THE COLD breeze of the wind shoves inside the window, waking up the sleeping beauty. The surrounding is still calm and could be deafening.Zoe stretched her arms upward and smiled before opening her eyes. Her eyes blinked twice, thrice, until she adjusted her vision to the light coming from the window.“What a lovely day,” she stated when she got up and sat. She looked pat through the window and saw the shades of the sky turning orange in delight.The sun is rising and ready to say HI to the world. Zoe knew today was a busy day. Of course, her first day of work. However, she couldn’t help but sigh as she got off of her bed. She opened the window and wandered her eyes around. And she let out a soft chuckle when she remembers that the AC is on. She then pulled back the window and waved the curtain to see the view.The trees are still calm this morning. She also saw birds flying as if they were also in a hurry for something, maybe finding a portion of food to eat.And, of course, she c
“THANK YOU,” Zoe said when the guards let her in. They may act a little bit rude to her earlier; she could understand it. Besides, Helios didn’t instruct them.Zoe heaved a deep sigh and cursed inside her mind when she walked toward the elevator. Ever since she has been an introvert, she will spend her time at school, at home, and vice versa. She’s not fond of socializing and seeing many people, making her feel a little bit anxious.At the same time, she was clueless. She might not be dumb, but she can still feel that jitters in her very first.It took her a couple of minutes before she reached the top floor of the building.The space on the top is vast, and every corner is well-furnished. The dim lights beamed in the hallway, and the indoor plants were quite refreshing to the eyes.The moment she saw Helios’s office, which is just at the center, right after she stepped out of the elevator, she took a deep breath to calm herself. She knocked thrice before she twisted the know and ente
Zoe’s POV“ARE you sure about this, Zoe?”“Mom…” As I was fixing my clothes inside the small luggage, I looked at my mother, “—it has to.”“But there must be a reason why Helios treats you like that. Let his head cool off. You can’t just act like you wanted to be just because of Helios’s cold treatment. You have to respect him.”I sighed as I sat on the edge of my small bed. “You don’t understand—”“Zoe, I didn’t teach you to hold a grudge or to give up that easily. It came from you that he proposed marriage, but you declined it because of the unrequited love.”Mom walked towards me and sat on my side. She reached for my hand and pressed it gently. “Helios is a man. Sometimes, when it comes to love, men choose to be straightforward. Some got cowardly. However, Helios is different. He’s honest. It takes time for a man to take courage in confessing, yet he took the risk.”I shook my head. “Then he could also understand my feeling, mom.”“This is all about lowering your pride. Helios was
Zoe’s POVMy mother was still teasing me while we entered the club entrance. The bouncer nodded at me, but I doubt that he knew me. The nod was for my mother, making me look at her.“Mom, stop smiling. You look stupid,” I said and rolled my eyes. I frowned and glared at her when she slapped my butt. “Mom…” I warned with a steady voice.She smiled at me and winked. Afterward, she dragged me towards the bar counter. “Two shots of sex on the beach!” she said, her voice booming and blending with the loud music being played.“I’ll have a beer, mom.”She arched her brow and glared at me. “Quit being stubborn, Zoe. Let go of the bad vibes, feel the rhythm of the music, relax and chill.”I took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine, you win this time.”I saw how a smile drew to my mother’s lips. “You mean, you’re accepting that you like Hel—”“Mom!” I yelled and then suddenly looked at the crowd. I pressed my lips when a couple looked in my direction, but, in the end, they still continued to da
Zoe’s POVSoon as we enter the VIP room on the edge of the second floor. I heaved a deep sigh to calm myself and won’t get enraged because of what he did.“I’m sorry.” Two words slipped out of our mouths in unison.I met his gaze and pressed my lips. If I will point out what he did earlier, I will just waste my time. So I decided not to mention it and told him my purpose.“I know I was wrong. I should have considered your feelings. But you should have known that love doesn’t work that way, Hel.”Helios met my gaze. “Forget about it. Are you okay now? If so, I’ll let you take a nap—”“I want us to talk.”Helios scoffed. “About what? It’s clear as crystal that you don’t like me—”“I like you. That’s the truth.” I saw how his eyes widened and his forehead knitted. “However, that marriage you wanted, it’s too fast, and I am not prepared. What if you’ll regret it in the end?”“I never regretted every decision I made,” he said, making me shake my head. “No, Helios, you can’t be perfect for
Zoe’s POVThe atmosphere became thick, enveloping our warming bodies. Helios never left my lips, and he deepened them as his hand traveled from my navel to my right breast.My body shouts that I want him. I miss him, his touch... and everything. I want to feel him inside me again.His hands massage my right breast, making me feel the warmth of his palm through the fiber of the cloth covering it. His lips moved, and I joined his every pace. I kissed back with the same intensity and sensation.Our kisses sent shivers down my spine, making my body shudder in pleasure.A moan slipped out of my mouth when his lips moved down to my jaw, leaving soft kisses on it. Then it went to my neck; he sucked my skin as if he were a leech, and one moment, he stood up and undressed.My gaze swiftly landed on the tattoo, covering her left arm and chest. He walked towards the door and reached for the light switch on the side. The room became dim, leaving the penlights on the side open.I could see his tal
Helios never thought that he would fall in love with Zoe. He’s been watching her from afar for two years.Icarus, his twin brother, took her virginity—it was clear to him that it was Icarus, not him. But he lied to her.He stopped Icarus from doing it, but his brother just ignored him. And he can’t do anything about it. Besides, he saw how Zoe seemed to like it too.Until…It was three at dawn, and he was on the bar counter still drinking his beer when Icarus suddenly rushed outside. He was confused and followed his twin but ended up watching Icarus’s Lamborghini away from his bar.And the afternoon of that day, he received a phone call from his father that they found Icarus’s dead body.Unlike him, Icarus deals with fights. He got enemies. He was their father’s right hand; after all, he was the next heir to his throne, while Orion Helios was just meant to deal with their business success.He didn’t mean to lie to Zoe that night when he unexpectedly saw her inside his bar. But somethi
Zoe’s POV“Mom!” I called my mother as I looked for a dress inside my old cabinet.Silly me, for I am not wearing any dress like those. I only have jeans and shirts.“What is it?!” My mom yelled back as she was busy cooking in the kitchen.I shook my head. Instead of shouting at each other, why can’t I just get down and ask her… closely?Gees, self!I rushed towards the kitchen and saw my mom stirring. “Mom.”“Yes?” she asked, but her attention was still on the dish that she was cooking.“Hmm… can I borrow one of your dresses?” I bit my lower lip as I reached for the glass and poured the water pitcher.“For what?”“I have a date.”“A date?!” she exclaimed, which made me lose grip on the glass.“What the hell, mom?!”“Words, Zoe,” she said, more of a warning.“So, can I?”“Who’s your date?”I put down the glass on the table and sighed. “Helios—”“See—”“With his dad,” I continued. And watched for her reaction. I saw how her eyes widened, and her lips parted.“Seriously?”I bit my lower
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