YVONNE"Vladimir!" I hissed when I finally escaped his lips. "I need answers!" "What's going on?" I snapped. "Why are they here?"He let out a long sigh. He pulled a chair to sit, then grabbed my waist to let me sit on his lap."Vlad!" I rolled my eyes. How can we talk properly when he can't seem to keep his hands to himself?Damn it! And I am just as worse! I'm like a dry leaf being burnt when it comes to him!"Okay, okay," he chuckled but still hugged me tightly. His head settled against the crook of my neck."I thought you would be happy to see them," he murmured after a while. "They could be the first refugees of your shelter."That shut me up for a while. Am I happy to see them free? Of course! I was just confused.I sighed."I'm happy to see them, okay?" I said in a low voice. "I just have so many questions.""Fire away," he said, his arms wrapping tighter around me."How did you get them out of the ring?" I asked."There's no more ring," he whispered, his lips touching my skin
YVONNE My days were bustling after that. There was so much to do and yet I don't feel exhausted. Instead, I feel content and happy. With the foundation's help, we were able to find most of the women's remaining family. Especially those who wanted to go back to them. We provided some of the programs that should be available if only the shelter was already complete. They underwent extensive health check-ups and counseling with our professional volunteers. Some women who didn't have anywhere to go to remained in the hideout for the meantime. They will be transferred once the shelter is built. "Can we give them jobs in the shelter?" I mumbled while looking at the personnel we needed to hire. We were looking for professionals like counselors, a psychologist, a doctor, and such. But we also have open positions that I think the girls might qualify like coordinators or even utility staff. "I think that would be a good idea," Dave agreed. "Do you think so?" I frowned. I feel somehow to
YVONNEI can't believe I was able to stand up to Jade. I stared at the door where she had just left not too long ago. It opened after a few seconds."What happened?" Dave worriedly asked. He came in with my secretary behind her."Nothing," I sighed. "She just has some concerns about the girls."The argument seemed to have drained my energy. I suddenly wanted to go home and rest. I sighed and glanced at the documents I needed to review and sign."You can take the rest of the day off," Dave suggested as if he had just read what was on my mind."But how about these? I still have a lot to do," I slumped against my seat."I'll take care of it," he said before turning to my secretary."Jane, call her driver and tell him she wants to go home now," he ordered."Thank you," I muttered.It didn't take long before I was already in the car, driving the way back to the penthouse. My bodyguard walked me to the elevator and into the unit.My phone suddenly rang after I closed the door. I fumbled ins
YVONNE"Did you really think you could just forget about me, huh?" she asked as if I owed her something.I rolled my eyes. Did she forget what she had done to me?"What? Are you just going to ignore me?" I heard her snap when I remained unresponsive.I chuckled humorlessly."You have no right to demand anything from me," I lazily muttered. I don't even know why I am still talking to her. But this was my chance to tell her everything I wanted to."You can't abandon me after what I have done to you! You won't get to where you are if not for me!" she yelled.What?! I wanted to laugh. Ha! Where did she get the guts to say that?My whole body turned numb and cold. I was so shell-shocked by her audacity that I couldn't react at first. I suddenly regret ever talking to her. She makes me sick."You sold me!" I hissed through gritted teeth. I wanted to yell and lash out at her, but I didn't want to give her the satisfaction."And so?!" she mocked. "You should be thankful and learn how to look
YVONNEHe was too stunned to react at first.I could feel him stiffen before he relaxed and started to kiss me back with the same intensity. I moaned when he pushed his tongue inside my mouth. All my other thoughts came flying out the window.It felt right. His kisses began to consume me until I couldn't think about anything but his lips on mine.Diversion.This is exactly what I need.I stopped to get out of the tub, water dripping down my body. His eyes immediately raked my naked form, but I didn't mind. I stood in front of him."Yvonne, what are you doing?" he asked.Instead of answering, I pulled him up and started kissing him again.I vent out all my frustrations into that kiss. I was desperate to forget about the words that she just told me. They keep on echoing inside my mind."Vlad," I whimpered.I entangled my arms around his nape, then jumped to wrap my legs around his waist. He quickly reached for my behind and lifted me to support my weight.My kisses turned more aggressiv
VLADIMIR "Are you okay now?" I asked while we were having dinner the next day. "Hmm?" she confusedly looked at me. She looked so vulnerable when I found her in my tub yesterday. The way she wanted to make love almost the whole night felt like it was her lifeline. We were so tired that I didn't get the chance to ask. I doubt if she'll tell me either. So I called Dave first thing in the morning to know what was going on. He told me about Jade's visit. Yvonne apparently went home after that, looking upset. I can ask Jade but I decided to talk to Yvonne first. "Are you okay? Did something happen yesterday?" I said while looking at her intently."I heard Jade went to your office. What did she tell you?" I mentioned when it seemed like she didn't want to speak. She shifted in her seat. She took her glass and sipped while avoiding my gaze. "Uhm, it's nothing important," she said after a while. "Are you sure?" I frowned. "I know her. She won't come to your office unless she has an im
