EVERYTHING is pretty going well. Reeve and I have been talking with a few organizers for our wedding. The food will be catered by Zuriel lés arómes. A famous designer recommended by Tita Sofia was going to design my wedding gown. Mamaya nga ay pupunta kami ulit doon para makapagsukat naman ang mga bridesmaid at groomsmen. But I will wait for Reeve because he's still at work. I touched my abdomen when I felt my stomach grumbling. My appetite has doubled since I am carrying a human being in my body. Medyo nagkakalaman na rin ako at mas lumobo na ang baby bump ko. I walked towards the kitchen and opened the fridge. I took the cake out of the refrigerator and sliced two strawberry cheesecakes I planned to eat in the living room. Palabas na ako sa kusina nang makarinig ako nang pagkabasag sa sala. Binilisan ko ang paglalakad pero nahugot ko ang hininga nang biglang may baril na tumutok sa akin. A man wearing a ski mask was holding the gun. Only his eyes were visible, and the rest
NALAGLAG ang panga ko nang mapansin ang isang pamilyar na bulto na tahimik na pumasok sa kwarto. He was wearing the clothes I chose for him to wear this morning at work. Ashleigh seemed so distracted that she didn't notice when Reeve walked behind her. Bumuhos ang luha ko at pasimpleng umiling. He motioned me to keep quiet, so I did. Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit sa likuran ni Ashleigh na wala pa rin kaalam-alam sa nangyayari. Paano siya nakapasok dito? Na saan ang mga lalaking kasama ni Ashleigh kanina? I watched as Reeve encircled his arm on Ashleigh's neck. She immediately coughed. Nabitawan niya ang baril at halos mamuti na ang mukha sa pagkakasakal ng asawa ko. "No one mess with my wife," Reeve tightened his grip on Ashleigh's neck. "Every bruise she gets from you, I'll make sure to give it back to you... twice in pain." "Reeve, stop!" I shouted, crying. Natauhan ang asawa ko nang marinig ang boses ko. Binitawan niya agad si Ashleigh at lumapit sa akin. Nagyakapan agad kami
NANG dumating ang ambulansya, mabilis naming dinala sa areno medical center si Reeve. Tulala ako habang nakasunod sa stretcher papasok sa hospital. Sinalubong agad kami nina Mommy at ni Doc Juarez, chief resident ng surgery department. "Kelsea!" Mom grabbed my arm to stop me from entering the operating room. "Oh, Goodness! You have bruises on your face!" "Let me join the surgery!" I requested, crying. "I'm sorry, but that's not possible, Dra. Kelsea. You stay here with Dra. Katarina..." Doc Juarez declined my plea. "What? No, please!" Mom hugged me tight, stopping me. "Kelsea, stop... let them do their job. You should stay here, anak. You are too emotional to join the operation." Doctor Juarez entered the operating room, leaving us outside. I clutched Mom's coat as I cried harder. I felt her hand on my hair, calming me. "Hush now, anak. Reeve will be fine." Mas kumirot ang puso ko nang masilayan ang natuyong dugo ni Reeve sa suot kong damit at sa mga kamay ko. It should be me.
