The following day, as Ayana made her way back from dropping Lyana off at school, her thoughts were consumed by the inner turmoil that had plagued her for so long. She was lost in a haze of memories and regrets, the weight of her past bearing down on her with each step she took.Lost in her thoughts, Ayana almost didn't notice Adam standing there, a concerned expression etched across his face. His presence startled her, pulling her back to the present moment."Hey, Ayana," Adam said softly, his voice filled with empathy. "Are you okay?"Ayana forced a smile, though it felt strained on her lips. "I'm... I'm fine, Adam. Just lost in thought, I guess."Adam studied her for a moment, his gaze filled with understanding. "You don't seem fine," he remarked gently. "Is there anything you want to talk about?"Ayana hesitated, the familiar walls she had built around herself threatening to crumble. But there was something in Adam's expression that made her want to open up, to share the burden tha
The atmosphere inside the car was thick with tension, yet tinged with an undercurrent of cautious optimism. Ayana sat beside Adam, her hands folded tightly in her lap as she stared out the window, lost in thought. The gentle hum of the engine filled the silence between them, punctuated only by the occasional sigh that escaped Ayana's lips.She could not believe that she was actually in Adam’s car, driving to her humble house. Who would have guessed? The beardown of disbelief was pouring out of her in beads of sweat.Adam glanced over at Ayana, his brow furrowed with concern. He could sense the weight of her worries pressing down on her and the burden of her past threatening to overwhelm her fragile resolve. He wanted nothing more than to ease her pain and offer her the solace she so desperately craved, but he knew that healing was a journey she would have to undertake on her own terms.As they drove slowly through the city streets, Adam spared a glance at Ayana's profile, his heart ac
“Here,” Ayana said, placing the cup of steaming coffee in front of Adam as they sat across from each other on the table.As they both sipped their coffee in silence, the rich aroma filling the air, Ayana found herself lost in thought. She couldn't deny the curiosity that simmered within her—the desire to peel back the layers of Adam's enigmatic persona and uncover the truth beneath.Lost in contemplation, Ayana was startled when Adam spoke up again, his voice breaking the tranquil silence that had settled between them."What about you, Ayana?" Adam repeated his earlier question, his gaze fixed intently on her. "What am I to you?"Ayana hesitated, her mind racing as she searched for the right words to convey the complexity of her feelings. She knew that opening up to Adam meant exposing herself to potential pain and vulnerability, but there was something about his earnestness that made her want to trust him and share her innermost thoughts and fears.On the other hand, she was wonderin
As Adam continued to plead with Ayana for a chance, pouring his heart out in a bid to win her over, Ayana couldn't help but feel torn. Despite the undeniable connection she felt with Adam, she couldn't shake the lingering doubts and insecurities that lingered in the back of her mind. She had sworn to herself never to let herself get tangled with a man like Adam, someone whose reputation as a womanizer preceded him. And yet, here she was, feeling herself drawn to him in ways she couldn't fully comprehend.As Adam's words washed over her, Ayana felt her resolve waver. She wanted to believe in his sincerity and trust that he was capable of change and growth. But the nagging voice in the back of her mind reminded her of all the women who had fallen for Adam's charms, only to be left heartbroken and disillusioned in his wake.Unable to ignore her doubts any longer, Ayana gathered the courage to voice the question that had been weighing heavily on her mind. "What about all the other women,
As Adam revealed that he was an only child, Ayana couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. She had always believed that a person's upbringing played a significant role in shaping who they became, and she couldn't help but wonder what had led Adam down the path he had chosen."Growing up as an only child must have been lonely," Ayana remarked softly, her eyes searching Adam's for any hint of pain or longing. "I can't imagine what it must have been like not having siblings to share your life with."Adam nodded somberly, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes. "It was... difficult, at times," he admitted, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I never had anyone to share my thoughts or dreams with, no one to turn to when things got tough. I suppose that's why I became so... closed off, why I found it difficult to let people in."Ayana's heart went out to Adam as she listened to him speak. She could sense the loneliness and isolation he had experienced as a child, the longing for c
Adam nodded, his expression solemn, as he began to speak about his own family dynamics. "Yes, Ayana. Growing up, my relationship with my parents was... complicated, to say the least."Ayana listened intently as Adam shared the painful memories of his upbringing and the distant and strained connection he had with his mother and father. She could sense the lingering wounds of his past, the scars left behind by years of neglect and indifference."My parents were never really present," Adam admitted, his voice tinged with bitterness. "They were always too wrapped up in their own lives, too focused on their careers and social standing, to pay much attention to me. I was more of a trophy than a son, someone they could show off to their friends and colleagues."Ayana's heart went out to Adam as she listened to him speak. She could only imagine how difficult it must have been for him to grow up feeling unseen and unloved by the very people who were supposed to care for him the most."That mus
As Ayana gazed into Adam's eyes, she felt a sense of reassurance wash over her. Despite the complexities of their pasts, they were united in their determination to move forward together and overcome the obstacles that stood in their way."You don't have to apologize, Adam," Ayana said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "This isn't just about me—it's about both of us. We're in this together, remember? And that means sharing our joys, our sorrows, and everything in between."Adam smiled gratefully, his eyes shining with appreciation. "Thank you, Ayana," he said sincerely. "For understanding, for being patient with me.”Patient, huh! She had indeed been so patient that she never thought she would be with anyone in life. Much less him. She was wondering where all the anger that she once felt for the man had evaporated. Where had it gone in a flash of the moment that they had opened to each other?“You are staring again,” Adam remarked.As Adam's words pulled Ayana out of her reverie, s
As Ayana's question lingered in the air, Adam felt a surge of apprehension. He knew he couldn't continue to evade Ayana's inquiries forever and couldn't keep her in the dark about the truth of his life. Yet, revealing the reality of his existence felt like stepping into the unknown, a risk he wasn't sure he was ready to take. "It's... it's complicated," Adam began cautiously, his words measured as he navigated the delicate balance between honesty and secrecy. "I run a company, but it's not something that many people know about. Actually, only I and the person who runs it for me know I am the owner. And now you." Ayana's curiosity was piqued, her aqua eyes fixed on Adam as she leaned in closer, eager for more details. She could sense the hesitation in his voice and the guardedness in his demeanor, and it only fueled her desire to uncover the truth. "A company?" Ayana echoed, her tone laced with intrigue. "I should count myself lucky then, huh?” “You sure should. What kind of company
“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