The next morning, Audrey woke up to an unexpected call from Nathan. She was barely awake when she answered only to scream in surprise after hearing what the other had to say.“No! Nate, you’re saying you can’t do it?” Audrey rubbed her head that seemed. “What happened to Francesca? Is she alright? Oh my. I got it. Thanks for letting me know in advance. I will let him know and find someone to replace you,” I said.“Thanks, Audie. I want to help, I’m sorry.” Nathan sounded apologetic.“It’s fine. I totally understand,” Audrey replied. “I’ll come visit you soon. See you,” she said and hung up. “Gosh. I hope she’s fine,” Audrey mumbled as she got off the bed. As much as she wanted to run to the hospital and check on Francesca’s condition, she couldn’t leave her baby and there was Shane too whom she had to take care of now that Nathan was no longer available.“Good morning, Miss. Would you like the same thing for breakfast?” Flora asked as soon as Audrey went down to the kitchen. She was c
Shane pursed his lips and sighed. “Okay. I’m leaving,” he said and headed to the doors. He told himself it would be okay but it wasn’t easy. On his way out, Shane bent down and smiled at his son who was laying in his crib along with Audrey’s maid. He wanted to carry him at least but just like what Audrey said, he should already leave. “See you tomorrow, little guy.” Audrey watched Shane as he left. She realized how harsh of her to treat him like that. But she didn’t let it get to her. Otherwise, she might suffer another sleepless night just thinking about him. Shrugging, Audrey remembered something. “Mr. Vargas, wait!” She yelled, rushing after him. Shane was closing the gate when he saw her. A smile crept into his face thinking she changed her mind and would like to treat his wound instead. “Yes, Chub? Did you miss me already—?” “The apron!” Audrey’s words hit like thunderbolts in Shane’s ears. He never realized how hard it was to deal with his ex-wife until she finally showed him
Tristan could tell what Audrey felt about his sudden visit. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to pursue her after her failed marriage. But he came prepared. Although he wanted to see her as soon as possible, he dared not show his intention. He meant good for her, but Audrey was overly defensive when it comes to his attempts of getting cozy with her.So, Tristan decided to take it slow and play a game. He brought with him an array of gifts, ranging from her favorite book to the exotic spices she loved the most. He also brought a bouquet of fresh roses, symbolic of his feelings for her. But all of it didn't seem to perk her interest... or so he thought.“I know I said I rather want them planted than in bouquets but I couldn’t just let these flowers wilt,” Audrey mumbled as she took out a vase and put water in it. She then started arranging the flowers that Tristan brought for her. “Just so you know, don’t bring flowers next time…”Tristan smiled when he heard what she said. Was she telling hi
Audrey frowned as he watched her ‘student’ put on his PPE. She was glad he finally brought his personal protective equipment but she couldn’t understand why he was wearing layers of gloves. “What do you think you’re doing?” She asked Shane who was carefully putting on the last pair of gloves he bought. “I don’t think you need all of that,” she commented. “It’s better to be safe than be sorry,” Shane replied. “Remember yesterday? I cut my finger because the gloves couldn’t protect them,” he reasoned. “You cut your finger yesterday because you weren’t focused and careful enough. I told you to do it slowly but you wouldn’t listen,” Audrey said and sighed. “Now, if you’re going to spend 15 minutes by just putting on a dozen pairs of gloves, we’re only left with 45 minutes for our next lesson.” “Eh? Did you already start the time? That’s unfair,” Shane complained. “Find someone else to teach you if you think my rules are unfair. It’s not like I’m the one who’s going to be running out o
“You’ve improved a lot,” Audrey commented as she observed how Shane handle food ingredients while cooking. “Since you already get a grasp of the basics, you wouldn’t have to worry about embarrassing yourself in the show,” she added.Weeks passed and Shane’s cooking lesson was almost over. Audrey was glad she wouldn’t have to see him again while Shane felt the opposite. In the span of a short time, Shane’s cooking skills improved. He wasn’t the best but he was no longer a newbie. At least, he could keep a conversation among professionals regarding cooking-related topics and could make decent foods with the limited recipes that Audrey taught him.“It’s all thanks to your help,” he said and beamed at her, only to get a quick shrug in response. “So, is this the end?” Shane’s face drooped when Audrey nodded her head.“You can leave after washing up. I’ll clean the kitchen with Flora so you don’t have to do it this time,” Audrey said with a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Congratul
Shane threw himself on the couch as soon as he went back to his apartment. He closed his eyes and pursed his lips as he recalled how Audrey changed. He was starting to believe that there was no hope for the both of them. After all, he did nothing but hurt her in the past. “Ah. This isn’t as easy as I thought,” he mumbled and laughed at himself. “She wouldn’t remarry soon, would she?” Shane was desperate. When he thought he could gain Audrey’s love again by doing her good, he ultimately agreed with the divorce. Now that he realized it wasn’t that simple, he regretted signing the divorce papers. ‘I shouldn’t have done it,’ he thought. The loud ringing of the doorbell pulled him back from a trance. Shane got up lazily to check who it was. “Lucy,” he mumbled his manager’s name. “What is it?” He asked the glaring woman by the door. “You could have called me instead, you know. I want to be alone,” he said and was about to close the door again when Lucy used her foot to stop him. “Call yo
