“Alinn!” I admonish. This girl! Does she want to get expelled!? “Teacher Cassie,” she whispers, her voice trembling, and she is so close to crying. I grab Alinn’s arm and pull her away from Lukas while shouting for Jason to prepare so we can bring him to the hospital. I look at Lukas. Instead of laughing at him, I feel pity. He is crying and bruised. I doubt he ever fought back against Alinn. No one must have hit him like this before. Nevertheless, it is also apparent that it’s his heart that’s beaten up. Alinn never tried to escape my hold. She might be waiting for someone to stop her. However, the others look afraid of her, and Lukas is doing nothing to fight back. I move to Lukas and tap his cheeks. “Lukas?” I ask. “Teacher Cassie...” There is a pleading look on his face. “Good, you can still recognize me. I will bring you to the hospital, okay?” He mumbles a yes in between his pain. I help him up. He moves his legs slowly and awkwardly while his body shakes. He uses his fre
I wait outside the company director’s office. He said he would meet some important people for a new advertising project. But after that meeting, he needs to discuss something with me. I glance at my wristwatch. It’s already fifteen minutes over my shift. I guess I will file for another overtime. It’s been three months since I resigned as a teacher. It’s been good. None of the chaos that a school setting offers — no students whining about the teacher being unfair or why they are not getting an A for a subject. However, I am surprised that I miss the interaction with students and the teaching part of the job. The door to the Director’s office opens, and the director comes out with a beaming smile on his face. Two men and another woman accompany him. All four of them are dressed in suit and ties. But my gaze settles on one man. The familiar figure is unmistakably Liam Chapman! My heart skips a beat at the same time that my jaw drops in disbelief. What the hell is he doing here?! My eye
I choke on my wine. I cough as I try to maintain a sense of dignity. But I just can’t quite contain my surprise at the question. I grab a napkin and quickly wipe my mouth. I look up with shock in my eyes. “What did you just say?” I ask again. What had I just heard? “I need help with my son’s education.” He leans forward. “If you marry me, I will provide all your needs.” “You can just get a private tutor!” I exclaim. “Having a mother at home and focused on his education is essential and more effective. Besides…” He takes my hand, which trembles in his touch, and he adds, “... we already know each other, especially the physical and sexual aspect of marriage. We will have no problem in the bedroom.” I withdraw my hand as if scalded by his touch. “Do you even know what you are saying, Mr. Chapman?!” “During your interview, I heard you would like to travel more. That’s why you are working in your company. However, being my wife, you can focus on Lukas, and I will provide for your trips
I wait outside the church. I am facing the vast, wooden double doors, which are closed as I wait for my entourage. All the bridesmaids and sponsors are already inside. I am wearing the wedding dress that Liam bought for me, which is white with silver trimming at the edges and flowers snaking all around the dress. They have styled my hair to match it. I am wearing white high heels even if it’s not visible under my dress. Thankfully, no butterflies and no jitters. However, my mouth dries up as I wonder about the events that will follow this. The ceremony is easy; the reception will be awkward; but the honeymoon phase will be nerve-racking. My bridesmaids had been joking about it, especially my co-teachers. They say I caught the big fish after my awful experience with Mark. I snort. If only they knew. “You look nervous.” A familiar voice speaks beside me. I turn to face the direction of the sound and see Mark climbing up the stairs. The coordinators and the surrounding stylists are ign
The moment Liam and I step out onto the floor for our first dance as husband and wife, the room erupts in applause. All our family and friends are here to witness and celebrate our fake love. Even my parents, who are standing like silent sentries in the corner, applaud my supposed-to-be joyful day, including the man I had chosen. Liam and I move gracefully around the room to the lilting music. Our movement is in perfect harmony with one another. Looking into Liam’s eyes, I am reminded of the first time I had seen him in the police station. He enters the room angry back then, but I am more furious about my cheater ex-boyfriend. And yet, even then, I find him handsome. We move together to the center of the hall. He places his hands on my waist and pulls me closer to his body. I take a deep breath as I feel the desire welling inside me. I know that I’ve become oblivious to the eyes of those watching from the fringes. I am already lost at the moment in this faux wedding. When I told my
