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
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
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
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.
---The days passed quickly. I finished everything I needed to do at the office, I also stopped by the resort I’m having built to check on it, and I did a shoot for a magazine and billboard again. I finished all of that so I could have three days free.Tomorrow is Penelope and Chad’s wedding. It will be held in Tagaytay. Later, we’re all going to the hotel together with some of Penelope and Chad’s relatives.Penelope chose to have us all go together so that everyone would be there and no one would be late tomorrow. Plus, it wouldn’t be so much of a hassle. She has a point.I packed everything I need in a small luggage, and Penelope has my gown. I wasn’t able to pick it up because I didn’t have time. Before leaving, I made sure to take care of Alexis. I also told him that I would be gone for three days, and he agreed right away. How could he not? His Uncle Vince bought him a PS5, so he has something to keep him busy.I didn’t expect Kuya to actually follow through with his reward for A
When I entered my hotel room, I flopped onto the bed and shut my eyes tightly. Why did this have to happen now, of all times, during Penelope's wedding? How can I focus on this? Damn! I grabbed my small bag, fumbled for my phone inside, and called Manang Fe to check on Alexis. She answered on the third ring. “Hello, Manang Fe? How are you all doing there?” “We’re fine, dear. Alexis is asleep. After having lunch earlier, he rested for a bit and then fell asleep. He didn’t spend much time playing on his PS5.” I smiled. My son always knows what he needs to do. I'm so proud of him. “That's good to hear. Okay, Manang, I’ll call again later when Alexis wakes up.” “Alright, dear. Take care there.” “Yes, Manang. Thank you. Bye.” I closed my eyes after speaking with Manang Fe, just to relax my mind for a while. I need to think straight. I can’t avoid Alec—we’re staying in the same hotel for three days, so it’s impossible not to cross paths. Maybe it’s better to talk to him seriously.
I just stared at Alec, waiting for him to speak again. I felt nervous—what kind of secret was he about to tell to me? And why did he suddenly decide to tell me? Was it because we were finally able to have a proper conversation? “I know you're angry at my cousin because you've been led to believe he only used you and that everything was a plan between him and Loraine, but that's not the truth, Vivien. Yes, we know what you said to him back then. He poured out all his pain to us. I'm telling you this because you also have the right to know the truth. My cousin is a fool. He didn’t tell you any of this before. You believed Loraine’s lies,” Alec said calmly, but I couldn’t believe it.Alec stared at me seriously before speaking again. “He's been crazy in love with you since elementary school, all the way through college. Oh wait, I’m wrong—until you graduated and started modeling. He was your stalker. He chose to become an engineer so he could work on projects with you. He even planne
The next day, I woke up early to get ready. I immediately took a shower, dried my hair, and put on the robe Penelope gave me, which had "Maid of Honor" written on the back. There was going to be a photoshoot later while we were getting ready. I checked the time—it was still early, so I had time to have breakfast. I decided to order room service for breakfast. I didn’t want to go down to the buffet, where all the guests were. Actually, the food was free for us, but I didn’t want to see Dad, and especially not Loraine. So room service it was. I was about to reach for the phone on the bedside table when the doorbell rang. Curious, I went to the door. When I opened it, a staff member was standing there with food. He was smiling widely. “Good morning, ma’am. Here’s your breakfast.” I looked at him in confusion. “Huh? I haven’t ordered yet. I was just about to call.” “This was sent for you, ma’am.” Oh, maybe Penelope or Mom sent it. I opened the door wider so the staff could place t
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