I was in deep thought. Maybe Zuay has a point. Did they use Dad's wealth to make me agree to the wedding because they want Ellwood and I to be together?
"We still don't have a concrete evidence about that issue. Why don't you ask the Echeverriis?" Tawin suggested.
Ellwood was still on a trip. I'm not sure when he'll be back. I kept calling Dad and Mom, but I couldn't contact them.
After the pizza arrived, I went to Cervantes Corp. I took a deep breath before looking at the tall building.
But before I could even walk from the parking space, someone grabbed me by my arm. I couldn't help but to shriek in shock.
"Ssh, it's me..."
My eyes widened as I stared at the man who spoke. My eyes flew open as my cheeks slowly heated.
"Ellwood?!"
****
We've been inside his car for a few minutes but no one had the courage to open a topic.
I can only hear those heavy sighs and frustrated breaths that suffused inside his
"Do you want to go with me?" My eyes went to him in so much confusion. The smile grew over his face. His tongues passed through his lips before nodding slightly. "W-Where are we going?" I panicked a little. "In Manila, I'll check the site for the new Mall." he answered. He now rested his arms at the table. I had to breathe properly to show no interest of his offer. But I became even more ashamed because I couldn't answer right away. "I already booked a ticket to Manila." He added with a hitch of a brow. "It will help you so you'll get familiar about how to run your company." I contemplated. He has a point, it can help me if I start from the basics. And what's wrongif I go with him? We'll go there for work so there's no reason to be nervous. "I want to go with you..." I answered without a blink. I didn't feel tired even if we traveled from Queensland for a lot of hours. My eyes were too busy looking around. The o
Then finally, I had a chance to steal my undergarments from his grasp. But I regretted it when my towel fell down. "Hi, gorgeous!" His lips turned up wide. He let go of the panty and his fingers were now traveling to my wrist. I almost can't breathe on top of him. I couldn't move because of embarrassment. My heartbeat went to an irregular count, my nervousness flushed through out my entire body. His eyes gazed all over my body. I tried to pull my wrist from his hold but he firmly stopped me from doing so. "Let go off me, Zekiah!" I growled. His eyes raked my body once more before smirking playfully. "You look tensed, sweetheart." His one hand traveled up to my arm. His hand sends signal through my veins, which made me weaker and unstable. His fingers walked from my arm ti my shoulder. Lips moved as his fingers already crossed the line. It went to my neck down to my neck exposed breasts. "Please, stop..." I firml
My tears formed in my eyes. The pain throbbed in my guts. I endured the ache forming in my heart. My lips were trembling, unable to say anything. "There is no cure for all the pain and hatred that I put you through. I maybe the biggest asshole and an idiot for letting me to forget you and leave you behind with full of misery..." he added. I shook my head repeatedly. I don't want to hear what he's gonna say because I'm not yet ready to hear anything about Alessandra. "Please, let's just not ruin this night..." I said in a low voice. He didn't speak, he just looked at me like he was reading my thoughts. "Come here..." he used his big arms to pull me into his chest. I felt him kiss my forehead gently while facing the cityscapes. Right now, all I really wanted is to be on his side, to feel his embrace and steal this moment with him. I glanced at him when his phone rang. He answered it while not moving beside me. He only stood strai
My eyes blurred, all my strength was sucked out of me when I heard what he said. Who should I blame for everything that happened? Dad wants our company to survive, and Mom? She did everything to make me end up with Ellwood because that's the only way to bring back the company. And me? I didn't do anything to help them. I chose to get married with Hezekiah even if my parents were against it. Maybe it's all my fault, I should be the one to blame. I quickly stood up and walked out of the function hall. "Emory, wait!" Ellwood chased me. He reached me at the hallway and grabbed my wrist. I faced him with a pained expression, "You knew everything from the start but you didn't tell me?!" My voice already cracked and shattered. I saw his jas clenched before his shoulders fell. I scoffed, I tried to stop myself from crying but my heart was too shattered. Ellwood is my best friend, he's the person I know will always be there for
After I got out of the bathroom, I expected to see Hezekiah in my room but there was no trace of him entering here. I went downstairs to check his car at the garage, but before I could, I already saw him in front of the mini-bar. My heart starts pounding. I couldn't take my eyes off his strong shoulders and those protruded veins in his bicep while I was facing his side. I sighed before fixing my nighties and walked towards me. "Drinking alone?" I faced him and pulled the glass of vodka and drank it. I loudly placed it onto the table and fought his stares. The light was dim but I could clearly see the gleam and the heat in those orbs that was silently killing me. Oh, damn! I missed him so much. Hezekiah pursed his lips, "Why aren't you sleeping yet? You need to be early for work tomorrow." He averted his eyes and poured vodka in the glass. I bit my bottom lip then painted a small smile. "Nope, I think I won't go to work tomorrow
I stopped on my track as the flashed of memory run throughout my mind.. "Alessandra needs me, my son needs me..." I feel like I've been splashed by cold water when I heard what he said. I quickly got off from the counter table and fixed my nighties. "Yeah, of course they need you," I said in a shaky voice. I forced myself to smile but my eyes can't hide the pain I'm feeling. I tried to escape from him, but he extend his arms at my both sides that caused me not to move much. His head slightly tilted to peek at my face. "Alessandra is in danger, her condition is getting worst. I'm worried that the child she's baring might also get affected," he whispered lowly. I smiled bitterly. So this is a fight between life and death? What should I say? I would just look like I have no conscience if I try to push my right as his legal wife. "W-What do you... want me to do, then?" My voice was shaking as I dropped my head.
