The luxury car seemed to have lost its way. The narrow streets in the lower-class neighborhood were clearly not the right route for it. Especially with the houses packed together and the squalid environment, who knows what the driver would think. “Do you live here?” The car stopped at a small rented house. The passenger inside asked, observing the place with a frown. “Yes.” Velia's voice sounded flat. She unbuckled her seatbelt and forced a smile that Lucas could not interpret. “Why?” Lucas reached for Velia's hand, momentarily holding back her desire to leave immediately. “What happened to you, Ve? Why do you live here? Where is your home?” “Home?” Velia asked bitterly. “This is where I live. I don't have a home or anything.” Lucas fell silent. “Why? Are you regretting making a deal with me?” Shaking his head, Lucas replied firmly, “Not at all.” “You should know, Luc. I did all this out of necessity. That's why I want to make sure of something,” Velia continued. “Will you
Upon arriving at the office, Lucas immediately called Vlora. He sat down and without beating around the bush, he asked, “How is it? Have you taken care of everything?” Vlora nodded and handed two cards to Lucas. “The credit and debit cards you wanted are ready for use.” “Thank you,” Lucas said as he took the cards. “Oh, by the way, can you also start looking for an apartment? I think it's best to find one not too far from the office.” Vlora weighed Lucas's words carefully. The office building was undoubtedly located in an elite area. As such, there were several apartments available, but it did not mean it would be easy to find one in such a short time. Vlora was well aware of Lucas's desires and did not want to disappoint him. “Velia's living conditions are really bad. It's truly terrible,” Lucas said, adding a sense of urgency for Vlora. In the end, she nodded. “Alright, sir. I will prepare everything.” Lucas nodded. “I'm counting on you, Vlo.” “Thank you, sir.” Vlora left Luc
Velia could barely hold back her drowsiness as the car finally came to a stop. She, who had almost fallen asleep, suddenly felt refreshed and turned her head. They had arrived at a towering building that appeared incredibly grand. “Let's go,” Lucas's voice coincided with the opening car door. They got out and quickly entered. A security guard welcomed their arrival. He smiled and greeted them. Unfortunately, Lucas did not receive a similar response. The same went for the unassuming receptionist. In fact, the man only nodded briefly and continued walking towards the elevator. The elevator carried Lucas and Velia away from the lobby. As they ascended floor after floor, the journey was enveloped in silence. It did not take long for the elevator doors to open. Lucas and Velia arrived at their destination floor, and they walked along the corridor. There was only one door on that floor. The sole place they were headed to, and Lucas said, “Remember this passcode, Ve.” Velia blinked, sli
Velia groaned. Her sleep was disturbed. Something was present, transforming tranquility into restlessness. It felt strange, like a ticklish sensation that spread second by second. It created a tingling that made Velia squirm. Half-conscious, Velia's heart raced faster. Her previously relaxed breaths instantly changed, becoming more fervent. Comfort eroded. Restlessness emerged. Velia's head moved restlessly on the pillow. She still had her eyes closed, but her hands began to search in confusion. Clutching the pillow, she groaned again. Velia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but in vain. A faint touch caressed along her thigh, rendering her powerless. Warmth landed. Moisture enveloped Velia's nipples, leaving a mark on the satin nightgown and creating a feminine silhouette underneath. Velia opened her eyes. One face greeted her, and she was not surprised at all. “Luc.” Lucas was there, lying beside Velia. His position was sideways, with his hand slipping under Velia's
“Good morning, Sir.” As usual, Vlora greeted Lucas at the grand courtyard of Greatech. She took Lucas's briefcase and escorted him to the dedicated elevator. “Sorry in advance, Sir.” Vlora's voice coincided with the lift starting to ascend. Lucas raised an eyebrow, glanced at his watch, and waited for Vlora to speak. “Mr. Sanders is here.” Lucas furrowed his brow and raised his left hand. He checked the time and instinctively asked. “This early?” Frankly, Lucas was impressed. He did not expect to receive a visitor even before work hours. It made him exhale a bit, imagining what would happen if he decided to come to the office a little late—just a little. Not without reason. Opening his eyes and finding Velia sleeping in his embrace was the biggest temptation for Lucas. If he followed his heart's desire, he probably would not come to the office that early. That early or maybe too late. Those were the two choices Lucas faced for breakfast. “It seems he has gotten used to waking
Velia arrived at the apartment just before the sun completely set. Her hands were full of shopping bags, and she politely declined the help offered by the apartment staff. The elevator ascended, giving her time to reflect on everything that had happened that day. Velia's two objectives for going out had been accomplished. She visited Harry and paid off her debt to the loan shark. Despite what she was going through, she should feel relieved now. If only that encounter had not happened. Sandra's warnings and threats echoed in Velia's mind. Just echoes, but strangely enough, they triggered the tremors once again. Believe me, only God knows how much I didn't want to meet Lucas. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. It did not just bring them together; it bound Velia to Lucas once again. It was pathetic, but he was the only one who could support her. She was dependent on him and could not let go. Despite that, Velia was certain that Lucas would not let her go. The luxurious apartment wa
