We didn't stay long and soon arrived at the police station where Alexander was brought. The police officers greeted us as soon as they saw us entering. "Good day. I am the Deputy Chief here," the elderly man greeted us as he cleaned his glasses. "Are you Mr. Brooks' daughter?" I nodded before sitting on a vacant chair, while Miguel stood by the door. "Mr. Mercedez called us earlier. He said it wasn't his son's intention to do what he did to you, Ma'am." "What? It wasn't his intention? He tried to rape me, Sir. Thankfully, my bodyguard arrived just in time!" I exclaimed in anger. "He said you're a couple and it's normal for partners to do such things," the Deputy Chief replied. "We're a couple? He's not my boyfriend, Sir. He was just courting me, and after what he did to me, I will never accept him!" "That's what Mr. Mercedez told us, Ma'am. I don't think he would lie to us." I sighed. "I never was his girlfriend. Mr. Mercedez's claims are not true." "Oh, Ma'am. Are you sugges
I pushed Miguel when his phone suddenly rang. He grinned before checking who was calling. "Yes, Mom. How is Mich- what?!" I glanced at him. Miguel suddenly turned pale, and I noticed his hands trembling on the steering wheel. "But the money I saved up is still not enough for her operation. Maybe we can have Michelle's surgery today even if we lack the funds, Mom." He tightened his grip on the wheel. Worry was evident on his face. "Please calm down, Mom. I'll find a way for Michelle to undergo surgery later. Tell Dr. Abenson that we have enough money now. We'll think about the remaining amount later after the operation." "How much more money do you need to complete the funds for your sister's operation? Maybe I can help," I interjected, causing Miguel to look at me. He didn't respond right away. Instead of answering my question, he avoided eye contact. "I'm on my way there. Tell Doc I have the money, Mom," he said before ending the call. He massaged his head while holding the
We waited for Miguel's mom to finish eating. I suddenly lost my mood because of what he said. He preferred to drive me home rather than stay here and accompany them in the operation of his sister. I couldn't blame him because he was just doing his job. Daddy instructed him yesterday, and he just followed it.We bid goodbye to his mom as he drove me to my boyfriend Alexander's house. I wanted to confront him and tell his mom that he was not my boyfriend and to recount what he did to me earlier. But I couldn't bring myself to add more to his mom's worries.I walked ahead, and he followed behind me. He was quiet until we reached where he parked the car. I didn't even wait for him to open the door for me."Are you still going home or are we heading straight to their place?" he asked after starting the car's engine.I rolled my eyes. "Just take me to their house. I don't need to change into formal clothes in front of them. I'll be talking to a demon, not saints.""Okay," was his curt reply
"What are you talking about, Caroline? Glenda said earlier that you've already accepted him," Tita Camille said."You might just be upset with our son because of what happened between you earlier. It wasn't his intention for that to happen," Tito Rome interjected.I shook my head. "I'm not upset, and I'm telling the truth. I didn't accept him, and I will never accept him after what he did to me. I'm sorry, but I cannot accept your son." I stood up and grabbed my bag. "If you don't mind, I'll go home."I was about to turn around when Alexander suddenly pulled me back. I instinctively gripped the chair as I almost lost my balance."Let go of me!" I shouted at him and withdrew my hand."Where are you going?" he asked, retaking my hand."I'm going home. I don't want to see your face! You're hurting me!""Alexander!" Tito Rome called out to him, so we both turned to his parents. "Let her go. Take her home if she wants to go home. You're just scaring her more.""But Dad-""Caroline might st
I didn't sleep well last night after talking to Miguel. The thought of the woman he was with last night still lingered in my mind. If she wasn't his sibling or cousin, she might be his girlfriend. I got up and stretched my body. I immediately went to the bathroom to do my daily routine. While showering, I planned my activities for the day. I planned to go to the hospital to visit Miguel's sister. I was going to stop by the church first before buying fruits to bring to the hospital. I had Manong Berto drive me to the hospital as Miguel wasn't available today. After attending church, I headed straight to the mall to buy fruits, food, and clothes for Michelle. I busied myself looking for clothes that would fit Miguel's sister. I also bought items that Michelle could use at school. I ate first before thinking of leaving the mall. As I exited, I quickly hailed a taxi to the hospital. I smiled as I watched the taxi driver load the items I bought for Michelle into the taxi. I arrived at t
I only snapped back to reality when the door opened again. A woman entered and rushed towards us. "What happened to Tita Mary?" the woman asked, concern evident as she assisted Miguel. The woman briefly glanced at me before helping Miguel wake Tita. She still hasn't regained consciousness. Miguel lifted his mother, who looked pale. I felt even more anxious. "Please watch over my sister, Caroline. I'll take her outside to be checked by the nurses," Miguel said before quickly leaving the room with the woman. I was left in a daze, still staring at the door. I placed my hand on my chest while trying to catch my breath. I sat on the chair and looked at Michelle. I took her hand and held it. "Get well soon. Your mother and brother need you," I whispered as gently touched her hand. I looked up as the door creaked open. Amira entered, carrying a cup of milk tea. She rolled her eyes when she noticed me looking at her. "Where's Aunt Marry?" she asked in a sassy tone. She sat on another
