My whole body trembled with anger, frustration, and pain.Tears blurred my vision as we walked through the gate. I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.It felt like I couldn’t breathe.“Sweetheart…” Mom whispered, wrapping her arms around me.My arms hung lifelessly at my sides. I couldn’t even bring myself to hug her back, even as she silently cried with me. She knew it wasn’t just Erna’s cruel words that broke me—it was the memories. The memory of my worthless father and the pain he caused, not just to me, but to Mom, too.“Vianna May… Violy… Come inside,” came Chona’s soft, hesitant voice. We hadn’t even noticed her following us.She gently guided us into the house and helped us settle onto the sofa. Without another word, she fetched us a glass of water and handed one to each of us.“Thank you, Chona,” Mom said hoarsely.I sat between them, feeling the weight of their concern. Both of them placed their hands on my trembling back and shoulders, comforti
My eyes fell on our clasped hands—mine and Diego's.“I’ll do the laundry! Your soft hands might get scratched,” he blurted, hastily stuffing the towel into his pocket.I shook my head with a faint smile. “Suit yourself,” I muttered as I opened the door.“Thanks, Diego,” I added softly before shutting it behind me and running toward the shop.The rain poured relentlessly. I glanced back—Diego’s car was still in the same spot.“Rainy morning, Vianna May!” Damian called out cheerfully.“Good morning, Damian,” I replied with a smile. “Any updates about Gino?” I asked as I closed my umbrella and placed it on the stand.“Still nothing. I’m getting worried about that kid.”“Don’t stress too much.” Gently patting his shoulder.“Good morning,” came a sweet voice behind us. We turned at the same time.“Roselyn, good morning,” I said, returning her smile. “Damian, this is Roselyn—our new workmate.”“Hello, Damian,” Roselyn greeted politely.“We’ll head inside now,” I said. “Come on, Roselyn. I’l
He wiped away my tears, gently cupping my cheeks in his hands."I'm sorry, I'm so sorry... it won't happen again!"With my eyes shut tightly, I removed his hands from my face. "Let me breathe first. Just... leave me alone for now." I opened the door and walked out without looking back.There was nowhere else to go—no place to hide—except for the stairs leading up to the second floor of the shop.There, I poured out all my anger and heartbreak. I didn’t care if my eyes swelled from crying; I just needed to let everything out.The entire afternoon at work passed in a dull haze. Lenny didn’t ask any questions. The puffiness of my eyes spoke for itself, and she probably already knew the reason, though she had no idea I’d been hurt physically, too.I stayed silent as I rode in Romeo’s car. Despite what happened earlier, he insisted on driving me home. He kept stealing glances at me, sighing again and again. I could feel the regret radiating off him.He reached out and took my hand, but I
My temper flared even more when I heard him laugh. I shot him a glare. "You think this is funny?!" I asked, irritated.He took my hand and placed it on the handle of the paper bag, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. I snatched it from him."I told you..." he started, but didn’t finish. He leaned in as if to kiss me, but I quickly pressed my palm against his lips."Told you what?!" I asked through gritted teeth.He grasped the hand I had over his mouth, his grin widening. "That... you're jealous..." he said, still holding my hand against his lips.He always got thrilled whenever I got jealous. Me? I couldn’t feel the same excitement whenever he got jealous. I didn’t even have the strength to smile. All I felt was fear, anxiety, and dread.I yanked my hand away and rolled my eyes at him. "I'm heading out!" I snapped, yanking the door open with a huff.Quickly, I composed my face before stepping outside to the two women, who were wondering why I’d taken so long."Roselyn, her
"What was that about?" I muttered, confused by Diego’s sudden actions, but I shrugged it off.By ten in the evening, our drunken classmates had started heading home. Some were picked up, while others booked a ride.I was already outside the pizza house, waiting with my friends for their rides to arrive."Girls, I’m leaving first," I said as I spotted Romeo’s car approaching."Take care, Vianna May," they chorused.I walked to the roadside and waited for Romeo to pull over so I could quickly get in. I was tired. I just wanted to go home and rest.But even with my exhaustion, a smile stayed on my lips as I waited for my Romeo’s car to stop."Vi..."I turned sharply when I heard Diego call my name."You forgot this," he said, handing me my purse."Thank you," I stammered, quickly shifting my gaze back to Romeo.The car window was already rolled down, and Romeo was leaning out, staring hard.I hurried into the car without even saying goodbye to Diego. Romeo’s face had already soured."Goo
My mouth fell open, and I stared at him. Romeo was the first to look away, his enthusiasm fading even more.“Maybe,” I said. “Love, it’s not a date—it’s just a reunion. There’ll be a lot of us there. Please, love, say yes.” I pleaded sweetly.I didn’t expect him to remember Diego’s name. He didn’t seem to care when we ran into each other at the hotel—but apparently, it stuck in his mind.“I’ll drop you off and pick you up,” he finally said, and my heart leapt with joy.I marched toward him, sat on his lap, wrapped my arms around his neck, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.“Thank you, love,” I said, beaming.“I love you,” he replied, his eyes locked on mine.But I immediately stood when I felt his manhood press against my backside. I awkwardly returned to the chair with a sheepish grin.He smirked slightly, though the weariness on his face was still visible.“Come on, love. Eat now so you can rest—and I can leave soon,” I said, forcing a smile.Good grief. Even when his whole body