Chapter 51“BABY, aren’t you coming down here yet? I’m waiting!” Lux called out his woman while he stood by the stairs and checked his wristwatch. He held a paper bag containing a smartphone, which he had purposely bought for her. She had requested a used phone to make video calls to her siblings and parents, as her older ones were prone to glitches, so he had bought it as a gift for her. She deserved it. She sacrificed everything for her family, even setting aside her own needs.It's about time she got what she needed. "I'm coming down,” she replied, and he heard the flip-flop of her slippers as she descended the stairs. He greeted her with a smile when he saw her.“What’s the rush?” she asked.“Come here,” he said, stepping in front of her. “Hmm?” Heart raised her eyebrows and smiled, “What? I thought you had already left. You came back.” “I’m giving you this. For you. You deserve it,” he said, revealing the bag. She looked at it and her eyes widened slightly when she
Chapter 52The young woman continued to enjoy her ice cream while her smartphone was plugged into her ear. She wasn’t used to using earbuds, so she didn’t bring them with her.“There’s a girl here staring at me,” Heart whispered softly to Lux.“Hmm? Maybe she finds you attractive,” he replied with a laugh, trying not to laugh too hard herself.“No, she’s beautiful too, really.”“You know, baby, these days, beautiful women can be scary because they might be lesbians, too.”He burst into laughter, and she struggled to stifle her own laughter. Lux could be quite funny sometimes.“For me, I’m fine with you, especially now that you know how to be on top. I was sleeping, yet you were raping me.”“Hey!” she scolded him, raising her voice, feeling embarrassed. She quickly covered her mouth because Lux was laughing at her.She couldn’t understand what had come over her when she did that to Lux last night. And now he was using it against her. This man could be annoying, no matter what.“I want
Chapter 53LUX lazily entered the mansion to look for his grandmother. He was greeted by his sister, Katy, who had come to get updates on his conversation with the baby’s father.“Brother,” she cheerfully greeted him while holding a green mango.He couldn’t help but cringe as he watched her eat the unripe mango, which he thought was extremely sour. It seemed like she no longer cared whether the man who got her pregnant would take responsibility or not.“Let’s talk,” he said, his expression serious.He sat on the sofa, and Katy joined him.“I just want you to know that I already talked to your boyfriend.”“What did he say?” she asked, sounding worried.“They’re just starting their lives, Katy. The man who impregnated you is not wealthy, and I can already see that your Daddy won’t approve of him to be your husband. He’s willing to take responsibility, and that’s what his parents want, but they don’t want him to live in Cebu. His career is here. They are still building a house with earni
Chapter 54She woke up again to the gentle kisses on her face. She was about to turn around, but she knew exactly who was kissing her, so instead of opening her eyes, she smiled.“Moody, jealous, and too sulky. What am I to choose?” Lux playfully murmured to her, causing her to giggle slightly.She knew that he was talking about her tantrums and everything.Heart finally opened her eyes and met the most handsome face she had ever seen. He was smiling at her. Well, when she wakes up to such a handsome face every day, what more could she ask for? Especially with his affectionate nature.Diana was so lucky. What could that woman possibly dislike about Lux, preferring Enrico instead? She wonders because for her, Lux is the kind of man to keep.“I’ll get you ready,” he said and tried to get up, even though she had no idea what time it was.“Don’t bother, baby,” he said as he stood up and removed his clothes. “We’ve already eaten. Mama invited us. How about you?”“I’ve already eaten. How a
Chapter 55Heart felt a deep sense of disappointment as she marched out of the house. She felt like she had lost herself, as if she had suddenly been clouded by negative thoughts, obscuring her day. Tears welled up in her eyes as she reread in her mind what she had just seen in his phone. Her chest was tight, and she was irritated at the thought of going to work with these emotions.She continued walking and passed Lux’s car, parked on the side of the yard.“Hey, baby!” he called out to her, but she continued without acknowledging him.What she thought would be a quiet cry turned into a soundly sob. She couldn’t help it.“Babe, let’s talk and fix our marriage. I promise to be a good wife now. Let’s do counseling. I’m begging you. I took back what I said to Mommy. I only said those things because I was angry with you. Don’t you love me anymore?” those were Diana's words.Tears streamed down her face as she remembered their last words, and then, someone suddenly hugged her, jolting he
Chapter 56 - HeartThey were there, having a pizza party in the living area, close to Vandros' office. It didn't bother them that they were there because they weren’t audible in the restaurant proper.Her friends had been teasing her about her cellphone for a while. She didn't want to show it, but she had to because Lux had been texting her, and she needed to reply.They said the smartphone was really beautiful, so she felt embarrassed. Anyone would wonder how she could have such a phone when she had been saving so much for herself. It a latest smartphone in the market today.She couldn't speak, and Gigi couldn't rescue her either. She felt sad about lying to the friends who had become her family since whe worked in Manila."Where did you buy it? It's so fancy, an original SG flip phone," Haven said to her, holding her cellphone."I gave it to her," Vandros said, appearing from outside, "I'm not using it, and she needs it for her family. Do we have booze here?" He asked, nodding
