CHAPTER 9: THE FIANCEE
Cars were already parked in front of my sister’s house when I arrived. I could hear the laughter of the children coming from the garden of the mansion.
I get out of the car after grabbing the large paper bag from the back seat. A maid from Rocc's family greeted me and led me to where the celebration was. The birthday celebrant, Sevi, excitedly ran towards me.
“Auntie!” Sevi gleefully clung to my legs and looked up to me with his innocent green eyes.
“Happy birthday.” I greeted and kissed my nephew’s forehead.
He hugged the paper bag I was holding and smiled at me. “Is this for me?”
I nodded and finally gave it to him.
“Sevi, you’ll open your gifts later. Put it on the table with other gifts.”
My sister let me sit at one of the tables when Sevi placed the paper bag with other gifts.
“Dad is overacting,” I said, almost whining.
“I told you, maybe this is a second chance for you and Nix.”
“There’s no second chance,” I emphasized every word.
Neshara laughed and placed her hand on my arm. “Why don’t you try, Stephanie? I believe in second chances. Look at me and Sebastian. We broke up but we had a second chance and now we’re happily married.”
“We’re not the same. He has a valid reason and Sebastian knew how to keep his promises.”
My sister got pregnant by her schoolmate when they were in college. Sebastian Rocc was the only son of a wealthy pharma tycoon. I remembered how jerk Sebastian was back then but Neshara changed him. However, he turned out to be an asshole when he left my sister without any explanation. Years later, he came back and explained himself to my sister.
“Nix doesn’t?”
“No. He doesn’t know how to keep his promises.”
“Not even once?”
I breathed a sigh of relief when Sebastian came and told my sister that the cake had already arrived. My sister was forced to stop and leave me alone.
I took my cell phone and checked if there was any message from Nexus, Ali, or even from Rex. But just like the past two months, I didn’t receive anything from them.
Two months have passed since Nexus left the Hacienda for his therapy in Manila. In the first two weeks, we were on phone calls regularly whether I was working or even ‘til I slept. But after three weeks, we were only communicating through text messages and eventually stopped.
Like many times before, I typed a message but only to delete it before I could press the ‘send’ button. In the end, I decided to turn off my phone. I looked at the two men who were bringing in a three-layered cake, followed by my sister and her husband and another man I am familiar with.
F ucking hell! He was the waiter at the bar. The one who gave me the drink that put me in danger.
With big steps, I walked towards them. My sister was surprised when I blocked them and looked at the man with my deadly glare. His eyes turned wide. Obviously freaking guilty!
“Steph, the party was about to start. Where are you going?”
“I’ll talk to him,” I replied and grabbed the man’s collar.
Sebastian and Neshara didn’t have time to react when I forcefully dragged him out of the garden. I pushed him against the wall and pressed my elbow against his throat.
“Remember me?” I asked harshly.
When he didn’t budge to answer, I pressed my knee against his groin. I would crush his testicles if he gave me the wrong answer.
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
My elbow pressed harder against his throat, planning to choke him to death.
“My life was ruined because of you! Tell me, who ordered you to give me that drink?”
“N-No one,” he stuttered, struggling to breathe, his lips almost turning purple.
“Wrong answer,” I growled through gritted teeth and punched him in the stomach. He winced in pain.
“Auntie!” Sevi called, running towards me. I turned to him and the man took the opportunity to remove my hand from his throat. He pushed me away which made me angrier.
“Don’t push my Auntie!
I grabbed the jerk’s hand and twisted it before punching him in the gut again.
“Sevi, go back to your mom.”
“Are you in trouble? I’ll call Daddy.” My nephew ran away. Seconds later, I saw Sebastian approaching, so I let go of the man and he fell to the ground.
“We’re not yet done,” I threatened and kicked him again.
“Is there a problem, Steph?” Sebastian asked like he was ready to defend me from anyone.
I shook my head and pulled him back to the garden. My eyes automatically looked for my sister. She was with her in-laws.
