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Chapter 39
Last Updated:
2024-12-16 23:50:02
AVA NAHJust a quick note: After Astin's three chapters of narration, the story shifts to Book 2, CEO'S FIRST LOVE, which focuses on his married life with Laura. The full love story spans 73 chapters. Bear with me!
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Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 40: Astin's perspective—from the very beginning. (1)
“Mama, she's so beautiful. Can I marry her, Mama?” he innocently asked his mother. She had brought him to the Mayor's child's birthday party in their town.The young girl was stunning, like a princess in his eyes. And he saw himself as her prince.“Yes, Laura is indeed beautiful. Hmm, but you’re still too young to discuss marriage, my son. You can say that when you grow up,” his mother replied with a sweet smile, ruffling his hair.Since that night, he could not get the girl out of his mind. Laura Miller. She frequently visited their resort, and they became friends.But as they grew older, Laura became even more beautiful in his eyes. He always wanted to see her. When he turned ten, he asked his parents if he could take Laura on a tour around Caramoan Island. They agreed, as did Laura's father. They used one of his Daddy Sebastian’'s largest yachts. Since he was still too young, their families accompanied them.In fifth grade, his parents transferred him to Manila. He was devastated th
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 41: Astin's perspective—from the very beginning. (2)
Astin thought he wouldn’t be affected by Laura anymore. She had hurt him badly before, but now he couldn’t bring himself to stay mad at her. His heart was at risk again. He needed to fight his feelings for her and avoid her before he got hurt again.He couldn’t stop looking at her from the staircase. He had just arrived from headquarters, and Laura clearly just woke up. Her messy hair and casual look caught his attention. She looked even more beautiful than before. Her figure perfectly matched her face and long legs.Why did she have to wear such shorts? It stirred something inside him. He calmed himself when he felt uncomfortable in his pants. She still had the same effect on him.Fearing she might catch him staring, he walked away, pretending to check his phone.When he passed by her door, he noticed her looking at him. She called out his name, but he ignored her. He closed his eyes as he walked past. He missed her sweet voice and felt the urge to hug her.He had to control himself.
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 42: Astin's perspective—from the very beginning. (3)
ASTIN was utterly shocked when Andy told him that Laura was planning to transfer to Caramoan. He didn’t believe that her father was the reason behind her decision. He told his sister not to approve her request. When Andy demanded a reason, he had no choice but to admit what had happened between him and Laura. Andy also asked about Barbie, and he confessed that she was just a part of his mission. He wasn’t mistaken. Laura already knew that Barbie was staying at his condo. She was the one who delivered the papers his mother had asked to review for the hotel expansion. At that moment, he wanted to explain himself to Laura. He wanted to run after her. Even though she didn’t say a word, he could tell she was hurt. She might think she was just one of the many women in his life, which wasn’t true. She was the only woman he had ever truly loved.He almost kicked Barbie out of the condo after overhearing everything she told Laura. He had called Ian multiple times, begging him to end the missio
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 43: The Wedding
Laura glanced at her reflection in the mirror and smiled softly. She had opted for simplicity—a long-sleeved lace wedding gown with an elegant backless design. It wasn’t overly extravagant because simplicity suited her personality. In just two weeks, her figure and belly had grown noticeably. She looked so different compared to their prenup photos, where she wasn’t as plump. Yet she didn’t mind at all. What mattered most was that she and her baby were healthy. “You’re absolutely stunning, my dear!” Kendra praised warmly, still by her side. After all, Astin had strictly instructed her not to leave Laura’s side, knowing his fear of being stood up again. “Thank you, Tita,” Laura replied with a smile. “Call me Mama, dear. Finally, your wedding is happening. I’m so happy for you and Astin, and of course, excited for my grandchild,” she said happily. Touched, Laura embraced her tightly. “Thank you, Mama, for everything. You’ve been so kind to me, even after what I did before. I was
