Chapter: Chapter 22. Do You Like MeMATAPOS ang almusal ay nagtungo na si Raikko sa loob ng bahay. Ang ina ay dumiretso sa kusina para magluto naman ng panangahalian. Paakyat na siya sa hagdanan nang matanaw niya si Rose. Nakatalikod ito sa gawi niya at tila nagpupunas ng mga display na figurine sa kahoy na estante. Napakunot noo siya nang maulinigan na tila may sinasabi ito. Dala ng kuryosidad ay naglakad siya palapit rito. “Sino naman ang nobya niya? Wala naman siyang ipinapakilala sa ‘min,” tila sarili nito ang kinakausap. “Teka ako ba ang tinutukoy niya?” sa isip-isip na tanong niya. Imbes na gambalainn ito ay tila nalibang pa ang binata na pakinggan at panoorin ito. Wala namang alikabok ang mga display pero tila ba galit na galit ito sa pagpupunas. Raikko rested his chin in his hand and stayed behind her. Akala niya ay may sasabihin pa ito pero bigla itong humarap. Napasinghap ito nang makita siyang prenteng nakatayo roon. “K-Kanina ka pa ba r-riyan?” nauutal na tanong nito. Imbes na sagutin ito ay naglakad s
Last Updated: 2025-10-15
Chapter: Chapter 21. Indirect QuestionsMATAPOS ang nangyaring pista sa bayan ng Unisan ay nagsimula rin ang pag-usbong ng closeness sa pagitan nila Raikko at Rose. Tila nawala ang pader na humaharang sa pagitan nila. Naging komportable sila sa isa’t isa at sa araw-araw na kasama niya ito sa isang bubong ay nalaman niyang hindi ito mahirap pakitunguhan.Simple lang si Rose. Masayahin, mahinhin ngunit nakikita niya ang malakas na dating nito. Sa halos isang buwan na pananatili nito sa kanila ay malapit na ito sa lahat ng miyembro ng kanilang pamilya lalo na sa kaniyang ina.Sa katauhan nito ay tila nagkaroon ng anak na babae ang kanyang ina at gusto niya ang nakikitang kasiyahan sa huli. Gaya na lang ng araw na ‘yon na nadatnan niya sa garden ang ina at ang dalaga na magkasamang dinidiligan ang mga tanim na bulaklak.“O, hijo, nariyan ka pala. Ang aga mo yatang nagpunta sa farm?” tanong ni Rio nang makita siya. Bago pa lamang sumisikat ang araw at kagagaling niya lang sa sagingan.Humalik siya sa pisngi ng ina at nginitian
Last Updated: 2025-10-13
Chapter: Chapter 20. Threat“ANONG sabi mo?!” Nagngangalit ang mga bagang na tanong ni Lucio kay Leon ng ipagbigay alam nito sa kanya ang kinaroroonan ni Ursula.Nasa tinitirahan niya siyang kubo at kararating lang nila Leon mula sa kapatagan. Agad na sumalubong sa kanya ang balita na nakita na ang nag-iisa niyang anak. Kalat na ang dilim sa labas at tanging huni na lang ng mga kuliglig ang naririnig nila.“Tama kayo ng narinig, amo. Tinakasan ako ni Ursula para sumama sa lalaking haciendero na ‘yon,” tila nagpapaawa pa si Leon nang sabihin ‘yon.Humigpit ang kapit ni Lucio sa ulo ng kwarenta y singko na nakasuksok sa tagiliran niya. Labis ang pag-aalalang nararamdaman niya iyon pala ay ligtas naman ang kanyang anak. Ang hindi lang niya lubos maisip ay kung paano nitong nagawang hindi magpaalam sa kanya. Bagay na hindi nito ginagawa. Hindi naglilihim si Ursula sa kanya. Maging ang tahasan nitong pagtutol sa pagpapakasal kay Leon ay alam niya. Ngunit wala siyang magawa dahil may utang na loob siya sa kanang kamay
Last Updated: 2025-10-13
Chapter: Chapter 19. Danger “SINO BA ang babaeng ‘yan at parang tuwang-tuwa sa kanya ang mga De Mario?” tanong ng isang babae mula sa crowd habang masamang nakatingin sa dalagang kasayaw ngayon ni Raikko.“Nakakainggit naman siya. Kanina pa siya pinag-aagawan ng magkakapatid,” turan naman ng isa pa na tila nangangarap habang nanonood.“Anong nakakainggit diyan e, hindi naman siya maganda,” mataray na turan ng isa pa.“Saan ba nanggaling ‘yan? Mukhang hindi naman ‘yan tagarito,”Natigil sa paglalakad ang grupo ni Leon nang matanawan ang mga nagsasayaw sa gitna ng malawak na bakuran. Partikular na sa babae’t lalaki na magkadikit habang marahang sumasayaw.Humithit siya sa yosi at basta na lang iyong ibinuga sa mga kababaihang nasa harapan niya.“Ano ba ‘yan ang sakit naman sa ilong ng usok,” palatak ng isa sa mga ito at lumipat ng pwesto.Nakakaloko siyang ngumisi dahil iyon ang nais niya, ang umalis ang mga sagabal sa daan niya. Inilibot niya ang tingin sa paligid, hinahanap ang babaeng matagal na niyang hinahana
Last Updated: 2025-09-02
