C18Heart confidently left the classroom after her exam, believing that even if she didn’t achieve perfect score, she was close to it. Despite the rule imposed by her instructor, she remained undeterred, determined to give her best. Regardless of her pending exam results and grades, she faced each challenge head-on, knowing she wouldn’t be defeated.As she headed to the Guidance Office, she bid farewell to her friend Jeck, who wished her luck. “Take care, Ate Heart. Good luck.”“Thank you,” she replied, then walked away, paying no mind to her other classmates.Unfazed by the distance created by rumors surrounding her personal life, Heart refused to force herself into societal expectations. Her true comfort always lay with her family.The assistant opened the door for her, and she entered, greeting Miss Collins. This woman was a topic of gossip, too: how did she become a Guidance Counselor when her partner is allegedly a lesbian? Does a person's ability to be a counselor depend on th
C19HEART’s heart skipped a beat when she entered the restaurant and saw Silvana inside. Aiza, whom the woman was talking to, immediately glanced at her when she appeared at the entrance.Her focus was on Silvana.Oh no. What is this woman up to again?Insecurities surged as soon as Heart saw this woman. She didn’t know the reason, but it hit her all of a sudden.She continued walking towards the counter, trying to resist her feelings and casually approached.She caught Silvana’s attention. She couldn’t tell if Silvana was smiling or what. She wasn’t sure if Silvana knew about the rumors spreading.“Oh, here you are!” Silvana exclaimed as if they were close friends. She approached, hugged her, and kissed her cheek.“Aren’t you going in?” Silvana asked cheerfully.She just shook her head, “the exam is over,” she said, glancing at Silvana, “How are you?”Silvana shrugged, and she went to the counter.“Here, moving on.”“Is it really over? It’s a waste of several years.”“He
C20Thank goodness World War 3, which he feared, didn’t happen. He quickly retaliated against the slap of pain he saw on Heart’s face earlier.Hopefully, Silvana won’t go to the restaurant so they won’t meet again.They are currently inside the 3VP room. Lush is awake and eating ham.“I don’t know if I’ll pass this semester,” Heart told her, causing her to pause in chewing.“And why is that so?”“But I feel like I’ll pass. I explained my side well. I told the counselor it’s unfair if they judge my efforts based on my status. I made it clear that my student life is separated from my personal situation. I feel like I convinced her.”“Uh-huh,” he nodded. “It’s only fair because she might lose her job.”“Lux!” Heart scolded him, but he was smiling.“Mimi, call Daddy Bibi, not Lats. You call him Bibi,” Lush sided with him, making Heart smile as she pinched their child’s cheek.“Yes, I call Daddy ‘baby.’”“That’s right, son. High five,” he said, giving his child a high-five before
21Lux returned to his office after dropping off his family at home, just as he mentioned. Funny how a billionaire like him lives in a two-story house, he thought, not as vast as his mansions and doesn’t contain fifteen rooms.That’s the home we built, he mused, reflecting on the indoor balcony, spacious living room and kitchen, two guest rooms downstairs, and four bedrooms upstairs. The expansive backyard, adorned with landscaping and trees, provided a refreshing feel of being in a province despite being in the city of Manila.There has been no change in Heart’s life even though they are living together. She works hard on her own, and Lux is truly impressed. She doesn’t indulge in million-peso shopping sprees for bags and shoes. Occasionally, she brings home a bag worth six hundred pesos only.When Lux buys her things worth millions of pesos, she says he must’ve just saved it for Lush’s future. But when it comes to expensive perfumes, she remains silent. Heart loves perfumes; that’s
C22Heart observed Lux intently as she arranged the grilled hotdogs and kebabs on the platter. She finished her task and walked slowly toward her husband, who was engaged in a serious conversation on his smartphone.Despite knowing that he was just working, jealousy crept into her thoughts. It’s not that she doesn’t trust him; she’s just wary of other women vying for Lux’s attention. She wasn’t blind; she could see that Lux attracts attention from women wherever he goes. While she accepted it because her husband was undeniably handsome, she also knew he respected her and didn’t entertain others, especially when they were together.Just try looking at someone else, and she’d give him a peace of mind, forever by leaving him.But today, he seemed sad and preoccupied. Could the investigation he initiated have yielded results? Was there bad news that affected him, leaving him downcast and troubled?As they were about to eat, she decided to approach him. She wanted to talk, especially sin
C23Heart emerged from the tent after fixing Lush. Their child was already asleep, and now she headed towards her husband, who was sitting, immediately locking eyes with her. He had been smoking several cigarettes since earlier, and she was familiar with Lux’s behavior.It wasn't just a cigarette. There were days when she didn’t see him take a puff for quite a while, but today, it seemed like he had already had about three.She felt a strong emotion. She smiled at him, and he returned a faint smile. Instead of sitting beside him, she sat on his lap.He quickly embraced her waist. “What’s up? Can you handle it?” she teased, but she was afraid of what he might say. It could be her last laugh that night.He took something from the pocket of his shorts, a folded paper. “Open it, baby. I want you to see it,” he said, and she nodded, her lips slightly open as she took and unfolded it.At the top, she saw the doctor’s name, address, and contact number. What she saw next were names of women—
