Adam gazed into Ayana's eyes, his heart earnest and open. "Ayana, I know how much your painting means to you, and I want to support you in any way I can. I was thinking... maybe you could consider letting me keep watch over Lyana while you focus on your art? I mean, we cannot be taking her on the streets."Ayana's eyes widened in surprise, touched by Adam's selflessness and willingness to step up in such a significant way. But more shocking was the unbelief that slapped her. He would do that for her? “Are you serious? You…you are not pulling my leg? You can actually do that.” She ranted in disbelief.Adam nodded earnestly, his gaze unwavering. "Absolutely serious, Ayana. I want to do this for you and for us. Your art is important, and I believe in it as much as I believe in us. I have a feeling it will take you places, and it will unleash the woman I envision in you. And as for Lyana, she is as important to me as you are. I would never pull your leg on something like this. I'm fully c
“Don’t feel anything. Just think of your child attending one of the best schools in the country. Ask me to enroll her in Cabridge, and she will report there in the morning. Then just sit and watch her future unfold before you, and I promise, it is a decision that you can never regret. I am asking nothing in return.” Adam said.“It is a huge decision to make. I have always taken her as my sole responsibility. I would feel indebted if someone else took care of her this way. Please understand, and I have nothing against your intentions or your plan. It's so gooey, utterly tempting, but...“Think it over, Ayana. What’s more, you can repay it someday if it bothers you so much. Anyhow, you will want to pay me at your own convenience. But like I said, you can take time to mull over it. We are not rushing. Take as much time as you want. I will wait for your answer, and whatever decision you make, I will respect it.” Adam assured her, rubbing his hands on her shoulders.“The way you are making
As they lay together on the bed, Ayana's mind continued to whirl with conflicting thoughts and emotions. She couldn't deny the depth of her feelings for Adam, nor could she ignore the allure of a future with him by her side. But the weight of her past, the wounds inflicted by her family, and the fear of being vulnerable threatened to cloud her judgment. Adam's presence beside her was both a comfort and a challenge. His unwavering confidence in their relationship stirred something deep within her, igniting a spark of hope that she had long thought had been extinguished. But the prospect of marriage—of binding herself to another in such a profound way—filled her with a sense of trepidation. "Adam," she began softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "it's not that I don't trust you or doubt my feelings for you. It's just... there's so much at stake. My family, my past—I've spent so long trying to distance myself from them to forge my own path. And now, with you... it's like everything
As their desires ignited into a fiery passion, Ayana's body arched with anticipation as Adam's fingers trailed along her skin, sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. With each caress, she moaned softly, her breath hitching in the air as he teased her, building the intensity of their connection.Adam's touch was both gentle and commanding, his fingers finding their way to the heart of her desire as he traced circles around her throbbing clitoral area. Ayana's hips bucked instinctively against his touch, her hands grasping the sheets as waves of pleasure washed over her.With a hungry groan, Adam dipped his fingers lower, delving into her wetness with relentless determination. Ayana gasped as he filled her, his movements sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through her veins.“You like my fingers?” He asked his eyes for an inferno of lust that matched her.“Ooh, yes. I…oooh,” she moaned.That fueled him, pumping into her with his knowing fingers until her juice washed him. “Knee
"How is my beautiful beast this morning?” Ayana greeted.Adam smiled, his face flawless, except for the glow that was almost blinding. “Your beast is the best he has ever been in life,” he said, kissing her forehead. “And you, my soul? How are you?”“Soul? I am your soul.” Ayana asked.Adam chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with affection as he traced a gentle finger along Ayana's jawline."Yes, my soul," he replied, his voice soft and filled with warmth. "You are the one who completes me, Ayana. The one who sees me for who I truly am and loves me despite my flaws. You're the missing piece of my puzzle, the light that guides me through the darkness."Ayana's heart swelled with emotion at his words, a sense of peace washing over her as she gazed into his eyes."And you, my love?" Adam asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. "How do you feel this morning?"Ayana smiled, a softness filling her gaze as she reached out to intertwine her fingers with his."I feel... alive," she re
“I will repay you, somehow. Just give me a little time to put things in order and I will start paying you everything that you will spend on Lyana,” she pleaded.Adam nodded. “Whatever you want. It is a privilege for me that you have allowed me to do this. So, at your own terms, we will do it. Thank you,” he said.“I should be the one thanking you. You…”"No. I am the one who is indebted to you because I know how difficult it is for you to make such a decision. Thank you, for letting me do this. That means a lot to me, Ayana," Adam said, his voice soft with gratitude. "I promise to take care of Lyana as if she were my own, to provide her with all the love and support she needs to thrive. And as for your offer to cover the expenses, while I appreciate it, I want you to know that you don't have to worry about that. Lyana's well-being is my priority, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure she has everything she needs to succeed. It will be my joy too to see her achieve her dreams and b
