ROYCE
Nelly’s facial expression changed as she roamed her sight in every corner of the room. I bet she was trying to divert her attention.
“Baby? Tell me, what did you do to Dennis?”
I didn't hide the sudden change in my facial expression. I never wanted to talk about Dennis again but then I had to. Before answering the question, I heaved a long breath.
“I did it in the right way. I even called him for a meet-up but he declined.”
“You did?” Nelly asked with a trace of concern in her eyes.
“Yeah. Since he declined, I had to talk to his dad personally and as expected, it went smoothly. I made sur
NELINAIt was my first day back with Royce yet it seemed he was hiding something from me. By the look on his face, Royce was disturbed, he froze when I asked about the envelope he was holding.“Royce?”“Baby, listen.” Royce walked over to me. He trailed his fingers on my face and tucked my hair in my temple. “I don’t want to stress you out but since you already saw this.” He lifted the envelope. “I’ll tell you everything. Come on, let’s have a seat.”“Now, tell me,” I said as we were both sitting on the couch. I wasn't calm.Royce looked me in the eye. “Before I tell you, I want to assure you that the situatio
ROYCE“Baby, I know where Apple is.” Eyes were on me as they heard me confess. Nelina intensely looked at me.“Royce, what do you mean?” Leo asked.“I had the urge to investigate Apple after the incident where Nelly was almost abducted by some unknown men. From there I learned about her problem in the company. Her safety was compromised so I asked Apple to leave her job and transfer to a safe house with her family. Fortunately, she took it.”“You shouldn't have kept this from us. Royce, I was worried.”“Baby, I talked to Apple when you were away. I had to do this for Apple’s safety, she is your friend. And besides, Apple will be a big help as we fight against these evils.”"Alright. It's a relief knowing Apple is safe with her family. It lessens the burden on my shoulder but we have a long way to go in regards to this case.""We will get there, sweetheart," Mr. Cruz said. "For now, we have to thank Royce for all his efforts. Royce, we couldn’t thank you enough."“We are all in this to
NELINAThe bright pink knee-length dress Royce gave me was well fitted on my curve. It was like he had my body measured. Royce surely has a sharp memory in terms of sizing every inch of my body. I love the soft fabric and the sleeveless cut of it, making it modest. Just enough for our dinner date. And even the color matches my skin tone, making me look fresh and younger.It was 7 in the evening when I left the condo. Royce came with two black Cadillac Escalades which I thought was too much. We got 2 bodyguards with us including the driver and in the second car are the 4 bodyguards. Royce insisted on having tight security details. Although it was against my will, I didn't disobey as mom and dad were adamant about having it for us."Baby, are you not gonna tell where we're going and who will join us for dinner? The anticipation is killing me right now," I said as we were on the road for over 10 minutes."In a while, you'll find out. We will be having dinner in someone else's mansion. Ho
NELINAIt took us almost 30 minutes to drive to Arturo Medical Center. Four of the bodyguards came with us inside the hospital. Royce and I hurried to the front desk, and I immediately asked the staff in charge.“Ms. we are looking for Marica Lopez. She was admitted just an hour ago and our friend told us she’s still in the emergency room.”The woman wearing white, probably in her mid-30s scanned the desktop immediately. She had a pleasant smile when she seemed to have found the answer. “Ms. Lopez is already in her suite room. Please head to room 309.”“Thank you,” I said as I nodded at her.“Baby, let’s go,” I said and dragged Royce on the elevator, the four men followed us. My heart was pounding in my chest even stronger with every step I made on our way to Marica’s room.“Calm down baby, we’ll get there now.”“Baby, you know I can’t. I’m so worried about Marica. My head just won’t stop thinking about the worst-case scenario.”“I’m here,” Royce said, clasping his hand on mine tightl
NELINAMarica and I looked at Royce and Leo with our mouths falling open. Their reactions were unexpected. We laughed in unison, seeing how worried Royce and Leo were; both of them stared at us in confusion.“Is this a game? Girls, why are you crying?” Royce asked. He seemed relaxed by then.“No, baby, it’s just a sudden burst of emotion after sharing some of our recent experiences. You know, about my family and the incident today.” I didn’t mention Marica’s family matter as I thought she wouldn’t like discussing it in the hospital.“Can we have our coffee now?” Marica asked excitedly.“Sure,” Leo said as he handed Marica’s coffee, next was mine. Both of them were seated on the sofa while I stayed by Marica's side, sipping my coffee.The hospital room was spacious enough to have a sofa set and dining area beside it. It appeared neat and elegant with white paint, and a modern and luxurious interior.“God, it’s so good. This helps me relax.““Seriously, besty?”“Yeah, it does help me ca
NELINAFirst thing in the morning I got a call from Royce. It brightens my mood to see his name on the screen of my phone. “Good morning, baby, why so early?” I answered as I sat on my bed and rested my head on the headboard.“I only want to check my baby following what happened last night. Did you get another call from the same man?” Royce asked in his husky morning voice.“No calls from him anymore and I hope he won’t be calling again. I hate the sound of his rough voice. It sent chills in my body.”“Baby, don’t be scared, I got you. You and your family are guarded. I added security personnel so no one could ever harm you. And one more thing, I already asked someone to trace the number if there’s anything we could get which will lead to the investigation.”“Thanks for the security. Regarding the sim card. What if he already threw it?”“Well, we can surely find another way to trace him. Anyway, we are certain he is one of the culprits, or he has been paid to do it.”“Same thoughts.”
