A few days later, Efrain, leaning on his crutches, and Marissa arrived at his house. With Marissa's help, Efrain settled onto the sofa, and she brought over a side table and a pillow to prop up his injured leg."Thank you," Efrain expressed. Marissa sat closer to him, feeling his arm encircle her shoulders. "You don't need to thank me," she murmured, meeting his gaze with affection. "I love looking after you. It makes me happy to know I can be of assistance."Since gaining access to Efrain's hospital room, Marissa had made it a daily routine to visit him without fail. Each day, she not only brought herself but also something special she had crafted just for him, pouring her heart into each creation to lift his spirits."What would you like me to make for you today?" Marissa asked, her tone gentle and caring."Don't bother today, Marissa. Tsunami, Marcus, and Diana are coming later."Marissa's smile widened at Efrain's words. "I hope Diana won't be worried seeing me here with you. I c
"Because..." Marissa began, but Efrain interrupted, struggling to stand with the support of his crutches. "Marissa is living here with me."Marissa glanced at Efrain, surprise and concern, this information could cause problems between him and Juan."So, Marissa has been staying with you all this time, and I had no clue about your relationship," Juan expressed his confusion with a puzzled expression on his face.Marissa walked up to him. "It's not your concern. Why don't you go away and let me be?""Marissa, you understand how much I value you. And Efrain, despite being my friend, can only offer you a sexual relationship, nothing beyond that," Juan murmured, speaking only for her ears."Juan, Efrain and I are in a relationship, and we are deeply in love," Marissa asserted."That's a lie, and right now you're going to gather all your things, and we're going home," Juan insisted."No! Marissa is staying with me because she's right, Juan. You've always known about my feelings for your sis
He tilted his head down, surprising Marissa with his sudden movement. Instinctively, she lifted hers, gasping as their mouths collided in a searing kiss. It was hot and wet, almost painful in its intensity as they both revealed their desperation for each other. His body pressed her against the brick wall, drawing a groan from her lips as she eagerly parted them.Her hands wrapped around his neck, fingers twisting in his hair and pulling him closer. His tongue delved into her mouth, tasting and sliding against hers. As his hand moved to grip her arse, Marissa sucked on his lip before teasingly biting it, smiling when he leaned in further with a moan of pleasure."Have I ever told you, you're a good kisser," Marissa murmured against his mouth, her breath warm against his skin. "Really good."He chuckled, licking along the seam of her lips and savoring her taste. "I want you, Marissa. Do you see now?" he whispered huskily, desire evident in his voice."Mmm, I think," she replied, gently
The next morning, Marissa was busy in the kitchen, arranging ingredients on the counter as the smell of breakfast filled the air. In the midst of her morning routine, Efrain entered, leaning on his crutches, as he made his way over to her, and rested his head on her shoulder, bringing a smile to Marissa's face."Good morning, my darling, " he greeted with a soft voice, planting a kiss on her cheek, his breath gentle against her skin. Marissa chuckled at his sweet gesture, her heart fluttering at his affectionate words. "Good morning." "You must have been as quiet as a mouse for me not to hear you waking up, and yet here you are, looking absolutely beautiful," Efrain said, his eyes sparkling with adoration as he admired her.Marissa cherished how Efrain never missed an opportunity to compliment her, but she wondered if his past experiences with various women influenced his behavior."I couldn't bring myself to wake you up; you looked so handsome sleeping, babe," Marissa admitted. "Yo
Marissa entered the hacienda and found her family gathered in the living room, where two elegant elderly figures sat among them. The woman, with captivating hooded green eyes, bore a striking resemblance to Paula, leading Marissa to assume they were Paula's parents.As she moved further into the room, Marissa's mother greeted her with a smile. "Here comes Marissa, the pride and joy of Miguel and me," Rosario said."Good afternoon," Marissa greeted, directing her smile at the elderly couple."Good afternoon," the man replied politely."Good afternoon," the woman added. "She's just as beautiful as Paulina described.""Marissa, meet Anastasia and David, Paulina's parents," Marissa's mother introduced."It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir and Ma'am," Marissa said with a smile. "I've heard so much about you both."Paula descended the stairs, her arm linked with a man who bore a striking resemblance to her-the same hooded greenish eyes and grecian nose. As they walked to the gathered f
The next morning, Marissa found herself drifting in and out of sleep, Daniella's words from the previous day haunting her thoughts. The sudden sound of the door startled her awake, her body feeling heavy from a restless night, as she fought to shake off the drowsiness, her mind still clouded with questions about Zendaya. Just as she was about to succumb to the temptation of returning to sleep, the persistent knocking sounded again. With a frustrated groan, Marissa reluctantly pulled herself out of bed and made her way to the door."Can't a woman get some sleep?" Marissa grumbled as she swung the door open, rubbing her eyes sleepily, only to be met by Demitrio's intense gaze, holding a single rose. Their eyes locked for a few intense seconds before he looked away.In that moment, Marissa realized she was wearing nothing but a sheer white dress, feeling exposed in front of him as heat flooded her cheeks. Quickly, she closed the door and rushed to her closet, grabbing a sleeping robe to
Marissa leaned her head on the chilly car window, her thoughts consumed by Luna and Efrain. Despite Demitrio's attempts to cheer her up at the fair with treats, laughter and music, she couldn't shake the uneasiness. Luna's presence had cast a shadow over what should have been a joyful outing.And then there was Efrain, his image looming large in her thoughts, she feared him misunderstanding her motives, fearing he might see her as a woman who would use her charm to manipulate. That wasn't who she was. Efrain had evolved beyond a mere passing acquaintance; he had become an integral part of her life, his importance deepening with each day. The idea of losing him filled her with dread.She yearned to convey her genuine intentions to him, ready to commit herself to him. She was prepared to welcome whatever shape their relationship might assume, even if it meant dedicating herself to him as his devoted lover for eternity.As they arrived at the hacienda, Demitrio's voice called out to her,
The next day, Marissa opted to stay in her room alone, steering clear of the busy wedding preparations downstairs. After Juan left last night, she was overwhelmed with tears that seemed endless, tormented by her own decisions.Each sob seemed to make her self-blame stronger, as she scolded herself for her stupidity. How could she have surrendered to such risky desires, betraying both Efrain and herself? Even though their bond was just sexual, the guilt burdened her heart deeply.The strong pain of regret stabbed her heart, with the sadness of allowing Juan back into her life, even if only for a short time.However, in the midst of the pain and regret, she felt an odd disconnection. The strong feelings she once had for Juan had disappeared, leaving only emptiness. She no longer held any anger or resentment towards him too. He had caused chaos in her life without concern, using his influence as he wished.He had controlled her for too long, taking advantage of her weaknesses whenever h