C24Heart woke up feeling sad. Both she and Lux spent the entire night in silence, holding onto each other as if one would escape. She fell asleep like that, and he did, too. They were sensing each other’s emotions.Today was their community service for the school requirement. Monday and Tuesday are still counted . After that, they would have a vacation. Heart picked up her smartphone and checked her messages. Her mother had greeted her, and she realized she hadn’t replied, or more accurately, she hadn’t read it since she was not in the right state of mind. She read the chaTofrom Lexus and Lexi in the notification panel. It turned out it was their semestral break, and her siblings were thrilled. As an older sister, she was even more pleased because her siblings were doing well in school. Her hard work at work was worth it.She replied to her mother, explaining that she had fallen asleep and that Lux was investigating the people spreading rumors about them.Despite after sending a
Lux took their son to an ice cream parlor after playing basketball. It was the child’s request, so he agreed to make him happier.“Daddy, why does Mommy keep on going to school?” Lush asked as they chose ice cream from the display.“Because her school isn’t finished yet.”“I want to go to Owa and Owo.”“We’ll go there. Don’t worry. The three of us will go to them this vacation.”“Promise?”“Yes, Daddy’s promise.”They high-fived, but his attention was caught by a child who ran and accidentally pushed the freezer, making it wobble.“Damn…! Can you pay for this if it breaks?” The angry vendor scolded the child, whom Lux estimated to be of Lush’s age.He saw the child flinch and seemingly scared of the man. Lush clutched his fists, looking puzzled.“Don’t curse like that in front of the kid. You can’t be a vendor with such a foul mouth and face. It’s too bad for the kid,” he retorted to the vendor, who quickly looked at him.“Why are you even meddling, sir? Can you pay if it breaks?”“Do
20. SHIT. Lush Miguel put Ruth on the bed and pulled her feet. I’m sorry, but even though he has no experience, he can’t control himself. It’s not that he paid her but because he was really dying to have sex with her. He would get bored too, he knew. She screeched to what he did but he didn’t move. She clutched the towel to her chest and tried to hide her body. He took off his shirt while eyeing her, and then removed his shorts and boxers, too. He had expected Ruth’s eyes to widen when she saw his hard and erect manhood. He just never paid attention to her reaction and knelt on the floor. She immediately got up but he pulled her back and spread her legs. “I’ll show you something,” he smirked and pulled her towel. She didn’t do anything when he got it and just closed her eyes tightly, as he looked at her body. Fuck. He couldn’t wait to stretch her pussy so he could fuck her harder. He felt that Ruth was trying to close the thighs he was holding but he was trying to open
19.Ruth stood in front of a condominium she recognized. The driver dropped her off at the entrance, and a uniformed man opened the door for her.“To the unit of, uh…” she stammered nervously. She felt breathless.“To the receptionist, ma’am,” the man replied.Embarrassed, she approached the receptionist. “Good evening, ma’am,” the woman greeted with a smile.“To the unit of Lush Miguel Montesalvo,” she said, trying not to show her nerves. She felt a pang of embarrassment; she hadn’t expected such a setup in Lush Miguel’s condo.“What’s your name?” the woman asked.“Ruth.”“Ruth?” The woman frowned.“Mirabelle, Ruth Mirabelle Eduardo.” She showed her ID.The woman smiled, “Yes, ma’am Mirabelle,” glancing at her ID. Ruth guessed that Lush Miguel had informed them. She tucked her ID back into her bag when someone suddenly touched her shoulder.Her arm moved automatically, delivering a slap to the man’s face. “Ouch!” he winced.Horror struck her as she realized it was her boss
18.MELO entered the office with a paper in his hand. Lush’s eyebrows raised, only glanced at his secretary.“Another paperwork?” he asked, feeling tired.“I just need a sign, sir. This is from the utility department. This is a termination paper,” he explained.“Tear it,” he ordered, and Melo stood there in surprise.“Sir?”“Tear it. Is it for Mirabelle?”Melo nodded.“Rip it apart and return it to the head. Tell him not to waste my time on nonsense, a termination without a valid reason. What did it say?”Melo read the termination, “Miss Eduardo was absent for three consecutive days, and when she returned to work, she was on time for a day and really late the next day, leaving the comfort rooms untidy.”“Untidy his ass,” he retorted, causing Melo to hide a smile. “He’s using it for personal motives. Return it torn apart. Tell him to read the policy and bylaws.”“Yes, sir.”Melo turned away and he was left alone, leaning against a chair. It was within his head’s right to ter
