Chapter 17“Thank you,” Heart smiled as she said that and nodded, then looked at the meters on the dashboard.They were right in front of New Era, and Lux had stopped there. She was pleased with his kindness, but why was he so grumpy at Paz earlier?“Sir,” she said to him.He hummed.“Sir, will you not deduct a month’s salary from Paz? The one you bumped into earlier?”He looked at her, and her eyes widened. What did she just say?It was true that he had collided with Paz. She had clearly seen what happened from where she was standing in the restaurant a while ago. The way between the tables was wide. Each row of tables and chairs had its own path. That was the waitresses’ path, and on the left side was the exit to avoid collisions. In Lux and Paz’s case, there was no place to go because he occupied the entire aisle. An old man was standing beside him a while ago.Where would her co-worker go if she collided with the table?Being a waitress was really difficult, to be honest.
Chapter 18HE LOOKED at Heart, and she was utterly terrified. She peered through the gap in the door as if watching an adult film.He turned to retrieve his smartphone from the bedside table, but now, Heart was watching him, her eyes wide open. He had thought she was asleep; she hadn't moved a tiny muscle earlier. So, she must have feigned sleep just to get a closer look at him. How audacious.He took a deep breath and clenched his fists."So, what's your plan, lady?" He asked her seriously.She blinked and bit her finger nervously."Open the door and let's have a clear conversation. I bet you didn't understand my rules when Vandros explained them to you."She opened the door but remained silent, gazing at him. He followed her with his intense gaze as he walked inside and picked up his smartphone.He looked at her as he walked back to the door, shaking his head. He was furious. None of his previous women had dared to do what she did – to recognize him. What's worse, she had pre
Chapter 19Lux's head was still pounding when he was met by his childhood friend Vandros in the bar. He was inside a private suite, quiet. He could only hear the faint sounds of the band from the four small speakers placed in each corner of the ceiling.He tossed a deadly gaze at his best friend. He had many friends, but his friendship with Vandros was unique. They both knew that. This man was his most trusted confidant, except for his grandmother. But there were things he couldn't share with his grandmother, things he could only tell Vandros. He even thought he might find another trustworthy friend in Diana, but he was mistaken. He was the only one sharing his stories there, but he received nothing in return. Lux felt that Diana was selective in what stories she chose to share with him, and this had been going on for three long years."What's bothering you?" Vandros asked with a smile."You didn't make it clear to Heart," Lux said, taking a sip of his drink."I did," Vandros replied
Chapter 20The young lady's forehead wrinkled as she registered the full extent of the man's sprawled body when she entered. Somehow, her nervousness had subsided a bit, even though she had just entered a stranger's presence. The security was quite tight; it was difficult to access the condo building, so it was impossible for someone else to be in the room.It was Mister Montesalvo!She took a step, and her foot landed on something sticky on the floor. She clapped her hands, and the lights turned on. It was something she had learned from him, clapping to control the lights automatically.She couldn't be mistaken about the person she saw, but she immediately glanced at his bare feet."Yuck! Vomit!" she exclaimed with a cringe.She had stepped on vomit! What was happening? She grimaced and closed her eyes, thinking that the owner of the vomit was probably good-looking, so it was okay. Maybe he had vomited because no one else was around. Perhaps he was intoxicated and had collapsed on th
Chapter 21"He's telling you to come closer, fool!" Heart's inner voice warned. She stepped forward quickly before his mind could change and he would leave her. She hoped that God and his wife would forgive him, but she had no other option."Are you still safe?" he asked as she approached, and she nodded. She was still taking the pills the doctor had given her, not just the sleeping pills that didn't seem to work.Lux held her by the chin on both sides and then kissed her. She was hesitant at first because she hadn't even brushed her teeth. Her initial thought was not to respond to his kisses, but she did so because it was necessary.This man no longer deserved to be called Mister K. He was nothing like the toad that had grown a big belly. He was the complete opposite of what she had imagined. He was close to perfect in every way.HEART suddenly woke up and looked around. She was alone in the room, with no clothes on.She yawned and hugged the pillow. She wanted to go back to sleep be
Chapter 22Carmenzita looked at her grandson. They're having a snack together by the poolside. It's the old woman's favorite spot because she enjoys watching the light green water of the swimming pool."How's Heart, my dear? Have you told her about the help I'm going to provide for her education?"He didn't respond. He was contemplating whether he should let her know or not, to avoid any further meetings. What's the point then? He had already met Heart, and she knew his identity. Why would he want to stop their deal if he still wanted to continue?"I'll talk to her about it some other time. She can't handle everything at once, Grandma."The old woman shrugged and took a sip of juice. "You're right. The help with her education will be there when she needs it. I have an idea. I will try to help all of our undergraduate employees to study again. Of course, I'll find sponsors first. We'll make Heart the model to inspire others to study as well."He nodded. It was a good idea. Lux always s