Amira and I both widened our eyes at what Love Rein did. I quickly averted my gaze when I noticed Love Rein looking at us.I looked at Miguel. He just smiled at Love Rein's action. Amira nudged me again, prompting me to look at her."Isn't she my cousin's girlfriend? Why would she kiss him if she's not Miguel's girlfriend?" Amira asked.Amira raised an eyebrow as she observed Love Rein's movements. She straightened up when Tita Marry glanced at her. Tita Marry furrowed her brows, shifting her gaze between us."Is Amira giving you a hard time again, dear?" Tita Marry asked.I shook my head. "No, she's nice, Tita," I answered with a smile, and then I hooked my arm with Amira."Nice? Since when has this child been nice? She's a disobedient kid. So, if she misbehaves again with you, just let me know," Tita Marry added."I'm nice to people who are nice to me, Aunt," Amira said. She also linked arms with me, struggling to reach my shoulder."Well, that's good to know. If I see you being mea
"What the hell are they doing? Don't they have money to book a hotel or motel to do that stuff?" I exclaimed in disbelief."It must be expensive if they're going to a hotel," Amira chuckled before she opened the door to enter. I couldn't help but join in her laughter.We quickly covered our mouths when we found Love Rein and Tita Marry already asleep. The two of them were sleeping side by side on the floor. I looked at their makeshift beddings - only thin sheets were used."They shouldn't be sleeping on the floor. They might catch a chill," I told Miguel.He looked sleepily at us. He was seated on a chair, watching over his sister. Amira returned the keys to him, which he promptly accepted and kept in his pocket. I briefly observed Miguel. He still hadn't changed his clothes. He had been wearing the same outfit for three days."Have they been sleeping for a while?" Amira asked. I glanced at the wall clock. We had been gone for over an hour."I let them sleep when you left," Miguel rep
I looked at Alexander’s parents who were stopping their son from hitting Miguel when he saw me.“You’ve never contributed anything good to this family!” Cecile was furious. She stood up and walked towards me. “You’re nothing but a disgrace! You’re even embarrassing Alexander’s family!”“Shut up, Cecile!” Daddy folded his hands. He couldn’t look at me because his eyes were on Miguel. “It’s not right if we scold your sister. We need to calm down and listen to her complaints about the news circulating in the media that she and Miguel are in a relationship!”“If I’m flirty, this kid outside is even flirtier!” Cecile stormed back to her seat next to Mommy.Cristy gave me my own chair and placed it in front of me. I carefully put down my bag before looking at them. I closed my eyes for a few seconds after glancing at Miguel.“Miguel has already told us about you, hija. We also want to hear from you if there is any truth to all the things he confessed to us.” Daddy’s voice calmed down.I was
I was frozen in my seat. I couldn't move. I didn't know how to react."Caroline Anastasia Brooks is dating his bodyguard," Violeta repeated while showing me her phone."W-What does this mean, Caroline?" Julia asked while her eyes were on Violeta's phone. "You were on the news, but they didn't put a picture of your so-called bodyguard.""T-That's not true. I'm not dating my bodyguard," I defended. I stood up to check the news they were saying about me. "Where did this news come from? And who is spreading false information?"I bit my lip so hard when I remembered Miguel. I had no plans to deny our relationship but I couldn't help but worry for him when I also remembered what Miguel said last night. I don't want his life to be in danger just because of me. For now, I'll try my best to keep our relationship. It was too early for the public to know about us.I looked at my phone when a series of messages arrived. My heart beat faster when I saw Daddy's name calling me on the screen. Everyo
I was locked in my room all day. My other cousins always teased me to go out and play with them because the sunlight wasn't so painful. I just watched them while they happily played in the sea."Caroline, give me a break. I'm getting married and you don't want to play with us," Julia said as she entered my room."I want to rest first. I'll come out later," I said as I adjusted my clothes."Promise? I'll be mad at you if you don't come out."I smiled and nodded. "Promise."I lay down on the bed when Julia left my room. Honestly, I've been too lazy to go out and hang out with my cousins ever since I found out I was an illegitimate child. I was afraid of what they might say when they found out the truth.I downloaded video games on my phone to keep me busy. It wasn't long before I got bored of playing games. I watched shows and other trending videos on the internet.I looked at my phone when its screen lit up. I looked to see who had texted me, and I smiled when I saw Miguel's name.From
