There are people that you have to let go of even if you want to keep them. There are people who, even if they make you happy, you need to avoid. There are decisions that you have to make even if you're forced to. There are times when if you do the right thing, you will be the one who will suffer. And there are things that if you insist on in the end, you will still be the one who will be hurt. *********** “Mom, where is Uncle Vince? We've been waiting here for an hour, I'm tired.” I smiled while watching my child, who had a cute scowl on his handsome face. I removed my face mask since no one would probably notice me here, and everyone is busy, plus I am wearing a eyeglasses. It's a good thing I didn't say that we're going back to the Philippines, no media, my child and I are safe. We're here at NAIA waiting for my brother Vince. He volunteered to pick us up because he wants to see his nephew right away. Unfortunately, he texted that he's stuck in traffic a
Vivien “Oh my gosh! Until now, I still can't believe that we finally graduated! And of course, I can't believe our parents allowed us to go to a bar and celebrate it!” I laughed while Penelope hugged me and jumped. We were so happy, so much happy! Finally! All the hard work, stress, and sleepless nights had paid off. Penelope and I have been best friends since childhood. Our parents are also friends. Penelope is my partner in crime. We're open with each other. We help each other in everything. She's like a sister to me. “Congratulations to us, girl! We can finally breathe easy and get a good night's sleep.” We both laughed at what I said. “Yeah, right! The hell years are done! So, let's go to the bar and celebrate!” I laughed and let her pull me towards her car. Just earlier, we had our graduation, and our parents were with us. We were supposed to celebrate with them at an expensive restaurant, but my friend suggested that we change it up this time. During our pre
R18– Damn, I'm so drunk! I can feel the alcohol coursing through my body. I don't care about anything around me anymore; I'm just going with the flow. Then I felt someone dancing behind me. Because they were so close, I turned to face them and without warning, I put my hands around their neck. Shit, why did I suddenly feel this heat? I wanted to do something, but I couldn't understand it. Damn this alcohol! The man in front of me encircled his hands around my waist. He pulled me even closer to him, making sure I couldn't escape. Because of what he did, I could smell his scent – addictive, like I wanted to bite him. We danced as if there was no tomorrow. I also did a sexy dance in front of this stranger. I had no idea where my best friend was – maybe she was dancing with someone else or looking for a handsome guy. I knew she could handle herself and was used to this kind of situation. I was getting carried away with what was happening. I was enjoying it immensely and wa
Vivien I woke up with a pounding headache and a sore body. Damn, we were so drunk and wasted last night! Penelope got what she wanted. I looked around, and my eyes widened when I saw my dress on the chair beside the bed. I sat up, wincing as my head throbbed. Without thinking, I checked my body under the white comforter. My eyes widened even more when I realized I had nothing on! I gasped as I slowly remembered what happened last night. The man I danced with last night broke my defenses while I was drunk! Vivien, what foolishness possessed you? Shit! I won't get drunk anymore! I won't drink! I was protecting my virginity! nnnI winced again as I felt the pain between my thighs. What had that man done to cause this much pain? Despite the excruciating pain, I forced myself to get up. I grabbed my dress and panties from the chair and put them on. I also snatched my purse from the side table. I awkwardly walked out of the room. Where was the man who took my vi
Vivien “Sweety, wake up. We're here.” I groggily straightened up and looked at Mommy. “You seem really tired, dear. I've been trying to wake you up. Come on, get ready and follow me. Your grandparents are waiting inside,” Mommy said. I nodded to Mommy before she went down first. I peeked out the window. Wow! I've missed it here in Bulacan! Yesterday, Alexander dropped me off, but just outside the subdivision. I didn't want him to drop me right in front of our house, fearing Mommy might be surprised. She might think I went to a bar with Penelope and suddenly got a boyfriend. Upon arriving at the house, Mommy warmly welcomed me. She mentioned that we were going to Bulacan because Grandpa was sick, probably from climbing the mountain too much. They insisted that we stay here for a week. It wasn't a problem for me since it's a break for me. I also texted Penelope to follow here. Only Mommy, Kuya Vince, and I came to Bulacan. Daddy stayed in Manila for some paperwork, As I st
My face frowned as I followed him. He just pulled me towards their hut where people were busy making rice cakes. I still can't believe that my grandmother's rice fields and his grandmother's are right next to each other. Our world is so small. Now, he was busy talking on his cellphone, and I occupied myself by taking pictures. I marveled at the process of making rice cakes and sweet preserves, so I snapped some photos. and posted it on Instagram with a simple caption, 'Yummy.' Then, I casually scrolled through my feed, liking posts from people I know. I furrowed my brows when I saw someone followed me. Xander happened to sit beside me. “Follow me back,” he commanded, looking at my phone. I quickly moved it away from him and gave him an annoyed look. Does he even know the word 'privacy'? Tsk. I reluctantly followed his order to avoid any further hassle. I also texted my brother not to look for me because I pretended to roam around. I hurriedly texted Penelope, urging her to c
