After shopping, they ate at an expensive restaurant. Lenie knew that no matter how many paychecks she earned at RCG, she wouldn’t be able to treat Javi there. “Are we really eating here? This place is so expensive. I might not even be able to swallow what I order,” Lenie said. Alice, however, was thrilled because, at last, she had something to show off to Lenie. Even though she didn’t know much about the likes and dislikes of the child, she could at least afford to treat him anywhere. “Don’t worry about it. This is just a rare occasion. I’m just making it up to my child,” Alice replied. Lenie just nodded. While observing the restaurant, her phone suddenly rang. Alexis was calling. “Aren’t you going to answer that? It might be important,” Alice said, noticing that Lenie wasn’t answering her phone. “Okay. Hold on. I’ll just step outside,” Lenie replied, then left the restaurant to answer Alexis’s call. When she answered, she noticed Alexis sounded annoyed. He had been calling her
A few days later, Vanessa informed Alexis that Alice refused to meet at RCG. Lenie, who happened to be in Alexis' office, overheard the conversation. She was shocked but couldn't do anything as Alexis and Alice's meeting was already set in motion."May I come in, Sir?" Vanessa asked."Sure. What is it, Vanessa? Did you contact her?" Alexis inquired."Yes, Sir. But she doesn't want to meet here at the RCG," Vanessa replied."Why not? If she doesn't want to be here, book a restaurant near RCG. Thank you," Alexis responded."She didn't say why, but I already did, Sir. I booked dinner for two for you and Miss Alice Salvacion at King Olaf Steakhouse and Cafe," Vanessa replied with a smile."Make it dinner for three," Alexis instructed."Ha? Why, Sir? You told me it was just you and Miss Salvacion, right?" Vanessa was confused, thinking she had misheard Alexis' previous instructions."Oh, Lenie is joining us for dinner. I forgot to mention it. I'm sorry, Miss Sanchez," Alexis explained."Ah
Alice went home feeling stressed after their meeting with the three of them. She couldn't believe that Alexis would pay her just to stay away from his son.Thankfully, Lester wasn't home. She could rant without anyone hearing her."I know you made Alexis do that. You were denying it earlier, saying you didn't know anything. Now I have a reason to take Javi away from you. Just wait! I'll get back at you, Lenie!"Alice was furious with Lenie because she saw her as the reason Alexis did that.To cool down, she took a bath. Alice was surprised when the door to her room suddenly opened; Lester was home."Wait, I'm just taking a bath, love!" she shouted, hearing Lester on the bed.Lester suddenly entered the bathroom, not caring if Alice was naked."Love, you're so sexy. Can I touch you?" Lester said, looking at Alice's breasts.Still angry about what happened earlier, Alice took it out on Lester."Not now, please. I'm still upset. I'll make it up to you later," Alice replied."You know, if
When Alexis and Lenie got into the car, they resumed their conversation. Lenie had calmed down a bit after being scolded by her mother, but she still looked at Alexis with disdain.“Lenie, I’m very sorry. I admit, I was wrong in what I did to you and Javi. Please give me one more chance, and I’ll fix this mess. If I have to talk to Alice again, I’ll do it. Just forgive me,” Alexis pleaded.“No, I won’t give you a second chance. Leave me alone. I’ll handle Alice myself—woman to woman. Maybe she’ll pity me. After all, I had no idea about your plan to offer her 1 billion pesos,” Lenie replied before stepping out of Alexis’ car.Alexis ran after her to hand her the food he brought from King Olaf Steakhouse and Cafe. Lenie refused to accept it, but Alexis insisted.“Lenie, just take it for Javi. I’m sure he’ll like it. Please, even if this is the last thing you’ll accept from me. Okay?” Alexis begged.“Fine, but after this, I don’t want to see you here again. Don’t ever visit me and Javi.
