"What happened there?" she asked upon seeing the expensive laptop, smoke still emanating from it."I was organizing your things, and Moneth accidentally spilled milk on it while it was charging," Jasmine said, visibly terrified."Is Moneth okay?" she worried."She's okay, madam," Jasmine, now in tears, said, "I'll pay for this, madam. I was careless. How much is this?""That's worth one hundred twenty-five thousand, Jasmine. I had it customized. Will you be able to pay for it?"Jasmine paused. She earns seven hundred a day. She doesn't take a day off. How would she be able to support her siblings' education and save money to buy the remaining units to graduate? She started crying."Madam, please don't let me go... please have mercy.""Why would I let you go? It's just a thing; it can be replaced. That's expensive, but I value those who work well. Not those who are just all talk and no action. Do you have backup files for everything on the laptop?""I have it on the tablet we use for m
POV: Ericka"Madam, you look stunning," Jasmine complimented her. "I haven't seen you dressed like this before.""When there are special events, you need to dress the part," she replied.She examined herself in the mirror. The backless royal blue gown that reached the floor suited her fair skin. It had a high slit up to her thigh. She wore minimal makeup and only accessories, paired with silver glittery stilettos. She looked like she was about to join a beauty pageant."Shall we, madam?" Jasmine invited her."You should change into something more appropriate," she instructed."Madam, this is what I'll be wearing," Jasmine replied."No, I don't want you to look pitiful there. Assistants need to look presentable for the boss to gain their trust.""Really, madam?""Yes. How can I say, 'I can take care of your shares,' if my own staff doesn't dress properly, right?""Well, I don't have clothes like that," Jasmine explained."How many did you hang in the closet?""Four.""Keep two of them.
Monte's words echoed in the room, expressing deep emotions and unveiling the pain he had carried for years. Ericka found herself torn between irritation and a subtle sense of sympathy as she listened to him confess his longing and heartbreak. The audience responded with a mix of empathy and admiration, creating a poignant atmosphere.As Monte concluded his speech, a wave of applause filled the room. Despite her efforts to remain composed, Ericka felt a twinge of sadness. She couldn't deny that his words had touched something within her, awakening memories of a shared past.The event continued, but the dynamics between Ericka and Monte had shifted. Unspoken sentiments lingered, leaving them both to navigate the complexities of their history in the midst of a public gathering.Ericka felt the weight of people's gaze on her. Perhaps many of them had doubts or thoughts about her relationship with Monte. She momentarily set aside the past and tried to enjoy the beauty of the evening."Do y
POV: Lovie"Do you miss me?" he asked Monte.'Of course I miss you.. Ericka... Ericka I will call you later'He ended the call."Aaaaah!!! This can't be happening!! Did he meet Ericka at the event? How? It's supposed to be for prestigious businessmen only. Why was he there?" she angrily shouted. She searched for the car's tracking device on her phone. None. Turned off? How did that happen? Did Monte find out?Where will I find you? Why didn't you take me with you? Frustrating! Hmmmmm, I know. Bernard! I'll call him.'Yes?'"Hi Bernard, I just wanted to ask if you know where Monte is. I can't reach him."'I think he's at a conference, didn't he inform you?'"Oh, he did. I was supposed to join him."'Don't bother.. he'll just get mad at you. He doesn't like being followed.'"Ah, okay.. thanks," she ended the call. "Where will I find you? What if Ericka steals him from me? No.. it can't happen! Lovie.. don't panic, just chill.. you can do it.. Think about your dreams, okay?"She paced ar
POV: Lovie"Let me out!!!" she shouted from inside the cell."Hey, cut it out!" warned an inmate. "You're so noisy; I'll knock you out!""Just try it!" she replied. "I'll fight back!"She was used to brawling. In the job she entered, she needed to be tough. She had sacrificed a lot, and now she was supposed to give up? Even if it meant a fight to the death, she could handle it. She knew the dangerous veins and parts of the body. She didn't just become a doctor; she was intelligent. So, she wouldn't hesitate to confront her enemies."Boss, move this woman. Since she came in here, it's been so noisy!" complained another inmate."Hey, De Luna, stop it. We're getting deaf from your voice!" scolded a police officer."Let me out, or I'll start screaming here!" she threatened."De Luna has a visitor," shouted the guard outside."I told you someone would come to get me out of here!" she arrogantly said.She went out and saw Monte.I knew it; my love couldn't stand seeing me like this. And he
"I might have a chance to be free... I'll finally get back at Monte. I'll make sure to repeatedly slap that Monica."It feels good to take a shower...She soaked in the bathtub and brushed her teeth multiple times.When she came out, there was a big man lying on the bed."Who are you?" she asked."I'm your first customer!" he replied."What? I'm not for sale!" she retorted."Do you know that if I enjoy my time with you, I can get you out of here?" he tried to convince her."Really?" her eyes sparkled."Yes. So come on," he invited her.She was only wrapped in a towel, so the man easily removed the cover from her body."What's this hard thing?" She removed the man's blanket. She almost fainted from what she saw. "Are you human?""Why?" he laughed."That's huge... I'll be destroyed by that!" She quickly grabbed the towel and wrapped her body. She tried to open the door, but it was locked from the outside."Where are you going?" he pulled her by the hair before throwing her."Have mercy
