THERA’S tears had gone dry when they returned to the villa. She was still in disbelief. Uncle Jaime is dead, and Sean hid it from her.
The old man died of cardiac arrest, according to Rowela. She did know if she should get mad at Sean or not. She chose the latter. Maybe Sean was thinking of her situation. He did not want to shock her despite showing a viral video of last night.
Thera wanted to hit her head on the wall. Maybe she’d regain her memories by doing that. Her uncle died, and Joshua remained poor while she got to be in a good place and enjoying a luxurious life.
Thera stared at the eco bag Rowela gave her. One by one, she took out the things inside. Most of them were her academic notebooks. The cheap stuffed animals were from the night market she went to alone.
Thera sat straight when she saw a bind, thin notebook. It was her diary. She brushed it when she noticed a few pages torn by termites. Her smile was bittersweet when she began
October 23, 2019Baguio City, PhilippinesTHERA blinked when she heard a groan. It was enough to pull her back to the present from the memory of five years ago. She swallowed when she saw Sean’s creased forehead. He was staring at her intently as if studying her face.“Are you not feeling well?” he asked. Thera wondered if she actually sensed a little tenderness and concern from his voice.She flinched, thinking Sean would reach out to touch her neck to check her temperature. But he remained still. His fists clenched as if suppressing the urge to reach her.Or was she just imagining things? Perhaps it might be because of the intimacy from the tiny piece of memory a while ago? Thera never pictured herself taking bold steps toward any man. She’d rather be swallowed alive by earth than even think of doing it.But she did. She begged her own husband to love her and make love to her that night. It was degradi
Ringgo hadn't parked the car properly yet at the Mall’s parking space but Thera immediately got out of the car upon seeing the familiar woman who was stepping inside The Palace Mall’s entrance. She was her fake friend, Kisses who just arrived from a trip with the company CEO, Mr. Hernandez. With her eyes narrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line, Thera walked inside the building.Thera’s glare followed her as the woman stepped into a famous boutique shop. She smirked. She still hadn’t changed even after almost a year of living abroad. Kisses’ fashion brand and style are still the same. She knew because the covetous witch was copying her since time immemorial. Thera went inside the famous boutique. She did not even throw the slightest glance at the staff who were scrambling to greet her.She walked towards Kisses whose gaze was focused on a red elegant handbag. When she was about to take it, Thera grabbed it immediately. The woman look
October 23, 2019Baguio City, PhilippinesOblivious, Thera brought her right hand across her left chest. She was almost there. There were still a lot of memories that were trying to break free from her mind but it felt like her brain will explode if she would force herself to remember.Those flashes made her more confused, though. She was clearly begging Sean for a second chance from the memory from the bathtub. But from the memory that pricked in her mind earlier, why was she as cold as ice? And though she was evidently trying so hard to be cold and mean towards him, in the end, she cried when she saw him hurt his finger.What made her change? When did she start to be disdainful towards Sean? Towards the people around her? Everyone who was once dear to her, why did she consider them now as her enemy? Especially with Kisses, why was she angry with her?Thera could not remember having a misunderstanding with her best friend befor
October 29, 2019Baguio City, PhilippinesThera walked fifteen minutes from Kisses’ neighborhood to the tricycle terminal where she would wait for a cab to arrive and take her back to Sean’s Villa. It was her third attempt to try to see and talk to Kisses. Her second attempt was yesterday. She waited for about thirty minutes outside the latter’s house in hope that someone will come and open the gate for her.She decided to return today and check again. Her hope rose when an old man in his fifties finally appeared at the front door and opened the squeaky gate for her. She could not recognize the old man but perhaps, he was Kisses’ uncle or grandfather she did not meet yet.“It was already four years ago when they sold the property to me,” the old man said."Do they still come back here in Baguio?" she asked.“Oh, I'm not sure but probably not anymore. Their youngest daughter got very luc
“Did she say anything or asked anything aside from what happened between you and her before?” Sean asked. He was inside his office with Miguel and Girlie, the waitress slash cashier whom Thera had a fight with a few years ago.He was already in Baguio City when he received a call from Miguel informing him about Thera’s sudden visit at the TeaCaf. He drove the car faster when after few minutes he called again telling him that Thera was having a serious conversation with Girlie inside the restroom.Sean went straight to the Tea Caf instead of coming back to his Villa. Thera was no longer there when he arrived.“She did not ask anything, Sir. She just politely asked me why she did that to me then. After that, she told me to went on my way first... She stayed inside the restroom and locked herself for a few minutes.”Sean found out that Thera has been leaving the house for several days since he left Baguio. He
