I don't want to question why Iseah's forbidding his sisters to go to the mall. First, I don't have a right to enter into their lives, especially in raising the kids. I didn't mention it to him too, because I don't want to make it a bigger issue.
"Kuya Iseah, come with us so it's fun!" Kesha said. She wasn't contented, jumping into Iseah's arms.
"I can't, I have a lot if things to do at the plantation..." he said and carried the ten-year old Kesha.
"Behave, okay? Don't make your Ate Mary's head hurt," he reminded the youngest.
"Ate Mary, are we going with Kuya Ellwood?" Zia asked innocently.
Iseah and I looked at each other. His eyes were black, pure black. I can't read any emotion. His jaw clenching was the only sign that told how he didn't like what he heard.
"I-it's just the three of us," I quickly answered
I saw dismay in Zia's face. When Hezekiah disappeared, Ellwood rarely visits the kids too which I didn't bother to think
She hugged and kissed my cheek before holding my shoulders. She scanned me before shaking her head, smiling. "My god! Where have you been?! I haven't seen you in a long time!" I smiled a bit. "I guess I really enjoyed my vacation. So, how are you here?" "Everything is fine here, we're actually planning to open a big sale event this coming month. Christmas is about to come. The meeting just ended, I'm glad I saw you!" she said, eyes wide as she spoke. Zuay is one of my friends since high school. She's one of the people I trusted my company with, considering that she's also one of the stock holders together with Tawin. The three of us had a big share of the company. Although, Zekiah is the major stock holder and eventually the CEO of the company. Because I'm the wife, I'm also treated as the owner. "It's good to hear that! Sorry for my absence, promise, I'll make it up!" I held both her hands and smiled sincerely. "Don't worry! You're no
I opened the gate widely to let him in. I stepped back and averted my gaze to escape from his. He stood in front of me and scanned my body. "Seemed like you're going out somewhere?" "Uh, yeah! I have dinner with my friends..." "Friends?" My eyes went to him. His lips settled into a soft smile. "I'll meet up with Zuay and Tawin." "Really? Do you want me to drive you for less hassle?" He didn't wait for my answer and opened the door of his shotgun seat. I spaced out for a moment before I declined. "No need, I'll bring my car. I don't want to bother you with these kind of things..." I thought he was okay with it, but he insisted. He stayed standing in front of me, waiting for me to enter the car. I blew out a deep breath and shook my head. "Alright!" His lips formed a smile after I entered his car. I instantly leaned my back on the car chair when he suddenly cowered h
I clasped my hand together underneath the table. I can't deny that it pains me when I heard those words come out from their mouth. For all we know, I was the one who pushed myself on Hezekiah from the start. I did everything just for him to notice me so I understand why their this mad at Hezekiah. "We better not talk about it right now. It's not good to talk about someone who's not here," Ellwood said. "True! If we keep on talking about him, my night will be ruined!" Zuay rolled her eyes. Because of that, no one asked about Hezekiah. I was silently thankful for Ellwood. If he's not here, I'm sure no one would answer their questions. "You really don't have a girlfriend until now? How about your recent relationship with Pia? You lasted quite long, huh?" Zuay asked him with a playful smile on her face. His lips lifted while swirling the wine aroumd the glass. "Maybe, we're not meant for each other..." His eyes went to me which mad
"Y-Yeah, she's hot and single! You look good together!" I said with a lace of bitterness. I saw his lips lifted, moving closer and lowering his head even more which leveled our eyes. "I don't like women without thrill..." he said huskily. My lips hanged loosely in disbelief. "You know that I only like one woman..." he paused and licked his lower lip before biting it hard. "And it's you..." We were silent as we drove back to the Villa. I didn't manage to go back to the restaurant so I just messaged Zuay that I went home because of feeling sick. Ellwood remained silent the whole time. He didn't open a new topic as we took the path home. He stopped his car in front of the gate and turned the car's engine off. At that point, I turned to him and his eyes met mine. The same intensity that I saw everytime that our eyes had contact which never failed to make me agitated. "Thank you for dropping me off."
After I finished, I picked the most expensive and elegant evening dress in my closet. My curves was perfectly shown as it fitted my body. I let my naturally curly hair down. I smiled as I looked at myself inside the mirror. I had a thin pointed face, cheekbones that sat high on my face. Lips that smear of pink lipstick and glossy skin. I was contented as I pulled my purse and went out of my room. I was gripping at the steering wheel tightly as I drove closer to the place. I felt mixed emotions of fear. Fear of myself and fear of what would happen after. If I won't do this, Hezekiah might slip off from me. I need to bring him back, no matter what it takes. I parked my car at the main door. I took a deep breath and glanced at the entrance. I'm determined and no one could stop me. I handed my key to the valet and walked inside. I gave my name to the receptionist with a huge smile on my face. She looked at my gown first before nodd
I'm to broken. I wanted to tell him everything, all the pain I've kept inside of me, but my anger took the better of me. Tears spilled down my face continuously and my lips quivered so bad that I couldn't speak more. He stood there in front of me, unable to utter a word. "Now you're asking why I'm here? Why I'm still hoping that someday you'll wake up and realize that you still love me! Because I'm tired of waiting Zeki. I'm tired!" My shoulders slumped down and I can't look at him anymore. My heart was burned and tired. I guess I can't talk more. "Emory..." his soft tone didn't ease my pain. What I really felt right now is hatred. My heart was rebelling at the pain he inflicted to me. I felt him heave a sigh and his feet nearing. I closed my eyes when he caressed my cheeks. The dark of his eyes slowly turned into a lucid one. I tried to drop my eyes a few times but he didn't let me. "I know you're hurting. I didn't know what y
v She instantly shot her brows up at me before looking at Mom who was pale from all the happenings. "Ah, will you please excuse us for awhile?" Marcus grabbed my arm and pulled me somewhere. He brought me to a dark corner where only few people pass by. "Let go of me if you don't want me to humiliate all of you!" I said with my full voice. "Not here! You can't do this here, Meredith," he whispered with piercing eyes. "Yes, I could! I will do it and no one could stop me, not even you!" I exclaimed. I tried to pull my arm from his grasp but he didn't let me. "Alessandra wants her anniversary be held im here. It's for your own good, too. Because I want other people to think that Gabriel's a different person and not your husband,Hezekiah!" he said with clenching jaw. I narrowed my eyes at him and pushed him forcefully. "How dare you?! What do you think of the people here? Stupid fools?! If you managed to mani
I gulped. I noticed how Alessandra's forehead creased while the two were casually conversing. Marcus held Alessandra's arm and interrupted the conversation. Her mother's eyes were going back and forth on Gabriel and who he was talking to. Because of the distance, I was not able to hear what they were talking about, until they looked to my direction. My heart almost stopped as I watched Alessandra's face turned into a grimace. She faced Marcus and quickly held his wrist. I dropped my head because I couldn't meet with her stares. "Ah, Hunts..." I said, voice wavering. "Ma'am!" he answered quickly. "Let's go home..." I didn't wait for his response and turned my back, exiting the place. But suddenly my feet stood in the ground when someone's called my name. "Meredith, where are you going? The party just started!" Tyra stopped me. I'm just here if you need anything, Ma'am!" Hunts whispered right behin
"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