C27Heart blinked her tears as she looked at Her son. She continued to eat ice cream while crying. Lush wiped away her tears, smiling at her son’s effort.“Don’t cry,” Lush told her. “Daddy loves you. He won’t approach to that Manang again.”“What did he do?”“The child wasn’t well. He was like this,” he said, acting as if struggling to breathe.Heart nodded, sensing the child might have asthma, feeling sympathy. Although everything seemed fine, she couldn’t shake the thought that Silvana and Lux might reconcile for the sake of their child.“There’s a lot you don’t know yet, my baby. You’re still a baby,” She told Lush.“Aren’t we leaving him?” the boy asked, looking so sad.She shook her head and chuckled. Despite Lush found fear of leaving, she assured her son “We’re not leaving.”“We won’t leave Daddy?”“We won’t leave Daddy. Mommy loves Daddy. We may have misunderstandings, but we’ll discuss them for you, and we love each other,” she explained, knowing Lush’s understanding was
C28Lux felt rejuvenated after having a conversation with Heart. At this very moment, he seemed like a new person, with a fresh determination to face everything. Frustration filled him when it came to Silvana. He’s not that naïve. If Silvana thought she could manipulate him just because they had a child, she was wrong. Heart was right. It happened with Diana, and that woman didn’t sway him. The same thing goes for now.“Okay, the baby’s little tent is all set!” he happily exclaimed to his child, who jumped and shouted upon seeing the tent he made.Lush was delighted, but Lux was even happier because the tent was just for him and Heart and Lush wanted a separate one. It felt like they were having a private evening, and he couldn’t wait to put Lush to sleep.The child eagerly entered the tent and bounced around inside, full of excitement. Lux noticed a video call from Siony, knowing it was Carmen using the housekeeper’s smartphone.“Ma!” he quickly answered after pressing the icon.“Yo
C29AFTER attending the six o’clock mass, they headed straight to the diners. Along with Elisa and Caleb’s family, they decided to go to a restaurant spontaneously, as her husband hadn’t made a reservation. Carmen didn’t like the Macho restaurant; she felt it had become monotonous and preferred somewhere else.Katy whispered to Heart as they got out of the car, “Ate Heart, there’s some content about you and a businessman circulating on social media. It’s gaining a lot of attention.”“I don’t know the rumors about that. I just went there because it was Charles’ free time and he was already there. I asked if his girlfriend really had a child from her previous relationship. I wanted to know who the father was, but he had no clue.”“Have you become the talk of the town? Well, 500k people already watched his vlog. He’s profiting off you.”“Who?” Lux sharply asked her sister.“Never mind. Maybe that’s where he earns. But me, I don’t know. These days, I’ve learned not to pay them any attenti
C30Heart stared at the text message she received. She had been looking at it for a while, trying to absorb the content. It was a simple message, but she found it challenging to process the details. Was it the details or her decision that was causing the delay in her thoughts?She was inside Lush’s room because the child fell asleep due to exhaustion and excitement about their upcoming baby. Heart sat on the sofa, absorbed in a video call with Lexi. She was happy to see her whole family gathered for a meal, probably coming from church.Her siblings were helping with the preparations, and it brought joy to her. Despite their improved circumstances, her siblings remained hardworking. Perhaps, she instilled in them the value of diligence even with some financial comfort.“Baby,” Lux called, drawing her attention away from the phone.He glanced at her smartphone and then returned his gaze to her face. “What’s that, baby? Are you watching vlogs and gossip?” he asked in a sweet tone, but sh
C31Heart kissed Lush on the forehead and hurriedly left, but she noticed Lux looking at her."I love you," Lux said, smiling."I love you too. Take care, both of you.""You too. Give me an update, sweetie."She saluted him and backed away from the car, catching her husband's gaze, his neck twisted."Bye, Mimi, baby!" Lush exclaimed, waving at her, peeking from the lowered window, so she waved back. She mentioned to Lux that he had to inform the teacher that Lush wouldn't attend school for a week during their vacation.Her community service would resume tomorrow, and she would spend a few days working at the restaurant. It was also her form of recreation, aside from earning a salary.Her parents were still unaware of her pregnancy. She planned to announce it once they were in Oas. Lush and their family members, Elisa and Katy, were excited and would join them.Caleb would return to basketball training, unable to go with them, but he agreed to let Katy go with them for a fam
C32He was observing the small two-story building intently upon exiting his vehicle. It was quite good. Was that what Silvana referred to as her office? There was no visible sign, just a direction that he must descend at an apple green building. He continued gazing until the door opened, revealing the woman.“That’s it. Come in,” she said. There were construction activities around the commercial building, but he proceeded to the door. He suspected Silvana’s business was not the only reason for this meeting; his intuition rarely failed him.Regarding Delight, his emotions were unclear. At times, he felt he might be the father, while at other times, uncertainty prevailed. Various reasons occupied his thoughts, and he had investigators that were investigating Silvana’s life since left his restaurant years ago.“Come in,” the woman formally invited, and he entered silently. All he saw were tables, prompting thoughts of a possible Macho Restaurant. Silvana guided him toward a small path.
