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Last Updated:
2024-12-06 23:08:24
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Seven Minutes in Heaven NINE
ReignaIf there is one thing I could do right now—it is to not be left with Carlisle alone at all cost.I stepped into the office that morning, clutching a warm coffee cup in my hands like it was armor. The sterile white walls of XCC Corp. had never felt so unwelcoming. Usually, the hum of printers and soft clicks of keyboards grounded me in routine, but today, the air was heavy, as though everyone was waiting for something to snap.Or maybe that weight was just me, dragging in the unresolved tension from Family Day. “It’s okay. You can do it, Rei.” Encouraging myself, I went on with work, hoping nothing will go wrong.Entering his office after three knocks, I kept my professionalism as I conversed with him. “Your schedule for today,” I said quietly, sliding the folder toward him.For a moment, I thought he wouldn’t respond at all. Then his voice came, low and restrained. “Reigna.”I stilled, my breath catching. There was an edge of something personal in his tone, something tentative.
Last Updated : 2024-12-07Seven Minutes in Heaven TEN
Reigna“Maybe I should try to talk to him once and for all.” As an emotional woman myself, I am having trouble deciding whether to guard myself from further pain from his words, or approach him and face this directly so I could heal and understand.This is just a game…who cares if he’s still affected by his ex?“This is making my head ache.”The morning air was heavy with anticipation. A I sit on my desk, my nerves are buzzling with anxiety and hesitancy to face them because today was the day Violet Harrington would step back into Carlisle Amoroso’s world—and mine.She, as the head architect for this project, will be working with us for three months until the proposal is finalized, and they could proceed with the discussion of investments and construction.Her reappearance wasn’t just a ghost from Carlisle’s past; it was a wrecking ball aimed at the fragile balance we’d been trying to maintain since Family Day.I hadn’t seen Carlisle smile in weeks, and every interaction between us ha
Last Updated : 2024-12-08Seven Minutes in Heaven ELEVEN
Reigna“What else do you think will happen?” smug, Carlisle spoke in a shameless manner. “You left. My son needed a mother.”With those words said, the subtle visibility of hurt in her face somewhat pained me too—no one wants to be replaced, after all.“You think that’s easy?” she asked, scoffing with her arms crossed, looking back and forth between Carlisle and I. “He’ll grow and realize it all.”Just thinking of that future scares me, but… “That future is still far.” I spoke, determined to prove my place.No matter how unstable we are, I am still, for now, Erwin’s mother.Laughing humorlessly, she looked at me from head to toe. “You look nothing like my son. He’ll raise that question soon enough.” Smirking, she stepped closer, her blue eyes piercing on me like daggers aim to shatter me whole.“Secretaries really like being side chicks.” She sneered. “No wonder the tension’s high at work.”“You’re talking all high and mighty as if you didn’t chose to walk out of their lives on your o
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Seven Minutes in Heaven TWELVE
ReignaJust think of this is a normal day, Reigna.I stood outside the old house, the porch light flickering like a broken heartbeat. My hand hesitated on the doorknob, the chipped paint and worn wood feeling foreign, though I’d spent most of my life here. The weight of the call from Axle still clung to me, my chest tight with a mix of dread and defiance.I pushed the door open, stepping inside the familiar yet unwelcoming space. The living room was exactly as I remembered—dated furniture, faded wallpaper, and the suffocating air of disapproval that seemed embedded in the walls. My mother’s sharp voice greeted me before I even saw her.“Look who finally decided to show up,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain as she appeared from the kitchen.She looked the same—pristine makeup and a floral apron, as if she were trying to play the perfect hostess. “The prodigal daughter graces us with her presence.”“Mother,” I greeted stiffly, keeping my tone neutral.Her lips thinned as she eye
