MICHAEL "Wow, you're really pregnant now," I said as I sat in front of her in the dining area, watching her eat the pancakes and bacon I made.A smile of pure joy was plastered on my face that I couldn't erase.Ever since last night's revelation, I haven't been able to sleep well because of the overwhelming happiness in my heart. Damn, I'm going to be a father."Can you just focus on eating your breakfast?" She snapped at me, her eyebrows furrowing."I already had my breakfast," I replied, my gaze falling to her chest, which I had the pleasure of tasting just a few minutes ago. I licked my lips unconsciously.I noticed her gulp and clear her throat as she searched for her coffee mug to take a sip."Come on, baby. Aren't you used to it?" I chuckled, finally tearing my eyes away from her reluctantly and focusing on my own plate."Shut up," I heard her mutter."I'm planning to take you somewhere today," I told her, causing her to pause for a moment before frowning at me. "I was thinking
NATASHAMichael took me out on a date, but his mind seems elsewhere."What do you think about this?" I asked him, putting on the cap I took from the shelf."Huh?" He turned towards me, his eyes lost, clearly preoccupied.I slumped my shoulders, tilting my head to the side and took off the hat. "Tell me something, if your mind is wandering, why don't we figure out what's troubling you before going on a date?"Pinching the bridge of his nose, Michael muttered an apology."Come on," I held out my hand to him, which he reached for and I gripped tightly. "Let's visit Aaron at your office and then go see Dad," I suggested."Baby," I heard him mumble."Don't explain, Michael. I'm not asking you to," I told him, leaning my head on his shoulder. "You bought me a new perfume," I said, trying to lighten the mood.I made him chuckle. That was enough for me.Michael mentioned that Aaron called, demanding his presence in the office today. I know Michael, he would leave anything behind or run back t
MICHAELKissing her nape, I sat on my swivel chair with my wife sitting on my lap.I had planned to take a stroll with her and buy some things at the mall, but we ended up making a little mess in my office.What she did... I appreciate it.She distracted me from losing my head.What was I thinking? I was supposed to keep a clear head. I insisted on this date, so I should be thinking about the two of us.But when Dad called, I wished he wasn't bringing another problem to worry about for the following years.I have to focus on my thoughts from this day forward. I have a pregnant wife.That reminds me, I need to arrange a gathering with just our family to announce something special.My hand rested on the top of her belly as I used my free hand to brush her hair away and kissed the back of her ear.Her breath that she had been chasing had returned to her."Tired?" I asked her and she moaned, snuggling closer to me.I like it when she's clingy. I like it when she's comfortable with me. Tha
NATASHAI thought Martin's call was cause for worry, but I didn't know whether to scratch my head or laugh about it."You played golf inside the house?" Michael asked his father, disbelief evident in his voice as he paced back and forth.I looked up at the ceiling and saw a hole with the golf club still hanging there."Dad, what were you thinking?" He exclaimed, while Martin sat on the couch like a lost child."I wasn't playing golf, I was just... practicing my swing," he defended himself with wild hand gestures. "You know I've been cooped up in this house for years, and some of my acquaintances invited me on a golf trip, so I had to practice.""You have hectares of land outside, Dad. You could've done it there," Michael pointed out, gesturing towards the door."I can't go outside. Your mother strictly instructed the bodyguards you hired to keep me from stepping out of the door," Martin replied. "She even banned me from going to the cellar, told the maids to keep alcohol away from me,
MICHAEL Lying in bed, I read Dominic's message about a concern. Not about my family's safety, but about the safety of his own life from his women."That's what you get for being a womanizer," I muttered. But as I was about to reply, my attention was stolen by a figure coming from the balcony, wearing a wide grin. "What's with the huge smile?""I can hear Mom scolding Dad from here," she giggled."Deservedly so," I curtly replied and patted the space beside me."I haven't taken a shower," she replied and poked my stomach, causing me to groan. "Take off your pants, you're disrespecting the bed.""Just say you want me naked," I teased and started to unbuckle my belt slowly. "In the mood for a ride?" I asked, pointing to my crotch with both of my forefingers.Rolling her eyes at me, she snatched a fresh towel from the cabinet and headed to the bathroom without looking back, even locking the door behind her, causing me to chuckle.Tossing my pants and shirt on the nearby chair, I picked u
NATASHA"What was that I heard about some gathering at your place from Richie?" Laura asked, sitting adjacent to me. "You just got engaged, we attended an event, and now you're organizing another one.""It wasn't my idea," I replied, clearly remembering how Michael planned everything perfectly.She hummed suspiciously before taking a sip of her coffee. "Oh well, any plans for the wedding? When are you guys going to get everything ready? Target date? Rings? What about gowns? I could recommend someone to help you.""Not yet, but Michael mentioned that he needs to settle some things in the company first before focusing on our wedding.""Ooh..." She groaned, making me frown."Is there something wrong with that?" I asked, and she waved her hand in the air dismissively."Don't mind me, it's just that, you know I have trust issues and all.""I trust Michael, and so should you." I picked up my fork and started eating the cake I ordered for myself. "He's always been honest with me.""He wasn'
