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Chapter 9: The Ghost of Her

Author: babymo1909
last update Last Updated: 2025-08-20 09:32:07

Thirdie stepped out of the hotel lobby into the thick Manila air, the night alive with the hum of traffic and the glow of neon signs. His driver immediately opened the door to his car…. a sleek, black luxury vehicle with the kind of plate number that spoke not just of wealth, but of power. It was the kind of car that made people turn their heads, whispering in recognition of who owned it. Yet tonight, Thirdie barely noticed.

He sank into the leather seat, closing his eyes for a moment, his chest tight. He had just finished his last appointment of the day…...meetings that stretched from morning until the city lights came alive but none of those mattered now. Because fate had just played the cruelest trick on him.

He had seen her.

Kathalina Ruiz.

The name alone was enough to make his heart ache in ways he thought he had buried years ago. He had imagined this moment a thousand times in boardrooms between negotiations, in quiet hotel suites after long flights, even in the still silence of
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  • The CEO's Forbidden Wife   Chapter 28: No Matter What It Takes

    Kathalina's breath hitched, her chest tightening as his words sank into her. For so long, she had convinced herself that he had never loved her.... that all those cold silences, all those lonely nights, were proof that she had been nothing to him. And now... he stood before her, confessing everything she had once begged to hear.Her eyes stung with unshed tears. She shook her head, her voice unsteadily, almost breaking."How... how can you be so sure, Thirdie?" she whispered. "How can you say you'll stay by my side now, after everything? You thought I'd moved on, that I was still single, and you left me with nothing but questions and pain. How do I know you won't walk away again?"The words trembled out of her, sharp and fragile at once. She hugged her arms around herself, as if to shield the storm inside her.Inside, though, her thoughts whispered what her lips could not I never moved on. I never loved anyone else. I'm still alone. Still waiting, even when I swore I wouldn't.Her eye

  • The CEO's Forbidden Wife   Chapter 27: Between Silence and Sunset

    The sun was already lowering, its golden light spilling over the rows of fields as Kathalina and Thirdie started their walk back to the villa. The air smelled of fresh soil and strawberries. Behind them, Jeff had stayed at the strawberry farm, laughing with the farmers as he promised to bring some baskets back with him when they returned to the city.Thirdie walked quietly beside Kathalina, his hands tucked into his pockets, his gaze occasionally dropping to the path but always drifting back to her when she wasn’t looking. The sky above them was painted with hues of orange and pink, and the breeze carried a soft chill that made the moment feel delicate, like it could shatter if someone spoke too loudly.They passed farmers still bent over their work, and Kathalina greeted them with a warm smile, waving occasionally. Thirdie gave polite nods, his usual stoic aura softening in her presence. Every so often, their shoulders brushed lightly as they walked close together on the narrow path.

  • The CEO's Forbidden Wife   Chapter 26: Roots Beneath the Soil

    The sincerity in his tone caught her off guard. She lowered her gaze, lashes veiling her eyes, and quietly slipped into her room. The wooden door closed softly behind her, but her chest still stirred with unsteady rhythm. A moment later, she heard another door across the hallway open and then shut again with a muted thud.Now only a wall stood between them, thin enough that if Kathalina pressed her ear against it, she might have caught the faint sound of his breathing or perhaps nothing but silence. Thridie had always carried silence with him, not empty but heavy, like a stone settled in a river.Kathalina sat on the edge of her bed, her hands pressed tightly in her lap. Her gaze wandered up to the wooden ceiling. Sleep should have been easy, her body was tired from walking the farm all afternoon, yet her mind refused to rest.It was strange. Unnerving, even.Thridie had once been cold. Distant. A man of few words and fewer gestures, so unreachable she had convinced herself long ago s

  • The CEO's Forbidden Wife   Chapter 25: Unbroken Ties

    A ripple of laughter spread among the farmers, good-natured and teasing. Kathalina lowered her gaze to hide her embarrassment, wishing the ground would swallow her whole.Beside her, Thridie didn’t laugh, didn’t even flinch. He only lowered his eyes for a moment, the corner of his mouth tightening, as though holding back words he wouldn’t allow himself to say. Without missing a beat, he continued passing out the envelopes, his voice was steady as he thanked each farmer in turn as if the question had never been asked.It wasn’t until a small boy tugged at his sleeve that he paused. The child tilted his head curiously and asked in all innocence,“If you’re not Madam’s husband……are you her boyfriend then?”A few chuckles rose from the crowd. Thridie crouched down to meet the boy’s small height, his expression softening. He shook his head gently.“No, little one. I’m not her boyfriend.”The boy’s face fell in disappointment.“But… why not? You two match each other.”Thridie’s lips curved f

  • The CEO's Forbidden Wife   Chapter 24: First Day in the Fields

    Before noon, the ringing call of Nana Maring carried across the wide fields.“Hey, everyone! Come now, it’s time to eat. Bring your families too…...the food is ready under the big trees!”At once, the farmers set down their tools and called for their children. Mothers brushed dirt from their skirts as they carried baskets. Fathers lifted their little ones onto their shoulders, laughter mixing with the clatter of voices. The air smelled of grilled fish, steaming rice, and ripe fruits. Under the shade of giant trees, long wooden tables stood ready, heavy with plates of vegetables and fresh harvest.The sun shone brightly, though it was softened by the cool breeze drifting from the hills. It was Kathalina’s first visit to the farm her mother owned, and as she walked down the path, her dress swayed gently. The chatter stilled. One by one, the farmers turned to look at her, and soon, smiles bloomed across their tired faces.“Good noon, Madam Kathalina!” they chorused.“Good noon,” she retu

  • The CEO's Forbidden Wife   Chapter 23: Homecoming at the Farm

    “Kathalina,” she said quietly, stepping forward. “I didn’t expect… I’m glad you’re here.”Kathalina smiled warmly and hugged her. “I’m finally here, Nana Maring. I’ve always wanted to see this place… and I missed you.”Nana Maring nodded, her expression calm but pleased.“It’s good to have you,” Nana Maring said softly, her voice carrying a quiet weight. She looked at Kathalina for a long moment, her eyes gentle but tinged with sadness, as if she were seeing her mother all over again. “You’ll see… this farm has been my life since your mother passed.”She paused, taking a slow breath, her hands tightening slightly. “I’ve tried to keep it going… for her, and now, for you.”Kathalina felt a pang in her chest hearing this. Her mother’s absence, Nana Maring’s long struggle, it all hit her at once. She swallowed hard and forced a small smile.“I know… I can feel how much you’ve cared for this place, Nana Maring. Thank you for everything.”“I’ve watched over this place all these years, hopin

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