C33“I think I better get going now, Silvana. It’s a shame my son isn’t here; at least, I could have seen him, even if I’m not recognized,” he said, feigning a pitiful demeanor to fake it again and eventually find a way to bring Delight closer in the following days.Patience is all he needs.He wanted to push her away to end the pretense, but he couldn’t. He might get caught pretending, and all his efforts would be in vain. He released her because he was stepping away, subtly not revealing his supposed allergy when she’s near. He didn’t want her to kiss him, damn it. He wouldn’t let the situation escalate to that point of deception.Even with Diana, whom he genuinely loved before, being naked and on top of him, he turned away. What more with someone he doesn't even know where they stand, like Silvana, whom he rejected an extension from way back when he bought her?Perhaps Silvana was chasing him, prompting herself to find a way to connect with Macho. She didn’t answer his earlier ques
C34Vandros looked at Lux as they were left alone at the table. Their friends had already left, and it was just the two of them, drinking beer.Lux struggled with just one bottle. He hadn’t been drinking much since the night he almost collided, and ended up going home to his condo. That was back when Heart wasn’t officially his girlfriend yet.“How are you, bro?” Vandros asked, running his hand over his pants while leaning on the chair.“Still bothered,” Lux replied, discreetly looking around. He wasn’t sure if someone might be eavesdropping on them, spying on their misfortune. He still didn’t know who their real enemy was.“Do you believe Ella is clueless about my past dealings with women? I’m starting to wonder because she insists. You said she was forcing you to give an extra job.”“That’s right. I’m starting to wonder, too. I’ve already included her in my watch list. She’s not effective with me. She can’t make a move without me noticing. She’s on the list anyway. Sooner or later,
37.Lush’s attempts to find a comfortable position on his seat because he was overshadowed by his inability to stay calm. He frequently checks his smartphone, eagerly awaiting a text message. Each time his phone chimes with a new message, he promptly opens his eyes and reaches for it, only to dismiss the chat head that pops up on his home screen—it’s not Ruth. Perhaps she’s already asleep, so why does he keep hoping for a message?He doesn't know; he's just too worried about her. He senses her sadness and knows she has a problem that deeply troubles her. Damn it, he cares a lot.“What is happening, Lush?” his brother, Delight inquires.He looks at his sibling on the sofa, reading a book that seems to be about him. Delight wasn’t really reading, he assumes. He scratches his head and gets up, glancing at Carmenzita, the elderly woman who is asleep.“Since earlier, you’ve been staring at your phone like you’re annoyed,” Delight teasingly remarks. “What’s bothering you? Are your ladies l
36.Ruth ran towards the parking area after Lush left minutes ago. She hurriedly escaped to avoid being dropped off at her apartment. She made him believed they had already moved.She felt overwhelmed by her lies. Concealing her true identity was challenging, but despite that, she displayed her genuine self to the billionaire. While running to the parking lot, she witnessed a man jiggling keys in the air as he approached to a car, giving her a greater shock than seeing a ghost.She was abruptly halted. She was about to call Lush and inform him of her leaving the condo the last minute, pretending her cousin called. The man in front of her also paused and gave her a second look.Recently, she had fantasized about reuniting with her husband, imagining running to him with a hug and a kiss. However, her emotions now contradicted those thoughts.She couldn’t run to embrace him joyfully; instead, she stood there, gazing at him as if he were a ghost to be feared rather than to get close. The
35."Go to the parking, CEO's." That's the text that caught Ruth's attention as she was about to go home, exhausted. She wondered why Lush even picked her up; someone might see them. Glancing at Berna, her friend seemed almost done with her tasks. Her other companions were still around."I'll wait for you, sweetie." What should she reply? She's been waiting for Ricky's update, but nothing so far. She sighed, unable to refuse, even though she didn't really want to."B-Berna," she called her friend, who looked up after securing the body bag. "S-Sir L-Miguel... says he's waiting for me in the parking," she said in a soft voice, widening Berna's eyes."What?" Berna questioned, "Maybe that's something else, friend. You're already married. He might just be a flirt."Guilt crept in as she couldn't tell her friend about what was happening with Lush Miguel."Uh-uh. I think I have a schedule," she reasoned out, feeling embarrassed."Berna," a man called, and they all turned to look. Melo was t
