Isabella opened her eyes when she felt warmth on her face. The light of the sun casted perfectly in her bare face, creating an enthralling scene that would surely hypnotize men who would see her.Her eyes glowed with a leisure glint in them as she assessed what was happening around her, drowsy from the event that happened last night.She tried to move and get the white blanket off of her but the moment she made the slightest movement, a nerve-wracking pain spread all throughout her body.“What the…” She hissed, touching her buttocks. She gritted her teeth as she placed her feet down the floor.“Where am I, and what happened? Why do I feel like I got run over by a train?” she mumbled to herself, massaging her temples.She got up, still suppressing the pain from her lower body. When she got up, she was about to walk away when she saw in her peripheral vision, the tinge of blood in the white cover of the mattress. “What is this?” Her heart raced, and not a second passed, sh
“Are you crazy?! You left home, where are you going to sleep now?” Isabella’s friend, Kara stressfully waved her arms around in front of her.They were now at her apartment, she is the only person she could run to. They’ve been best friends ever since they were kids, so they’re bond was naturally closer. Kara’s mother was her mother’s helper, but after her mother’s death they had to move out, but nevertheless they still kept contact. “I was hoping I could stay here for a while till I figure things out.” She replied, smiling sheepishly at her friend who was eyeing her as if she was crazy. “Bella…You do know I’m not rich like you right? I can barely keep up with my rent, you can’t expect me to provide for the both of us.” Kara said, sighing heavily as she sat down beside her.“I care for you Bella, really. But this…I have a lot of responsibilities on my hand, with mom’s medication and my college fees…” Kara stopped, then her brows knitted together as her eyes moved to Isabella’s
“Are you just going to stand there?” Dominic said with a deep voice, sending chills down her spine, and at the same time she vaguely recalled the things he said to her that night as she heard his voice making her face heat up. She can’t help but give him a disgusted look, he is already engaged yet he actually cheated on his fiancé like it’s nothing. Isabella didn’t realize that she’s been standing frozen all this time, her face scrunched up into a frown, it’s as if the time had totally stopped on her, and the next thing she knows, Dominic is already standing right in front of her. His eyes boring into her soul, examining all the little action she does. “Are you deaf? Did you not hear me?” Isabella snapped out of her stupor, and accidentally looked him in the eyes, her green eyes meeting his cold ocean blue eyes. “Uh…I—I’m sorry sir,” she quickly bowed her head down not wanting to meet his gaze. She feels like any time she would melt by how intense he was looking at her. No
Isabella stood in front of the woman who guided her yesterday to Dominic’s office. She learned that her name was Anne, and that she has worked in the company more than half of her life which she highly commends, since it’s probably not easy to maintain such a high position here, which only means she must be really good at her job. “That’s everything you have to know. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask me or anyone, okay? And I really hope you last longer than his previous assistants,” Anne told her. “Why? What happened before that made them quit?” Isabella couldn’t help but ask. She’s still wary about everything, and hearing her talk like that made her restless heart even more restless. “Well, to tell you the truth…” Anne stopped for a moment and looked around, making sure that no one was eavesdropping on them. “Mr. Russo is a bit of a playboy before,” “A little bit?” Anne laughed, “Well actually not a little, more like this much,” she said, spreading he
Isabella sat quietly on her desk that was next to Dominic’s. She wasn’t given any particular task yet, so she have nothing better to do than stare at the wall in front of her. Dominic looked at her through his peripheral vision and noticed her rather bored look, and a mischievous idea suddenly ran to his mind. Heh, it’s not bad to take a little revenge for breaking his frame, right? “Do you mind, bringing this to the third floor, these are important documents that needs to be signed.” He gave her a stack of paper that was lying around. “All of these?” “Yes, is there a problem?” He asked with a dead expression, but deep down he was smiling whenever she feels rattled when he looks at her. “No-no, there’s nothing wrong sir. I’ll get it done right away,” she rambled, and swiftly carried the papers that piled up to reach her head, she walked to the door, but had trouble opening it since her hands were full. Dominic looking at her sorry state decided to lend her a little hand,
"What, really?! Are you thinking of quitting now cause I think you should." Isabella talked with Kara outside a cafe just a few blocks from her workplace. She told her everything, and as a friend, of course Kara became concerned for her. Since she's also the one who introduced her to the job. Dominic didn't show up in the morning since he had a meeting outside, and she was relieved at some point since she feels every time he's around, the air is always tense, as if someone is always watching her every move. Maybe she's overthinking things, but she can't help if that's how she really feels. Not to mention that she's working for the man she had sex with. Maybe the rumors are true about him. But then again, she can't judge a person based on rumors. "Sigh, I don't know. But I can't, I finally have a good paying job, I can't afford to lose this," Isabella sipped her coffee, tilting her head to the window to see the cars passing by. She looked at the clock, and seeing that i
