I felt dizzy as I sensed something cold against my forehead. Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw a woman's face in front of me, causing my brow to furrow. She was gently wiping my forehead with a cold, wet towel, adding to my surprise. Where was I? What had happened?
"You're finally awake," she said, offering me a smile.
I gradually sat up and glanced around. This wasn't my room. The entire space was neat and tranquil. The decor was sleek, mostly black with hints of gray. The appliances and furniture looked luxurious, even the bed I was on. The ambiance, too, hinted at wealth. Clearly, this was a residence of affluent people.
"How are you feeling? Your body temperature is still low. You need plenty of rest," she continued.
I turned my attention back to her as she spoke. She
I stayed in that room for a few more hours until the door slammed again, and I quickly sat down. I thought it was that man again, but it was Elena who rushed into the room and hugged me."Oh my god, Ana! I thought something happened to you!" She exclaimed, looking at me."What the fuck!" She winced as she saw my cheek. I hadn't seen my reflection yet, but from her reaction, I knew it was really bad."What happened? Why? Damn it, Ana! Why did you get beaten up again?" She said hysterically, not knowing what to do.I grabbed her arm and forced a smile. "Ares... can I borrow your cell phone—”"Ares is also unreachable. I would've brought him here, but he left the office right when you suddenly disappeared. I can't ev
"Agatha is in the hospital. Someone beat her on her way home from university."The first thought that crossed my mind when Ares shared Agatha's condition was, "How did he know?" But that thought swiftly disappeared as I arrived at the hospital with Elena. Even she was curious about how Ares found out so quickly and where he had come from.But even as the girlfriend, I didn't have the answer. Furthermore, why would someone beat Agatha? From what I knew, she was one of the most feared and high-ranking students at her university. This was the first time such an incident had happened to her. Was she being bullied?"Are you okay? You've been quite silent. What room is it?" Elena asked, but I was lost in my thoughts.
"Don't be so selfish, Anastacia! Can't you see your sister's condition?" Mama scolded, and I turned to her, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness.I noticed Agatha looking at us and immediately turned my attention to Ares. I couldn't comprehend what was happening, and I felt like I didn't belong in that moment.I bit my lower lip and fought back tears."I'm not selfish," I surrendered and quickly turned my back on them, leaving the room. Elena followed me.As we left, we saw Matthew with a big black eye and a swollen lip. He didn't notice us, so Elena and I exchanged glances before heading out.I remained silent throughout the journey to Elena's condo, lost in thought. Once we arrived, I sat on the sofa and covered my
"Have you talked yet?" Elena asked me as soon as we got out of the building. I just looked at her and shook my head.After a short conversation earlier that ended in a misunderstanding, I never saw him again. I didn't even realize he had left his office. I tried calling him, but he wasn't answering.Then I also remembered that maybe that's why he didn't answer my call—he thought I was using Elena's cellphone. I still couldn't gather the courage to go home. Especially given today's situation."Didn't he say goodbye to you? I saw him leave earlier, seeming in a hurry," I heard Elena say again as we walked towards the parking lot.I just shrugged and quietly continued walking. Even the truth was bothering my mind. Before, the uneasiness would last only a few seconds e
"How are you? When do you plan to head home?" I inquired, and she responded with a smirk."I can head home today, Ana. Why not try apologizing to mom and going back to our place to get updated," she casually remarked.I nodded and brushed off her suggestion. Despite wanting to apologize and return home, my pride held me back, especially at this moment. It felt like they were against me, and I was at a loss about what to do."Where are you staying?" Ares asked me, chuckling as I looked at him."I thought you had no interest in asking that," I said bitterly, turning my gaze away. I noticed a frown forming on his forehead."I'm staying at Elena's place and came here to get my bruise checked. Just in case you're curious," I menti
As I glanced at my cell phone again, I saw the last message from that man.Unknown NumberText me once you get home. Please. Be safe.I bit my lower lip and realized I was typing a reply while my hands shook.To Unknown NumberThank you very much, Apollo.After sending it, I left that house completely. I hailed another taxi and headed to Elena's condo. My heavy heart added to the weight of my luggage.The rain was falling heavily again, darkening the sky. I no longer knew what to prioritize, whether it was Ares or my family. I felt utterly alone at that momen
"I'm planning to tell her right after our wedding, dad—""Marriage is sacred, son. Anastacia is part of our family now, especially you. You should include her in your decision-making," Donya Valentine said seriously, and I glanced at her. She offered me a small smile before averting her gaze, prompting me to look at Ares."Is there a problem, Ares?" I couldn't hold back my curiosity.When he looked at me, his forehead was already furrowed, and he seemed apologetic. Before he could answer, Don Damien spoke again."My son and I have an agreement, Ana. I will be transferring all my assets, including the Aragon Group of Companies, once he marries someone. That agreement has been long overdue, and I didn't expect that he would keep it."
