All Chapters of The Contract Bride: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

The morning air hung heavy with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the lingering aroma of pan de sal, a comforting reminder of home. Soirye, dressed in a crisp white blouse and tailored pants, stood at the doorway, a wave of conflicting emotions swirling within her. Excitement mingled with a tinge of apprehension as she prepared to return to work. Her grandparents-in-law were still in the Philippines, their extended stay a delightful surprise. But with their presence came a new set of challenges, particularly for Soirye. She had to juggle her role as a loving wife and hostess with the demands of her demanding career.Damon, oblivious to the true nature of her work, believed her to be a simple journalist, a writer who chronicled the lives of others. He knew nothing of her reputation, the fear she instilled in the hearts of celebrities, the power she wielded in the world of entertainment. "Ready for work, my love?" Damon asked, his voice laced with concern. He had been diligently

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the bustling streets as Soirye emerged from the office building, a sense of relief washing over her. The day had been a marathon, a relentless assault on her time and energy. But now, as she spotted Damon's car parked at the curb, a smile bloomed on her face."Hey, you," Damon greeted, his voice laced with warmth as he opened the car door for her. "Ready to go?""Ready as I'll ever be," Soirye replied, her heart lighter than it had been all day.He helped her into the car, his touch a comforting reminder of the life they shared, the life that was a sanctuary from the chaos of her work. As they drove, the city lights began to flicker to life, a tapestry of neon and incandescent glow against the darkening sky."I was thinking," Damon said, his voice a gentle murmur, "we could hit the gym tonight. It's been a while since we last worked out together."Soirye's eyes lit up. "I'd love that, Damon. It's been way too long."She loved going to the gym

The city lights blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors as Damon navigated their car through the quiet streets, the late-night air thick with the scent of jasmine and exhaust fumes. It was almost midnight, the moon a pale disc hanging low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the sleeping city.Soirye, nestled against Damon's side, felt a wave of contentment wash over her. The day had been a whirlwind of activity, a mix of work, laughter, and shared intimacy. Now, as they pulled into their driveway, a sense of peace settled over her."Home sweet home," Damon said, his voice a gentle murmur as he reached for her hand.She smiled, her heart filled with a warmth that spread through her body like a gentle fire. The car, their sanctuary, their secret world, had been the stage for a passionate encounter, a whirlwind of desire that had left her both exhilarated and exhausted.As Damon turned off the engine, the silence of the night seemed to amplify the lingering heat of their shared exper

The insistent ringing of a phone sliced through the quiet morning, jolting Soirye awake. It wasn't hers. It was Damon's, lying on the nightstand beside her, the screen illuminating his sleeping face. She fumbled for it, the insistent ringing a jarring intrusion into their shared slumber. "Hello?" she rasped, her voice thick with sleep.A high-pitched giggle met her ear. "Damon, are you there? It's me, Chloe."Soirye's heart plummeted. Chloe. The name echoed in her mind, a name she'd heard Damon mention casually, a name he'd never introduced as anything more than a friend. But the playful lilt in Chloe's voice, the way she spoke to Damon with a familiarity that bordered on intimacy, sent a chill down Soirye's spine."Damon? Are you awake?" Chloe persisted, her voice laced with a hint of concern. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm going to be late tonight. I have this big meeting with my boss, and..."Soirye's eyes darted to Damon's face, still peaceful in sleep. He hadn't stirred, ob

Ang hangin ay mabigat na may amoy ng mga karayom ​​ng pino at ang mahinang, matamis na aroma ng kanela. Si Damon, na nakakunot ang noo sa konsentrasyon, ay maingat na inayos ang huling mga napiling palamuti ng Pasko sa malaking puno ng pino na nangingibabaw sa sala. Sinulyapan niya ang kanyang mga lolo't lola, ang kanilang mga mukha ay nagliliwanag sa mainit na ilaw ng nag-aapoy na tsiminea. Nakangiti sila, ang kanilang mga mata ay nakakunot sa tunay na kagalakan, ang kanilang mga kamay ay magkahawak sa isang kilos ng kasiyahan. Naramdaman niya ang isang pagdagsa ng kaluwagan na dumadaloy sa kanya. Nagawa niya ito. Nakumbinsi niya sila.Tatlong araw na ang nakalipas, nang dumating sila sa kanilang maaliwalas na kubo na nakabaon sa gitna ng mga puno ng pino na natatakpan ng niyebe, si Damon ay sinalubong ng isang alon ng pag-aalala. Ang kanyang mga lolo't lola, na may kanilang mga lumang paraan at matatag na paniniwala sa kabanalan ng tradisyon, ay nag-aalangan tungkol sa hindi pangkar