"All of you, get back to work," she said seriously, and told me that she would go back to her office first because she had a lot to do. So, we wouldn't be able to eat together today.
I could only sulk at my desk, still facing the computer. I was also getting hungry. "Wahhh, it's already 12:30? That's why I'm hungry," I exclaimed in a low voice, afraid Chiska would hear me and accuse me of seeking attention again. "Ms. Santillan, Sir Kael is calling you to his office," I jumped in my seat at my coworker's words. "Why?" I asked her, but she just shrugged. I nodded and started walking towards his office. I frowned as I walked to Kael's office. I didn't even know why he called me. Was it because I laughed earlier? He didn't even say why he summoned me, so I was a little nervous. What could this be about? Was there a problem? But it also crossed my mind that maybe… he was going to fire me. That's impossible! I don't have a bad record. If he's going to tell me off about something we have, I'll just leave. Our relationship should be a secret; I don't want anyone to know, not even my friend. After a short while, I reached the door. I knocked three times before I heard his cold and serious voice. "Come in," he said. I entered and saw him sitting in his swivel chair, looking at the documents in front of him. "You called for me?" I asked, feeling a little awkward around him. I didn't really know him well; it's like we suddenly became husband and wife. "Have you eaten already?" he asked. I was surprised by his question because I didn't expect that. I bit my lip. He was so sweet! But hopefully, no one would see. There's a sweet side hidden in this man's personality. "Not yet. I don't have anyone to go to the cafeteria with, so I'll just eat at home," I said, biting my lip. "Wait here," he said briefly, standing up from his seat and leaving the office. So, I decided to sit on the sofa opposite his desk. He didn't take long and immediately returned to his seat, and I remained seated on the sofa. Knock knock I looked at the door when someone knocked. I was about to stand up when he stopped me with his gaze, so I sat down again. "Come in," Kael said coldly. "Sir, here's what you asked for," said a guard as he entered the office. I was stunned by what I saw because he was carrying a lot of food. "Sir, that's a lot?" I asked in surprise. Why so much? Did he have a visitor? "I didn't know what you wanted to eat, Lady Anaya, so I just bought everything available at the restaurant," he said, leaving me speechless. The guard placed all the food on the table opposite the sofa where I was sitting, staring at the food laid out before me. I just scratched my head because I knew I couldn't finish it all. "Eat already, Anaya, so you can go back to your work," he said softly. "What about you? I'm the only one eating this; I can't finish it all by myself," I asked him. "I'm not hungry. Besides, I already ate before I came here," he said seriously, his eyes glued to his laptop. "Oh, okay. I wonder if I can finish this, there's so much," I scratched my head. "Don't force yourself if you can't finish it," he murmured. I didn't say anything and started eating. While I was eating, Kael was busy with his work. I was surprised when his office door suddenly opened, causing me to almost drop the spoon I was about to use because of the surprise. And there, the door opened, and Sir Leo, Kael's assistant, entered. "Sir, you have a meeting later," he said. He hadn't noticed me yet because he was looking down at the tablet he was holding. But my eyes widened when he looked up, and his gaze fell on me eating. Did he see us? Did he see me here, in Kael's office? Why did I eat here? I could have taken it outside. "Hi!! Sir Leo," This was so awkward! "Ms. Santillan, what are you doing here, and why are you eating here? The cafeteria is outside," he exclaimed, and I just scratched my head, even though I didn't have any lice. "Continue eating, Anaya," Kael said seriously, glancing at Sir Leo. "What time is the meeting, so we can finish early and I can do something else?" Kael continued. I didn't say anything; I was hungry. "Ah, okay Sir Leo, I'll go ahead," I said, quickly leaving Kael's office. As I left Kael's office, Tasya immediately greeted me. Her worried expression was evident. "Anaya, are you okay? Why did Sir Kael call you?" she asked, almost whispering. "I'm okay," I replied, forcing a smile. "He called me… because… he had something important for me to do." I tried to think of an excuse that wouldn't be too obvious. "Ha? What was it?" She was really worried. My friend is a bit over-the-top. "Nothing, nothing. We just took care of something," I lied