**Miguel's P.O.V** I was hurt, but I know she was hurt more. I didn't want to go to Meriam's brother's engagement party. I didn't think he was Aira's brother because they didn't look alike. I knew they were both Villanuevas, but I really didn't know. When I researched Aira, I found out she had a younger sister, but I didn't know it was Meriam. **FLASHBACK** "Hey, how are you? It's been a while," the person on the other line said to me. This was her first call since I texted her. I smiled because I had been waiting for her to call, even though I remembered I was taken. "How are you? What's up?" I asked. "I need to attend my brother's proposal and engagement party at the same time, but I will be sad there because I will be alone. I don't get along with my brothers, and I don't have many friends here because I just came from the U.S.," she explained. "Well, I have something to say." "Come with me, please. Then just tell me what you want to say when we meet. Exactly 5 p.m., huh? Se
Aira's Point of View Raven and I went out and went to the bar we own. We used to like to sit and just listen to the noise of the environment, but now I wanted to get drunk. I wanted to try to get drunk and forget everything that ran through my mind. Raven brought a woman with her, and she was now with us at the table. That's exactly what Raven is like—not a big girl; of course, she's beautiful and white, but most of all, she's naughty. They kept flirting in front of me, which annoyed me even more. They knew I was broken, and then they flaunted their affection in front of me. I just drank until I finished one bottle and asked the waiter for another. The two didn't stop me because they were busy with each other. They just needed to undress in front of me because they were practically holding each other. I must have had four bottles of wine when I heard some good music, so I went to the dance floor to dance. I danced along with other people who were dancing, some with their partners
R•18 Read at your own risk **Miguel's P.O.V.** "Why did you bring me here?" I asked him. "I don't want to bring you to your mansion looking like that if you don't want your mommy to cover you up again." He preached to me. "Why do you care? You've been interrupting for a while," I shouted at him. "Because you are important to me," he shouted back. "Tell me about people like you," I said, storming into the room. I lay down on the bed to rest. I didn't want to talk to him. There was no point in us discussing such things. "Get out of here," I shooed him away. He came into the room and laid down next to me. "This is my room, so I can lie down whenever I want," he yelled at me while lying down. "I wish you hadn't brought me here," I said, then stood up on his bed. "I'm going home; take care of your life," I told him. I walked to the outside of the room, heading for the door, when he pulled my hand. Due to the alcohol, I lost my balance, and he fell down as well. Now I'm lying o
Aira's Point of View "Don't make a fool of yourself, and you will drag our family down with your antics," Mommy shouted. We are all in the living room because they called a family meeting. I just arrived from Miguel's condo. Mommy shows us the video of me dancing and pictures of me partying in a bar. It turns out I'm the latest scandal online. News travels fast, especially when it's about our family. "Where is your mind, and why isn't it working?" Mommy asked again. None of the five of us speaks; this is how we are whenever we are scolded. "Aira is not young anymore, mom; what if she goes clubbing?" my sister defended me. "You're another one; you're tolerating the shame he did," Mom scolded her. "Let them go. I am sorry, mom. Did this affect the company?" I asked dad. "Nothing; there's no reason to complain about what you did," said Dad. "So? There is no problem at all," I said to mom. "I am sorry, mom, for what happened, but you have nothing to worry about," I added. "The
Aira's Point of View This is a big event in our family. The first to marry in the family and the first to build a family. Everyone is busy taking care of the guests. Two sons of big business owners are getting married, so there are too many people, and the guests are wearing grandiose clothes. Many business owners attend these gatherings because it is also a prospecting opportunity for them. This is also a declaration of the elder brother's leadership in Sister Shane's family business. Ate Shane is the only child of the de Veras, so it is certain that her brother will manage their companies. I am now at the table with Miguel, Meriam, my sister May, and Ken. No other business owners approached us because there were no businessmen among us. I introduced Miguel to them. I also found out what my brother was telling me. **FLASHBACK** "Have you seen the trending videos now?" I asked Miguel. I just rested for a while at home, then called my secretary to ask for an appointment with Migu
Aira's Point of View After introducing my boyfriend, I became a hot topic in the mansion, and Mommy and Meriam had opinions about everything I did. I simply ignore them because I'm accustomed to it. "Do you really think you'll inherit the company?" Meriam asked from behind me. My brother is married; they're on their honeymoon, but I'm still at home, working remotely because of the condo renovations. Once that's done, I plan to move out so I don't have to deal with Meriam and Mommy's drama. "I'm not interested in the company. If you want it, it's yours. I have my own business," I replied. "You're just pretending. Deep down, you want everything to be fine for us," he insisted. "If that's all we're going to talk about, then let's not talk at all," I said, ready to leave. "You have no right to the company; you're just being foolish," he retorted, walking away. "What did you say?" I asked. "Meriam? What do you mean?" I shouted. I thought, Why make a fuss? Everything they say is n
