ANNIKA'S POV Each passing day becomes hard to bear. I'm trying so hard to understand our situation, but I always end up feeling like I'm in a competition. A competition of who's better, or who needed him the most. I missed the times when it was just the two of us. A moment that only the two of us shares...the joy of togetherness, the acts of love and those sweet cuddles after we make love. I missed those days when I sleep beside him at night, and I would wake up in his arms, entangled in a tight embrace. Now, my nights are cold and empty. Caspian is barely home, and if he is, it would only be a matter of time before Juliette calls him again. She was having a hard time. She needs complete bed rest, that's what the doctor said. He's there to take care of her, and sometimes, I feel envious of Juliette. I'm pregnant too, I wanted to say. I need him as much as he needed her, but he can't even make time for me. He couldn't even talk to me for long without Juliette interrupting our calls.
ANNIKA'S POV Hearing his silence, I suddenly felt weak. I sat there unable to move and feeling so sorry for myself. I shouldn't have asked that, I know. I closed my eyes and breathed heavily, avoiding his gaze. I can't look at him without feeling mad about everything. I know he didn't mean for this to happen. However, it just doesn't change the fact that he has hurt me, despite the many times he promised me that he won't. I always say that I trust his words, but how far can I go without burning myself in the process? “I don't know what's happening anymore, Caspian. This isn't what you promised me...” I bellowed. Caspian slowly walked towards me. He closed his eyes in defeat. And slowly, he bent his knees to kneel down in front of me. “I know, baby...I know. You don't want to hear it, but I'm truly sorry for all the pain I caused you.” I looked away. I hate seeing him suffering for the choices he made. It pains me, as much as it pains him. “Did you even know I went for a check up
ANNIKA'S POV“What happened to you, Annika? Is everything alright?” Jade asked as soon as she opened her door to let me in.Instead of saying anything, I flung myself unto her and hugged her tight. Hot tears began rolling down my cheeks as I recalled what happened earlier... how Caspian left me because Juliette tried to kill herself. I don't know what to do anymore. I sobbed loudly on her shoulders, letting everything out of my heart as if it was the only way to take the pain away.I didn't want to spoil her night, but I just needed someone to talk to at the moment. Everything is weighing down on my heart. I know it's already late, but I was glad that she was home when I barged in without notice. I just felt the need to escape... or to run away from the place that reminds me of the emptiness in my heart. I hate looking at every corner of our house without being reminded of his presence.We had just made up, and here comes Juliette once again with her tricks and schemes that never faile
ANNIKA'S POVI took a deep breath as I slowly opened the door to our penthouse. Hunter and Jade are going on a date, so I decided to go home instead. I didn't want to spoil their day. It would be too much. However, my shoulders fell when I realized that the house was deserted. There was no trace of Caspian anywhere — even in our room, a sign that he hasn't been home. I laughed bitterly. What did I expect? I doubt he even knew I was gone last night. If he knew, what would he do? Would he go out and find me? Would he come and fetch me?I was out of myself as I sat on the couch. The hours passed by so quickly, without me realizing it. Another day has passed, and yet, Caspian's still out.I have learned to accept it as the days and months passed. I finally stopped hoping that he would come home and prioritize me. I have come to realize that I shouldn't beg for his attention and time. If he choses her over us, then it's his loss. I realized that my baby's progress and health should be my p
ANNIKA'S POV“Hi, fancy seeing you here,” Juliette greeted me with a smirk.Caspian looked at me, with his widening, guilty eyes. He gulped and tried to remove his hands from Juliette's grasp, but it was already too late. I was so lost for words as I watched them standing in front of me.My heart started racing as the pain engulfed it. I felt my world collapsing as my heart started breaking into millions of pieces. My eyes began watering, and my whole body was shaking. I can't even explain how broken I felt at the moment.I didn't know what to do, so I pushed the table forcefully and hastily stood up. I can't! I just wanna run away and forget everything I saw! I don't want to see them again!“Annika, wait!” Jade yelled as I started to step out of the restaurant. I heard her cursing loudly as she went to the counter to pay for our order, even though we won't be able to eat anymore. I continued walking fast, not bothering to look back...when suddenly, I felt Caspian's strong arms holdin
ANNIKA'S POV“Baby...”I froze when I heard his voice. My eyes widened in surprise as I saw him standing in front of me. I didn't know he would come home today. Why is he here? I clutched my luggage tighter, as if by doing so, it would give me more strength to stand by my decision.Caspian's bloodshot eyes found mine, but I looked at him coldly.He closed our distance, and to my surprise, he bent down on his knees and begged. “Please...just give me a few more months. Please, baby...”My heart hammered in pain as I shook my head. I've given him enough time. I endured everything he did even if it kills me inside to know that he's with another woman. It kills me to know that he might have fathered another child. And yet, I have loved him...so much that I forgot about myself— my own happiness and my peace.I have loved him to the point that I willingly sacrificed my happiness...my needs for him to be with her. It pained me, but I was too in love with him to care. I thought it was just tem
