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 couldn’t h