Aira's Point of View "Meriam! You live here? I thought you were staying at home or at your resthouse," I asked the woman in the neighboring unit. "Is that a question or an accusation?" he retorted. "I don't understand why you complain about the noise instead of soundproofing your unit," I replied. I didn't want a fight. I didn't want trouble, especially in the condo where I was staying. I didn't want to create a scene over something that had a straightforward solution. "Because I don't want to," he replied simply. Seeing that the conversation was going nowhere, I turned and went back to my unit. "Take your time with the work. Finish by 5 p.m. No late-night disturbances. Thank you," I instructed the foreman and left. "Is the room in your unit available?" I asked on the phone. While getting into my car, I called Raven. Right now, all I could think about was moving in with him while my condo was being fixed. I couldn't stay at home with Mommy, Meriam, and Daddy. Aside from the d
Aira's Point of View "Wouldn't your parents be angrier if they found out?" Miguel asked. I had told him my plan—to stay in his condo first—and explained Raven's actions. Reflecting on it, I realized how self-absorbed I'd been, oblivious to Raven's own struggles. I'm not angry with Raven anymore; instead, I'm disappointed in myself for being so problematic and toxic. "Raven just let me go. It's the same for both of us; we don't push each other to be better when annoyed or irritated," I replied simply. "They don't care about me," I added. "Also, can I stay here with you?" I asked him again. "If we move in together, does that mean you'll marry me?" he asked. "Tsk. Marriage isn't on my mind. We have other priorities right now, not each other," I told him firmly. "Actually," he began. He turned away. "Are you sure about living here? You know how the world is," he said with concern in his voice. "No one will know I'm here. I'll still work from home until the renovation's done, so
**Miguel’s Point of View**I don't know if I should be happy that Aira agreed to marry me, even though we won't be getting married this year. Her parents want a grand wedding since it’s also a celebration of the merging of two major companies, the Villanueva Group of Companies and Santiago Enterprises. What can I do if that’s what they want? They also don’t want any negative comments about our wedding because of Abby’s post about our supposed wedding. That would get more attention than our actual wedding.“Don’t be sad! We’ll still get married, not now but I’m sure I’ll marry you and no one else,” Aira cheered me up.I smiled at her. “Just promise me you'll marry me and no one else, okay?” I reassured her.She raised her hand with the ring. “This is not just a simple ring. This is a promise ring. This symbolizes our promised wedding.” She kissed me, probably to stop me from worrying.Aira and I are currently at a resort in Palawan. We have the island to ourselves, so we have plenty of
**Miguel's Point of View**Aira and I were lying on my bed. She was resting her head on my arm as I gently stroked her hair. I never imagined I would feel this way again. I never thought we would reach this point in our lives again, where we could be together without worrying about other problems.Some people might say our relationship is too typical. Coming from feuding families, both products of broken homes, and both children born out of wedlock, but none of that became a hindrance. Instead, it allowed us to understand each other better."How many children do you want?" Aira asked me while looking at me.I smiled at her and thought for a moment. "I want more than four, I think. I want them to have many siblings so they won't feel lonely and will have playmates. I want them to be each other's best friends," I answered happily.She frowned, making me raise an eyebrow. "I already told you that I don't want to have many children. Besides not being sure if my womb can handle it, I don't
**Miguel's Point of View**I was happy to go home after bringing Abby to a facility. I took her child to her mom. I didn't tell Aira what was happening because I wanted to surprise her.Auntie was shocked when I arrived with Abby's child. They thought I had taken the child without permission, so they immediately went to check on her. Auntie was very thankful because, finally, her daughter came to her senses. She chose to get better and free herself and others.Even though it was a bit difficult, I was always thankful that it was finally over. Now, all I need to focus on is my dad's company. I don't know what's going on within his family. The only thing Cheska told me was the frequent fighting between Daddy and his wife, and even she doesn't know the reason.Dad prepared everything before he surrendered to the police. He also arranged to transfer his shares to my name. Cheska was also left with some shares. Dad's buildings, farms, and small businesses were divided among us. Dad left ma
**Miguel Ice's Point of View**"Finish that later, eat first," Abby said as she entered my office at her house.I didn't want to, but for my mother's peace of mind, I did what she wanted. Mama has a soft heart, especially for children who beg."I'm not hungry." Since I started living here, I couldn't even look at her. She could touch me, but I wanted to push her away, yet I couldn't because of pity.She's fine at home, attentive, and caring for her child. I used to enjoy playing with her child, who she introduced to me as "Tito-Daddy." Playing with the child made me happy, but when I married her because of her threats, their affection for me disappeared. Let's just say the child shouldn't be involved, but he's a significant reason why Mama pleaded with me."How long will you be like this? I'm your wife, but you treat me like a mere pawn!" She started arguing again.She's often like this, but I ignored her. I let her say whatever she wanted."You won't talk to me again, and then what?
