KABANATA 29 Atasha's POV When I was a child, every time we attended the weddings of my mom's friends, and I saw how beautiful a bride looked in her wedding gown as she walked down the aisle towards her groom, that's when my dream was formed. I used to think that when I get married, I want it to be to only one person. The first and last man that I will love. As a young girl, I was always captivated by the magic of weddings. The way the bride glided down the aisle in her exquisite gown, radiating happiness and love, left a lasting impression on me. I would watch in awe as she exchanged vows with her groom, promising to love and cherish each other for eternity. It was in those moments that the seed of my dream was planted - to find that one special person with whom I would share a lifetime of love and happiness. I envisioned a future where I, too, would walk down the aisle in a beautiful gown, my heart overflowing with love for the man waiting for me at the end. I longed for a lov
KABANATA 30 Elias' POV "I made breakfast for you, as I have to go to work," I said seriously to Jocelle before placing the plate I prepared in front of her. Thankfully, she didn't argue and just sat down on the stool. She started eating quietly. I just observed her because it seemed like she had lost her appetite again. It had been a few days now that she seemed disinterested in food. I cleared my throat and took a sip of my coffee. "Your assistant will be arriving soon; she'll take care of you. I probably won't be coming back here for a while as I have a lot to take care of. I haven't been going to work for a few days," I said softly. She only looked at me then. "Is it really because of work, Elias?" she suddenly spoke up. "Jocelle, I can't always stay here. What about my job? My mom has been calling me," I replied. I didn't expect her to slam the spoon she was holding on the table. "Don't use work as an excuse! Are you leaving because of Atasha?" she shouted at me. "Can't
KABANATA 31Atasha's POVIt has been two days since I arrived back from El Nido, and I find myself returning to my usual routine. The memories of the beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes still fresh in my mind. As I step back into the familiar surroundings of my workplace, I can't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation. There is a sense of urgency in the air, as I realize how much work I have missed during my absence. The reports that Zylee diligently prepared have piled up, waiting for my attention. It's time to dive back into the tasks at hand and catch up on everything that needs to be done."Good morning, chef!" Masigla bati mula kay Zylee ang bumungad sa akin pagkapasok ko ng restaurant. "Kumusta po ang bakasyon niyo?" Tanong pa niya."It's fun," nakangiting tugon ko. "You know what, Zy. Let's have vacation sometimes twice a year," saad ko pa bago umupo sa swivel chair.Halatang nagtaka ito sa sinabi ko. "Wow, mukha nga pong maganda ang naging epekto sa inyo
KABANATA 32Elias' POV"She needs bed rest," the doctor told me as he looked at Jocelle. "Ms. Sadejas' pregnancy is delicate and she needs to be taken care of because the baby's grip is weak. It's fortunate that she only bled once, but we shouldn't be complacent, Mr. de Marcel," he added."What can we do to prevent this from happening again, doc?""Avoiding stress is one of the reasons," he replied. "Will you excuse me for a moment, Mr. de Marcel," the doctor said before leaving.I sighed before approaching Jocelle, who was peacefully sleeping. As I sat by her side, I couldn't help but feel a wave of concern wash over me, knowing the fragility of her pregnancy. I made a mental note to do everything in my power to ensure her well-being and the safety of the baby.As I watched her, she suddenly moved, and at the same time, her eyes fluttered open. She immediately looked at me."H-How's our baby?" she asked, clearly struggling with the question.I took her hand to reassure her that I was