Chapter: Chapter 18. Dancing with the De Mario's NAGKAKASAYAHAN ang lahat sa buong hacienda. Kalat na ang dilim pero buhay na buhay pa rin ang paligid dahil sa maliwanag na ilaw na nagmumula sa bawat poste, pati na rin sa malakas na disco music na nagmumula sa malalaking sound system.Ang mga matatanda ay tuwang-tuwa na nagsasayaw sa gitna ng malawak na bakuran ng mga De Mario habang ang mga kadalagahan naman ay tila naghihintay na lapitan sila ng mga kabinataan. Pero sa tingin ni Ursula ang talagang hinihintay ng mga ito ay ang mga binatang De Mario na sa tingin niya ay wala namang hilig sa mga ganitong pagtitipon. Well, maliban sa isa, si Radney na kanina pang nakikipagsayawan sa kung sino-sinong babae.Kahanay niya sa isang mahabang mesa ang mag-asawang Rio at Rocco, kabilang sina Ric na nasa kaliwa niya at sa kanan naman si Raikko na tahimik lang na nanonood. Katabi pa nito si Razel na kahit papaano ay pumapalakpak sa saliw ng musika.“Mga anak bakit hindi kayo maghanap ng maisasayaw na dalaga? Maaga pa, ‘wag niyong sayangin ang
Last Updated: 2025-09-02
Chapter: Chapter 17. Safe and SecureNAGISING si Ursula sa mararahang katok mula sa pintuan ng silid niya. Pupungas-pungas siyang bumangon at kinusot-kusot pa ang mga mata. Nang buksan niya ang pintuan ay nakita niya si Razel na nakatayo roon. Nakabihis ito ng black buttoned-down shirt, khaki shorts, at slip on shoes. Ang buhok nito ay naka-brush on na lalong nagpalakas ng appeal nito.“Wow, ang gwapo mo ngayon a? May date ka bang kasama?” tanong niya at nginitian ito.Ngumiti ito at lumabas ang mapuputi at pantay-pantay nitong mga ngipin. “Salamat. Wala akong date pero siguradong itutulak na naman ako ni mommy mamaya sa mga kadalagahan na pupunta,” tugon nito na napapakamot pa sa batok. “Siya nga pala pinapatawag ka na ni mommy para sa maikling panalangin,” anito.“Oo nga pala. M-MAliligo lang ako ng mabilis at bababa na rin ako. Pakisabi kay Tita bigyan ako ng twenty minutes ha?” isinara niya ang pintuan para lang muling buksan iyon. “Salamat,” pahabol na sabi niya sa binata na muling napalingon pagkaraan ay tuluyan na
Last Updated: 2025-08-30
Chapter: Chapter 153. News From The PhilippinesClifford’s POV.Agad kong tinawagan ang numero ni Chanda sa Pilipinas matapos kong matanggap ang mga mensahe nil ani Gustav. Pero sa tuwina ay busy tone ang naririnig ko mula sa kabilang linya. Matapos iyon ay ang numero naman ni Gustav ang sinubukan ko.Makalipas ang ilang sandali sa wakas ay may sumagot na rin.“Hello, Gustav? Where are you and Chanda right now? Are you safe?” sunod-sunod na tanong ko.“Yes, boss. We are safe… for now. Pero hindi ko alam kung gaano katagal pa kaming makakapagtago bago kami matunton ng mga tauhan ni Aurelius. We are running out of money and we don’t know where else should we hide…”Kahit papaano ay nakahinga siya ng maluwag sa sinabi nito. Pero naroon pa rin ang pag-aalala para sa kaligtasan ng mga ito.“Don’t worry, I will send someone to pick you up. I’m going to send you your new identities too. Just hang on a little longer…”“Thank you, boss. But I don’t think Chanda can still travel that far—" panandalian itong tumigil.“W-Why? What happened to
Last Updated: 2025-12-19
Chapter: Chapter 152. New Mafia BossClifford’s POV.Kinabukasan ay tuloy lang ang trabaho ko sa farm habang ang mag-ina ko ay naiwan sa bahay. Hangga’t maaari ay ayaw naming magpaapekto sa nalaman namin. Pero hindi ko ikakaila na magdamag akong nag-isip kung nasaan ang dati kong tauhan at kung totoo ba na may nakakaalam na ng totoo naming pagkatao.“Why are you still doing that?” Napalingon ako sa pinanggalingan ng tinig at nakita ko si Mr. Johnson na lulan ng kabayo niya at diretsong nakatitig sa ‘kin. Kasalukuyan akong nagpapakain ng mga alagang hayop.“What do you mean?” Kunot ang noong tanong ko. Hindi ko alam kung anong ibig niyang ipakahulugan pero iba ang paraan ng pagtitig niya sa ‘kin ngayon. Tila bai bang tao na ang kaharap ko.Mayamaya pa ay bumaba siya at hinubad ang gloves niya saka ngumiti. The usual reaction everytime I see him. His usually warm and welcoming.“You should look for new farmhands. I know you can hire one or two if you want. You shouldn’t do that. It’s not like you…”Lalong lumalim ang gatla