Happiness was evident on her face while watching Sevi’s eyes sparkle with joy as my nephew looked at his cake. I breathed deeply and decided not to ruin the mood. I could wait for the information I needed. The party continues and there’s no trace of that waiter.
After the children’s party, invited businessmen filled the venue. I volunteered to watch over the sleeping Sevi in his room because this little boy’s parents were busy entertaining their important guests.
I took off Sevi’s shoes and stroked his hair. My eyes welled with tears as I stared at my nephew. Sevi and my child would have been close if my baby didn’t die.
After making sure my nephew was comfortable, I went back to the garden. Well-known businessmen were the Rocc’s guests. They looked respectable with their expensive suits and dresses.
But one caught my attention.
The woman in the red dress was smiling at the man beside her. Her right hand was wrapped around the man.
My lips raised for a disdainful smirk when the woman looked in my direction.
Angel Love Sedeno, Nexus’ fiancee.
CHAPTER 10: DÉJÀ VU Angel Love was nowhere to be found when Nexus had an accident, according to Alejandro. A month after the court granted our annulment, Nexus, and Angel Love’s engagement, was all over the TV stations, newspapers, and social media. Leticia liked her for her son. When Nix and I were still married, Angel Love clung to my ex-husband like a leech, sucking the positive energy of our marriage. I passed by her like I didn’t see the woman. And as if on cue, my sister approached me so I could say goodbye. “I saw Nexus’ fiancée. Do you want me to shoo her away?” she whispered while giving Angel Love a sharp look. “Let her be. Looks like she’s enjoying being a senator’s mistress.” It’s not a surprise to me that she’s cheated. “What about Nexus?” I shrugged and kissed my sister's cheek. “That’s their problem, not mine. Anyway, I have to go.” She and Sebastian accompanied me to my car. I waved at them and started maneuvering away from Northshire Village. I stopped
CHAPTER 11 (PART 1) I peeked into the pantry when I heard the familiar laughter of my ex-husband. His face was smiling as he picked up the rolling grapes on the floor. He wiped them on his clothes before putting them into his mouth and laughing again with my employees. He was far from the Nexus I used to know when he was dealing with other people. He’s now down to earth, laughing and getting along with others easily. Nexus looked happier than I could remember. I sat on the couch, tired. I visited two branches of Casa Amara. It’s still under construction and I am really meticulous, especially with the materials. “Steph, I brought our launch,” Nexus said sweetly. I looked at him and told him to come in. I put a big smile on my face as he placed the food tray on the center table. He reached for something from his back pocket. My heart skipped a beat when he handed me a one-stem pink rose. “I-I have my own launch.” Nexus walked towards my table to get my lunch box. I stopped
CHAPTER 11 (PART 2) It’s my fault too that I lost my baby. I am the mother and I should have been the first to know I was pregnant. “I didn’t remember anything but I feel like I need to say sorry.” “Your sorry can’t bring back my child. I hate you! I hate you so much!” I removed his arms from my waist as I stood up from my bed. He’s still kneeling and even bowed his head more. “Get up, Nexus,” I said, almost in a whisper. “You only hurting me more with what you’re doing.” The door opened. Alejandro and Rex were surprised when they saw Nexus' situation. I shook my head and went back to bed. I decided to ignore them and closed my eyes. My heart was numb and I didn’t want to deal with any of them. Alejandro forced his brother to get up and leave the room. Fortunately, they didn’t come back again. My parents arrived after. When the doctor gave his signal for me to go home, I didn’t waste any time. I don’t like hospitals; it brings me many painful memories. When we got home
CHAPTER 12 Pain crossed in his face but I didn’t budge. Who cares if he’s hurting. I’m just telling the truth. “Can you tell me now what you want? I still have a lot of work to do in my office.” “We need your help,” Alejandro said. “I’m wasting my time here.” I said grudgingly and took and took my handbag to leave, I was about to walk away when Nexus grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the chair. “I don’t appreciate your hand touching me, Mister,” I spat and glared at him. Reluctantly, he let go of my wrist. Alejandro spoke again in a serious tone. “This is not a waste of time, Stephanie. It is a death and life situation. You know what Leticia is doing. They are taking advantage of Nix’s situation to spend his money.” “What does it have to do with me?” “A lot! You will be the savior of Nix’s wealth,” he answered, which made me scrunch my nose. “Be Nix’s wife again.” My forehead furrowed in annoyance. “Are you out of your mind?” “We are serious, Amara Stephanie.
