Sean saw Thera went out of the villa as he stood at the veranda that connects the master suite and the guestroom where he was staying. His gaze followed her as she walked towards the porch going to the poolside. She sat on a rattan lounge chair and leaned her back against its backrest. She looked up. The night sky was full of stars. It was past ten in the evening. Maybe just like him, she found it hard to sleep too.
Sean doubted that Thera has amnesia when she asked him about his mother. But what happened hours ago made him think otherwise. He saw the guilt, disbelief, and pain in her eyes. Those emotions were real and genuine. Thera could not believe she could hurt someone just like what she did in the video.
He let out a deep breath when he saw Thera hugging herself. When she rubbed her arms using the palm of her hands, Sean wanted to jump out of the veranda to hug the woman and make her feel his warmth. Sean
Epilogue Thera slid her hands into the pocket of her maxi dress that barely protected her skin from the cold. She got too excited to see the sunrise that she forgot to bring her scarf. She stood in the gazebo, the one that was facing across the ridges of Baguio where the sun usually emanated the very first thing in the morning. The temperature went down to ten degrees last night— enough to make their teeth chatter. Today was the twenty-fourth of December 2023. The De Marcos would gather tonight to celebrate not only Christmas but also her birthday. Their maids and cooks were all busy preparing for the party later tonight. She’d might as well help later since she had nothing to do in particular anyway. It was three years ago when she left to find solitude and to recollect her broken soul. Now, she finally came back after regaining herself fully. Sean still managed The Palace Mall and Hotel pretty well over the years. On the other hand, Miguel was still managing the Tea Caf with the
November 16, 2009Baguio City, Philippines“Sir, can we just turn the lights off?”The silence prevailed for a short moment among the two of them. Thera bit her lower lip realizing that what she just said could literally have two separate meanings. She wanted to hit her head for her foolishness. Thera saw how the corner of his lips smirked in a most mischievous way. It was a first, and she couldn't help but swoon over it. It was a wonderful sight to see.“W-what I'm trying to say is—”“Get change. You’re dripping wet,” he told her before he walked into the office.Thera clutched her chest, her heart was beating too fast. Sean would be the death of her. Whenever he's near, she felt like she had to hold her breath for a short while just so she could con
October 15, 2019The Palace Mall and HotelThe employees paved the way for Thera as soon as she began picking up her pace towards the exit door. She just finished debating with a few board members in the conference room a little while ago. Two of the employees of The Palace were gathering outside the mall, threatening to file a complaint to the labor union. To add more tension, they were holding a banner in hand, which clearly showed strong protest.They were Lira and Rose from the marketing department. Just a week ago, Thera caught the two gossiping about her inside the restroom with a newbie.But their protest failed to move her. It was evident in her eyes that the amount of care she possessed as she watched them is equal to the amount of common sense they have.She could not believe them right now. After bad-mouthing her, she was considerate enough to let the
One year later...Sean closed the book and put it aside after spending half an hour reading it. He could not understand a word about it. He turned to the side and leaned against the window of the plane. He watched the thick white clouds scattered around the air as the plane flew past them.The duration of the flight from Incheon to NAIA lasted three hours. He had been traveling for months both for business and personal reasons.Besides traveling in Korea, he had also gone to Japan, Singapore, China, and Taiwan. The neighboring countries were considered the top source for tourists, so he went there firsthand in the last few months.He just finished his business trip to Korea. He stayed three days in Seoul, two nights in Mt. Seorak, and spent two days and nights in Jeju Island. Just like his prior business deal in different countries, convincing Korea’s top travel companies to tie up wit
Just when the elevator door was just inches from closing, Sean held it with his hand to keep it open. Thera raised a face. She wished she could blink her tears away, but how could she do so? Sean's serious gaze rooted her to the spot.“Nine years ago, I told myself if I could travel back in time, I’d choose not to meet you. Afraid I might ruin the girl who got nothing but love in her heart. I told myself to keep my distance from you. That I shouldn't have met you. But when you lost your memories, just thinking about you forgetting everything about me scared the hell out of me, Thera. No matter how hard I try to deny it, you are the last person I want to lose.”Thera swallowed hard. Hearing those felt like someone hit her hard on the chest. Sean's voice sounded so broken and sincere to her ears.“I know I cannot put back in your eyes all the tears you cried for me. I know that a single sorry can't
Thera had been awake for the last few minutes but decided to lay down on the bed for a little bit. Her head was throbbing for crying overnight. When her digital clock reached six twenty-six, she finally got up from bed, avoided looking at the other side of the bed.She dragged herself towards the pantry and started to look for something to prepare for herself. After several moments of opening and closing the fridge, she still couldn't find the right thing to cook. The refrigerator was surprisingly filled with anything essential for cooking, but she had no idea what to prepare.Thera took her blazer and handbag after getting dressed. She decided to contact Laida and asked her out. After putting sunglasses on, she hurried towards the door.By the time she yanked the door open, Sean's figure had appeared in front of her. He was squatting on the floor, half-asleep. His other thigh was folded. His white