Chapter 38Lux furrowed his brow as he entered the condo room, feeling like he went unnoticed by Heart. What he immediately noticed was the open balcony door. Heart was sitting there, seemingly amused, her gaze fixed on the adjacent balcony.He walked closer to the glass door and eavesdropped. He involuntarily clenched his jaw upon hearing a man's voice, telling a funny story that made the girl laugh. He couldn't go out, fearing that the person in the neighboring unit might recognize him. He had to be careful."I don't even know how to ride a bike. When I tried to ride one, I ended up going straight into the field because I didn't know how to brake," the man said with a laugh, but Lux didn't find it funny.He was getting angry. He didn't want her talking to someone else. From now on, he didn't want anyone else getting her attention.He cleared his throat and finally turned to Heart. Her laughter faded."I'll go in for a moment, Enrico. I-I just have some things to take care of," she s
Chapter 39They were on their way to an OB-Gynecologist for Katy’s checkup. She told him that she hadn’t taken any prenatal checkup. She said she only relied on calculating her pregnancy through the internet after taking a pregnancy test. There are many apps available to calculate the exact days of pregnancy. But ultrasound is different. Ultrasound has different calculations than the regular counting for a pregnant woman, so she insisted on getting a checkup. However, they were now in front of the Philippine Heart Center because she had seen Heart take a taxi from the condominium.She discreetly collected money there, but when she updated that she was going out and going to her parents’ place, she really waited for her.He was being foolish.Lux was eyeing Heart the moment she hopped out of the taxi. She was in shorts and rubber shoes, wearing a simple black blouse that showed a bit of midriff, but it wasn’t too daring. And at that moment, there was no need to question his body becaus
Chapter 40LUX looked at the message Vandros had sent him. “You’ve got the townhouse, the agent’s on point. It’s in Makati and a single-family unit, just like what you wanted for Heart.”He quickly called his friend.“Hello,” his brother/friend answered.“I have to pay it asap. Please settle it.”Vandros chuckled, “In a hurry? Your ex-wife’s ex is leaving, what’s there to worry about for you and Heart?”“It’s not just that woman we should hide from.”“Hide, huh,” he said, “Is this serious, my brother?”“Damn, I don’t know, Van, but I don’t want anyone to recognize me or Heart. She could be my mistress, yet I don’t want a scandal for her. What can I do? I can’t let her go. I want to keep her, and keeping her means giving her peace of mind and a peaceful life. You’re the only one who knows about this,” he replied anxiously.“Of course. I’ll settle the payment. I’ll finish the report I’m working on for you, then I’ll go to the agent, we’ll meet with the owner. Is that okay? Will your ho
Chapter 41Heart and Lux were walking together on the restaurant’s pavement. The surroundings were filled with the fragrance of flowers and various plants, creating a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere. It relaxed her as she strolled, and she could hear a faint melody coming from inside the restaurant, which, if she wasn’t mistaken, was the song “Till I Met You.”She was falling in love even more. While this might be an ordinary moment for Lux, just a regular dinner, it was her first date. She had never had dinner with a man before, and the fact that the man standing beside her was someone she genuinely liked, made it all the more special. This was one of those memories she would cherish and remember, especially when they were part ways.The location was hidden, with hardly any people around, and Lux had paid a hefty sum to enter. It seemed like the kind of place reserved for those in discreet relationships, but for a very high price.Lux asked if she was allergic to cigarettes, and s
Chapter 42“It hurts. How many times have you lied to me, Heart? At first, I forgave you, and now you’re repeating it?” Lux’s eyes were sharp as he looked at her. Why is he so angry? What did she do wrong to make him this way? “You knew about Diana and Enrico, but you didn’t tell me? What?” “W-Wait,” she stammered, struggling to keep up as he turned away. “You’re making a fool out of me, Heart. Do you intend to keep what Enrico told you? You’re no different from any other woman. You look like you’re only after money!” God, she was in tears and paralyzed. The young woman couldn’t even chase after the young man who had just left her condo unit with his suitcases. He had only just arrived, but he was leaving already because he found out the truth? Who told him, Enrico? “L-Lux, please listen—” He slammed the door, leaving her with nothing but her tears and a heavy heart. She thought she was happy when they had dinner, but apparently not… Heart suddenly woke up, tears stream
Chapter 43Heart’s movements were quick that morning when she woke up. Darn! It was already close to noon, and her parents might have already left the hospital. Why did she oversleep?Her mom had left numerous missed calls, and she didn’t even have the time to read the messages.She blamed Lux for her long slumber. She blushed excessively at that Mrs. Montesalvo thing. Why was that? She shouldn’t be getting all giddy when the couple was still together, but she couldn’t help herself.She wasn’t expecting anything, but she was happy, and she didn’t want to suppress that happiness. She didn’t often get to be happy in her life full of hardships, so why should she hold back, even if it was for a brief moment?The young lady exited the bathroom, wearing her robe, and hurried to her bed where her clothes were laid out.“I’m coming, Mom!” she called out, picking up her underwear, but her hand froze in mid-air when the door to the room swung open without warning.It was Lux.His scent had fill
44DRIVE-thru is the only way to feed the lady beside him. He knows she hasn’t eaten yet because he hasn’t seen Heart move so quickly. She has never been late for their plans because when she has a schedule, she’s even earlier than an alarm clock.“Why are we stopping here?” She asked with amazement, so he just looked at her and took her hand again.She looks incredibly worried. She’s even faster than him in her haste.“Relax. This will only take 5 minutes, baby. You’ll catch them before they leave. If not for 5 minutes, I’ll shut this damn fast food down.”She laughed, so he put his hand on his thigh and rubbed it.“A bucket of chicken, burger steak, and Palabok family pan. Include a solo chicken meal with drinks, hot chocolate.”“Right away, sir,” said the female crew member who had their order in her hands. He didn’t think twice about it, so he stared at Heart.“You’re not a drug, baby, are you?” He asked, looking at her fingers.“W-Why?”“Because I’m addicted to you!” He laughed,
Chapter 45Heart's steps were slow as she walked alongside her mother towards the hospital exit where the ambulance was waiting. Her father was still in the room, being attended to by the health aides. Despite her relief that her father's condition had improved, she couldn't help but feel sad that they were leaving, and she wouldn't see them every day.Mother and daughter exchanged glances and smiled at each other. "Don't cry, dear. You'll be home with us soon," her mother reassured her. She nodded, but her feelings remained unchanged. When would she be able to return home? She had many debts to pay at the restaurant, and every hour mattered. When she went back to work, she planned to work overtime to repay her debts quickly.There was a little money left from her mother. She planned to start a small convenience store in front of their house, so they would have some income every day. She instructed her mother to save the rest for her father's medications and check-ups."Mom, take good
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