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
Together, they made their way downstairs, and as they entered the dining room, the rich aroma of home-cooked food enveloped them like a warm embrace. The scents of simmering spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Aria’s stomach rumble in anticipation. True to her word, Aling Erlie had set a table brimming with an array of dishes that looked as comforting as they smelled, each one a testament to the love and care she poured into her cooking. Aria’s eyes sparkled as she took in the sight—golden-brown fried chicken, fragrant adobo simmering in its sauce, and a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables, all artfully arranged.They shared a glance, a small, knowing smile blossoming between them, an unspoken acknowledgment of the warmth and comfort this moment brought. As they settled into their seats, Aria felt a wave of contentment wash over her. This simple moment, surrounded by the delicious food and the quiet intimacy of their shared space, felt precious—a fleeting glimpse o
The next day, Aria decided to wake up earlier to personally cook breakfast for James. The sun had just begun to peek through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the kitchen. As she moved around the room, she felt a sense of warmth and purpose. Although she knew that she didn’t have to prepare breakfast, the thought of doing something special for him made her heart flutter. After all, everyone knew her as his wife, and she wanted to embrace that role, even if it was still new to her. The aroma of sizzling rice and garlic filled the air, mingling with her growing excitement. Cooking for James felt like a small yet meaningful way to express her affection and commitment, and she relished the idea of starting their day together on a sweet note.As she worked, memories of their time together flooded her mind—their laughter, shared glances, and quiet moments that seemed to strengthen their bond. Aria couldn’t help but smile at the thought of James enjoying her cooking, picturing the way
“Ate’s not here. She went abroad,” Anya declared, her tone cool and unwelcoming. She stood with her arms crossed, her eyes narrowing as she took in his reaction. There was a distinct edge of irritation on her face that Norman couldn’t ignore. She didn’t bother with pleasantries, and each word seemed to carry an unspoken command for him to back off. To her, he was nothing more than a mistake in the past—someone who no longer belonged anywhere near their lives. Her expression was a firm wall, and it was clear she had no intention of offering him a welcome of any kind. Norman’s mind reeled as he processed what she said. “W-What? Since when?” he stammered, his voice betraying his shock. He hadn’t expected this. Not once had it crossed his mind that Aria might just leave the country without a word. His thoughts scrambled, trying to make sense of the possibility that she’d moved on without him, leaving him behind. He felt an unfamiliar pang of desperation, the reality sinking in lik
“Aria? Are you okay?” James’s voice broke through the silence, drawing her out of the spiral of thoughts that had taken over since Paula’s sudden appearance. He looked at her with concern, his eyes searching her face for any hint of what was going on inside her mind. Aria forced a smile, hoping it would be enough to ease his worry, even though her heart felt heavy. The words Paula had thrown at her earlier seemed to echo over and over, unraveling every ounce of calm she had gathered since starting this journey with James. She wanted to brush it off, to pretend it was nothing, but the bitterness lingered, gnawing at her from the inside.“I-I’m probably just tired,” she replied, her voice softer than usual, struggling to mask the unease churning within. Her fork toyed with the food on her plate, though the last thing she felt was hunger. She focused on chewing, savoring every bite mechanically, hoping it would somehow occupy her mind enough to silence the doubts Paula had planted. T
“Aria, hija, aren’t you getting bitten by mosquitoes here?” James’s father, Jaime, called out to the young woman, his voice filled with a mix of concern and affection. She looked up from her spot by the poolside, where the gentle breeze caressed her skin, bringing with it the scents of the garden surrounding the house. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the tranquil waters and creating a picturesque backdrop that seemed almost magical. She felt a profound sense of calm wash over her, the weight of her worries momentarily lifted in this serene setting. “I’m okay, sir,” she replied, returning Jaime’s gaze with a bright smile. The older man resembled James in so many ways: the same kind eyes, the same friendly smile, and an undeniable warmth that made her feel welcomed. It was comforting to see the traits that made James so endearing reflected in his father. Aria felt a bond forming, not just with James but with his family as well, and it filled h