The three of us froze, our gazes turning to Maximus as he approached."Say that again, Miranda!" he shouted, causing both Miranda and me to flinch.His jaw clenched as if he were holding back an intense rage.Without warning, he grabbed Miranda by the arm, and she looked terrified."Did you have anything to do with my wife's disappearance?" Maximus demanded. "Answer me!"His anger was terrifying. Was this how much he loved his wife? His face flushed, and his body trembled.Miranda's pain was already evident. She deserved it, but now she looked pitiful. I worried that Maximus might break her bones if this continued."Mr. Salonga," Aries said, trying to intervene.He held Maximus' hand, but it had no effect.Maximus still glared at Miranda, refusing to let go until she answered."Answer me, Miranda. Did you have anything to do with Sarina's disappearance?" Maximus repeated."No, I had nothing to do with it. Remember, I was here. How could I harm her?" Miranda ans
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 93
Bella's POV:"Good morning, Mr. Salonga," I greeted Maximus as he arrived."In my office," he replied, not glancing at me.It had been five days since we had visited the hospital, where he had me tested for everything.He claimed I used to work there as a nurse, so the nurse assisting me had kept looking at me curiously.According to Maximus, she was a friend of mine. We were still waiting for the results.I stood up and followed him.What could he want this time?As soon as I entered his office, he shut the door behind me, then suddenly lifted me and pressed me against it, kissing me.I was so startled that I didn't know how to react until I finally melted into it and kissed him back.It was as if my mouth acted on its own, already familiar with what to do.I quickly sucked on Maximus' lower lip.Damn! I never realized I could be this lustful.I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, which only ended when we both needed to catch our breath.We seemed to b
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 94
Bella's POV:Our conversation ended with me having no choice but to agree with Maximus.However, I warned him that no matter what happened, we would never have a real chance together if he couldn't accept Chase—even if I turned out to be his true wife.I arranged his meeting with the finance department, as he wanted it done early so we could leave after lunch and go wherever he had planned.I thought he would rush through the meeting, but he didn't. He listened intently, which actually prolonged it.We even ended up having lunch with the finance department right there in the meeting room, and I was the one who ordered the food.When the meeting finally ended, Maximus and I returned to his office, where he informed me that we would be picking up Chase to bring him along."Where are we going? My son is—" I began."A special child. You already told me. We're taking him to the doctor because we're also picking up your lab results, including your DNA test results," he explained.I
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 95
Bella's POV:I didn't take my eyes off the envelope Gerald handed to Maximus while Chase sat on my lap.Maximus slowly opened it after I nodded, granting permission.A mix of nervousness, fear, and excitement washed over me, and I silently prayed that I was truly Maximus' missing wife.It felt as though Gerald wasn't even there. His face remained stoic, though I suspected he already knew the results.I hugged Chase tightly, closed my eyes, and lowered my head as Maximus began reading the documents.I heard the rustling of paper with each turn of the page until the sound stopped entirely. I slowly opened my eyes and lifted my head.My gaze met Maximus', and I waited for him to speak.We sat close together, and he quickly embraced me, sighing deeply.What did that mean? Had he been mistaken?A wave of sadness slowly consumed me. I had hoped so much that I was indeed his missing wife. Disappointment brought fresh tears to my eyes."D-Daddy," my son said.I was about to look at
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Contract and Marriage Chapter 96
Sarina's POV:After speaking with Gerald, we turned our attention to Chase's laboratory tests. There was no need for another DNA test—I already fully believed in Maximus."No, I want to boast about how certain I am when it comes to my love for you and our family," he insisted.I smiled at Maximus and nodded.After the blood draw and necessary samples for Chase's tests, we left the hospital.I thought we were heading home, but apparently not yet."It's almost dinner time, so let's eat first," he said as we climbed into the car."What do you want for dinner?" he asked, turning to Chase. "How about you, my precious? What would you like?"Although Chase was special, he could still communicate with anyone, though he rarely made direct eye contact."A-Anything M-Mom l-likes," he replied."Wow! Just like my son to love his mommy as much as I do," Maximus said proudly, ruffling Chase's hair.He then told the driver the name of a restaurant.-At the restaurant, a waitress led us t
