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
The raw intensity of his words seemed to hang in the air, heavy and suffocating. He could feel the truth of them in every fiber of his being, a truth that terrified him, but also anchored him to this moment, to her. He could never be whole without her.Aria stared at him, her face a portrait of devastation, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried to reconcile the love she still felt for him with the walls she had built around her heart. She saw the depth of his pain reflected in his eyes, and it broke her a little more. But she couldn’t let herself soften yet, not when her world was falling apart. James, on the other hand, had already crumbled. Slowly, painfully, he knelt in front of her, his gaze never leaving hers. It was a silent plea, an offering of his vulnerability, as he lowered himself to the floor, making himself smaller, as if to show her just how far he would go to prove his love. The act itself was a surrender, and it shook her to her core.James’s voice trembled
Aria couldn’t explain the overwhelming intensity of the sensations coursing through her body as James claimed her lips with fervor and unrestrained passion. Each kiss, each caress ignited a fire that spread like wildfire through her veins, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. His touch, both demanding and tender, sent shivers cascading over her skin, awakening every nerve, every desire she didn’t even know she possessed. It was as if James had a map to her very soul, and with every kiss, he traced his way deeper into her heart and body, binding her to him in a way she couldn’t resist, even if she wanted to.Yet beneath the waves of intense passion, there lingered a peculiar, heartwarming emotion that took her by surprise. As her back sank into the soft embrace of his bed, she felt something deeper, more profound than mere physical connection. This was no ordinary bed—it was his sanctuary, a personal space steeped in memories and intimacy. The thought of being here, sharing t
As his hands began to explore her body with the same reverence as his eyes, she felt herself relax completely, giving herself to him without hesitation. In his presence, she felt cherished, adored, and utterly alive.A low hum escaped Aria’s lips as her eyes fluttered shut, her breath catching in her throat. The world around her seemed to fade as she focused solely on the sensations James was drawing from her. His fingers moved with deliberate slowness, tracing her curves, each touch sending electric pulses through her body. When his fingers brushed against her sensitive peaks, she couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran through her, her hips instinctively lifting in response. She bit her lower lip, desperately trying to control the torrent of desire building inside her, but it was a losing battle. Every brush of his fingertips, every tender caress, had her body humming with anticipation, her mind clouded with the need for more.James’s voice broke through the haze of sensation, a s
“God, you’re so big, so big!” Aria exclaimed breathlessly, her voice trembling as the words spilled out in an unfiltered rush of sensation.James moved behind her with a rhythm that left her utterly overwhelmed, her body taut with the intensity of the moment. Every thrust felt deeper than the last, making her toes curl and her grip on the sheets tighten as if they were her only lifeline. Her mind wavered, teetering on the brink of losing consciousness, consumed by the tidal wave of pleasure that left her no room to think, only to feel. This was uncharted territory for them—a new position that James had suggested, and one that Aria now found herself reveling in with unrestrained delight. She couldn’t deny how perfect it felt, as if James had unlocked a part of her body and soul she didn’t know existed. The angle, the pressure, the way he filled her so completely—all of it was a sensory overload that left her breathless. In truth, she thought with a fleeting smirk between her gasps, Ja
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,