A hand grabbed and pulled Shane back. He turned to see who it was and found Lucy glaring at him. “Let go,” he told her but the latter didn’t budge. “Let’s talk about it later. Just let me go,” he insisted.Lucy shook her head. “No, Shane. I came here to supervise you. You can’t just leave unless you have a reason to. Now, before you try to leave this place, let me know why you should leave,” she replied, her voice firm. “I’m tired of keeping up with your whims. Why don’t you make your priorities straight and cause less trouble for those around you?”Shane forcibly pulled his arm away from her grasp. “Are you done? I said I’m leaving so I’m leaving. Don’t even try to stop me,” he said in a cold voice.“Fine,” Lucy said. “You can leave and maybe find someone new to handle your mess. I’m telling you Shane, I’m having enough of your bullshits.”Shane scoffed. “You’re going to quit? Fine,” he mumbled. “But you’ve got to keep your word and let me leave early when all of this is done,” he sa
Audrey clenched her fists after talking to Shane on the phone. She was calling him since last night in hopes he would pick up the call and accompany his parents to the hospital, especially his mother who was having an emotional breakdown after learning about the grave condition of his father.“He should be grateful to still have them… Really,” she mumbled, thinking about how nice it was that Shane still had his parents. Audrey sighed and went back inside the room where the elders were waiting. “He finally answered the call. He should be here any moment now,” she told them with a smile.“Thanks, Hija. I wouldn’t know what to do without you here.” Mrs. Vargas stood up and hugged her. “Thank you for staying all night but you should go back now. Asher needs you,” she told her.Nodding her head, Audrey took her bag and smiled at the couple. “I wish you a fast recovery, Dad. Always remember we’re here for you,” she told Mr. Vargas who smiled back at her.“Thank you,” the elderly man mouthed
“Ma! Are you ready yet?” Asher called his Mom from the door. “The airplane is going to leave us if you don’t hurry,” he urged. “Calm down, sweetie! Mommy’s almost done,” Audrey replied. She hurriedly tied up her hair in a bun and checked herself in the mirror once again. “Not bad,” she mumbled, picked up her bag, and headed to the door. “Finally!” Asher said and chuckled as he hugged his mother’s leg. “I thought you changed your mind,” he said with a worried face. Audrey smiled. “Of course not. Your grannies are waiting, so we’re going no matter what. They missed you so much,” she told the boy whose face lit up again. “I missed them, too!” Asher flashed a toothy grin. “And daddy also,” he added. Audrey’s face turned sour. Speaking of Asher’s father, Shane — he hadn’t visited his son for 3 months. At first, she thought it was fine since he was busy with work, but Asher kept asking for him. When she tried to call Shane so he could talk to his son at least, his secretary was the one
After Christmas, Tristan had to go back to work. Meanwhile, Shane stayed with Audrey and Asher to ring in the New Year. Audrey bustled around the kitchen, preparing a feast for the festivities. As she worked, Shane watched over Asher, who couldn't contain his excitement about the night ahead. Asher was asleep when the clock finally struck midnight and everyone erupted with cheers, welcoming the new year with optimism and hope. Audrey and Shane raised their glasses to join in on the festivities and toasted together. "Cheers to a brand new year!" Audrey and Shane announced, clinking their glasses together. They had been through so much during the past year, but they continued to live on. After the toast, they stepped out to the balcony and marveled at the breathtaking view of twinkling stars that lit up the night sky. Vibrant colors from fireworks filled the town with life. Everywhere was buzzing with excitement. Across the street, people were lighting sparklers and letting off crack
“Miss, your phone’s ringing,” Flora informed Audrey as she handed her the phone. “Thanks,” Audrey replied and got down the ladder. She was decorating the tree she bought the other day for Christmas. Since it was going to be Asher's first Christmas, she wanted it to be special. "Oh, it's Tristan," she mumbled, seeing the name flashing on her screen. It had been a while since they talked. The last time was at her farewell party before she moved to the country. “Hi, Audrey!” He greeted her as soon as she answered the call. “Hey there, Tristan,” Audrey said, smiling warmly. “I hope I'm not interrupting anything,” Tristan said in his smooth voice. “I just wanted to let you know that I'll be visiting on Christmas with a special gift for my godson. I've missed him so much!” Audrey smiled, happy for her son, who would get a visit from his only godfather. But then she sensed something was up when Tristan didn't change the topic. “Audrey, I was hoping we could catch up,” he said. Audrey h
