I don't know where I should go. Arkan climbed on the bed first, then called me."Mom, here!" He even tapped the place next to him.I let out a sigh and lay there. I immediately hugged him and covered him with the blanket. I didn't look for or wait for Aldo, who had been talking to someone on his cell phone."Daddy isn't done yet?" Arkan asked weakly."Don't wait for him, baby. Sleep now, it's already late."He nodded a little, but even so, I knew he would still be waiting for him, so I couldn't sleep either. I just closed my eyes, but I wasn't asleep yet. I even heard Aldo's approaching footsteps."Why are you still awake, Buddy?" asked Arkan."Shh, Daddy. Keep quiet; Mommy is asleep," he whispered.I'm not sure if Aldo answered. The only thing I know is that the bed screeched on the other side of Arkan, and someone placed a strong hand on my arm while I was hugging Arkan."Sleep, kiddo," he whispered.I couldn't help but frown after feeling his sweet caress on my arm. He didn't seem
I took courage and bravery from what Arkan said. I also threw Aldo's things hard in front of him, directly onto his chest."I don't need you. I don't need your money. I don't want someone like you in my life, so please tell your grandpa to make his own son!" I smirked and was about to close the door, but he quickly stopped me."Is this really what you want?" he asked through his gritted teeth.I raised my eyebrows and looked at him impatiently."Yes. Don't go near Arkan. Don't visit us anymore. I'll find a job, and I'll pay all your money."He stopped for a moment, as if he were thinking about what I said. Later, a small smile appeared on his lips."Fine. Let's play this game, sweetie. See you in court. No, erase that. See you in jail," he replied coldly, making my lips part.I didn't move and couldn't ask what he meant. I just came to my senses after hearing the sound of his car driving away.I covered my mouth in weakness. I closed my eyes tightly and took a deep breath."He's kiddi
"Miss, eat now. You shouldn't be hungry," said the police officer.He placed a tray with food and orange juice on the side, as well as a glass of water.I raised my eyebrows. I didn't know there was special treatment in prison. I was not even sent out to socialize with others. Even the clothes they gave me earlier were bought at the mall."Uhm, hasn't your friend called yet?""Not yet, Miss. Eat now. When you need something, just say it. Just call any policeman there."My forehead furrowed, and my eyes narrowed. I think there is something wrong with the events, but I will not act anymore. Maybe I can use this chance to take advantage of everything.When night came, I couldn't sleep. Besides Alice not calling, I was worried for Arkan. I would like to call them, but I'm shy. I don't even know what to say to my son.I gently hugged my legs and leaned my forehead there. I want to cry. I don't even know where to find help. I can think of Apollo and Gueco, but I think it is unlikely that th
"Be my bed warmer."That repeated itself several times in my mind. My fist was clenched while my eyes were full of tears.In my eyes, the man in front of me now has long horns, a messenger of evil."It's my offer, Mayu. It's up to you if you will accept it. But this is the only way you can be with Arkan, because no matter what, you will never win in this game."Even though my vision was blurry due to tears, I did not look into his eyes."I want to slap you," I uttered weakly.He didn't move or show any reaction."I wanna slap you hard, Aldo. I want to hurt you."He tilted his head and looked at me seriously. "Then do it. Do it, and you will never see Arkan again," he replied coldly.I was glued to my place and didn't even dare to make a move when he said that. The thought of never seeing my son is tearing me apart. I was weak and couldn't even answer."Think smartly, Sweetie. Take it or you'll be forever behind this bar," was his last warning before leaving.I closed my eyes tightly
"Don't worry, I'll give you some time to bond with Arkan before I get him. I am more deserving of being his mother than you, Mayu." Addison smirked before turning to leave them there.My eyes narrowed, but I couldn't do anything. I just looked at Mommy without emotion.She arched her brow and then moved aside to let the policeman open the jail."I hope now you keep your word. After all, you and Aldo are not on good terms; leave Arkan to Addison so that Aldo will choose her. I will send you home. I hope one week is enough to say goodbye to Arkan." I wanted to answer and protest, but for my son, I remained silent. What is important to me now is to be free, even if only temporarily. I miss Arkan so much.I don't know what connection Mommy has to that day I was released. She accompanied me to the car, but I was silent, as was she. When she got to the apartment, she immediately stopped my wrist."If you agree with me, I promise you won't live alone anymore. I will claim you as my daughter
As beautiful as it is outside, the mansion is even more beautiful inside. Every piece of furniture and vase shines. Even the sofas will be too clean for you to sit on. I think Arkan also felt that, which is why he held my hand tightly when Aldo let go of him. He didn't even turn around; he just stayed by my side."Sit down first. I'll just get you something to eat," he said before turning away, but the servant appeared."Sir, I'll—""No. I can manage. Just do something else and ask someone to bring their things to the master's and to Arkan's room," he coldly commanded.I am more ashamed of the servant who bowed down. She obeyed, and I think she will find someone to command.When Aldo walked away, I still didn't sit on the sofa. Arkan and I both silently looked around the mansion. I'm also looking for the old man Castellanos, but it seems he wasn't here."Mom, are we gonna live here?" Arkan asked lowly.When I glanced at him, he looked up at me, so I knelt down, following his height."
"Please, Daddy. Don't push Mommy away," Arkan begged sadly.My throat hurts, and I don't know how to speak. I managed to glance at Aldo, but his eyes were on Arkan. I couldn't read his reaction, but I could see the slight tension in his jaw.I didn't know he needed to think about that. I thought that I would automatically live here too, but it seems that he decided differently.He didn't answer yet, which made Arkan's eyebrows cross as he stood up."If you won't let my Mommy be with me, then we're leaving—""Of course, she will live here too. She'll be with you. I didn't say anything that she wouldn't live here," Aldo responded.Only then did Arkan breathe a sigh of relief. He shrugged then gave me a wink that made me frown. I don't know what Arkan is planning, but I'm glad he's not abandoning me like before."I have lots of rules, Daddy. I hope you know that just because I said I liked it here doesn't mean we're completely good. There's more you need to comply with before we're final
"Come on, just kiss me," Aldo teased even more.I narrowed my eyes at him and was about to turn away, but he pulled me in first and pressed his lips to mine.My eyes widened as I stared into his closed eyes. I seemed to be taken aback by what he did, even though his lips were not moving. He's even carrying Arkan!I heard Arkan's soft giggle, so I came to my senses and looked at him.His mouth is covered, but I can see the excitement in his eyes. I immediately moved my lips away and took a sip. I even met Aldo's wide eyes."See? It's easy, Mom!" Arkan said, grinning.I shook my head and removed Aldo's arm from around me. I immediately turned around and immediately felt the heat on my cheeks. I was disgusted by what I was feeling."Don't be a fool, Mayu. That was just a kiss... it's meaningless," Aldo said coldly, making me stop.My lips parted as I wanted to answer him. My forehead wrinkled. Why is it like last night and earlier, he was sweet? Now, he is cold?"Where do you want to eat
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