Something made Velia's sleep uncomfortable. The tranquility and peace that embraced her throughout the night vanished, replaced by irregular breathing and an unusual atmosphere. Velia furrowed her brows. Her eyes slowly opened, and it was not strange that the first thing she saw was Lucas's chest. However, it was Lucas's embrace that hinted at something peculiar.There was heat emanating from Lucas's body, an unusual warmth. Velia gathered her senses. She lifted her face and noticed another peculiarity. Sweat trickled down Lucas's face, abundant and the droplets appeared larger than usual. Velia reached out her hand, briefly touching a droplet of sweat and ending up on Lucas's forehead.Velia's eyes widened as she heard Lucas's uncomfortable moan. He opened his eyes and smiled.“Good morning.”Velia rose with a worried expression. Instead of returning the greeting, she appeared panicked when she spoke.“You're sick, Luc.”
Lucas had suppressed his ego. It was difficult, but he succeeded in letting go of Velia to accompany Harry, who was struggling on the operating table. He was generous of heart, and fate had something unexpected in store for him.Lucas's eyes opened after a deep sleep of five hours. A light feeling washed over him, and he knew exactly why. It was Velia.Lucas turned his head. Velia was in his embrace. She was fast asleep and had decided not to leave. She had decided to stay with Lucas.The heat, bitterness, and tightness that once filled Lucas's chest disappeared without a trace. As soon as Velia returned, everything vanished. It was replaced with unimaginable happiness.Lucas pulled Velia closer, wanting to immerse himself even more in their embrace. He closed the small distance between them to plant a gentle kiss on her head.“Until now, you still don't realize who you truly love, Ve? Why do you have to be so stubborn in denying the truth? A
“I miss you.” One sentence. Three words. It only took one breath for Lucas to enchant Velia's consciousness. Despite the distance between them and without exchanging glances, it couldn't prevent him from rendering Velia motionless. The call had ended. Velia's phone screen went dark, a sign that the call had ended quite a while ago. However, that's just how Velia is. She remained lost in thought, unable to stop thinking about Lucas. Velia took a deep breath. Now there was no more concentration for work. Instead, her focus shifted to the time. She grew restless as she felt time passing by so slowly. Finally, it was time to leave the office. Velia hurriedly made her way, paying no attention to the people around her. She rushed to the parking lot and quickly got into her car. Carter waited for Velia to settle comfortably and fasten her seatbelt before driving the car. He asked, “Does you want to stop by somewhere first?” Velia shook her he
It only took Lucas a short while to gather the remaining shreds of energy. When his body regained strength, he created a small distance to ensure Velia was okay.Lucas caressed and tidied Velia's hair, his actions displaying utmost care.“So, how?” he asked.Velia opened her eyes. She let out a slow breath, with a slight frown adorning her face.“It seems like you're indeed healthy now,” Velia weakly replied. “Instead, maybe it's me who's sick.”Lucas burst into laughter. His shoulders shook, and his chest rumbled. He laughed so hard that his head lifted, and his eyes closed.“Was it the last one that hurt?” he asked.Velia squinted her eyes. “Oh, forget it, Luc. I'm tired, and I don't want to argue with you.”Lucas stopped laughing. Instead, he smiled understandingly. He continued to caress Velia while asking softly.“Do you want to rest? How about going
“Just finished taking your vitamins?”Velia nearly choked when, once again, Lucas emerged from the bathroom unexpectedly and caught her in the act of swallowing a pill. She coughed, then nodded half-heartedly.Lucas approached Velia, still wrapped in a towel around his lower body. Just for a moment, he came closer to Velia to plant a fleeting kiss.“That's good. I'm glad you're healthy. Never forget to take them every morning.”Again, Velia only nodded while Lucas moved away. He headed towards the dressing room, and Velia let out a long sigh, feeling relieved. However, she could not help but touch her head where Lucas had kissed her and unconsciously smiled.*Velia started her morning work with enthusiasm. She wasn't just focused, but she seemed to be enjoying it.Velia's calm demeanor and positive atmosphere caught Mecca's attention. It was no surprise that during their work hours, Mecca took the opportunity
Lucas' arrival brought a smile to Jeff's face. After the unpleasant incident the other day, he honestly did not expect his son to come back so soon.Jeff was pleasantly surprised but welcomed him with open arms.“What wind brings you home, Luc? It's not like you to come home on a workday,” Jeff asked.It was another unexpected addition that caught Jeff off guard. It was not Lucas' usual habit to come home on a workday, especially considering he often worked late.“I just dropped by for a moment,” Lucas replied meaningfully. “There's something I want to discuss with Mom and Dad.”Jeff nodded and immediately instructed the butler to summon Sandra. They waited for a while, and soon enough, Sandra arrived.“So, what's going on? Does this have something to do with work?” Jeff began the conversation straightforwardly. He went straight to one possibility, and Lucas' shake of the head confirmed it.
Velia's long-lashed eyes remained closed. Her breathing gradually returned to normal. It was no longer passionate and chaotic like it was ten minutes ago when Lucas ravished her with such lust.Lucas held Velia close, creating a sense of tranquility after their fiery lovemaking. Now, the intensity had faded, replaced by a lingering dampness that slowly cooled. Thus, it was a gentle embrace that Lucas offered.With great caution, not wanting to cause harm, Lucas was worried that Velia's body might break under its weight. He planted soft kisses on Velia's temple, slowly moving down to her jawline, then her cheek. Velia tilted her head to allow Lucas to kiss her neck.A smile spread across Lucas' face as he saw Velia savoring each kiss he bestowed upon her. Velia appeared enchanted and genuinely herself.A little disheveled, with tousled hair and flushed cheeks, she was a sight that made Lucas more addicted than any addictive substance.Lucas rose, wi
It seemed that luck had returned to Boy's side. After spending days without a trace, he now seemed to have found a glimmer of hope.This was the second day Boy witnessed the same sight: Velia getting out of a taxi. Boy observed with full focus, his eyes fixed on Velia as she walked along the sidewalk. The woman waited briefly for Mecca before both entered through the office gate, disappearing from Boy's sight.Everything was well-recorded and perfectly stored in his memory. Boy not only focused his eyes on Velia but also on everyone he encountered.Boy took a deep breath and adjusted his sitting position slightly. He pondered silently and decided on his plan for the day.Time kept passing, and Boy felt pressured, but he had to play fair. That was the only reason why he had not acted yesterday. He needed to ensure the safety of every step he would take. It had to be flawless.Boy remained motionless inside the car, observing every vehicle entering a
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.