Alex stood before the door, his heart throbbing hard against his rib cage, his mind racing at a million miles an hour. In his hand was a folder containing legal documents filled with proof of his secret court wedding with Rosy. He knew what was inside that folder could destroy his mother's expectations and worst of the heartbreaking consequence if she go through it. It might forever ruin his relationship with her.He clenched it tightly in his grip, trying to gain strength from it's firm, undeniable proof. Today, he was going to confess his secret to his mom —he had married Rosy in a court, and was now a happily married wedded man.He wasn't sure of how his mother would react; their relationship had always been noisy and strained. She had done everything in her power to govern him from a young age, moulding him into her version of ‘the perfect son’. Since he could recall, he had always try his best to be the dutiful son to her.However, Alex had reached the end of his limit —and Rosy
And now, standing at this crossroads in his life, he had never been more certain of what he believed in, and whom he loved. Alex had determined to let go off being her puppet even if it means rebelling against her; he wouldn't mind!Alex knew that he had to take charge of his own fate and make his own decisions, even if it meant defying the expectations of others. With newfound determination, he stepped forward into his future, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.His eyes never leaving his mother's, he replied quietly but with emphasis, "I don't care if you disown me or you did not, I love Rosy and she loves me. We're going to make a life together, irrespective of your opinion. Don't think of this as your failure that I married out of your choice. Instead, consider it as my first in reality independent decision as an adult, some thing to be proud of.""Who told you you can make choices for yourself, Alex?" She asked almost thundering, her eyes spitting invincible fire. "I spe
••TWO MONTHS LATER••It was a Tuesday morning, and the bright morning sun shone brightly through the streets of States. Alex, now ranking amongst the top five successful business men, was known for his precision, had make sure to spend extra ten minutes preparing for today's work and to look good than usual as well. He'd landed a contract as a new lead supplier of office material for a large trading firm and needed to make a good impression. As he cautiously straightened his black tie one more time, his right lingered on the reflection in the room mirror hung before him.The businessman admired himself, all smiles, and felt a jolt of excitement. Today would be a start of new chapter in his life, a day filled with larger budget and even loftier aspiration —the weather was unusually good that morning, so he could promise himself that. Within that same room of his, also beaming in anticipation was his wife, Rosy. A true vision of femininity, she bore an image that bought compassion to
Still that same day after Alex had left for work, it was warm as the sunlight reflects brightly as it shines, adding more beauty to the streets of States. However, it did not last too long as the climate suddenly changed. Soon enough, the supposed warm and fine weather was abruptly changed as it rain slightly, the atmosphere suddenly turning cold and fuzzy. On that cold, colorless Tuesday afternoon, heavy with the weight of imminent decision, Alex sat in the conference room of his office alongside with his diligent staff members. He fidgeted continuously, struggling to focus on the words bouncing around the room as his mind was filled with the echoes of the conversation he had had with his wife, Rosy only few hours earlier.Alex and Rosy had weathered many storms over the dozen months they had been together. Through tremendous hardship and joys, they had managed to remain steadfast in their love for each other; being each others source of strength. “...And, since we now share the sa
Lisa exited the conference room, her mind buzzing with the ideas that had been discussed during the meeting with her executives. As she exit the entrance of the conference room, she saw a familiar figure standing outside with his both hands buried in his pants pockets, his back to her. She was surprised to see Andy there, as she knew he had a surgery scheduled at the hospital."Andy?" Lisa called out in surprise, approaching him. "Is that you?"Startled, Andy turned around, his face lighting up at the sight of Lisa. "Hey, Lisa!" He uttered, a sly smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Do I look fake? Ever come across my doppelganger before?"Lisa scoffs, already used to his nonstop teasing. "Maybe your doppelganger would make a better person than you." She enunciated, barely smiling at him. "I can't wait to meet him."Andy held his chest dramatically, feigning a hurtful expression. "Ouch, that hurts a little, Lisa!" He frowned with a slight groan but Lisa only shrugged in reply. "H
In the sterile environment of the hospital waiting room, surrounded by hushed murmur and the faint scent of disinfectant, Andy sat beside Lisa, fearfully comforting his Cousin and fondling her palm as he awaits the doctor's assessment.A million question plagued his mind, each one darker and more troubling than the last. Has she suddenly developed a food allergy? Was it something more sinister? Those were his unsettled thoughts as he held Lisa's trembling hand, during his best to ease her worry while his head pounded with dread. Soon enough, a doctor emerged from an examination room, a small professional smile on his face —wide enough to ease the cousins at the moment. "It's nothing serious but just a simple case of pregnancy, Mr. Andy." He announced, relieving much of the anxiety that had gripped Andy.Well, his relieved anxiety only lasted few seconds as he rethinks the doctor's simple words. "What pregnancy...?" His eyes widened at the thought of his Cousin being pregnant. Why wou
