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Chapter 52: Vulnerable
Last Updated:
2025-01-28 22:03:43
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Soldier'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
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BEFORE Laura could take a step closer to Gael, Astin pulled her out of the classroom. Her gaze stayed on Gael until they were outside. People in the hallway stared at them as they passed, recognising Astin. He had once spread around campus that she was his fiancée, which made her furious. Other girls, on the other hand, were overjoyed at Astin's simple smile. Some were practically squealing. Groups in the hallway were even nudging each other.“Hi, Astin!” she heard Barbie's group from the Accounting Department call out.He ignored them, keeping his focus solely on her. Laura just gave a quick glance towards the group that had called out to him.When they reached the back of the building, she was startled as he suddenly pinned her against the wall. His grip was a bit rough, making her wince.“So, you still haven’t told that guy we’re getting married?” She didn’t say a word. “You looked very pleased with the flower he gave you, didn't you?” he laughed bitterly and then continued, “I can
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IT’S been an hour. Still no sign of Astin. He still hadn’t returned. And she was getting bored. She played all the games on her phone, and still he hasn't come back. Afterwards, Romel came back with a snack. She had hoped that he would come in too.She pulled her bag closer and got ready herself. She really needed to go home. She was about to stand when the door opened. She thought it was Astin, but it was just Romel—again. She felt a wave of disappointment in her heart.“Sir Astin said he'll be a bit late, ma'am,” Romel informed her. She nodded at him, and he left right after.Is he still with Elisa? She wondered, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought. Who could Elisa be in Astin’s life?She leaned back in her chair as her head started to ache. Without realizing it, she fell asleep. The gentle touch of a hand on her face stirred her awake. She opened her eyes to see Astin smiling at her.“Did I wake you up?” he asked, not removing his hand from her face.She shook her head at him.
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That morning, Laura woke up to her phone’s alarm. She forgot to turn it off, so she sleepily did so. As soon as she saw Gael’s reply, she sat up.In the middle of typing her reply, she quickly pressed the answer button when Gael called her.“Good morning, love,” he greeted.She sweetly smiled upon hearing Gael’s voice. She hugged her pillow and lay on her stomach and then began speaking, “Morning, too—” But she didn’t get to finish her sentence as someone suddenly grabbed her phone and threw it against her bedroom wall.Shocked, she sat up in bed and looked at her broken cellphone.He looked at Astin to see his dark and fuming rage.“What the hell is your problem, Astin?” she asked.No answer came from Astin. He just threw himself onto her side. And she was about to get up when he pulled her close and hugged her tightly.“You are mine, Laura. Only mine. Bear that on your mind,” he said possessively, closing his eyes as if he were still sleepy. Laura has always heard these words from h
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“Where have you been?” Astin asked her seriously. “Do decent women go home like that?”His last question immediately got on her nerves. She let out a bitter laugh before answering, “Wow, we’re not even married yet, and you’re acting like you’re my husband.”“That’s where we’re headed, Laura,” he said, standing up. He approached her, making her back up until she was cornered against the closed door. He gently touched her face. She held her breath as his finger traced from her eyebrow down to her lips, making her feel something she couldn’t explain. He even pinched her lower lip.“I know you were with Gael earlier,” he said quietly, but his eyes had traces of anger. “I am expecting good news from you, my Laura,” he added, pulling her close and causing her to grab his arm.“Astin,” she murmured, his face so close to hers. She could smell his fresh breath and the scent of his soap. She closed her eyes.“Let go of me,” she said, struggling to break free. Because of this, he presses himself
Last Updated : 2024-11-05
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Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 52: Vulnerable
Déjà vu! Ira glanced around her surroundings—the hotel, cabins, and the other views. Everything seemed familiar. She felt like she had been here before. She blinked several times, but she was still standing there, in the same spot. She wasn’t dreaming. Her feet felt rooted to the ground, unable to move. She clutched her head when a sharp pain suddenly struck. Grasping the car door for support, she was thankful that her boss and his daughter had gone ahead. Otherwise, she would just add to their worries. She decided she would follow once she felt better. She was starting to notice a pattern—these headaches were becoming more frequent. Perhaps it was because of her amnesia. She had yet to meet the doctor who, as her husband Thunder claimed, was his cousin. When they returned to Manila, she promised herself she would consult a specialist. For years, she had suffered, unable to remember her past. The only one who gave her glimpses of her life before was Thunder. She turned her
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The next day, Ira woke up early, but her husband woke up even earlier to prepare breakfast for her. She smiled sweetly at Thunder when he turned to look at her.“Good morning, my wife,” he greeted, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “Good morning. Why don’t you go back to sleep? I can handle this,” she suggested. “I’m fine, honey. I wanted to cook for you,” he replied, returning to the stove to continue cooking. “Thank you so much, Thunder.”“Come on, it's my responsibility,” he said. “I know, but I really appreciate it.” Deep inside, guilt tugged at her. After breakfast, she took a shower. She had mentioned last night that someone would pick her up at six. Once she was dressed, she went to see her son. She hugged and kissed him repeatedly. She was going to miss the king of her life. She pinched his handsome face one last time, laughing when he swatted her hand, eyes still closed. Right at six, she heard a car honk outside. She recognized the vehicle immediately—it was her
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 50: Confused
