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2024-10-29 19:42:56"We can have more time during our company outing. It's over the weekend so that you may bring Miss Yen as well," Virgil replied, and thankfully, Zed didn't insist.
Kim and I ate in silence while Zed and Virgil got engrossed in their discussion. From what I heard, Zed would be facilitating a team-building seminar for his company employees. Mr. Virgil wasn't dumb, after all, because the imprudent and dumb man had planned a way to empower his workers by treating them to a three-day getaway at the beach.
When Kim put down his cutleries on his plate, Mr. Virgil shifted his attention to him.
"Kim, can we move our discussion to some time this week? I ran out of time, and I still have to catch up for a board meeting in thirty minutes."
I took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, relieved at the thought that this crazy moment with this man was soon going to end. He must have realized his folly because he only said a few words to us, then left. After he disap
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SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 21
I stepped out of the car as soon as I turned off the engine. Then, heading to the phone stand, I called the guard. A male voice spoke into the line right away."Guard on duty, good evening!""Guard, why do you allow a madwoman into the subdivision?""Madwoman?" There was a short pause before he spoke again. "Do you mean the woman in her sixties, wearing a black skirt and a brown blouse?""Yes!" I replied angrily. I could still remember how frightened I was when she suddenly knocked on my car's door while Kim and I were in the midst of our heated activity."She looks like one, ma'am, but she is harmless. Her daughter says she is suffering from a nervous breakdown. I don't understand why but her daughter allows her to wander in the streets."I pulled my brows together. What kind of a daughter is she to allow her mother to wander on the streets?"May I know who her family is?""Her daughter is Miss Ma
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 22
I wore jogging pants and a racerback top for my morning walk with Ara. Zed also changed into his jogging outfit but went out ahead of me. He knew he had no place whenever I was with Ara. And he's never the jealous type who demanded my attention back to him.Surprisingly, Ara was in a good mood this morning. She was already ready when I stopped by her house. Although wrapped in a sweater, I could still see her slimming structure. She may not tell me, but I could tell she already suspected Tim and Maezy were into a relationship."How's your night?" I asked as soon as we started walking."Lonely. You know what, even if I hate Tim for his many restrictions, I still miss him at night because he never sleeps without cuddling me. That kind of thing makes me feel secured," said Ara. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, but she laughed it out -- breaking my heart.I also didn't want to assure her falsely, so I said, "If Tim indeed cheats on
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 23
Ara and I started walking again, laughing silently at how Manang Zabeth grumbled as she walked away. At that moment, we had forgotten our own worries. We were instead talking about how painful it would be for Maezy when she would start paying for her debts."Vengeance is not ours but the Lord's. That's why I wouldn't give them the joy of seeing me hurting."I didn't expect Ara would be as strong as this. All these times, I was worried about how to break it to her gently. I was afraid that the pain of knowing the truth would affect her pregnancy. But I realized I was wrong."From today and onward, I will no longer shed a tear for him. Enough were those nights that I went sleepless. I couldn't afford to get sick for them," she scoffed."I admire you, Ar. I couldn't believe you have this strength and an open mind."Ara smiled bitterly. "And by the way, I need your help. I want to send all of Tim's things to Maezy's house."My eyes sparkle
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 24
"What?!" I let out a pursed smile. "Yes, Ar. I have forgotten everything that happened to me in Japan, including my marriage with Kim." Ara clutched her heart as she looked at me, her eyes squinting in disbelief. "How did you find it out? Why can't you remember? What happened to you?" "Ar, save your questions later when we have all the time in the world to talk." Ara pinched my waist. "If it were not for Mr. Yuki's invitation, I wouldn't have known." "I'm sorry. I'm still overwhelmed and shocked, that's why I couldn't tell you yet... But please stop asking for now. We're already late for work." Ara rolled her eyes and sighed, disappointed that I had to cut and leave her in a cliffhanger. But I had to go, not because we would be late for work, but because I would be meeting my psychiatrist. Zed had already prepared the table for breakfast when I arrived. He was on his jeans and collared shirt, ready for work at his
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 25