I was staring blankly at the twilight ocean while sitting at a big rock. Like the ocean, my heart was also filled with darkness and gloom. I didn't want everything to be complicated, so even if it hurts, I chose to go away and hide my pregnancy from Hezekiah. I guess it's not important for him to know about the truth. This is the right time for me to love myself and focus on my baby instead. I'll just worry about tomorrow and the coming days when it comes. I pulled my phone from the pocket of my dress and dialed mom's number. "Hello, Meredith? How's your vacation?" I didn't answer. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from crying. If there is one person that could understand what I'm going through right now, it would be none other than Mom. But I tried not to mention my situation to her. "I'm fine, Mom." I softly said. "We miss you so much, hija. When will you be back?" "Maybe, next week. I have something for you!"
I carefully sat on a chair near her and watched her sleep in slumber. My eyes went to her baby bump. If I'm not mistaken, it's her due month. I can't help but to smile bitterly. I slowly raised my hand and caressed her stomach. If my child didn't die, it's probably my due month, too. Again, the splinter of pain in my heart intensified. I could still feel here inside, digging and buried deep right into my heart. Endless, as if the pain will never stop. "Emory..." I quickly turned to Alessandra's voice. I also quickly removed my hand from her stomach. "H-Hi, how are you?" I said as I cleared my throat. She smiled timidly, "You're here..." she said in her weakened voice. I didn't answer. I also want to ask myself why I decided to come with Marcus. But when I looked into her eyes and watched how she suffered from all of this, I also wanted to question all I went through and ask if what she experienced was actually more painful than
"Nice... I love the party..." His one hand was inside his pocket while the other was holding the glass of cocktail juice, sipping on it coolly. "I wanted it simple and solemn. I didn't invite big names and personalities," I said. "Is he invited? Did you inform him?" He asked smoothly. But before I could even answer him, my eyes caught that man walking inside the entrance of the gate. My heart was frozen by his surprise appearance. Looking so magnificently hot and seductive in his navy blue long sleeve polo that folded up to his forearms. He never failed to clutch my heart out and leave me breathless. I watched him cross the crowded people while his eyes never left mine. I wanted to stare at him more, but it was cut off when I heard Ellwood clearing his throat beside me. "Whatever speech you have boiling, I don't wanna hear it," I said through my tight lips. I heard him chuckled lowly before leaving me alone and greeting Hezekiah. "Dude, long time no see... I'm glad you came." E
I realized a lot of this when Alessandra and I had a talk. I left her with a light heart and there's no anger left inside. Even before, I already forgave her.I halted from my tracks when I felt something wet gushed on my thighs. Then my stomach rumbled in pain."Oh God!"I quickly walked to the car. My delivery seemed earlier than the due date? I thought I could still drive but I can't take the pain.I was left with no choice but to call Ellwood."What?! We... wait, where exactly are you?!" he frantically said.I told him the exact place and after only a few minutes, I heard his car nearing.I woke up in a child's loud cry. I slowly opened my eyes and looked for the baby."Hey, wonder woman."My eyes lifted to Ellwood. I can't help but to smile.Beside him was a man carrying a child. My tears started forming at that scene."You're here?" I uttered in my low and weak voice.Ellwood glanced at Hezekia
"Were not yet through, my wife," he spoke in a rough voice, making sure he has control over me."Please just fucking let go off me..." I thought it would come out as a hard tone, but it came out almost like a whisper in the wind."I know you've been dreaming of me last night, every fucking minute of your night. I know deep there inside, you wanted this much to happen as much as I want you..." His soft tone vibrated all over my nerves."No. I don't... I can't!" I sterntly said. Tears formed around my eyes but I didn't let it fall."As much as I wanted to be near you or being with you. I just can't... I couldn't, Hezekiah." I slowly shook my head."It's not that easy. Alessandra is alive and your child... your child you chose over me!" My voice already cracked but I still my managed myself."No, Sweetheart," he whispered softer now."Please..." I struggled to get off of his hold but he didn't let me."Just one more chance, sweeth
"What time is the ribbon cutting again?"I was talking about the opening of the Jewelry shop Hezekiah built. He also invited me to the mall in Manila that just got finished, but I couldn't go because it's too far. I decided to just go to the new branch of the company because it doesn't sit right that I couldn't attend this event, too."10 am in the morning, so may you still have time to think about it again." She rolled her eyes and stood up."Come on, Zuay! I know it's not you..." I teased. Even if she said that she hates Hezekiah, I know she's still hoping for us to get back together again."Tss... I better go back to work." She turned around and and left my office.After she closed the door, I leaned my back against the chair. I gently caressed my baby bump and closed my eyes.He shouldn't find out about my pregnancy. Not because I don't want to give him his rights as a father, but because I'm scared of the result once he found out.
