"What the hell!" I exclaimed. I quickly picked up the blanket and covered my sensitive body. I reached out to the side table to find my glasses. I found them and put them on. After I wore it, I looked at the man sleeping soundly on the bed. Who is that man? This is not my boyfriend. My virginity. I reserved it. Oh God. "No, no," I whispered repeatedly. I shake my head like crazy. I messed up my hair and touched my forehead. It's not happening; I'm just dreaming. Try to remember what happened last night, Friah. I closed my eyes and tried to recall the events of the previous night. Images flashed through my mind—snippets of conversations and laughter—but nothing concrete. Panic started to rise within me as I struggled to piece together the missing memories. I was accepted into a big drama project that I am writing. They contacted me earlier, and they wanted my story to be a drama on television. We will have a meeting on Sunday. I called my friends to have a small drink in the bar whe
A horn made me look up. Louie is already outside. I walked toward him. I opened the door and got into the car. "We didn't see you last night,” he said, not paying attention to me. Do I confess to him? I'm afraid I do not understand what I'm feeling. "Because I got dizzy last night, so I just booked a hotel." I lied. As we drove in silence, I couldn't help but feel guilty about the lie I just told Louie. The weight of my secret was becoming unbearable, and I knew that sooner or later, I would have to confront the truth. I don't look at him. He kept looking outside and pretending to observe the surroundings. "It is not a hotel, Friah Natalie Marviz." He said it seriously. The car's air conditioner was on, but my forehead was sweating. I can't lie to this man. He knows me well. "What are you doing in that place? You look like you slept there.” I slowly look at him. His gaze is still straight, but I catch a glance back and forth in the rear mirror. "I don't know,” I stated. "What
"Where are you going?" Drenver asked. I went back to bed. Just stare at the ceiling. He was facing me and watching my movements.I intend to take my bag now. Because all my things are there: cards, IDs, and the key to our apartment. It's been two days since the accident happened. Ever since he came home after he left angry with me, Drenver's behavior has changed. He will watch every move I make. He is now tampering with my cell phone, which he used to not do.He gently held my face and turned it toward him. "You're leaving, Babe? I was just asking where you're going." He was smiling, but it was fake. I could sense the underlying tension in his voice and the forced smile on his face, making me uneasy. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond, but I knew deep down that something wasn't right."I'll be leaving later. Today is my meeting with the SVL company," I explain.He put his hand on my stomach. "What is your meeting for?" His hand traveled inside my pajamas until he reache
"Let's go!" Drenver called. He is looking fresh, wearing a simple black overshirt and cargo shorts. My heart is beating fast. This is the first time we met. I feel butterflies in my stomach. This is the guy I love so much. Even though he has changed, I still love him. As we walked together, I couldn't help but wonder if he could sense my unease. I knew that keeping secrets from him was not the foundation of a healthy relationship, but I couldn't bear the thought of disappointing him."Why are you so handsome? Can't we not leave?" I was joking with him.He smiled and laughed softly. I like seeing him like this. He is not mad at me anymore. Our arrangement seems to be dating like before."Let's go, Babe.” Louie is waiting, he said while getting the key."Should we stay? I'll message him, I said jokingly.“Oh, Babe, we can't do that. You also have a meeting with the producer, right?" I stood up and followed him. Carry the bag to go out.We got into the car. "Do you think I'll get that pr
"Miss, I guess this isn't for me?" I asked the woman. She handed the big bouquet to me."It's in our system, ma'am, with the flower.""Maybe you just made a mistake, Miss," I insist.I can't believe it. This is a bouquet of white tulips, my most hated flower right now. It can't be a coincidence. There are many flowers in the world; why this flower?"Okay, I'll just call." She dialed something on the phone. Someone answered the phone while she was talking. The flower caught my eye. There was a card inside. I was curious about what was inside, so I took it and read what was written. If it's not mine, I'm sorry for the owner.Missy.I quickly put the card back, and I pretended I didn't care. One word, one name. It sounds familiar to me."I'm sorry, ma'am; it's mislabeled." She took the flower again. I forced a smile and thanked her for the bag. I also left there and walked back to Louie's car. He didn't park the car and just waited outside.I opened the car door and sat down. Louie just l
I gently sat in front of him. Only then did I notice that he was with someone else. There is a woman next to him, mid-20s; I think she is his secretary."This is Ms. Katie Cobb, my secretary."I extended my hand again, and the woman accepted it. Our meeting has started. Ms. Only Cobb speaks. I didn't pay much attention to the man because I was focused on what was mentioned in the contract. There are a few changes, but it's okay because the main plot hasn't been changed."Right, Mr. Lee?" Mrs. Cobb asked him if I could start working tomorrow morning. I looked at the man, and I caught him just staring at me."Mr. Lee?" She called again and poked his shoulder.Just now the man was stunned; his eyes widened as he turned to the woman."Yeah, what?" he asked, confused."Ms. Marviz can start tomorrow morning, right?” I just looked at them with a smile, even though inside I wanted to go home. He looked sure of me because he saw the ID in my bag, and there were very few people in the world with
