That evening, Aria took a deep breath as she stood in front of James’s condo, the soft glow from the hallway lights casting a shadow behind her. She hesitated for a moment before finally pressing the doorbell, her fingers trembling slightly with a mix of nerves and anticipation. The weight of their arrangement—and her own emotions—hung heavily in her chest, and she knew tonight’s conversation could tip the balance of everything they had agreed upon. Her heart raced as the seconds stretched out, each one amplifying the tension within her.Finally, the door opened, and there was James, standing there with a relaxed smile, as if he hadn’t just upturned her entire life. “Hey, come in,” he greeted warmly, stepping aside to let her in. His casual demeanor, his unbuttoned shirt revealing a hint of his chest, contrasted sharply with the storm of thoughts running through Aria’s mind. She moved past him, her senses immediately overtaken by the scent of his cologne and the familiar comfort of h
Just as she and James had agreed, his lawyer quickly handled everything her father needed, navigating the complexities of medical paperwork and securing the necessary funds. The swift efficiency of the lawyer provided a sense of relief that Aria had desperately sought in the chaos of the past few days. It was as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a cautious hope. She knew that her father was now in good hands, receiving care at a well-known private hospital renowned for its exceptional medical staff and facilities.The next day, Aria arrived at the hospital, her heart racing with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. As she stepped into the bright, sterile environment of the hospital, the scent of antiseptic filled the air, mingling with the low hum of medical equipment. She was met with the sight of her father, resting peacefully in a comfortable hospital bed, surrounded by advanced medical technology. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she
Just as James wanted, he took her home as he usually did. They found her siblings, Anya and Alex, watching TV in the living room, the familiar sounds of their laughter filling the air. The soft glow of the screen reflected in their eyes, illuminating their youthful faces. Aria felt a swell of warmth as she watched her siblings enjoying their evening, a stark contrast to the weight of the secrets she carried. She could hear Anya squealing with delight as she caught a glimpse of the colorful box James had brought in, filled to the brim with an assortment of donuts. The sweet scent wafted through the house, creating an inviting atmosphere that momentarily distracted her from her worries.In the kitchen, Aria busied herself preparing coffee for James, her mind racing with thoughts of their recent conversations and the complexities of their agreement. As she poured the steaming liquid into a mug, she heard the cheerful chatter of her siblings behind her, their excitement palpable. Anya’s
“DID you apply to our bakeshop back then?” James asked her, his voice tinged with disbelief, as if he couldn’t fathom the idea of her being part of his world before their current connection. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees, his curiosity piqued. The warmth of the afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Aria’s face, highlighting the sparkle in her eyes. She seemed momentarily lost in thought, perhaps recalling the dreams she had woven back then about working in a bustling bakery, surrounded by the sweet scent of freshly baked goods and the laughter of coworkers.The young woman nodded, a wistful smile playing on her lips. “That was almost four years ago, sir. Jocel and I both got accepted. However, I was assigned to a branch that was far from home. The fare was expensive, and I would get too tired from commuting, so I decided not to continue,” she explained, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of regret. As she spoke, James
James leaned in close, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he winked. “I’m just being affectionate with you,” he murmured, his voice laced with playfulness. The subtle gesture sent a spark through Aria, igniting a warmth that she couldn’t ignore. His hand rested gently on her arm, the heat of his touch grounding her in that moment, pulling her into a world that felt uniquely theirs. Her heart skipped a beat, the intensity of his gaze breaking down her carefully built walls, layer by layer. Aria’s lips curved into a gentle smile, a reflex that she couldn’t suppress. She wanted nothing more than to reciprocate his affection, to mirror the tenderness he was showing her. Her mind swirled with thoughts she couldn’t voice, but her heart was loud and clear. I always wanted to show you my tenderness, she thought, feeling a pang of longing. She had dreamed of moments like this, times when she could openly show her love without fear or reservation. Yet, a storm of doubts swirled with
A week had passed since they last spoke about moving, and finally, Aria and James set out for San Benjamin. For once, he had left all the planning and decisions up to her, ensuring that every detail catered to her comfort. Aria appreciated his consideration, knowing he understood her need for stability and familiarity. She had gone back and forth, considering other locations, even abroad, but in the end, the pull of home won over. Her decision to stay in the Philippines was as much about convenience as it was about staying close to the people she held dear. With her father Felipe’s health occasionally wavering, she felt a sense of duty to be nearby, ready to offer support whenever he might need her. The choice grounded her, giving her the peace of mind that she wouldn’t have if she’d chosen a distant or unfamiliar place. Arriving in San Benjamin with James felt different this time. The first visit had been under much different circumstances, with her as a guest in his life, unsure of
