"When we return to Manila, will anything change?" Styx's question caught me off guard.Will it? I mean, I've grown accustomed to his presence, and I know my son is the same way. It won't be easy for me to readjust, but whatever happens, happens. It's frustrating how quickly tears welled up as I struggled to fit Zenith's things into a bag. Our journey back to Manila starts now. I don't know what life awaits us there, but I want to face it head-on. Staying here and hiding won't solve anything.Things are okay between Styx and me now, and I know he has no intention of hurting me or our son."Maybe," I simply replied and continued packing.I felt his presence beside me, so I stopped and looked at him blankly. His eyes were full of emotion, almost pleading. I tried to avoid it, but he gently held my cheeks and turned my face towards him.A tear fell from my eye. I quickly wiped it away and looked away from him."Do you still love me?" he asked, his voice breaking. I bit my lower lip and av
I woke up with swollen eyes and a pounding headache. I couldn't remember what happened last night. It was exhausting trying to piece it all together to understand what he said. I just wanted to bury myself in bed and let everything happen, but I couldn't allow that. I have a child who needs me. Plus, Styx's statement that I'm pregnant added to my determination to confirm it before taking any risky steps.I got up from bed and lifted the blanket off my son. He was sleeping soundly, cuddled with a pillow. I kissed his forehead and caressed his cheek before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.After bathing, I dressed in a two-piece suit and applied light makeup. I made sure the blush on my face was subtle before briefly styling my hair and slipping on two-inch heels. Since Zenith was still asleep, I waited for him to wake up before leaving. I planned to take him along since there would be no one to watch over him."Mommy? Where are you going?" He rubbed his eyes and looked at me with
"Ma'am, do you have an appointment?" Duex's secretary greeted me. I couldn't miss the way she glanced at me.I raised my brow. It was clear she was new here, as most employees already knew me—not just because I'm the daughter of the former owner, but because I'm the major shareholder of this company. She wasn't hiding, but she also wasn't overly familiar. Only employees and company partners were privy to such details. I handed over leadership to Duex because I needed to focus on my plans with Styx back then, but now, if it's true that Duex was the cause of my and my son's suffering, I won't hesitate to reclaim what's mine and make him pay for all the harm he's caused."You won't like it if I introduce myself," I replied coldly, giving her a stern look. She smiled nervously but persisted."Ma'am, an appointment is required—""Let her in." I was surprised when someone spoke behind me. His familiar scent immediately enveloped me. I kept my eyes on his secretary, trying to maintain my com
Styx Syruis was busy playing with his pen when her secretary rushed into her room. There was a smile on his lips as he realised the news brought by her secretary. He's patiently waiting for her to talk and looking at her with a stern face."Sir, Mr. Antonio Xedler passed away last month, and they tried to hide it, but our team was able to know the news." His face remained blank while waiting for more information from her secretary."I—I already talked to our lawyer and—""Has he already transferred the shares to me?" he asked in monotone. His secretary bowed her head, and her knees started to tremble in fear. She knew that once she spilled unpleasant information to her boss, he would lash out and fire her."N-No, sir. His daughter will—"Her secretary was cut off when someone opened the door, which created a noise inside the room. Mr. Styx Syruis slowly tilted his head to look at the person who had the audacity to interrupt the important conversation, but he got halted when he saw a w
Zyxhiaxy Who knows that this is how it feels to see your enemy almost turn pale while wearing a shocked face? It is kind of satisfying, as well as my favourite moment so far."How's the meeting with the board? You weren't gatecrashing the ongoing meeting, were you?" I rolled my eyes and began smoothly shaking the glass of my wine while a small yet sarcastic grin plastered on my lips."Zy, you have no permission to interrupt their meeting, yet you did," he added."As far as I know, I am now the chairman of the board after Dad passed away. What's wrong with that?" I looked at Duex, who suddenly sat up on my couch and secretly laughed when he saw I was pissed.I took a deep breath and crossed my legs while playing with the ice in the drink. I froze for a moment when I remembered Styx's reaction. It looks like he saw a ghost, but maybe he did. the ghost of his past."Tsk. I'm just concerned about you, babe. What does your beloved husband say?" I almost spit out what I was drinking at the
Zyxhiaxy I sighed in relief after fifty minutes of staring at my white ceiling. I can't count how many times I let out a deep breath because I couldn't get my mind off what happened last night at the party.Styx's face kept running and appearing in my mind. The way he uttered 'I miss you' was so realistic that I almost believed it. I grinned sarcastically and clenched my hand that was currently placed over my chest. I'm still wearing my pyjamas, and my hair is still a mess because I don't have the strength to get up today. I heard my phone ring several times until I got up and answered it."Good morning," was greeted cheerfully by the person on the other line, but I was in no mood to answer and remained silent."Tsk, tsk. Why are you frowning again, so early, ah?" I went inside the bathroom and faced the mirror. I frowned when I saw my appearance. Shit. I feel lifeless.Annoyed, I hung up on him and started to fix myself. I put toothpaste on my toothbrush and started brushing my teet