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: Chapter 151. DisappearanceClifford’s POV.Lumipas ang ilang araw na hindi nagparamdam sa farm si Mike. At aaminin kong mas maginhawa na nawala siya dahil ibig sabihin lang no’n ay matatahimik na kami. Ngayon ay naghahanap ako ng bagong makakasama sa farm para tumulong sa pag-aalaga ng mga hayop. Nasa tatlong ektarya ang lupang nabili ko rito sa Austin, hindi birong asikasuhin ng mag-isa. Idagdag pa na tinutulungan ko si Miley sa pag-aalaga sa aming anak na nagsisimula nang maging malikot.Oras na ng pananghalian at lulan ng kabayo ay tinahak ko ang daan pauwi. Kakaunti lang ang taong nakatira sa komunidad na tinitirahan namin bukod pa roon ay layo-layo ang mga kabahayan kaya’t tahimik at payapa ang buhay.Walang nakakakilala sa tunay na pagkatao namin. Ang tanging alam ng mga tao ay kami si Joe at Anastasia na galing sa Pinas at pinamanahan ng lupain ng isang matandang amerikano.Malapit na ako nang matanawan ko ang komosyon sa bakuran kaya’t nagmamadali kong pinatakbo ang kabayo. Nakita ko si Mr. Johnson na
Last Updated: 2025-12-18
Chapter: Chapter 150. Miley’s POV.Naalimpungatan ako nang maramdaman ko ang paglapat ng tela sa balat ko. Nang imulat ko ang mga mata ay nakita ko aang nakangiting mukha ni Clifford.“Nakatulog na pala ako. Kumain ka na ba? Ipaghahanda kita—”“No need. Katatapos ko lang. Hindi na kita ginising dahil ang sarap ng tulog niyo ni baby,” turan niya na ang atensyon ay nakatuon kay Levy na mahimbing na natutulog sa crib.Malapit ng dumilim sa labas at kararating lang niya galing sa farm. Magulo ang buhok niya at may bakas pa ng pawis sa noo. Inakbayan ko siya at tila awtomatiko naman na pumulupot ang braso niya sa baywang ko.“He looks peaceful,” aniya.“He is. Hindi niya pinasakit ang ulo ko at natulog lang siya maghapon,” tugon ko.“That’s good to hear.” Dahan-dahan niyang inilapit ang daliri niya sa maliliit na kamay ng sanggol hanggang sa magdikit sila.Hinayaan ko lang siyang gawin ‘yon at nagtungo ako sa walk in closet para ikuha siya ng pamalit na damit. Paglabas ay napamulagat ako nang makitang hawak na
Last Updated: 2025-12-09
Chapter: Chapter 149. New BeginningMiley’s POV.One Year Later…“Clifford, where’s the baby’s milk?!” Sigaw ko mula sa sala ng bahay na tinutuluyan namin dito sa Austin, Texas.Hawak-hawak ko sa bisig ko ang one-month old baby na pinangalanan naming Levy na kasalukuyan kong pinapatahan sa pag-iyak.“Ito na malapit na!” Mayamaya pa ay lumabas na siya galing sa kusina bitbit ang feeding bottle na kasalukuyan niyang inaalog.Nangingitim ang ilalim ng mata niya dahil sa eyebags at gulo-gulo ang buhok. Nakasuot pa siya ng pajama at tshirt na nasukahan ng baby.Agad kong kinuha ang bote sa kamay niya, saglit itong inalog pagkaraan ay ibinigay na sa umiiyak na sanggol. Saka lang ito tumigil kaya nakahinga na kami ng maluwag.Nahahapong sumalampak sa couch si Clifford at ikinurap-kurap ang mga matang inaantok pa.“P’wede ka nang matulog ulit. Thank you sa pagtitimpla ng gatas ni Levy,” sabi ko sa halos pabulong na tinig.“What’s my name again?” tanong niya sa naniningkit na mga mata. Alam kong antok na antok pa siya dahil kala
Last Updated: 2025-12-06
Chapter: Chapter 148. Leaving The Country For GoodClifford’s POV.Nang makauwi kami ay nakatulog na si Miley marahil ay dala ng pagod sa maghapon naming pag-aasikaso sa mga kailangan. Hindi ko na siya ginising at hinayaan ko siyang magpahinga sa silid namin.Nagtungo ako sa study room at doon ay naabutan ko si Gustav at Chanda na naghihintay sa ‘kin.“How is she?” tanong ng huli.“She’s good. She’s sleeping now.”“May petsa na ba ang pag-alis niyo Boss?” pag-iiba ni Gustav ng paksa.Dumiretso ako sa mini bar at nagsalin ng alak sa baso at diretso itong nilagok. Ramdam ko ang pagguhit ng init sa lalamunan ko, it’s just what I needed right now.Muli akong nagsalin pero nilaro-laro ko lang ang likido na nasa loob ng baso. Pagkaraan ay hinarap ko silang dalawa. “Plano kong hindi na bumalik rito kapag nakaalis kami,” puno ng kaseryosohan na turan ko.“Whaaat?!” Just what I expected from her. Inisang lagok ko ulit ang alcohol pagkaraan ay sinalinan iyon ng bago.“Don’t tell me you are running away from the mafia? Why, Clifford? You will ta
