What Charles thought would be a quick hangout with his cousins turned into a whole day outing. It didn't end there, Jason brought them to a yacht party during the evening. Charles knew he should have refused but now he is caught up in the moment.
After a few drinks, Charles escaped the crowded area and went to a quieter corner. He glance at his wristwatch and sighed after looking at the time. He could have done so many things if he didn't come with Jason and Jenkins. What's that kid even doing here?
As he gazes at the surrounding, he noticed how calm the ocean was. The city lights that were reflected on the water were something he only sees in photos but now his naked eyes have seen them. Quite calming, he thought and stayed some more.
"A cold night, Mister Castigado!"
Hearing that made Charles turn his head to one side. A lady wearing a glittery tight dress that has a slit to her hips is standing. He has been to this scene a couple of times and so he faced front completely disregarding the lady's sexy appearance.
"Evening to you, lady."
With a flirty smile and her long legs, the stranger took a step, standing beside Charles with her glass of champagne.
"Mind if I stay? They were being too loud." The sweetness of her voice made Charles glance at her again. He eyed her but the lady has that unafraid look on her face.
"I'm not here to have fun," he directly told her.
The lady let out a soft laugh, facing the opposite direction as him as she leans her back against the railings.
"I'm not here for fun either, Mr. Castigado. I'm just here to talk." She took a sip of her champagne and meet with Charles' eyes. Both corners of her mouth curved up into a taunting smile. "Vanessa, a runway model," she introduced herself, reaching her hand.
"Not so interested in models but I'm pretty sure you know me." He reaches for her hand. "Nice to meet you, Vanessa."
That small talk turned into a long flirty conversation between Vanessa and Charles. Talking about similarity and arguing goofily. And when the young night faded, Charles knew they had to say goodbye.
"Guess the party is over," Vanessa told him with eyes that were sparkling like the lights on the water.
"It doesn't have to end," Charles said.
They stare at each other for some moments until Vanessa handed him something. He took it and realized it was a card making him raise a brow at her.
"If you want me, come and get me." Her voice and looks were seducing. Not to mention that freakin' smile on her lips.
When Charles smiled, Vanessa dragged him back to the crowded area. She poured him a drink to celebrate their meeting and Charles took it anyway. It's just one drink.
Soon as they touches the ground, Vanessa only gave him a look and left. Charles watches as her car disappears and he took out the card she gave, staring at it for the longest time.
"Yo! You want to come with us?" Jason asked that made Charles lookup.
"No, I will go home on my own. I have something to take care of," he answered walking towards his car. And as he reached for his car door, Jason spoke again.
"You hate mistakes Charles but I think you need them."
His brows were drawn together. Why the hell is Jason speaking in riddles? He would not care anyway, what's important right now is a night with Vanessa.
Charles continues to open his door and went inside his car, ignoring what Jason just said. Who needs mistakes? Him? Jason must be hella kidding.
It took only a few minutes for Charles to get to the hotel. He wouldn't keep a lady waiting and so he rushed to the elevator, pressing the said floor. But just as the door closed, he felt something within him change. He was rushing, in heat, and really feeling high.
The moment the elevator dings open, he stepped out, walking in a zigzag looking for the right room number. When he finally saw the right ones, he took out his card and slides it in. He pushed the door open and went inside.
Charles went straight and throw himself in the bed. Then he searched for Vanessa, pulling her body close to him. He heard her moan which turned him on more. He wants her so bad. So, he opened his eyes and even though she didn't look the same, he still claimed her lips. It must be his mind playing tricks. He needs pleasure.
The soft sounds Vanessa was making, make Charles more hard. He wasn't the type to like noise and being soft to girls but when he noticed how she moves, he wanted to be careful for some reason. Charles couldn't take it anymore, he wanted more of her, he wants to hear her cry more.
"I want you," he whispers in her ear, his breathing heavy as he looks at her eyes. Crazy enough, her eyes seemed to have changed. It was more beautiful than earlier, sparkling as she stares back at him.
As an answer, she pulled him for a kiss, making him smile in between their kisses. Yes, that was the approval he was waiting for. And the moment he thrust in for the first time, he heard her soft cry, his eyes wide when he noticed how tight it was down there. What the fuck? But he thought Vanessa wasn't a virgin anymore.
"I'm sorry," he whispers. He was about to move a little but she embraced him close.
"Do it, p-please," she sweetly begged. He couldn't see her, but he could feel how hot she was. "I want to feel you... feel me."
Charles bit his lower lip for a second and pinned her down. He leaned in and kiss her, groping her left breast that left her moaning. This is for her body to open up and she won't feel how much it hurts down there.
