When the door was wide open, I got rattled. I didn't expect Amber in her office clothes standing in front of our hospital door. "Good Morning, Miss Ciara," with her usual smile. I was reluctant to reply because I'm not prepared to be seen around Denver as his girlfriend.Denver did not mention that she is coming. I had no idea if Amber already know that he and I were dating in the past. Evidently, I knew I was flushing in front of her. "What if she thinks I'm dating my client?" I'm self-conscious she could judge me easily. I felt chaotic internally.I swallowed the lump in my throat before, "Miss... Miss Amber, come... come in," I trailed off while motioning that Denver was in the mini living room. "Thank you, Miss Ciara," she humbly replied. I told her to just call me Ciara because it's too formal for me, which she nodded in return. Besides, we were not in the middle of a business transaction or a client meeting."I wish for your daughter to get well soon," she spoke softly and I th
"Denver, what made you think that I don't want to move in with you?" I flashed a meaningful smile at him. "We love to," His eyes were explicitly astonished hearing it from me. "Are you sure?" he cooed with deep brows. He thought I was reluctant about the idea. I grasped that Catie needed a wide and refreshing environment while recuperating from her illness. With Denver's proposal, his place is the most appropriate location for her stay. I wasn't thinking that my house is not good for her but with Denver, it's the best. As I always say, I wanted the best for my daughter. "Baby, you have no idea how much you made me happy," his face was all printed in elation. He told me that he couldn't wait for us to live under one roof again... with Catie. When he seemed to be satisfied with our agreement, he went on to his next agenda. "If you want to just stay in our house and tend to Catie, you can leave your job," he suggested carefully but this time, in a calmer manner. He was trying to say t
I was flabbergasted when he uncovered that he got all the stuff since he brought the house. He did not lose hope that one day we could be together again. I find it a bit crazy because what if we never did? He only put all his hard-earned money into nothing and that would be the dumbest thing he had ever done.I told Denver that as much as possible, I don't want him to spend his money on those kinds of stuff because it's not economical. I used to live a simple life and I have no problem with it. "Baby, just let me. Okay?" He persisted. I knew that whatever I'll say to him, he won't change his mind. I just felt guilty in my heart that I did not support him in his career when he left for Seattle. Contrary to his intention of giving us the best life that we could have, I resented him for leaving me alone. I instilled in my heart the wrong perception that he chose his career over me. That he never prioritized us at all. I was ashamed of my action. I was at fault.Ironically, regardless o
“Are… are… you sure?” my words fumbled. I drew my brows in disbelief. I never saw it coming.He flashed an assuming smile. “Never been sure,” and picked it out of the box. Directly, he slid it carefully into my ring finger. No words could describe how splendid the hoop was in me. Thankfully, it fitted well like it was measured intently just for me.“This is exquisite,” I muttered amazingly as an indication of saying yes.I stared intently at the ring in astonishment. I was explicitly delighted by his sudden desire for us to get married. He told me he made it customized clearly for my taste. It was a simple huge diamond stone with two smaller ones on either side.After I broke up with him in the past, I never imagined getting a marriage proposal anymore. I made up my mind to live alone without any man beside me to impose broken promises over and over again. Regardless of the entire plan I set for myself, God really has his ways to give us the best that we deserve.“Thank you,” He pulle
"Good morning, love," Denver picked up Catie and paced closer to give me a kiss. I was stunned wishing there was a hole underground that could swallow me in a haste. Meadow was standing a few meters away with a smirk on her face. To say I was covered with embarrassment couldn't even justify it."Good morning, Meadow," I cooed unable to look her straight in the eye. I was really ashamed of my presence around her. I wondered what she was thinking about me knowing that I'm living with Denver."Good morning to you too, future Mrs. Ford?" Sarcastically, she was staring at me with raised brows which were telling me that I'm doomed. She clucked her tongue and shook her head in dismay. I knew that I owe her a massive explanation after acting nonchalantly when we talked about Denver a month ago. I fooled her. I was hoping she could forgive me for it."Daddy, I want to go swimming," thanks to my little angel's interference. She broke the awkward emotion I was feeling inside. She was pouting her
Miss Vera was delighted to see me in the office early Monday morning. Although it wasn't a surprise because I notified her of my return, still, elation was visible on her face. "Ciara, It is so nice to know your daughter recovered speedily," unusual but she was smiling in good spirits. I thanked her for understanding my situation and letting me take off for two weeks. She discussed everything that occurred in our department and it thrilled me to learn that we got quite a number of new clients under our company. She told me not to worry about it because she could certainly handle them even if I took more days of leave to attend to my daughter's needs. Since Catie was all good and having Lea as an efficient help, not to mention Denver made it all easier for me, I assured her that taking additional off is not necessary."Mr. Baker was pleased for completing his requirements ahead of schedule," She was flipping some of the piled documents on her table. When she found what she was lookin
