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CXIX : Mommy Always Wins—Or Does She?
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-15 21:03:51
Bab terkait
His Son, Her Secret CXX : You Lock the Doors, I Steal the Key
Pascha doesn't like to lose.I know that.He's used to controlling things, shaping the world to his liking. But this time, I wasn't something he could organize at his will.And he hated that."Listen to me."I sighed sharply, crossing my arms over my chest and giving him a flat look."Pascha, I'm fine. I'm not going to sit at home just because you say so."He pursed his lips, his expression full of disapproval. "It's not just about sitting idle—""Then what is it about? Do you think I can't handle myself?" I interrupted quickly, looking at him more sharply.He rubbed his face with one hand like it were the most difficult problem he had to solve today.I picked up my bag, preparing to leave. "Pascha, I'm going to see Kyara, then to the office. That's not something you can forbid."Pascha looked at me for a long time, then finally sighed, a sign of his defeat.But that expression was not one of complete surrender.There was something in his eyes. Something that felt like a warning.I di
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-16His Son, Her Secret CXXI: If I Knew Then What I Know Now
"It's Mikaela," Aurora said quickly.I'm still staring at Kyara's phone. The words on the message seem stuck behind my eyelids, flickering every time I blink.To Belva Moguel. The cold in my fingers creeps up to my wrists.Kyara sighed, sitting straighter on the bed, her still pale cheeks looking even paler. "Ara..." she murmured in warning. "That's ridiculous."Aurora looked up quickly, her eyebrows already raised. "Ridiculous?" she repeated, her tone rising a fraction of an octave. "She’s our ex-best friend. And she's crazy enough to sleep with her best friend's fiancée." Her eyes narrowed sharply. "Blowing up a restaurant isn't the most extreme thing she might do."Kyara shook her head. "That's... just about Pascha," her tone tired. "She’s not a criminal, Ara. She’s—" She rubbed her face, her fingers trembling despite trying to hide it. "You think she'd blow up a restaurant... just because of Pascha?"Aurora chuckled. Silence for a few seconds, then said, "Crazy people do crazy th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-18His Son, Her Secret CXXII : Potatoes, Pride & Pascha Romanov
When I parked the car in front of the house, the sky was beginning to burn orange. The colors of twilight swept across the window pane, reflecting off the surface of the calm sea in the distance. Salty air sneaked into my lungs as I opened the car door, my steps heavy, my heels clicking softly on the wooden floor of the porch.I take off my shoes at the entrance, leaving them lying there, then walk slowly to the balcony, my briefcase hanging loosely over my shoulder.Clara sat in a wicker chair, her bare legs folded comfortably over the seat. A half-empty glass of lemon tea perched in her left hand. She wore a loose, oversized white T-shirt, her hair in an original braid and hanging to one side.She turned her head when she heard my footsteps approaching, her smile slow and relaxed, as if the afternoon were hers alone."You're home," she said.I pulled out a chair from a nearby round table and sat down slowly. My shoulders were still stiff from too much weight bearing, and the chair w
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19His Son, Her Secret CXXIII: Flour, Fire, and a Love Long Lost
My fingers moved deftly, removing the onion skin. The knife moves nimbly on the chopping board, slicing the onion, each thin slice falling into the bowl. A tangy aroma instantly fills the air, mingling with the fragrant remains of the dough Pascha failed to make earlier.Clara stands beside me, her sleeves rolled up, and without prompting, she begins cleaning up the mess left behind by Pascha."Are we making arepas too?" Clara asks, putting the remaining potato skins in the trash.I glanced over her. "If Pascha have white cheese, why not?"She walked over to refrigerator, pulling out the ingredients without asking: cornmeal, cheese, and butter. Everything was on the table in less than a minute. Her hands deftly started mixing the arepas without needing my signal.I returned to the piece of meat I was washing under cold water. It was a thin piece of flank steak for sobrebarriga, a dish that is supposed to be slow-cooked, but I knew how to speed up the process without sacrificing flavor
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-20His Son, Her Secret CXXIV : No Going Home, Mommy!
