"I guess we've missed a lot", Larry said as we ventured into the living room. We saw the cake being shared amongst the guests by Nadia.
"Yeah", I replied absent-mindedly. I was feeling tired all of a sudden."You look tired. You should rest." He suggested."Yes. I guess we would call it a night then", I told him and was about to leave them in the living room when he called me back."Daisy, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable.""It's not you. The party preparation has worn me out. I've been awake since the break of dawn."Alright. Continue being strong", he squeezed my hand in assurance and I nodded. He pecked my cheeks.I was about to leave his presence when Nina showed up."Daisy, Larry, where have you two been to?" She eyed Larry, who was with a mischievous smile on his face."I took your daughter on a date", he told her."Is that true, Daisy?" Nina demanded from me.I didn't know if she fell for Larry's jokes or not as herDaisy's POVThe birth of Ellah came unexpectedly...she was born prematurely. And it came as an eye-opener to me that the reality of motherhood was now at my doorstep.It was something I couldn't escape, something I couldn't let go of and the experience of labor was unforgettable.During labor, I remembered the pleasure her father and I both derived from producing her. And I was on the verge of cursing him when Nina burst into the labor room despite the protest from the nurses. She bluntly told them she was my mother and she was Nina Gomez. I felt like crying at that instant.My life took a great unexpected turn. There I was, trying to push out the only precious gift I got from my overnight stand, with a stranger beside me claiming to be my mother.I really felt like her daughter the moment she held my left hand, caressing it and whispering encouraging words to my ears.The anger I felt towards Daniel...or whatever his name is dissolved, when my ba
When I got back from the office with Nina, after having explained every file I had worked on during Stella's absence and even those I wasn't done with; it really took much of my time, more than I had expected.I had to rush the explanations of the last two files when I saw Nina already waiting for me. I was more than exhausted by the time we got home. I kissed Ellah goodnight when I entered her nursery as Nadia was dressing her up for bed. I thanked Nadia and went into my room.I grudgingly took a shower and before I knew it, I slept off without taking dinner.****I woke up late the next day, feeling lazy to get out of bed when Nina walked in to inform me about Ellah's ill health. That information brought back my strength from wherever it flew to in the first place and I rushed to my baby's room, leaving Nina still standing in my room.My baby was sick and peevish all through the night and I slept soundly like a log of wood. What sort of a mothe
Daisy's POVLarry wouldn't stop making me laugh with his silly jokes. I wonder why I was laughing that much and I realized it was long ago since I really felt that way...since I felt genuinely happy.I was just 17 but I already feel like I was a grown-up woman of 30 or 40. Is this what motherhood comes with? I asked myself.I was a bit fat during Ellah's pregnancy and even after her birth but I've been so keen on maintaining my shape before Ellah came into the picture.I remembered I had always wanted to add a bit of flesh to my skinny shape right from childhood, because of the mocks ny mates throws at me. But then I was scared. Scared of becoming an old woman. Scared of growing up. Scared of growing too fast. Ellah's birth was making me think, behave and talk like a grown-up. I was wiser than I was the previous year and I was more experienced with the realities of life. I loved that but I couldn't stop the feeling of fear that was buried deep inside of me. I couldn't fathom what brou
Daisy's POVI got an admission into the University of Nevada, two months to Ellah's first birthday. I had always wanted to study English related courses to improve my skills at writing. Even though I had lost hope on ever becoming a great author someday, Nina wouldn't hear that of me. And Larry too.Ever since the incident with him, our relationship with each other has been so casual. Nina noticed the coldness and questioned me. I told her Larry said he likes me and she urged me to let it work.I didn't expect that from her. I thought she was going to support my decision of remaining single, if not for anything but for my daughter. But Nina was against the fact that I rejected him, and my lost interest in writing."I've never seen Larry this serious since I've known him, Dee", she had told me. "Except for when work comes knocking, though."The way she called me Dee reminded me of Maria. She used to called Dee-dee.I was speechless at first.
