In the wake of Kaitlyn's departure, he found himself immersed in a sea of emotions, struggling to comprehend why she chose someone else despite his profound love. Days became a monotonous routine, spent in solitude while he questioned the turning points that led to the unraveling of their relationship.His thoughts echoed the sentiments of a person who longed for a tangible reason to anchor his heartbreak. The internal conflict manifested in a desire for a clear wrongdoing, a betrayal that would make the process of moving on less complex. Yet, the reality remained that she did nothing wrong; she simply chose a different path.As the days turned into nights, he found himself immersed in fantasies that painted her as the antagonist in his narrative. In these fleeting dreams, the pain seemed more bearable, as if casting her as the villain would somehow alleviate the ache of loss. Yet, the waking hours brought him back to the stark reality-she was the best he had, and the path to healing
In the quiet of her bedroom, Kaitlyn, now well into the end of her second trimester, stood before the mirror. The gentle circles she traced upon her swollen belly bespoke a bittersweet reality. The swell of life within her was not met with the anticipated joy, but rather an ache of longing.As her reflection stared back, Kaitlyn couldn't escape the haunting absence of Kyle. Her thoughts, like tendrils of concern, reached out, seeking the echo of his existence. Amid the physical changes she underwent, an emotional void persisted. The silent plea lingered in the air: a desire to know of Kyle's endeavors, a hope that the passage of time hadn't eroded the memory of their connection.Sighing, Kaitlyn settled onto the bed, a space that once cradled solitude but now shared with Dean, her ex-husband who had reclaimed his place. The notion of Dean's love, which could have been a source of boundless joy, now cast a shadow of sorrow, the separation from Kyle looming large.A yearning to resist,
Days rolled on, and Kaitlyn felt trapped in her self-imposed isolation. The quiet in the house mirrored the conflict inside her. She wanted comfort but was held back by shame when it came to talking to Fiona, who had always been there for her. The mistakes she'd made in the past cast a dark cloud over the present.In the midst of her solitude, Kaitlyn decided to face her struggles alone, delving into her emotions on her own terms. It wasn't about dodging responsibility but an honest attempt to shield her loved ones from her internal storm.Something within Kaitlyn urged her to accept her fate, not just for her sake but for the child growing within her. Despite feeling a lack of strength, she was determined to find a source of resilience.Choosing to gather herself, she opted for a stroll around the house's garden. The fragrance of flowers and the tranquil scent carried by the wind worked as a balm for her troubled heart. In the midst of uncertainty, nature provided a temporary refuge,
Dean, dragging a chair, sat in front of Kaitlyn. She, still quiet from the trauma, held her own hand, questioning why she called him. In her mind, she debated whether she deserved the pain or not, considering herself the reason Jane couldn't have Dean for herself."Hey... It's alright. I'm here," Dean whispered, kissing her forehead. However, Kaitlyn could only manage a quick scoff of laughter, finding amusement in her own situation. She looked at Dean."Here, let me," Dean offered, attempting to wipe the blood off her lip, but she budged."It's fine. I'm fine," she denied his help."Thank you for coming to rescue. I want to sleep. You can go back to work now," she told him without emotion, standing up, only to be stopped by Dean's hand grabbing hers."I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely, causing a twinge of pain and guilt in her heart."There's no need to apologize, really. I understand her outburst. I was at fault. I'm sorry," Kaitlyn apologized, taking all the blame she believed sh
"Kaitlyn, dear. You almost gave me a heart attack. Please don't do that again," Maria warned, her voice tinged with genuine concern, as she dried Kaitlyn's feet. The warmth of the towel contrasting with the residual chill of the water.Dean, busy drying Kaitlyn's hair, remained quiet, his silence echoing the weight of the recent scare. Kaitlyn, realizing the impact of her actions, bowed her head, her guilt palpable. She hadn't intended for them to think she was contemplating something as serious as drowning.In the end, she apologized softly, her words hanging in the air with a mix of regret and vulnerability. "I'm really sorry..." she sighed, nervously playing with her hands, the room filled with a sense of tension."You can go, Maria. I'll handle the rest," Dean ordered in a serious tone, creating an atmosphere of subdued tension that made Kaitlyn uneasy. Maria nodded, understanding the shift in dynamics, and exited the room.Dean sighed as he sat beside her, unexpectedly placing hi
Kaitlyn settled on his lap, attempting to behave despite feeling a bit uneasy under the watchful eyes of Dean's secretary and the potential discomfort of her own weight."Dean, don't you think I should just sit on the couch?" she whispered awkwardly, sensing her discomfort."I'm uncomfortable," she honestly admitted, earning a chuckle from him.Dean gently fixed a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ears. "Alright, love. Do whatever you want," he responded, though she still felt uneasy with the endearment he used for her.Kaitlyn gracefully moved away from Dean's lap and settled on the couch, finding a comfortable spot. As she played with the tips of her hair, the secretary, who had been observing Kaitlyn, flinched when Dean cleared his throat to gain her attention.Dean inquired about his personal assistant, Trina. "Where's Trina?" he asked."She's probably at her desk fixing your schedule, sir," the secretary promptly replied."I see," Dean acknowledged."Sir, we've received n
