Afters their breakfast, she excused herself to go to the kitchen. She was going to take the dishes that she and Don Miguel used. She no longer gives those kinds of orders to the household staff since she was once one of them in the Mansion. She found Zenie washing the dishes when she arrived in the kitchen."Hi, Zenie..." she approached Zenie in a friendly manner but the latter frowned."The madam is here!" Zenie said with a sneer. "You're really lucky Clarisa... you were the one who got sent to school, sent to New York, and now you're going to be Senyorito Reed's wife. You're the blessed one, Clarisa!" Zenie said with an insulting tone."What are you talking about, Zenie? The Don sent both of us to school!... your the one who missed your oppurtinity!""That's beause they always compare us! You're the good one and I'm the bad!.... you're the bright one and I'm the dumb!" Zenie look at her with an angry face. She now confirmed that Zenie was indeed envious of her. "Don't blame me for
Meanwhile, Reed was overjoyed to learn that Clarisa was pregnant with his child. He was going to be a father. But on the other hand, he felt sad thinking that Clarisa didn't want to marry him. Does she find him that repulsive? He decided to let it go for now. She's pregnant, and he couldn't let her be upset. He would give her everything she wanted, as long as she would love him."Tommorow, tell you parents to come here in the mansion so we could discuss about your wedding, dear." the Don ordered."A-hm, Grandpa... I want to be alone for a while..." she said. She want to think things over. "Are you sure, sweetheart?" Reed Ask. She nodded but didn't face Reed. She was still annoyed with him."Alright, dear, get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll have your mother and father brought here so we can plan your wedding." the old man said. Reed kissed her on the forehead before leaving her room. The elder followed. When she felt like crying again, she tried to hold it back. What was happening to her?
Reed left the mansion and decided to stay in his bar for a while... he had his own room there. He called his friends Jon, Daryl, and Archie, who showed up almost immediately. They must have sensed that something was wrong."What happened, man?" Jon asked."I'm getting married in two weeks," Reed said, taking a swig of his beer."What? Why so sudden? Were you forced into it?" Archie asked."Nope... I love the girl. The problem is, my bride isn't willing to marry me," Reed replied, his shoulders slumping as the alcohol began to take effect."What? That's impossible, man! Who wouldn't want to marry Reed Villaruel? Every woman here in San Sebastian wants to marry you. You're rich, a very successful businessman, and a great catch!""Not Clarisa..." Reed said, taking another gulp of beer, determined to drown his sorrows in alcohol that night, hoping to forget the pain, even if just for a moment."Who's Clarisa?" the three of them asked in unison."My unwilling bride...""Ohh..."And because
"Zenie!!!!"Zenie froze when she heard that voice—it was Don Miguel."Why are you picking a fight with Clarisa? What has she ever done to you?""N-nothing, Don Miguel..." Zenie stammered, her head bowed, unable to meet Don Miguel's piercing gaze."Granpa... please, let it go. It's okay," Clarisa tried to defuse the situation."No!!! I won't tolerate you speaking to Clarisa like that. She's pregnant and doesn't need hurtful words making her feel worse. Don't blame Clarisa for what's happening in your life, Zenie. You made those choices yourself. I’ve always treated you and Clarisa equally, but you’re the one who ruined that balance."Zenie stood there, head down, as Don Miguel reprimanded her."It would be best if you left the mansion for a while, Zenie. I don't want to see you mistreating Clarisa out of jealousy."Zenie looked up in shock at Don Miguel. "Don Miguel, it won't happen again, please don't make me leave," she pleaded with the old man."My decision is final. I don't want Cl
The next day, Doña Elisa accompanied Clarisa to the OB-GYN.Reed saw how well Clarisa’s friends were taking care of her. He had been waiting at the hospital for Clarisa and her mom to arrive. He put on his hood, face mask, and black shades before getting out of the car. He entered the hospital, hoping Clarisa wouldn’t recognize him. He just sat there in the waiting area."Hi, bestie!.. Hi, tita!" greeted Patrick and Cyena. "We'll go with you to Dr. Lucy's clinic."Doña Elisa led the way. Clarisa was in the middle, with her friends on either side. She was holding hands with Cyena, while Patrick had his arm around her.“Hi, Dr. Lucy! This is our friend, Clarisa. She has an appointment with you today,” Patrick said. “Yes, I know. Don Miguel already called me,” replied Dr. Lucy. “Please come in, Doña Elisa and Ms. Clarisa.”The doctor checked Clarisa’s abdomen. “You’re one month pregnant, Ms. Clarisa,” Dr. Lucy said happily. “I’ll give you vitamins for both the baby and for yourself. Yo
