LOGINDraken and I were quietly eating when his phone rang. I saw him pull it out and answer.“What do you want?” he snapped at the caller. “I’m in the office. Why? What’s your problem? I don’t care. I’m busy, bye.”Every word that came out of his mouth carried a cold, cutting tone. Was he speaking to his mother? If so, why like that?I didn’t ask him and just continued eating. Frankly, I didn’t care what they did. Let them do whatever they wanted.A few minutes later, we left to head to his company office. Midway through the drive, he suddenly spoke.“Aren’t you even curious who I was talking to earlier?” he asked. I looked at him in surprise, but his eyes stayed fixed on the road ahead.“What are you talking about? I don’t care who you were speaking to. I mind my own business,” I replied.He didn’t respond immediately. He let out a deep sigh before speaking again.“That was my fiancée.”I froze. Did I hear that correctly? Fiancée?“If she’s your fiancée, then why are you so keen on gettin
“There’s nothing Draken should know about Madrid.”I could feel the anger welling up in my chest as I said that to Mom.“Why not? He is Madrid’s father, isn’t he?” she asked.“Yes, I know that. But I will never allow him to just waltz into my child’s life like that,” I explained.“But, Mathia, sooner or later Draken will find out about Madrid. When that happens, how will you explain to Madrid about his father?” Mom asked again.My chest grew heavy. I couldn’t answer. I felt tears threatening to spill at that moment.“Those are my only questions. But again, the choice is yours,” she said as she stood and walked away.I was left alone in the living room. I felt cemented to my seat, lost in thought. After a few moments, I decided to go upstairs to my room and rest.When I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of my child, fast asleep on the bed. I entered and lay down beside him, gently stroking his hair to calm myself.What if, someday, he meets his father?What will my child’s fi
“Come on, let’s eat,” Charlie invited as he arrived, carrying the two packs of our dishes.Von and Aileen helped me set up the utensils and plates, and then we all took our seats at the empty chairs.“Good evening, everyone,” Matthew greeted as he arrived. He set his helmet aside and approached us, pausing for a moment.I followed his gaze, and it was fixed on Aileen.“Come on, Matthew, let’s eat,” I invited my brother, but he seemed glued to looking at Aileen.“Uncle Matthew!” my child called, snapping Matthew back to reality.“Yes, okay, I’m coming,” he said, finally taking a seat. He ended up beside Charlie, facing Aileen.“It’s really wonderful that we’re together again,” Mom said, looking at all of us. “Thank you all for your help. I’m grateful to God for giving me another chance to be with all of you.”We all smiled at her, and she led the prayer before we began eating together.Minutes passed as we finished our meal. Von and Aileen helped me clean up and put away the dishes unt
I was busy handling orders from each customer and attending to their requests. I needed to focus on work, but Draken’s words from that morning still lingered in my mind.He wanted me to come back to him, but I wasn’t going to allow it to be so easy."Here are your orders: Beef Bourguignon, Bouillabaisse, Grilled Branzino with Basil, Lime, and Ginger, three pieces of Caramel Crunch Tart, and three Lemon Iced Teas. Enjoy," I said to the three customers as I placed their orders on the table before they left.Returning to the counter, I wiped the sweat off my brow and noticed Aileen approaching."Tired or stressed?" she asked, noticing my expression."Both," I answered tersely."Let’s talk later," she said before moving on. I had no choice but to continue working since I was on duty.I ate in silence at the eatery with Aileen and Von. Aileen had been talking nonstop, but I barely noticed."I have more gossip. I heard our boss actually let Lovely go," she said, immediately grabbing my atte
I slowly opened my eyes as I felt my consciousness returning. I was lying in Draken’s bed... naked, covered only by a thin blanket.Something had happened between us. He did what he wanted to me as his so-called punishment. He had changed. Wild, ruthless, and driven by desire in bed. I couldn’t handle him. I weakened, I surrendered, because I was just a woman with no one to defend me.I looked at Draken’s face. He was asleep, breathing evenly. I studied him carefully. He was no longer the Draken I loved. The person beside me now was someone else entirely.Tears pooled at the corners of my eyes. I couldn’t deny it to myself that I still loved Draken, the old Draken, but I wouldn’t allow all my anger and hatred for what he had done to me to go to waste.I clenched my fists in fury. I felt the heat of my anger burning inside me. He wants this game? Fine, I’ll play along. I wouldn’t let myself be the loser in our reunion.If he wants me back, I’ll let him... but not because I love him. I’
"Don’t call my mom ‘mom.’ We’re not related," I replied to him."Just answer my question.""She’s home," I answered tersely and returned my gaze to my phone."Who’s with her?" Draken asked again. I knew he was looking at me."Charlie."I didn’t hear a response from him after that. I thought he would go back to whatever he was doing, but I was wrong."Who’s that guy? Is he courting you?" Draken asked. I raised an eyebrow at his nosiness."Why do you even care?""Is he courting you?" he asked again. I let out a deep sigh and answered him."Yes."His expression changed instantly. His gaze deepened, and even his fists clenched tightly. Was he angry?"What’s with that reaction?" I snapped at him."When did he start courting you? Do you like him? Does he have a chance at your heart? Tell me, Mathia," he pressed, relentless with his questions."Draken—I mean, Sir Draken, mind your own business. Don’t get involved in my life because I don’t care about yours. I’m just here to work and nothing
I was extremely excited to tell my entire family that I finally had a job. I was restless inside the house the whole day. Out of pure happiness, I even started cleaning at the most random time. I didn’t even feel tired at all.Because of my excitement, I decided to prepare for a small celebration.
A mix of excitement and nervousness filled me as I walked toward the restaurant where I would be working. I was wearing a white polo, black slacks, and black closed shoes.Today was the start of my training. I was on my way to Ravish Restaurant. I rode a jeepney and walked the rest of the way. The
“Thank you for the ride, Charlie Take care,” I said as I peek a little toward the car window, offering him a small smile.“Sure, thanks. Bye,” he replied, waving lightly before driving off. I stood there for a while, watching his car disappear from sight, and sighed deeply. That man... he never rea
I was still dealing with that problem as I went back inside the mall and even on my way home. The rain was still pouring heavily. I had an umbrella but it couldn't withstand the strong wind. Because of this, my trip home took longer. I was soaked to the bone, especially when I got inside the house.







