The man lifted his gaze to her.“Good afternoon, Ms. Herrera, it’s nice to see you again.” He smiled, and she just stood there, stunned. She didn’t expect to see him today.“What are you doing here?” she asked as she recovered from the surprise, then went straight to her table to set down her bag. She turned to face him and leaned against the table, crossing her arms.The young man put down the iPad he was holding and glanced at her.“To do my job? And of course, to visit you. I heard you’ve been busy with shoots these past few days. Anyway, sorry if I’m just showing up now, I had some important things to take care of.”She frowned, wondering why he was informing her of this.“To do your job? Shouldn’t you be at the resort? Not here in my office, and you don’t need to visit me. I’m fine and busy.”She answered him gruffly. He shook his head, stood up, and walked towards her.“Why are you so grumpy? Can’t I visit you? I missed you. It’s been a week since I last saw you.” He said sweetl
Vivien entered her office feeling drained. Her meeting with the board members lasted three hours. Her headache from all the things they discussed, especially the upcoming projects at the site.Vivien removed the pen from her hair and let her hair fall. That was what she had used to tie her hair during the meeting. She then took off her coat, revealing her black tank top.While she was busy with her coat, she didn’t notice that there was someone else in her office. She wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t cleared his throat from the corner.She was surprised to see Xander sitting on the single sofa, looking at her seriously. She couldn’t detect any emotion on his face, which made her furrowed her brows.“What are you doing here again?”She asked, clearly annoyed that the man had gotten used to showing up in her office. He seemed to have forgotten what they had discussed. He was practically coming to her office every day now, and if his fiancée followed him here and caused trouble agai
VIVIEN'S POVI was still staring at the door where Xander had left. He had left a while ago, but I was still just staring.God! Vivien, give up already! Why am I so weak? After he confessed earlier that he had broken up with Loraine, I was speechless.Actually, I’m nervous. I’m sure Loraine will come after me and blame me for her breakup with Xander, but why am I nervous? I didn’t ruin their relationship. The guy never really loved her, he just agreed to their arrangement.Earlier, our conversation was cut short when his phone suddenly rang. It was an emergency call from the Montenegro empire. Even though he didn’t want to leave, he couldn’t do anything because he’s the Heir to Montenegro, and the company needed him.I leaned back in the swivel chair and closed my eyes tightly. Xander really broke up with Loraine. He couldn’t take it anymore. I opened my eyes and looked at the sofa where we had done something earlier. The memory of what we did suddenly came back. Argh, I can't believe
“Be strong. Fight for the love that has been taken away from you. You two deserve to be happy. But you still need to be careful. Loraine is in love with you, Xander, and that woman won’t give up easily. Don’t let her hurt my daughter.”Both Xander and I nodded, aware of what Loraine could really do. She’s a crazy bitch! She ruined things between Xander and me before, which is why we broke up. And now that I know the truth and Xander and I have made up, I will take back what was mine. Xander is mine. From the very beginning, he was always meant to be mine.So she can’t tell me that I stole Xander because from the start, she was the one who took him. I won’t stay silent anymore. I won’t give in or adjust. This time, it's all about me.“Yes, Tita, Dawn and I are aware of what Loraine might do, and don’t worry, I’ll do everything to protect her,” Xander said.“Alright, that’s all I wanted to hear. I’m just here to support both of you.”Both Xander and I smiled at Mommy. She’s so kind and
Vanessa approached her daughter before angrily turning to me.“How dare you insult us! You’re really getting back at us, aren’t you?! You took Xander from Loraine as revenge!”I smirked and shook my head. Talking to them was mentally draining.“Why? Are you hurt, Vanessa? Because it’s the truth? You took my dad, and Loraine took Xander from me. I’m just taking back what’s mine. There’s nothing wrong with what I did. And you? What are you even fighting for? How many times do I have to repeat myself, huh? Destiny is simply exposing your true colors! And you, Loraine, forcing yourself on someone who doesn’t love you? What a pity!”I said sarcastically. Vanessa and Lorraine were both fuming with anger. It was painful, but it was the truth. They just needed to accept it.“I will never let you take Xander away from me! He’s mine! We’re getting married!” Loraine screamed defiantly.“There’s nothing that belongs to you, Lorraine. From the start, he was never yours. He’s mine. You just interfe
Alexis' eyes widened as he looked at his father, his lips slightly parted. Xander, on the other hand, gazed softly at his son, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. I noticed the tears threatening to fall, and even I couldn’t help but feel emotional.“Is he really my daddy, mommy? Is that why you were holding hands earlier?” he asked softly, not looking at me. His shimmering eyes remained fixed on his father.“Yes, baby. He is your father. Go ahead, approach him,” I gently encouraged. Alexis obeyed and slowly walked toward Xander. Xander lifted his trembling hands, ready to embrace him.When Alexis got close, he immediately threw his arms around his father.“D-Daddy…”I clutched my chest, overwhelmed with emotion. Even if my son hadn’t expressed it in words, I knew he longed for his father—wanted to meet and know him. Though he never asked, I could see it in his eyes.“Son…” They embraced tightly. Tears streamed down my face, just as they did Xander’s, as he hugged and kissed our son’s
“Yes, Dad! That's it! They'll catch you, Dad! Hurry up!”I paused what I was doing and turned to look at my son and husband when I heard Alexis's cheerful voice. A sweet smile spread across my lips as I saw them. I leaned back in my chair and watched them. I felt so light, so happy. I never imagined things would turn out this way. I’m lucky Xander understood the reasons behind my actions back then, even though I was partially at fault. He chose not to dwell on it. What matters to him is that we're whole again now.We’re still in my office. After the serious conversation earlier, I decided to work for a bit before we head to my condo. Yes, Xander wanted to stay at my condo too. Our son is overjoyed, and seeing him so happy fills me with contentment. I didn’t object—Xander and Alexis need time together to make up for the years they missed. Plus, it’s safer. Loraine won’t be able to barge in unexpectedly, thanks to the tight security there.Grandma has already gone home, but she was thr
When I was done, I walked to the living room to call my husband and son, who were playing PS5.“Boys, stop playing now. Dinner is ready.”They both turned to me, nodded, and put down their controllers.Cute.Holding hands, they walked toward me. Xander gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead before wrapping an arm around me and guiding me to the dining area.“Wow! My favorite! Mom, did you cook this?”I nodded with a smile before serving Alexis some rice and caldereta. Then I filled Xander’s plate with rice, adding caldereta on one side and chop suey on the other.“Thank you, baby.”I simply smiled in response and served myself some rice. Manang Fe and Len watched us happily from the side.The dinner table was filled with laughter and stories. I mostly just listened as Xander and Manang Fe quickly bonded.After eating, I offered to clear the table and wash the dishes. I told Manang Fe to rest since her back suddenly started aching. Alexis went to clean herself up, leaving just Xander
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