**********Reed was in his office, signing contracts for the business he was starting with his friends Jon, Daryl, and Archie. The four of them were engineers, so they planned to establish a construction company. He was going through the contracts when someone suddenly entered his office without even knocking.“Diana, what brings you here?” he asked, seeing the anger in her eyes.“What’s this I hear about you getting married next week, Reed? Is it true?”“Yes.” He stopped signing and faced her.“But why, Reed? I thought I was your girl?”“You're not my girl, Diana. You were the one always approaching me, and you know that.”Diana felt humiliated. “Who is she?”“You don’t need to know.”“Prepare yourself, Reed. I won’t lose to that woman. You belong to me!”“I was never yours!” Reed’s voice rose.“But I love you, Reed!” Diana pleaded, now in tears.“Sorry, Diana, but I don’t love you.”Diana glared at him. “Remember this, Reed—you’ll regret doing this to me. You know what I’m capable o
Reed had arrived at the mansion and went straight to his room. He planned to rest for a while as he waited for the time of his wedding to Clarisa. He felt an odd urge to pee. In just an hour, the wedding would start, and the guests had already started arriving.His groomsmen... Jon, Daryl, and Archie, had also arrived. He was nervous and couldn't stay still in his room. He didn't know what to do. He kept pacing back and forth, unable to stay in one place. He didn't know how Clarisa would react at their wedding later.The last time they saw each other, she was furious and didn't want to get married. She might cry at the wedding later, how embarrassing! What if the guests think he forced Clarisa to marry him? Arrrg! He left his room and went to his grandfather's room."Oh... my boy, you're here! Are you ready for your big day?""Y-yes, Grandpa. Is Clarisa ready? Do you think she's still angry with me, Grandpa?""Don't worry, my boy. She'll be fine. Your wedding will go smoothly. Even if
That kiss was full of love... it felt like she was flying to another dimension. Reed held her by the waist, and she clung to his neck, borrowing strength so she wouldn't fall. She felt like a candle melting in her husband's arms.The kiss lasted for 10 seconds. If the guests hadn't made any noise, Reed might not have stopped. He looked at her, touched her lips, and smiled... My God!!! She felt like she was melting again!!! She felt like her face was bright red.“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Villaruel!” The guests applauded. She and Reed were holding hands, which made her feel uneasy.“A-hm, can you let go of my hand?” she asked. Reed looked at her and smiled, but he didn't let go of her hand. Instead, he squeezed it gently, as if he couldn't help himself. “No!” he said with a grin.They sat down in their respective seats. The reception would also take place there. The singer couple continued to sing love songs.God gave me you to show me what's real... And there's more to life t
CLARISA: She woke up with a throbbing headache. She was lying in bed and had fallen asleep. Glancing around, she realized it wasn’t her room, but she was still in the hotel where the convention was being held. The setup of this room was identical to hers. She tried to recall what happened before she lost consciousness. Her memory was hazy, but she distinctly remembered Albert giving her wine, and then everything went black. She bolted upright. Where was she? She looked for her cellphone. She knew she had put it in her pocket before passing out. "Good, you're awake," Albert said, stepping out of the bathroom, freshly showered. "What did you do to me? Why am I here?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion and fear. "Did you think I would just forget what you did to me? I won’t let anyone else have you, not even your ex-husband! I’ve been waiting for you for so long, only to find out you have a family here in the Philippines?" "What are you talking about, Albert? I neve
REED: Reed was excited to see Blue and Clarisa together again. He was determined to join them this time. In his mind, he kept thinking about how much he wanted to see his wife again. He had already talked to Blue, who promised to help him convince Clarisa not to return to America. He just hoped she’d agree and give him another chance to win her back. He had been chatting with his wife earlier, pretending to be Blue so she would respond. Every time his phone chimed, his heart fluttered, knowing it was Clarisa. God, I missed her so much! Even though they had just seen each other yesterday, he wanted to run to her and hold her tightly. For two years, he had lived in worry and search, unsure if she was alive or dead. Why had it never crossed his mind that she might have returned to America? He recalled seeing her for the first time yesterday... He was speechless. She was even more beautiful now. Her once straight hair was now curly. He didn’t mind—it suited her. But there was somethin
CLARISA:She was getting ready to sleep when suddenly, there was a knock on her door. She frowned. Who could it be? She didn’t order room service, and she and Blue had already eaten at the restaurant earlier.She checked the peephole before opening the door. It was Albert, and he looked drunk.She opened the door slightly but kept the chain lock in place, allowing only a small gap. If he tried anything inappropriate, he wouldn’t be able to enter her room.“What are you doing here, Albert?” she asked.“Let’s talk, Clarisa! You led me on... I thought you just weren’t ready to answer me, but it turns out you’re married and have a child?!” he exclaimed, raising his voice due to his drunken state.“I never led you on, Albert. Not once did I give you any reason to think you had a chance with me! You don’t know my reasons for keeping my marriage and child a secret, so you have no right to talk to me like that!” she retorted angrily.“But you know I love you, Clarisa! I’ve loved you for so lo
