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SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 16
"Congratulations!" I tell Ella as I stand beside her at the sink. My wish to be alone for some moments got denied when she followed me to the bathroom. She smiles, but her brows raise as she looks at me. "On having a baby." She throws me a quick and confused stare. My brows also pull together, wondering what is in her mind. "Oh, that. Thank you. I thought you meant Zed and me,” she says, tilting her head into a radiant smile. She speaks with such elegance and gracefulness that I feel inferior to her. Oh, heavens! She's confirming it. They're pregnant! “That one also. I was worrying for him back then. I was kind of guilty,” I pause, trying to find the right words. I'm sure Zed has confessed everything about us. “But some things just happened beyond our control. So, seeing that he’s happy now makes me breathe freely again.” “We all fail in life,” she says, holding my gaze; her interlaced hands suspend under the faucet, “but what’s more important is we move on.” “Right,” I smile,
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 18 Zed
Zed's POV "Jamella," I mumble as I type on the G****e search box the name of the restaurant Ella and Kim talked about during the meeting. Photos of both the exterior and interior views of Jamella then appear on my screen. I gasp in surprise. What greets my eyes aren't simple views of a common restaurant but the mighty elegance and luxury of a five-star establishment. "Wow!" I turn to Ella, who sits by my side inside the car. "What?" she asks, holding my questioning gaze. If she's amused at my surprised look, her expression doesn't show. "You own this?" I ask, showing her the photos of my phone. She nods but sighs afterward. "My father, but he left them to me when he passed away." A glint of sadness flickers in her eyes for a mere moment. I get curious, so I hold her gaze. "Sorry to hear that." She chuckles, "It's alright. It's been years ago. I'm long past the mourning stage." "How's your
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 19
I watch Ella until she disappears from my sight. The hotel's lobby still looks lively despite the wee hours of the night. And the soft golden light streaming from the inside allows a clearer silhouette of her retreating back, even as she enters the elevator. People are coming in and out of the entrance; some are in groups, some in pairs. Along the stretch of the glass wall, I can see the rows of couches -- all filled with people hanging out. Perhaps, some are catching up over late-night coffee, some just dating. Everyone else looks happy, except Ella and me. I slowly maneuver out of the parking lot, a pang of pain and loneliness enveloping me. This is my choice; I have no one to blame. Not even Yen who is the sole cause of my miseries. Nothing seems good enough to swerve me out of my conviction until this time. And perhaps, the only person who could free me out from the safe haven of my solitude is yet to be born. I raise my left arm and look at my watch. It's already past one in
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 Chapter 20
I walk toward the receptionist's area, a sense of self-mockery poking my conscience. I spit out the words of kind rejection several times to Ella, only to find myself swallowing my own puke. I told her I didn't want any woman in my life, embarrassing her even. But now I am here, walking into the last place I'd ever set my feet into. However, I need to do this – Yen prompting me into this. Last night at the hotel, I remember myself fuming in embarrassment deep inside. That eccentric Dennis unconsciously exposed me through his tactlessness. His words still reverberate in my mind even as my eyes were on the receptionist. "From now on, you'll keep coming here to see your inspiration," his teasing voice now taunts me again, playing like a broken tape. Damn that latte art, Dennis is right! "Good morning, sir! May I help you?" says the receptionist, interrupting my thoughts. "Please tell Miss Ella Sahara that someone wants to talk to her." "Your name please, sir?" "Zedrick Ramos." I wa
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 21 Ella
Ella's POV My sense of envy overwhelmed me when I saw how Zed cared for Yen. I want to be loved freely like her and by a man who can freely be with me. Yet, it seems I am destined to be involved with a complicated man from a complicated world. That even our dates should be discreet as if I am the worst criminal in the world. And now, James is in jail. He may have set me free, but his request binds me to him. I may not like to live a troublesome life – my father even made sure of that– but I can’t turn my back on him. He loves me, and does great things for me and my dad. Chances give me a huge favor. I met Mr. Kim Mori and his wife without any effort. Then, here comes his offer to collaborate with him, providing me the chance to invade his territory. According to James, Mr. Kim Mori doesn’t have a group of genius computer engineers or software designers. However, he has Dennis – the brain of all their flagship products. And my first task is to get to know him and win him over. If th
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 22