ZURIEL REEVE ROSCHEFORT POINT OF VIEW "LADIES and gentlemen, we have just landed at Areno International Airport. Areno Midways welcomes you to Manila, Philippines. The local time is 9:30 AM. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the fasten seat belt sign has been switched off." The moment the passengers disembarked from the plane, I took off my leather jacket and hung it on my forearm. I pulled my luggage with me until I reached the arrival area, where I instantly noticed the person who would pick me up. He was holding a white banner with my name on it— Zuriel Reeve, mon ami, welcome to the Philippines! Napailing ako at balak siyang lagpasan nang bigla siyang tumalon papunta sa gawi 'ko. Everyone gasped when they saw him jump to hug me like a fucking gorilla. Damn it, Luhen! "Luhen! What the fuck? Get off me!" I admonished, pushing him away from me. He chuckled loudly. "I miss you, Mon ami!" he says befor
Without thinking twice, I cupped her cheeks and claimed her lips. I growled in satisfaction. Her lips are fucking soft! Her lips taste like heaven. Her eyes widened in shock, and I was expecting her to push me away, but she tiptoed and snaked her arms into my nape, pulling me closer. She obviously didn't know how to kiss, but she still tried kissing me back. The familiar strong taste of alcohol lingered on my tastebud the moment our tongues tangled. She moaned inside my mouth when our tongues fulfilled each other desire. I growled when she accidentally bit my lower lip. I savoured every part and inch of her mouth, making both of us breathless, and that's when I pulled away. Sinapo 'ko ang pisngi niya habang sabay kaming naghahabol ng hininga. Her eyes flickered into mine. "I-I want more. . . I want you," she mumbled throatily. Ang palay na talaga ang lumapit sa akin! Damn! I kissed the side of her head before I leaned on her ears. "Let's get out of here, Ma chérie." I pos
"May I ask why she flew to Maryland?" I asked in disappointment. Tipid siyang ngumiti. "She's going to study there. My daughter is a future surgeon," she says proudly. "Enough for the chitchat. Tell me exactly why are you here, Mr Roschefort?" Mr Altamirano asked in a demanding tone. I swallowed hard. "I-I'm planning to ask your daughter to marry me. . . I want to marry your daughter," my voice almost shook. "I am hoping for your blessing." I hid my trembling hands in my pocket. After I talked to her parents, nakahinga ako ng malalim. I didn't tell her parents that I am already their son-in-law for fuck sake. I just told them that I was their daughter's 'special man' and that I wanted to marry her in the future. I gave all my information so they wouldn't think I was a bad candidate for their eldest daughter. Thanks to my mom, I used her a bit to win their favor. I told them that Mom was a friend of Mrs Altamirano. I also added the fact that she was the OB of my mom when sh
I woke up inside the barracks with a bandage around my shoulder up to my arms. Fuck. It fucking hurt to the core. My last memory was a missile bomb exploded near our barracks. But I remembered everything. From the bombing, the explosion, up to where I lost my consciousness. Isang katok ang umagaw ng atensyon 'ko bago narinig ang isang baritonong boses mula sa labas. I slowly get up despite my broken arms and aching body. "Entrez!" (Translation: Come inside) Isang lalaking may matikas na tindig ang pumasok sa loob ng aking barracks. I stood straight and saluted to our General despite my injury. "Comment allez-vous?" The General asked in an authoritative voice. (Translation: How are you?) "Ça va aller," sagot 'ko sa magalang at kontroladong boses. (Translation: I'll be okay) He nodded and gazed at my injury. "Y-You have fractures in your arms, causing you to be unable to use it for a while. The médecin conseiller pour ne pas aller au travail pour une période de quatre semaines,"
ZURIEL REEVE ROSCHEFORT POINT OF VIEW "ZURIEL Reeve Roschefort. . . Your husband," I whispered with a devilish smirk on my face. I didn't expect that this was how our first encounter to be. I have been existing in the world for 32 years, ngayon 'ko lang ginustong maging roba. Fuck. She's only wearing a robe, and God knows how much I'm holding myself back from pulling the string of the robe to find out what's inside. She indeed tempted the sleeping beast in me. Pasimple 'ko siyang sinuyod ng tingin. She became more mature in a good way. Her hair shortened, and it only reaches up to her chest. She smells like milk and roses, yet her breath smells like wine. She loves drinking, I see. "I'm not your wife!" she snapped and shut the door in front of me with force. I couldn't help but smirk as I shook my head in mischief. I didn't know she had that side. I like that side of her, palaban. So, the next day, I went to her workplace. I bought a bouquet of flowers just like what I have
