ZERO can’t help but smile while driving toward the market. Ever since he came back, it’s the first time that Isla called him with that endearment.So, this is the feeling when you’re in love?The feeling that he felt when he first fell in love with a girl is different from this one. There’s something that he couldn’t explain when he’s with Isla, but he can simply put it this way… Isla is like his home—he finds a home with Isla.He will do his best to protect his family. His mom was right all along. Apollo and Becca were right from the beginning. If you love, you must take risks. Whatever it is and whatever it costs.Zero picked the green mangoes and didn’t last long at the market. Then she went to the nearby mall to buy mayonnaise and ketchup since he was not sure if they have those in Isla’s house.He asked Isla one time if she wanted to stay with him at his penthouse, but the woman refused. So, no matter how tiring it was, he always visited Isla every day after work at his company.
“HERE,” Zero uttered when he put down the plate on the table.Isla arched her brow. “Why did you mix the mayonnaise and ketchup?” she asked.Zero sighed. “It was your mom who did it, baby. Not—”“What? Didn’t I tell you that you have to—”“Come on, baby….” Zero went closer to her and sat beside her, “—please… don’t make it too—”“So, you’re giving up?” Isla cut off the hum of his words.Zero shook his head. “It’s not like that—”“Then what?”He sighed once again and was about to reach for her hand when she moved away from him.Zero let out a soft chuckle. “Don’t be childish, baby—”“You called me childish?” Isla’s eyes widened, and she stood up.He doesn’t know how to react. And he just cursed inside his head. He totally forgot that some pregnant women are sensitive.“Baby… I’m so—”“Follow me to the room,” Isla asserted and started to walk her way toward the second floor of their house.Zero frowned slightly as he followed. He was about to step his foot on the staircase when he saw t
ISLA was combing her hair in front of her vanity mirror when she heard a knock on the door.She put down her comb and walked towards the door. She gasped in surprise when she saw Zero.“Hi,” he greeted and gave a peck on her lips, making her eyes widen.“I thought—”“Surprise,” he let out and smiled at her.She frowned and bit her lower lip.Then suddenly, Zero brings out the flowers that he hides on his back. “For the lovely mother-to-be of my kids and my future wife,” he asserted.Isla doesn’t know what to feel at this moment. Zero never failed to surprise her.Before a tear could fall from her eyes, she smiled to push it back and reached for the bouquet of tulips—her favorite.“Thank you,” she said and tiptoed, brushing her lips into his.Zero smiled and offered his arm. “Shall we?”Isla hit him in the shoulder slightly before snaking her arm into it. They then went downstairs.Isla’s mom is on a trip again and doesn’t know when she will come back, and she doesn’t need to tell Apol
“IF ONLY you’re not my sister, I will not give a damn,” Apollo’s words echoed inside their living room one afternoon.Isla smiled widely. “Thank you so much, my brother,” she replied, more of a tease.When they’re done eating lunch, Zero drops her at their house before going back to his company, and it happens that she sees her brother.At first, she doesn’t know why he’s home but when she heard it’s because of Zero, an idea suddenly popped inside her head.She remembered that she asked Zero earlier to do something, and of course, to make it convincing, she also added drama. She knew it was a bad thing, but she used her situation to let Apollo fetch Becca at the airport.“If you’re trying to be cupid. Mind you, I will not ever like your best friend,” Apollo asserted while staring at her.She formed a snide. “Yeah, because you love her, right?”At this moment, she could see the invisible smoke that was coming out of her brother’s nose.Apollo frowned. “Not a chance—”“Oh, stop that, Ap
“WHERE’S ISLA?” It was Becca’s words the moment she saw Apollo.Apollo grimaced and arched his brow as he got her luggage.“Why didn’t you bring—”“Can’t you just get in the car and stop finding the person that is not here?”Becca arched her brow. “That’s why I’m looking for her because she’s not here,” she replied and rolled her eyes.Apollo sighed. “Can’t you just stop talking and walk silently?”Becca scoffed and looked at him. “God gave me this…” she pointed her mouth, “—to have the freedom to speak,” she added.Apollo pressed his lips and didn’t utter a word again until they stepped inside his car.“Geez, I hate white cars,” Becca asserted as she put on her seatbelt.Apollo couldn’t help but react. “You’re free to take the yellow cars,” he replied and started the engine.“I’m tired. Just drive. I want to go home—”“Sure—”“I mean to your house, honey,” Becca said.Apollo was stunned for a moment, and when he met Becca’s eyes, he didn’t know what to feel. It’s the first time that
THEY FOUND themselves exchanging hot kisses on Apollo’s soft and comfy bed. Her silent moans became visible until they filled the air inside. His kisses deepened, and his touches were electrifying. She let Apollo savor her lips, and suddenly, his lips went into her jaw… down to her neck. She moved to the side to give him better access.Her hands roam at his back as his lips go down to her collarbone. His hands started to wander. It went inside her shirt and found her piles.His touch and gentle kisses made her moan a little louder. This feeling is so new to her.His hand went above her right breast while Apollo’s lips went down to her neckline. In a swift move, Apollo’s pushed the hem of her dress up high making—stopping him from kissing her and tossing her shirt on the floor.No one dared to talk. Apollo claimed her lips once again. This time it’s more aggressive than the first one. His lips nibbled hers and even sucked it… letting her mouth open and get the chance to savor the insid