It was barely an hour past noon and Alex was already preparing to leave his office, thereby closing for the day. He had Kiel cancel all of his schedule for that day, leaving most of his clients hanging —well for that day, he did not mind, his wife's happiness comes first as he already planned out the best surprise for her. He needed to prove to her and show her how much he loves her and was willing to do anything for her, believing she's also possessing the same mindset as his. Most definitely, she would since she's now his wife.With a dreamy smile on his face that doesn't seem like it would be fading away from his face anytime soon, he threw his blazer over his shoulders, humming some incoherent words understand his breath happily.As he wear his blazer, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to love and be loved in return. The warm sun that was reflecting and the gentle breeze in the air seemed to be a mirror of the warmth and joy he felt in his heart. Today was go
Alex arrived home mid afternoon, the drive from his lawyer's office to his house was barely an hour. As he parked his car at the garage, he couldn't help but smile proudly at himself as he imagined the wide and appreciative smile his wife would offer him.Alex stepped wearily into the familiar warmth of their home, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of unwavering determination laced within the weariness. Across the room, Rosy sat immersed in the pages of a book, her lips curving into a welcoming smile as Alex's arrival interrupted the calm and almost deserted atmosphere of their living room."Hey, Rosy, I'm home!" Alex's voice reverberated with a mixture of exhaustion and quiet resolve, a obvious indication of the weight he carried from the day's endeavors.Rosy lifted her gaze from the pages, allowing her smile to brighten her features as she engaged in their customary exchange of pleasantries. "Welcome back, darling. How was your day?" Her words danced with feigned nonchalance, masking t
disgrace.Then who could it?He had wanted to suspect Seth but shut the thoughts out, he wouldn't have this and still watch his supposed wife's public humiliation without standing up for her.His fuzzy thought was interrupted by his phone — it was ringing. David wanted to avoid the call but seeing it's Laura, he reluctantly picked it up."Have seen the news already..." He muttered immediately not giving the latter the chance to say something. "You didn't do this, did you?""Are you crazy?" Laura countered from the other end. "Why would I jeopardize my reputation just to drag you down? We are in thus mess together, remember?"David wasn't convinced. "You must have nothing to lose to have this uploaded online." He said gruffly. "This might have been your place from the start.""Who cares whose plan it is?" Laura spouted, her voice in despair still. "What's more important is how to deal with what's on hand. And there's also a rumor that Sarah will sue you for defamation.""What...?" Davi
Sarah took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on Seth. "I’m sorry for keeping the kids from you." She said, her voice low and steady. "I was scared, and I didn’t want you to know. So, I couldn't bring myself to letting you know."Seth’s expression was unreadable, as he processed her words. "Why?" He finally asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Why would you do that?""I..." Sarah trailed off, not knowing what else to say. "I'm sorry, Seth." She could only offer an apology."I’m sorry too." Seth said, his voice matching her somber tone. "I should have been more understanding, more patient with you." He reached for her hand, his fingers gently entwining with hers. "We both made mistakes. But I don’t want to keep making them."Sarah looked down at their joined hands, a small smile playing on her lips. "What do we do now?" She asked, her voice soft. "Where do we go from here? Home?"The word “home” hung between them, a suggestion and a question wrapped into one. Seth’s eyes met hers, his face e
The word “home” hung heavily in the air, punctuated by the sharp intake of breath from Sarah. She looked at Seth, her expression a mix of anger and confusion. Her voice came out low and measured, laced with a hint of defiance."I don’t have a home with you anymore." She wrapped her arms protectively around the baby in her embrace. "And you are not leaving with my children."Seth’s eyes narrowed, a slight twitch in his jaw betraying the depth of his anger. "And who said your decision and opinion matters here?" He said with a scoff, despite his anger. "I make the decision, Sarah, and you abide to it.""No...! I'm going nowhere with you!" Sarah’s words rang out with a ferocity. It was a line drawn in the sand, a declaration of her independence.Seth’s laughter was quick, almost cutting her off, but it was a brittle sound that concealed a seething rage. "You’re coming with me, whether you like it or not." He stepped forward, towering over her.Lucian watched as Sarah took a step backward,
