"There," Adriel said as she dusted her hands on her jeans, wandering her eyes around the newly-decorated living room. "It looks fantastic," she smiled to herself. After spending years living in somebody else's apartment, she can finally call something as her own—her own home. She felt a strong pair of arms encircling around her waist, so she leaned against the strong frame and placed her hands on Zeth's arms. "Isn't it pretty?" she asked, still elated. Zeth and Adriel just moved into their new home, and they couldn't be more happier. Fortunately, Adriel didn't have to go to work today because she just participated in a high-end photoshoot, while Zeth opted to take a leave to join Adriel in organizing their things and in decorating the house. "Everything that you do is pretty, angel," Zeth said, placing a light kiss on her temples. Adriel rolled her eyes. "Still such a flatterer. I want an honest response. Is it pretty because I made it? Or is it pretty in general?""Both," Zeth a
"Alright, that's it," the photographer said as he continued taking shots of Aria and Cedric. After the successful three-day shoot at the beach, the two of them had been cast once again for a perfume commercial. Aria was more than thrilled to find out that not only had she gotten new work, but she was also partnered up with the guy that she likes—Cedric. "Closer," the director called out. "I want you guys to be closer. The perfume's scent is called 'Intimacy' for a reason." Aria felt her heart beating fast, and she wondered if Cedric felt the same. However, when she looked at him, she could see that he wasn't the least bit fazed. He maintained a professional composure and looked like he didn't mind their closeness at all. Aria internally frowned. She's definitely the only one being emotionally affected by this. And it's just so unfair! "Is this okay?" Cedric asked as he held onto Aria's left thigh, hoisting her up and bringing her closer to his body. She felt his hot breath hov
"Aria?" Heather asked as soon as she saw her. Aria bit her lip and went back to her normal sitting position—a fake smile appearing on her lips. "Heather, Joshua, hey! Fancy seeing you here," she awkwardly chuckled. "Yeah, and you're with Cedric," Heather excitedly said when he saw the dashing young man sitting in front of Aria. "Hey," Cedric casually greeted. "Are you guys out on a date?" Heather asked, looking at the two of them. Aria glanced at Cedric, unsure of what to say. She doesn't know whether the fake boyfriend thing was only a one-time trial or if Cedric was willing to help her at any given time. "Yeah," he said, causing Aria to internally rejoice. "Yup," Aria repeated with a genuine smile. "We're on a date." "Great!" Heather said. "We actually have a date too. Maybe, we can join you guys," she shamelessly suggested. "Umm," Aria said, looking at all the vacant tables. There are literally so many vacant tables, and yet she's asking to sit with them? Prepostero
Adriel woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of a familiar ring tone. It's a sound that she hadn't heard for years but would always make her tremble whenever she heard it. She instantly sobered up from her sleep as she looked at the caller ID. There's really no mistaking—it was her mother who was calling her—her mother who never called her for the past four years. "Angel?" Zeth groggily said when he saw that Adriel was breathing heavily next to him. He sat up from bed and looked at the woman's frightened face. "What's wrong?" he gently asked. Adriel couldn't say anything. She just kept staring at the phone, wondering if she was currently stuck in a nightmare. Zeth glanced over at the phone and cursed under his breath. "Angel," he shook her. "It's over, angel," he said when the ringtone finally died down. "W—why would she be calling me?" she stuttered, still dazed. Zeth clicked his tongue and wrapped his arms around her body, wanting to make sure that she felt safe. "I d
Zeth anxiously bit his nails as they got nearer and nearer to the villa—the first place where they had met. Adriel brought the window down so she could enjoy the fresh breeze of the province. The first time she went here, she couldn't appreciate the simple and rural lifestyle; but coming back here made her feel like this was the life that she wanted to live. She turned to the anxious Zeth and let out a chuckle. "What are you so nervous for?" she asked. "We're only meeting your grandpa." "That's the point," Zeth exclaimed. "Do you know how scary he is when he gets mad?" Adriel frowned. "Why would he be mad at you?" "Angel," he said in an obvious tone. "I didn't treat you well in the beginning, so I wasn't able to witness Zenon's growth. Aside from that, I hid the fact that I had a child from him. He's going to give me an earful once we get home." Adriel burst out in a fit of laughter. "Oh, this is going to be gold! Maybe, this is what you deserve," she teased. Zeth sighed. "Ma
"I told you this was a bad idea," Zeth grumbled as he looked at all the preparations that his grandfather did for Zenon's birthday. Adriel sighed beside him. "It was an innocent suggestion! I didn't know that he would go to such lengths." "You've seen his 80th birthday! He never settles for anything less than extraordinary. That's how he became successful and rich," Zeth said. Adriel shook her head. "It's alright. Let's just enjoy it. It looks like Zenon is enjoying it anyway," she said, gesturing to her son, who was looking at all the interior decoration with wonder.Grandpa Earl practically made Zenon's dream place. The entire hall was covered with the cartoon characters that he liked, and there were also a variety of activities and games laid out for the children—face painting booths, photo zones, arcade machines, and many more."Do you like it?" Grandpa Earl asked the young child with a smile on his face.Zenon enthusiastically nodded his head. "I love it, grandpa! Thank you!"H
The Gray family, along with Adriel and Zenon, are sitting around the table, peacefully eating their breakfast. Milo chuckled when Zenon spilled some of the milk on his shirt. He took out a napkin and wiped the wet area. "Be careful, buddy," he reminded. "I'm sorry," Zenon apologetically said. "It's alright," he ruffled his hair, smiling as Zenon continued eating. Grandpa Earl smiled as he watched the scene in front of him. "Maybe, we should keep Zenon here. This is the kindest that I've seen Milo ever since he hit puberty." "Granddad," Milo rolled his eyes. "But, could we really do that? Can we keep Zenon here?" "No," Zenon cutely shook his head. "I'll only stay where mommy and daddy are staying." Adriel chuckled and pinched his cheeks. "You don't want to play with Milo anymore?" Zenon looked at Milo with wide eyes. "I do! I also love playing with grandpa so let's go here once again mommy!" he enthusiastically exclaimed. "Of course, bud," Zeth responded. "We'll come he
"Get out." Grandpa Earl had enough. "Get out of my house," he stood up from his seat and pointed his cane at both Lauren and Lewis. "I tolerate your presence because you're my son's wife, but if you keep on acting like this, I don't have a problem forgetting you and my son, too," he said with all sincerity. Lewis' eyes wavered a little bit, and he held onto Lauren's arm, dragging her out of the villa despite her unwillingness to go. "Let go," she said, struggling to get out of his hold. "Honey, let's go back here when you're calm, alright? We don't want to continue this conversation with a hot head." "I don't care. I've made up my mind," she stubbornly said. "Honey, please," he said in a desperate voice. Zeth looked away from them. He hates how pathetic his father looks right now. Even up until now, when Lauren is clearly in the wrong, he's still willing to be patient with her. "Fine," Lauren finally caved in. "But, this is not the last time that you'll be seeing us. And just