Chapter 72 Lux laid Diana's baggage down as they arrived in Manila. He watched her for a moment and then turned away. "W-Where are you going?" She followed him, almost gasping when she saw her clutching her stomach, as if in pain or something like that. Deceitful! "I have something to attend to," he replied flatly, taking big strides, but she still trailed behind. "I'm coming with you." "Bed rest," he said, but she grabbed his arm, making him stop. "Just stay here. The baby might be in danger. I'll take care of the annulment because the lawyer called." The lawyer did indeed call, and now he had something new to throw at his old in-law of him, the deception Diana had subjected him to. That was another grievous reason for him to pursue and win the annulment, but that wouldn't be his priority. He would go to the restaurant and talk to Gigi. He would go to the townhouse and conduct his own investigation. Yes, he was angry, but he would give Heart a fair fight, just as he did with
Chapter 73 Watching the video on his phone brought tears to his eyes. That's why. That's why his love for her had not faded despite the photos he had seen, because something terrible had happened to the woman he loved. "Damn it, Franco!" he shouted and wiped away his tears. He replayed the last part when Heart ran out of the house. The copy is now playing before his very eye, the only evidence he got. Heart was safe. He felt that she had escaped because Franco took a few more minutes to stand up after Heart kickled him on his torso. That frog tried to rape Heart. Damn it! That bastard would pay for it. He quickly got up and left the house. He got in his car and immediately called his grandmother. "Hello?" It was Siony on the other end. "Manang Siony, is Mama there?" "She's in the living room. Hold on, I'll bring her the phone." After a brief wait, the elderly woman spoke on the phone. "Lux." "Mama, I need connections," he said immediately. "Why are you out of breath? Are
Chapter 74 After Heart filed her police blotter, she walked with her mother to the rural health center, passing by Lumeng's aintances at the market. "Hey, look who's here, your rich daughter, Lumeng!" A woman of her mother's age greeted them with a smile. "This is my daughter, Juling," her mother introduced her. "Do you want to take over this eatery, including the equipment? It's a good business. You'll have instant customers with the tricycle drivers around. I'm selling it,” the woman told them. Heart examined the eatery and it looked decent. It was situated near the cabs terminal, which meant customers were guaranteed. In these times when her father couldn't farm anymore, they needed to have an income, and she would apply for jobs in shopping malls, even as a saleslady or cashier. "How much are you selling it for?" She inquired about the income potential. "Twenty thousand, but I can go as low as eighteen. You won't have to worry about anything here. You'll just have to pay t
Chapter 75 Heart glanced at the window when she heard Mocha howling, it was already past eight in the evening. She was alone with Lexus at home because her mother said they were going to sleep at the eatery along with her father and Lexi. Her mother also mentioned that Lexi was going to be her companion. Lexus was the one helping Heart. She was lucky to have reliable siblings who helped each other. She was counting her money when Lexus went out briefly to deliver a blanket to her father. The market was just a few minutes of walk, so there was no problem. However, she got concerned when she saw a lit cigarette through the window. Oh my God! She immediately stood up and ran to the window to close it. What was burning there? Mocha sounded very angry. Could it be a Kapre, a creature from Philippine folklore? She saw something that looked like the end of a cigarette. "Heart?" a familiar voice called while knocking. Lux, oh my God! So it was inndeed a Kapre! He was going to have her
SC1Heart spread a mat on the cement floor. Even though the house's floor appeared older and had some cracks, it was very clean, and they had applied floor wax to it. She laid the mat and put cushions and pillows on it."Let me," Lux told her, with a hint of nervousness in her movements. Perhaps he was worried that she might hurt the baby inside her belly."I've got it; you don't know how to do this," the young lady replied with a smile as she arranged the sleeping area.Lux insisted, "You might get tired. This is good enough."Lux was tired from the journey and was considering lying down without a mat. There was something else he wanted to do, but it wasn't possible. There was no private room in Heart's house, and he was afraid of disturbing the entire neighborhood if she made too much noise.He helped her stand up and seated her on a wooden chair, and she leaned back immediately."There you go," he said because it seemed like she had just escaped exhaustion.He was about to sit next
SC2Heart's parents arrived at the house with serious expressions. They were still the same low-profile parents she had, approachable as ever. Lux immediately paid his respects by bowing as the two elderly people entered the door."Good day," he greeted them with an excessively polite tone, making her laugh at his formality."Good day to you too, young man!" Conrado replied to Lux.Once her parents were seated, she nodded to Lux to speak. He seemed nervous, as if a CEO becomes nervous, too. He probably be the first one. He started to clear his throat and began to speak."I know my start with Heart wasn't ideal. We acted immorally, but whether you believe it or not, I had a reason for what I did to my wife. I don't know how to convince you that I won't do the same to your daughter, but I promise. If I fail to do so, please keep her away from me and the baby."Her parents exchanged glances, and then Conrado sighed."If it was up to me, I wouldn't agree to your situation with Heart. Pers
SC 3"Heart Chavez is really back!" Aiza exclaimed as Heart entered the apartment late that night. They had returned to Manila after their short trip, carrying bags with them filled with souvenirs from Bicol, which Lux personally chose for everyone.Almost an entire van was packed with local delicacies and various souvenirs for their friends and family, and they had spent nearly an entire day wrapping them all up.Heart glanced at the door and saw Lux standing there, silently observing."Just a moment," she said and Lux nodded in agreement."I doubt that. We will spend three days here chatting," he commented, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the door frame.“We never knew that Sir Lux's jokes were true,” said her friend.He chuckled, "You didn't take me seriously when I said it."They all laughed.“I’m sorry if I didn’t tell you. I’m also ashamed of my past. I guess I was just lucky that I was loved by that man,” she said to her friends.She hoped that they w
SC 4On Lux's smartphone, it was 9 o'clock at night, and he was talking to Vandros while Heart was resting. He was sitting on the balcony, keeping an eye on his girlfriend. He was facing her here. They were staying at his mansion, different from the house he shared with Diana, which he was now selling because he didn't want any trace of his ex-wife.He didn't regret it. Even though what he did was wrong in the eyes of many, this was where he found true peace. It was a sin, but he found his peace here. They might be wrong in the eyes of most, but let God be the judge. Maybe He would forgive them if Lux proved himself to be a decent person.He was like a male version of Mary Magdalene. Perhaps he would be called Magdaleno.He couldn't help but smile at the thought."Thank you for telling her that her salary was already hundreds of thousands. I didn't have a chance to inform you about it yet you already figured out when she called you," Lux said to his friend."I knew," Vandros replied.
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