again. This is getting harder. I don't want her to know about my relationship with Kael. It should remain a secret, for both our sakes. "Hay, naku! You're so mysterious. But be careful, there might be something between you and Boss Kael. You might get into trouble," she said, and chuckled softly. "Oh, there's nothing to it. Don't worry," I replied, and we walked back to our desks. To be honest, I felt a little guilty about lying to Tasya. But I didn't want to ruin our secret with Kael. I just hope she doesn't find out the truth. I really hope so. In the evening, I went home. I was still accompanied by the two bodyguards Kael had assigned. He said he was still busy at the office, so he would be home late. When I arrived at the mansion, I was only greeted by the housekeepers. I went up to my room to rest. I was so tired. I had so much on my mind: Kael, our relationship, and most of all, my family. It was past eight in the evening when I noticed something different about my room. A new closet stood there, a sleek, modern addition I didn't remember seeing before. Curiosity piqued, I cautiously approached it. The closet had two distinct sections, one white and one black. Hesitantly, I opened the white side first. My breath hitched. It was filled with women's clothing – neatly folded dresses, delicate blouses, and stylish handbags. Accessories – scarves, jewelry, even a pair of elegant heels – were arranged with meticulous care. It was undeniably feminine, meticulously organized, and… not mine. My heart pounded as I slowly turned to the black section. The contrast was stark. This side held men's clothing – crisp shirts, tailored suits, and expensive-looking ties. The organization was just as precise, but the style was distinctly masculine. A wave of confusion washed over me. Whose clothes were these? And why were they in my room? I scratched my head, and while I was thinking, I was surprised when a maid suddenly entered. I hadn't closed the door, so she could easily enter. She was smiling and holding a tray with a glass of milk. "Ma'am, milk," She said, handing me the milk. I didn't say anything; maybe it's their habit to bring milk after 8 pm. "Ma'am, your things are complete inside the room. It's Sir Kael's orders," she said. My eyes widened. "What do you mean?" I asked. "Sir Kael's room, ma'am, will also be your room now," she explained. It felt like the world stopped. Kael's room? The room of the man I just met and who proposed marriage? The man who gave me a confusing feeling and suddenly brought me to his house? I didn't know what to feel. I was confused, but I felt a little excitement. "Ah, I see," I said, forcing a smile. I nodded, even though I was still wondering inside. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know what this meant. But, even though I was confused, I felt a strange happiness. It felt like a new adventure awaited me. After the maid left, I immediately went to the bathroom for a half-bath. I had so much on my mind, so I finished quickly. Afterward, I lay down on the bed. It was soft and smelled good. I must have been tired from everything that happened, because I fell asleep quickly. The next morning, I woke up and Kael was no longer in the room. I didn't remember where he slept. He must have left earlier. I felt a little sad because I didn't see him. But, it was a beautiful morning. I felt so light. I felt excited about what would happen next.~ANAYA~ "Mind your own business!" Luna snapped, but hesitation flickered in her eyes. She probably didn't expect anyone to challenge her. "I do mind. Anaya's my friend, and I won't let you insult her without reason," Tasya said seriously. I couldn't believe it. Tasya, usually quiet and shy, had become brave for me. But it didn't end there. "Well…" Luna started, but I interrupted. I couldn't hold back any longer. "Luna, what's your problem? I haven't done anything to you. Why are you being mean?" I asked, trying to stay calm. "Well…" she repeated, but she seemed hesitant now, probably intimidated by Tasya and me. "If you don't have anything nice to say, just be quiet. We're hungry and don't want to be late for work," I said, pulling Tasya away. We left Luna standing there, looking shocked. Walking to our table, I couldn't help but smile. I was proud of Tasya. She wasn't just a sweet friend; she was brave. Most importantly, I realized I wasn't alone. People were willing to defe
