"Who do you think is sending you flowers and food?" Raven asked me. I just shrugged, genuinely unaware of who it could be. I had no interest in finding out either way. I don't eat what he sends but also don't waste it. "You know, from now on, you should forget about the past. You deserve to be happy. Life is passing you by!" Raven advised. I snorted dismissively. I wasn't keen on making new acquaintances or finding a new romantic interest. "You really have nothing! I wonder if you're numb or just heartless," Raven commented further. We're in the office now, working, even though it's pretty boring because everything is running smoothly. Our employees handle their jobs well. "Bored?" Raven asked. "I'm fine," I replied simply. "Miracle!" he commented sarcastically. "I'm just tired. It feels like my body is searching for something else," I said sadly. "That's love life! Keep yourself entertained," Raven said. "Who should I entertain?" I asked. "Miguel?" Raven suggested. I shoo
"What did you say?" Raven asked. "Nothing. He just hugged me, and I let him. Then he asked me to 'date' him," I replied. "So, does that mean you're letting him court you?" Raven asked. "No, I didn't say anything," I defended. "But you didn't answer. Silence means yes!" Raven insisted mischievously. "Not always. My silence doesn't signify anything. I'm neither confirming nor denying anything. What he understands is up to him," I explained firmly. "You let him think that. So if he thinks it's a yes, that means he's flirting," Raven teased. "I don't care what he thinks! I'll find my happiness my own way, not relying on a man," I told him, picking up my phone. I dialed Dyson's number. "Any updates on what I've been looking into?" I asked when he answered. "He's out of the country. Let's wait for him to return, then we can schedule a meeting. You can't just barge in; he has a family to consider, including children," Dyson explained over the phone. I nodded, though I felt jealous a
Maple leaves are often seen as symbols of love and loyalty. That phrase kept coming to my mind as I held the necklace that Miguel had given me. "Hoooo!" Raven startled me. "What?" I pretended to be annoyed by the surprise. "You've been lost in thought for three days now, fiddling with that necklace. What's the story behind it? I only noticed you wearing it today," he asked. I didn't respond, just snorted. "Oh my gosh! Let me guess," Raven said, touching his chin. "It's from Miguel?" He said enthusiastically, raising his index finger. "Is it that obvious?" I asked, furrowing my brow. "So it is from Miguel?!" He exclaimed, moving closer to me. "Oh wow! A maple leaf pendant! How lovely!" He continued to exclaim excitedly. I frowned at him. "Did you know that maple leaves symbolize love and loyalty?" He added, clearly happy and excited for us. "So, did Miguel declare his love to you? Did you accept?" He asked, then pulled up a chair to sit closer to me, eager to gossip. "Nope.
Today is the day they're leaving, Mommy. Daddy doesn't need surgery yet, so Mommy wants to enjoy the day while Daddy is still strong. Their relationship hasn't been easy, and I know that better than anyone. "Are you jealous? Don't waste your time!" Raven nudged me. I can see Mommy and Daddy are excited as they enter the airport. "Tsk!" I clicked my tongue and was the first to leave. Miguel and Raven followed me as we escorted them. "What's your plan?" Raven whispered to me. I furrowed my brow because I wasn't sure what he meant. I sat in the passenger seat while Raven sat in the back. I'm not sure if my siblings followed suit or not. All I know is that Baby and Sister Shane are at home. "Let's go!" Raven teased, patting my shoulder. I glanced at Miguel, who was also awaiting my answer. "Sure!" I replied, smiling. Miguel immediately turned the car towards the bar. We arrived at the bar, though a bit early. Our group was promptly served drinks and snacks. "Are you okay with u
There was darkness around him when he woke up, with a view from his window of the surroundings appearing damp. It might rain overnight. Aira, feeling lazy due to the weather, got up just to freshen up. While brushing his teeth, he saw his own reflection in the mirror and noticed his puffy eyes—a consequence of not sleeping well the previous night. Despite returning home late, sleep had eluded her. She pondered how she truly felt about Miguel. She acknowledged all of Miguel's efforts—his changed demeanor, thoughtfulness, and dedication. She sensed that he genuinely loved her. However, she couldn't find love for him in her heart. She couldn't figure out if it was due to past trauma or if she simply didn't feel anything more. "Ugh, Aira! If you don't like someone, just stop it. Leading him on when you have no intention of committing isn't fair," she scolded herself while poking at her reflection in the mirror. After finishing up in the bathroom, he walked out. "I didn't tell him ther
"Who told you to interfere?" I crossed my arms to show my displeasure clearly. "He's shaping you, and you expect me to stay quiet?" His unhappy expression was evident. "What if he's influencing me now? What about you?" I gestured towards him. "Now what?" he asked with a smirk after kissing me. "Aira?" I turned to the person who spoke, feeling embarrassed. "Uh, have you been here long?" I nervously asked Nate. Seeing Miguel kiss me, Nate smiled and spoke up. "I'll leave you two to finish your date another time. Looks like you have something to sort out!" He grinned at me, then turned to Miguel. Miguel seemed taken aback. I smiled at Nate as he left completely. I turned my gaze to the smiling man. "I don't know why you'd kiss me here. There are too many people around. Are you out of your mind?" "Do you see them? They don't care about us. Am I going crazy?" He teased, moving closer to me. He was so close he nearly kissed me again. "Yes, I'm crazy—crazy about you." He kissed me a
"I was unproductive at the office all day because I couldn't focus. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Miguel Ice. "What's bothering you?" Raven asked, concerned. "Nothing," I replied simply. "Are you sure? You've been sitting there all day, deep in thought. What's on your mind?" Raven inquired. "Nothing! Just forget it!" I grabbed my bag, about to leave when someone opened the door. We both looked over. I wish I hadn't seen who it was. "Is that you? You're early today," Raven asked the newcomer curiously. "I always leave at this time," he replied. "Why do you look upset?" He came over to me. "Let's go." He took my bag and left immediately. I couldn't even say goodbye to Raven in the rush. "Wait!" I exclaimed, unable to keep up with his fast pace. "Why?" He looked at me and stopped. "What's wrong?" he asked, worried. "Can you slow down?" I saw surprise in his eyes, so I repeated, "Stop what you're doing." Instead of answering, he led me to a café inside the building, as
Aira's Point of View "I left that room because I couldn't breathe." "Oh! Son, you're there?" Mama asked in surprise as she looked at the door I had just exited. "I brought Miguel. He was very drunk. I'm still shy." What woman wouldn't be shy to face a man's mother, especially caught by surprise like this? "Is that so? Miguel's room isn't there. Come join me and let's move him," Mama hurriedly pulled me inside. "He built this room for you. He has big plans for both of you. It's been a long time, haven't you noticed?" She looked at me, but I just shook my head instead of speaking. "Oh my God, Miguelito! Why did you get drunk? Don't worry, dear. I apologize for my son. He's still young and rebellious at times since taking on responsibilities. Let him stay here. He wakes up all day. Let's have coffee first," Mama offered. I wasn't really listening as Mama spoke. We helped Miguel into his room and left him in bed, even though he couldn't change his clothes. "You know, Aira, you're