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon We had fun in the night market and so did the bonfire party with the other guests. Nakainom din kami ng authentic Mexican foods at alcohol. Nauna na akong maligo sa asawa ko't nag-aayos pa 'yon ng mga pagkain na pinauwi sa amin ng mga mababait na staffs. I was patting my damp, long hair when I caught a glimpse of the thin, vulgar, red lingerie that Khrizanta had gifted me. She told me to wear it on our honeymoon. I don't know what got to me, and I brought it with me. The chills the lingerie gives me make my blood rush in my veins quicker. I shut my eyes, and the moment my eyes opened, I found myself bravely wearing the lingerie. Tinignan ko ang sarili sa salamin. From the boobs down to my thighs and bottoms, it fitted me so well. My confidence increased rapidly the longer I stared at myself. I took my make-up kit and looked for a bold colour of lipstick. I picked the one with a red shade and spread it on my lips. "This must make him drool, rig
Unseen chapter: The HoneymoonI woke up the next day without my husband on the bed. Bumangon ako sa kama at napangiti nang maamoy ang mabangong amoy na nanggagaling sa niluluto niya.I stretched up my sore muscles before tidying up the bed. After that, I marched towards the bathroom and took my time doing my morning rituals.I grabbed my phone and walked towards the glass door of the balcony, pulling it open. Tumapak ako palabas at pinagmasdan ang tanawin. I took a sigh of amazement as the view in front of me took my breath away. The immaculate cerulean blue water of the sea is screaming tranquillity. Hindi masyadong malakas ang alon sa dagat. I can see people enjoying their day at the beach.I sat on the rattan couch while holding my phone. Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makitang may update na si Mommy tungkol kay Killian. Apat na messages 'yon at may kasama pang attachments.Mommy sent me pictures and a short clip of Killian's day without us. They went to church this morning and a
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon For my first outfit, I wore a ruffled sleeves white dress that reached above my calves. I turned my dark hair into a low bun with a few thin hairs dangling on both sides of my face. I applied light make-up as it suits me very much. Hindi na ako nagsuot ng mga alahas at tanging wedding ring namin ni Reeve at ang hikaw ko ang suot ko. Reeve was wearing a black button-down short sleeve and white trousers. The first four buttons of his shirt were opened, revealing his hard chest. Kumakapal na rin ang buhok ni Reeve. Simula noong mag retired siya bilang lieutenant-colonel, nagpapahaba na siya ng buhok. But hubby continued getting faded haircut as I told him I love seeing him with faded hairstyle. Reeve and I entered the highly recommended Mexican restaurant near our hotel called Riviera Maya restaurant. The restaurant itself has a modern Mexican interior and an overlooking ocean view. A server immediately introduced himself and guided us to our tabl
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon "Hubby, do you think it's really okay to leave Killian? What if he cried because we weren't there for him? What if something bad happened to him while we were away? What if the breast milk I prepared ain't enough?" I asked worriedly. "Do you want us to bring him? We can go back and get him," he asked back. We are now in the car, travelling to the airport. Hindi na namin sinama si Killian at baka magdalawang-isip pa ako na hindi tumuloy. I don't want to leave our son. I am too worried about him, but at the same time, I want to be with Reeve, just the two of us, on our honeymoon vacation. I sighed and shook my head. "I want to, but this is our vacation as husband and wife. I just can't stop thinking and worrying about our son. Ito ang unang beses na iiwan natin siya sa loob ng apat na araw," He reached for my elbow and tugged me so I could face him. "Wife, don't worry too much about Killian, okay? He's in the good hands. Your parents want to ha