Last Updated : 2024-12-24Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Prologue
ASTIN'S emotions were raging as he watched Laura get into an Audi. The man wrapped his arms around her waist, which infuriated him. He was jealous, but he had no right to be.When was the last time he held her? Probably when she was fifteen. It was even a stolen hug. And now she was letting this guy do it willingly?He couldn’t bear the sight, so he forced himself back to his car—a Porsche Carrera S, a car that his father gifted him upon graduation. He stomp the steering wheel and punched the seat.He was roaring with anger at the moment.“Damn you, boy!” he shouted in the car, still watching. The Audi hadn’t even left yet. How long had they been sitting in there?“What the hell are they doing?” he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair in frustration.He had offered to pick her up from the university since it was her birthday. He knew she was still upset with him, yet she always agreed to go with him whenever he came to get her. His family had organized a small celebrat
Last Updated : 2024-10-29Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 1
LAURA quickly left the pool, glancing over her shoulder to see if Astin was following her.Once inside, she dashed up the stairs to her room, shutting the door and double-locking it.Leaning against the door, she caught her breath and touched her lips. Why had she enjoyed that kiss from her childhood friend? It gives her a thrill through her entire being.That was her first truly passionate kiss. He’d stolen kisses before, but this felt different. Even with Gael, it was only quick pecks. She knew Astin had been drinking alcohol based on the scent of his breath, but his breath was still intoxicating.She closed her eyes, thinking she’d just been caught up in the moment. She had no romantic feelings for her childhood friend. He was only a brother to her. But why did a part of her heart feel otherwise?Still, this was wrong. She had a boyfriend—Gael Malonzo. She loved him, and they’d been together for nearly a year, having started dating ten months ago.Gael was her ideal man: respectful
Last Updated : 2024-10-30Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 2
“MAY I have your attention, please?” he said loudly to capture everyone’s attention at the dinner table. The guests fell silent, and all eyes turned back to him. He smiled at them. His mother, however, looked confused as he stood up, holding a small box.“Oh my! I think I know what’s in there, Big Brother! Let me guess—” Andy, his little sister with chubby cheeks, seemed determined to spoil his surprise. In the past, she had been thin, but now she has gained weight rapidly, giving her cheeks an adorable plumpness, leading him to tease her by calling her ‘Chabita.’“Stop will you, Chabita!” he cut her off, shooting her a side look. She had a habit of getting him into trouble with Laura.“Andy, let him speak first. Alright?” his father said, winking at him. That was one thing he loved about his dad—he was always supportive.“Hmp!” Andy pouted her lips and gave him a side look, which made him smile. Everyone chuckled at her action.He turned back to Laura, who was a bit puzzled while gla
Last Updated : 2024-10-31Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 3
THE next day, Laura was sluggish about getting up. She still hadn’t moved on from what Astin did—proposing to her last night. And she still hadn’t told Gael what happened. She wondered what her boyfriend would think. She loved Gael. She jumped when her door suddenly opened, revealing a freshly-showered Astin holding a tray of food. She could only shake her head.“Get yourself ready, or you’ll be late,” he said, placing the tray on the small side table by her bed before sitting down on the bed himself. She only stared at him, unable to open her mouth, still angry over his audacity. He was about to touch her hair, but she turned her head to avoid his hand.“You're still mad at me,” he said, looking her in the eye. She looked away and asked, “What do you expect? Be happy with your impulsiveness?” Her tone was laced with sadness. “Just leave me alone for a while, Astin. Please?” she added softly. He had no intention of leaving. “I came here to feed you, so why would I leave?” he repli
Last Updated : 2024-11-01
Latest chapter
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 43: The Wedding