I send Zed a message when Yen and I are about to conclude. I can't believe it; their offer is too generous. But that is because they're doing it for Zed. So there must be reasons why they have to give back, although indirectly.A gentle knock at the door makes us turn our heads. It then opens, revealing a fresh and gorgeous Zed smiling at us."Good noon, dear," his gaze freezes for a moment, but then he blinks and smiles, "I mean Yen. I'm sorry."Yen just chuckles and waves a hand, telling him it's alright. "We had been together for quite a long time, Zed, so I understand it isn't easy to change things. I don't mind, but I hope Miss Ella does the same."Yen looks at me calmly, a smile plastered on her beautiful face."Of course, I don't. I even appreciate how both of you master the art of sportsmanship," I say, giving her back a polite smile."It's because the friendship was great before we became a couple."Suddenly, I get lost
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 23
He was the man who was with Mr. Kim Mori a few minutes ago. I'm so surprised that we have picked the same place for lunch. However, he's unfriendly, so I look away when our eyes meet.Zed's attention is still on the attendant who has mistakenly included a latte art in his coffee. Why he reacted that way was beyond me. So, I just observe him silently."Who's the boss you mean?""Mr. D," the attendant replies, his eyes flickering nervously. "Sir, I'll give you another cup."Zed sighs and waves a hand, "No. It's fine."What's wrong with him? He's angry a while ago but says he's fine with it. And what's with the latte art?I pull the cup closer to me to know what bothers Zed. He doesn't react, so I go ahead, peering into the cup. A white microfoam pattern of a beautiful woman floats on a surface. I gasp in awe. She's so beautiful!I pick up my phone and take a picture of the art. "This is so awesome, Zed! We also put in latte art
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 24 Zed
Zed's POV Seeing how broken Ella is promptsme to break my rules the second time. She has no one to lean on, and so I am. I don't have a numb heart that I can't feel her loneliness; I just don't want to gethurt again. And I refuse to go through the hard process of healing and moving on again. "I'll take you home," I said after watching her empty her stomach. I can't forgive myself if she dies from dehydration just because she has no one to call upon. Hyperemesis gravidarum can have severe complications – that's what I've learned when Yen underwent that stage. "But-" Ella starts to protest, but I know what is in her mind. "But in every rule, there is always an exemption. We can be friends, can't we?" "I will be staying in your house?" "Of course, but in a separate room." "Of course," she laughs. I lead Ella back to our seat once her vomiting urges stop. Seeing that
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SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 87 The Epilogue
Zed's POV I stare at the charcoal portraits of two little kids. One painting shows them holding hands, another shows them eating together, and another shows them chasing happily. Those portraits depict my longing to be with the brother I had never met. I don't realize that my tears are already brimming as I recall those days. Those days when I sent those paintings to the orphanage together with my father's monthly allocation for him. I wonder if dad had noticed that I also painted a portrait every month and made sure I finished them before it was time to send them to him. "You keep them," I say, lifting my teary eyes to Dennis. Dennis rolls his eyes. "You made me so poor back then. All the money that daddy sent went to the expensive frames I bought for those portraits." Ella laughs but tears pool at the corners of her beautiful eyes. She looks so divine in her bridal gown; her angelic face matches the glitters of those thousands of diamonds that Den adorned on her wedding dress.
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 86 Special Episode 9 ( Ara's POV)
My brows furrow as I look at the woman whose voice rings loud and clear inside the room. She looks like she is in her mid-fifties, but a strong and domineering aura emanates from her. Her presence speaks of authority, and the lift of her chin and fiery gaze is enough to tell she holds a high position that even James bows down in respect. “My queen! Why are you here?” exclaims James, his previous arrogant look melts down against the power and authority of this woman. “Put down your weapons!” she orders, moving her eyes around. The three burly men instantly bend down and put their guns on the floor. I look at James and also find him conceding. He raises his hands in a gesture of surrender, then bows down, placing his gun on the floor. “Surrender all the weapons, not only those in your hands!” My eyes grow wide at her command, and my gaze darts toward the men pulling the pistols and knives hidden inside their jackets. I also watch James disengage an oliv
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 85 Special Episode 8 : (Ara's POV)
"Very well," James raises his hands and claps slowly but loudly. He stands at the doorway, slowly pacing towards us. Following behind him are three burly-looking men who quickly spread apart, covering the room's corners. However, his claps are not to applaud but to mock. James is devilishly a handsome man in his mid-thirties but doesn't have the aura of domineering and stunning CEOs. He has gold piercings on his ears, messy bangs that he keeps pushing to the side, and tattoos painting his entire arms. He stands tall in a pair of signature rubber shoes and bleached denim jeans, coupled with a button-up shirt that lays open down to the center of his chest. His figure better fits the definition of a mobster. James looks at Zed and says, "I always know you would come to play the role of a knight in shining armor, saving a damsel in distress." I glance at Zed, now sitting beside Ella and holding her hand. He looks back at James, his eyes keen and watchful.
