Chapter 1

I was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the building in front of me. I suddenly recalled my first day of work at this company, and now it's been three years since. I still can't fully grasp that I've been here for so long.

"Ana!"

I quickly turned to the caller and saw Elena rushing towards me.

"Why did you come in? Sir Ares is already gone. He didn't leave any work for you," she informed me right away.

I frowned and entered the main entrance of the Aragon Estate building with Elena.

"What do you mean?" I asked her in surprise. She seemed equally bewildered.

"Didn't he tell you? The board has an out-of-town trip today and he's with Sir Ares and Don Damien," she replied, surprising me.

I didn't respond because I didn't know what to say. Ares never mentioned this to me. I just talked to him on the phone earlier, but he didn't say anything. It couldn't be true. Is she playing a joke on me?

"Really? Why didn't he tell me?" I asked as we waited for the elevator to open.

Elena just shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not his girlfriend. You know, you're really lucky. Just imagine, your boyfriend is our boss," she said excitedly, irritating me.

"I'm lucky for him because he's a good person, not because of his status, Elena," I quickly defended, and she laughed.

"I'm just kidding. I know that. You're my best friend, after all. I have a question for you," she continued, and I looked at her.

I noticed that she was acting weird, but I decided to let it go. She seemed to be hiding something from me and was struggling to tell me.

"What is it?"

"Do you want to get married? I mean, we're not young anymore. I know you're still focused on supporting your family, but you know... do you have any plans for marriage?" She asked, looking very eager to hear my answer.

I frowned as I contemplated Elena's question. Sometimes dealing with her randomness was challenging. I often found it hard to have meaningful conversations with her.

However, regarding her question, I do want to get married to the person I love, of course. Who wouldn't? I want to marry Ares. He's the only man I can see myself spending the rest of my life with, and I know he feels the same about me. But on the other hand, I'm not sure if I'm ready. I still have so much to achieve and prove to myself.

"That's quite a random question, Elena. You go upstairs first. I'll just call Sir Ares," I deflected.

She quickly turned to me with a pout, making me chuckle.

"You're such a buzzkill. See you later. I've got something important to tell you," she said as she bid me goodbye and hurried out when the elevator doors opened.

I followed her with my gaze until she disappeared from my sight. As the elevator closed again, I picked up my phone and quickly called Ares. It was still ringing when he answered.

"Yes, babe?" He greeted me on the other line, and I automatically smiled.

"Where are you?" I asked, leaning against the elevator frame. Next, I heard him swearing on the other line.

"Oh, damn! I'm sorry. I forgot to mention earlier that I'm on an out-of-town trip. I'm sorry, baby..." he apologized softly, pleading in his tone, making me smile even more, especially at the sound of his deep voice. Never gets old.

"It's okay, Ares. Elena already informed me, but I'm planning to stay here at the office. I have a lot to catch up on—"

"No, no. You should go home. I don't want you staying at the office without me. You know how I feel about that," he interjected, catching me off guard.

Even to this day, he still struggles with this issue. It's been a few months since that incident happened, but he can't seem to let it go. This man is really something else.

"It's fine, Ares. I'll stay in your office for now," I insisted and stepped out of the elevator when it opened.

I headed straight to the pantry when I felt hunger gnawing at me. I hadn't had breakfast before leaving home earlier due to the rush. Also, mama was in a bad mood, so I wasn't sure if I'd have much of an appetite at home.

Ares sighed on the other line, seemingly patient again.

"Just do as I ask, Anastacia. Go home and wait for me. Let's discuss things once I get back. Don't you dare disobey me," he warned me, making me swallow any retort. I wasn't really winning with this guy.

"Fine, Sir Ares Constantine. See you soon. Please be safe," I conceded, finding a seat on a sofa nearby. Next, I heard a slight grin in his voice.

"I'll see you soon. Take care. I love you, Ana," he said seriously, and a smile involuntarily spread across my face. The butterflies in my stomach were starting to flutter again, and my heartbeat quickened.

Things haven't changed much. It's been two years since I officially accepted his love, but his demeanor towards me is still as it was from the beginning. I'm gradually falling deeper into him, and I don't know how to convey it. I fear that if I do, he might change. But then again, I doubt it.

Ares is a good man. From the moment I met him, his kindness was evident, much like his father, Don Damien, the owner of the Aragon Group of Companies. Their family stands among the wealthiest and most successful businessmen in the country, with ventures ranging from hotels, casinos, resorts, and malls. Ares serves as the CEO of Aragon Estate, which focuses on managing casinos and resorts.

So when he told me one day that he wanted to date me, I was stunned. Initially unsure of his intentions, I felt like he might just be messing with me. But my skepticism disappeared when he introduced me to his parents and expressed his deep love for me.

After my conversation with Ares, I decided to meet up with Elena outside the building. As much as I wanted to stay at the office, I also refrained from doing so, knowing Ares might catch wind of it and come home because of that.

"Got any plans for later?" Elena asked while we waited for a taxi.

"Just heading home. Why? What's up?" I inquired.

My attention momentarily shifted as I received a text from my older brother, Matthew.

Matthew

Lend me some money

I stared at it for a moment before replying and then turned to Elena. It was then that I noticed she had also glanced at my phone, so I placed it back in my bag.

"The audacity of your brother is truly something else. He's the eldest and still asking you for money," she remarked. I just shook my head.

"You know the situation. Maybe he needs it to find a job," I responded, turning my attention back to the road.

"He's still job-hunting? Your family really is different. You're fortunate in your love life but less fortunate in your family," she said seriously, so I patted her arm.

"I'm still fortunate because I still have a family," I replied briefly, and she simply stared at me. Before she could say more, a taxi pulled up in front of us, and I bid her goodbye.

"I'll text you later. Take care," she said before parting ways, and I nodded.

As soon as the car started moving, my phone rang again with another text, still from my older brother.

Matthew

Just hand it to mom when you get home

I winced as I read that. I chose not to respond and simply looked out the window. That's when I noticed the gloomy sky, hinting at an upcoming rain. I felt even heavier as memories of that incident resurfaced amidst the heavy rain.

"I miss you so much, papa..." I whispered to myself as the rain poured down.

I reached home in about an hour. The quiet ambiance enveloped me as I headed straight to my room.

After changing into comfortable clothes, I went out to look for Mama or Agatha. In the backyard, I spotted Mama chatting with some of her friends. When I saw what they were up to, I felt a wave of fatigue and let out a sigh. I was about to head back to my room when I ran into Agatha, just coming out of her room.

"When did they start playing?" I asked her, but she didn't even look at me.

"Agatha," I called her name again, thinking she hadn't heard me. She glanced at me for a moment, then turned away once more.

"Let her be, Ana. You always object like that. It’s annoying," she replied firmly.

I pursed my lips, ready to say something, but she entered her room and nearly closed the door. I bit my lower lip and sighed heavily. Gambling is not a hobby...

Later that afternoon, I was taken aback by a series of phone rings. I quickly picked up and answered when I saw Elena's name.

"Hello..."

"Ana! I've been trying to call you! It's Ares!" Elena shouted on the other line. I felt a sudden rush of energy due to her words and tone. She seemed confused and scared, so I immediately got up.

"What... why? What happened? Where are you?" I bombarded her with questions, my heart starting to tremble.

"I'm outside your house!" she continued. I could still hear her gasping, so I hurriedly left the room.

"Elena, why? What's going on?"

"Ares... had an accident on his way home. I've been trying to call you!"

My heart seemed to stop for a moment when I heard that. Without another thought, I ran out of the house as tears streamed down my face.

Ares...