Evelyn's POV
Mariam finished her birthday party at midnight and landed in bed next to me, exhausted and happy. The next morning, while brushing my teeth, she entered the bathroom to brush her teeth as well. “One of your guests trespassed yesterday, Mariam,” I still was upset about the matter. “What?” Mariam appeared surprised about my statement. I looked at my best friend and realized how beautiful she was. Her brown eyes weren't as big as mine and they were gorgeous. I fall in love with her over and over again when I look into her eyes. “Your guest,” I mentioned after cutting out of her mesmerizing gorgeousness. “What did she do?” “He was a he.” After my remark, Mariam spat the foamy paste in her mouth and glanced at me. “A he?” She made that face of trying to remember something after being startled. I expected that reaction. “Don't tell me something happened,” she quit remembering and widened her eyes at me. I pressed my lips into a thin line. “He was drunk,” I began to explain. “And as I got into a conversation with him, I got distracted by his lips when he kissed me. I should have pushed him away but it went on and on and…” “You had sex with him?” Mariam, looking at me with so much interest, asked. “That didn't happen and I'm grateful that it didn't,” I walked out of the bathroom. She followed me. “I'm sorry about that. I didn't know a guest would go to our room,” Mariam began to sound very sorry about it. “No, it's not your fault,” I faced her. “He was just careless and drunk,” I felt like insulting and cursing the drunk man but I knew that it was wrong. Just while we were preparing for the day, we heard knocks on the door. Mariam informed me that she was going to check who was at the door while I stayed in the kitchen, cooking. “Hello, Miss beautiful,” Mariam came back and announced that I was the one the person sought. “I know nobody, who's that?” I asked as I wiped my hands on my apron. Mariam made me more curious by shrugging. “Is it Nathan?” “Do you believe that he'd come here?” That was true. Why would Nathan come for me? But who could be at the door waiting for me? “He called you Miss beautiful and wants to see you. I don't know who he is but he could be a secret admirer who will love you better,” Mariam teaseed me. “That's just a fantasy. It doesn't exist.” I removed my apron and went to the person at the door. I wouldn't know the person without checking so I had to go out there without having a single clue about the person's identity. I walked out of the door to see a man resting against his car, looking around and using his phone. “Hi, Mister!” I called out so he would turn around to look at me. While he appeared so delighted to see me, I was shocked to see him or maybe I was surprised about the fact that he came looking for me after what happened last night. I hope he wasn't thinking I was the type of woman he could have a night stand with. Having it at the back of my mind that he could have a bad motive I went to him. “How are you doing, Mistress?” He took my hand and kissed my knuckles. I didn't expect him to do that but I wasn't going to let his sweet gestures get to me. “Very well, thank you,” I answered without asking about him because I didn't want to care. “Why are you here?” I asked. “Is it because of what happened last night?” “Partly,” he said to me. “What do you think of me?” I frowned harshly at him. “No, no, princess,” he shook his head. “Why else would you be here?” I inquired. “I mean you have no other reason to be here!” “Can we start by introducing ourselves?” “I don't do old men so will you leave me alone?!” I almost yelled at him and began to walk away. “My name is Mateo and I hope you tell me yours some other day!” He raised his voice so I could hear him as I walked back inside. I didn't want to view men as good people anymore. My husband cheated and I've always heard about how men could be such a jerk. I thought my fate would be different but I guess it was inevitable because men will always be men and I was not interested in getting laid by that fine old man; not so old but he was way older than me. “I don't hope to see you,” I muttered, entered the house and went straight back to the kitchen. “So who was he?” Mariam asked. “The jerk who kissed me last night. I think he wants us to be close because he thinks I'm some woman he can just turn into a pleasuring machine!” I was furious. “If that's the way you feel, then I support your decision. Don't let the bastard get into you. But I still don't know this man you are talking about. What's his name?” “He called himself Mateo.” “Mateo? He must be a friend of a friend because I don't exactly know him.” I didn't respond and continued cooking. I spent the day in the amusement park, watching children play happily. Then I thought about my baby because I knew that one day he or she would smile and love this place. I came to the park for inspiration since I wasn't able to design any dress. After the park, I went to the beach but I was still not getting the spark so I went to a thrift store to check on some clothes. Perhaps I'd get inspiration. Looking at some dresses, I wondered why they couldn't be made in another way and appear differently. Since they weren't the way I imagined, it became an idea. I got some ideas and went back home to get to work. I slept late that night because I wanted to get something beautiful and stylish out of my designs. The next morning, Mariam left early for work. After breakfast, I cleaned up the house and returned to my design. A moment later, I heard knocks on the door and went to check who was at the door by asking. Mateo exclaimed, saying he wanted to have a word with the beautiful young lady he saw yesterday. “She's not home,” I lied. I hated lying but I did not want to have a conversation with Mateo