I found myself telling the doctor my entire experience in Japan. I even told her my dilemma about having two husbands: my reluctance to let go of Zed and my emotional attachment to Kim."Based on your previous records and your confession now, I conclude that you're into dissociative amnesia. It is a condition in which a person cannot remember important information about their life.""Dissociative amnesia has been linked to overwhelming stress, which may be caused by traumatic events such as war, abuse, accidents, or disasters. The person may have suffered the trauma or just witnessed it.""It could be localized amnesia where you only forget specific areas of knowledge or part of your experiences. Or generalized where the memory affects the major part of your life or identity.""In your case, there must be an incident that happened after you fled from the site. And since Mr. Mori hasn't found proof of any traumatic experience you might have got
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 26
"Yes. My company is losing. The employees are slowly leaving, and I feel their dissatisfaction over the management. A friend advised me to correct the situation by addressing the internal issues between the management and the workers. After all, a happy and healthy workforce is a good tool towards productivity.""Sorry to hear that. I guess you also have to investigate the cause of their dissatisfaction. Remove those who are toxic to the environment. Training needs time, and if you keep on hiring new ones and train them, you'll indeed end up on the losing side," Zed replied."That's why I need you to help me change the workers' mindset.""I'll try my best. Now, let's discuss the topics you want me to present."I pulled out a deep sigh. My guilt indeed made me paranoid. But what if Mr. Virgil would eventually spill our secret? I had to remind Kim about this. Feeling the need to see him right away, I left after the attendant served my drink.&nbs
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 27
My eyes fell on Zed right away as I stepped out of the lift. He was wearing a three-piece navy blue coat and tie that fitted him perfectly. Paired with brown leather shoes and a striped tie, he looked like someone who had just stepped out from a celebrity journal.For a moment, my eyes glued on him, mesmerized at how handsome he looked. Even if I woke up beside him every day and even knew all about his shortcomings, I still got stunned at his masculine beauty. Zed was incomparable to Kim, but somehow my heart still chose Kim as my object of fantasy. There were so many things about myself that I didn't understand anymore, including my taste and preferences.My husband is such a gorgeous man. I could even see how people stick their eyes on him, especially when he speaks. People would think that I am such a lucky woman for marrying someone as perfect as Zed. Because once Zed Ramos stands before thousands of people, he could always move their hearts. Business enthusiasts l
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 28
On the big screen, I saw a vast auditorium. I wasn't sure where it was; all I knew was that the people there were attending a big event. It must be from a famous company since it was screened online where people from all walks of life could see it. And when I looked closer, I found out that it was from an event launched by Simple & Sturdy, an international company that supplied wellness and therapeutic gadgets and equipment. The man of the ceremony then marched toward the center of the stage and picked up a microphone. He ran his eyes before the crowd, took a deep breath when he refocused at the center, then broke into a smile. "You have already seen how gorgeous our company's silver to diamond rankers are. How they made it to the top is truly inspiring. They are our living testimony that success is indeed doable. It is within our grasp if we set our eyes on the price." "But ladies and gentlemen, we're not over yet. The best is yet to come. He's one gorge
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SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 51
My mom almost fainted when she saw me standing outside the door with Kim. Her eyes were on his arm on my shoulders, and I could tell by her expression that she was gritting her teeth in anger. “Where do we fail in raising you, Yen? Why do you bring another man into the house? Is it because he’s richer? Why? Are you not content with Zed’s income?” I was taught to keep silent every time my parents scolded me, so I just swallowed all her hurting words. “Come inside and let’s hear what your dad hasto say. You put us all into shame.” My knees trembled right away as I imagined dad slapping me in front of Kim. If that would happen,I would surelydie in shame. So, when I heard his footsteps on the stairs, I held Kim’s hand tighter. Kim also raised his arm again and pulled me close to him. Damn it, my mom’s eyes almost fell out from their sockets. “Yen, you’ve finally remembered us. Do you have any idea how many times we went to your h
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 50
I waited until Dr. Vergara came back. Her eyes flew wide as she saw me holding a record of another patient.“Miss Yen, this is not allowed. All records must be confidential,” she explained politely, even though her voice didn’t conceal her being upset with me.“I understand, doc, but he is my husband. So, if you tell me everything, that would save him from my lifetimehatred.”The doctor sighed, but she began telling me a little about Zed.“He’s been with me for a couple of months already. However, I believe that the reason he’s not improving yet is because of the secrets he hides from you. If you want to know more, talk to him.”I hurried out of the doctor’s clinic. And for the first time in 6 months, I stepped into the place that created my best memories with Zed. The grass had grown tall, and dried leaves filled the lawn. But it looked like no one was living here anymore.