CHAPTER 13 (PART 1)FLASHBACK, YEARS AGO I was sure that the car parked in front of our house didn’t belong to my sister’s annoying ex-boyfriend, Sebastian. And definitely, it wasn’t to our neighbor either. Sevi ran to me when the little kid saw his beautiful aunt. He raised both of his hands, urging me to carry him. He’s still in his pajamas and just woken up like me. “Auntie, up!” he pouted. I picked him up and kissed the baby of the family on the cheek as he put his head on my chest. “Where’s your mom?” I asked as I walked down the six-step staircase, still carrying Sevi. “Don’t know. Is Daddy outside?” “The car outside isn’t his—” I didn’t get to finish what I was supposed to say when I saw who was sitting on the couch. “Hello, Steph.” Nexus Almeradez greeted and smiled at me. “Auntie, close your mouth.” Sevi laughed. “Why are you here?” I asked, telling him I was very surprised to see this one-night-stand man I chose to forget. “Am I not allowed to visit you?
CHAPTER 1: MEETING THE EX-HUSBAND AGAINI was shocked when Attorney Mendez showed up at Casa Amara after two years. He had come to ask for my help. Nexus Almeradez, my ex-husband had been in an accident and could only remember me. His family wanted me to help him remember everything. The thought of seeing Nexus again made me want to burst out. He was the man who had shattered my life and caused me so much misery. I couldn't believe that his family would expect me to agree to stay by his side. Attorney Mendez told me that Nexus's mother, Leticia Monroe, was offering a hundred million as a down payment. I was surprised that she would come up with such a proposal, considering she had been against our marriage two years ago. “We are aware that you are facing difficulties expanding your business, as you are unable to start construction due to a shortage of funds. We know what you've been through—” “You don’t know anything!”The lawyer was momentarily taken aback by the rise in my voic
CHAPTER 2: I LOVE YOU FROM EX-HUSBANDI looked at the therapist that Alejandro brought out of Nexus' room. The outcome of the session on Nexus’ learning abilities was not good because he did not cooperate. I returned to Nexus, who had been staring at me since earlier. I sat on his bed and handed him the flashcards I had used earlier.“Do you know what this is?” I showed him a flashcard with the letter 'B' written on it.He didn't answer me, instead, just stared at me with those blue eyes.“This is letter B.” I took another flashcard. “And this is A.”Nexus nodded, understanding what I had said.“What is this?” I asked again.“E-Ey,” he said, trying to imitate the sound.“How about this one?”“B-B.”I slightly furrowed my brows. “You know it already, right? Why didn't you answer when you were asked earlier?”Nexus looked like a child as he shrugged.I took another flashcard and showed it to him again. “This? Do you know it?”When Nexus nodded, I firmly bit my lips. He knew yet he kept
CHAPTER 3: COLD AND DISTANTI politely declined Miss Yeye’s invitation to eat because I wanted to rest before my ex-husband's arrival tonight. I didn’t sleep well last night because of too many things I needed to think about. The sadness was evident in Miss Yeye's eyes as she followed me with her gaze up to the stairs. The spacious guest room greeted me. I removed my high heels and carelessly tossed them on the floor, walked towards the glass sliding door, and opened it, stepping out onto the veranda. I squinted my eyes as I looked in the lush green surroundings. The distant mountains, tall trees bearing fruit, the vast pineapple and vegetable plantations, as well as other fruits that are exported to other countries. The Hacienda Constancia is truly a paradise. In addition, the Hacienda also supports many lives, from the workers to the scholars…I slept for a few hours before someone knocked on the door of my room."Señorita, Sir Nexus, and Sir Alejandro are here."I was startle
CHAPTER 13 (PART 1)FLASHBACK, YEARS AGO I was sure that the car parked in front of our house didn’t belong to my sister’s annoying ex-boyfriend, Sebastian. And definitely, it wasn’t to our neighbor either. Sevi ran to me when the little kid saw his beautiful aunt. He raised both of his hands, urging me to carry him. He’s still in his pajamas and just woken up like me. “Auntie, up!” he pouted. I picked him up and kissed the baby of the family on the cheek as he put his head on my chest. “Where’s your mom?” I asked as I walked down the six-step staircase, still carrying Sevi. “Don’t know. Is Daddy outside?” “The car outside isn’t his—” I didn’t get to finish what I was supposed to say when I saw who was sitting on the couch. “Hello, Steph.” Nexus Almeradez greeted and smiled at me. “Auntie, close your mouth.” Sevi laughed. “Why are you here?” I asked, telling him I was very surprised to see this one-night-stand man I chose to forget. “Am I not allowed to visit you?