34.“AREN’T we going to have lunch together?” Lush asked her, but she just glanced at her wristwatch.In thirty minutes, it’s time.“I can, but I need to handle something first. How about next time?” she replied to avoid the situation.Lush teased her, “Next time it is. I’ll just have lunch alone.”“Oh, playing the most pitiful one,” Ruth said with a smile, and he smiled back a little, “I’ll join you, maybe for dinner at the condo next time.”“Let’s eat out instead. I can’t go to the condo yet because of Babuela. Let’s keep meeting for lunch or dinner.”“Payment?”He chuckled at her question, “Still paying.”“Just kidding. Okay, I’ll join you. I know you’re sad because of Babuela. I’ll leave now. Get some sleep when you can. It’s hard to get sick. Many will lose their jobs if you die.”Lush laughed at her words.“Why, that’s true. Have you had lunch? Eat now, okay? Unlike me, I can eat even while running,” he boasted.“I’ll eat nearby.”A taxi entered the hospital entrance
33.“Who are you?” the nurse asked Ruth at the station, while the young lady stood in front the counter, inquiring about Carmenzita Montesalvo’s room. That’s what Lush encountered when he descended. The woman’s tone seemed irritated, and Ruth couldn’t escape the scrutinizing eyes that scanned her appearance.“I can’t tell you the room number. Only important people can visit her, the wealthy ones in the elite society,” the woman snapped.“And whose order?” Lush sharply questioned as he stepped out behid the wall. Everyone there, including Ruth, turned to look at him.“Lush!” Ruth exclaimed, and he smiled briefly, but his attention returned to the disrespectful woman, insulting his great grandmother's visitor.“How can you say that a person belongs to high society? Is it based on clothing?” he asked, feeling irritated.“No, sir,” the nurse replied with a smirk.“You just said it and I heard it. You’re disrespecting my grandmother’s visitor just because she’s wearing a janitress uniform.
32.One scrub, one deep sob. Ruth can’t stop crying; her heart aches from what she heard on her cellphone. Is she really foolish? Now, she feels torn in two. She doesn’t want to believe what she heard, but she also doesn’t want to be a complete fool. It’s hard for her to understand what she should think now, but she strongly suspects Baron is deceiving her.If it’s true, they should talk and end it all. She wonders what mistake she made and what Baron did. If her womanly instinct is right, she sold herself for an unworthy man who seemingly deceived her for three years. Ruth tolerated his tantrums, arrogance, and pretended indifference during their fights. She thought it was normal in a relationship, expecting him to come back after three days.Baron was her first boyfriend, and all she wanted was for him not to force kisses and sex when she said no. Despite his apparent frustration, he didn’t force her into explicit acts. Now, she wonders if the reason their setup worked was because h
31Ruth remained silent as she changed her clothes. She felt as if struck by lightning when Dennis openly insulted her earlier. It was true, but she couldn't help but cry as the painful truth sank in. Despite whatever reason he had for his arrogance, it felt like she had been stabbed."What happened between you and Mr. Dennis, Ruti?" Mary inquired, catching Ruth's attention. They weren't super close friends, but they weren't enemies either. Ruth didn't respond, acknowledging Dennis' words were true. She disliked his disrespect but had never experienced such rudeness before."That old hag is getting bold. Maybe she wants to taste some couple action!" Berna commented, throwing a swift karate move, losing balance, but someone caught her under the armpits."Oops!" they exclaimed, and Ruth quickly pulled her best friend, both looking up at the man.Tha man gazed at Berna, resembling Sunghoon of Enhypen like a twin. "Can I talk to you, Miss Eduardo?" he asked, redirecting his attention to R
30 They stared at each other when Lush felt that he was about to come. He was cursing, almost gripping Ruth’s hair. “Ah, fuck you,” he said then caressed her jaw and shook his head. His eyes were most likely filled with tears as his masculinity was inside her mouth. He suddenly pulled it to release his penis, and then he pulled her over his body. He was grinding his dick against her breasts as he came. He couldn’t stand to come in her mouth. Flirty women are not able to swallow sometimes, this one is even able to shed tears after sucking him. He didn’t force her but she did what she wanted without asking or anything. All that she asked was how? He makes her watch porn and she gets the blowjob method. He loved it. He loved it but he had his respect if she would never do it and gave him satisfaction. He couldn’t force it. He Is really dead. Looks like things aren’t going well for him. The typical qualities he wanted in the woman he slept with were now mixed wit
29."What else is missing? Damn. Lush Miguel seems as if he needs to pee while staring at the small table. Even Muse looks confused, gazing at him without taking its eyes off of him.Why is it so damn hard to prepare the table and his dish? He only cooked sweet and sour meatballs, homemade ones. It's his specialty from Oas, learned in hismother’s metown. His Owa and Owo who managed the eatery became successful when they started selling it at the eatery.“What do you think, Muse? Can I be a boyfriend now?” He asked the cat, receiving a disapproving look.He doesn't know why he's doing all this for Ruth. What's so special about her? Nothing really. Nothing, but there's something different about Ruth. Her simplicity captures his precious attention. Perhaps, he was just waiting for someone like his mother.Love, like his mother, is kind, simple despite being rich, not fussy, and acts like she's not wealthy. He thinks women like his mom make the best wives.He's sweaty, wearing only boxers