"Jane!" Rico quickly approached his friend. He swiftly grabbed the scissors from her hand and threw them far away. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she had only inflicted minor scratches on herself. "What are you doing?!" Rico asked angrily. Jane broke down again. She pushed Rico away. "Let me go!" she said, attempting to stand up. But Rico held onto her waist and kept her seat. "Stop it, Jane!" Rico tried to make Jane sit down. He held her hands as she continued to struggle against him. Finally, he knelt down and hugged her. "Please..." Rico pleaded tearfully. Jane shook her head. "I-I can't, Rico. I can't go back to him. I won't go back to him! It's better if I just die!" she cried out. The pain she felt was overwhelming. No matter how hard she tried to forget their encounter, she couldn't. All the suffering she had endured because of Rodrigo came rushing back to her. Rico let out a sigh. He tightly embraced Jane and didn't allow her to stand. He himself began to c
Rodrigo hurriedly entered the hotel room where he was temporarily staying. He removed his long suit and threw it on the bed. He approached the table on the terrace where the bottle of alcohol and a glass were placed. He poured himself a drink and took a sip. He sat down heavily on the soft sofa and slumped there. He stared at the ceiling, trying to calm himself. "Jane," he whispered. He closed his eyes and once again saw Jane in his mind. She hadn't changed much, but she looked even more beautiful now. Her charisma was evident, especially with her hair color. He liked that. I need you, Jane... I will take you again. Rodrigo knew that Jane hadn't confessed her true identity. But he couldn't afford to make a mistake. It was Jane he saw. Even if she changed her hair color, he couldn't be wrong. He knew her very well. Rodrigo's breathing became heavier. He suddenly felt a strange heat, causing him to sit up properly and unbutton his shirt. He quickly removed his belt and partially low
Jane woke up feeling heavy. She couldn't fully open her eyes because they were swollen. She sighed and stared at the ceiling. She bit her lip when she remembered seeing Rodrigo. "I had a breakdown again, I guess," she sadly said to herself. That's when she felt a slight ache in her arm. Five years have passed, but she still wasn't okay. Jane thought she was prepared in case she saw Rodrigo again. But she was wrong. Her fear of him hadn't disappeared. And it seemed like the trauma he had inflicted on her would never go away. She lay there for a few more minutes before deciding to get up from bed and go downstairs. As she descended the stairs, she could already smell the aroma of frying chicken. When she looked into the kitchen, she saw Rico singing while cooking. He glanced at her. "Finally, the sleeping beauty is awake," Rico jokingly said when he saw Jane. Jane gave a faint smile and sat in front of the table. "I'm sorry." "For what?" Rico asked as he turned his attention back t
After Jane finished cooking, they quickly prepared as well. They added more rice and some dishes because they had additional guests. It didn't take long for Renz to arrive. Renz immediately joined Brian to play, while Jonax opened a can of beer and joined them. Jane smiled as she watched her son playing with the two men he considered his fathers. It made her realize that she shouldn't be afraid because there are people willing to help her. Rico cleared his throat. "Looks like you're seeing your future, huh?" he said meaningfully. Jane quickly looked at Rico and glared at him. "Shut up, okay?" she said, laughing. "I'm just happy because Renz is so close to both of them. You know, I don't know where we would be if you hadn't found us." "Do we still need to go through the drama? I already know that, and you don't have to worry anymore. Don't think about it. What you need right now is to be happy. Okay?" Jane nodded. He was right. Maybe it's time for her to be happy. After they set th
Jane woke up early to prepare for her shop. As her condition improved, she decided to start this business. She trained with Renz for two years until her business reached its second year. Sometimes she would bring Renz to the shop, but when he turned three, she started leaving him at a daycare center. Aside from the early learning opportunities it provided, he also had playmates there. After dropping off Renz at the center, Jane went to her shop. It was still closed as it was only seven in the morning. They opened at nine, and her two staff members would arrive at eight. Jane unlocked the roll-up door and entered the shop but didn't turn on the lights or adjust the signboard yet. She needed to check what happened yesterday because she couldn't make it to work and wanted to review their sales. Their shop wasn't very big, but Jane planned to look for a lot because they imported the flowers they sold. She intended to start growing the flowers herself because she knew how to cultivate the
Jane hurriedly walked out of the hospital. The fear she felt was gradually being replaced by anger. She was furious because it seemed so easy for the guy. With everything that had happened in the past, did he really think she would forgive him just like that? Lana still had a trauma because of what he did. She had to distance herself from her family to keep them safe! She would never forgive him, no matter what he did. "Ouch!" Jane almost tripped when she suddenly bumped into something hard. Luckily, someone grabbed her waist, preventing her from falling. "Hannah!" "Brian?" Jane stood up straight and looked at the guy in surprise. "What are you doing here?" "Checking on you. What happened to you?" "Huh?" Brian sighed. "Your staff called me. They've been worried about you since they arrived at the shop and found it open but you weren't inside. When they reviewed the CCTV footage, they saw a man with you. Who was that?" he explained with concern. "I'm here because Rico told me tha
"Oh, my God, Hannah! You scared me!" Rico exclaimed as Jane got out of the car. He quickly approached her and hugged her tightly. "What happened to you?" "Can we go inside first?" Jane anxiously looked around. She felt like there were eyes watching them. "Okay." Rico guided Jane into the room. He signaled Brian to enter the house as well, and the latter nodded. The three of them entered the house. Rico seated Jane on the sofa and hurriedly fetched a glass of water. When he returned, he handed it to Jane and made her drink. Rico sat beside Jane. "Now tell me. How did you end up in the hospital? What did Brian tell me? I almost called Jaxon to gather his men!" Rico asked with concern. Jane clasped her hands tightly and held onto them. She briefly looked at Brian, who was also staring at her, before turning her gaze back to Rico. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Rico. "H-He's back, Rico. I told you. He won't leave me alone." Rico paused for a moment. "You mean?" "Who?"