I turned around and saw Julia walking towards me. She was sipping her coffee.“Are you okay? Is there a problem? I’ve noticed you’ve been quiet for a while.” She put the glass of coffee on the table.I smiled and shook my head. “I’m just tired from the trip,” I excused myself. She raised an eyebrow at me. “I don’t have a problem, Jul. I’m just really tired.”To be honest, I didn’t sleep well last night after Mommy called. I don’t know why she called and asked for forgiveness for everything she did to me. It was the first time I heard the word sorry from her.“How are you? I haven’t heard from you. Aunt Glenda said you were busy with your company. You didn’t tell us that Alexander is your boyfriend.” She sipped her coffee again. “I thought you didn’t like that guy. You know, his life background is ugly.”“I had no choice, Jul. I wasn’t the one who decided to answer Alexander either.”“W-Wait, wait. You didn’t accept that man?”I nodded. “That was her decision. And worst, she even went
I stood up and picked up my bag from the floor. I carefully placed it on the small table."What if I'm an illegitimate child? I'm grateful that I found out the truth." I adjusted my clothes. "Wow! You're different." Cecile clapped her hands. "You must be so proud when you found out that you were the child of Daddy's mistress," she added.My fists clenched. I wanted to tug at her hair but I just held myself back. I needed to calm down because I owned the condo."Jay, let my sister out," I ordered. I looked at Jay and noticed that she wasn't moving from where she was standing. "Are you going to let her out or do you want to lose your job?" I threatened."Hey, Caroline! You can't let me out because I own this too!" Cecile shouted angrily when Jay grabbed her."Caroline, are you that angry with Cecile? She wants to stay here for one night -""Don't get involved in this, Alexander!" I shouted angrily.Alexander frowned. "Don't talk to me like that. Maybe you forgot that your family's comp
"I'm just thinking about your well-being, Miguel. I'm your friend. It's not that I'm interested in your relationship. But it's wrong for you to love your boss's daughter!"I wanted to scold Love Rein but not a single word came out of my mouth. I let go of Miguel's hand and faced him."Isn't what you're doing now a nuisance, Love Rein? Why was it such a big deal when you discovered our relationship? I know you don't like me. I'm not blind enough to not notice the way your eyes dart around whenever you see me.""Think about it, Caroline! You're putting my friend's life in danger. You're ruining his life!" Love Rein hissed at me."She's not ruining my life!" Miguel shouted.We both looked at Miguel. His jaw tightened and he looked straight at Love Rein."She's not ruining my life, Love Rein," he repeated in a calm voice. "If you have nothing else to say, it's best to just go home."Love Rein sighed. "You're going to take me home? You'd choose that girl over me?""Yes. I will choose her o
"Stop it, Miguel!" I whispered to him while looking away.He took my hand and kissed it. I looked around in case anyone had seen us and recognized me. I breathed a sigh of relief when I noticed that there were only a few people eating and they were only looking at their food.It wasn't long before I finished eating. I just ignored his lingering stares at me. This was nothing new to me, but it felt like something new to me. Is it because we both have feelings for each other?"You seem to be thinking deeply," Miguel suddenly asked as we walked towards his Mom's room."Nothing. I'm just happy," I said. I wrapped one of my arms around his waist and leaned my head on his shoulder."Is there a problem?" Miguel asked.I stopped walking. "I might be gone for a week. My cousin's wedding. I'm going to Cebu. Daddy gave me a one-week vacation. It's a shame because I can't be with you. Your family needs you here.""When are you going to Cebu?""Tomorrow morning. Don't worry. We have body guards th
I held the steering wheel of the car while looking out the window. I wanted to cry again after admitting to him that I also had feelings for Miguel. I was so embarrassed. He thought I had rejected him, but now I was admitting to him face to face that I liked him."I have to go," I said to break the silence. You can get out if you want. I've said everything I wanted to say. I don't care if you laugh at me because I admitted that I liked you."“Do you mean it?" he asked.I didn't know if I should be happy with his question or be shocked. He was hard to talk to. It took him a while to understand what I was saying. I pulled his collar and pressed a kiss to his lips."Yes, Miguel," I whispered after I kissed him."Does it mean -"I kissed him again. "Stop courting me. You're my boyfriend starting today.""The real one?" he clarified.I nodded. "You don't want to?""No, no. I like it. I'm just ... speechless. I don't know how much you make me happy, Caroline." He hugged me.I couldn't help
I wiped my face and looked away from him. I tried to hold back my tears but they wouldn’t stop falling. He opened the door and got in. He sat in the passenger seat while his gaze was on me.“D-Do you need something?” I asked.“Am I the one you’re asking like that?” he asked in his cold voice.“I just want to apologize for whatever I did and said to you last night. That’s it.” I smiled.“Is that all?”I nodded. “Yes, Miguel.” I picked up my phone when someone suddenly called me. I quickly turned it off when I saw Mommy’s name. “Why are you here? You’re watching over your mother, right?” I asked him.“Why are you crying?” he asked.I swallowed, fumbling for an answer to him. “Why are you asking? Do you even bother me every time I cry?”“Yes, Caroline. I’m concerned about why you’re crying. I care for you. You know that.”I smirked. “You care for me? Even for Love Rein?”“What? Why did Love Rein join our conversation?”“You said you like me. That’s why you’re flirting because you like me