Nala’s Point of ViewI watched as the car where Hugo was drove further away before I went inside the house. I used the key that was always hidden in the hanging pouch with beautiful flower petals next to the door.I couldn’t help but smile, seeing that my plants still looked beautiful even after being gone for months. I’m sure Lawrence took care of my plants here while I was away.“Nala?”I was about to go inside when someone suddenly spoke behind me. I turned around.“Oh, Aling Iska, good afternoon,” I greeted her politely and smiled as soon as I recognized who she was.Aling Iska used to take care of Nadine before my sister got sick. I used to leave Nadine with her when I went to school. She lived next door to Aling Perla, who owned a convenience store where Lawrence and I used to hang out.“Oh, it’s you!” My eyes widened as she suddenly embraced me. She even dropped the plastic bag she was holding because of the sudden hug.I swallowed nervously. “Uh, is there a problem?” I asked,
Nala’s Point of View“What are you doing here?” I asked in disbelief, my wide eyes still staring at him.“I’m going to stay here,” he replied, and then walked straight into my house, brushing past me.“What the—didn’t we already discuss this?!” I said a lot of things earlier, and here he is ending up here anyway!“Let’s just talk tomorrow, baby. I’m exhausted,” he said with his eyes closed, sitting on the bamboo chair in the living room, leaning back on its support.I shivered again when I heard him call me by that endearment. I don’t know why I can’t bring myself to scold him for calling me that way. I’m not his baby!I closed the door and then faced him while both of my hands were on my waist.“Where were you coming from anyway? Why did you come to my house instead of going to yours, huh?!”He opened his eyes; exhaustion was evident in them. I felt a little guilty for my outburst.“I’m from the office. I just finished a meeting there. I was about to go home when Fang called and told
Nala’s Point of ViewI slowly opened my eyes as a ray of sunlight hit my face through the window of my room. My eyes immediately met the wooden ceiling of my room. My lips curled into a smile as I realized how incredibly good my sleep was, something I hadn’t experienced in a while.Before my mind could fully regain its clarity, my smile quickly faded as I realized something. My eyes widened, and I quickly sat up on the bed. I looked to the right side of the bed, but there was no one beside me.“Shit…” I whispered softly and then covered my mouth with both hands while my eyes continued to widen. Did I really give up my virginity? Did the plan in Cambodia push through?My gaze landed on my body. I was wearing a loose t-shirt and pajamas. I also had underwear and a properly attached bra. Was it just a dream? Why does it feel so real?I was about to get out of bed when I was almost paralyzed by a sharp pain that shot through the middle of my thigh. I bit my lower lip to prevent myself fro
Nala’s Point of View“Uh, I’m sorry, but Mr. Fabellon is not here at the moment, sir. May I know what your appointment is with him?" I asked politely because I know he is not easily approachable based on his posture and the people surrounding him.I think he is in his mid-50s, but his handsomeness is still evident.“Are you his secretary?” he asked coldly.I nodded. “Y-Yes, sir.”“I have an important meeting with your boss.”I bit my lower lip. I knew it. It’s important. Where is Hugo, anyway? Why hasn’t he given me his schedule yet? As far as I know, that’s my job here!“M-Maybe he’s already coming, sir. You can wait for him and make yourself comfortable here.”“Sure.”I guided him to the black sofa. I need to attend to him so he won’t get bored, especially since he’s an important person.“Do you want coffee, sir?”“Yes, please.” He picked up the latest business magazine on the table and flipped through it.I nodded and quickly went to the pantry area. I brewed coffee and also grabbe
Nala’s Point of View“W-What?!”I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I had a hunch that their target was someone close to Dominic, but I didn’t expect it to be his dad. But I’m still confused because it’s not clear to me why Mr. Cordova is claiming Dominic as his son when he has another father.“I killed my dad—not literally, but I killed him because of my reckless actions. Together with dad’s guys, we attacked Lion’s hideout without a plan, like we rushed into a war without any weapons. I thought I was going to die that night because I was the only one left, but then Lion spared my life. He explained to me how brutally my dad killed his brother. And dad's death wasn’t enough to pay for all his sins against the Fabellons. He wasn’t mad at me because of what Dad did to his brother, but because of the action I took for him. He felt betrayed. I realized I was wrong. I made a big mess. I tried to regain his trust, but it didn’t happen.”“So, is that why Hugo treats you like that? I mean, yea
Nala’s Point of ViewHugo stopped going home to his own house and stayed at my house for the following days. He even brought his clothes there, as if he planned to live in my house. During those days, we argued every day because of what he was doing. There wasn’t a day when I didn’t tell him to go back to his own house. He didn’t say anything else except that he wanted to be with me.“Do you and your husband have any plans to have children, dear?” Aling Perla curiously asked while getting the shampoo that I specifically bought from her store.I furrowed my brow at her words. “Husband?”She nodded and handed me my purchase. I handed her the payment.“Isn’t that handsome man living in your house your husband? The one with the expensive car. Oh, I’ve been wanting to ask you about that for a long time, but there was never an opportunity. It’s been the talk of the town here in our barangay that you disappeared for a few months because you got married and went on a honeymoon in another coun
