"Throughout my life, you've been with me on every joyful and special day. Since childhood, I've thought about it, and I had no other dream than to have it happen on my wedding day. But out of everything, why is this the one thing you've denied me?" - ERIK
Bernie has been waiting outside Pegasus Bar since he saw Mia enter earlier. He knows she will come out any moment now, and that's what he's been waiting for. He wants to talk to her again."I still can't accept that Erik defeated me once again," he angrily muttered and lightly punched the steering wheel.After a few moments, he finally saw the woman he had been waiting for to emerge from the bar. He had no certainty that she would entertain him. But he needed to win her back, whether she liked it or not. Even if they called him greedy, he didn't care. The truth was, he loved Mia. Even though he couldn't be faithful and marry her.In the end, Bernie chuckled softly as he thought about it. Why? Is marriage the only measure of love? Not everyone who gets married loves each other. And not everyone who loves each other can get married.And as for him, he didn't know where he stood between the two. Because if he were to be asked, he loved Mia, but he couldn't commit to her right now. That's
"E-Erik, how is Mia?"Those were Rosanna's words as she approached him, accompanied by Dahlia. He was sitting in the lobby chair, waiting for the doctor who is now attending to Mia inside the Emergency Room. He turned to look at the two women sitting beside him."I'm still waiting for the doctor," he swallowed. "I-I'm scared," he finally admitted.The two women seemed frail and discouraged, bowing their heads as Erik pressed his forehead. He had wanted to cry since earlier, but he was holding back. And the truth is, it felt like fear was slowly engulfing all the hope in his heart."M-Mia loves you so much, Erik," he heard Rosanna say, her words resounding. This prompted him to turn and straighten his posture."I know, and I love her just as much. And that's why I'm scared now," he confessed, wiping away his tears.Rosanna shook her head in succession, seemingly indicating that he didn't grasp what she meant. Erik chose to remain silent and wait for her to further explain."What I mean
As Erik stepped out of his car, he was immediately engulfed by a profound sadness as he gazed at the large house in front of him. "Mia, I miss you so much," he whispered before pushing open the gate to drive the car into the yard.He quickly parked his vehicle and as he got out, a tricycle pulled up in front of the house with Rosanna and Dahlia inside. "Erik, do you have any news about Mia?" Dahlia asked him immediately as they approached.Erik had lost count of how many times he had heard the same question from the two of them. The truth is, it seemed like he woke up, lived, and returned home every day just to hear that same question over and over again.With a sad shake of his head, Erik replied, "It seems like we have no other option, Erik. We really need to post on social media to find her," Rosanna said, her tone indicating that she was also running out of patience.Erik sighed and shook his head once again. "I don't think it will be a good idea if we will consider Mia’s safety,
"It's good that you're here, hijo. Can you accompany Mia to her doctor's appointment?" That was the immediate question his Aunt Ising asked him as he approached her to give his respect by kissing the old woman on the hand. "Oh, yes, of course, her checkup is scheduled for today," he replied with a smile, nodding. "No problem, Aunty," he added. "Thank you very much, hijo," she said, patting him on the shoulder. "Have you eaten? Mia cooked Chicken Adobo." Upon hearing that, the young man immediately felt hungry. "I have already eaten. But because Mia is a great cook, I will eat again," he answered in an enthusiastic tone. A wide and sweet smile once again formed on his aunt's lips. After a few moments, he left her. Just as someone arrived at the store, his aunt stood up to attend to the customer. In the few months that Mia had been living in their house, he couldn't deny that he felt comfortable around her. She is naturally kind, despite her initial shyness, which he noticed. In ad
"I can accompany you there if you want," Mia said softly."Do you think that's a good idea?" Nathaniel asked her."Yes, definitely. If you manage to get her picture, at least we'll know where to start looking for your sister," she replied."So, meaning to say you are willing to help me?" the young man clarified, briefly turning to look at her.At that moment, Nathaniel precisely stopped the car in front of the gate of their large house. As it was already late afternoon, they spotted Nanny Ising sweeping the front yard."Yes, of course. It's just a small way for me to repay all the kindness you and Nanny Ising have shown me and my baby," she said, smiling as she unbuckled her seat belt.Nathaniel's face brightened as he looked at her. Then his hand moved, gently tapping her cheek."Alright, let's discuss that later. I need to ask Aunt Ising first about the shelter," he added, preemptively getting out of the car to open the door for her.*****"I still remember that shelter. Why did you