At breakfast, Ayana's eyes twinkled with anticipation as she glanced at Lyana, who was eagerly munching on her cereal. With a smile, Ayana cleared her throat to get her daughter's attention."Lyana, sweetheart," Ayana began, her voice filled with excitement, "guess what? Adam has a surprise for us today!"Lyana's eyes widened with curiosity as she looked up from her bowl of cereal, a grin spreading across her face. "A surprise?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement. "What is it, Mom?"Ayana leaned in closer, her own excitement bubbling over as she whispered, "Adam is taking us out for a day of adventure! We're going to have a picnic and explore the world together!"Lyana's eyes lit up with delight, her face breaking into a wide smile as she jumped up from her seat, nearly knocking over her bowl of cereal in her excitement."Really?" she squealed, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "That's amazing! I can't wait! So, where are we going, Mom?" Lyana asked, her eyes wide with a
As they ventured deeper into the park's nature trails, Ayana and Adam took turns holding Lyana's hand as they walked. They marveled at the vibrant array of wildflowers that lined the paths, their colors painting a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the verdant forest. Lyana skipped ahead, her laughter echoing through the trees as she chased after a butterfly, her excitement contagious.The peaceful serenity of the park enveloped them as they continued their journey, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze and the occasional chirp of a bird. Ayana paused to point out interesting plants and wildlife to Lyana, teaching her about the wonders of nature with each new discovery. Adam snapped photos along the way, capturing the beauty of their adventure to cherish for years to come.As they reached a clearing in the forest, they stumbled upon a babbling brook, its crystal-clear waters meandering through the moss-covered rocks. Lyana squealed with delight and imm
“Hey! “ Lian spoke with her signature smile, of course. “Why don’t we first stop by calling it a sin? Let us just say that it was casual sex done for the wrong reasons and at the wrong place. But all in all, we were adults, and we both proved a point that day. Of course, it hurts, just a little, because you did not offer exactly what I wanted. But if anything, Adam, I want you to know that I wouldn’t waste a chance with you even now if I had it. I am not ashamed to be on the list of, you know, all of those you have been with.” She then looked at me. “I am sorry to say this too, but at least I got to taste the famous Adam Stone De’Leon!” She smiles, and I think I am beginning to love her smile now. Eyes roll! “You are lucky, Ayana. You both are lucky to have each other. And this is where I wanted to be—to have you look at me the way you are looking at her, with so much love and adoration. Your eyes speak submission every minute they brush her. Even a fool can tell you love her so much.
“What, son?” His father asks.“The merger that you seek with the De’Marios will happen.” Excuse me, what? I snap at him, and I was just to give him a piece of my mind, but a gentle squeaaze of my hand sealed my lips, opting to trust him, hoping that he knows that these bunch of heartless fools do not deserve to benefit even just one bit from me. “But not on the grounds of my marriage to Ayana!”Fantastic! Bingo! God, I so love this man!Eyes flickered on each other for a long moment of screaming silence, until my father had to break the lull. Desperate old man! “What are you talking about, son? You know you are really growing desperate by the day here. And now, we have damages to pay to the Adrianos for what Grace did. Things are weighing down on us, Adam! So, what do you suggest? Anything that will help at all. We will abide!”So, Adriano, are you asking for compensation for the damage that Grace’s actions caused? Well, they seem to be the experts in not letting any opportunity slide
After a long, unnerving moment, the door opens again and freezes on our spot as our house is swamped with people.Yeah!People!And I am not talking about two or three people here, no! This weird woman is the weirdest of all because, how did she pull all these?And yeah, before I forget, I am not talking about just any other people. Not some ordinary people. Naah!We are talking of the De’Leons, Adam’s father and mother; the De’Marios, my parents; and this skinny witch who used to be my sister. And these other people, whom I presume are Lina’s parents,.Forget everyone. Lina and her parents have a score to settle with Adam, and so do the De'Leons, who have the right to be in their son’s house. But these black souls, these people that God gave me as a family? How dare they have the guts to set their feet here, huh? The nerve! The temerity! I mean, after all they have done to me? And this little brat of a witch, after insulting Adam like he was the greatest sinner the world has ever had