KABANATA 33Atasha's POVA week had passed and everything goes smoothly. Elias hasn't visited me at my restaurant after our conversation that day. I'm just thankful that I won't have a hard time avoiding him.I admit, even if I don't realize it myself, there's still some love left for him. Even though we've been apart for almost a month and a half, I still can't easily forget the long time we spent together.It really isn't easy because he's the only man I've ever loved. But I know I really need to forget everything because I know I've already lost. Ever since I found out that Jocelle is pregnant, I knew that I no longer have a fighting chance.As usual, my daily routine involves going to work and immersing myself in tasks to distract from the emotional turmoil within. Each passing day, the weight of reality grows heavier on my shoulders, reminding me of the irreversible changes in my life. Despite sticking to my routine, it no longer brings comfort, as thoughts of what could have be
SIMULAWARNING: MATURE CONTENT!Habang abala ako sa pagtatapos ng memorandum sa aking laptop, biglang bumukas ang pinto ng aking opisina dito sa restaurant. Kailangan kong maghanda para sa isang mahalagang business meeting sa susunod na linggo, kaya naman puspusan ang aking pagtatrabaho upang maipadala ito sa pamamagitan ng email."Shang, hindi ka pa ba tapos?" tanong ni Elias, na pumasok na sa loob."May lakad ba tayo?" tanong ko, hindi pa rin tumitigil sa pagtipa sa keyboard. "Hindi ko maalala na inaya mo ako sa isang date," pabiro kong dagdag.Lumapit siya sa akin at niyakap ako mula sa likuran habang nakaupo ako sa swivel chair. Naramdaman ko ang kakaibang kilabot sa aking katawan nang amuyin ni Elias ang aking batok at banayad na hinalikan ito."Tara, magpunta tayo sa isang lugar," sabi niya, ang kanyang labi ay bahagyang dumampi pa sa aking leeg, na nagpahinto sa akin sa aking ginagawa."Saan?" tanong ko, puno ng kuryosidad ang aking boses."Basta, sumama ka na lang sa akin at ma
KABANATA 1Pauwi kami ni Elias ngayon dahil natapos na ang aming reunion. Dalawang oras din kaming nagdiwang doon, at ipinagdiwang namin ang engagement nina Wildrich at Kazimie. Hindi ko maiwasang mainggit kay Kaz habang kinakausap ko siya kanina, dahil kitang-kita ko ang kanyang kasiyahan sa sorpresang proposal ni Wildrich. Hindi niya ito inasahan dahil akala niya ay aasikasuhin muna ni Kaz ang kanyang kontrata sa fashion company bago sila magplano ng kasal.Habang nakikinig ako sa kanyang kwento, hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng inggit, dahil alam kong matutupad na ang kanilang matagal nang pangarap. Bigla akong napaisip at nagtanong sa aking sarili tungkol sa amin ni Elias. Kailan kaya niya planong mag-propose sa akin?Sa totoo lang, mas matagal na ang relasyon namin ni Elias kumpara kina Wildrich at Kazimie. Pitong taon sila, ngunit sila ay engaged na. Marami na rin, kabilang ang ilang lumang kaibigan, ang nagtatanong kung kailan kami ni Elias magtatake ng susunod na hakbang sa ami
KABANATA 2WARNING: MATURE CONTENT!"Elias, nasaan ka na ba?" Paulit-ulit ko siyang tinatawagan pero walang sumasagot, ring lang nang ring ang telepono niya. Marami na rin siyang missed calls mula sa akin pero ni isa wala siyang binalikan.Simula nang umalis siya kagabi, hindi na siya umuwi. Buong gabi siyang wala. Nagtanong-tanong ako kay Alphonsus para malaman kung nasaan si Elias, pero wala rin siyang alam dahil hindi naman sila magkasama kagabi. Kaya ngayon, hindi ako mapakali, hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya. Baka may nangyari nang masama sa kanya?Tinawagan ko ulit siya, dalawang ring lang ang narinig ko nang biglang may kumatok sa pintuan ng condo. Si Elias, dumating na rin sa wakas. Dumeretso siya sa sofa at doon naupo. Tumigil ako sa pagta-type sa laptop at lumapit sa kanya.Tumayo ako sa harap niya, kamay sa bewang at tumaas ang kilay. "Saan ka galing, Elias? Bakit hindi ka umuwi kagabi?" tanong ko sa kanya, halata ang pag-aalala.Dahan-dahan siyang dumilat at tumingin sa akin