ZOE is staring at the two lines on the PT kit, and her hands are slightly shaking because she knows that Cindy’s anticipation was true. Cindy walked towards her.They were inside Zoe’s room. Right after they closed the cafe, Cindy bought a PT kit at the nearby drugstore and gave it to Zoe.The pharmacist instructed Cindy to take the test early in the morning. However, Cindy was determined enough that it was positive.“What was the result?” Cindy asked.Zoe sat on the side of the bed and took a deep breath. Then suddenly, her chest started to move rapidly as her tears clouded her eyes. Cindy sat beside her and caressed her back. “Let it out. I am here. I will listen,” she said.Hearing this, Zoe cried even harder. She tried to control it, but her sobs slipped out of her mouth.It was just seven in the evening, and as usual, the two old ladies were still working at the hotel and restaurant Grant until eight in the evening.Cindy hugged Zoe and started comforting her. “I am just here,
“Fuck it, dude. Look at my face now?” Grant’s voice was filled with madness while he stood in front of the mirror and stared at his reflection.They just finished sparing, and Helios was really in a rage, making him punch Grant’s face with anger. As for Grant, he didn’t dodge and received Helios’s strength, leaving a cut and bruises on his face.“Fuck! You can punch my body, but why my face?!” he yelled as he faced Helios.Helios arched his brow as he drank a bottle of water, taking it in one gulp.“Damn it. My chicks will—”“Shut up, fucker. Just fuck your informant,” Helios said as he threw the bottle in the bin. He grabbed the white towel at the side of the ring and wiped his hair.Grant gestured a punch in the air while Helios’ back was facing him. And when Helios turned to face him, Grant whistled and walked towards the bench.He was about to grab the bottle of water when the phone on the top of his sports bag vibrated. He frowned as he reached for it.It was an unknown number.
Zoe’s POVThe following day, I was too lazy to get up from my bed, but mom went in to remind me.I’ve searched the internet about the symptoms of pregnancy since it’s my first time. The whole thing is new to me.I also don’t know when will I’m going to talk about it to my mother. I’m sure mom will get surprised.When I stepped out of the room, I frowned and covered my nose immediately when I smelled something in the air. It’s from the kitchen. My stomach stumbled down, and the bathroom called me. I dashed back to my room.I puked, but nothing came out.I closed my eyes and waited for my stomach to settle. I wished mom didn’t hear me. I’m not ready to tell her about it yet.After a few minutes, I stepped out of the bathroom and fixed my hair. Soon as I opened the door, I saw mom standing in front of it. I frowned and immediately covered my nose.I saw how mom’s forehead creased.“What’s wrong?”I smiled faintly. “Mom—”“Why are you covering your nose? Zoe, I just took a bath and—”“G
“CAN you tell me where you’re going, Helios? We’re not finished yet,” Chloe stated emphatically.Helios was invited to a dinner party at a posh restaurant by Chloe. Helios agreed because the woman has been in contact with his father and has asked for updates on a regular basis.As an added bonus, he remembered what Grant had said to him. And he’s only putting up with all of this nonsense for the sake of his scheme.“As I previously stated, I have a large number of tasks to complete.”Chloe wrinkled her brows as she wiped the inside of her mouth. She took a sip of the red wine from her wine glass and stared at it. “It’s not business hours, Helios.”Helios’s brows knitted together. “You’re familiar with my working style, Chloe.”She sipped her drink from the glass and smirked when she caught Helios’s eye. “So, what do you want me to say to your father if he calls?” she inquired.“Then tell the truth,” Helios responded, and he then walked out of the room toward the entrance.Chloe rose t
ZOE could hear the loud beating of her heart—it was deafening. That aura—she knew who owned it. She looked at Cindy, whose eyes were pierced into her.At this moment, she knew that Cindy was not joking.Cindy reached for her hand and pressed it. “Helios is here,” she whispered, making Zoe nod her head.“I know,” she replied.Zoe closed her eyes for a moment to calm her heart. She counted up to three before she felt the presence of Helios, who sat on her side.‘He knew? Does he know that I am pregnant?’ she thought.“Cindy…” Zoe muttered Cindy’s name.Cindy moved closer to her as she was sitting on her sight while Helios sat on the left.“Water, please,” Zoe said.Cindy frowned and was about to stand when Helios spoke.“I’ll get—”“Call the waiter,” Zoe said, her eyes fixed on Cindy’s. Cindy heaved a deep sigh and reached for Zoe’s hand.“Accompany me at the restroom,” she said as she pulled Zoe upward. “We can ask for a glass of water on our way,” she added. But Cindy knew that it wa
AFTER dinner, Helios wanted to talk to Zoe, but Grant stopped him. They excused themselves and talked privately.“I let you see her even if she didn’t ask for it. Now, do your part. You have already seen her and even heard her voice. Do your part, Helios. Go home.”Helios clenched his fist as he met Grant’s gaze. “Let me talk to her. Even just a few seconds—”“Eyes are on you, Helios. And you’re aware of that. Good thing you have your own reapers to back you up.”“They’re just my bodyguards, idiot,” Helios replied.Grant scoffed. “Whatever. Now, go home. Call Chloe and act according to the plan. If you do not cooperate, I’m sorry, but I can’t help you,” he said, and after that, he turned his back away from Helios and went back to their table.At this moment, Zoe and Cindy were confused because they didn’t see Helios.“Where’s Helios?” Cindy asked.“He has work to do,” Grant replied, and he looked at Zoe, “can we talk privately, Zoe?” he asked.Zoe arched her brow as she looked at Cind
DAYS had gone by. Helios pretended to be involved in his relationship with Chloe. He accompanied Chloe on all of her errands, including the selection of cakes, decorations, and clothing.Helios could see Chloe’s joy in her eyes. They’re inexplicable, but he knew it was everything the woman had ever desired.Helios initially assumed that Chloe would understand his feelings for Zoe. He assumed she would not object, but in the end... Chloe pushed through the engagement with his father’s help.Helios was well aware that the wedding would benefit their mafia clan. Chloe’s brother is also a member of a mafia organization and one of its top leaders. His father intends to unite with their family in order to strengthen their power and become more daring.Chloe knows nothing about the mafia, and that will remain the case.Helios preferred that their engagement be kept private. However, Chloe and his father are opposed to the idea, but after he explains the potential threat, they agree. As promi
"GOOD morning, pretty momma," Cindy greeted with glee soon as she entered the café the next day. "How's your sleep, momma?" she added.Zoe let out a soft chuckle and gestured a quiet sign. "Your voice is too loud. What if Mr. Reynolds will hear—""Oh, come on, popcorn. Let him hear it. Anyway, highway, when will you tell to your mom? It's been days," Cindy asked as she tied her hair in a bun.Zoe sighed and put the last fill of the straw. "Tonight," she replied.Cindy's eyes widened, and she even clapped her hands. "Perfect. Do you want it over dinner or after dinner?""Just after I go to bed," Zoe answered, making Cindy frown and roll her eyes."Geez, you're so cheap. It calls a celebration, and I'm sure Aunt Iris will be glad to have a grandchild."Zoe shook her head. "I don't know. I am not sure."Cindy waved her hand and smiled. "Come on. Aunt Iris is just like Aunt Millie. They're both kind and awesome oldies," she said, making Zoe smile and feel sudden ease in her heart. Zoe no
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