Laura glanced at her reflection in the mirror and smiled softly. She had opted for simplicity—a long-sleeved lace wedding gown with an elegant backless design. It wasn’t overly extravagant because simplicity suited her personality. In just two weeks, her figure and belly had grown noticeably. She looked so different compared to their prenup photos, where she wasn’t as plump. Yet she didn’t mind at all. What mattered most was that she and her baby were healthy. “You’re absolutely stunning, my dear!” Kendra praised warmly, still by her side. After all, Astin had strictly instructed her not to leave Laura’s side, knowing his fear of being stood up again. “Thank you, Tita,” Laura replied with a smile. “Call me Mama, dear. Finally, your wedding is happening. I’m so happy for you and Astin, and of course, excited for my grandchild,” she said happily. Touched, Laura embraced her tightly. “Thank you, Mama, for everything. You’ve been so kind to me, even after what I did before. I was
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 42: Astin's perspective—from the very beginning. (3)
ASTIN was utterly shocked when Andy told him that Laura was planning to transfer to Caramoan. He didn’t believe that her father was the reason behind her decision. He told his sister not to approve her request. When Andy demanded a reason, he had no choice but to admit what had happened between him and Laura. Andy also asked about Barbie, and he confessed that she was just a part of his mission. He wasn’t mistaken. Laura already knew that Barbie was staying at his condo. She was the one who delivered the papers his mother had asked to review for the hotel expansion. At that moment, he wanted to explain himself to Laura. He wanted to run after her. Even though she didn’t say a word, he could tell she was hurt. She might think she was just one of the many women in his life, which wasn’t true. She was the only woman he had ever truly loved.He almost kicked Barbie out of the condo after overhearing everything she told Laura. He had called Ian multiple times, begging him to end the missio
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 41: Astin's perspective—from the very beginning. (2)
Astin thought he wouldn’t be affected by Laura anymore. She had hurt him badly before, but now he couldn’t bring himself to stay mad at her. His heart was at risk again. He needed to fight his feelings for her and avoid her before he got hurt again.He couldn’t stop looking at her from the staircase. He had just arrived from headquarters, and Laura clearly just woke up. Her messy hair and casual look caught his attention. She looked even more beautiful than before. Her figure perfectly matched her face and long legs.Why did she have to wear such shorts? It stirred something inside him. He calmed himself when he felt uncomfortable in his pants. She still had the same effect on him.Fearing she might catch him staring, he walked away, pretending to check his phone.When he passed by her door, he noticed her looking at him. She called out his name, but he ignored her. He closed his eyes as he walked past. He missed her sweet voice and felt the urge to hug her.He had to control himself.
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 40: Astin's perspective—from the very beginning. (1)
“Mama, she's so beautiful. Can I marry her, Mama?” he innocently asked his mother. She had brought him to the Mayor's child's birthday party in their town.The young girl was stunning, like a princess in his eyes. And he saw himself as her prince.“Yes, Laura is indeed beautiful. Hmm, but you’re still too young to discuss marriage, my son. You can say that when you grow up,” his mother replied with a sweet smile, ruffling his hair.Since that night, he could not get the girl out of his mind. Laura Miller. She frequently visited their resort, and they became friends.But as they grew older, Laura became even more beautiful in his eyes. He always wanted to see her. When he turned ten, he asked his parents if he could take Laura on a tour around Caramoan Island. They agreed, as did Laura's father. They used one of his Daddy Sebastian’'s largest yachts. Since he was still too young, their families accompanied them.In fifth grade, his parents transferred him to Manila. He was devastated th
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 39
Since Laura was already pregnant, Astin didn’t allow her to continue working. Both families agreed that the wedding would be held again in Caramoan.At last, Astin and Laura's postponed wedding was set to take place.Laura leaned her head back, feeling sleepy. They were heading to Manila because she had a gown fitting scheduled for the next day. Their wedding was at the end of the month. For the first time in her life, she felt genuine excitement.Hernandez couple wanted to hurry the wedding before her belly grew too big.They were mid-flight, and she couldn’t stop yawning. Why did Astin have to pick her up at night? Her sleep was cut short.“Get some rest, sweetie. I’ll wake you up when we land,” Astin whispered and kissed her hair.“Okay,” she mumbled, barely able to keep her eyes open.Before she fully gave in to sleep, she heard him humming. She smiled to herself. Maybe he’d be better at lulling their future baby to sleep than she would. His soothing voice only made her sleepier. S
