MICHAEL"I told you, I'm fine."Mom had been discharged from the hospital by the time I arrived at the airport. Still, I decided to visit the beach house. There, I found my parents having a small squabble in the living room while Doris and Garry were making breakfast in the kitchen."Why did you have to call Michael? I'm sure he's busy, aren't you, honey?" Mom asked, sitting on the couch and enduring her bruised hip.The doctor said she's fine, just exhausted and dehydrated. The change of season was one of the causes, but she also got a bruise and a scratch on her forehead from the fall.Dad seemed more distraught over my mother than I had ever seen him before. He was worried sick.The last time I visited, Dad couldn't even step out of the bedroom. However, Garry mentioned that Dad himself asked him to ready the car fast.Stepping out of line now? Then it's a good riddance. He cares for Mom."It's fine, Mom," I waved it off as if my confession and revelation weren't cut off. "Besides,
NATASHAStanding in front of my body-size mirror in the living room, I stared at myself clad in a flashy black gown that Michael gave me when we visited the boutique.It arrived this morning along with a service to do my hair and makeup.I look different. Too dark and seductive. My back is bare, my arms exposed. But Michael was kind enough to hide my chest and legs from people's eyes.Adjusting the diamond choker necklace, my eyes fell on my hand, specifically on my finger that wears the gold band, the exact same ring Michael wore, only smaller.I had to bite my lower lip to hide the excitement from my face.At that dinner, he told me he was going to introduce me to his wife. But in the end... I am the person I am jealous of.Taking it off my ring finger, I placed it in my palm and stared at it for a moment."Us against the world," I read what was engraved on the inside of it.Would he really fight for this?Chuckling softly, I shook my head and was about to wear it back when I heard
MICHAELRan a bit late for the event. I sat at the designated table with Natasha, along with some guests who were minding their own business.The soft melody of the cello and piano was calming and peaceful. Yet, Natasha was facing a battle on her own. She had been so quiet that I felt alone the whole time.Ever since we left her apartment, I couldn't help but notice how tense and wary she seemed. She kept looking around, as if worried that someone might be watching her.Reaching for her hand, I squeezed it lightly, just enough to catch her attention.I wanted to ease her mind and calm her heart. Whatever was worrying her, I wanted to give her a reason to forget about what made her anxious."Are you okay?" I leaned close and demanded an answer.Humming, she nodded her head before looking upfront and didn't elaborate on the conversation. I knew she wouldn't open her mouth to such a simple question, but I wouldn't stop until I hear her voice."Baby, I know something's wrong. Tell me." Li
NATASHAA lot of things had been flooding my head. I couldn't even hide my troubles from Michael.When I met him, I wanted to show him that I welcomed him back into my heart, not because Elena told me so, but because that's what I wanted to do.I wore the cold ring around my finger as a sign that I accepted him back into my life, but hurtful things were getting worse than ever.The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.Elena warned me that she would always be watching, that she would haunt my every step, and it affected me. Her words were menacing, and I was scared to make a move.Every action of mine was scrutinized. I feared not just for my life, but for my family.Elena threatened my nephew's life, and that would be reason enough for me to purposely fall into the trap she set for me.I had a gun pointed at my head, and I was going to do as I said.For so long, I had been a puppet in my life. I ran away thinking that I'd find peace and cut off the strings on my limbs and heart.
NATASHAMy head must have been somewhere else; I can't focus on my job, and my legs are shaking as I travel through my thoughts.Holding a pen, yet I haven't written any important information I should've noted, but I can't even move a muscle.I couldn't sleep last night.Michael helped me reunite with my family, but I couldn't be happy. Trouble had me shaking, and I'm scared not for myself but for the people around me.What could Elena do?Grumbling under my breath, I let go of the pen that had been useless since I clicked it, clutched my head, and groaned silently."This is stressing me out," I mumbled before staring at the open monitor, looking at that bleeping line on the search bar. "Okay..."Taking a deep breath, I secretly peeped inside Michael's office and found him busy over the phone, looking at the screen of his laptop with a deep frown on his forehead.Since he sat on that chair, he hasn't called me for anything, not even for a coffee. He must be so busy."Elena Solon," I m
MICHAELShe might seem oblivious, but I know what's bothering her.I can see her fidgeting every time she thinks I'm not watching. I know she's lost in thought even when I'm speaking to her.And I have answers to all her worries. Sooner or later, she won't fear anything."You haven't eaten your lunch, baby," I said, snapping her out of her daydream. "Tell me what's wrong." I demanded, setting down my utensils and wiping my mouth.She furrowed her brow and shrugged her left shoulder. "I'm just... tired?" She replied uncertainly, forcing herself to cut into her meal, clearly uninterested in eating.Sighing softly, I signaled a waiter and asked for the food to be packed."Michael, you don't have to.""Yes, I do." I paid the bill and instructed the waiter, then took a sip of my wine and winked at her. "And I'm going to join you in this mood."She gave me a weary look, struggling to maintain eye contact as something behind me caught her attention.Frowning, I turned to see what she was loo
NATASHAMichael convinces me with his every word. He wants me to trust him, and I do. But whom I don't trust is myself.What if I lead him to danger? Whose conscience will kill me? Mine.But all I know is I'm going to keep him close until I turn to ashes as he sparks the flame and let everything burn.I moaned when his kisses trailed down my neck, romancing me in his sweetest way."Michael..." I moaned when his hand found my right chest and began palming it the way I wanted.The sweetness in his actions started off nice and slow until he had me pressed against the wall and made me face it.His tongue found my nape and sucked my skin there.I felt how he grinds his crotch on my behind, letting me know how hard he is for me as his hand tried to unbutton my slacks and slipped it inside my underwear, finding my mound that was salivating for his touch.When a pail of boiling water was poured into a bucket of ice-cold water, it makes smoke and sizzling noises. Above the sky, it creates a st
MICHAEL"Elena?" Aaron asked through the phone, totally confused with the current situation. "I thought she's already laying low?""That's what I thought too," I replied, gripping my hand on the railings as I feel the heat of the setting sun hit my skin. "And it looked like she took advantage of the night when she saw a window.""How about Tasha, she good?"I glanced inside the bedroom and found my wife in bed, tired, and sound asleep. "She's fine, she's with me." Sighing, I turned on my heel and leaned my back against the banister so I could stare at her. "But something's bothering her.""Why wouldn't she? That bat shit crazy woman must have threatened her," he suspected what I'm thinking."Yeah, she's pretty shaken up," I breathed out.Recalling how antsy she was, it hurts the fact that I know there's something wrong and she can't even tell me what it's about.She said she trusts me, but why won't she say a thing?"And might I assume you calmed her down?" Aaron asked, probably hinti
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