Claire’s
“Seb, you don’t need to stay; I can handle this. Besides, I’m safe at my parents’ house. And they might wonder why you’re always with me,” I explained, for what felt like the tenth time. He was so persistent. He stared at me for a long moment, weighing my words before sighing. He seemed reluctant. He reached for my hand, which was resting on my lap, and squeezed gently. I smiled to reassure him that everything would be alright soon. “Okay, just call me after you talk to them. I have things to do at the office, but call me afterward; I’ll send Richard to pick you up,” he instructed, more like a command. I wanted to roll my eyes at his behavior. After we’d settled our things in his condo, my father called, saying they wanted to see me. I felt a little nervous because of the firmness in his voice. His tone suggested he wasn’t pleased with what was happening in my marriage. I braced myself for tClaire’s After talking to my parents, I went straight to Sebastian’s condo. Talking to them had drained me; I felt exhausted but happy. It was the first time I’d stood up to my father; it was a nerve-wracking experience, but worth it. My cousin Evany would be so proud if she knew I’d stood up for myself. I hadn’t been obedient to my parents, especially my father. I knew they only wanted what was best for me; I couldn’t fully blame them. I took a deep breath as I left the mansion. I felt suffocated in that house. I didn’t call him because I knew he had a lot of pending work. Being absent from his office for almost a month meant an avalanche of paperwork was waiting. I took a taxi to the condo and breathed a sigh of relief when no one recognized me. I smiled at the guard as I entered. I knew they had questions about why I was living in my husband’s brother’s co
Sebastian’s “F*ck!” I slammed my fist on the table when the private investigator confirmed my brother had gotten that woman pregnant. Stupid! So stupid. Having an affair while married is dumb enough, but impregnating her made it worse! He never thinks. I rubbed my face, overwhelmed by irritation. My head was pounding. I couldn’t believe Niu had actually gotten her pregnant. I’m pretty sure that child isn’t his. That child shouldn’t be considered his son. Dammit! That guy is such a headache. He does nothing but cause trouble, and I’m always caught in the crossfire when he acts like an idiot. “I’m sorry, Mr. Altamirano,” the investigator apologized, as if he understood what I was dealing with. “Do you know where she lives? Did Niu visit her while I was away?” I asked, still closing my eyes. The pain in my head was radiating to my eyes. “She’s been staying at her parents’ house, sir
Claire’s “Seb, you don’t need to stay; I can handle this. Besides, I’m safe at my parents’ house. And they might wonder why you’re always with me,” I explained, for what felt like the tenth time. He was so persistent. He stared at me for a long moment, weighing my words before sighing. He seemed reluctant. He reached for my hand, which was resting on my lap, and squeezed gently. I smiled to reassure him that everything would be alright soon. “Okay, just call me after you talk to them. I have things to do at the office, but call me afterward; I’ll send Richard to pick you up,” he instructed, more like a command. I wanted to roll my eyes at his behavior. After we’d settled our things in his condo, my father called, saying they wanted to see me. I felt a little nervous because of the firmness in his voice. His tone suggested he wasn’t pleased with what was happening in my marriage. I braced myself for t
Claire’s Sebastian was silent the entire drive back to the beach house. From earlier, he hadn’t looked at me or spoken. His face said it all; he was pissed. Too pissed to even bother looking or talking to me. His forehead was furrowed; undeniable irritation was etched on his face. Earlier, he’d glared at me when I’d declared we were going home and not to ask questions. I’d pushed him out of the kitchen, probably hurting his ego. I shrugged. It was my fault. When he’d asked Chelsea what was going on, I’d answered immediately. If I hadn’t, things could have gotten worse. I’d only tried to prevent a potential argument. He immediately hopped out of the car after parking outside the house. He went inside without acknowledging me. His steps were heavy and hurried, avoiding me as if I were contagious. I sighed deeply. I’d hurt his ego when I’d insisted he not ask about what happened bet
Claire’s “That girl really had no shame, not with Baste or the guests.” Manang shook her head in dismay at what she’d witnessed. I watched Manang Belen enter the kitchen, carrying the guests’ used dishes. Her brow was furrowed, probably because of what had happened earlier—Seb and Chelsea kissing. Even she must have been annoyed by the woman’s actions; she’d really humiliated herself for a man. “Let me help you, Manang.” I took the plates from her; there were many, and she was struggling. “Oh, dear, no need. I can manage. It’s embarrassing for you,” she refused, shaking her head, clearly unwilling to let me help. “It’s okay, Manang. I’m embarrassed to go outside. I’ll stay here and help you; there are a lot of dishes to wash.” I placed the plates in the sink. “You’re so kind, dear. Anton is so lucky to have you. You’re not only kind, but also beautiful,” she complimented. I just smiled and didn’t comment. They didn’t know what had really happened between Niu and me. It w
Claire’s “Are you sure this outfit is okay?” I asked Seb for what felt like the hundredth time today. I’d looked at myself in the mirror probably a hundred times and still wasn’t sure whether I should wear this dress. It was beautifully made, but I felt it lacked something. It was a simple royal blue bodycon dress. Although it accentuated my figure, the design was too simple for a birthday party. Mang Naldo had invited us to his sixty-second birthday celebration. He said it would be a small gathering, only close relatives and friends. I know I sounded like a spoiled brat insisting on a beautiful dress for an occasion like this, but Seb laughed when I told him I wanted to wear a gown. He said the simple dress was fine. Sebastian stood behind me, holding my shoulders, his eyes studying me in the mirror. “Babe, this dress is perfect. You look beautiful; you don’t need fancy clothes