I AlSO glanced down the windowsill where the small picture frame was. My lips twitched as I recognized the man in the photo. He smiled broadly as he hugged the woman from behind. Even a few shots had him there with wide smiles. I want to cloud my eyes because of the pain that is dying in my heart. My system would not accept it, even though I knew he was in good shape after all I still could not accept what his life had become now. I couldn't help but caress its face in the photo, at least here to relieve the pain in my heart that I have been hiding for several years. But suddenly I was startled by a sneeze so I looked up at the man on the third step of the stairs. I quickly returned the picture frame to its previous position as I realized here was his attention. "Ah, you got a good shot here." My hand is the sense that averted my gaze. I also avoided looking at the white T-shirt he was wearing and khaki shorts. It didn't answer instead it walked closer to me so I arranged for us. I smelled the shower gel is used, an indication that it had just finished taking a bath, so my plan to avoid it I haven't done it yet because it has paralyzed my strength. "Those photos are the most memorable moment of my life, meeting the girl I want to be with for the rest of my life." It barely lifted a frame in which he seemed to propose to Alessandra. "Beautiful," I said softly but I wasn't sure if I said it properly because of the vibration of my voice next to him. I didn't agree with what he said either. "Yes, she's the most beautiful person I've ever known in my entire life." He continued. I couldn’t help but bite my lips because of the rush of emotion that envelops me right now. "It's good to hear that from you, obviously you really love your wife?" That's one question I want him to answer. "Of course, I do love my wife!" he immediate answer. I smiled bitterly at him and shook slightly. "How about you? Are you single or married?" his question explicitly to me. I quickly raised my face to him full of emotion. I wanted to get angry at his question, I wanted to hurt him and slap him on his face because he didn’t know how much pain he was giving me right now. I can't seem to bear to pretend that I'm okay in front of him because my tears are already welling up in my eyes. "Hey, are you alright?" There was a hint of concern when he grabbed one of my shoulders. His pale eyes were questioning so I couldn’t move. "I'm just fine," I said slightly backing away causing him to let me go. There was a moment of silence between us as he saw me wipe a bead of tears from my eyes. I noticed his lips moved to speak but I was stunned to look behind me. "Dinner is ready!" Alessandra's voice awoke in the silence of the two of us. "Let's have dinner first," he told me as he left me to go to the dining room. I took a deep breath first before I stepped my feet into the dining room. "Sit down, I'm sorry if I only served fried chicken because I really don't have time to cook because of the event I'm rushing today." Alessandra started me and glance at Gabriel. "No problem..." I smiled. "What's your name? I'm sorry I forgot to ask earlier." Alessandra smiled wryly at me. “Emory Meredith Grant, my friends call me Meredith, who slightly glanced at Gabriel whose attention was still on the food. "Woah, nice name huh? I'm Alessandra and my husband Gabriel." Introduce her again. I barely nodded and turned my attention back to the food. "Where do you live here?" she asked again. "It's just in the village, I actually just moved here a week ago." "Hhmm, okay." She response. I glanced at Gabriel again as if no one wanted to ask about me. "I'm just here for a vacation," I added. "Ah, we're here for good as it's nice to live in a quiet place, away from the chaotic city and the noise of the cars." She smiled at me. "Yeah, you'd better be away from people," I agreed. "Oh, my God! You're married?!" Her eyes widened as she stared at my finger where I was still wearing the engagement ring and wedding ring that Hezekiah had given me. I grabbed it quickly and without saying a word glanced at Gabriel who looked down at me. "Come on may I see your ring?" she bothered me so much that even though I was embarrassed. I held out my hand to her and she held it from the other table. "Beautiful, look at mine?" She pressed her hand with the same ring as mine. I was devastated because the ring she had was obviously more expensive than mine. "Who's the lucky guy? Is he with you on vacation here today?" she asked me again. "No, I'm just alone here," my weak answer. I saw the slight shock on Alessandra's face so I decided to just drink the juice in front of me. She didn't ask any more questions about me because she turned to his husband while I was quietly listening to their conversation. I thought that Gabriel's formality brought him all the way here but when his wife was the one talking to him, his satisfaction came out and he smiled. It is also often a joke to her wife that even though it is corny on the outside he is still laughed at by the latter. "I'm sorry. This is how Gabriel and I really talk." Alessandra apologizes to me. "It's okay." I smiled slightly at them but when I turned my gaze to Gabriel I saw his strange look in my answer. "Really? One of these days I hope you can visit us again, bring your husband with you so we can meet, right dear?" She even grabbed the latter's arm who barely nodded at what she said. "I called mommy, and until now she still hasn't been able to find a maid here at home, because we're far from the city." Alessandra started with his husband again. "Is that so? I'll call Marcus maybe he has an acquaintance who can come in with us." Gabriel told to Alessandra. I straightened my back when I heard their conversation. Did I hear right? Are they looking for maids here at home? "All right, I'll call Ferry about that too," Alessandra replied to her husband. I gripped the cutlery tightly and gathered air in my chest before speaking. "Are you looking for a maid?" They glanced at me almost at the same time. "G-I would like to apply?" "I'm sorry?" Gabriel asked me with a frown. "I want to apply as your maid," I said boldly.
