I was startled awake by loud banging on the door of the room I was staying in. I had been dreaming and could still feel the bed pulling me back to sleep, but I couldn’t do anything about it because the noise at my door had grown too loud.I was confused as to why it was so dark, so I immediately turned on the light and hurried toward the door, which was still being pounded by whoever was outside.“Yes, I’m coming!”I shouted, hoping it would make the banging stop, but it didn’t—as if the person outside couldn’t hear me.“Who the—”“Auntie!”“Ninang!”I was shocked when two children suddenly screamed and hugged me. That’s when I saw my son, Zayne, and Bianca, both dressed in formal attire.Zayne was wearing a tuxedo, while Bianca had on a fitted dress.“What are you two doing here?”“They are with me.”I turned to the speaker and was stunned to see a handsome figure standing there. It was Zekiel, also wearing a tuxedo that matched our son’s perfectly.They looked so much alike, and wit
A few minutes later, I had already changed and fixed myself up. I cried for five minutes, then immediately composed myself. I only did quick makeup.My outfit was white with glitter, making it shimmer.The only thing I didn’t like about it was that it was a crop top. I was surprised seeing this because this was my design! My own design—I couldn’t believe I’d be wearing something like this. The sleeves were long, a full-length sleeve, making me feel like a Hollywood star in this outfit, paired with my tall white heels.I sprayed net on my hair to keep it sleek, combed back—truly a Hollywood star look.Good thing my puffy eyes weren’t noticeable. As for the outfit, I had no choice because Tita insisted I wear it. It was beautiful, but I never wear crop tops—this was my first time.Yes, I design crop tops because they’re trendy, but I don’t wear them myself.I looked like a model for my own clothes. I shook my head at the full-body mirror—I was already late, so I had to hurry.“Zayne? Bi
”I’m back again, so sorry for that. By the way, I just received news that this new couple on stage, along with Mr. Gray’s son, has an interesting video. Let’s watch this.”I immediately felt alarmed. What video?!I glanced at Zekiel, and his reaction mirrored mine—shock. Even my son, Zayne, looked stunned.”What is that?!” I demanded, but no one answered. Instead, a video began playing on the large projector in front, silencing the entire room.I shot to my feet at what I saw—it was a video from yesterday when we were on a call with the venue designer while the three of us were arguing over the arrangements.The room erupted in noise. I heard some positive comments, but far more were negative—because I was just a secretary.”Yes! She’s Mr. Gray’s btch secretary!”I scanned the room, trying to see who had shouted that, but I couldn’t pinpoint the source. The murmurs only grew louder.I turned to Zekiel, who remained seated, unfazed.”Do something!” I hissed at him, but he just looked a
“Excuse me, Ms. Belle, but Ms. Sanchez fainted in the garden. She’s currently in the clinic.” “What?!” Bea immediately stood up from her seat, startled by what her employee had whispered to her. Most of the people around turned to look at her because of how loud her reaction was. “What happened, Love?” her husband asked worriedly, knowing something bad must have occurred—especially from her visible reaction. “Venice fainted in the garden!” she said anxiously. “What?!” “Auntie!” “What?!” Zekiel’s family stood up in shock, especially him and their son, Zayne. Everyone turned to Zekiel as he immediately ran off. “Wait, Kiel! We’re coming with you!” The crowd began murmuring among themselves, distracted from the ongoing company employee games due to the sudden incident. Fortunately, the MC was informed right away and apologized to the audience for the unexpected disruption. Many were concerned, but most were just eager to gossip. Bea and Kiel’s parents didn’t hesitat
Zekiel was alarmed, so he immediately approached his son and pulled him away. “Son, your tita is resting,” Zayne looked at him, and Zekiel was surprised to see the boy crying. “Why are you crying, son?” he asked worriedly. The others in the room also fell silent, concerned about Claire, but they were also puzzled by Zayne’s reaction. Hero, meanwhile, could only shake his head at what he was seeing. He knew Zayne could feel that Claire was his mother—even if the boy didn’t realize it yet. “I-I don’t know, Daddy. I’m just worried about Tita. She’s okay, right? She’ll wake up, won’t she?” “Of course, what are you talking about? Tita just fainted. I’m sure she’s fine.” “But you’re not sure, Daddy! You’re not a doctor!” Everyone was startled by Zayne’s outburst, and they had to hold back their laughter. They couldn’t believe Zayne had just bluntly called out his father, especially in that situation. “Whatever, Zayne. I’m sure she’s okay.” Just as Zekiel said that, the