even though he calls me beautiful most of the time, which I secretly liked but refused to believe. “Come on, beautiful I know your voice, especially after…” he paused and I knew what he wanted to say. “Please let's talk.” “I don't want to.” I declared. “I'm leaving so it's better you do the same because if you keep hoping, you'd just be wasting your time.” After concluding, I refused to hear what he had to say and left to continue my work. I didn't know why I loved designing and what would come out of it but I hoped that something was coming for me; something better.Evelyn's POV Designing required more money and I couldn't help but worry when I looked at my savings account to see that I had used almost sixty percent of it. I finished designing the dress I had been working on since morning and decided to check what I had in my account because I was running out of some resources and couldn't design with them. When I saw my savings, I got easily discouraged and went to the kitchen to cook something delicious for dinner before Mariam returned. I needed to do my best to make her comfortable with my stay. She was providing shelter and food, I should at least do some things like cooking and cleaning up. Mister Mateo didn't come to plead for a conversation with me for three days. I wondered why he gave up too soon but I was glad he knew better because I was never going to say yes to him. It was a Saturday evening when I left the house to stroll the street. As I went down the street, I perceived something delicious. I was bewitched by the smell, that
Mateo's POV I watched as that stubborn lady with long brown hair left me alone at the table but her stern attitude toward me did not stop me from admiring her, especially when I saw how good she was at designing. Her designs were fire and I loved the ones I saw. I wondered how great were the designs of hers that I hadn't set my eyes on. I didn't mean to stop persuading her to work with me, but I suddenly became sick and was eventually diagnosed with malaria. It was serious and I had to take more than just tablets. I didn't expect to meet my nephew's wife at the restaurant I just wanted to check out while I was on my way to her house. My plan was to get something for her; perhaps she'd give me a chance to have a conversation with her if I bought something like food. But as fate would have it, we discussed the matter but she didn't give me a straight answer about it. I recognized that she was Nathan's wife after kissing her that night. I didn't intend to kiss Evelyn that night. My
Mateo's POV Could Nathan be the reason she never smiled? I know I mentioned that I didn't want to get involved, but I just…yes, I just hated how stressed and unhappy my little designer always looked. When she looked at me as if saying in her mind, ‘It’s that man again,’ I came out of the car and handed her one of the cold cans of Coca-Cola I bought when she was taking a long time in the thrift store. “Is everything okay?” I asked after she collected the drink. It seemed like she was really thirsty. I didn't expect her to receive the drink from me. After drinking it to her satisfaction, she heaved a deep sigh and let her shoulders down. Evelyn was sweating. I could see beads of sweat on her face and neck enlarging and streaming down to her body. I brought my handkerchief to help her but she only glanced at me as if she suspected that I sprayed something poisonous on the hanky. “Thank you,” she referred to the Coca-Cola and was about to walk away, but I didn't let her do that. I gr
Evelyn's POV The clattering sound of the cutlery filled the dining room as everyone around the large table ate. My husband, his family, my aunt, and my cousin were the ones surrounding the table and eating peacefully. However, I couldn't eat because I felt unsafe and their eyes on me made me uncomfortable. I could only stare at my food. Perhaps I couldn't eat because I wasn't happy.“Why haven't you touched your meal, my child?” That was my mother-in-law. She sounded so nice but everyone at the table knew how much she hated me. I could say everyone around the table didn't like me. How did they expect me to eat peacefully when I was in the midst of people who hated my existence? Before I could think of what to say, she uttered. “Who knows, perhaps the reason you cannot give my son a child is because you lack nutrition.” Those words hit me harshly at the right spot. I swallowed hard and when everyone around the table began to laugh at her statement, I felt embarrassed. I should be u
Evelyn's POV “But you love her,” Rachel uttered and tangled herself for Nathan's lovey-dovey hold. I felt a little joy in one part of my heart when I heard that but the fear that it might be false killed that feeling. “You are the one I wanted from the beginning,” Nathan drew her close to him and it hurt so much because I have never been able to be childish around my husband to receive a treatment like this. I guess it wasn't hard for Rachel to achieve that side of Nathan; the Nathan I had craved all these years. I had wanted to be romantic with him. Our lovemaking was never because of love. The sole reason we ended up having sex is because he was happy about something and he celebrated it by having sex with me. And when he kisses me I would lose my senses and forget how he used to treat me because I've always wanted him to love me that way. He wasn't wrong. The marriage proposal came for Rachel and not me. I replaced her then because Rachel didn't want him. Why now? Why was she t
