Raven's povAfter a failed meeting, I'm finally home. It's been 1 in the afternoon, and I know that Axel is not yet home.I sat on the couch and thought of something to say about the meeting. I know this is not going to be good news for him, but I can't do anything to change it."Where have you been?" I was shocked when I heard Axel's voice getting into the house. Obviously, he came home to hear news about the meeting he was supposed to attend."I have been to Dream High. Neri and I also had lunch together, so I came home late." I started..He looked convinced. He sat on the couch as he loosened his tie."So, what's the good news? Have you convinced the CEO to make investments with us?" He asked, looking at me, waiting for a possible good answer.I took a deep breath as I faced him."The meeting had been moved to next week. According to the CEO's secretary, he had an emergency for a week, so he can't make it this week." I replied, and I was expecting him to get mad.He just closed hi
Raven's pov.Eaely morning I went back to Dream High to talk to the CEO. I know it's too much to ask for attention like I was asking, but this is the only way I know to help Axel. Maybe he was just trying to see what I could do to return the favor for all the material things he was giving me and my family. I didn't ask for it, but I know my parents, especially my mom, secretly ask for material things or even money from him. That was so embarrassing!"Ma'am, let's just wait here a moment." The CEO was just having a quick meeting with the staff. Anything I can do to offer "Juice, tea, coffee, or water?" The kind secretary asked."No thanks.. I will just wait here.. anyway, thank you." I smiled at her."You looked nice. I mean, you are pretty, and from the way you speak, I can tell that you are a good person. Anyway, I'm Sandy." She handed her hands. I accepted their invitation to shake hands."Thank you! You, too. You are so kind and approachable. " I said back."Well, being rude and h
Raven's pov..It was Saturday morning, and we had breakfast as a whole family. I mean, with Axel's parents, Carla and Luis Hayes.We just had everyone together during weekends because it's a day off. We are not busy with our respective jobs.Axel's dad had been busy with business trips to make business deals, so he seldom came home."How are you here?" He asked, looking at me and Axel.He knew that for the past years we had a not so good relationship."We are doing good, dad. We are trying to settle things between us," Axel replied."Good.. I just thought, how about if you just make a baby? I mean, you need to have it, because you are not getting any younger. Raven is 28 and you, Axel, are turning 30 next month, so—you both are in your right age.." Luis said, and I felt happy with it. All of a sudden, I felt like I had someone who could help me convince Axel about having a baby."Dad! It's not in my mind, okay? I am busy with business, and Raven is busy too. One more thing, TEMPO is u
Raven's pov.I don't understand what's going on, but it's clear in my mind that the guy in front of us is not the CEO. He was somebody else, maybe one of the employees or whatever.I was looking into Jaxon's eyes, and he can't even look at me in the eyes. I know it's a scheme."So, Mr. Hayes, as I look at the proposal, it is quite impressive. The offer is good, and I think my company and your company will have a good working tandem." Jaxon said, Well, if he were an actor, then he is doing it well."I really made sure that the proposal was irresistible, sir. My company will be benefited, and your company as well. I will do the job, and you will finance it." Axel said he was so proud of himself."Okay! But of course! 100 million is quite a lot, and I will not gamble my money as easily as that. I demand transparency, and I want Ms. Raven, who made the proposal to us, to work here at Dream High. He can work at your company on Fridays, but he will stay here from Monday to Thursday. Will th
Raven's pov.I know it's not too late. Days just passed, but still, I can't just forget about what Mom Carla told me.I have the right to know because I'm involved with this and my family as well. I don't understand why Axel was obliged to give my mom a hundred thousand a month! Seriously?I saw her standing at the poolside while having coffee. I get near him as I offer something."Toasted bread with butter?It's good with your coffee." I said.. he looked at me with a smile.. he got near me, so I put the tray of toasted bread on the table.I can see a good vibe in his face, so maybe I just came at the right time."Are you going somewhere?" He asked..It's Saturday morning, and he was expecting me to see my friends. I appreciate him for that, because he never made me feel like I had to stay home during weekends. Still, he cares about my social life, and I really admire him for that."Maybe after lunch.. ahmm—can I ask you something? I mean, it's beyond the business or anything regardin
Zebastian's pov..I'm at my office. I'm staring at the window and I don't have any plans to do anything. I was just looking at all the building plans that I'm planning to put up. I can no longer think of any business to put up because I almost have everything.If there's a business that corresponds with building apartments for all the street children, then maybe I will do that.Bright idea.. wow! I got an idea by simply looking out my window."And, what does that smile mean? How do you feel about being replaced by one of your business managers?" Nate asked as he got into my office.He sat in front of me and looked at me like I had committed a crime."What?" I asked because at that time I didn't have any idea. I have been focused on the idea of building aparents for street children and families."Come on, Zeb! You know what I mean. You didn't even tell me that you would get one of your business managers to replace you at the meeting. I was shocked, you know!?" Nate was so mad.I laughe
