I blinked because I felt something in my eyes. But I didn't expect something warm and wet to roll down my cheeks. The moment Koen asked if I was ready to lose something. I instantly thought of Percival. I've carried the promises and decisions I made with a shattered heart. Now, they felt like burdens pulling me away from something--someone. Back then, I thought I'd never run out of anger, and I let it consume me because I was afraid I'd forget the pain. I kept my wounds open to know what to carve on their skins. But now, I felt so hollow, as if the anger I'd carried consumed every bit of me, and now it was threatening to leave too. I should be satisfied and happy that I already held the knife that was once used against me. I could bring Cadmus to ruin, like how he ruined everything I held dear. But I wasn't. I wasn't happy. Nothing changed. I still felt like the girl who lost everything. And Percival. God, I do not deserve him. I refused to admit it because I didn't want to be the
"I told him you'd be staying at my place. He will be surprised to see you here," Koen said as he parked the car.The quiet inside the car gave us time to reflect and collect ourselves. He didn't seem so mad and worried anymore. But I was still a jumbled mess inside. The weight was heavier now that I was almost home."I see," I said. "He asked where you were. He would've searched for you if I didn't lie," Koen said. "See? You didn't plan this well enough," he jokingly added.I rolled my eyes at him before I stepped out. I raised my eyebrow when Koen also got out of the car. He walked to my side and rested his hand on my head as if I were a child."I'm sorry," he said as he hugged me. "I will always be on your side.""I wish I was older," I whispered as I gave him a pat. He only chuckled as he freed me from his embrace. "Drive safely."Koen nodded at me and waited until I got on the elevator before getting into his car. When I arrived at the penthouse, the security greeted me, but the
Percival stared at me. His lips were almost parted. I was desperate for him to say something, but at the same time, afraid. "I-I know I shouldn't," I started, stammering because I didn't know what to say exactly. "When I proposed this set-up, I thought we'd eventually love each other after we're done with what we've agreed to do. But I thought it would be slow and convenient. . . over the years, a-and only because we got used to each other or we complement each other or because we wouldn't have a choice since we're married. I didn't think I'd love you just because. I didn't think I'd love you even when I don't want to."Of course, with marriage, it's natural for it to feel real over time. . . even the one made of convenience only. I was okay with living with Percival for the rest of my life and working together. What I didn't expect was to fall for him even before we got married. I thought we could share a love that was convenient. One that wouldn't hurt and I could live without. But
Before I knew it, we were in bed and kissing as if we had been waiting for this moment our entire lives. Percy was on top of me, caging me in his arms while my hands gripped his shirt. If I could easily tear it off him, I would've already. "Please take it off," I pleaded. The things I was saying were beginning to sound so foreign to me. Percival chuckled on my lips. He pulled away and took the shirt off in one smooth motion. My lips parted at the sight of his perfect physique. I've seen it several times before, but tonight was different. My hand reached for his body and traced the middle part of his chest with my finger. When I looked up at him, he already had a cocky smirk on his face. I hate it when men get cocky with me, especially in business. But with Percival? It was hot. Slowly, I pushed myself up to level our faces. I smiled at Percy and softly kissed his lips while holding his face. I knew our bodies were burning for something rough and intense. But I wasn't done confess
I would've still been sleeping. If not for the light that had hit my eyes. I wasn't the type to stay in for five more minutes before getting up in the morning, but my head was still a little fuzzy, and the bed was more comfortable than usual. It didn't help that I was exhausted from yesterday. . . and last night. The curtains were covering the window. They were thick, but light still seeped through the gaps. I looked at the clock and realized that I had slept in. Then, I turned to the other side of the bed, half-expecting that I wouldn't see Percy there, and I was right. If he was still lying next to me, his arm would've been on me, and the bed wouldn't feel so big. I gazed down at my body to find out I was wearing one of my button-down nightshirts. I was so sure I slept without anything because I couldn't break away from Percy-not even a second. He must've dressed me up himself. I wanted to see Marcus, and it was already time for lunch, so he must be eating. I slipped on a plain
"I do, Percy. I want you by my side, always. But I'm not asking because of me," I said. Why was he so forgiving? I told him I loved him, and he accepted it as if I had never hurt him. "Why do you even. . .Why do you even love me? I've hurt you. Even if you say it wasn't intentional, I still did. For that, I don't think I deserve your love."My gaze was pinned on his hand. He lifted his head from my shoulder, and his grip loosened."Who deserves it, if not you?" Percival asked. His voice was firm. "I will always love you. No matter what you do or who you have to become. You'll always be the girl I love."I could feel him staring at me from behind, but I kept myself occupied."More than love, do you trust me? When I told you that nothing happened between me and Cadmus. Do you believe it?" I asked. "Every word," he said without hesitation. "I believed you when you said you wouldn't take him back. I don't want you near him, even if it's only for show or as part of the plan. I've already