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Seven Minutes in Heaven THIRTEEN
Reigna“Mommy, hurry up!” he called me as I helped Lilly wipe the dishes clean, while Christy washes them.“Hold on, baby!” I replied back, smiling as I focused on my work.“Young master really loves you, ma’am. We’ve never seen him like this.” Christy respectfully spoke, Lilly nodding in agreement.“He wasn’t like that with anyone. Young master rarely acts like a child, but with you, he truly is a little boy.” Lilly added, warming up my heart.The morning light painted soft streaks across the hardwood floors, the warmth of the sun mirrored by the gentle laughter that bubbled from Erwin as he played with his toy cars. Today is Sunday, giving us the liberty to be free from our own responsibilities.It had been a long time since a day felt so calm, so normal. For the first time in weeks, I allowed myself to breathe, the weight of our complicated lives momentarily lifted.“I just wish this peace will stay forever.” I spoke, but as if I had called a disaster instead of a blessing, that sp
Last Updated : 2024-12-11Seven Minutes in Heaven FOURTEEN
ReignaThe office was quieter than usual, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the rhythmic tapping of keys on my laptop. I shifted in my seat, pushing my thoughts away as I worked on the report Carlisle had asked me to prepare.“Do I have to print this for tomorrow’s meeting, sir?”“No need. I’ll do it myself later.” He was across from me, focused on his paperwork, his brow furrowed as usual. His aloof demeanor was something I’d grown used to, but there was always an unspoken pressure that lingered in the air whenever we shared the same space.As I try to return to my work, I couldn’t help but sneak glances at him.“Eyes on your paper, princess.”Snapping out of my trance, I blinked, instinctively rushing to look back at my work.Carlisle had his moments—rare, subtle moments—when he let his guard down. The small things. Today, he had gotten up from his desk and walked over to my side to grab the stack of papers I was holding."You’re doing great," he had said quietly,
Last Updated : 2024-12-12Seven Minutes in Heaven FIFTEEN
Reigna“Mommy, do you know that dinosaurs are real?! I had a dream I was riding one!”Erwin who visited us out of nowhere this evening is now busy with his own drawings, rambling as he colored with his tongue sticking out, adorable as always.“Well, you know what they say, sweetheart. Dreams only put things that are real in your heart.” I smiled, answering from my desk as I focused on this final document.Carlisle, as always, was seated at his desk, his sharp gaze flicking between the documents in front of him and the occasional glance at Erwin. His presence was steady, grounding, though his silence spoke volumes. He was watching—always watching—but never intruding unless absolutely necessary.And then there was Violet.She sat perched on the chair closest to Erwin, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the armrest as she observed him with a mixture of fascination and discomfort. Her attempts to bond with Erwin were… misguided, to say the least."Erwin, dearest," Violet cooed,
Last Updated : 2024-12-14Seven Minutes in Heaven SIXTEEN
Reigna“After you.” Opening the car door for me, I smiled at Carlisle before stepping in.He did everything—starting from packing up Erwin’s things, picking up the sleepy child, and even the task of driving us home“I really should’ve just taken a cab home.” I spoke as he started the engine. It was tough, trying to hide Erwin, being discreet, and even lying to my best friend, Venice!But for the child’s sake, and for my involvement of Carlisle’s secret, I must endure.“And have this brat whine about his mommy being away?” he grumbled, a low chuckle erupting afterwards. “No thanks.”The soft hum of the car engine filled the silence as we made our way home. Outside, the city lights flickered like a kaleidoscope of color, but my gaze lingered on the rearview mirror. Erwin was fast asleep in the back seat, his small hands clutching the edges of his blanket, his face relaxed in a way that only deep, innocent sleep could bring.“He fell asleep so quickly,” I murmured, breaking the silence.
