"Come to think of it. I think this is the best idea," she suggested. "Hide on your husband’s island for at least a month or more! Besides, you already have plans to take a vacation before starting work, right?" "Are you serious, Zanaida? You want me to stay in Octavious Alejandro’s lair?" I expressed in disbelief. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on! He’s your husband. You're even enjoying each other’s company, aren't you? Are you still afraid of him?" "Who said I’m afraid of him? Didn't you tell me he's cruel? I can't... how do I explain this? He is too much to handle." I bit my lower lip. Besides that, he's also too tempting, and that's not good for my heart. "Well, yes, I said that he’s cruel, but to his business. You are his wife, and I don’t think he will be cruel to you. Actually, I find him possessive and aggressive..." She winked as she grinned broadly. "And hot! He’s too hot for you! You know, I still can't believe he would come here just to taste you—" "It's my punishment
“Reidnan Sixto Island Resort. The name of the island itself suggests the remarkable attractiveness of its owner,” Zanaida's comment made me shake my head. We disembarked from the plane together. Two days after shopping for our essentials, we immediately traveled here. I had no regrets because even before the plane landed, the view from above was already breathtaking. I also observed the limited presence of people, likely due to the non-peak summer season, which enhanced the overall experience. It provided a feeling of ownership over the island, and the sensation was truly delightful. Zanaida was busy taking photos, occasionally making me her model. The resort staff welcomed us with flower necklaces and crowns. They placed flower crowns on us, and the men received flower necklaces. I marveled at the entire place. It was a breathtaking sight, with the endless expanse of shimmering blue water stretching as far as the eye could see, evoking a sense of tranquility and wonder. The soun
"Alright boys! You can go back to your work now. I’ll call you again if we ever need another company. Muah!” I grimace as I watch Zanaida blow a kiss to the two tour guides.Currently, we are in a floating cottage. We are watching the sun slowly disappear behind the ocean. As the sun descends, its warm, glowing light bathes the surrounding landscape in a rich spectrum of colors, ranging from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples.The beauty of the sunset is not just in the colors, but also in the way it can evoke a sense of wonder and tranquility in those who witness it. As the light fades and the day comes to a close, the world seems to slow down, allowing us to reflect on the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.The tour guide accompanied us to the floating cottage. We took some photos with them, as Zanaida insisted, and some solo shots. Despite it being evening, it wasn't too nerve-wracking as there were many floating cottages in the sea. It was also w
It's not really true that if you stay silent, your issues will automatically stop, especially if people keep bringing them up.She couldn't understand why the issue she was involved in kept going viral on social media. She doesn't know what to do anymore. She thought she would be able to return to her normal life soon. She just thought so.After a week on the island, Zanaida also left. We had so much fun, trying all the resort's activities and enjoying relaxation pursuits like body massages and yoga. It was a very peaceful week.Now that I'm alone, I can't help but browse social media out of boredom. Zanaida warned me several times not to read comments on the internet, but I couldn't resist it.And I can't believe people still can't move on from this drama. After all, who can forget the issue when Sabrina's posts keep targeting me?One time, I couldn't help myself; bashers, who were her fans, kept tagging me in one of her posts. According to her post:“People nowadays just don't care.
“Are you sure about your plan, Euphrasia? The agreement you want to enter into is no joke. You cannot just enter and when you decided that it was not meant for you, you cannot easily back out,” Zanaida expressed with concern, her words laced with worry, the familiarity of a best friend and soul sister.“I know what I’m doing Zanaida. Also, you know that I have no choice. My father bound me to this Will without having to think about my feelings,” I answered calmly, my voice tinged with bitterness.We were in the hotel suite where I temporarily stayed. Zanaida decided to help me arrange my things for my flight this coming Saturday.“This is just ridiculous! Your father for sure was not in his right mind when he did that Will,” she said in dismay and fell on the sofa.I chuckled. “I’m just his illegitimate daughter. I already expected this. It's even more than I initially anticipated. I thought he wouldn't leave me anything.”My father, Eugenio Acosta, just died of a heart attack. Out of
I was too stunned to speak. When I got the ability to stand, I almost stumbled and make myself an embarrassment in front of him. “Mr. Allejandro… “I stood up in shock. The picture from the internet didn’t do him justice! I wasn’t expecting the onslaught of strange emotions I felt when I saw him. Turns out he’s stunning in person.I reached out to his palm and shook his hand. His grip was firm. I calmed myself down and smiled lightly. I shouldn’t be this affected. Get a grip Euphrasia! He’s just a man.“Please take a seat,” he offered which I gladly follow. I have to immediately sit or else I would collapse on the ground as my knees never been this weak before.He sat in front of me. “I apologize for the sudden change of location. I hope I didn’t waste your time coming here.” Actually, it did but I hope I have the strength to say that.He stared at me intently. There is something in the way he stares at me. I couldn’t stop staring back.“Miss Acosta?”I closed my eyes and secretly chas