"REALLY, are you sure about this? Do you want me to hire you as a servant?" she asked with eyes widened at me. I glanced at Gabriel who still had a blank face before nodding at him. "If only I could?" I hesitate to smile at them. "You said, you were on your vacation. Why did you think of applying to us as a maid?" Gabriel looks at me full of curiosity. I immediately thought of the reason for this. I also don't plan to apply as a maid but it looks like I'm exhausted so I'll stand up. "I'm a little bored because I'm at home, besides my husband isn't here and I've left my job on Queensland Island so I also need to earn some money somehow. I also plan to resign from my job because the company is not doing well. " I'm lying. I noticed that he lowered the cutlery and leaned back in his chair so I swallowed. "I don't get it, you said you had a job left in Queensland and you're here for a vacation and then you said you wanted to come in as a maid?" He folded his arms as he measured my gaze. "E
"REALLY, are you sure about this? Do you want me to hire you as a servant?" she asked with eyes widened at me. I glanced at Gabriel who still had a blank face before nodding at him. "If only I could?" I hesitate to smile at them. "You said, you were on your vacation. Why did you think of applying to us as a maid?" Gabriel looks at me full of curiosity. I immediately thought of the reason for this. I also don't plan to apply as a maid but it looks like I'm exhausted so I'll stand up. "I'm a little bored because I'm at home, besides my husband isn't here and I've left my job on Queensland Island so I also need to earn some money somehow. I also plan to resign from my job because the company is not doing well. " I'm lying. I noticed that he lowered the cutlery and leaned back in his chair so I swallowed. "I don't get it, you said you had a job left in Queensland and you're here for a vacation and then you said you wanted to come in as a maid?" He folded his arms as he measured my gaze. "E
THEY STOPPED because of my constant coughing. "I'm sorry!" I said as I wiped my lips with a tissue towel. "It's alright, just slow down, Meredith." Alessandra laughed while saying that and I nodded to her. But I couldn't import my cutlery anymore because of the dark look Gabriel shot at me. They are no longer on the table but the pain they left behind is still here. I also didn't feel like putting away the food we ate and washing it without myself. "Meredith?" I quickly turned to Alessandra who was carrying a shoulder bag. "Meredith, I'm leaving, if you want, just go with Gabriel to get your things from your house?" "No, I can manage I'll just finish my work here." I refuse as I wipe my apron by hand. "Hmm, it's up to you, maybe I'll be late so I can go home later as much to do at the resort today." "Be careful." I smiled at her slightly. "So, I'll go first?" She glances at her wristwatch before turning away. I followed her and finally sighed. I also stared at my dishes for a few minut
"MEREDITH?" I heard a painting knocking on the door. "Did you eat your dinner? Let's have dinner together!" Alessandra told me behind that closed door. I sat up in bed and quickly wiped away my tears. "All right, go ahead, I'm still full!" I answered. "Is there something wrong? Are you feeling bad?" she asked me. I couldn’t help but exhale violent air from my chest before answering again. "I'm okay," I said coldly. I looked at the door when I heard Gabriel's voice calling his wife. "Alright, don't forget to take your medicine, okay?" she ordered after I heard her footsteps away from the door. I went back to lying down and hugged the pillow. At that point again my tears dripped because of the overweight feeling. As I heard from outside their laughter and flirting. I could not bear the pain that was delicately cutting into my heart. I spent a few hours before I decided to leave the room. Hugging my own clothes. I went straight to the kitchen to join them in eating, but everything was cle