I'm running late for my first day of work because Drenver didn't sleep at home last night. He said he would drive me to work but has yet to arrive. I waited for him because it was 30 minutes before my work started. I am now riding a taxi to the company. I hope Mr. Lee forgives me for being late. As I sit in the taxi, my mind races, worrying about the impression I'll make on my first day. I hope Mr. Lee understands that this situation was out of my control and that I am committed to punctuality moving forward.I arrived at the company's building 15 minutes late. I adjusted my clothes and posture before going inside. The guard greeted me with a smile. I also responded to him with a small smile. I went straight to the front desk. "Hi, I'm Friah Marviz, and I have an appointment with Mr. Lee," I replied courteously. "Wait a second, Madam; I'll just confirm," he pressed on telecom. "Sir, Ms. Marviz is at the front desk. Shall I take her up there?" she asked. "Sure, please bring her to my
"What did you just call me?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. His concern faded as he looked at me with surprise and regret. Someone knocked at the door. "Sir, I brought all the food you requested.""You can come in, Katie," he ordered. The door opened, and his secretary entered. He was carrying a lot of food. One person cannot consume that. "Leave it on the center table, and you may leave after," he told her secretary. He followed him. Various foods were laid out. I can't see anything, but it's from well-known restaurants here in Canada. The man still didn't stop asking after leaving Ms. Cobb in the office."Does he always hurt you?" His jaw tightened, as did his fist on the table. "Why don't you just leave him alone?" Why would I answer all his personal questions? Does my work now include my personal life? I looked at his face; its dark expression only brought discomfort to my seat. "Sir, should I go and start working? I'm sure you're busy all day," I said. "Get your bre
We all thought that after meeting someone who would cherish us, love us, respect us, and protect us, it'd all have a happy ending, but I learned that sometimes people come into our lives to teach us valuable lessons and help us grow, even if they are not meant to stay forever.I was sitting on the edge of my bed, absentmindedly tracing the patterns on my quilt. The room was so quiet that I could hear the distant hum of traffic outside my window. Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sharp ring of my phone. Glancing at the screen, I saw my attorney's name. My heart skipped a beat as I answered."Friah," his voice came through the line, heavy with gravity. "I have some news. Drenver has been found guilty of murder. The jury has sentenced him to life in prison for the murder of Julia."I felt like I couldn't breathe. Even though I'd been bracing myself for this moment, the reality of it hit me like a tidal wave. "I... I don't know what to say," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"I take Maxine Marviz to be my daughter." His eyes were filled with tears as he looked at her. He slowly turned to me.Our world was finally at peace. I was standing here in front of him, trying not to ruin my makeup behind this facade of calmness. His words were a balm to my soul, bringing closure to years of uncertainty and fear."As I finally marry her mother, who captured my heart through the years—the woman who makes me go crazy, loves me, and changes me to be a better person—together, we will create a new chapter in our lives filled with love, happiness, and unity. Our family is now complete with Maxine as our daughter, bound by love and commitment." His voice cracked with emotion as he reached out to hold my hand. As I looked into his eyes, I knew that all of the challenges we had faced together had led us to this moment of pure happiness and love.With tears in my eyes, I whispered, "I love you," and felt his grip on my hand tighten, solidifying our bond forever."Thank you fo
"I want my daughter back, Friah," Drenver said with a determined edge to his voice, his eyes flickering with mixed emotions. We were alone in the kitchen. I told Trence I could talk and face Drenver because I knew he was just in the house if something happened. "Whose daughter are you talking about?" I asked without leaving his stare. "You have no daughter here." Drenver was leaning on the sink. "I know you already know what I'm talking about. Trence was not the father of Maxine," he said. He slowly walked towards me. I stepped back as he went near me. "I am," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "And I'll do whatever it takes to get her.""No, I would never let you take her away from us," I said firmly, my heart racing with fear and anger. Drenver's eyes darkened as he reached out to grab me, but I quickly dodged his touch. "Get out of my house," I firmly said. Drenver's face twisted into a sinister grin as he backed away, his eyes never leaving mine. "You can try to stop me,
Days went by, and the doctors told me that I could already be discharged from the hospital. I was relieved to finally be able to go home and see my daughter, whom I missed dearly during my time in the hospital. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms and make up for lost time."Are you sure you are okay already?" Trence asked concern etched on his face. I assured him that I was feeling much better and couldn't wait to get back to our normal routine with our daughter by our side.I nodded. He guided me towards the wheelchair. Trence wheeled me out of the room; the tension in the air was palpable, overshadowing the relief of finally leaving the hospital. My heart skipped a beat as I heard the urgent call from the doctor, the words "code red" sending a shiver down my spine. They were running towards the ICU.I exchanged a worried glance with Trence, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on both of us. Could it be? Julia? The thought sent a wave of mixed emotions crashing over me.
