*** Hyacinth *** I took him up to the bedroom. I never saw him this sick. Besides nosebleeds, this also worried me. I quickly took out a mug from a mini pantry area in our bedroom. I pressed the dispenser button for hot water and I mixed it with normal water temp so he wouldn’t get burned from it. I handed it to him as he sipped on the mug. “Food?” I asked as I quickly rummaged through the medicine cabinet. If there’s anything I could give to lessen his sickness. “No, baby.” I turned to him as he patted the bed. “Come, let’s start our honeymoon.” I furrowed at him and shook my head. I sighed at him. “You need to rest and I will stay up all night with my best friend. “Alright,” He reached my hand and pulled me closer to him. Then, he kissed my knuckles with his eyes at me. “Do you want Patricia to be with you always?” “Of course, but she has work.” “You mentioned that you and Patricia always wanted to work together. Why not hire her?” “Well,” I thought about it. “I’ll pay fo
*** Hyacinth ***I hesitated to leave my sick husband but I tucked him in and left the lamp on by the door. I sighed as I thought deeply about what happened. There seemed to be a little argument between Raven and Zian. I wanted to know what was going on. I headed down to where they were gathered. Patricia was showing something to Janice using her phone and they had a serious discussion. I looked at Cal and David who turned their heads at me. “Hey, uh, what’s going on?” I asked as Patricia froze and was silent. They just met and they already had a little secret?“Hyacinth,” Janice sighed. “I only met your sister once and it was the night at the club when your sister was shoving her tits on your husband.” “Huh?” I was puzzled. “What are you talking about?” “Will you sit and listen to us?” Janice asked as I shrugged. “Yeah, sure.” Then, Zian handed me a beer. I took it and held the cold bottle. “When I told you that your husband went crazy after you left. Tracking you from the man
***Hyacinth***I was so nervous. For the past few days, Raven and I have been touching each other, mostly. He taught me how to kiss. I was curious at first about how it felt, and then Raven described it to me and, from time to time, taught me how to do it. For the past few months, I have been with Darcy and Raven, and it was my first time feeling what it’s like to be taken care of. Darcy took me to dental, dermatology, and a few spa appointments. After that, my scars and dry skin faded. I know that it costs more than I thought. Then, next to that, Darcy took me for a waxing session. I had my first full Brazilian wax and I shouldn't have washed it after that. Then, a day after that, I had another waxing session on my upper legs and lower legs. When we arrived home, I prepared my materials for my homework. Raven always visits me to help me with projects. I am already in my pajamas and I washed down there and wiped the rest of my body with a damp towel. I also put my skincare on. I f
*** Hyacinth ***I woke up from reality. Those sweet memories with Raven are real. It happened. Sometimes, I wish that it never ends. That it was always happy moments. Just the two of us in that cabin. And we won’t be leaving. But it’s just some thoughts. I know that those sweet moments will end.“I have to check on my husband,” I mumbled to my best friend. I feel dizzy and tipsy. And my glasses are not helping me at all. I hugged her.“Go girl. I’ll sleep for now.” She yawned. “I am so fucking tired I just want to sleep.”“File for vacation leave. We will spend some money on our vacation.” I kissed her head.As I was walking upstairs, I felt my chest somewhat uneasy. I felt anxious. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s just my gut. Whenever I feel like this, I know that something is going on.I went to our bedroom and I thought Raven was sleeping but he’s currently working while in bed. He was speaking in Finnish fluently while checking scrolling on his laptop.I approached him as he continu
*** Raven ***We slept early in the morning or after midnight. My wife and I made love until past midnight. Some of the window curtains are open. There’s a possibility that a pervert would peek through binoculars to watch us from a distance. That’s something that Rosie will do. But the letters… I am now curious. I don’t think Rosie would pay attention to that detail.“Sit down, Bud,” I told her to sit next to me. I placed my hand over her thigh like I usually do, and this time, she didn’t brush it off.“You are a big boy now, you can feed yourself, right?” She asked as I laughed.“Maybe, you can feed me.”I glanced at Patricia who had that disgusted look and she rolled her eyes.“Come on, Pat. Don’t be like that.”“You guys are more disgusting than before. Back before you were just all lovey-dovey but now, you are acting like in-heat.”Zian burst out in laughter. Here I thought that he was sleeping.“I am in heat,” I smirked as I looked at Hyacinth who shook her head.