Quinn was in her second year of college when Claire was just a first-year student, but Claire took an exam that allowed her to skip ahead to the second year. When she passed the exam with a perfect score and no mistakes, all the professors began to take notice of her. She became the go-to person for many whenever there were major events or last-minute dress designs needed. In short, even before she graduated, her professors were already hiring her. Their dean fully supported this, and to her surprise, Quinn’s parents owned the school. Quinn then offered to help Claire with her studies since her family owned the institution. While studying, it was no secret that Claire already had a child because she sometimes brought Zoey to school. Zoey grew up beautiful and intelligent, just like her mother. Many said she would follow in her mother’s footsteps, and Claire believed it—she had seen Zoey’s potential since she was a baby and was proud of it. Now, their lives had returned to th
“WOW, Mommy! It really is beautiful!” A house greeted them, adorned with flowers in every corner. The arrangement of items inside felt familiar, reminiscent of Mommy Lucing’s touch. “It’s just like before,” Claire smiled at her mother’s words. “I made sure of it, Nay. I wanted it to feel exactly like our home when we left,” she said. Claire glanced around, feeling a weight lift off her chest. The joy she and her mother shared was immeasurable. After touring the house, they settled into their respective rooms, while Claire and Zoey shared the same room she once had. “Mommy, was this your room before? It’s so pretty!” Zoey grinned, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking around. Claire smiled and sat beside her daughter, taking in the familiar space. “You know what, my daughter? I have so many memories here—happy ones, and of course, sad ones too. I grew up here, from childhood until Grandma… until your lola passed. I don’t regret buying this house back.” “If I were
CLAIRE couldn’t move the moment Bea hugged her—not because the embrace was too tight, but because she never expected to see her at that exact moment, in that exact place. Of all people, Bea was the one she least expected to be the one standing before her, the one she had once resented for not being there when she needed her most. “How have you been? You’re so beautiful, Claire! You’ve changed so much!” Bea said as she pulled away from the hug. She took a moment to look Claire over, and just like her, she was already crying. “When did you arrive? I waited so long for you, Claire. I’m just so glad you’re finally here.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Claire lowered her head, tears streaming down her face. She cried like that while Bea held both of her hands, but after a moment, Bea let go and instead cupped Claire’s face, tilting it up so their eyes met. Despite her tears, Bea smiled at her. “Your eyes haven’t changed at all—still just as beautiful.” That only made Claire cr
“H-how is Zayne, Bea? How’s my son?” Claire’s question made the couple pause from eating. They exchanged glances, and Dylan subtly nodded at his wife, prompting her to smile and pull out her phone. “I have a lot of pictures, Claire! From the time you left up until now! I made sure to take videos and photos of him. I have every important moment in Zayne’s life!” Claire smiled at her friend’s words as she fiddled with her phone. But she couldn’t help feeling a pang of sadness and envy—Bea had witnessed her son’s growth while she had been absent for five years. “Ahem, Love.” Bea froze at her husband’s call and looked at him, only for him to gesture toward Claire. Realizing what she was doing, Bea quickly lowered her phone. “I-I’m sorry, Claire. I just wanted to show you. Please don’t be jealous.” Claire shook her head. “Come on, of course I’m jealous—but just a little. From the very beginning, I prepared myself for the fact that I wouldn’t be there for my child. That was
CLAIRE “How was the meeting, Claire?” I turned toward the living room at the sound of a familiar voice and saw Quinn waiting for me. I smiled at her and walked over, taking a seat beside her. “Judging by that smile, it must’ve gone well, huh?” My grin widened at her words. If only she knew how happy I was after reuniting with Bea. I had waited so long for this. It never even crossed my mind to meet her when we first returned because I had to stick to the plan. But things changed—and I was glad they did. “Would you believe that the girl you were talking about is my best friend?!” I said with a grin, making her frown. “That girl? Wait, don’t tell me—NO! No, Claire, no!” I laughed at her reaction and nodded. “She’s your best friend?! Mr. Anderson’s wife?!” I nodded again, and her shock deepened. “So she’s Bea?! Oh my God, Claire! She’s terrifying!” I laughed even harder. I knew why Bea acted that way—aside from being pregnant, she was also guarding the company, wa
“Be careful out there, Claire.” I smiled at nanay because of what she said. They walked me to the door today because it was time for me to leave. “I’ll be careful, nay, I promise,” I hugged her and kissed her cheek afterward. Next, I hugged Quinn. “Take good care of them, Quinn. I’m counting on you.” “Yes, ma’am!” We both laughed at his response. Last was Zoey. I stood at her height and hugged her tightly. “Be careful, Mommy. Call me every night, okay? If you don’t call, I’ll really get upset!” I smiled at her words and ruffled her hair. “I promise. I love you, my daughter.” She smiled at me and hugged me again. “I love you too, Mommy.” After our goodbyes, I got into the van. I had a driver with me. For the last time, I waved at them through the window. Once we were far enough, I quickly composed myself. I closed the partition between me and the driver. Inside the van, everything was complete—my suitcase was there, containing the few clothes I brought. I chan
