TYSHAOf all the people who could witness my struggle in the middle of the road, it had to be Rue. Great! Just great!It was one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong. Aiden had a basketball game in our neighborhood league, and we were at the gym getting ready when Addison accidentally spilled her chocolate drink all over her brother's jersey. So, I had to rush back home to grab Aiden's spare jersey.As if that wasn't enough, my car decided to break down just when I was in a hurry to get back to the gym. I hesitated to accept Rue's offer of help for several reasons. First, Charles would undoubtedly be upset with me. Second, my parents were also at the gym, there to support Aiden in his game. The list of concerns went on and on.As Rue drove me to the neighborhood gymnasium, an awkward silence settled between us. With no other options left, I decided to just go for it."Thank you, by the way," I began, breaking the silence. "About the flowers. I knew they were from you."Rue
TYSHA Charles and I both watched as Rue's car drove away. After that, I met Charles' gaze. Seeing his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and anger pained me too. I knew I had deeply wounded him, and the guilt weighed heavily on me. “We need to talk. Privately,” Charles stated as he angrily grabbed my pulse and forcefully dragged me inside his car. His grip was so tight that I felt like my bone was crushing. I wasn't even exaggerating that. My face crumpled because of the pain I felt from his grip but I said nothing and just let him drag me. “Get in!” he demanded as he opened the door of the passenger seat for me. I followed him, afraid to push his buttons even further. After that, he turned around to go in the driver's seat before he started to fire me with his questions. "Why were you with him? Huh?!" Charles's voice echoed in the confined space of the car. His face turned red with anger, sending shivers down my spine. I tried to remain calm, knowing I was at fault.
TYSHA"Congrats again to our basketball player," I chirped to Aiden as we dropped off my family at my parents’ house. Thank God things were looking up. Despite Aiden missing his team's first game, they still snagged the win, making up for all the earlier drama.After the victory, we decided to have a little celebration and grabbed lunch outside. Charles, though, was as quiet as a church mouse. He wasn't showing any signs of lingering anger, but he sure wasn't giving off any forgiveness vibes either. It felt like he was putting on a show for my family and the kids. I tried to chat him up a few times, but he stayed as cold as a polar bear's toe.Still, I had to hand it to him. He stuck around just like he promised, and that counted for something."Thanks, Mommy," Aiden uttered as he planted a kiss on my cheek. That simple gesture made me smile, warming my heart. Among the twins, Aiden was usually the less affectionate one, so every time he initiated a kiss, it felt like a little victory
TYSHA Never have I ever imagined Charles could do such a thing to me. After he left, I stayed on the floor of my living room, still processing what he just did to me. I should have taken his attempt to hit me in his car as a hint that he could do more horrible things like that. The memories of what happened with him were like a heavy weight pressing down on my chest, making it hard to breathe. I trusted him and yet he betrayed me in the most horrific way possible. Yes, I had betrayed him too but was that enough reason to do this to me? I could still feel his hands on me, rough and forceful, ignoring my pleas for him to stop. The fear that ate my whole system at that moment, the feeling of helplessness as I realized what he was trying to do... it was all still so vivid, like a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from. And then the assault that followed, the violence and aggression that he showed when I tried to fight back. How could someone I thought I knew so well, someone I care
RUEI used to take advantage of my expertise in not giving a fuck. But ever since I loved someone dearly, I couldn't help but care about things—especially when it's about Tysha. The moment I found her, I found my weakness as well. The pain I felt when the woman I loved dearly ordered me to leave was unbearable. It felt like my heart shattered into a million pieces, yet I had to keep up the facade of indifference.I totally understood her mother's hate for me. Her treatment was totally okay with me. But what I couldn't stomach was Charles.Growing up in wealth, envy was a foreign concept to me. My family provided everything I needed, and I was accustomed to getting what I wanted. However, outside the gymnasium, when Tysha demanded I leave simply because Charles didn't want me there, I felt envy creeping in.Charles had something I wanted so badly. God, I wanted to be in his position so damn bad!A cocktail of emotions—hate, envy, and embarrassment—raged within me, but now, fury consu
TYSHA Why does Madeline need to talk to Rue too? Madeline's decision to involve him in our conversation puzzled me. I couldn't understand why she felt the need to include him in important matters she wanted to discuss with me. But, yeah, it seemed I had no choice in the matter. Despite my desire for Rue to stay away and not have the opportunity to pester me about my cuts and bruises, we both followed Madeline when she led us to her office. The atmosphere in Madeline's office was quiet, with only the ticking of the clock on the wall breaking the silence. She took her seat behind her desk and nodded at both Rue and me, gesturing for us to sit. “Have a seat, both of you,” she offered as she settled into her swivel chair. Rue and I took our places in the chairs in front of her desk. Before she got straight to the point, she noticed the band-aid on my forehead. Gosh! It was such a bad idea to put one on; it made my injury painfully obvious. “What happened to your forehead, Tysha?
