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XII : Smiles and Scars
Last Updated:
2024-12-24 16:17:38
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His Son, Her Secret XIII : Chasing Shadows
I stood in front of the stove, busy stirring the pancake batter, my hair still wrapped in rollers, and I felt like a housewife from an old era.The sound of small steps running across the wooden floor made me let out a long sigh. Max, with seemingly endless energy, kept running from one end of the house to the other, even though Clara had tried to catch him to put on his pre-kindergarten uniform."Maximus Superman, stop running around!" Clara called out from the living room, her breathing starting to sound a little tired. She held the little navy blue uniform in one hand while the other was outstretched, trying to grab Max, who was nimbly dodging. "If you don't stop, we won't make it in time, Superman!""But I want to play, Cece!" Max replied in a loud voice, his laughter filling the already quite busy morning air.I rolled my eyes as I poured pancake batter onto the hot griddle, producing a soothing sizzling sound. "Maxie, listen to Cece. Otherwise, you won't get to eat Mommy's panca
Last Updated : 2024-12-24His Son, Her Secret XIV : Falling Fast
I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles turning white as the car glided down the highway. The air inside the car felt hot even though the air conditioner was on. My breathing was short, and my mind was spinning endlessly.The image of Pascha approaching, his cold gaze, and that kiss are like a bad movie loop that constantly occupies my mind. I felt disgusted, not just at him but also at myself, for not being able to erase him from my life, even after five years.I stepped on the gas pedal harder, too hard. The car was speeding up, the engine rumbling, but I don’t care.My eyes were glued to the road, but my mind was far away. Everything that had just happened in the restroom made me angry, embarrassed, and more than anything—awful.What was he thinking? What did he want from me?Why couldn't he just let me live in peace?But I was too preoccupied with my own thoughts to realize that I was exceeding the speed limit. The cars around started honking, but I ignored them.Suddenl
Last Updated : 2024-12-26His Son, Her Secret XV : A Step Too Far
Sunlight filtering through the thin curtains gently illuminated the hospital room. The air in the room was mixed with the scent of antiseptic, making me fully aware that I was still in the same place.But my body felt more refreshed. I rested my head on the pillow and watched Max, who was busy drawing on a small table in the corner of the room. The crayons in his hand moved excitedly, making random lines that only a child like him could understand.Clara sat on a chair near my bed, scrolling through the screen of her phone, occasionally smiling at Max. He's been here for two hours, just like I asked. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't seen their faces as soon as I opened my eyes.This morning began with a bit of luck. A friendly nurse told me that Pascha had left early in the morning before I had even woken up. There was "important business" he had to take care of, she said. That gave me a little breathing space and calmed my longing for Max, at least for now.I sighed an
Last Updated : 2024-12-30His Son, Her Secret XVI : Push and Pull
I stood on the edge of the bed, staring at the suitcase full of my stuff.People who seemed to be Pascha's assistants paced the room, carrying documents, shopping bags, and everything else I hadn't even asked for. They moved with cold efficiency, like machines that knew precisely what to do.And in the middle of it all—Pascha.I glanced at the sofa in the corner of the room. He was still sitting on the same couch from this morning, one leg crossed over the other, his eyes never really leaving me.I tried to ignore him, focusing on my things. But it's not easy to ignore someone so... domineering."I don't need any of this, Pascha," I sighed irritably, looking at some of the people who were clearing away my things that Clara had brought yesterday.He just raised a thin eyebrow, a slight smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "It's not for you," he replied flatly. "It's to make sure you don't make a mess again."I bit my lip, trying to contain my anger. "I'm fine. I can take care of my
Last Updated : 2024-12-31His Son, Her Secret XVII : Pressure Point
I stepped into the office with a deep breath, trying to brace myself. Despite the smiles and warm greetings from the people around me, the long hallway to my office felt heavier than usual."Belva! You're back!"I turned around and found Jenny from HR approaching with a face full of worry."We heard about your accident from Mr. Grant. Are you okay?"I forced a smile, trying to look as calm as possible. "I'm fine, Jenny. Thanks for asking."But, that didn't stop the steady stream of attention. Several employees paused to ask how I was doing, praised my courage for returning to work so quickly, and even suggested that I leave early if I felt tired.I just replied with a nod and a friendly smile.When I finally reached my room, I saw my team already gathered in the small meeting room next to it. The whiteboard was full of diagrams and notes about the Lantum Mining project—the project that Romanov Corp was now attached to.My heart beats faster.I closed the door to my room quietly, letti
Last Updated : 2024-12-31His Son, Her Secret XVIII : Power Play
I'm standing in the center of the new office space where our team will work during the Lantum Mining project. The room is spacious, with a glass wall overlooking the busy city of San Francisco. The desks are set up and complete with the latest technological equipment provided by Romanov Corp."Amazing," Ryan murmured next to me, his eyes gleaming at the facility. "I feel like I'm working in a science fiction movie."I smiled faintly, trying to ignore the anxiety that still hung in my chest. Focus, Belva. This is just a new office. This project is just another phase in your life.We got busy organizing the desks and computers, ensuring everything was ready to start work tomorrow. I took advantage of this time to get my mind away from the chaotic feelings.My phone vibrates. I take it out of my blazer pocket, and a message from Clara appears on the screen.Clara: Max just finished the 50-piece puzzle all by himself! He's so proud.The message is accompanied by a photo of Max smiling bro
Last Updated : 2025-01-02His Son, Her Secret XIX : What’s Inside?
