Adrienne woke up early, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. As she sipped her coffee, two of her friends, Cathy and Indi, entered the cafeteria. The atmosphere was casual, as they enjoyed these moments before the official start of the workday. It was an ordinary scene, a glimpse into the rhythm of their office lives.The walls of the coffee shop, painted in warm tones of chocolate and caramel, created a cozy ambiance. Adrienne couldn't help but smile when she noticed Lax, the manager of Coffee Corner, behind the counter. Lax was someone she found attractive, and Cathy, being a frequent visitor, often engaged in a playful flirtation with him."Oh, Adrienne, we ran out of coffee beans? We just received a fresh batch from Baguio. Are you here to restock?" Lax asked, his voice friendly and welcoming."Yes, in case my boss asks for coffee. I wouldn't want to disappoint him. You know how he dislikes instant coffee," Adrienne replied with a smile.Lax smiled back, appreciating
Although Adrienne wanted to go to work, the doctor stopped her. She also realized that she would just be a burden to Pedro. As much as she wanted to be useful to him, she couldn't contribute anything in her current condition.Although, her condition had slightly improved, her fever hadn't gone down. She still felt body aches and dizziness, which caused her to fall asleep."Wake up, girl. No one will kiss you to wake you up. Are you a princess? I won't kiss you either because we're not losers!" said the familiar voice.It was just Cathy.She half-sat to support her back. She wasn't as dizzy anymore. She still felt a bit unwell, but it was more manageable."What time is it, Cathy? Where are the couple?" she asked her friend.Cathy sighed. "Girl, it's already time to go home. Just a few steps more and you'll be doing overtime at the doctor's clinic. Let's go home. And Miko and his annoying wife are no longer here. They were excited to go home because, you know, they're going to have thei
-Pedro's POV-If Adrienne were anyone else, Pedro would have been infuriated. He had no tolerance for employees who frequently fell ill or caused delays in their work. Sickness was not to be brought into the office, and he despised employees who appeared paralyzed by their ailments.However, Adrienne was an exception. She had been his dedicated secretary for a significant period of time, rarely taking a day off. In fact, she had only been absent from work a couple of times in the past ten years. As a result, Pedro decided to let it slide this time.Though he acknowledged that the day had been particularly chaotic for him, everything felt different when Adrienne was by his side. With her efficient assistance, his tasks were effortlessly accomplished without any hiccups. She was his reliable anchor in the storm of his daily responsibilities.After his final meeting concluded, Pedro sought out the company doctor to inquire about Adrienne's condition."Where is she?" he inquired in his de
It had been three days since her boss had unexpectedly appeared at her apartment, and Adrienne's heart refused to calm down. She felt restless, consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. During this time, she sensed that her fever had subsided, but the warmth Pedro's visit had ignited within her remained.They had shared breakfast together and engaged in conversation, albeit mostly business-related. Yet, for Adrienne, it was enough. She didn't feel entitled to complain anymore. Against all odds, a glimmer of hope had ignited within her. Though uncertainty loomed, she held onto that flicker of hope, cherishing it despite the odds stacked against her."Hey, you've been staring at your coffee for a while now. It's been three days! Is it because of Mr. Lassiter?" Cathy interjected, breaking Adrienne's thoughts."Cathy, can you please let me savor this moment? It's too good to be true, but here it is! He visited me! I'm genuinely happy," Adrienne replied, her voice filled with a mix of excitemen
Cathy's words echoed in Adrienne's mind, striking a painful chord of truth. She had been a fool, allowing herself to be hurt and trapped in a fantasy that would never come true. For years, she had been blind to the pain that stabbed her heart each time she saw Pedro with someone else. Perhaps her heart had turned to stone, or maybe it had all been an illusion because now she felt an intensified pain and jealousy coursing through her.All she had wanted was to enjoy a simple seafood meal, but instead, she found herself witnessing a scene that pierced her heart with anguish. The jealousy consumed her, drowning her in its suffocating grip. She had grown accustomed to the feeling, or so she thought, but the hurt still lingered.The next day, she woke up early, finding her boss absent once again. He had likely spent the night in another bed, with his flavor of the day. Adrienne couldn't decide if she should be hurt or not. After all, she wasn't the type of woman Pedro Lassiter would be int
