“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
“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
His words sent a rush of heat through Aria, but it was the feel of his mouth on her nipple that made her gasp in pleasure. His tongue flicked over her sensitive skin, drawing it into his mouth with a slow, deliberate pull. The way he worshiped her body, savoring every inch, had her trembling with need. The pressure in her chest and core intensified as he continued to focus on her breasts, alternating between gentle kisses and teasing sucks that made her ache for more. Her movements became erratic as she felt herself slipping closer to the edge.Aria’s moans grew louder, her body responding instinctively to the delicious tension building within her. Her fingers gripped James’s shoulders for support as she quickened her pace, desperate to chase the wave of release that was threatening to consume her. She could feel the tight coil of pleasure tightening inside her, each movement pushing her further toward the brink. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she tried to hold on, but the sensa
Since James introduced Aria as his wife, their dynamic had shifted in a way that felt both unexpected and comforting. Gone were the days of uncertainty and half-formed promises; now, she was treated with the same respect and love that any wife would receive. The role she had once hesitated to fully embrace now felt like a second skin, one that fit naturally over time.Their interactions flowed with ease, and Aria found herself looking at James not as a man she was trying to navigate, but as someone who genuinely wanted her by his side. The security she had longed for was now hers, but there was an undeniable sweetness to the way he treated her, as if every gesture and word came from a place of deep affection.Aria often found herself caught in moments of disbelief, moments where the reality of her situation felt surreal. She would forget, even for just a second, the truths she had once clung to—the doubts and fears that had once clouded her view of James and their future together. But
AFTER dinner, the air between them felt comfortable, content, but a shift of space was inevitable. James watched as Aria excused herself, her soft footsteps echoing up the stairs. His gaze followed her for a moment, watching her disappear from sight, before turning his attention back to the bar counter. There was a certain kind of peace that settled over him when she was around, but now, in the silence of the empty room, he found himself reflecting on what he had just said. The soft clink of ice in his glass as he poured himself a drink seemed to amplify the quiet of the evening.As he took a sip from his glass, the warmth of the alcohol spreading through his chest, his thoughts drifted back to Aria—her name lingering on his lips, like a sweet melody. He smiled, a slow, contented curve of his mouth that betrayed just how much he had come to cherish her presence in his life. The heat of the liquor warmed him from the inside, but it was the thought of her that truly comforted him. Her l
"Do you know that I always fantasize about us?" James's voice was low and sultry as he pulled away from her lips, his gaze locking with hers. His words were filled with an intensity that sent a shiver down Aria's spine. "I'm crazy about you. I don't know why, but I just can't stop wanting you. And if it were up to me, I’d want to make love to you all day and all night." The raw desire in his voice was undeniable, the passion evident in the way his hands gently cupped her face, his lips finding hers again in a kiss that was deep, needy, and completely consuming. His words lingered in the air, leaving Aria breathless, as if every touch and every kiss was a promise, a burning desire that neither could deny. Aria’s heart raced, the heat of his words intensifying the warmth already flooding her body. As their kiss deepened, she could feel the weight of his longing in every move he made. Yet, amidst the passion, the words making love continued to echo in her mind, leaving her conflicte
“Thank you again, James,” Aria said, her voice soft and filled with gratitude as they came to a stop in front of her family’s modest house.James glanced at her, his smile kind but carrying an unmistakable warmth. “Anything for you,” he replied with a wink, the gesture lighthearted yet sincere.It was a Friday morning, and Aria had persuaded James to let her tag along on his trip to Manila. She had wanted—no, needed—to visit her family. Surprisingly, convincing him hadn’t been a challenge at all; he had agreed without hesitation, his willingness only deepening her affection for him.“Would you like to have some coffee before heading to work?” she offered, hesitating slightly. In truth, she wasn’t ready to part ways just yet and hoped he might indulge her for a little longer.James studied her for a moment, then leaned forward to brush his lips against hers in a brief but tender kiss. “Thanks, but…” He glanced at his watch, a flicker of reluctance in his eyes. Finally, he shook his hea
“No.” Aria’s voice was steady, almost defiant, but her hands gave her away, trembling as they gripped the edge of the suitcase. She hated how her body betrayed her resolve, how the simple act of saying no to him felt like trying to hold back a tidal wave. Inside, her heart screamed at her to turn around, to fall into his arms and let him fix everything. But she knew better. Love wasn’t a cure-all, and the pain that had built between them wouldn’t vanish with a single word. “Aria, please, listen to me.” James’s voice cracked as he reached for her hand, his touch gentle yet insistent. He pulled her closer, his arms circling her in a desperate embrace. She could feel the unsteady rhythm of his heart pounding against her back, his warmth a reminder of everything she wanted but couldn’t have. “Don’t leave me,” he pleaded, his voice raw, thick with emotion. The words cut through the air, each one sharper than the last, slicing at her carefully constructed walls. But Aria di
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,