While going down the stairs, I furrowed my brows when I noticed Daddy by the front door. He was facing away from me, talking on the phone. I watched him. Did he just get home? What time is it? How long was their meeting? And who is he talking to at this hour? He’s been coming home late a lot lately. It seems like Daddy is working himself too hard. As far as I know, Kuya Vince is the one managing the company now, so Daddy could be resting and visiting us more.I quickly went down the stairs and headed towards him. Daddy's voice was too low. Who is he talking to? I stopped not far from where he was, and he looked really stressed.“Vanessa, I have documents to take care of at the office tomorrow. Yes, I know, Vince will be with me when we go to the site. Yes, of course, tell Loraine that if I have some free time, I'll take her to the site. You know that it’s not just—” “Dad.” I called softly, and he immediately turned to me, clearly surprised. His face went pale as if he had seen
When we arrived at the condo, Kuya helped me organize things. He stacked my shoes and bags in the glass cabinet while I replaced the old cover on the bed with a new one. I also brought my favorite comforter. After finishing with the bed, I turned to my suitcases. The clothes inside were already folded, so I just needed to move them to the cabinet.“Lil sis, what do you want to eat? I ordered food,” Kuya asked as he faced me.“Is it okay with you, Kuya, if we eat fast food? I’d like to have Chickenjoy, Spaghetti, and Sundae from Jabee?” I said with a smile.“Of course, we grew up with Jabee. I missed eating that too. Wait, I’ll just order,” he replied, and I nodded, returning to organizing my clothes. After thirty minutes, Kuya’s order arrived. We went down to the lobby to get the order. There was a problem because the pineapple drinks and one of the sundaes got spilled. The Grab driver almost had an accident because some young motorcyclists were rushing due to a checkpoint. They
**R18** I went straight to my room to take a shower and rest. It’s only now that I’m feeling exhausted. As I stepped out of the bathroom, my phone beeped. I glanced at it and saw a text from my brother.**Kuya Vince:** "I'm home. Get some rest. Goodnight, lil sis. Your kuya loves you."I smiled. I’m really lucky to have such a sweet and supportive brother. I typed out my reply.**Me to Kuya Vince:** "I love you too, kuya. Get some rest, you're more tired than I am. Thank you again and goodnight! Mwah." I put down my phone and turned to head to the vanity mirror to brush my hair. I hadn’t even taken a step when my phone rang again. I grabbed it, thinking my brother might have forgotten to tell me something, but I was overjoyed when I saw the caller. It’s Xander! I quickly answered the call.“Hello?” I answered, frowning when I heard noise in the background. Where is he? Is he outside?“Where are you?” he immediately asked. Shouldn’t I be the one asking where he is? It’s la
I woke up when my phone alarm went off at 6:45 am. I set the alarm early to avoid rushing, as the meeting time with my manager was set for 8:30. I gently removed Xander’s arm from around my waist and slowly got up to avoid waking him. When I stood up, I looked at him and smiled at how peacefully he was sleeping; it seemed like he finally caught up on his rest. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and change clothes. Gosh, my sleepwear set was ruined because of Xander; I wish he had taken it off properly instead of tearing it. Shaking my head, I left the bathroom, being careful with each movement until I reached the door of the room. I opened and closed it quietly, then walked to the kitchen. I grimaced upon seeing my torn clothes scattered on the floor. I picked them up and threw them in the trash. I quickly cooked breakfast and ate, not bothering to wake Xander. I knew he was exhausted and needed more rest. Since no one was visiting my condo today, it was safe. I just needed
It seems the saying is true that someone inexperienced in love falls quickly. In the past three weeks, I don't know if my heart is still normal. Every time I talk to or video call Xander, my heart races so fast it feels like I'm always being chased by a horse. Since the night Xander got a bit upset with me, even though I’m extremely busy, I still update him, even with just two or three texts. It’s important that he knows where I am, especially since I’ve been even busier in the past few days. The last time we met was on my first day at work. He kept his promise to leave when I fell asleep. We still haven’t seen each other since; we’re both busy, especially me. At night, we can text even briefly, but sometimes I fall asleep while texting him. He understands that I’m tired. Today, my schedule is a bit lighter. I finished my shoot early this morning, so I’m free now, and I texted Penelope to meet at a restaurant. It’s been a while since we last saw each other because she’s also bu
Am I really so out of touch with him? Have I neglected him? Is he angry with me because it’s been almost a month since we last met? Is that why I haven’t received any texts from him? I explained everything to him. “Hays, anyway, it’s good that you’re with me now. I don’t want to go to Daddy’s office; I’ll just see Vivian there.” My eyes widened. Vivian? My eyebrows furrowed. That’s my mommy’s name—what the? But calm down, Vivien; maybe it’s just a coincidence. There are many people named Vivian in the world. “It’s Aunt Vivian, Lor. She’s kind to you; she doesn’t show you anything bad, so respect her,” Xander said firmly. “Tsk, why do I feel like you’re on her side instead of mine? We don’t know, Alex; maybe that woman is just pretending to be nice to me.” “Lor, I can judge people well. And what Aunt Vivian shows you is genuine.” “Tsk, whatever. Anyway, how are you and your fake girlfriend? Have you met her yet?” I raised an eyebrow. Fake girl? What the heck?“She’s not my fa