It's late at night.The San Francisco air feels cooler as the breeze from the ocean breaks through the crack in the kitchen window.Max had been looking sleepy for an hour, but as usual, he refused to admit his defeat to sleepiness. He kept running around the house, driving around Pascha's house in his new yellow mini porche, which Pascha said he had ordered directly from the car company, and babbling endlessly about how he could beat all the Autobots with his new robot.I finally approach the front door, preparing to head back to my own house, literally right next door to Pascha's, Max suddenly appears from behind, standing directly in front of me with his arms outstretched, blocking my way.I frowned, seeing him looking at me with a serious expression."Where are you going, Mommy?" he asked in a suspicious tone.I raised my eyebrows. "Home....?"Max snorted loudly, looking at me as if I had just said something outrageous. "No!"I blinked, confused. "Why? Mommy's house is next door.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-21His Son, Her Secret CXXV : San Francisco Mornings & Romanov Madness
My body is warm. Too warm.I was drowning in a strange comfort, the firm plane chest, the regular breath wafting down my neck, and the strong arms wrapped tightly around my waist, keeping me trapped in something all too familiar.But this...This is not Max.Instantly, I opened my eyes.The morning light was already coming in through the gap in the curtains, refracting its golden rays across the room. And in front of me—too close—is Pascha.Pascha.His head nestled in the crook of my neck, his warm breath brushing against my skin, while one arm was held around my waist, tight ike I stil belonged to him and would not be let go.My chest tightens.How did he get from the other side of the bed to here?!I swallowed, preparing to push his body away, but before I could move, an annoyed grunt sounded from the other side of the bed."Mommy! Daddy's cheating!"I turned around quickly, finding Max sitting on the other side of the bed with an expression full of complaints. The boy crossed his a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-23His Son, Her Secret CXXVI : I Knew You Were Trouble, and Yet…
I pushed through the white picket fence and stepped into Kyara's front yard. The smell of fresh grass mixed with the salty odor of the ocean not far away. The San Francisco air is cool, and the coastal breeze blows gently, making my hair a little messy as I knock on the door.It doesn't take long before the door opens, revealing Kyara already standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips.“You finally came too, Moguel. I almost thought you'd forgotten about this lunch.”“Sorry for being late, a lot of work.” I just shrugged, following Kyara into the well-organized dining room. On the table, there were several dishes-seafood pasta, fresh salad, and steaming onion bread. I raised one eyebrow, sitting on the chair comfortably.“Since when can you cook like this?” I asked, smelling the tantalizing aroma of the plate in front of me.Kyara pulled out her chair, sitting down casually before pouring white wine into her glass. “Since I got tired of takeout. Besides, I've had plenty of tim
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-24His Son, Her Secret CXXVII : You Should Have Known
Pascha was still standing there, so close that I could smell his signature scent, a mix of woody spices and something more familiar. But I didn't let myself be swept away. Not this time.I let out a sigh, pulled my phone from the back pocket of my jeans, and held it out to him. With a quick flick, I unlocked the screen and shoved it his way."Here. Read this."Pascha frowned but took the phone from my hand. His eyes swept the screen quickly, then his jaw hardened.I saw how his fingers gripped the phone tighter, and the look in his eyes, which had been full of judgment, now turned sharper and darker."What is this?" his voice sounded cold.I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, steadying myself. "Threats."He fixed me with a hard stare, waiting for more, but I simply lifted my chin, meeting his gaze without flinching."It was sent to Kyara. Right after the restaurant explosion."Pascha's breathing slowed, each rise and fall of his chest measured, controlled—like he was holding back
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-25
Bab terbaru
His Son, Her Secret CXXXI : Tiny Hands, Big Opinions