ISLA“God. Zero….!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. My stomach was aching, and when I looked down, I knew already that my water had popped. Baby… do you want to come out now? I pondered as I tried to get up and walked towards the door.It’s Saturday, and Zero just went down to get me some water. And a few moments that heleft; my water popped.I tried to get up but I couldn’t. “Zero…!” I screamed for his name once again.I don’t know if he can’t hear me, but I am praying that he will.I bit my lower lip when I felt the pain again… when suddenly, I glanced at the wireless telephone. I grimaced and walked towards and sat at the side of my bed. I dialed the line in the living room, and Nana picked it up.“Nana, my water broke—”“Oh, Lord Jesus. Wait over there. I will tell Zero,” Nana replied and dropped the call.I took a deep breath and sighed to calm myself, but the pain was piercing inside me. “Hang in there, little one,” I whispered.And a few seconds passed, Zero harshly opened
ISLA“Hi,” Zero greeted me at the moment that I opened my eyes.“Hmm…” I groaned as I adjusted my vision. “What time is it?” I asked as I moved forward to his side. “You just got home?”Zero let out a soft chuckle. “Yeah, and been staring at you for minutes,” he replied, which made me look at him, frowning.“Why you didn’t wake me up? How about Eight?”Zero smiled. “She’s with Becca and Apollo,” he replied.I smiled the moment I heard those names. “Uhm, they may be practicing how to—”“Stop imagining things and let them be, baby,” Zero cut me off, making me smirk.“Yeah.” I sat on the bed, and he guided me towards his arm, as he leaned on the headboard, and I, on his chest.“How’s work?” I asked as I stared at our intertwined fingers.I heard his sigh. “Fine. Too many papers to sign, meetings to attend, and of course, people to deal with,” he replied.I smiled and moved away as I looked into his eyes. “Tiring?”Zero pressed his lips and shook his head. “Not at all. Now that I see you
LOVE is about taking risks.There are many different perspectives on whether taking risks for love is a good or bad idea, but in the end, it doesn’t matter because we all do it.Fear is the most lethal weapon known to humanity. Fear of being harmed, ridiculed, making mistakes, failing, and not achieving our objective. Fear can prevent us from pursuing our dreams, and goals or even taking risks with people who genuinely care about us.Eventually, love will catch up with us, and there is no way to avoid it. We are created to love and be loved, and I believe we can all agree that love is the most fantastic and indescribable emotion known to mankind.Isla was the happiest woman when she married Zero Cohen a few years ago. Zero is a caring, loving, and thoughtful husband. But was he said before was true. He isn’t perfect. They have a happy married life, but it’s not always rainbows and happiness. They argue. They fight. They have misunderstandings. But Zero’s always ensured they won’t slee
AFTER a few minutes, Apollo’s car arrives before them, and another weird thing happens. Becca opened the backseat door for her.However, she chooses to ignore it.“Let’s go…!” Becca exclaimed triumphantly.“I don’t know what’s happening why both of you are now acting weird.” Isla broke the silence inside the car.Apollo and Becca looked at each other and smiled.After a few seconds, they arrived at the Peterson mansion.“Let me open it for you, princess,” Apollo asserted when Isla was about to open the car door.She heaved a deep sigh and let the two weirdos start ruining her mood.“My lady,” Apollo uttered when he opened the door and bowed slightly.Isla, who’s started to lose her patience, slammed her brother right through his abdomen.“Fuck!” Apollo exclaimed.Becca just laughed to the side.“You’re really stunning, my bestie,” Becca complimented, but Isla just sneered and walked straight to their mansion.However, when she stepped inside, she felt that something was wrong. “Nana…!
WHAT IS it feel like to have a family at such an early age?Do we feel regrets or not?To some, maybe yes, but to others, like Isla… she has no regrets at all.Having a family is like you have an unwavering sense of security. You realize that wealth is not necessary for happiness. Rather than that, you’re happy because you’re loved, treasured, and accepted wholeheartedly.Even if you have a bad day out in the world, you know that when you return home, everything will be fine. While we are out in the world, we are constantly raising our shields and swords to defend ourselves against unfortunate and nasty people who may attempt to exploit us.However, you know that you will be able to lay down the shield and sword when you return home, as there will be no enemies. Everyone becomes so close in a loving family that they can almost read each other’s minds; they immediately notice something strange or when someone is going through a difficult situation.It’s almost as if everyone becomes so
ZERO’S reapers reported what just had happened the moment Isla and Becca took a cab. Three of his men were already tailing them.Troy may be thought that he has watchers.“I want this to be clean smoothly,” Zero asserted as he started to wear his suit and put his gun on his shoulder holster.“Romano is already at the location, Sir,” the man replied.Zero nodded.“Where are they right now? How’s the location?”The man informed Zero about the location, and Zero nodded.“That fucktard dared to use carbon monoxide?”The man nodded.“I will fucking kill that punk once I saw him. How are they?”“They’re fine, Sir. According to Romano, they just gained consciousness after an hour.Zero glanced at his wristwatch, and it was already six-thirty.“Where’s my bike?” he asked.“At the garage, Sir,” the reaper replied.Zero then rushed towards the private garage of his building and rode his Ducati towards the location where Troy took Isla and Becca.That bastard maybe thinks that he’s not prepared.