POV: MonteThey were in the car heading to the airport, bound for E.R resort. He pulled something from his bag."A tracker, right?" he showed it to Bernard."Yeah, where did you get that?" Bernard asked."The carwash boy found it, said it fell under the car while he was cleaning," he replied."Maybe Lovie planted that to track you." Monica suggested. "Is it true that she's dead?""The warden said Lovie committed suicide. Seems like she went insane," Bernard answered. "Hey, are you hurt?""No. Actually, I feel relieved now. Women can really be a nuisance in life," he said."Hey, watch what you're saying!" Monica scolded. "Harry, honey, do you think I have a headache?""What do you need me to say, dear?" Harry joked."Of course, the answer I want.""Dear, you don't have a headache..." Harry even kissed Monica."See, Monte?" the woman boasted."Fine, your husband is so afraid of you." Bernard pointed."Do you want me to report you to Marie?" she threatened the man."You're so lucky, Harr
He watched Ericka taking care of the kids, and they seemed genuinely happy. He thought she'd make a great mother someday. Reflecting on their separation, he felt it might have been for the best, especially now that she has children. Bernard teased him about Monica's intense gaze, jokingly suggesting they might melt under her stare."Silly, can't we just shrink them and turn them into keychains?" he playfully retorted.They discussed Monica's life after their breakup, and he believed her having children was a blessing in disguise. Despite the seven-year gap, Bernard questioned if Felipe was the reason behind their separation, teasing the idea of Monica deceiving him.He defended her, insisting she wouldn't do such a thing. When asked about Felipe, he speculated they might have started a relationship after their breakup, acknowledging Monica's pain from a previous betrayal.The conversation took an unexpected turn when Bernard asked if he wanted to reconcile with Monica, prompting him t
That incident caused a major scandal, making headlines worldwide, especially in the business world. Mrs. Dominguez was caught attempting to leave the country for Singapore.The news about Monye's involvement in the scandal was abruptly cut. The company took swift action to protect its reputation.Numerous complaints flooded the police station where the suspects were held.Many families were affected by the fallout, and initially, there were support for Shaina. However, the men who gathered at the police station were shocked to find not just two of them, but five! Shaina had left them all, leading to an unexpected twist in the story.According to the report, the suspects will be charged with syndicated e****a to prevent them from getting out of prison.*******The car horns outside their gate were continuous. Everyone was outside grilling food, getting ready for a pool party. She pressed the remote to open the gate, and those who arrived without cars entered."Did you guys ride in taxi?
The NBI plugged in a different USB and played the video.The suspects were engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to what was unfolding."Watch a movie," he called their attention.As they looked at the screen, their faces turned pale, as if they had seen ghosts."W-what's that?" Erick asked."That's you... when you set me up," he replied. "You all look so handsome and beautiful in prison. You'll be even more handsome and beautiful when you're behind bars."They all stood up simultaneously, about to flee. The NBI agents came out and prevented their escape."I-I'm innocent...You raped me!" Shaina screamed.The door opened. Ericka entered with her friends."What did you say to my husband?" his wife asked, her eyes glaring with anger."I-I was ra--"Paaaal!!! paaaak!!!Ericka delivered a couple of slaps to Shaina."You're not the kind of woman my husband would have. He doesn't fall for sluts!" she exclaimed in rage."Who are you to insult me like that?" Shaina exclaimed, trying to bre
Monte discreetly attached a small camera to his coat, neatly concealed in a brooch. He also had a tiny recorder attached to his glasses.He was set to meet Shaina at Mi Unica Hija, a restaurant. After a few minutes of waiting, she arrived, confidently striding toward him."Hi, my dear," she greeted, attempting to give him a cheek kiss, but he blocked her. "You're so unfriendly. Do you have a nice surprise for me?""Why?" he asked."Why what?" She rolled her eyes."Why did you do this to me?""Hey, I didn't do anything to you. Is it my fault you got too drunk? I just took you home, but you undressed me. I could have filed a rape case against you, but I enjoyed it. It was delightful.""I have a high alcohol tolerance; I don't easily succumb to a little drink.""Did you bring me here just to interrogate me?""Why did you pass our pictures to my wife?""You're difficult to talk to. I just submitted my proposal, and you rejected it right away. We wouldn't be in this situation if you had gi