Dominic's steps echoed through the hall as he hastily walked to his office. He could hear laughter inside since the door was slightly open. When he reached the door, he immediately opened it without second thoughts stealing their attention. And what he saw made his blood boil. Cole was wiping the side of Isabella's face, and when Cole saw Dominic staring at his hand that was touching her cheek, he smirked, and that smirk didn't go unnoticed by Dominic. He strutted towards them with powerful steps, and seeing him act like that, his expression all black, Isabella's heart skipped a beat, feeling something bad was about to happen. Dominic, without saying anything, grabbed Isabella's wrist and pulled her behind him. He didn't know what was happening, but only one thing was running in his head, and that was to take Isabella away from him. He glared at his cousin, but Cole was unaffected by his attitude. He knew his cousin too well, and even if he was the boss here, he can't
After Cole left, the whole room was covered in a chill atmosphere. Neither Isabella nor Dominic tried to talk to each other. Isabella wanted to ask him about what Cole meant, she was curious who the girl Cole was referring to but felt like she’d be stepping over the line if she asks. Time flew fast and it was almost 8PM. Isabella stole glances at Dominic, she wanted to ask if it was okay for her to go ahead but it seems inappropriate that she leaves before her boss does. “You can go ahead,” Isabella darted her eyes towards Dominic’s direction, stunned. ‘Did he just read my mind?’ She thought. “I can tell you’re uncomfortable, I’m sorry for what happened earlier, you shouldn't have see that. Cole and I don’t really have the best relationship,” Dominic said, still gazing at her with unreadable emotions. “It’s okay,” it was all Isabella could say, not daring to look at him. “Then...ummm, I'll leave first, sir, goodnight!” Isabella hesitantly stood up. She looked at him b
We were on our way home after unintentionally spending the night outside. I glanced down at my hand, the ring on my finger glistening even in the soft daylight.I looked down at my hand, at the ring that now sat on my finger. It was simple but beautiful. A smooth white gold band with a single diamond in the middle. But what really got me was the engraving on the inside. “My first and last”It was so Hayden. Refined, meaningful, and intentional. “My fiancée’s staring at her hand a lot,” Hayden’s voice broke through my thoughts.I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide the smile playing on my lips. “I mean, it’s so pretty. Who wouldn’t stare?”Hayden smirked. “Should I get jealous of the ring?”I turned my hand slightly, admiring the way the sunlight made it shimmer. “Mmm. Maybe.”He scoffed, reaching over to take my left hand in his, bringing it to his lips for a brief, lingering kiss. “There. Now it’s touched by me. That should make it hundred times better.”
The night felt like something straight out of a dream. I leaned back on my hands, staring up at the vast sky, a content sigh escaping my lips. “Time flies too fast, doesn’t it?”Hayden hummed in agreement beside me. “Yeah. Feels like just yesterday we were here, and I was making a fool out of myself, trying to confess to you.”I turned my head to look at him, smirking. “Oh, you mean when you stuttered through half your confession and nearly tripped over a rock?”He raised his brow at me, “Now you’re just making things up?”I grinned. “What do you mean? That’s exactly how I remember it.” I said, teasing him.Hayden shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m marrying a woman who takes pleasure in my suffering.”I gasped, playfully shoving his arm. “Excuse me! First of all, I never agreed to marry you—”He raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Yet.”I squinted at him, suddenly suspicious. “Why do you sound so confident?”He shrugged, looking way too smug. “Ju
After dinner, Hayden leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms like a lazy cat. He had that look—the one that meant he was up to something.“We’re going somewhere,” he said casually, as if he hadn’t just blindsided me with the announcement.I raised an eyebrow. “Now? It’s late.”He smirked. “That’s the point.”I groaned, already feeling the exhaustion creeping in. “Can’t we do whatever this is tomorrow? My bed is calling me.”Hayden shook his head, standing up. “Nope. You’ll love it, I promise.”I sighed, rubbing my temples. “At least tell me where we’re going.”“Nope,” he repeated, grinning as he took my hand and pulled me up. “You can just take a nap on our way there.”I grumbled the entire way to the car. And the moment I settled inside. I was out like a blown candle.—When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the gentle hum of the car.The second thing? The eerie darkness outside.I blinked groggily, sitting up. “Where… ar
