All Chapters of Soldier's First Love (English) - ZL Lounge Series 01: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

LAURA was walking down the stairs when she overheard her Aunt Kendra talking to Uncle Kent on the phone. She paused mid-step, eager to catch any news about Astin. It had been eight long years since she last saw him. To this day, she blamed herself for Astin joining the military. If only she had shown up at his wedding, none of this would have happened. He would have been happy and still with them now. Though Aunt Kendra never showed it, Laura knew she was deeply sad. She would often find her aunt spending entire days in Astin's room. Laura had apologized countless times to the Hernandez couple, but they never held a grudge against her. They welcomed her back after a year.Now, she was working as Andrea's secretary in their office. They had offered her a higher position, but she declined, preferring her current role. Ever since Astin left, Andrea had been managing HGC and Hotel De Astin, with the couple's guidance.Since Astin disappeared from her life, Laura herself had become melanch

EVEN with only a few hours of sleep, Laura still woke up early. She quickly showered and went down to the dining room. The helpers, who were tired from the night before, had already prepared breakfast early.“Good morning,” she greeted them.The three helpers greeted her almost in unison.“Take a seat and eat your breakfast, dear. It’s likely that the couple will wake up later. The party ended late last night,” Manang Rosa said to her.“Is that so? Alright, I’ll eat now since I have work,” she said, grabbing a mug to make her own coffee. She didn’t ask the helpers to make her coffee because she wasn’t their boss. She was only a guest, something she constantly reminded them of.“Good morning, Ms. Laura,” Mang Vincent greeted, arriving just then. “What time are we leaving?” he asked her.“After we eat. Have some breakfast first,” she invited him warmly while she scooped rice and a dish onto her plate.Because she was afraid to drive, Mang Vincent drove her to and from work every day usi

UNTIL Astin finally pulled her up, her eyes were wide open. She could hear his string of curses. “F*ck, Laura! I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” he muttered, but his words were loud and clear to her. He embraced her tightly once he had completely pulled her out of the water. She simply stared at him as he let her go. He sat down, burying his face in his hands. He must have been worried—his expression had been like that the entire time he was rescuing her. He looked utterly dazed. It seemed Astin had forgotten she knew how to swim and could hold her breath underwater for several minutes. She had no intention of dying; suicide wasn’t even in her vocabulary. But she felt a tinge of happiness, knowing he had saved her. At least he still cared about her. That meant she still affected him—that there was still hope for Astin to return to her. She was about to speak when he wrapped a towel, fetched from the bench, around her wet body. Then he hurriedly carried her into the house. She thought he

Astin fell onto her after their heated moment. Laura never expected they’d go at it multiple times. She was tired but undeniably happy. For her, it was one of the happiest nights of her life. Finally, she had given the man her long-guarded purity. She hoped this would be the bridge to their reconciliation. She didn’t care what others would say, as long as she could win Astin back. She bit her lip when he looked up at her. She smiled at him afterwards. He didn’t smile back, but she caught a peculiar gleam in his eyes. At least some of his anger seemed to fade. It was one sign that his heart might be softening towards her. After a moment, he approached her. Both of them turned to the sound of a ringing phone. It wasn’t hers—it was his. “You’ve got a call,” she said, glancing at him. He complied without a word, not even bothering to put on any clothes as he grabbed the phone. He looked at her before answering and sat on the bed, his back to her. She listened as he spoke, head sli

“Astin,” she said, looking straight at him. “I thought you were tired. Why don't you lie down? Stop spending all your time on your phone,” he said, gently guiding her to lie down. Like a fool, she followed and lay down. She stared at him. Was he really going to sleep beside her? If he did, could she even sleep soundly? Oh God, she thought. Her heart started pounding at the idea. She kept staring at his face, particularly at his lips. When they moved slightly, she swallowed hard. Her eyes slowly closed as his face drew closer to hers. She was expecting a kiss on the lips, but to her disappointment, his kiss landed on her cheek. Annoyance bubbled up inside her. She opened her eyes wide, convinced her face must be bright red with irritation and embarrassment. He was looking at her, but the corner of his lips had a mischievous smile. She covered her face with her hands. How embarrassing! she taught. “Good night,” he said with a smile. He even pinched her cheek before walking