I can't count how many times I sigh. I look back and forth between the wireless phone and the tv screen.I closed my eyes tightly as if I could mentally talk to my father. Annoyed, I stood up. I went to the laundry area and washed our dirty clothes in the washing machine. It has a dryer so it dries quickly even if it rains outside."Haist…" I shook my head as I poured the powder detergent into the washing machine.I got out of the laundry area. I went back to the living room and was annoyed that I picked up the wireless phone. Suddenly it rang. I screamed in shock and threw it on the carpeted floor. I also picked it up quickly."Hello?" Hoping that my dad was on the other line."Fatima.""Dad!" I was glad to hear my father's voice. “Please, pick us up. I don't like it here. I don't even know which continent of the Philippines you took us to. If we are still in Manila, abroad, or what.""Hey, slow down. How are you two?"I was silent for a moment. How are the two of us?"No–" I stared a
I was yawning when I opened my eyes. The surroundings are dark. I never thought I would be able to sleep in bed with kier. When I remembered he was burning with fever I immediately got out of bed and turned on the light switch.I felt pity when I saw Kier, he slept peacefully. I touched his forehead and neck, he was still hot but not like a while ago.I took the blanket and wrapped it around him then hurried out of the room. I went to the kitchen. There's still rice left in the rice cooker, so I heated it. I opened the fridge and looked for something to cook. I saw some instant noodles. That’s what I cooked that Kier could eat to calm down his fever.It is still not possible to buy medicine because it is still raining outside, and the weather is still inclement. Hot noodle soup can be an alternative medicine instead of lying down next to Kier which almost gives me a fever too.I was preparing a bowl of soup noodles when I remembered something. I dreamed of Kier and–I covered my mouth
When I got down, I went to the living room and sat on the sofa for a while. But from time to time I look up the stairs.It's just a kiss so I shouldn't be affected! I whispered to myself. Kier is sick and I need to take care of him.I stood up and walked back and forth in the living room while biting my fingernail. I decided to go to the kitchen to heat the leftover noodles in the casserole."Let me help you," Kier said from behind. I didn't notice that Kier had already entered the kitchen."No thanks. I can do it," I refused. I get scared every time he is next to me. I feel like I'm always in danger when this man is around. Oh, I'm wrong! Is it true that I am afraid of myself and not of this man? "You're not feeling well, why did you come down?""I want to drink water."That’s when I realized I forgot to bring water when I brought him something to eat. "I’m sorry, I forgot. I'm worried about you.""It's okay.""'ll get you water," I said and turned off the stove."Don't bother."Ou
MY jaw hurts from yawning. I turn off the TV and look at the antique wall clock. It is past midnight.I stood up. I headed to the kitchen and grabbed a basin with lukewarm water. Then I went up to the second floor.When I opened the bedroom door I saw Kier sound asleep and snoozing. I noticed that he had changed his clothes. I set the basin down on the bedside table. Kier was still warm when I touched his forehead.His face moved when the face towel touched his cheek. I wiped his forehead, neck, arms and…and chest. My fingers trembled when I felt his heartbeat.I caressed his face. "Get well, so I don't have to worry about you."I came out after I wiped Kier. I went back to the living room and lay down on the sofa because I was already drowsy. I picked up the throw pillow and hugged it. Until I fall asleep.THE next morning when I woke up, I smelled the aroma of roasted garlic. I got up immediately. I knew Kier was in the kitchen, we were the only ones in the mansion.I saw him busy c
That night, the Williams family was at our home. Our parents were happy to know our decision.My father poured wine into the goblet and handed it to Kier's father.We are currently in the living room. I looked at Kier. He looked cool; there was not even a sign that he felt anxious in any way. Would I be okay after tonight? Can I still get my heart after I let him borrow my heart in our pretense? Would I come out alive of this pretense?I'm already in love with Kier. I agreed to his plan to pretend in front of our parents that we loved each other. I wasn't forced, but my heart volunteered to do that.Kier always kisses me, but I have never heard the word “I love you” from him.We asked them if we could go to the garden. Our parents gladly allowed us. But I was shocked when Kier caressed my face and kissed me without saying a word. My doubts were drowned out by the strange sensation of his kiss."Pretend that you missed me. Pretend that you want to kiss me so much. Pretend that you truly
"Friend! You didn’t tell me about this," Kim said sullenly and hugged me. "I'm very worried about you because I can't contact your cell phone number. Then yesterday I found out, it's your wedding day." I smiled. "You know about my wedding, don't you?" "Yes." Kim slapped my shoulder. "But you told me, your wedding is next month. But wait, what happened to you the day you planned to leave and get away? My cousin told me he couldn't contact you that day?" I shrugged. But I didn’t tell her about what happened to me with Kier. "You just be happy for me, okay?" I jokingly remarked. I looked at Kier. He looked happy and in love. Geez… I didn't know he was so good at acting. He can audition on big TV Networks to be an actor in a movie. How he managed to put that “realistic” love and passion in his eyes, I didn’t know. "Am I late?" My eyes widened when I saw who had spoken. "D-Drix? Oh my, it’s really you!" I happily hugged him. "I thought you're in France?" I also invited Drix and even