It had been way too long since Hayden and I spent time together just the two of us. And with what has been happening. I decided to clear my schedule and dedicated a whole day for the two of us. We at least deserve this needed break.The moment we stepped into the mall, he was already in full spoiling mode.“Pick whatever you want,” he said, flashing me that signature grin of his.I raised an eyebrow. “You do realize I have money now, right? I can treat you for once.”Hayden scoffed, draping an arm around my shoulders as we walked. “And deprive me of the joy of spoiling my lover? Absolutely not.”I rolled my eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”“And yet, you love it.”I sighed. “Why do you everyone keep saying that?”He just smirked and led me straight into a boutique, where I barely even had a say in what was happening.“Try this one.”“Ooh, this color will look great on you.”“We’re getting this.”Before I knew it, we were loaded wit
The car ride home was suffocating.Hayden hadn’t said a single word since we left the school. He just kept his hands on the wheel, eyes straight ahead, his jaw locked in silent restraint.I wanted to say something.Anything.But the air between us was so thick, I could barely breathe.Blake was in the backseat hugging his massive teddy bear, Mr. Fluffington, as he had proudly named it.And the second we arrived home, he bolted inside.“Uncle Hayden! Look at this!” he beamed, holding up the plush toy as soon as we stepped through the door. “Isn’t he cool?”Hayden forced a small smile, ruffling Blake’s hair. “Yeah, buddy. He’s awesome.”“And guess what?” Blake continued excitedly. “Papa and I won him! We played lots of games together, and it was so much fun!”I flinched.I knew the moment that word left his mouth, it was like twisting a knife into Hayden’s heart. His face scrunched a little for a moment bu tasked it off quickly.He didn’
The Family Day games were finally over.Blake had the time of his life, laughing and playing like he didn’t have a care in the world. His energy was still high even after playing a bunch of game already.It was time for food, and the people started flocking to the inner hall where the foods were placed.But Hayden?He still wasn’t here.I stood near the entrance of the school, my eyes scanning the crowd, phone gripped tightly in my hand. He hadn’t sent another message. No calls. No texts.Just… nothing.I chewed on my lower lip, feeling a strange mix of worry and frustration.Did something happen? Or did he just decide not to come? Just where is he?!Before I could spiral too deep into my thoughts, I caught movement from the corner of my eye.Blake, clutching a huge teddy bear in his tiny arms as he was practically skipping toward me.And walking beside him, hands shoved in his pockets while a lazy smirk played on his face was Dominic.
It had been nearly a week since that night—and Hayden has been giving me cold shoulder all week since he thought I was keeping something from him. Because, well… I was.And things hadn’t been the same since.He still spoke to me. Still kissed me goodbye before leaving for work. Still acted like everything was normal in front of Blake. But I felt the difference. The distance.And I hated it.He was being civil, but he wasn’t being himself. No teasing remarks. No playful back-and-forth. Just quiet smiles that didn’t quite reach his eyes. And worst of all? He didn’t hug me in his sleep anymore.So tonight, I decided to bring up something that might help lighten things between us.“Blake’s school is hosting Family Day tomorrow,” I said while setting the plates for dinner. “There’ll be games and activities, and all the kids are supposed to have both their parents or guardians with them.”Hayden, who was scrolling through his phone and barely reacted. “Hmm.”
The flashing red and blue lights were the first things I saw as we pulled up to the entrance of our home.My heart dropped.Police cars were everywhere. Officers stood around, their radios crackling as they spoke to each other. The entire scene looked like a crime scene, and I had no idea what was happening.What was exactly going on here? Where is Hayden?I then heard Blake gasp beside me.“Whoa! Mommy, look! It’s like a scene from a villain movie!” His eyes practically sparkled with excitement. “Do you think they’re chasing bad guys? Maybe ninjas? Or—oh! Maybe it’s a secret spy mission?!”I stared at him, my anxiety skyrocketing. How could he be excited right now? What movies does Hayden let him watch when I’m not around?!“Blake, this isn’t a game,” I said, forcing myself to stay calm. “Stay close to me, okay?”He nodded, still grinning like this was the best thing ever.The second I stepped out of the car, I spotted Hayden moving through the c
I sat in the living room, fingers lightly tapping my knee as I waited. Dominic had taken Blake upstairs for a shower, leaving me alone in this unfamiliar house. It felt strange being here—like I was intruding on a life I had no place in. The silence continued, broken only by the faint sound of the water running upstairs. I released a heavy breathe, leaning back into the couch. My eyes drifted toward the glass doors leading to the pool, where Blake had been laughing and playing just minutes ago. He had so much fun that he pouted and tried to argue when I told him it was time to go home. I was happy that he enjoyed himself, but at the same time, I couldn’t ignore the uneasiness gnawing at me. He shouldn’t be here…but…why do I feel like I’m restricting him of something that he should be actually experiencing. I was deep in thought when I heard footsteps approaching. I turned and saw Fiona walking toward me, carrying a tray. She placed i