Months passed since Audrey and Asher, along with Flora, moved to the countryside. It was Thanksgiving Day. Mr. and Mrs. Vargas came to celebrate with them. Audrey opened the door, and the elderly couple immediately ran up to her with open arms. “Ah, Hija! It's so good to see you!” Mrs. Vargas exclaimed as they all embraced warmly. “Welcome to our home. We hope you find it comfortable,” Audrey said, taking in their expressions of joy at being in a place that was so tranquil and cozy. She smiled as Asher happily waved his tiny hands towards them to be enveloped in their embrace. The elderly couple positively bubbled with excitement when they laid eyes on their beloved grandson again. “Oh, my goodness! Look how much he has grown since we last saw him!” Mr. Vargas marveled. His face lit up at the sight of Asher with his bright smile. Mrs. Vargas then asked, “Would you like for us to take him out for a walk? The neighborhood looks delightful.” Audrey nodded eagerly and pointed out va
It’s been two days since Audrey and Asher, along with the housemaid, Flora, came to their new house in the country. The house was already cleaned when they arrived and all that was left to do was to arrange the things in their rooms. Flora took care of that to make sure that Audrey was comfortable. She did all the chores from morning to night, serving Audrey and Asher with all her might. “Flora, you need to take a break.” Audrey noticed it and she didn’t like how Flora tire herself. “I’m glad you’re doing all you can but your body needs rest. I don’t want you to fall sick because of overworking, okay? Now, sit down and watch Asher sleep. I will make breakfast today,” Audrey said and headed to the kitchen. “Miss, I can do it.” Flora followed her like a lost child. “You came here to relax, not to make breakfast for your maid,” she stated. Audrey sighed. “Yes, you’re right. I came here to relax and looking at you work like you’re the only one able in the house doesn’t make me feel righ
Tristan clenched his fists as he watched Audrey cupping Shane’s face. He could already guess what would happen next and he didn’t want to wait and witness such a scene unfold before him. He was trying to talk to Audrey again and tell her that he was fine being friends with her but who was he kidding? He wasn’t fine about it but compared to being ignored, he rather stays by her side in hopes she would open up her heart to him one day. However, after what he saw, it seemed impossible for him. Drawing a deep breath, Tristan relaxed his hands and threw one last glance over the two before turning around to leave. He already said enough and tried his best but Audrey’s mind was made up. He only wished for her to choose the right choice this time and not go through the same pain she suffered. “Tristan, are you enjoying the party?” Mrs. Vargas who happened to bump into him asked. “Why don’t you try this wine? My husband loved this one. Give it a try,” she said and handed him a glass of wine.
“Surprise!” Audrey was stunned when everyone greeted her as soon as she stepped inside the living room. Mrs. Vargas was smiling widely as she led her to join the others. “What’s going on?” Audrey asked, not hiding her smile. “You’re leaving town so we’re throwing a farewell party. Do you not like it?” The elderly said and gestured for her to sit. “Oh! Why don’t you put Asher down first? We’ve prepared a crib for him,” she added before calling a maid to get the crib. “Why don’t you enjoy the party while the baby is still sleeping? Don’t worry. We have enough people to watch over him. You also deserve a good break you didn’t have since you gave birth.” “Aw. Thank you, Mom. Though I’d have prepared for this if you told me beforehand,” Audrey said and pouted. “Silly. It would surprise no more if you knew in advance,” the elderly replied and laughed. “Get a glass of champagne, eat, and enjoy the music, Hija. This night is all yours,” she added. “Alright! Since you said so. Why don’t we
The gentle breeze blew Audrey’s hair as she checked the listing of available property for sale on the website that Nathan recommended to her. She spent 2 hours browsing through the properties shown on the list and while she considered the price, she also wanted a perfect place that meets all her conditions. Looking for a new place to move in was the first thing Audrey did after leaving the hospital. She couldn’t wait to live in the country like she always wanted.“Whoa!” Audrey exclaimed. “How is this possible?” She clicked her fingers when she found just the perfect place she was looking for. “Flora! Come over here. I found it! This should be it!” She screamed in excitement. And even though she called for the maid, Audrey held the laptop instead and ran to the house. “Look at this, Flora. You won’t believe it but it has everything I wanted. It’s a bit more pricey than my budget but this is the best!”“Really? Let me see. Does it have a pool in the backyard?” Flora inquired as she tru
“For now, her vitals are stable. There’s a chance she will regain her memories once she wakes up but if that isn’t the case, we’ll have to further observe her condition.”“Thanks, Doc. Please do anything you can to help her. That’s all we need,” Shane said.“We will see what we can do, Mr. Vargas.”Shane gently closed the door when the doctor left. He sighed and leaned his back on the wall with his eyes shut. He couldn’t believe the turn of events. If only he had the power to turn back time, he wouldn’t hesitate to do it for her sake.“Mm…”Audrey let out a moan as she opened her eyes only to close them again when she found her vision was blurry. She felt exhausted. Her throat was dry and her body felt heavy as if she was beaten up. “Ugh!” She groaned as she tried to get up. Her head ached as she moved. “Flora…” She mumbled. “I need your help.”“Audrey? God, you’re awake!” Shane’s voice resounded throughout the room. “Are you feeling better? Do you feel hurt anywhere? Please tell me,”