THE WEDDING was thirty minutes away. I looked at myself in the mirror. A dozen people scurried around me. My bridesmaids, hairdressers, designers, and everyone who had helped me prepare today. My brother and father came in earlier to congratulate me, but they're probably already at the hall by now."Oh my gosh, you look so fab!" Esther squealed from behind me. "A red gown! This will hit the headlines so hard."I smiled as I eyed my gown once again. A mermaid-styled gown that embraced my curves but flowed enormously from a little above my knee down to the floor. It took up the whole space in front of the mirror, and everyone was careful not to step on it. I wore a necklace that Percival gave me, the one that stands out without trying, over the sweetheart neckline of my gown. My chest, waist, and back were adorned with small diamonds. The back of the dress showed half of my skin with its v-line cut. My red veil doesn't cover my face because it was attached to my braided bun. It was perf
Our rings were made of pure gold, and mine was embedded with diamonds. It was almost impossible for them to break and fade. So, even if the impossible happened, I would still have something to hold onto. Percy gave me the assurance that my heart desperately needed, and my eyes began to well up as he slipped the ring into my finger. "Percival," I started while taking the ring from the bearer. I looked at him before I continued. "I thought I knew love until I stood before you today, and what I feel in my chest feels unfamiliar. It's as if I had never loved any man before you. My heart used to be coddled in its little fantasy. But it was different now. It knows what it's risking." I said.I wish I could thank him for being Marcus' father since that was what I was most grateful for. But I knew better than letting the people in this hall know about my son. Even though it felt like I was alone in this moment with Percival, I knew a lot of eyes were watching--even the ones that weren't here
It took two days before the doctors said that my brother's condition had improved and he would wake up anytime soon. I wanted to stay by their side, but we had to head home each night for Marcus. After three days, we decided to discuss the situation with Helena. My family was my top priority, but it was time they filled me in with everything that happened while I was occupied at the hospital and at home.We were at the house, in Percival's office, along with Andrew and Rocco. They laid out pictures of where Helena was spotted after the incident.She might've gotten away, but she'd have no place to hide or people to rely on. Even her trusted assistant had agreed to help us in exchange for a clean slate. Helena might have had the upper hand when we didn't know who was pulling the strings. But even her people knew she'd lose the battle the moment she was discovered. Because in the world we live in, for most people, facing the Marquez head-on was just not possible.All of Helena's crimes
We decided to transfer Aisha here since we couldn't send her back to the hospital where she was originally admitted. She was determined to be by Koen's side, so we let her. I was sure my brother would want her to be at ease. So, we arranged her room to be next to his.While Percy was busy, I brought Aisha to Koen's room. I knew she wanted to run to his side the moment we entered, but she stood with glazed eyes by the door until I told her it was okay to come close. She greeted him with the softest voice I had ever heard and continued to be so careful as she touched him. My brother was still strapped to machines, and I hoped whatever Aisha was saying to him would be enough to bring him back.After she finished talking to him, we both sat quietly in his room. The nurses kept tending to her, asking her to return to her room, but she would beg them to let her stay by his side a little longer.I didn't say anything for the first hour that we sat there. Aisha was clearly worried, and I knew
This was a private hospital with a floor dedicated to their VIP patients. The lounge near the ICU and the corridor to my brother's room were exclusive to us. The other areas and rooms on this floor were also exclusive to the patients occupying them. It was impossible to loiter around without permission.We weren't accepting visitors. That was why this girl here was being driven away by the security and staff. But she seemed panicked, and her voice was begging."Who are you?" I asked as I walked toward them. My eyebrows were knitted as I scanned her appearance. She was wearing a jacket over her hospital gown. Her face looked pale, and she was wearing a beanie. Another patient?She looked at me in shock. I could sense the hesitation, but we both knew the only way to my brother was through me. And she seemed desperate. "I... I'm Aisha. I just want to see Koen. I want to know if he's alright.""Why? Why do you need to know? Who are you?" I asked again. Firmly this time. I had never met th
