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CHAPTER 22: THE PRETEND WIFE 1

Author: Jessica Adams
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-10-30 12:19:55

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
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  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 23: THE PRETEND WIFE 2

    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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-30
  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 24: GRAPES 1

    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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-31
  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 25: GRAPES 2

    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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-31
  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 26: ESPECIALLY FOR YOU

    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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-01
  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 27: I WISH TO MARRY YOUR DAUGHTER

    “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 like a

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-02
  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 28: JAMES SEBASTIAN III

    “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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-03
  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 29: HER WILD SIDE

    “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

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-03
  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 30: HIS CONFESSION 1

    “Why don’t you just push me against the wall and do nasty things to my body?” she teased, her breath barely steady as she pulled back from James’s fierce, unrestrained kiss. Her eyes sparkled with a daring glint, challenging him, urging him on. The heat in the air around them was almost palpable, charged with the thrill of anticipation. Her voice was soft but inviting, a playful challenge in each word that echoed in the room, igniting an undeniable hunger between them. She leaned in closer, their bodies mere inches apart, her heartbeat racing wildly, waiting for him to act on her bold invitation.Without a moment’s hesitation, James accepted the challenge, his desire flaring as he closed the narrow gap between them. In one swift movement, he pressed her back against the cool, solid wall where he had been leaning moments before, his hands gently but firmly pinning hers above her head. Their breaths mingled as he locked her gaze, a fiery intensity simmering in his eyes, as if he was

    Huling Na-update : 2024-11-13

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  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 52: ARIA'S ISLE 2

    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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 51: ARIA’S ISLE 1

    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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 50: HEAVEN BY YOUR SIDE

    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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 49: FIRST DANCE

    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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 48: HOME

    "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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 47: JANNA

    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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 46: MADE FOR EACH OTHER

    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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 45: PAULA’S REVENGE

    "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

  • POWER OF DESIRE (ENGLISH VERSION)   CHAPTER 44: HIS POINT OF VIEW

    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,

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