THE following day, Zoe awoke early to prepare breakfast. She was aware that Nana Milky was present, but she insisted on completing the task on her own.
“Have you seen Helios, Nana?” she inquired as she prepared to cut the white onions.
Nana greeted her with a smile. “He departed at the crack of dawn. H he will be on a week-long business trip.”
Zoe paused in her onion cutting and looked at Nana, baffled. She spent the entire day yesterday with Helios. As she was afraid to leave the house—prior to what happened recently—she chose to play board games after discovering a chessboard in the living room.
How come Helios failed to inform her?
“Didn’t he inform you?”
Zoe sighed and gave a faint smile. She examined the onions that had been chopped. “No. Hmm... well, it’s his business,” she replied, her voice a little somber.
Nana Milky approached her and took her hand in hers. “I’m certain he’ll call. Helios is always this way when he embarks on a journey.”
Zoe pursed her lips and gave a slight nod.
‘Why am I behaving as if we commit?’
Zoe sighed. “Thank you, Nana. There is no cause for concern. It is not as if we are in a—”
“Relationship?” Nana abruptly cut off, causing Zoe’s eyes to widen, and she felt a little surprised.
“Nana…”
The elderly woman smiled at her. “I recognize genuine affection when I see it.”
“It’s not what you think, N-Nana.” Zoe felt slightly embarrassed because she was certain the elderly woman was aware that she had already had sex with Helios. However, it never occurs to her that she might like him.
She was attracted differently, not liking him, and eventually fell into love.
“Helios is someone I’ve known for a very long time. Two years ago, he began to like a girl—more accurately. He became obsessed with her. I discovered the name one day, and it was yours.”
Zoe was so taken aback by the revelation that she was speechless.
She shook her head and locked her gaze on Nana Milky’s.
“Nana...” she said as she let go of the knife and wiped her hands on her apron. She pressed her hands into Nana’s as she continued, “—Helios was my first. Even I, I swear, have been puzzled by what has occurred in my life since that night.”
Nana smiled once more, causing Zoe to feel a little uneasy.
“I am aware. Things moved quickly between you two, but you don’t know Helios, so I’ll say that I’m proud of his decision this time,” the old lady said as if she were conveying a profound message.
Zoe squinted. “Nana, perhaps these,” she shifted her gaze around before returning her gaze to Nana, “—these will be only temporary. And I’m confident that Helios will eventually decide to release me—”
“You’re already sold to him, Zoe. Helios is someone I am familiar with. But promise me one thing…” the old woman sighed, “—trust him.”
Zoe’s brow furrowed slightly as if mystified. There’s something in Nana that she couldn’t figure out. “Certainly, Nana. Helios rescued me from the clutches of his father. I’m familiar with his father. That elderly gentleman was the one who assassinated the estate’s most prominent member—”
Nana shook her head in disbelief. “Ignore Don Lincoln. Simply put, your trust in Helios. And please hurry. You’re going to be late if we continue this drama,” she said softly, to which Zoe responded with a soft chuckle.
Zoe shook her head and released her grip on Nana’s hands. “I… “I’m a little bit—”
“Moved?”
Zoe chuckled and nodded.
“Well, then, continue making breakfast, and oh, don’t forget to give me a taste. I’ll just begin cleaning Helios’s room,” Nana said as she walked away, smiling at her.
Zoe sighed as she continued her work.
‘What just happened earlier?’ She thought.
She smiled and shook her head as her thoughts drifted back to yesterday. On the other hand, Helios insisted that she sleep in his room, but she declined.
Zoe was well aware that sleeping with a man was a bad idea and that it was a temptation. And cursed her because she was unable to help herself. As a result, it is advisable to avoid Helios.
Furthermore, she had not yet graduated.
She busied herself with cooking and preparations before joining Nana Milky for breakfast. Afterward, she then went upstairs to prepare for school.
Since she left her home, she has been aware that she is missing someone. Iris. Her mother.
If God can forgive sinners, why can’t she?
Zoe and her mother owe Helios money. He pays for everything and even ensures her mother’s survival.
She was well aware that their association with Don Lincoln would jeopardize their lives, and the only person in whom they could place their trust was Helios.
However, doubts lingered in Zoe’s mind.
She was still unsure whether Helios was a gentle soul or if he was also like his father.