When I arrive home, the orange sky paints long shadows on the sand. The roar of the waves accompanies my steps to the back porch, where Max's laughter echoes happily. I pause, watching his small figure chase a ball with Clara along the beach.Clara waves to me, her brown hair a mess in the wind. Max looked up, his face beaming when he saw me."Mommy! Come, come, come!" he exclaimed, jumping up and down on the spot, calling me excitedly.I raised my hand, waving briefly before entering the house. The air inside the house was calmer, with the distinctive smell of sea salt mixed with the fragrant wood from the kitchen.I removed my shoes, placed them in the corner by the door, and headed for the bathroom. The warm water touched my skin, caressing it gently, erasing the traces of fatigue from a long day. But, although my body felt calm, my mind was caught up in the conversation with Pascha, which was still echoing. It was like a wound that hadn't healed completely—painful, disturbing and
Last Updated : 2025-01-02His Son, Her Secret XX : A Sudden Encounter
It's getting late, and the sound of Max laughing with Clara is in the background as I lie on the sofa, holding my phone with shaking hands. The screen light shines on my face as I type something into the social media search bar.Jacob Hernandes.I tapped on his profile icon, and the page opened, revealing photos featuring Jacob in various situations. There were photos of him in white suit in the hospital, at a medical conference, and some casual shots on the beach or at an expensive restaurant. But what caught my eye the most were his portraits with Pascha.There was a photo of them at a formal event, perhaps a charity gala or a business meeting. The two of them stood side by side, Jacob with his warm smile and Pascha with his signature cold expression. I swallowed, my heart beating a little faster. Seeing them together reminded me how close they were, and it was enough to make my head full of worry.Did Jacob really keep his promise?I returned to Jacob's homepage, trying to ignore t
Last Updated : 2025-01-03
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His Son, Her Secret XXXI : The Morning of His Triumph
The darkness wrapped around me like a soft blanket, bringing a warmth that was so familiar and soothing. My body felt light, drowning in unexplainable comfort. The faint scent of sandalwood and the traces of warmth around me made me want to stay here forever, away from all the chaos in the real world.Among my wavering consciousness, I felt something—a soft touch like a butterfly's wing on my cheek, a small peck that was almost a whisper.Warm breath touched my skin, creating a peaceful sensation that slowly made me smile in my sleep.This warmth is so familiar as if I recognized it long ago but can't remember the last time I felt it.I let out a long breath, my body relaxing even more in that cozy embrace. Unconsciously, I drew closer to the source of that warmth, letting myself sink further into this peace. There was no pain, no worry—just warmth and soothing darkness.:::The morning sunlight pierced through the thin curtains, illuminating the room with warm rays that reflected off
His Son, Her Secret XXX : Dance of Flames [21++]
As the elevator doors opened with a soft thud, Pascha immediately grabbed my hand, leading me out without giving me a chance to rebel.My high heels clashed with the shiny marble floor, and I had to half-run to keep up with his long strides. The room was part of the VVIP hotel, the highest floor in the building, with a glass wall that provided a view of the city of San Francisco and the beach in the distance.However, I didn't have time to notice the beauty."Let. Me. Go!" I tried to stop my steps, but he only tightened his grip on my wrist, forcing me to follow his steps."What do you want from me?" I shouted, my breathing heavy with emotion mixed with exhaustion. My body stiffened as he stopped in front of a large door, took a key card from his pocket, and opened the door with a swift motion.He didn't answer. Instead, he pulled me into a spacious room with modern interiors and elegant neutral colors. The door closed with a click behind me, trapping us both inside the space.I twist
His Son, Her Secret XXIX : Old Flames Ignite
The night was falling. The sky outside was dark, with stars faintly visible through the window curtains. Aurora stood behind me, concentrating on fixing my hair, while I sat in front of the mirror with my body slightly tense."So he really said he would take Max away from you?" Aurora's voice broke the silence.I nodded slowly, staring at our reflection in the mirror. "Yeah. He's not messing around, Ara."Aurora paused for a moment, her lips drawn into a thin line, then quickly picked up a hairpin to tighten the bun she was making. "That guy is really... ugh, I don't have words bad enough to describe him.""We can make a list of curse words if you want," Kyara interrupted from the doorway, folding her arms across her chest. "Pascha Romanov is shameless. How dare he show up after five years and immediately feel he has a right to Max."I let out a long sigh, looking at Aurora, who was busy with my hair again. "You know, I loved him once too. I mean, I... I still don't know what he reall
His Son, Her Secret XXVIII : Walls and Wounds
