Perfect I stared at my feet on the tiled floor of the hospital. I was debating whether or not to continue entering. I'm not doing anything wrong but I'm ashamed to face Francis' family. I don't know what to think anymore. And how will I ever face him at times like these? I forced myself to walk towards the ICU, where I knew Francis was. I found Jade there. She looked up when she noticed my presence. "Almene..." I went near her and handed her a paper bag. She slightly smiled but I couldn't even lift the edge of my lips. "How's he?" I asked as I looked at the closed door of the room. The faint sound of the monitor filled my ears. "T-They said his condition is getting better. He will be moved to the private ward later." My eyes stung and my chest tightened with relief. I can't wait for him to wake up. I miss him so much. It wasn't long before the nurses took care of transferring Francis to the private ward. I couldn't take my eyes away from him. Silently hoping in between those mo
Yes I felt heavy the next morning. I haven't had a proper sleep these past few days. My breath is also hot and it looks like I have a fever. I closed my eyes again when my head hurt. "Oh damn." I woke up when I remembered what happened last night. I would like to think that there is a way out of the situation I am in now. But hearing that devil's threats left me hopeless. I forced myself to get up and prepare for work. I caught up with Dad preparing breakfast when I left the room. He turned to me and smiled awkwardly. I ignored him and went straight to the door. "A-Aren't you going to have breakfast first, Almene?" He chased. I was slightly stunned by what I heard. And the way he's acting like this pissed me off even more. I have many hurtful words to say. And I feel like I can finally be at peace if I let out all the anger I have because of what's happening. I finally faced him and stepped closer. I only stopped when I felt pain in my head. "How did you get into that casino?"
WarningI woke up feeling warm that morning. I gently felt the softness of the bed I was lying on. It was unusually soft to the point of unfamiliarity. I woke up in haste only to be dazzled by the sunlight coming from the window. "She's awake," said a woman's voice. There was a hint of joy in her voice. I tried looking for the one who spoke. I cringed at what I saw. I then roamed my eyes around the large room. It wasn't mine. Where am I? I got up only to feel dizzy and close my eyes because of a headache. "Oh, don't get up yet, dear. You're not fully recovered yet." I tried to see who was speaking. She's somewhat familiar. For a few moments, I remembered what happened the previous day. Right. I rushed to Lideon's hotel, and then I passed out. Does that mean I'm still in the hotel now? But how come their house help is here? "Where am I?" I manage to utter. "You are at Lideon's house, dear. How are you feeling? Do you still have a headache? Oh, I told him he should have taken yo
Goodnight I feel like floating as the stylist helped me get dressed. I'm in a high-end store to try on a few dresses to Lideon's liking. I just finished the spa and salon which is also the bastard’s scheme. I looked at myself in the mirror. My eyes are a little puffy from the headache and fever. If only it wasn't a sin to kill, that man would've ceased to exist in this world. What he's making me do is infuriating. I'm wearing a light peach tube dress. The length is above the knee and it fits my body shape just right. My hair is rolled up into a messy bun and a few strands of hair are on the side of my cheek. My light make-up complimented my fair complexion as well as the accessories. Even so, I couldn't bring to praise myself. Truly I look different with these extravagances on, but that doesn't cover the emptiness I feel. "You look great, Miss Villareal." I smiled lightly at Raul. Somehow I felt better with his presence. He accompanied me to this place and waited patiently with t
BoyfriendI couldn't focus at work the next day. What happened last night always comes to my mind even though it shouldn't. I was caught off guard by what he did. But the knowledge that he did it because there were cameras made me even angrier. What the hell, Almene? "Are you okay?" Julienne asked bringing me back to the present. I was even slightly startled when she patted my hand. "Y-Yes of course," I smiled lightly. Compared to yesterday I feel much better now. And I didn't have anything to do at home either, so I preferred to go to work. Then I will visit the hospital later. "You should eat," said Nathan as he turned his gaze to my food, which I was just playing with. "Y-Yes," I grimaced and went back to eating. Lunch break was about to end when my cell phone vibrated. I immediately became alert when I saw that it was Jade who texted. 'Almene, are you going to the hospital later?' - Jade I dialed her number and she answered after a ring. "Hello, Jade? Is there a problem?
