"If only I knew where she was, Marius, you wouldn't have to tell me twice," Lana said, gently squeezing his hand.If she wasn't mistaken, Sam's seven months pregnant now. Their baby. If only all of this didn't happen, Sam wouldn't be carrying everything alone now."I know I made a mistake. It was wrong of me to plan against her. But eventually, I fell for her too. And the love I feel for Sam is real. I've never felt this intense of feelings for anyone else," Marius spoke with deep regret evident in his tone."Let me talk to Andrew again. Maybe he knows something. Maybe Sam called him. Truth be told, I'm also worried about my sister-in-law. I want to hire a private investigator just to see her, but how can I do that? I know Andrew is the only one who can do that, especially since he has connections even in the UK," Lana continued, expressing her concerns.Marius fell silent. He just picked up his cup of coffee and took a sip. After a moment, he excused himself from Lana.He was in Bagu
Similar to what they had agreed upon, Marius visited Lena that evening after he finished work at the office. He would return to Baguio tomorrow, and he wanted to make the most of the opportunity to unwind tonight. "What would you like to eat? Are you hungry?" Lena asked Marius as soon as he arrived. Marius didn't answer. Instead, he quickly pulled Lena close by the waist and kissed her on the lips. Marius's body quickly heated up as he felt Lena responding to his kisses. Unexplainable desire consumed him, causing him to become aggressive without realizing it. ***** "M-Marius," Lena gasped as she got a chance to catch her breath. She didn't feel any hint of love in Marius's kisses. But none of that mattered to her. Because, just as she had wanted for a long time, she wanted to experience this. She wanted to feel like Marius was her partner and not another man. Because the truth was, she had already given her virginity to others a long time ago. Contrary to what others knew, she ha
After the heat, Marius lay himself down on the soft sofa, feeling drained. He stayed in that position for a few moments before getting up and dressing himself. He didn't say anything because, truthfully, he couldn't think of anything to say. He felt guilty. He thought about Sam. He knew that once Sam found out about this, she would be hurt and even angrier with him. But why should he dwell on that? She had already left him, after all. She hid their child from him and kept them away. So now he had a reason to be angry too. Marius let out a heavy sigh. That's true. He harbored resentment towards Sam. But, as much as possible, he didn't want to nurture that anger in his heart. Because he loved Sam, and despite everything they went through, there was no other woman he wanted to be with but her. "I don't want to admit to myself that my decision to let my heart fall for you, Sam, was wrong. But when I feel the pain of it all, that's what I want to do," he whispered as he glanced at Len
I saw Lana's eyes clouding quickly as she gazed at my son's face. Eventually, she couldn't hold back her tears any longer. And I knew the reason behind those tears, and for whom they were shed. None other than for Marius. Even in our broken relationship.“You look so much like your father,” Lana said as she reached out to take MJ.I handed MJ to Lana, who is technically her nephew since she's married to my brother. She kissed MJ's cheek and then hugged him tightly. After a while, I heard a small voice calling my name. At that moment, I felt a warmth in the corners of my eyes. It was Andrea, and she's grown bigger since the last time I saw her."Where have you been? I missed you," she said tightly as I leaned down to kiss her on the cheek."I'm sorry, sweetheart," was all I could manage, thinking it was a safe response."You know, Uncle Marius always asks me about you," Andrea said, looking at me with earnest eyes.I felt a sharp object seemingly pierce my throat. Meanwhile, the impend
"I don't know how I will react to what I found out. Will I be happy or annoyed? What do you think? Or maybe I should be angry?" These were the consecutive questions Marius asked his friend Patrick that evening. He felt upset, and until now, he couldn't move on from the birthday invitation. Even though it's been two days since he received it.He looked at Patrick with a confused expression. "Why don't you choose to be happy?" was Patrick's simple response question to him as he reached for the cup of coffee in front of him and finished it.They were finalizing a new project. Ideally, his full attention should be on it. But because what happened the past day wasn't simple, he couldn't get it out of his mind."I tried. But it's difficult. I'm really upset with her. The truth is, I'm angry with her," he confessed.Aside from Lana, Patrick is the longtime close friend Marius considers. Lena, who ruined everything, is no longer on his list. However, after what happened between them, he didn'
Marius didn't hear any further response from Patrick after he said that. Perhaps Patrick didn't want to argue with him anymore because, in reality, he was the only one who truly understood himself.The days passed quickly. For Marius, he had two reasons to eagerly anticipate his son's birthday. First of all, he would finally see MJ, who according to Lana was a boy.He smiled and gently caressed Sam's beautiful face on his cellphone."You look like him, Marius. Like a mini version of you!"That's what Lana once told him during one of their phone conversations, and it intensified his anticipation to see and hold his son even more."Why did you do this to me, Sam?" he whispered and sighed.He had been feeling distracted for days because of everything that was happening. But he couldn't remain like that. Especially since they had a new project that had just started. And more than ever, he now had a sufficient reason to fix his life. Because he had a child now who needed to be provided for