Chapter 23“SIR,” Heart blurted out in surprise as she caught sight of Lux standing near her.“Y-Your Ser?” Lumeng asked, nodding at her in response.“Um, are you going to visit a friend, sir?” she asked nervously. Her mind raced with thoughts of what they usually did in her room, and it was affecting her more now. She felt exposed.“I am here to visit a friend’s father,” he replied, walking closer while slipping his hands into his pockets.His responses were annoying, making her feel a strange excitement, even though there was nothing particularly exciting about it. Was he referring to her and her father?She blinked and snapped herself out of her daze, realizing she was in front of her mother.“Uh, sir, this is my mom, Mom Lumeng. Mom, this is Sir M-Montesalvo,” she introduced, and she blushed even more when he called her mom, “Nay.”Nanay is mother.“Impressive name, sir,” Lumeng teased, causing Lux to laugh.She couldn’t help but smile at how baffled her mother was, looki
Chapter 24Lux stopped the car after pulling over.He looked at Heart as she unfastened her seatbelt. He had just dropped her off at the market, as he had promised, following their quick encounter at the parking. He didn’t mind the extra time spent driving back and forth. He felt satisfied after their moment in the parking lot; that was his compensation for the time taken away from work.Her thighs were pressed close together, and it seemed like she was holding something back, which caught his attention.He felt a sudden throbbing in his groin and wanted another round, but for now, he had to control himself. There would be time later.“What’s the matter?” he asked the young woman, surprised, but she just shook her head.“S-Something’s coming out…” she hesitantly replied, her cheeks turning red.Lux knew exactly what she meant; it was his sperm.“It’s normal. I’m inside you,” he assured her, making her blush even more.“But, I-I don’t want it to get on my p-panties…”He smiled
46.RUTH accepted a handshake offered by the manager, Vaughn Andaya. She was sitting in front of the man, who was in a swivel chair. She applied for a position at SM as a sales lady for an expensive clothesline worn by politicians in their area. A button-down shirt costs four thousand pesos. Today is her interview, and she just got hired a month after returning home from Manila to Camarines Sur. She’s in Naga City searching for a job and doesn’t want to stay idle at home.Her relatives are furious with Baron, and they say that if he shows up, he’ll face consequences from Uncle Ernesto. They may not have pure blood relatives, but their relationship with each other is invaluable, especially for her, a considered orphan of the family. Her family is protecting her, especially now that they know the story about Baron.The people from Cam Sur have a different attitude—brave and unyielding. If Baron sets foot in their area, he’s in for a surprise. Vaughn smiled at her during the handshake, b
45.RUTH is holding her resignation letter, planning to give it to Lush Miguel. Patricia, facing her, reads the letter. “This is an urgent resignation letter, Miss Eduardo. It says you have something to attend to and will be away for a while. Where to?” Patricia asks with a smirk.“Confidential, Ma’am. I’ll be traveling today,” Ruth responds.“Okay. If that’s your decision, it’s hard to stop you. I don’t know your personal life and problems,” Patricia signs the letter without hesitation.Surprised, Ruth asks, “Won’t you submit it to the CEO?”“Nope,” Patricia shakes her head, “Lush had given me all the authority to decide as long as it’s under my supervision. In your case, since you’re under me, I’ll handle it. Besides, there are plenty who can replace you. Good luck.”Ruth nods and forces a smile. All the authority is with Patricia. Why should she be surprised? Patricia is probably the woman Lush mentioned as new, just unwilling to tell her.She turns away, heavy-hearted, wal
44.FINISHED.He took a deep breath as Ruth gradually disappeared from his sight. Seated in his car, he waited like a thief, watching her run away with Muse’s cage.That’s all he could do, gaze at the girl from afar because, despite his anger, he genuinely loved her. Even in anger, he couldn’t insult or speak hurtful words to her.His respect for Ruth remained high despite everything, knowing she deserved it. Now, he envied Baron. That asshole's spouse was kind, and he hoped to find another Ruth someday, but not now.Lush badly needed time to heal, and the process wouldn’t be easy. He was sure of that because he was deeply hurt in his first experience of love.The young man lazily started the car engine, but he didn’t go in. He would go home, where his parents and Babuela were. He owed his parents an explanation. At thirty-one, he felt the need for a mother’s care. He needed his Mommy.When he arrived home, his shoulders still slumped. As soon as he entered the portico, his Mommy was