Zyxhiaxy "I suggest we expand the casino so we'd attract more tourists since our target is foreigners and businessmen. What do you think, Mr. Syruis?" His eyes widened, and he sat up after hearing what I said. Tsk, tsk. He obviously wasn't listening to the meeting because he had been staring at me while playing with his ballpoint pen for a while. He smiled hesitantly before looking around at the people sitting at the long table, who were now waiting for what he had to say. They were all focused on him, so I couldn't help but grin because of his state."I agree with, uh, Ms. Xedler. That's a very nice suggestion." I nodded before continuing. I need to earn their trust as soon as possible. They all still have doubts about my ability, but I won't let them think of me like that over time.I sat on the swivel chair while signing the papers handed to me by my secretary. I still hadn't eaten, so I could feel my stomach growling, but I didn't pay attention to it and continued, but Styx grabb
Zyxhiaxy "The next time you do that, you are no longer my friend, okay?" I yelled at Duex while putting my diamond earrings on my ear. Annoyed, I glanced at him, who was now watching me laugh while resting his two arms on the sofa.He got into my house while I was still sleeping because he had his own key to the house. He was able to enter my house. He hangs out here a lot, so I let him have the key, but not to wake me up so early and during my deep slumber!I fell asleep late last night because I still can't get over how Styx stared at me last night. He looked at me like he was really in love with me. It's funny because while he's happily trying to take my heart, I'm secretly laughing at his stupidity.I was just starting my agenda, but everything was going smoothly according to our plans. We didn't have a hard time because Styx himself came to me willingly and was willing to kneel in front of me to forgive him and do anything just to get me back.I expected it to happen, but not th
"Ma'am, do you have an appointment?" Duex's secretary greeted me. I couldn't miss the way she glanced at me.I raised my brow. It was clear she was new here, as most employees already knew me—not just because I'm the daughter of the former owner, but because I'm the major shareholder of this company. She wasn't hiding, but she also wasn't overly familiar. Only employees and company partners were privy to such details. I handed over leadership to Duex because I needed to focus on my plans with Styx back then, but now, if it's true that Duex was the cause of my and my son's suffering, I won't hesitate to reclaim what's mine and make him pay for all the harm he's caused."You won't like it if I introduce myself," I replied coldly, giving her a stern look. She smiled nervously but persisted."Ma'am, an appointment is required—""Let her in." I was surprised when someone spoke behind me. His familiar scent immediately enveloped me. I kept my eyes on his secretary, trying to maintain my com
I woke up with swollen eyes and a pounding headache. I couldn't remember what happened last night. It was exhausting trying to piece it all together to understand what he said. I just wanted to bury myself in bed and let everything happen, but I couldn't allow that. I have a child who needs me. Plus, Styx's statement that I'm pregnant added to my determination to confirm it before taking any risky steps.I got up from bed and lifted the blanket off my son. He was sleeping soundly, cuddled with a pillow. I kissed his forehead and caressed his cheek before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.After bathing, I dressed in a two-piece suit and applied light makeup. I made sure the blush on my face was subtle before briefly styling my hair and slipping on two-inch heels. Since Zenith was still asleep, I waited for him to wake up before leaving. I planned to take him along since there would be no one to watch over him."Mommy? Where are you going?" He rubbed his eyes and looked at me with
"When we return to Manila, will anything change?" Styx's question caught me off guard.Will it? I mean, I've grown accustomed to his presence, and I know my son is the same way. It won't be easy for me to readjust, but whatever happens, happens. It's frustrating how quickly tears welled up as I struggled to fit Zenith's things into a bag. Our journey back to Manila starts now. I don't know what life awaits us there, but I want to face it head-on. Staying here and hiding won't solve anything.Things are okay between Styx and me now, and I know he has no intention of hurting me or our son."Maybe," I simply replied and continued packing.I felt his presence beside me, so I stopped and looked at him blankly. His eyes were full of emotion, almost pleading. I tried to avoid it, but he gently held my cheeks and turned my face towards him.A tear fell from my eye. I quickly wiped it away and looked away from him."Do you still love me?" he asked, his voice breaking. I bit my lower lip and av
