"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
As 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, w
“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
"W-What? Me as your wife?" Isla stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, still in disbelief after hearing Vincent's words. Her heart raced in her chest, as if her entire body couldn’t process what he had just said. It felt surreal, like the world had paused, and for a moment, she wondered if she was dreaming. His words lingered in the air, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change. Her thoughts were a tangled mess, and she instinctively tried to break free from Vincent’s tight embrace. But his hold on her remained gentle, yet firm, like he was trying to reassure her.She couldn’t tear her gaze away from his eyes, feeling as if they held all the answers she didn’t even know she needed. The intensity in his stare seemed to pierce right through her, and her mind raced for something, anything, to say. But her words failed her. How could she respond to something so unexpected, so overwhelming? She wanted to ask more, to understand why he had said what he
FIRST ROSE"HELLO, Miss Beautiful!" Vincent called out when he found Isla in the kitchen, busy washing dishes."Hi, Sir Vince," Isla replied, her voice soft as she acknowledged him.At that moment, Vincent moved closer, grabbing a glass and filling it with cold water from the refrigerator.“Valentine's Day is coming up. Do you have a date yet?” he asked, his gaze lingering on Isla’s beautiful face.Isla glanced at him shyly before offering a small smile. “No, I don’t. I’m not really thinking about those things right now. I don’t have time for dates,” she explained.Vincent raised his thick eyebrows in surprise. “Really? So, does that mean no one gives you gifts on Valentine’s Day?”“Some people do, but I don’t accept them. I’m afraid my dad might see, and if that happens, I’ll definitely get scolded,” Isla said, explaining with a faint smile.Vincent nodded thoughtfully. “Just out of curiosity, what kind of gift would you not be able to resist?”Isla stared at him in disbelief after h
AFTER TWO YEARSWith a warm smile, Vincent watched his wife, Isla, as he carried their two-year-old daughter in his arms. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the clearing, its light filtering through the rustling leaves of the towering acacia tree. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh earth and wildflowers, blending perfectly with the mouthwatering aroma of the food Isla was preparing. There was a sense of peace in the air, a quiet kind of happiness that made Vincent feel as if time had slowed down, allowing him to savor every precious moment with his family.At that moment, Isla was completely immersed in her task, her delicate hands moving with practiced ease as she prepared their meal. The sound of chopping vegetables and the soft clatter of dishes mixed with the distant laughter of birds perched in the branches above. She wore a contented smile, the same smile that never failed to make Vincent’s heart swell with love. Every now and then, she would glance over at him an
TWO MONTHS LATERIt was perhaps the happiest day of Isla’s life. As she took her first step down the long aisle of the grand church, a wave of emotions washed over her—excitement, nervousness, and most of all, deep happiness. The sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful reflections on the polished marble floor. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the soft melody of the wedding march. Isla clutched her bouquet tightly, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her chest. She had dreamt of this day countless times, but now that it was real, it was even more magical than she had ever imagined.Beside her, Artemio walked proudly, his steps steady and reassuring. When Isla glanced up at him, he met her gaze with a warm smile, his eyes filled with fatherly affection. She could sense his silent support, the unspoken words of encouragement in his expression. Aida, standing close behind, reached out and gave her a gentle tap on the shoulder—ju
His words were simple, but they carried so much weight, as though he were talking about more than just the ring—it was about their relationship, their journey together. The fit was more than physical; it was a reflection of how they had always belonged to each other, even when they were apart. Vincent’s smile deepened as he squeezed her hand gently, the moment between them feeling like a quiet promise, a reaffirmation of the love they had shared and would continue to share for the rest of their lives."Yes, my fingers haven’t changed. It has always been a perfect fit," Isla replied with a light laugh, amused by Vincent's fascination with the ring.She looked down at the two rings on her finger, the wedding band and the eternity ring, both symbols of the love and commitment they had shared through the years. The fact that they fit together so perfectly felt like a sign, reinforcing the notion that they were meant to be together. But Vincent’s intense gaze still lingered on her hand, ma
