Velia hurried as she heard the apartment door opening. She had just finished preparing dinner. Luckily, she was on time to quickly shower and put on a red evening gown.
“Luc!”
Velia's welcoming and exclaiming caught Lucas off guard. But a moment later, it was the astonishment that fixed Lucas's gaze.
Velia looked beautiful. She was impeccably dressed that evening.
“You're home.”
Velia approached and took over Lucas's work bag, along with removing his jacket. Her actions made Lucas furrow his brow.
Something was off. Lucas felt a difference. Velia often welcomed him home, but there was another impression he got.
“Did I miss something?” Lucas asked confusedly, especially when he saw Velia smiling. “What's going on, Ve?”
Both headed towards the bedroom. During the short journey, Lucas grew more curious. Velia's behavior truly intrigued him.
Velia placed the work bag and jacket
“Hello, Boy. I hope you have good news today.” Boy remained silent. Instead of immediately responding to Ricardo's words, he stared directly at Neil. Damn it! Bastard! You son of a bitch! Curses filled Boy's mind. His pride was shattered, and he was humiliated by Neil. Boy clenched his jaw. Swear words trembled on his tongue, demanding to be spoken. Unfortunately, Neil's hand movements made him restrain himself. Neil pushed the phone closer to Boy, urging him without saying a word. “Boy? Hello, Boy? Are you there, Boy? Why are you silent?” Boy took a breath, but it was not relief that he felt. The air seemed hot, burning his nostrils. “Boy! Answer me! Damn you, Boy!” Neil tilted his head slightly. His expressionless face seemed to be delivering a final verdict to Boy. “Sir.” “Oh my God, Boy! What's going on? Why did you contact me tonight? I hope you really have good news.” Boy's gaze did not shift from Neil's eyes, even when he answered the question. “I have carried out t
“No. Don't hurt him, Neil.” Lucas said, furrowing his brow faintly. He took a breath and tilted his head slightly to one side. “Serve him. Don't forget to feed him,” Lucas continued softly, leaning back in his chair. “You know, he won't be able to speak if he doesn't have the energy.” Lucas glanced at the sitting calendar, thinking briefly and making a decision. “I'll go there tomorrow. Make sure he stays alive until I arrive. I don't even want to see a scratch on his body.” The door opened. The voice caught Lucas' attention, and a beautiful face appeared through the crack of the door. She smiled sweetly. “I'm hanging up.” Lucas ended the call and placed the phone handle back in its place. “Am I bothering you?” Lucas got up and approached Velia, who was sitting on the couch. He brushed aside Velia's hair to plant a kiss on her slender neck. “It's actually the phone that's disturbing us.” Lucas wh
The car driven by Lucas entered one of the large hospital complexes. It was bustling with activity due to the weekend and approaching evening hours. Lucas had to be patient before finally gliding into the parking area. He entered while observing a specific spot where his usual car was parked. The car came to a stop, and Lucas stepped out, carefully avoiding surveillance cameras. He approached his regular car to retrieve a bag containing fresh clothes. It did not take long for him to change clothes in the emergency room restroom. Ten minutes later, Lucas sat behind the wheel and left the hospital with his usual car. He took a momentary stop in a secluded area just to burn the bag containing the blood-stained clothes. Lucas continued his journey, briefly glancing at the watch he had not worn during the meeting with Ricardo. A splatter of blood could become a permanent memento. The steering wheel turned as Lucas changed his destination. He had initially
“What bad thing happened today, Luc?”In the end, Velia gave up. Her curiosity finally pushed out the question that had been lingering on the tip of her tongue. She inched closer to gaze deeply into Lucas' eyes and could clearly feel it.There was something different about Lucas. Velia sensed that he was not truly present with her that night.“Nothing,” he replied.Even his answer and the kisses on the back of her hand felt different. They could not calm Velia as they usually did.“Dinner was so delicious tonight.”Lucas did devour all the food, but it seemed like he did not taste it. Furthermore, Velia noticed that Lucas often sighed deeply throughout the meal.“Thank you.”Velia nodded once. She decided not to press any further.“So, are you going to work tonight?”Lucas let out a long breath. “I don't think so. I just want to sleep. I'm tired.&rd
Lucas reflected, holding the phone to his ear with one hand. He observed his surroundings while waiting for the call to be answered.“Neil,” Lucas called as the phone was picked up. “How is it? Is everything finished?”“Everything is done. Just waiting for the next plan,” replied Neil.Lucas took a deep breath. “I will meet you this morning. Prepare everything.”“Alright, Sir.”The call ended. Lucas remained silent for a moment, trying to gather his strength and mentally prepare for what was about to happen. Something he could not change once it all began.Forgive me.Velia welcomed Lucas into the dining room with a bewildered look. With just one glance, she could draw conclusions.“Are you leaving again?” she asked.“Yes,” Lucas replied after moistening his throat with two sips of water. “There are a few things I need to t
Velia winced as Diana treated the cuts and bruises on her face. The sounds of pain escaped her lips despite Diana's efforts to clean them as gently as possible.“We should report this to the apartment management, Miss. That woman needs to be reported,” Diana said.Velia shook her head softly, accompanied by a faint smile. “There's no need to make a big deal out of it. It's just a minor injury. It's just a waste of time.”Diana's eyes widened. The red marks on Velia's cheek and the bruise on her slender neck were clearly not minor injuries. Not to mention the cut on the corner of her lip. It was undoubtedly an assault.“This isn't a minor injury. We should--”“No need, Diana,” Velia interrupted quickly, trying to reassure Diana as she nodded repeatedly. “Besides, I'm not in too bad of a condition.”Diana knew that Velia was lying, but what could she do? In the end, she could only fee
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.
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
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.