"Good morning!"The familiar voice of the man who entered the dining room that morning immediately made my heart beat faster. A mix of tenderness and unresolved longing was what that voice gave to me. The one that held so many memories. "Marius!" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with both astonishment and a hint of yearning as my eyes fixed on the handsome figure approaching. His presence was commanding, his aura radiating a blend of confidence and charm that had always pulled me in. He leaned down, his lips grazing softly against my cheek, sending a shudder down my spine."Good thing I'm not late. I made it in time for your breakfast," he answered, his voice warm and friendly. I could hear the underlying tenderness in his tone, a whisper of what once was. Through the room, I caught sight of Lana directing the maid to set another plate for Marius, her usual efficiency masking any surprise she might have felt at his unexpected arrival."You didn't go to work?" I asked, incapable of
The next morning, Lena woke up delinquent than usual. Fortunately, she had no work commitments, so the late start wasn’t an issue.Her eyes fluttered open to a messy living room, the aftermath of the previous night’s passion evident in the disarray.As expected, clothes were strewn across the floor, mingling with the delicate lace of her underwear that the man had so fervently removed. The memory of his touch sent a delicious shiver coursing through her body, the echoes of their passionate encounter still lingering on her skin.Lena couldn’t help but smile, a slow, sensual curve of her lips as she recalled the raw intensity of their night together. Every detail replayed in her mind, each kiss, each caress, a tantalizing reminder of the fire they had ignited.She stretched lazily; the pleasure of the memory intertwined with the warmth of the morning sun sifting through the curtains. For a moment, she allowed herself to revel in the sensations, the delicious ache of desire rekindled
As I looked intently at the ring in my hand, I took a deep breath, it’s a refined band and shimmering gem showing memories that felt both far and achingly close. The view from last year repeats showing in my mind with stunning clarity. It was Marius down on one knee. His eyes were full of love and hope as he asked me to marry him. His words had been tender, filled with promises of a future together. I recalled how my heart had soared. How I had felt like the luckiest woman in the world at that moment.But that dream had deteriorated. Crushed by the sudden and unwanted intrusion of truths I wasn’t prepared to face. Each revelation had fragmented away at my confidence. My insecurities simmered to the surface like venom. I couldn't help but compare myself to another woman who had once held Marius’s heart.Lana, my sister-in-law, was the woman Marius had loved first. The knowledge of his feelings for her back then fed my jealousy and self-doubt. How could I compete with someone who had su
“He’s asleep now,” Manang Sela said as she approached me on the veranda, where I was savoring the cool evening breeze.I nodded with a gentle smile, then turned my gaze back to the distant horizon, lost in thought.“Here, I made you some chamomile tea. Drink it so you’ll sleep soundly later,” she said, handing me a clear mug filled with steaming tea, the fragrant aroma wafting up to me.“Thank you, Manang Sela,” I replied, accepting the mug and feeling the warmth seep into my hands. I took a tentative sip, letting the soothing liquid calm my frazzled nerves.I expected the old lady to leave me alone after that, to give me some space to reflect. But I was mistaken. She settled into the empty rocking chair beside mine, her presence a comforting constant in my life.“Aren’t the mosquitoes bothering you, Sam? Would you like me to turn on the light?” she asked after a few moments of companionable silence.Despite the surrounding darkness—illuminated only by the lights on the fence an
"GOOD morning."A sweet smile graced my lips as I stepped into the kitchen, finding Marius setting breakfast on the table. The sight warmed my heart, bringing a sense of comfort and happiness. The sun had barely risen, casting a gentle glow through the window, illuminating the cozy kitchen where Marius bustled about with practiced ease."Where’s Manang Sela?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me, instead of returning his greeting. I knew she usually woke up early to take care of household chores.“She’s probably still asleep. Let her rest. This way, we can have some time alone together,” Marius replied, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and tenderness as he walked over to guide me to a chair he had pulled out for me."True, it’s still early," I agreed, glancing at the wall clock. It was just a little before six in the morning, and it wasn’t surprising that Manang Sela was still asleep, exhausted from yesterday’s journey. The clock's gentle ticking was the only sound acc
The mall had just opened when we arrived. During those moments, I couldn't explain why it felt like the world belonged to Marius and me. It was as if it was just the two of us. And because Marius kept holding my hand while we browsed and picked out the perfect gift for Mang Tasyo.What we were doing seemed so simple. But maybe because of the feelings we had for each other, even the simplest things became special. It felt like a special occasion that needed to be celebrated.In the end, Marius and I decided to buy a beautiful handcrafted wooden clock as a gift for Mang Tasyo. Something that could reflect all the happy and timeless events in the old man's life. And while we were wrapping it at the mall's gift wrapping section, I couldn't deny the overwhelming satisfaction and excitement I felt for later.As we left the mall, the sky quickly darkened due to thick clouds, hinting at heavy rain. Our agenda then was to head straight to Mang Tasyo's house since that was our first stop on the
Marius looked puzzled as I grabbed his hand and pulled him to the backseat of the car instead. But since I didn't want to explain, I just kissed him right away. I didn't know what was happening to me in those moments. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that I knew but couldn't explain it? I was just grateful that Marius didn't ask any questions when he looked at me. Instead, this time he leaned in for a passionate kiss.I could feel Marius' desire in those moments. It was as if he wanted to devour my entire being even though he was just kissing me. "Sam, I love you so much," he whispered to me as he undressed me.I only moaned in response to his words, especially when I felt his gentle bite on my earlobe. And just like before, it brought an indescribable pleasure and sensation that quickly spread throughout my body."Fuck!" I exclaimed as I felt Marius' fingers between my thighs. Not content with just that, he gently parted my legs. He began to pleasure me with his fingers as if exp
Along with my movements, a symphony of mixed groans and sighs escaped my lips, each sound seemingly driven by its own will. My eyes were closed, lost in the sheer ecstasy of every moment, every caress of Marius' warm hands gliding over my skin, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through my body.Every subtle shift, every deliberate movement I made, was met with Marius’ intoxicating sounds of pleasure. His lips, always so eager and attentive, traced a path of tender kisses across my body, igniting fires wherever they touched. It felt like his mouth had its language, one of adoration and unrestrained passion, painting invisible patterns on my flesh.It didn't take long for Marius to begin mirroring my rhythm, responding to my every move with equal fervor. The connection between us intensified, the level of desire within me skyrocketing. Each deep, deliberate thrust he made was accompanied by a moan that resonated like a symphony in my ears, a melody of raw, unfiltered passion. His han
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