Isla’s heart tightened as she listened to Vincent’s heartfelt apology. She had never fully understood the depth of his pain until now. She knew he had suffered, but hearing him speak so openly about it made her feel a deep sense of empathy for him. The regret she had once carried about their separation began to lift, replaced by an overwhelming sense of understanding. She could see now how much his love for her had hurt him, how he had been torn apart by the loss, just as she had. In his vulnerability, she saw the man who had always loved her, even through the darkest times, and it made her heart ache for him even more.Vincent’s voice broke slightly as he continued, his eyes filled with raw emotion. "Forgive me for not looking for you. Forgive me for not being there when you needed me most. I'm sorry for judging you." The pain in his words was palpable, and Isla could feel every ounce of regret that flowed from him. "But the pain I felt when I came home and found you gone—it was unbe
Randy’s return to the Philippines was met with a mixture of emotions. He had spent a few days in America to handle some pressing matters, but his thoughts were never far from Isla and their situation. As soon as he landed, he made his way to the mansion, where he now lived with his family. The house had become a place of new beginnings for him, but a part of him still carried the weight of the past. He couldn’t help but feel the sting of regret as he thought about the pain Isla and Vincent had endured. In a quiet moment, he muttered to himself, "If you had just said it earlier, you both wouldn’t have gotten hurt," realizing that his silence had caused so much unnecessary suffering.Every day since his return, Randy and Isla had commuted to work together. Their routine was simple, almost like a quiet partnership, but there was an unspoken tension between them. They both knew things couldn’t be the same anymore, but the comfort of familiar company made the journey bearable. Randy kept
A week later, Isla found herself caught up in the whirlwind of their busy routine once again. She had just come from the washroom when a familiar sight caught her eye—on her desk, there was a beautiful bouquet of red flowers, its vibrant petals standing out against the plain backdrop of her office. Her heart skipped a beat as she hurried over to it. She picked up the card, eager to see who the flowers were from. When she read the message, a warm smile spread across her face. It was from Vincent, and just reading his sweet words made her heart swell with affection. The fact that he had taken the time to send her flowers, even though he was so close in his office, made the gesture all the more special to her.As she stood there, still holding the card and savoring the moment, she heard Vincent’s familiar voice. “Did you like it?” he asked, his tone warm and teasing. Isla looked up, and there he was, standing at the door of his office, watching her with a gentle smile on his face. His e
Two days after her conversation with Ruby, Isla was caught completely off guard when her father, Artemio, and her aunt, Aida, unexpectedly arrived at the mansion. The moment she laid eyes on them, a surge of emotions washed over her—relief, joy, and an overwhelming sense of homecoming. Tears welled up in her eyes as she rushed to embrace them, her heart pounding with happiness. She had missed them dearly, and seeing them standing before her made her feel as if a missing piece of her life had finally been restored. Vincent, ever attuned to her feelings, wrapped his arms around her in a comforting embrace, as if to shield her from being overwhelmed by her own emotions. But it was when her father, Manuel, spoke that she truly lost her composure—his voice filled with warmth and finality as he declared that she and Vincent would be moving back into the mansion. The words echoed in her mind, making everything feel even more real, as though the wounds of the past were finally being healed b
The sun was already high in the sky when Isla slowly stirred awake the next morning. Her body felt heavier than usual, as though the weight of the previous night’s intimacy had lingered with her. She lay there for a moment, eyes still heavy with sleep, before she tried to muster the strength to sit up. A bath was the first thing on her mind, hoping it would wash away the fatigue from her body. But as she stretched and moved, her muscles protested, reminding her of how deeply connected she had been to Vincent just hours earlier.Just as she was about to swing her legs over the side of the bed, the door to their room suddenly creaked open. Vincent appeared in the doorway, carrying a tray of food with a cheerful smile on his face. His presence, as always, brought a sense of warmth to the room. “Good morning! Breakfast in bed?” he greeted, his voice bright and inviting. He carefully placed the tray on her lap, his hands gentle as he adjusted the food. It was a simple gesture, but one fi