ZOE is a graduating college student from Manhattan. She's a scholar of a well-known company that deals with cars. She lives in four corners of a small apartment with her mother, Iris.Iris works every night at the nearby club as a pole dancer and a court for the upper-class—billionaires, politicians, and the like. People address her as an ultimate 'courtesan' because she's been targeting high profiles.Zoe even gets bullied because of her mother's job. Despite this, she mastered ignoring everything. Her mother may not have a decent job, but she still loves her, and no one can change that.“Zoe…” her mom called her name, and she stopped doing her homework.Since their apartment costs cheap, she could easily hear voices outside her room. She then walked towards the door and opened it. She looked at her mom from head to toe, and she dressed seductively for her work again.“Have you finished your homework already?” her mom asked.She shook her head. “Not yet.”Her mother's lips formed an
A MAN in a gray polo and black trouser butt in, and then he walked towards the old man, whom he called 'dad.'"Helios, son," the old man greeted as he stood up. A sly smile crept into the old man's lips."What are you doing here, dad? And what are these people doing here?" the guy named Helios uttered as he stopped his gaze on Zoe."You're doing it again?!" Helios' booming voice roared on the corners. He walked closer to his dad and grabbed the old man by his collar. "I'm warning you! Don't you dare tint my place with your schemes!” he asserted.Instead of answering, Helios' dad let out a devilish laugh."Let them go, dad," Helios asserted once again.The old man's devilish smile is still drawn to his lips as he equaled Helios' death stares.“I will if…” he paused, which made Helios clench his jaw. “Well, I will let the young lady go—”"Both of them. Let them go," Helios said.“No. The older one needs to pay debts to me—”"I am clear, dad. Let them go!" Helios shouted, making the old
IT'S been two days since Zoe lived with Helios. It's Monday, and she just went home from school. Her everyday life as a student became different the moment she lived with Helios. Yesterday, the man ordered someone to pick up and pack her things at her old apartment. However, they only brought her something that she would need at school but not her clothes because Helios bought many of them.She knew he bought her but to the extent that he would buy her dresses and stuff. She couldn't say anything about his treatment. He's caring—despite the fact that he has a solid and scary aura, she still manages to stay calm on his side. And she has this strong feeling that she's safe when she's with him.About her mom… they lost communication. But Helios assured her that her mother was safe. She trusts Helios' words. She doesn't know, but she felt at ease being with him in just a few days."Miss, dinner is ready.""Thank you, Nana Milky. But I will wait for Helios first," Zoe said and smiled at He
WHEN Zoe’s lips met his lips, a bomb suddenly exploded inside her. The kiss is familiar, and so is his touch. She knew that her body recognized it.He was the man whom she let have her that night two years ago. She can’t forget that tribal tattoo design covering his left chest and shoulder. The room that night is dim, but the tattoo shines through the dark.She was sure that he was the man who took her virginity—yes, she lost it that night. It was clear as snow, but it was the memory she tried to forget. She was drunk. However, she still remembers what she did. She was at the counter at that time while waiting for her mom. She remembered clearly how she pulled the guy that passed by in front of her and suddenly kissed him. It was supposed to be a peck, but the guy caught her lips again.She opened her eyes at the moment and pushed Helios away. Her chest was heavy panting while she stared at him.“Now, you remembered me,” he said, and a smile formed on his lips.“W-Why you didn’t tell
Zoe awoke beside Helios the following morning. Naked. She shook her head as she locked her gaze on Helios, who was sleeping peacefully beside her.She questioned herself at this point: how did she get in here?She was a typical college student who was only concerned with her studies and her mother. Her mother, whom she adores, attempted to sell her to a man—a murderous devil.However, how could she be certain Helios is not a mirror image of his father?Zoe sighed and was about to descend when she felt a warmth draw her.“Hey.”When she felt Helios’s breath land on her bare neck, she closed her eyes. She sighed as she turned to face him.Zoe smiled as she locked eyes with Helios. “Hey.”“I apologize for last night—”“No,” she said, shaking her head. “You are not required to be sorry. We both desired it,” she continued.Helios smiled and kissed her temple softly. His hands caressed her right cheek.“I’m reluctant to claim you, but I can’t help myself—”“I understand,” Zoe sighed. “Belie
THE following day, Zoe awoke early to prepare breakfast. She was aware that Nana Milky was present, but she insisted on completing the task on her own.“Have you seen Helios, Nana?” she inquired as she prepared to cut the white onions.Nana greeted her with a smile. “He departed at the crack of dawn. H he will be on a week-long business trip.”Zoe paused in her onion cutting and looked at Nana, baffled. She spent the entire day yesterday with Helios. As she was afraid to leave the house—prior to what happened recently—she chose to play board games after discovering a chessboard in the living room.How come Helios failed to inform her?“Didn’t he inform you?”Zoe sighed and gave a faint smile. She examined the onions that had been chopped. “No. Hmm... well, it’s his business,” she replied, her voice a little somber.Nana Milky approached her and took her hand in hers. “I’m certain he’ll call. Helios is always this way when he embarks on a journey.”Zoe pursed her lips and gave a slight
