I NOD, in response. My skillful step was interrupted because he sighed violently before sipping the wine from the glass. I immediately turned my feet towards him. He keeps ignoring me, pouring himself a drink. I think he has a lot to drink. I know I have no right to complain but I will try anyway. I filled my lungs with midnight air before I speak. "M-do you and Alessandra have a problem?" I asked softly, ignoring my heart which was beating uncontrollably. "It is none of your business," he said in a cold tone. I was devastated when he ordered a glass of wine to drink and loudly laid it on the table. I stare at his sudden seriousness, adjusting his tie slowly. I swallowed a few more before I dared to step my feet closer to him. He turned to me as I laid the cup noodles I was holding on the table. "Alessandra loves you so much, you can't blame her if she's just mad at you." I started. He shrugged a bit, not choosing to comment on what I said. "Maybe you should gain her trust...
I FILLED my lungs with glassy air and gripped my shoulder bag tightly. I looked up at the tall building in front of me, at the same time my heart was pounding. I didn’t notice the critical look of the employees who just passed me by after looking at me. "Ma'm where are you?" a security guard stopped me from trying to enter. "To the president's office," I answered timidly, not taking my eyes off the luxurious office. "Ah, any appointments ma'am?" he asked again. I turned my gaze to the information desk, before answering. "I'm the new hired secretary of Mr. Gabriel Magnus." The guard frowned, "Ah, just wait ma'am, I'll just check," he polite answer before leaving me. I gasped, I would not have refused Alessandra's offer to take me here. I just don't want the employees to give a different interpretation of my coming here with the owner of the company, especially since I know that even if Alessandra doesn't tell me that she only le
I WAITED for a while outside Marcus’s office, I don’t know how many minutes she took to walk before she came out. "Just leave the folder, then come back later after lunch," she said to me while combing the hair wheel with his finger. I swallowed forcefully, I couldn't voice what to say. Her red lips before seemed to have lost color even the blazer she was wearing before is no longer wearing now. "Didn't you hear me? Come back this afternoon after lunch," she said irritably. "Mr. President is waiting for that," I said in my casual voice. Instead of answering she just laughed at me. I tightened my grip on the folder as I watched her do so. "I'll deliver that to Gabriel, so you may go..." She declares. I shuddered at the last thing she said. "Gabriel told me to wait for the folder to give to him before lunch." She was momentarily stunned by what I said, but she also recovered immediately. "It's really good that Alessandra
"DAMN IT..." I massaged my temple before sitting on the secretary's chair. I wanted to get rid of these fucking lies, I'm tired of all this shit... I want my husband back. I want him so bad... My warm tears flowed down my cheeks. I cried silently, because crying is the only thing that I can do when I can't take the pain. "Excuse me... ma'am?" I raised my head where I saw a delivery boy in front of me. I wiped my tears away before facing him with a smile. "Yes?" I responded after taking a breath. "Delivery for Mr. Gabriel Magnus?" he said while reading something from the note he's holding. I stood up to assist him and to get the lunch from him since he said it's already paid. "Sir, here's your lunch delivery," I informed him through the intercom. "Come to my office and put it here," he ordered before ending the call. I fixed myself first to look presentable in front of him. I cleared my throat bef
"WE NEED YOU here, Meredith," Ellwood told me. "Yeah, I know that," I replied in a hoarse voice. "Hey, are you alright? You're not taking care of yourself, are you?" I shook my head at the tone of his voice. His voice lowered one decibel due to the sudden fluctuation of his emotion. "I'm fine, Ellie." I said in a whisper-like voice, stopping myself from coughing. I felt really heavy these past few days, I'm just pushing myself to still gi to work despite having a fever. I leaned against the sofa when I heard him heave a deep breath. "You're lying," he stated. "I'm fine, I swear..." I lied but he didn't respond. I sighed frustratedly and lolled my head at the sofa. With his attitude right now, I feel like my fever just broke the mercury thermometer. "Tell mom, I'll be home next week." "Make it as early as you could, I'm running out of reasons. Tita might find out if you'll stay there longer." Ellie sounde
HER MOUTHED pointed towards a table in the corner where there are loud chatters. There are two girls sitting at the table, and it looks like they're in their late twenties. "Okay," I agreed after I received my lunch and medicine. "Guys, this is Meredith, my newfound friend!" she introduced me when we arrived at their table. "Hi! I'm Zaya!" a girl with curly hair greeted me. I beamed and offered her a warm handshake before glancing at the bespectacled girl beside her. "Cheney! Nice to meet you, Meredith!" she also introduced before waving at me. I smiled at them in response before sitting beside Reena. "You've been working here for two weeks already, right? Why did you come down to have lunch just now?" Reena asked. I swallowed hard due to embarrassment. I have my packed lunch every day so there's no need for me to go to the cafeteria, I only came down here because I failed to cook my lunch due to being sick. "I'm not feeling well so I haven't cooked my lunch for today," I shyl
JUST LIKE EARLIER, my eyes blinked repeatedly in bewilderment. My heart pounded so loud that I almost couldn't hear anything but its beating. "Don't worry, it's a business party." He maliciously chuckled. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't," I abruptly refused. Why doesn't he just invite Alessandra instead of me? "Again, it's a business matter," he clearly said to me. "Why don't you present your wife instead of me?" His brows creased and looked at me darkly. "Alessandra has nothing to do with this, besides, Marcus and Sarah will both attend the party tonight. I sighed heavily at that, if I didn't know Alessandra or if he was another person, I'd probably go with him. But hell, yes! He is my husband, and as the world gets smaller between us, the more I want to just go away. This is what I wanted in the first place, to be close to him. But not that way, I don't want to put him at too much risk just because I can't decide what's better for us both. "I'm sorry, I don't really feel well tod
I CHOSE to sit at the table in the far corner of the hall. From my point of vision, I can see every person in the place. My heart is still pounding as I try to see their faces, checking if there's someone familiar to me. I was too busy wandering my eyes around that I didn't notice the waiter placing the main dish and a bottle of wine on my table. "Do you have company ma'am?" the waiter asked me respectively. I looked up at him, "Yes, I'm with my... husband," I said quietly, mind zoning out. "Oh, I'm so sorry..." he mumbled before setting up the table, putting in two wine glasses before walking away. My eyes stayed at the center of the hall, everyone started dancing to the music of a big band. I spotted Reisha somewhere in the crowd, her black dress billowing out as she moved sexily and spun like a free spirit. My eyes searched for Gabriel but I can't spot him, Sarah and Marcus—who were dancing—was the only ones whom I saw. Until a familiar figure sat beside me. My posture strai
"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