Light pierced through our curtains, indicating that I had been sitting on this bed for hours. The guards had secured the area, and Marcus had been moved back into his bedroom. My father and Koen were still in the hospital, and I felt too defeated to rush there and see them.I suppose this was the time to feel angry and start thinking of ways to punish whoever did this to my family. After all, anger was the only emotion I knew how to deal with. Because anger meant I could make people pay. I could put them in their place and make anyone regret crossing me. Either that or I shut down my emotions until there was no point in feeling them anymore.Anger. Hatred. Resentment. All of that made me believe that I could do something about the insurmountable grief from my mother's death and from losing the life I used to have. I thought, who could blame me? The grief was inescapable, and there was just no way around it.But the anger that pushed me to victory had also damaged the people and things
PERCIVALI was livid. So much so that my fingers finally curled into a fist. Veins popped out on my arms and neck. But Helena was too busy unbuttoning my shirt to notice all that. Her lips touched my collarbone, and her hands crawled on my chest. It was a challenge to keep my breathing steady when every part of me was aching to know that my wife and children were safe--to hold them close and feel them breathe. But I took on that challenge for them. To save them, I must first save myself. Helena was nothing but a big distraction that I plan to properly get rid of later. I ignored her and kept my eyes fixated on the fingers I could finally move."You know, I have a better idea," she whispered into my ear. "I think you'd start listening to me when I give you a son that's yours. You might even find it easier to forgive me if I carry your child."My gaze shot back at her. Despicable. I would've given her a scoff if I wasn't planning to trick her into thinking that the drug was still in fu
My eyes scanned the place to spot anything unordinary. Then I looked at my son and checked his clothes. Since Natalie had been here, I had to move Marcus to a safer place. So, I had to make sure nothing would track him. I gazed at Grace and Marcus' nurse and pressed a finger against my lips.There wasn't time for my questions to be asked or for the betrayal to be felt. But something told me that my relatives worked with Helena because of my uncle's greed. He had always wanted my father and brother's company for himself. How could they do this to us? Their family?"Natalie. She's been here," I said quietly. Grace began digging through her clothes, and the nurse followed her lead. They both knew the protocols, and we couldn't be too careful. Rocco gestured for us to follow him, and everyone did. We hurried to the back, with my son still in my arms. The next thing we knew, we were running toward the woods and into a shed. Thoughts were racing in my mind, but I stayed calm and focused o
"Natalie? What are you doing here?" I asked when I opened the door to see my cousin instead of Raya. Despite being my relative, she doesn't know about Marcus, and this house is far smaller than the penthouse. So, we were careful with who we invited over.I told the guards that someone from my agency was coming over. They knew Grace, but anyone else was asked to identify themselves. Since Natalie was a relative and a person from my agency, they probably let her in without too many questions. "Raya and some of the other staff had food poisoning earlier. So, I came to bring you these instead," she said, handing me the magazine and portfolio I asked Raya to bring. "I also got you these. Saw them while I was on my way."Natalie handed me a box of what seemed like pastries. I smiled and thanked her as I took the box and everything else."Food poisoning? How are they?" I asked. "Was it from the cafeteria?""Oh, no! It was food from outside that they shared. But they all seem fine, just a bi
PERCIVALThere was no fighting whatever they put in my food. So, I stopped struggling to save my energy. Alarms were blaring, that much I could register in my mind. They were having a hard time getting me out of the building. The voices and shouting indicated that my security had been alarmed. But I was already held hostage. They wouldn't be able to do much now. What I was counting on was for Andrew to fix this mess. If our trained men weren't spread too thin, they would've been here by now. Perhaps Katalina was right. I was being too stubborn. I should've brought more of our guards on my side--no, I should've been more cautious even around our relatives.The rest of it was a blur. I lost consciousness along the way. I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar room. I still didn't have control over my body, but I wasn't as bad as before. I tried to lift my arm, but it was too heavy and numb. Dammit."How long have you been awake?" A voice came from the corner of the room. I couldn't figure out
PERCIVALTali was still asleep when I opened my eyes. In college, I'd often hear people say that she probably slept with her arms crossed over her chest. . . like a vampire. Would they believe me if I told them Tali slept with her arms wrapped around my waist? That she would snuggle closer to my chest when I touched her hair? I wouldn't believe it either.The hardest part of the day was to get out of bed. I wake up a little earlier than my alarm every morning for this little time with her. When she was sound asleep and unaware of how glad I was to wake up next to her every morning. I sighed and kissed her forehead. Despite my desire to stay next to her the whole day, I slowly untangled her arms from my body. Careful so I wouldn't wake her up. I wanted to slow down mornings to have more time with her, where I could lay in bed for a while before heading to my son's room to see if he was also still asleep. I want all that at the beginning of each day. Leaving the house where my son and