“Enough, just ea
*** Hyacinth *** I warmly greeted Mr. Jeffrey Charles, Anthony’s father. I haven’t met him personally since he was always on vacation to catch up with his wife. The man looked so much like Anthony despite his wrinkled face and white hair. “Is it alright if my husband is present?” I asked. “It’s fine, babe. I can wait outside.” Raven said but I reached his hand. Somehow, I feel a little scared but Raven was there during my ups and downs. Then, there’s Patricia who will hear all of these soon. He sat down next to me as Mr. Jeffrey pressed his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Hyacinth. You indeed looked like your mother.” “Thank you,” I somehow felt anxious but Jeffrey took out his tablet. “I had all of your mother's files.” I took it and opened the first file. I had read some of it but I haven’t gone through all of their messages through videos of their messages to me. Georgina Af Forselles and Eevi Af Forselles. I went through a few notes. Where there are photos of my mother
*** Hyacinth ***We arrived back at the mansion after we dropped Patricia off at her apartment. On our way to her apartment, she told me that she would be resigning from her current job and searching for a higher offer. I support her decision. She already sent out the resignation, and she’s currently turning over a few things. It’s just a coincidence that we will go to Finland on a private jet.“Mom!” I rushed to Darcy and hugged her. She hugged me back and kissed my cheeks.“Hello, gorgeous.”“Wow,” I looked around the mansion. “It’s beautiful!”“Do you like it?” She asked. "I know you don’t like to decorate a lot, but I called out a team to do it for the whole mansion. However, we will decorate the Christmas tree for ourselves.”“Wow,” I gaped at the decorations. I know it’s expensive and there’s a big Christmas tree. “Wait, is that a real pine tree?” I asked as Dacry grinned.“Yes, my dear. I had it shipped.” She said proudly. “And the pine trees in the garden will be decorated tom
*** Hyacinth ***To my dearest Hyacinth,I know that I failed to take you from your father. But before I even die, I want to secure everything for you.The acres of land and the cabin is under your mother’s name and you are the sole heir. However, I want you to know that you can’t sell the house. The house was a treasure to me and to our family. If ever you want to rebuild the house, please make sure that you have checked each of the doors. Our family treasure is hidden inside.Your grandfather did his best to protect it from people who wanted to purchase our land. We found peace in this cabin and this land. I hope you’ll take care of it, my dear Hyacinth. My sweet little flower.I love you and even though I am not around, please promise me to always protect yourself.I gaped at my grandmother’s message. A hidden treasure? Could it be a family heirloom? I haven’t toured it all well and there could be hidden doors. But I need to get there right away before Christmas.“I got my passport
–Hyacinth–Home was the only place I ever truly felt safe. After everything, that safety was precious. I slipped into a warm bath with Raven by my side, letting the water soothe my aching limbs. We didn’t speak much—just quiet touches, the kind that said more than words. Afterward, I dried my hair, pulled on my robe, and crawled into bed like gravity had doubled. I was exhausted. Bone-deep, soul-deep tired.Raven hovered, worried. He told me I needed to get checked out. I brushed him off. I didn’t want doctors or tests or fluorescent lights poking into something I didn’t want to name. I just wanted to sleep. And silence.But when morning came, the heaviness hadn’t gone away. It had gotten worse.My stomach lurched the moment I opened my eyes. I barely made it to the bathroom before I was hunched over the sink, heaving up bile and water. My hands trembled as I gripped the porcelain.“Hya!” Raven rushed in, grabbing hold of me, his voice tight with fear. “What’s happening to you?”“I’m
–Raven–The Hekkinens. Of course they adore Hyacinth. She’s rich, accomplished, and her mother is practically a legend in the business world. The way old Aada Hekkinen embraced Hyacinth was almost reverent—like she was welcoming her own granddaughter home. I couldn’t tell if it was genuine or just for show. Probably both.She complimented Hyacinth’s engagement ring again—the same one I designed from scratch. Not exactly traditional. It wasn’t flashy or aristocratic, just a ring born out of pure fantasy. I made it for my wife. I knew Aada wanted to say something more about it—maybe she thought it lacked elegance—but she held back.“Meet my mother-in-law,” Hyacinth said, gesturing to Mom.“Darcy, is it?” Aada asked, her tone polite but calculated.“Yes, the one and only.” They shared a quick cheek-to-cheek greeting.“My Eino speaks very highly of you. I’m so grateful you welcomed my grandson into your home in the Philippines,” Aada added warmly.“My children’s friends are like my own ch
–Hyacinth–Raven stayed awake the whole night, his presence a restless weight in the room. I tried so hard to sleep, but my body wouldn't listen. I didn’t leave the hotel either — I couldn’t.Raven and Mom had made it clear. I wasn’t to give in to the stalker's demands. This would be our chance to finally catch him.But as I lay there, staring into the dark, a cold realization settled in my chest.He wouldn’t come alone.He would send a stand-in."From now on, don't accept any more of his letters, alright?" Raven's voice broke the silence.I stayed quiet. There was something about the way he spoke — so commanding, so final — that made my heart twist. I hated the tone, hated feeling like a child being told what to do. But deep down, I knew it came from fear. He didn’t want to lose me.I knew that."Bud," Raven murmured as he reached for my face, tilting it up so I couldn’t avoid him. His touch was gentle, but there was urgency behind it. "Bud, are you listening to me?"He smoothed my h
