Bree's eyes widened when the knocking on the door wouldn't stop. It was persistent, as if whoever was behind that door had no intention of giving up."Mr. Samaniego."It was Miss Cindy!She moved away from Jackson's office table and quickly ran her fingers through her hair. How was she supposed to fix herself? Her lipstick might be smeared all over her face! How embarrassing if Miss Cindy saw her like that!She turned to Jackson when she heard his soft laughter. When she looked at him, a pretty and genuine smile was plastered on his face.His face looked bright. Now she could see emotions on his face. Usually, his expression was so blank.Bree stared at him for a moment, taking in Jackson's fresh look. He looked calm and serene. None of what she usually saw on his face—irritation and anger.He looked so carefree with those smiles, and Bree couldn't help but savor the moment. It wasn't often that she saw her boss like this. And if she was the reason he was smiling, she felt proud of he
I forced a bitter smile as I gently caressed my parents' tombstone. Years had passed since they were gone, but the pain in my heart remained. Losing both parents at the same time was a tragedy too painful for any child to bear. I could hardly believe I had survived it all."Ma, Pa, how are you?" I whispered softly. I bit my lower lip to keep the tears from escaping my eyes. The ache in my chest grew stronger as I stared at their tombstone.I took two bouquets of flowers and placed them on top of the gravestone. It had been nine years since I last saw and heard them, and for all those years, I prayed for their souls every day. It was the least I could do for them."I'm doing okay, Ma, Pa. Life is tough on my own, but I'm managing. As for Kuya Elmer, I don’t know where he is anymore. I'm worried because he’s been missing for years, and I haven't heard anything about him." I let out a deep sigh, hoping to ease the heaviness in my heart. Closing my eyes, I offered a silent prayer.I wiped
I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a bouquet of flowers on my desk. Red roses, beautifully arranged, clearly an expensive bouquet.I looked around the room. It was still early, and there weren't many people in the office yet. It was only seven in the morning, and I was the only employee on this floor. I had intentionally come in early to catch up on my work, which was a mess. I had promised to personally talk to Mr. Lao and apologize for my stupidity. I just hoped Mr. Lao wasn't as grumpy as Sir Jax.“I wonder who put these here?” I whispered. Chelle and I shared an office, while Miss Cindy was in the office across from us. She was the Executive Secretary, and Chelle and I were her assistants.I picked up the card attached to the flowers and read it.“Dear Bree, I hope this flower brightens up your day. Always smile, you have a very beautiful smile. Your secret admirer.” I raised an eyebrow at the message on the small card. “Secret admirer? Who could it be? This is ridiculous.” Ho
"What the f*ck are you doing?!""Oh, f*ck you, sir!" I shrieked in shock when a thunderous voice boomed behind me. It reverberated through the kitchen walls. It felt like an earthquake because of how loud his voice was.I was so startled that, in my attempt to clutch my chest, I almost dropped the plate in my hands. Fortunately, I caught it just in time—otherwise, I would’ve been in trouble again.I turned around only to see a scowling Jackson Samaniego standing at the kitchen door. His face was flushed red, and he was panting. His massive physique almost filled the entire doorway, making him look larger than life. With his towering height and menacing expression, he was truly terrifying—like a raging beast ready to devour its breakfast. And unfortunately, I was that breakfast.But instead of being scared of his fierce expression, I couldn’t help but let my eyes roam over his bare upper body. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and the only thing covering his lower half was a thin pair of boxe
I was fidgeting in my seat while waiting for Miss Cindy. I could barely breathe as I stared at the glass door of our cubicle with Chelle because of my racing heart. My forehead and palms were sweating, and I felt like today was my last day."It's really your last day! Do you think Sir Jax will let you get away with what you did?"I wanted to yell at the part of my brain that was always the villain. It kept saying things that made me lose confidence in myself.What if Sir Jax sues me? Oh my God, where will I get the money for that? What if I get fired? He'll probably charge me a lot because he almost burned down his house.I slapped my forehead. I was thinking all sorts of things, and I was sure one of them would happen.I heard Chelle let out a deep sigh. She was also restless. We were both waiting for Miss Cindy to come back. She was still talking to Sir Jax in his office about what happened yesterday. I was embarrassed for Miss Cindy because she always defended me whenever I did som
“Yeah, right! This girl is still in denial! Your nose twitched, which means you were thrilled too!” Chelle wasn't satisfied and let out a loud laugh, as if we were the only people in the office. “I just know it! I have a strong feeling about Sir Jax. I even suspect that he’s your secret admirer, the one who keeps sending you flowers. Wow! You’re really gorgeous, girl!” Chelle added excitedly.I wanted to cover my face in embarrassment at what she was saying. That was impossible. I could clearly see how much he loved his late wife—what am I compared to the women he's dating now?I smacked Chelle again just as she was about to speak. She was saying all sorts of nonsense.Wasn’t she afraid that our colleagues might hear her?“Whatever. I’m going to the cafeteria. I suddenly got hungry.” I walked out, leaving Chelle behind. I didn’t want to talk to her when she brought up that topic. It was embarrassing and annoying. It was impossible, given the way our boss treated me.Sir Jax’s office w
