"Rodrigo! Thank goodness you're he— What the hell is that?!" Clarixto exclaimed in shock when he saw the child being held by Rodrigo. He immediately clung to Rodrigo's leg and partially hid. He looked at his nephew, his face filled with astonishment. Rodrigo, on the other hand, grinned widely, seemingly delighted."What?""What do you mean 'what'? Who is that?"Rodrigo's smile widened. He sat down and faced Renz. "Uncle, he is my son, Renz. Your grandson." He looked at Clarixto, who was still staring at them with wide eyes. "Greet your Lolo."Renz looked at Clarixto. "Hello, Lolo," he greeted politely, but hesitancy was evident.Clarixto shifted his gaze between Renz and Rodrigo. He had known his nephew since he was a child. He couldn't deny the striking resemblance between them. It was like they were the product of the same union. Renz resembled Rodrigo when he was a child. Clarixto turned away and exhaled sharply."Are you—" Clarixto looked at the child. He expelled another breath o
Jane took a deep breath. As the vehicle that was taking her to Rodrigo's mansion approached, her heart beat faster and faster. When she got off the plane earlier, someone was waiting for her in her car. It seemed like Rodrigo knew she was coming. It was the right decision for her and Brian to leave for Samar first. Brian stayed behind to prepare what they needed to escape from Rodrigo's grasp.It didn't take long for them to reach the mansion. As she approached, her heart raced even more. Her driver opened the door on her side, and she stepped out. The appearance of the mansion hadn't changed. It was still the same as she remembered. However, surprisingly, there were no armed men scattered around, like before. There were still bodyguards, but they weren't as intimidating as before.Jane walked inside. Painful memories slowly resurfaced within the house. She clenched her fists and tried to gather her courage, even though her knees were trembling. Rodrigo was despicable! He hadn't chang
After Jane talked to Rodrigo, she mustered up her strength and entered the mansion. She saw her son sitting at the dining area, happily chatting with Rodrigo again. She couldn't help but feel annoyed because it seemed like in the short time they spent together, they had already become so fond of each other."Mommy! Come here!"Jane immediately smiled when Renz called her. She walked over to them and sat beside her son. Rodrigo was seated in the middle of the long table."How are you, baby? Did you sleep well here?" Jane asked her son, gently stroking his hair."Yes, mommy! Daddy reads me a story before I sleep."Jane briefly glanced at Rodrigo, who was smiling. "Daddy?"Renz nodded. "He is my daddy, right?"Jane looked at her son. Despite knowing who his father was, she still couldn't fully accept it. Rodrigo Navarro was not meant to be a father. Jane took a deep breath and smiled at her son. She nodded because she couldn't lie to him."Yes, baby."Renz's eyes lit up. "But why didn't
Several days passed since Jane stayed at Rodrigo's estate, and she couldn't deny that there was indeed a change in him. She still kept her guard up because she was hurt on the first day of her arrival. However, since then, he hadn't hurt her again. He didn't raise his voice at her anymore. It was different, but Jane reasoned that it was better for Rodrigo to be like this than how he used to be."When are you going home, Jane? It's been days!" Rico complained from the other line.Jane and Renz were in the park when Rico called her. He had been telling her to come home for several days, but she couldn't find the right time."I don't know," Jane replied. She looked at the two of them happily playing on the swings. She was sitting by the tree where they spread a cloth to sit on. "Renz likes it here.""Renz likes it there? Jane! Are you going crazy? Can't you hear yourself?"Jane sighed. "I know, Rico. I just don't know how to tell Renz. He's the one being used by Rodrigo, and I don't want
Brian spent a few days before returning to Samar. He did that because his father hadn't stopped calling and texting him since Jane left for Samar. His father was furious because Jane had the audacity to show up there. So Brian decided not to answer his calls and stay in Manila for now.Brian parked his car in front of a large house. He got out and looked at their home. He only came home once a year. Only during Christmas, and he would immediately leave for Canada. If it weren't for his mother, he wouldn't come back here. He couldn't stand his father. Clarixto always insisted that Brian stay in the Philippines to help with their business, which wasn't even theirs but owned by his cousin. He also didn't approve of their shady dealings.Brian shook his head. He stared at the house for a moment and then got back in the car. He honked in front of the gate, and when a guard came out, he lowered the car window. They immediately opened the large gate and let him in. He drove straight to their
"My baby looks so handsome!" Jane exclaimed happily as she caressed Renz's cheek. He was wearing a child's tuxedo, his hair slicked back with gel."You too, mommy! You are beautiful!""Aww, thank you, baby!" Jane squeezed Renz's cheek. "Come on, let's go downstairs?"Jane reached out her hand to her son, and they walked out of the room. Rodrigo had organized a party for them, a way to formally announce his return to everyone. Jane didn't want to go along with it because she had no intention of staying. But she had no choice as Rodrigo had already made all the arrangements. Even their matching outfits were prepared. Jane wore a red long gown with a high slit, revealing her fair legs. It had no sleeves, tightly hugging her chest. She didn't bother styling her hair and left it flowing. Renz was excited for the party. Rodrigo always used Renz as a way to make Jane comply. But she knew this arrangement couldn't last.Once they stepped out of the mansion, a car was waiting for them. Jane an
Jane stepped away from Brian and raised an eyebrow as she looked at him."Why are you only showing up now? I was waiting for you! I thought you went back to Canada!" Jane said with a hint of annoyance.Brian chuckled slightly. "I'm sorry. I couldn't come back right away because of Dad. You know what he wanted to happen, right? Actually, he was furious when we met earlier." He sighed. "How are you? Did Rodrigo hurt you?"Jane shook her head. "H-He... He slapped me.""What?! Why?!""We argued. My suspicions were correct, Brian. He saw us. We're here now. He won't let me go. He is using Renz.""He's truly despicable! I don't even know why we're related." Brian held Jane's arms and gently stroked them. "Don't worry. I'm here now. I won't let anything happen to you. We'll find a way for you to leave this place."Jane nodded. "Thank you, Brian. At least you're here now. I feel a little safer."Brian smiled. "Of course. I won't let anything happen to you, Jane."Jane was taken aback when she
The surroundings fell into a deep silence. Everyone was puzzled by Rodrigo's surprising behavior. If someone didn't know about the terrible things he had done, they would think he was a good person."We better go inside. It's mosquito-ridden out here," Rodrigo said."No! We're not entering that hellhole, Navarro! We're taking our child with us now!" Tomas refused."But, Dad. It's late. You'll have a hard time traveling now.""I don't care. And by the way, don't call me Dad.""Alright then. If that's what you want. I'll take them to the airport now.""We don't need that," Camia interjected.Brian cleared his throat. "Or maybe I can be the one to take them?"Rodrigo grinned. "It's fine, Brian. You've been kind enough to my wife tonight," he said meaningfully.Jane swallowed, suddenly concerned. What did he mean?"It's alright with me if you leave now. The problem is Renz might get too tired." Rodrigo looked around. "Wait, where is he?""Who's Renz?" Tomas asked.Rodrigo looked at Camia
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