4.After several minutes without Heart in Lux's sight, he still couldn't bring himself to move the car. Lux appeared foolish, fixated on the restaurant's door, where an imaginary Heart seemed to exist."Daddy," Lush's voice came from behind, prompting Lux to glance in the mirror. "Mommy's inside."Chuckling to himself, Lux realized his child had to remind him and wake him from his folly. He didn't understand why he was deeply in love with Heart; it was the same with Diana before, yet he never treated Heart the way he did to Diana, especially during arguments.From the beginning, Heart had been exceptionally good to him. He couldn't disrespect a woman who had consistently shown him care and love.Their three-year relationship had been smooth sailing."Move the car, Daddy," Lush ordered, and Lux obeyed. "Daddy, is it true that I will have ten baby sisters?" Lush inquired.Lux chuckled and nodded, "That's right, son." However, he almost winced, pondering if he had become infertile
5.Lux arrived at the restaurant breathless, pushing the door despite the presence of a doorman. He resembled Vandros so much, almost like they were twins at a glance because they were both in a hurry. Lux approached the counter, walking towards Vandros's office."Sorry, baby," Lux quickly apologized, gently pulling Heart by the arm, though she felt strangely subdued.Ever since Lux heard that he wasn't Heart's spouse, it felt like a dagger to his neck.Lux hugged her, saying, "I'm really sorry. I didn't see your call, baby.""It's okay," Heart replied flatly, though her inner turmoil was palpable. Earlier, they chatted while their lawyers sorted out documents.Heart couldn't help but envy Macho's former waitress, the franchisee, who had become incredibly successful. Silvana Jones didn't just rely on her wealthy boyfriend; she won a billions in the lottery, prospering in her own way.Luck truly had a way of impacting one's life uncontrollably. She concluded.Charles seemed immensel
C6Heart descended from the car with a smile as she saw Carmenzita eagerly waiting for them. She had been silent since being picked up by her husband from the restaurant. Lush was already asleep in her arms while inside the car, and Lux had been carrying him now, seemingly tuned into her mood.Lux looked over her, perhaps afraid she might explode, and he didn’t utter a word. Heart wasn’t speaking either, not responding to questions about what was wrong. She didn’t know what was wrong. Maybe her mind was the problem, with various thoughts crossing it.“Congratulations,” Carmen greeted her, causing her to furrow her brow. They were still by the door, and Carmen seemed overly excited about something.“For what, Ma?” she asked the older woman, who took her arm after kissing Lush on the forehead.“Well, according to your husband, you got the very first Macho Café franchise,” the old woman said, glancing at Lux who was grinning broadly. “He was so proud of you, dear. He couldn’t stop talkin
C7Heart looked back at the car and smiled at their child when Lush shouted, “Bye, Mommy! Love you, Mommy!” The child then blew a flying kiss to his mother.Heart responded, “Bye, baby. I love you, too. Be good!” She waved at Lush, while he remained focused on his wife until he sighed when she entered the school building.Lux carried a heavy burden of guilt for past mistakes, particularly his affairs, including one with Silvana Jones. What weighed on him more was his failure to disclose everything to Heart. He struggled to find the right time, hesitant to add to her worries.Silvana first introduced herself to them in Albay during a trip to an island several years ago when Heart was still pregnant. They had been waiting almost four years for his annulment with Diana, attempting everything except using his wealth to expedite the process.Despite Lux's efforts, the judge handling his case insisted on a transparent legal process. Vandros was worried that he might not stand as the best m
C8HEART smiled as Silvana entered the restaurant. She was still in her uniform, having gone straight to the counter after her class.“Aiz,” she nodded at her friend.Silvana approached the counter immediately to take over. Heart greeted her with a serious expression.“Hi,” Silvana said with a nod.She gestured for Silvana to come to the receiving area near Vandros’ office to talk privately.“How are you?” She asked Silvana as they walked. “Your papers are okay. In a week, you’ll have your Café.”“I’m not good, Heart,” Silvana said, and Heart looked at her.They sat on the sofa, and Ella quickly followed with a tray of juice and snacks.“Thank you,” she said to Ella, who was staring at her.“Ma’am,” Ella said, raising her eyebrows. “May I talk to Sir Vandros? I just have a question. I need help.”Heart was about to ask what the problem was when Silvana spoke.“You will never go wrong, Miss. Vandros does a lot of helping to his employees. I am one of those he helped before.”
C9Heart quickly followed Vandros into the office the moment Silvana left. She entered, seemingly casual, but her heart was pounding.“What does Ella need?” she asked the man. She didn’t want to seem nosy in Lux’s business, but she just wanted to know what the waitress needed. Trying not to be paranoid, she couldn’t help it, especially since Ella was beautiful. Silvana’s words triggered her memories, and everything that happened before rushed back.“She’s asking for help with the pawn for the rice field that’s up for auction,” Vandros explained. Heart’s lips tightened at his curt response.“What help can she get?” she asked, her tone sharp. Vandros closed his mouth quickly as a response.“Answer my question. What kind of help are you offering? Call your boss and ask him, and as for Ella you’re going to sell her to Lux…” She paused, her eyes welling up with jealousy.“No…” Vandros interrupted right away, looking alarmed, “It’s nothing, Heart. You know my friend loves you dearly. Ell
C10QUIETLY, Heart entered their room and headed straight to the walk-in closet. She felt Lux’s gaze on her, but she was just gathering the courage to ask him questions. She hoped he would tell the truth. The question was, was she ready to hear the truth if it turned out to be painful?She went into the bathroom to take a shower. When she came out, there was food prepared on the bedside table. She approached it and quietly began eating. Lux also took a plate from the tray and ate while sitting on the bed.Neither of them spoke until she finished. She gathered their plates.“I’ll do that,” he offered, but she continued and left the room.When she reached the kitchen, she felt Lux following her.“Baby, you’re angry,” he said.He leaned against something near her, but she continued washing the dishes instead of just putting them in the dishwasher.“I saw a crumpled paper. Who gave that to you?”“A kid. Someone just handed it to me.” She lazily replied.“I don’t like this. Maybe it’s like
Chapter 11Heart felt her hand being held by Lux as they both simultaneously grabbed the car door handle. She looked up at him. She hadn’t expected him to open the door for her on the passenger’s side of his expensive forward car.If Vandros’ car is expensive, how must Lux’s car be? It was different from the car he had brought to the restaurant earlier. Billionaires really lived a different life.The young lady quietly got into the car when he opened the door, saying, “Thank you.”It smelled wonderful again, just like Lux. He got into the driver’s seat and started the car quietly. According to Heart, she should have sat in the back, but she felt too shy to do so. She didn’t want him to think he was her driver.They didn’t talk. She felt extremely awkward. Even if she wanted to speak, what could she say? They didn’t know each other. She had seen Vandros at the restaurant for a while, and she was quite comfortable with that manager, so even if she had to boldly ask for help, she would.
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