“I said leave, Mr. Montenegro. I can’t face you now. I’m tired and hurt.” Pain and fear flickered in his eyes, and his earlier pallor hadn’t faded. It seems he’s been here for a while; he probably thought I’d come straight here. It’s a good thing I was called to the agency. “Are you really mad?” he asked softly. I couldn’t believe he was asking me that, and I almost laughed at his ridiculous question. Isn’t it obvious? What reaction does he want from me? To be happy because I found out something? Of course, I’m angry because I feel deceived, made to look foolish, and there’s also a woman with him whose relationship with him I don’t understand. But since my friend advised me, I’ll follow Annie’s advice. I’ll hear Xander’s side, even if it hurts me. At least I’ll let him explain; I won’t regret it in the end. “What kind of question is that, Xander?” I said coldly. My irritation and anger had intensified. “What do you think I’m feeling right now? Happy? You didn’t even text me s
**Vivien** The day went by quickly, and now Xander and I were heading to Bulacan. I had already said goodbye to Mom and my brother, and I even texted Dad, but he didn't reply at all. “Ready?”Xander asked as I came out of my room. He had been here for a while, too excited as if I were going to run away from him. I wanted to relax a bit; my work schedule for the past weeks had been hectic. I was piled up with tasks, but they said it would be more relaxed when I returned. Since the day we had a misunderstanding, Xander had become more clingy. He sent me quite a few texts each day, and he seemed to update me on everything he was doing. He was a bit excessive with the updates, but I just let him be; that’s what he wanted.“Yeah, let’s go?” He came closer to take my bag and then gave me a sweet kiss on the forehead. I smiled; he had gotten used to that routine. I walked out of the unit first, with Xander following me. We headed to the elevator together. While we waited for it to ope
Lex stepped back when he saw his uncle calling.I answered the call right away.“Hello, Kuya?”“Bunso? Are you busy right now?”“I’m not doing anything, Kuya. Lex and I are just resting; we just got home from the park. Why?” I asked, curious.“Can I talk to you for a moment?”“Sure.” I adjusted my sitting position to hear him better, while Lex moved to the single sofa and grabbed his iPad from the center table, keeping himself occupied for now.I waited for Kuya to speak.“Are you busy again? Is your schedule hectic? Do you have a lot of shoots this month and next month?” His rapid-fire questions made me furrow my brow, and his tone sounded different—agitated and troubled.“I’m not busy yet; I haven’t started any shoots. I said I’d begin next week because I need to take care of the resort I’m building. Why? Is there a problem?” I asked, worried.He took a deep breath before answering.“I know you’re focused on your modeling and on Alexis, but Kuya needs your help now,” he said sadly.
What is he doing here? Has he been here for a while? Is he waiting for Loraine? But there aren’t any other people inside.I swallowed as his gaze swept over my entire body, finally stopping at my left hand where I held my purse. His eyes darkened as they settled there.I felt uncomfortable with his scrutiny, so I stepped forward, planning to walk past him, but he suddenly blocked my path. I couldn’t believe I was looking at him.“What do you think you're doing, Montenegro?” I asked, irritation creeping into my voice. What’s his deal? What if Loraine sees him? What would that saintly girl think? This is going to cause trouble again.I was taken aback when he just smirked and then shot me a dirty look.“Stay away from my cousin, Ms. Herrera. You already have a fiancé, but you're still flirting with my cousin, huh?” My eyes widened at his words. What is this guy talking about? I glared at him.“What are you saying? I'm flirting with your cousin? Are you sure of what you’re accusing me of
Mom gasped in shock. Oh come on, Mom, can’t she get it yet? My brother stayed silent, looking like he already knew why I was wearing a ring. Meanwhile, I could feel Penelope holding back her laughter. What have I gotten myself into?Since I gave birth to Alexis, I've done nothing but work and take care of my child. I don't have time for anything else. I admit that I had suitors when I was in California, but I cut them off right away. My top priority is my child, nothing else. “Sorry, Dad. I didn't take him with me. He's busy right now, and everything happened suddenly.” Gosh, it’s so awkward. “Aww, is that so, Ate? What a pity, then.” I rolled my eyes mentally. Why is she answering? I’m talking to Dad, not her. Does she feel close to me? Maybe she’s forgotten that we’re not okay? And we will never be okay because I can't accept her as my sister.“Excuse me, everyone, I just need to borrow my best friend for a moment. We forgot to go somewhere. The manager is looking for her, and he
