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NINE
Huling Na-update:
2024-12-07 23:28:36
Kaugnay na kabanata
Seven 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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
Huling Na-update : 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,
Huling Na-update : 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,
Huling Na-update : 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.
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-16Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTEEN
Reigna“Did you really think you were good enough for me?” Axle’s voice was ice, slicing through the tension like a dagger.“What?” I whispered, my throat dry, my voice trembling as I stared at him. “Axle, I—”“Stop.” He raised a hand, silencing me. “You’re pathetic, Reigna. Always have been. Clinging to me like I was your lifeline, thinking you could actually keep up. Look at yourself.”I glanced down instinctively, my reflection in the mirrored walls mocking me. My office clothes hung loose and unflattering, my makeup smudged as if I had worked all day and tried too hard to look presentable.“You’re not worth anything,” Emma added, her tone saccharine, though her eyes gleamed with malice. “You never were. That’s why he came to me. Isn’t that right, Axle?”He smirked, nodding without hesitation. “That’s right. Emma was everything you could never be—beautiful, successful, confident. I needed a real partner, not some sad excuse of a woman trying to play house.”I staggered back a step,
Huling Na-update : 2024-12-16
Pinakabagong kabanata
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-NINE
SEVENTY-NINECarlisle"Marcus." My voice cut through the stagnant air, low and sharp. "I want updates. Every fifteen minutes. If there’s nothing, find something. I don’t care how you do it — just find her.""Yes, sir." Marcus answered without hesitation, though the tension in his jaw betrayed the weight of my command. I know that right now, he is keeping his senses alert, waiting for instructions as night continuously gets darker over time."Teams are already in position. We'll know if she moves, sir, traffic cameras, subway stations, even the taxi cabs. The only locations without hacked surveillance are the area directly under the mayor’s influence"Good.But it wasn’t good enough. None of this was.I should’ve been the one to stop her. I should’ve forced her to listen, made her understand that she wasn’t walking away from me.As much as I regret being such a fool, I’d let her slip through my fingers. And now, the city was swallowing her whole."Expand the radius," I growled, the wor
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-EIGHT
CarlisleDamn it. I should’ve stopped her and run after her no matter what she said, wanted, or did—all to bring her back home.But I didn’t.And now? Now I was left with nothing but the bitter taste of regret clinging to my tongue.The car’s interior was suffocating. Marcus sat tensely in the front, his phone pressed to his ear as he barked orders to the security team. They were searching every corner of the city. Every street, every café, every possible place she could have gone. But none of it was enough. None of it would be until I saw her standing in front of me again."Status?" My voice was low, but the crack of it was unmistakable.Marcus shifted slightly, lowering his phone. "No updates yet. Surveillance spotted her near the park earlier, but she’s not there anymore. We’ve widened the search, and more cameras are being pulled."I clenched my jaw, the familiar sting of frustration settling deep beneath my ribs. "Not good enough.""We’re doing everything we can, sir," Marcus re
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-SEVEN
ReignaMy steps were hurried, driven by the unbearable pressure lingering behind me — the weight of Carlisle’s stare, the tension that had coiled itself around us, choking out every rational thought.I could still hear the low murmurs of the gathering crowd, the harsh clicks of camera shutters echoing faintly against the distant hum of traffic. People were watching. People were judging.But none of that mattered.All I could think about was the way Carlisle had looked at me. Not with the cold detachment I had braced myself for. Not with the calculated authority he wore like armor. No, this time, it was something far more dangerous. Something I didn’t know how to face.He was broken.And it wasn’t because of Violet or the scandal or the relentless public scrutiny. It was because of me.“Reigna,” Axle called from behind, his voice cautious, like he was afraid I’d disappear if he spoke too loudly. I didn’t slow down. Not until his fingers brushed against my wrist, pulling me to a stop. “
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-SIX
ReignaThe air between us was charged, thick with words neither of us could say. Axle’s hand lingered near mine, a silent reassurance I didn’t ask for, but couldn’t bring myself to pull away from.“Reigna.” His voice was low, rough around the edges like it always was when he wanted to sound sincere. “You don’t have to say anything. I’m not here to push.”I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. Because even if I wanted to believe him, I knew better. Axle Daniels had always been good with words.“Please don’t push me away too.” The way they slipped from his lips — tender when I needed comfort, sharp when he wanted to win. But right now, those words were neither. They were just… there.Floating in the space between us like fragile glass. And I didn’t know whether to shatter them or cradle them like they meant something.But before I could decide, the air shifted.At first, it was subtle. The sound of distant footsteps, the faint hum of engines idling nearby. Then, a presence — heavy, watchful, unm
