"Her urinalysis shows she has a urinary tract infection," the doctor explained after she flipped the pages of the chart. “And that explains her chills and fever.”
“Is stress the cause of the infection?” I asked, having nothing else in mind to blame for her illness.
The doctor looked at me and smiled, and her eyes fell on my abdomen afterward. I wondered if an obstetrician can tell if a woman is pregnant or not by just looking at you, but that gaze she threw at my lower abdomen suggested that she thought I was one. However, she didn’t say anything about it but answered my question instead.
“Pregnant women are at increased risk for UTIs because of the changes in the urinary tract. Since the uterus sits directly on top of the bladder, its increased weight over time can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, trapping bacteria inside it. And that causes the infection.”
I nodded and smiled, subconsciously ru
“I know my husband more than anyone else. So don’t fret me with your lies.” I raised my brows and smirked, ignoring Maezy afterward.“I hope you won’t come begging at me in the future for some evidence,” she replied, giving me a leering look. She then slammed the door shut, and I felt my eardrums bursting afterward.Worse than the stressful incidents I had been through, this revelation about Zed bothered me more. I could never accept that the kindness and thoughtfulness of Zed had some darkness behind it. It hurt me even deeper to know that his major flaw was not only his sexual incapabilities for having Erectile Dysfunction Syndrome, but also for being the mastermind of my emotional turmoil.I hurried to leave Ara's house and went directly to the hospital to bring some things she might need. But because she was asleep when I arrived, I did not disturb her anymore. I just touched her forehead, and seeing that she’s
“Not here, please,” I told him, but he didn’t listen. And because of thick soap lather all over my body, his moves sent erotic waves to my skin, making me yield to his intention.I closed my hands, feeling his fingers moving downward until they traced over my folds. Then, while one of his hands moved up again to tease my left peak, his other hand also worked on treasure below.Soon, I was already gasping and biting my lips, trying to hold back myself from moaning. I just felt that even a short yelp that escaped from my mouth would be loud enough to reach Zed’s ears. But after a few seconds of leaving Kim exploring and burrowing into my depthswith his tongue, I couldn’t help myself anymore. I moaned as loudly as I could until I felt him squeezing my nectar out of me.“I’m already free, Jakara,” Kim told me after we ended in bed the fight we had under the shower.I didn’t reply because the se
I felt my heart holding back some beats as I stared at our undies. My legs went limp, and drops of sweat started trickling from my temples. I then understood why Zed reacted that way. His manager saw me with Kim, and together with our undies as evidence, it was enough for him to conclude that I had sex with Kim.“Do you want another round? Don’t you get exhausted doing it many times a day? These questions were then playing like broken records in my mind.I took a long time in the bathroom, thinking of a way out. It wasn't the right time yet to tell him the truth. And as of the moment, I never planned on leaving Zed. I could never afford to hurt him whose kindness was beyond any woman’s expectation. I just hope that Maezy’s accusation, Zed’s investigation result, and my dreams that pointed to him as the culprit were all speculations.Zed remained lying in bed with his arms clasped behind his head. I knew he was still a
I was sure I couldn't face Zed once he'd be back in the room announcing what he had found out. So, I hurried to go out and made Ara my excuse for leaving ahead. Then, I left him a message and told him to get the card from the reception area.And not long after I went inside Ara's room, someone knocked at the door. I jolted from my seat, thinking it was Zed. But my eyes flew wide when I opened the door and saw Tim and Maezy."I want to see her," Tim said, avoiding my eyes.I wanted to send them away, but I got frightened at Maezy's gaze. So, I opened the door wide and let them in."Why are you here?" Ara asked, her voice contemptuous."Of course, to see you. How are you feeling now?" Tim replied, looking at him worriedly.Ara scoffed and said, "I'm not going to die yet. But don't worry, I'm not holding you back."Silence fell until Maezy broke it. "I'm sorry, Ar, but we fell in love out of the blue. And we are already planning to live
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
“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
“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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
“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
“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
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