NELINAI nodded to the bodyguards standing in front of Marica’s hospital room. I assumed Leo and Marica had hired security personnel just as Royce suggested last night. Four of my bodyguards join them in watching outside the room.I knocked on the door and patiently waited for Leo to open it for me. It took him so long that my naughty thoughts ran wild. “They couldn’t do it here,” I whispered and tried not to giggle. I didn’t want the securities to look at me like I'm an idiot.I hated myself for coming up with dirty thoughts in just a little while standing at the front door. By the time Leo opened the door, he looked at me in confusion. His hair was a mess which fed my naughty thoughts about him and Marica.“What’s wrong? What are you smiling at?”“Nothing.”Leo bobbed his head. “Come on in. Marica and I have been waiting for you.”I followed Leo and the look of Marica’s bed wasn’t helping with my dirty mind. The blanket was a mess and even Marica’s hair.“What are you laughing at, s
NELINA"Nelly, who is it?" Marica asked casually."It's the same number as yesterday.""Take it; let's hear what he has to say this time," Royce said.I swiped the screen to answer the call and then put it on speaker mode. We were all attentive in listening to the other line. "Nelly, you didn't listen to what I said the last time I talked to you. Let's make a deal. You stop the cases against Mr. Robert Gonzalez and the other executives, and we will withdraw the case against your boyfriend. You surely won't like having your boyfriend locked in jail. Do you?" The man, in a rough voice, laughed. He sounded like he was mocking me.His confidence in getting Royce in jail was on another level: he scared me to death and could not speak. Royce gently squeezed my shoulder; it took me out of reverie. He grabbed the phone from my hand."You cannot threaten us just like that. If you think you have what it takes to win this war, show it in court, not here. Mr. Chairman, you won't be bragging abou
NELINAEverything changed from where I stood. The tragic event remains in my memory, but justice has been served, so it felt better. I was looking at where my brother died 5 years ago.I lit a candle and brought white roses for my brother Mark. He sure smiles back at me as we finally commit justice for him.My anxiety was gone. For years I couldn't stand visiting the exact place. I was too scared to be bombarded with the horrible incident that gave me nightmares for years. But everything was in the past. I healed myself with the help of those who genuinely love and support me.The executives tried to appeal but failed to twist the truth and even lower the sentence. They will be stuck in prison for the rest of their lives. And obviously, they were all removed as executives in Sunny Corporations.Lexxi, Mia, and Arya didn't bother to argue with us again. My wish is that they have learned their lessons. I never meant to take revenge wrongly; I only wanted justice for my family."I'm so p
NELINAOne morning Marica called me. She wasn't in a good mood; I could tell by the tone of her voice."Besty, what's wrong?" I asked her."It's bad news.""Tell me.""I can't proceed with filing a case on anybody regarding the accident. The man driving the Ferrari was shot dead a day after the incident, and now the police have no lead on who could be the mastermind. It was a dead end.""Oh, Marica, I'm sorry to hear that.""The police just found out recently. They couldn't trace the car anymore; they suspected it was chopped and sold apart. Those bastards thoroughly clean up the mess they did.""They are so good at doing this. Don't worry, besty, we will surely find justice in another way.""What do you mean?""You know what I meant. The trial is ongoing, and we have a higher chance of winning. The sentence should be enough for them to be in prison.""Yes, I'd love that.""Besty, I am free for today. Well, I am always free since I don't have regular work. I want to visit you if you n
ROYCEThe first day of the trial has arrived. I was preparing my clothes when I got a call from Nelly."Hello, baby, how's your morning?""Not so fine," Nelly said weakly. It alarmed me to hear her that way."What's wrong? Are you worried about the trial later? Don't be; we have a strong chance of winning. I've talked to our legal team.""No, it's not that. I'm worried about you. Someone called me and said Mr. Gonzalez withdrew the charges against you, and he would expect us to do the same. I stood firm and told him we would continue the fight.""Baby, you did the right thing. We will fight and win. There's nothing to worry about. Was it Mr. Gonzalez who called?""No. And he was using a different number. But I'm sure he was tasked by Mr. Gonzalez. I mean, who else could it be?""Don't worry about that, baby. We had predicted he would withdraw the charges against me. He has too much in his hands now. He can't bear another problem, especially with me.""Yeah, but I'm worried for you. Mr
NELINAI gently shook Royce's shoulder to wake him up."Baby, I have to go."Royce had a little movement on the third time I shook his shoulder. His lips parted, and he talked like a baby. He opened his eyes little by little, and as soon as his sight landed on me, he smiled."Good morning, baby. What time is it?" He asked, grabbing me on my waist and pulling me close to him."Baby, stop. It's almost 8 in the morning; mom and dad must be worried. Besides, you still have to go to your company.""Hmm…it seems too early to work. We can spend an hour staying in bed. What do you think?""We can't; I have to go. Let..."Royce kissed me before I could finish what I had to say. I couldn't find the strength to protest as he was deepening our kiss. Royce succeeded in getting me to stay in bed for an hour.Before heading to shower, I checked local news online to see if there was an update about the charges we filed against the Sunny Corporations executives. Since they are well-known men, the pres