"Wow!" Thera's eyes widened as the waiter started placing her food on top of her table. She waited for about fifteen minutes before her order was served. She chose to sit down at the double table inside the dining area.After she left Sean and Tan's Teacaf, Thera let her feet decide where it would take her. She just stopped walking when she smelled roasted garlic in one of the local restaurants by the road.The waiter served her with a buttered shrimp bathed on its natural gravy, roasted crabs, and two cups of fried rice. She chose a strawberry shake for her drink and requested a glass of mineral water.The enticing smell and the food presentation made her mouth water, and her stomach growled in anticipation.Thera has a lot of questions running through he
October 14, 2016Baguio City, PhilippinesThera opened the car door and got off the car when it stopped right in front of Uncle Jaime's house. Joshua inherited the house when the latter died.Her secretary, Yumi, accompanied Thera on that trip. Two sets of curious eyes, owned by two older women sitting on the side of the road.Thera wanted to roll her eyes. It was still too early to gossip; her rolex wristwatch says 9'oclock in the morning."Stay here," she told Yumi, who attempted to follow her.Right at the middle of the road, Manang Mamen – one of the two tale-tellers greeted her. She was holding the hand of a girl who was about fourteen years old."It took you a while to visit, Thera. Did you come to visit Joshua? He came home late last night. I heard him and Row
Sean made three consecutive knocks before he pushed the master's suite door open. He sighed when he saw Thera was on the couch instead of lying on the comfortable bed. She was groping her stomach, and a white face towel covering her face. Sean walked towards and her andcleared his throat to make Thera aware of his presence."Stop starving yourself. The food is getting cold."Thera answered him with a moan."I can pretend I did not hear what you said yesterday. There's no need to be embarrassed." Sean said. "Were you that upset? Wait for your memories to return; you would understand why I chose to reject you," he added when he did not receive a response. "Thera…"Thera moved at last. But when she did, the face towel th
Epilogue Thera slid her hands into the pocket of her maxi dress that barely protected her skin from the cold. She got too excited to see the sunrise that she forgot to bring her scarf. She stood in the gazebo, the one that was facing across the ridges of Baguio where the sun usually emanated the very first thing in the morning. The temperature went down to ten degrees last night— enough to make their teeth chatter. Today was the twenty-fourth of December 2023. The De Marcos would gather tonight to celebrate not only Christmas but also her birthday. Their maids and cooks were all busy preparing for the party later tonight. She’d might as well help later since she had nothing to do in particular anyway. It was three years ago when she left to find solitude and to recollect her broken soul. Now, she finally came back after regaining herself fully. Sean still managed The Palace Mall and Hotel pretty well over the years. On the other hand, Miguel was still managing the Tea Caf with the
November 16, 2009Baguio City, Philippines“Sir, can we just turn the lights off?”The silence prevailed for a short moment among the two of them. Thera bit her lower lip realizing that what she just said could literally have two separate meanings. She wanted to hit her head for her foolishness. Thera saw how the corner of his lips smirked in a most mischievous way. It was a first, and she couldn't help but swoon over it. It was a wonderful sight to see.“W-what I'm trying to say is—”“Get change. You’re dripping wet,” he told her before he walked into the office.Thera clutched her chest, her heart was beating too fast. Sean would be the death of her. Whenever he's near, she felt like she had to hold her breath for a short while just so she could con
October 15, 2019The Palace Mall and HotelThe employees paved the way for Thera as soon as she began picking up her pace towards the exit door. She just finished debating with a few board members in the conference room a little while ago. Two of the employees of The Palace were gathering outside the mall, threatening to file a complaint to the labor union. To add more tension, they were holding a banner in hand, which clearly showed strong protest.They were Lira and Rose from the marketing department. Just a week ago, Thera caught the two gossiping about her inside the restroom with a newbie.But their protest failed to move her. It was evident in her eyes that the amount of care she possessed as she watched them is equal to the amount of common sense they have.She could not believe them right now. After bad-mouthing her, she was considerate enough to let the