The piercing sound of that familiar voice reverberated through the room, casting a chill over Sarah and sending a jolt of electricity through her veins. Slowly, she turned to face the source of that voice, her heart pounding against her ribs like a wild drumbeat.There he stood, Seth, his presence filling the room with an intensity. A mix of emotions played across his features — anger, sorrow, regret — but there was no mistaking the steel in his eyes as he locked his gaze onto Sarah.He stepped forward, the air practically crackling with tension between them. "Where have you been hiding?" He countered, stopping a few feet away from her. "Why didn't you let me find you?"Sarah had no words left in her to tell him, what was she to say? She could only stare at him, her eyes on him as if she was trying to communicate with her eyes instead. "I..."Seth was impatient, but he was able to hold him from grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room. "Say something, Sarah..." Despite the mi
A YEAR LATER*The plane descended gracefully through the clouds, its wings slicing through the air with an accuracy. As it neared the airport, the control tower flashed its lights in a welcoming signal.The plane glided over the runway, its wheels slowly touching down on the tarmac. The landing was smooth and effortless, as if the plane were being cradled by the runway itself. The passengers let out a collective sigh of relief as the plane came to a gentle stop. Through the windows, they could see the airport terminal, bustling with activity and life.A woman stepped down from the plane, a twin carrier strapped around her torso carrying two five months old babies. Despite her weariness, her eyes shone with happiness and anticipation as she scanned the lively airport. The babies were wide eyed and mesmerized by their new surroundings, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds.The babies chuckled softly, as if they were delighted by the scene. The woman smiled tenderly at them, her he
Laura’s jaw dropped open, shock coursing through her veins. "You’re willing to sell your soul to the President for some money or prestige?" She exclaimed, her voice laced with disgust. "I don’t care what I ruined for you, David. You can’t keep doing this to people. You can’t keep hurting people just to get what you want."David’s eyes flashed with rage. “I do what I have to, Laura. And you better don't try to lecture me when we've been in these since its beginning." He muttered, scowling at."But I never meant things to go this far, you're taking in more than you can contain, David." She uttered repulsively. "Just stop here...!"David wasn't ready to listen. "Look here, Laura, I'm tired of you being around me, your presence sucks." He uttered, scowling at her. "Whatever shit that's between us, let's end it here.""You're sick, David, if you think you can just call our fling off whenever you want?" Laura snickered. "I'm sorry, but you can't. I started this — and I should end it too.""
A deafening silence had stifled the air in the presidential office as Seth's eyes were fixed on the documents in front of him, his brow furrowed in concentration.He had been poring over these files for hours, trying to make sense of the mixed up web of information before him. The clock on the wall ticked softly, signaling another minute had passed by, but Seth barely registered the sound.On the other side of the office was Lila, going through the iPad with her in silence — and just like Seth, her attention was fixated on the screen.Suddenly, Lila's outburst cut through the silence of the office like a knife through butter. "What...?" She sprung to her feet, her chair sliding backward with the momentum.Seth's head snapped up, startled by the sudden noise. "What is it now, Lila?" He solicited, his brows creased roughly. "You can see I'm putting in all my concentration here."Lila bowed her head slightly in apology. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, Mr. President..." She uttered as she mo
Seth sat behind his desk, his hands clenched into tight fists. He had summoned David to his study and now, the two men faced each other, the air thick with tension."So, Mr. Citizen..." Seth began, his voice tight with emotion. "It seems that there is a problem. A problem that you may know something about."David's face remained impassive, but a slight tremor betrayed his nervousness. "I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. President. How can I help you?"Seth's eyes narrowed as he threw few pictures before David, his sharp gaze on him. "Can you explain this?" He asked, leaving no room for friendliness.Davis's brows creased as he stared at pictures, unable to comprehend what Seth was driving at. It was a picture of footprints Lila had taken when she went to Sarah's old house.David slowly diverted his gaze from the pictures to Seth. "Why are you showing me these?" He muttered in questioning, his brows still creased. "What am I supposed to do with these footprints?"Seth's expres
Lila's concern deepened, and she searched Tristan's face for signs of distress. "Tristan, sweetheart," she said, taking his small hands in hers, "is something wrong? Did you fall? Are you hurt?"Tristan looked up at her, his blue eyes piercingly earnest. "No, I'm not hurt, or maybe I am." He said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just...I don't understand. Why did Aunt Sarah leave us?"Lila swallowed hard as she felt her caught in her throat, her heart aching for the boy's loss. "Oh, Tristan...""Did she hates us now?" He muttered, the look in his eyes gloomy. "I'm sure she left because she thought we don't want her."Lila's eyes softened as she pulled Tristan closer, enveloping him in a warm hug. She could feel his small body trembling against hers, and she stroked his hair gently, trying to offer some comfort."I know you miss Aunt Sarah, Trist. It's hard when people we love have to go away. But I promise you, it's not because she doesn't love you." Lila countered, her voice caj