PRESENT The darkness was so peaceful, wrapping me like a soft blanket that hugged me tightly. I felt my body light, without the haunting pain like before.In my sleep, I felt a familiar warmth, a firm and protective embrace, like an anchor amid a storm. The steady heartbeat, the deep breathing—all of it gave me unexplainable comfort.Like returning home after years of being lost.I don't want to wake up. Here, in this warmth, all my worries disappeared. I let myself sink deeper, letting time pass without a care in the world.But finally, reality pulled me back.Slowly, my eyes opened. The soft light of the morning sun infiltrated through the thick window curtains. The unfamiliar white ceiling greeted my sight, and I realized my head was no longer as heavy as before. But, there was a light throbbing in my stomach, a reminder of all the emotions and pain I had gone through.I blinked a few times, trying to understand where I was. This room was... large, with elegant modern furniture. T
His Son, Her Secret XXVII : FLASHBACK = The Drama Queen and Her Idiot
FLASHBACKCampus was filled with students preparing for our end-of-semester exams. In a quieter corner of the study room, I sat with my head resting on the desk, my hands pressed against my stomach. It felt like a fire burning inside my stomach, consuming every bit of energy I had.“Why are you so stupid, Bel?” Mikaela sat on the chair next to me, looking at me with a half-worried, half-exasperated expression. She snapped a finger in front of my face. “I told you yesterday, don't drink too much coffee, you know your body isn't built for it.”“I have to study,” I muttered weakly. “You know, this IT major is no joke. Those codes won't compile themselves.”“And your body won't heal itself either if you keep treating it like this!” Aurora, sitting next to Mikaela, chimed in while shaking her head. She thrust a mineral water bottle at me. “Drink this. You look like you're going to faint.”I took the bottle with trembling hands, trying to swallow some water even though my stomach felt too f
His Son, Her Secret XXVI : Colliding Tempests
"Mommy!" My heart leapt into my throat as Max's voice broke my trance. He exclaimed excitedly, waving his little arms from where he stood. Wet sand clung to his knees, and his face shone as brightly as the afternoon sun.I wanted to turn around and run away before everything unfolded, but it was already too late. Pascha turned his head slowly towards me, and the cold gaze he cast made my body stiff.He stood up, with his hands still clutching the small shovel. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Max running towards me, leaving a small trail in the sand. But I can only focus on Pascha—his sharp, dagger-like gaze, filled with something I can't quite decipher, maybe anger, maybe shock, or even both."Mommy, look, Daddy and I made a big sand castle!" Max said in a voice full of pride, his little hands pointing toward the big hole they had just dug.I was stunned.The world seemed to spin slowly. The word "Daddy" echoed in my head, destroying all the walls of defence I had painstakingly bu
His Son, Her Secret XXV : Worlds Bound to Clash
I stepped into the small kitchen in the corner of the office, the lingering aroma of coffee from the morning still hanging in the air. The room was quiet, only my footsteps echoing on the tiled floor. It was almost peaceful—almost, as my mind remained filled with Carlos Moguel Sr's threatening voice that kept repeating like an echo in my head.The kitchen was simple but functional, with a modern coffee machine that was a favorite of the whole team. I filled my cup with black coffee, trying to enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of a busy day. The fragrant aroma of the coffee helped calm my mind a little.Heavy footsteps could be heard approaching, and without turning around, I knew who had just walked into the room.I sighed tiredly. Is it too much to ask for one day ... where I don’t have to deal with him?"You must be excited after discovering that I'm your neighbor."I let out a long sigh, trying to stop myself from slamming the coffee cup in my hand to his face. Pascha stood in t
His Son, Her Secret XXV : Tightrope
My heart felt like it had stopped.Pascha's gaze cut through me, piercing like a merciless dagger. The air around me felt heavy, and I found myself unable to move, let alone speak."I can't believe it," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else in the room."Neither do I," Pascha replied, his slight smile growing more disturbing. "The world is smaller than I thought."I forced myself to take a deep breath, trying to get a grip on myself. But, my mind was in turmoil. He is here.Not just at work, not just in the Lantum Mining project that was already torturing me enough, but now also next door to my house. A place that should be a safe space for me—for Max.Max.My mind immediately jumped to the boy, imagining his cheerful face this morning, showing off the Porsche mini car he received from Clara’s uncle. I bite my lip, trying to hold back the worry that suddenly hits me like a big wave.What if Pascha see him? What if he knew? "Mr. Romanov, we've come to discuss about your complain
His Son, Her Secret XXIII : Neighbors & Nightmares
It's getting late, and the coastal breeze feels cooler as Julian and I leave the shop. My house isn't far from here, just a few minutes' walk, so I decided to walk instead."I can handle walking, you know," I shoot him a quick look.He shoved his hands into his pockets, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Guess that makes me your chaperone tonight. Gotta keep the tradition alive, right?"I snorted softly, stepping down the sandy path that led to the beach. The sound of the waves was a constant backdrop, completing the cozy silence between us."You don't have to do this," I said again, though inwardly, I didn't mind his presence."I know," he replied casually. "But I want it."We walked in silence for a while, our steps matching the sound of the occasionally louder waves as the water reached the shore. The moonlight reflected off the surface of the water, giving it an almost magical atmosphere."I think you misunderstood me."I turned to him, slightly surprised by his seri