CHAPTER 12 Pain crossed in his face but I didn’t budge. Who cares if he’s hurting. I’m just telling the truth. “Can you tell me now what you want? I still have a lot of work to do in my office.” “We need your help,” Alejandro said. “I’m wasting my time here.” I said grudgingly and took and took my handbag to leave, I was about to walk away when Nexus grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the chair. “I don’t appreciate your hand touching me, Mister,” I spat and glared at him. Reluctantly, he let go of my wrist. Alejandro spoke again in a serious tone. “This is not a waste of time, Stephanie. It is a death and life situation. You know what Leticia is doing. They are taking advantage of Nix’s situation to spend his money.” “What does it have to do with me?” “A lot! You will be the savior of Nix’s wealth,” he answered, which made me scrunch my nose. “Be Nix’s wife again.” My forehead furrowed in annoyance. “Are you out of your mind?” “We are serious, Amara Stephanie.
CHAPTER 11 (PART 2) It’s my fault too that I lost my baby. I am the mother and I should have been the first to know I was pregnant. “I didn’t remember anything but I feel like I need to say sorry.” “Your sorry can’t bring back my child. I hate you! I hate you so much!” I removed his arms from my waist as I stood up from my bed. He’s still kneeling and even bowed his head more. “Get up, Nexus,” I said, almost in a whisper. “You only hurting me more with what you’re doing.” The door opened. Alejandro and Rex were surprised when they saw Nexus' situation. I shook my head and went back to bed. I decided to ignore them and closed my eyes. My heart was numb and I didn’t want to deal with any of them. Alejandro forced his brother to get up and leave the room. Fortunately, they didn’t come back again. My parents arrived after. When the doctor gave his signal for me to go home, I didn’t waste any time. I don’t like hospitals; it brings me many painful memories. When we got home
CHAPTER 11 (PART 1) I peeked into the pantry when I heard the familiar laughter of my ex-husband. His face was smiling as he picked up the rolling grapes on the floor. He wiped them on his clothes before putting them into his mouth and laughing again with my employees. He was far from the Nexus I used to know when he was dealing with other people. He’s now down to earth, laughing and getting along with others easily. Nexus looked happier than I could remember. I sat on the couch, tired. I visited two branches of Casa Amara. It’s still under construction and I am really meticulous, especially with the materials. “Steph, I brought our launch,” Nexus said sweetly. I looked at him and told him to come in. I put a big smile on my face as he placed the food tray on the center table. He reached for something from his back pocket. My heart skipped a beat when he handed me a one-stem pink rose. “I-I have my own launch.” Nexus walked towards my table to get my lunch box. I stopped
CHAPTER 10: DÉJÀ VU Angel Love was nowhere to be found when Nexus had an accident, according to Alejandro. A month after the court granted our annulment, Nexus, and Angel Love’s engagement, was all over the TV stations, newspapers, and social media. Leticia liked her for her son. When Nix and I were still married, Angel Love clung to my ex-husband like a leech, sucking the positive energy of our marriage. I passed by her like I didn’t see the woman. And as if on cue, my sister approached me so I could say goodbye. “I saw Nexus’ fiancée. Do you want me to shoo her away?” she whispered while giving Angel Love a sharp look. “Let her be. Looks like she’s enjoying being a senator’s mistress.” It’s not a surprise to me that she’s cheated. “What about Nexus?” I shrugged and kissed my sister's cheek. “That’s their problem, not mine. Anyway, I have to go.” She and Sebastian accompanied me to my car. I waved at them and started maneuvering away from Northshire Village. I stopped
