There are no words for how nervous I feel. My heart doesn't want to stop beating while I am sitting on the chair facing the old man's table. The fist resting on my thigh clenched as I stared intently at the floor. I know Addison is what she wants for Aldo, and I don't know how to change that when I see that he is against me."It's nice meeting you again, Miss Selvestre. Why do you look so scared?" he mocked.I pursed my lips and breathed heavily until I got the courage to look at him."I'm not afraid. I can fight for the father of my child and for my son," I uttered firmly and gave him a serious look.I saw his eyebrows twitch and shrug his shoulders as if he didn't believe it."If you say so, but that is not something I believe. Words are nothing without actions. And, based on your actions in recent years, you can only fight for your child, not Aldo," he concluded.I mumbled, "Yes, but—"He raised his palm, which left me stunned. He didn't even open the drawer of his desk.I won't de
I don't know how I faced Aldo without having a breakdown that day. He was quiet and observant, and even if he didn't say it, I knew he had an idea. It's good that he didn't bother me to come to the office; even Arkan has been left with me for the past few days.I can't be quiet about the conversation the old man and I had. I didn't even try to open the envelope for fear that it might be a check, and when I opened it, I would actually be kicked out. I was confused about what to do, so I tried to call Alice."Latest chika, Mayu? What's up?" She even giggled.I was sad, but when Arkan looked at me while playing on the floor, I tried to smile."No chika, Alice, but a problem.""Huh? Aren't you and Aldo on the next level yet?" She was confused.I sighed and sat at the edge of the bed."For Aldo, it's pretty okay. But for Don Frederick, it's vague. Very vague, Alice," I uttered weakly.When the conversation comes back to my memory, my chest tightens. I feel that my personality has been crus
"Huh?" I pretended to say, "Nothing. What am I going to hide?"He just didn't stop approaching me. I saw Arkan whispering at him, so I widened my eyes at Arkan, but Aldo caught me, so I blinked gently, trying to hide what I did."Freak, don't make puppy eyes, Mayu. It's disgusting!" Alice whispered softly again, so I nudged her gently.We both stood straight after Aldo got close. I tried to smile but was distracted by Arkan, who was grinning at me. I think my son is not helping me!"Tell me now what you are hiding before I get mad.""Huh? Nothing. What can I hide?"He tilted his head and stepped closer, which made me press closer to Alice."One," he counted, making my knees tremble.I do not know what to do. I don't even know how to get through it. I wanted to let go of the kit, but I knew he would notice it.I suddenly gasped softly after feeling Alice's hand take the kit from my palms."I got you, Sis," she whispered before hesitantly laughing when facing Aldo."Uhm, I have a dinner
At eight o'clock, after Aldo left, we went straight to the hospital. Alice is already there and may have signed up for the form.To be honest, I kind of lost the will to look any further. I don't know if now is the wrong time to get pregnant. The weight inside that I already accept, there are people who don't like it. It never crossed my mind that the old man really didn't like me, and even though the decision was Aldo's, I knew he was still thinking about his grandpa.It's hard to be stuck in the middle. In fact, Aldo can release me at any time, but he still considers me for Arkan.The rich and poor, like me, cannot really be together. I hope they make this a legal law so that no poor person makes the mistake of falling in love with a high-class person.But that is not humane! Why is it that even if everyone is said to be equal, there is and still is someone who is more powerful?"Mom, why are we here? Are you sick?" Arkan asked, holding my hand tightly.Since I couldn't carry him an
In the evening, I called Alice, and I was almost deafened by her yelling."You, Crazy! You've used me again!" Alice yelled from the other line.I bit my little finger in conscience. Now we both have a problem."Maybe Aldo won't tell Apollo right away?""I hope so! What if he told him right away? Mayu, I'm dead!" she repeated her litany again, "Aldo's your son's sidekick," she added.I rubbed my forehead and leaned against the sink in the bedroom bathroom. Aldo was just outside, so even if I wanted to scream too, I couldn't."How is it?" I asked weakly."You can tell Apollo," she answered."Shall I say you're pregnant?""Silly, no! You're the pregnant one. Tell Apollo you're pregnant, but Aldo knows I'm the pregnant one. Gets?!"I held my breath. I think the situation will get worse if I do that. Do you know Apollo? Yes, he's nice, but when it comes to his family, he is no saint."I'm not sure, Alice. As long as you don't tell anyone that you're pregnant—I mean me."She roared at my d
I don't know what happened after that. I just woke up on the sofa with a headache, and Arkan was in front of me in tears."Mommy, I think you're dying," he cried.Conscience enveloped me, and I immediately sat down, causing me to hold my forehead."Ma'am, just calm down." Rizza stopped me.After catching a glimpse of Rizza staring at me, I remembered our earlier conversation, and even though I was still dizzy, I stood up immediately."Let's go, Arkan. We're going to see your Daddy."I reached for his hand, which also held me tightly."Mom, you're not okay," he said weakly."Ma'am Mayu, don't go on. Just stay here—" "Shut up, Rizza. I can't keep quiet if I'm just here. What right do they have to take the father of my children?"She gasped as her eyes widened, but didn't ask. I didn't even ask how she knew everything or when she talked to Don. My focus is to get to Smith Corporation. I can't be stopped.Arkan held me well, and even though Rizza called us, I kept going to the gate. I do
"Didn't you know that you put yourself at risk?" he said through his gritted teeth.We are in the car, and Arkan is quiet. I think he missed his dad more than ever, so he leaned on the latter's chest."It's your fault. You didn't show up for a week. What do you think I'm going to do?" My pronunciation is weak, but with sarcasm.He was silent, and we looked at each other in the rearview mirror. Even the driver caught a glimpse of it but also looked away."Mom, are you fighting?" Arkan asked, so I looked away from the mirror and glanced at Arkan."No, Baby. Your dad and I were just saying hello. It's been a week," I smiled, but my voice was firm.I heard Aldo moan softly but didn't say anything."Alright. Please, don't fight. And please, Daddy, don't leave us like that. Mommy and I can't even eat properly," Arkan directly pleaded.I blinked and suddenly remembered an entire week. I used to be used to just me and Arkan, but since we went to Aldo, I'm not used to Aldo not coming home eith
My hand was shaking after putting down the cellphone I was holding. Don Frederick won't stop until he gets what he wants. Now, I'm debating whether to continue or not. But I want to top it all off. I want to fight for Aldo and Arkan to stop the old man.I clenched my fists, and even though I had no idea how I was going to win, I was determined to face it.I took a deep breath before going down to the kitchen. A smile spontaneously formed on my lips after seeing Aldo cook French toast for Arkan. I am satisfied that Arkan's energy has returned; even the house has come back to life."Mom! Daddy said we're going to have a picnic!" It was his happy news.My smile widened, and I gave a thumbs up, just in time for Aldo to come forward and raise the corner of his lips."We'll just eat breakfast, then we're good to go," he informed.Suddenly, my smile froze after remembering that I also had to face his grandfather today."Is there something wrong? Don't you want a picnic?""Oh?" When I turned
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