“Omg! really?! Your so-called boyfie seems fascinated by your beauty, girl! That's why he followed you even here in Bulacan. Take note, he knows your number and knows that you came here. You know, girl, this is your love life, push it!” I rolled my eyes at my exaggerated best friend's comments. Earlier, after lunch with Xander, he dropped me off in front of our house. I didn't bother inviting him inside; I wasn't ready to introduce him to my family yet! Just as I arrived home, Penelope showed up. And here I am, telling her what happened. “I asked him how he knew everything, and he just said, 'I have my ways.' But I feel like he's a good guy. Look, one night stand should have been each to his own, but look, he didn't leave me in the VIP room at the bar, he even prepared breakfast for me and brought me home. Then he mentioned some responsibility towards me, even though he has no obligation to me. And earlier, I saw how he values their workers, so I told myself I should giv
We organized our things before changing into bikinis. I wore a red bikini with my cover-up, let my hair down, applied lip tint to avoid looking too plain, and grabbed my sunglasses before leaving the restroom. Just as Penelope finished changing, she appeared wearing a black bikini with a cover-up, her hair styled in a messy bun. As she glanced in my direction, she observed my entire look. Nervous, I waited for her judgment; she always does this. “Is it okay? Does this swimsuit suit me?” I asked nervously, raising an eyebrow. “Seriously, girl, are you really asking that? Almost everything you wear looks good on you. You're so beautiful and hot, with a perfect body. I wish I had perfect boobs like yours! So jealous,” she remarked. Unconsciously, I looked down to check my chest. Many have complimented my body and boobs. “Enough of that. Let's go!” She pulled me out, carrying her phone and DSLR. She really likes taking pictures—one of her hobbies. Upon descending, a bea
Vivien’s POVIt’s been three days, and I’m still here at the hospital recovering. I never imagined something like what Loraine did would happen in my life. It felt like one of those dramatic scenes you only see on TV—but this time, it happened to me.Because of what she did, our family became the talk of the town. We trended on all social media platforms—even on the news. Xander and the others got dragged into it too, but thankfully it was handled quickly. My boss even gave me a one-month leave because of what happened.Loraine is confined in the same hospital. She’s stable now but still needs to rest, or her side wound might open up again. That’s where Xander shot her.Apparently, Loraine had locked up Vanessa and Dad in their home, which is why they didn’t know what was happening. They were shocked when they found out. Grandma was furious at Vanessa because of the trouble her daughter caused. We later found out that Loraine does, in fact, have mental health issues. That’s why Vane
She let out a demonic laugh before turning to look at me.“You really are such an idiot, you know that? Did you really think I’d let you leave here alive? Didn’t it ever occur to you that the reason I made you come with Alex was so I could finally kill you? To get rid of the obstacle standing in my way!?”She shouted in anger, her eyes wild and blazing.“Loraine, this wasn’t our deal! You said you’d return Alexis to Dawn and I would go with you! What is this?!” Xander shouted back, equally furious.Loraine turned sharply toward him.“Shut up, Alex! I’m not stupid. I need to make sure nothing stands in the way of our love! Vivien has to disappear from this world!”I instinctively stepped back as she angrily pointed the gun at me.“All my life, Vivien, all I’ve ever wanted was to be loved. But why?! Why is it that everyone I want to love me always chooses you?! Dad? I had to ruin your image to him, I had to pretend just to get his attention!...“..Then Alex? No matter what I did, he st
An abandoned warehouse near the train tracks in Alabang was the location Loraine sent the address. She said we would all meet there at three in the morning.Xander's relatives didn't agree to do nothing. Luckily, one of Xander's cousins was there and hacked the CCTV so we could talk in a private room. The others stayed in the large living room so Loraine wouldn’t suspect anything. Some of Xander’s uncles secretly coordinated with the police. They still had the police go straight to the mansion, but others were positioned at every corner, dressed in civilian clothes so they wouldn’t be noticed.Xander and I decided that only the two of us would go. We wore invisible micro Bluetooth earpieces given by Xander’s cousin so they could hear our conversation, and also GPS trackers so we could be located if anything wrong happened. We still had backup, but Loraine’s people wouldn’t notice them. We wouldn’t go into a battle unarmed. We knew Loraine — that woman is cunning.Earlier, Xander’s co