The deal between Pedro Lassiter and the renowned business tycoon, Mr. Himura, went smoothly. Adrienne could see that her boss was happy and in a good mood. They had successfully closed a significant and important deal, and she was glad to have played a small part in helping the person she secretly loved.Now they found themselves in a cozy cottage, surrounded by plenty of food, all prepared by Pedro himself. He treated Adrienne to a meal, and she hesitantly asked, "Isn't it too much food you ordered, Mr. Lassiter?"Pedro grinned, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "This is still not enough to celebrate what you've accomplished. You know how challenging it is to please and gain the heart and trust of Mr. Himura, but thanks to your help, we sealed the deal."Adrienne nodded, though she knew deep down that her contribution had been indirect. "It is my pleasure to be of assistance, Mr. Lassiter. Does this mean we'll be heading home tomorrow?"Pedro shook his head. "We've booked this pla
PEDRO was not asleep at that time. He heard his secretary's confession to him. But he knew he couldn't reciprocate her feelings. He might just end up hurting Adrienne in the end. His secretary was one of the women he valued and respected. There was no reason for him to do anything that would harm her.His mood improved because he closed his deal, again, thanks to his secretary. It's as if Adrienne had become his lucky charm. He didn't know how he would function without his versatile secretary.Pedro also treated Adrienne to a meal. It was simple, but he knew it made the girl happy. It was just a simple way of expressing his gratitude for how diligent, loyal, and important Adrienne was to him.Pedro suddenly left, but he saw a woman. She was easily tempted, so he gave her a passionate kiss. It lasted a few minutes, and when he returned to the cottage, Adrienne was no longer there.He thought about returning to their room, but the woman wasn't there either. He decided to wander into a b
Adrienne woke up with a throbbing headache and aching body, the remnants of a wild night she couldn't fully recall. Her memories were hazy after the drinking began, a familiar pattern from her college days when alcohol had a swift and potent effect on her. She peered at her disheveled reflection in her phone's camera, noting her unkempt appearance and foul breath.To her surprise, Pedro entered the room looking tired and sleep-deprived. Her eyes involuntarily landed on the hickeys adorning his neck, igniting a pang of jealousy within her. Unbeknownst to her, she had caused those marks."Mr. Lassiter?" she called out tentatively."Pack your things, Miss McBride. Our flight is this afternoon," Pedro stated with an air of weariness.Adrienne's confusion grew since their departure was scheduled for the following day. She replied, albeit apprehensively, "Okay, sir," falling back on her default response even when she didn't feel like complying.Before leaving, Pedro turned to her, his expre
There have been numerous trials for their love, but rather than breaking them apart, these challenges have made them stronger and more resilient. Despite unexpected events and difficult moments that brought them joy, sorrow, and fear, they always found a light in the darkness. Together, they conquered those dark periods and now embark on a new chapter in their lives.Adrienne felt a familiar embrace as Pedro hugged her again, even though they were running late for the baptism.Once Pedro recovered, his stamina increased to the point that Adrienne couldn't keep up with his desires in bed anymore. They cherished their intimate moments, sometimes extending them into the early morning hours. The billionaire seemed to have unlimited energy when it came to their passionate encounters."You're so insatiable! Look at what you did! We're late for the venue! You're really frustrating," Adrienne said playfully.Pedro chuckled. "It's just practice for when we have a second baby. We'll be ready."
PEDRO fell into a dark place where he couldn't move his body or open his mouth. He was trapped in a place where only his thoughts had free will.He wondered where he was and why he couldn't move. He asked himself in his mind.He thought about the last moments before he ended up like this. He tried to search deep within his memories until he realized that everything was caused by one thing.He shielded the bullet meant for all of them. He used his body as a shield to protect them from the bullets for a while.Pedro only wished for the safety of his wife and child, even if it meant sacrificing himself.He also wondered where he was. Why couldn't he move or speak? Was this the final destination for people like him who had committed many sins?"Is this hell? I know that I have lots of sins in the world. I wouldn't be shocked if this is the gate to hell. If only I could continue my life in the world," Pedro silently prayed.He still had the desire to return to the world. He hoped it wasn't
Because she was distracted by Daniel McBride, Adrienne failed to notice how Charlotte shifted the aim of the trigger. The crazy woman just shot Pedro and Cathy while she was arguing with her father. There was a commotion after the shot, but fortunately, the authorities were already there to arrest Charlotte and her henchmen.Adrienne was already inside the ambulance. She and her child are crying. Pedro has lost a lot of blood, and his life seemed to be hanging by a thread. Adrienne felt an indescribable fear."Pedro, my love! Wake up, fight for us and your child," Adrienne says while holding her spouse's hand.Aunt Selena holds the sleeping child, probably exhausted from crying. Pedro was immediately taken to the hospital. Adrienne could do nothing but wait outside the emergency room.She cried and prayed to God. She hoped that everything was just a bad dream and that she would wake up."My dear, rest for a while. The nurses will take care of you. You have so many wounds and bruises.