"What do you mean you will go to the Philippines?" Rico asked Jane in surprise as he watched her pack her things."You heard him, Rico. I need to go there. He took my son.""They won't be able to leave without being seen by Jaxon's people, Jane. Can we just wait for their update?"Jane angrily let go of the clothes on the bed. "You don't know him, Rico. For now, I'm sure they're already on the plane and heading back to the Philippines! And I need to go there!""You're not safe there, Jane! When will you listen to me?" Rico raised his voice. He felt like Jane wasn't listening to him. He had been calling and telling her to wait and breathe because they were already working on a solution, but she didn't stop."I can't wait, Rico! My son is out there with that monster! I can't just wait here!""Okay!" Brian suddenly intervened between the two of them, who had been standing by the door. He faced Rico. "I will talk to her, Rico."Rico rolled his eyes. "That's better!" he said in frustration
8 months later Jane smiled as she watched Brian and Renz running on the beach. She sat on a beach chair, gently caressing her belly. She was already eight months pregnant, but she still wanted to go on vacation. She had nothing else to do but lie down and gaze at the vast ocean. She had been considering buying a house near the sea. A gust of wind blew, and Jane leaned back against the chair. Her family was with her. Even Rico and Jaxon were in the Philippines to accompany her during her childbirth. After everything that had happened, Jane was slowly moving on, especially now that she was pregnant. And yes, Rodrigo was still the father. A month after Rodrigo's death, she found out she was pregnant. At first, she didn't know what to do with the baby. Some people suggested that she have it removed. But when Jane saw Renz, she quickly dismissed that idea from her mind. She couldn't do it. No matter what Rodrigo had done to her, she couldn't bring herself to take away their child. And
They had been traveling for a while when Brian suddenly stopped the car. Jane woke up abruptly due to the suddenness and looked outside. She saw a few cars parked, and in front of them were men holding guns."B-Brian. What's happening? What's going on?" Jane asked anxiously.Brian tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He wouldn't be surprised if these men were his father's henchmen."Don't get out," Brian ordered.Jane nodded and discreetly hid below. She watched as Brian approached the men with guns. But she was shocked when she saw one of them aim the gun at him. A moment later, someone else approached her and forcefully opened the door beside her. Jane screamed as the man pulled her out."Let her go!" Brian shouted. He was about to approach Jane, but someone blocked his path."Sir, please follow us. It's Governor's orders. Your father," the man said."I don't care! Let us go!" Brian retorted."Brian!"Jane cried. The man dragged her towards another car. She struggled, but one o
Rodrigo had already left, but Jane couldn't stop crying. She tightly held the blanket covering her body. Her entire body trembled as she tried to calm herself down.She had thought that the man had changed. But she was wrong. He was still a demon. A demon that wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted. Did he really think of kidnapping her now? Just to get what he wanted? She just hoped he didn't involve their son.Jane teared up again when she remembered Renz. She couldn't afford to lose hope. She needed to escape from here. She wouldn't let herself be imprisoned by the man again! Jane took a deep breath, as if it would help improve her situation. She had to find a way to leave.Jane adjusted the tangled blanket around her body. She frowned when she saw that her top was completely torn. She picked up her pants and put them on since even her underwear was also torn. She adjusted the blanket and used it as her top. Jane approached the door and tried to open it, but it was locked."Shit
Brian had been standing by the side of Rodrigo's mansion for a while. He had been trying to enter because he saw that Renz was brought here by his father's staff. But he was constantly stopped by the mansion guards, who said he couldn't go inside. He couldn't help but feel frustrated because it was evident that his father had done everything to keep him away from the mother and son. His father knew that he would do anything to see them.He had also noticed that Rodrigo or his father hadn't arrived yet. So when he realized he wouldn't gain anything there, he decided to go home."Brian, where did you go?" Cathy greeted her son when she saw him enter the house."Mom!" Brian quickly approached his mother. "Do you have somewhere to go?"Cathy furrowed her brow. "Yes. That's why I've been waiting for you. Did you forget that you were supposed to take me out today?"Brian paused for a moment. He remembered their promise to bond as a mother and son. Because he had been so focused on finding J