I'm holding my son's hand while we are walking the path filled with roses. The sun was shining brightly overhead, casting a warm glow on the vibrant flowers. I couldn't help but smile as I watched my son's eyes light up with wonder at the beauty surrounding us. The sweet scent of the roses filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere as we strolled together. At that moment, I felt grateful for this simple yet precious moment with my son."'Mommy, it's time," Max said. "Maxine was waiting for you." I knelt to hug my son, feeling a mix of pride and sadness as he prepared to let go of my hand. With a bittersweet smile, I whispered, "I love you, Max.""I love you, Mom," he whispered back.He let go of me and started running away from me. As I watched him go, all I could think was that he would run like that with Maxine by his side. He left me in the middle of the field. I stood there, not knowing where to go next, feeling a sense of emptiness. The sun began to set, casting a warm glow o
"I already talked to the security. He can't go near you again." Trence said. He laid me down on the bed, leaning on his chest. I could feel his heartbeat against my back—steady and reassuring. Trence gently ran his fingers through my hair, soothing me with his touch. I closed my eyes, feeling safe and protected in his arms."He said something," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Trence paused, his fingers stilling in my hair as he waited for me to continue. "He said that he was Maxine's father."Trence's grip on my waist slightly tightened, his expression turning serious. "Maxine's father?" he repeated, his voice laced with concern. I nodded."We never did it, even when we were in a relationship. I don't know how this could have happened." Trence pulled me closer, his embrace providing comfort and support."Should I believe him?" I could feel his heart beating against mine, a steady rhythm that reassured me. "I don't know," Trence finally said, his voice soft but firm."Maybe he's
Our moment was interrupted by a sudden call, but neither of us wanted to let go. "Ignore it," he mumbled against my lips, his hands moving with urgency. I couldn't resist him any longer, giving in completely to the passion that consumed us both.The call wouldn't stop ringing, and eventually, we had to reluctantly pull away, both of us breathless and wanting more. "We'll continue this later," he promised, his eyes filled with desire as he finally answered the call.As he spoke on the phone, his facial expression changed from desire to annoyance, clearly irritated by someone he was talking to."What do you mean, he was out?" Trence exclaimed, his voice rising in frustration. His body tensed as he listened to the response, and I could see the anger building in his eyes.I could tell he was struggling to keep his composure; his jaw clenched tightly as he tried to maintain control. After hanging up the phone, he turned to me with a forced smile, but I could see the tension still lingering
I run, trying to find my daughter, my heart pounding in my chest. Panic set in as I called out her name, the fear of the unknown creeping up on me. I asked her nanny where she was, but when she pointed out where Maxine was, she was not there.I felt my breath quicken as I frantically searched every corner of the room, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. The realization that my daughter was missing sent a wave of pure terror through me, causing me to break out in a cold sweat."Why did you leave your sight with her?" I demanded, my voice shaking with a mixture of anger and fear. The nanny's apologetic expression only fueled my panic further, as I struggled to keep my emotions in check while desperately trying to think of where she could have gone.Trence walked towards me. "What's happening?" he asked when he saw the look of distress on my face."I can't find my daughter." I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as I anxiously explained the situation to him, my heart pounding in
We picked a restaurant and decided to eat there. Maxine was the one to pick it up, and she decided to go to a place where my favorite foods were. The last time I ate here was when I ate with Drenver. The place never changed, but the memories flooded back as we sat down at our table. Maxine looked up at me with a small smile and a silent apology in her eyes. I reached out and squeezed her hand. Trence smiled warmly at her."Mommy, this was your favorite, right?" She showed me the burger the same size as her face. She used both of her hands to pick it up.She knows because when I was unpacking some of my things, she saw different pictures; one of them was of this restaurant while I was eating with Drenver. The guy she said that she talked to was Drenver, but it was not true; maybe it was just her imagination.I smiled and nodded. Her nanny took the burger and sliced it into smaller pieces so she could eat it. The table was silent as we all enjoyed our meal. My daughter's eyes lit up wit