Last Updated : 2024-12-18
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Contract and Marriage Chapter 110
Sarina's POV:"How could you be so handsome?" Ruth asked Chase.Chase sat beside her in the living room, happily chatting with Ruth.I watched them. Though Ruth still held anger toward me, I couldn't help but feel happy seeing how much she doted on Chase.I hadn't expected her to accept him so warmly, despite Maximus and Gerald's assurances that she would.Even though Ruth still seethed at the sight of me, I could no longer stay angry with her.Perhaps it was time to try to understand her better, especially now that I knew she was one of the people who loved my son.I texted Maximus about his grandmother's arrival.He called, but I declined—didn't want Ruth to think I was tattling on her.Thus, Maximus and I texted instead."Daddy, handsome," Chase said, delighting Ruth even more. Her smile seemed about to split her face in two.Ruth stayed for lunch, happily feeding Chase herself.I noticed Lisa glance at me, aware of how poorly Ruth had treated me in the past.I shrugged
Contract and Marriage Chapter 109
Sarina's POV:The last I heard about Ralph was that the police were holding him in custody.Now, Mariano was here because he believed my life as Bella might be in danger and that my fake husband could be involved in my disappearance as Sarina.As I recalled the memories of my awakening, I looked at Chase, happily playing with Jerome.I smiled, noticing how much he had changed since we arrived in Pearlisia.I was grateful that Maximus, not that beast Ralph, turned out to be Chase's real father. It was also confirmed that the medicine I had unknowingly taken had affected Chase's brain development.Fortunately, as long as he continued his medication and therapy, there was a good chance he would develop normally.I wished for nothing more than the end of this family chaos. I wanted Ralph caught and imprisoned, so he could no longer threaten me or Chase.Most of all, I wanted Maximus' grandmother to find peace with us, so Maximus, my true husband, could finally be happy.I once ask
Contract and Marriage Chapter 108
Sarina's POV:I cried nonstop, sweat, snot, and tears streaming down my face as I shielded Chase with my body. He cried too.I felt Ralph kneel before me, so I curled in tighter to protect our child.I felt his hand on my head and braced for more abuse.To my surprise, he stroked my hair instead and, through his tears, said, "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, babe…"I looked up at him, and our eyes met.I saw remorse, sadness, and pity—maybe for me and our child."I'm really sorry. I don't know what came over me…" He continued, gently lifting my head.I feared he was pretending, that he would suddenly let go or slam my head onto the floor.The thought frightened me, and he noticed it."Please, babe, don't be scared. I'm sorry. This won't happen again," he said.He helped me sit up, and we both turned to look at Chase when he started crying again."I'm sorry, my son, if I scared you," he said, then picked him up.After that, he helped me stand and practically carried me to our b
Contract and Marriage Chapter 107
Sarina's POV:Our life together was going well, and I had grown comfortable with him. I was happy, especially as the time to give birth approached.Ralph took such thorough care of me that he wouldn't let me do anything around the house.Everything would have been perfect, and I wouldn't have worried about a thing, if not for one nagging issue.According to my credentials, I was born in Los Burnham and had even studied there.But if that were true, why did I know how to speak Pearlisian?I didn't consider myself particularly smart or gifted—I believed my abilities were quite ordinary. Because of this, part of me doubted my past.Naturally, I didn't dare ask Ralph about it, afraid he might get upset, so I kept it to myself.I was content, and so was Ralph. He cared for me deeply, though I also sensed his possessiveness. He didn't allow me to go out on my own. I always had to be with him.I didn't really mind, but even when I stayed in the yard and talked to a passing neighbor,
Contract and Marriage Chapter 106
