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.
C12Heart blinked in disbelief as Lux released her. The annoying guy walked out of the office, and she quietly followed him.He passed by while singing a song, and searched for something on the laptop. She furrowed her brow until a song played through the speakers.That's a song by a band. It played while he was looking at her, smiling but she didn't smile back. It's as if he's foolish for listening to the song, even though she didn't want to, it's like she has ears of a mouse. The lyrics of the song "Mahal pa rin Kita" involuntarily enter her ears.Attempting to act casual, Lux approached the table where some businessmen were waiting. She then returned to the counter, resuming her duties as a cashier.Chats flooded their school group chat. It was exclusive to their classmates.Celeste forwarded a photo.Celeste: Just captured. They say it’s a blind item.There were numerous chats, and the last one she read was about a classmate being the mistress of a wealthy man. Allegedly, sh
“C13”“FUCK!” a loud curse snapped Heart out of her trance in front of the television. That’s what she heard after the door violently swung open, revealing Lux. “What the f*** is that?” he angrily demanded from his friend, abandoning the visitors he had been talking with a while back.“I don’t know. Lola Carmen supposedly issued the statement,” Vandros replied.“Turn that off!” he insisted, gesturing fiercely at the TV, his mestizo face turning red.She recognized Lux’s anger; he wasn’t the type to get mad like this unless provoked, similar to the incident four years ago with Franco and Diana.Lux glanced at her, and his expression softened. She saw compassion in Lux’s eyes, causing her entire system to melt. She wasn’t crying; she was just stunned and unable to react to what she saw on the TV.Someone was trying to ruin her, and she didn’t know who. Diana was the only one capable of such deception, as that woman orchestrated everything that happened to her before. Diana might pret
C14Even though Lux didn't want it, he couldn't do anything when he left Heart at the restaurant. He felt pity seeing her strong yet tearless. Time had hardened the Heart that once relied on him.He was amazed at her bravery in the face of everything, resisting tears. Despite the intense insecurity and jealousy the previous night, she stood firmer now. Does his Heart still need him? He feared the strength he witnessed. She seemed like the kind of woman who could stand on her own even without his help.Damn. He always needed her to want and need him just as he did. He's on his way to pick up his grandma now. He's close. He spotted his mom's car, probably bringing Lush to the mansion.He quickly went down upon entering the yard, stopping in front of the main door. "Daddy!" Lush shouted, running towards him. Carmen and Elisa were behind."Hi, son!" he greeted, lifting Lush. "Where's my Bobbie?" Lush immediately asked."Mommy's still working. Are you bored already?" he asked, and Lush sh
C15Heart's mind is filled with thoughts while she prepares dinner. Lush is busy playing with his airplanes, content on the floor, occasionally running and flying the plane. Lux has bought him every type of airplane toy, including one with a remote control that once hit the TV, breaking it.Lush cried a lot, but Lux found it amusing, praising the excellent flying skills. Heart was upset because they wasted the TV, which was worth more than just a few hundred thousand pesos. Lux claimed the TV wasn't durable.Since then, she never let Lush hold the remote control of his toys. He played manually. Although there's a playroom upstairs, he preferred to play wherever she was.When she was a kid, Playrooms weren't common for them. The yard and the living room served as their playing areas, extending to the kitchen.They played and wore out toys wherever they were. They weren't wealthy enough to have playpens or playrooms. Lush seemed to have adapted to playing anywhere, and Lux mentioned be
C16Lux scratched his head because his bookbinding was cut short. Heart wanted to sleep early because she still had an exam the next day. He moved closer to his wife, embraced her, kissed her shoulder, and tried to press his masculinity against her.She giggled, “You really don’t want to be stopped.”“I just miss you. You didn’t talk to me last night and all day. That turned me so old.”She giggled again, “So, if I leave you, you’ll age quickly,” she teased, and he chuckled in response.“Probably. When I lack love, I age. Kindly check, baby. Do I have a new wrinkle here?” He pointed to his forehead, and she quickly looked.“None.”“There is,” he insisted, placing a kiss on her and leaning over her.“Oh, Lux!” she exclaimed as he tried to part her thighs.She couldn’t resist because he was stronger.“Just one more, baby. I promise,” he said, and without further ado, he entered her, so what could she do?She could only close her eyes and let him lay her down, turning her over. He held
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