17.Ruth found herself scrutinized by the occupants of the President’s floor more intensely than being a criminal. It was her second time on that floor, and once again, mocking glances were directed her way. These individuals, accustomed to seeing familiar faces, likely comprised a high-ranking circle.She, a new face, assumed the appearance of a janitor.“Just constantly follow me. Lift your head, Miss Eduardo,” the man instructed, prompting her to obey. “You’re here for the boss and not for them.”She nodded, finding a lift in her spirits. It lightened the weight on her and her somewhat lowly identity.“Wait here,” the man said, pointing to a cubicle.Entering the boss’s office after a couple of knocks, he left her sitting in a chair, hands clasped. Her gaze seemed fixed at the door as if the surroundings were devoid of any other presence.“Come in,” the man who had accompanied her earlier said, so she stood up and walked toward the door. She grasped the doorknob and slowly turned i
16.Ruth’s eyes widened in disbelief as she read the message from Lush Miguel. She was still half-asleep, but it felt like a nightmare. Could this be true? She read the message on her phone again: “Let’s do it tonight. I don’t mind your period. Tonight and tomorrow night. I’ll give you eighty thousand pesos.” Her eyes grew even wider as she realized what her boss was suggesting.Eighty thousand. Not bad for two nights. She couldn’t believe it. She wasn’t that beautiful. There were many more attractive women – sophisticated, with jobs and aspirations.He claimed not to care about her period. Ruth immediately stood up and checked her underwear. No period. Her uterus had been calm since yesterday.When she got home, she noticed her pad was empty. She sighed in relief and sat down. The text arrived at four in the morning. It was already five-thirty. Was that man sleeping, or was he thinking about her period and having sex with her?Baron’s memory saddened her. No matter how much she conv
15.Lush Miguel tossed his keys onto the table near the sofa. Delight gave him a disapproving look, eyebrows arched, and a blank expression.“It’s too early, bro. Please, spare me from your lecture that I’m disrupting your night. It’s just…” he glanced at the wall clock, hanging on the beige wall, “7:47.”He lazily settled on the single sofa, and shortly after, a young girl came running towards him.“Tito Lush!” Nana exclaimed and immediately hugged him, almost tripping over her long nightgown.“Where’s Ate June?” He asked, looking around.“Still at the grocery store. Said she’s stuck in traffic.”“That explains,” he said, fixing the hem of Nana’s dress.“Explains what?” Delight furrowed his brows.“Explains why ky niece’s dress looks like it’s for Miss Universe.”Delight laughed at what he said and scratched his head. He really had no idea about being a father, so he wasn’t surprised that Nana’s dress looked like it was for a ten-year-old when she was only four.“What do you have fo
14.This is true. They’ve come to an agreement, and she has agreed to his offer. Yes, she offered herself. Baron would kill her if he found out what she did, that is if her husband is still alive.“Can’t we go tonight, Ruth?” Lush Miguel suddenly asked the young lady. He was driving towards their destination. He said he would drop her off at the exit, and she couldn’t refuse.What does he mean by “go tonight”?“D-Do you mean, um, do that tonight?” she asked, feeling awkward. Oh no, is she really ready? She’s on the verge of tears, having guarded herself for Baron, and now she’s about to sell herself.In an instant, it will be gone, and another man will benefit. This is a chapter of her life she will keep hidden forever, even from Baron. This will be the ninth time something will happen between her and her boss, who is none other than Lush Miguel.But that’s it. Close your eyes, Ruth. She reminded herself. She has to swallow it. Only her virginity will be lost, not her entire being. Af
13."He is single. He has no problem entering a restaurant with a woman. He doesn't entertain interviews or pose for photos.His security is just roaming around, eyeing him. If someone from the media takes a photo without his permission, it's not just the photo that will be destroyed, even the equipment will be ruined.Yes, he is a billionaire, but he values his privacy. He's not from showbiz to be celebrated by people and make his life controversial.Lush had experienced it before. Even though his parents are married and he's in elementary, there are still stories circulating that his mother is a mistress.That didn't make sense for him. He knew his mother and knew the story. He respects his mother, and the title of being a mistress cannot replace the goodness of Heart for them.He pulled a chair for Ruth when they reached the table. She looked at him when he did that."Do you want to pull the chair for me either?" he asked. She immediately shook her head, and he smiled. He also sat
12.Termination papers lay before her. She held them in the lobby’s restroom, where she cried. Dennis handed her a copy earlier, and it seemed the old man was serious about kicking her out. It felt unjust. He suggested she approach humbly, begging him as if he might change his mind. What was that? A form of bullying. Just because she’s a janitress, Dennis trampled on her?This life is so hard. She’s already struggling and can barely eat, and now this old man adds to her burdens. Berna doesn’t even know about this yet; her friend had to leave early due to an emergency. Her friend’s sibling is at the precinct for selling vegetables in a prohibited area. She doesn’t want to add to her friend’s problems.It's infuriating. She feels terrible. She just wants to save up for an investigator, but this annoying head of hers keeps adding to her troubles.Ruth wiped her tears, contemplating whether to plead Dennis or not. If she resists, she might lose her job. Where does she stand?She forcefu