When the elevator opened on the floor where Hero was staying, the group quickly rushed out, led by Claire. She didn’t care if her hair was still messy—all that mattered was getting to his place as soon as possible. “Claire, where are we going?!” Bea asked frantically as she followed her. Since the rooms on this floor were numbered up to fifteen, they had already passed quite a few. “Just wait—it’s right here—this one!” The moment Claire spotted it, hope surged through her. She was about to knock when the door suddenly swung open. “Venice? You’re awake? What happened to you? You’re bleeding!” Claire couldn’t speak, especially when she saw Kiel stepping out of Hero’s room. Even the couple was startled by their friend’s sudden appearance. They didn’t even notice the long, bleeding wound on Claire’s face. Kiel immediately pulled her inside. “Hero, get the first aid kit—fast!” Hero was puzzled by their abrupt arrival but quickly obeyed Kiel’s order. Meanwhile, Claire only
“But you have a wound on your face!” “So what? It’ll heal!” “No.” “Yes.” “No.” “Yes!” “Venice, I said no!” “Zekiel, I said yes!” Zekiel’s forehead creased in frustration at Claire’s stubbornness. He pinched the bridge of his nose and massaged it in irritation. “Zekiel, stop it! You’re so annoying—I told you, I’ll be fine!” Zekiel looked at her again, and Claire flashed him a smile. “Please?” she said in a cute, pleading voice. “Hard-headed.” “Okay, I’ll take that as a yes! Thank you!” Zekiel could only shake his head at Claire’s antics, while Bea, Dylan, and Hero exchanged glances at the scene before them. If earlier it was just Dylan grinning, now even Hero was doing the same, while Bea was squealing internally at what she was seeing. That was the first time they had ever seen Zekiel act like that—getting so angry one moment, then being completely tamed by Claire the next. The three of them weren’t surprised, though, because they knew Zekiel was utterl
“I took a strand of Claire and Zayne’s hair when they briefly fainted in Kiel’s office. Even though I was already sure that Claire was Zayne’s mother based on her reaction upon seeing the child, I still wanted to confirm it.” Claire glanced at Hero upon hearing his words, and at the same time, he looked back at her. “I’m sure behind those black contact lenses are eyes identical to Zayne’s. Can I see, Claire?” Hero spoke directly to the young woman, and Claire didn’t hesitate to show him her eyes. She trusted him because Zekiel and Dylan trusted him. The couple watched as Claire removed her contact lenses. It was the first time they’d seen her real eyes since their meeting. Once the contacts were off, Claire looked straight into Hero’s eyes, leaving him stunned. “Exactly like Zayne’s,” Hero said in awe, making Claire chuckle. “Tell me, Hero—can I trust you?” Claire’s serious tone snapped Hero back to reality. “Of course! Even though Kiel is my friend, I don’t want 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
“I-I just wanted to know something before you leave.” They froze at Zekiel’s words and turned to look at him. “W-When will you come back for me and the kids?” Claire felt as if she’d been struck by an arrow at the man’s question, biting her tongue as she struggled to answer. “I-I don’t know… The moment I wore the crown, I could no longer turn away from my duty.” The women cried even harder at Claire’s words, and even Zekiel’s mother began to sob. In the short time they had spent with the young woman, they had seen how kind-hearted she was and how deeply she loved their son. So when she needed help, they didn’t hesitate to support her. “R-Right… Okay, thank you for answering.” Zekiel could no longer hold back his tears and nearly collapsed where he stood—luckily, his father acted quickly and steadied him. “I-I’m okay, Dad… I’m fine,” he told his father, though it was obvious he wasn’t, as he still clung tightly to his arm. Claire didn’t miss his tears and quickly wiped her
Note: -Kuya (Tagalog for “older brother ”) ____ “WHAT? W-What else are you hiding from me in my life that I don’t know about?” Claire let out a sigh at the man’s words. “Guards!” Everyone was startled when Claire shouted loudly—loud enough for the twins’ bodyguards to hear. Moments later, the bodyguards rushed in from outside and bowed before her. “Yes, Your Highness,” the leader of the guards said respectfully. “Take my children and bring them to their room.” “W-What? Mommy, no! Please, no!” Zayne screamed as one of the bodyguards approached and immediately carried him away, while Zoey only snapped out of her daze when another guard lifted her. “M-Mommy!” Claire forced herself to ignore her children’s pleas because she also didn’t want them to hear the truth. “B-Bad guys...” Zoey whispered weakly, but no one heard her as the door was already closing. “Why did you have to send the twins away?” Quinn asked, making Claire glare at her. The young woman swallowed
REMINDER!I didn’t add the monarchy to the plot to make it unique or to play around with the royal family of Spain. THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION, guys! Whatever I wrote about Claire being a princess is purely my own creation, especially the way they rule in Spain! DON’T CANCEL ME, PLEASE! THIS IS NOT BASED ON A TRUE STORY!
