7. ANNE’s presence irritates Lush. He regrets leaving his office; he wishes he could have hidden from this woman. As he entered, he just gestured to Annelyn to sit, heading straight to his cigarette case. Lighting up, it’s his way of warding off unwanted intruders in his office. Anne is allergic to cigarettes. “Oh my god!” The woman exclaimed, grabbing the cigarette from his lips. “Do you want me to end up in the hospital? I’m allergic to smoke!” “I forgot,” he lied, exhaling a deep breath. Lush was turning away when Annelyn hugged him, kissed him, and quickly ventured further. He didn't respond to her advances, but her hands swiftly explored him, teasing near his zipper, touching his bulge. “Oh shit. I miss this so much,” she said, licking his jawline. Anne just does it with elegance. “Anne, I have a meeting,” he told her, although his arousal was evident. Despite his usual readiness, he wasn’t interested in intimacy right now, especially with a woman who flirts wit
8. Ruth wasn’t in the mood to stand in front of her head, Dennis Bustamante. She was called after finishing her bathroom cleaning duties. Dennis, seated at the desk, was engrossed in records, irritating her with his CEO demeanor. He surpassed even Lush Miguel in his aura. Those who tried too hard were easily discernible. “Why were you absent for three days? Do you have proof of illness?” Dennis began. “I don’t have a proof, sir. I just didn’t feel well, so I took a day off.” “Be thankful I didn’t hand you a termination paper.” “Today is the final day for possible termination. That’s in the policy, as I recall. So, I can’t be terminated because I showed up today,” she replied, unable to express her lack of gratitude towards him. Seeing his jaw tense, she stood her ground. She wouldn’t let him belittle her, especially when she wasn’t at fault. “May I leave now, sir? I have other matters to attend to.” “Don’t disrespect me, Ruth! I am the head!” Her irritation grew, and
9. Ruth was jolted awake by a whispered plea to rise from her bed. Her cousin Rose was already asleep, exhausted from a day of job hunting. Despite Ruth’s weariness, she couldn’t find solace in sleep. Worry and thoughts overwhelmed her, making drowsiness elusive. Slipping on her slippers, she walked to the door. “Ruth…” She turned to her cousin, who was wide awake and concerned. “I’m just going out for a bit, Ate Rose. I need some coffee.” “Coffee won’t help you sleep. Have warm milk; there’s some in the jar.” Ruth nodded, “Okay, sorry for waking you up.” “Don’t worry. We’re all worried about you. Mom keeps asking about you. She’s afraid you might do something drastic.” She scoffed, “Tiya Mening is exaggerating. I’m not thinking about that.” “Well, we don’t know. When a person is depressed, rational thinking goes out the window. Depression is a formidable foe, Ruth Mirabelle.” Her older cousin's words made her frown. She had mentioned her full name, including “Mira
10. Lush Miguel was promptly ushered by his father upon exiting his car. He was taken into the elevator and frisked, behaving more like a robber than anything like his father. “What are you up to with dela Vega, son?” his father inquired. “You mean Don Claudio dela Vega?” Lush raised his thick eyebrows above his glasses. “Yes. He’s here. Aren’t you aware?” “And you dragged me here because?” he questioned Lux once again. He sensed that Lux had something to convey to him, prompting his father to pull him swiftly. He wasn’t aware that his father was here so early. “Because I want you to turn down whatever offer he has to make.” “Because?” “Because I didn’t like what he did to one of our employees earlier. Their car was like a bullet train, and he called the janitress stupid.” He blinked in surprise at his father. “Janitress, ‘Who?’” “I didn’t ask for her name, but she’s lovely and young, much like your mother in her youth, pleasant to look at.” He smiled, "And y
11. LUSH MIGUEL couldn’t shake this woman off his mind. He was in the middle of work, but the janitress kept intruding into his thoughts. He couldn’t forget her body, to be exact. He lowered the sign pen he was holding and leaned back on his executive chair’s headrest. Is there a possible way for him to have that woman? Damn. It’s like he lost the courage to instruct Melo to offer her something indecent. He doesn’t know why, but he sees the woman as a decent woman. He leaned back again, and then brought himself closer to the laptop. He accessed the utility personnel department for the first time. So what? Even if she’s a janitress, as long as she’s beautiful and decent, why not? He could buy her if he wanted. There are even women who are straightforward in offering and immediately get naked in front of him, but he’s amazed at how he’s captivated by her. He just wants to have a taste for a few nights and days, just that. After that, he’ll let her go. He’s willing, e
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
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
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
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