Nala’s Point of ViewMy lips are so long from staring at the pile of papers on my desk, you could hang a ladle on them. Just looking at them gives me a headache, what more if I actually start working on them?When I was little, I really wanted to work for companies like this because I thought their tasks were easy. But if I could talk to my younger self now, I’d tell her not to dream of this kind of job.I placed my coffee, which I made earlier in the pantry area, on my desk. It’s my sanity booster. I made sure it was far from the documents on my desk to avoid any issues in case it accidentally spills. I also put my bag on top of the table before sitting on my swivel chair.I glanced at Hugo’s desk. It was empty because he had just entered the conference room to have a meeting with the board members and directors. I shifted my gaze back to the documents on my desk. Hugo had already explained to me what to do with these papers earlier at home.“My body hurts,” I whispered to myself and
Nala’s Point of View“Wow, you look amazing!” Pinter exclaimed as he admired my reflection in the large mirror in front of us.My eyes widened. “Is that really me?” I asked in disbelief, leaning closer to the mirror to make sure.I couldn’t recognize myself because of the makeup Pinter had applied and the way he styled my brown hair, which made my fair complexion stand out. He left a few strands of hair framing my face to enhance the overall look.“Of course, Miss Nala. I didn’t do much to your face because, with or without makeup, you’re beautiful. No wonder Fafa Lion likes you so much. Oh my god, I’m so thrilled for you!” He squealed.I couldn’t help but smile and adjust my seat. We had a business event to attend tonight with Hugo, and here I was, getting dolled up by Pinter, an international Filipino makeup artist who is currently based in Manila. Pinter is talkative, so he’s not intimidating, and he’s easy to get along with, so I wasn’t bored at all because he had so many stories
Hugo’s Point of ViewAs I sit on the terrace of my condo unit, sipping a glass of rum, I am captivated by the city of Brussels, Belgium.The Grand Place, with its ornate buildings and intricate facades, is a true masterpiece. The Atomium, a modern marvel, stands tall in the distance, symbolizing the city’s forward-thinking nature.The streets are alive with the sound of laughter and chatter as locals and tourists alike explore the countless shops and cafes.The scent of Belgian waffles fills the air. As the sun sets, the city comes alive with a kaleidoscope of lights.It’s been two years and three months since I moved here to give Nala the space she wanted. Honestly, it’s hard without her by my side because I know that she’s my strength that keeps me alive, yet I need to respect her decision.I know that she loves me. I still hold on to the words she said to me before—that she loves me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make her come back to me. I believe that we are meant to be together.
Nala’s Point of View“I’m sorry, Hugo…” Those were the first words that came out of my mouth as I looked into his eyes.Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered everything that had happened before. How we were happy in each other’s arms. How we overcame all the challenges together and how I gave up so quickly.I bit my lower lip and lowered my head. He didn’t respond, so I spoke again. I wanted to say everything I wanted to say before it’s too late.“I’m sorry for hurting you back then. I’m sorry for being too much and not thinking about how you felt. I didn’t realize that you were also hurting from Lorcan’s death.”“L-Lorcan?” he asked.I smiled, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “Lorcan is what I named our child. Lorcan Amani Cabral Fabellon.”His eyes widened, seemingly unable to believe what I just said. “D-Did you really follow his last name with me?” he asked in disbelief.I bit my lower lip and nodded slowly. “Yes, I did. Because I know you deserve it. Lorcan is our child… You’re
Nala’s Point of ViewI smiled at my reflection in the human-sized mirror, admiring myself in the royal blue evening gown that Uncle Gael sent earlier for the event I would be attending tonight with Mr. Joseph Zuniga.I was in awe as I continuously gazed at the gown, as if it were a bubble that would disappear if I blinked my eyes.The gown features a strapless sweetheart neckline that accentuates my shoulders and collarbone. The bodice of the gown was perfectly tailored, hugging my waist and creating an elegant silhouette. The skirt, on the other hand, was floor-length and in an A-line style.I also noticed that the fabric used was luxurious satin, which I’m sure was more expensive than my monthly salary. It didn’t itch on my skin like other expensive clothes tend to do, and it was adorned with intricate beading and sequins that created a shimmering effect under the lights.The gown also had a low V-shaped cut at the back, exposing my fair skin. I kept my makeup natural to avoid looki
