I FLINCHED when Gabriel spoke beside me. "Go back to your room. I will join you later at lunch ..." he whispered huskily at my ears.
I swallowed when he walked away and entered a private room. My heart and my mind was colliding violently in a distressful pain.
Even if I want to disobey him, I can't do anything. He's still my boss after all, and one more thing, I don't want to create chaos with Alessandra. I'm sure she's still unaware of Gabriel's real identity so there's no reason for me to be nervous.
"Let's go, Ma'am?" Hunts snapped me out of my thought.
I nodded at him and got out of the conference room. He led me into the elevator up to ny suite.
"I received an order from Mr. Grant. Please wait for him an hour from now," Hunts told me.
I nodded absentmindedly before closing the door. I walked back and forth in the living room until I was dizzy. I'll wait for an hour? Damn it! There's a lot of things that could possibly happen in th
I can spot Gabriel from here. His features darkened, but it made him appear more chill and confident that brought something strange in my stomach. Alessandra removed her hold from me and greeted Gabriel who's wearing his black polo shirt, blue jeans and his white and black converse shoes. Paired all with his muscular arms, slack reddening lips and that sexy smile that's enough to take one's breath away. She's stood on her tiptoes and kissed Gabriel on the lips. The kiss lasted for seconds before they parted. I've gotten entirely too good of pretending it doesn't hurt, because I managed to put up a smile when Alessandra waved at me. When his eyes darted on me, I hesitantly picked up the broken pieces of my heart. I felt like I was completely shattered inside. This pain ate me alive and swallowed me until I can't find the surface to breathe in. I filled my lungs with air and brought my smile back. "Meredith, come here!" Alessandra told m
"How about dinner meeting?" he made a humming sound at the back of his throat and nodded. "Please, Gab, we're not here to play and—" I stopped in my mid-sentence, unable to continue my word when I felt his warm hands on my brassiere. His thumbs brushed back and forth over mine. He even moved closer and observed the movements of my lips. "Say what?" he uttered slow, touching my ear with a deep voice. D*mn! Those little gestures destroyed me. My mind went blank for a moment. I felt naked under his intense scrutiny. I don't know where to pick my tongue because of what he's doing beneath my blouse. "How about Alessandra?" Her name escape from my mouth like an acid. I noticed his expression changed at the mention of that name. His jaw clenched, lips forming into a straight line and looked at me with grimace. I know I can't change his mind easily and tell him to choose me just because I confessed that I'm his real wife. And I know th
"Meredith, look, it's Zeki!" Some of my classmates pushed me towards him. His dark mysterious eyes locked down on me intensely. He put his hands on his pockets, looking impatient while waiting for me to say something. "Hi! I'm... I'm... Ah!" Damn, I'm fucking stuttering. My heart almost flew out of my chest due to nervousness. His brows twitched a little, lips curling up into a sly smirked. "Emory Meredith Cervantes, right?" he asked confidently. I gulped and blinked rapidly. Gosh, he knows me? Why does he know me?! "Oh, shit!" I blurt. I quickly turned my back on him and ran towards the ladies room. I entered one of the cubicles and suppressed myself from shrieking. "OMG! He knows me?!" I exclaimed. I almost cried in so much happiness because I thought he wouldn't notice me after everything. One day, I met him again at the corridor. I stop in my mid-step, almost hugging my books tightly together with my
THE AIR was thick with the scent of coffee. I wrapped my long fingers around the mug and took a small sip. Ellwood was seated right next to me while Gabriel is in front. I don't know if the silence was because of the coffee shop's ambience, or because of the tension between the three of us. "Ah, I didn't expect you to be here tonight..." I shrugged a bit to lessen the tension between us. "It took quite a time. I needed to go back to the seaport to ship my car into the cargo ship." I furrowed my brows, "You brought one of your cargo ships?" Ellwood just shrugged his shoulder and took one sip of his coffee. I turned to Gabriel, his full attention was on the mug, but his expression was dark and protruding. "You're just wasting your money for this nonsense trip, Ellwood!" I spat out. "Of course I'm not! You're much worth than my money..." he chuckled sexily as he lowered his head to look at me. I pushed out my red lips just
"Emory is too stubborn. If I were to decide, I won't let her work here because she deserved better..." Ellwood clearly enunciated.Gabriel clenched his teeth, obviously not liking what he's hearing. He then glanced at me.His dark murderous eyes slowly hit my nerves. I want to talk and end this topic, but he already talked first."I respect your opinion, Mr. Echeverrii. But Meredith is not overworked here. Actually, she just came back to work last Sunday. Also, I don't think I would need to background check to know how wealthy she is," he said seriously.Ellwood grinned inanely, "That's not my point, Mr. Magnus. I want you to fire her from work because I'm taking her back to Queensland."They fought with their eyes, both not wanting to lose.I clenched my fist tightly. I suddenly stood up angrily that made them turn their attention to me."I'll leave you two, I want to rest...""Love?!"We turned our heads to the new arrival. It was Alessandra, wearing her
My eyes widened as I raked my eyes on him. He's not wearing his shirt, I don't know what he's wearing underneath the comforter that hugged us both."How was your sleep?""Y-you slept here last night?!" I don't remember letting him stay here!"Wait, I actually couldn't sleep last night. I was awake all night long..." he chuckled sexily.Damn it, I bit my lip hard. Gosh, did I slept soundly last night that I didn't even remember anything?"I don't remember letting you stay here." I averted my eyes and was about to get off the bed when he suddenly pulled me back to lay down."What the fuck, Ellwood!" My breathing hitched, I'm really panicking right now. His dominant action and his strong muscles pinned me hard against the bed.I slowly felt my cheeks heating as he hugged me. Damn you, Ellwood. You're fucking crossing of the line."You're very tired last night. You slept in my arms so I carried you to your room... And I decided to sleep here with you because you
He frowned hard while looking down at me, his perfect sculptured jaws were tightly clenched. He muttered something that I didn't get.I pursed my lips. He is already pissed.He didn't ask again because the metal door opened. He intertwined his fingers in mine and led me to the door. I wanted to protest but I can't now that he held my hands tightly.We walked inside the restaurant where we had dinner last night. He assisted me to a private room.Table for two? I pointed out when I sae the table he got for us. The waiter quickly gave us the menu to order."Uh, are we meeting with Mr. Cheng here?" I asked casually."Nope, he's out of the country right now..." he answered.I swallowed. I thought we're having a lunch meeting with Mr. Cheng? So does it mean that we're alone here? Now?He leaned onto the couch, anf because our table is round, his legs can't help but to hit me under, considering his size.I couldn't take my eyes off the table. Our space is to limi
He suddenly let me go and stood up. "Finish your food. I'm just gonna call an important person." Minutes had passed but I still can't manage to recover from what happened. I scanned myself in the full-sized mirror while wearing a red formal above-the-knee evening dress. My long chocolate hair cascaded down my back and my delicate eyelashes kissed my rosy cheeks, with lips lightly red but so alluring. I want to look simple yet elegant, and I'm happy to know that I have achieved that look. I blew out a deep breath when I heard a small knock on the door. I picked up my clutch bag and got out of the room to greet Ellwood. My lips stretched into a smile when I saw his reaction. "Hey, what's your problem?" I tapped his cheeks lightly and chuckled softly. He licked his lower lip and curved upwards in a half-grin. "You look radiant!" he muttered. I stiffened for a moment before returning to my casual face. I smiled at him sweet
"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