Claire’s
I slouched and fixed my gaze outside the window. I sharply turned to him when he suddenly cleared his throat loudly. I was annoyed by his face! He just suddenly showed up here and told me I had to go home—and that I couldn’t say no. I really didn’t want to leave yet because I still had three days left at this beach house. I wanted to stay here for those three days to think things through, especially with the scandal that Niu was involved in. I preferred to prepare myself to face the media and my family—I knew my quiet life would become chaotic if it were proven that it was really Niu in those pictures. Honestly, I’d rather believe we were sabotaged, that the issue wasn’t true, just so everything would die down more easily. “So, you already saw the photos,” he said, still looking straight ahead. I knew what he was referring to—it was the pictures of Niu with another woman. Funny, but I didn’t feel any remorse or jeaEPILOGUEI lit a cigarette and took a long drag, exhaling the smoke slowly. It burned my throat a little, but it calmed every nerve in my body.Ever since Niu’s wedding, I’ve been feeling this weird restlessness. I couldn’t sit still, and for the life of me, I didn’t even know why. It’s been driving me nuts for months.I looked up at the night sky, filled with billions of stars. Billions of people in the world… and yet I can’t get over Claire Dela Fuerte.Damn it, man. You’re one messed up bastard.I felt soft arms wrap around my waist. Her hands slowly trailed down to the center of me. She was already touching me—and I let her. I imagined it was Claire’s hand instead. I’ve been fantasizing about her for months now. The more I thought about her, the more it consumed me.“Damn, keep doing that,” I groaned as she stroked me. But the truth was—I wished it was her doing it.Just then, my phone rang—loud and insistent. I pried the girl’s hand off me and walked over to the table to check wh
Claire’sI dressed as fast as I could and rushed downstairs. I heard Sebastian’s parents were here. God, my nerves were all over the place. It’s embarrassing—Sebastian and I just got back together, and I’m freshly divorced from Niu. They must know we were already involved even before the divorce was finalized. What would they think of me? That I played their sons?I stared at my reflection in the mirror and took deep breaths, trying to calm myself down. I looked presentable, but I didn’t have the courage to face them. I was scared.I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.After a few more deep breaths, I finally mustered enough courage to go down. Whatever happens, I’ll just have to face it. Sebastian’s here anyway.The moment I stepped into the living room, I froze. It was loud—people laughing, chatting… way too many people.God, who are all these people? Why are there so many?I carefully went down the stairs, trying not to make a sound.And then I heard it—Sebastian’s mom’s voi
Claire’sSoft snores, in sync with the slow rise and fall of his chest, greeted me the moment I woke up. I was lying on Sebastian’s rock-hard chest, his toned torso sprinkled with tiny curls.We were tangled up in the sheets—completely bare, as if we’d just been born. And honestly? Waking up like this, with the man you love beside you, hearing the calm rhythm of his heartbeat before anything else—it felt so good. That ridiculously handsome face being the first thing you see in the morning? Definitely a bonus.I closed my eyes as last night’s memories came flooding back. Pure bliss.He brought me to his room and made love to me the entire night. He started rough, like a beast that had been starved for far too long—but when I told him to go easy because, well, someone’s growing inside me, he immediately understood.The joy in his eyes while he claimed me… God, I saw it. He was so gentle I actually whined about it. He burst out laughing because apparently, I was complaining he was being
Claire’sIt’s been three days since Sebastian arrived at Lolo’s farm. And during those three days, we haven’t talked. Not that we don’t have the time—but I think it’s more like we’re feeling each other out, letting the air settle first.It’s already late at night, and I’m still wide awake. I glanced at the wall clock—11:00 p.m. I sighed. Why is sleep avoiding me tonight?I tossed and turned on the bed. I even drank warm milk, but nothing worked.Frustrated, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face. I scratched my head, realizing I probably just made things worse. That cold splash definitely woke me up more.Back to bed. Eyes closed. Focus. Breathe. Sleep…Still nothing.“Baby, we need to sleep so you’ll grow stronger and healthier,” I whispered as I lovingly caressed my belly.Sebastian still doesn’t know I’m pregnant. I haven’t told him yet. I’m just waiting for the right time.What would he say when he finds out? Will he be happy?A wave of anxiety
ClaireIt was already late afternoon when I finally decided to step out of my room. I still wasn’t feeling well—my head kept spinning and I’d throw up anything I tried to eat. Grandpa wanted to take me to the hospital, but I told him I was fine.To be honest, I did want to go—but I just didn’t want anyone with me. I told him I just needed more rest and that it wasn’t anything serious. He didn’t like it, but he let it go.I only started feeling better this afternoon, so I went downstairs. Grandpa might start worrying if I stayed locked in my room all day. The dizziness was gone, so I figured it was safe.I headed to the kitchen to get something to drink, but before I stepped inside, I heard the helpers talking—and not quietly.Curious, I peeked through the kitchen door to see what the fuss was about.They were laughing, giggling like crazy, and completely unaware I was there. I tiptoed inside, trying not to be seen. I was dying to know what had them so excited—they were blushing and pr
SebastianI slumped in the backseat of the car, forcing myself to stay awake. I leaned my head against the window, completely exhausted. I wanted nothing more than to crash and sleep for a week—but I couldn’t. Not yet. There’s something more important I need to do first.The plane had just landed, and the hours in the air had drained me to my bones. My whole body ached, but I had somewhere to be.“Sir, Mr. Dela Fuerte confirmed—he’s waiting in his office,” my assistant said from the front seat. I had her set the meeting with Claire’s dad. I needed to talk to him. I’ve been gone for over a month—I owe him this.I couldn’t delay it any longer. I’ve already waited too long. Just thinking about not seeing Claire for even another day was driving me crazy.Damn, I f*cking missed her. I’d seriously lose my mind if I didn’t get to see her soon.“To the Dela Fuerte business building, Art,” I instructed the driver.“Copy that, sir,” he responded, then pulled out of the airport and headed toward