"Ana, are you leaving?"I was almost startled when I heard that voice. I turned to find Lily, her hair still wet, standing there in front of me, a pleasant smile on her face as she continued to comb her hair."I'm sorry, Lily. I'm just going to head over to the Hacienda for a bit. I'll leave you with her for a while. Let me know if there's anything wrong," I explained, giving her a reassuring look before I left the room."It's alright. What about you? I'd love to go to the Hacienda too, but my mother would surely scold me. I saw Sir Anton and his business partners; they're all handsome!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement, and she seemed to be giddy. I couldn't help but chuckle.As I made my way towards the bathroom to change my clothes, I could still hear Lily's animated commentary. When I came out, she was still at it, so I couldn't resist joining in."Did you see them? Do you know who they are?" I asked as I adjusted my attire.She rushed to the window and gazed out at
"They are healthy. You will see them when you are well, so get stronger soon," he told me softly and brought his face closer to my cheek.I closed my eyes. I feel the extreme fatigue in my whole body and the pain of the wound in my stomach. I had a C-section. The last time I remember, I really tried to make it in normal delivery but my body gave up suddenly. Everyone gave in to me, so everyone immediately decided for me because if not, my children will be in trouble.I could feel Hector's tight grip on my hands so I looked at him again. He closed his eyes while his face was still buried in my neck. Apparently, resting... or praying? I smiled and almost cried when I remembered the first time I gave birth and he was not by my side during those times. It was normal delivery yet it was hard for me to carry. Because I'm all alone. Everyone was there for me, cheering me, but I still felt loneliness during those times. But now, despite the pain and fatigue that my whole body feels, I feel
Hector’s POVOne thing about Solei that I love the most—she is different—she still looks up even when the stars aren't shining. She made the broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She wasn't simple. She was a beast in her own way. She's mystical. Anastacia Solei is deep and I am always willing to dive into her mind and soul—no matter how deep it is.I looked up at him. The flower crown on top of her head is not enough to beat her beauty. She looks like a fairy in her long white dress. It's simple but her beauty is so beautiful. Her brown hair looks so shiny while they were swaying by the strong winds. She smiled and focused her gaze on me. It pierces my soul. I feel like my heart is going to explode because I love him so much.I am so in love with her that she makes me feel sick to my stomach.I can still remember the second time I saw her after so many years—after that incident.Inside that bar, he was the only one I saw. He seemed to be glowing while dancing in the middle
"Ares was right about you. He told me you're different than the other women out there. And I know he regrets that he used you in all his plans. What happened to us after that night, it wasn't the first time I saw you—the first time was when I rushed you to the hospital that day your father was shot by Ares. I knew I had to protect you because his group was also aiming for you. And then I never saw you again. I just found out that you are with Ares. That's when I found out everything he was planning and I had to rescue you again. And it pains me to see you hurting despite your genuine kindness. So when I saw Matthew hurt you, I almost destroyed his face after warning him about you. But he didn't listen. Your half-brother underestimated me, so I had to give him a lesson..."I felt surprised when I heard that. I suddenly remembered Matthew's broken face that was not done by Ares. So, that was him. Why is he only telling me this now? Why does he know more about me than I know about my lif
I could feel the anxiety and pain slowly engulfing me as we crossed the road to the hospital. I didn't listen properly to what Leon said and the only thing that stuck in my mind was when he said where it was—he was rushed to the hospital!I immediately looked at the nurse's counter. "M-miss, Hector Aragon..."That's all I said because I couldn't understand what was happening around me. He seemed to understand what I said. He looked at his monitor for a moment before turning to me."Still in the emergency room, Ma'am."I frowned. "Huh? I thought he was—""Ana, I found them!" I heard Leon scream so I looked at him quickly.I didn't waste any more time. I immediately followed him as he led me to the emergency room. I can still feel my surprise because I know that his condition is critical. Why is he still in the ER?My mind became even more confused when we reached a room that was only blocked by curtains. I tried asking Leon what we were doing here but he suddenly stopped and Hector w
