THE next day at university, Isla was taken aback when Vincent suddenly appeared at her classroom’s doorway, his tall frame filling the entrance. He approached their English professor, his presence commanding enough to make everyone pause. With a confident, yet calm tone, Vincent asked for permission to excuse Isla from class. The boldness of his gesture left Isla momentarily speechless, her mind racing as she tried to comprehend what was happening. She hadn’t expected this, and the suddenness of it all sent a flutter through her chest. The whole class fell silent, watching the interaction unfold, but Isla was too stunned to do anything more than stare at him.Her classmates, however, weren’t as reserved. Whispers and giggles spread like wildfire the moment the professor gave his approval. Renz, who always found any opportunity to tease Isla, didn’t hold back. “Ooh, look at that! Someone’s getting special treatment!” he shouted across the room, his voice carrying a teasing tone. Isla
"OH, where's your packed lunch?" Vincent asked her, his voice curious as he leaned back against the sturdy trunk of the mango tree. They were sitting in a secluded corner of the university, a peaceful spot surrounded by the lush greenery of the campus. The tree's branches formed a natural canopy above them, casting dappled shadows on the ground and providing shelter from the midday sun. The area was far enough from the busy walkways, with only the occasional student passing by, too preoccupied with their own affairs to notice the two of them. It was Isla's go-to place when she needed a moment to herself, a retreat where she could gather her thoughts without the constant noise and distractions of campus life. This place had become a small sanctuary for her, one that allowed her to recharge in peace.Isla loved the quiet solitude this spot offered. The gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze and the occasional chirp of birds were the only sounds that broke the silence. It was a place wh
Isla’s mind raced as she tried to make sense of Vincent’s words. “W-What—” she stammered, her voice betraying the surprise she felt. She had always known Vincent to be easygoing, playful, and full of witty remarks. But now, as she looked at him, the serious expression etched on his face revealed something much deeper. His usual casual demeanor was replaced by a rare intensity, one that left Isla uncertain of how to respond. She could sense the frustration in his voice as he continued, and it only seemed to deepen the tension between them."I’ve been observing how she treats you since she and your father got together," Vincent said, his tone unwavering and filled with concern. "How hard can it be to cook properly so that you don’t end up bringing salted eggs and sardines to school?" His words were blunt, but there was a quiet anger simmering just beneath the surface. Isla could feel the heat of his frustration, and it made her heart tighten. Vincent’s gaze was fixed on the road, his
Vincent invited Isla to dinner at a charming grill house after their shopping trip. It was a thoughtful gesture, especially since he had just bought her a new pair of shoes after they attended mass together. The idea of treating her to dinner after such a busy day felt natural to him, though Isla understood that it wasn’t just the shoes or the mass that motivated him. She knew Vincent had a reason behind every small action, and this dinner was part of the day’s rhythm. It was already late, and as much as she’d initially thought he was simply being considerate, Isla realized that he might have just been hungry after their eventful day. She couldn't help but feel amused by the way Vincent carried himself. There was a playful energy around him that always seemed to make her smile, even if his words or actions were subtle. The dinner conversation had been light, filled with laughter and pleasant exchanges, and now, with their meal coming to a close, Isla found herself reflecting on how
Isla shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, as if the topic didn’t weigh heavily on her. “We’re close, like really close,” she replied, trying to maintain her composure. She hoped her casual tone would downplay the significance of her words, but her friends' sharp gazes told her they weren’t buying it. April’s curiosity practically radiated from her, and even Renz, who was usually the more reserved one, leaned in slightly as if bracing for a revelation. Isla knew they wouldn’t let this slide easily, and the thought of explaining herself made her stomach twist in knots.“Sorry, but I don’t believe you,” April quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischievous curiosity. “I’m sure sooner or later, you’ll spill the truth, right?” she teased, her grin growing wider. The air between them felt charged with unspoken excitement as if April could sense there was something juicy waiting to be uncovered. Isla’s hesitation only fueled her friend’s enthusiasm, and she clasped her hands together in mo
planned, the three of them ate lunch together at the school canteen. The bustling sound of students talking and eating filled the air, making it difficult to focus on anything else. Isla walked slightly ahead of Renz and April, scanning the tables for a spot when her eyes suddenly landed on a familiar face. Her heart skipped a beat, and her steps faltered for a moment.It was Vincent. He sat at a table surrounded by his friends, laughing at something someone had just said. Isla froze on the spot, her breath hitching as she realized this was the first time she had seen him since the previous night. After all that had happened—his unexpected kiss, the feelings it stirred in her, and the questions left unanswered—she didn’t think she’d run into him so soon, let alone here. The mere sight of him, so casual yet undeniably magnetic, sent her heart racing.She glanced at her friends, who were now watching her with curious eyes. Renz raised an eyebrow as if to ask if she was okay, whil