Lenie had already entered RCG. Zyra was surprised because she noticed that Lenie had not yet fixed herself up. She checked on her friend because of her appearance, and there had already been a lot of talk in the office about her breakup with Alexis."Oh, Lenie. Are you okay? Wow, it looks like you forgot to get dressed. Why aren’t you in office attire yet? And besides, you're super late. Sir Alexis has been looking for you. Looks like he misses you," Zyra said teasingly."Ah, I woke up late this morning. And then Alice said she was the one who took Javi to school, so I had to check if it was true. Who knows? She might have run off with the kid," Lenie replied."What? Alice took him to school? Good thing you checked. Anyone would have thought the same. But wait—why did you wake up late? That’s not like you," Zyra asked."A-Ah, I was watching a show. It was really good, so I stayed up late and woke up late. Ugh, stop asking so many questions. Hold on, okay? I need to change my clothes f
Lenie immediately searched for the video Zyra mentioned as soon as they returned to the office. She was extremely annoyed because the video had already spread, yet Alexis hadn’t said anything about it. It was as if he didn’t care about her at all.So, she went straight to Alexis' office to confront him. Fortunately, he didn’t have any important meetings, so Lenie was able to enter right away. Alexis was even surprised to see her.“Oh, Lenie. Why are you here? Is there another problem?” Alexis asked calmly, as if they hadn’t argued before.“Haven’t you seen this on social media? We’re trending online! Aren’t you going to do anything? Alexis, your name is at stake here. I don’t care because I have nothing to protect, but you?” Lenie said, showing him the video.“No matter what you do, it’s already spreading. Several pages on social media have uploaded and shared it. But don’t worry, I’ve already asked someone to find the source,” Alexis replied.“Just make sure it gets taken down quickl
Alexis was shocked by what Pearl had said. He was deep in thought, trying to figure out Alice’s motive for doing this to him and Lenie.Yes, she could use it to ruin Lenie because she wanted to take Javi, her child, but why ruin him too? Why would Alice involve Alexis in the mess before he even offered her 1 billion pesos?"Did Alice tell you why she did that to us?" Alexis asked, still confused."She didn’t tell me anything, Sir. She just ordered me to do it, and I did. I’m really sorry!" Pearl replied, still trembling in fear for her safety."Alright, you can leave now. We’ll hide you so Alice won’t be able to find you. I’ll take you somewhere safe," Alexis said."Huh? Does that mean I won’t be able to see my family anymore? Sir, please don’t do this! I told you everything you needed to know. Please, just let me go back to my family!" Pearl pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears."Pearl, even if I wanted to let you go, I can’t. You’ve already talked, which makes your life dangerous
The day had finally arrived when Alexis and Alice would meet. Alexis's men brought Alice to his rest house in Batangas. She was even arguing with them because she was scared."Let me go! I already came with you! Where is your boss? He’s taking too long! I want to talk to him so I can tell him the truth!" Alice shouted."Relax, Miss. He’ll be here soon. Just wait. You’re too impatient. We’re not going to hurt you!" said a man with huge biceps—but not a handsome face."Tsk! You know what? If your boss isn’t going to show up, just take me back home. I’m just wasting my time here!" Alice continued shouting.A few minutes later, a luxurious car pulled up at the rest house, making Alice stop. Out stepped Alexis, now sporting a fresh buzz cut. Alice's mouth slightly opened as she couldn't deny how handsome Alexis looked with his new haircut."Oh, so that’s the one you’ve been waiting for. Stop making a fuss now, okay? Boss! She’s here!" the man said."Amando, thanks. We’ll go inside to talk.
AFTER A YEAR. . . As soon as Lenie stepped into their house, Alexis greeted her with a passionate kiss. They didn't care if they bumped into walls or doors as they kissed intensely. Lenie, however, found the courage to stop the kiss when Alexis started removing her blouse. "Oh, why did you stop? Is there a problem?" Alexis asked, seemingly disappointed. "I-I just want to take a bath first before... you know," Lenie said, her face turning red with shyness. Alexis smiled and teased her. "Is that all? I love your scent even when you're not yet bathed." Lenie covered her mouth in shock, and Alexis continued to tease her. "Come on, please?" he whispered, caressing her body. Lenie pushed Alexis away. "Alexis, I'll take a bath first." Alexis looked disappointed, but Lenie smiled and whispered, "Promise, when I get back, you'll enjoy it." Alexis's eyes lit up, and he waited eagerly for Lenie to return from her bath. When she came out, Alexis immediately swept her off her feet
At the wedding reception alone, Lenie was already hearing all sorts of comments from the guests. Some wanted them to have a child immediately, while others thought they should wait. She didn’t know what to do. She was already feeling pressured, even though she had just become a Ramirez."Oh, please don't pressure my wife," Alexis interjected. "Besides, we already have a child—Javi, right? It’s better if we focus on him first. After all, he’s still young.""Huh? But isn’t he your child with Alice? The one who got imprisoned? You know, it would still be better if you and Lenie had a child together. It just feels different," one of the wedding guests commented.They quickly decided to have Javi moved away so he wouldn’t hear anything further. Both Lenie and Alexis closed their eyes in frustration, and Beverly noticed it."Yaya Sol, please take Javi inside. Check if he needs to rest. I’m sure he’s tired," Alexis instructed."Alright, Sir. I’ll put him to sleep," Yaya Sol responded.After