Last Updated : 2024-12-16
Latest chapter
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-EIGHT
ReignaErwin is asleep in his room, but here we are, seated in the penthouse’s bar and occupied by thoughts that none of us has yet to speak of.I stood a few feet away, watching him from behind as he leaned against the bar, his broad shoulders rigid with an unspoken weight. His fingers tightened around the whiskey glass before he brought it to his lips, taking a slow sip.“Carlise? It’s okay, I will listen about…about whatever runs in your mind.” I finally said, breaking the silence.Carlisle didn’t turn around. “Listen?”I let out a frustrated breath, but chose not to retort in his seemingly disinterested tone. “Yes. About what happened earlier. About Axle. About you punching him.”He exhaled sharply, setting his glass down with a little too much force. “It was nothing.”“Nothing?” I stepped closer, my heels clicking softly against the marble floor. “Carlisle, you punched him in front of everyone. You nearly lost your temper. That wasn’t nothing.”He let out a humorless chuckle, swi
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-SEVEN
CarlisleI barely got any sleep last night.Sighing, I blinked away the drowsiness so I could focus on my work. Suddenly, a soft knock on my office door made me glance up from my laptop.“Come in.” The sight of her standing there, her face pale and her hands wringing nervously, caught me off guard.“Carlisle,” Reigna began, her voice unsteady. She didn’t call me “sir” this time—she used to be stubborn on addressing me informally during work hours. That alone made me pause. “I need to talk to you.”“I’m listening,” I said, closing the file I was working on and leaning back in my chair.She stepped inside, shutting the door quietly behind her. Her eyes darted around the room before settling on me. “I... I have a favor to ask.”I raised an eyebrow. “A favor?”She nodded, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag. “My family is hosting a reunion party this weekend, and as cliché as it sounds, I know they’re expecting me to bring my... boyfriend.”The word hung in the air, sharp and heavy
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-SIX
Carlisle“Are you sure you’re fine?”Reigna laughed, her soft voice rang as she exited the elevator before me. “Calmd own, Carlisle. I’m just going back to work. You don’t have to ask me that for eighteen times today.” She smiled, reminding me of how repetitive I am.Currently, we are on our way to the company, with her, as much as I hate to, insisted to go there the usual way—her booking a cab, and I follow behind with my car to avoid suspicions from the employees, and for me to keep her safe at the same time.“But you are carrying a lot of things.” I sighed, slowing down my pace to match hers. “Let me just-”“No.” she denied for the nth time, moving her hands away from mine as I tried to get the box she’s carrying. Apparently, she asked her best friend, Venice, to pack a few of her important things to be sent to her, and now she have to bring it back to the company.If only I could just take it from her, but I can’t make her feel I’m bossing her around like a do— “Okay.” I grumbled,
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-FIVE
Reigna…I was spent.Carlisle leaned back against the driver’s seat, one hand on the wheel and the other resting casually on the gearshift. His hair was slightly mussed from a long day, but the tension that usually creased his brow seemed lighter.Currently, as the sun begins to set, we are on our way back to his penthouse, bringing me home to the place where a little boy is waiting for me.“You’re awfully quiet,” he said, glancing sideways at me.I shrugged, fiddling with the hem of my sweater. “It’s… a lot to take in.”His lips twitched into a faint smirk, the kind that made my heart flip in a way I refused to admit. “You’ve been saying that all day.”“Well, it’s true,” I muttered, looking out the window. “You can’t just waltz into my apartment after—after that—and decide I belong in your penthouse again.”Carlisle’s smirk deepened. “I didn’t waltz. I knocked politely.” His tone is a little playful, a sign that we’ve been patching up the distance I pulled. Which I believe drew me cl
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-FOUR