Evelyn's POV Do you think he deserves to know about the baby? A voice rang in my head with that question after I studied Nathan's face. Remember what he said to you when he noticed you cried, what he told Rachel about you, and cheated. Remember that he never loved you. I opened my mouth to tell him about the baby but I listened to that voice instead. “Congratulations, Rachel for doing what I'm not able to do,” then I dragged my gaze to Nathan. “You'll meet me at the court where we registered our marriage tomorrow morning.” With that I walked away, feeling their gazes on my back, which made my back tickle. I was sure I had shocked them with my declaration. I wasn't going to stand there and act like the fool I used to. They'd rain insults on me and make me feel worthless if I had stood and entertained them, but I was proud of myself for summoning the courage and bravery to walk out after ruining their expectations as they do to mine. “She didn't make a fuss about it,” I heard Rachel
Evelyn's POV When I reached the gate, putting my bags in the car trunk with Mariam's help, my aunt's car drove by and it appeared to me that they would be celebrating another family union. The former me would have wished to belong but not anymore. I've decided and realized that I needed to start a new life. The freedom I've always wished for had finally been given to me. To think that I thought my pregnancy would reunite me and my husband. Now I'm glad that I never told him about my baby and I also don't plan to abort my baby. I wanted to remain single for the rest of my life and make my child my only family. Mariam touched my shoulder as I looked at the building behind us. “It's over now,” she reminded me calmly. “I know. I just can't believe that I chose to be in bondage all these years because I wanted them to like me. It was never worth it.” “You are right and I'm happy about the decision you made.” “To be honest, it wasn't easy,” I drifted my gaze to my friend. “I loved N
Evelyn's POV We both burst into laughter.Then Mariam tried on the dress to know if it fit or not. I watched her change, hoping it would. “So are you inviting a lot of people?” I asked to kill the silence between us. “No, just my friends at work and anyone they choose to bring along,” she answered. “I'm sorry that I won't be at the party,” I needed to apologize. “I know you are pregnant and need rest, but I'd love it if you were there when I cut the cake.” “After that, I'll head back inside.” “No problem.” Silence settled for a moment then I spoke. “I love you, Mariam. I wish I could do more than this for your birthday, and I promise that when I become financially stable, I'll call for a grand party on your birthday because you are the best, and there has been no one like you even up till now. Happy birthday, my beautiful princess,” I celebrated her once more. “Aw, you are so sweet. You are the best thing that happened to me and I love you too,” she leaned closer to me and kis
Mateo's POV Could Nathan be the reason she never smiled? I know I mentioned that I didn't want to get involved, but I just…yes, I just hated how stressed and unhappy my little designer always looked. When she looked at me as if saying in her mind, ‘It’s that man again,’ I came out of the car and handed her one of the cold cans of Coca-Cola I bought when she was taking a long time in the thrift store. “Is everything okay?” I asked after she collected the drink. It seemed like she was really thirsty. I didn't expect her to receive the drink from me. After drinking it to her satisfaction, she heaved a deep sigh and let her shoulders down. Evelyn was sweating. I could see beads of sweat on her face and neck enlarging and streaming down to her body. I brought my handkerchief to help her but she only glanced at me as if she suspected that I sprayed something poisonous on the hanky. “Thank you,” she referred to the Coca-Cola and was about to walk away, but I didn't let her do that. I gr
Mateo's POV I watched as that stubborn lady with long brown hair left me alone at the table but her stern attitude toward me did not stop me from admiring her, especially when I saw how good she was at designing. Her designs were fire and I loved the ones I saw. I wondered how great were the designs of hers that I hadn't set my eyes on. I didn't mean to stop persuading her to work with me, but I suddenly became sick and was eventually diagnosed with malaria. It was serious and I had to take more than just tablets. I didn't expect to meet my nephew's wife at the restaurant I just wanted to check out while I was on my way to her house. My plan was to get something for her; perhaps she'd give me a chance to have a conversation with her if I bought something like food. But as fate would have it, we discussed the matter but she didn't give me a straight answer about it. I recognized that she was Nathan's wife after kissing her that night. I didn't intend to kiss Evelyn that night. My
Evelyn's POV Designing required more money and I couldn't help but worry when I looked at my savings account to see that I had used almost sixty percent of it. I finished designing the dress I had been working on since morning and decided to check what I had in my account because I was running out of some resources and couldn't design with them. When I saw my savings, I got easily discouraged and went to the kitchen to cook something delicious for dinner before Mariam returned. I needed to do my best to make her comfortable with my stay. She was providing shelter and food, I should at least do some things like cooking and cleaning up. Mister Mateo didn't come to plead for a conversation with me for three days. I wondered why he gave up too soon but I was glad he knew better because I was never going to say yes to him. It was a Saturday evening when I left the house to stroll the street. As I went down the street, I perceived something delicious. I was bewitched by the smell, that