With so much exhaustion in my chest, I put my head down on the steering wheel. I rested and all I could do was poured my weariness not able to care for anything else around me. I didn't know long I was in that state when I heard someone knocking on my window. Weakly, I opened my eyes and tilted to see who it was. With so much worry printed on his face, Denver motioned for me to unlock the door. "Are you alright?" he caressed my face and caged me tightly. It was my fault that I made him distraught. I never gave a hint at what occurred to me. When he pulled out, "You scared the shit out of me, baby," he kissed my temple and fixed the sticky hair that was messing with my face because of so much crying. "What's the matter?" with knitted brows, he asked cautiously. Without even saying a single word yet, my tears pooled again and quickly fell out of my eyes. "I... I... I saw dad," I couldn't speak patently. My emotion went overboard and I had no strength to expound the thing. Denver w
Right away, I let Miss Vera know about the meeting over dinner. She approved of it and gave me some couple of advice on how to win clients. Truth be told, I had no idea why she believed in me and trusted my capability in the sales department despite the fact that I felt having low self-esteem. I couldn't guess what she saw in me.As well, I called and informed Denver about the sudden schedule. As expected, it was a bit hiccup getting his consent. Even though he knew the kind of job I'm in, he was hesitant to agree. I comprehended his reaction because it wasn't obscured that Pierre had a colorful background when it comes to women. The fact that Denver didn't want me to get home late and compromise the time with our daughter, he didn't want the notorious Pierre Baker to get closer to me. In the middle of our argument, I persuaded him to trust me. "I trust you, baby, It's him that I don't," he sounded emphatic. However, I already gave my confirmation to the other party, so there's no wa
I succeeded in inviting Ciara to dinner and had the chance to talk about us. I got to say those things I hid inside my heart for a long time. Although it wasn't as easy as I expected for her to grasp my reasons, I tried my luck to make her understand. Unfortunately, she was resolute about her decision not to get us back together. However, giving us up wasn't included in my options. Not that I could sense she was gradually losing her guard against me. Unlike the first few weeks of seeking her attention, I could tell she was getting more amicable toward me. Traveling from Cancun back to Harrisburg went smoothly. I offered to send her home after the rain poured unexpectedly and at that moment she agreed, I thought it was a good sign for the two of us. Unluckily, after being careless, it only ended to be the worst. She discovered I got someone around to get her followed and that made her infuriated. I did my best to justify my basis yet it only went into nothing. Rationalizing my action w
As soon as I got back to Seattle, I resumed the business launching with Mr. Barnes. In a short period of time, it was a hit. Competitors were astounded by the newest innovation from One Guard Electronic System. Clients and business associates lined up to get our services. In a span of a year, after introducing the design I uniquely created, it gave so much benefit to the company. Mr. Barnes's riches tripled just like that."Mr. Barnes, I'm ready to build my own company in Harrisburg," I discussed my plan with him. I negotiated it before we started the debarkation of the design in Seattle and I told him it was time for me to go back to my State. I was able to help him to reach the top of the industry and I believed, it was enough for him to let me go.With thorough deliberation, we ended up with a discreet decision. As he was hesitant to totally omit me from his company, he suggested building my own in Harrisburg yet we would be still connected with each other. My business would be in
DENVER's POVEverything between us seemed perfect and we were contented around each other until my near graduation. Mr. Parker laid out opportunities for me from different companies and their offerings were tremendously enticing. I was overwhelmed and it was hard to choose from the list. Mr. Parker was the reason why I got so many proposals to pick from because I was really eyed for my potential. As we discussed the best company that could give me the fastest growth, One Guard Electronics Systems caught my attention. As I read their company profile and the main concept of the business, I was triggered to be part of the team. Their structure was what I'm looking for. However, it wasn't as simple as I thought. It would be in Seattle and it was a home program. I would be away for around 2 to 4 years depending on how rapidly we could program the possible security system device project for every household. The company was aiming to create the most innovative program and be number 1 in th
