She got married to him months ago and it wasn't the type to be proud of. Maybe anyone else would have been but not Lisa —a contract marriage where she has to get married because she felt like she was compelled to. Not that she couldn't decline the offer but she had to agree, given the fact that she needed to find the truth about her parents death.
Almost two year ago, Alex was Lisa's private patient and she has done everything in her power to revive him after he got himself involved in a ghastly accident which almost cost him his life. Even though his life was saved, Alex did not feel as though he's alive since he's close to losing his most valuable assets —his hands. Alex learnt that he won't be able to use his hands for many months which break his heart more than any other news he has ever received. As a doctor, his hands are much more than gold to him since the fate of humans lives depends on it. Depressed, he secluded himself from everything around him, drowning in his own anxiety and fear. Alex had lost all hope, his life had become miserable and the pain of not being able to feel his hands was all he could feel. It was a difficult time for him and all that he wanted was to escape it, to go back to the way things were before the accident. His mother had tried everything to revive his mental health but to no avail. The last resort for his mother was to ask Lisa to help, since Lisa has been his personal doctor for quite some time now and had managed to help him break free from his self prison. She knew that her son had already developed a very strong connection with Lisa and find it easier to communicate with her, ever since she saved his life. Maybe that was the one thing that would help bring him back from the shadows of his mind. A contract was given to Lisa which stated that she should get married to Alex. The only reason why his mother would make such a request was because she knew that her son, who was deeply in love with her, would only heal if he felt the same affection from her. Lisa couldn't deny "I'm sorry, ma'am but I don't think I'm ready to get married soon." Lisa had politely turn Alex's mother down. "I mean —I don't have the intention of getting married to anyone, at least, no anytime soon." But Alex mother was adamant. "I'll pay you as much as you want, Lisa. You only have to sign the marriage contract and live with him as his wife. There is no big deal in getting married!" She told Lisa persuasively. "You are the one at gain the most since you'll be getting paid for it." "Yeah, there isn't big deal in marriage; the more reason I don't want to get married —at least, not to my patient, ma'am." Lisa responded calmly, and had hoped Alex's mother will have a change of mind but she was wrong. Her response only made Mrs. Williams, Alex mother to plead further. After much pleading and persuasion, Lisa gave in —apart from the fact that she was compelled into signing the contract, she has her own reason for agreeing to get married to Alex. The accident that Alex paid with his hands instead, her parents has to pay with their lives —and to her, it doesn't seems like just an accident. Lisa had thought it wouldn't make any difference in getting married but soon, she realized it was all a lie. Alex did recover speedily and just as predicted, after many months, he was able to use his hands again —this was when he started to showed his left side to Lisa. Being his wife has been a thorn in the flesh for her but she couldn't help but pretended as though all was fine. Alex used to be a nice guy when she had recently know him which made it easier to get along with him at first but overnight, he turn a jerk and a pervert. He never for once considered her as his wife since he believed she had forced herself on him. He sees her as a cheap and greedy nurse who had herself hooked up I the name of marriage —he shouldn't be showing love to such monetary union. Alex had never touched her, except when he's drunk; he would force his way with her and whenever he's sober, he would curse her and calling her names for taking advantage of his drunk state. Lisa, who couldn't bear the humiliation any longer, laid complained to Alex's mother but she did not even raise an eyebrow nor help the situation at all, it was as though, whatever treatment Lisa received from her son —she deserved it! "You should keep pushing instead, considering the fact that you both never went through a proper courtship before marriage." Mrs. Williams voice was far from friendly, just like her son, she had changed as well. "You should know marriage isn't a bed of roses." —those were the only reply she gets from Mrs. Williams from time to time and Lisa, on the other hand, had given up on receiving help from Alex's mother. Aside treating her like a pest, Alex would always force Lisa to do the household chores, despite the fact that there were countless maids in the mansion to get the chores done. Most nights, he made her sleep on the floor rather than have her sleep on the same bed with him, not minding if she catch a cold or not. Earlier before accepting to concur with the marriage idea, Lisa had thought that after a year, if the marriage did not work out or if she find no clue leading to the car accident, she would file a divorce. But plan not going accordingly — Lisa find herself falling for him instead. Lisa's brother, Andy, seeing how much his sister was going through, had advised her to quit her marriage with Alex but she was adamant. Andy had thought about causing a scene and vacating his sister from Alex's house but Lisa's pleading would hold him back. Soon, she stop telling his brother anything that happens in her marriage as she realized how much Andy hate Alex. She keep pushing her lucks with Alex instead, believing she was close to finding the truth about her parents death —and maybe, someday, Alex would change his mind and would start treating her as his wife.Lisa got home later that night, still wallowing in her misery. Her heart might be heavy but she already made her decision —vacating the marriage for good and going back to her normal life again.Lisa has never felt so lost in her life before; the situation at hand was more overwhelming than she could imagine. She didn't get what she what in the end neither did she ever enjoy her marriage —not even for once!As she packed few of her belongings into her luggage, fresh tears stream down her face; she had thought she is strong enough to overcome anything but the truth is she isn't. Just when she was about the zip her luggage, her eyes caught glimpse of her wedding photo, hung on the wall.In the photo, she and Alex were both smiling, looking happy and content. But as she looked at the photo now, all she could see was the lie that it represented and realized how much she has used that lie to convince herself for long!She was at the verge of ripping the photo off the wall and throw it into