As he was doing that, he moved slowly, carefully doing a thrust. He was doing it slow and gentle until he feels her body moving to get more of him. He knows it's time to go deeper and thrust harder and he did. Rocking her body as he pounds her damn tight pussy.
The next morning, Charles woke up with a bright smile on his face. He had a damn one-of-a-kind good night and it is all thanks to Vanessa. With his eyes closed, he reached his hand for her body and pulled her closer.He heard her moan and felt her move, embracing him too. Maybe it's really a good idea to enjoy yourself once in a while. He had his best night so far.And when Charles opened his eyes to gaze at the sleeping face of Vanessa, his eyes widened. The woman he is hugging wasn't the Vanessa from last night! It's a different woman! He thought hard, recalling what the hell happened and if he is damn dreaming.Just as he was recalling everything, he heard a gasp. He lowered his gaze and met the stranger's wide eyes. It was at that moment, staring at her eyes that he realized the one he was fucking was this girl in his arms.Suddenly, the girl shrieked away from him, kicking him off the bed. He abruptly sit up but the girl sent a pillow flying th
Stella rode a taxi to her apartment. She was holding crying while she was in that taxi and as soon as she closes her apartment door behind her, she huddled against her door. Her tears just burst out."What did you do, Stella?" she asked herself, sobbing as tears continues to roll down her cheeks. Then she slapped herself. "Now you're dirty!"How did winning a stay in that hotel make her situation even worse?Days ago, Stella was just working her ass off, working two part-time to save up for her dream. Then suddenly her boyfriend of 3 years broke up with her and she felt half of her dreams shattered. She was coming to work with no more life. Her workmates saw that.All the life was sucked out of her and that's when she won the all-paid stay in that grand hotel. At first, she didn't want to take it and considered just selling the pass. Then she changed her mind when she crossed a street filled with thoughts and almost got hit by a
Stella opened the door to face Charles with one eyebrow raised. He took his sunglasses off to see her better. Both of them with serious faces."What do you mean to be your girlfriend?" she asked her arms across her chest. "You don't mean you've fallen inlo--""Of course not!" He immediately cut her off. "As you see, I'm a Castigado and--""What's a Castigado? Spanish for kings and queens?"Charles couldn't help but look at her disapprovingly. Seriously, this girl still has no idea who he is? The last time they have spoken when he told her who he was, he thought she knew her mistake. But now look at this, this girl is frowning at him with a look of hatred."It's my last name," he answers. "Anyways, I am a billionaire and my image is very important. You and Vanessa stained it through that incident."As Charles expected. When Vanessa is part of the conversation, Stella would cower away."What's Vanessa to you?"Stella did not answ
"You are not going to last in this job," Stella, in an ill-mannered way told Charles. Both of them were congratulated by the store manager a while ago for getting hired."This is an easier job for me," he uttered. "A proper time off and a proper time in."Stella glared at Charles for a second and shakes her head lightly. She can't with this guy. Honestly, she thought it was just a baseless threat that he would apply for the job himself but he freakin' did. The salary was high. She could not let the opportunity go.Now that she gets the job, it's time to head home. Stella went her way to Emma first and said goodbye then she went out the door. Charles followed her."So, where are we headed next?" he asked which made her turn around."We?" She raises a brow. "You and I, we're not the same people. Go back to where you came from!""Now don't be a stereotyping. Wasn't it enough that we fucked each--""Shut up!" Stella yells, covering
Stella didn't think of how much damage Charles' words are but now she does. Two weeks had passed and she still can't find a job, not even online. Some other companies needed more qualifications so there were not that many choices for her.If this continues, she will have to withdraw money from her savings and that's not good at all. Even though Charles is nowhere to be seen, he is still causing her the biggest trouble.Those are not the only problem she has. Her period has not come yet. It should have started two days ago since it usually starts in the first week of each month. It makes her nervous.Lately, she's been feeling nauseous without needing to vomit. There's something wrong with her but she didn't want to think about being pregnant cause it'd be the worst scenario."I'm just stressed out! I'm just tired!" she tells herself. But the more she denies it, the more her mind is troubled.For her, it's embarrassing to buy a pregnancy test kit. B
At dinner, Stella kept looking around. She is not comfortable being surrounded by these beautiful people. In fact, earlier she told Charles she didn't want dinner but suddenly her "you can save" instinct kicked in and she said yes. Now, look at where she is. "If you're uncomfortable, let's have a private roo--" "No, I am fine. We'll just have to be quick," she cut him off, fixing her composure. Forget about how she can save, she wants to get out of there so bad. "Alright then," he uttered, looking straight at her. "What made you change your mind?" "You're making my life complicated. I'm simply trying to take my peace back with interest." "Fair enough." He shrugged. "I usually do business in the middle of dinner and sometimes after." "You're not doing business with someone important, mister Castigado. I daresay we discuss it now." She took a deep breath, just preparing herself for what she is about to say. "I need thirty thousand dollar