“K-Kuya, I can’t accept this because we’re leaving soon, right? You’re here now because you’ve come to take me back, aren’t you?” I pulled away from his embrace and looked into his sorrowful eyes. “I-I’m sorry, Claire,” I shook my head at him. “You don’t have to apologize, Kuya Timothy. I know my duty. I know what I must do.” After saying that, I went to my room, walking lifelessly from the pain I felt. As much as I wanted to say yes to Zekiel earlier, there were still things I needed to finish. When I entered the room, I saw a box inside, so I approached it and opened it. “That’s what you’ll wear, Claire. When you return to the palace, you must be ready and show them all that you are their princess.” I heard Kuya Timothy’s words and saw a princess dress and a royal princess cloak—something I had only ever seen in shows before, but now, I was the one who would wear it. Both were pink—a soft baby pink—while the main dress was long-sleeved with beads on the front and a r
We also walked for several minutes until we reached the circle at the very center of the mall, where you could see all four floors rising to the top of the circular space. “Where’s your dad? Isn’t this the circle?” I asked the twins, who just shrugged and let go of my hand. “He’s probably here somewhere, Mommy. We’ll find him soon,” Zoey said, glancing around. I did the same, but even after scanning the area, I still couldn’t spot him. “He’s not—Zoey? Zayne?!” I shouted when I realized the twins were no longer behind me. Strangely, even our bodyguards were gone. What was even weirder was that the crowd around us had disappeared. “Ah!” I shrieked when something suddenly burst above me. I looked up and was stunned to see rose petals raining down, filling the air with their sweet scent. What was happening? Another burst followed, startling me again. I instinctively closed my eyes, but when I opened them, I gasped at the sight of a small, flying object emitting blue and pink smo
She bowed her head to me and hugged me tightly. “I know this is hard for you, but you have to face it. You can’t stay and fight here. You’re the Princess of Spain, Claire. Your brother’s future—our country’s future—depends on you.” My arms tightened around her, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. I really need to do this. Days passed, and Zekiel finally returned home. Several days had also gone by since I last spoke to my brother Timothy and since I last saw him. After our conversation that night, he suddenly vanished without a trace. Even Quinn was worried about him, so I just told her that he texted me, saying he had something important to do and went back home—especially since Aunt Kaithy had also disappeared. As more days went by, I started to worry too. Zekiel had recovered, and Timothy had promised he’d be with me when we returned to Spain. But until now, he still hadn’t shown up. Am I going back alone? “You’re spacing out again.” I flinched when someone hugged me from behi
CLAIRE We’re here at the hospital where I brought the three of them, and their families are also here. I’ve already met Hero’s wife and their one-year-old child. Bea is furious about what happened, especially since she had no idea her husband was in danger. Meanwhile, Zekiel’s parents are relieved because we’ve finally dealt with the person responsible for nearly killing our son. If it were up to me, I would have killed Camille myself—she showed no mercy toward my child, even though he was just a kid. As for Kuya Timothy and Nanay Lucing, they stayed at home because I didn’t bring the twins. Even though Camille is gone, there’s still a threat against our lives—or mine. The Spanish Mafia… I really want to tell Zekiel about them, but I know he’ll just worry, especially since he’s covered in wounds. “Bea, Quinn, I’ll leave you for a bit. I just need to buy something outside.” Zekiel was asleep, and only Dylan and Hero were awake, so I left them in their care. The two nodded, an