Sarina's POV:I laughed at Maximus. It became clear why he had been so irritated when he saw me with Jason—it was because Jason had been my ex-boyfriend, first love, and childhood sweetheart.I also learned that Jason's family was wealthy, but his parents approved of me, just as my parents had approved of him.I remembered asking Maximus whether my parents disliked him. He had said they probably didn't, adding that they loved me deeply and would always support whatever made me happy.-The next day, Maximus had to leave, so it was just me and Chase at home.I was happy he had someone to play with, Jerome, who had helped a lot in his development.I sat by the poolside, reading while keeping an eye on Chase and Jerome as they played. Lisa had asked her daughter-in-law, Rachel, for help, so I offered to look after the children myself.We had also hired a nanny for Chase, who was supposed to arrive later, according to Aries.Maximus had gone with Mariano to his office, though I kn
Contract and Marriage Chapter 105
Maximus' POV:I couldn't settle down.I had been happy that Sarina remembered something about us, but why had the timing been so off? Why was it that whenever she teased me, I always ended up at her mercy?I knew she hadn't recalled anything about Jason, but I still couldn't help feeling jealous. Even if she couldn't remember Jason, it didn't change the fact that he had been her first love.When she stepped out of our room earlier, I wanted to follow her. Something felt off, even though she had kissed me willingly just moments before.After that, it seemed our way of talking had changed.No, I couldn't let this happen. I wanted the cheerful, teasing Sarina back, even if she did rile me up sometimes.She had been in the bathroom, taking a shower, and I made sure to go first.I didn't want her to go straight to sleep, leaving us no chance to talk. I didn't want the night—or even a single day—to pass with her feeling any resentment toward me, not even a small sulk.I hadn't taken
Contract and Marriage Chapter 104
Sarina's POV:I had just returned from the restroom, leaving Maximus and our son with Chase's pediatrician to hear the doctor's update on our child's development. Now, I was completely certain—Maximus was Chase's father.The joy on his face when Aries handed him the results and some paperwork to complete was beyond what even the greatest artist could capture.As I approached Gerald's office to meet my husband and son, a man suddenly approached me."Hi, Bella, right?" he said.I frowned, trying to recall if I knew him."Oh, you don't remember me? I have a pretty ordinary face, so I can't blame you," he added, scratching the back of his head. "We bumped into each other once when I was out jogging. I think you were on your way to work.""Ah, yes, I remember you now. What was your name again?" I asked, feeling embarrassed for not recalling his name when he clearly remembered mine. Though, 'Bella' hadn't really been my true name."Jason. Jason Castro," he replied."What brought
Contract and Marriage Chapter 103
Maximus' POV:It was a relief Mariano was here. I felt nervous and scared for my wife and child.I immediately called Aries to inform him I couldn't make it to the office for now. If anything urgent came up, I asked him to send it to the condo.I didn't want to leave my wife and son alone, especially with only Lisa there to look after them. If something happened, they wouldn't be able to do much.I also asked Aries to check the hospital's security footage for the man Sarina had mentioned, but he couldn't track him further after leaving his spot.As Mariano wanted, we finally told Sarina everything about Ralph, the man she had once believed was her husband.She was deeply shocked and terrified when Mariano showed her photos of the real wife of that criminal, whose body had been found.The real Bella Drinx's body had been discovered in their backyard in Las Islas. Mariano had never stopped searching for answers regarding Sarina's disappearance, always on the lookout for cases invo
Contract and Marriage Chapter 102
Bella's POV:Mariano joined us back at the condo, and from my observations, it seemed he had something he wanted to discuss—something I couldn't quite figure out.Lisa greeted us. She had become a temporary nanny for Chase, which meant she hadn't been going home.When we moved into the new house Maximus had built, she and her husband would live with us, according to Maximus' wishes."Come on, Mr. Chase. Let's change your clothes," Lisa said, taking Chase from me.My child understood Pearlisian because I spoke it to him whenever the shameless Ralph Drinx wasn’t around—a man who was neither my real husband nor Chase’s father.I headed straight to our bedroom to change into something more comfortable, then rejoined them.Both men sat across from each other on the couch, and I naturally sat beside my husband."Were you discussing something important?" I asked, not taking my eyes off Maximus.I didn't want him to hide anything from me, especially if it involved me or our son."We