I still can’t believe what happened earlier. Right now, I’m lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling. The place I’m renting is on the second floor. It’s not very big, but since it was built in the olden days, I really liked it. It’s made of wide wooden planks and varnished. The window is pure wood and swings open sideways. Yes, I grew up in the Philippines, but I don’t know what that type of window is called—I forgot a long time ago. My bed is also made of wood and has a space for a mosquito net, like the sleeping quarters of the wealthy back in the day, but with a touch of modern style. The place has been renovated, so from the outside, it looks pleasant and beautiful, while the inside is absolutely stunning. They say the owner lives abroad and just wants to rent it out so someone can live here. Now, back to what happened earlier—I can’t believe I just talked to Zekiel’s parents! Out of all people, why them?! Oh my God! I immediately sat up and grabbed my hair in frustration
Throughout the interview, I really gave it my all and did my best. I needed to impress them so I could get hired as Zekiel’s secretary. That way, I’d have a better chance of seeing my son—he’s the only reason I’m here anyway. When the interview ended, they both applauded me. A man named Hero was already sitting beside the couple—it seemed he was also one of the interviewers. “Do you mind if I ask why you don’t have a stable job? It’s stated in your resume that you graduated cum laude in fashion design. So why choose to be a secretary in this company?” I didn’t expect that question from him. All three of them were staring at me. “U-uhh…” I scrambled for an answer before remembering what had happened to me in the past. “Not everything in life goes the way you want. Not everything aligns with where you come from. Yes, I graduated with that degree, but fate wasn’t on my side. I’ve been applying to well-known fashion companies for a month now, but as you can see, I haven’t been a
He was Timothy’s father and Kaithy’s husband. The right hand of the King, his own father. He was the one who taught them how to fight back then, so he could never forget the man—he had played such a huge part in his life. “I miss you so much, Tito!” She pulled away from the hug, and the man held her cheeks. “I couldn’t believe you’d grow up into such a beautiful lady.” Claire smiled even wider at his words. “Mama took good care of me, Tito.” The man’s smile faded at what she said. “I’m sorry about your mother.” “It’s okay, Tito. I’ve accepted it. It’s Papa I’m worried about.” Timothy’s father understood Tagalog but couldn’t speak it fluently since he didn’t grow up in the Philippines, unlike his wife and son, who had spent many years there. “I’ll go ahead now, Tito. I’ll see you later.” She smiled at him, and the man nodded. The news of the princess’s arrival spread quickly throughout the palace, and many wanted to catch a glimpse of her. Some even secretly positioned
Clark bowed his head at her question. “The doctor said your body is completely exhausted, especially after you were hit by a bullet in the shoulder,” Claire touched her shoulder but felt no pain there. No wonder it didn’t hurt—she had been asleep for a week. “The twins, Kuya?! What happened to my children?!” she exclaimed in shock as she remembered her kids. “Calm down, Claire. They’re fine. I had our people watch over them, so everything’s alright.” Claire stopped her hysterics upon hearing this and let out a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry, Kuya Clark. I’m just scared something bad might happen to my family.” Clark nodded in understanding at his sister’s words. Even though he didn’t have his own family yet, he felt the same way about theirs. “Oh, by the way, Kuya, does Papa know I’m here?” Clark shook his head at her question. “Papa doesn’t know. I hid you, Claire, because I want you to be the one to talk to him about what happened to Mama.” Claire couldn’t help but feel
After Zekiel said that, he immediately shot the enemies, causing the other two to join in, each firing at the opponents trying to advance. Since there were three of them, they quickly defeated them, much to the delight of the other two. “Finally!” Hero exclaimed. “We can go home now! Kiel, come on, hurry!” Dylan was the first to run, making the other two shake their heads before following. Dylan stopped at a door where they knew Louise was. “You go first, Kiel, hehe,” Dylan said, scratching his head sheepishly. “See? Acting all tough but actually a coward,” Hero teased, earning him a glare from Dylan. Meanwhile, Zekiel didn’t hesitate—he kicked the door open. But he froze when he saw Louise and Camille lifeless, drenched in their own blood on the floor. “D-Daddy!” He turned toward the voice and immediately ran to the twins. “Zoey! Zayne!” He hugged them tightly as the twins cried into his chest. When an explosion echoed in the distance, Zoey started crying again, b
