While Lenie was packing Javi’s things, Alice suddenly barged in. She was already irritated, complaining that Lenie was taking too long.“Lenie, can’t you hurry up? I still have somewhere to go with Javi,” Alice complained.“Excuse me, but how many years did Javi stay here? Five, right? Of course, he has a lot of things that need packing,” Lenie snapped back.“Does he really need to bring everything? Besides, I can buy him new things. So, can you just hurry up? I don’t have time for this,” Alice retorted, equally sharp.“Well, why don’t you help instead? All you do is talk! That’s the only thing you’re good at—running your mouth! You can’t even be a proper mother,” Lenie shot back, making Alice furious.“What did you just say?!” Alice yelled, raising her hand as if to slap Lenie.“Go ahead, slap me—let Javi see what kind of mother you really are. You want him to go with you, right? But remember, even now, he still doesn’t want to be with you!” Lenie shouted.“You’ll regret this, Lenie!
Because of Alice's frustration, she decided to go home to Lester's house. She no longer cared if her boyfriend saw Javi because she was ready to tell him the real reason she returned to the Philippines."We'll stay here for now, okay? Mommy Alice has some things to take care of before we move to the condo. Alright? Calm down now, sweetheart, don't cry," Alice said as she called for Yaya Sol."Oh, Ma’am, why did you bring Javi here? Oh no, Sir Lester is home right now. If he sees the child, we're in trouble, Ma’am," Yaya Sol said worriedly as she quickly picked up Javi, who was already crying."I don't care anymore, Yaya Sol. So what if he sees the child? What can he do about it now that he's here? Besides, he’s not the type to hurt anyone, so Javi will be fine here," Alice replied confidently."I hope so, Ma’am. I was just worried about Javi, that's why I said that," Yaya Sol answered."You know what, Yaya Sol? So you won’t be so nervous, just put Javi’s things in his room. You've alr
A few days later, Hasmin’s funeral finally took place. Lenie was extremely busy at that time, and many people had already visited their home before heading to the burial.Zyra and Lance arrived early to help her. As soon as Zyra saw her friend, she hugged Lenie tightly, making it impossible for Lenie to hold back her tears."Are you ready? There are already a lot of people outside. In just an hour, Father Anselmo will be here," Zyra said."Is anyone ever really ready for something like this? Zyra, this is so hard. I don’t even know where to start, but I have to find a way to endure this," Lenie replied, still clinging to her friend."I guess that’s just how it is in the beginning. Besides, no matter what we do, the pain never really goes away when we lose a loved one, right? It’s like we’re floating in the memories they left behind," Zyra said, causing Lenie to sob even more.A few minutes later, Lance entered the room, saying that someone was looking for Lenie."Lenie, someone is ask
On the other hand, Alice was now living in a condo with Yaya Sol and Javi. They had been there for over a week, and Lester still hadn't found them."Yaya Sol, have you fed Javi breakfast? Did he cry again earlier?" Alice asked while doing her makeup."Yes, I already fed him. He cried, but he calmed down quickly," Yaya Sol replied.Alice nodded and continued applying her makeup. A few minutes later, someone rang the doorbell multiple times and even banged on the door, clearly impatient."Yaya Sol, who is that? I don’t remember ordering food or anything. Did you order something?" Alice asked, already irritated by the noise."No, Ma’am. I don’t even know how to order. Maybe you’re expecting a visitor?" Yaya Sol answered, making Alice pause and think."No. None of my friends know I live here. I made sure to stay hidden," Alice said.Yaya Sol decided to open the door herself. As soon as she saw who was there, she almost dropped the towel she was holding."Sir Lester? H-How did you find us?
A few days later, Lenie went to RCG to collect some of her belongings and her final paycheck. Even though she didn’t want to see her ex-boyfriend, she had no choice. She needed to get it—it would help with her daily expenses.At first, she refused Lance’s offer to give her a ride, but after he insisted, she eventually gave in. She just wanted to get everything over with and move on with her life.“I won’t go in with you, okay? You already know what could happen if I do,” Lance said.“Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll handle him myself. Otherwise, he might punch you again even if you’re not doing anything,” Lenie replied before stepping out of Lance’s car.Before entering the RCG building, she took a deep breath and straightened herself up. She forced a small smile.This is the last time you’ll set foot in this place, Lenie. After this, you’ll live happily—without all the pain.As soon as she walked in, people turned to look at her. It was as if she was a new employee again, given the way they s
THREE MONTHS AGO...Alice and Javi had finally moved into the mansion. At first, Beverly was strongly against letting them stay there because she wasn’t even sure if the child was truly her grandchild.Alice arrived at the Ramirez mansion with Javi and Yaya Sol, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. The fear and tears she had previously felt disappeared—at last, she had achieved what she had always wanted."Thank you, Lester, for taking everything away from me. If you hadn’t done that, Alexis might never have let us live in this mansion."At the mansion’s entrance, Beverly was already waiting for Alexis, sipping her tea. Her forehead creased when she saw who her son had brought along. She was also puzzled by the sheer number of suitcases they had with them."Son, who are these people with you? We don’t need new maids, do we? Besides, you know that household helpers aren’t allowed to bring their children here, right?" Beverly said the moment the four of them stopped in front of her.
On the other hand, Lenie had already moved into Lance’s condominium. At first, she refused his offer, but she eventually agreed when she felt the loneliness of living alone in her house.Lenie also became the secretary of Lance’s father, Mr. Alfredo Martinez, after she officially left the Ramirez Group of Companies.Sometimes, she even ate at the Martinez mansion because the couple treated her like their own daughter. Lenie was deeply grateful for that, as it made her feel like she had a family again.They were at the dining table when Mr. Alfredo started talking to his son about settling down, as he had been urging him to get married."Well, Lance, when are you going to get a wife? You're getting older, son. Don’t you have any plans to settle down?"Hearing that, Lance almost burned his tongue because he was drinking tea at the time."Dad, I think it's not the right time to discuss things like that. Lenie is here, and it's embarrassing," Lance replied, glancing at Lenie."That's righ
Alice and Alexis were at a well-known hotel and restaurant with Beverly. Beverly treated the three of them to be with her grandchild.“Yaya Sol, please take Javi away from here for a while. I need to talk to my children,” Beverly said.“Yes, Ma’am. Javi, let’s play over there, okay? Come on,” Sol invited the child.“Be careful, my dear. You might get hurt if you run, okay?” Beverly reminded her grandchild.“No, grandma. Don't worry, I’ll be careful,” Javi replied, then smiled at his Grandma Beverly.“Don’t worry, Ma’am. I’ll take care of Javi,” Yaya Sol assured Beverly.When the two were gone, Beverly turned to Alice and Alexis.“Alexis, why don’t you marry Alice yet? After all, she is the mother of your child,” Beverly said directly, Alexis was shocked while Alice was delighted to hear it.“Mommy, that’s the thing. She is only the mother of my child. I respect her but I don’t love her. Alice knows that, right?” Alexis said, then looked at Alice, as if confirming what he said.Alice j
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