CHAPTER 9: THE FIANCEE Cars were already parked in front of my sister’s house when I arrived. I could hear the laughter of the children coming from the garden of the mansion. I get out of the car after grabbing the large paper bag from the back seat. A maid from Rocc's family greeted me and led me to where the celebration was. The birthday celebrant, Sevi, excitedly ran towards me. “Auntie!” Sevi gleefully clung to my legs and looked up to me with his innocent green eyes. “Happy birthday.” I greeted and kissed my nephew’s forehead. He hugged the paper bag I was holding and smiled at me. “Is this for me?” I nodded and finally gave it to him. “Sevi, you’ll open your gifts later. Put it on the table with other gifts.” My sister let me sit at one of the tables when Sevi placed the paper bag with other gifts. “Dad is overacting,” I said, almost whining. “I told you, maybe this is a second chance for you and Nix.” “There’s no second chance,” I emphasized every word. Nes
CHAPTER 8: SEEING HIS FORMER IN-LAWS My eyes widened and I froze in my seat. His soft lips caused an electrifying feeling that made my whole body numb—paralyzing my system. He pulled away as quickly as his lips touched mine. Ears and neck turned red before he buried his face in the curve of my neck. If it wasn’t for his hand touching my waist, I wouldn’t come to my senses. I swallowed a few times and gently removed his head from my shoulder. “Rest now. I’ll wake you up when the food is ready.” He must have sensed my avoidance because he gently squeezed my waist before slowly letting go. I helped him lie down in bed. The next day, the new chef arrived at the mansion. I knew her back in high school. Analyn was my friend together with Meimei. The woman used to be a troublemaker back then, but now, she’s one of the in-demand chefs’ in the country. She gave me the infamous ‘criminal offensive side-eye’ and I rolled my eyes at her, in return. Analyn laughed. Nexus l
CHAPTER 7: FLOWERS AND A REWARD “Nexus!” I ran to him as soon as I entered his room. He was struggling on the floor, the wheelchair lying above half of his body. His eyebrows were furrowed and groaned in pain. “Nexus!” I called and shook him slightly to wake him up. I was startled for a moment when I saw his bleeding hand. Pieces of broken glass from a bottle of medicine were scattered on the floor. I cursed in a low voice and put my palm on his head. He has a fever and—where the hell was his private nurse?! Damn it! I repeatedly pressed the buzzer to get help but no one answered the intercom. “Shit!” I tried to lift him up. “S-Steph…” “I need to get you up. Come on, help me will you?” I said, relief that he’s awake. I winced as we almost both fell over as I dragged his heaviness towards the bed. He’s really heavy, bulky—damn! I wanna hit this guy! I was panting heavily by the time I finally settled him against the headboard of the bed. He was whimpering when I g
CHAPTER 6: SUSPECTS Twenty missed calls greeted me when I finally turned on my phone. They all came from the same number and I had a hunch who it was. Rex was also asking if I was going back to Hacienda Constancia. I deleted the missed calls and put my phone back inside my bag. It was starting to get dark so the street lights of the driveways of Hacienda were already lit. I slowed down my walk, I didn’t want the moment to end anytime soon. Because the moment I entered the mansion again, I knew I wouldn’t be able to breathe comfortably again. Being around my ex-husband suffocates me. It was six evenings when I finally arrived at the front door of the mansion. I recognized Alejandro’s car as I noticed how quiet the mansion was. There was no sign of Leticia nor Hordan. “You came back.” I looked over my shoulder and saw Nix’s brother just come out of the Master’s bedroom. He was looking at me with those cold intimidating eyes. “What do you mean by that?” “You left without