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 84 Special Episode 7 : (Ara's POV)
I feel my fear sucking the air out of me. If I have to see myself in the mirror, I must already be as pale as death’s shade. Zed glances at me worriedly, but his expression is worse than mine. I know very well that he’s not scared for himself but us. Every minute that ticks by feels like taking away some years from my life.“Where are we now?” Mitch asks, her eyes moving around fast. She’s as scared as me!“We’re going uphill,” says Zed. He looks now at Ella, who is now fast asleep due to the sedative that Mitch administered to her. Because of my fear, I didn’t even notice before that an intravenous solution was dripping above her.“Will the baby be alright?” He’s sleeping soundly on the stroller beside the stretcher. I can’t help noticing how Ella has prepared for this.“She must be. I have been able to prepare her needs ahead.”The ambulance then skids to a turn. Mitch and I hurriedly peer through the slits of the curtains and see that we’re entering a wide gate. Zed also peeks out,
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 83 Special Episode 6 : (Ara's POV)
"What are we going to do now?" I whisper, but my eyes dart wide in fear. Mitch and Ella also look back at me with freezing gazes, massive glints of fear and shock ruling their expressions. "Where are we heading?" Ella asks, her gaze shifting among the three of us. "I'll call a backup." Zed pulls out his phone from his back pocket without wasting a second. "Sir, we screwed up. When we reached the clinic, Ella was already in an ambulance. But an enemy has taken the driver's place." "Whose ambulance?" "From the hospital where her OB-Gyne is affiliated." "Where's Monster?" "At the clinic. But the key is with me." I realize that the monster they are talking about is the car we used in coming to the clinic. But, perhaps, it got that name because it is heavily tinted and bullet-proofed, aside from the ammunition loaded inside. "No worries. I have spare keys." "You're following?" Zed asks. "Yes."
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 82 Special Episode 5 (Ara's POV)
Zed moves straight ahead instead of turning to the left as initially planned. So I start presuming that Zed has changed his mind about picking up Ella himself. But then he turns right, and soon, we enter a black gate. “What are we doing here?” I ask Zed. Seeing him unfastening his seatbelt, I also do mine. “Hurry, Ar. We need to change the vehicle, a bullet-proof one.” “Who is living here?” “One of my teams.” Zed jumps down from the car and runs towards my side to open the door for me. But before he reaches me, I have already stepped one foot out. “Ara, just stay here. You will be safe here. This area is heavily guarded, and the security is high. I will pick you up once everything is over. But in case I can’t, my team knows what to do with you,” Zed speaks in utmost tenderness. His face even paints his gratefulness and worry for me. But I don’t like him saying goodbye. I may not be of any help to him, but I want to accompany him until
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 81 Special Episode 4: (Ara's POV)
"Ara, close your eyes and tighten your seatbelt!" I scream even before I see Zed's next move. He then looks over his right shoulder, places his right hand on the top of the steering wheel, then eases off his foot abruptly from the brake pedal. I scream again as the car reverses andaccelerates backward, missing the car that speeds next to us narrowly. "Slow down, Zed! I'm not ready to die yet!" I shout from the top of my lungs as our car is about to collide with another vehicle. And the torture doesn't end. Cars after cars come closer by a thread's width, but luckily, Zed swerves away just in time! Damn, Kim! I wouldn't be in death's mouth if it were not because of him! Is he siding now with James? "Scream as loud as you can, Ar! It eases your fear. Haven't I told you? Kim's kindness is just a show-off?" Zed yell in my left ear, jolting me off from my seat. "My goodness, Zedrick! I don't expect this side of you. How can you fly a
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 80 Special Episode 3 : (Ara's POV)
"You're seeking more trouble, Zed. Do you think James will give you peace?" I am already shaking in anger. Zed is just too stubborn. Just where does this man get his courage from? If he relies on his previous investigation team, I don't believe they're more powerful than the assassin's group. They have been delving into James' case for several years already. They would have solved the case long ago if they were that good. "Let him do what he wants." Zed doesn't look like he is kidding. His eyes are on the road, but his sharp gaze reflects his determination. Silence envelopes inside the car, giving me more time to look left and right, scared that a convoy of vehicles will suddenly overtake and block our way. I am fond of watching suspense movies, and finally, I have become the leading character in my life's drama. My phone suddenly vibrates, and I immediately presume it comes from a bomb planted under my seat. I scream, and Zed s
SINFUL INDULGENCE 3 79 Special Episode 2: (Ara's POV)
“Made from finest silk fabrics, this gown is embellished with 1000 diamonds. But this is not the most expensive wedding gown. Kate Middleton’s sparkling wedding tiara alone had 1000 diamonds.” Zed’s face pulls into a stern frown. “Are you meeting me just to show that off? Damn you, Dennis! I admit I can never afford a lavish bridal gown as you do, but believe me, the beauty of the wedding lies not in the expensive gown a bride wears, but the weight of the affection she carries in her heart.” I raise my head this time and peer at these men squarely. I may not have met Dennis yet, the one they call Mr. D, but I heard many things about him from Yen. She even calls him eccentric. And judging from what I am seeing now, he looks far more bizarre than how Yen describes him. How can a man in his right mind calls an ex-fiancé just to show off? “I’m seeing you because I want to ask for your suggestion.” Mr. D shrugs like he doesn’t care about Zed’s reaction. I