Bree took a deep breath to calm her frantic heart. Her nervousness doubled when she finally faced Sir Jax and saw the anger in his eyes. They were blazing with accusation.Bree swallowed hard."Jax, darling, what took you so long?" Elise suddenly appeared from behind Jax, her face scowling. But when she saw Jax carrying Amy, her expression quickly changed. Her face brightened, and she gave the child an overly sweet smile. Bree couldn't tell if it was genuine or just for show."Amy, baby! Oh, my... I was so worried about you! Where have you been? Are you alright?" Elise dramatically exclaimed as she approached and hugged the child.Bree grimaced at Elise’s exaggerated tone. Okay. Confirmed. It was all for show. Bree raised an eyebrow when Elise deliberately pressed her body against Jackson while hugging the child.It was no secret among Jackson’s employees that the two had some kind of relationship—if it could even be called that. Elise Trinidad always visited Jackson Samaniego, but sh
Jax was pulled from his train of thought when a soft, small hand caressed his face. It was Amy. She was looking at him with questioning eyes.Jax let out a deep sigh and forced a smile at his daughter."What is it, baby?""Daddy, please don’t fire Ate Vicky. It’s not her fault, it was my fault."If there was anyone who could influence Jackson’s decisions, it was his daughter Amy—aside from Cindy, of course, one of his most trusted friends since college. He just loved his daughter dearly. She resembled his late wife so much that it made it hard for Jax to live with her. That’s why she was temporarily staying with Jax’s parents. Besides, he was a total mess right now, and he didn’t want Amy to witness how broken he was."Sir, I’m really sorry. I promise to do better in my job," Amy’s nanny, Vicky, spoke from the side, her voice pleading, face filled with anxiety as if she was about to cry."Amy, baby, we can’t let an irresponsible person be your guardian. Look at what just happened! She
Bree's eyes widened when the knocking on the door wouldn't stop. It was persistent, as if whoever was behind that door had no intention of giving up."Mr. Samaniego."It was Miss Cindy!She moved away from Jackson's office table and quickly ran her fingers through her hair. How was she supposed to fix herself? Her lipstick might be smeared all over her face! How embarrassing if Miss Cindy saw her like that!She turned to Jackson when she heard his soft laughter. When she looked at him, a pretty and genuine smile was plastered on his face.His face looked bright. Now she could see emotions on his face. Usually, his expression was so blank.Bree stared at him for a moment, taking in Jackson's fresh look. He looked calm and serene. None of what she usually saw on his face—irritation and anger.He looked so carefree with those smiles, and Bree couldn't help but savor the moment. It wasn't often that she saw her boss like this. And if she was the reason he was smiling, she felt proud of he
Jackson stood up and walked toward the door.Bree remained frozen in front of his desk. Her heart was pounding so hard she could almost hear it echoing in her ears.His scent lingered throughout the office.He smells really good today… Was it always like this? The office never used to smell this good before, right?Her brows furrowed the moment she heard the faint click of the door locking.It took her a few seconds to process what that sound meant.When she turned around, she was shocked to find Jackson already standing behind her.How did he move so quietly? Or maybe she just didn’t notice because her thoughts were all over the place.Bree quickly turned her back to him.Jackson stood just inches behind her. He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. Just her smell was enough to drive him wild. He had to admit, Bree wasn’t like the other women he usually wanted just for sex. Sure, he wanted to sleep with her, but something deeper was pulling him toward her—and that was something Jac
Bree let out another deep sigh. She couldn’t stop thinking about what happened yesterday. She had to skip work—because Jackson told her to.She ended up staying at his apartment the entire day. He wouldn’t let her leave until she agreed to what he wanted.It just hit her now—what he did was basically blackmail!She sighed again, unaware that Chelle had been watching her for a while now. Her friend didn’t say a word, but she was clearly observing Bree, trying to read every expression on her face.Chelle knew something was bothering her. She didn’t ask, though—because she was sure Bree wouldn’t admit anything.After their night out at the bar, Bree didn’t come to work the next day. Her excuse? She got too drunk and woke up late. But Chelle wasn’t buying it. Something definitely happened.And to make things even more suspicious, Mr. Renz hadn’t shown up to work for two days now.Could something have happened between the two of them? Chelle couldn’t help but wonder. Not that it would be a
