MICHAEL"Can you talk without yelling at me, Dad?" I calmly asked my father as I sat there, trying not to lose my cool.I was filled with so much anger.I was hurt, and I was devastated. I couldn't think of a way to release the pent-up frustration that was preventing my brain from taking control."Do you understand what's going to happen to our name, to our properties? Can't you comprehend that?" Dad spat out, failing to calm himself."Martin, your heart. Please, just calm down," Mom tried to soothe him, but the only thing my dad and I have in common is that we don't know how to settle our raging anger."No, I can't! I won't be fine, not unless he marries Elena!" He shouted.Rejection, that's what I've been telling him over and over again, but he just can't accept it."Once the media finds out what you have done to her, you won't just ruin your image, but your family's as well!""Don't you think that none of this would have happened if you hadn't taken that bastard into your company?
LAURA"Slowly," Richie reminded me as he guided me to sit down in the chair.Frowning at him, I lightly jabbed his chest. "Stop treating me like a liability. It's been three days," I chided him, but a part of me wanted to be pampered by him.Any woman would want a man like my husband: caring, loyal, and understanding. He knows when to be silent, when to show his yearning for my attention, and when to keep up with my mood.I couldn't ask for more."Yes, but I want to help with everything," he reasoned, kissing my temple and gesturing to the table. "I know I'm not the best cook in town. The meat I bought from the market was fresh, so if the texture is like rubber, that would be my fault."Wrinkling my nose as I held my stomach, I tried to stifle my giggle. "Yes, it does."Giving birth is both the hardest and greatest thing in a woman's life. And I was blessed with a beautiful boy.I thank my husband for giving me the chance to carry a child in my womb and for being by my side when I nee
A couple of days earlier...MICHAEL"...you idiot!"I massaged my temples, enduring Aaron's nagging like a depressed mother suffering from constipation."What if you died, huh? That's a bigger problem!""You were always composed and serious, Aaron. Why act like a damned crow in the middle of the day?" I groaned, nursing a hangover headache."How can I calm down? Haven't you seen the kind of news they have about you?""Obviously, not," I retorted.He let out a frustrated sigh. Peeking through my half-closed eyes, I saw him pour himself a glass of water and try to relax."Why the fuck are you acting like this? Let me remind you that I'm the one with the world-class problem, not you."His head whipped around to face me, his eyes blazing with fury. "Not me? Michael, let me remind you that you're the only key to solving this massive problem in our family, and last night, you just made it all worse!""Lower your voice, my head is killing me.""You're going to wish I had hit you with my car,
NATASHAGazing at the plane ticket in my hand, while the other holds Thalia's calling card, I pondered. Should I go?One call, and I'm out of this misery.Wiping my tears, I took a deep breath and released it slowly and shakily.After Michael left, I sensed that something was about to happen.Night fell, and I was engulfed in my tears.Michael's loyalty seemed to falter. All I wanted was to weigh my choices. Is he implying that I should leave?It's been three days, and he hasn't shown up. I can only catch glimpses of him in the articles released, connected to his... scandal with a model. A more attractive woman, a woman superior to me in every aspect.My heart clenched as I watched the video.I should have realized. He was never really the type to take someone seriously."I thought I understood the true meaning of love the way you taught me," I murmured to myself, pushing myself up to head downstairs, grabbing my purse.Laura, I owe her big time. She and Richie will assist me in leavi
MICHAELWatching her leave was the most painful sight I've ever witnessed in my life, nothing more.It was her decision.This is the freedom I want to grant her.She was suffocated by the constraints of her youth, confined, dictated, a mere puppet. Just like me.But why does giving what she yearned for hurt like this?"Fuck!" I yelled, hurling everything within reach, and ended up creating a whole mess in the living room.Broken vases littered the floor, glass shards scattered everywhere, and then there's me, I sat in the corner, consumed by regret."Fuck," I sobbed.Head bowed, I clenched it, wishing I could slam it against the wall until I bled and die.But no, there are matters to address first.I must gather my wits. I must compose myself. I must win her back.Yes, I admit, failed to earn her love. But once I fixinh this fucked up mess, I'll have her back and never let her slip away."You look fucked up," a familiar voice halted me.The atmosphere grew tense as I detected three dis
NATASHATwo years had gone by like a painful blur that walked by in my life. Things were difficult to accept at the beginning, but I eventually started learning how to survive with it.My father, Quintus, before I left Hampton, he told me things that I brought with me when I flew to London. I didn't have my chance to learn more from him, but I know we will see each other again.The process was painful. It was so hard to adjust, but here I am, made it so far."Hey, Tasha, right?" Someone spoke, serving the piece of cake and smoothie I ordered. "Remember me?"When I turned, I found a guy whom I could find a bit of resemblance to a cat. He's offering me his gummy smile as he hugs the circular tray.I can remember that face, who wouldn't? He's that one famous basketball captain of the University. Youthful and rich, tall and handsome. He's not a typical Asian, he's very... majestic.He knows his style, knows his vibe. And very popular with girls."Ricky," I uttered his name that made his s
MICHAELMy eyes shifted to the person who dropped a folder on my desk and were met by his suspicious glare."There's the file you're asking for," Aaron uttered bitterly as he crossed his arms, feet apart, standing in front of me like a bully soldier. "Can I at least hear a payment of gratitude? I flew ten thousand miles just to deliver that to you since you wanted it 'personally'.""Thank you," I monotonously replied what he wants to hear and took the file, depositing it inside the last drawer."That's very kind of you," he probably ate sarcasm for lunch. "So, from what I see, you look all positive and bright aside from your rude behavior. I'm assuming you got what you wanted."And he's assuming right.A triumphant grin spread across my face that I can't stifle."Let's just say that she's intrigued," I replied, obviously showing him the gold ring I'm wearing on my finger."You're a jerk," he chuckled and dragged his bottom to sit on the chair adjacent to me. "How did she react when sh
NATASHA"Really? At the first interview?" Ricky exclaimed with his cheerful voice. "Wow, that was amazing."Only if he knew.Michael Montero, he's going to be my boss. What has gone through my mind and signed the contract that fast?I should've thought it through. But it was too late to regret it. I'm going to have to endure the next days being his slave, or in a formal manner of working, his secretary."The interview went well," I replied and took a spoonful of cake."So..." he sang. "Are you considering this as your goodbye to me because you're going to be busy for the rest of the years or this is you being a nice friend to me?""Maybe both?" I replied that sparked a bit of hope in his eyes.He was about to say something when a car parked by the window with its headlights on."Holy shit!" He exclaimed like a fanboy and leaned close to the table. "Do you see that man?" He asked me.I followed his gaze and I stiffened in my place as I saw a familiar face hopping out of his car like a
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