“You got my information from my parents? How? When? Why?” I ask.She steadies herself. “It wasn’t intentional. It just so happened that you both were the reason why some dark secret that was kept in the dark for years was leaked out. Our families, the Adrianos, the De’Leons, and the De’Marios had to meet because that was a breach of contract!” She speaks.I get everything about the dark secret and the urgency for the two families to meet, and I can also understand that tabgle. But breach of contract? What was all about that?“Breach…” I throw Adam a glare to ask for clarity, but he seems clueless and lost like I am, so I decide to ease both our curiosities. “Breach of contract? What contract?”“Yes,” she says, throwing Adam a glance, and she speaks, looking at him as if the words were only meant for him. Wasn’t I the one who asked the damn question here? “Our families, the De’Leon’s and the Adriano’s, after settling for compensation and agreeing to bury all that had happened, signed a
“Hey! I am harmless, you know!” The lady, Lina, speaks, and she even has the bravery to smile at me while my hand freely retreats from the mission of shaking her hand.She had no choice but to drop hers in letdown.She is harmless.The woman that supposedly Adam raped years ago is smiling right in my face, and I should not be worried. She is harmless. Harmless, huh?What is this?Why did she come here?“I know who you are,” I murmur, hoping that we don’t have a problem here, but how stupid of me to think, no, to actually hope for that? Why would he come here if there wasn’t fire in the mountain? “Wha…what are you doing here?” I ask.As Adam composes himself and approaches, his trembling hand clasping my waist reveals the struggle within him. It's not merely a physical tremor, but a manifestation of the turmoil in his soul. I sense the weight of his past bearing down on him, an unwelcome guest crashing into the delicate balance he's been striving to maintain.In his touch, I feel the e
The chirping of the early morning birds calls me out of my peaceful sleep. I peel my eyes, and they almost impair with a striking, sharp pain as they collide with the savage rays of the morning sun. I shut them for a minute, but when I don’t feel those strong arms around me, I peel them open in a flash, turning around. Empty space! That explains why the widow's curtains are open, permeating the savage sunrays. He woke up before me. That has never been him. I always wake up enveloped in his arms every single day of the six months that we have been together. What changed? Is it because of that question from last night? This marriage issue? After he asked me that, and after I failed to come up with a straight answer, I just laid my head on his chest and snuggled into his warm embrace. He understood the memo, which meant I was not ready for that kind of conversation. And he respected it, just like he has always done. He pulled me closer and tighter, and we drifted off to sleep. Did I
“Goodnight, mommy,” Angel says after I tuck her to bed, or rather, we tuck her to bed. Me and Adam. She turns to him and says disrespectfully, "Goodnight, Uncle Adam. You two are the best." Some“Alright. Goodnight princess. Have sweet dreams, and your mommy and I love you so very much,” Adam says, kissing her on the forehead before standing up as the sweet little girl closes her eyes.My sweet little angel. My gift is straight from heaven. What can I give God to thank him for bringing her into my life? She is my pride! My joy.“Shall we?” Adam asks, holding my hand, and I don’t waste time. I follow him behind, leaving Lyana’s room as we stroll across to his master's room. Or just simply, our room. This has become our room, just as his house has become my house. We are better off being called a family. A married couple. Because this is what all this depicts. I forgot about my house a long time ago. All that is left is for me to pick up my belongings and settle here for good. Yes, here
Ayana's anger flared, fueled by the woman's bitter accusations. "What I meant was," she retorted, her voice trembling with fury, "I did not know that Robert had a wife. And no, I have never entertained this fool ever since he came back from nowhere, and I never will. For me, he is nothing but some fresh vomit that I can never take back, no matter what."Her words cut through the tension like a knife, carrying a raw honesty that left no room for doubt. Ayana's resolve was unwavering as she stood her ground, refusing to let the woman's scornful words diminish her self-worth."And as you said," Ayana continued, her voice rising with conviction, "I am with my man. A man worth being called a man, and not some trash!"With each word, Ayana reclaimed her power, asserting her worth and dignity in the face of adversity. She refused to be defined by the actions of others, standing tall in her truth and righteousness.Robert's once confident demeanor faltered as Ayana's words pierced through his
All eyes turned towards the unexpected newcomer, a tired and heavily pregnant woman standing before them. Ayana's heart skipped a beat as she took in the sight—the woman's weary expression, the telltale swell of her abdomen—indicating she was carrying a child.As confusion clouded Ayana's mind, she searched for answers in the woman's gaze. There was a sense of familiarity—a haunting resemblance to Robert—that sent a chill down Ayana's spine. Could this woman be Robert's wife?What puzzled her was why Robert had suddenly reappeared after six years, pursuing her and their daughter, especially if he had a wife—a pregnant wife, no less.The revelation left Ayana grappling with a myriad of emotions—bewilderment, frustration, and a gnawing sense of unease. She couldn't comprehend why Robert would resurface after all this time, stirring up chaos and turmoil in their lives.The realization hit Ayana like a ton of bricks, her mind reeling at the implications. If this woman was indeed Robert's