NELINA"Nelly, who is it?" Marica asked casually."It's the same number as yesterday.""Take it; let's hear what he has to say this time," Royce said.I swiped the screen to answer the call and then put it on speaker mode. We were all attentive in listening to the other line. "Nelly, you didn't listen to what I said the last time I talked to you. Let's make a deal. You stop the cases against Mr. Robert Gonzalez and the other executives, and we will withdraw the case against your boyfriend. You surely won't like having your boyfriend locked in jail. Do you?" The man, in a rough voice, laughed. He sounded like he was mocking me.His confidence in getting Royce in jail was on another level: he scared me to death and could not speak. Royce gently squeezed my shoulder; it took me out of reverie. He grabbed the phone from my hand."You cannot threaten us just like that. If you think you have what it takes to win this war, show it in court, not here. Mr. Chairman, you won't be bragging abou
NELINAI nodded to the bodyguards standing in front of Marica’s hospital room. I assumed Leo and Marica had hired security personnel just as Royce suggested last night. Four of my bodyguards join them in watching outside the room.I knocked on the door and patiently waited for Leo to open it for me. It took him so long that my naughty thoughts ran wild. “They couldn’t do it here,” I whispered and tried not to giggle. I didn’t want the securities to look at me like I'm an idiot.I hated myself for coming up with dirty thoughts in just a little while standing at the front door. By the time Leo opened the door, he looked at me in confusion. His hair was a mess which fed my naughty thoughts about him and Marica.“What’s wrong? What are you smiling at?”“Nothing.”Leo bobbed his head. “Come on in. Marica and I have been waiting for you.”I followed Leo and the look of Marica’s bed wasn’t helping with my dirty mind. The blanket was a mess and even Marica’s hair.“What are you laughing at, s
NELINAFirst thing in the morning I got a call from Royce. It brightens my mood to see his name on the screen of my phone. “Good morning, baby, why so early?” I answered as I sat on my bed and rested my head on the headboard.“I only want to check my baby following what happened last night. Did you get another call from the same man?” Royce asked in his husky morning voice.“No calls from him anymore and I hope he won’t be calling again. I hate the sound of his rough voice. It sent chills in my body.”“Baby, don’t be scared, I got you. You and your family are guarded. I added security personnel so no one could ever harm you. And one more thing, I already asked someone to trace the number if there’s anything we could get which will lead to the investigation.”“Thanks for the security. Regarding the sim card. What if he already threw it?”“Well, we can surely find another way to trace him. Anyway, we are certain he is one of the culprits, or he has been paid to do it.”“Same thoughts.”
NELINAMarica and I looked at Royce and Leo with our mouths falling open. Their reactions were unexpected. We laughed in unison, seeing how worried Royce and Leo were; both of them stared at us in confusion.“Is this a game? Girls, why are you crying?” Royce asked. He seemed relaxed by then.“No, baby, it’s just a sudden burst of emotion after sharing some of our recent experiences. You know, about my family and the incident today.” I didn’t mention Marica’s family matter as I thought she wouldn’t like discussing it in the hospital.“Can we have our coffee now?” Marica asked excitedly.“Sure,” Leo said as he handed Marica’s coffee, next was mine. Both of them were seated on the sofa while I stayed by Marica's side, sipping my coffee.The hospital room was spacious enough to have a sofa set and dining area beside it. It appeared neat and elegant with white paint, and a modern and luxurious interior.“God, it’s so good. This helps me relax.““Seriously, besty?”“Yeah, it does help me ca
NELINAIt took us almost 30 minutes to drive to Arturo Medical Center. Four of the bodyguards came with us inside the hospital. Royce and I hurried to the front desk, and I immediately asked the staff in charge.“Ms. we are looking for Marica Lopez. She was admitted just an hour ago and our friend told us she’s still in the emergency room.”The woman wearing white, probably in her mid-30s scanned the desktop immediately. She had a pleasant smile when she seemed to have found the answer. “Ms. Lopez is already in her suite room. Please head to room 309.”“Thank you,” I said as I nodded at her.“Baby, let’s go,” I said and dragged Royce on the elevator, the four men followed us. My heart was pounding in my chest even stronger with every step I made on our way to Marica’s room.“Calm down baby, we’ll get there now.”“Baby, you know I can’t. I’m so worried about Marica. My head just won’t stop thinking about the worst-case scenario.”“I’m here,” Royce said, clasping his hand on mine tightl