"Oh God, Al..." Jovanka moaned as Altezza continued moving in and out with a rhythm he knew Jovanka loved. The woman held onto the dressing table while her lover moved faster. "Al..." Jovanka started going wild; she was almost reaching climax, and Altezza's movements became faster, as if he knew what she desired. And not long after...
"Arrggghh..." Altezza groaned simultaneously with the warm liquid coming out from him, contained by the rubbery wrapping that sometimes choked him.
Altezza removed the used condom and tossed it carelessly into the trash bin, while Jovanka had already put on her nightgown again. Altezza's body was still sweaty after their passionate lovemaking, but seeing Jovanka's appearance, he knew that the discussion he wanted to have would only reignite her anger.
"Mamma and Padre keep pushing me to get married. How long are we going to continue like this?" Altezza asked in frustration.
Jovanka approached Altezza, who was now lying on the bed, moved closer, and caressed Altezza's bare chest with a circular motion.
"I've told you I'm not ready to get married and certainly not ready to give you children, Darling," she whispered teasingly. "I still have a contract; appreciate my hard work," she said, showing a pleading expression.
"But until when?" Altezza held Jovanka's wrist and looked at her sharply. "Our relationship has been going on for five years. How much longer do I have to wait?"
Jovanka used her other hand to touch Altezza's face, caressing it in a seductive manner.
"At least another year. I promise," she whispered while gently touching Altezza's jaw and teasingly kissing the corner of his lips. "One more year, and I'll allow you to announce our marriage to the whole world. One more year, I, Jovanka Lawrence, will be your wife, the future mother of your children," she promised, wrapping her slender fingers around Altezza's neck and starting to seduce him, effectively diverting the conversation to passionate kisses, as usual when her lover hesitated to discuss unwanted matters.
*A Year Later*
"You made a promise, and I gave you the time you asked for, a whole year. Isn't that enough?" Altezza stood, leaning against the wall near the door of their room, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and ankle-length denim pants.
Jovanka paused in her activities, her body half-turned to face Altezza. Once again, her face looked pleading. "I know, forgive me. But I can't refuse this one. Collaboration with a renowned director that I've dreamed of since my debut in the modeling world, and you know that." Jovanka pleaded with Altezza to grant her request.
If previously Altezza would give in and comply with her lover's request, not this time. Instead of agreeing, Altezza looked back at her with a challenging gaze. "So now, how long do I have to wait? Another year? Two years? Our relationship has lasted for six years. We've wasted a lot of time.
And if you forget, I'm not young anymore, Joe. And my parents won't stop demanding grandchildren. Remember, I'm their only child. They expect their lineage to continue while they're not getting any younger."
Jovanka sat in front of her dressing table, facing away from the mirror, looking at Altezza with her beautiful eyes that captivated him. "I know, I understand," she whispered. "But Al, please. Once again. I promise this is the last time." She pleaded with teary eyes.
Altezza approached, sitting on the edge of the bed, looking intensely at his lover. "I'm tired," he said, exhaling a long breath. "I love you. I've tolerated a lot of your dreams. We've been in a secret relationship as you wished, although what I wanted was to announce to the world that you, Jovanka Lawrence, are my girlfriend.
I've always supported you, allowed you to do whatever you want. I've never forced you to stop your career and become a housewife like a wife I've longed for all this time.
I've let you wander, become a model working across continents, although what I wanted was for you to always be there for me as I am for you. My request all along has been simple; I want you to bear a child for me. My descendant. A child who will welcome me with their warm smile when I return tired from work."
"I've tolerated a lot, Joe. Even when a year ago you asked for an extension because of a contract you couldn't terminate unilaterally—although I was willing to pay all the penalties—I still gave in. And now, without discussing it with me, you signed a new contract? Do you really think I'm at your disposal, huh?" He said with a harsh and cold tone.
Jovanka cried. In six years of being Altezza's girlfriend, this was the first time she cried because of him. And she cried not because she received violence from him but because she heard his cold voice. Yes, Altezza's cold voice sounded more painful than if he had shouted and scolded her.
Throughout their relationship, Altezza had never shown any rough attitude towards her. He never tried to control or be authoritative towards her. And that's what made Jovanka fall in love with the Italian-blooded man. Behind his tall and sturdy body, there hid a gentle demeanor that contrasted with his muscular frame.
Because of his kindness, Jovanka couldn't help but feel jealous. Many women out there tried to get his attention. Jovanka should have felt lucky because Altezza chose her. And the man never hesitated to say that he only loved her, Jovanka Lawrence. He even praised her when she was still nobody, just a lowly employee with big dreams.
Jovanka rose, walked closer, trying to reach her lover. Trying to persuade him, as she always did. But when her hand reached out to touch Altezza's jaw, he turned his face away. Altezza stood, bent down to align his eyes with his lover's eyes.
"My patience has been tested enough, Joe. If you still desire it, don't blame me if I choose a different path." Without kissing Jovanka's forehead as he usually did, the man left Jovanka standing there, her hands hanging weakly at her sides.