The party was private, so there weren't many guests. Our parents, Andrew's and mine, didn't make it either because they were busy with their businesses. Besides, well, I didn't really insist on them coming home. It might lead to a confrontation with Marius, who my parents don't even know, to be honest.Dad was upset when I told them about my pregnancy. I'm really close to him. Of course, being a girl, I'm his princess. That was his only deep-seated resentment when I told him and Mom about my pregnancy.But eventually, they also accepted everything.Eventually, they became my pillars of support, aside from Calum, who was with me at home, and Andrew, my brother.Of course, my parents were present when I gave birth. And I saw in their faces the overwhelming joy when they laid eyes on MJ.Everything is now fine, and I'm just waiting for one person during those moments. Marius. I know he's on his way. That's why I couldn't sit still during those moments."Relax," Calum leaned down and whis
If I were to listen to half of my heart during those moments, I would have wanted to tightly embrace Marius. I would have wanted to kiss him. Because the truth is, I deeply long for him.I can't explain how intense the restraint I used just to control myself.No doubt.No matter what I do. No hesitation that his name is the only one my heart knows.In short, I still truly love him. And the love I feel for him is assured to remain in my heart forevermore. “Calum!”After a few moments, I called out to my friend. He immediately turned to face me. Having briefed him earlier, I wasn't surprised by his incredibly handsome and heart-melting smile that didn't fade even when we were in front of Marius."I think I'm more interested in getting to know my child," I heard Marius say instead.Without hesitation, he said it aloud even though Calum was right in front of us.I didn't say anything. I took MJ from Calum.My ex-boyfriend was staring intensely at our child's face. I knew what he was feeli
Lena's heart pounded loudly, but she tried her best to ignore it and stay calm. "Hey," said the man beside her, now seated in front of the steering wheel. He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it. "Everything will be okay," he reassured her with a smile. A simple smile broke across Lena's lips. She then squeezed Calum's hand, which hadn't let go of hers. "Maybe I should just become your neighbor," Calum said with a soft laugh as he started his newly bought SUV. Lena turned to him, surprised by his statement. "Are you serious?" she asked. Calum glanced at her briefly before responding with a smile, "Do I look like I'm joking?" and winked at her. Lena's heart warmed at his gesture. She was happy Calum had come into her life, even though there was no official title to whatever it was between them. "Do you think they'll forgive me?" Lena asked. "I know Sam. We've been friends for a long time, so I know everything will be okay," Calum replied. Lena s
I bit my lower lip as Marius's tongue traced delicate patterns of desire along the contours of my most intimate place. The sensation was electrifying, sending shivers down my spine and awakening every nerve ending in my body. My hands, bound as per my earlier request, left me completely at his mercy, unable to do anything but surrender to the overwhelming pleasure coursing through me."This is so good, mmmnnn—Sam," Marius murmured between tantalizing kisses and gentle suckling, each touch adding to the mounting waves of ecstasy crashing over me.I gasped, feeling his skilled tongue work its magic on the tender flesh between my thighs. His movements were deliberate, teasingly slow yet purposeful, driving me to the brink of blissful release. My body quivered uncontrollably, reacting to his every caress.I struggled to maintain composure, attempting to rein in the overwhelming sensations coursing through me. Yet, deep down, I knew Marius wanted to hear me moan, to see me lose control und
I didn’t know if it was because of the wine I had drunk, but at that moment, not only was my body ablaze with heat, but my courage as well. Unable to resist any longer, I took Marius’s hand and placed it between my thighs, right on my most intimate part.In response, Marius released a series of heavy breaths, and his kisses suddenly became rougher. His lips, once gentle and exploratory, now moved with urgency, claiming mine with a hunger that sent shivers down my spine.I expected something like this, knowing what he was capable of. But despite knowing what Marius would likely do, he still managed to surprise me with his sudden changes in style, or the way he would catch me off guard. Every kiss, every touch felt new and exciting, setting my skin on fire.“You’re hot tonight, Sam,” he murmured as he began to shower my face with small kisses, moving down to my neck, each kiss like a brand on my heated skin.“Oh, Marius, I’m always hot when we’re in this situation, aren’t I?” I replied,