MICHAELSitting on my swivel chair, waiting for the members to come in even though the meeting starts in an hour, I sat there alone and bored.But everything changed when Natasha picked up my call."Hey," she greeted me. "Need something?" she asked. I could only see half of her nose and upwards because of the upright position of her camera. But it looks like she just showered."Yeah, I need you," I replied, and she paused, adjusting the camera, and I saw her fully wrapped in a white towel. "Baby, we have robes, why don't you use them?""I'm more comfortable in this," she replied. "Aren't you busy?""Just waiting for the board members to join me," I answered, checking the time on the laptop before sharing the screen on the projector. "I got bored," I added."Then sort your papers," she suggested and took her brush. "You said you have a lot to do there, right? Finish it while you're not busy and then come home early. I'm making buttered chicken tonight."Biting my lower lip, I had to ad
NATASHAMy heart raced when Michael threw me onto the bed like a pillow. He seemed really serious when he mentioned that I had made a mistake.But I didn't do anything wrong!"Michael, I--"He cut me off with a passionate kiss. It wasn't just a simple contact, it was a burning desire that consumed my body. His effect on me was undeniable."Michael, hmm..." I whimpered his name, unable to meet his gaze.He wasn't a wizard, but his lips had a magical power. Every touch, every kiss made me weak. It wasn't fair!I tried to resist, knowing where this would lead. But my body responded to his warmth.Gasping for air, I felt his wet kisses trail down my jaw and neck, while his hands found their way inside my lingerie.I was so wet, I could feel it.My underwear was soaked, and I needed his help to satisfy this intense desire within me.I didn't care about the dinner I had spent an hour preparing, or the wine, or what would happen next.All that mattered was the sensation he was giving me. His
MICHAELMarried, patched up the past, and currently facing some challenges."Whoa!" I exclaimed as a flying vase welcomed me the moment I entered the house. It nearly hit my face if not for my quick reflexes."I don't want to see your face!" Natasha shouted, catching me off guard.I knew she was in a bad mood when I left this morning, but what had I done wrong?Setting the vase down on the floor, I was greeted by another jar, but this time, I failed to catch it, and it hit the wall, shattering into pieces."Baby, what's wrong? What did I do?" I asked, completely clueless about the situation."You were seeing another woman!" She accused, grabbing a flower vase from the coffee table."Baby! Baby! Stop, okay? Let's talk this through.""Talk?" She threw the vase, hitting the door. "Only guilty people would want to talk because they know they were caught!""What?" I sighed, walking closer to her."Don't you dare take another step, Michael Montero," she pointed her index finger at me, but I
NATASHAI let out a yelp as Michael suddenly scooped me up from the ground when we entered the house.The entire day had been a mix of nervousness and excitement. Now, we're wrapping it up by expressing the love we vowed in front of the altar and, well... by making love."How does it feel to finally be my Mrs. Montero?" He inquired, kissing my jaw as we climbed the stairs."I haven't felt it yet, but I think I'll find out once we get to the bed," I mischievously replied, knowing he enjoyed it.The way his face lit up and his eyes sparkled, I knew my naughty Michael enjoyed it when I let myself go wild. He likes it whenever I ride along in his mischievous side."Oh-ho, you definitely will," he chuckled, pushing open the door to our bedroom and gently laying me down on the bed, being careful not to hurt my stomach. "I want to be rough, but I can't, right?""Nope," I shook my head, biting my lower lip."That's a shame," he whispered before leaning in to kiss my lips.I could sense his ex
MICHAELThe church is ready, everyone is prepared, and I am all set. However, what's not ready is the schedule; Natasha is still not walking down the aisle.Aaron's laughter beside me only adds to my irritation. "Chill, man. I'm pretty sure Tasha won't run away this time. She's head over heels for you."Choosing him as my best man might have been a mistake. I could have picked Quintus instead, but he insisted on giving up that spot and settled for a seat in the audience. But, Pierce intervened, insisting that they both accompany Natasha down the aisle together.The process of the wedding was a challenge, it was a lot of work, a lot of planning, but now, everything was perfect.I just wish that Natasha will see this as what she expected it to be."You're sweating. I bet you'll be drenched like someone poured a bucket of water on you once she finally arrives," he teased.Rolling my eyes, I silently prayed that I wouldn't do anything inappropriate in the church, or I'd end up in hell soo
NATASHAPromises are being fulfilled one by one, leading me closer to exchanging vows with the person I want to spend my life with."Are you really sure about your choice?" Laura's question felt weighty, as if we were discussing something serious, even though we were just ordering a slice of cake at the café."I clearly said I wanted it," I replied matter-of-factly. "You're acting like you're footing the bill," I added, handing the girl at the bar the money to settle everything I ordered."I'm just worried about you. Michael mentioned you've been into sweets lately. Have you seen all the treats you ordered? All sweets," she gestured towards the three paper bags being readied at the counter. "Yes, you asked for one slice, but did you order every flavor available?"Looking around with a pout, I noticed how Laura's nagging had caught the attention of some customers."If you plan on bloating up like a balloon, you might want to postpone the wedding because the gown won't fit," she teased.
