Raven's pov."Are you leaving?" It was Sunday morning, and I woke up early so I could have the whole day to be with mom. I was about to leave the house when Axel saw me and talked to me. I just looked at him without a word."I can drive you if you want.""I can.. I can take care of myself, I know how to drive, and I am used to being alone, making my day worthy.""Raven, I just want to make things work. I mean, I want to make things right. ""By doing something wrong? Do stupid things, then all of a sudden you wanted to make them right? You're crazy!" I replied..He was about to get near me, but I stopped him from doing that."Don't waste your time, Axel. I am not in the mood to do nice things now. I am busy, and I have an important meeting to attend to. Excuse me.."I passed by where he'd been standing and never looked back. I know he's not used to how I communicate with him. I can see in his eyes how he's hurt every time I find ways to get rid of him and avoid talking about our rel
Raven's pov.As a typical employee, I woke up early, even though I didn't had a good sleep last night. Diana occupied my whole night, thinking about what happened to her—her past, her former family, and what happened to her child.I think this would be my next mission. It might not be for myself but for someone whom I think has a close heart.I felt her longing. I felt her eagerness to correct whatever wrong things she had done. I want to help her for a reason that I don't know. I am not sure about what my heart was saying, but I am sure that something good will happen.I was about to leave when I saw Mommy Carla in the living room. She's wearing a dress and her signature bag."Mom? Are you leaving?" "Yes, can you just drop me by at the shelter? I will go meet Beatriz. We decided to go out today. Actually, I asked her if you could join us, and she said yes.""I'd love to too, mom, but I have to work. I mean, I need to be at the office and do my job. Maybe some other time." I smiled a
Zeb's Pov.Raven left, and she made sure that I could not stop her. I don't exactly know what's stopping her. I just want to make her believe that I am serious when I say that I still love her, that I want her back in my arms, and that I want to marry her.I took a deep breath while looking at my table. I don't know how to convince her. Actually, I am willing to just be his man, and soon she will realize that we were meant for each other. But how? If all she worried about was her relationship with that jerk!It's already 4 in the afternoon, but I have not finished a single project proposal.I just kept myself busy thinking about Raven and how I would get her back.Nate may be wondering why I didn't ask him out for lunch."Hi bro! What makes you busy? Are you done—" He stopped when he realized the proposal was on top of my table and had obviously not been reviewed."Hey! Are you not done yet with this?" He asked as he raised the folder."I'm not in the mood to do anything. Can we just
Zeb's pov.I don't know if this is going to be right. It might change how my world goes normally, but this is the only way I know to get Raven's attention."Raven, be ready in 20 minutes; we have a meeting to attend to," I said as I got into my office.She just looked at me like she didn't expect me to take her with me for a meeting. I always do it, but for the past few days, I just left her and let her stay in her swivel chair.I didn't wait for any response from her. I just called Nate to get in my office so I can give him instructions on what he should do once someone asks for me."Bro, why so sudden? I don't remember any meeting for today; it was.""It's urgent! One of my colleagues just called me and said he wanted to do business with me. I can't say no for now."I put on my coat, and I looked at the mirror beside the couch."Is Raven going with you?" He asked..I took a deep breath before I spoke. I need to appear convincing, like I was telling him nothing but the truth."I was
Raven's povThe night just passed without any intimate moments between me and Zeb. He didn't talk to me; he didn't ask anything from me. He let me sleep in his room alone, and that is far from my expectations. Call me flirty, but I was expecting him to take me to bed last night, but it didn't happen.I was wondering what his plans were. Taking me here made me feel like I was in the same situation eight years ago.A simple life that I have witnessed, a life that I thought wouldn't change, a life full of lies"Goodmorning.." Zeb opened the door with a wifely smile. He was carrying a bunch of white roses.I didn't answer him; instead, I just looked at the flowers."For you, I hope you had a good sleep." He handed me the flowers, and you just took them."Thank you! You don't have to do this every day." "I want to. I want to make you feel that I can do everything that can make you happy, even just for five days. We still have three days." He smiled bitterly.I really don't have any idea
Zeb's Pov.A whole day of preparation is just worthy enough.I have seen how Raven loves the place and the set-up of the table, and I am sure that she will appreciate the street foods I ordered for us."For you.." I handed her a bouquet of flowers. I took the chance to give it to her because I was standing behind her.She looked around with a smile. "Thank you, Zeb. The place is so beautiful. "So calm and relaxing. Thank you for bringing me here again." Raven said in her teary eyes,"Sorry if I was out of the house for almost a day. I'm really here to prepare this table for us. I want you to experience and appreciate the beauty of the place." I honestly saidThat was true. I left the house this morning because I asked the owner of that place to give us a bit of space—enough space for me and Raven to have a romantic date."So, you prepared all of these? I mean," Raven wiped her tears dry.I hugged her tight, and I let her lean her head on my shoulder. I kissed her hair, which was so fr
Raven's pov.I felt a sudden pain in my head. I tried to open my eyes, but I couldn't bear the light coming from the window.I slowly opened my eyes for the second time, and I looked around. Still, I am lying in Zeb's bed.I looked beside me, but Zeb was not there anymore.The only thing I saw was a lemonade on top of a table. Attached was a card and a white rose."Drink this to make you feel better. I'll be back in a minute."It was a note from Zeb. I drank the lemonade, and it really made me feel good.My headache eventually vanished. I smiled alone as I remembered what happened last night. We made love, and I love being surrounded by Zeb's arms.I stood up from the bed and foxed myself. I have seen Zeb's old photos with his father. How I wish I would see his mom's photo, but I haven't seen any.Until my attention had been nailed in a wooden box, I know that it's not a good idea to mind someone's business. It just happened that I have a hard feeling that I should open it.I did...T
Zeb's pov."My driver is going to take you home. I understand if you don't want me to do the honor. I know it's not easy, and I am willing to put myself where I should be. Remember, you are not a mistress, because I never think of you like one. I'll see you at the office on Monday. I'll be missing you." I kissed Raven before I got out of the car.I called my driver to drive my sports car and meet me somewhere near my dad's house. I asked him to take Raven home because Raven didn't want me to do so, and I understand why."Thank you, Zeb. I'm sorry if it needs to be this way. I just don't want anyone to think that, you know. I am not yet ready to see how Axel explodes once he discovers that we are just doing the same thing." Raven explained.."I know.. I have to go now.. be safe, okay.. I love you.""I love you always." Raven replied so sweetly.I get in my sports car, and I drive my car. I saw them on their way to Raven's place. I missed her that quickly.I still can't imagine how I co
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