"The doctor said she'll have to stay in the hospital for about a week. Just to make sure that everything will be fine," Erik said.He saw his mother sigh deeply after he spoke. "What about your wedding? Isn't it supposed to be today?"Erik immediately felt a pang of regret because of that. Despite having reasons to doubt all the care and concern Aurora was showing him and Mia, he chose to set it aside for now. He preferred to believe that his mother was sincere in everything she did. After all, he didn't want to have another reason to despise her."I already talked to Mia about it, Mama. I want her to be well on our wedding day," he truthfully stated.He wanted Mia to be in a better condition when they got married. Besides, Bernie was already locked up, and Erik thought that he was the only remaining obstacle to their love. The only person who could attempt to snatch Mia away from him."By the way, would you like me to stay with Mia at the hospital later, son? So you can rest," his mo
On that evening, Erik also accompanied his mother home. But he promised to come back the next day because Aurora said she would cook Beef Caldereta."Happy?" Erik asked her as she asked him to lie down beside her.Mia lovingly leaned her head on his shoulder. "Extremely happy," she said, gazing at him.Erik gently kissed her forehead. Afterward, their lips met and lingered for a while."Wait a minute," Mia said, releasing her lips from the young man's as she noticed the deepening of his kisses.Erik was surprised by what she did, then he held her face to claim her lips once again."We can't do this here," Mia said, laughing.Even though Erik didn't say anything, she knew him well. And the way he kissed her now conveyed a different kind of passion that she knew the meaning of."I'm not saying anything," he playfully replied, attempting to claim her lips again, but she evaded him."It's just that someone might see us," she explained.Erik sighed again. "They would knock before entering,
"E-Erik," Mia couldn't contain herself any longer as she succumbed to the fiery passion slowly reawakened by Erik within her.Erik didn't cease his actions of kissing her neck. As his hand gradually wandered, she could feel his touch grazing her thigh."I've missed you so much, Mia," he whispered, returning his kisses to her face before finally claiming her eager lips.Mia wasn't sure if Erik had planned it, but as their lips met again, he deliberately pressed against the desire nestled between her thighs. Unaware of his intentions, she instinctively clung to the sleeves of Erik's t-shirt. It was the first thing she saw that she could hold onto."You have no idea how intense my longing for you is, Mia," Erik confessed, gazing into her eyes as he squeezed her femininity.The sensation of Erik's hands caressing Mia's entire body was exquisite. He gazed at her intently, and she couldn't bring herself to look away even for a moment. She desired the familiar touch of his small, fiery lips
"ERIK? It’s you, right?"Nathaniel, finally sensing the moment, approached his boyfriend."I'm Nathaniel, Mia's brother," he said without hesitation, extending his hand toward Erik.At that moment, Mia looked up at her boyfriend's face. She could clearly see the quick change in Erik's aura as he accepted Nathaniel's handshake."Oh, would you believe it, I have a brother?" Mia said, stifling a laugh. "And here you are, getting jealous without even asking me?" she added, embracing Erik tightly.That was when Erik held Mia tightly in his arms, then let go and pressed his lips against hers without uttering a word. Disregarding the people who could see them, he made her feel the intense longing he had for her."Shall we go inside?" he said with a smile, his eyes sparkling.Mia happily nodded in agreement and waved at Erik's parents before entering.*****"We're actually traveling today to bring Mia back to Manila," Nathaniel said when they faced each other in the living room."Nate has his
"Why don't you call Mia so she'll have an idea about our arrival," Fidel, Erik's father, suggested.They were already on their way to the province. The journey would take eight to ten hours, and it was only four o'clock in the morning when they hit the road."I don't have her number, Pa. Honestly, I'm not sure if she changed her number or if her phone is always turned off. I've tried calling her several times, but still no response," Erik replied."Well, maybe it's better this way, without her knowing that you're coming. She'll be more surprised," his mother chimed in from the backseat of the car.*****"We have a problem, Mia," Nathaniel said, peering through the door of her room."A problem?" Mia asked her brother, her attention focused on packing her belongings. She was about to return to Manila, and Nathaniel, along with Aunt Ising and even Elena, would be accompanying her."I wasn't allowed to skip today. I'm sorry, but maybe we can leave after my last class, which should be afte
"You can't travel to the province right now, son. It's too far, it's an eight-hour journey, to be honest," said Aurora while they were on their way home.Now he knew where Mia was, and he didn't want to waste any more time. He was eagerly anticipating seeing her. He wanted to bring his future wife home so he could take care of her, especially in her current condition."But Ma, I can't wait until tomorrow. I want to see Mia," she replied, keeping her gaze fixed on the road."But Erik, why don't you rest for a while?" Fidel interjected. "And besides, your mother and I would like to accompany you, the two of us together," he added.Erik couldn't contain the joy that quickly filled his heart upon hearing his father's words. He couldn't hide his feelings as he responded."Really, Pa?" he asked, briefly turning to look at his father.He heard his father let out a soft laugh before answering, "Of course. We also want to be there to help you sort everything out.""And besides, it's not safe f