"Who are you, you demon? Why are you doing this to us, huh?" Adrienne asked on the other line."Me? You'll know who I am within three hours, well, technically. Won't you show up within three hours? Because if not, I'll start cutting off your child's fingers in advance!" the voice replied to her."No! Don't! We'll show up! We'll come at the agreed time! Just don't harm the child!" Adrienne pleaded anxiously. She was clearly afraid of what the deranged person they were facing might do."Good! It's good to know that you're cooperating. I thought it would be more challenging! Alright then! By the way, I just wanted to let you know that I take my time killing that guy! HAHAHA!" the voice on the other line, sounding like a demon, spoke."You beast! I hope you end up in hell!" Adrienne shouted while crying. Her heart felt heavy, especially after learning what happened to her beloved friend."Thanks for calling me a beast. And about what you said, hell, you say? Do not fret! I've been there,
ADRIENNE felt the enormous grudge coming from Carmela at this point. She and Pedro sat facing the well-known Lassiter couple, not just known in Evermere, but throughout the whole world. Carmela Lassiter, hailing from a wealthy clan known for their jewelry shops, designs, and clothing lines, and Robert Lassiter, a successful businessman, undoubtedly passed on his intelligence to Pedro.Just being in their presence made Adrienne a little nervous, but she was grateful to have Pedro by her side."The week hasn't even ended, and we're meeting again. Have you thought about what I said?" Pedro's mother asked in a sharp tone."Mom!" Pedro responded with irritation, clearly fed up.Adrienne squeezed his hand reassuringly. "It's okay. Simple words won't affect me. I know where I stand and what I'm fighting for."The woman let out a sarcastic laugh at her response. "Really? Maybe you just don't feel the weight of every word I say. Where else would you inherit such audacity if not from your great
Adrienne's mind was filled with questions about the words spoken by the mother of the man she loved. She knew deep down that her mother was a kind and loving person. Even though they didn't spend much time together because they were taken away by God early on, Adrienne knew that her mother was a compassionate and respectful individual. She shouldn't let herself be poisoned by the words that came out of the woman who had caused her so much pain over the years.But some things couldn't be erased from her mind. First was Carmela's face. Adrienne knew that face was filled with resentment as if it had deep-rooted anger."Can't you sleep?" the man suddenly asked her.It was already late at night, but Adrienne's spirit was still alive as if she had drunk too much coffee and been slapped multiple times. The voice of the woman continued to echo in her mind."Yeah, maybe I'm just a little stressed," Adrienne replied. As much as possible, she didn't want Pedro to see her depressed side. She was
Adrienne woke up feeling as if her body was in pain. She had rested more than she expected, unaware that the intensity of her longing for intimacy with Pedro would result in such heavy body pain.She struggled to stand up and found Pedro already up, having cleaned up and dressed. "You're awake," he said as he entered their room, holding their child."Yes, but I can't stand because of what you did," Adrienne said irritably, glaring at him."Why, Mama? Did Daddy hurt you?" their child asked, confused. "Daddy! You are bad!" their child exclaimed."No, baby! Daddy didn't hurt me," Adrienne explained to their child."That's right, my child. I did not hurt your Mama. Mama just can't stand because we made a baby last night," Pedro said, unable to hide his excitement in his voice.Their child seemed delighted with what their daddy said. "Really? Yay! I'll have a baby sister or baby brother!" Kent exclaimed happily.If their child wasn't in the room, Adrienne would have wanted to strangle Pedr
Adrienne woke up early to prepare for their breakfast. She went to the kitchen, but it seemed that Pedro was already there ahead of her. The other helpers were not yet present since it was only a quarter to 5 in the morning.Pedro noticed her busy cooking breakfast. "Oh? Why did you wake up so early? Are you uncomfortable in your room or bed? Just say it, and we can change it," the man said to her.The morning was still chilly, so Adrienne hugged herself. She thought it would be nicer to have someone to embrace."Why am I being so stubborn? Do I need to make things difficult for us like this? Why don't I just give in to my weakness?" Adrienne said to herself."I don't have any problem. I just woke up early to help in the kitchen," Adrienne replied while brewing tea."It's almost done. Do you want to have breakfast now?" Pedro asked her.Only now did Adrienne notice that the man was only wearing a tank top and black boxers. He looked like a model who would walk the runway for famous me
Pedro was feeling more excitement and joy than anyone else right now. For him, it feels like a dream come true. He is thrilled that the woman he loves the most and, of course, his child will finally come back to the Azura.His efforts did not go in vain. After years of pursuing the woman he loves, it has finally borne fruit. He is also aware that he hasn't fully gained Adrienne's trust yet, but he will do everything in his power to make her love him and trust him again.Now, Pedro is accompanied by his foolish friends who are helping him with the surprise and welcome party he has prepared. He spent the past two weeks renovating their old house.He quickly organized everything, and he is certain that all his efforts will be worth it once he fully wins Adrienne over."Looks like after a year, you're finally lucky, you idiot. What bad luck did Miss Secretary encounter that made her come back to you?" Kurt teased Pedro. Pedro's anger flared up, and his nostrils flared in irritation."You