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 38
LAURA suddenly felt hungry when she smelt the food Andy was carrying. It came from the hotel’s restaurant—their Kubo restaurant. She was familiar with the menu and its aroma. She wasn’t mistaken. The food was indeed for her. She allowed Astin to feed her when she said that she was hungry.“Tell me, why did you rush to leave this morning? Was it because of Elisa?” Astin asked after giving her a bite. She pinched him quickly, worried his parents might hear. But his father caught it anyway. “Don’t mind my son, Laura. He and Elisa have always been close. She’s like a daughter to us, too. Besides, Elisa is my godchild, so don’t think anything of it. They’re like siblings,” his father said. She shyly smiled at his father, not knowing how to respond. It seemed he didn’t realize Elisa had feelings for Astin. “Yes, Tito,” she replied softly, finally finding the courage to speak. Her Uncle Kent smiled warmly at her. Astin said nothing more as she shot him a warning glare. A few moments l
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 37
“I love you so much, Astin,” Elisa’s gentle voice filled the room.She wanted to hear Astin’s response, secretly hoping he wouldn’t return her feelings. But anxiety gripped her—fear of what he might say.“Elisa... I love you—”She didn’t let him finish. She abruptly walked away, her chest feeling like it was about to explode. She quickly descended the stairs, startling the people in the living room with her haste. Her dad and Aunt Kendra called out to her, but she ignored them.Laura hurried out of the gate and walked briskly. She wanted to scream, but no sound escaped her lips. She wanted to cry, but no tears would fall. She passed by John’s group, noticing them only now as they appeared to be eating. John called out to her, but she didn’t look back. She kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, desperate to leave that place. She encountered some of their staff along the way and forced a bitter smile until she reached the hotel’s main gate. She kept walking until she reached the corner, wh
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 36
She was left stunned. She wasn’t wrong in her suspicions. Who dared to tell her to avoid Astin? Who did she think she was to dictate her actions? Elisa had no idea what was happening between her and Astin right now. Elisa couldn’t dictate what she should do. Did Astin know how Elisa felt? She needed to talk to Astin when he recovered. She didn’t want this kind of relationship. She wasn’t sure if Astin truly loved her. As long as other women surrounded him, she wouldn’t have peace of mind. Selfish as it may seem, she didn’t want to share him with anyone. She knew Astin loved her. Honestly, Elisa’s words had boosted her confidence—learning that Astin was assigned here because of her brought her joy. That gave her a reason to fight for him. She wouldn’t let Elisa take him away from her. She was climbing the stairs when she spotted Elisa entering Astin’s room. She had no idea where Elisa planned to sleep tonight. She waited for her to go inside before heading upstairs herself. She’d l
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 35
Before they even entered the gate, Elisa was already waiting for them. When she saw the blood on her hand pressed against his wound, she panicked. “Oh my God, Astin! I told you to take it easy and recover first!” Elisa exclaimed. She quickly assisted Astin as they climbed the stairs. Astin remained silent. His eyes were unfocused, and he looked like he was about to pass out at any moment. The people in the living room also panicked and followed them to Astin’s room. Since Aurora was a nurse, she immediately fetched first-aid supplies from downstairs. Laura’s father, noticing his drenched clothes, took over and helped him change. Laura and Elisa stepped out briefly. Laura’s hands trembled as she nervously bit her nails. Only now did it sink in—why hadn’t Astin told her he was injured? Why did he push himself earlier? She hadn’t even noticed he was in pain. Or maybe he was just good at hiding it. Elisa glanced at her, her face tense, prompting Laura to avoid her gaze. She lowe