Years later…“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed at Ninoy Aquino’s International Airport. Philippine Airlines welcomes you to Manila. The local time is 3:15 in the afternoon. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisles clear until we are parked at the gate. Thank you.”The moment the fasten seat belt sign turned off, I stood up and opened the overhead compartment to get my things.Finally, I’m back in the Philippines. I haven’t been here in nearly four years. That lasted only for a period because I was studying in the United States. I returned home only after my father passed away.I wear my aviator as I step on the stairs outside the plane. I've heard that the temperature is rising in the Philippines. Just stepping outside for a moment, and I'm already sweating.No one knows that I will arrive today. Well, my supposed flight will be next week. I returned home earlier to avoid being picked up at the a
“I’m sorry. I’m looking for someone. I’ll talk to you next time.” I quickly interrupted, dismissing whatever he was saying. I don’t have time for this. I need to find Zanaida. Now.I’ve been going around the bar for a while now and I haven’t found her yet.“Wait! If you’re looking for Zanaida, I know where she is.” I turned back to the man.I can feel the relief that washed over me after I heard that. “Really? Oh god, thank you! I’ve been looking for her for a while now.”I followed the man. I almost fell because someone pushed me. Fortunately, the man immediately grabbed me. “Thank you.”We reached a corner of the bar I hadn't explored yet, and there I saw Zanaida holding a bottle of wine. What the hell is this girl doing! Don’t tell me he been drinking the entire time they were here? She is already drunk but still continues to drink.“She’s been sitting there drinking for a while.” Zanaida seems to have a problem that she is not telling me about.“Hey guys, look who’s here!” The guy
It's not really true that if you stay silent, your issues will automatically stop, especially if people keep bringing them up.She couldn't understand why the issue she was involved in kept going viral on social media. She doesn't know what to do anymore. She thought she would be able to return to her normal life soon. She just thought so.After a week on the island, Zanaida also left. We had so much fun, trying all the resort's activities and enjoying relaxation pursuits like body massages and yoga. It was a very peaceful week.Now that I'm alone, I can't help but browse social media out of boredom. Zanaida warned me several times not to read comments on the internet, but I couldn't resist it.And I can't believe people still can't move on from this drama. After all, who can forget the issue when Sabrina's posts keep targeting me?One time, I couldn't help myself; bashers, who were her fans, kept tagging me in one of her posts. According to her post:“People nowadays just don't care.
"Alright boys! You can go back to your work now. I’ll call you again if we ever need another company. Muah!” I grimace as I watch Zanaida blow a kiss to the two tour guides.Currently, we are in a floating cottage. We are watching the sun slowly disappear behind the ocean. As the sun descends, its warm, glowing light bathes the surrounding landscape in a rich spectrum of colors, ranging from bright yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples.The beauty of the sunset is not just in the colors, but also in the way it can evoke a sense of wonder and tranquility in those who witness it. As the light fades and the day comes to a close, the world seems to slow down, allowing us to reflect on the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.The tour guide accompanied us to the floating cottage. We took some photos with them, as Zanaida insisted, and some solo shots. Despite it being evening, it wasn't too nerve-wracking as there were many floating cottages in the sea. It was also w
“Reidnan Sixto Island Resort. The name of the island itself suggests the remarkable attractiveness of its owner,” Zanaida's comment made me shake my head. We disembarked from the plane together. Two days after shopping for our essentials, we immediately traveled here. I had no regrets because even before the plane landed, the view from above was already breathtaking. I also observed the limited presence of people, likely due to the non-peak summer season, which enhanced the overall experience. It provided a feeling of ownership over the island, and the sensation was truly delightful. Zanaida was busy taking photos, occasionally making me her model. The resort staff welcomed us with flower necklaces and crowns. They placed flower crowns on us, and the men received flower necklaces. I marveled at the entire place. It was a breathtaking sight, with the endless expanse of shimmering blue water stretching as far as the eye could see, evoking a sense of tranquility and wonder. The soun
