I don't know if the old man is insulting me or playing with me. Did he think we were playing chess around him?My jaw almost dropped, and I immediately stepped closer to his table. He wasn't alarmed, even though he knew I was angry. Aldo captures this attitude.He calmly leaned back in his swivel chair and grinned."Aren't you surprised? Or do you want me to go with the details ASAP, Mrs. Selvestre-Castellanos?" he said as he pointed out the chair in front of his table."Is this a prank? I'm sorry, but I don't have time for this stupidity," I uttered with emphasis and forcefully placed the marriage contract on the table."I don't have time for this game. I want the truth and not jokes.""Do I look like I'm joking, Hija?" His voice became serious.There is no trace of a smile on his lips or mischief in his eyes. But should I trust him?"Is that why you don't like me for your grandson?"His eyebrows twitched, and he was lifted from his lean. "Yes. I don't like you for my grandson—"I c
I can't believe he's accusing me of infidelity with his grandfather! Out of all the men you can think of, it's actually his grandfather!I took a deep breath before walking out of the mansion. I really shudder when I remember his question. If only he knew that I came here for us, he might have been happy—maybe not.Hey! What's wrong with him coming here and visiting his grandfather? because I am not close to the old man?I stopped after realizing something. Suddenly, my knees shook. Is this another set-up?Did the old man play with us again? Was it wrong that I trusted him? Maybe this is what he really wants to happen—that Aldo thinks I'm attached to him.I'm stupid. Why would he choose to marry me to his grandson when he doesn't like me? Why did I believe it right away? Now I have to explain to Aldo since I appear to be the one who is wrong.Brilliant, Mr. Frederick! Why didn't I think of this earlier? His acting is great; I wish he'd just become an actor!I closed my eyes and could
"Is this a prank?" I whispered to Apollo, who was seriously looking out the window of the limousine that was working, that I didn't know where it was going.I don't know what the old man's plan is, and someone is kidnapped like this."Nope. This is an order from the old man—""Shut up, Apollo. Why do you keep on saying that? Aren't you supposed to be in Guimaras?" Aldo asked with a frown.Apollo yawned and leaned back in his chair, "She took my love.""You mean she took Alice?" I butted in."Yeah~""Freak! What are you doing here? Why didn't you look for her?!"He scratched his eyebrows and glanced at Gueco, who closed his eyes."What do you want me to do? Wear a Superman cape and save the damsel in distress." he asked, "Let Grandpa see that Alice and I are not together, so he will let her go."My lips parted while staring at him. Seriously?"Daddy, I'm sleepy," Arkan murmured, who was on Aldo's lap.That's where my attention went. I was going to take him, but Aldo and I looked at ea
"That's enough, Alice. Don't make me look pretty anymore. Let my makeup spread. I'm only going to beautify for Aldo, not for his grandfather."My tears don't stop falling because of the pain. Alice also never stopped wiping them and fixing my makeup."I'll be the one to blame if you don't look good. Mayu, we have nowhere to run here on the island. If you can swim in a wide sea, I'll go with you, but I know it's not possible. You're pregnant, Mayu. For now, maybe you can agree first that once we get back to Manila, that's where we'll run away," she explained.I shook my head and almost crumpled my gown. I clenched my fists there. I felt disgusted and just wanted to destroy it."Just please calm down first, Mayu. When you feel better, then we'll think of another way." She handed me bottled water.I took it and drank it. She has a point; nothing will happen if I just cry here while my father and I might both be locked up somewhere."Alice, I can't.nWhat about my children? I can't marry t
I couldn't believe he was here beside me, grinning sympathetically. He even glared at those on the side of the altar."Aldo, you're not going abroad?" I asked weakly and gently squeezed his palm.He turned his attention to me and frowned."Who told you that? Who says I'm leaving? That won't happen unless you and Arkan are with me." Suddenly, I want to cry again. Even though I don't know how we will run away from this island, I will put my full trust in him."Do you know where Arkan is? Let's not leave him here, please," I begged.The frown on his forehead deepened, and he looked around."Who told you about these? Of course, Arkan will go home with us," he said through his gritted teeth."It's Alice. Anyway, how did you escape if you were locked up?" I glanced at him, confused.I cringed after hearing his low curses."Fuck them all for making you believe that. That's not true. How can they imprison me if the island is mine?"My lips parted. I even glanced at Alice, who was sitting alo
I bit my lip harshly when he pinned me on the balcony's railings."Is it safe?" I murmured, not wanting to let go of his hard arm.He chuckled lowly as he came closer to me and showered me with sweet kisses from my head down to my ear. The warmth from his naked body is absolutely killing the cold air.Without warning, I pressed my cheek against his chest. I even gently smelled its natural scent.He laughed again, causing me to smile."Now, you are getting clingy and crazy over me," he concluded."So what? Am I not allowed to fancy my... HUSBAND?" I really emphasized the last word to remind us that we are married."Hm. I guess.. no. It should be the other way around." He looked down at me and gave me that lustful stare. I knew then that we were both creating fire again."Let me fancy you.... WIFE," he imitated my tone.I closed my eyes as my lips parted when he lowered his head to claim them. I felt his strong arm snake into my waist when he deepened the kiss.I couldn't help but clin
What game do they really want to play? I guess ruining my life is not enough for them."Don't think about that, Sweetie. Addison is just trying to mess us up," he concluded, trying to reach my waist and sit me on his lap.We did not go home immediately and are still here in his office. Even though I know that Addison just wants to mess things up, I still can't get over what she said. I don't believe she is pregnant, and I wonder when they will stop playing this game."I swear to God, I didn't bed her. Since you were away, I have had no women in my bed aside from you. They don't look as delectable as you," he explained again.He moved the swivel chair where he was sitting. He gently rested his chin on my shoulder and forced our palms together. I even felt his finger caressing my ring.I sighed and looked up at him. I also put my hand on our hands."Silly, I know that. That's not what I was thinking.""Then what? You tell me, I want to give you peace of mind." He gave me a kiss on my sh
I felt numbed. I really don't want to be affected, but I feel like they are imitating what happened to me.Pregnant? Really?It's a good thing that Aldo grabbed and hung up the call immediately, because I might have answered Addison in my annoyance.That's right; it even affected my enthusiasm to visit Mother Rosario. I'm ashamed that when I came to her grave, I was still annoyed with Addison. Aldo lit the candle, and Arkan laid the flowers.I really lost my appetite; even in the car, my lips were still pursed and my forehead was frowning. If Aldo hadn't held my hand, I wouldn't have been brought back to reality."Are you alright? I want to say don't think about it, but I guess that won't work," he murmured, caressing the back of my palm.When I turned to him, his eyes were busy on the road, and only one hand was holding the steering wheel. I sighed and turned to Arkan, who had a worried look on her face. In the end, I forced my own smile and joined hands with Aldo."I'm just annoyed,
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