Lucas was disturbed from his deep sleep. There were faint murmurs that disrupted him. He woke up and found the source to be Velia. Velia appeared restless. Her sleep was troubled, as if something terrible was disturbing her. Something like... ~ “What did you forget about what I said? How many times do I have to tell you? Look at who you are.” “No. Please.” “Oh, of course. The lowly nature of your parents truly flows in your blood, Velia.” “No. Not my parents.” “So, go. Go as far as possible until Lucas can never find you again.” “I promise. I will go.” “I'm not joking. If you still get close to Lucas, I will ruin your life.” “I promise. I will stay away from Lucas.” “I'll hold you to your promise, and if your life falls apart someday, don't be surprised. It means you've broken your promise.” “I won't break it.” “Don't let Lucas find you, or else I can do anything. Starting with your parents.” ~ Sweat dripped. The murmurs grew louder. Velia appeared tormented, trapped in
Indeed, it is normal for Velia to wake up feeling tired. Since she entrusted her life to Lucas, there has not been a truly refreshing sleep for her. Especially after last night. She had a terrible and horrifying nightmare. Not only did Velia's body feel exhausted, but her soul was also shaken. Apparently, Lucas's caresses did succeed in putting her to sleep. However, they were not powerful enough to banish the terrifying images from her mind upon waking up. “Luc?” Rising and holding the blanket to her chest, once again Velia did not find Lucas by her side. She glanced at the clock and realized it was still early in the morning. Velia put on her nightgown and got out of bed. She searched for Lucas's whereabouts until her steps led her to the kitchen. “Are you awake?” Lucas was already dressed neatly, complete with a white shirt and tie. He looked fresh as he prepared breakfast. “Yes,” Velia nodded awkwardly. “Y-you prepared breakfast.” “Just sandwiches. It's not difficult.” Luc
Life never promises constant happiness. However, at the very least, destiny will provide reasons why everything should continue.In the turning of time. In the changing of days. Alongside the ever-rolling moon.One reason resurfaces. It appears, reinforcing the belief that this is how destiny works.There are times when tears well up. There are times when anger blinds the eyes and rebels.On the other hand, there is also laughter bursting forth. There is also joy overflowing, reminding us how priceless it all is.Precious. Like the morning sunlight that falls again and warms the smile within Lucas's embrace.Gavin Hernandez greeted them two months ago. He was born healthy, lacking nothing. Plump and now enjoying the routines created by Lucas.When the morning sun rises on weekends, Lucas spends time with Gavin. They enjoy moments filled with jokes and laughter that only they understand. It's as if they have their own language for ever
Love is never an easy thing. The beautiful tale of a princess and a prince living happily ever after is nothing more than a bedtime story. In reality, it's not as simple as expressing one's feelings and everything falling into place with joy.No, it's never that easy. Velia and Lucas have proven that. They were bound by a past that constantly tried to separate them. Resentment was deeply rooted in their hearts, ingrained in every breath they took, intertwining with their journey through life.They knew that suffering and anger would not easily fade away with a single apology. Realities and misunderstandings would forever remain as a chain of mysteries.Risk. A tremendous gamble. Velia and Lucas could have chosen to distance themselves as if they never knew each other. However, the love that grew between them had taken strong and deep roots in their hearts.There was no turning back. And even as they continued forward, destiny, with its whimsical ways, bro
“I'm pregnant.”Silence filled the room. The only sound that could be heard was Velia's whisper. She had been repeating the same words for a while now.Velia's mind drifted. Since returning from the hospital, she felt that the world had changed before her eyes. It felt different, leaving an indescribable sense of unfamiliarity.Everything felt empty. Everything felt uncertain.On the bed, Velia curled up, hugging her legs. Her head rested on her knees as the doctor's words echoed in her mind.“I'm pregnant.”A shocking reality was displayed right in front of her eyes. Velia could not deny the fact that there was now a life growing inside her womb, her and Lucas' child.“I'm pregnant.”Velia's breath caught in the onslaught of reality. The news came at a time when she had decided to leave everything behind. And one question arose.Is this the reason I needed?That questi
Diana looked helplessly at yesterday's untouched cooking. Nothing had changed at all. Even the position of the parsley garnish on the dish had not shifted.“I'm sorry.”Velia entered the kitchen and could guess what the middle-aged woman was thinking. She felt uncomfortable, but there was nothing she could do.“I don't have an appetite. Lately, I've been feeling tired and just want to rest.”“It's natural for your body to feel tired if you don't eat. You have to eat to stay healthy.”Velia smiled lazily. “Today, please cook chicken soup, Diana. I want to take it to the hospital.”“Alright, Miss.”While Diana started her task, Velia chose to sit at the kitchen island. There was a bowl of fruit that she could enjoy and a topic brought up by Diana.“Do you know that Neil got fired?”The fork stopped moving. Diana's question made Velia furrow her brow.
