Sarina's POV:"Love, I need to go to the office," Maximus said.It was Monday morning, and we were having breakfast.I had prepared it since Lisa wasn't around—she had something important to attend to for her child. That was fine, though, as I knew my way around house chores."Okay," I replied shortly, continuing to eat."Are you still mad about what happened last week?" Maximus asked."I have no right to be mad," I answered."Come on, love, I've already explained.""I'm just saying, since you've paid me, you can do whatever you want. As long as, after a year, our contract is done," I said, taking the last bite of my eggs and sipping some water.I was taking my time eating because, after each bite, I had to feed my husband.Honestly, there was no real issue—I understood his situation and wasn't the kind of person to neglect him. So, even though I had been annoyed with him for a week, I couldn't stay mad for long."Stop reminding me about our contract. I didn't force you. Aft
Sarina's POV:"Grandma," Maximus greeted.We were at the condo, and his grandmother had just arrived.I felt awkward, unsure of what to do as she stared at me, particularly at my hand, which was being held by Maximus."Good morning," I greeted her as well, not wanting to seem disrespectful.Ruth raised an eyebrow before turning to Maximus. "How are you, sweetie?" she asked as she sat on the couch next to Maximus' wheelchair.I sat on the other side, feeling like we were in some sort of love triangle."As you can see, I'm perfectly fine. My wife takes good care of me," Maximus replied."Well, she should, since she's getting paid to do it!" Ruth quipped.Ouch! No warning at all.If she weren't elderly, I would've fired back."Grandma—"Ruth interrupted, "What? It's the truth! Do you really think she'd work this hard if there wasn't money involved? She better do her job properly, or I'll report her to the nurse's association.""Sarina is my wife, Grandma," Maximus corrected
Sarina's POV:"Congratulations, Mr. Salonga!" his therapist exclaimed as he finally managed to walk normally.I was genuinely happy for Maximus—it had been tough for him to sit in a wheelchair, unable to do the things he wanted.I was also looking forward to his upcoming eye surgery.The surgeon, who was coming from another country, had already arrived, and according to my husband, Aries had faced challenges in locating him."Oh dear, this calls for a celebration!" Ruth declared."Miranda will surely be overjoyed," she added, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.Ever since Ruth arrived, Miranda had been tagging along everywhere we went. She freely visited the condo, and it annoyed me even more that my husband didn't seem to mind her presence, especially when his grandmother wasn't around."Hi!" came the high-pitched squeal of the devil herself.I turned to her and positioned myself in front of my husband, certain she was about to throw herself at him."What do you think you'
Sarina's POV:I headed to Maximus' room after my conversation with Jason, and fortunately, the two witches were no longer there.Where could they have gone?"Are you done?" I asked Maximus, who sat in his wheelchair, gripping his phone tightly as if he were waiting for something—something that was clearly making him angry.Why? At whom? With me?"Where have you been?" His voice struck me strangely, carrying a tone I couldn't quite decipher."Just outside. I told you I wouldn't be going home, didn't I?" I replied. "Where's your family?""If you were just outside, why don't you know where they are?" he shot back."I didn't realize I was supposed to watch them too," I retorted."You were looking at them, weren't you? You said you were just outside, so you should've known they left a while ago." His tone was unmistakably angry."Are you upset about what happened earlier?" I asked."Let's go home, Sarina," he said as he stood up.There was something different about him now that
Sarina's POV:Maximus lifted my clothes, and in his apparent hurry, I raised my arms, allowing him to remove them.His hand then grasped my small breasts, eliciting a moan as his fingers played with my sensitive nipples."Ahh..."I felt him shift, my back pressing against the bed as he positioned himself over me.I didn't know what to do now that it was clear he was about to claim what he had paid for. He kissed me, and I could feel the intensity behind it.Why did it feel like anger? Was he upset because of how I'd spoken to his grandmother and ex-girlfriend?His lips slowly traveled from my cheek down to my neck until they reached my breasts. He then took one of my breasts into his mouth, and I arched my back, my hand tugging at his hair.The warmth of his breath and the teasing of his tongue on my nipple sent electric shocks through my body."Does it feel good, Sarina?" he asked."Yesss... love..." I moaned again, but then he suddenly stopped, making me look at him. He was
Sarina's POV:After Maximus and I had sex, he became incredibly possessive. He always wanted me around, which would have been fine, except that Ruth and Miranda often hung around our condo.Like today—it was a Sunday, and Maximus and I were lounging in the living room. His grandmother had gone out to visit a friend but, of course, left her "prized companion" behind to third-wheel with us."Babe, I'm thirsty," Miranda said in a whiny voice, making me roll my eyes. She was probably expecting me to get her water."You have feet, don't you? Walk to the kitchen and get it yourself," I retorted, glaring at her."Why should I? I'm Max's girlfriend, and you're just his nurse," she spat back arrogantly."Well, I'm Max's wife, so get off your butt and get your own water, because I sure won't," I shot back, refusing to be outdone by her theatrics.Miranda pouted, but then Maximus spoke. "Get your water, Miranda."I smirked as she stomped toward the kitchen like a spoiled child.Just as I
Sarina's POV:Three days later, I finally headed to my hometown on the island of Canes.If there was one good thing that came from marrying Maximus, it was that I could now fly home, reducing the trip to just one hour instead of an 18-hour ordeal by land—especially if the bus was in bad shape.My mother, my brother Alex Sanchez, his wife Grace Lim, and my two playful niblings met me in front of our small house."My daughter!" my mom exclaimed happily.I smiled at her and welcomed her embrace."I missed you so much. Look, even the neighbors are excited to see you," my mom said."And what did you tell them this time?" I asked, knowing how proud she was of me, especially since I had graduated from college and passed the board exam."Oh, nothing much. You know they're just happy for you," she replied.Despite their gossipy tendencies, our neighbors often helped my mom when needed.I looked around and noticed them smiling at me, so I smiled back before we all headed inside."Dad,
Sarina's POV:The next day, I woke up early, just as I always did.When I used to live here, my body was so accustomed to going to bed early and rising with the sun that it felt natural. My family was never surprised when I was already out of my room before the rooster crowed.They were already seated at the table, having breakfast, while my niblings were surely still asleep. They were young and needed the rest, after all."Good morning," I greeted them.My brother stood up quickly to get me a plate."You don't have to do that for me, Alex. You should be focusing on Grace. She might bump into something if you're not careful," I teased."Geez, it's too early for that," he replied, though he didn't seem annoyed. "Of course, I took care of her first. Besides, don't stop me from doing things like this. It's one of the few things I can do for you, Mom, and Dad."His words made me smile. It meant he was looking after our parents well."How's work going, dear?" my dad asked, pulling