“Where are we going?” Isla asked Vincent that evening, her curiosity piqued after their last class. She had been expecting a straightforward answer, but instead, Vincent flashed a charming smile that seemed to hold a hint of mystery. “To a place where there will be no room for fear because it’s just you and me,” he replied cryptically, his eyes twinkling with an expression she couldn't quite read. Before she could ask him to elaborate, he started the engine of the car, the soft rumble of the motor filling the space between them.Isla felt a rush of uncertainty in her chest as the words hung in the air. She glanced at Vincent, trying to understand what he meant, but his face remained calm and serene, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. She wondered if she should press him for more information or if she should just let it go. But the more she thought about it, the more her mind raced, filling with questions and possibilities. What kind of place was Vincent talking
Her gaze flickered nervously between Vincent’s strikingly handsome face and their intertwined hands. His features were calm, yet there was a trace of curiosity in his expression, as though he was silently gauging her response. She could see the strength in his jawline and the softness in his eyes, a perfect blend that made her heart flutter uncontrollably. She wanted to look away, to hide the confusion and nervousness she was sure were reflected in her own eyes, but her gaze kept being drawn back to him and the undeniable connection that seemed to radiate from his simple touch.“What? Is there a problem?” Vincent’s voice broke through the silence, smooth and tinged with amusement. The corners of his lips curled into a slight smile, and Isla wondered if he knew just how much of an effect he had on her. His tone wasn’t mocking but instead carried a genuine concern, and she couldn’t tell if that made her feel more at ease or more nervous. Her lips parted to answer, but for a moment, no
Isla nodded and smiled, a soft, loving expression on her face as she leaned down to kiss Matthew on the cheek. The gesture was both comforting and reassuring, a sign of her unwavering love for him. Despite the challenges they faced, she cherished these moments with him, knowing that her role as a mother was more important than anything else. As she pulled away, her heart swelled with a sense of purpose. She would do whatever it took to make sure Matthew felt better, even if it meant setting aside her own dreams and aspirations for the time being. In his eyes, she saw not just a sick child, but the very reason she kept pushing forward, no matter the obstacles in her way.“Okay, I’ll buy it, but don’t take the towel off your forehead so your fever will go away,” Isla reminded Matthew gently, her voice filled with the concern only a mother could have. She wanted to make sure everything was in place for him to feel better. His fever had been a source of worry for her all day, but she w
“I’ll take care of Matthew, you get ready for your interview,” Selya said the next morning, her voice calm and reassuring. Isla nodded, though her mind was far from the interview Selya was referring to. The job interview for the position of secretary to her new boss was an important opportunity, yet all Isla could think about was her son, Matthew, who had been running a fever for the past couple of days. Selya’s offer to help was a small relief, but Isla couldn’t ignore the knot of worry tightening in her chest as she glanced at Matthew, still resting in his bed. The prospect of leaving him with someone else, even if it was Selya, made her uneasy. She wanted to be there, to care for him, but she knew she had to move forward and take this chance for a better future.Isla shook her head, trying to focus on the task at hand. She couldn’t afford to let herself be distracted by the worry eating away at her. Gently, she reached for the wash towel resting on the edge of the basin filled
PRESENT-DAY... “Two months after that, we were in Cavite. I found out I was pregnant. I thought about telling my father about it, but I was scared, so instead, I tried to get him to tell me the truth. Why did we have to leave the Del Carmen mansion so suddenly?” Isla smiled bitterly. “That was when I found out that Vincent’s mother had paid my father one million pesos. I understood my father, to be honest, I wasn’t angry with him. But because I was hurt, I thought it might be better if I took care of and supported my child on my own,” Isla’s voice broke after that.She saw Cherry open her mouth to speak but then stop, unable to continue whatever she was about to say. Isla proceeded. “I left our house without telling anyone. I didn’t even tell them I was pregnant. You know, I was only eighteen back then. I felt like no one understood me. What I knew was that Vincent loved me so much because that’s how he made me feel. But what I couldn’t understand was why he never looked for me?”“