Last Updated: 2025-12-06
Chapter: Chapter 141. Hurtful WordsClifford’s POV It was already late when I got back to the mansion, and I staggered as I walked inside. I was surprised to see how brightly lit the place was and to hear voices echoing within. From what I could tell, the noise was coming from the dining hall. I hadn’t wanted to come home yet, but Gustav insisted, saying there were guests waiting. We had come from a bar—I had just been drinking to drown out my frustrations. I lost track of time, which was why we ended up getting home so late. I was about to head straight for the stairs when Chanda suddenly appeared out of nowhere. “Clifford, thank God you’re here! Don’t you know your wife and your guests have been waiting for you for a long time? Come on, they’re in the dining room,” he urged, even grabbing my arm. I followed him unsteadily, which made him stop short. “Why did you drink? What’s going on with you?” he demanded. “Don’t worry about me. Wait—who are the guests again?” I asked. “It’s Mr. Geron and his wife. Can you at
Last Updated: 2025-12-26
Chapter: Chapter 140. Avoiding Each OtherMiley’s POV I was forced to pull myself together, and now I was cooking in the kitchen, my eyes swollen from crying. I received a call from Ofelia saying they wanted to have dinner with us. I couldn’t bring myself to refuse, so I agreed even though I clearly wasn’t okay. From her, I learned that Jeffrey had been appointed as the company’s new CEO—and that it was Clifford himself who made the decision. I figured they wanted us to celebrate. I was chopping vegetables when I noticed my mother’s presence. She was standing at the kitchen entrance, as if unsure whether she should approach me. “Nay, what are you doing there? Do you need something?” I asked, forcing a smile. She walked closer, her face serious. Her lips parted, but no words came out. “Is there something you want to say to me?” I asked, mustering my courage. I knew she had heard what happened earlier at the pool area. “A-Are you okay, my child?” she asked. She picked up a carrot and began peeling it. I stopped chopping
Last Updated: 2025-12-24
Chapter: Chapter 139. Stepping Down As CEOClifford’s POV “Are you sure you want to do this now? You know you can postpone the meeting,” Gustav asked, seeking reassurance as we sat in the car. He had offered to drive me to the company, and we were already in the basement parking lot. I sniffed and wiped the corner of my eye, where traces of dried tears still lingered. My eyes were swollen from crying after my argument with Millicent. Even now, I still couldn’t fully understand what could have driven her to want to abort our child. But I planned to talk to her later, once I got home. “They’re waiting,” I replied shortly as I stepped out of the car. Gustav hadn’t seen me cry, but my appearance alone was enough to tell him that I wasn’t okay. Still, I had things I needed to do—things I had already decided on. I headed straight for the elevator and pressed the button for the twenty-fifth floor, where the conference room was located. I needed to do this now, to lessen the problems piling up on my plate. I adjusted my tie and s
Last Updated: 2025-12-23
Chapter: Chapter 138. Drastic DecisionClifford’s POVI felt lighter after the conversation I had with Nanay Mila. It felt as if the gap between us had finally disappeared, and in a way, she already felt like my own mother. After we talked, I went down to the first floor to look for Miley, who was at the poolside.Even from a distance, I could already see her from behind. She was alone. It seemed like she was enjoying the silence, simply being by herself. I approached slowly so I wouldn’t disturb her. I decided to just watch her, but she suddenly turned around when I got close.She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. I felt like I had interrupted her thoughts.“Do you want to be alone?” I asked, giving her a gentle smile. I sat beside her on one of the lounge chairs and softly brushed my fingers through her hair.“Nah, I’m just reading. Are you done with your meetings?” she asked, turning her attention to me. That was when I noticed the tablet on the table.“Yup. But I’m afraid I need to leave later. I have to go to the