YVONNEI stared at the screen of my laptop. I was checking my savings. I'd only worked in the foundation for a few months, but being the executive director made me earn a hefty amount.It should be enough for me to start anew. Perhaps I can rent a cheap apartment and eat for a few months with this.My heart clenched painfully. Thinking about leaving makes me want to cry. I couldn't bear to imagine leaving Vladimir. But I would have no choice when the time comes. Surely, he will kick me out of his life when my identity comes out in the open.My heart felt heavy. I could feel my eyes sting with tears behind my lids.I don't know why, but it won't be easy for me. Is it the security I felt in his company? Or perhaps the luxury that he made me experience here? This life is a dream come true for everyone. Knowing that I had to walk away from it already breaks my heart.But is it really what I'm going to miss? I don't know. I'm not sure about how I feel.All I know is I have to leave everyt
VLADIMIR"Sir, Ms. Foster is here," my secretary informed me.I looked up and clicked my neck. It's getting stiff from reviewing the proposal we were working on.I'd been losing my regular clients lately due to my unknown competitor. I need to open a new market for my goods to lessen my loss."Let her in," I said after heaving a deep sigh.She looked like a volcano about to explode. Fuck. I don't want to deal with another drama, but do I have a choice? I can't just kick her out of my office."What brought you here?" I asked."What the hell is wrong with your wife?" she hissed. "Is she even thinking?"I frowned."Why? What did she do?""She's ruining our brand!" she yelled frustratedly. "Our foundation is known as one of the most prestigious. We have wholesome projects, but look at what she's doing now! A raffle promo?! Seriously?""She's dragging your name into the pits! Where did she even get those whores?" she's like a kid throwing a tantrum.I took a deep breath to calm myself down
YVONNEI missed him. God, I missed him.I am so close to jumping on him. My whole body ached for him. I wanted to hug him. Kiss him. But I can't...Riva is just outside, waiting on their table..."If you have nothing else to say, I'd like to leave, please," I told him before I changed my mind.Thankfully, he didn't argue anymore. I have to muster all my strength to force myself to walk away from him. My heart felt like breaking at each step I took.I gasped. My eyes widened when I realized who was in front of me. As if it wasn't torture enough, here comes Riva who must be going to the washroom. This is the first time I'd be seeing her up close.I clenched my jaw to keep a straight face as we walked past each other. I couldn't help but glance at her face.She looked better now than the first time I saw her. Of course, she's with Vladimir now!My heart was beating so fast, I think it could jump out of my ribcage! My knees were buckling when I got back to our table. I drew a long breath,
VLADIMIRTime seemed to stop as I watched her in slow motion. It's as if the whole world ceased to exist. All I could see was her.What the hell is she doing here?!I mean, I know this place is near the shelter but I never thought I would bump into her, let alone eat in the same restaurant!And why the hell is that man's hands all over her? Why is she letting him touch her?!My fingers tightened around the utensils in my hands as I watched him gently guide her in as if she couldn't walk on her own!What is the meaning of this? I glanced at their table where Dave and the other woman sat. Are they out on a double date? Who is the man she's with? Does Dave know him?My jaw clenched as I watch the asshole pull out a chair for Yvonne. How long has it been since the divorce was finalized? One week? Two weeks?It doesn't matter. The point is, it hasn't been long. But she's already here going out on a date looking so fucking beautiful!Fuck. Wait. Did I just compliment her?I scanned her from
YVONNEI was beyond shocked. Who would have thought that I would see him here out of all the places we could have bumped into each other?Every day when I go to work, I always imagine what I would do if he suddenly showed up. I created different scenarios inside my head. I was planning how I would react if ever I saw him again.Damn it. Why can't I remember anything now? I swear I've already prepared myself for this moment. But everything seemed to vanish now that he was here. And with Riva nonetheless.I took in a sharp intake of breath. It's none of my business anymore. I shouldn't let myself get affected by their presence. I should not show it at least."Here!" Selene's voice seemed to echo inside the quiet restaurant.My gosh! I suddenly wanted to tape her mouth or something! Can't she behave for once?!"There they are," Dr. Phil said as if I didn't hear Selene loud enough.We went to our table. I sat beside Selene while Dr. Phil took the remaining seat between me and Dave."This
