It didn’t take long before Vincent kissed her again, his lips pressing softly but firmly against hers. Isla’s heart raced, her thoughts scattered as she felt the heat of his touch. Each kiss seemed to stir something deep within her, pulling her closer into the moment, and yet a part of her remained unsure, lost in the overwhelming emotions of the situation. The intensity of his kiss made everything else fade into the background, and she couldn’t help but surrender to the sensation of his closeness. Every nerve in her body seemed to awaken with his proximity, as if his very presence had the power to electrify her. Her hands trembled slightly, unsure of what to do, but her body leaned into his, betraying her nervousness with her increasing desire. Though she was nervous, a part of her couldn’t deny the craving that stirred inside her—a longing to feel more, to experience the connection that only Vincent could bring. Despite her uncertainty, the pull she felt toward him was undeniable,
As soon as Vincent pulled back from her lips, Isla expected him to move away, to give her a moment to collect herself. But instead, he lowered his head again, trailing kisses down her body until his mouth found its way back to her breast. This time, though, it was the other side, and Isla felt herself shudder again under the warmth of his touch. The sensation was almost too much to bear, yet at the same time, it was exactly what she craved. Each gentle flick of his tongue, each soft caress of his lips, made her feel like she was soaring, her body responding to him in ways she had never imagined. She didn’t care anymore about the world outside the treehouse; all that mattered was this moment with Vincent.Isla’s entire body was alive with the pleasure Vincent was giving her, and she felt herself floating on a cloud, unable to focus on anything but the sensations running through her. Her mind was clouded, consumed by the overwhelming feeling of his mouth on her, the heat of his hands o
If there was anything that changed in Vincent after the incident, it was the fact that Isla could feel more love and respect from him. It was as if he had become more aware of her needs and more considerate of her feelings. This change was something Isla appreciated deeply, and she couldn't help but feel more secure in their relationship. She felt that the bond between them had grown stronger, more intimate, and more real. The way Vincent treated her now, with kindness and understanding, made her feel valued. Every little gesture from him, from the soft look in his eyes to the way he held her hand, made her heart swell with gratitude. For the first time in a while, she felt that the love they shared was genuine, untainted by past mistakes.Despite this newfound warmth, there were moments when Isla felt that Vincent, in his eagerness to express his affection, forgot about the boundaries they had set for themselves. Sometimes, especially in public, he would become so affectionate tha
Isla felt a sudden rush of emotions flood her chest when Vincent mentioned Misa de Gallo. The tradition, which she had grown up with, always held a special place in her heart. Midnight Mass, or Misa de Gallo, was a nine-day series of devotional masses that took place in the Philippines leading up to Christmas Eve. It was a time for reflection, prayer, and connection with one’s faith, and for Isla, it had always been a time to share with loved ones. The thought of experiencing it with Vincent made her feel both excited and sentimental at the same time.Misa de Gallo was not just about the mass itself; it was about the entire experience—the cold December mornings, the peaceful atmosphere of the church, and the sense of anticipation that came with the approach of Christmas. For many Filipinos, it was a time for wishes and prayers, with the belief that completing the nine days of mass would grant the desires of their hearts. It was a beautiful tradition, one that Isla had always been a p
As they had agreed, that evening, Vincent personally sought permission from his father to accompany Isla to the Simbang Gabi. Her father gave his approval, much to Isla’s quiet delight. She was already in her room working on an assignment when her father entered.Isla’s attention remained fixed on her assignment, her pen gliding across the paper in steady strokes, when the sound of the door opening interrupted her thoughts. Glancing up, she saw her father standing there, his familiar, gentle presence momentarily easing the weight of her responsibilities. “Papa, why are you still awake?” she asked, her voice calm but curious. Isla’s attention was momentarily diverted from her phone as she returned to her work, her mind pushing away the thoughts of Vincent and the lingering warmth of their conversation. She settled back into the rhythm of her assignment, her pen moving across the paper, though a quiet anticipation still hung in the air. She wasn’t sure why, but there was something ab
She felt the heat rising in her face, and she quickly busied herself with tidying the counter, hoping to distract herself from the fluttering sensation in her chest. But she couldn’t shake the way his eyes seemed to follow her every move, their dark intensity holding her captive even when she wasn’t looking directly at him. Vincent finished the glass of milk in a few hearty gulps, setting it down on the counter with a contented sigh. “All right,” he said softly, his tone dropping an octave as if the weight of the night had mellowed him. The playful edge in his voice was replaced with something warmer, more tender. He stepped closer, erasing the already small distance between them, and the subtle shift in his expression made Isla’s breath catch. The world seemed to shrink until it was just the two of them in the quiet kitchen, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound filling the space. His eyes lingered on her face, taking in every detail as though committing her features t
Isla had always been the type to plan ahead, but the early morning meeting with Vincent caught her off guard. They had agreed to meet at 3 AM, so she had woken up well before dawn, eager to start her day with a warm cup of coffee. The cold morning air greeted her as she made her way to the kitchen, hoping to settle her nerves before the meeting. As she poured the coffee into her cup, she couldn’t help but smile at the thought of spending time with Vincent again. It had become a quiet routine for them—these early mornings where they could connect before the world fully awoke.As she stirred the coffee, Isla was startled when Vincent entered the kitchen, already dressed and looking effortlessly handsome. It was clear that he had been up for some time, probably as early as her, yet he seemed more composed, more at ease. His eyes twinkled as he looked at her, and she couldn’t help but notice the faint traces of coffee still lingering on his lips. "Too bad I missed the chance today," Vinc
The question had been on her mind ever since Vincent gave up his jacket to keep her warm. It seemed like an unspoken sacrifice, and she couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for it. She cared about him deeply, and the thought of him catching a cold made her want to do more for him. "Aren’t you going to get cold?" she asked, her concern evident in the way she looked at him.Vincent chuckled, the sound light and carefree, and he grinned playfully at her, enjoying the way she worried for him. "What if I get sick?" he teased, tilting his head slightly as his eyes twinkled mischievously. "Would you take care of me?" he asked, his tone playful yet sincere, knowing how much she cared for him. He was used to being the one taking care of things, but the idea of Isla taking care of him in a moment of vulnerability was strangely endearing. It made his heart warm in a way that had nothing to do with the jacket he had given her. He liked that she was always there, always thinking of him, and it
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