Several hours later, at a club.Altezza growled. He downed his drink again, unsure which glass it was. He hoped the hot and bitter taste flowing on his tongue and throat could somewhat ease the tightness in his chest due to the disappointment he got from Jovanka. Antony, his cousin from his father's side, whom he called just before entering the club, looked at him with a furrowed brow."Don't tell me you're getting drunk and asking me to be your driver, Cousin," he grumbled, shaking his drink without intending to sip it."I'm not forcing you to stay," Altezza replied flatly. "You're the one who keeps sticking to me," he continued with a speech that was no longer clear due to the effects of the alcohol he had consumed.Antony smirked mockingly, glancing at Altezza while shaking his head. His cousin clearly looked messed up, so how could he let Altezza be alone and leave like that? His cousin could go crazy when he was drunk. And maybe even worse, Altezza could fall into the traps of tr
Antony had entered the basement of Altezza's apartment and parked his sports car there. He once again helped Altezza toward the elevator that would take them to Altezza's penthouse.Altezza remained silent, wrestling with his own thoughts."Stop crying over your fate, Al. I've told you from the beginning that she never truly loved you," Antony said as the elevator doors closed and began to ascend."She loves me, Antony. That's why she accepted my proposal," Altezza replied coldly."No, she doesn't love you, Al. And you have to stop fooling yourself. She married you because she knew she would get a comfortable life and financial support to boost her career. If she truly loved you, she wouldn't waste you. Her career would be secondary to your happiness. And look at what has been happening. For her, the career comes first, and you, well, who knows what order you're in. So what else do you expect?" Antony asked as the elevator doors opened. They walked slowly out of the elevator toward th
Adaline was late for work. It was all because the taxi she had taken had a flat tire, and they still had a considerable distance to cover. Adaline had no choice but to find another means of transportation to get her to the office. Unfortunately, she couldn't find a taxi during this busy hour, and on top of that, she had run out of money. It was just her luck. However, Adaline had no other option but to run to her office.With heavy breaths, Adaline greeted the security guard at the lobby and shouted at anyone in the elevator to hold it open for her. Adaline stepped out of the elevator looking less than put together. She was sweating, and her hair was slightly disheveled from the run. When she entered her office, her senior and good friend, Tessa, looked at her with a raised eyebrow."Late start?" Tessa asked, casting a teasing look at Adaline.Adaline grinned, placed her bag under the desk, and tidied up her appearance. "No, just unlucky on the way here," she replied while running her
After his conversation with Antony last night, Altezza really tried to consider his cousin's advice. Waking up with a headache and a dry throat from alcohol, Altezza forced himself to get up and hurriedly took a shower. He intended to go to the house he bought to live with his secret wife, Jovanka.Although officially a couple, Altezza didn't stay there because he was afraid that rumors about his relationship with Jovanka would spread to the public, potentially damaging her career. Ironically, every time he went there, Altezza always parked his car far from the house and even entered through the back gate. He behaved as if he were visiting a lover rather than his girlfriend. And he did all this to fulfill the desires of the woman he loved.He was the owner of the house, but he entered it like a thief. He did it all for Jovanka. Even his household assistant—a middle-aged woman with melancholic eyes, and her husband, whom Altezza appointed as Jovanka's personal driver and garden caretak
Jovanka sat on the thick carpet with her head bowed. Perhaps hoping that Altezza would take pity on her and surrender again. But this time, Altezza had truly hardened his heart.He looked at the middle-aged couple still standing in their place, who instantly lowered their heads when they saw the cold expression on Altezza's face."You are now my witnesses. Listen to me. I am Altezza Quirino, and from now on, I have no relationship with her. We started this relationship amicably, and we will part amicably as well."And this house, as I promised you, will be yours."I hope you are happy, and I hope the film you will work on is successful. I always wish the best for you," Altezza said and left Jovanka, who was just frozen in her place, trying to absorb all the words Altezza had spoken."I won't give up, Al! I will come back!"After all this is over, you will come back to me. And I will be yours, Al!" she shouted from the staircase. But Altezza didn't care. For him, everything was finishe
Adaline rushed halfway down the hospital corridor towards her mother's ward. She was in a panic, scared. Earlier, Emma had contacted her with sobs still audible, despite the woman's attempts to hold them back. Her mother was critical, and she was asked to come to the hospital immediately. Hastily, she sought permission from her boss, honestly stating that she needed to see her mother's condition.Adaline arrived at her mother's hospital room. Every time she was there, she felt regret for not being able to provide the best facilities for the woman who raised her. Instead of giving her mother comfort by renting a VVIP or VIP room, Adaline allowed her to be treated in a room shared with three other patients.Adaline desperately wanted to give her mother comfort, but their finances were dwindling day by day. This was all she could afford. It's not that she wasn't trying, but she had to adjust everything to their circumstances. All the money from her father's allowance had been used for he
"Haris, I need your help. Can we meet?" Adaline asked."Is it really urgent? Can't it wait?" he inquired after a brief silence."No, it can't. It's an emergency," she replied."Alright. Meet me on the office rooftop during lunch break," he said again. Adaline agreed before ending the call. She glanced at her watch; lunch break was half an hour away. Adaline hoped she wouldn't get stuck in traffic and that Haris would still wait for her if she was a little late.Adaline hurriedly walked to the elevator, heading to the nineteenth floor, from where she would take the emergency stairs to the twenty-first floor. Her foot tapped impatiently on the elevator floor. When the elevator doors opened on the nineteenth floor, Adaline felt relieved that no one she knew greeted her during the journey. She was confused about explaining her presence in the office since she had requested leave earlier.Adaline pushed open the thick iron door of the rooftop with all her might. The wind, mixed with the he
Adaline sat quietly in her chair, hands clasped together. Her palms were sweaty, and her chest heaved irregularly. This was her last attempt. Haris had told her last night that he couldn't find anyone willing to lend her the amount she needed. Even if Haris sought out a loan shark, the sum they would offer would be only a sixth of what Adaline required.Now, only one option remained: contacting her financial manager and trying to apply for a loan. "Oh Lord, grant me ease," she prayed silently.Adaline looked up every time she heard the elevator's sound, hoping her manager would emerge quickly so she could speak privately before her colleagues arrived. She had even come fifteen minutes early to ensure she'd be the first to meet with her superior.Five minutes before eight, her boss finally appeared. Adaline tried to shake off her nervousness, stood up, and followed her boss to the front door of the office. "Miss..." she called softly. The woman turned instantly. "Yes, Adaline. What is