"Do we need to hide again?" I asked Apollo hesitantly."You don't have any choice. If it was possible to send both of you to different places, I would have done it. But I am thinking of Gueco's state right now. For now, go back home."In the end, Arkan and I went home with slumped shoulders. Arkan kept asking why we went home so early, but I couldn't answer. I just cooked something for him to lose his temper.The next day, my head hurt more after watching the news on TV. My photo is on the screen again. I couldn't stop calling Alice."How are we going to get out of this if it's so messy? Alice, he wasn't even content to put my favorite in the newspaper; he even actually put it on television!" I'm hysterical.I walked around the living room several times. I even caught a glimpse of Arkan frowning as he followed me. He's ready to go, but I don't want to leave the house yet."Silly, the whole Philippines already knows that," she said simply, and I stopped."What?""I said, the whole Phil
My breathing was knotted with anger, especially after I caught sight of the shock on Max and Divine's faces. I tried to calm myself down, even though I was angry with Aldo. I want to erase the smirk on his lips. "Calm down, Mayu. He doesn't know you," I murmured to myself. I tried to regain my courage and slightly raised an eyebrow. I walked straight to the couch and grinned at him as he frowned. "I think you are mistaken, Mister?" I held out my palm for a handshake, and he just stared. "Castellanos. How did you forget, sweetie?" He pretended to be sad. I blinked and was about to withdraw my palm, but he immediately grabbed it tightly, making my eyes widen. My lips parted from the tightness of his grip, but I was more shocked by the electricity that suddenly traveled there. I can't even speak in shock or describe how it feels. "I have been looking for your whereabouts. It took me several years to see you again, and damn Gueco for keeping you here," he said through his gritted
Every step I take out of the jewelry store is huge. My chest was heaving and my hands were shaking as I took my cell phone out of my bag and dialed Alice's number.Now I don't know how to go home. I'm sure Aldo will follow me.I looked behind me several times, and my eyes almost squinted after seeing Aldo's smile while entering his car. Because of that, I immediately stopped the oncoming cab while waiting for Alice to answer the call."Alice! How long does it take for you to travel here?" I immediately opened the door when she answered the call.I heard a deep sigh on the other line, which made my lips freeze."What's the matter, Mayu? I can't go there. I've been bombarded with work."She protested from the other line, which made me close my eyes tightly. I rubbed my forehead and just hung up.What about Arkan?My head hurt more after seeing that Aldo's car did not leave the car I was riding in; he kept on following. Nervousness enveloped me again. I am afraid; it is not unlikely that
I was left stunned. I don't even know how I got home. After arriving, I hugged Arkan tightly. He almost sobbed, even though he was fine."Mom, are you okay?" he asked with such concern.I sobbed even more after feeling his gentle caress on my back.I immediately wiped the tears from my cheeks. I took a deep breath before picking him up."I'm fine, Baby. Don't worry about me. How's your day, by the way?" I asked him before thanking Mr. Ruben, who immediately nodded and signaled to leave."It was fun, Mommy! But I don't want to be left alone again," his voice was sad at the end.I forced a smile and made him face me. I stroked his hair and kissed him on the forehead."Never, Baby. Mommy will never leave you again. Can you please promise something to me?" I asked gently.Surprise poured into the different colors of his eyes as his thick eyebrows furrowed."What is it, Mom?"I swallowed and closed my eyes. Opening my eyes, I looked at him seriously."Baby, whatever happens, don't leave me
I want to fight for my rights and for my sufferings, but I can't open my lips knowing that Aldo is furious.We went to the resthouse. Baron handed me the robe before he and Mister Ruben went out with Arkan, who had been watching Aldo and me in surprise. He was still peeking before the door closed."Am I stupid, Mayu? No. You made me f*cking stupid!"I was startled by his scream. I lost all courage and just clenched my fist. My grip on the robe tightened so that I couldn't wear it."I kept searching for six freaking years! But all this time, you have been here at my home, living life with my son," he uttered in disbelief.I still heard his lackluster laugh and saw him shake his head. He pulled his hair in annoyance, frowned, and looked up while closing his eyes tightly."It's not my fault; it's yours. It's your own decision to search," I had the courage to say, even in a low voice.He stopped and immediately looked down at me. I braced myself, especially when he approached."Right, it'
Even if I didn't want to, I did what he wanted. I went upstairs and took a shower. I hurried to get back to Arkan right away, but I couldn't stop myself from lingering and crying now that I was hurting.What will happen in my son's life?I know it's unlikely that Arkan and I will be together after this, but if there's a chance to run away, I'll do it.After finishing, I knotted the towel well before going out. But when I got out, I stopped when I saw that Aldo was in front of the bed, and he was still arranging things in the suitcase that I don't know where he got them from.I quietly stepped and simply took my clothes so that he wouldn't notice, but I also felt his gaze on me."Arkan is downstairs, waiting for you. Hurry up."Because of what he said, I just took any clothes. I hugged them and hurried back to the bathroom to get dressed. I can't waste time, especially since this is what my son and I are talking about.When I came out of the bathroom again, he was holding Arkan's large