**Aira Jane’s Point of View**After what happened between Miguel and me, we haven't seen each other again. I left that night while he was asleep and didn't say goodbye to Mama."What if your half-sister finds out? It'll just cause more trouble, Aira!" Raven told me. I had a headache when I arrived at work; it's tough pretending everything is okay."How would she know if no one tells her? Miguel probably won't say anything either," I replied, resting my head on the table."Oh, come on! You never learn! If you're not going to fight for Miguel, then stop giving in to your feelings. Honestly, you're being unfair.""Why me? Why am I the one being unfair? Isn't it him?" I asked her, surprised."Tsk." Raven rolled her eyes, leaving me confused about what she meant."Imagine, you just accept their explanations without expressing how you feel inside! Do you think that's right? Do you think that's not unfair to Miguel? He's fighting and doing what he can to solve the problems. While you, you ju
**Aira Jane’s Point of View**I didn't go back to the mansion. They wouldn't look for me anyway. I'll sleep here at Mama's house. She doesn't have anyone with her, and besides, we were both tired from shopping and wandering around the mall. It was already 11 PM when we got home."Sigh, this is my third day in this room, the second time I'll sleep here," I whispered to myself as I flopped onto the soft bed."Aira, dear?" Mama knocked on the door of the room. I got up, but Mama had already entered the room. "I just want to know if you're going to eat. If you are, I'll cook something for you. What do you want? Miguel is coming home, and I cooked some soup since he called drunk." I quickly sat up."Ma, can I go home?" I asked Mama."Why? Are you avoiding Miguel?" Mama's question left me speechless. I didn't know, but I couldn't be with Miguel when someone else was watching. I felt like Miguel and I were using them to deceive Abby, which I didn't want. I didn't want to use others just to b
Aira Jane’s Point of View“What time is it?” I heard Miguel ask.“It’s afternoon, almost five. How did you sleep? Are you hungry?” I asked with concern.I dozed off while watching him, but the heat made it hard to sleep again. Miguel, on the other hand, was deeply asleep; he looked exhausted. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you,” he said, asking for my forgiveness.“It’s nothing, just make sure this doesn’t happen again.” I stood up from the tent, but he stopped me. “Sit down first; let’s talk.” I looked at him and started to sit back down.“Can you go home and stay with Mom?” He surprised me with that question.“Why? Did something happen to Mom?” I asked worriedly.“Nothing happened; I’m just worried she’s alone there. I’m always at work, and when I come home, it’s usually to Abby's house. You know her, right? She always exhausts herself.”“Sounds like you.” I whispered, raising an eyebrow at him. “Alright, I’ll try to bring her to the condo. I’ll do my best.” I replied simply.“Thank you
**Aira Jane’s Point of View**“It looks like you’re in a good mood today. Have you and Miguel reconciled?” Meriam asked me with enthusiasm.I continued walking towards the dining area, ignoring her because I didn’t want any commotion to disturb my beautiful morning. I woke up feeling light, as if all my worries had vanished. I wasn’t sure if it was because I realized Miguel truly loves me and I’m still his safe haven, or if it was because I had spent almost the entire night with him.“Did you know you’re trending again? Ever since you started dating Miguel, you’ve never left social media. You’re always the topic of conversation.” She followed me while saying all this. I turned to her and replied, “You know, Meriam, after all this time we’ve been living, aren’t you used to being talked about by others? Their opinions don’t matter to me, unlike yours.” I said it sharply without even looking at her.“Really? What if the topic now is your boyfriend marrying his fling? Doesn’t that matter
**Aira’s Point of View**Three weeks later,"What did you say?" I asked Ken again. He had shared some news that I could hardly believe."Yes. My brother-in-law left the company to help his sister Cheska run their own business because their father surrendered to the police. I don't know the other reasons, but one thing is certain: my brother-in-law has left us," Ken said sadly."I can't do anything about that. If he wants to go, then let him be. It might even be good for him; he knows a lot about our company that he could use for theirs or to undermine us.""That's not how my brother-in-law is, ate. You know that!" I shrugged and walked out of the mansion.He has no gratitude. After being fully accepted by Dad, he just leaves for the person who caused our problems before. I might be trying to forget what happened, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven him. They say you can’t truly forget until you learn to forgive."Here you are again," Raven commented when she saw me in the bar."As far