Raven pov.I have not seen Axel the whole day. I don't have any idea where he is. I can't even think of an excuse to tell him about what happened last night. It's already eight in the evening, and yet he's not home.It's Saturday, and supposedly he's home and having a rest. Maybe he's mad at me and he just went out with friends, got drunk, and when he came home, I already know what will happen next. Bruises just on the way.I just go up the stairs. I went to the porch where I used to sit after dinner.I was just looking at the stars and wishing things to be fine.I was shocked by a soft knock at the sliding glass door. I looked behind me, and there I saw Axel standing with a bunch of flowers and chocolates.I looked at him. I don't know if I will get near him or just stay where I am."For you." He said, and he handed me the bunch of flowers.I took them. "Thank you! What are these for? It's not my birthday." I said.. "Just a simple way of saying thank you. My way of saying that I am
Raven's pov.I was supposed to send a letter and ask for a leave of absence for one day, but Axel will surely ask me why. I couldn't think of any reason why he would surely believe it, so I just went to work.I arrived at the office, and I was thankful that Zeb was not yet there."Goodmorning, Sandy.. Is Sir Zeb already in?" I asked, hoping that she would give a good answer."No, well, he called me last night and said he would drop by the hotel because he would be having a meeting there. So maybe he'll be here after lunch." Sandy replied while looking at the screen of her laptop.I took a deep breath, because I was sure that it was Rhane whom he was going to meet.I'm safe, finally! That's what I thought.. until.."Mrs. Hayes, I need you to come to my office." Zeb, who just arrived from a meeting, said. Sandy was right; he will arrive after lunch, and he's finally here.I quickly got up from my seat and followed him.I closed the door as he started to take his coat off."I will just
Zeb's Pov After that shocking meeting with Rhane, I asked Jaxon and Nate out for a drink. It was actually a healthy drink.I called up Nate so he could come and join us.We were almost in the middle of the drinking session when Nate asked something about the meeting."You had a good deal today, bro? You approved Jaxon's friend's request." Nate said as he drank his beer.I just smiled at him. I drank my beer and closed my eyes."Jaxon, how long have you been friends with him?" I asked, and I was referring to Rhane."Well, we were friends five years ago. We were classmates, and we just parted ways when he decided to leave the country. I mean, he left with a broken heart, and if I don't make mistakes, it's about family problems." Jaxon replied, and I was relieved by that. At least I know that Ryan was not just using Raven to get into my company and get money from me too.Anyway, Rhane was on my side, but I just don't know if he still is."Why, bro? Don't you trust the guy?" Nate asked.
Zeb's pov.Dad was not expecting me. I often told him to wait two days before giving him a visit, but today's visit was just sudden and unplanned.He smiled when he saw my car, and as usual, my driver just dropped me off."Dad!" I get near him, and I tap his shoulder.He hugged me tight!"This is a surprise, son! Why didn't you tell me?" Dad asked and he led me into the house. Maybe I just have the right timing because he just finished with his client."Well, I just need to see you. I missed you, though." He laughed silently. He washed his hands and offered something to drink. "How are you doing here, dad?" I asked.."Well and good. People came to realize that this shop is still the best. But of course, your company will always be number one." He said it with a wide and sincere smile.There was a sudden silence between us, but it didn't last."Is there something I can do for you?""Why did you ask, dad?""Zeb, you're my son, and I know you. I know you from head to foot, and I could
Raven's Pov.. "Raven! Are you not done yet? I don't want to be late!" It was Axel who finally decided to attend the party. His plus one is none other than Mommy Carla. My plus one was my dad, while Rhane decided to take mom with him.A complete family but unhappy.I have been standing in front of the mirror looking at my reflection, and I don't know how long I have been standing there.I wore a black backless nightgown with a slip on its side. I tied up my long hair so my shoulder and back will be exposed. I am still pretty, and I think nothing has changed. I put on light make-up so my sad face will at least become more colorful tonight.I smile in front of the mirror and finally put on my high-heeled, black, glassy shoes.I have seen how Axel got amazed as I get downstairs."Wow! You looked so beautiful, Raven! I love seeing you that way.." mommy Carla said, and she kissed me."Thanks, mom, and you too. You look beautiful as ever.""You should look good, Raven.I don't want anyone t
Zeb's pov I could say that the party was successful enough. I have seen how everyone was amazed at how Zebastian Dawson looked. Finally, everyone had seen me. in person and on TV. I already prepared myself for a life in public. I know my father's neighbor is also shocked if they are watching television.For eight years, I never introduced myself. I did everything that I could to hide my real identity. I lived a simple life as an ordinary human. No one knows what I have, no one knows what I can do, and no one knows what I can give.Some just kept their eyes on me and were obviously surprised as I stepped up on the stage.Axel, his mom, Raven's parents, and some of the businessmen who used to humiliate me every time they saw me inside the Dream High companyI drank the wine from the bottom up. I grinned as I remembered how Axel and Raven walked out of the hall. I have seen that, and I should be happy, but why can't I feel any happiness? What I can feel is sadness and madness towards th
Raven's pov.It's been two days since the party. Today is Monday, which means another hectic schedule for everyone.I was expecting Axel to stop me from going to work. I woke up earlier than I usually do so I could leave the house peacefully. I need to do my job. I am assigned there not because I want to see Zeb but because I am thinking about TEMPO's situation. If it's not for Axel, then at least for Mommy Carla and Daddy Mateo, who care about me.I go downstairs, and I am shocked when I see Axel having breakfast."If you will stop me going to work, then at least show that you already backed out of the contract you have signed." I said, and I don't have plans to wait for his words.He madly looked at me and showed me the contract he had signed."What was that all about?" I asked."See the last part for yourself."I took the contract and read it. I couldn't believe it when I read it.There is no way to back out. Once the contract is cancelled by any of us, the company has the right to
Zeb's PovAfter what happened at the party, I decided not to show up or even to talk to Raven. I went to several meetings, but I didn't ask her to come with me, as it says in the contract. I know that there is no way for them to back out, because it was stated on the last part of the contract that once they change their minds, the company has all the rights to sue them.It's been a week, and I have been keeping myself busy. I never answer calls, especially when they are not about business.As my day off came, I decided to just stay home. I know dad will understand because I already told him what happened. I called him, and I heard how proud he was. I should be happy, and that's the only feeling that I should possess, but why can't I feel even a bit of happiness?I know Hattie is also wondering why I don't pay any attention to her calls, her messages, or even at the office. I am not in the mood to talk to anyone."So you are here? " I looked behind me, and I saw Hattie standing right
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