I chuckled lightly, "We already talked, he went to Galla a few days before I flew black here. He asked for my forgiveness and a chance, but–""No, no, wait... you mean, you two talked and you didn't even mention your situation?"I slowly shook my head.My gaze lifted to him when he held my hand above the table."You should've told him that you are pregnant."My lips quivered while staring at him. I didn't expect him to say that. I know he didn't like Hezekiah for me even way before. Why does it seem like the world just turned upside down?"No, I can't..." I shook my head again.His eyes lingered on me. He slowly caressed my hand and looked darkly at me."I want to show you something..."We didn't finish our food because we quickly walked our way to his car.I didn't ask where we were going, but based on the path we're taking, I think I know where it will be.When his car stopped in front of Cervantes
Carrying the bottle of wine and long glass, I walked my way to his cabin. I know the risk of taking this chance, but I have to do this to clear things out. What's about to happen may exceed my expectations, but I don't want to worry about it now. Clad with the tiny speck of courage left in me, I raised my hand to knock on his door. The door opened and I saw shock registered on his face when he saw me but composed himself right after. "Uh, I–I ah..." I quickly raised the bottle of wine and the long glass. Instead of saying anything, he just got the bottle and glass from me. He pulled the door close which made me step back... "Didn't you enjoy your wine?" His voice flowed calmly. My breathing hitched as he stepped closer, not wanting to be inches apart. "Yeah, we need to talk." I finally said. We're now facing each other in front of the small table of his cottage. He poured himself a glass of wine and took it all in one g
From a distance, I could already see Ellwood at a corner of the restaurant. He glanced at me and slid his phone on his pocket before standing up. "I'm glad you accepted my invitation." I said formally before offering my hand for a handshake. "My schedule is not that tight today," he said and sat down. I signaled the waiter to serve the foods and drinks I reserved. "I wanna go straight to the point. I want to pay all of the Cervantes' debts on you and your family. Even the interests and your effort and swats on the company. Name it, I'm ready to pay." "I better get going, dear." Aling Sita stirred me from my thoughts. She's probably finished cleaning the vacant cottage. "Why don't you join me in breakfast?" "Thank you, dear, but I have to clean a lot of rooms. And I already had my breakfast earlier, " she said. I glanced at the cottage beside mine before turning to him again, "Is someone gonna rent the vacant cottage?"
"How are you, you went late, huh?" He put two beers on the table and sat in front if me inside the cottage."I just worked overtime. Are the kids asleep?"He seemed to not believe my reason because his eyes went to my swollen lips."Yes, they have school tomorrow."Silence ensued between us."Is it about Emory?"My jaw clenched as I drank off the bottle of beer I'm holding."You won't come here at this late hour if you're problem is not that heavy," he said.I only shook my head and continued drinking."Come on, it's just women. Why don't you leave the other one? Problem solved!" I heard him chuckle before holding his own bottle of beer .I chuckled, if only it's that easy, I would've done that before."Why? Do you love both?"I licked my lips, not knowing what to answer, "You have a lot of questions." A smile appeared on my lips because of his nosiness."I'm serious. I know you love someone more that the other."I shook my head on him. "If
I carefully sat on a chair near her and watched her sleep in slumber. My eyes went to her baby bump. If I'm not mistaken, it's her due month. I can't help but to smile bitterly. I slowly raised my hand and caressed her stomach. If my child didn't die, it's probably my due month, too. Again, the splinter of pain in my heart intensified. I could still feel here inside, digging and buried deep right into my heart. Endless, as if the pain will never stop. "Emory..." I quickly turned to Alessandra's voice. I also quickly removed my hand from her stomach. "H-Hi, how are you?" I said as I cleared my throat. She smiled timidly, "You're here..." she said in her weakened voice. I didn't answer. I also want to ask myself why I decided to come with Marcus. But when I looked into her eyes and watched how she suffered from all of this, I also wanted to question all I went through and ask if what she experienced was actually more painful than