Nina's POVNo matter how tight my hold was on the people I love, they always find a way to leave, leaving me with the shattered pieces of my broken heart. It's either I push them away thinking I was fulfilling all righteousness or they realize I was not worth it and they leave. The thought of this used to scare me a lotI was scared of losing Daisy and Ellah. I had grown attached to them. I barely missed having Damien around. My love for them was unconditional and it gladdens me whenever I see a smile on their faces, especially that of my innocent pretty Ellah.On Ellah's birthday, I woke up in good spirits. She was more like my granddaughter and sometimes, when I play with Ellah, the images of Debby keeps coming. She was the exact replica of Damien's twin sister, Debby. I did not know if that was why my love for her was immeasurable. I fu*king loved her with everything in me.Ellah was a year older and an epitome of beauty. I was sure her father was a very handsome guy,
Nina's POVFor the very first time in many years, I felt really happy. Genuinely happy is the right word to use. Daisy was doing all she could to see that smile on my face, always.At times when she wasn't convinced with the smile, she would ask, "Mom, are you happy?"I would nod and laugh.She was a joy to hold on to. And my baby Ellah who was beginning to call me granny. It felt strange at first because I felt I was becoming old. But after some time, I got used to it. Daisy was my daughter like we made everyone believe, so that makes Ellah my granddaughter.We go out almost everynight, with Ellah and sometimes Nadia. Daisy wouldn't let me be with my thoughts ever since that night. She was always by my side once she comes back from school. She even told Ellah that granny is unhappy and she should do all she can to make granny happy.I felt blessed.Daisy did something else that added to my happiness and made me feel fulfilled. She went
"Namaste, mom", Damien's voice boomed into the phone."What the hell does that mean, Damien?"I frowned in irritation."It means hello, mom", he chuckled."Is that Chinese?""No, it's Indian.""Really? Your father has started teaching you his language already?""No, Dad doesn't have time for that. I'm now in India, mom. Dad said I should learn on my own or he's going to sell me out", he laughs.He seemed to be in a good mood. He was really enjoying his stay with his father. They were bonding well."You are in India? What happened? What about your school", I asked in one breath."We are on a vacation, mom", he answered."So you decided to go to your dad's place instead of coming to America?"I couldn't help but feel jealous. I missed him badly."Mom, I'm sorry. I'm still trying to get to know dad. I'll come to see you very soon", he said."It's ok. That's what I want. I really want you to get along well with your father. That
Damien's POVI was unhappy when I was asked to go to Shenyang University to study software engineering, unlike my former decision to stay in one of the Universities in America or England. At first, I was mad at mom for not making me have a say in what institution to go to. But then, I realized she was doing that, not because she wanted me far from her but because she wanted me to feel the fatherly love she claimed she had deprived me of.The anger I felt initially was intense. I guess I was mad at her because it was unexpected and it gave me a short time to prepare. I couldn't even say goodbye to anyone, not even Daisy. I fucking missed her. And I've never met any lady like her. She was just so unique and different.The memories of our two nights together were still there. I remember occasionally and smile.Even without seeing her, thinking of her alone arouses me. I tried to let go of her since we were worlds apart, but it was so difficult. The thoughts th
Nina's POVI was in the bathroom when I heard Damien come into the room. I heard him asking of me and Amar told him I was in the bathroom. I was having difficulty bending down to wash my leg and private part because I was heavily pregnant.I thought Damien was out until I began to hear him whispering. Amar did the same too and I couldn't comprehend what they were talking about. I rinsed the soap off my body, washed my hair, and allowed the to water wash through me once more before putting off the shower and tying my towel around me. The towel was different from the one I was using before my pregnancy because the one I was using was too small for me. I had to get a bigger one.I opened the door slightly to see Amar and Damien still whispering some words to each other. The only thing I was able to grab before they looked up to see me staring at them was "Daisy."My curiosity got the better of me. "What are you two talking about?"Damien gave me a boyish
Damien's POV"Happy birthday, darling", I scooped Ellah up in my arms and kissed her on the forehead."Thank you, daddy" she grinned. "and thanks for the gift", she held onto the doll I got for her tightly and I smiled. I was glad she loved it. "I love you.""I love you too, sweetheart.""Ellah, you love your dad? What about me?" Daisy questioned with a pout, folding her arms."I love you too, mommy", she chuckled and I laughed softly."What about me?" My mom also appeared from nowhere with her protruding belly."I love you, granny.""I love you more", mom said as Ellah struggled to get out of my hold. I dropped her and moved close to Daisy. She was busy cutting Ellah's birthday cake and distributing it amongst Ellah's classmates who came for the birthday party.My hand found it's way to her waist and she looked up at me."Let's get away from here", I whispered close to her ears. She began to shake her head in disagreement.