“Ma’am Ruby, Aida told me that you wanted to see me?” That was Artemio’s opening question to Ruby as he entered the library of the mansion.“Take a seat,” Ruby replied, motioning to the chair in front of her desk. “I won’t beat around the bush because I have more important matters to attend to,” she said as she handed Artemio a check. “One million. Just let me know if that’s not enough,” she added.Artemio’s eyes widened as he shifted his gaze between Ruby and the check now lying on the desk.“W-What do you mean by this, Ma’am Ruby?”After regaining his composure, the old family servant finally asked.“I want you to keep your daughter away from my son. She’s not good enough for Vincent!” Ruby said in a formal tone, then stared at the man standing before her.Ruby saw the confusion spread across Artemio’s face.“What do you mean by that?”She laughed at his question.“Don’t tell me you don’t know what’s going on between Vincent and your daughter? Well, what should I expect? Wh
Isla woke up in the early hours of the morning, the soft rays of the sun barely breaking through the curtains. She felt the warmth of Vincent’s body surrounding her as she slowly opened her eyes. For a moment, she just lay there, taking in the quiet serenity of the morning. The soft rise and fall of his chest with each breath, the peaceful look on his face, all of it brought a deep sense of comfort to her. She could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat, a rhythm that had become so familiar to her over the past few weeks. It was as if, in this moment, time had slowed down, and all the chaos of the world faded away. There was only the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of the love they had built together.She smiled softly, her heart swelling with affection as her eyes traced the outline of his face. Even in sleep, Vincent’s features held a quiet strength. His jaw was slightly relaxed, his dark hair tousled in a way that made him look even more charming. Isla couldn’t help but admi
A wave of shyness washed over Isla when her bare form was finally revealed to him. Her cheeks flushed, and she instinctively tried to cover herself, but Vincent gently stopped her, his warm smile and adoring gaze erasing her insecurities. “You’re perfect,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe and sincerity. Slowly, her unease melted away, replaced by the overwhelming comfort of being loved and accepted so completely. As his hands and lips explored her body with reverence, Isla let herself be vulnerable, trusting him in a way she never thought possible.“V-Vince,” she breathed, her voice trembling as his kisses traveled lower, leaving a trail of warmth and desire in their wake. Her body responded to his every movement, each touch igniting a fire within her that she couldn’t contain. When his lips reached her stomach and lingered between her thighs, Isla felt as though she might shatter from the intensity of it all. She was lost in the moment, her senses overwhelmed by the ple
“V-Vince,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she attempted to pull away from him. But Vincent wasn’t having it. Without a word, he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her with an urgency that made her heart skip a beat. She could feel the heat of his body pressed against hers, and for a moment, the world outside of this room didn’t exist. It was just the two of them, tangled in a delicate dance of longing and restraint. Despite her attempts to pull back, she found herself sinking further into the sensation, unable to resist the magnetic pull of his embrace.Isla’s mind was spinning as she fought to maintain her composure amidst the overwhelming sensations Vincent’s heated kisses were creating. The electricity between them seemed to grow with every touch, every soft brush of his lips against her skin. When his lips finally reached her cheek, the intensity of the feeling nearly took her breath away. Her heart raced, her chest heaving with shallow breaths, and her tho
VINCENT didn’t wait for the three knocks to echo through the hallway before he swiftly opened the door. His eyes met Isla’s, and the look in them made her heart skip a beat. It was clear he had been expecting her, and the way his gaze softened upon seeing her made Isla smile without thinking. She couldn’t help the rush of warmth that flooded her chest. There was something about his presence that always made her feel welcome and wanted, and tonight, the feeling was stronger than ever.“Come in,” he said, his voice low and warm as he stepped aside to let her in. His gesture was inviting, and as Isla walked past him into the room, she felt a sense of comfort wash over her. The room was dimly lit, with a soft glow from the bedside lamp casting shadows on the walls. There was a peaceful, almost intimate atmosphere, and it made Isla feel both at ease and a little nervous at the same time. She had grown accustomed to their quiet moments together, but this one felt different—more charged
“Finish that quickly, my sweetheart, so you can rest,” Artemio instructed her, possibly fearing she might turn her back on him. He left the mansion and went to the maid’s quarters.“Yes, Papa,” Isla replied to her father.“Psst!”Isla quickly furrowed her brows, a slight frown forming as she looked around the room, trying to locate the source of the sound. Her heart fluttered, the air around her suddenly feeling a little heavier, as if something—someone—was nearby. She scanned the corners of the room, her eyes darting across the space, but she couldn’t find anything. Just as she was about to shrug it off, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in her peripheral vision. A soft laugh escaped Isla's lips when she saw Vincent standing behind her. He was leaning casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he watched her. The sight of him made her heart skip a beat, but there was something about the quiet way he stood there that put her