“IN the count of three,” Zekiel said seriously as they stood at the edge of the garden of the building where Timothy was hiding, holding his family hostage. “One... Two... Three... NOW!” Zekiel’s men quickly scrambled into action at his signal. When they reached the underground passage, two people opened it, and as soon as it was unlocked, they rushed inside one after another. “Go! Go! Go!” Dylan whispered urgently to their teammates leading the way inside. “Make sure to keep it quiet,” Hero muttered to one of the men, who nodded in response. Once everyone else was in, the three of them followed. They had only brought a few men underground since the others were on lookout and would join them once the trap was set. When they entered, they found themselves in an open space that was clearly abandoned. “Start setting things up as planned.” The men nodded and began working on their assigned tasks. They had agreed to place long, sharp metal rods so that when their enemies
Claire glanced at her trembling hands, the pain and fear of losing the child in her womb overwhelming her. Then, she saw the crown in front of her, picked it up, and placed it on her head before aiming the gun at them again. “A p-princess fears nothing.” Claire moved swiftly and pulled the trigger, but the two dodged. Camille quickly grabbed another gun and fired at Claire, hitting her shoulder, making Zayne cry even harder. “Mommy!!!” He desperately wanted to escape but couldn’t. The noise woke Zoey, and as her mind processed what was happening, she began to cry, drawing Zayne’s attention. “Z-Zoey, close your eyes!” No matter how much Zayne pleaded, the twin couldn’t stop crying. He looked at his mom, now lying unconscious on the floor with blood on her leg, and shut his eyes—he couldn’t bear to see her like that. He prayed that someone would save them when, moments later, he heard gunshots. His eyes snapped open, and he saw tall men in palace guard uniforms swiftly surroun
Her body and hands were tied to the chair, so she couldn’t move. She tried to turn her face away, but Camille grabbed it again, gripping even tighter than before. “Look at me!” Camille shouted angrily, leaving her no choice but to obey. “Do you see this scar?!” Camille hissed. “Yeah, it makes you even uglier.” Claire’s words only infuriated Camille further, who then slapped her hard, forcing her face to the side. “Btch! When someone talks to you properly, answer properly! I’ll make you feel what I went through! I’ll ruin your face because you don’t deserve this!” Camille snatched the crown Claire was wearing, making Claire’s eyes widen in shock—that crown was sacred, and their laws forbade anyone else from touching it. “This suits me better.” “Give that back! It doesn’t belong to you!” But Camille ignored her, placing it on her own head while Claire could only watch helplessly. “See? It looks better on me.” Camille admired herself in a mirror. “Wow, this must be expe
When I said no, it’s a no. No buts, Timothy—take her to the room and don’t let her out. Timothy nodded at the man’s command and grabbed Claire, who immediately tried to pull away. “No! You can’t do this, Zekiel! My child is in there! I won’t rest until they’re safe! Zekiel!” Zekiel ignored Claire’s screams as Timothy dragged her away, continuing with their planning. “Why did you send Claire away? She could’ve helped us too,” Zekiel shot Hero a sharp look for his remark. “Oh, so you’d be fine if I included your wife in this?” Hero fell silent at that and they resumed their planning. Meanwhile, Claire, furious, struggled against Timothy as he forced her toward their room. She was already thinking of ways to escape and save the children. “Don’t even try. I won’t take my eyes off you,” Timothy said flatly, which only made Claire glare harder. But her anger turned to shock when a man suddenly appeared in front of Timothy, holding a baton. “Behind you!” Her warning came to
”We can go back to the palace after we rescue the twins,” Timothy said to Claire, who was fixing herself up after changing clothes. She couldn’t wear that dress anymore because it would hinder their plan to infiltrate Louise’s hideout. At first, she couldn’t believe that Louise was the one who kidnapped her children—especially since she had trusted her—but she was wrong. “I won’t leave until the twins are safe, Kuya,” After saying that, Claire walked out to head to the hideout, where they would plan their assault on Louise’s lair. Timothy could only sigh at his friend’s words—he knew her well. When someone she loved was in danger, she would do everything to save them. “Wait, why did you disappear earlier, Kuya Timothy? And Aunt Kaithy was gone too,” The man looked at her and smiled. “I still have a duty to fulfill, Princess.” “And what is that?” Claire asked curiously. “To report on your brother. As for Mom, she went back home. She said she’d only return to the Philipp
After Claire ordered the twins to be taken to their room, the bodyguards immediately covered their mouths with handkerchiefs laced with sedatives, causing Zayne’s eyes to widen in shock as the twins desperately tried to call for their parents. But it was too late—they had already inhaled the sedative. The bodyguards acted swiftly, slipping out through the back of the kitchen and into a waiting car outside. Since they were recognized as the Gray family’s guards, they were let through without issue. Their journey was smooth, and soon they were greeted by their employer. “Very good, boys,” the woman said with a smile. “Thank you, ma’am. Where should we take the twins?” they asked, addressing none other than Camille. “Take them to my beloved’s room. He’ll reward you for this,” she replied, grinning. The men smiled widely and immediately carried the twins upstairs. Camille watched them go, her gaze lingering as they carried the unconscious children. “Now I’ll finally get my rev