MICHAELI can feel the coldness of her hands against mine; I can see how edgy she becomes as she fidgets on her seat for the past few minutes.The soft song coming from the speakers isn't loud enough to drown out the loud beating of her heart because from where I am, I can hear it."Relax, baby. No one's going to eat you here aside from me," I joked and squeezed her hand lightly. "Unless you need me to ease you down. I'd be glad to attend you in one of the rooms available in Dad's house," I whispered to her.I expected her to scold me and slap my shoulder, but instead, she stood up and pulled me with her.Looks like her hormones are getting stronger and stronger. I like it when she's the one insisting.Passing by Richie, who's carrying a tray of food, probably for Nathaniel, I nodded at him when he looked at us with a frown. Must be because the party is about to start, and we're heading back inside the house.Wincing, I discreetly pointed at Natasha, and he already knew what it means.
NATASHAMy choice was right to drop everything I planned ahead and settle at home, in bed with my husband.I feel like a woman, a strong person while he makes me weak at the same time."You're-- you're pulling back," I said, noticing the way he doesn't move the way he did back then. Every thrust he gives me is careful and slow, tickling me."Shhh...." he hushed me before claiming my lips and kissing me endearingly. Every suck he makes on my lower lip urges me to make a sound, and every time he thrusts deep inside me, I catch my breath.My fingers run through his hair, yanking and pulling. Wanting him closer."I missed you so much," he whispered in my ear as he moved inside me.The air between us is supposed to give us the freedom to breathe properly, yet we only feel suffocated. Our skin begins glistening, sweat rolls in a breezy morning.The wind coming from the open balcony door can't outdo the heat we're making."Ah!" I scream when he hits the right spot, deep. "I'm coming," I gasp
NATASHATwo months after the incident, I've become more cautious about what's around me, the people I encounter, and the smallest details that I could see.Michael told me everything, what happened before the incident and after.I figured out that Elena manipulated everything and he admitted to me that he also fell for her trap. He said that he thanked me, or else, he would have secured the wrong person.The aftermath, everything became a lot different than before. It's like everyone believed that we have moved on, but we haven't. Or is it just me who can't move forward?The aroma of the caffeine reached my senses as I stirred the coffee with a spoon, standing by the sink, my eyes looking through the window and found Michael heading to the back door while wiping his greasy hands."I finally fixed it, didn't I say so?" He proudly uttered as he opened the back door. "I'm Michael Montero, baby." He came close to me, and I immediately stopped him."Oh my God, Michael. Don't you touch me w
MICHAELI could barely hold the wheel. My hands were sweating. I was a bit on edge, thinking about getting caught in an accident for getting too distracted."We're three cars behind you, Mr. Montero. We got your back," Detective Han said over the phone. "I have my team keeping an eye on your house. Just one wrong move from them, and they're all canceled.""Thank you, Detective."I feared not being held captive, but for my family.There were no words coming from any criminal's mouth that I could trust. All I knew was that while the sharks were around, I needed to keep myself from bleeding. But my family was the bait. I would let my blood stain the sea."I've arrived at the house, Detective," I announced as I pulled over in front of the gates. "Take the shot when I'm in the open.""We got you, Mr. Montero."Leaving everything inside the car, I hopped out, looking around, counting how many visible eyes were on me.The concrete floor felt like it was getting hotter with every step I took,
NATASHATime was ticking, and my heart seemed to fail with every passing second. I kept my mouth shut, even as the man who had us tied up bore a hole in me with his gaze."This is itching my fingers to pull the trigger," he murmured, tossing aside the fork he used to eat the skewered meat Dad Quintus had grilled.The clanking noise made my shoulders tense, gasping for air as I closed my eyes.I could feel a sudden pain in my stomach. My baby, no! I had to stay calm.Breathing in through my nose and exhaling slowly through my mouth, thinking about Michael calmed me, but I couldn't help feeling even more nervous.Every footstep the man took decorated the air with silence, a noise I didn't want to hear. The tapping of the soles of his shoes described menace, and I felt threatened every second.The smell of his odor clung to danger. I could smell it, and I could feel the approaching distress."Hey, you," he pointed at one of his men who was shamelessly feasting on the food from the table