ANNIKA'S POV“And you think I'll agree? Annika, it's not just for you to decide!“ he snapped.His eyes became cold and unfamiliar, like the way it was before we got into this arrangement. He looked at me darkly, making me feel goosebumps. I should be afraid of him, however, I don't feel any fear at all. Deep inside me, I had this feeling that he would never resort to hurting me physically.I challenged hus gaze and spoke. “What now? I'm not allowed to decide on what's best for us. . . or myself, and yet, Juliette gets to decide for you? Manipulate you? Make you follow her bidding?” I laughed bitterly. This is ridiculous!He sighed and looked defeated, but his eyes remained strong and persuasive. “Annika, please. . .I won't let you go. No. . .I can't ever let you go. . .or I would lose it.“ He whispered softly.I growled at him, my eyes looking at him sharply. “Don’t you get it, Caspian? I'm so sick and tired of all your bullshits! I did my part. I did as you wish! I was trying so damn
ANNIKA'S POVIt was a big step, but I am both scared and excited all at the same time. All my life, I've never considered living alone because I have Mom with me. I always thought that we'd be together till the end. It made me feel a little bit sad remembering her. I wanted to go back home and be with her, but I didn't want her to worry about me. I didn't want her to blame herself for my misfortune. Maybe I'd tell her the truth one day. Or maybe if the pain finally subsides, I'd be able to share everything to her without worrying that it may affect her health. For now, I need to be tough and brave. . . to face everything with dignity and grace. To solve my problems alone and learn to stand on my own.My things were already packed and arranged. I'm planning to move out by the weekend, and ask for Jade's help to buy some things for the apartment. I decided to cook dinner for us, as a simple way of showing my gratitude to her for everything that she has done for me. I couldn't imagine a l
CASPIAN'S POV It was a fine summer day, the warm breeze of air kissed our skin as the birds sing along with the melodious song playing in the backgroun. Everybody was dressed accordingly. The guests were chattering, exchanging their curious glances with each other. The beautiful and colorful flowers made the surrounding so magical -- enchanting, just like how I felt with her. I smiled as I watched her walking down the improvised aisle, along with Pachelbel's Canon D filling the place. I still coulnd't believe I'm getting married to her. . .again. I could still remember the very first time I saw her in my office. She was dressed like an old maid. She was always quiet and nervous around me, and I barely even look at her. She seemed too ordinary for me. And yet, something about her eyes caught my attention. She was aloof. Unlike my previous secretaries, Annika never tried to make advances on me. In the last years that she worked for me, she never looked at me as if I was someone inter
CASPIAN’S POV When I was young, I used to believe that we had a perfect family. Many of our friends and relatives envied the kind of relationship my Mom shared with Dad. Yet, even as a child, I noticed the sadness hiding in Mom's eyes whenever she's alone. My mom was a beauty. Many tried to pursue her, but my Dad won her heart. Dad, was already a successful businessman, but my Mom came from a family of old riches. It was late for her to realize my father's true intentions. In front of everyone, my father painted a picture-perfect family, but no one knows the tears my mother cried when we're left alone at the house. I didn't understand it then. . .But when I saw a woman begging for my father's attention outside our mansion, my gut turned cold. Who was the woman? And most importantly, who was the child he was holding?The child looked a little older than me, but he was skinny. He was dressed poorly and he smelled like he hadn't taken a bath in a week. His eyes were almost deep with hu
ANNIKA'S POVI was up early this morning, watching the two handsome men in my life as they hugged each other tight. The warm golden rays of the sun are slowly creeping in, reminding me that it's a brand new day I should be thankful for. I stared at the boys, uttering a silent prayer to the one above for keeping us safe and bringing us back to each other again. I stared at them, unmoving, as I was afraid I'd lose them in the blink of an eye.Gently, I touched my son's cheek as if making sure he is really in front of me. And when I felt his soft skin on my fingers, a lump formed in my throat as the dreaded memories of the previous day haunted back my mand. I'd lose my sanity if anything happened to him. It will surely be the death of me. And again, I thanked the heavens for not allowing it to happen.Slowly, I got out of the bed, fixed myself and made my way into the kitchen to prepare our breakfast. I immersed myself into cooking while humming a happy tune. It's a day to celebrate. . .