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-FIVE
CarlisleShe was gone.Reigna had walked out without a second glance, her parting words echoing through my mind like a relentless drumbeat. “Just once, I wanted you to believe me.”My hands curled into fists at the memory. I should’ve gone after her. I should’ve stopped her the second she turned her back, but instead, I stood there like a goddamn coward. I let the silence consume us both, even though I knew exactly where it would lead.And now?Now I didn’t even know where she was. I tried looking for her but to no avail, which ended up with me coming himeafter receiving Lucy’s distressed call that Erwin was crying.…should I track her down?"Sir?" The driver’s voice broke through my thoughts, hesitant but firm. "We’re approaching the building."I didn’t respond. Instead, I shifted my gaze to the looming silhouette of the Veil Hyde Residence, its glass exterior gleaming under the city lights. Normally, the sight of it brought a certain sense of authority — a reminder of everything I’d
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-FOUR
ReignaThe words hung in the air between us, weighty and unshakable, settling deep into my chest like a stone sinking to the bottom of a river. I could still hear them echoing in my mind, could still feel the way they wrapped around my ribs, squeezing too tight, making it hard to breathe.I should have dismissed them. I should have rolled my eyes, thrown his words back in his face, reminded him of every way he had shattered me and walked away without looking back. But instead, I sat there, gripping my coffee cup like it was the only thing tethering me to reality, feeling the weight of Axle’s gaze pressing against my skin."You can’t just say things like that," I finally murmured, my voice quiet, controlled—forced.Axle tilted his head slightly, a flicker of something unreadable flashing across his face. "Why not?"I exhaled sharply, shaking my head as I set my cup down, fingers tightening around the ceramic. "Because it’s unfair. Because it’s a lie. Because if you really never stopped
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-THREE
ReignaI just needed space.I had thrown on a simple dress before leaving, one of my older ones from when my life had been normal, before Carlisle Amoroso had rewritten my entire existence. It was plain, nothing remarkable, but as I wandered past a group of people huddled near the park entrance, I caught the way their heads turned, their whispers slicing through the air like knives.At first, I ignored them.But then—“Wait, isn’t that—?”“Oh my god, it’s her.”“Is she seriously walking around like nothing happened?”My heart slammed against my ribs, my throat tightening as I quickened my steps, pushing forward, hoping—praying—that they would just let me pass. But the whispers only grew louder, venomous, laced with amusement and cruelty, the kind of sharp-edged mockery only people who had never lived a second in my shoes could wield so easily.“She has some nerve showing her face after trying to Violet Harrington.”“I hope Carlisle Amoroso finally saw her for what she is.”“Me too. Sh
Seven Minutes in Heaven SEVENTY-TWO
Carlisle“Dada! Mommy said she’ll see you later, but I told her it should be now!” he declared, completely oblivious to the suffocating tension between us.Reigna let out a slow breath, reaching up to smooth his hair with a trembling hand. “Sweetheart,” she murmured, her voice soft, tired. “Maybe another time, okay?”Another time.I clenched my jaw, stepping further into the room. “Erwin, come here,” I said, my voice quiet, measured.He pouted but obeyed, slipping off the bed and running over to me. I placed a hand on his head, smoothing down his curls, before finally shifting my gaze back to Reigna.She was already looking away.It irritated me more than it should have."You’ve been in here all morning," I said evenly, my eyes never leaving her. "And now you’re avoiding breakfast. How long are you planning to keep this up?"Reigna flinched, but she masked it quickly, schooling her features into a calm, unreadable expression. "I just need time," she said, echoing the same words she ha
Seven Minutes in Heaven SPECIAL CHAPTER: IN A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE
ErwinWhy was it that after they came back home from a long, long, trip, mommy was sad and dada is being unusual?I knew it.I could feel it.Even though she smiled when I woke up this morning, even though she kissed my forehead and brushed my hair like she always did, something felt wrong. Her smile wasn’t the same as before—it was stretched too thin, her voice a little too soft, like the way grown-ups talked when they were trying to hide something.And Dada—Dada was acting so odd too.Usually, when he came to see me in the mornings, he would look at Mommy in a way that made me feel warm inside. Like the way he looked at me when I did something good. Like she was special.But today, he didn’t.He barely even looked at her.And she barely looked at him.I didn’t like it.“Mommy, let’s eat breakfast with Dada today!” I said, kicking my feet while she helped me put on my socks. My words came out excitedly, hoping she'd say yes right away.She paused—just for a second. Then, she smiled a