AFTER AN HOUR had passed, some of the family members slowly began returning, all with the same answer—Alexis wasn't there. Even the maid hadn’t seen my son.Weakly, I sat down as my hands trembled and tears began to fall from my eyes. My baby… where are you?Almost everyone was back except for Alec and Xander. A few moments later, we all stood up at once when we saw Xander running toward us. My eyes widened when I saw what he was holding! My knees almost gave out as I rushed to meet them.Without thinking, I took Alexis’ iPad from Xander’s hand. When I looked at it, I gasped—it was shattered and had traces of blood on it! That was when the tears I had been holding back finally burst free.“Oh God! Where is my son?!” I couldn’t stop myself from breaking down. Xander pulled me into a hug as I sobbed uncontrollably. My gut was right—Alexis was missing!“Alec, where did you find Alexis' iPad?” Kuya asked seriously.“Alex found it in our backyard, near the back gate,” Alec answered firm
Xander took care of my food, while Grandma handled Alexis’ meal. She said she’s the one assigned to him tonight. Before eating, I glanced over at Mommy, and she gave me an understanding smile and nodded. Kuya (big brother) did the same.I ate quietly because I was already really hungry. It was getting late after all, so I was definitely feeling it.After the meal, Grandma gave a speech for her business partners. She even called Mommy and Kuya up on stage to introduce them to everyone. I was shocked by an unexpected announcement from Kuya.He said that once Xander and I are married, Herrera Furniture and Manufacturing Corp. would be merged with the Montenegro Empire. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, just staring at Kuya earlier.He just smiled and nodded at me. I knew I had a part in the company, but I never tried to take it from him because I always wanted him to run it. Helping him was enough for me. But it seems like there was nothing I could do now, as he and Grandma had alre
Grandma immediately welcomed us when she saw Xander and me. Xander quickly took her hand to show respect, while I gave a slight bow and also did the traditional gesture. She then looked me over from head to toe. “You are so beautiful, dear. The dress I chose suits you well.” I smiled shyly. “Thank you, Grandma. You look beautiful too in your dress.” The old woman smiled modestly. I meant what I said—even in her age, her beauty was still very much evident. “Thank you, dear. Let’s go to our table.” “La, why did you only compliment my fiancée? I’m your grandson, and you didn’t even glance at me. All your attention is on her,” Xander said in a fake sulking tone. Grandma looked at him from head to toe, then scoffed. Xander was left speechless, and I couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. “You still look the same. Nothing’s changed. Your son’s more handsome than you.”Grandma said in a teasing, almost grumpy tone. Looks like she was messing with her grandson. Anyway, where’s my b
THE NEXT DAY I didn’t go to the company because my brother didn’t allow me, even though our engagement party started at six in the evening. He said I should just relax and rest for the day.I had no choice but to be absent, even from the agency. Annie is coming later anyway because I invited her.When I woke up earlier, everyone was already busy. Manang Fe was sorting through the outfits Mom had sent over, while I didn’t catch Alexis—turns out her grandma had picked her up since they were the ones assisting the team at the mansion and with the catering. The grandma and grandson were really enjoying their role.As for Xander, he quickly stopped by the Montenegro Empire because he had an important meeting he had to attend. Lucky him—he was allowed to go to the company, while I wasn’t.So basically, I was the only one doing nothing. I sighed and sat on the single sofa. I felt more idle than a bride on her wedding day—they wouldn’t even let me help out or go to the office.What am I su
While everyone was busy and Xander was talking to Alexis, I noticed Alec quietly standing off to the side, sipping wine. He’d been there all along, but he hadn’t approached me or even congratulated his cousin. When he noticed me walking toward him, he straightened up.He gave me a cold look.“What are you doing here? Why aren’t you joining the fun?” I asked gently, even though his intense stare made me uncomfortable.“I’m okay here.” He replied seriously, taking another sip from his wine glass.“Come on, join us. You being here like that makes it seem like you didn’t even want to come.” I nudged him a little. He clicked his tongue in irritation before setting his wine glass down and reaching into his coat.I just watched as he pulled out a long red box and handed it to me.“Here.”I looked at the box curiously, then at him, but his expression turned sour.“Tsk. Just accept it,” He snapped gruffly. I still hadn’t taken it.“For what? What’s this for?” I asked, confused. He grab
“My Dawn... My Baby... Will you marry me?”I covered my mouth, and the tears I had been holding back finally began to fall as I stared at the man kneeling in front of me.Is this really happening? Is he proposing to me? This isn’t a dream, right? My heart was pounding like crazy. The intensity of the way he was looking at me only made it beat faster. “Baby, we’ve been through so much—maybe it’s time for us to finally be happy and build our family. I’m not a perfect man, but I promise to love you and Alexis more than my own life. We'll make up for the time that was stolen from us. I hope your answer is a sweet ‘yes.’ I love you, Dawn. Please marry me…”His eyes pleaded with mine. I just stared at him, tears still falling. He’s right—it is time for us to be happy. It seems like Loraine is doing okay now, and they’ve accepted everything. This is a new beginning for us.Slowly, I nodded while still crying. His face lit up, but he didn’t stand yet. “Say it, please... Baby, say the m