“CAN’T YOU feel that I don’t like you, Troy?” Isla frowned as she glared at the man who was giving the flowers and chocolates.She’s been ignoring him since that day, yet he keeps on catching her attention.“Hey, the jerky Troy Angelo, don’t wait until my cousin knocked your soul out of your body,” Becca asserted, pissed off.Troy Angelo let out a devilish chuckle. “That old man is no much to me—”“Arrogant. Don’t act braver, Angelo. You are nothing but a piece of shit,” Becca reacted, making the man clenched his fist.It’s their vacant time, and they are sitting in the garden when Troy approaches them.“They’re not married yet. So, I have the chance,” Troy uttered, making Becca burst into laughter.“Oh, come on, dickhead. There are so many women there. Why does it have to be the person who already has a family and wants a peaceful life?”Becca stood up, but Isla held her and pulled her down.Troy gives the flowers and chocolates to his companion, who’s just merely smirking at them.I
IT WAS eight in the evening. After dinner, Zero and Isla stay up on the balcony of their room.Their daughter was already asleep in the next room.“How’s school?” Zero asked as he leaned on the chair and stared at her.She heaved a deep sigh, and Zero knew that there was something wrong.“Any problem?”She bit her lower lip and nodded. “In school…”“Uhm?”“—someone is bugging me and even threatening me,” Isla started and frowned when she saw Zero's unbothered face.Zero sipped on his glass of wine. “What about him… or her?”Isla sighed; turmoil suddenly pierced inside her heart which jolted her chest. Is it right to tell Zero about it? She wondered.However, it’s the best thing that she must do. Troy is a big threat.“I had a classmate. His name is Troy Angelo—”“Angelo?” Zero frowned and put down the glass on the side table. “You said, Troy, right?”Isla’s forehead creased. “Yes. Troy Angelo. And I’m sorry, I did tell him about you and our daughter. It’s the only way I thought would
“HOW CAN we get rid of them?” Isla asked as she glanced once again at the back.Zero stepped on the gas a speed the car swiftly.Instead of answering, he asked, “What do you think, baby?”Isla frowned a little bit; a thumping knocked her heart. “You need to find a deserted place or an open area.”“No people…” Zero smiled.“Don’t tell me they will fire at us?” she asked. Curiosity evaded her system as excitement jolted her chest.She saw how Zero crept a smirk on his lips. “Aren’t you getting nervous, baby?” he asked, and he drifted to the left, entering the left highway, which is bound to the mountains.“A little,” she replied.Zero let out a soft chuckle as he glanced into the side mirror once again. “Damn,” he cursed, making Isla frown and glance at the back.Soon as he darted her gaze at the foes, her eyes widened in awe. “Gun!” she exclaimed. “Faster, Zero,” she commanded.Zero let out a chuckle again. “If we’re gonna entertain those, you’ll be late for school,” he said.Isla frow
“WHAT’S MY next appointment?” Zero asked his assistant.“You have a meeting with Mr. Angelo, Sir.”Upon hearing that name, Zero grimaced. “Did I agree with this appointment?”The assistant started to tremble and nodded. “I asked about it three days ago, Sir,” he replied.“Take it down. And cut off the ties with the Angelos,” he said and stood up.“But Mr. Angelo was expecting you—”“I don’t need any partnership with the Angelos! Am I not clear?” Zero’s voice raised as anger lingers in it.“My apology, Mr. Cohen,” the assistant replied.“If so, tell dad to meet his friend. But you, I’m not allowing you to have an appointment with them,” he said and left his office.He walked towards his private elevator and was about to close it when his eyes widened and pierced his gaze to the person who had just gone inside the elevator.Zero was about to stay and pushed the open button when that person blocked his way.“What the fuck are you doing?!” he roared.“Zero…”“Fuck it, Tilda!” Zero’s angry
ISLAZero dropped us off at school before he went to his work.“See you,” I said and gave a peck on his lips, making Becca complain.“Geez, people,” Becca exclaimed as she got off the car.I shook my head and smiled after. Zero met my gaze and leaned forward as he gave me one more peck on the lips. “Bye, baby. Study well. No boys,” he uttered and winked at me.I smiled. “Of course, Sir. Uhm, check on Nana before you start working, okay?” I glanced at my wristwatch, “I have class at eight-thirty,” I said.“No problem, baby. See you. Text me, and I’ll pick you up,” he said. However, I shook my head.“No. It’s fine. We’ll take the cab—”“Call the driver then,” he interrupted, making me smile.“Baby… we’ll be safe. Besides, I know you’ve secured the area already, am I right?”Zero pressed his lips and rested his left hand on the steering wheel. “What do you think?”I smirked and got off the car. I waved goodbye before closing the car door.“Seriously?”I turned to Becca when I heard her v