Aria started to back away, but with each move, James followed, his determination evident in his playful demeanor. It was a dance of flirtation that left her breathless, and she couldn’t help but smile as she challenged him with a teasing glance. The laughter between them mixed with the charged energy in the room, drawing her closer to the edge of temptation. Deep down, she knew she was playing with fire, but in that moment, the excitement of this flirty game was irresistible, pulling her into an enticing world where anything could happen.“Rough and nice this time, baby,” he whispered, his voice low and sultry as he finally cornered her against the mirrored wall, leaving her with nowhere to escape. The heat radiating between them felt electric, and a wicked thrill coursed through her as she met his smoldering gaze. Aria’s breath hitched in her throat, her heart racing wildly in response to the way he looked at her—like she was the only thing that mattered in that moment. She was both
James paused, feeling Aria’s slender arms wrap around him, her embrace warm and grounding. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat echoed faintly against his chest, but what caught his attention was her breathing. Shallow, quick breaths brushed against his skin, and he pulled back slightly, searching her face with a hint of concern. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his eyes gentle yet probing, worried that he might have pushed her too far. Aria gave a playful roll of her eyes, dismissing his worry with a light laugh. Her head settled more comfortably against his shoulder, and she let out a long, satisfied sigh. “You always leave me exhausted,” she teased, her voice soft, carrying the warmth of lingering affection. She closed her eyes, her face now serene and content, a look of pure satisfaction spreading across her features. As she nestled herself even closer to him, James felt the warmth radiating between them, a comforting reminder of the closeness they had created. He coul
His words were laced with promise, and Aria could feel the tension in the air, crackling between them like a live wire.Aria gasped softly when she felt his hand slide between her thighs, a slow, deliberate touch that made her body tremble. The warmth of his palm against her sensitive skin sent a rush of desire straight to her core."You decide," she said, her voice light with teasing playfulness, but underneath it, there was an undeniable edge of anticipation. "Because whatever you do, it feels amazing."Her breath hitched as she leaned into him, her fingers trailing lightly across his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her touch.James’s eyes darkened with an even deeper hunger as he watched her, the flame of desire burning brighter with every second. He kissed her fiercely, one hand still gripping her, the other moving to her lace panties, his fingers working quickly to tear them off with a force that sent a shiver through Aria’s body."Yeah, but," he muttered again
Aria stood there, her emotions churning as she absorbed James's words. The casual way he spoke made it difficult for her to read his true feelings, but the weight of his confession lingered in the air. She had never expected to hear him express such regret, especially when they had already crossed the boundaries of their relationship in ways she couldn't even explain. She had known from the moment they met that James was different, but hearing him admit it so openly was both flattering and confusing."Really?" she finally asked, her voice catching slightly, unable to hide the sudden vulnerability that bubbled to the surface.It was strange how easily he could make her feel like the center of his world, even when she hadn’t expected it.James, sensing the momentary hesitation, gave a playful shrug, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile. "Yeah," he continued, his voice light and easy, but there was a hint of sincerity in his eyes that she couldn't ignore. "I just can’t explain it
The day everyone had eagerly awaited had finally dawned, marking a pivotal moment in Aria’s life—the day she would marry James, the man she had come to love deeply. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and joy as everyone gathered to witness their union. For Aria, this day symbolized more than just a wedding; it was the culmination of love, hope, and the promise of a brighter future with the man she adored. The lush surroundings of Tagaytay, with its verdant gardens and crisp air, provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. The ceremony was an intimate affair, held in a private garden adorned with vibrant blooms that complemented the couple's chosen motif. Close family members, friends, and relatives graced the event, their presence filling the venue with warmth and love. The muted hum of laughter and heartfelt conversations echoed through the garden, setting a serene yet celebratory tone. Each guest felt privileged to witness the beginning of this new chapter in Aria
