The door opened, and Efrain entered, finding Marissa asleep on the couch. The sound of the door woke her, though she stayed lying down, still feeling drowsy from her sleep. She had drifted off after her phone call with Paula the previous night. As she stirred, Efrain came closer, "What are you doing here in the living room? Did you spend the night here?" Marissa nodded, rubbing her eyes. "I've been waiting for you all night. I should have called you, but I don't have your number." "I spent the night at Diana's, we got very drunk. I'm sorry I should have called you." "It's okay. I have no right to be angry with you or anything. I just made dinner and..." Marissa fell silent, feeling embarrassed and shy. She got up and went to the dining table, with Efrain following closely behind.Arriving at the table, Marissa saw the untouched food she had prepared still there. The embarrassment grew, and she wished she could vanish from the awkward situation."Marissa, I'm very sorry. I'll make
Marissa's anxiousness grew as she walked through the hacienda's corridors, her mind overwhelmed by concern about the events that were happening. Efrain, Luna, Marcus, Ignacio, and Paula had all left to meet with Jose Luis, leaving her behind. Despite her strong desire to join them, Efrain adamantly refused, matching, if not surpassing, her own stubbornness.In the end, he succeeded, leaving Marissa to grapple with feelings of frustration and helplessness as she waited for their return, her heart heavy with worry for their safety.Daniella walked to Marissa with a worried look. "What's bothering you? Is it because of Paula, Ignacio, or Efrain?" Marissa locked eyes with Daniella. "What are you talking about?" she snapped, her tone slightly annoyed. "And yes, I'm concerned about all of them because they each mean something to me."Daniella's close proximity made Marissa uncomfortable, her heart beating fast as she tried to remain calm. "I noticed how you look at Efrain," Daniella presse
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, time felt slow as sorrow burdened everyone. Jose Luis's body was brought to the city, where his family held a sad funeral to bid him farewell.Amidst the chaos and anguish, Paula decided to go to the funeral with Ignacio, paying respects to the man who had once given up everything for her. With a sad heart, she said her last goodbyes, feeling sorrow and regret for the unfortunate circumstances.As a powerful step towards closure, Jose Luis's mother handed Paula his belongings. Paula meticulously removed any reminders of their intimate moments, deleting digital images and destroying physical copies. As she watched the flames consume their past, she felt a sense of catharsis—a symbolic letting go of shadows, accepting a journey towards healing and forgiveness.As time passed and Efrain remained in the hospital, Marissa's worry grew stronger. Every day, she went to the hospital feeling guilty and sorry. However, Luna and Diana always stopped her f
A few days later, Efrain, leaning on his crutches, and Marissa arrived at his house. With Marissa's help, Efrain settled onto the sofa, and she brought over a side table and a pillow to prop up his injured leg."Thank you," Efrain expressed. Marissa sat closer to him, feeling his arm encircle her shoulders. "You don't need to thank me," she murmured, meeting his gaze with affection. "I love looking after you. It makes me happy to know I can be of assistance."Since gaining access to Efrain's hospital room, Marissa had made it a daily routine to visit him without fail. Each day, she not only brought herself but also something special she had crafted just for him, pouring her heart into each creation to lift his spirits."What would you like me to make for you today?" Marissa asked, her tone gentle and caring."Don't bother today, Marissa. Tsunami, Marcus, and Diana are coming later."Marissa's smile widened at Efrain's words. "I hope Diana won't be worried seeing me here with you. I c
"Because..." Marissa began, but Efrain interrupted, struggling to stand with the support of his crutches. "Marissa is living here with me."Marissa glanced at Efrain, surprise and concern, this information could cause problems between him and Juan."So, Marissa has been staying with you all this time, and I had no clue about your relationship," Juan expressed his confusion with a puzzled expression on his face.Marissa walked up to him. "It's not your concern. Why don't you go away and let me be?""Marissa, you understand how much I value you. And Efrain, despite being my friend, can only offer you a sexual relationship, nothing beyond that," Juan murmured, speaking only for her ears."Juan, Efrain and I are in a relationship, and we are deeply in love," Marissa asserted."That's a lie, and right now you're going to gather all your things, and we're going home," Juan insisted."No! Marissa is staying with me because she's right, Juan. You've always known about my feelings for your sis
He tilted his head down, surprising Marissa with his sudden movement. Instinctively, she lifted hers, gasping as their mouths collided in a searing kiss. It was hot and wet, almost painful in its intensity as they both revealed their desperation for each other. His body pressed her against the brick wall, drawing a groan from her lips as she eagerly parted them.Her hands wrapped around his neck, fingers twisting in his hair and pulling him closer. His tongue delved into her mouth, tasting and sliding against hers. As his hand moved to grip her arse, Marissa sucked on his lip before teasingly biting it, smiling when he leaned in further with a moan of pleasure."Have I ever told you, you're a good kisser," Marissa murmured against his mouth, her breath warm against his skin. "Really good."He chuckled, licking along the seam of her lips and savoring her taste. "I want you, Marissa. Do you see now?" he whispered huskily, desire evident in his voice."Mmm, I think," she replied, gently
The next morning, Marissa was busy in the kitchen, arranging ingredients on the counter as the smell of breakfast filled the air. In the midst of her morning routine, Efrain entered, leaning on his crutches, as he made his way over to her, and rested his head on her shoulder, bringing a smile to Marissa's face."Good morning, my darling, " he greeted with a soft voice, planting a kiss on her cheek, his breath gentle against her skin. Marissa chuckled at his sweet gesture, her heart fluttering at his affectionate words. "Good morning." "You must have been as quiet as a mouse for me not to hear you waking up, and yet here you are, looking absolutely beautiful," Efrain said, his eyes sparkling with adoration as he admired her.Marissa cherished how Efrain never missed an opportunity to compliment her, but she wondered if his past experiences with various women influenced his behavior."I couldn't bring myself to wake you up; you looked so handsome sleeping, babe," Marissa admitted. "Yo
Marissa entered the hacienda and found her family gathered in the living room, where two elegant elderly figures sat among them. The woman, with captivating hooded green eyes, bore a striking resemblance to Paula, leading Marissa to assume they were Paula's parents.As she moved further into the room, Marissa's mother greeted her with a smile. "Here comes Marissa, the pride and joy of Miguel and me," Rosario said."Good afternoon," Marissa greeted, directing her smile at the elderly couple."Good afternoon," the man replied politely."Good afternoon," the woman added. "She's just as beautiful as Paulina described.""Marissa, meet Anastasia and David, Paulina's parents," Marissa's mother introduced."It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir and Ma'am," Marissa said with a smile. "I've heard so much about you both."Paula descended the stairs, her arm linked with a man who bore a striking resemblance to her-the same hooded greenish eyes and grecian nose. As they walked to the gathered f