Evelyn's POV Mariam finished her birthday party at midnight and landed in bed next to me, exhausted and happy. The next morning, while brushing my teeth, she entered the bathroom to brush her teeth as well.“One of your guests trespassed yesterday, Mariam,” I still was upset about the matter. “What?” Mariam appeared surprised about my statement. I looked at my best friend and realized how beautiful she was. Her brown eyes weren't as big as mine and they were gorgeous. I fall in love with her over and over again when I look into her eyes. “Your guest,” I mentioned after cutting out of her mesmerizing gorgeousness.“What did she do?” “He was a he.” After my remark, Mariam spat the foamy paste in her mouth and glanced at me. “A he?” She made that face of trying to remember something after being startled. I expected that reaction.“Don't tell me something happened,” she quit remembering and widened her eyes at me. I pressed my lips into a thin line. “He was drunk,” I began to expla
Evelyn's POV We both burst into laughter.Then Mariam tried on the dress to know if it fit or not. I watched her change, hoping it would. “So are you inviting a lot of people?” I asked to kill the silence between us. “No, just my friends at work and anyone they choose to bring along,” she answered. “I'm sorry that I won't be at the party,” I needed to apologize. “I know you are pregnant and need rest, but I'd love it if you were there when I cut the cake.” “After that, I'll head back inside.” “No problem.” Silence settled for a moment then I spoke. “I love you, Mariam. I wish I could do more than this for your birthday, and I promise that when I become financially stable, I'll call for a grand party on your birthday because you are the best, and there has been no one like you even up till now. Happy birthday, my beautiful princess,” I celebrated her once more. “Aw, you are so sweet. You are the best thing that happened to me and I love you too,” she leaned closer to me and kis
Evelyn's POV When I reached the gate, putting my bags in the car trunk with Mariam's help, my aunt's car drove by and it appeared to me that they would be celebrating another family union. The former me would have wished to belong but not anymore. I've decided and realized that I needed to start a new life. The freedom I've always wished for had finally been given to me. To think that I thought my pregnancy would reunite me and my husband. Now I'm glad that I never told him about my baby and I also don't plan to abort my baby. I wanted to remain single for the rest of my life and make my child my only family. Mariam touched my shoulder as I looked at the building behind us. “It's over now,” she reminded me calmly. “I know. I just can't believe that I chose to be in bondage all these years because I wanted them to like me. It was never worth it.” “You are right and I'm happy about the decision you made.” “To be honest, it wasn't easy,” I drifted my gaze to my friend. “I loved N
Evelyn's POV Do you think he deserves to know about the baby? A voice rang in my head with that question after I studied Nathan's face. Remember what he said to you when he noticed you cried, what he told Rachel about you, and cheated. Remember that he never loved you. I opened my mouth to tell him about the baby but I listened to that voice instead. “Congratulations, Rachel for doing what I'm not able to do,” then I dragged my gaze to Nathan. “You'll meet me at the court where we registered our marriage tomorrow morning.” With that I walked away, feeling their gazes on my back, which made my back tickle. I was sure I had shocked them with my declaration. I wasn't going to stand there and act like the fool I used to. They'd rain insults on me and make me feel worthless if I had stood and entertained them, but I was proud of myself for summoning the courage and bravery to walk out after ruining their expectations as they do to mine. “She didn't make a fuss about it,” I heard Rachel
Evelyn's POV “But you love her,” Rachel uttered and tangled herself for Nathan's lovey-dovey hold. I felt a little joy in one part of my heart when I heard that but the fear that it might be false killed that feeling. “You are the one I wanted from the beginning,” Nathan drew her close to him and it hurt so much because I have never been able to be childish around my husband to receive a treatment like this. I guess it wasn't hard for Rachel to achieve that side of Nathan; the Nathan I had craved all these years. I had wanted to be romantic with him. Our lovemaking was never because of love. The sole reason we ended up having sex is because he was happy about something and he celebrated it by having sex with me. And when he kisses me I would lose my senses and forget how he used to treat me because I've always wanted him to love me that way. He wasn't wrong. The marriage proposal came for Rachel and not me. I replaced her then because Rachel didn't want him. Why now? Why was she t
Evelyn's POV The clattering sound of the cutlery filled the dining room as everyone around the large table ate. My husband, his family, my aunt, and my cousin were the ones surrounding the table and eating peacefully. However, I couldn't eat because I felt unsafe and their eyes on me made me uncomfortable. I could only stare at my food. Perhaps I couldn't eat because I wasn't happy.“Why haven't you touched your meal, my child?” That was my mother-in-law. She sounded so nice but everyone at the table knew how much she hated me. I could say everyone around the table didn't like me. How did they expect me to eat peacefully when I was in the midst of people who hated my existence? Before I could think of what to say, she uttered. “Who knows, perhaps the reason you cannot give my son a child is because you lack nutrition.” Those words hit me harshly at the right spot. I swallowed hard and when everyone around the table began to laugh at her statement, I felt embarrassed. I should be u