"Come to think of it. I think this is the best idea," she suggested. "Hide on your husband’s island for at least a month or more! Besides, you already have plans to take a vacation before starting work, right?" "Are you serious, Zanaida? You want me to stay in Octavious Alejandro’s lair?" I expressed in disbelief. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on! He’s your husband. You're even enjoying each other’s company, aren't you? Are you still afraid of him?" "Who said I’m afraid of him? Didn't you tell me he's cruel? I can't... how do I explain this? He is too much to handle." I bit my lower lip. Besides that, he's also too tempting, and that's not good for my heart. "Well, yes, I said that he’s cruel, but to his business. You are his wife, and I don’t think he will be cruel to you. Actually, I find him possessive and aggressive..." She winked as she grinned broadly. "And hot! He’s too hot for you! You know, I still can't believe he would come here just to taste you—" "It's my punishment
"But you are my wife. Whatever your concern is, it will be my problem too," he insisted. "I know," I responded. "I won't say that you're my husband. I value the contract that we made. I know you don't want others to know that you're already married." I bit my lip. "Says who?" he challenged. "Oh, come on! Don't take me for a fool. I know your kind," I rolled my eyes. Can you believe it? If I know, over the years, he probably also thought that he doesn't really have a wife. Because our marriage is just in name only. I never questioned it because, honestly, I sometimes feel partially single, especially when I have a crush. But it's a different story when I get into a relationship. "Let me handle this matter, okay? If... if I ever need your help, I will not hesitate to call you," I promised. And I wish that time never comes. I don't want to owe him. Especially since I know we'll eventually part ways. "Don't... don't just call. Come to me." That left me speechless. "I... I'll think
I quietly returned to the dining table. I couldn't look at Octavious. I felt his gaze following me. Gradually, the events of last night started to sink in. Yes, I did dance with Azielle, but it was a wholesome dance! I didn't know we would be photographed and would go viral on social media. I found out from the articles I read earlier that I was accused of being the third party between Azielle and his actress girlfriend. That their relationship were on the rocks because of me. But what did I know about that, especially since I just came back from another country? I didn't know that Azielle had a jealous girlfriend, that a simple dance could be taken the wrong way. Now, I'm about to face a similar fate with my husband. People on social media have hurled hurtful words at me, and it doesn't affect me. I hope my husband won't do the same. That's a different matter, of course. If he confronts me about it, I doubt I'll be able to remain silent. I pulled the chair next to Octavious. He w
"I can blow dry my hair too, you know," I mutter silently. I closed my eyes as he combs my hair using his fingers. "I can also blow dry your hair for you," he said huskily near my ear. I cleared my throat. "By the way, how did you find me?" I suddenly asked. "I have my ways." I turned to look at him and raised an eyebrow. "I hope you are not doing anything illegal just to locate where I am." He turned his face towards me. My eyes widened a bit. Oh boy, he knows how to tease. "Not yet," he whispered while looking at my lips. I feel the sudden surge of heat inside my body. I pushed him away as my defense and turned away. But he suddenly circles his arms around my waist and pulls me closer against him. I can feel his body heat against mine. His face on my neck tickles. And I can feel something hard against my bum that makes me squirm a little. What the hell is he planning to do? "Octavious!" I scolded as his hand began to fumble with the buttons of my clothes. "We have a deal," I
I was tense while sitting inside the car. I just closed my eyes while traveling. I’m still dizzy but thankfully I’m not vomiting anymore. “Take me to you my hotel, please,” I begged with my eyes shut. I was out of my mind when I got into his car earlier. I refrained from further argument, sensing his growing irritation based on his frown. Why didn't I realize the extent of this man's influence? It seems as though he possesses an uncanny ability to anticipate my every thought and move. Regardless of my whereabouts, he consistently manages to track me down. Zanaida suddenly crossed my mind, prompting me to hit my forehead. I even forgot to say goodbye because of the panic I felt earlier. But it doesn’t matter anyway. I know that her friends will take her home. A warm touch on my forehead roused me from my thoughts. Slowly waking up, I met his concerned gaze. “Does your head hurt?” I found myself captivated by his intense pair of black orbs. I can see his worry and I wonder for a se
“I’m sorry. I’m looking for someone. I’ll talk to you next time.” I quickly interrupted, dismissing whatever he was saying. I don’t have time for this. I need to find Zanaida. Now.I’ve been going around the bar for a while now and I haven’t found her yet.“Wait! If you’re looking for Zanaida, I know where she is.” I turned back to the man.I can feel the relief that washed over me after I heard that. “Really? Oh god, thank you! I’ve been looking for her for a while now.”I followed the man. I almost fell because someone pushed me. Fortunately, the man immediately grabbed me. “Thank you.”We reached a corner of the bar I hadn't explored yet, and there I saw Zanaida holding a bottle of wine. What the hell is this girl doing! Don’t tell me he been drinking the entire time they were here? She is already drunk but still continues to drink.“She’s been sitting there drinking for a while.” Zanaida seems to have a problem that she is not telling me about.“Hey guys, look who’s here!” The guy