Ira splashed water on her face in the restroom, her thoughts in turmoil. She slapped her forehead and mouth repeatedly. She hadn't even shared that kind of intimacy with her husband since she regained consciousness three years ago—only cheek kisses. But now? She had gone too far, giving in to someone else—her boss, of all people! “Stupid!” she whispered harshly to herself. She was alone in the restroom at the moment. Hurriedly, she fixed her appearance, dabbing powder on her face and applying lipstick. Then she stepped out. When she exited, her eyes met her boss's briefly before she quickly averted her gaze and headed straight to her desk. Before he could come out of his office, Thor entered. Thor was the boss's first cousin. He glanced at Ira. “Hi, Ira! So, this is where you got transferred. No wonder I haven’t seen you lately.” “Good morning, Sir Thor. Yes, just this week,” she replied with a smile. Her smile faltered when she noticed her boss glancing between her and
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At exactly ten in the morning, she sat at Romel's former desk—the boss's previous secretary. Quickly, she reviewed the report Lesha handed her and set it aside. She planned to forward it to the boss later. She also replied to pending emails in Romel's inbox. She checked the boss's schedule to see if there were any meetings in the afternoon. There were none. Grabbing the signed folders, she stood up and informed Lesha that she would deliver them to their respective departments. She walked briskly, already familiar with which floors to visit. Her eyes stayed fixed on the folders as she walked, scanning which ones to prioritize. She winced in pain when she bumped into something broad and solid. Not something—someone. And to make things worse, she stepped on the person’s shoe. Her eyes widened in shock when she recognized who it was. It was her boss! “Careful!”“Sorry,” she quickly apologized, crouching down to clean his shoe, but he pulled it away. “I didn't ask you to clean it. I
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 48: His Secretary
“Ma’am, I was told you were calling for me?” Her boss stopped what she was doing and smiled at her before looking up. “Ah, yes, Miss Santillan. From now on, you’ll be my brother’s secretary. Romel will be gone for two months. My brother has a short temper, but he’s also kind. I’m sure he’ll warm up to you. Just be yourself, Ira. I suppose you’ve already heard from the reporters around here about what happened in his life?” She chuckled lightly at her statement. Ira couldn’t help but laugh as well. On her first day at work, the story had already been shared with her by the person sitting next to her. Her boss’s eldest brother, Mr. Astin, became a widower at a young age. Even she found it hard to believe. She felt sad knowing that, according to some of her coworkers during lunch breaks, he and his late wife deeply loved each other. She admired the love story of her boss’s brother. For eight years, they were separated because he joined the military—also reportedly due to his wi
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 47: New Life
“Is it heavy?” Ira asked her husband with concern. They were going down the mountain after gathering coconuts and cassava. “I can handle it, my wife. Of course, I’m good at it,” Thunder, her husband, replied with a smile. She paused for a moment. Even now, she still felt awkward about what he called her. She didn’t know why. There were still so many unanswered questions in her mind. She felt pity as she noticed him grimacing while carrying the sack filled with coconuts and cassava, which they planned to use for making cassava cake. It was their son King’s favorite. She wanted to try making it herself. Someone in their area sold it, and their son loved it. She wanted to learn so she could prepare it for King’s birthday. Their place was far from the town center, so if they bought some, it might spoil during the trip. The nearest big market was several barangays away. “Thunder…” she called her husband as they reached the flat part of the trail. He no longer seemed to struggle, un
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 46: Pain (CFL- Book 2)
“How is she, Kuya? Why hasn’t she woken up yet?” Thunder asked his twin. Ace sighed deeply before answering. “She’s okay now. The operation was successful, and her vital signs were stable. She’ll wake up soon. But I’m worried she might curse us for what we did,” Ace replied. Ace was a doctor at a prestigious hospital in Manila. He had returned home because his youngest brother, Thunder, requested it. Thunder, on the other hand, was a simple farmer. He chose this life because of his late wife. Thunder almost cursed his wealth, blaming it for the loss of his wife. He lost the will to return to Manila because of what happened. He even harboured resentment toward their parents. Only Ace remained his pillar of support through the years. Ace was the only one who understood him. Both brothers turned to look when the woman, bedridden for five days, suddenly spoke. “I-I need w-water…” the woman said weakly. Thunder quickly fetched water while Ace checked her condition. Carefully,
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 45: Farewell (CEO's FIRST LOVE- Book 2)
LAURA glanced outside. It was already noon. Good thing there was no work at the office today. She immediately searched for her husband with her eyes. It was Sunday. She suddenly felt sad, remembering that today was his departure for Mexico with Gael. It was her husband’s new business, and Gael was his partner. She smiled when she saw him on the couch inside their room. She pulled the blanket off herself and approached her husband, who was busy with his laptop. He was reviewing the presentations he’d present to their new investors in Mexico. Her husband was startled when she hugged him from behind. “My dear husband,” she said sweetly. “Morning, Sweetie!” he replied, though his eyes remained on the laptop screen. “Morning, too. Can’t I come with you to Mexico? Gael’s bringing Aubrey, after all,” she said, pretending to be sad to make him pity her.“If only it were possible, Sweetie. But no one will be left to watch over Kiarra. Mama isn’t here, and neither is Andy,” her husband
Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01 Chapter 44: End of Book 1
After the short program at the reception hall, the newlyweds left immediately for the airport. Their flight to Hawaii was scheduled for today. It was a double-purpose trip—honeymoon and business. Astin needed to attend to some matters at a branch of Hotel De Astin, as Andy was busy with the hotel expansion in Malaysia. With no other choice, Astin decided to have their honeymoon in Hawaii instead of Europe. He still had a month-long leave and would also work while in Hawaii.He shook his head at the thought. But if he finished his work early, he planned to take his wife to Greece afterwards. Astin glanced at his wife, who was sound asleep. He sat on the single couch, observing her. She looked exhausted. She had been sleeping for over three hours. They were using Sebastian’s private plane and were currently in a private room. They had seats outside as well, where his “nosy companions” were—Lexxie, DK, Ian, Darriel, and Callen, who all had companions. Except for Callen, Asia wasn’t a