–Hyacinth–I planned it to be in Switzerland. Patricia always wanted to go there. So we made it. Raven and I decided to let them go wherever they want. While he and I stayed in our hotel room to make love. I promised him. That we would go crazy in bed once he’s fully recovered. It’s still his birthday week. Besides, my husband is all that matters now. I may not be able to give him children but this one happiness… maybe it’ll fill up his wants. “I am loving your body, right now.” He said while admiring me on a fitted dress that I put on for our afternoon walk. We’ll be meeting them in the restaurant that they found a few blocks from our hotel. “Really? I think I am fatter than before.” I approached her as he caressed my curves. “Oh, these… mama mia!” He grinned. I laughed and pushed his hair forward. “Let’s go. I want to eat and also enjoy this place.” “Okay, okay.” He bounced his head. “I don’t want my wife to get hungry. Hungry wife, disaster life.” He said as playfully as I sma
–Hyacinth–I quickly tucked the letter away, my fingers trembling slightly as I realized it could ruin the night for Raven. No, not tonight. Not on his birthday. I stepped outside, handed the bouquet to a passing housekeeper with a grateful smile, and whispered, "Thank you," before rushing back in.And the letter? I buried the storm of emotions twisting inside me. Because this isn’t just about me anymore. This time, I’m protecting him. I’m protecting Raven.The door burst open from the bathroom. “Love!” Raven called out, his voice bright and boyish.I turned with a soft smile. “Yes?”He peeked his head around the doorframe with that mischievous grin of his. “I was thinking… quick party, then make love?”I laughed, arching a brow. “You’re not fully recovered yet. So, we can’t—unless~”“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled, waving a hand. “I know. No more food poisoning, I swear.”“Mmhmm,” I hummed, unconvinced.He walked over, draping himself across the bed. “So, who knocked earlier?”I avoided h
–Hyacinth–I sighed, stomach churning. Ugh, probably too much soda. I rushed to the bathroom, hoping it would pass. That’s when it hit me—I hadn’t gotten my period.I froze, hand instinctively reaching for my chest. Tender. Really tender.“Oh, shit,” I muttered. “Am I pregnant… or is this just PMS?”No. Couldn’t be. I stopped taking the pill, yeah, but Raven had a low sperm count and we always used condoms… right?“This is just PMS,” I told myself, firm. “Just premenstrual weirdness. Totally normal. Nothing to see here.”I cleaned myself up and was just reaching for toilet paper when Raven knocked.“Come on, babe!” he called.I opened the door just enough to peek out.“I’m not feeling great,” I said, nudging him inside. “Your turn.”He rushed past me like a man on a mission. “Thanks! But hey, we still have places to be, remember?”“Yeah, yeah,” I said with a laugh.The door shut, and a groan came from inside.“You okay in there?” I asked, amused. “Want me to get you some medicine?”“Y
Hyacinth I’ve always dreamed of touring Europe, and now, with our budget secured, we finally could. The private jet made the trip hassle-free, and as we stepped onto foreign soil, I intertwined my fingers with my husband’s. But he brushed my hand away, handing me my purse instead. I pouted, only for him to secure his own bag across his chest before resting a firm hand on my waist. My irritation melted into a grin when he winked at me. “So, this is the surprise birthday trip you planned for me?” he asked. “Yes,” I confirmed. “I would’ve preferred it if we were alone, you know.” His grin turned wicked as he wiggled his brows. “Locked in our room for days—lazy, indulgent, just us. I’d never get tired of that.” “But I would,” I shot back, squinting up at him. “It’s bad for me.” He laughed as I did, then pushed open the door to the first café we spotted. The place wasn’t crowded, but the rich aroma of coffee and pastries was intoxicating. My eyes locked onto the cinnamon Dani
–Patricia–I had invited Anthony with Hyacinth’s approval, and they unexpectedly showed up together. I was surprised that Hyacinth had brought our favorite yogurt set, while Raven handed me the apple container.“You can eat all of that since you’re single,” Raven remarked with a pitying look. It was irritating, but I had to endure his constant jibes—after all, my best friend was paying me to tolerate his face.I put the yogurt in the fridge, only to be interrupted by a hand that appeared behind me, placing something next to it. I turned, nearly colliding noses with the newcomer. He quickly raised his hand and apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”“No, it’s fine,” I replied with a grin. “You’re not trying to flirt with me, are you?” I teased.“What if I am?” he shot back, laughing and nodding.“You’ll have to ask my best friend’s permission first,” I quipped.He chuckled and patted my arm. “Sure thing. By the way, I have some questions,” he said, extending his arm. I gracefu
***Raven*** Rosie had put on quite the show. After days of comforting my wife and convincing her not to blame herself, it seemed to be working—somewhat. But I needed to double down. I had to find that last copy and destroy it, especially now that my wife was gaining fame. Maybe we should stop attending galas altogether. “Why are you packing so much?” I asked as she counted a few items. “We’re off to Europe,” she replied casually. “Babe, we’re not going to Finland again,” I teased. “I didn’t say Finland,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I have work.” “You can work from there. Besides, I made sure the jet is packed.” She winked and held up a piece of lingerie—tempting, to say the least. “Wow, second honeymoon?” I approached her, but she raised a finger to stop me, carefully placing the lingerie into the luggage. “Now I remember—our anniversary is coming up,” I said, walking around her and pulling her waist toward me. “Are you planning to make love to me?” “No way! After