Why do you need to keep this from me, Hector? what are you planningI didn't answer. I just stared at him. Measuring his gaze and how long he will go on lying to me. When he didn't really speak, I just got tired and looked away from him. I calmly went to the bed and lay down there. I suddenly felt a strange nervousness for an unknown reason."Hey..." I heard him call me.Next, I felt him sitting next to me. He caressed my cheek gently. I turned my back to his direction and tried to stop myself from paying attention to him."Baby..." he called me again. I closed my eyes tightly."Just go, Hector. I'm done talking to you," I told him lazily without looking at him.He kept caressing my cheek so I just closed my eyes.Where is he going? Does he know where his daddy is hiding so he will go to him? What will he do there? Why does he have to hide that thing from me?"I'll be quick. Don't be mad, please..." he gently said to me.I felt his hot breath on my cheek. After a while, his soft lip
"Don't you want to join us there?"I turned to the person who spoke and saw Leon carrying wine glasses. It stopped at my side."I wish I could," I answered him regretfully. I suddenly felt sad for some unknown reason."You still can. Unless Hector doesn't want you to hang out with us anymore," he said to me seriously so I looked at him.I crossed my arms on me and looked at him intently."What's your problem with him?" I asked him. Leon suddenly smirked at me and shook his head. "His father killed your parents, Ana, as well as you. He tries to kill you many times and he couldn't do anything about it. Do you think I can easily accept that? You know me," he answered in his baritone voice.I heaved a sigh violently. I somehow understand where he is coming from. Between the two of them, Ulysses is the one who is over-protective of everyone. If Ulysses has been given and allowed all my luxuries and passions from then until now, he is not. This is one of the inherited habits of Lolo Leonc
Everything he said did not enter my brain. I don't understand anything at all. He's giving up? Why? Why is he suddenly saying this? Where does it come from?"So, is it true? That because you love Leandro Alcaraz so much, you intend to betray mom?" I asked him in disbelief.That's because I'm still hoping that he might have another reason. That maybe this wasn't really his real reason why he did that.But instead of answering me, he suddenly stood up. I just followed him with my eyes until he arrived in front of the glass window of the study room. He looked there. His gaze was far away from nothing so I kept my gaze on him."Only my children know how much I love them... equally. What happened to Leandro was his own fault and he was the only one to blame for it. That maybe I was lacking in them that's why he did that. But it's not because I love him more than Ariza and Gascon. I did that because... it was your mom's will. He always wanted to give up but your dad just stopped him. We did
I'm catching my breath because of the anger and pain I feel while watching her just looking at me and I can't even see any sympathy in her eyes.And I understand that.But it still hurts.Agatha laughed sarcastically. "And you're hurting now because? What right do you have to be hurt after the bad luck you brought to our family? Do you think you'd get my sympathy because we didn't love you enough?""I didn't ask anything from you since then, Agatha and even more so now. Do you even know what Ares did to me?" I asked her trembling. I looked up at her big belly. I remembered what mom told me when she visited me last week."Congratulations on your pregnancy, anyway," I said and cried again when I remembered what happened to my pregnancy."I was supposed to be pregnant, too, but Ares took that from me. After he tried to rape me, he caused my miscarriage and I couldn't even do anything to make him pay for everything he did to me. He died without difficulty. Do you think that's fucking unac
"Where are you going?"I turned to the person who spoke and saw Hector who had just entered our room. It just woke up and maybe it came from Amari's room because they both slept there. His forehead was wrinkled as he watched me from head to toe."You didn't say you had something in mind today," he added and sat on the bed, watching me again while fixing my hair and face."Only at the law firm. I just need to talk to someone," I answered him then looked at him.His mouth was open so I looked at his lips. It was red and seemed to be calling me to give him a kiss. Even though he just woke up, he still looks very handsome. He is even more handsome with his appearance."Who?" He asked more. He slightly moved my chair closer to him and held me in his arms."It's Doña Valeria..." I hesitantly answered him.His forehead furrowed even more. He even licked his lower lip while clenching his jaw. "Why?" He asked again in his baritone voice. I swallowed."I'm not sure if she's there now, but Uly