One year later...Sean closed the book and put it aside after spending half an hour reading it. He could not understand a word about it. He turned to the side and leaned against the window of the plane. He watched the thick white clouds scattered around the air as the plane flew past them.The duration of the flight from Incheon to NAIA lasted three hours. He had been traveling for months both for business and personal reasons.Besides traveling in Korea, he had also gone to Japan, Singapore, China, and Taiwan. The neighboring countries were considered the top source for tourists, so he went there firsthand in the last few months.He just finished his business trip to Korea. He stayed three days in Seoul, two nights in Mt. Seorak, and spent two days and nights in Jeju Island. Just like his prior business deal in different countries, convincing Korea’s top travel companies to tie up wit
Just when the elevator door was just inches from closing, Sean held it with his hand to keep it open. Thera raised a face. She wished she could blink her tears away, but how could she do so? Sean's serious gaze rooted her to the spot.“Nine years ago, I told myself if I could travel back in time, I’d choose not to meet you. Afraid I might ruin the girl who got nothing but love in her heart. I told myself to keep my distance from you. That I shouldn't have met you. But when you lost your memories, just thinking about you forgetting everything about me scared the hell out of me, Thera. No matter how hard I try to deny it, you are the last person I want to lose.”Thera swallowed hard. Hearing those felt like someone hit her hard on the chest. Sean's voice sounded so broken and sincere to her ears.“I know I cannot put back in your eyes all the tears you cried for me. I know that a single sorry can't
Thera had been awake for the last few minutes but decided to lay down on the bed for a little bit. Her head was throbbing for crying overnight. When her digital clock reached six twenty-six, she finally got up from bed, avoided looking at the other side of the bed.She dragged herself towards the pantry and started to look for something to prepare for herself. After several moments of opening and closing the fridge, she still couldn't find the right thing to cook. The refrigerator was surprisingly filled with anything essential for cooking, but she had no idea what to prepare.Thera took her blazer and handbag after getting dressed. She decided to contact Laida and asked her out. After putting sunglasses on, she hurried towards the door.By the time she yanked the door open, Sean's figure had appeared in front of her. He was squatting on the floor, half-asleep. His other thigh was folded. His white
Sean was facing the electronic door lock for quite a while now, struggling to figure out Thera's passcode unit. He had inputted Thera's birthday, her parents' birthday, their wedding day, but to no avail. On top of that, Thera was clinging to his neck, her face pressed against his shoulders. She was absolutely intoxicated.“Hey…” he muttered as she slipped out of his arms. He watched her squat on the floor like a child, her back leaned against the wall. Her eyes still shut.Sean knelt to scoop her up. Thera let out a groan of protest, leaning her head against his chest this time. He swore the hair all over his chest stood when her breath brushed through his neck.He was about to press the digital lock when Thera spoke out of a sudden.“Ten, fifteen, fifteen, idiot.”As soon as they got in, Sean carefully laid her down. He tucked her in bed. He remai
October 14, 2015The Palace HotelMr Jacob Hernandez's eyes were fixed at Thera for a couple of moments. She was sitting on a couch while the old man remained seated on his swivel chair, his elbows rested across the long working table.How is she going to start asking her questions? What if everything she heard was just a rumor? Why would he even waste his time and money for her in the first place?But the way Mr. Hernandez was looking at her, he sure had a lot of things to say."Perhaps, it's time to know about the truth, miss Thera."Her heart was pounding like crazy. She had watched this kind of scene in a movie many times over. Will she be able to cope with whatever he's about to say?"Before you met Sean, I had sen
August 11, 2015Pangasinan, PhilippinesThera pulled to a stop and parked her car on the side of the road. The man he met in Baguio asked her to drop him off at a restaurant."Thank you, Thera. I owe you one,"She smiled a bit. The man was about to say something, but he chose to shut his mouth. It seemed like the woman was still not in the mood for a chat. He felt the need to get out of the car. Clutching the door handle preventively, he turned to face her once more."Do you want some coffee? I supposed we both hadn't had breakfast yet,"Thera shook her head to refuse his offer. "I'm full. Thank you,"The man shut the door, defeated. He was left behind while watching her drive off her car. A sigh escaped from his mouth. Thera had the prettiest ye