I winced. How could I forget that I wasn't in my room? And especially how can I forget that I am not alone in this room? Outside was the man who could make my knees turn into jelly just by looking at me.Dammit, self!Holding my breath, I waited for Kier to knock on the bathroom door."Kier, are you there? Where is my towel?" I approached the door and pressed my ear to it. I heard the crackle outside the bathroom. "Kier?"I was forced to unlock the door. I opened it to peek at Kier. He was standing outside the door. He quietly handed the towel to me."Why aren't you answering?" I asked in disgust. My hand was shaking as I reached for the towel. The aircon is on in the room, so I feel cold."Huh? A, e– " I saw him swallow. He doesn't take his eyes off my body.My eyes widened and I suddenly cried out remembering that I wasn't wearing anything. My nakedness was exposed in Kier's eyes.I slammed the bathroom door shut. Kier shouted. I close my eyes when I realize that the door has pin
I will get dressed in the bathroom. I stared at my reflection after getting dressed. The girl who stared back at me–was different from Fatima who is overflowing with anger at the man who is now my husband. I gasped out loud. I didn’t realize my eyes were already watering. I tightly closed my eyes. I was in love with Kier. That was the plain truth and it looked like I was going to stay–in my married life with Kier. But how do I do that? Our marriage is fake. I wiped away my tears. I held my chest. I could feel my heart beating fast. I'm nervous. I remember Kier who was outside the bathroom. What would happen to me now? Now that I am positive that I love him, I will find it even harder to get along with him. I shouldn’t expect him to love me either. Whatever we have now is just the result of a situation we both want to escape. Everything was a pretense, nothing more, nothing less. I exhaled heavily. I would keep everything to myself. Kier shouldn’t know how I really feel. He shouldn
"I've been three years away from you but I can't forget you. You're deeply etched here in my heart. That's why when my parents opened up again that they wanted me to marry you, I agreed. I said to myself before heading back here, I will make sure that this time, you'll fall for me no matter what. And thank God! I finally succeeded! You can't escape my charm!""Charm my foot!" I pretended to be annoyed. "Did you hear me say I love you?"He was stunned. He seemed to think. Of course, my heart is to the rescue. "I hate you!" I said and hugged my husband tightly."You hate me?""Yes.""Why is that?" Kier asked in a confused tone of voice."Because I've been waiting for a long time for you to tell me that you love me. Then now, you confessed your love for me while you were naked!""Love me, Fatima. I never stopped loving you. Tell me you love me too.""I think you used a potion on me." I caressed his face. The happiness I feel is unparalleled. "I love you, Mutant. I love you, Kier. I
Kier stood up and handed me a brown envelope. "You're my wife... legally." With trembling hands, I opened it. I gasped when I read what was written in the document. Our marriage certificate! "This isn't true. You said our marriage was fake?" My blood boiled. Did he trick me? Just to please our parents? I held my chest. "They knew about our plan. They tricked us." "Does this mean we're really married?" "Yes." "L-let's get a divorce." I approached him and held his hand. "I know I'm just a burden to you. I know you don't want to be tied to me, either. So please, give me back my freedom." "I can't..." "W-what?" Frowning, I looked up to see his face. "Didn't I say, I won't leave you even if you ask me to? I even said that here at the Santillan Mansion. A promise is a promise. The promise should not be broken, wifey." I blinked. I think I got dizzy from what he said. I just woke up. Who wouldn't be surprised when you wake up with the man you've been thinking about for days? "Do
It's been a week since I left Kier's house. From the subdivision, I took a taxi and asked the driver to take me to Tagaytay. I checked in at the newly opened hotel and restaurant in Tagaytay. While I was there I was thinking of leaving the Philippines to visit my brother in America. "Thank you," I said smiling at the woman who delivered my order to the table I occupied. I stirred my coffee and smelled its aroma. I tasted a slice of strawberry cake. Delicious! But I smiled bitterly. Earlier, I called my mother on the phone. I explained everything to her. I said don't look for me. I'm not ready to go home yet. I wasn't sure of anything anymore. I just want to get away. After drinking coffee I decided to leave Starbucks. I still feel the sadness inside me. All I want to hear from Kier is that he loves me. It's sad. But I will try to be happy. But it's impossible because Kier destroyed my ability to be happy. He is my happiness. I didn't have any trouble getting a taxi. When t
