Zachary seemed like a mystery to me throughout the following weeks. He's more attentive and careful around me. He looked like he was under a curse, and I was the one who cast it. He did all I asked and looked for without complaining. Well, he used to do that, but this time he doesn't seem to care, even if I torture him. One time, I found him secretly ransacking our room; he seemed to be looking for something that I couldn't guess. In short, he's acting quite oddly."We're going to the farm today. Do you like to come?" Zachary asked while carrying a tray of food in his hand.I looked up at him because I was sitting on the floor while playing with Angel. It was only six in the morning, but he had already taken a shower. Up to this day, I still can't get used to it when I see him in a jacket that isn't branded or looks new. He placed the tray on the bedside table before sitting on the edge of the bed. He tried to call Angel, but I quickly picked up the kitten and glared at him."Don't to
I've visited a lot of farms and plantations, but I'm still in awe of where Zachary took me. Unconsciously, my lips curled into a smile, and I gradually closed my eyes when the cool breeze hit my face. I felt like I was being pulled into an abyss—no problems, feeling safe and secure. There are trees and plants around, as well as various animals that roam freely throughout the area."Stay here with Aunt Victoria. I'm just going to help Mang Pidong pick coconuts," Zachary said.I didn't do anything but nod. He first arranged the mat he had brought and laid it on the wide bamboo seat. He patted it, then put the basket he had prepared earlier at home to one side."I prepared some sandwiches and snacks in case you get hungry," he said."Okay," I replied sparingly, and I looked around."Do you want to tour around?" he asked.I frowned. "I thought you would help Mang Pidong?""Well, that will only take about two hours." He shrugged. "I will accompany you around here after that if you want."F
Suddenly, all of my exhilaration subsided—possibly because I thought back on my past. I was quiet for the following few hours. I wasn't even moving from my position; I was just looking at my surroundings and Zia from time to time, who is now assisting Nanay Victoria in setting out the tableware for eating.I sighed and observed the serene sky. I smiled bitterly. I couldn't help but ask the Lord why he had given me so many horrible experiences. To make me stronger? To prepare me better?But do I really need that?Maybe I wasn't a perfect child. Even so, I know that I have been an honest and good partner. I couldn't help but feel unfair. Why do I have to suffer all the pain? Why do I have to be the only one to be broken?Revenge. Only the ignorant don't realize that's wrong, but can they hold it against me?Two years ago, I was at my lowest point. I lost a child. I was cheated by people I trusted. The person I was hoping would support me abandoned me. I was forever deprived of the oppor
I didn't return merely to get hurt once more. I strengthened myself with grief and hatred so that nothing could derail my plans at this time. I've learned my lesson, and I won't allow myself to lose the battle I picked.Moving toward the private room I intended to walk into, I wore a face devoid of expression. Only the sound of my heels could be heard as I passed everything else in silence. It made sense given that it's a formal, respectable place.A few seconds later, I finally stopped in front of a wide door. I lazily glanced at my wristwatch and just shrugged my shoulders when I saw that I wasn't late for the meeting. I took a deep breath before slowly opening the door. I secretly smirked when I got everyone's attention. The eyes of Daddy, Tita, and Eunice were staring sharply in my direction. Meanwhile, Zachary's look showed shock when he saw me.What a happy family!I ignored them and walked straight to an empty row of seats. They were all together on one side, while I was alone
Aireen and I were both speechless when we got to her apartment. My mind was still confused, which is why I didn't drop off at Nanay Victoria's house first. Besides that, I also plan to take the car and some of my things that she brought home after I called her before. I reviewed Zachary's laptop again to uncover further documents that would shed light on the situation, but I've gone through all of them one by one, and even with his lesson plans that were saved, I still didn't find anything in the end.I massaged my senses and completely gave up. I tiredly leaned my back on the sofa and involuntarily looked up at the ceiling, hoping that an idea would enter my mind. I was in that position for almost a few minutes until I turned to Aireen when she came out of the kitchen. She was carrying a glass of lemonade juice and then placed it on the center table in front of me."What's your next plan?" she asked while sitting next to me.I let out a deep breath before sitting properly. "Still the
(⚠️WARNING: THIS CHAPTER MAY TRIGGER YOUR ANXIETY/DEPRESSION/PANIC DISORDER⚠️)"Thank God you're stupider than me. I thought I was the most dimwitted person on earth." I laughed mockingly and wiped my tears. "Do you really think you can shove that lie at me? You did me wrong and you still had the fvcking audacity to turn the tables to put the blame on me? Cut that shit and, for once, act like a man!" I screamed and pushed him hard on his chest.He stepped back; it was as if he had no strength to fight my force. He looked lost. He just bowed and seemed to have lost the will to speak any more."You are so shameless to accuse me of cheating! You're so shameless to make up a story even though we all know the truth! Damn it, what kind of person are you? Are you even human?" I bit my lower lip to suppress my sobs. "Are you really like this? Are you all really like this? You're going to force me to swallow all your shitness. Fvck you, you killed my child! Our child! At least have a little sh
I felt someone brushing my hair as I awoke. Gently and sweetly, as though lulling me back to sleep. It was cold all around me, and there's also a strange, familiar smell that stings my nose."Baby, I'm always here for you. We will get through this," I heard someone mutter, and then felt something touch my forehead.I slowly opened my eyes, and Zachary's face greeted me. There is a trace of worry and trouble on his face. His hair was a mess, and the bottom of his eyes were almost black, as if he hadn't slept in days.My expression was blank. I ignored his presence and looked around. The room was painted all white, and I was lying in a hospital bed with dextrose attached to me. The bandage on my wrist did not escape my sight either. In those moments, my memories slowly returned before I even lost consciousness. I closed my eyes again and let out a tired breath."How are you? Do you need anything? Do you want to drink?" he asked one after another."How many days have I been here?" I aske
It's been two weeks since Zachary brought me to his condo. At first, I had no idea why we didn't go to Nanay Victoria's house, but then I heard his phone call with his friend, Thelmo. He wanted me to be close to a psychologist so that if I ever thought about getting checked, it would be easy. I just shrugged it off and kept ignoring him.My attention was focused on Angel when she almost fell into the cat condo that Zachary bought the other day. I don't know why he is wasting money on my cat; I can provide for that. I am her mother; he is a stranger. What right does he have to act as a co-parent to my cat?I stood up and approached the kitten. I carefully picked her up and brought her to the bed. I stroked his fur while slightly sniffling. She tried to get out of my lap to run again to the cat condo on the side of the room, but I stopped her."You, little witch. You're fooling around with that one," I said and glared. "That's cheap; I can build you a mansion! I must be your favorite,"