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
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
The soft morning light filters through the curtains, nudging Kaitlyn gently awake. She's greeted by the cheerful symphony of birdsong outside her window. As she rubs the sleep from her eyes, she extends her arm across the bed, expecting to find the warmth of her husband, Dean, but instead encountering only the cool sheets. With a bemused frown, she glances around the room, half-expecting to spot him hiding behind the curtains or perhaps already up and about in the bathroom.And so, Kaitlyn made her way to the kitchen to atleast make some breakfast for Dean. With the ease of someone well-acquainted with the morning routine, she set to work. She effortlessly cracked eggs into a bowl, their sunny yolks contrasting beautifully with the pristine porcelain. Meanwhile, bacon danced and sizzled on the hot skillet, its irresistible aroma mingling with the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee. While Kaitlyn busied herself in the kitchen, Dean made his entrance, dressed to the nines in a sleek s
Kaitlyn stood there in shock, her voice strained as she asked the butler to repeat his words, silently wishing for a different outcome. With caution, he repeated, "Miss Kaitlyn, your father has been admitted to the hospital."Desperation etched into her expression, Kaitlyn pressed the butler for more information. "Which hospital?" she demanded. "Harmony General Medical Hospital," he replied. A glimmer of hope sparked within her. Thankfully, she knew someone who worked there.Without a second thought, she grabbed her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed the number. Each ring seemed to echo with urgency. Finally, a familiar voice picked up on the other end, offering a lifeline—a connection to the answers she desperately sought about her father's condition.As the call rang, each moment felt like an eternity until finally, a female voice answered with a tentative "Hello." Kaitlyn, her voice filled with anxiety and relief, responded, "Dr. Fiona, it's Kaitlyn. Is my father, Leon Ashe
Kaitlyn stared at her father whilst her tears rolled down her cheeks as she asked, "Papa, what do you mean? What did you know?" Her voice shook drowned in different feelings as she tried to understand.Mr. Ashenwood sighed heavily and began to share a hard truth. "Kaitlyn, I found out about Dean's cheating even before your wedding. But seeing you happy, I thought maybe it was a mistake. I stayed quiet, hoping it would change."The room felt heavy with the unspoken truth and that made it hard for Kaitlyn to keep pretending everything was okay. She felt betrayed by both her husband and her father, and it hurt deeply.Mr. Ashenwood apologized with the evident sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Kaitlyn," he spoke out of deep regret. "Seeing you suffer every day has been my silent burden. I hoped for your happiness, but I was wrong. I should have spoken up and told you the truth."Kaitlyn felt a wave of emotions wash over her as her father blamed himself. Guilt was gnawing deep within him. "
Taking a seat beside his bed, Kaitlyn fidgeted with the edge of her scarf, her nerves betraying the composure she tried to maintain. "There's something I need to tell you, Papa," she began, her eyes brimming with both anxiety and a strange kind of joy.Her father, sensing the weight of her words, put the book aside and reached for her hand. "You can tell me anything, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Kaitlyn finally shared, "I'm pregnant, Papa." The words hung in the air, carrying a myriad of emotions. A mixture of joy, fear, and anticipation flickered in her eyes.Mr. Leon's initial surprise transformed into a warm smile as he processed the revelation. "A grandchild," he uttered, his voice filled with a sense of wonder. "This is wonderful news, Kaitlyn! Congratulations!"Tears welled up in Kaitlyn's eyes as the weight of her father's acceptance and joy enveloped her. "I was afraid you'd be disappointed or worried," she confessed.Her father c
As Kaitlyn discreetly stowed the papers back into the envelope and placed them in her bag, a sudden wave of nausea overwhelmed her. Dean, ever observant, didn't miss the subtle signs.With a mocking tone, he assumed, "Pregnant with someone else's child, are we?" His words dripped with sarcasm, a cruel insinuation that further strained the atmosphere in the room.Dean, with a calculated calmness, began to hurl insults at Kaitlyn, each word laced with venom. However, Kaitlyn, her gaze fixed on him, absorbed the verbal assault in silence, tears streaming down her face. The room, heavy with the weight of their fractured relationship, became a battleground of unspoken painWith a dismissive "Oh well," Dean casually shrugged off the emotional turmoil in the room. He left without a second glance, heading off to work or, as he put it, perhaps to meet his so-called beloved.As the door closed behind him, the room lingered in the aftermath of a confrontation that left wounds unhealed and questi
Kaitlyn, with a sense of quiet anticipation, selected an apple from the nearby table. She made her way to the window, drawn to the view that unfolded before her in PortaMare. Settling down with the apple in hand, she gazed out, taking in the serene sights that characterized the town.As she positioned herself near the window, Kaitlyn felt a blend of emotions swirling within her. The apple, a simple companion at this moment, held a certain symbolism of life's sweetness and the natural rhythms that surrounded her. With the view as a backdrop, she patiently awaited Fiona's reading of the letter connection to her father that transcended both distance and time.Fiona took a deep breath and started to read the letter with careful emotion:"My Dearest Kaitlyn,As I sit down to pen this letter, my heart is heavy with the knowledge that time is a fleeting companion, and there are words, sentiments, and a father's love I wish to share with you before it slips away entirely.Above all else, I wi
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