"E-ELENA?"As Aunt Ising recognized the woman who was busy hanging bedsheets in the back part of the shelter, Mia couldn't help but feel a quick throb in her chest. Then she looked up at her brother Nathaniel, questioning him with her eyes. And as he seemingly understood the meaning behind her gaze, he simply shrugged his shoulders."I-Ising?"The woman whom Aunt Ising called Elena responded."W-Who is she, Sister Cecilia?" Mia couldn't resist asking the accompanying nun."She is the woman who left you and your brother here in this shelter many years ago," Sister Cecilia answered her with a kind smile.Surprised or astonished?Mia couldn't determine which of the two dominant emotions prevailed in her heart.She also couldn't speak immediately because she remained transfixed, gazing at the woman.Just like what happened to her earlier with Nathaniel, she couldn't remember anything about this woman. But despite everything, a part of her heart couldn't deny that it suddenly felt an eager
"Ma'am Eden, someone is looking for you.”Bernie, their housemaid, Lita, said as she found her mother busy watering the plants in their garden in Manila."Who?" she asked, turning to them and quickly freezing upon recognizing him. "M-My son?" she stammered, dropping the hose and rushing towards him, embracing him tightly."M-Mom," he managed to say, returning the tight embrace. "I-I missed you so much," he added, tears streaming down his face.After a few moments, Eden led her inside their house. "Lita, prepare some food," she instructed, gently caressing his face."What happened, honey? Why did you run away?" she asked with concern when they were finally alone in the living room.Bernie immediately looked around their spacious home. "What about Dad? Where is he?" he asked, disappointed not to see him."He went grocery shopping. Since we heard about what you did, your father hasn't been at peace. So, I let him do what he wants to distract himself," her mother explained.Her mother's w
"Mama, forgive me if I have hurt and caused you pain," Erik pleaded, holding Aurora's hand gently.In response to his gesture, tears welled up in Aurora's eyes, streaming down her cheeks. "Please forgive me too, both your father and me," she replied, tapping his hand lightly.Erik smiled and nodded, understanding the depth of her words. He stood up and embraced his mother tightly. Then, he glanced at Fidel, who smiled back at him.Though it was a simple smile, Erik knew it carried profound meaning. In an instant, he felt a weight lifted off his chest, a burden he had been carrying for a long time. And he couldn't deny that it was because of his act of forgiveness towards his mother.Yes, he loved his parents dearly. And now, as a father himself, even though he and Mia had yet to welcome their child into the world, he had gained a deeper understanding of the true meaning of life. This was why he found it easy to comprehend and accept everything his mother had done and the choices she h
"Sometimes, I imagine that if Nana Rosita hadn't died, or if I had a sibling, maybe what happened to me wouldn't have occurred. I'm certain someone would have stood up for me," Mia shared as she finished recounting her story. The weight of her words quickly took effect, stirring a warmth in the corners of her eyes. Yet, despite her longing to let the tears flow and release her emotions, she managed to restrain herself. "What do you mean?" Nathaniel inquired, his gaze fixed upon her. She turned to face him, offering a bittersweet smile. "I'm just an adopted child, Nate." Gradually, she decided it was time to disclose the truth to him as well. After all, she had already confided in him the real reason for her presence there. "I was merely found, that's the truth," she began narrating her life story to Nathaniel. She recalled her first memories of being adopted and the journey that led her to Rosita, who had become a maternal figure in her life. "Are you all right, big brother?" sh
"It's a good thing Erik decided to return to work. Even if you say that our future brother-in-law is extravagantly wealthy, he still needs to work hard. After all, why let the opportunity to earn money go to waste? Right, Rosanna?" Dahlia remarked with a strong undertone. It had been two weeks since she was discharged from the hospital, and they came to visit her."Of course. By the way, Mia, how are you and your future in-laws doing?" Rosanna replied, briefly aligning herself with Dahlia's comment before facing her directly.They were assisting her in preparing the ingredients for the Kare-Kare she was cooking for lunch. Erik had told her that he would only be working a half-day at the office today and would continue with other tasks at home.Honestly, she couldn't understand why Erik had been overly attentive to her since she was discharged from the hospital. It seemed as if he already knew about her pregnancy. It wouldn't be far-fetched since she had been admitted for a few days an
Mia's senses awakened as she freely admired the nakedness of the man she was about to marry, slowly removing every article of clothing from his body. Erik's actions were incredibly pleasurable to behold, and in those moments, Mia felt abundantly blessed. Despite the countless women who had crossed this man's path, he had chosen her as his bride.Mia's heart fluttered at the thought. When she saw Erik move closer to kiss her, she welcomed it with unrestrained love and passion. She responded to Erik's kisses as if she were thirstier for him than ever before, losing herself completely in the process.Erik's gentle caress on her chest stirred something deep within Mia, evoking a soft moan from the depths of her throat. Their lips remained intertwined, while Erik's hand, nestled between her thighs, began to provide her with indescribable pleasure.Mia moaned once more when Erik's fingers skillfully explored her intimate flower, which was now drenched with desire. "You're soaked, Mia," that