‘Damn. How could I even consider such a thing?’ she thought before going down the stairs.
“Nana…”
Nana drew closer to her as she approached the main entrance.
“Don’t you think they’ll get a lot of attention? You knew I was known to be a commoner—a lady with no penny. Do you believe they will not criticize me for this?” Zoe inquired, her gaze falling on the two men dressed in suits resembling those worn by presidents’ bodyguards in films, commonly referred to as men-in-black.
Nana chuckled softly. “Oh dear, do not be alarmed. You’re going to be fine. Helios had already given them the order. Therefore, please make an effort to be at ease with them. And who knows what will happen when Helios marries you—”
“Nana... he was joking. Believe it not.”
The elderly lady gave a soft chuckle. “I’ve known Helios. He is incapable of cracking nor exerting a jest,” she stated.
Zoe inhaled deeply and sighed. She was about to walk when she caught sight of her dress’s hem. “And, Nana, why am I required to wear this type of clothing?”
Nana burst out laughing once more. “I’m sure you’re skilled at whining, dear. It is Helios’s will,” she said, turning to the man at her side and adding, “Take care of her.”
“Nana…”
“Have a pleasant day, Zoe. Additionally, check your phone,” Nana Milky emphasized.
‘Great! Yeah, the phone. I never had one in my entire life, not until yesterday morning. Where Helios handed me his spare phone because I didn’t want him to buy me a new one.’ Zoe let out a sigh. ‘I never imagined that Zoe, who lives on a narrow street in a wooden-walled apartment surrounded by stinking sewage, could wear such fancy clothes and even be treated like a princess while living with her prince charming.’
"IS that Zoe the commoner?”“Wow, she’s hot, dude!”“A commoner is always a commoner. Even if she wears luxury clothes.”“Right.”Zoe is aware that the people are eyeing her. Murmuring about her.Well, who wouldn’t?She was known to be the commoner. She has been bullied ever since because of her mother. But all of these, she tends to ignore.And she was quite aware that her entrance, with the two men beside her, walking with her, would literally catch attention.She stopped walking and faced the man on her right. “Maybe it would be best if you would wait for me in the parking lot? I know you understand my situation,” she said and smiled. However, she got no response.She looked to her left, and still, the other man had no response.‘Seriously?’ she thought.“Look, sir. You will put me in trouble if you don’t stay away—”“We need to follow sir Lincoln’s order, ma’am. I’m sorry,” finally the man on her right talked.Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose to calm herself. Afterward, she wand
ZOE was surprised when she woke up one morning. Helios was there, sitting beside her, and she bet he was staring at her, who-knows-when.It was a hell week for Zoe, dealing with other bullies, but she admits it and is beyond grateful because the queen, Mira Riverdale, was there to save her ass.“Hey,” Helios uttered and smiled at her.Zoe couldn’t still believe the things happening between them were too swift and seemed temporary.She moved herself up and leaned on the headboard, never leaving Helios’s gaze.“Since when did you arrive?”Helios crept a playful smirk on his lips. “Just this morning.”Zoe pressed her lips and sighed. “And how long have you been staring at me?”Helios let out a soft chuckle. “You have no idea—”“Just answer me, Helios. And I am not up for a joke.”Helios’s forehead creased and sat properly. “What’s with you, baby? Did I do something wrong?”Zoe took a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t know,” she shook her head, “—all of these seem so unreal, and it shouldn
“CONGRATULATIONS, ZOE!” Nana Milky greeted Zoe as she exited the stage.Zoe gave the elderly lady a genuine smile and hugged her. She then walked over to her mother, who was crying and standing on Nana Milky’s back.Iris couldn’t help but cry as she watched her daughter walk across the stage to receive her awards and diploma. Words can’t describe how proud and happy she was.“Mom…”Iris shook her head, and she couldn’t stop thinking about what happened a few weeks ago. She regretted everything, and she was grateful that Zoe had allowed her to attend her graduation.“Please accept my apologies—”“Shh…” Zoe rushed up to her and tightly hugged her. “—don’t blame yourself, mom,” she released her grip and smiled. “We all commit mistakes, and I forgave you. And all I ask is that you promise me one thing...”Iris bit her lower lip as she fixed her gaze on her daughter. She took Zoe’s hand in hers and squeezed it tightly as she met her gaze. “Please tell me, honey.”Zoe cracked a grin. “Promi