"IS that Zoe the commoner?”“Wow, she’s hot, dude!”“A commoner is always a commoner. Even if she wears luxury clothes.”“Right.”Zoe is aware that the people are eyeing her. Murmuring about her.Well, who wouldn’t?She was known to be the commoner. She has been bullied ever since because of her mother. But all of these, she tends to ignore.And she was quite aware that her entrance, with the two men beside her, walking with her, would literally catch attention.She stopped walking and faced the man on her right. “Maybe it would be best if you would wait for me in the parking lot? I know you understand my situation,” she said and smiled. However, she got no response.She looked to her left, and still, the other man had no response.‘Seriously?’ she thought.“Look, sir. You will put me in trouble if you don’t stay away—”“We need to follow sir Lincoln’s order, ma’am. I’m sorry,” finally the man on her right talked.Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose to calm herself. Afterward, she wand
ZOE was surprised when she woke up one morning. Helios was there, sitting beside her, and she bet he was staring at her, who-knows-when.It was a hell week for Zoe, dealing with other bullies, but she admits it and is beyond grateful because the queen, Mira Riverdale, was there to save her ass.“Hey,” Helios uttered and smiled at her.Zoe couldn’t still believe the things happening between them were too swift and seemed temporary.She moved herself up and leaned on the headboard, never leaving Helios’s gaze.“Since when did you arrive?”Helios crept a playful smirk on his lips. “Just this morning.”Zoe pressed her lips and sighed. “And how long have you been staring at me?”Helios let out a soft chuckle. “You have no idea—”“Just answer me, Helios. And I am not up for a joke.”Helios’s forehead creased and sat properly. “What’s with you, baby? Did I do something wrong?”Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t know,” she shook her head, “—all of these seem so unreal, and it shouldn
ZOE’S POVStanding in the hallway, in front of the open door… is Helios. He was holding our daughter’s hand.Is my third eye open as well? I did the sign of a cross and closed my eyes. Lord, God, I may badly want to see him, but this shocked me. I opened my eyes, and he was still there.I also heard the seemingly suppressed laughter of those with me inside.He smiled at me, which made my heart thumps so fast that I could even overhear it. Astonishment registered on my face. Confused…What is this?"Mommy, daddy!" Hela shouted.I looked down at the bouquet of roses that he was holding. It has assorted colors.What’s going on? I turned my gaze to my parents to find an answer. But they just nodded.I backed away when Helios started to walk inward. Our daughter was still next to him, smiling. Helios’s face remains calm as he slowly walks toward me.He stopped a few inches away from me."Baby," his soft voice almost feels so unreal.I shook my head. My vision started to blur again. My hear
ZOE’S POVWhen we got inside the hospital, and inside Helios’s room, I fell on the floor, crying incessantly. They were all inside Helios’s room. Helios is already covered with a white blanket. The apparatuses are also gone.I no longer knew who had pulled me up and led me near him.He gave up!He didn't fight for me... for us.God never answered my prayers.Why?Why do I have to feel this agony?Why do I have to experience this epic romance? I thought things like this would just be in a movie.I immediately hugged his corpse.Corpse?No. I didn’t know what to feel as I hugged his body. Why didn’t he fight for me… for us? Why did he let this happen? Did he not miss us? He promised me. He’s a fighter, but why?“Why?! I screamed. “Why did you leave us? Why did you let go?! You promised that you were going to marry me. You’re being unfair! You’re leaving me alone again while I deliver our child. I want… I also wanted to you—"“Zoe, calm down. Breathe, sweetie. Slowly… Something might hap
ZOE’S POVSIX MONTHS.Six months had passed swiftly, but Helios was still not waking up. There’s still no progress. And I almost wanted to give up, but I knew he was trying to fight. He’s trying to come back for me… for us. And every single thought of losing him almost tears me apart.How many medications have been injected into him? I lost count.I pray every day, especially when I’m on his side, holding his hand, pressing it, and talking to him. I know there’s still hope. And I believe a miracle could exist.Our daughter turned one about a month ago. We celebrated it inside his room, trying to lighten the atmosphere that day, but even if we tried hard, we all knew we couldn’t. We can’t be happy, seeing Helios lying on this hospital bed, apparatuses plunged into some parts of his body and sleeping so sound that it gives a false alarm—that he will let go at any moment.Damn it! May God forgives me. Many people out there wanted to take themselves for useless things. Why should it be hi
