CHAPTER 13 (PART 1)FLASHBACK, YEARS AGO I was sure that the car parked in front of our house didn’t belong to my sister’s annoying ex-boyfriend, Sebastian. And definitely, it wasn’t to our neighbor either. Sevi ran to me when the little kid saw his beautiful aunt. He raised both of his hands, urging me to carry him. He’s still in his pajamas and just woken up like me. “Auntie, up!” he pouted. I picked him up and kissed the baby of the family on the cheek as he put his head on my chest. “Where’s your mom?” I asked as I walked down the six-step staircase, still carrying Sevi. “Don’t know. Is Daddy outside?” “The car outside isn’t his—” I didn’t get to finish what I was supposed to say when I saw who was sitting on the couch. “Hello, Steph.” Nexus Almeradez greeted and smiled at me. “Auntie, close your mouth.” Sevi laughed. “Why are you here?” I asked, telling him I was very surprised to see this one-night-stand man I chose to forget. “Am I not allowed to visit you?
CHAPTER 12 Pain crossed in his face but I didn’t budge. Who cares if he’s hurting. I’m just telling the truth. “Can you tell me now what you want? I still have a lot of work to do in my office.” “We need your help,” Alejandro said. “I’m wasting my time here.” I said grudgingly and took and took my handbag to leave, I was about to walk away when Nexus grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to the chair. “I don’t appreciate your hand touching me, Mister,” I spat and glared at him. Reluctantly, he let go of my wrist. Alejandro spoke again in a serious tone. “This is not a waste of time, Stephanie. It is a death and life situation. You know what Leticia is doing. They are taking advantage of Nix’s situation to spend his money.” “What does it have to do with me?” “A lot! You will be the savior of Nix’s wealth,” he answered, which made me scrunch my nose. “Be Nix’s wife again.” My forehead furrowed in annoyance. “Are you out of your mind?” “We are serious, Amara Stephanie.
CHAPTER 11 (PART 2) It’s my fault too that I lost my baby. I am the mother and I should have been the first to know I was pregnant. “I didn’t remember anything but I feel like I need to say sorry.” “Your sorry can’t bring back my child. I hate you! I hate you so much!” I removed his arms from my waist as I stood up from my bed. He’s still kneeling and even bowed his head more. “Get up, Nexus,” I said, almost in a whisper. “You only hurting me more with what you’re doing.” The door opened. Alejandro and Rex were surprised when they saw Nexus' situation. I shook my head and went back to bed. I decided to ignore them and closed my eyes. My heart was numb and I didn’t want to deal with any of them. Alejandro forced his brother to get up and leave the room. Fortunately, they didn’t come back again. My parents arrived after. When the doctor gave his signal for me to go home, I didn’t waste any time. I don’t like hospitals; it brings me many painful memories. When we got home
CHAPTER 11 (PART 1) I peeked into the pantry when I heard the familiar laughter of my ex-husband. His face was smiling as he picked up the rolling grapes on the floor. He wiped them on his clothes before putting them into his mouth and laughing again with my employees. He was far from the Nexus I used to know when he was dealing with other people. He’s now down to earth, laughing and getting along with others easily. Nexus looked happier than I could remember. I sat on the couch, tired. I visited two branches of Casa Amara. It’s still under construction and I am really meticulous, especially with the materials. “Steph, I brought our launch,” Nexus said sweetly. I looked at him and told him to come in. I put a big smile on my face as he placed the food tray on the center table. He reached for something from his back pocket. My heart skipped a beat when he handed me a one-stem pink rose. “I-I have my own launch.” Nexus walked towards my table to get my lunch box. I stopped
CHAPTER 10: DÉJÀ VU Angel Love was nowhere to be found when Nexus had an accident, according to Alejandro. A month after the court granted our annulment, Nexus, and Angel Love’s engagement, was all over the TV stations, newspapers, and social media. Leticia liked her for her son. When Nix and I were still married, Angel Love clung to my ex-husband like a leech, sucking the positive energy of our marriage. I passed by her like I didn’t see the woman. And as if on cue, my sister approached me so I could say goodbye. “I saw Nexus’ fiancée. Do you want me to shoo her away?” she whispered while giving Angel Love a sharp look. “Let her be. Looks like she’s enjoying being a senator’s mistress.” It’s not a surprise to me that she’s cheated. “What about Nexus?” I shrugged and kissed my sister's cheek. “That’s their problem, not mine. Anyway, I have to go.” She and Sebastian accompanied me to my car. I waved at them and started maneuvering away from Northshire Village. I stopped
CHAPTER 9: THE FIANCEE Cars were already parked in front of my sister’s house when I arrived. I could hear the laughter of the children coming from the garden of the mansion. I get out of the car after grabbing the large paper bag from the back seat. A maid from Rocc's family greeted me and led me to where the celebration was. The birthday celebrant, Sevi, excitedly ran towards me. “Auntie!” Sevi gleefully clung to my legs and looked up to me with his innocent green eyes. “Happy birthday.” I greeted and kissed my nephew’s forehead. He hugged the paper bag I was holding and smiled at me. “Is this for me?” I nodded and finally gave it to him. “Sevi, you’ll open your gifts later. Put it on the table with other gifts.” My sister let me sit at one of the tables when Sevi placed the paper bag with other gifts. “Dad is overacting,” I said, almost whining. “I told you, maybe this is a second chance for you and Nix.” “There’s no second chance,” I emphasized every word. Nes