It was the first time since Marius and I had separated that we found ourselves sharing a passionate drink together. No wonder he wanted us to be in his room—he had already prepared two glasses and a special wine on a small candlelit table. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of candles casting dancing shadows on the walls, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The fragrance of roses and vanilla filled the air, adding to the romantic setting.Since leaving that house over a year ago, it was my first time stepping back into Marius's room. The familiar scent of his cologne mixed with the new, comforting aroma of the candles, making my heart flutter. That explained why I felt a bit uneasy."I wanted to have a sweet dance with you, that's why I brought you here," Marius said as he turned on the small stereo in his room. Moments later, a beautiful, melodious love song filled the air, the gentle notes wrapping around us like a warm embrace."Come here," he said, extending his hand t
I’m happy with everything that's happening in my life with Marius. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more because everything is going according to my wishes, my prayers, and my dreams. It felt like living in a perfect fairy tale where everything was just right.“That’s good to hear. Anyway, I’ve always dreamed of seeing you happy. You know that, right? I hope you’ll always be happy because I love you,” said Calum, his voice warm and sincere over the phone.A sweet smile automatically spread across my lips. I was on the veranda of my room, the cool evening breeze gently caressing my skin. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over everything, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. Manang Sela was busy in the kitchen, preparing dinner, while MJ was wide awake in his crib, giggling and reaching for the colorful toys hanging above him.I looked out over the garden, where the vibrant colors of the flowers seemed to glow in the fading light. The sound of birds settling in for th
"Wow," was all Calum could say, his eyes wide with surprise and his voice barely above a whisper, the word hanging in the air between them.Lena nodded and gave a sweet, but wistful, smile. Deep inside, she felt the familiar ache of missing Marius gnawing at her heart. She knew it for sure now. In the past, her mind had been preoccupied with the singular intimate moment they had shared, a moment that had burned itself into her memory. But now, she realized that it was their deep and beautiful friendship she truly longed for, the connection that had been the bedrock of her happiness. That was the root of her frequent bouts of sadness. Perhaps it was too late for her to come to this realization. Honestly, she wouldn't have reached this epiphany if it weren't for what Calum did. If it weren't for this conversation."But he's gone," Lena confessed sadly, her voice tinged with melancholy as she turned to look at Calum. Her eyes, usually so vibrant, now seemed dull and distant, reflecting th
Calum let out an amused laugh before gently pinching Lena's cheek. “Of course, it's about you,” he said, sitting down beside her and putting his arm around her.With Calum's arm around her, Lena suddenly felt a wave of fatigue. She didn't know why she felt so tired, but if there was one thing she was sure of, it was the sudden happiness she felt right now."You know, all we need is a good and honest conversation to understand each other," Calum continued, his voice soft yet firm, like a comforting lullaby that reached into the deepest parts of her heart.Lena couldn't quite understand what Calum was getting at, but suddenly she saw her best friend in him—no one else but Marius. The thought brought fresh tears to her eyes, her vision blurring as memories of Marius flooded her mind."Hey! What's wrong now?" Calum asked, chuckling softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.Lena couldn't understand why she wasn't annoyed, even though Calum was laughing in such a situation. Maybe if it wer
"Talk to me, Lena," he insisted, his tone pleading, eyes searching hers for any hint of relent.Lena sighed deeply, feeling the weight of his gaze, and turned to face him. Just as she expected, he had followed her all the way to her apartment. The hallway was quiet, the muted hum of city life barely seeping through the thick walls. Not wanting any neighbors to witness their confrontation, she decided to let him in, her fingers trembling slightly as she unlocked the door."What do you want to talk about, Celso?" she asked, her voice carrying an edge of weariness."About us. About the two of us, Lena. It doesn't seem right to just leave things as they are. I miss you so much, and I really want to experience all the things we used to do again," he said, his words filled with a desperate longing.Lena watched as Celso took a step closer, his eyes dark and intense. She was standing by the kitchen table, her hands gripping the back of a chair for support, while he was just a couple of steps
Lena’s brows furrowed quickly when she recognized the man standing at a distance, looking at her. She was on her way home from her shift. The sun had just risen. Because her company was based in another country, the time zone was different from the Philippines. “How have you been, Lena?” When Celso got closer to her, that was his immediate greeting, accompanied by a sweet smile. Lena stared intently at his face. “I’m fine. How about you? How are you? Why are you here? How did you know I work here?” she asked in rapid succession. “Your aunt told me,” he answered briefly. Lena’s brows knitted together again, and she felt a surge of deep concern in her heart. “Did something happen to my Aunt Lourdes?” she asked, unable to hide the mix of nerves and fear in her voice. Celso grinned. “No, nothing happened to her. But from what you just said, it looks like I now have an idea of how to lure you out of your hiding place,” he said to her. “What are you talking about?” Lena asked irritab