When the wedding ceremony is done, we leave the reception area. We left the coordinators to take care of all the gifts, do an inventory, and bring everything to the Chapman house the next day. It’s what Liam, and I decided. Besides, if the coordinators also came to the house tonight, we won’t have a private time. I blush at the thought. I turn to look at Liam, who is sitting beside me. We are in the backseat, and his hand envelops mine. I watch as we turn the corner and I see Liam’s house in the distance. My chest thumps in anticipation, especially when we stop in the garage. “Mr. Chapman, I will return tomorrow,” the driver informs. “Go on,” he answers. I look at the house. We will be alone tonight based on the silence and the number of lights opened. I blush at the thought again. I appreciate that he ensured that we would be the only people in the house on the night of our wedding. Even so, it still makes me embarrassed whenever my mind goes to what we are about to do. Liam tur
Our bodies are intertwined, and Liam’s body surrounds me like a protective cocoon. The sunlight cascades through the window, washing away the room’s darkness and making us appear like two lovers in the pages of a fairytale. Our wedding night is perfect. We play around with each other’s bodies until I am too tired to have another round of lovemaking with him. Liam’s hands move gently over my body as his lips brush against my neck and shoulders. I turn towards him and lightly touch his cheeks. He is a handsome man, and he knows how to please a woman. Those sparks of electricity every time he touches me are insane. Gently, I reach up and run my fingers through his hair. His straight hair is ticklish. And as I continue to touch his hair, stirrings of desire restart in me again. Liam opens his eyes and smiles. “Good morning,” he says. I blush, being caught watching him sleep. Liam leans over and kisses me. His lips are so tender and warm that it’s only igniting the spark within me. Rat
I cup Liam’s cheeks. “I don’t think I will tire of you soon. As you said, I also think we fit each other so well… sexually.” He grins before lifting me up and making me sit on the table. I spread my legs for him, and his fingers touch me. I arch my back and support myself with my arm. His fingers move inside my folds and touch my sensitive spots again. He rubs them all over while his tongue entangles with mine. When he pulls back, he looks at me with lustful eyes and continues rubbing me. I close my eyes and enjoy the sensation of his fingers sliding all over. I moan in pleasure as he kisses me again. He pushes two fingers inside as he pulls his shorts and boxers down. He is hard and erect. I reach out to touch him, but he stops my groping hand. Instead, he kneels before me. He blows on my privates, and I moan as a chill goes down my spine. My hips jerk up, and my fingers grip the table top as I pant for breath. Suddenly, he buries his face in my crotch. I scream out. The chill bec
********* A FEW YEARS LATER *********** I run my hand over my bulging stomach, savoring the warmth of the afternoon sun as it filters through the living room window. I am close now. The doctor says that any day this week I will give birth to a boy. Nearby, Lukas and Alinn teach Andy how to play a new board game, while Liam hovers close by and places snacks and drinks on the table. “Are you okay? Anything you need?” Liam asks. I grin at him. “I need my husband to sit beside me and hold my hand.” Liam’s face softens, and he nods, quickly making his way over to the couch beside me. As he sits down, he takes my hand in his, his fingers lacing through mine. I lean into him, my head resting on his shoulder. He wraps an arm around me, holding me close and kissing my forehead. This time, I am not afraid. Because now, I feel safe and loved, surrounded by the people who mean the most to me. We will move forward, because we know now, that we are unstoppable together. ********* ANOTHER FEW
I chop vegetables for dinner as I note the instructions Lukas jotted down for our dinner. Liam enters the room, wraps his arms around my waist, and playfully nuzzles my neck. “Guess who?” he whispers, his breath tickling my skin. “Could it be... my handsome husband?” I tease. I turn in his embrace, meeting his lips with a sweet kiss before returning to my task. “Any updates on our lovebirds?” Liam asks, referring to Lukas and Alinn. “Actually, they went on a date yesterday evening,” I respond. “I think things are getting more serious between them.” “Good for them,” Liam says sincerely. He leans against the counter, watching me. “Remember how nervous we were when we first started dating?” “Of course,” I laugh. “We are so nervous that we shared a kiss during that same day and even made love when the evening came.” He laughs. “But look at us now. I want to ravish you every time I lay my eyes on you.” I caress his cheeks. “And we’ll do that once we are done with food and shower,” I
It’s already late in the afternoon when the four of us, Liam, Lukas, Andy and me, start the stroll through the bustling market in Morocco. All the vibrant colors, the tantalizing scents and cacophony of voices are overwhelming. Andy seems to enjoy everything, and she has become very curious. Once, she even asks what the two locals are doing. I explain to her that they are haggling over prices. And every time she sees some exotic wares, she will clap her hands in delight. Something that never fails to put a grin on Lukas’ face. “Mom! Stunning!” Andy exclaims as she points to a beautifully embroidered scarf. Liam chuckles. “It is. You can take what you like, Andy.” Andy squeals and pulls Lukas with her into the shop. On the other hand, Liam takes one scarf and drapes the fabric around my neck. He gazes at my face and whispers, “It really is stunning.” I blush, especially when last night was very hot—too passionate, in fact, that I wasn’t able to get up until it was close to lunch.
