VLADIMIR"These are all the footage we got, boss," Blaze reported when I got to my office.I called him last night to get CCTV footage around the area of the gala venue. I had a bad feeling after Yvonne told me she saw her mother. I don't think that's a coincidence."I've played this part numerous times. There's nowhere else for her to go aside from this vehicle," he pointed at the screen.A black van passed the area, covering the woman standing by the street. She vanished at the same time the van drove away. But the van didn't stop to pick her up."Did you check other CCTV's?" I asked, still doubtful of the angle he's been getting at."Yes, boss," he nodded. "She wasn't caught by any other CCTV around the area.""Are you telling me, the van dropped her at the same spot where it picked her up?" I frowned."That's the only plausible explanation we could come up with," he said. "We checked earlier footage, the same unidentified black van passed by the area two hours before, but there we
YVONNEI woke up alone on the bed. I didn't realize I had fallen asleep again. The last thing I could remember was being cuddled in Vladimir's arms, feeling safe and secure.Only to wake up feeling cold and empty on my huge bed.Where did he go? Did he go back to his room?I got up to take a quick shower. And then I went outside. I don't know why I was so giddy while finding my way to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly made pancakes hit my nostrils before I even got there.I was grinning from ear to ear, but the smile on my face instantly dropped when I saw Cora preparing the table. I looked around, hoping to see Vladimir but he wasn't there.What am I even thinking? Why would he be in the kitchen? Do I really expect him to prepare breakfast for us? For... me?Well, kind of... I must have been losing my mind. I could feel my cheeks heating up in embarrassment. "Good morning!" Cora chirped when she saw me. "How was the party?""Uhm, it's fine," I forced myself to smile. "Where's Vladim
VLADIMIRI went home, still stressed about what happened this morning. The hour-long session with my therapist did nothing to pacify me. I wasn't cured. I am still impotent!I'm still the same wreck I was this morning.And the scene that I came home to didn't help at all!I found Yvonne and Dave on the balcony, sitting very close to each other. They were alone in the penthouse. Cora must have already left.Yvonne seemed to be looking at something on his iPad. I know they must be working on the presentation, but why do they need to be so close to each other? Can't they work while on opposite sides of the table?Damn it. What am I even thinking?I shook my head, hoping it would clear up if I did so."We're looking at different locations that can be suitable for the shelter," Yvonne said after recovering from the initial shock of seeing me."Sir, I am showing her the donated lands owned by the foundation," Dave added. "I see," I nodded, finally recalling the project she told me about.S
YVONNEI was so excited, I could barely sleep. I kept tossing and turning in bed, trying to get myself to sleep. That was the last thing I remember before I heard loud banging on the door."What the-" I jumped up and looked around. The room was already bright with the sun's rays coming in from the glass windows.I heard the sound of keys before the door was pushed open, revealing Vladimir who looked like he was about to breathe fire!Oh shit. What time is it?"Good morning," I smiled so wide, then ran to the bathroom before he could say anything."Yvonne!" he growled behind me."I'll be quick!" I yelled back.Damn it. It's a good thing I already prepared everything last night, from the things I would bring to the clothes I would wear. I just quickly freshened up. I was out in less than ten minutes."I'm so sorry," I tried to smile when I saw Vladimir, but it came out lopsided. He looked scary."I thought I made myself clear when I said we would leave early," he gruffed while we were o
YVONNE"This was yours?!" I exclaimed.He didn't say anything. He just headed to the cabin and opened it with the keys he took from his pocket. From the outside, I noticed it was made out of logs with huge glass windows. I couldn't wait to see how it looked inside. I wanted to ask Vladimir why he would donate something like this but I decided against it. I didn't want to pry. Besides, if he hadn't donated this, I wouldn't even be able to consider it for the shelter.I eagerly stepped inside as soon as he unlocked the door. I looked around excitedly. It was amazing, just as I had expected.I couldn't help but gasp when I finally got to see the inside. It looked warm and cozy!"Woah!" I exclaimed like a kid who got a new toy.I ran inside and marveled at the interior. The place surprisingly looked well-kept. I slumped on the comfortable-looking couch across the rustic stone fireplace. The air smelled clean and there was not a bit of dust in sight."Is there anyone living here?" I asked
VLADIMIRI watched Yvonne whirl about the cabin. She looked like a kid who had been on the playground for the first time, and I was honestly surprised by her reaction. I never thought of her as the kind of woman who would want to settle in a place like this.The land was far from all the convenience the city had to offer. It doesn't even have an internet connection. But here she was, expressing how she would want to live here. I've never seen her smile so genuinely.An image of another woman suddenly popped into my head.Riva...She loved this place. This cabin was built for her. Just like Yvonne, she fell in love with it at first sight.The sound of my phone ringing thankfully pulled me out of my thoughts. I shook my head a little to drive her memories away. I stared at the screen but it took a while before the number flashing on it registered in my brain.It was from an unknown number. A burner phone."I need to take this call," I told Yvonne before heading out of the cabin."Who's
YVONNEWhat the hell is he talking about? Is he saying the caretaker isn't coming to cook for us?Of course, I knew how to cook. I've been basically my mother's slave when I was young. But the last time I touched something in the kitchen was ages ago. Well, I do help Cora from time to time, but I usually just watch her.The most I'd done to help was to prepare ingredients."The kitchen is fully stocked," he added. "Feel free to use anything you need."He resumed ignoring me after that. I couldn't help but wince as I watched him greedily gulp the alcohol down his throat.It's only lunchtime yet here he was, already drowning himself in alcohol. Did something happen? Who called him? He suddenly changed after that call.What was that all about? Was it about business?I wanted to ask but I don't think he'd appreciate that. I sighed and turned my laptop off. It was useless by the way, since I realized there was no internet connection here.I begrudgingly went to the kitchen to see what I co
YVONNE"Vladimir?!" I hissed after pulling his hand away from my mouth.It's him! I let out a sigh of relief.My nerves instantly calmed down when I realized it was him. I failed to recognize him sooner. Perhaps because his familiar scent was overwhelmed by the stink of the alcohol he drank. My senses were also still laced with slumber.But now I am fully awake!"What are you doing here?" I asked when I recovered from the shock. I thought he was going to use the other bedroom.My whole body stiffened when he suddenly wrapped his arms around me instead of answering my question. I could feel his weight on me but I didn't mind it.His face nuzzled into the crook of my neck. I could feel his warm breath fanning my skin. I couldn't stop myself from moaning when the rough ends of the stubble on his chin grazed my sensitive skin.I know he's saying something against my neck. Something I failed to understand. My mind ceased to comprehend. "Ssh," he whispered, making me squirm beneath him."M
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