As the soft hum of the hospital continued around him, Kyle found a quiet corner to set up his makeshift workspace. The gentle glow from his laptop illuminated the room as he delved into his work, the rhythmic tap of keys echoing in the stillness.His little sister, Aya, lay peacefully asleep, her earlier conversation lingering in the air. Kyle, determined to balance his responsibilities, focused on the task at hand - preparing for the upcoming exhibit at the gallery sponsored by a big company.His publisher had emphasized the importance of showcasing his talent in the context of the company's product release. They were in search of the perfect photographer, and Kyle aimed to seize this opportunity. Amidst the challenges surrounding Aya's health, he saw a chance to bring a touch of normalcy, success, and a source of strength.As he worked on selecting and editing his best photographs, each image became a testament to the resilience he found within himself. As Kyle sifted through his p
After nearly an hour of concentrated work, Trina softly taps on Dean's office door, seeking permission to enter. Dean looks up from his laptop, granting her access. Trina enters with a warm smile, carrying a delightful assortment of strawberry treats from a nearby cafe. The sweet aroma fills the room, and Kaitlyn, catching a whiff, can't help but feel a pang of longing for those delicious treats.Trina, noticing Kaitlyn, adjusts her plan. "Mr. Castellan, I brought some strawberry delights for Mrs. Castellan. I thought she might enjoy them," Trina says, revealing her considerate gesture.Dean, appreciating Trina's thoughtfulness, nods. "That's a nice touch, Trina. Thank you."Holding the treats for Kaitlyn, Trina politely approaches her. "Mrs. Castellan, these are for you. I hope you like them," she offers with a warm smile.Touched by the kindness, Kaitlyn manages a grateful smile. "Thank you, Trina. They look delicious."Trina then shifts her focus back to Dean, remembering an upcomi
Kai immediately ordered Calix to resume driving towards their intended destination. As the car lurched forward, Kai swiftly reached for his handkerchief, expertly knotting it around Mae's wrists to secure her hands behind her back.Mae's heart pounded in her chest as she felt the fabric cinch tightly around her wrists, her movements restricted by the tight bindings. She shot a furious glare at Kai, her eyes blazing with defiance."What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Mae seethed, her voice laced with anger and fear.Kai's expression remained impassive as he tightened the knot, ensuring that Mae's hands were securely bound. "I'm making sure you don't do anything stupid," he replied curtly, his tone brooking no argument.Mae struggled against her restraints, her frustration mounting with each futile attempt to free herself. But Kai's grip was firm, his resolve unwavering as he maintained control over the situation.As the car finally came to a stop, Calix stepped out and opened th
As the evening drew to a close, Mae and Brian left the restaurant together, laughing at each other's jokes. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped out onto the street. Mae was feeling quite content until she suddenly flinched, her eyes landing on two familiar figures standing a short distance away.Her heart skipped a beat. It was Kai and Calix. Both of them seemed to be waiting for her, and the sight of them together filled her with anxiety and confusion.She quickly tapped Brian on the shoulder. "Brian, can you go ahead without me? I need to handle something."Brian looked at her with concern. "Are you sure everything's okay, Mae?"Mae forced a reassuring smile. "Yes, I'm fine. Really. It's just something I need to deal with."Brian hesitated, his worry evident. "Are you positive? I can stay if you need me to."She shook her head gently. "It's okay, Brian. Thank you for tonight. I’ll be fine."Though he was reluctant to leave her, Brian nodded. "Alright, if you're sure. But
The weekend finally arrived, and Mae, who usually cherished sleeping in on her days off, found herself waking up early. She stretched lazily and walked out of her room. She had a quick breakfast and she to get a head start on some chores.Mae moved through her apartment, tidying up and organizing. She washed the dishes, did a load of laundry, and straightened up her living room. The simple tasks helped settle her nerves as she thought about the date tonight. Despite her initial reluctance, she found herself growing curious about the kind of man she could possibly meet. Around mid-morning, Mae took a break and turned her attention to her bedroom closet. She carefully took out the dress she had bought a few days ago, laying it out on her bed. The navy blue fabric shimmered softly in the morning light, and Mae who weren't really a fan of wearing dresses somehow felt excited. The dress had felt perfect then, and now, as she looked at it, she felt reassured. It was the right choice.Afte