~ANAYA~ I slowly opened my eyes, feeling only a throbbing headache. It felt like someone had bowled inside my skull. I winced at the stinging pain on my cheek; it was swollen. I touched my face, my eyes widening at the tenderness. It was badly swollen. I gasped, realizing how badly Dave had beaten me. My stomach ached as if it had been punched ten times. The memory of Dave's punches, kicks, and slaps replayed in my mind. My vision blurred; I wanted to scream but had no strength. "Anaya…" A voice broke through my thoughts. "You're awake, wife," Kael said. My husband. I heard a familiar voice—Kael, my husband. I looked at him; he was sitting beside me, his face full of worry. He was holding my hand, his touch gentle as he wiped away my tears. I hadn't realized I was crying. "Kael… what… what happened?" I whispered weakly. I felt parched, like I hadn't drunk water in a month. "You collapsed, wife, but don't worry. I'll make them pay," he whispered back, tightening his grip on my
I couldn't understand him anymore, the noise of the crowd, their pleas for Dave to stop. I felt dizzy from the slaps, the world spinning. The pain… the pain of his slaps, the pain of his words… "You don't know who I replaced you with, Dave, so don't be arrogant!" I cried out again after another hard slap from Dave. Mall security approached, but Dave's friends fired their guns. I never thought they had guns. Anyone who tried to approach was shot. I lost hope. The pain of my weakness. I couldn't escape Dave's grasp. I was weakening. "Stop it, Dave," I whispered weakly, but he laughed and punched my stomach. "Stop it, Dave, please!" Tasya cried, but Dave ignored her, enjoying my suffering in front of everyone. Dave grabbed my hair. I closed my eyes in pain, trying to escape, but Dave was strong. I couldn't call Kael; my bag was thrown away. I tried not to cry, to be brave, but my tears wouldn't stop. I was hurting; I couldn't take it anymore; I was weak. Kael… That's all I
His touch on my hand was light, yet a jolt of electricity ran through me. "Stay away, Kael," I said, but he only smiled. Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world disappeared. I lost my balance, falling onto the bed. He quickly caught me, his arms around my waist. My heart pounded. Our eyes held unspoken emotions, a silent promise of something more. My heart raced as we remained in that position. The moment stretched, charged with anticipation. Kael's dark, intense eyes held mine captive. He leaned closer, his breath warm against my skin. My heart pounded frantically. His lips brushed against mine, a feather-light touch that sent shivers down my spine. Then, his lips fully pressed against mine—a soft, tender kiss that stole my breath away. The world faded, leaving only the feel of his lips, the warmth of his body against mine. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, a silent promise between two souls. When he pulled away, I was breathless, a dizzying mix of emotions swirling
I'm happy because Kael agreed to let Lola stay at his mansion, and Manang Rere will be there too. I told him Manang Rere could work at the mansion, and I'd pay her salary. It wouldn't be difficult; she wouldn't have much to do—just care for Lola, keeping her company and assisting her. It's my fifth day off work; I have two more days before returning. "Anaya, my granddaughter " Lola called out, making me turn to her. We were in her room at the mansion, with Manang Rere attending to her. "Yes, grandma ? " I smiled, approaching her. She was sitting on the bed while Manang Rere folded clothes. "Is it him?" she said, her voice trailing off. I furrowed my brows, understanding immediately. "Is he the one you chose over Dave, my dear?" she asked, referring to Kael. Kael wasn't at the mansion; he'd returned to work, while I was still suspended. "Lola—I don't regret choosing him," I said seriously. Lola listened attentively, waiting for my explanation. "I'm sorry, Lola, that I left you wi
My family was shocked to see Kael. His face was impassive, his gaze intense. I was also surprised—he arrived incredibly fast! I’d only called him moments ago. After recovering from the shock, my father's first question was, "Who is that man?" My father asked, his brow furrowed as he looked at Kael, who was staring intently at them. "(Voice trembling slightly) "Anaya... is that... the man you... you married instead of Dave?" My father said, chuckling as he looked at Kael. "You have good taste, Anaya," Avera said, her gaze lingering on Kael. "You chose this man to be your groom, even though he looked like a lump of coal on your wedding day." I pulled Kael behind me; I knew my sister's ways, and my suspicions were correct. "That's none of your concern anymore, Dad." I sighed, looking back at my father. "Just like I said earlier, I'm taking Lola, whether you like it or not." I said seriously. Kael remained silent behind me, watching, ready to intervene if my stepmother tried anythi