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 49
I moved out of Zed’s houseright after I was discharged from the hospital. I even refused to stay at Ara’s house since I didn’t want to live near Zed anymore. I only came to her house when she informed me of her flight to the USA. And that happened after six months.“Yen, you should listen to Zed. I’m not telling you to go back to him, but at least you talk things out.”“I wouldn’t dare anymore.”“How about your marriage annulment?” Ara asked, but I didn’t believe she didn’t know anything.“Only his lawyer came. Zed has decided to make everything smooth for me by not appearing during the hearing. Both of us signed waivers. I refused to have a share in his house, car, and businesses.”“It’s sad, Yen, but I’m after your happiness. I guess you are happier with Kim.”I didn't tell Ara that I also asked Kim for some space and tim
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 48
When Zed slammed the door shut, I went out of the room. But then I felt a cramping sensation in my lower abdomen. I hurried upstairs to rest, ignoring Zed's calls.This was what I was too scared about. That this constant nervousness and tension I went through would eventually bear me down and risk my pregnancy. I forced myself to sleep, hoping that this cramping would be gone when I wake up. But somehow, the symptoms persisted until morning.I took a quick shower, preparing myself to see Dr. Mitch. I also wondered where Zed had gone to, but I shook it off, thinking that Zed wouldn't want to see me after that conversation with Kim.I was already pulling out of the garage when Ara called."Where have you been? Zed had been drinking all night.""Zed? He doesn't drink," I argued, but Ara insisted that he did."He fell asleep here on the porch. He thought you would come here after running away.""Don't wake him up," I said. "Let him sleep
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 47
I hurried away from the hotel, pushing away Kim and Zed, who tried to hold me. I just didn’t want the confrontation happening this way. But who could stop Maezy from getting back at us? Perhaps she thought I was avenging for Ara when Kim barged into her home and brought Tim’s things with him. She must have also thought that I manipulated Mr. Yuki and Kim that all those things that should be hers went to Ara instead. She was already desperate, and nothing could stop her from suspecting me.I went home and sought a place to hide. Yet, Zed had all the keys to open the rooms, even our guest rooms. Of course, I would have wanted to stay at any hotel or resort, but I didn’t have time to prepare anymore. Moreover, I knew that these two wonderful men were already rushing after me. Luckily, I had thought of the stockroom. And I knew Zed would never think I would hide in that messy place.I turned on the lights and locked the door before I looked for a comforta
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 46
Ara, Zed, and I gathered around a table in the finest restaurant in the city. The day had finally come for all of us to have dinner with Maezy and him. And since we arrived earlier than them, I kept stealing glances at the door. At this time, I had already prepared myself for the worst. I was already too exhausted from constant hiding and running. I had always wanted to protect Zed from hurting, but I had not lived in peace for a long time.“Good evening, everyone!” Kim’s voice jolted me off my seat. I had shifted my attention to the baby inside the stroller because the anxiety was killing me already.“Good evening, Mr. Mori.”“Good evening, sir Kim.”“Good evening, Ja -” Kim greeted, looking at me. I froze for a second, but then he said, “I mean, Yen.” He then took a seat across from me, stealing gazes now and then. But, damn it, his presence was then sending pricks down my spine, es
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 45
“Go ahead. Do everything for her,” Zed replied. He saw me coming, so he met me halfway and pulled me to a corner.“Don’t worry. Ara will be alright. She just needs close monitoring.”I pulled out my phone from my bag and called Tim. He didn’t pick up right away, so my anger escalated. I was already shaking -- aggravated by that sore spot in my heart.“Look at what you did. Do you really think this is the best time to drop your bomb on her? Ara is dying, Tim! She’s in the ICU, and the doctors are attending to her right now. If Ara is not going to make it, you will never see your son. And what’s ironic about it? Your son looks exactly like you!”“Ara has given birth already?” Tim confirmed, shaken by the news.“What do you think? Can’t anything happen to her after picking the best time to shatter her heart?”Zed snatched my phone away because my face had
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 44
“Dear, I will go home. I will prepare the baby’s room.”“Zed, you’re just so excited! The baby will stay with Ara for as long as she is here.”“Ara said she wouldn’t look at the baby. So that the pain of having to be away from him would be bearable for her.”Glints of massive shock must have spread on my face because Zed rubbed my back. I couldn’t believe Ara could do that. But perhaps, she had already thought about that and I had to honor her decision. Some people appear tough on the outside, but they are too weak inside. If she couldn't handle more than her stress over Tim's betrayal now, who am I to judge her? Perhaps, all she needed was time.The nurse picked up the baby and held it out for me. And there was the cute bundle, sleeping soundly in his sky blue bonnet and nappies!"I can't wait to hold her, Zed!" I exclaimed, giggling."You have all the time to do that later. Go to
SINFUL INDULGENCE BOOK 2 43
I felt my strength leaving my body as I stared into Kim’s eyes. I slowly dropped myself to the floor, but Kim was quick to pick me up. He brought me back to the office and placed me on the sofa.“What’s your plan now?” Kim asked.“You know what, how I wish I could turn back the time. I would not have chosen to work for you. I’d rather forget a part of my life than hurting someone who doesn’t deserve it.”“Then what about me, Jakara? I had been searching for you for a long time, and this is what I get?”“But Kim, I still don’t remember the feelings I had for you back then, although I feel comfortable with you around. Aside from that, we have hurt people. You hurt Maezy before by your indifference, and now for discarding her like trash.”“I even think I knew why Maezy seduced Tim. It’s because she’s insecure.”“And because she’s a