After a few weeks, the two finally decided to say goodbye to Alice. Even though they didn’t know how she would react, they still wanted to try, especially since they were leaving the country with Javi after the wedding."Are you sure about this? You know what kind of attitude that woman has. I don’t know why she still hasn’t forgiven you," Alexis said."Alexis, until she forgives me, I won’t stop. I don’t even know why I’m still hoping we can fix things, even if it seems impossible," Lenie replied."Oh, wow. I really admire you. That’s why I’m marrying you—you’re so brave. I just hope she finally forgives you, and of course, forgives herself too. She’s the one responsible for everything, after all," Alexis said before kissing his fiancée on the forehead."Ugh, you’re spouting nonsense again. Fine, I know you’re head over heels for me. Let’s go now and visit her in prison," Lenie said.They brought Javi along so Alice could see her son. Honestly, every time Lenie saw her former friend
Lenie was completely surprised when she realized that Mang Dante had taken her to a beautiful outdoor restaurant.She was even more shocked to see all the people closest to her gathered there. Thoughts started forming in her mind about why they were there, but she didn’t want to assume anything."Ma'am, I’m sorry. I was just following orders," Mang Dante said as he parked the car."Oh, that’s okay. I should be the one apologizing for thinking badly of you earlier. I had no idea they were planning to surprise me," Lenie replied.After parking, Lenie gathered her things and stepped out of the car.As she slowly walked inside, her eyes widened even more at how breathtaking the place was. She looked around and spotted Zyra and Lance. Beverly was also there, carrying Javi. Surprisingly, even some employees from RCG attended, despite not being very close to her.She was also shocked to see Gaustav, Zyra’s beloved. Her friend had always said that he rarely attended gatherings.Even Daphne wa
AFTER 1 YEAR. . .Alice was already in prison, and Lenie was happily living in the Ramirez mansion. She had returned to RCG as an employee of Alexis, with strict instructions that she should not be given any high position in the company, even though she already knew how everything worked.Her relationship with Alexis had also improved, and they promised each other that no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together.While they were having lunch, Beverly suddenly spoke up."Lenie, when will you be having your baby? I would love for my grandson, Javi, to have a sibling."Lenie almost spit out the juice she was drinking upon hearing that. Alexis, sitting beside her, chuckled.Although embarrassed, Lenie responded, as she still felt nervous whenever she talked to Beverly."Ah, Auntie… that's not in our plans yet. Besides, your son hasn’t even proposed to me yet," she said, laughing to herself.This time, it was Alexis who choked on his drink, laughing at Lenie’s r
The next day, Lenie, Alexis, and Javi went to the hospital where Alice was staying. At first, they hesitated about whether Lenie should enter the room. "Are you sure you can face Alice? She might say something hurtful to you," Alexis asked worriedly before they entered Alice's room. Lenie simply smiled before replying, "Of course. I don't care what she says anymore. I have you both with me, so what else could be a problem?" Hearing that, Alexis also smiled. "You really are something. Alright, let's go!" Alexis said. They all entered the room together. Alice smiled upon seeing Javi, but her expression changed the moment she saw Lenie. "Everything was fine until I saw her. Why is she even here? Alexis, I was okay with just you and our son visiting me!" Alice complained. "Alice, relax. There's nothing we can do about it. Javi asked her to come. You know no one can say no to your son," Alexis replied. "Then you should have stopped him. I really thought I'd feel better after seeing
Lenie had already returned to the mansion. Edith and the other household staff of Alexis’ family immediately welcomed her.At first, Lenie felt shy since it had been a long time since she last visited the mansion. Edith just smiled at her."Where are Mommy Beverly and Javi, Edith?" Alexis asked the elderly woman."Oh, they’re in the playroom, Alexis. They don’t even know that you're coming," Edith replied."Ah, okay. We’ll go see them. Thanks," Alexis said.They headed to the playroom and knocked on the door."Come in," Beverly said.As soon as they opened the door, Beverly was shocked to see Lenie. Embarrassment was visible on her face.She immediately approached them while holding Javi’s hand. Javi, excited, also ran toward them."Alexis, son. Why didn’t you tell me that you and Lenie were coming home from the hospital? I would have at least prepared some food for us," Beverly said."Ah, sorry, Mommy. I wasn’t able to do that because I got busy earlier," Alexis replied."Daddy! Mama
As soon as Lenie arrived outside Alice's room, she felt a deep sadness upon seeing the number of police officers stationed there. She couldn't help but feel pity for her former friend, Lenie was now seated in a wheelchair."Do there really have to be this many police officers guarding her? Can’t you at least reduce the number? She probably won’t be able to escape anymore," Lenie asked, almost pleading with Alexis."I'm sorry, Lenie. That decision is up to the police, and I can’t convince them otherwise. They’re just being cautious in case Alice still has accomplices. She committed too many crimes," Alexis replied, his voice tinged with regret that he couldn’t grant Lenie’s request.Lenie simply nodded. She understood that Alexis had a point, but from what she remembered, Alice no longer had any family, which would make it difficult for her to escape even if she wanted to.When they entered Alice’s room, Alexis stepped in first, causing Alice to smile at him. However, her expression qu
While in the hospital, Zyra and Alexis took care of Lenie after their work at RCG.Lenie was happy and no longer complained about the attention Alexis was giving her. She had accepted that she and Alexis truly loved each other and that it would never change.One day, while Alexis was watching over her, Lenie suddenly became concerned about the person who had wronged her."Alexis, how is Alice? Who's taking care of her now? Did you assign her a personal nurse?" Lenie asked. Alexis just smiled, amused by Lenie's kindness toward Alice."Oh, no. There are nurses checking on her every now and then, so I think she doesn't need one. Sometimes, I visit her to check on her myself. After all, she can’t walk anymore, right?" Alexis replied."Alexis, she should have someone with her. We know she has no family left, don’t we? She needs company now more than ever because of what happened to her," Lenie said, genuinely worried about Alice.Alexis just smiled, seeing how kind Lenie was to Alice despi