“WHAT a cute family?!” shouted Bill and laughed. “Do you think things will be easy just like that? I’m not a fool, Helios. If I die, I will drag you down. And I’m going to take this building down. Now, let’s play, finding the bombs,” he said and grinned.“Helios...”Helios kissed Zoe on her forehead, “Everything’s going to be fine. Let’s get you out,” he said. “Don’t let them escape. Take all of them out of this building!”They were about to leave when Amanda screamed. Her sister’s attention was on Beige. Helios turned to them.“Sir, the bomb in him is activated,” one of the assassins said.“I told you. I’m not a fool, Helios!” shouted Bill, who the two men were holding.Her eyes widened as she trembled because of fear. The timer is only one minute and twenty seconds. Her eyes were enveloped by tears again, as she was afraid of what she was seeing. But Helios led her out. Her chest was heavy as she left the place.“Helios, where’s Sam and Cindy,” she asked between her sobs.“Grant to
BILL came out from an old room and laughed as he pointed a gun at Helios.“Hello, Helios,” he said demonically.The man stopped a few meters from where Helios was. “So, Helios… let’s start some convo, shall we? How are you, my brother?” asked Bill as the muzzle of the gun still aimed at Helios.On the other hand, Helios remained calm that even if he wanted to blow Bill’s head off, he couldn’t because his loved ones were inside.“I’m not your brother,” he replied emphatically.The man laughed. He put down his gun, and his men pointed theirs at Helios.Zoe wiggles and tries to speak even though Helios can’t understand them. Helios glanced at her, and pity registered in the young man’s eyes. And his heart pounded fast when he saw his daughter lying on a wooden table, sleeping as Bea patted her.“Do you like what you see, Helios?” asked Bill.Helios turned to Bill. “No. Let’s end this. Let them go, and you can have me. I’m the only one you need, right?” he said and gritted his teeth.Bill
“I’m begging, Bill. Please, let us go. And please, let me hold my daughter,” Zoe pleaded.Her heart was almost broken because of the constant crying of her daughter, who Bea was holding. They give her milk in the bottle, but her daughter is still dependent on her—she’s breastfeeding the child.How cruel will they be?“B-Bea, please, let me hold my daughter! Let me go!” Her voice was cracked, trying to hold back her tears. “Let me go… let me go,” she said, almost whispering.Bill just laughed while he could see her suffering. What a demon!“That’s right. Feel my wrath, Zoe—Helios’s kryptonite that can serve to be the source of his death,” he said and devilishly laughed along with her daughter’s loud cries.“L-Let me hold my daughter…” she said weakly. She felt dory for her daughter, who won’t stop crying.She doesn’t know where they are. They were immediately blindfolded when they saw the driver on their way to Batangas. When those demons removed their blindfolds, they saw tall trees.
HELIOS went out early to visit Grant’s twin brother, but those guards outside Gunner’s room were already dead when they arrived. They didn’t see any gunshots because all his men were drugged to death, and Gunner was missing.“Damn that, Bill!” Grant murmured as he punched the wall.Ali approached him and touched his left shoulder. “Calm down, Grant. Don’t let your rage eat you.”“How the shits I can calm down? He took Gun—he took my brother!”Helios then let Ali calm his cousin. He massages his temple. Bill is getting on his nerves.“He already found out that we knew his plan and Gunner’s betrayal! And I’m sure he’ll kill Gun! That psychopath will think that Gunner talked about his plans to us. Fuck!”"We need to go back," said Helios."Where to?" asked Calyx.“At home,” Helios replied and twitched the doorknob, and went out of the room. He pulled out his cell phone and called someone to remove the corpses inside the room before the police could see them.When he hung up, his phone ra
THE NEXT day, Helios and his friends leave early. Cindy and Sam decided then that they would stay for a while.“You didn’t come down last night, huh, Zoe? What did you do inside the room?” asked Cindy, carrying her daughter. After bathing her daughter and dressing her, Cindy immediately took the little girl.“Yeah. You left us with those jerks downstairs,” Sam complained while busy tying her shoelaces.Zoe was delighted that Sam could get along and erased the awkwardness.Zoe just shook her head and returned things to her daughter’s bag. “We just talked,” she replied.“Really? Just talking… no touching?” asked Cindy.She rolled her eyes and shook her head.“Ah, that’s why there are hickeys on the top of your left chest and neck?” asked Sam and grinned.“Oh. My. Gosh! Is that hickeys?” uttered Cindy and laughed along with Sam.At that time, she wants to be swallowed by the ground. When she finished, she acted as if she was not affected by the teasing from her friends.“We will be going
IT WAS ten o’clock in the evening when Helios got home. Zoe’s friend is still in the house, and both decided to do a sleepover. Hela Selene was already asleep upstairs. She’s with their maid named Bea.Helios went home not alone. He’s with this guy named Ali, together with Grant and Calyx. She smiled when she saw the reaction of her friend, Cindy. Cindy spits the water she’s drinking when she sees Calyx.They were busy watching when the men arrived. Cindy is at the edge where she back faces the main door—she didn’t expect the arrival of Calyx.Helios approached her and kissed her on the forehead. “Where’s Hela?” he asked.She was about to answer when Cindy and Sam started to tease her. They’ve repeatedly been saying the words, ‘long table’. At the same time, Helios's companions began to whistle.She shook her head and smiled. Then she looked at Helios again. “She’s already asleep. What took you so long?”Helios sat down beside her, and he put his arm around her. He leaned the back of