Raven's PovEverything is clear now; Zeb just took me home and was letting me stay in his house to make sure that Axel couldn't get near me. He was just being wise, and I understand that, but of course it is painful on my part that I am living with the man I love under one roof for assurance and not because he loves me.Every time I look into his eyes, I no longer see the loving eyes of Zeb. But a man filled with hatredI took a deep breath while I was fixing the bed and all that Zeb used last night.Yes, Zeb slept on the couch in his room. He didn't sleep beside me, and I know that he is not going to do that. I felt pity for myself while realizing that he finds me so dirty.He might not say it straight to my face, but I can barely feel it. I really do.I don't even know how I could keep convincing myself that everything is okay. I just need to prolong my patience and accept the consequences of lying.I took a bath because I need to go to work. I need to go with Zeb, so it would only
Raven's povHattie took so long in Zeb's room, and I don't know what happened there. My feelings are just killing me little by little. She smiled at me like she'd won an exclusive competition. I don't understand why I am feeling so weird, and I can feel the extremety of pain while she's leaving the office.Out of nowhere, Sandy got near me, and she asked, "I thought you and Sir Zeb were living under one roof?""Yes, why?" I asked.."Then why Hattie keeps coming back in hos office and it took her that long?" Sandy sounded so weird."Don't mind them, Sandy. Maybe Zeb just had a meeting with her.""Raven I've been working here for a long time. I knew who kept coming back here for business. And knowing Hattie, She has no business talking to the CEO, but I knew it only happened when Hattie and Sir Zeb were having a — sorry." Sandy stopped.. She might not spill it out, but I do understand what she was trying to say.I just continued what I was doing and tried to put out of my mind what
Zeb's pov.Being alone gave me enough time to think. I knew I was doing the wrong thing when I called up Hattie and invited her for an early swim right here at my place. She was so happy that once again she won. It was actually a competition between her and Raven.I might be a very coward because I even used Hattie to make Raven feel bad about what she saw. That is my way to ease the insult they put on my head. That's my way to comfort myself, and I can't do anything if that is what can give me peace of mind."Happy?"I crossed my eyebrows when I heard a voice behind me. I looked back and there I saw Maxine standing out straight, looking so bad in my face."Happy? About what?" I asked as if I were not aware of what she was referring to.She walked in front of me and stood up there. She was looking at my eyes, and I knew that she was mad.We've been friends for a long time, and I already knew her. I knew it when she was happy, sad, scared, or in love."Come on, Zeb!"l You know what I
Ravens po.I'm in my 7th month of pregnancy, and next month I can have my leave.I tried so hard to wake up early so I could go to work. I am still in the middle of deciding whether I will leave this house and stay with my mom or just stay here until I give birth.It's been so hard to undergo pregnancy without any comfort from the man you love. Actually, it was the opposite of all my imaginations. I hoped for a sweet Zeb who would make sure that I was always healthy and happy while I was carrying the baby in my tummy. But what is happening now is merely the opposite of that. All I got from him was pain and jealousy! It was more than being punched a million times.I just took a bath, and I fixed myself. Our arguments last night are still fresh in my mind.I need to do my job, and I should be there on time.When I go downstairs, I am so thankful that Zeb isn't there anymore. It means I can go to work early.So I did it."Raven, its still 7 in the morning, why so early?" Esmeralda said w
Raven's pov.Thursday morning.."Raven, what is this? Why did you pack all your things? Don't you go to work?" Esmeralda asked when she saw me busy inside Zeb's room. I really made it quick when I noticed that Zeb had left for work."I already left a letter on my table yesterday, mom. I mean, I asked my officemate to tell Zeb that I can't make it today because it's on my schedule for my monthly check-up, which is true." I replied.. Esmeralda looked at me and took a deep breath."So what are these? I mean, what do these things mean? You are leaving?" She looks so sad."This is the right thing to do, mom! I thought my stay here would change Zeb's treatment of me. I thought he would realize and feel that I am telling the truth, but I was wrong. They even faked my signature so they could give a resignation letter to Axel's company." I wiped my tears dry because I knew I'd be away from the best family I'd ever met."What? But why did he do that?""It's a long story, mom. But the ending w
Zeb's pov.It's been two weeks since Raven left. She left without even calling me or asking permission from me. Maybe she already made up her mind that she didn't deserve me. Why? Because she's guilty, and she knows that she can't fool me anymore.Well, maybe my prayers just gave me an instant answer. So she left, problem solved, but still I can't take it. How is it possible that she betrayed me the second time around?I did everything for her, and yet this is what she did? "Zeb?" I was about to get in my car to go to work when Neri arrived."Neri? Yes, what are you doing here? If you were thinking that Raven is here, then I'm sorry. She's not around. She left two weeks ago, and.""I know.. I saw her. I talked to her, and I know what was going on." She replied..I chuckled as I looked at her. She got off her car and got near me. I don't know if she will just simply talk to me for any reason or if she just wants to give me a punch."So, why are you here? I mean, she's not living he
Zeb's povI am busy in my office with some important matters. I need to sign all the mountainous contracts in front of me. I had a hard day, and I can't work well. I was thinking of Raven, even if I shouldn't have.I don't claim any responsibility for her. I am not the father of her child, and I know that she's aware of it.The telephone rang. I picked up, and Sandy says that Neri wanted to talk to me.I told her to let her in."What brought you here, Neri? I thought we had already had a talk. Well, I really admire how well you were doing as Raven's friend.. she's so lucky.." I offered to sit for her."Sorry if I need to come here, Zeb. I know that this is unprofessional. I shouldn't force you to come in since I don't even have an appointment, but this is something important and I hope you understand." Neri said..staring at her, she didn't come for a fight. She's so calm, and I felt like she needs more understanding and consideration."What's the matter?" I asked.. like we were just
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
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