"What is this?" I asked full of confusion.
"Ana, read it first," said Elena so I shook my head.
"Can't you just tell me everything I need to know? I'm so confused! What the hell is happening? Why am I here? What's going on? I don't understand..." I hissed at them. The corners of my eyes are starting to heat up again.
"Ares abducted you three days ago. He was the one who shot you, Anastacia. Leon found you bleeding at the main entrance of Terra Verde." Grandpa Leoncio answered.
I could feel my heartbeat slowing down when I heard that. Before I could even react, the doctor sneezed again so I focused my eyes on him.
"I know this is not the right time to tell you this, but it's better for you to know everything. You had a miscarr
For a few more moments, I could only hear sobs in that room even the sound of the machine attached to him. I felt the movement of his hand I was holding, so I was alert and quickly looked up at him. My eyes watered when I saw him staring at me with a small smile on his face."H-Hector!" I exclaimed and cried again. "W-what happened? Why… Who did this to you?""I-I'm sorry…" he said in his hoarse voice so I was stunned and looked up at him again. His eyes were full of guilt as he looked at me."I-I'm sorry I didn't get to protect you. I'm sorry I was late… again. I'm sorry, Solei. I'm sorry," he said repeatedly and his eyes finally blinked because of the tears that came out of there.There was some kind of pain that drew in my heart as I watched him. He was so remorseful that he started to cry like this. Only now have I seen this side of him. I always see him as a cold, stone-hearted man. I don't know how I'm going to feel but I feel like I'm hurting too."I fucking tried to save you.
When I decided to leave the city almost six years ago, I thought I would leave everything so that I could start a new memory. I thought I completely left my young and shattered heart along with the memories of him.I learned to be happy alone despite all that had happened and been done to me by the people I loved so wholeheartedly. I decided to be happy alone and that only changed when I gave birth to Amari.I never thought I would be completely and truly happy when I gave birth to my daughter. I didn't even think she could give light back to my whole life despite it being dark. She came to me as I was drowning in darkness. She came to me as I was slowly exhausted and consumed by grief.My Amari saved me from drowning in the lake of sorrow and rage - and she deserves a complete and happy family that I thought I couldn't give her.I sighed when I saw how Hector came down and finally knelt near the door of the room while staring at my daughter. His eyes wer
For the nth time, he didn't answer and didn't even look at me so I was completely weak while feeling so many frustrations for myself. The corners of my eyes began to heat up and I knew for one reason that I would burst into tears again."I… I was planning to tell you about her when I first found out I was pregnant. That was the day you left. That was the day your mom told me to stay away from you because you would never come back to me. I… I was just so scared. I was afraid you might not accept her and just leave as you did to me before so I didn't... I decided not to tell you. I'm sorry… Please, talk to me. I didn't mean to…" I said and kept crying while holding him on his shoulder.I rubbed one hand all over my face and kept the sobs out of my mouth because Amari might wake up. But I feel like my heart is increasingly divided into a million pieces because of the restraint not to get hurt."I-I was just scared. That she might be&hell
"Who is a fool to admit his sin, right? Anyway, tell mama, whatever papa left me before he died, I didn't ask him for that. Think about it, why didn't he leave you at least a little bit?" I asked her, and she looked back at me.It was so sharp that it seemed like she wanted to hurt me but she couldn't. "How fucking dare you! Shut your mouth or else— ""Shut it, Agatha. Remember you are in my office." Ulysses interrupted. That's when I just remembered why we came here.For a moment, I looked at Hector who remained behind me. He just smiled at me sparingly and even touched me on the shoulder. I sighed violently and turned to Ulysses.I found out that my mother had filed a lawsuit against me because of the inheritances left to me by my father. I didn't know everything about it because Ulysses said I had a big fight. Hector told me the same thing.When we finished our short conversation, I invited him to go home because I was still worried about
"Why didn't you tell him where we are going? He's worried sick, Ana," Leon said immediately while we were in the middle of our way.I ignored what he said. I picked up my cell phone when it rang and there I saw a text from the same number again.Unknown NumberAre you on your way?To Unknown Numberyes"He doesn't need to know anymore. It's not that important," I replied and looked out the window."If it's not important, why are you going? What if it's just a troll?"Then it's much better. I'd be more at peace if it wasn't true and I was just being lied to. My mind would be calmer in case it wasn't true. I have nothing to lose if I shoot."Just be mindful of your surroundings, Ana, if you don't want me to go with you inside," Leon told me when we arrived at the Aragon Estate.I nodded at him and looked up at this super-tall building. This is different from the company where I used
Sometimes, I feel the need to disappear without notice to know who my people are. I want to learn who to keep. I want to identify who really cares when I'm gone.But I'm afraid that there's really no one finding me. I'm afraid that I can't manage my expectations and get hurt in the end.It's not that I don't trust the people around me. But there were times that I wish people could just utter their eulogies before death arrives. So in that way, I'd be able to hear them. I'd be able to hear the truth from them.I couldn't feel anything besides being tired. I don't know where I'm tired. I don't know what caused me to be tired. The only thing in my mind is the urge to rest for a long time. I feel like I'm lost in a place where everyone knows me.I felt even heavier when Leon finally dropped me at the villa. I don't know but I feel like I don't want to go home first."Are you alright? What happened inside?" He asked me again.For the second time,
My whole world just stopped. That even though I knew the truth, I still seemed shocked and hurt. That even though I knew the truth, I still seemed to hope that I would hear another answer from him.The deadly silence filled the whole room. I could hear nothing but my sobs and the slow beating of my heart. But the voices inside my head are loud and strong.It was as if something suddenly exploded inside me and I was the only one who felt its aftershock. It was as if I was suddenly deaf.My mouth fell open but no words came out. My knees weakened and I sat on the floor."Solei!" Hector yelled and immediately attended to me."Don't fucking touch me," I said firmly to him and pushed him away from me. "Don't you even dare.""Solei, please. Listen to me first. I can explain everything—""I don't want to believe anything from you anymore, so stop it," I cut him off and tried to stand up.I firmly wiped away my tears and grabbed
Also, Hector could easily find and track us down when I pursued my plan to ask Leon for help. Never mind."With so much happening, I don't know where else to start," I said while still staring at the emptiness."I know what happened to you and what Ares did to you. We all know that here, Ana. What we don't know is the reason for your sudden return. Look, it's been three days since you came back here, and At least tell us what happened so we can help. Even if it's just me." Erika tried to comfort me.I bit my lower lip and violently let out the air. I sipped my coffee again. The heat it causes adds to the heat I feel in my heart."Hector was the one who shot papa ..." I almost whispered to myself because I felt like it was a knife stabbing my heart over and over again.I never heard Erika speak. I smiled bitterly and continued speaking.Dad taught me never to harbor resentment in my heart. As much as I can, I will still forgive so that I can also give peace to my heart. As long as I ca
"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