Nala’s Point of ViewMy eyes widened as I recognized that deep baritone voice. I held my breath as he slowly turned towards me, confirming my suspicion.I didn’t know how to react. I didn’t know what to feel. My normally rational thoughts became jumbled in the face of this sudden turn of events.I swallowed hard as my heart rate quickened upon meeting his gunmetal blue eyes, eyes that I used to love so much.Just moments ago, I was thinking about him, and now he was standing right in front of me. It had been three years since I last saw him, and I could say that he had changed physically.His face had become even more mature. From his eyes, which used to seduce, to his thicker eyebrows and pointed nose, which had become more defined, his lips are now even redder In a natural way. I also noticed that his chest had broadened and his physique was becoming more sculpted.I noticed all of this within a few seconds. I couldn’t bring myself to speak as I stared into his cold eyes, eyes that
Nala’s Point of View“Hey, just follow us, Nala, okay? We’ll wait for you there,” Jenna reminded me, already prepared to leave with our other colleagues.I smiled and nodded at her. “Okay. Take care, everyone!” I added.Once they had left, I continued packing up my belongings on my desk. It was already three in the afternoon, and we were about to leave work. We always leave early on Fridays because there’s no work at the office the next day.Just as I turned off the lampshade on my table, my cellphone, which was inside my bag, started ringing. I picked it up and quickly answered the call when I saw the name flashing on the screen.“Hello, Uncle Gael?” I greeted as soon as I answered.“Hello, dear. Did I disturb something?”I shook my head, even though he couldn’t see me. “No, Uncle. I’m actually about to leave. Do you have any orders for me?”“Can you come to my office, dear? We just need to talk about something in person; it’s kind of important.”“Sure, Uncle. Just wait for me.”“Oka
Nala’s Point of View“Eat something, Nala. You’ll get sick if you keep doing this,” Lawrence said after knocking from outside my room here at my house in Parañaque.“Leave me alone, Lawrence. I can take care of myself. Go away!” I shooed him away for the umpteenth time while I was wrapped in a blanket.Ever since he came over at nine this morning, he hasn’t left me alone. He keeps knocking, and I’m starting to get irritated.I came here after talking to Hugo at the park yesterday. I don’t know if it was the right decision to come straight home or not. I remember our memories together here. In every corner of this house, I see him, even though he’s not with me.My eyes are swollen from crying. I haven’t eaten since yesterday, and all I’ve done is cry until I’m exhausted.My emotions are all mixed up, and my chest feels heavy. I don’t know what to do anymore. I just let myself cry because I wanted to let it all out. All the pain I’m feeling.I’m mourning the loss of my child. I still ca
Nala’s Point of ViewI left the hospital with a mix of emotions. I wanted to scream, but it felt like I had no voice. I wanted to cry, but it seemed like I didn’t have the strength to sob. My hand was shaking as I walked aimlessly along the side of the road, not caring if I was hit by cars.The sun was hot, but I didn’t feel any pain. My whole body was numb from what I had learned.I felt betrayed.All this time, I was no longer pregnant. For two weeks, I was oblivious to what happened to my child! I couldn’t even mourn because they kept the truth from me!It hurts! It's extremely painful to lose a child as a mother. I didn’t even see, touch, kiss, or do anything. I didn’t even make her feel a mother’s care. I didn’t even apologize earlier. I neglected her. I failed to protect her!This is my fault.I didn’t know where my feet were taking me as I continued to walk. I ignored the people who were glancing at me. They probably thought I was going crazy. I didn’t care.I heard my cellphon
Nala’s Point of ViewI woke up earlier than Hugo the next morning. I got up slowly so as not to wake him. As far as I remember, he doesn’t fall asleep right away after we do that thing, so I knew he must still be tired. I don’t know what else he did because I fell asleep right away last night.I went to the bathroom to wash up and brush my teeth. Then I went downstairs to prepare breakfast. It shouldn’t be a problem for me to move around the house, right? The doctor said I’m okay.I was still wearing Hugo’s loose clothes when I came downstairs. It’s fine because it’s just the two of us here in the house, but there are still guards outside.I’m grateful that Daniel Cordova is no longer a problem. I don’t know if he’s still alive, but Hugo assured me that he wouldn’t bother me—us anymore. I trust him, so I believe what he said.And now that our battle with the Pure Blood Organization is over, our lives have returned to normal. Dominic has been busy with his own life, so he hasn’t been a
Nala’s Point of View“So, how are you feeling? Don’t you feel anything strange about your body?” asked Doc Tami as she peeled an orange.I shook my head. “I’m okay, Doc Tami. Actually, I could be discharged today,” I joked.I still call her Doc Tami even though I know she’s my sister because I’m not comfortable calling her Sis or Sis Tami. I told her that on the second day since I woke up, and she understood. She said it’s understandable because we just met. Everything takes time, she said.She raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be so sure. You might feel something different after you’re discharged.”I pouted. “Is there such a thing?”“Of course. It’s not impossible. I’ve had patients who just left the hospital but came back because they felt something different,” she explained. “Here. Eat this. It will help you. Oranges are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can boost the immune system, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” she explained.I took the p