Unseen chapter: The Honeymoon "Hubby, do you think the 20 million we donated to the kids and families in Palestine is enough, or should we add at least 10 million more?" Reeve's strong arms immediately caught my waist. He pulled me and let me use his lap as my chair. My heart instantly leapt with his move. "Wife, 20 million is enough. We still have Ukraine and another country to send our donations, remember?" "Yes..." "So, we have to save..." I felt his hand squeeze my waist. "Baka mamulubi naman tayo niyan," My lips parted before I chuckled. "Hindi naman siguro, hubby." He bowed his head in silence before he burst into laughed. "You are not sure, wife." I felt his lips on my cheek. "Have you told Killian about our plans?" I sighed upon remembering that. Reeve and I will fly to Mexico this week for our honeymoon for our second wedding. Today is our real honeymoon because when we first got married and had our honeymoon, we were both drunk. Last month, our wedding
Time flies so fast because Killian is growing so fast. Killian is now ten months old, and in two months, he will turn 1. He can now crawl and stand on his own. He also have two primary teeth in front of his gums. He likes to explore and be mobile the reason why we've put up safety barriers in his nursery room. Killian giggled as I tickled him gently on his chubby neck. His little chuckles are sound to my ears. I can't help but chuckle while watching him. May dalawang ngipin na siya sa harapan, making him more adorable. "You like it when Mama tickles you, huh?" I gently said and kissed him on his forehead. "Mama and Papa loves you so much, baby. Don't grow up so fast, please?" Killian made a random sounds as if he was talking back at me. Napangiti ako pinunasan ang namumuong laway sa gilid ng labi niya. Saktong lumabas si Reeve galing bathroom nang magsalita si Killian sa unang pagkakataon. It wasn't the first time, but it was the first he uttered clear words. Most of the time,
ON our second day, we went to the French Aquarium in Le Bon Marche. Kirsten and Killian enjoyed their time there since they had some activity regarding sea creatures. We also went to some high-end brand shops to buy pasalubong. Then, we went to the Eiffel Tower. Tomorrow, we decided to visit the Disneyland Paris. I was staring at the magnificent view of the sunset when I suddenly craved steak. I wanted to eat steak, but not the usual steak that was cooked by a normal chef. I want it to be exceptional! I pulled the hem of Reeve's jacket. I looked at him in doe when he glanced at me in confusion, yet his aura looked radiant. Palibhasa, natuloy kami sa pagdidilig kagabi. And I swear it was so good that we had four rounds! "Hmm? What does my wife want?" he asked while grinning. "I want steak for dinner." He looked dazed. "Steak? I knew a steak restaurant in the corner," he says. I shook my head in disagreement. "No! Gusto 'ko luto ni Gordon Ramsay! I want him to cook the steak
After over 16 hours of non-stop flight, the airplane safely landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Reeve got our luggage on the carry-on while I readied the kids to disembark the plane. But before we leave, lumabas si Dad mula sa cockpit para batiin kami. I was mesmerized seeing him wearing a pilot uniform. May mga ibang crew ang napatingin sa paglapit ni Dad sa amin. Dad gave me a peck on my cheeks before he tapped Reeve's shoulder. "Lolo, you're here! You are amazing, Lolo! You navigate this big aircraft by yourself!" Killian jaunty says. "Thank you, buddy," sagot ni Dad at bahagyang ginulo ang buhok ni Killian. "Lolo is a pilot?" Kirsten innocently says. Dad nodded, chuckling. "I am, sweetheart. How's the flight?" he asked cooly. "The flight was fine, Dad. Thank you for landing us safe," sagot 'ko. "Of course, sweetheart. That's my job, to make you all safe in the air and to make sure the plane will safely land on the runaway," he answered. "You're so cool, Lolo!
DAYS and weeks went in the blink of an eye. Last two months, we celebrated Killian and Kirsten's birthday. And now Reeve and I will celebrate our 7th anniversary as a husband and wife. We've been married for 17 years, but we are celebrating the anniversary of our second marriage. . . "So. . . You'll be back next month?" Mom asked in curiosity. I nodded with a subtle smile. "Yes, mom." "Ingat kayo doon, okay? Message me after the airplane lands at the airport," she said, making me nod. "Don't worry about us, Mom, we will be fine," I assured her. "I'll miss you and these two adorable children," she says and proceeds on hugging Killian and Kirsten. "I'll miss you both, sweetie pie," she says. "I will miss you too, Lola pretty!" Killian muttered. "Love you, Lola," Kirsten says, kissing mom on the cheeks. Nakangiti ako habang nakatingin sa kanila. When the boarding was announced, we knew we needed to let our feet walk until we reached the inside of the plane. I was pulling o