Lucas put on his suit quickly. After inserting one button neatly, he reached out. Grabbed his briefcase that was on the table, right when he felt a slight knock on his door and a moment later, he saw Vlora come in. “I was just about to go out, Vlo. How? The meeting place has not changed, right?” Lucas asked, handing the bag to Vlora. Vlora smiled faintly, greeted Lucas’s briefcase, and replied. “No, Sir. Mr. Rhodes had been at the hotel a few hours ago. The meeting will still be held at six p.m. at restaurant of the Fullman Batavia Park Hotel.” “Okay,” Lucas said as he looked at his watch showing five p.m. “I think we’ll go now.” “Um, Sir.” Lucas’s footsteps stopped. “What is it?” he asked as he found the look of doubt in the secretary’s face. Vlora seemed to weigh as she said. “Someone wants to see you, sir.” “I have to go now, Vlo.” Lucas took a deep breath. “After all, I don’t seem to have any appointments at the moment.” “The woman said something important and assured me yo
Ten minutes later, Velia and Lucas were in an oncoming car. Lucas set up barriers to create privacy for them. All their conversations will not be heard by Vlora. Even by the Mr. Baker—the driver. “So...” Lucas's voice sounded. He glanced and saw Velia was squeezing her hands. “... now you want to be a whore?” “I can’t even be called a whore if I just turn myself for you.” Lucas glanced. He knew exactly that Velia reversed his sentence some days ago. Quietly, he grinned. “How much do you want to be paid?” Velia looked up. “Why? You wouldn’t do it for free, would you?” asked Lucas. “Or is it enough just to get your job back?” “Of course.” Velia strengthened her heart. In her mind, she counted. “I want 2.500, Luc.” Lucas’s eyes were bulging. “2.500 for a newbie whore? Seriously!” Velia’s face turned red. It was obviously a real insult. “I just need to add a few and I can hire artists!” retorted Lucas. “What do you think you’re good at?” He nodded and shook his head. “No. Bette
Ignoring the embarrassment, Velia followed Vlora. They headed for a luxurious room at Fullman Batavia Park Hotel. Vlora was professional. Her expression was flat when she said. “Please rest while waiting for Mr. Hernandez and I will transfer the money immediately.” Velia nodded. Her face lowered and she waited for Vlora to leave first before entering the room. Velia closed the door, and the state of the room instantly stunned her. It was the most expensive type offered, with an area ranging from 172 square meters. Unbelievably, there was a grand piano being her first view. Complete and classy facilities. Fancy ornaments adorned some points. Expensive carpets covered the floor. Not only has one bed, that presidential room has two separate rooms. Also, it had a spacious living room, dining room, and even a private workspace. Ignoring the 65-inch flat-screen television, Velia was more interested in the large windows. She pushed aside the curtain and saw the sunset. Velia was stunn
Velia's heart seemed to stop beating. Lucas said that word so lightly. His facial expression was even. How could he say it so plainly? “Come on. I paid for tonight.” Velia took a sip of spit. She tought. I’ve exposed my breast, got the money, and I still had a shame? So slowly, Velia stood in front of Lucas. Pulling the knot of the robe, she let the two straps hang on the sides of her body. Lucas stared at the movement with his heart pounding even more. He did not blink when Velia’s hands moved. Slowly, she grabbed her robe and let it left her body. The robe fell around Velia’s feet. Leaving that naked body without a single the thread to covered it. Velia stood up nervously. Cold air from the air conditioning temperature in the room that makes her body was shivering. Especially with Lucas’s gaze that did not blink when looking at the body naked. She really felt like a bitch. But it was like that now. “Come here.” Lucas’s guttural voice awakened Velia. Trembling, she approached
Lucas regained consciousness. His eyes blinked and slowly opened. In the dim lighting, the first thing he saw was the ceiling. Lucas turned his gaze. There lay Velia, fast asleep beside him. She looked peaceful and exhausted, a perfect combination that brought a smile to Lucas's face. It seemed he would not be leaving the bed for a while. Propping himself up on one elbow, Lucas positioned himself to gaze at Velia. He reached out his hand and brushed aside the disheveled hair on the side of her face. He gently smoothed it back, revealing her enchanting charm. Lucas's hand halted. He froze, his blood pulsating. His gaze focused on the red marks along Velia's neck. Clear evidence of their passionate encounter from the previous night. It was the most beautiful sight Lucas had ever seen. Yet, it was also a dangerous sight for him. He did not want to take any risks and decided to get out of bed. Lucas ignored his own condition. He took a step and intended to fetch a glass of water. Howe
“Good choice, Ve,” Lucas said, staring at the map on the dining table. He saw the signature on the agreement letter. “I wouldn't do this if I wasn't desperate, Luc,” Velia said, avoiding eye contact. “Never.” “I consider it fate.” Confidently, Lucas stood up from his chair and walked slowly, circling around Velia. Velia immediately became cautious as Lucas stopped right behind her. “You know?” Lucas asked, not waiting for Velia's answer. “People say that you can't escape your destiny. No matter how hard you try.” Lucas's breath brushed against Velia's neck. His hand lifted and touched her skin there. “Just like what's happening to you now. You can consider me as your destiny.” Velia closed her eyes. Lucas's hand moved and landed on her waist. Lucas kissed Velia's neck, breathing and licking there. “From now on,” Lucas said, turning Velia's body. “You are mine.” Velia opened her eyes, directly facing Lucas. “You mean your mistress? Or your pet?” “Call it whatever you want. We
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
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.