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
I FROZE in my seat, suddenly feeling warm all over. I remained silent, stupefied, and baffled at his compliment. The fiery warmth blazed on my cheeks, creating a red powdery tint from being flustered. I was relieved because the lights were a bit dimmed, the disco ball was the only source of light emitting. "Uh, t-thank you..." was the only thing I replied as I tried to recover. I straightened my body as I coughed the clog inside my throat. I thought he'll sit properly as well, but I was wrong when he held my wrist tightly yet gently. "Dance with me..." he uttered. Before I could even refuse his offer, he already pulled me softly from my seat. He's too strong and dominating that even though he's just gently leading me to the dance floor, I just can't get out of his grasp—or maybe I chose to not get out of his grasp. He can surely hold me effortlessly, even my heart seconds the motion. Because of the big crowd on the dance floor, no one noticed us coming to the center. Despite that
I FELT LIKE I was in seventh heaven as he kissed me. His lips were not foreign to mine, it was... so familiar. For him, it was just a sexual desire, but for me, it was a reason to hold on. I slowly moved my hand to his nape, allowing my fingers to sleek through the hair at the back of his head. I pulled him closer, occupying any space left between us. His insistent mouth was parting my trembling lips, tongue delving deeply. I'll drown in his kisses if I don't fight back, and so I did. Oh damn! I missed him so badly! I can feel his scorching touch on my skin, his hands slowly pulling my sleeve down. He withdrew his mouth from me, I drew a breath and forced it out, trying to calm the thunder of my heart. "Meredith..." I gasped at the roughness of his voice. I shut my eyes close, fingers tightly gripping his gray suit. "What are you doing to me?" his voice growled huskily. And before I spoke a word, he dived into my lips, his ever so soft lips locked against mine... I took a dee
"ISEAH! Mery brought you something." Kesha bragged the book she was holding. He didn't respond, instead, he continued walking until he reached the end of the staircase. "Are you done with your homeworks?" "Of course, we're done!" Zia quickly said. She carried the luggage to their living room and placed it on the table. "Stop that. Ready our dinner," he demanded at the two as his eyes never left me. "Good evening, I heard you just came from your office. How's work?" He remained mum while his eyes lingered at me, not minding the question.I asked a while ago. I quickly glanced at Carding, he got the message and nodded his head before turning his back on us. "What brings you here?" he asked after a few seconds of silence. "I-I came here for a visit, I also have something for you..." I almost whispered. I lowered my head a bit at the intensity of his eyes. I can feel the anger of his heart through them. "Brin
WE DECIDED to follow Dad's suggestion. And just as I expected, the dinner went plain and boring. They only talked about business and politics that doesn't really interest me. Ellie and Dad exactly had the same goals in life. Even in hobbies, they're so much alike. They both like playing golf and tennis. It's not really a big deal to me since I know Dad always wanted to have a son, but building it up to Ellie? That's what I can't accept. "How was your trip to San Marcelino, hija?" Dad asked me. "Uh, good, I had so much fun!" I politely said. I wiped my lips with tissue to hide the stretched smile I was wearing. I don't want to show them how happy I was. "Hmm, so when will you be back at the office? Two months is long enough to ponder on thingd." His voice was serious. I sighed at that, I dropped the utensils I was holding lazily. Suddenly, I didn't feel like eating. "I think it's better if Ellie mentors you as the new president
Also, buying a ten-wheeler truck for our mining business was not a joke, even the two private planes used to export our products. There are also a few elf vans that are used to deliver the fabrics, and last but not the least, the armor truck we acquired for the safety of the sales from our jewelry shop and other businesses around Queensland. I understand that, I know it's a bit too much, but it's not bad to ask for something once in a while, right? I am the only child, soon, I'll be the president of our own company. With that being said, I still don't have a car to run errands with?! I know it's kinda childish and immature, my reasoning are not as concrete, but can't they let me have it just once? I was shaking my head while Ellwood's car arrived. It's almost seven in the morning and I'm running late on my first class. "What took you so long?!" I closed the door loudly and crossed my arms as I sat on the passenger seat. I didn't bother to put on my se
"WHAT are you so mad about, huh?" his lips lightly feathered mine. I opened my mouth to speak but he didn't allow me. My knees weakened as I held onto his polo shirt tightly, all the inhibitions suddenly vanishing into thin air. "Not here..." he muttered under his breath, pulling away from me ever so slowly I was fixing myself and combing my hair using my fingers before hearing a few steps getting louder. "Hi, Zeki! Hi, Meredith!" a student from beside my room said. "Hi..." I greeted back. I gasped after she passed through us. My eyes turned to Zekiah who had a smile plastered on his face. "I'll better be going." I threatened him using my eyes before walking up. I know he's still following me because my bag is with him. From a distance, I could hear my classmates' loud chatters, indicating that class was still yet to start. "Hi, Zeki!" Tyra and her social friends almost synchronized. I turned my head to him to s
I honked the horn before stepping onto the gas, finally accelerating forwards. "Woah!" I exclaimed as I maneuvered the vehicle outside our village. I'm sure Ellwood will be happy with the new car. I got my phone out of my pocket before dialing his number. "What is it?" he said in his bedroom voice. It's obvious that he just woke up based on his low voice. "Guess what! I'm on my way to your apartment," I excitedly said. "W-what?!" He sounded so shocked. "What's wrong with you? I gonna hung up the phone, bye!" I endes the call as I entered the village where he resides. I honked a few times in front of his apartment, after a while, he got out with just his board shorts. I got out of the car excitedly and greeted him with a hug. "I have a new car, Ellie!" He stumbled as he accepted my hug, unable to wrap his arms around me in shock. "Wear something! We're going somewhere!" I entered his apart
"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