Early in the morning, Charles made his way to Stella's apartment, knocking on her door. Then he started fixing his hair, something he does not usually do.The door opened, revealing Stella who is still rubbing her eyes. Her hair was a mess and her eyes were still a little puffed. He has seen this before."Good morning," he greeted."Why are you so early?" she asked back, opening the door wider while frowning at him."There was no time stated and we should get started as soon as possible. You have much to learn.""Much to learn? What do you mean by that?""You didn't listen last night." He looked at her disapprovingly. "Let me remind you. I've got a list of the people you can never trust. It's an advantage to know what my family is all about.""Ah, so this is like a test?" She nodded. "Oh right, give me the contract and I'll read it. Then I'll sign it and you can go.""You don't quite get it, huh?" He stepped forward, shoving he
Three days pass and Charles is really excited to see his girlfriend again. The past days he could only call her and each time Stella would hang up on him. Yep, that's all he is to her, annoyance.Today, he plans to exchange phones with her. It is also the perfect chance for him to upgrade her phone so he can see her during calls.Charles just parked at where he usually parks his car and went out. He leans against it, reached for his phone in his pocket and dialed Stella's number. It didn't take her long to pick up."Good morning, baby. You ready?""Ugh." He heard her groan. "I told you that I hate the endearments. Don't call me anything but my name!"He chuckled, gazing at her door. "Come outside when you're done. I am waiting for you.""Why are you so early?" she asked in an irritated voice.When he heard the door opening, the corners of his mouth immediately curved up. He raises his free arm and waved at Stella who had her forehead
Andrea has been shouting inside her room, breaking and throwing everything out of order. She is furious right now that she’s ruining everything and hurting herself is even an option for her.Because she hired someone to stalk Stella, now it made way for their family to come back to together. Andrea didn’t just fail in taking her life but also taking her son. Now everyone in the Castigado is happy because of that kid!“I want you all dead!” Andrea shouted, throwing another vase at the wall. It shattered and she laughed like a maniac. She was well aware that she wasn’t like this before but she could not control herself anymore.In Andrea’s mind flashes different images in which Stella, her son, and that daughter are killed. Blood was dripping from them and she laughed like the devil that Jason once called her.She took her phone dialing that special number that she once hired. Four years ago, she decided to delete this number but she didn’t know why she kept it. And now, it is clear to
When Stella and Charles arrived home, Stella was so surprised to see Casper getting along with everyone super fast. Everyone was surrounding him while Amunie was talking with Trixie. It seems liked everything worked out just fine for everyone.“Mom!” Amunie noticed their arrival. Casper and Amunie run to gave her a hug like they always do and she hugged them back. It was like the first time she was there, they were all looking at her weirdly.The funny part was they all went and said they were sorry they didn’t do anything. Stella was just afraid of nothing. Even Charles’ parents thought they were back together now.They also said the little boy had told them everything and now she didn’t have to explain to them what happened five years ago. Stella really didn’t have the intention to explain herself that time anyway.But, she was glad that everyone welcomed Casper and Amunie in the family. It was something that she wanted primarily, that they are treated right.“Stella!” And that voic
Jason, Stella and Vanessa are all waiting for Charles to come. Unfortunately for Jason, Charles insisted on coming to get Stella and driving her home so explaining to the family why she’s back there is smooth.As soon as Charles arrived, the criminals and the victim met with each other for the first time since that issue happened. It was a littel awkward, especially for Vanessa but thank fully they didn’t have to stay for a lot of time. They needed to hurry home.While Charles and Stella were in another car, Jason is with Vanessa. Their car was at the back of them and Jason can’t help but be silent with the fact that he’s still hurting to see Stella with Charles.Vanessa noticed that part. She didn’t know if it was a time for her to joke around, to lighten the mood or just simply let Jason feel his pain. She was well aware that Jason has feelings for Stella.“Quit staring at me like I’m a pathetic loser, Vanessa.”She immediately faced front, fixing her composure. Then she cleared her
“Where are we going, uncle Jenkins?” Casper asked. Nobody said anything to him. He just noticed how Amunie was acting weird earlier, looking all worried and all and now his uncle Jenkins is driving him somewhere.“Do you ever wanted to see your great grandmother, Casper?”It made his little mind wonder. To see his great grandmother? Are they going to see her?“Am I going to get introduced to her, uncle Jenkins?”“To everyone, Casper,” Jenkins answered. “You are staying in the mansion for the time being until we fixed the problem.”It shocked Casper to have heard that. At the mansion? Her mother don’t want to come back in that place ever again so why?“Does mother know about this, uncle Jenkins?”“Yes, she does. You don’t have to worry about hurting your mother’s feelings. She agreed on this. And this will keep you safe as well.”“What is this problem that you need to fix?”“It’s not a kid’s problem anymore, Casper. Trust us on this, okay?”Casper nodded. In his head, he still has so m
In the front desk, Stella and Vanessa asked to go see Jason. At first the lady didn’t allow them to go meet Jason since they didn’t have prior appointments but then Vanessa texted Jason. He called the lady in the front desk and let them enter.They were like careless teenagers forgetting to ask which floor, it was a good thing Stella’s been there. She visited Jason once with Jenkins.The moment they arrived outside the door, Jason’s secretary welcomed them both in. The kind mam even opened the door for them and they head inside. They immediately saw Jason on his desk, sitting like the boss that he is, looking at them with a poker face.“So, what are you two doing in here? You’re not trying to invite me in a reunion party, right?”“Tch!” Vanessa scoffed, walking to the side and sat down on a chair. “We were at the shop talking for hours when this guy started looking at us in a maniac way.”“Is this true?” Jason asked Stella.“How dare you!” Vanessa yells when Jason didn’t believe her.