VLADIMIRI watched Riva as she walked down the stairs. She's wearing a beautiful dress that hugged her body in all the right places. The smooth fabric seemed to move with her in every step.My jaw clenched while staring at her as she came closer. Fuck. Something was amiss, but I tried to brush it off. This night is for her. This is the first time I will take her out for a date after she returned. And it's been more than a month already.I smiled when she stopped in front of me. I held out my arm to her which she happily hooked hers. She looked up and grinned at me excitedly."Where are we going?" she asked."You're still impatient, huh?" I chuckled. She's been asking me that since last night."I already told you it's a surprise," I muttered while looking straight into her eyes."Fine," she smiled. "It doesn't matter anyway. As long as we're together, I don't care even if you take me to the end of the world."Once again, I felt the stupid twisting pain in my chest upon hearing her word
YVONNE"Well, what do we think?" Selene excitedly asked behind me.We were both looking into my reflection in the mirror. She had just finished doing my hair and make-up. I can do it, but she insisted on it. Looking at the result now, I think I made the right decision to leave it in her hands."I like it," I muttered after staring at my face."What? That's it?" she groaned as if she was in pain. What else does she want me to say?"You look so freaking hot! Can't you see?!" she exclaimed.I think she was exaggerating, but yeah. I look good.She turned my new hairdo into messy waves, which added volume and perfectly framed my face. The barely there makeup surprisingly made me look so...Innocent.I never thought I could use the word innocent to describe me. The black dress only complemented the impeccable look. The top has a modest V-neckline and fitted to my body while the flowy skirt seemed to dance with every movement."Dr. Phil's jaw will drop when he sees you," she gushed. "I can b
VLADIMIR"Good morning," Riva chirped when I got into the dining room.I woke up alone in the room but I already guessed I'd find her here so I proceeded to get ready for work.She smiled at me before resuming making coffee in the espresso machine."Why are you doing that?" I asked. "You could have just asked our house helpers."I looked at the food laid on the table. There was French toast, bacon, eggs, and hash browns. I frowned."Did you prepare all of this?" I grumpily asked."Don't worry, Agnes helped me with those," she gestured at the food.Agnes?"Where's Cora?" I asked. She's the one who usually cooks for us."She's busy doing the laundry," Riva shrugged.I guess it's alright. Cora stayed with Yvonne in the penthouse. I don't want her to mention anything to Riva. I knew I could trust her to keep her mouth shut, but her tongue might accidentally slip. As much as possible, I don't want Riva to know any details about my marriage with Yvonne.It's enough that she knew about it. S
VLADIMIR"She rejected everything," my lawyer said as he handed me the finalized divorce papers. "I tried to insist on the money as you ordered, but she was adamant about it."I took it, crumpling the edges when my hands fisted on it. My jaw clenched as I stared at it. That's it. We are no longer bound by a contract. It's over.Why would she refuse to accept the penthouse and the money though? Where the hell does she think she can go? What is she trying to do?I don't understand.I was just trying to put her life on set before I... Before we part ways. It's not like I was asking for anything from her in return. Yes, the penthouse costs a lot, but I can't see myself living there anymore. Especially now that I live with Riva. It feels wrong to bring her there.I can sell it, but..."Didn't she have any demand?" I asked. Perhaps she didn't want to live in the penthouse. Does she like that property in the countryside instead? But that is literally in the middle of nowhere."No," he shook
YVONNEI stared at my reflection in the mirror. My long hair was chopped into a blunt bob that reached just below my chin. "Oh gosh! It suits you!" Selene gasped."Thanks," I muttered. That's what I thought too. "You don't look bad yourself."Her hair is now back to its natural blonde color. Its striking contrast with her blue eyes really complemented her. It also looked more vibrant after the rejuvenating treatment she availed."What should we do next?" she giggled while letting her fingers run through the smooth strands of her hair.Honestly, the massage worked wonders in my body. It soothed my aching limbs and muscles. But I don't think I'm up for something else."Actually, I... want to go home," I said."What?!" her eyes widened as she stared at me as if I'd grown two heads. "How about we go shopping for a while before we go?"I frowned. Shopping? I wanted to ask how she got money to afford these, but I didn't want to offend her. I paid for my haircut and massage though so she mu
YVONNEI gasped and jolted upright from bed. Loud, incessant knocks on the door startled me from my deep sleep. I frowned, my hazy mind still processing what was going on.What the hell is happening?I tried to pry my eyes open to check for the time. It's only eight o'clock in the morning. I glanced at the door when the knocking continued. It even got louder.What in the world?! Did they get the wrong unit? I wasn't expecting anybody. Who would visit me this early in the day?"Ugh," I groaned as I pulled myself to get up.I dragged my feet to the door. My whole body is aching, probably from pushing furniture and cleaning almost the whole day yesterday. I could have used a few more hours of sleep if not for the person trying so hard to disturb me.I swear, I could yell at whoever is trying to knock my door down!"Who's there?""Good morning!" a cheery voice greeted me as soon as I pulled the door open. It took me a few seconds to realize what was going on.Selene was standing right out