C39While everyone was enjoying, Heart couldn't quiet her mind in a corner of the hotel. She had been chatting with her husband for quite some time, but there was no reply. What time is it now? It's getting late!Earlier, she was so happy when they arrived, eagerly looking forward to spending time with her family, and the place was filled with laughter. Now that the emotions have subsided, she finds herself engulfed in different thoughts.Her mind seems to have flown back to Manila. Perhaps it's just her pregnancy hormones. She's becoming too moody and emotional. Despite the delicious food on the table, she's probably the only one not enjoying it.Earlier, Luxembourg responded, mentioning they couldn't talk freely because of the CCTV at Silvana's house. He promised to tell her everything when he got home, but what time is it?She's worried, overthinking. Anxiously, she contemplates what might have happened while he was driving, accompanied by the thought that maybe the moment was too
C40“GOD!” Heart jolted awake feeling nauseous. She was panting heavily from the intensity of her nightmare. The surroundings seemed unfamiliar, and then she realized they were in a hotel. Rushing to the bathroom, she couldn't shake off the feeling of disgust, almost breathless from the vividness of her dream. It was as if she barely recognized the environment she grew up in. Turns out, they were in a hotel. Sobbing, she ran to the bathroom to throw up. It occurred to her that she had fallen asleep while waiting for her husband's call. Lux, enticed by Silvana, lingered in her thoughts vividly, the two of them enjoying each other's company.Who said she wasn't skilled at giving oral pleasure? She was, with no teeth getting in the way. Damn Silvana! She wiped her tears, realizing it wasn't just a bad dream; it was a nightmare. She stood by the window, witnessing the scenario between Lux and Silvana in her mind.Fists clenched, she turned away from the mirror and left the bathroom. Gl
C41"WOMANIZER!" Heart immediately exclaimed as Lux called her again. His handsome face appeared on the screen of her phone. Fueled by intense frustration from her dream, she shouted at him. What if it was true? She wouldn't be clueless.A faint laughter reached her, and Lux glanced at her, saying, "God. What happened, baby? Did you go crazy again over your handsome husband? Sorry."She scowled and remained silent, sitting back and trying to calm her breathing. "Silvana's men were watching me. They've been eyeing me since we left the hospital. Silvana hasn't returned home since then.""Didn't you say she's with a friend?" She asked, still annoyed."Yes, baby, but I'm really wondering. Our men waited all day, thinking a friend of Silvana would show up. Now they're going to the barangay to request permission to enter the house. I'm considering the possibility of Silvana using prosthetics, pretending to be someone else."Heart shuddered at Lux's words. Silvana's mysterious nature was c
C42Lux attempted to call Silvana multiple times, but her phone remained unanswered. They were on their way to the hotel where his family awaited, their trip was delayed due to a plane malfunction. Using his pickup, Lux and Delight continued their journey to Oas.Despite Silvana’s threats, Lux was determined not to let her ruin the vacation. He remained vigilant to protect his family. Delight glanced at him, expressing concern about being unable to reach his mom and hinting at a change in her behavior.“I was trying to call your mom, but she was out of reach. Maybe she changed her number. When you see her, stay away from her. Your mom’s attitude has changed.”Curious, Delight innocently asked, “What’s different?”“She’s ill and needs treatment. If she doesn’t see a doctor soon, she won’t get better.”“Will she hit me?”“Yes, so she needs to get better to avoid hurting you. Do you understand?”“Yes,” Delight nodded, “I don’t want Mommy anymore. I don’t want her to hit me and hold me p
C43Heart stared at the television, still not visited by sleep. The two children were already asleep on the other bed. The rain was pouring heavily, accompanied by occasional lightning. Fortunately, Lux was with her; otherwise, she would likely be terrified again.She leaned against the headboard, and Lux embraced her.“For those who see the woman flashed on the screen when not using prosthetics, you can contact the police. Fifty million pesos was offered for the woman considered most wanted, and armed and dangerous. She is said to be the mastermind behind the turmoil in the Montesalvo couple’s lives.”Heart swallowed hard, feeling a dryness in her throat.The police also released a photo of another face of Silvana. The woman was seen leaving a house, which was confirmed to be unoccupied. This information was provided by the personnel who arrived yesterday, giving testimony to the police.Items found in that house included wigs, foam latex, silicone, and clothing that hinted at their
C44LUX’s breathing hitched. He doesn’t blink while staring at the impostor. His anxiety is at its peak, reaching up to his head, but he can’t afford a mistake and lose there. He’s damn nervous for his loved ones.His wife is behind him, and he tries to hide her because he doesn’t want her to get hurt. He carefully considers his next move. The crazy one who wants revenge and is using his past against him is right in front of him, dressed in an old lady’s clothes.Silvana is kind of creepy. Well, that explains why she’s a psycho. She probably enjoyed watching killings and horror to weave them together and use them now for revenge.He's sweating, keeping his gaze fixed on her, watching her every move, even the smallest ones. Diana never reached this level. She didn’t even escape the crime she planned. She waited for the police to arrest her. This one is even more than Diana.Maybe half of Silvana Joan’s life is filled with anger. Likely. That’s the root and end of everything.She was fa
C45“NOOOO!” Silvana’s loud scream filled the entire hotel, accompanied by Lux’s voice, as the deafening gunshot echoed in the lobby. Heart witnessed the young boy collapse after being hit by the bullet.Delight sprinted and shielded Lux when Silvana pulled the trigger, taking the bullet intended for her husband.“You beast!” she angrily shouted at Silvana, almost losing her composure.Heart sobbed, the surroundings darkening with her tears. The woman, in shock, dropped the gun as if unable to believe the crime committed against her own nephew, whom she treated like a son.“I didn’t mean to! Delight, baby! Wake up! Wake up!” Silvana wailed, seemingly snapped out of her madness. Unbelievably, the lump on her back revealed a hidden gun. It was a part of his play. He made a lump to keep her weapon inside it. How clever.As Silvana was momentarily dazed, personnel and police entered, seizing the opportunity to catch the woman. She didn’t struggle, seemingly unsure of what to do, until sh
C46The doctor looked at Lux as he entered, keeping his gaze on the child who was undergoing a surgery. “Complications may arise if you’re a relative. That is the new study according to HAS.”“I…am not the father, and we’re not related,” he said, his gaze fixed on the child, uncertain if he would make it.“Okay. Pretransfusion testing first. This will not consume too much time.” He nodded and followed as he was pulled onto a bed. There was a distance between him and Delight.Various procedures were done to him while lying on the bed, but his eyes were focused on the child fighting for his life. “Dropping, his heartbeat is dropping,” a nurse said, causing him to close his eyes when he saw Delight’s heartbeat flattened on the monitor.Jesus, no.Lux looked away as he saw the doctors trying to revive Delight. The child looked pitiful, and despite his strength as a man, he couldn’t handle what he was seeing now.It hurts. It hurts so much that even though Delight wasn’t his son, he coul
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