I began to walk in the field of green and fresh grass as I stared at my son. He giggled and wrinkled his nose while holding a bouquet of flowers, with his father beside him, staring at me intensely and not averting his gaze.My cheeks flushed. I didn't say anything and continued walking until I stopped in front of them. I turned my gaze away, feeling nervous because of his presence. The beautiful view of the blue sky perfectly complemented the greenery around us.Styx was wearing his usual office attire, which made him even more intimidating and attractive. I gulped, clearing the lump in my throat, and held my breath when he touched my delicate hand."Beautiful," he murmured, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing it lovingly."Thanks," I replied, even though I felt the whole damn zoo inside my abdomen."Mommy, you're pretty." My attention was drawn to my son when he spoke. I smiled at him, tears welling up in my eyes."Thank you, mi amor."Styx pulled me down to a spread-out fabric
"Mommy! Please let's ride there! Daddy, please!" I chuckled as I glanced at our child, who was being incredibly persistent. I couldn't blame him; it was our first time back at the theme park, and he was beyond excited, unable to sit still."Sure, but let's walk around first. Is there anything you want to buy?" Styx asked Zenith, holding our child's left hand. I held onto Zenith's right hand tightly, afraid he might get lost in the crowd."I want cotton candy!" Styx bought Zenith cotton candy and insisted I take some too, even though I initially refused because I didn't eat it. He widened his eyes in persuasion."Which rides do you want to go on?" he asked our child. Zenith finished the cotton candy and grinned widely."I want to ride the carousel horse," he said excitedly. Styx glanced at me, so I raised an eyebrow at him. Crossing my arms, I stared at him blankly."Go with your son," I murmured. He furrowed his brows and looked at our son."Why me?""Why not you?" I retorted.He frown
It's been a week since Styx started staying here. I don't know how long he plans to stay, but I have no intention of asking. Our plan to go to the mall yesterday didn't push through because I wasn't feeling well. I spent the whole day locked in my room while Styx sold snacks and balot at night. He also took care of our son."Do you feel okay?" Styx asked and placed a plate full of food on the table. I just nodded and clung tightly to the blanket covering my body. I didn't have a fever, cold, or cough, I just really wasn't feeling well and often felt dizzy. He wanted to take me to the hospital, but it wasn't necessary because it was a minor issue for me."Eat a lot, you need to be healthy for our son." He sat beside me and handed me the food. I didn't say anything because I really didn't have an appetite today. I suddenly felt this way."Where's my son?" He fed me a spoonful of rice and food. I was hesitant at first, but I just shrugged it off.He wiped the sauce from the side of my lip
I quickly pushed him away and turned around to hide my blushing face. I wanted so badly to scream, but I couldn't let him see me in this state. Even though I felt weak, I tried to continue washing the dishes, but I froze in place when a strong arm wrapped around my small waist and hugged me.I did not move as I remained frozen. His chest touched my back and sent shivers down my spine. He rested his chin on my shoulder and kissed me there. I tried to pull away, but it wasn't enough because of my weakness. His manly scent enveloped me, and his warm hands placed on my body were enough to reach my heart."S-Styx, what are you doing?" I told him and slightly moved."Can we stay like this for a while? I missed you," he sounded tired.I tried to push him again, but he only tightened his embrace. Slowly, I weakened and allowed him to hug me. After a few minutes, he moved on his own. He kissed my neck again and let out a deep sigh."I wish we could stay like this forever, Xhia," he whispered."
"Mommy, where's Daddy?" I paused folding clothes when Zenith spoke. He was sitting at the edge of the bed, playing with his feet raised on the bed."I don't know, child." He pouted and frowned. I really didn’t know. After Styx brought us home when Zenith was discharged from the hospital, he said he would leave for a while. It didn’t matter to me. I didn’t care if he never came back."I want to see Daddy," he whispered like he didn’t want me to hear it. I sighed and rolled the clothes. I sat beside him and stroked his chubby cheeks. His gentle eyes looked at me, filled with sadness as if he missed his father's presence."Are you angry with Mommy, child?" I asked softly. I looked at him nervously when he didn’t answer, but I was immediately relieved when he smiled at me.He shook his head. "No, Mommy."I breathed a sigh of relief. "Why? Aren't you angry with Mommy because I didn't tell you immediately that he’s your Daddy?" I asked further.He smiled and pinched my cheeks. "Mommy, I know
"Dear, you should eat first. I've noticed you look so weak since last night. You might get sick," Inang noted while arranging the fruits on a table beside Zenith's bed.Styx had moved Zenith to a private room. At first, I didn't agree, but he pleaded with me, saying it was for Zenith.I didn't know why he was acting this way towards me now. Our eyes often met, but he quickly looked away as if my gaze was burning him.He left a while ago and hasn't returned yet. Zenith is asleep and resting after taking his medicine."I'm okay, Inang. You can go home now and rest. I'll take care of the hospital bills. Len-Len talked to Aling Isang and she agreed to lend me money to help with the bill."She frowned, clearly displeased with what I said."Isn't that man the one who moved your child to a private room?"I nodded and bit the inside of my cheek. "I can pay the bill even without him. We don't need him." Inang sighed and placed her hand on mine.She opened her mouth as if to say something, but