"I'm telling you, Bumblebee is cooler than Optimus Prime!" Max's voice was shrill with conviction. "Even though I like Optimus, Bumblebee is like a soldier guarding him!""No way, Prime is the leader of the Autobots! He's stronger, wiser, and definitely cooler," Clara said in a challenging tone."But Bumblebee is faster! And he can talk on the radio! You only like Prime because he's the big boss, Cece!"I tried to stifle my laughter as I propped myself up in the doorway. The two of them stood facing each other on the sofa, Max with his arms folded across his tiny chest, while Clara sat dismissively."I just like characters who know how to make important decisions, Max.""No! Cece only likes leaders! If Transformers were a kingdom, Cece would choose Optimus to be the king!"Clara snorted. "Of course you would. And Bumblebee? Is he the royal guard?""He's a fighting prince!" Max lifted his chin, full of conviction.I couldn't help but laugh again. "Oh my, are you guys having a Transform
His Son, Her Secret CXXX : Not Even a Tear, Not Even a Fight
My laptop was open on the table, rows of code filling the screen, moving quickly as I adjusted some parameters. In the right corner of the screen, the system diagram of the Lantum project is clearly displayed, an ambitious project that had occupied my mind from the start.I typed quickly, fixing the firewall I'd just developed for the main system. My team handled various other aspects, but the security part was still my responsibility. And I couldn't let this system have any loopholes.Project Lantum is everything right now.I've been absent for too long, and now, with this project finally underway, I have no reason to linger on my drama.My hands were still busy typing when my cell phone vibrated on the table.I took a quick glance at the screen.Then stopped breathing.Mamá.My fingers stop moving. For a moment, I just stare at the screen. There was a long pause before I finally swiped the green icon and answered the call."Hello," I said, my voice flat.For a moment, there was no s
His Son, Her Secret CXXIX : Seaside Dreams & Messy Hair Mornings
I woke up with a slight gasp, my chest rising and falling rapidly.It took me a few seconds to realize where I was—not in my little apartment in Cambridge, not in the middle of a heated argument with the overly annoying Pascha.I was in the present in San Francisco, in my beach house.But the remnants of that memory still lingered in my head, settling like a fog that was hard to dispel.I growled softly, rubbing my face roughly.Why did I have to dream of that?I took a long breath and turned to the large window beside my bed. The sea stretched out before me, its water glistening in the morning light that was beginning to creep up.Usually, this view was enough to ease my mind, but not this time.I ruffled my hair in frustration, then got up from the bed, walking straight to the bathroom.I didn't want to relive that past.I turned on the faucet and washed my face with cold water, hoping to wash away the remnants of memory still looming in my mind.After refreshed, I dried my face wit
His Son, Her Secret CXXVIII : Flashback : You Tangle Wires, You Tangle Me
I stand in the centre of my small apartment, hands on my hips, my jaw clenched tightly, as my eyes sweep across the room.His backpack is leaning against the wall by the door, and his boots lie haphazardly next to the sofa. In the corner of the room, two of his jackets hang on a chair, one of them still with the folded sleeves I took off last week.And that's not counting my desk, which is now littered with random wires that clearly don't belong to me. I can recognize some of the electronic components he's left exposed, a series of circuit boards and microcontrollers that he seems to be assembling, for who knows what."Pascha."There was no answer.Amidst all the scattered items, Pascha sat comfortably on my couch. His feet rest on my small coffee table. His head rests against the back of my sofa, and, more annoyingly, he's playing my PlayStation.Or... what used to be mine. Because it's been months since I last touched that thing.His two thumbs moved quickly on the control stick, h
His Son, Her Secret CXXVII : You Should Have Known
Pascha was still standing there, so close that I could smell his signature scent, a mix of woody spices and something more familiar. But I didn't let myself be swept away. Not this time.I let out a sigh, pulled my phone from the back pocket of my jeans, and held it out to him. With a quick flick, I unlocked the screen and shoved it his way."Here. Read this."Pascha frowned but took the phone from my hand. His eyes swept the screen quickly, then his jaw hardened.I saw how his fingers gripped the phone tighter, and the look in his eyes, which had been full of judgment, now turned sharper and darker."What is this?" his voice sounded cold.I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, steadying myself. "Threats."He fixed me with a hard stare, waiting for more, but I simply lifted my chin, meeting his gaze without flinching."It was sent to Kyara. Right after the restaurant explosion."Pascha's breathing slowed, each rise and fall of his chest measured, controlled—like he was holding back
