Lenie kept smiling because she didn’t want Alexis’s mom to notice how nervous she was. As they sat down, she immediately held Alexis’s hand.“Thank you, Alexis,” Lenie said.“You’re welcome,” Alexis replied before taking his seat.Lenie noticed Alexis’s mom giving her a head-to-toe look before smiling. That made Lenie uncomfortable, but she tried not to let Alexis notice.Then Alexis’s father arrived, which made Lenie even more anxious. She smiled at him, and he smiled back.“So you’re here already. Sorry, I had to take an urgent call earlier, so I wasn’t here. Have you ordered yet?” Alexis’s father asked.“Not yet, Dad. Lenie and I just arrived,” Alexis replied.“I already ordered for them, Arman. It should be coming soon. Anyway, Lenie, right?” Alexis’s mom asked, and Lenie could sense the tension in her tone.“Yes, Ma’am,” Lenie answered briefly, trying to smile to ease the tension she felt.“Don’t call me Ma’am, dear. We’re not in the office. Just call me Auntie Beverly,” Alexis’s
Alexis was puzzled by Lenie’s sudden rush. He immediately followed her, even though his mother disapproved. He spotted Lenie waiting for a taxi outside the restaurant.“Lenie, just come with me. Where are you going? I can drive you if it’s an emergency. You don’t have to wait for a taxi. Come on,” Alexis said.Knowing that Javi and Alexis couldn’t meet, Lenie declined his offer, but Alexis was persistent. He kept insisting that Lenie ride in his car.“Lenie, come on. Don’t be shy. It’s not like I’m not courting you. Just get in so we can go,” Alexis urged.Reluctantly, Lenie agreed to ride in Alexis’ car because she wanted to see how Javi was doing. She decided to think of an alibi for her boss later, once she saw Javi’s condition.Lenie gave Alexis the hospital address where Javi had been taken. Luckily, Alexis knew the place, so they arrived quickly. Upon reaching the hospital, Lenie immediately saw her mother.“Nay, where is Javi? How is he? Has his fever gone down?” Lenie asked in
Alexis was about to bid goodbye to Lenie, but Lenie suddenly remembered the conversation between Beverly and Alexis during their dinner date. Annoyed by Alexis’s persistent questions, she threw one back at him."You too, huh? There are things I don’t know about you, even though we’ve been dating for a year. Tell me, who is Sapphire? Why am I only finding out now that she’s your childhood friend?" Lenie said, her jealousy obvious to Alexis.Alexis paused and smiled slightly at what he heard. Whether he admitted it or not, her words made him feel giddy. At least his efforts for Lenie weren’t going to waste."Are you jealous of Sapphire? Well, you’re right. If there are things I don’t know about you, the same goes for you not knowing some things about me. But just to make things clear between us, Sapphire is just a friend, and I have no intention of courting her. Okay?" Alexis responded."W-What? Of course not. Why would I be jealous? My point is that there are also things I don’t know a
Lenie quietly entered Alexis's office, emotionless. She wanted to ask about Sapphire, but since they weren’t officially together, she hesitated. Alexis noticed her hesitation and immediately asked if something was wrong."Lenie, is there a problem between us? As far as I remember, everything was fine last night. Why do you look so serious?" Alexis asked, confused."Nothing, Sir Alexis. What do you need from me? Please get to the point because I have a lot of work to do," Lenie replied coldly, not even looking at her boss."Lenie, I know you. What's your problem with me? You're not leaving this office until you answer me," Alexis said, irritation evident in his voice."You. You're my problem! You told me there was nothing between you and that Sapphire, but now I hear she's the one your mother wants you to marry?" Lenie said, her voice filled with anger.Alexis was taken aback by Lenie’s words. He wanted to get mad at whoever told her that. He hadn’t mentioned it to her because he didn’
Lenie worked late that day because of the sheer amount of tasks she had to finish. She didn’t mind, as keeping busy helped her avoid thinking about Alexis and Sapphire. What she didn’t know was that her boss had deliberately waited for her to finish her work.“Are you finished with your work?” Alexis asked, surprising Lenie. Her eyes widened, knowing he was supposed to be out with Sapphire.“Why are you here? I thought you had plans with Sapphire? It’s late already. You should go; she might get upset,” Lenie said as she packed her things.“I canceled it. It’s more important to talk to you and fix whatever problems we have. That’s okay, right? Will you give me another chance?” Alexis asked, his sadness evident. But Lenie wasn’t easily swayed by men anymore.“I don’t know. You know I’ve been through a lot in my past relationship, right? I told you that, but maybe you’ve forgotten. I feel like my emotions are being toyed with again because of your failure to tell me something important,”
She slowly placed her bag on the table. The two didn’t hear her arrive because of the noise they were making while playing. Lenie shook her head when she saw a large robot toy from a famous TV show.She had tried many times to ask online shops about the price of that toy, but no matter what she did, she couldn’t afford it. Even the secondhand ones were beyond her budget."Alexis, why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to go home? And why did you buy Javi that toy? That’s expensive, isn’t it?" Lenie asked, irritation evident in her voice."Ah, Lenie, you’re here already. I promised him that last time I visited, so I just fulfilled it. I guess it’s okay with his mom, right?" Alexis replied, unsure if what he did was right or wrong."Alexis, you should’ve at least told me you were buying that for him," Lenie said, then approached Javi to check if he still had a fever."Mama, that’s okay. I want the toy," Javi said, as if understanding the conversation between Alexis and Lenie."Yes, but it
Lenie hurried to the office to talk to Alexis about what happened at the hospital, but Zyra stopped her. Confused, she immediately asked her friend what was going on. Lenie knew Alexis didn’t have a morning meeting, so it couldn't be because of that."Why? Does he have an urgent meeting? I thought he didn’t. That’s what he told me yesterday," Lenie asked."It’s... it seems like an urgent meeting. Just let it go for now. If I were you, I’d talk to him later. For now, just focus on your work," Zyra replied before quickly returning to her cubicle.Lenie felt like her friend was hiding something from her. Zyra’s behavior seemed off, as though she was keeping a secret."Zy, is there a problem? Why can’t I go to Alexis’ office? Is Ma’am Beverly there?" Lenie asked nervously, knowing Alexis' mother didn’t like her."N-No, Ma’am Beverly isn’t with him," Zyra replied briefly."Then who is?" Lenie asked, puzzled."Who else? It’s Sapphire. For all we know, they might be kissing right now. That’s
Lenie came home late because she was still very upset with Alexis. What she didn't know was that Alexis was waiting for her outside the office to talk. Lenie was about to get into a tricycle when Alexis suddenly stopped her. She just closed her eyes in frustration."Sir. She's my girlfriend. Here, this is the payment for the inconvenience," said Alexis. Lenie's eyes widened when she heard Alexis call her "girlfriend.""It looks like you two had a lover's quarrel, Sir. Alright, you take care of it with Ma'am. Thank you for the payment, Sir," said the tricycle driver before leaving.Even though the tricycle had already left, Lenie continued walking. She didn’t look at Alexis because she knew she would melt under his gaze. All she wanted was to go home and take care of Javi."Lenie, I’m sorry. Okay? Yes, I admit it. I was tempted to kiss her, but it didn’t happen, right? Please, let’s fix this!" Alexis begged her."Ah, so if it had happened, what would happen to me? Nothing? You would ju
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