Reigna[RED WARNING]My barely filled apartment felt so suffocating right now. My things may be at Carlisle’s, but with the tension building between us, everything seemed to hold me on a chokehold.“Reigna-”Cutting him off, I kissed him again, venting my frustrations to my actions as I kept him by his collar, a hand on his tousled hair while his large, calloused, hands, were left with no choice but to respond and hold me close, trapping me just right in his arms as he kissed me back with the intensity which makes my head spin.“Stop pushing me away.” I mumbled after parting away, breathless with my forehead against his. “This is the game you wanted, Carlisle. Let me play.”As I fumbled with his buttons, he stopped my wrists, lacking force. “Not like this, Reigna. You’re just emotional and-”“Daddy.” I breathed as I looked up, I didn’t let him finish and just stepped closer, deliberately pressing more to subtly palm his clothed length. “Please, let me.” Unmasking my desperation to be h
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-THREE
ReignaThe past few days had blurred together, each one more suffocating than the last. I’d stopped going to work, stopped answering calls. My apartment had become my sanctuary and my prison, the walls closing in as I avoided the world outside. The ache in my chest refused to subside, but at least here, alone, I didn’t have to pretend.I was curled up on the couch, the television humming softly in the background, though I hadn’t been paying attention to it for hours. A knock at the door startled me out of my haze. My heart sank. I wasn’t expecting anyone, and I didn’t want to see anyone either.The knocking grew louder, more insistent.“Reigna! Open the door!”Emma.I froze, gripping the edge of the couch. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the silence of the apartment.“I told you, we should leave.” Another voice joined hers, lower and more frustrated. Axle.My stomach churned. Before I could decide what to do, the door flew open from God knows what kind of trick, and there they we
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-TWO
CarlisleThe penthouse was eerily silent, save for the distant hum of the city lights below. Erwin’s muffled cries from the other room were a stark contrast to the usual laughter and chatter that filled the space when Reigna was here.“Why isn’t mommy coming home lately?”The emptiness pressed against me like a physical weight. I leaned heavily against the kitchen counter, staring blankly at the remnants of dinner—a shattered bowl on the floor, spaghetti sauce splattered across the pristine white tiles.“Did I do something wrong that mommy wants to leave Erwin behind?”The evening had been a disaster. Every attempt to calm Erwin, to coax him into eating, had been met with resistance. Reigna would have known what to do—she always did. But she wasn’t here, and I was failing.Tonight, like any other nights, his gentle questions turned into loud cries and tantrums.“Mommy!” Erwin’s voice pierced the quiet, sharp and tearful. “I want Mommy!”I turned toward the living room, my patience alre
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY-ONE
ReignaThe morning felt like a cruel reminder of the night before. Pale sunlight filtered through the blinds, doing little to chase away the heaviness lingering in the air.I pulled my cardigan tighter around me, pacing the small space as I tried to make sense of the thoughts swirling in my head. Carlisle’s words replayed endlessly. Reigna won’t leave unless she’s told. Each time, it cut deeper.A knock on the door startled me. It wasn’t tentative; it was firm and deliberate. My heart leapt painfully in my chest. For a fleeting moment, I thought it was Carlisle.But when I opened the door, it wasn’t him. It was Axle, holding a brown paper bag and looking as unsure of himself as I’d ever seen him.“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said, the bitterness in my tone making his expression falter.“I—I wasn’t expecting you to be here,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. His eyes darted past me to the apartment behind me. “I thought… I don’t know. I thought I’d drop this off and leave.”
Seven Minutes in Heaven TWENTY
Reigna“Happy birthday to you…happy birthday, dear Reigna…”The apartment felt colder than usual, even with the heater humming faintly in the background. I sat at the small table in the kitchen, staring at the flickering candle atop a store-bought cake I hadn’t even bothered to cut. The flame wavered, much like my resolve not to cry.“Happy birthday to me.” Finishing the song that I sang for myself, I blew the candle, my eyes watched as the flames disappeared and smoke replaced the one bright light atop the cake.Birthdays weren’t supposed to feel this empty.A sudden knock at the door startled me, shattering the heavy silence. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Rising cautiously, I peered through the peephole, and my breath caught.“Axle.” I whispered.lMy ex. The man who had shattered me into a million pieces and left me to pick up the shards. He was drenched from the rain, looking oddly out of place yet annoyingly confident, as if he belonged here.I hesitated before opening the door. “Wha
