RUESeated at the head of the conference table, I glanced over the documents before me as the room buzzed with the low hum of discussion. The board meeting was in full swing, and my attention focused on the upcoming launch of Slumberlux's new product next month.However, my mind was so preoccupied with my conversation with Tysha last night.Thinking she went home to Charles' house made me go mad so I called her to ease what I was feeling.She kind of cleared my head a little when she told me she was back in their house. But she did not leave my mind. Even in the middle of our board meeting, all I thought about was her. Damn!As the discussion progressed in the conference room, one of my employees, Alice, stood to present her report. She cleared her throat and began, "Good morning, everyone. I'm here to update you on the status of the material
TYSHA “What’s this, Frederick?” My lips parted in shock when Rue’s driver handed me a huge bouquet of red roses. It was so beautiful and looked very expensive—way too good for someone like me. “It’s from Mr. Colterzon, Miss Clifford,” he simply said, holding the car door open for me. “This is so unnecessary!” I gasped. Still, my eyes lingered on the beautiful bouquet. My cheeks reddened when I remembered our late night talk over the phone. I mentioned that I was touched when Charles gave me a bouquet, probably the reason why he gave me one as well tonight. As I settled into the car, I just smiled. Even though it felt a bit too much, those red petals made me feel warm inside. It made me think about how nice it is to have unexpected moments like this. Gosh! I really don’t know how Ru
TYSHA “So, what’s our lesson for tonight?” Rue asked. With that, I brought back my focus on my work. I took out my notebook and pen as I stood in front of Rue before I began. “I noted everything from our last session and I’m glad you made some progress. Even the thing you told me last night, I noted. I just need to ask a few questions about our last session,” I said. Rue didn’t complain about it. “Fire away.” “Did you feel any butterflies in your stomach when I initiated the kiss?” I asked. His forehead wrinkled because of my question. “What do you mean butterflies? Are your kisses some sort of witchcraft for them to make me feel butterflies in my stomach?” he joked which I didn’t find funny. I rolled my eyes, and that wiped the sill
TYSHA The smile on my face lingered even after Frederick drove me home from my session with Rue. Rue admitting he preferred initiating our kisses didn't surprise me anymore. He always gave off vibes of wanting to take charge. I gazed at the massive bouquet of flowers on my lap, and my heart swelled with joy. The ache in my chest was a beautiful blend of happiness and gratitude. “It's beautiful, Miss, isn't it?” Frederick commented when he saw me smiling at the flowers in the rear-view mirror. I did not bother to deny it anymore. I nodded in agreement. Even though the first bouquet of flowers from Charles held memories, the one from Rue felt more special. It wasn't just about the size but the reason behind it that made it stand out in my heart. He wanted me to keep my standards high and never l
RUE "I saw the flowers you gave to Tysha," Bryse whispered beside me as he selected the golf club he would use. Even without turning to look at me, I sensed he was addressing me. I pretended not to care, concentrating on choosing my golf club. Yet, in my mind, I couldn't help but wonder how he had seen them. Had he visited Tysha after our session? Did they talk? Just contemplating it sparked a surge of annoyance within me. "And?" I uttered with my usual nonchalant tone. "You know she's my ex. Don't you respect the bro-code?" His voice carried a hint of irritation as he turned to face me. I could feel the intensity of his angry gaze. Today, the sun was shining brightly as our grandfathers decided to invite us for a golf game with the Vismonts. It felt like an unintended doub
RUE "Thanks for having my back, Ysabell," I expressed my gratitude once we were alone. We decided to move to a more secluded golf course to continue playing. That was what Bryse and Marie did too. Ysabell stepped up for her turn to play golf, and I watched attentively. The gentle breeze ruffled her hair as she focused on the ball. With a graceful swing, she sent the ball sailing across the course. I couldn't help but admire the fluidity of her movements. As the ball landed with precision, she turned, meeting my gaze with a satisfied smile. “No worries. It was obvious from our first date that you were just trying to turn me off. So, I guess someone already owns your heart,” she concluded, which I cleared right away. “Nah.” Tysha owning my heart? I cou
TYSHA Charles: Saw your boss having his sweet date with a beautiful lady. My day was ruined as soon as Charles messaged me with an attached video of Rue and his date the last time on the golf course. Rue looked so undeniably gorgeous and manly with his navy blue polo shirt and white jeans, exuding charm and confidence. He seemed perfect for the beautiful lady he was with. They kept smiling at each other and if I did not know Rue, I would think they were a couple. "He said he was turned off by her? Why doesn't his grin tell me the same?" I fumed internally. Liar. Not to be rude, I replied briefly to Charles’s message. Me: Nice! That was what I told him when the truth was his message actually ruined my day. He quickly sent another rid
RUE Having a personal connection with the owner of the amusement park proved advantageous. I reached out to him and secured three VIP tickets. That was why when we got to the park, we bypassed the lengthy queues for buying tickets. Looking around at the bustling crowd, I couldn't help but think how much nicer it would be if we could have the whole place to ourselves. "Jeff, remind me to get you your own amusement park one day," I whispered to my nephew as I held his hand. He smiled back at me, nodding happily. Tysha noticed our exchange and raised an eyebrow. I simply shrugged in response, choosing not to mention what I said to Jeff. For what felt like the umpteenth time, she rolled her eyes. I couldn't help but wonder why she seemed irritated with me today. Was it because of this spontaneo
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