“Is Lucas inside?”Vlora nodded in response to the man who suddenly appeared in front of her. He seemed hurried, with a racing breath. Not as relaxed as usual.“Okay. Thank you.”It was none other than Andreas. He looked relieved with the nod Vlora gave him. Some of his worries eased, but he had to meet Lucas immediately.Andreas started to walk away, but something made him stop in his tracks. He turned around with one hand raised in the air. Then he spoke.“Oh, before I forget. After I'm done with Lucas, you have something to discuss with me.”Vlora's eyes widened. Unfortunately, she could not express her objections as Andreas had already walked away.Andreas opened the door. He entered and was met with Lucas's listless gaze. Lucas looked miserable, but he reassured himself. At least it was a sign that Lucas was still alive.“How are you?” Andreas asked without beating around the
Lucas did not budge at all. He sat still in the living room, enduring the uncertainty, waiting with a fixed gaze directed towards the door.It would open soon. Velia would come home.It was nearly nine o'clock at night. Lucas had been waiting for almost six hours. However, that meant nothing to him. He could wait longer if it concerned Velia.Lucas took a deep breath. For the umpteenth time, he tried to suppress the urge to forcefully bring Velia back from the hospital.Damn jealousy. Lucas truly wanted Velia to come home right at that moment.A glimmer of sanity managed to warn Lucas. Their situation and Velia didn't need to be aggravated by further conflict. Everything that had deteriorated could become even worse. Forcing Velia would only pour gasoline on the flames.Lucas tried to stay calm. He tried to be more patient.Velia would surely come back to me. She would definitely come home. She'll be home soon. I just nee
Velia screamed. Her eyes closed, and in the explosion of her heart, she rebelled. She wanted to break free, but the embrace held her tightly.“Why did you stop me, Luc?! I can't bear to live anymore!”Lucas could see the truth in Velia's words. His clear eyes were more than enough to convey the pain. There were too many wounds and tears there. She had surpassed her limits to endure.“Let me go, Luc! Let go!”He would not. Lucas tightened his embrace, disregarding Velia's resistance. He let her continue shedding tears and delivering punches. It did not matter; he would accept it all. Whatever Velia did, however much she wanted to, he would accept it.“I just want to die, Luc. I can't take it anymore. Please, let me die.”“No. I beg you,” Lucas pleaded in a hoarse voice. All his sadness was palpable, and he begged desperately. “Don't do that.”Velia did not care. Lucas's pleas
Lucas could only tightly hold Velia's fingers. He remained motionless, staring at her pale face while attentively listening to the doctor's words.“She's just in shock. There's nothing to worry about. Her condition will improve after sufficient rest.”At least there was something to relieve Lucas. The worries and panic that arose from Velia's fainting gradually faded away.“Thank you, Doctor.”The doctor nodded. “Excuse me.”“Let me walk you out,” Vlora said as she accompanied the doctor's departure. They left, leaving Lucas overwhelmed with guilt.Lucas cursed himself endlessly. He continued to blame himself for all the realities and past events that had occurred.Indeed, everything that had happened was caused by Lucas' feelings for Velia, which could not be prevented.Lucas loved Velia deeply. Ironically, it was that love that became the root of all the misfortunes that befell
Velia had just finished a late lunch. The sun had descended to welcome the afternoon, and the lingering pain made her almost sleep throughout the day. The ache persisted. Velia's steps were somewhat unsteady as she intended to return to her room. She walked slowly and found Lucas's presence. “Why are you home already when it's not yet office hours?” Velia furrowed her brow and looked at Lucas, puzzled. His appearance was disheveled. No black suit, part of his shirt was out of his pants, shirt sleeves haphazardly rolled up to the elbows, and a loosely tied tie around his collar. “Luc!” Velia's readiness was caught in her throat. Lucas's messy appearance was nothing compared to the bandage on his forehead. Velia approached Lucas. Her hand rose and grabbed his face in panic. A clear look of concern radiated from her eyes. “What happened, Luc? What happened to you?” Velia asked, searching and worrying if there were other injuries.