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
"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
It was as though her heart, so long closed off, had finally opened wide, and the emotions she had kept hidden were flooding out all at once. And maybe that was exactly why the tears kept flowing—not out of sorrow, but because she was so happy, so deeply touched by the love Vincent had given her, and by the love she had finally allowed herself to accept.Vincent cupped her face with his hands, his fingers gently tracing the soft curve of her cheeks. He leaned in slowly, as though savoring the moment, and kissed her lips with a tenderness that spoke volumes. It was a simple kiss, yet it carried so much weight—a declaration, an acknowledgment of everything that had passed between them. When he pulled away, his gaze never left hers, and his words followed, soft but filled with certainty. "I know, I know how much your love means to me," he said, his voice low and sincere. "And that is one of the many reasons why I fell in love with you too." The depth of his feelings was clear in every w
The days seemed to blur together as time moved swiftly, and before Isla knew it, a month had passed since she and Vincent began their relationship. The initial awkwardness of calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend had quickly faded, replaced by a warm sense of comfort and intimacy. True to their promise during that memorable night of heartfelt confessions, Vincent took the bold step of approaching Isla’s father to formally ask for his permission to accompany her to and from school. It was a gesture that not only surprised Isla but also deeply touched her, as it showcased Vincent’s sincerity and respect for her family’s traditions. This small yet significant change in their daily routine made her school days feel lighter and more special, knowing that Vincent was always by her side. Isla’s closest friends, April and Renz, were over the moon when she confided in them about her relationship with Vincent. Their excitement was infectious, though Isla made sure to remind them of the
At the bus terminal, Isla was overwhelmed and unsure of where to go next, but fate intervened when she met Cherry, a kind-hearted woman who immediately took her under her wing. Cherry noticed Isla’s distress and insisted on helping her find a place to stay, offering her the comfort and support Isla desperately needed. As the days went by, their bond grew stronger. Cherry proved to be more than just a helpful stranger; she became a confidante, someone Isla could rely on. Over time, Isla found herself opening up to Cherry, sharing the painful truths of her life. Cherry listened with compassion, never once judging her, and Isla couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief in finally telling someone about the complex and hurtful experiences she had endured.One day, as they were riding a tricycle that would take them to the Del Carmen mansion, Cherry noticed Isla’s tense expression and immediately asked, “Isla, are you okay?” Isla glanced at her friend and tried to force a smile, though the
The days passed quickly, and life in Cavite began to feel like a routine for Isla. She had settled into their new home, which was modest yet cozy, and tried her best to adapt to the changes. Her father had started a small business at the market, selling rice and groceries, which kept both him and Aunt Aida busy most days. Isla appreciated the quiet moments when they weren’t around, giving her the space she needed to think. Yet, despite the peacefulness of her surroundings, Isla couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had been growing inside her.One morning, as she went about her chores, she was suddenly struck with a severe dizziness that made her knees buckle. The world around her seemed to spin uncontrollably, and nausea surged through her in waves. She gripped the nearby table for support, her stomach twisting uncomfortably. Isla wondered what she had eaten that could have triggered such an overwhelming reaction. She glanced over at the food she had prepared earlier, but nothing s
SIX YEARS LATER... With a heavy heart, Isla forced herself to rise from her bed when she heard a series of knocks on her bedroom door. Her body felt like it was made of lead, and each movement felt like an impossible effort. She didn’t want to face anyone; she didn’t want to be strong. All she wanted was to curl up in her bed, cry until there were no more tears, and be left alone with her sorrow. The thought of dying crossed her mind, a fleeting but undeniable feeling that overwhelmed her. She felt trapped in the silence of her own grief, a silent scream echoing within her. The pain of her broken heart felt like it was suffocating her, making everything else seem insignificant.Yesterday, she had been on the verge of experiencing what she thought was the happiest day of her life. It was supposed to be a day for her and Vincent, a day where their love would finally triumph over all the obstacles they had faced. But instead, what followed was heartbreak and devastation. Nothing went
PRESENT DAY... Ruby entered his room a few minutes after their earlier conversation. This time, something had shifted—her usual sternness was replaced by a softer, almost tentative demeanor. Vincent noticed it immediately, even from behind the rim of his wine glass. The sharp edges of her expression had eased, the weight of her usual authority seemingly lifted. It was as though she had stripped away her armor, leaving only vulnerability in its place. For a fleeting moment, he wasn’t looking at the imposing figure he had known his entire life but at a mother who seemed unsure of how to bridge the growing chasm between them.“Vincent,” Ruby whispered, her voice barely audible, yet it carried an emotional charge that pierced through the thick silence in the room. But he remained unmoving, choosing to stare into his glass rather than meet her gaze. It wasn’t defiance; it was weariness, a reluctance to open wounds he had barely begun to patch. He took another measured sip of his win
“THAT’S enough, Ruby!” Manuel interjected firmly when he saw Ruby about to speak again.“I did it because I knew and believed that she wasn’t the right woman for you! She’s trash! I didn’t raise you to end up with someone like her!” she snapped, her tone sharp and unyielding. What Vincent had planned to be a calm conversation with his mother had quickly escalated into an argument.“Mom!” Vincent shouted angrily, his voice filled with pain. “So it’s true, then? What Isla said was true! You ruined her life! You ruined both of our lives! How could you do something like that? How could you stand by and watch me suffer?” he asked, his voice heavy with resentment.“My son grew up without a father! Do you know what he told me earlier? He said people often ask him where his father is! That came from the mouth of a child who knows nothing about this cruel world!”“He’s so innocent! Do you have any idea, Mom, how painful it was for me to hear that? I couldn’t help but think—what if people l
Vincent’s words hung in the air as he stood by the gate, his posture rigid and authoritative as he looked down at Isla. “I’ll be back tomorrow to see Matthew,” he said with an almost casual finality, as if his presence was something she should accept without question. His voice, once filled with raw emotion, had now returned to its usual sharpness—an arrogant edge that she recognized all too well. It was the same tone he used when he wanted to take control, to remind her of the authority he believed he still held over her life. The shift in his demeanor didn’t go unnoticed, and Isla couldn’t help but feel a wave of irritation wash over her.Isla’s eyes narrowed, a sense of resolve building within her. She had already allowed Vincent to breach the walls she had worked so hard to build, but she wasn’t going to let him cross that line again. She had her own boundaries, her own rules now, and Vincent would have to understand that. With a controlled breath, she responded, her voice now
“How long do you plan to keep my son from me?” Vincent’s voice resonated with raw resentment and barely restrained anger as he confronted her. The intensity of his gaze was like a storm, piercing through her as though demanding answers she had no intention of withholding any longer. He had waited far too long for this moment, and now that the truth was out, the fury he felt threatened to consume him. His fists clenched at his sides, a reflection of the rage boiling within him, as he demanded the justice he felt had been denied him all these years.“Let’s talk about that another day, Vince,” she replied, her tone deliberately steady though her hands slightly trembled as she ladled the steaming soup into a bowl. Her focus remained on the task at hand—ensuring Matthew had the nourishment he needed in his fragile state. “Your son is sick right now,” she added firmly, her voice softening as she reminded him of the immediate priority. Despite the tension in the room, her motherly i
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