TYSHA What the fucking hell?!I never expected Rue to refuse Madeline's proposal. After she poured her heart out to us, expressing how important Mason Academy was to her, the audacity of that arrogant billionaire to turn down her plea was beyond belief.Sure, he wasn't obligated to agree right away, but come on! Basic human decency, anyone? Especially considering his vast wealth, investing a few million in a school wouldn't dent his pocket.As Rue's callous response hung in the air, I couldn't help but feel deeply sorry for Madeline. She had tried her best, but it seemed she was up against a heartless billionaire. The embarrassment and pain etched on her face after Rue's refusal were unbearable to witness.The pain in her eyes was so palpable that it infected me too.After Rue and I left her office, I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt. So, I knew I had to do my part to help.I knew Madeline included me in her attempt to persuade Rue because she likely suspected that Rue and I w
TYSHAAm I ready to go back in Isla Llevaste? The place where my relationship with Rue first advanced?Just the thought of it gave me butterflies in my stomach. It's where Rue and I took that big step forward in our relationship. But back then, things between us were... complicated.Reality had a funny way of creeping in, didn't it? Rue and I had hit some rough patches lately. We had grown apart, lost in our own doubts and insecurities. Going back to Isla Llevaste would definitely have felt like revisiting a chapter of my life that I wasn't sure I was ready to confront.Still, after Charles showed me his true colors and hurt me last time, I started to reconsider Rue as the better guy in my life. There was a part of me that yearned for a sense of possibility and hope that in Isla Llevaste, Rue and I could be reminded of what brought us together in the first place. Maybe it was naive, but I couldn't help but wonder if returning to that place might reignite the spark between us.Then aga
TYSHAAm I really going to be the billionaire’s wife? Everything still felt surreal. When Rue finally got down on one knee and popped the question, I swear my heart skipped a beat. For a moment, I was frozen, not quite believing what was happening. It was like time stood still as I processed the moment.At first, I'll admit, I had my doubts. I mean, after I talked to his grandfather, that was when I realized that I answered his call and that he heard everything I said. Like gosh! What if he no longer proposed to me after I declined his grandfather’s offer to marry him? God knew how I barely had a sleep the night after that realization of mine. Although what I meant by my refusal was… I didn’t wanna marry Rue for money, I still felt scared that if ever he, indeed, heard our conversation, he would think I didn’t want to marry him in general. No. That was the complete opposite of what I was feeling. If I were to settle down, to build a life with someone, it would be with him.Marria
RUEI used to doubt love. I used to think that it was just a distraction, something that got in the way of real goals and messed with your head. Growing up, I saw too many relationships fall apart and people getting hurt, including my family. So, I promised myself I wouldn't let that happen to me. Focus on work, keep emotions in check—that was my rule.Then I met Tysha on that one special night in Eventide Cabaret.Everything changed. She wasn't like anyone else I'd ever known. There was something about her that drew me in. At first, I fought it. I told myself it was just a phase and that I'd get over it. But the more time I spent with her, the more I realized she wasn't a distraction. She was exactly what I needed—she set fire to my sleeping lust.“Every time I walk you to your room, it leads to lovemaking,” I whispered in between our kisses. Right after she accepted my not-so-spontaneous proposal, she pulled me into her room to continue our kissing session.“Next time, you won’t
RUE“I won’t marry Rue.”I couldn’t believe what I just heard. Tysha’s words echoed in my mind, bouncing around like they were trying to make sense but failing miserably.When she accidentally answered my call, I didn’t hang up, especially when I heard my grandfather’s voice talking to her. I was mad at Grandpa for offering Tysha money to marry me, but I stayed silent because I wanted to hear her answer. I never expected her answer would break me.“Our relationship is not a transaction, Mr. Colterzon. Just so you know. While I appreciate your concern for our future, marrying him should come from our hearts, not a financial incentive,” I heard Tysha continue. “So, no. I won’t marry him for money.”After that, I ended the call before she even noticed I was listening to her conversation with my grandfather.I felt a mix of emotions. I was angry at my grandfather for interfering, for thinking that money could solve everything. But Tysha’s words cut deeper. She didn’t want to marry me, eve