Last Updated: 2025-12-22
Chapter: Chapter 137. Heart-to-Heart TalkClifford’s POVAfter breakfast, I went to the study room with Gustav and Chanda.“I’m giving up my position as the CEO of the company,” I said seriously.“W–What? Why?” Chanda asked, his brow furrowing.I took a deep breath and leaned back against the recliner chair. “I won’t wait for the board members and shareholders to file a petition forcing me to step down. I will resign of my own free will.”Gustav cleared his throat as he leaned against the minibar, slowly sipping from the glass in his hand. I knew that look—he could hardly wait to hear my decision regarding the position of mafia boss.“I’m still thinking about it. Besides, we still don’t know what really happened to Aurelius. We don’t know if he’s dead or just in hiding. Also, we don’t know who actually killed Horacio. We’re doomed if he suddenly shows up and claims that he was the one who killed him,” I explained.Chanda let out a sharp sigh, stood up, walked over to the minibar, and poured himself a drink.He downed the liqu
Last Updated: 2025-12-22
Chapter: Chapter 136. After The StormChanda’s POVIt has been a week since the war broke out. Yet the news is still filled with what they call the biggest gang war ever to happen in the Philippines. It’s almost laughable that they believe it was a gang war—when it wasn’t. Or perhaps someone paid the media to keep it that way.“Why do you keep watching the news? They’re just repeating the same reports over and over,” Gustav remarked as he approached me in the living room.I noticed Clifford coming downstairs with Miley, so I quickly turned off the TV. I stood up, coffee cup in hand.“Don’t you find it strange who paid the media to keep quiet?” I asked.We were staying at Clifford’s mansion, where he was currently resting. He had recovered quickly. And Miley? She was fine now—her belly growing bigger by the day. They came down the stairs arm in arm.“I’m sure it was one of the White Snake members,” Clifford said. I saw Miley whisper something to him, and soon after, she left us and headed to the kitchen.I didn’t say anyth
Last Updated: 2025-12-22
Chapter: THIRTY-FIVEWinona’s POVA few hours later, Mason was finally transferred to a private room, and the doctor assured me he was out of danger. Only then did I breathe a sigh of relief. But even as I sat there, it wasn’t just his recovery weighing on my mind—it was the hospital bills. I didn’t have health insurance, and I hadn’t realized until too late that my son had been moved to such an expensive room, where every night cost a fortune.The doctor said we could go home the next morning. Maximus had already left for an urgent meeting, though he promised he’d be back. I exhaled deeply and gently brushed Mason’s hair as he slept.He was still on oxygen, but his breathing was steady, and he was resting peacefully.My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. When I turned, I saw an older woman in a maid’s uniform. My brows furrowed as I tried to place where I had seen her before.“Master Max sent me to help you take care of the child,” she said as she stepped into the room.I blinked, then nod
Last Updated: 2025-09-03
Chapter: THIRTY-FOURWinona’s POV.The moment I stepped inside the apartment, I was greeted by thick smoke. I immediately started coughing at the suffocating stench as I hurried into the living room.“Ma…!” I called out, but froze in shock at the sight before me. Mason was sitting on the floor watching TV, while Francisco lounged on the sofa, puffing on marijuana. My mother was leaning comfortably against his shoulder, scrolling on her phone.“For God’s sake, Ma! How can you let Mason inhale all this smoke?” I screamed hysterically as I scooped my son into my arms. In a fit of rage, I kicked the center table where Francisco’s beer and other things were scattered.They both jumped to their feet in surprise.“It’s not like your kid is the one smoking! What the hell are you yelling about?” my mother snapped back.Tears welled in my eyes, the pain and anger crashing down on me all at once.“And why are you home so early? Weren’t you supposed to be out until later?” she deflected as they scrambled to gather th