Aria and James were busy in the following days. A month before their wedding, James decided to take a leave from work so they could both focus on preparing for their special day.The day after the incident involving Norman's abduction of Aria, James decided it was best to have her meet with a psychologist. Jocel did the same for her daughter, Janna.As expected, James proceeded with filing charges against Norman and Paula. Aria didn’t object to it, as she knew it was the right thing to do. If there was anything she learned from everything that happened, it was that harboring negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, envy, and greed does no good for anyone.Learn to accept and let go. True love knows how to set someone free. Above all, real love makes mistakes but remains genuine and faithful.That evening, after dinner, James headed to their bedroom ahead of Aria to rest. After the incident, he had suggested they return to San Benjamin, as the serene scenery there helped calm her min
"JAMES?" Aria’s voice trembled as the phone call connected, her fingers clutching the device tightly, as if the sound of his voice could anchor her to reality.The moment she heard it, the familiar warmth of his tone sent a wave of both comfort and unease through her. It was a lifeline in the midst of the storm, yet it also heightened the sense of urgency pressing down on her chest. Her heart was pounding furiously, the blood rushing in her ears as her mind raced, her thoughts jumbled by the fear threatening to consume her."Aria, sweetheart, why did you call? Sorry, I was in a meeting earlier and couldn’t answer your calls," James replied, his voice thick with concern, almost as if he could sense the panic lacing her every word.She could feel the worry in his tone, and despite how comforting it was, it made her heart ache. She wanted nothing more than to ease his anxiety, but she couldn’t bring herself to hide the gravity of the situation."I'm going to see Norman," Aria said, barely
James had brought Aria to his mansion in Quezon City after her stay in the hospital, the decision mostly due to her delicate pregnancy. Although they had planned to return to San Benjamin soon, staying in the city felt like the better option for now, given her condition. But, despite the practicality of it all, Aria couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was more to James’s decision. If it was just about her needing care, Aling Erlie back in San Benjamin could have handled that just as well. So, what was his real reason for keeping her here?It was Sunday when Jocel came to visit, bringing a refreshing change of energy to the house. “I think he’s just worried about you,” she said casually, as if reading Aria’s mind. Aria nodded slowly, her attention shifting to Jocel’s daughter, Janna, who was playing on the swing in the garden. The sight made Aria smile. "My goddaughter has grown so much," she said, watching the child happily chase after the swing. "It feels like just yesterday
Aria’s voice trembled with disbelief as she confronted James, her emotions a mix of shock and a strange pang of pity for Paula despite all that had transpired. "You had her arrested?" she asked, her wide eyes reflecting her internal conflict. It was hard to reconcile her compassionate nature with the vindictive justice that had befallen the woman who had wronged her.James met her gaze with unwavering intensity, his voice laced with anger and protectiveness. "It was the least she deserved," he stated firmly. "After everything she did to you, knowing full well you were carrying my child? If I think about it, her actions weren’t just against you—they were against our baby too." His jaw tightened, his fists clenching momentarily before he reached out to her. "And against me. She didn’t just hurt you; she hurt us."Aria’s heart wavered as she absorbed his words. As much as she wanted to argue, she couldn’t deny the truth behind his reasoning. Her voice softened, her thoughts spilling out
"WHAT?" Aria asked abruptly upon receiving a call from her mother that evening.Her face paled, and her hands trembled as she held the phone tightly against her ear, listening intently to every word on the other end. The urgency in her mother’s voice had sent a chill down her spine, and her mind immediately raced to the worst possible scenarios. James, who was focused on the steering wheel, glanced at her with concern. They had just left the office after a long day, eager to grab dinner before heading back to San Benjamin. But the shift in Aria’s demeanor had caught his attention. He slowed the car slightly, his brows furrowing as he tried to read the situation."What happened, love?" he asked gently, his voice laced with worry. Aria pressed her lips tightly together, struggling to process the news. After a deep breath, she responded to her mother on the phone. "Alright, please handle it. If he doesn’t stop, report him to the police or even to the barangay to scare him off. But plea
James couldn’t deny the intense longing that surged through him as he looked at Aria. Her words, filled with honesty and vulnerability, had struck a chord deep within him. Without thinking, he kissed her again, this time with more urgency. His lips pressed firmly against hers, as if trying to convey the emotions he couldn’t put into words. He held her by the hips, his grip strong yet gentle, and lifted her, pulling her closer to him. The heat between them grew stronger, and the longing he had for her, the need to feel every inch of her, became all-consuming.Aria’s reaction always fascinated him. Most of the time, when he kissed her, she closed her eyes, as if losing herself completely in the moment. James often found himself watching her as she surrendered to him, her body melting into his. The vulnerability in her eyes, the way she gave herself to him with such trust, made his heart swell with emotion. Every time they made love, she allowed herself to be completely open with him,