I ignored the whispers and walked confidently toward Mom’s table. Why are my family, Dad's family, and Xander's family all at the same table? Is this some kind of mini-reunion? Tsk.I glanced at the other table where Penelope stood, smiling, with Chad next to her, also smiling.As I approached the table, Mom greeted me with a tight hug.“You're back! When did you get back? I miss you, sweetie…” Mom whispered, almost in tears. I hugged her back tightly. I missed her so much too.“I just got home the other day, Mommy. I was supposed to visit you at your office, but I found out you were in Cebu, so I didn’t go.”“Yes, I just got back from Cebu this afternoon. Come, let’s sit down.” Mom helped me, but before we reached the table, my best friend intercepted me.“Aunt, can I borrow BFF for a moment? I just need to chat for a bit, just a quick one, hehe. Is that okay?” Mommy chuckled softly.“Alright, you two. Just be sure to come back to the table, okay?” Both Penelope and I nodded before
After I talked to Penelope, Alexis woke up just in time. Thankfully, she didn't wake up earlier when I was talking to her aunt.When she saw the snack I made, her eyes lit up, and she smiled as she sat down. I could only shake my head. I got a small plate and filled it with baked mac and a piece of garlic bread.Before I sat down, I went to check on Manang Fe in the guest room to invite them for snacks. I had also let them rest after lunch since there was nothing else to do, and my priority was to watch over Alexis. When I'm not around, Manang Fe cooks for them while Len keeps an eye on Alexis.We all ate snacks together, and at first, Manang Fe and Len didn't want to join us. They said we should finish first, but I’m not used to that. I consider Manang Fe family; she's like a second mother to me.She happily shared stories about Alexis, saying she’s a kind, respectful, and obedient child. Alexis doesn’t misbehave, and she knows when it’s time to bathe and sleep in the afternoon with
I couldn’t believe what Penelope had said. She looked at me with uncertainty.Xander was here earlier? Jeez! Thank goodness I spent three hours at the agency! Otherwise, we might have run into each other. “Good thing you came here only now; I didn’t know you had already returned, so I didn’t get a chance to let you know,” Penelope said softly. I sighed; it would have been my fault if we had met.I hadn’t told Penelope that I had come back suddenly.“It’s okay; let’s just be grateful we didn’t run into each other. Fate is still kind to me. So, changing the subject, why are you in such a bad mood?” She exhaled before returning to her seat and picking up the design she had been looking at earlier.“Well, I’m not satisfied with the design. I feel like something’s missing, but I don’t know what,” she said, staring at her design. I approached her to check out her interior design.“What do you think, girl? What else is missing or wrong here? I can’t think straight,” she said, pouting as she
What happened? How did Loraine become a Herrera? Why didn’t I know about this? Why didn’t Kuya or Penelope mention it to me? Since when has that woman been using our last name?And so, she’s still with Xander, huh? I smiled bitterly. After all these years, they ended up together in the end. They’re getting married, and that woman’s even an actress now? Tsk.The elevator doors opened, and the two women stepped out. I sighed, leaning back against the wall. I’ve just returned to the Philippines, and already I’m hearing all sorts of things. Well, I had been cut off from everything that happened for the past seven years because I asked Penelope not to tell me anything. So, it’s no surprise I’m shocked by what I’m hearing now.As the elevator reached my floor, I straightened up and quickly exited. I shouldn’t dwell on what I overheard; we each have our own lives now. When I reached my unit door, I entered my passcode and stepped inside. I’d link my fingerprint tomorrow.I set down some of t
In life, you’ll realize that there’s a reason why you meet certain people. Some come into your life to use you, some to break you, and others to hurt you.Even if they used you, broke you, and hurt you, at least in the end, you learned something.—**PRESENT**Jeez, how much longer for my order? I really want to leave this place. I’ve been sweating nervously for a while. It seems Xander didn’t order takeout; he’s eating here! Gosh, he chose to dine in.Of all the fast-food places here, why did he have to pick this one? So annoying! What a lovely way to kick off my return to the Philippines.I remember when I left seven years ago, Annie and I left together. I thought my boss wouldn’t let me go, but he understood my situation. Annie even volunteered to come with me, no matter what.Two weeks later, Penelope joined us in California. She told me Xander had been pestering her constantly, pressuring her to reveal my location. He wouldn’t leave her alone and even went to Batangas and Bulacan
I gasped when he turned me to face him.I was shocked to see him in tears, his eyes filled with pain and pleading.I covered my mouth as he suddenly knelt, gently took my hand, and kissed it softly while crying. “I'm begging you, Dawn. Please…” His eyes were speaking to me as he looked at me, while I, in disbelief, stared back at him as he knelt before me.My tears began to fall again. Why does it hurt so much? I could clearly see the pain in his eyes, his suffering and pleading. Why, Xander? You're only making things more confusing.But this is wrong. No, I shouldn’t be swayed by what I see. It would be best if I went away.Our baby's life is more important than the two of us. If I stay here, the problem may get worse, and I might not be able to handle the stress.With trembling hands, I slowly pulled my hand away from him before shaking my head. “I'm sorry, Xander. I have to do this. I have a strong reason for leaving. Forget me and go back to Loraine. She needs you now... Goodbye