SweetestI didn't know how he found out I was frequent at the hospital. Maybe he had me followed all these days. And that knowledge only intensified my anger. And what did he say? B-Boyfriend? Is he going crazy? "What boyfriend are you talking about? Don't be ridiculous. I have a fiance. And me being in this madness won't change that fact," I whined. His hold on me loosened up but he didn't let go. He looked flustered for a moment and went berserk again. He smirked angrily and tilted his head to the other side. “Perhaps you are forgetting what is at stake here? It's your father's freedom that's at stake here, Miss Villareal. One more act that could ruin my plan and our deal is done," he uttered. I angrily pushed him away and immediately left that place before I explode in anger. I couldn't stop crying from helplessness. And thinking about the possibilities of all of these is killing me. I am on the verge of breaking down. If only it were possible and there was a way to get out of
SmileMy mind went completely blank and I had to knock some sense into myself. And when I realized what he just did, he let go. He even licked his lips while staring and smirking at me. In anger, I gave him strong blows. "You asshole! Pervert!” He was so quick in catching both my hands and pinning them above my head. My eyes widened with what he did. I can't deny I'm afraid, too. God knows what he's gonna do. Especially since it's just the two of us here! He became very serious, amusement was now totally gone. I glared back at him, even when my chest was throbbing so fast because of fear. I’m on the verge of crying too. “Pervert?” He smirked mockingly. "It seems to me that you enjoyed it too," he said with a hint of anger. "I would never enjoy kissing someone like you," I replied firmly. "Really? Let's see," he said and brought his face closer to mine again. I quickly tilted my head to the other side and his lips landed on my cheek. A tear fell from my eye. "Get out. I'm going
DumbfoundedMaybe it was because of the gentle breeze, or the soothing sound of the little waves that resonates every time they clash with each other, or maybe it was the heart of the sun that hits his skin making it glow like the waters being hit by the rays. I don't know. And I refuse to acknowledge whatever it is that he's making me feel. I looked away and gazed at the waves instead, pretending I didn't hear any of them. Nor did I understand the anger that I saw a while ago. "This place is beautiful," I muttered mindlessly. The approaching yacht gradually became more visible in my sight. It stopped just a few meters from the shore. "Is that yours too?" I pointed at the yacht and briefly looked at him. His eyes followed what I was pointing. "Yeah," he said curtly. I nodded trying to fathom in my head how freaking rich his family is to own a chopper and a yacht. I read some magazines featuring them a long time ago. I just didn't pay that much attention because I wasn't interested
AccidentHis eyes looked like a black hole.That was the first thing I noticed when I saw him. His eyes emit no emotions and all it made me speechless. That's what I keep coming back to as I stare inside the hotel room I booked on my way here. Raul went back to Manila as per my instruction. He didn't even want to agree at first but eventually, he agreed too. Lideon bombarded me with calls all day asking if I was okay. He just finished calling so I have the chance to think now.I couldn't help but feel pity for that man now that I'd seen him. I was also very hurt when Francis died, while he lost his fiancee too in that accident. The article said that his fiancee died on the spot while he was rushed to the hospital and survived.I walked through the small balcony of the room. I was greeted by the cold wind which gave me comfort. My eyes were fixed on the sparkling lights of the different establishments. The road is also busy with passing vehicles.I wonder what it felt like living that
BurnMy tears fell before I knew it. My body trembled slightly from the sudden burst of emotion. I have never paid attention to what happened after the accident. The only thing I was concerned about during those times was Francis' condition. For once...it didn't occur to me that this could happen."Hey, hey."Lideon tried getting my attention by pulling me from my seat. I couldn't move my body in shock that he had to hold both of my arms to stand up. My tears poured down even more when he hugged me."I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't know. I won't let you do this," he whispered over and over again while I cried into his chest.I couldn't talk properly until I got home. I always end up spacing out thinking about the article and the accident. And the fact that I have to face that man and talk to him bothers me even more."Do you want us to eat out or we'll head home straight?"I went back to my senses when Lideon held my hand. I almost forgot we were in the car going home. I stared at him,
Article I couldn't take my eyes off him even when he was busy with other things. I was never like this before we set sail on that honeymoon. Maybe because we became more intimate with each other? Or was it because he confessed? Even though I'm confused, I can't deny that I'm happy with what's happening. I hate to admit it but I can't deny either that I'm starting to develop something for him. Even when a lot of things are unclear between us, especially his sudden confession of feelings. He had always been straightforward, I'm aware of that. But, something else is bothering me. There was nothing else in my mind but that even in the middle of the presentation by Lideon's employees. They were presenting different designs of buildings. They were great. Even though I don't know much about Architecture, I know how to look at a good work of art. "I heard you personally wanted Mr. David Allen for this project, Mr. Webb?" Lideon's voice is controlled and stern. Only then did I come to my