There wasn’t a moment of hesitation. His mouth was on mine, and I stopped breathing. He shuddered and there was a sound from the back of his throat, half growl, half moan. Little shivers of pleasure and panic shot through me as he deepened the kiss, parting my lips. I stopped thinking.The rush of sensations crawling across my body was maddening. Scary. Thrilling. His hands were moving down, under my shirt, his fingers skimming over my skin, sending a rush of blood to every part of my body."You can still say no..." he whispered, dropping small kisses along my face.I wanted to say no. I'm afraid to give in to what he's doing. But I couldn't disobey what my heart was whispering. I loved him. And I wanted to feel his love at least tonight.I might be a fool to think that way.Stupid as it is, I wanted to take the risk. I caressed his cheek and kissed him sweetly.His lips slid down my neck. And my hands went down. I ran my fingers down his chest, His stomach was hard, dipped, and rippl
Kier looked at his father with a smile on his face. "Dad, Fatima loves me." "My daughter, she used to talk about you when she was just a teenager. She would tell me how she hated you. But I know that it was the only way she could deal with her feelings. I always see her sneaking glances at you when you talk to Tristan, my son. When I tell her that her older brother is better at basketball, she gets annoyed. She said Tristan is my son. So I don't see that you are better at basketball than him. I know that she secretly admires you even when you were teenagers." "That's mainly the reason why we wanted you to get married. We saw you love each other. You can't admit your feelings for each other, so we made a way. When I accidentally saw Fatima's picture under your pillow before you flew to America, I talked to Carlo. I no longer had doubts that you love her," said Rodrigo and patted his son on the shoulder. "Y-you saw it?" Kier asked his father. It was his biggest secret. He kept a pict
"There's no reason for Kier to know about my feelings for him.""Why?" Kim let go of my embrace."He loves someone else, Kim."She caressed my back sadly. "Tell me the truth, you were just pretending to argue with Kier in the kitchen, am I right?"I nodded. "From our marriage, and our divorce plan, it's all just a pretense. Our marriage is fake.""What?" With wide eyes, Kim covered her mouth. "You mean–""Our marriage is not legal. We are not a real couple," I added to what she would have said. "Kier paid the lawyer who blessed our marriage.""Oh, God! Why did you agree?""Because I love him. Even though I know it's all just a pretense. I thought he loved me too.""Many people die because of delusions. Has anything happened to both of you? I mean, have you given him your virginity yet?""No!" I answered quickly. "We kissed.""When your father learns the truth about your marriage, he will definitely be angry.""I know. Before we decided to get married, we had already planned our divorce
"Wifey, our parents will come here later."I was stunned. We are currently in the living room."Is that so?" I faced him. I stood up and went to the window."Don't worry." He followed her.How could I not worry? He said that our parents will visit us and it only reminds me that we will soon be separated. But that's what I wanted to say to Kier, I just couldn't say it. My heart suddenly hurt because of what I thought. I cleared my throat."Are we going to let them know about the divorce we are planning?"He fell silent for a moment. I heard his heavy sigh."Is that what you want?"I blinked to stop the tears from forming in my eyes. I bit my lower lip and wrapped my arms around my body. I suddenly felt cold. Is that what I want? For my heart's safety, I silently nodded."Okay. We'll do it.”After a while, I heard his footsteps away from me. He left the house and I don't know where he was going. I couldn't stop myself from crying.It hurts to accept that our marriage is not real. Tha
I tried to push Kier away from me, but my strength was wasted, he hugged me tightly. I didn't expect what he did next, he bent his head and kissed me hard, muffling my cry.His warm kiss was enough to get rid of the coldness I was feeling. I want to hate him but no matter what happens, I can't stop myself from loving him.When our lips parted, Kier bent down and picked me up. "Let's go inside the house. You're going to get sick from what you're doing. I was very worried when I talked to Teresa. She said she never saw you leave the house and you weren't in the bedroom either."I rested my head on his chest. I was physically and emotionally exhausted.We entered the house. We used the stairs in the kitchen to go up to the balcony on the second floor. And then he took me to the bathroom, made me stand there, and fixed the bathtub. He felt the water and added bubble salt. Then he faced me and removed my wet clothes one by one."W-what are you doing?" I hugged myself."Modesty's not appro
"We don't have a relationship.""Really?" I said sarcastically. "Why does she call you darling?""Come on, don't you trust me?" I didn't answer. "Are you jealous of Savannah?""Of course not," I answered quickly. I noticed the pain on Kier's face. "I am your wife and we are newly married. What if our marriage became real? Would you treat me like this in front of many people as your wife? You're going to flirt with another girl even though I'm with you?""Why did our conversation turn to me?""Because you started it," I said. Annoyed, I turned my back on him. I went to the closet and got some clothes to wear. I heard Kier call my name, but I answered him with a loud slam of the door.I don't know how I fell asleep next to Kier, but I did sleep. Somewhere in the night, I woke up when I heard the door creak. Sleepily, I turned to the other side of the bed. Kier wasn't there but I could see the bathroom light was on. I went back to sleep.WHEN I woke up, Kier was no longer by my side. I w