Zeb's pov.I started the game, but I was the one who got irritated with what we talked about inside the car. I know Hattie noticed irritation in me, but I don't mind.I just let Hattie go home first, so in the car now, it was only me and Raven. The car was silent the whole time.When my phone suddenly rang, it was Hattie. I picked up the phone and I saw how Raven looked at me."Yes, babe?" I said while I was on the phone."Babe, I'm ready. I mean, the food is ready. Are you going home?" Hattie asked on the other line."Okay, babe, I'm on my way. I will just take Mrs. Hayes home, then I'll see you." I said, and I put down the phone."Sir, it's okay if you will just drop me off on the side of the road. I will just get a car so I can go home." Raven said.. I have seen sincerity in her face."No, I will take you home. I don't want Axel to think that people at Dream High are careless." I replied.."I don't think Axel will think that way. One more thing, he's not home now.. so it's fine if
Zeb's POV"I heard what happened in the office, Hattie. What did you do? Why do you have to be so harsh to Raven that you even ripped her dress?" I asked while we were on our way. Hattie asked me out as payment for what I did the other night. That was when I didn't arrive at her apartment to have dinner with her. Well, I'm not busy much, and it will just be lunch with her. I know Raven is also aware of this because Hattie just went there to ask about me."I didn't mean to, okay? I just don't like your employees wearing what they wish to wear inside your company. There are rules implemented, and they should be followed. Okay, sorry." She said, and it was the first time that she wasn't in the mood to argue with me."I hope that will not happen again. I don't want to hear anything from my employees that I am tolerating your rudeness." I didn't hear anything from her; usually, she won't let any word pass without answering it. This time, she chose to be silent."Where would you like to
Zeb's pov..Tears fell; I saw it in Raven's beautiful eyes.She took a deep breath as she looked at me."Why are you saying that? Because Axel confessed that he can't bear a child? He talked to you? You asked him? Why? Because Neri told you that Axel was the only key to finding out what really happened? That is the reason why you changed your mind?" Raven asked, and even if she didn't act like she's mad, I can feel it in the way she delivers her words.Those questions coming from her awaken my conscience. I don't really understand why I need to worry about things, but the only thing I am sure about is that I want her back—she and the baby."I know I made the wrong decision when I believed Hattie. I was wrong, and I admit it. But Raven, I had been enlightened, and now I am determined to do my part. Not just Ravey's father but also someone who loves you so much..""Wow! Amazing transformation, Zeb! So quick! If you are doing this just to convince me to have a DNA test with Ravey, the
Raven's povI closed my eyes, and I took a deep breath as I stepped down the plane.I opened my eyes and looked around. Finally, I am home. after a year of consecutive medications. After a year of being a hospital resident, After a year of depending on the life support and machines, I am awake.I am awake, and the first thing that came to mind was to see my baby. To go back to the Philippines and finish my business here.Now, I am ready to deal with everything.I am ready to face the world.I am ready to expose the truth, and most of all, I am ready to face all the consequences that my actions should have."We are here, Raven." "Finally we are here, and I hope things will be better." Mom smiled as she held my hands."I am here for the best mom." I am not here to just stay home and sleep. I am back because my son deserves to know who he is. "I know where he came from, and I want him to get what he deserves. I can hardly say."I never thought that being in a coma would change all your d
Zeb's povI don't know what my parents would think once I told them about what happened this week.They might blame me for believing Axel and ignoring Raven's explanation, or they might just comfort me. I don't exactly know. I am at the point of my life where I most need family. I needed their guidance and their loving arms.I got inside, and I saw my dad sitting on the couch while watching a basketball game live on TV. Mom was just there in the kitchen, giving instructions to the maids in preparing dinner.While I saw Maxine's luggage downstairs as an indication that they just arrived too "Dad!" I got near him and tapped his shoulder.He looked at me with deep meaning, but still, I never heard anything from him.He just suddenly smiled at me and turned his attention back to the screen.I laid my head on the velvet headboard and closed my eyes.I am so exhausted about what just happened today. failed today's mission."Where have you been?" Dad asked, but I decided not to open my ey
Zeb's pov."Sorry, Nate, but this is something important. It's been 5 days since I talked to Axel, and I can't even see Neri's shadow now. I went to Hed Pad, but the owner said that she sold her pad already a month ago. I really need to see her. I have a hard time believing that she knew where the baby was. Nate, it's mine! I have all the right to have it, and the baby has the right to everything that I have. This is it! "I already have a successor, someone who will continue what I have started. "Seriously?" I said as I stared at Nate.Nate looked at me like he wanted to make sure of everything that I said. He's a friend, and I know that he will not just let me do what I want."Are you sure that Axel was telling you the truth? What if this is just one of his schemes? What if he was just telling you this because he wanted you to take the child, and soon he will use it against you?""I saw his medical records. His parents knew that he was not capable of bearing a child. That's also the
Neri's PovI slowly stepped in and walked near a wide door. I put on my mask and hairnet. The overalls and even the plastic shoesI held the knob, and I slowly opened the door.I tried to smile, though it was so hard to give even a little of it.I have been looking at a vegetative woman lying on a hospital bed. She is having a peaceful sleep, and her life depends on how the machine works.It's been a month... "Raven, are you okay?" I asked while I was looking at Raven, who was showing her face in pain."Neri, my stomach is painful. I think I will give birth now.""What? Wait, I will just call the driver."I hurriedly go downstairs and call the driver so we can take Raven to the hospital.The most anticipated day has come. Raven is giving birth, and I can't explain my feelings. I am very excited, but at the same time I am sad. I am sad that the baby will not get to experience a life with a complete family.So sad that his father couldn't accept him and totally turned his back on him.