TYSHA“You wouldn’t be able to drive us home?” I asked Rue on the other line. I had just finished all my classes for the day when he called.“No. We just had an emergency meeting at the company. But I’ll send Fred,” he offered, but I immediately refused.“No need. I can drive us myself.”“Okay. Just tell the kids I’ll visit them later,” Rue said before ending the call.As I continued gathering my things to leave the faculty room, one of my co-teachers approached me with a curious look.Tysha, someone’s looking for you,” my co-teacher whispered, nodding toward the entrance. I glanced up from my stack of papers, my heart doing a little flip. Who could it be? A parent? Another teacher? “Huh? Really?” I tried to sound nonchalant, but my pulse quickened. The school day had been ordinary so far, and I wasn’t prepared for any surprises.“Yes. He’s waiting in the parking lot, with lots of convoys,” my co-teacher grinned, clearly enjoying my confusion. With my co-teacher's grin, the first
TYSHARue wanted to introduce our kids to his mother and grandfather and the thought of it made my stomach churn with anxiety. Like, gosh!I couldn't help but overthink the whole situation. His grandfather had always hated me, ever since I was with Bryse. He did everything in his power to separate us before. And now, after all this time, I was terrified that his hatred for me would extend to our children.What if Rue’s grandfather took one look at them and saw nothing but a reminder of my past mistakes? What if he couldn't see them for the wonderful kids they are and only saw my flaws? The idea of my kids being judged or rejected because of my history was unbearable.I kept imagining different scenarios, each worse than the last. Would his grandfather's anger flare up the moment he laid eyes on them? Would he blame them for the messy past I had with his family? I could almost see the disapproval in his eyes, and feel the tension in the room.Rue seemed confident that things would be f
TYSHA“This is their picture?” Rue asked as I handed him the photo album, filled with pictures of our kids. After they had fallen asleep, he had suddenly asked to see some photos of them. Luckily, I had been making albums of their milestones.“Yeah, right after they were born,” I said proudly, sitting beside him on the couch and joining him in looking at the pictures.Rue carefully stared at each photo, his eyes filled with a mix of wonder and regret, as if trying to relive the moments he had missed. Each image seemed to pull him deeper into a past he wasn't part of, yet desperately wished he had been.He traced a finger over a picture of their first birthday, his expression softening. “Who was with you?” Rue asked quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.“My parents,” I answered simply, trying to decipher what was going through his mind.“Just them?” He glanced at me, seeking confirmation.“Yes. Just them.”“How about Charles?” he asked.I thought he might be jealous, but when I l
RUEIn a short amount of time, I became super attached to the twins. Every day without them felt like a lost chance to be their real father. That's why I found myself constantly at Tysha's house, trying to make up for lost time.I longed to bond with them, to be a presence in their lives that they could rely on. It wasn't easy, knowing that I missed out on so much, but I was determined to do better.I held out the hairbrush when my daughter Addison came out of the bathroom. Her hair was damp and clinging to her small shoulders.As usual, I was in their house again, wanting to spend more time with my children."Can I brush your hair?" I asked, hoping she'd say yes.“Okay, Daddy.” Addison nodded, a shy smile on her face, and took a seat on the stool in front of me.I took a deep breath, aware of the importance of this gesture, and of the trust she was placing in me.As I began to brush, I was careful, mindful of every stroke."Am I doing this right?" I asked, watching her reaction in th
TYSHAOkay. If I was having fun earlier about how Rue shut Celeste’s bitchy mouth, I was no longer enjoying it now.“Is it true, Tysha? You’re dating Mr. Colterzon? The billionaire?!” asked one of my coworkers. “Err…” I stammered, unable to find the right words immediately.First of all, I didn’t feel the need to tell the truth to them. Second, to be honest, I didn’t really know the answer to that. Am I dating Rue again? We used to date but does co-parenting with him count as dating?“How about Charles, Ma’am Tysha? Did you two break up already?” Another question was thrown at me. It was Rupert who asked this time. The faculty room had turned into chaos the moment I walked in after finishing my classes.Even though Celeste kept her mouth shut after what Rue said to her, the news still spread like wildfire. Fortunately, before I had to say something, Madeline came into the faculty room. "Everyone," she addressed the room sternly, "what's all this commotion? Where is your professio
TYSHASince Rue had insisted on driving us to school, and I couldn’t help but feel a little bit nervous. I’m sure it would spark a new rumor about me and gosh! But yeah, I must comply. This would be nothing compared to the six years I’ve taken away from him.As I told my kids about what their father planned on doing, Aiden and Addison were already perched by the window, their noses pressed against the glass, waiting for their father.Then it arrived. Rue’s car glided to a stop in front of our house, sleek and attention-seeking because of its vibes that were screaming ‘wealth.’ It was the kind of luxury car you’d see in magazines. But what can I say? The father of my kids is a billionaire so…“It’s Daddy!” Aiden and Addison said in chorus as their eyes grew wide with wonder. They rushed out the door, their school bags forgotten for a moment, as they circled the car with open-mouthed awe.I watched them.“Good morning, buds! Ready for school?” Rue greeted them with the same enthusiasm a