ZyxhiaxyPeople will say that every person deserves a second chance. It was easy to say, but that would never be easy for me to do. I grew up alone in life, and even though Mama was there, she didn't make me feel like her daughter.If forgiveness is easy, why are so many people still unable to get past their past? If it were that easy, the hearts of many would be free. Is it that hard for others to understand that not everyone is capable of forgiveness?I will admit that I have sinned once and asked for someone's forgiveness. Sometimes it was too difficult for me to do that, but now there is no more room in my heart for forgiveness.My stone heart couldn't afford forgiveness. I want to see them cry in pain. I want to see them wrecked and miserable. I want to see them kneeling while their hands are clasped. I want to see them carry the pain that I inflicted."Zy, I hope you won't destroy the plan we made. It's not easy to get to where you are now. Do you think you can do it again if yo
ZyxhiaxyThe next morning, I woke up still in Styx's arms. I smiled and caressed his soft cheeks. He was sleeping soundly, and his peaceful face was attractive. His arms were wrapped around my waist as if I would disappear at any moment.I smiled when he groaned and buried his face in my neck. He smelled it a little and touched his lips, so I knew he was awake."Styx," I whispered when he started pinching my waist in a way that sent shivers down my spine."Hmmm?" he hummed and continued kissing my neck."Let's get up, ahhh!" I couldn't stop moaning when he sucked my skin there. He happily moved his face away from my neck and faced me. I frowned at his gentle face."Good morning, love."I can't help smiling. We used to be like this; every time we woke up early, we went to the kitchen together, and he cooked breakfast for me. After that, I will prepare what he will wear to work, and I myself will be the one to wear his necktie. I couldn't help but smile bitterly. I shouldn't worry about
ZyxhiaxyIt wasn't easy for me to convince Styx not to go with me. He insisted several times on going with me, but I didn't agree either. No matter what he does, he can't see Engineer Drylto and me together.I drove quickly to go to the address of the coffee shop the man gave me. I didn't even get there when I noticed that my cellphone was lit up and saw that he was calling.I sighed before answering his call. It was easy for me to talk to him because my phone was connected to the car's speaker."Hey, Ms. Xedler, do you intend to make me wait here all day?" he opened.Turned the steering wheel before answering. I'm almost at the address. "Just wait for me, asshole."His irritating laugh is repeated again. Annoyed, I stepped on the accelerator to speed up."Okay. Safe driving, my lady."I don't know why I'm talking at that idiot. Last night, before I went to Styx, he called to let me know that he would help me with my plan. I'm not that dumb to trust him, but I guess I had a hint of wh
ZyxhiaxyI can't believe I could accuse Duex of such a thing. Out of all the people around me, he was the only one I could trust, but I was able to accuse him of something he would never do.Regret filled my heart, and I hated myself for not accepting what I had done. Maybe I was just carried away by emotion, but that's not enough for me to blame Duex. He is a good person, and I can't deny that. He saved me several times whenever I needed him.Even when I thought my life was over, he held on to me and opened my eyes to a new life. So I don't know how to act after he confesses to me.Should I avoid him? I don't think that's the best idea. But I couldn't act properly knowing that I had done bad things to him, and he just confessed to me to prove his innocence. It's annoying because if it weren't for my doubts, he wouldn't be able to admit it like that.Even though I keep insisting to myself that Duex is the most deserving of love, I can't deny that there is a part of my heart that is di
ZyxhiaxyThe next day, when I woke up, he wasn't by my side. I didn't wonder anymore and went downstairs to prepare food. He watched over me all night. I woke up several times to pee, and he watched over me and even helped me go to the bathroom. He also wakes me up every time I take medicine. He sacrifices his sleep to make me feel better, which is why I'm planning something so I can get back at him.After going down, I found Styx serving food on the table. He still doesn't see me and is just serious about levelling the plate on the table. I smiled at that sight. I couldn't help but be thrilled when I remembered how he took care of me last night.He looked up when he felt my presence. His eyes were blank.I sighed. "Why haven't you left yet?" He sighed before putting the utensils down."Why did you get up so soon? Do you want your sickness to get worse?" he said, coming to me. I jolted to my feet when he touched the back of his palm to my forehead. His brows were furrowed, and his lip
ZyxhiaxyEveryone was busy the whole week preparing for the big event. I didn't request that my birthday be grand, but Styx insisted. It's annoying because I'm not used to having this kind of event with a lot of people, but I couldn't stop him. They also want to do that to formally introduce me to everyone as the new chairman of the company. By Saturday, my birthday will be held there. I was nervous as hell because I'd meet a lot of people there. Although I am used to gathering, this time the spotlight is on me. I was about to leave the office when I saw Duex knocking on the door. I arched a brow. "What do you need?" I said as I stepped back. He smiled at me and showed me a paper bag. "Lunch?" I sighed before proceeding to my chair. I put down the things to take with me when leaving and sat down. I just watched him while he laid our food on the table. He was serious while doing that. "How's the investigation?" I'm
ZyxhiaxyThe day passed like a breeze, and tomorrow is my birthday. Styx insisted that we should have a date before my birthday. I didn't refuse because I wanted it too.I just sat in front of the vanity mirror and looked at myself. I smile faintly at myself as I try to familiarise myself with my face. I realised that I didn't know myself now. A lot has changed; I'm no longer the old Zyxhiaxy they knew.For years, I refused to look in the mirror because every time I stared at my face, I would just remember those people who once adored my face. Mama used to say that she was ashamed of me. She said she can't bear to be with me every time we go out because people often know right away that I'm his daughter. Mama and I have a lot in common, so I'm not surprised.Styx used to rain kisses there every time before going to sleep, waking up, and until dinner. He never forgets to kiss my face, especially every time he goes to work.I closed my eyes as I felt a tear fall from my eyes. I thought
ZyxhiaxyThe event began with an introduction. I could barely follow what the emcee was saying because of Styx's arm on my back.I was standing in front of the crowd while holding a mic. I tried to stop myself from smiling, but I failed when I saw Styx in the crowd. His lips rose up as he winked at me."Good evening," I said in a low voice. Everyone's gaze was on me. They were looking at me with their twinkling eyes. I can't believe that the company's other big investors are coming here now. Others came from Russia and New York. I can't believe that this special event was made for me."First, I want to thank our foreign visitors who made it here. Thank you so much for allowing us to have you today."Styx was just gazing at me while watching me speak the whole time. When it was over, they clapped together until I got off the stage. When I got down, I was greeted by Styx's hug. I heard gasps; even though they saw us together a while ago, they still couldn't believe what they were seeing
"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