"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
**Aira Jane's P.O.V** I woke up because of the loud knocking on my room door—okay, it's the room where I sleep at Miguel's house. Mama didn't let me go home last night because it was too late. I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep while contemplating. I got up and went straight to the door to open it for the person knocking. "What's that?" I groggily asked. I didn't even bother to look because my eyes were still closed. "Mama wants you awake. She said to join us for breakfast. Hurry up, I'm going in. Also, wear something before facing people," she flicked my forehead. I immediately panicked upon realizing what she meant. Damn it. I forgot I took off my bra before lying down last night. Ugh. Now my nips are showing through my shirt. I hurried into the bathroom to wash up. I also opened a new toothbrush to freshen up for breakfast. How embarrassing. Gosh. Slowly, I walked towards the dining area. Even with my head down, I knew Mama was in front of me. "Good morning, M
Aira's Point of View "I woke up in a room surrounded by white. I knew this wasn't my bedroom so I tried to get up."Airaaa! Thank God you're awake!" I furrowed my brow upon hearing the unfamiliar voice."Son! Aira's awake! Please call her doctor!" The voice sounded panicked. My vision was still blurry so I couldn't see her clearly. The doctor arrived and examined me. He even opened my eyes as if I had come out of a coma."She's stable now. If there are no complications, you can take her home tomorrow," the doctor instructed the woman he was talking to.I couldn't see the woman clearly because I was seeing her for the first time. Beside her were Miguel and Ken, who weren't speaking. What's going on?"Airaaa! How are you feeling? Do you recognize me? Huh? It's me, your husband," I heard Ken's simple laugh behind Raven."Idiot! You're not my husband! You're already married and I'm not her. Just leave me alone!" I irritably replied to him."Confirm, guys. This is Aira! She didn't lose h
Aira's Point of View "The next day, the doctor discharged me. I couldn't stay there any longer because of everything running through my mind. First of all, from what I remember, there were no vehicles near me when I turned. I wanted to know if it really was just an accident."Where's the CCTV? I need to watch it now," I insisted to Raven."No. Miguel specifically told me not to give you anything that would trigger your stress. It will take longer to heal if that happens," Raven replied, taking my bag and carefully removing my IV drip."Why? Are you Miguel now?" I asked sharply."Miguel was the one who took care of you, watched over you, and his excessive worry for you was evident. I saw with my own two eyes how much he cared for you. So, I'll follow his instructions until he returns here," she stated firmly."I don't get you. Suit yourself," was all I could muster.Actually, that's my coping mechanism when I'm excited or happy. My heart pounded upon hearing how much Miguel worried ab
Aira Jane's Point of View"Is this about your father? Mr. Martin?" I asked, surprising him. He faced me and sat beside me."Why? Did he do something to you? Did he threaten you? What did he say to you? Why-" I interrupted him with a light slap to stop his incessant questioning. So many questions."I'm the one asking, aren't I? Is your father involved in my accident?" My voice rose slightly as I repeated my question to him. I saw panic on his face. I got the answer I wanted even before he said anything."So he's still after you? Why don't you just be his child since your life there is fine? Leave Mama to me. I won't let him neglect her or deny her. If you want to see him, that's fine, just don't leave him with your father's family or let him alone." I said firmly.He wiped his face while pacing in front of me."We both know he won't stop until you go back to him. What matters most to him is his pride and power. You're the key to keeping it." I added."Can you? Please don't think about m
Aira Jane's Point of ViewThe treatment lasted almost half a month. During that time, Miguel took care of me.He prepared my meals, helped me bathe, and especially managed my medications. Just as he wished, I didn't oppose him. He was right, Miguel was right. He took care of me for their own peace of mind. I hadn't thought about that because I was too busy worrying about my own feelings."The doctor reduced the medications. For now, you can move properly, don't work for the meantime. Raven is there. If you're bored here, just call me. I'll take you out immediately. Mama can't visit here, you know she's shy with parents. Just bear with her. That's just how she is when she's ashamed." He slung the bag with his clothes."Miguel, wait!" I hesitated to stop him.He was leaving. He'd been telling me all this time, but I had no answer because I already knew it. The doctor also told me. Aside from that, my mind was in turmoil."Is that really not the father of that child?" I pointed to his ha
"Table for two?" the receptionist greeted us."Yes, please," Miguel replied.Miguel guided me to the table that was assigned to us. He ordered our food without even asking me.Feeling a bit shy, I just let him handle it. It felt awkward because I didn't know what to talk about."Isn't this your favorite?" Miguel handed me a plate of kare-kare.I just nodded. "Why are you just nodding? Don't you have a voice today? Where's the Aira I was with yesterday?" he teased."I don't know about you!" I replied irritably, still embarrassed about what I did yesterday.Actually, I didn't expect him to ask me out right away. I was surprised when he called last night and said our date would be tomorrow."You're beautiful!" he suddenly said out of nowhere.Suddenly, a scenario entered my mind. A scene where he first said I was beautiful."I was just thinking. When you applied to the boutique, did you like me right away?" I asked him with a smile."What are you thinking! Of course not. I didn't even kn
**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