Zeb's pov.."Don't turn your back on me, Neri! I am talking to you!" I grabbed Neri's hand upon seeing her at the mall.Yes, it's been a week since I heard that Raven gave birth, but they never told me. It's clear that I want a DNA test on the baby, but it seems like they don't have a plan to comply with the agreement."What's the matter, Zeb? Are you not ashamed of yourself? The CEO of the largest company in the world is chasing an ordinary woman. How sweet!" Neri said it seemed like she was just having fun.I got irritated, and I am pissed at her actions. I don't like the way they hide from me all things that happened about Raven's child."Neri, you know why I am doing this. Where is the baby? What happened to Raven?" I asked.."Wow! You care about the baby and about what happened to Raven? Whatever Raven told you before it happened.. about the baby, we're sorry, but Raven told us not to show you even a shadow of him.."I was shocked. "He" means it's a boy."Surprised? Yes, it's a
Zeb pov."Where have you been on earth that I couldn't find you? Are you hiding from me? Why? Guilty?" Hattie asked..I just arrived to my office and got in so quick like a policeman who was going to arrest a criminal.She looked so mad at me. "Do I need to update you every time? It's early in the morning, and now you are here right in front of me, nag!""Come on, Zeb! I know that you knew why I was here.. or maybe you were just making excuses so I wouldn't be able to confront you about this." Hattie dropped a folder on my table.Simply looking at it, I knew that it was Raven's early maternal leave. Now I am thinking of a possible excuse why I did that."Now tell me.. Early maternal leave given to Raven, take it not.. with pay! Wow! How generous this company would be. I know and I understand that we are helping people who need financial support, but I wasn't aware that we can also do charity work. with someone like Raven?" Hattie exclaimed..I understand her reaction because it nev
Raven's POV"Raven! Raven!"I opened my eyes, and I was shocked when I saw Mom before me.She keeps shaking me."Raven, you were having a nightmare." mom said as she helped me get up. She handed me a glass of water, and she massaged my back."What happened, mom?" I asked because I really don't know what happened.I wiped my tears dry.."You were having a nightmare. I got in, and I saw you moving your head so fast, so I tried to wake you up. You've been in that situation for almost 10 minutes, and I started to panic." Mom said, and I saw how she got worried."I'm sorry, mom! Maybe I was just thinking a lot these past few days.. or maybe because my 9th month is almost there.. I'm fine," I replied."You made me worry...""I'm really sorry," I replied with a smile."Okay, just stay here and calm yourself. I will just ask the cook to prepare something so you can eat. It's already 10 in the evening." Mom stood up and went into the kitchen.I couldn't imagine that I fell asleep for that lon
Raven's povI don't understand why Zeb suddenly changed his mood. I mean, he talked to me, and he was asking me to take my leave earlier than what was stated in the contract. Maternal leave should begin in the ninth month of pregnancy for every pregnant woman. I am on my eighth year and yet he wanted me to take a leave.I got scared.How is that just his excuse to kick me out of his company? How, if that is just his way of saying that I am no longer needed in his company?That hurst...From head to toe, I am shaking... I really need a job now. I know Mo can take care of everything, but of course, that would be the least thing that I can do. I am no longer sure with my pregnancy if I still see the beautiful world after giving birth. At least my mom could tell my child that I knew something about him."Raven, what were you thinking? You shouldn't have been standing that long. Come and take your seat." Sandy said when she noticed that I was just standing near the window. It was lunch bre