A FEW days after Zoe’s graduation, she decided to look for a job that suited her knowledge. The thing was, Nana knew about it, so she did tell Helios, and here she is, sitting in front of him while the man was staring at her.Zoe doesn’t know how to react, but she finds it awkward. She knew that Helios had confessed last time, and she rudely responded with it. She bit her lower lip and hemmed to clear her throat, catching Helios’s senses.“Uhm, is there anything wrong?” she asked.They were just a few distances away from each other, sitting in Helios’s living room, and she did hear his deep sigh.It seems like something is bothering him.“What’s wrong?” she asked once again.Helios took a deep breath once again and sighed. “I want to ask you one last time about—”“If this is about your proposal. I apologize, but I can’t give you what you want. I am still young and full of dreams, Helios. I am sorry.”Helios scoffed and arched his brow. “I see. I understand. I will not mention it once
THE COLD breeze of the wind shoves inside the window, waking up the sleeping beauty. The surrounding is still calm and could be deafening.Zoe stretched her arms upward and smiled before opening her eyes. Her eyes blinked twice, thrice, until she adjusted her vision to the light coming from the window.“What a lovely day,” she stated when she got up and sat. She looked pat through the window and saw the shades of the sky turning orange in delight.The sun is rising and ready to say HI to the world. Zoe knew today was a busy day. Of course, her first day of work. However, she couldn’t help but sigh as she got off of her bed. She opened the window and wandered her eyes around. And she let out a soft chuckle when she remembers that the AC is on. She then pulled back the window and waved the curtain to see the view.The trees are still calm this morning. She also saw birds flying as if they were also in a hurry for something, maybe finding a portion of food to eat.And, of course, she c
“THANK YOU,” Zoe said when the guards let her in. They may act a little bit rude to her earlier; she could understand it. Besides, Helios didn’t instruct them.Zoe heaved a deep sigh and cursed inside her mind when she walked toward the elevator. Ever since she has been an introvert, she will spend her time at school, at home, and vice versa. She’s not fond of socializing and seeing many people, making her feel a little bit anxious.At the same time, she was clueless. She might not be dumb, but she can still feel that jitters in her very first.It took her a couple of minutes before she reached the top floor of the building.The space on the top is vast, and every corner is well-furnished. The dim lights beamed in the hallway, and the indoor plants were quite refreshing to the eyes.The moment she saw Helios’s office, which is just at the center, right after she stepped out of the elevator, she took a deep breath to calm herself. She knocked thrice before she twisted the know and ente
Zoe’s POV“ARE you sure about this, Zoe?”“Mom…” As I was fixing my clothes inside the small luggage, I looked at my mother, “—it has to.”“But there must be a reason why Helios treats you like that. Let his head cool off. You can’t just act like you wanted to be just because of Helios’s cold treatment. You have to respect him.”I sighed as I sat on the edge of my small bed. “You don’t understand—”“Zoe, I didn’t teach you to hold a grudge or to give up that easily. It came from you that he proposed marriage, but you declined it because of the unrequited love.”Mom walked towards me and sat on my side. She reached for my hand and pressed it gently. “Helios is a man. Sometimes, when it comes to love, men choose to be straightforward. Some got cowardly. However, Helios is different. He’s honest. It takes time for a man to take courage in confessing, yet he took the risk.”I shook my head. “Then he could also understand my feeling, mom.”“This is all about lowering your pride. Helios was
Zoe’s POVMy mother was still teasing me while we entered the club entrance. The bouncer nodded at me, but I doubt that he knew me. The nod was for my mother, making me look at her.“Mom, stop smiling. You look stupid,” I said and rolled my eyes. I frowned and glared at her when she slapped my butt. “Mom…” I warned with a steady voice.She smiled at me and winked. Afterward, she dragged me towards the bar counter. “Two shots of sex on the beach!” she said, her voice booming and blending with the loud music being played.“I’ll have a beer, mom.”She arched her brow and glared at me. “Quit being stubborn, Zoe. Let go of the bad vibes, feel the rhythm of the music, relax and chill.”I took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine, you win this time.”I saw how a smile drew to my mother’s lips. “You mean, you’re accepting that you like Hel—”“Mom!” I yelled and then suddenly looked at the crowd. I pressed my lips when a couple looked in my direction, but, in the end, they still continued to da