REED:His jaw tightened as he watched his wife with another man holding her. He wanted to run over and punch him... No one could take his wife away!“Daddy? Is he Mommy's boyfriend?”“No, sweetheart... didn’t Mommy say he’s not her boyfriend?”“Why didn’t you kiss Mommy earlier? Are you two fighting?” Blue asked him. He never thought his child would be so observant at such a young age.“Mommy is a little upset with me, sweetheart... because Daddy did some bad things in the past... but Daddy won’t do them again...”“You should say sorry to Mommy, then!” his child insisted.“Okay, sweetheart, I will do that, but you have to help Daddy!”“How?”“Convince your Mommy to come back home and live with us, and not go back to America...”“She’s going back to America? She’s going to leave us again?”“Yes, so you need to make her promise not to leave... you’re the only one who can stop her. She loves you so much that she can’t say no to you.”“Okay, Daddy, I’ll do what you want as long as Mommy d
“Hey, honey!”Their attention turned to the person speaking behind them. It was Albert. She suddenly frowned. Why was he here again?He had followed her despite her telling him not to. He was so annoying... it was irritating!And he even called her honey in front of her child and Reed! She shot Reed a glance, and his jaw tightened upon seeing the man.“Who is he, Mommy?” Blue asked, frowning.“Mommy? You call her Mommy?” Albert said in surprise at what he heard from Blue.“Who are they, honey?” Albert asked her.“Don’t call me honey, Albert! How many times do I have to tell you?” she replied firmly.“Who are they?” he asked her again.“T-this is my baby Blue and my ex-husband…” she introduced, not wanting to explain further. But she knew Albert well. He was persistent and wouldn’t let her go. She also didn’t want to deny her husband and child in front of him.“Husband... not ex-husband!” Reed corrected her. She just raised an eyebrow at him.“Are you the one who was with my mommy on T
“Daddy!!!” Blue shouted as he broke free from her and ran to his father, asking to be carried.“Daddy, look! Mommy is already here!” Blue exclaimed, pointing at her.“I can see that, son…” he replied softly, his gaze never leaving her. She remained with her head down.“Maria…” she turned to the nanny. “Didn’t I say it should just be us?” she whispered.“Yes, Ma'am... I didn’t know Sir would follow us,” the nanny replied, looking a bit nervous. She hadn’t expected to see Reed there.“It’s not Maria’s fault, sweetheart. Don’t blame her,” Reed said, having overheard their conversation.“Daddy, let’s sit here next to Mommy,” their son said, still in Reed’s arms. The table was quiet, with no one wanting to break the silence. They were all just feeling each other out.“Um, I’ll leave you two for a moment, Ma'am Clarisa, Sir Reed,” Maria said, standing up. She didn’t wait for their response, not wanting to interrupt but wanting to give them time alone as a couple.“How have you been? You loo
He spent the whole day at home. Maybe once he left, Blue and Ate Maria would leave too.He shouldn’t lose sight of the two of them. He couldn’t let them slip away.It was nearly five o’clock. He saw Maria talking on the phone earlier, but he didn’t ask any questions. He pretended he hadn’t noticed. He knew it was Clarisa. She must have told her where they would meet.Blue and Maria were still in the room. She was dressing the child. They were probably getting ready to leave. Maria had already informed the driver to take them later. He didn’t want to get involved in their plans; he had his own plans.He just wanted Maria and Blue to leave peacefully to meet Clarisa, and then he would show up.As soon as Maria and Blue came out of the room, Blue approached him to say goodbye.“Daddy, we’re just going to meet Mommy, okay?” his son said, holding a bouquet of roses. He had asked his yaya to buy it earlier to give to his mommy.“Aren’t you going to come with us?”“Maybe next time, son…”“O
“Dad, where's Mom?” Blue greeted him, waiting for him at the gate of their house with Maria.“Sorry, son, Mom is still at work, so she can't come home yet. But I promise you I will bring her here, okay? Don't be sad…”“Promise?” he asked sadly.“Y-yes, son…” Even he was unsure of his answer. He didn't know if he could keep the promise to his child. But he didn’t want to see his son sad. Blue had been waiting a long time for his mommy. He hoped that Clarisa would at least think of them too.“Let’s go inside…” he said, taking the child's hand. They walked into the house in silence. Blue still looked sad. He felt helpless to cheer him up; only his mommy could make him happy that day.As soon as they entered the house, the phone rang.“Maria, please answer it,” he instructed Maria, suspecting it was another prank caller who never spoke whenever he answered.Maria quickly walked over to the phone to answer it.“Hello?”“Maria, this is Clarisa.”“Ma’am!!!” Maria exclaimed in surprise.“Don’
She had just finished getting dressed when someone knocked on her door. It must be Albert. They startled each other when she opened the door."You look stunning, honey...""Hmph, flatterer... Let's go before we're late.""Let's go..." he replied, holding her arm. She wanted to shake him off, but she was afraid he might get mad and say she was being difficult. Lately, he had been getting touchy with her. She didn't want anyone touching her, especially not a man. She still had a phobia of men, probably because of Fernando, who almost raped her.When they arrived, there were already a lot of people in the convention hall where their convention would be held. Albert stuck closer to her, holding her at the waist. He was acting like a boyfriend. She was annoyed, but there were media people around, and she didn't want to embarrass Albert."Good morning, Dr. Smith! Can we interview you?" a reporter asked Albert."Sure! Sure!" he replied, smiling. She didn’t want to join in, but he tightened h