Chapter 57Lux couldn’t help but feel uneasy as she watched Franco patiently waiting for Heart. She really didn’t like Franco’s demeanor, and she was grateful that Heart was avoiding this man. She decided to take a taxi as instructed to shake off anyone who might be following Franco. Lux also kept an eye on that guy.She got into her own car, holding her smartphone to notify Jestoni, his bodyguard in case the man followed Heart. He also hopped on a motorcycle and tailed Franco, so when this man moved his car. Franco was more persistent than a cockroach.He remained vigilant until the taxi turned left, and Franco turned right. He breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed the man wasn’t following his girl after all. Heart was probably still a bit tipsy, as he estimated.Lux couldn’t help but chuckle, remembering Vandros’ comment about Heart, having had a couple of shots. He asked him how many, and he said she had two glasses. Jesus, two glasses were enough to make her tipsy. Gigi mentioned t
Chapter 58Heart's friends were laughing while getting ready to attend the party. She sat in front of a mirror, combing her long black hair. She simply added a hair clip with shiny fake stones as her accessory.Katy had been chatting with her, asking if she was on her way. Lux still seemed unaware of what happened between her and Diana, not mentioning it. She didn't know what expression Lux would have when she found out, so she didn't talk much to him.She decided to take the initiative.They were discussing the incident where she hit Lux's wife with her bag. She was really annoyed by that woman earlier. She didn't provoke her initially. But today, she didn't do anything, and yet she was physically hurt. Well, it wasn't acceptable."Miss D's face is on the same level as a Divisoria bag, so cheap!" Gigi joked."Lesson learned, don't carry a bag as a weapon. You might end up falling!"Everyone burst into laughter at that comment from Jemena."Did you see her underwear?"The group burst
46.RUTH accepted a handshake offered by the manager, Vaughn Andaya. She was sitting in front of the man, who was in a swivel chair. She applied for a position at SM as a sales lady for an expensive clothesline worn by politicians in their area. A button-down shirt costs four thousand pesos. Today is her interview, and she just got hired a month after returning home from Manila to Camarines Sur. She’s in Naga City searching for a job and doesn’t want to stay idle at home.Her relatives are furious with Baron, and they say that if he shows up, he’ll face consequences from Uncle Ernesto. They may not have pure blood relatives, but their relationship with each other is invaluable, especially for her, a considered orphan of the family. Her family is protecting her, especially now that they know the story about Baron.The people from Cam Sur have a different attitude—brave and unyielding. If Baron sets foot in their area, he’s in for a surprise. Vaughn smiled at her during the handshake, b
45.RUTH is holding her resignation letter, planning to give it to Lush Miguel. Patricia, facing her, reads the letter. “This is an urgent resignation letter, Miss Eduardo. It says you have something to attend to and will be away for a while. Where to?” Patricia asks with a smirk.“Confidential, Ma’am. I’ll be traveling today,” Ruth responds.“Okay. If that’s your decision, it’s hard to stop you. I don’t know your personal life and problems,” Patricia signs the letter without hesitation.Surprised, Ruth asks, “Won’t you submit it to the CEO?”“Nope,” Patricia shakes her head, “Lush had given me all the authority to decide as long as it’s under my supervision. In your case, since you’re under me, I’ll handle it. Besides, there are plenty who can replace you. Good luck.”Ruth nods and forces a smile. All the authority is with Patricia. Why should she be surprised? Patricia is probably the woman Lush mentioned as new, just unwilling to tell her.She turns away, heavy-hearted, wal
44.FINISHED.He took a deep breath as Ruth gradually disappeared from his sight. Seated in his car, he waited like a thief, watching her run away with Muse’s cage.That’s all he could do, gaze at the girl from afar because, despite his anger, he genuinely loved her. Even in anger, he couldn’t insult or speak hurtful words to her.His respect for Ruth remained high despite everything, knowing she deserved it. Now, he envied Baron. That asshole's spouse was kind, and he hoped to find another Ruth someday, but not now.Lush badly needed time to heal, and the process wouldn’t be easy. He was sure of that because he was deeply hurt in his first experience of love.The young man lazily started the car engine, but he didn’t go in. He would go home, where his parents and Babuela were. He owed his parents an explanation. At thirty-one, he felt the need for a mother’s care. He needed his Mommy.When he arrived home, his shoulders still slumped. As soon as he entered the portico, his Mommy was
