Andrea’s two weeks were up. Sebastian paced back and forth in his house. Today was the day they were going to tell the public about their divorce. Not that it was any of their business, but that’s a celebrity’s life for you. Everything had to be out in the open.What was Andrea planning? Was she going to release her own exposé about him? She wasn’t that stupid, right?If only she hadn’t asked for that much time, then Sebastian wouldn’t spend most of the past weeks thinking about her. Or is that what she planned all along?Sebastian had to laugh. “How could I be such a fool? Of course, until now she’s still trying to manipulate me. That’s the kind of person she is.” He shook his head in disappointment at himself.“Sir Adams? What are you still doing here? I thought you were going to California?” Rose entered the living room after hearing laughing sounds.“I am. Just waiting for the car to pick me up,” Sebastian answered.“Ever since Andy left, he has lost his mind,” the housekeeper tho
“Ladies and gentlemen, good morning,” the speakers crackled as everyone in the cabin was now seated. Andrea settled on her own as the pilot finished his announcement.There was no turning back from here on.It took a few more procedures before the airplane started to move. Andrea clung to Madeline’s hand as they felt the plane ascend. She felt like she was flying for the first time.Andrea saw how calm Madeline was and she grew concerned about whether it was just her trying to act strong in front of her. She quietly whispered over to the older woman, “Mads, are you okay? Do you need something?”“Oh, I’m fine.” Madeline waved at her. “Everything just feels so surreal.” She was right. Her answer relieved Andrea. Good for Madeline, she was finally coming out of that frail shell.Once they became steady in the air. The passengers were now allowed to get up and walk around. Thankfully, the flight was only four hours long so they didn’t have to. Andrea made sure that her disguise was intact
The drive to from the airport to their new home was one of the most awkward Andrea had to ever endure. Due in part to the man, sitting in front of her, happily staring at her non-stop.She cleared her throat and faced Madeline, who was beside her, to show how uncomfortable she was getting. Darren noticed her stiffness and smiled.“Eugene, why don’t we let the ladies rest, hm?” He patted the older man’s shoulder to signal him to stop whatever he was doing. Thankfully, Eugene understood. “Oh, oh yes. Of course.” He then proceeded to look out the window, but his elated expression didn’t fade.It was strange that the stranger didn’t tell them anything other than saying his name back when they just arrived at the airport. Andrea did see how his eyes were very much similar to hers but she brushed it off. Many people have those features, so it may be just a coincidence. Then why would this man, who she never met, be so joyful just from the sight of her?It was Andrea’s turn to gaze at Eugene
The talk of her and Sebastian getting a divorce was the least of Andrea’s concerns right now. It had been days since the announcement and she had received tons of messages from all kinds of people. But just as Sebastian instructed, she gave no comment whatsoever.What she focused on for a while was moving into their new villa and finding a doctor who is keen on anonymity for her pregnancy and Madeline’s healing.As of now, she had to know her father’s side of the story. Because as she remembered, Laura said that he was a horrible partner and that he left them before she was even born. Her mother drilled it in her mind that her father never wanted her.But she listened as Eugene tried to explain, though overwhelmed with mixed emotions of rage and confusion by what Laura had told their daughter. “I didn’t know about you. Laura, she- she was the one who left me after realizing that back then, I was failing as a filmmaker. Just now did I realize that she was using me to get into acting. S
“You’re about to pop and you’re still so active!” Andrea instantly recognized the voice as she dropped the paintbrush she was using to color the nursery. She turned around and as she expected, Ren was by the door, grinning from ear to ear. Her feet moved to run towards the person before her brain even thought of it.“Oh my god, Ren! You’re here!” The best friends hugged each other, although unsuccessfully due to the large bump between them. So instead, they had an awkward side hug which made them laugh.Ren leveled down to rub Andrea’s prominent belly and talked to it, “Of course, I didn’t forget about you, dearie. You’re the reason I’m here after all! You’re mom’s just a side effect.” They laughed some more at this before settling down at the villa’s parlor.“So, how’s everything with the baby?” Ren started.“Well, she’s doing great. Doctor Kane said that the earlier complications haven’t affected the pregnancy. Phew, thank goodness.” Andrea wiped an invisible sweat on her forehead a
It’s been three years since that sudden intense encounter, but Sebastian still thought about it from time to time. When he was rushed to the hospital, everyone was confused at how the doctors found nothing wrong with him. Even when they went for a second opinion, then a third, until the tenth where his grandfather had the best team of doctors be transported from different parts of the world.But they came up with the same conclusion as the first. He was in his prime and the numerous tests confirmed it.Then what was that feeling? It felt like his abdomen was being squished by an unseen force while his bones were simultaneously breaking off. After that, any physical pain that he’d experience can’t compare.Edmond coughing beside him cut off Sebastian’s thoughts. He looked at his grandfather who, always at this time of the year, looked more fragile than stern, more flawed than perfect. The look of a father who has lost his son. “Thank you for coming this year, Sebastian,” the old man sa
Just one look at the well-toned back and Andrea knew right away who it was talking to her daughter. Why did he come? She knew for sure he wouldn’t be present at his father’s grave specifically on this date. And the chairman always came around sunset to visit his son, which was why she chose to bring Anastasia in the morning. So what was his business coming here?Andrea was so frustrated with herself and relieved at finding her toddler that she didn’t think about the consequence and screamed, “Ana!”Each step felt like lead was chained to her ankles but she pushed through and sped to take Anastasia away from the man. She took the opportunity of Sebastian still turning around to rush past him and run away as fast as her feet could.The confusion on Sebastian’s face was mirrored in Anastasia’s but her mother didn’t care. Andrea heard him say something but refused to listen. Her daughter didn’t help by squirming from her hold. “Mama, down.” It was at this age that the toddler didn’t want
“Wait, he saw both of you at the cemetery?” Ren almost made the entire house shake with her booming question. After a whole day of making Anastasia forget what happened at the cemetery, both the adults were tired from the toddler’s boundless energy. Now, they got to drink beer on the patio by themselves to unwind while talking about what actually took place.“Shhh!” Andrea winced at her voice. She just settled her daughter to bed and didn’t have the strength to chase the kid around the house again. That girl could tire out even a high-endurance athlete. “You’re going to wake her up,” she sharply whispered.Ren’s widened eyes quickly slanted at her and replied with the same harsh but silent tone, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I could have done something before we left there! Wait, what did he say when he saw you? Did he talk like the shitbag that he was again? Tell me, Andy!” Her empty can of beer was dropped on the table as Ren continually shook Andrea by the shoulders.“Ren, relax!