43.1Ruth was startled when the door opened, and Lush’s imposing figure loomed over her. “Oh my!” she exclaimed, supporting the young man who peeked at her and smiled. He playfully tapped her nose with his index finger.“Hold on a moment,” she said, closing the door. “We can’t go upstairs; the stairs are too high, and we might both tumble down. Let’s sleep downstairs. Wait, I’ll get the blankets. Have a seat.”Hurriedly, she assisted him to sit on the sofa. He groaned and shook his head, but the young woman quickly went upstairs to retrieve the thick comforter from the bed.Descending again with the items, including Lush’s replacement clothes, she handed him the bottle of alcohol he still clutched.“I’ll take that,” she said, grabbing the bottle.He closed his eyes, his cheeks flushed. He remained the most handsome drunk she had ever seen.“Did you drive home like this? You’re really drunk. Next time, don’t get overly intoxicated. You might stumble or lose balance,” she lectured whi
43.Lush choked on saliva. He couldn't find any words to respond to Ricky. Tearfully, he averted his gaze to hide his eyes. Did she lie to him? Did she conceal her real status? Her profile claimed she was single. Did she forget to update it? Damn! He wanted to rub his face, feeling suffocated. Is he serious about his feelings? Why is fate playing with him like this? The woman he loves is Baron's wife?Damn it!He almost clenched his fists. He wanted to cry and almost wanted to slap himself."Wait, Rick," he hastily excused himself from his friend and walked briskly towards the table with various expensive drinks.He stood in front of it, on the verge of tears. Is there another Ruth Eduardo in the world? Who?He couldn't explain his feelings. He was angry. Why did Ruth deceive him? If that's what happened?He grabbed a wine glass and drank. Unsatisfied, he took another and drank again. He repeated this to numb the pain in his heart. The time with Ruth might have been brief, but he knew
42.Lush Miguel remained nonchalant, lounging. He was still in a four-post position. Ruth was sleeping after four rounds in bed. She was upstairs, and he left her momentarily. He went downstairs to have some coffee now.He grinned as he remembered her annoyance earlier when he introduced Patricia in the lobby as the supervisor. Ruth was jealous of the woman, and he found it amusing. Ruth already had feelings for him, but she was reluctant to admit it. He felt a different kind of joy when he heard the girl sulking in the bathroom earlier.He used to dislike having someone chase after him. He didn’t want anyone to be possessive, but now, he was proud of it. To the point that Ruth didn’t fence him in, and she didn’t hide. Luckily, he overheard her.He took the coffee cup and sipped, but he looked at the stairs when he saw Ruth descending.She was wearing his long sleeves, buttoning a few buttons.“Why are you still lounging?” she asked, obviously sleepy, with no slippers on.He glanced a
41.The last message Lush Miguel sent her was when he mentioned driving his grandmother back home. It’s now ten in the morning, and the coffee break is over. She’s inside the restroom, yet there’s still no update.She’s also waiting for that. It’s a big miracle that she’s not being talked about in the entire company now because of what happened the other day. She’s been waiting to hear something since yesterday. She even told Berna about it so she wouldn’t be surprised.So far, Montevez has remained a peaceful environment for her, especially now that Dennis is no longer around.“Hey.”She winced and stopped mopping the floor as Berna approached her.“Come on, hurry. Your boyfriend is there with another girl!” Berna waved at her, causing her to furrow her brow.Lush?She quickly walked to the door and went outside. The janitors gathered in the lobby, all staring at a beautiful girl. She wasn’t tall, but her skin was exceptionally smooth. She was chubby and had blonde, long hair.She ca
40.“IF I were you, go to the party, so your ex won’t have anything to say,” Ruth told Lush while talking on the cellphone. He was already in the hospital while she was in the penthouse. It was late, and she was alone. All lights were on because she had no company, but she wasn’t scared. He had a companion—the cat. It was amusing that when she asked Lush to take Muse from the condo, it was promptly done by Lush’s bodyguard.“Damn. I really don’t want to go there, sweetie.”“It’ll just be a moment,” she said, though deep down, she didn’t want him to go.Oh God! She gets jealous at the thought of Lush fooling around with that woman, Annelyn or any woman, but he can’t do anything about it. She wants to push him away so that if they break up, it would be easier for both of them.Ruth feels like she has a bomb in her head, a life-threatening illness, that could end any moment. As time passes, she gets closer or, more accurately, falls for the right guy at the wrong time, wrong circumstanc
39.“Thank you,” Ruth smiled at Ricky when they left the police station. She declared that the missing person, who pretended to be kidnapped, was not really kidnapped. She published everything, with Ricky as her witness. The investigation was over. She had concluded everything.The police laughed, wondering why her own husband did such a thing to her. There was only one reason, Baron loved money more than her.“Your job for me is done,” Ruth added, acknowledged by the investigator.“Next time you need a private investigator, just call me directly. For simple matters and when I’m free, even without payment. It’s what makes me happy.”“But never trade a woman and leave her at the altar for an investigation,” she said meaningfully, and he laughed, getting the meaning of her words.“Of course. There’s a more deserving man for you, unlike dela Vega. Where to? Shall I drive you?”“No need. Thanks again.”“Alright, take care. I’ll get you a taxi.”Ricky walked towards the street, and she fol