Vanessa is really nervous, pinching her own fingers over and over again. She is to meet up with Stella, finally and she came an hour earlier because she’s excited and at the same time really nervous. She’s the reason for all of this.“Five minutes more,” she uttered, glancing at her wristwatch once again. Her hands were shaking really bad.“Vanessa.” When she looked up, she saw Stella. She was so different from the old Stella that she knew. This in front of her was glamorous.“St-Stella! Hi!” She exclaimed and abruptly stand up, still snapping out of her shock. Vanessa’s heart just keeps pounding that although she opens her mouth to speak, there was no voice coming out.Then just nowhere, Stella wrapped her arms around Vanessa. All Vanessa’s worry annihilated. The storm in her mind became clear and calm. All she could do was cry softly.“Thank you for coming to my rescue five years ago,” Stella cries as well. “I have not thanked you enough for that day because I had to go hide. I was
When Casper finally calmed, he could not stop but be talkative with Charles. They kept talking and talking. Stella could just watch her son being alive.“Casper is in cloud nine right now,” Amunie whispered to Stella. “I bet he is really happy.”“Yes, he is.” Stella smiled. Amunie and her was washing dishes but they can hear Casper’s giggles. “Are you okay now with the Castigado, mom? Or are you still not convinced to bring Casper there?”Right that takes Stella back to Crolletta and the rest. Earlier she realized, it’s not important anymore what Crolletta and the others will do.“I can’t keep him a secret anymore. I’ll just have to protect him with my life, Amunie. Whatever God decides our faith, then be it. I won’t have regrets.”Charles stayed with Casper the whole afternoon until the little guy just fell asleep for his nap. It surprised Stell how he fell asleep so fast and then Amunie told them that he was awake late at night. Guess Casper really wanted to meet Charles that bad.S
Back in Akane, Casper in his room stays wide awake even though it’s past midnight. He was just staring at his ceiling filled with different sizes of glow in the dark stars. He designed them himself but it didn’t make him happy.He wonders if he believed in shooting stars, does that make him a normal boy? If he wished to them, will his wishes come true?Actually, there’s only one wish that he wanted so bad to come true. It’s to meet his father. He tries to keep it a secret from Stella because he loves her mother and he knows the pain she goes to everyday.Tomorrow, if his uncle Jenkins’ plan went out fine, he will be able to meet his father in the airport. But if it failed, then tomorrow, it is Stella that he will come get at the airport.He doesn’t mind to be kept as a secret to everyone just not to his father.***The very next day, Casper was let down when he was told by Amunie not to get out of the car and just wait for Stella in the car. Casper didn’t have a choice and watch in the
On the other side of the elder’s place was Charles. The old man was giving these small wine glasses and he knows having just around two of those will get him drunk. He tries to refuse but he ended up having a drink. It was too strong.“I know what you are here for, young man!” the old man exclaimed. He has this loud voice when they are just in front of each other. Charles thinks it’s the old people's thing. “You are here for the silk! The old woman from earlier will not allow you!”“So I have been told a couple of times, gramps!” he needed to louder his voice too because the old man is kinda deaf. “But I am not entirely here for the silk. I’m here for my woman.”Then the old man’s laughter echoed across the room again. He lifted the bottle and filled his cup. And immediately drank it.“Your woman? That beautiful lady earlier with you?” the old man continuously asked. “She doesn’t seem to be fond of you!”“We were once in love!”“Once!” the old man repeated. “She is not anymore, is she