My eyes widened as I chased after Aldo when he rushed to Apollo. Apollo was calm, but not Aldo. Just one blow from him can hurt even Arkan.He uttered it again after standing in front of Apollo.Apollo lazily let go of Arkan and whispered, causing him to immediately run towards me so I couldn't catch up with Aldo."Mom, what's happening?" he asked curiously.I picked him up and kissed him on the cheek."Close your eyes and don't listen to whatever you will hear. Alright?"Though he was in doubt, he still nodded. I really wanted to get Arkan out, but Aldo and Apollo were in the way of the door.I gasped after Aldo collared Apollo, but the latter didn't budge."Why, Apollo?!" He gritted his teeth.I closed my eyes after he hit Apollo in the face. My hug for Arkan also tightened because of that."Punch me, brother. Punch me and let Arkan see how bad you are," Apollo said calmly.That's when I open my eyes. Aldo's fist stuck in the air while Apollo looked at him emotionlessly. I want to a
We went directly to the resort, and the villa where I hid before was where we stayed. I know Arkan likes the sea, but at that time, there was no smile on his lips. He was still staring at Aldo, who was talking with someone on the cellphone."Yes. Ready my penthouse or my house in the subdivision. I'll send you a copy of what stuff you need to buy," he said to the person on the other line.I sighed and just combed Arkan's hair with my hands."Do you want to swim, Baby?" I gently asked him."Mommy, I'm sad," he admitted.My heart is heavy because, like him, I am also sad. But of course I couldn't be sad in front of my son, so I smiled."I'll make some snacks, then we will swim and go boating. Alright? Do you want us to go boating?" I even waved my eyebrows to encourage him."Yes, Mommy! I want that!"He immediately held on to my hand. We didn't even change clothes. We just walked straight out of the villa."And where are you going?" Aldo suddenly asked.I was stunned. Arkan turned to me
Aldo Hendrix CastellanosI still clearly remember Mayu, whom I saw in the party's garden. Honestly, the first time I saw her, I was sure she was definitely not my type. Glancing at her gown, I knew she would be one of the candidates. That's why I myself went looking for Addison to give me the box that I secretly took from Grandpa.I don't like this plan either, and I have no intention of getting married. And who would be happy in an arranged marriage? No one. And so, as much as I could, I tried my best to give the box to the person I somehow liked.I didn't know, and I was unaware that fate played me so very well. I didn't have a plan for the first night either, other than to scare her, but it seems that fate has a better plan for the two of us and will let something happen and make me crazy about her.I scolded myself every hour for that. And I almost cursed myself for not being satisfied for a night when it was on my mind almost every night and trying to mess up my system.And I th
My nervousness never stops for fear that he might have another bad plan. I didn't even realize I had dialed Addison's number. It was too late, and I couldn't end the call after hearing her artistic voice. I lost focus on Stella and switched to my cellphone."Now, you called me. What, Cheap Bitch?" I think she is still working on the other line.I also started crying, "I just pressed the call button. As if I were going to call you. Bye—""Wait! Don't hang up yet!" She held back, so I couldn't press the end button."What, Bitch?" I tried to mimic her.I heard her whisper, but I also cleared her throat."I'm sorry."My forehead knotted, and I seemed deaf. Did I hear her right?"What?""I said, I'm sorry!" Her loud scream made me wince and hurt my ears, "I'm sorry, but if you don't want it, then don't!"I shook my head. How can I accept a sorry like this?"Not forgiven—""Who cares? I'm just saying sorry because I don't want Mommy to leave us again. Tss," she said, raising her voice, whic
"Aldo, that's enough!" I protested after he didn't stop.But he didn't listen and just continued making me laugh."That's enough! I can't breathe anymore; I'm going to eat." I snorted and grabbed both of his hands, but he just laughed softly from behind."You're bad! It will be your fault if the baby gets dislocated," I threatened.He was stunned for a moment and moved in front of me, asking, "What? Is there a thing called dislocation in pregnancy?"He frowned and seemed confused. I voluntarily groaned and shrugged my shoulders."There is now—""You're bluffing," he said, coming closer and aiming at my side."Aldo!" I glared at him, but he only smiled back at me."I'm hungry. If you had fed me last night, we wouldn't be in the kitchen today, even at dawn.""You could have stopped me from making love to you earlier in the night. You shouldn't have scolded me now. I am just being a professional lover, Sweetie," he boasted.He came and effortlessly lifted me to the kitchen counter and re