Damien's POVShe was like a magnet. I couldn't get enough of her. She was still as tight as I could remember and that pulled me over the edge. I lost control and made love to her over and over again till we both fell asleep.When I woke up, I saw her staring at me with loving eyes. I knew I had earned her forgiveness and I was hoping I won't mess up again. It hurt to see her hurt. There was no doubt about my feelings for her. The feelings I tried to deny when I saw her on the staircase that evening. The fact remained that I was still in love with her."I missed you, Damien", she whispered.Her voice alone turned me on. I wanted to respond but I couldn't. The only thing on my mind was making love to her again. I wish we would stay there all day long and forever in each other's arms. I took her lips, bit her softly and caressed her cheeks. She moaned and it turned me on. I tried to straddle her so I could take her again but she pulled away. I couldn't read her expr
Damien's POVI hadn't seen Daisy since the night she slapped me and I was filled with nothing but remorse and guilt ever since the night. I felt it was necessary to ask for her forgiveness. When I got into the house, I went straight upstairs to her room."Your boyfriend...." I heard mom saying to her as she giggled."Boyfriend?" I demanded, entering the room fully. I was with a frown on my face. I wondered who the boyfriend was."Yes, her boyfriend", mother said vehemently. "She's going out with him tonight. Any problem with that?" Her arms were on her waist with her belly poking out."Nothing. I just came to ask for Daisy's forgiveness. I'm sorry for whatever I must have done to offend you, Daisy. Find a place in your heart to forgive me."She nodded in response without uttering a word. I guess that was her way of saying my attention was not needed so I turned back to move out, without any further word or looking back.I got to my room and s
Daisy's POV"You shouldn't have slapped him", aunt Vanessa queried me when we got home. Ellah was asleep in Nina's arms and Damien was nowhere to be found."He deserved it", Nina remarked. It almost made me smile.She was a great woman indeed. If it were other people, they would have turned to support their son but Nina was different. She stood by me.....for the truth, even though he was her son. I was sure she would have done the same thing if it were someone else. She was amazing and I loved her more."She shouldn't have done that in the presence of Ellah", aunt Vanessa insisted. There was no reply from Nina. I guessed she agreed with aunt Vanessa on that. "The poor girl wouldn't stop crying until her father said something into his ears that got her grinning from ear to ear. I'm sure it was the name of chocolate that made her happy again."None of us replied. I sat on the chair beside Nina and closed my eyes, rubbing my finger over my forehead, hoping the
Daisy's POVWe watched as Aunt Vanessa jumped into Danny's arm with tears streaming down her eyes. Danny didn't recover from the shock until aunt Vanessa kissed his lips and called his name again. Nina looked at me with a puzzled look, and I nodded at her with a smile, hoping she got the message.I was happy for aunt Vanessa but when I remembered what I was doing before then, sadness engulfed me as I watched Nina dragging my box back upstairs."No, mom. Please." I pleaded with her and tried to stop her from dragging the box."Please what?"I shook my head. "I can't stay here anymore. I can't." I sniffed."Daisy, you've been here for four years......""Please, this is what I want. I can't do this. It's torture.""Daisy", Amar called.I kept shaking my head. I didn't want them to convince me. I didn't want to stay. I was tired of holding onto lost hope...it was just like being hopeless. I wanted to be far from Damien. Being close to h
Daisy's POVA week after arriving from the Philippines, I went back to school. The house was unusually quiet. I was no longer comfortable and I was finding it hard to continue calling Nina my mom. I barely go out of my room, except when I was going to school or when I want to go and pick Ellah up from school whenever Nadia wasn't around.I saw Damien once when he was going out in his father's car and Richard was driving inside the house with me. Our eyes met for a brief second before he looked away.It is obvious I mean nothing....absolutely nothing to him, I said to myself. He seemed fine to me like nothing happened, like everything was fine and normal but I wasn't feeling that way.Knowing we live under the same roof was pure torture, seeing him was hell, and knowing what we had was nothing to him made me feel miserable. For the first two days, I cried myself to sleep.I hated myself for thinking and holding onto what we shared that night and I hated
Nina's POV"You mean you were the one that had sex with Daisy all along?" I queried Damien."What do you mean all along? It was just a one-night stand." He replied and I gasped at his bluntness."One nightstand? You had sex with her twice.""She told you that? How did you even know her?""Are you seriously listening to yourself? She gave birth to your child."He scoffed. "How am I even sure the baby is mine ?""Damien", I called and moved closer to him. Then I slapped him. Tears were streaming down my eyes already.Who would have thought I took in my grandchild? I asked inwardly. What would have happened to Daisy and Ellah if I hadn't taken them in? Daisy suffered alone because of my irresponsible son.I was disappointed and his statement increased my disappointment and anger. The memories of my past came rushing. How I had to fend for him, care for him alone without his father."Mom, you slapped me?" He questioned.
Daisy's POV"Who the hell is Lizzy?" Grandmother lamented.I shook my head. She was too choosy when it comes to her association with other humans. I was sure she doesn't like Lizzy just from the name. Grandmother was insisting that we get the company back. That was when I told them about Lizzy.I stayed back in the Philippines because my grandmother insisted I stay. Aunt Vanessa supported her. We discussed a lot, including Aunt Susana.I also got to meet Fred, aunt Vanessa's son. He was an intelligent and smart kid. When aunt Vanessa told him I was his aunt, he hugged me fiercely asking me different questions about where I stayed and about Ellah."Dad had an affair with her and she got pregnant. She informed me about the bankruptcy and that Susana wants to sell the company. Nina wanted to help me but I refused. I didn't want her to waste her money for nothing. Lizzy later called to inform me that she bought the company already."