Days passed since Mae last saw Kai and Calix flew back home. Her life had settled into a quiet routine, though she couldn't deny being annoyed by the constant attention from the two men. Yet, in a strange way, she had grown accustomed to their presence and the trouble they brought.Mae sighed as she continued typing on her computer when her coworker, Sebastian, approached her with a cheeky smile and a cup of coffee in hand."Yo, Ms. Delgado," Sebastian greeted. "Busy as always, huh?"Mae smiled at Sebastian's greeting, setting aside her work momentarily. "Hey, Sebastian," she replied, returning his cheerful demeanor. "Yeah, you know how it is, always something to keep me occupied around here."Sebastian chuckled. "Tell me about it. So, any exciting plans for the weekend?"Mae shrugged. "Not really, just the usual. Probably catch up on some reading and maybe binge-watch a new series."Sebastian nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Sounds relaxing. I might hit up a party my friend's th
Mae stood up and looked him straight in the eyes."I don't want men who toy with me, and you're no exception. If I had the guts to leave behind the man I have loved for years, imagine what I can do to someone like you, whom I know nothing about except his name." Her words shocked Kai."So get the fuck out of here and don't show your face to me ever again. I am not obligated to answer to you. I owe you nothing.""Ha! Are you seriously doing this right now?" Kai chuckled bitterly, ruffling his hair."Yes. But if it's inconvenient for you, why don't you stay here for the night? I mean, I'm kind enough to at least care for someone's life," Mae spoke rudely."So you're choosing your... I don't know? Childhood love?" Kai mocked, displeased at the possibility that she might choose Calix. He was confused as well. Why would he even go after someone like Mae? Why would he feel this much pain from just words? Why does he feel like he is currently being dumped? He couldn't stand it.And so Mae a
But before she could even give a response, the door burst open, revealing Kai, who immediately dropped his smile the moment he saw her with another man.Kai's expression darkened as he took in the scene before him, his eyes flickering between Mae and Calix. She raised a brow at Kai's reaction, "Why are you here?" She asked nothing out of disrespect but just simply curious. Calix who was still weak from his fever, shifted uncomfortably on the couch, "This guy?" he murmured out of disbelief and rose from his seat defensively. There was an obvious tension in the room as Calix knew well who Kai is. "You're living with this guy?!" Calix scoffed that made her stand up, alarmed that a fight might break out."Calix, calm down. It's nothing like that." Mae pleaded and immediately blocked her arm in front of him only for Kai to take the chance to grab her. "It's exactly like that. So get out of this fucking place before I burn this down with you in it." Kai warned with predatory eyes starin
After checking out of the hotel, Mae immediately took a taxi back to her apartment.As she thought she had already gotten away from her problems, another one sprung up. Because as soon as she arrived at her apartment door, she caught sight of Calix sleeping on the floor.Calix was all curled up, looking pale, wearing only the clothes he wore yesterday.Just then, a neighbor passed by and saw Mae, unable to resist intruding."He's been there since last night," the lady informed Mae."What?" Mae flinched, surprised and worried."Yeah. I told him you and the other guy were out and that he should go home. But he said he wanted to wait for you. I guess he got worried when I said you're living with a guy," she shrugged and went inside her own apartment.Mae sighed and conceded to give Calix a proper apology after everything she had said yesterday. But the moment her hand touched his skin, Mae's eyes widened as she realized that Calix was hardly breathing because of his high fever.Without w
And so, Mae ended up sleeping beside Kaius. Although she was against it at first, she had no choice, such that Kaius never wanted to sleep anywhere else aside from Mae's side.He acted like a clingy child.It was a scary experience for Mae.Yet she was so deep in their sleep that she couldn't notice herself snuggling into Kai's arms, and it woke him up.Turns out, Mae had already unconsciously gotten used to sleeping with Kai beside her. Or more like, she had already gotten attached to the man.Kai stared down to look at what was causing his breathing to be compressed, and there he saw Mae curled up against his body. His throat down to his chest vibrated as he chuckled, enjoying the sight."And you wanted me to go home?" He mumbled almost in a whisper and brushed off a few strands of Mae's hair away from her face."Look at how much you've gotten used to me. Are you sure you want me away?" He added and carefully, gently pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her."Ah, your quick l
Later that day, as the sun dipped, Mae decided to stay at a hotel rather than go back to her apartment because either she was going to meet Calix on the way, or Kai would be in her living room.She didn't really want to see either of them right now. It was a good thing she brought her phone and wallet with her.As soon as Mae entered her hotel room, she instantly jumped on the bed to cool her head off. She looked at her reflection on her phone screen and groaned, seeing how red and puffy her eyes looked."Yep. I look ugly," she confirmed, agreeing with what the little boy had said earlier.She turned and lay down on her back to stare at the ceiling."You know what? Damn those two. Grr! I couldn't even stay in my own apartment 'peacefully'," Mae complained and started flailing out of frustration.Eventually, she calmed down and let out a long sigh. "I need to figure out how to deal with this," she muttered to herself, staring back at the ceiling as if searching for answers. After a w