"It feels good when it's like this," Daddy uttered absentmindedly while eating the ice cream he was holding.I stared at the avocado ice cream in my hand. Where was it?"Hopefully, I've been a father since then," he added.He bowed, and I could feel the weight of his feelings. I looked away and sighed."It's still possible, just not now," I murmured softly."I will wait, Mayu. I will wait until you accept me as your father. I have many shortcomings, but I am ready to make up for them," he said, his voice almost shaking.I swallowed. I know they have the same motives as Mommy. They both like me now because Aldo is my husband, but even so, I want to think that Daddy is real.If parenting is just a basis, Daddy is always there and updated in my life, even though I don't get to be with him on important occasions in my life. I appreciated the times he rented clothes for me so I could go to the parties they would attend. I will not deny that he cared more about my studies then. He always mo
"What do you mean, Mommy? How is it just Addison?"I'm confused, and even though I have a conclusion in my mind, I want to hear it right from her mouth.She closed her eyes tightly. When she opened her eyes, they were full of regret."Sad to say, I took care of someone else's child while I neglected my own child," she said with regret.My lips parted, and I felt pain in my chest. I blinked several times to keep my tears from falling, but I was not victorious. They fell silent.Instead of being happy that I am her only child, I am more hurt that she was able to choose someone else's child over me.She immediately reached for my hand after seeing my tears fall."I'm really, really sorry, Mayu. Sorry if Mommy neglected you. I didn't want all of this to happen to you, even if I was the one who caused your other ailments in life. I just don't want to blame you for my betrayal of Frank," she continued to explain as her tears slowly fell."If you weren't ready for the consequences, and if yo
I don't know if Aldo is really determined for us to go abroad, but I'm more determined to talk to Mommy again. I waited a long time for her reply. I thought it would be rejected, but, um, yes.Aldo warned me several times not to leave the house in case my desire to explain to my mother prevailed. My only problem is where to leave Arkan. I don't want to bring him with me; there might be danger around later."Mommy, why are you leaving me with Aunt Alice?" Arkan asked with a doubtful tone.I raised my eyebrows and held his hand."I'm just going to buy something, Baby. I'll be right back.""Without me, Mom? Does Daddy know about this?" His tone is investigative.I coughed before laughing hesitantly."Of course, Baby. Your Daddy is always updated," I lied."Really, Mommy? Then why are you leaving me here? Or maybe we should call Daddy and ask him to get me here."My eyes rolled slightly. After that, I winced and slightly knelt in front of him."Your Daddy told me to leave you here for now
"Leave the country? But I don't want to leave, Aldo." That's what I immediately opened when we entered the house.I really don't want to leave. This is not the case now. I want to talk to Mommy in depth. Suddenly, I want to discover and find out what she said about Daddy being her first love."I doubt if we can really have a peaceful life here after everything. I don't want to risk your pregnancy—what's that?"He stopped and looked at the corner of my lips. My eyes widened slightly, and I immediately covered them. I was about to step back, but he immediately grabbed my elbow. When I turned to him, his gaze turned cold, and he gently removed my hand from covering my lips."Did she do that to you?" His cold voice sent nervousness through my body.I was out of breath and afraid to speak. I'm afraid to say that Mommy slapped me fearlessly earlier. I don't want him to get angry at Mommy, not right now."Tell me or I'll find it myself," he threatened.I closed my eyes and looked away, "N-no
I wiped the side of my lips with restraint. I don't want to be angry on this day, but if this is how I am greeted, my patience is over."What a worthless son of yours! I wish you hadn't lived—""I hope you didn't flirt with others so that I didn't develop!" I answered with annoyance, which stopped her."I wish I didn't live anymore if my parents just left me like a cat," I uttered coldly.Even though it hurt to say that, I tried to steady my gaze. I don't see the point of her venting her anger when I have a lot to blame her for.She narrowed her eyes at me, "How dare you?" she uttered in disbelief."Is that what money did to you? You now talk back to your parents? Why? Did Rosario raise you like that too?"I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth."You're wrong. This is how you raised me," I said with emphasis, "One more thing, don't involve Mother Rosario here. For all I know, she's the best mother in the world. No one can compare to her. Not even you, Mrs. Smith."Apart from the par
I don't think this day will end; the skin will mix with the body. Even though I tried to calm myself down, I shuddered every time I caught a glimpse of Addison.I smiled and untied Aldo's arm from wrapping around my waist."Let's go, Arkan. Let's go swimming. Your Daddy is going to fix something," I said coldly before standing up and trying to reach for Arkan's hand, who stood up and held my hand.But before I could even step away from the table, Aldo grabbed my wrist. I was stunned and let go of Arkan's hand."Alaric, get my son, please," he ordered his brother coldly.Alaric followed quietly, picking up Arkan. My son didn't even complain.I turned to Aldo with wide eyes."I'm leaving too, Aldo." I tried to pull my hand away from him, but his grip tightened slightly."Stay here. We'll leave here together," he promised, so I calmed down a little.Just then, Addison slammed the table down, causing my attention to go to her. I simply glanced at Aldo, but he was only looking at me."Aldo