When James pushed open the door to the hotel suite, he felt the woman's hand slip from his grasp. "Hey, wait a second," he said, nudging the door fully open and locking it behind him."Are you okay?" he asked as he turned to face her.She merely rolled her eyes at him, but instead of responding verbally, she wrapped her arms around his neck. There was something about her—something simple, yet undeniably magnetic. Despite his best efforts to keep his distance, the surge of desire that coursed through him was undeniable. It was as though every cell in his body was drawn to her, beyond any reason or logic.“No, I’m not okay,” she whispered, her breath hot against his ear. “But I don’t want to talk about it. In fact, I want to forget.” Her gaze lingered on his face, scanning every inch of him with an intensity that made his pulse race. “Earlier, when you kissed me… I felt like I could forget,” she added, a soft, teasing laugh escaping her lips.James felt a bolt of desire shoot through hi
The room, bathed in the soft glow of dimmed lights, was filled with a heavy, intoxicating silence, broken only by the soft, rhythmic sound of their breaths mingling. The silence was punctuated only by the rhythmic, sensual sounds of their lovemaking. The air was charged with an electric anticipation as James’s lips continued their relentless, delicate assault on her exposed skin.Each kiss was a feather-light brush, yet it ignited a blazing trail of warmth that spread through her entire body.Each kiss was a tender, tantalizing touch, designed to elicit the deepest moans from her.He traced a path around the contours of her intimate folds with the precision of an artist, his touch gentle yet commanding. His lips parted, brushing against her tender skin, sending shivers of sensation through her core."I'm glad you shaved," he whispered, his voice husky with desire.His fingers, slick with her arousal, slid in and out with a steady, practiced rhythm, each movement deliberate and explora
It was early dawn when James felt the soft stir of movement at his side. A smile crept across his lips as he glanced down at the woman still nestled against him. She had given him her virginity, something so precious, but withheld her name, an irony that amused him more than it should have. There she lay, her bare skin warm and soft against his, the remnants of their night together lingering like a secret between them.The early light filtering through the curtains cast a soft glow on her peaceful face. She slept soundly, her breath slow and even, her chest rising and falling gently. James couldn’t help but reach out, his fingers brushing away the few strands of hair that had fallen over her face. Her features, even in sleep, were delicate, her lips slightly parted as though still whispering the words she hadn’t spoken aloud. A stranger, yet here she was, fitting perfectly against him as she belonged there.For a few minutes, he remained still, simply watching her. The rhythmic beatin
“When do you think that will happen?” Aria asked, her voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as she held her phone to her ear. The soft hum of the bustling mall filled the background, a constant reminder of the job she was about to leave behind. She was standing in her room, a small haven of familiarity surrounded by the chaos of her life—clothes strewn across the floor like fallen leaves, half-packed boxes awaiting her decision, and the faint, soothing scent of lavender from her diffuser wafting through the air. The lavender was her small comfort, a promise of tranquility amidst the storm of emotions swirling within her. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her choices settle on her shoulders, steeling herself for the monumental step she was about to take.“The job fair is next week at the head office itself. Just go there, and I’ll talk to my friend in HR—he’s one of the interviewers. If you pass, I’ll ask him to assign you to my branch so it’s closer to wh
“Aria, look at this, girl! Read it!” Jocel exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she leaned closer to her friend, her voice barely containing her enthusiasm.Aria furrowed her brows, curiosity mingling with confusion as she accepted Jocel’s phone. “What is it?” she asked, glancing at the screen.Rolling her eyes playfully, Jocel pressed on, “It’s from the owner of the company I work for. It seems like you might not even need to go to that job fair anymore. I have a feeling you’re already hired!” Her smile was infectious, lighting up her face and filling the cozy coffee shop with a palpable energy.Aria felt her heart flutter, the tension of uncertainty easing as a warm smile spread across her lips. “So, good karma really does exist! I guess my kindness to that great man is finally paying off,” she mused, a hint of mischief in her voice as she thought of Norman, whose recent generosity had set this moment in motion.“Of course! But just imagine—what position do you think they
James noticed Aria swallowing repeatedly after he made his bold statement. The flush on her face deepened to a rich, crimson hue that spread down her neck, her lips parting slightly as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words. Her eyes darted away from his intense gaze, unable to meet his piercing stare, as though she was trying to collect herself, trying to mask the nervous energy that now filled the air between them. Her hands clenched at her sides, fingers twisting in the fabric of her blouse as if seeking some form of anchor in the sea of emotions she was clearly drowning in. It was subtle, but he didn’t miss a thing—every flicker of her expression, every small gesture betrayed her inner turmoil.The vulnerability in her, coupled with the clear tension gripping her body, only fueled the fire inside James. His gaze traced the delicate curve of her jaw, the way her chest rose and fell with each unsteady breath. There was something incredibly intoxicating about seeing her l
As her boss desired, Aria filled the enormous two-door refrigerator with a bounty of food. The sound of crisper drawers sliding open echoed in the spacious kitchen, each gentle pull releasing a wave of fragrant air that mingled with the warmth of the early afternoon sun streaming through the large bay window. The golden light danced on the polished granite countertops, illuminating the colorful array of ingredients she had gathered. Ripe, luscious tomatoes blushed a deep crimson, while vibrant green bell peppers added a crisp freshness, promising to enhance the flavors of her culinary creations. Fresh herbs, their fragrant oils bursting from the leaves, added a touch of earthiness, grounding the vibrant colors and scents in a harmony that filled the room with life.While she arranged the marinated meats—glistening with a blend of spices that promised depth and richness—her heart raced with anticipation. Each piece, lovingly seasoned and prepared, was a testament to her dedication. The
There was a magnetic pull in his tone, a promise of something beyond mere attraction, something deeper that both excited and terrified her.A shriek escaped her lips as the cold water from the shower cascaded over her, soaking her completely, the chill contrasting sharply with the heat of her desire. The sudden rush of water sent shivers down her spine, awakening every nerve ending, and she felt alive, electric. Her clothes clung to her skin, the fabric becoming heavy and clingy, accentuating every curve of her body as the water flowed over her, mingling with the warmth radiating from his body.James stepped closer, the steam curling around them like tendrils of fog, wrapping them in a cocoon of intimacy. She could see the water dripping from his hair, framing his face, and his gaze was intense, filled with a mix of amusement and something deeper—something that made her heart race faster than the cold water cascading around them. The vulnerability of being exposed to him, both in body
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,