His Son, Her Secret CXXVI : I Knew You Were Trouble, and Yet…
I pushed through the white picket fence and stepped into Kyara's front yard. The smell of fresh grass mixed with the salty odor of the ocean not far away. The San Francisco air is cool, and the coastal breeze blows gently, making my hair a little messy as I knock on the door.It doesn't take long before the door opens, revealing Kyara already standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips.“You finally came too, Moguel. I almost thought you'd forgotten about this lunch.”“Sorry for being late, a lot of work.” I just shrugged, following Kyara into the well-organized dining room. On the table, there were several dishes-seafood pasta, fresh salad, and steaming onion bread. I raised one eyebrow, sitting on the chair comfortably.“Since when can you cook like this?” I asked, smelling the tantalizing aroma of the plate in front of me.Kyara pulled out her chair, sitting down casually before pouring white wine into her glass. “Since I got tired of takeout. Besides, I've had plenty of tim
His Son, Her Secret CXXV : San Francisco Mornings & Romanov Madness
My body is warm. Too warm.I was drowning in a strange comfort, the firm plane chest, the regular breath wafting down my neck, and the strong arms wrapped tightly around my waist, keeping me trapped in something all too familiar.But this...This is not Max.Instantly, I opened my eyes.The morning light was already coming in through the gap in the curtains, refracting its golden rays across the room. And in front of me—too close—is Pascha.Pascha.His head nestled in the crook of my neck, his warm breath brushing against my skin, while one arm was held around my waist, tight ike I stil belonged to him and would not be let go.My chest tightens.How did he get from the other side of the bed to here?!I swallowed, preparing to push his body away, but before I could move, an annoyed grunt sounded from the other side of the bed."Mommy! Daddy's cheating!"I turned around quickly, finding Max sitting on the other side of the bed with an expression full of complaints. The boy crossed his a
His Son, Her Secret CXXIV : No Going Home, Mommy!
It's late at night.The San Francisco air feels cooler as the breeze from the ocean breaks through the crack in the kitchen window.Max had been looking sleepy for an hour, but as usual, he refused to admit his defeat to sleepiness. He kept running around the house, driving around Pascha's house in his new yellow mini porche, which Pascha said he had ordered directly from the car company, and babbling endlessly about how he could beat all the Autobots with his new robot.I finally approach the front door, preparing to head back to my own house, literally right next door to Pascha's, Max suddenly appears from behind, standing directly in front of me with his arms outstretched, blocking my way.I frowned, seeing him looking at me with a serious expression."Where are you going, Mommy?" he asked in a suspicious tone.I raised my eyebrows. "Home....?"Max snorted loudly, looking at me as if I had just said something outrageous. "No!"I blinked, confused. "Why? Mommy's house is next door.
His Son, Her Secret CXXIII: Flour, Fire, and a Love Long Lost
My fingers moved deftly, removing the onion skin. The knife moves nimbly on the chopping board, slicing the onion, each thin slice falling into the bowl. A tangy aroma instantly fills the air, mingling with the fragrant remains of the dough Pascha failed to make earlier.Clara stands beside me, her sleeves rolled up, and without prompting, she begins cleaning up the mess left behind by Pascha."Are we making arepas too?" Clara asks, putting the remaining potato skins in the trash.I glanced over her. "If Pascha have white cheese, why not?"She walked over to refrigerator, pulling out the ingredients without asking: cornmeal, cheese, and butter. Everything was on the table in less than a minute. Her hands deftly started mixing the arepas without needing my signal.I returned to the piece of meat I was washing under cold water. It was a thin piece of flank steak for sobrebarriga, a dish that is supposed to be slow-cooked, but I knew how to speed up the process without sacrificing flavor
