“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 hesitated. She could smell trouble, and it made her uneasy. “Tristan, I really don't think that's a good idea,” she said, trying to keep him at arm's length.
“But Audrey,” he pleaded. “I just need to see you. I think I'm doomed.”
Audrey sighed heavily, knowing that Tristan was bringing trouble with him no matter what he did or said.
“What happened?” She asked, hoping it wasn't related to asking her to date him or giving him a chance to prove his love, because Audrey was certain she wouldn't be able to give a positive reply.
“So, it started when I made a detour on my way home from your farewell party... I found this bar on the way back and checked it out…” Tristan started.
Tristan told Audrey what happened, omitting the part where he woke up in a stranger's bed, only telling her that the woman he met in the bar had kept pestering him ever since.
“Did you do something? She wouldn't be so persistent unless you did something to her, right?” Audrey sighed when Tristan went silent. “Whatever it is, you should try to talk to her. Ah, I have to go now. See you soon,” she hung up and continued doing her unfinished task.
The day before Christmas, Tristan arrived. Audrey welcomed him warmly and offered a guest room she prepared for him, which he liked.
“Thanks for letting me come,” Tristan said shyly. He thought he would regret his idea of coming over for Christmas, but Audrey said she would be glad to have him join in.
“It's not a big deal. Asher's grandparents couldn't make it this time so... anyway, the more the merrier, isn't it?” She laughed and continued showing him around the house.
Tristan wanted to ask about Shane when he noticed the latter seemed nowhere to be found, but immediately dismissed the thought and enjoyed the tour instead.
On Christmas Eve, Audrey and Flora had cooked up a feast for dinner. Everyone sat around the table enjoying the food and each other's company, laughing and sharing stories. Even baby Asher joined the laughter while lying in his crib next to his mother's seat.
“Look at this little guy laughing so cutely.” Tristan reached out to tickle Asher's foot.
Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door.
“I'll get it,” Audrey volunteered and left her seat. She hurriedly went to answer the door, and as she opened it, there stood Santa Claus himself.
“Shane?” Audrey couldn't believe her ex-husband would do such a thing for a surprise. “You should have called in advance if you're coming,” she said, opening the door wide to let him in.
“It wouldn't be a surprise then,” Shane replied and winked at her. “So, what do you think?” He asked and turned around in front of her to show off his outfit.
“It doesn't suit you,” Audrey commented and shrugged. “Come on in, everyone’s in the kitchen,” she said and led the way.
“Hey,” Shane pulled her by the arm. “Is it terrible?” He asked with puppy-dog eyes. “I walked around like this from the airport.”
Audrey couldn't help but chuckle at his ridiculous Santa suit. “I think you look ridiculous, but it's good to have you here,” Audrey said with a smile.
“Merry Christmas,” she greeted.
“Merry Christmas,” Shane smiled and greeted Audrey back. He went towards the kitchen and all eyes were on him as he entered, especially Tristan's, who was shocked at the sudden turn of events.
“Everyone, this is... Santa Claus,” Audrey announced with a laugh. “He has brought us gifts!” Everyone cheered in delight and Shane smiled as he handed over presents one by one to each of them. Of course, Tristan was not included.
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
“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
The endless chopping sound whenever the knife touched the chopping board was only getting louder while time passed by. Followed by the bristling noise from the meat thrown in the pan with oil, the open tap with flowing water and its gushing sound in the sink from time to time, turned the kitchen into stadium-like while an orchestra played a delicate, quiet war song. The conductor was no other than the head chef, Audrey, who stayed up for two nights since she came back from her honeymoon trip, did nothing but experiment with dishes in Nathan’s place.She prepared the food from breakfast to supper without taking a bite for herself. Her long hair was tied in a bun, wrapped with a hairnet, and this made her look neat yet messy at the same time. The dark circles around her swollen eyes were visible even from afar. Her lips were chapped and dry, and her face was pale. Overall, she looked distressed.
“Welcome back, Miss Audrey.”The housekeeper and the housemaids greeted in unison when Audrey stepped out of the car. She drove herself home alone after what happened. Audrey said nothing in response and straightly trod the way to her room, not the master’s bedroom, leaving the others inside the house clueless on what she was behaving about.She slumped her chest on the bed and there, she burst into tears. She felt sick and anguished. It was never in her wildest dream that Shane would actually say something scrupulous right after they went back to the city from their honeymoon.At first, she thought the man was only going to drop by on the company or maybe meet up with his manager after a month of leave he took to spend their honeymoon. Shane told her to call the house and ask someone to fetch her at the airport, but she refused and insisted on coming with him. It was the first time after they got married that Shane yelled at her sa
Audrey hastily sat up when she heard a series of knocks on the door. Her hand automatically grabbed something around to wipe her tears. She stared at the wet part of the pillowcase and sighed.*knock* *knock*“Coming!” she yelled to let anyone know outside that she’s on her way to open the door. She swallowed a lump in her throat before pulling the door inside to see who was disturbing her sentimental moments. As much as possible, Audrey didn’t want to face anyone but in the back of her mind, she was hoping that the person behind the door was Shane who was ready to apologize and tell her that it was all an act. She would forgive him of course, and everything should go back to the way they used to be during their honeymoon trip.Her anticipation dropped from 101 to 0 when she found the housekeeper standing outside the room, holding a phone in her hand with a worried expression painted on her face.
“Auddie? Someone’s looking for you outside. Should I let him in?”Audrey woke up to Nathan’s gentle pat on her cheeks. She could also hear him calling her and mentioning someone who was looking for her. She opened her eyes slowly as they seemed to protest her idea of waking up already. Her head was feeling fuzzy with a few memories from a few days ago haunting her in sleep. Audrey felt restless when she realized she couldn’t settle her mind at ease even while sleeping.The thick blanket fell on the floor when she pulled herself up while rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands. “Nathan? Were you calling me?” Audrey asked softly. She sounded sleepy though she didn’t yell at the blond after waking her up.Nathan nodded his head while looking at her wearily. Audrey could tell something was the matter, but she only heaved a sigh. What else could be the problem other than any
Audrey subconsciously raised a brow upon hearing what her husband called her. She couldn’t help but pull a sneer at him when their eyes met. ‘Baby?’ she thought.“How many babies you have?” Audrey blurted out. “I heard you’re expecting a newborn baby seven months from now,” she added.Shane looked tired and devastated, for whatever reason why he was like that, Audrey had a very tiny interest. “Baby, I can explain…” he muttered with his begging eyes. He was dressed so well like he always did but still looking like a mess. “Can… Can we go somewhere else?” He suggested as he peeked behind her. Audrey moved her head slightly to the side and noticed Nathan and Francesca through her peripheral vision. She sighed and nodded to Shane before leading the way.She used to walk behind him as she enjoyed looking up at his back. It didn’t
“Stephanie is indeed pregnant,” Shane confirmed after Audrey asked him about the singer’s pregnancy scandal. They just finished having a sumptuous dinner when her husband led the way to the other side of the garden where the city lights could be seen, like glittering mountains of treasures in the night. The view was breathtaking but the atmosphere in them was only getting more intense.Audrey didn’t waste any time and started a conversation about the actor’s involvement in Stephanie’s pregnancy. She started shooting him questions she badly needed to be answered. “She just started her acting career, and we’re under the same company. Her pregnancy would ruin her whole career, and I was tasked to help her out. It was the company’s request, Audrey,” Shane added.“I never thought you’d be so dedicated to the company to the extent that you’ll neglect your wife’s feelings over the said ‘problem’ you need to handle. But it's okay. I guess it’s fine as long as you’re not the father of her baby
“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,”