ANNIKA'S POV "Annika!" "Baby!" Jade and Caspian shouted in unison as they rushed towards me, but I didn't falter. I remained kneeling in front of Aries, holding tight onto his pants as I begged for him to let go of my son. "Aries, please. . .don't hurt my son. He doesn't deserve all of this," I begged. I couldn't stop myself from crying. I felt so helpless. . .so useless! I can't save my own son. As Timmy looked down on me, my heart shattered, seeing the fear that's clearly written in his eyes. My heart broke as I watched him struggling to break free from Aries. The cops slowly backed down, repositioning themselves as they strategized on how to take down Aries. Juliette stood frozen to the ground as Aries began to walk backwards, still holding my son while pointing the gun on his head. "Everyone, don't move or I'll blow this child's head!" he warned. My eyes grew huge in fear! I cried so hard as I melted to the ground. Caspian reached out for me and pulled me back up.
ANNIKA'S POV I felt so anxious. It's been hours since Aries and Juliette took Timmy, yet we still haven't heard an update. Ms. Brown was sent home to rest. Her eyes were swollen from crying the whole afternoon. The management of the school also called to inform us about the repercussions of Ms. Brown's actions that put our son's life in danger. Caspian was pacing back and forth, his eyes couldn't hide the worry and anger that filled him. He was breathing harshly, and I can feel his growing impatience. It's already dark, we're tired, and yet, we couldn't afford to go home without any news about the whereabouts of our son. "I can't wait here anymore. I need to find my son!" he muttered angrily. "I'm coming with you," I stood up and ran to him. Just then, the police officers approached us. "We've already searched around the area, but there are no sightings of them. We've also put a lookout bulletin for them, and alerted the security of the nearby towns. They won't get far, we
ANNIKA'S POVThe moment we left the hospital room, Caspian fell down on his knees. He looked so weak and vulnerable, his tears kept flowing down his already wet cheeks. His eyes held guilt, regret and most of all. . .pain. If only there was a way I could take it from him.Slowly, I bent my knees down and sat down in front of him, holding his face with my hands. I gently wiped his tears, hoping that I could wipe away his pain. I touched his cheek, resting my forehead against his and whispered, "Don't blame yourself, Caspian. Your feelings are valid. You were angry and hurt.""Still. . .I could have been the bigger person. I should have forgiven him a long time ago. I should have talked to him a long time ago. . ." he whispered regretfully.He was vile man. He has done so many terrible things to both us. He has hurt us in many ways. And yet. . .I couldn't find any reason not to forgive him. Those things that he did in the past were bound to happen. I never understood it before, but look
ANNIKA'S POV"Be good, okay?" I instructed Timmy as we dropped him off to school."Yes, Mommy," he replied."We'll come back for you later," Caspian said.Timmy chirped happily as he went inside their classroom to play with his classmates. We stayed for a few moments, and I couldn't help but shed a tear seeing him enjoying his class. I couldn't actually believe that I'm here now. . .that I'm witnessing this moment that I once thought would never happen in my life."Are you okay?" Caspian asked."Yes, I am. I'm just a little overwhelmed. I honestly thought I'd never get to experience this," I said softly.Caspian pulled me to his side and kissed my temple. I closed my eyes in oblivion. I could feel the loud beating of his heart or the harsh breaths he take as he hugged me tight."And I never thought I could do this with you again. Let's go? We have an important appointment," he saidWe left the school to go to the police station to ask for an update. The cases have been filed by Caspia
ANNIKA'S POVI took a deep breath and stared into the wall. Caspian was hugging me from behind, our naked bodies covered under a warm blanket. I could feel his warm breath on my neck while his right hand was stroking my shoulders, trying to put me to sleep. But I couldn't.It dawned on me -- what happened at the restaurant. I couldn't forget how mad Juliette was and I got a feeling that something might happen. My heart raced at the thought, and soon, worry and fear crept into my heart."What's the matter, Annika?" Caspian asked softly.I turned around to face him. He was looking at me intently, his eyes were filled with genuine concern. I took another deep breath. I couldn't explain how I feel."I don't know, Caspian. I just feel like something's bound to happen--"Caspian tightened his embrace, pulling me closer to his body before planting a soft kiss on my head, making me stop talking."Nothing's going to happen, baby. I won't allow anything to happen. They will pay for everything,
ANNIKA’S POV I closed my eyes, wrapping my arms around his nape as he deepened the kiss. His right hand fell onto the small of my back, holding me closer to his body. He licked my lips and gently nibbled it, provoking an entrance. And when I parted my lips, he immediately slipped his tongue through my mouth. I gasped as he kissed me fervently, tasting every corner of my mouth while his hand began stroking my back in an erotic manner. A soft moan escaped my lips when I felt his hand gently squeezing my bottom. “C-Caspian. . .” I moaned his name. It's been a long time since I felt this kind of sensation. The way his hands expertly moved around my body, leaving each spot tingling with a delicate sensation and igniting a fire in me. I felt feverish, my mouth gaped open as I arched my neck to accommodate his sweet lips. “Ooohhh,” I moaned again when he sucked on my neck, gently nibbling on it. Caspian showered my neck with soft, feathery kisses. I felt myself melting under his tou