43.1Ruth was startled when the door opened, and Lush’s imposing figure loomed over her. “Oh my!” she exclaimed, supporting the young man who peeked at her and smiled. He playfully tapped her nose with his index finger.“Hold on a moment,” she said, closing the door. “We can’t go upstairs; the stairs are too high, and we might both tumble down. Let’s sleep downstairs. Wait, I’ll get the blankets. Have a seat.”Hurriedly, she assisted him to sit on the sofa. He groaned and shook his head, but the young woman quickly went upstairs to retrieve the thick comforter from the bed.Descending again with the items, including Lush’s replacement clothes, she handed him the bottle of alcohol he still clutched.“I’ll take that,” she said, grabbing the bottle.He closed his eyes, his cheeks flushed. He remained the most handsome drunk she had ever seen.“Did you drive home like this? You’re really drunk. Next time, don’t get overly intoxicated. You might stumble or lose balance,” she lectured whi
43.Lush choked on saliva. He couldn't find any words to respond to Ricky. Tearfully, he averted his gaze to hide his eyes. Did she lie to him? Did she conceal her real status? Her profile claimed she was single. Did she forget to update it? Damn! He wanted to rub his face, feeling suffocated. Is he serious about his feelings? Why is fate playing with him like this? The woman he loves is Baron's wife?Damn it!He almost clenched his fists. He wanted to cry and almost wanted to slap himself."Wait, Rick," he hastily excused himself from his friend and walked briskly towards the table with various expensive drinks.He stood in front of it, on the verge of tears. Is there another Ruth Eduardo in the world? Who?He couldn't explain his feelings. He was angry. Why did Ruth deceive him? If that's what happened?He grabbed a wine glass and drank. Unsatisfied, he took another and drank again. He repeated this to numb the pain in his heart. The time with Ruth might have been brief, but he knew
42.Lush Miguel remained nonchalant, lounging. He was still in a four-post position. Ruth was sleeping after four rounds in bed. She was upstairs, and he left her momentarily. He went downstairs to have some coffee now.He grinned as he remembered her annoyance earlier when he introduced Patricia in the lobby as the supervisor. Ruth was jealous of the woman, and he found it amusing. Ruth already had feelings for him, but she was reluctant to admit it. He felt a different kind of joy when he heard the girl sulking in the bathroom earlier.He used to dislike having someone chase after him. He didn’t want anyone to be possessive, but now, he was proud of it. To the point that Ruth didn’t fence him in, and she didn’t hide. Luckily, he overheard her.He took the coffee cup and sipped, but he looked at the stairs when he saw Ruth descending.She was wearing his long sleeves, buttoning a few buttons.“Why are you still lounging?” she asked, obviously sleepy, with no slippers on.He glanced a
41.The last message Lush Miguel sent her was when he mentioned driving his grandmother back home. It’s now ten in the morning, and the coffee break is over. She’s inside the restroom, yet there’s still no update.She’s also waiting for that. It’s a big miracle that she’s not being talked about in the entire company now because of what happened the other day. She’s been waiting to hear something since yesterday. She even told Berna about it so she wouldn’t be surprised.So far, Montevez has remained a peaceful environment for her, especially now that Dennis is no longer around.“Hey.”She winced and stopped mopping the floor as Berna approached her.“Come on, hurry. Your boyfriend is there with another girl!” Berna waved at her, causing her to furrow her brow.Lush?She quickly walked to the door and went outside. The janitors gathered in the lobby, all staring at a beautiful girl. She wasn’t tall, but her skin was exceptionally smooth. She was chubby and had blonde, long hair.She ca
40.“IF I were you, go to the party, so your ex won’t have anything to say,” Ruth told Lush while talking on the cellphone. He was already in the hospital while she was in the penthouse. It was late, and she was alone. All lights were on because she had no company, but she wasn’t scared. He had a companion—the cat. It was amusing that when she asked Lush to take Muse from the condo, it was promptly done by Lush’s bodyguard.“Damn. I really don’t want to go there, sweetie.”“It’ll just be a moment,” she said, though deep down, she didn’t want him to go.Oh God! She gets jealous at the thought of Lush fooling around with that woman, Annelyn or any woman, but he can’t do anything about it. She wants to push him away so that if they break up, it would be easier for both of them.Ruth feels like she has a bomb in her head, a life-threatening illness, that could end any moment. As time passes, she gets closer or, more accurately, falls for the right guy at the wrong time, wrong circumstanc
39.“Thank you,” Ruth smiled at Ricky when they left the police station. She declared that the missing person, who pretended to be kidnapped, was not really kidnapped. She published everything, with Ricky as her witness. The investigation was over. She had concluded everything.The police laughed, wondering why her own husband did such a thing to her. There was only one reason, Baron loved money more than her.“Your job for me is done,” Ruth added, acknowledged by the investigator.“Next time you need a private investigator, just call me directly. For simple matters and when I’m free, even without payment. It’s what makes me happy.”“But never trade a woman and leave her at the altar for an investigation,” she said meaningfully, and he laughed, getting the meaning of her words.“Of course. There’s a more deserving man for you, unlike dela Vega. Where to? Shall I drive you?”“No need. Thanks again.”“Alright, take care. I’ll get you a taxi.”Ricky walked towards the street, and she fol