No one has ever thought that the mysterious boss of the famous Dela Cruz groups would work and serve as a nurse in a hospital; this was because most people believed that she's dead and long gone.But now, she was busy as a detective who had to disguise as a private nurse to gather enough evidence to her parents death and was later turn into a full housewife whose opinion doesn't matter nor did it ever count.Lisa had privately pleaded with the doctor in charge of Alex to assign her as his personal nurse without making mention of her. At first, it wasn't a hard task to get along with him as he was super friendly but as soon as his mother noticed their new developed relationship, she attacked Lisa with getting married to her son.But even though Lisa had agreed to the marriage, she never thought it would turn out like this. She had thought that she could change Alex's mind, that she could make him see how much she cared for him. But it was all in vain. She had been deluding herself, thi
Well, Alex happiness did not last long when his eyes caught glimpse of the neatly wrapped box that was lying few inches away from where he had picked the divorce papers from. It was strange to him, he has never seen anything like it on his dressing table since he's been using his room."Has it always been there but I failed to notice?" He asked himself as he picked up the box, unwrapping it hastily. As he opened the small box, he was shocked to see a limited edition watch in it —the type that cost a fortune."What...?" He blurted out with surprise written all over his face. "Did Lisa leave this here?...ah, no way! She would rather take this with her rather than leave such expensive gift here —she can't even afford it, can she?"Alex started to think of all the possible scenarios that could have led to the watch being there. Was it a mistake? Had Lisa left it there by accident? Or had someone else left it there, as a gift for him? But who would do that? He was trying to make sense of i
Nobody had expected Lisa to show up after three years of not hearing from her. Most people who know about her had thought she's long dead —and her uncles inclusive. Now that she's back to take the horse by its reins, she knows she has wars to fight and enemies to conquer; which are her uncles!Lisa was determined to get justice for her parents' death, and she knew that her uncles were the ones responsible. But she also knew that it would be an uphill battle, that they would not go down without a fight. But she was ready to take them on, no matter what it took.—after her parents death, Lisa realized how much danger surrounds her and for her to be safe, she has to fish out and conquer her source of danger!She had returned home, not only to stir trouble, but also to make things right. She knew that she had a long road ahead of her, but she was ready to face it head-on. She had nothing to lose, and everything to gain.Lisa was always able to see through her uncles and she was aware of h
The elegantly dressed lady stepped out of the red car, wearing a sunshade to disguise her identity. The car's door was gently shut behind her by her newly assigned driver, who bowed slightly to her before returning to the driver's seat.Lisa stared around for a while, her eyes sparkled in recognition. For more than three years that she has leave her parents house, busily disguising herself as a private hospital's nurse, nothing has changed in the house -it was just as she has remembered it and the familiar scent of flowers in the air was still as it was.At the entrance, leading to the main building itself, stood a man who was busily grinning from ear to ear, his facial expression was that of mixed emotions; relief, recognition and excitement as he patiently waited for Lisa to walk to him. "Oh, oh...!" He exclaimed, his eyes sparkling brightly. "Look who is finally here if not for my long lost cousin. Am I right?"Lisa rolled her eyes at his choice of words. "I wasn't lost, I was bus
"They will wish they never covet what wasn't theirs to start with. I'll make sure they pay for laying hands on me and everything they've done." Lisa vowed, still overwhelmed with anger. "-and Alex too, he'll as well pay for making me shed my precious tears."Lisa's vow wasn't of an empty one and Andy, just by looking into her eyes, he felt lost. The emotion in it wasn't that of the ones he's familiar with, it was totally different and he realized for sure, Lisa wouldn't back down until she's satisfied. Andy couldn't help but admit he love the new look in her eyes! "Fighting those three men isn't an easy journey to embark on, Lisa, they were never easy to start with." Andy started slowly. "We need a very good strategy to overthrow those cunning men when they least expected -they are not just greedy but a con artist as well.""Cunning or foxy, that doesn't matter anymore since it's the reason I'm here." Lisa's voice was assuring with traces of confidence in it. "We have to find a way t
A WEEK LATERThe air in the company was tensed and thick as those knife could cut through it. The staffs were busy with whatever they are doing and those who think they have enough time on their table were busy hushing words amongst themselves —none of them dare speak out loud.Dela Cruz groups already has new owner and it will be welcoming its owner that day, this was enough to keep everyone on their edge. The fact that they don't know when he/she will be arriving caused more tension.Different rumors were already flying around about the new owner, everyone tends to have one or two to say about the owner whenever they manage to gather —mostly, during their lunch break. One rumor that seemed to be the most popular was that the new owner was someone who had a grudge against the Dela Cruz family, and was looking to take revenge. This rumor had caused a lot of fear and unease among the staff, who were now even more wary of the unknown person who was about to become their boss."What do
For the past few months, the Dela Cruz groups have not been doing well lately because the three brothers who had forcefully been managing the company knew nothing about business but instead of employing an expert as a CEO, they blindly lead the company, squandering the little profits they managed to make from it. The Dela Cruz groups was said to ranked top in market sales in States and even in the surrounding company but it has dropped below the least and now, the company and the other branches under it has been struggling financially, went bankrupt and at the edge of collapsing.The three brothers did not bother about the state of the groups cause all they were after was spending whatever money the groups manages to provide for them. Realizing how much they are going to lose if the companies finally collapse, they decided to sell it off, of course, at a price that is way lower than the groups worth; it was as though they sell it off as a scrap.Andy managed to convince his father th
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