Zeb's pov.Friday morning.."Mrs. Hayes, we will leave in 10 minutes. Please be ready and kindly bring your laptop with you. We have a very important meeting on the site." I said before I got into my office.Raven just looked at me like nothing happened yesterday. I got a bruise in my face, and I know that is what will make the day more exciting. She didn't ask for anything. She just stood up from her seat and looked at me. I didn't mind. I got in my office and took a deep breath.I stared at the ceiling, and I closed my eyes for a while. Actually, I never had a good sleep last night. I was so excited about my meeting today.I was about to get ready when the door opened and Hattie came in."Goodmorning, lover boy! "LYou seem to be very busy these past few days." Hattie took a seat at my table, like she always does."Yes, I am. I have several meetings, and I need to get focused. The shelter was about to be launched, and I wanted to be hands-on in every detail." That wasn't a lie."Rea
Raven's pov..Zeb held my hands."Raven I'm sorry. It's not what you were thinking. I was referring to my mom, and that is all." I know Zeb got me. He could read my mind based on the way I looked at him.He became so defensive and sensitive to how I felt, but I knew that he was in pain. I know that until now the pain of leaving him remained in his heart."I'm sorry!" I said instead."For what?""For the pain that I have caused you. For all the pain that my family brought into your life.. for all the hatred instilled in your heart and mind. Sorry for being so weak that I haven't fought for our relationship. Sorry, I was too pushy to make you feel like you weren't enough. Sorry for the days that I was trying to defend you, but my words weren't enough. I don't know how to say this, but I was the one who gave up. I was the one who quit, and I was the one who didn't fight. I'm sorry!" I said as I bowed my head and slowly wiped my tears dry.I couldn't hold my head up out of embarrassment.
Zeb's pov. I left my father's house with unclear thoughts about me and Raven's situation. My dad would beg to disagree with all my plans. I understand him and I consider his advice, but that doesn't mean I will follow it. I have my own plans. I just took a long shower before bedtime. I find time to relax myself and think of something that could make me feel good. Have a good sleep and wake up early. "Nate, is everyone ready? I was on the phone talking to Nate. I cancelled all the meetings, and I announced that day to be a special meeting day since it was Saturday. I need to meet all the employees of the Dream High Company with regards to the vacation abroad." "Yes, Zeb.. you may come here so we can start.." I quickly used the elevator to reach the conference room. It was actually made for everyone at big conferences like this. It looks like a graduation day as I look at the stage. Every employee feels unexplained excitement and happiness. "Everyone, I will make this quick beca
Zeb's PovI don't know what Raven was trying to say. As she mentioned Hattie, I know she later told Axel about the blue envelope. I know and I can feel that she's too jealous of Raven. especially now that she knows Raven as my past. I understand that he doesn't want me and Raven together on that vacation, but that is the only way I know to have a deep talk with her. Now, everything just got ruined because Hattie intruded.I grinned as I was looking at the small mirror on top of my desk. I need to do something so Raven can still come and enjoy the company's vacation. If there is a need for me to just join the other team, then let it be.I was about to call Nate when Hattie got into my office. Her smile was so wide, and she obviously showed success, but about what? success of exposing Raven to Axel?"Hi Zeb! So are you ready for the vacation? I heard the first batch already had their flight! You know I am so excited.. Finally I will be in U. S for a very memorable vacation with you." H
Raven's pov I was preparing myself to go to work when Axel got into our room. well-groomed and ready for work as well.He looked like he wanted to say something. I didn't mind looking at him because he's not even saying anything.I was about to leave our room when he started to speak."Enjoy you vacation." He said with a smile.."What do you mean?""Yes, I am letting you go with your team. Just make sure that Zeb is not going to be with you, and then we are okay." He clearly said..I smiled back at him, but I wasn't convinced about the reason why he suddenly changed his mind."So what makes you changed your mind?""Well, Hattie told me that it was true..that she and Zeb will be joining the other team amd she's so happy. You know, those two are really meant for each other. Hattie is such a perfect choice, and I am wondering why Zeb couldn't see it."I felt like he was trying to make me feel jealous, but that is not the way I feel. I felt so annoyed with the fact that he believed in H
Raven's povMonday morning and it's our turn to have a two weeks vacation..I am so thankful that I can finally see the US without Axel's eyes on me.I took my seat and waited for the plane to fly.I saw Ms. Beatriz at the airport. We cannot be together in one plane because this plane is exclusively for the company's employees.I just told her to give me a call when I get there so we can meet during my free time.It feels good to know that I have a mom who is willing to do everything for me. a mom who can sacrifice her happiness just to please me and to give me what I am asking for.I closed my eyes. All the seats were almost occupied except for the one beside me. I am wondering why no one was taking it, or maybe it was intended to be empty.I was about to stand up from my seat to use the restroom when I saw Zeb approaching. I quickly took my seat and secretly looked at her.He was getting near me.The most unbelievable thing was when he occupied the seat beside me.I looked at him."
Zebastian's povI quickly turned my back on Raven. I knew she was looking at me as I took my steps away from her, but I didn't look back. That was the main thing I had to keep in mind. I want her to feel that once I leave, there is no turning back. How I wish she would have called my name and asked me to stop, but fortunately she didn't. She just watched me leave her alone, and she doesn't know how much it hurts.That kiss was so meaningful. She keeps on telling me that it was nothing, that she doesn't love me anymore, that she loves her husband, and that she will choose him over him. It was all a lie. Yes, I am sure about it.I could feel her kiss on mine. It is sweet and tasty, passionate, and full of love.I slammed the table in my room upon reaching it.I promised myself not to let my emotions bring me down, but what was happening now? I am one step closer to possible pain.. pain that I don't know if I can still bear..After a few moments, someone knocked at my door.I opened it,
Raven's pov."Zeb wait! What is this? I am okay.. what were you saying that?—"He didn't answer me. Instead, he held Ky's face and kissed me so gently. He kissed Ke like there was no way to say no!"Raven, I missed you so much. I wanted to do this since the first time I saw you at the company, but I stopped myself because I knew it wasn't right! But as time goes by, I realize that there is no such thing as wrong when it comes to love." He pulled me close to him, and I smelled the mixture of alcohol and fragrance in his perfume. He got his face near me, and he kissed me again. We are here in my room. No one will see us. No one will find out that we are together. Why should I stop myself from kissing him back when it's all that I have inside?I wanted to be with him. I wanted to spend the night with him, and I thought it would never happen again.Call it cheating! Whatever you want to call it,, but how am I gonna live my life so righteous if I can't even feel happiness? I think it is
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