Last Updated: 2025-09-03
Chapter: THIRTY-THREEWinona’s POVEven now, I’m still trembling from the tension after what happened between me and Vivienne. I’m in the staff lounge, trying to calm myself down. Brent is still here, talking with my supervisor.My chest tightens with a mix of anger and betrayal. Why is it only now that I realize Maximus is behind all of this—the reason I have a stable job and a high salary?From the very beginning, he has been manipulating me. He’s taking control over my life.I suddenly stood up, drawing in deep breaths, my chest rising and falling with the weight of my fury. But I forced myself to keep it together.After that, I walked over to where Brent and my supervisor were talking. They both turned to me with puzzled expressions.“Sir, I’m resigning from my job effective immediately. I’m sorry,” I said quietly, lowering my head. Shame washed over me, and I knew it was all because of Maximus.“Wait, Taylor—you can’t just resign like this. We can still fix this,” my supervisor interjected. I could de
Last Updated: 2025-09-02
Chapter: THIRTY-TWOWinona’s POVDays had passed since my conversation with Maximus in his penthouse, yet his words lingered in my mind. I was still weighing the decisions I had to make.I was at the hotel now, on my break, walking toward the housekeeping department to meet Marti so we could have lunch together.As I walked, I noticed the stares of the other employees—curious, almost meaningful. They whispered among themselves, and I couldn’t tell if it was me they were talking about. Whenever I caught someone’s eye, they’d quickly look away or leave in a hurry.I tried to shrug it off, convincing myself I was just overthinking. They didn’t even know me, and I didn’t know them.When I arrived at the housekeeping department, Marti was just stepping out with her lunchbox. I smiled immediately when I saw her.“I’m starving. Good thing our breaks lined up,” I said, looping my arm through hers. But she didn’t smile back. Her face was serious, and she stayed quiet.“Is something wrong?” I asked as we headed to
Last Updated: 2025-08-30
Chapter: THIRTY-ONEMaximus’ POVWinona had long since left, yet I remained on the terrace, a glass of rum in hand. I kept replaying our conversation in my head—her accusations that I would use our son for my own gain, and the way she called her own mother an opportunist.I had lied to her about one thing: my real reason for introducing our son to the public. It wasn’t just to acknowledge him—it was also a diversion to steer the media away from the murder of one of my employees. But that could wait.Right now, I needed to earn her trust completely. And before that, I had to face her mother.My thoughts were interrupted by the vibration of my phone. A message from Vivienne lit up the screen. I opened it and read:“Didn’t know your standards dropped this low. You can still come back to me, and I’ll welcome you with open arms…” A kiss emoji followed. Even though the words were just text, I could almost hear her mocking tone in my head.I ignored it and was about to put my phone down when her name suddenly f
Last Updated: 2025-08-30
Chapter: THIRTYWinona’s POVAs the night deepened, the air on Maximus’s penthouse terrace grew colder. The chill seeped into my bones, and without realizing it, I wrapped my arms around myself. I wondered why I had even thought of wearing a backless, below-the-knee dress tonight.I flinched when something warm brushed my shoulders—a jacket. Looking up, I met Maximus’s serious face, his gaze steady and unwavering as it settled on me.We were already on dessert, yet neither of us had dared to start a conversation. My tongue felt tied, though before I came here, I had so many things I wanted to tell him.“T-Thank you,” I murmured softly.He didn’t respond. Instead, he returned to his chair and sipped from the glass of rum the server had just refilled. I had lost count of how many he’d had, but the flush on his face was undeniable—proof that the liquor was catching up to him.I kept my gelato untouched, more focused on the man across from me. I wanted to speak, to break the silence, but the words refuse
Last Updated: 2025-08-29
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