LOGIN“My first love didn't happen until I was an adult,” he said softly.I looked up at him."Really?"He nodded."Wow, how is that possible?"He shrugged."I can't explain, let's say the other girls,while growing up didn't really you know attract my attention"."What about as a teen?""I don't get around that much, I was a nerd so you know also shy and laid back. However, the first time I met her, I was so nervous I thought I would peel my pants. I might look all cool and tough to her but inside my heart was fluttering"."Like a bird in a cage?""Yes".He replied.We both laughed."I wanted her to look at me so much, but I was also shy I didn't look at her. I couldn't...I was able to steal one or two glances but each time she was in her own world...I was completely invisible to her"."That's so sad...You must feel bad about it".I said."Yeah...I felt bad...But I was desperate...I believe if I couldn't have a chance then...I don't think it will ever come again".I shifted leaning a bit cl
“It’s… too much, John,” I said after he has given us a tour of the place."I don't think it is..too much. You and Angel deserve the best."Why do I keep having memories of Leo?Could it be because I find him similar to Leo that makes me a bit attracted to him?I mean physically, nothing alike but ...his voice and mannerisms.He turned to Angel, who was curiously exploring a crystal vase on a side table.“Angel,” he called softly.She turned.“There's a bathtub in your bedroom. One of those deep ones that’s almost a little pool. There are bubbles and toys in the cabinet. Would you like to try it?”Her eyes widened.“Bubbles?”“Mountains of them,” he replied with a smile.She looked at me, seeking permission. The weariness and stress of the day were etched on her little face.I couldn’t deny her this one moment of peace.“Okay, sweetie. Just for a little while. I’ll come help you in a minute.”John pointed her toward the bedroom.“Go explore. The bubbles are under the sink.”She scamper
“Mommy… is this our new house?”Angel asked.I swallowed.“It's just a temporary place for us to rest,” I replied quietly.John stepped aside to let us in.“There are two bedrooms,” he said. “One on each side. Bathroom attached. Room service is available all night.”He paused, then added gently,“You’re safe here.”I nodded, though my chest felt tight.I put Angel down and she ran toward the window, pressing her hands against the glass.“It’s so high,” she said.John smiled at her, as he turned to me.That feeling again came back, my heart fluttering and my cheeks hot."I...I...I am very grateful, John...also the two bedroom suite ...I think one is enough for us..."Then I paused."Do you want to stay here with us?"He blinked then raised his hands in a surrender."No, not at all please..I can't make you that uncomfortable, it's all for you and Angel".Deep down I wished he would stay.He makes me feel so secure.The way he protected me against those rats without hesitation. It's been
The elevator ride was silent and I tried every possible way not to make eye contact with John.Being in a small space with him reminds me of the bathroom and it makes me uncomfortable for many reasons.I shut my eyes tightly and groan.I can't believe I was in such an awkward situation back then. How was I supposed to even explain the situation if by chance Marcus found us in that position?I sighed.What a terrible day.Angel leaned against my chest her small fingers curled into my blouse.I adjusted her weight in my arms then stole a glance at John.He was staring at me and I looked away that instant.But I felt my heart flutter and my cheeks burn. An old feeling I didn't realize I still had.Why am I attracted to him, when my life is in this mess?This is not the time or place, Charlotte!!!Finally, the doors slid open and we got into a private corridor with warm dim lighting.I put Angel on the ground and she ran to John. He held out his left hand and she took it.The two didn't e
The rental SUV that John hired glided to a stop under the rain-slicked portico of The Veridian.I stared up from the window at the luxury hotel. It wasn't at all what I expected; it was beyond my expectations. This hotel is undeniably very expensive.“Here we are,” John said, opening the door for me.I was still staring when he carried Angel out and adjusted her nose mask."What do you think? Is it too low for you?""Of course not, it's rather too expensive," I replied."Mommy, when are we going home?" Angel asked.John looked at me. I bent down to her height."Baby, soon, okay? Mommy has been busy the past months..."Years actually."I want us to bond more during this short break. We will go back home soon."I added.She nodded.I straightened and looked around, as if Marcus had his vultures watching from every corner. I also don't want paparazzi to spot us. I hope my disguise is enough to hide my identity. I had a plain gray scarf over my hair and the lower half of my face, large
I can't keep quiet anymore."Angel...Sweetie...for the first time, don't listen to Daddy. Open the door for me. You see my body? You want Daddy to continue hitting Mommy?"Her little voice replied."No. I want Mommy to be happy."She suddenly reminded me of myself as a child, how happy I was when Mommy moved on with Mr. Roberts. Even though it didn't benefit me, I was happy to see her happy."Angel, Mommy will be happy, okay? Open the door now.""ANGEL!!"Marcus shouted.She gasped loudly. That must have startled her.Marcus noticed too because his voice dropped into a sweet, apologetic tone."I am sorry for hitting Mommy, pumpkin. And I am sorry for hitting you. But you must not listen to your mother. I will direct you, sweetie. Then don't open the door; you can't handle it. Daddy will come there and take you and Mommy home, okay? We'll be a family again."I can't let him win."Baby…Angel.... please… open the door.""ANGEL, do as I said! You can't be useless..at your age!"Marcus roa