"Sir Jackson, wait, your thing is poking me." Bree couldn't help but blurt out. His hard manhood was pressing against her center! She wasn't wearing any underwear, so she could really feel it.Bree tried to stop Jackson by pushing against his muscular chest. But he didn't budge at all. He remained hovering above her and still positioned between her opened thighs.She wanted to know what really happened last night first, but not the way he wanted.Surely his manhood could wait, right?What happened last night that made her boss seem to have such bad intentions toward her?But as he said, no sex had occurred, so what was Jackson doing now?The young woman still couldn't process why she was with him now.Was he invited last night? She couldn't remember anyone mentioning that her boss would be coming.Bree's face heated up when she realized their position on the bed. No wonder his hard manhood was poking her—she was lying with her legs spread open and he was between her thighs.She was un
Bree was awakened by the sound of running water. The second thing she noticed was the soft bed and the familiar scent of the pillow she was using."Oh my God," the young woman whispered.Her head hurts like hell and she feels dizzy. Bree squeezed her eyes shut. She knew she wasn't in her own room. The soft bed and the masculine scent confirmed it.But unlike before when she felt fear and confusion, for some reason, Bree felt safe.She could still hear the running water, which meant someone was showering in the bathroom.Who could that be? And where am I?She tried to remember last night's events. All she could recall was going to a bar for Renz's birthday celebration.Bree remembered drinking what Renz gave her. After that, she couldn't remember anything else. She didn't know why she was in a different room instead of sleeping in her own.Bree slowly opened her eyes. The room was dim, but through the window, she could see it was already bright outside.The room was clean and painted w
Jackson stilled and just let himself stare at the naked beauty in front of him. It took him all his self-control not to rush over to Bree and take her roughly.He already had difficulty controlling himself when they were at his office, how much more if he'll see her like this; moaning and begging him to fuck her.Jackson quickly approached the woman on the sofa. Bree is one beautiful woman. Her beauty was unique, and Jackson admitted that he was extremely attracted to her.Her eyes were sparkling and her skin was flushed. Jax had to remind himself every minute that Bree was not her usual self. He shouldn't listen to what she was saying. What came out of her mouth came from the sex drug."Bree. Where the fuck was your dress? Jesus, woman, you're making this hard for me."Jax let out a deep breath to calm himself, especially the monster between his legs. He couldn't guarantee that he could succeed in controlling himself.Jackson took Bree's hand to stop her from playing with her own wom
Bree felt her body temperature rising. For some unknown reason, Bree loved the way the man she was dancing with was touching her. It was like her sanity left her, and all she could think about was how she wanted someone to touch her.Her body was sweating, but Bree didn't stop swaying to the loud music.The man behind her was Renz. He was dancing behind Bree while boldly touching her body. Her dress gave access to his sinful hands.From her waist, his hands moved up to her ample breasts.Renz was overjoyed that he finally had the chance to touch Bree. He had wanted her for a long time, but he couldn't make a move. He wanted her so much. Now, what he had wanted for so long was about to happen, he was going to claim her completely. And once that happened, she would be his.Renz cupped her breasts and gave them a little squeeze. He pulled her closer to his body and pressed his hard manhood against her. He had been hard for a while now. Bree's revealing dress made it all worse."Did you f
Jackson stared at the light brown liquid glistening in his glass. He’d already lost count of how many rounds of alcohol he’d had, but he still couldn’t feel its effects on his body.He’d been drinking a lot these past few days. He felt like getting drunk was the only way to escape his so-called problems—if they could even be called problems.Andrei was being loud—he was already drunk and flirting with the women they were with. Sebastian was also there, accompanied by Claire, his sister-in-law. They were joined by Maddox, who had just returned from abroad after getting someone pregnant.Jackson closed his eyes. His head was aching. The stress was taking a toll on his body. Alcohol and stress were a terrible combination for him.“Bro, how’s that cute girl? Bree, right?” Andrei suddenly asked.Jackson’s eyes snapped open when he heard Bree’s name.Andrei burst out laughing. From the reaction on Jackson’s face when he mentioned Bree, Andrei immediately knew that the girl had a special pla
“Let’s go later, okay? Please?”Chelle pressed her hands together and begged Bree.Bree just shook her head. She had no intention of going because she didn’t want to get drunk. She was sure that if they went to a bar, her friends would pressure her to drink. She was afraid it would happen again—waking up in an unfamiliar room.Bree shivered at the memory that some stranger had brought her there. She was lucky she hadn’t been taken advantage of.What if it happened again? And this time, she wouldn’t be so lucky?Bree continued typing on her computer. She was encoding the list of guests invited to the company’s anniversary party.Chelle stomped back to her desk and noisily rearranged her things.Bree couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s reaction.Chelle was a party girl. Since she was single and had no family around, she could do whatever she wanted—especially bar hopping.“Fine, I’ll go. It’d be embarrassing to say no to Sir Renz, especially since it’s his birthday.”Chelle squealed