Rodrigo's mind was blank as he drove away from their vacation house. The events kept replaying in his mind. He couldn't believe he had done that to Jane. He couldn't blame her if she really wanted to invalidate their marriage. Yes, he couldn't bear losing her again. But he wouldn't lose hope in being forgiven by her. That's why he couldn't understand now why and how he did it.Frustrated, Rodrigo stopped driving at the side of the road and leaned back in his seat. He took a deep breath and stared at the car's ceiling.Was it wrong for him to want to be with Jane?Tears welled up slowly in his eyes as the terrifying and angry image of Jane replayed in his mind. She had come close to cursing at him earlier."I will never love a monster like you!"Her words felt like knives piercing his chest. Rodrigo had done everything wrong. It was hard for him to change himself, to accept that something was wrong with him. He had taken the medication he needed to control his emotions. He sighed. That
Rodrigo gasped as he suddenly woke up. His head still hurt, and he felt a bit dizzy. He slowly sat up and closed his eyes. He massaged his temples as if trying to relieve a splitting headache."What happened?" he wondered to himself. The last thing he remembered was arguing with his uncle. They had a disagreement, but he couldn't recall about what. Rodrigo exhaled and lay back down. As he did, his hand accidentally touched something soft and warm. He quickly turned to his side and sat up when he saw a woman beside him."Jane?!" Rodrigo exclaimed in surprise. He grabbed her shoulder, intending to face her, but his wife sat up abruptly and stared at him with wide eyes. He felt a sense of confusion as he looked into her eyes filled with intense fear. Her cheeks were also noticeably flushed, and her eyes looked like she had been crying."What are you doing here? Aren't you in Cavite?"Furrowing his brow, Rodrigo embraced Jane, who squeezed herself against the headboard of the bed. It was
Jane's breath was ragged as she suddenly woke up. Her vision was blurred when she opened her eyes. When she tried to scream, only a weak moan escaped her. She attempted to move, but her hands were immobilized.Where am I?!Jane burst into tears as she remembered what had happened to her. She couldn't make a mistake. That man had shot her before! Jane struggled to move, but she was truly bound. No matter how hard she tried to move, she couldn't do anything.My child? Oh, my God! Renz!Jane became more frantic in her captivity, but she could only exhaust her strength to no avail. She stopped, gasping for breath, and surveyed her surroundings. It was eerily quiet. The only thing she could hear was her own rapid and deep breathing.Oh, God. What's happening? Who did this?She didn't know how long she had been in that position. Jane felt her hands and legs starting to ache. She prayed fervently for Renz and her siblings' safety.Clarixto! You're so wicked! Jane angrily muttered in her mind
"What brings you here, Rodrigo?" Clarixto asked when his nephew suddenly entered his office. It was not yet noon, but Rodrigo's cheeks and eyes were flushed."Why? Last time I checked, I'm still the owner of this place," Rodrigo replied.Clarixto grinned. "Yes." He shook his head. "I heard that you allowed your wife and child to leave and go to Cavite."Rodrigo let out a sigh. He stood up and approached his uncle's mini-bar, pouring himself a drink. It had been days since he had seen his wife and child, and he had no news from them yet. He was growing impatient, so he found solace in visiting their bar."Yep. I thought it was the right thing to do. After all, Jane's parents are involved. They have a right to know that she is back," Rodrigo explained.Clarixto raised an eyebrow, unable to believe what he was hearing. He glanced behind Rodrigo and leaned back in his swivel chair, setting down the paper he was holding."And since when did Rodrigo Navarro start caring about other people's
Brian arrived early at the hotel where Jane was staying. He also drove them to the airport. He even wanted to accompany them to Cavite, but Jane stopped him. Her parents still didn't have a good impression of him."Here are some of your things that I got from the mansion," Brian handed a small suitcase to Jane. "Rodrigo is asking when you'll be coming back."Jane was taken aback by what Brian said. She shook her head and shrugged. "I'm not sure if my mom will let me go back. But I'll try to go alone so she doesn't get suspicious. I still don't trust him even though he's acting nice.""Why don't you send your parents to another country? At least they'll be safe there if you're really worried," Brian suggested."Rico will get angry if I leave them behind.""I'll talk to him."Jane nodded. "Okay, go ahead. My mom is waiting for me.""Take care over there."Jane smiled at Brian before finally entering the airport. Her parents and siblings were already there, accompanied by the police who