POV: ErickaShe watched Monte from the window of the room. He remained motionless, kneeling for what felt like half an hour.Noticing the rain starting to pour, she observed Monte still not moving.As the rain intensified, he just extended his hands. Suddenly, her conscience pricked.She grabbed a towel before gently leading him inside, ensuring her husband had something to wrap around himself as they entered the house.Ericka went downstairs, grabbed the hanging umbrella, and silently walked out of the house.She shielded her husband from the rain. Monte lifted his gaze."Come on, it's getting cold there," she smiled at him.He smiled back but struggled to stand. Ericka supported him."I thought you'd let me freeze," he said, visibly shivering."I'm not that cruel. Besides, you're my husband. The father of my children. Would I want you to disappear?" she replied. "Let's go inside; you need to warm up.""She handed him the towel. Then, they entered inside."I really thought you could
Monte was taken aback by the discoveries about his supposed bar buddies. Little did he know, they harbored dark intentions towards him. He found a newfound admiration for his wife, realizing her intelligence. Over the years, he hadn't noticed Shaina's true nature, but Ericka, whom he had met only once, quickly uncovered the deceit of those around him.They watched the video detailing how he was deceived by those shameless individuals. Monte San Miguel felt the sting of betrayal. As he observed, he saw a blank expression on his wife's face—she seemed unwilling to show them her pain.The NBI began, "Shaina Alfonzo is the niece of Mrs. Dominguez, Khaye Dominguez's mother. They've run out of clients, hence their desperate actions. They've deceived not just a hundred people, but many more." They laid out photos that had circulated online, revealing the extent of their deceit."What's our first move, sir?" Ericka asked at the NBI."We'll expose them with their own tricks. Their deceitful ac
"Really?" She was genuinely surprised by what she learned. "So, most likely, they're seeking revenge against us?""Yep," Bernard confirmed."That's why Shaina and Khaye have different last names. Shaina's father's sibling is Khaye's mother," Monica explained."Does Mrs. Dominguez have something to do with this?" she inquired."They started a business after Monte kicked her out. However, their equipment is expensive, so Shaina and the others in the office do setups like this. Due to shame, some remained silent, especially the elderly. They made a mistake with Monte; there's a detective in the family," Monica shared."I won't allow anyone to ruin my children's lives, Monica. So, whoever it is, I'll fight back," she declared, pointed her."But your husband is also foolish, right? Didn't even communicate properly," Bernard pointed out."If you two are together, there's no problem," she responded."He won't be able to leave the house. Marie will handle that," Monica assured."He's brave, l
At the bar they visited, the security was friendly, and after a call to the manager, Molly's charm worked its magic to convince them to view the CCTV footage."Come on, it's for my sister's family. It'll be ruined if we don't find out the truth," she said, holding onto the manager's arm."It's against our policy, unless it's urgent," he replied."Can you take it? The kids losing their dad? She's pregnant with twins, for heaven's sake.""Bu—""Come on, handsome," Molly even pinched the guy's cheek."Alright, let's go inside," he finally gave in.Molly winked at her sister, "Let's go, sis.""You and your flirting," her sister scolded."It's okay, it got us what we needed," Molly chuckled in response.They focused on the CCTV, and the manager quickly located the video they were looking for."So, sir entered here around 7, and he passed out around 9," he pointed out her husband's in and out times."Which table were they at?" she inquired."Hmmm, let me see..." he scrolled, "there... five
"Where are we going, sis?" Molly asked. "Why are we in such a hurry?""We're heading to your brother's office," she replied, "we just need to check on something.""Your husband must have done something foolish, right?" Molly teased her."Hhhaaah" She let out a heavy breath, "park on the side."They stopped by the roadside. She took out her cellphone and showed Molly a picture of her husband with Shaina."Holy shit! Is that for real?""Yes, Monte admitted it to me. Someone sent it just now. I know that place, the penthouse in the office building. We're going there." She answered."Legit? Did he fool you?""He claims he doesn't remember, but I'll find out the reason. I didn't come back here to be fooled by anyone. Let's go!"Molly started the car. The parking attendant approached them. As they got out of the car, the guard stopped them."Why?" she asked."Do you have an appointment?" the guard inquired."No. She's the wife of the owner!" Molly answered.The two guards, who seemed new, c
Her husband hasn't messaged, perhaps busy. She doesn't bother him; she's the type of spouse not demanding of time.After lunch, she bids farewell to the kids and Molly before heading to rest."Okay, Mom, take a rest," Macky hugs her, followed by Moneth and Mico."Don't give Tita Molly a hard time, okay?" she advises them."Don't worry, Ate, I'll take care of them," Molly smiles at her. "Just rest, you've tired yourself cooking.""Thank you, Molly. Alright, stay there," the kids wave as she climbs the stairs.Entering her room, she takes her book, sits on the edge of the bed, and leans against the headboard.Her cellphone rang. She picked it up without looking, and upon opening it, her face turned red with anger!A picture of her husband sleeping next to Shaina, both without any clothes.Quickly, she grabbed an ice bag from the mini-fridge, placed it on her head, and returned to leaning against the bed's headboard."So, working overtime, huh? You're in trouble with me," she said, but sh