DENVER'S POV When I went to college, it was just a typical apartment and campus daily routine. I was keen to finish my course on top because I believed I'm capable of it. I swore to just focus on my studies and avoid vices that could be a distraction along the way. Among those were partying, smoking, drugs, and women. I had my goals and timeline of everything that I wanted in life. I'm very particular with my plans as well as utilizing my full potential in my chosen field. I only had a few friends while at the University. I couldn't say they were my best friends because I didn't want to get close to anyone around. I was very occupied with my lessons and I used to be alone just to review and ace my exams. Yet sometimes, even if we do things in our own ways and how much we try to stay away from all the diversions we set for ourselves, there will always be something to occur beyond our control. One afternoon, I was sitting under a gigantic tree trying to solve a calculus problem whe
"Baby, relax! Let's get you to the hospital," Denver was trying to calm me down yet he was looking more freaked out knowing I was going to give birth. I held onto him because the pain was increasing and the contraction did not subside. "Mommy, what is going on?" Catie was frightened seeing us panic-stricken. Mindy grabbed her hand and told her to stay away from us because the baby is coming very soon. Denver called Alfie and in haste, the car was in front of our house. Gladly, we were able to collect all the necessary stuff in preparation for my delivery and readied it in the compartment of the vehicle. Truth be told, we organized everything a month before my expected due date. As soon as Denver settled me in the back seat, we left the house in a hurry. Inside the labor room, the nurses were very accommodating. I felt like my energy got drained because of the pain. I was all sweaty while Denver kept on caressing my back. The pity and worry mixed up and it was clearly printed on h
Meadow organized a baby shower party a week before my expected delivery date. She decorated one of our living rooms into a party event space. When I was called by Lea to go downstairs, my lips parted at how beautifully embellished our place was. Unaccountable blue balloons were hanging everywhere and bags of presents were gathered on a table near the improvised platform."This is too much, Meadow," I was still in awe. She pulled me towards the center before she motioned for Iris to start the program. The two of them prepared a few games that we enjoyed so much as well as delicious food to gobble on. Well of course, with the help of Mindy. The cupcakes were so enticing that I got to eat two pieces in a row.Honestly, it was only an intimate party because we only got those we used to have around the house every day. After opening all the gifts they prepared for the baby, Catie presented to sing for me and for her little brother. We all gathered to listen to her and it was a wonderful of
My Dearest Ciara,I know that a million apologies can't suffice for the unfair treatment I have done to you. It was improper to leave you and your Mom. Even if I got the chance to explain everything to you, you wouldn't understand my reasons. I ain't a perfect father to you and far from being one because I'm covered with flaws and faults. I inflicted so much pain in your heart and I can't blame you for the hatred you possessed for me. I'm not expecting your forgiveness but I just want you to know that I feel very sorry for everything I have done. I'm very proud of what you have become. You are strong and you deserve the happiness the almighty is pouring onto you and your family. We don't deserve any help from you but you chose to still deliver kindness in return. Maybe whatever is happening to me and my family is a retribution for all my sins. I was so selfish way back for following my happiness which caused you and your mom to suffer from the pain and hardships moving forward.
"Calm down! It's Brie telling me she bought a luxury bag online," Iris spoke vaguely. My brows crinkled at why she overreacted to Brie buying a bag. She was exaggerated as always. "What's with the bag?" Meadow couldn't get it too. "Guess who was the seller?" Iris asked and we couldn't think of someone. Honestly, we were not fond of buying luxuries online. Not sure about Meadow but as far as I knew she used to visit and see the items firsthand before acquiring them. "It's the bitch, Olga!" she exposed that Olga sold the handbag for a meager price. Meadow and I stared at each other in disbelief. "Are you sure?" Meadow asked her one more time. Even I couldn't believe that Olga went to the extent of selling her valuable possession. It was an attestation that she is running out of money for her bills and everyday expenses. "Karma is real," Iris muttered although we did not wish Olga to suffer such misery. "Alright, enough of her. Let's go get some food, I'm hungry," I complained bec
Felt like my heart was ripping into pieces to see my friend at a total loss sitting outside of the hospital morgue. She was covered in sorrow and in despair. If only she could hand over some of the pain she was dealing with in her heart, I would be glad to carry it just to lessen its heaviness. "Iris, please know that we are here for you." I consoled her cautiously because I knew she only have her mother left when her Dad passed away. And now that the most important human being in her life was gone, the devastation engulfed her entire system. I could absolutely feel the heartache because I experienced being left alone by my parents. Although our situation was different, the throbbing of our hearts did not vary. "Where is Mason?" I asked and she told me he was talking to one of the hospital staff about the arrangement of her Mom's discharge. Mason offered to settle everything because he knew Iris was mentally and emotionally wrecked. "Condolences, Iris," Denver offered his sympathy