The lush garden surrounds an elegant white gazebo. There are cascading floral arrangements that are draped gracefully over the lattices. Not to mention the sweet scent in the warm air. And beneath the canopy of flowers, I stand with Liam. We are gazing into each other’s eyes as our family and friends gather around us. Everyone is dressed at their finest, chattering excitedly amongst themselves while sipping champagne and nibbling on mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres. My mother is wiping away a tear as she looks at us. My father is beaming proudly at her side. With all our relatives around us, this is a far cry from when we had our first wedding. “Ready?” Liam asks beside me, his voice full of tender reassurance. I nod, my eyes shining with happiness and love. “Friends and family,” the officiant begins. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the love and commitment of Liam and Cassie. Today, they choose to renew their vows, solidifying their bond and reaffirming their devotion to on
Suddenly, a waiter approaches us and clears his throat. Liam and I look at him. There is an awkward smile on his face. “Apologies for disturbing you, ma’am, sir, but your food is ready. Should I... ahm, send it here? Or should I pack it up or something?” he asks. Given the time to breathe, I reach for my wineglass and take a slow, deliberate sip. As the rich liquid warms my throat, I resolve to face my emotions head-on. “We are going to continue our date night here,” Liam answers while staring hard at me. The waiter gestures for the others to come closer. They set down plates and bowls in front of the table while Liam fixes himself and sits across me. When the waiters leave, Liam reaches for my hand again. “You see, Cassie. You might have forgotten, but this is the anniversary of when we met at that police station. The first time you kissed me.” “Oh.” “You also think that you were not pretty enough back then. That you are undeserving of love.” I purse my lips again. I glance at
I arrive at the elegant restaurant alone, my heart heavy with the weight of agreeing to Scarlet’s request. Even the soft glow of the candlelight that dances against the polished silverware and crystal glasses on the tables do not improve my mood. The atmosphere is intimate, and it could have been a perfect night with Liam. I take a deep breath, inhaling the rich aroma of seared scallops and garlic butter that fill the air. “Reservation for two under Mr. Chapman?” I ask the hostess who has come to assist me. “Of course,” the hostess replies, leading me to a secluded table by the window. “Your server will be with you shortly.” “Thank you,” I murmur, taking my seat while noting the crisp, white linen napkin and the glasses on the table. I glance around the room. Couples are sharing tender smiles and stealing kisses from each other. The sight only deepens the ache in my chest, reminding me of my earlier decision. “Good evening, ma’am,” a friendly server greets me as he approaches the
I stand in front of a full-length mirror, my reflection framed by the delicate curve of the gilded edges. I watch the way the smooth silk of my midnight blue dress clings to my body, accentuating my curves and cascading until my knees. Then I adjust the thin straps over my shoulders. The anticipation of my romantic date with Liam is making my heart race. There is a knock on the door and I say, “Come in,” my voice sounding happier. The soft click of heels makes my hand pause on the fabric of my dress. I turn my attention to the guest and see Scarlet looking me up and down. I purse my lips at her beauty. She is definitely a sight in yet another red dress–a contrast to her creamy skin. Scarlet’s eyes take in every inch of me, appraising me like a predator sizing up its prey. “Hmmm,” she mutters. “You are starting to look the part of being Liam Chapman’s wife.” “I am his wife,” I tell her. I am just not sure until when. “It’s a pity, really,” she says, her voice dripping with sacchar
Last night, I was dreaming about Lukas and Liam’s laughter again and I woke up with a mix of love and fear. I sigh. This is just fine. I know that my decision to distance myself is for the best. “Momma, Lukas?” Andy asks, still stuttering. “Tomorrow, dear, okay? Your brother will come here to play with you.” She nods and takes hold of a doll. Lukas has gone to the beach with Scarlet. As for Liam, he decided to finish his work in the office. “For today, it’s just you and me...” I whisper. “And probably, in the future too.” I settle in the chair and my gaze lingers on the family photos adorning the walls. Most of it are pictures of Lukas and Andy, but there is also Alinn, Liam, and me. I really do miss doing activities with them. When my eyes fill with tears, I blink them away. I chose this. I should not be sad about this. I have to be stronger than this. More unfeeling than this. I can walk away, just like how I escaped from all the men and drama around me before. They said it bef
“Are you okay, love?” Liam asks. He is on top of me, still panting from the pleasure we just shared. I smile at him, attempting to hide the turmoil raging within me–anxiety that I only feel every time we stop drowning in our pleasure. “I am fine,” I lie. Liam’s piercing eyes search mine, but instead of pressing further, he brushes a stray strand of my hair behind my ear. “I am not such a skilled conversationalist, but please know that I will listen to you, any time you want to talk about something.” I beam at him and I hook my arms around his neck. “I always see you as a great communicator, though.” “Maybe I communicate my love for you in bed? Where you will feel it the most?” he asks, playful now. “I think we should wear our clothes and pause from communicating in bed. I need to check up on Andy.” He presses a kiss on my neck. “Lukas and the nanny are here. Stay a little more in my arms.” I giggle, but then I push him away from me. Sitting up and retrieving my clothes, my min