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,
C35Lux ended the call. He expressed uncertainty about being able to go. He worried about the child, even without confirmation if Delight was really his or not, but his concern for his family prevailed over the uncertainty of going.Charles’s words about Silvana lingered in his mind, making it a significant dilemma for him whether to believe the woman who seemed to have a half-crazed mind.He was still standing near the restaurant exit when he called Heart again. She picked up the phone and smiled when she saw his face on the screen.“Hi, baby,” he greeted his wife.“Sorry, I missed your call. I was giving Lush a sponge bath,” she said, tilting the phone.“Hi, Daddy!” Lush exclaimed while standing on his bed, jumping up and down, completely naked.“Hi, son! Daddy’s coming home!” he replied.“Yeeeey!”“Are you coming home now?” Heart asked him.He walked out of the restaurant to his car. He hopped in and fastened his seatbelt.“Silvana called,” he told his wife, as if it were a normal
C36HEART opened the door for Lux and saw him shrug off his coat as he entered. He’s here after thirty minutes of staying at the hospital. Finally, her anxiety eased whenever he drives on the road.She tiptoed, kissed him, but he tightly wrapped his arms around her waist, deepening the kiss. Laughing, she held his nape and responded wholeheartedly.“I miss you,” Lux said, kissing her lips.“I miss you, too,” she replied, faced him with a smile. He took off his jacket, saying, “You seem sad.”Looking up, she noticed he didn’t avoid her gaze. “You would not dare believe what I found out,” he said, putting his arm around her shoulder.Heading to the kitchen, he went straight to washing his hands. “I cooked for the staff since I came home early. Didn’t feel like staying in the restaurant, so I made kare-kare. I also delivered it to them for dinner.”“Now, I’m hungry because of your kare-kare,” he said, looking at her. She just smiled, preparing the food after hanging Lux’s coat briefl
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