Smitten They looked up at the same time as I slammed the door shut. Lindsay smirked at me and bent closer to Lideon. She even rested his chest on Lideon's shoulder a little before walking away. "Oops! I thought your 'wife' isn't coming?" She said mockingly emphasizing the word 'wife.' Although affected, I just looked at them with indifference. Lideon come to his senses just then and quickly stood up and walked towards me. "It's not what you think," he quickly held my arm when I was about to turn my back on him. Instead of looking back at him, I turned back to see Lindsay smiling. She's giving me the kind of look that she knows something I don't. And that made me feel even worse. "Looks like you're doing something important. Am I disturbing you?" There was an emphasis in my voice when I asked Lideon. I stared at his hand on me then at his face. There was confusion in his eyes. He clenched his jaw and let out an exasperated sigh. He looked sideways at Lindsay. "You can go now and
Torture "What are you thinking?" He whispered softly. I didn't say a word. It doesn't feel right to open up to him just because something happened between us. I can’t get used to this. And I don't even know if it's right to let myself like this. Even more so, until now I still can't get Francis out of my mind. It was only a few weeks since he was buried. And I don't think what I'm feeling is right. I don't know anymore. Maybe it's safer to keep my distance even after what happened. I don’t feel right about everything at all. He caressed my stomach lightly which tingled my insides. He gently brought me in front of him and peered into my face. "You're making me nervous," he said and touched my cheek. God, it would have been easier if he was not treating me like this. I roamed my eyes around and all I could ever see were unfamiliar faces. He couldn't be doing this for people to see, right? If so, why? I couldn't bring myself to ask him either. What are we now that something happene
FearIt's probably because I'm tipsy. Right. It's probably the alcohol. There's no way I'd be this affected by his gazes when I'm sober. It's just because of the alcohol. This heat is also because of the wine.But why can't I withdraw myself from staring back at him?I know I should gather my senses together. Because I know I'll regret it all when I wake up the next day. This heat, this tension... This desire. It's just for now."Almene," his hoarse voice tingled my skin.I blinked and stared at him properly. His eyes remained the same. The emotions I see in them are still the same. Desire, lust, and something else I couldn't name."O-Oh?" I manage to utter despite my dry throat.I don't understand myself anymore. I want him near, so near until I couldn't get hold of my sanity. I want him so close to me I feel like dying. What is happening to my body?His fingers trailed from the bed to the hem of my shirt. His hand lightly touched my skin which secretly startled me. His hand is so war
WantI stared at the blue sky reflecting on the waves as I tried to gather my thoughts. Why I felt that way I can't even figure out. These past days have been confusing, even though I know it shouldn't be.I shouldn't get curious about who that woman is. That wouldn't be right in any way. I have been scolding myself for thinking about it for a while now. Or is it because of what happened last night? Maybe.The deafening silence bore me and I decided to go out and explore the whole cruise. What else would I be doing on a ship like this? I still don't know where it's going and I forgot to ask Lideon. Not that it matters. It's all just a show. So might as well enjoy myself while this extravagance lasts.I went out to see if Lideon was around but he wasn't. I couldn't even catch his shadow from the guests entering the corridors. Most of the guests are foreigners. There are a few who look Filipino.I started walking to where Lideon and I went to eat. I didn't pay much attention to the row o
GreedyI don't know how he managed to convince me of this. But here I am, following him while dragging my small luggage. The cruise ship staff met us and took our suitcases. I turned to look at Lideon's bodyguards, the van that we rode in just left."Let's go," Lideon turned to me and held my waist.I followed him mindlessly, unable to take my eyes off the surroundings. His warm hand ignited my skin and I jolted a little with his touch. It didn't help that I couldn't forget what happened last night.It was my first time being intimate on that level with a man. Francis and I have been in a relationship for a long time, but our intimacy never reaches that level. Sure he kisses me and I do, too. But what I felt last night with Lideon's touch and kisses was different.I shook my head to clear my thoughts. But no matter what I do, what happened keeps peeking into my brain. And to this day, I'm still not sure if something happened between us or not. How do I know that without asking him? Oh
HoneymoonWhat I thought would ease my problem made it worse. Lideon held me firmly while eyeing the man in front of us. I went back to my senses when I realized what was happening."Back off," he said gritting his teeth."How will I know you're telling the truth?" The man replied cynically.Oh no, this is not good. Even if I want to speak, I just get dizzy and can't think straight. I held onto Lideon's suit and tried pulling him to get his attention. Because I know if this goes on, he will attack the man.The tension between the two only stopped when some of Lideon's bodyguards came in to come between the two, including Raul."Is there anything wrong? Mrs. Martin seems to be very drunk," he said looking at me for a moment. I couldn't even look back at him properly."Nothing, Raul. I'm taking her home now," Lideon said firmly, still giving the man a bad look.I closed my eyes when I couldn't take it anymore. I am very dizzy and sleepy. I just got distracted again and saw Lideon adjusti