"I JUST don't want Alessandra to worry when you get sick," he said, looking down at the food again. I bowed at what I heard. I knew it! I bit my lip hard. Once again I swallowed the pain of his words. "Excuse me." I almost whispered in the air before I stepped my feet out of the kitchen. I carried the pail of water to the back of the house and sat on a bench facing the oval-shaped swimming pool. I also don’t know why I’m carrying a pail. I feel exhausted. I already felt tired because of the cleaning. I raised both my hands and frowned. I got sore in my hand, I could feel the tenderness of my back and the pain in my head, it's getting worse every day. Since this is not what I am used to. I left my wealthy living on Queensland Island to enter as a maid here. We had twenty maids and three drivers at my Mansion. There I did not experience even handling the dishes, even cleaning and using a reed I did not do. I felt my tears dripping which I immediately wiped away. It doesn't matter when my
"I JUST don't want Alessandra to worry when you get sick," he said, looking down at the food again. I bowed at what I heard. I knew it! I bit my lip hard. Once again I swallowed the pain of his words. "Excuse me." I almost whispered in the air before I stepped my feet out of the kitchen. I carried the pail of water to the back of the house and sat on a bench facing the oval-shaped swimming pool. I also don’t know why I’m carrying a pail. I feel exhausted. I already felt tired because of the cleaning. I raised both my hands and frowned. I got sore in my hand, I could feel the tenderness of my back and the pain in my head, it's getting worse every day. Since this is not what I am used to. I left my wealthy living on Queensland Island to enter as a maid here. We had twenty maids and three drivers at my Mansion. There I did not experience even handling the dishes, even cleaning and using a reed I did not do. I felt my tears dripping which I immediately wiped away. It doesn't matter when my
I PUT everything I bought on the oak table one by one to double-check the list. And arrange it in the cabinet and some in the fridge. I chose to just open the can of beans so I wouldn't have to cook. My legs were still high sitting on the couch while holding a bowl of rice and can beans while facing the flat-screen TV when someone suddenly rang the doorbell. I stood up to hear the knocker and was very surprised at the unfamiliar face peeking out of the gate. "Good afternoon, who are they?" I asked curiously. "Is Gabriel there?" His question to me was. He is wearing a white long sleeve shirt and black jeans, he is also wearing sunglasses and the car is parked in front of the gate. "He's out, who are they?" I asked again. There he dropped to look at me before taking off the sunglasses. He had tousled black hair, which was thick and lustrous. His face was strong and defined. A prominent jaw curved gracefully and his eyes were dark brown. His eyes looked familiar but I can't rememb
I WAS just blown away by the violent wind in the air, so it turns out that they have a resemblance to Alessandra. I sighed again before continuing. I can’t help but think of how it would appreciate Alessandra’s family. was a bitter smile on my lips, and so was Hezekiah to me then, especially my family, ً so I can't blame him for why he's so good for Alessandra's family. When I finished cooking I chose to go inside my room to take a shower. A wore a simple T-shirt and black leggings. I went out to hear the laughter coming from the living room. I heard Alessandra's laughing from the distance, I turned out that she came from work. I was about to enter the kitchen when Alessandra called me. I quickly approached them and Hezekiah kept his eyes on me. "Meredith, I'd like you to meet my older brother Marcus?" she turn sideways to corner Marcus next to her. "Yeah, I met him earlier," I replied back and smiled timidly. "Oh?" She glanced at his brother who was now staring at me. "I
"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