Marcus’ povI looked up when someone entered my office.“Hi Marcus!” said Ava, my god-sister.I smiled. It had been years since I last heard from her. I stood up and gave her a warm hug.“Hey, it has been a while. How have you been?” I asked as we sat on the sofa.“Well, I went abroad to clear my mind. I am sorry I was not able to stay in touch. I knew you were also going through a lot and had your own life to fix. I am aware of everything that happened to you over the past few years,” she said.“Are you planning to stay in the Philippines for good?” I asked.“Yes. Life abroad felt lonely. I am okay now,” she replied.I did not want to ask about what she went through. I sighed. I did not want to talk about the things I did to Natalia either. I still feel ashamed. I was hurt, but I also hurt her in return.“How is your child with Natalia?” she asked.“She has grown. She is such a kind girl,” I said with a smile.“I heard you have another child,” she said, looking at me.“With someone e
Marcus’ PovI was just watching Natalia while she prepared food for our children. She did not say a word to me. It felt like I was invisible, just someone in the background. She only spoke when I asked her something, and even then, her replies were short.I turned around and headed to the library. I did not go to work today. I decided to stay home for now, just in case Natalia suddenly left.I glanced at the door when I heard it open. My wife walked in, her face serious. My heart started pounding as I looked at her. That always happens whenever she is near me, especially when our eyes meet."Marcus, the kids are looking for you. They thought you left. Belle is crying," she said.I quickly finished arranging some papers and stood up. When she turned around to leave, I followed her. I wanted so badly to hug her from behind, but I was scared she would only get more upset. I stayed quiet and walked after her."Daddy!" Belle got down from her chair and ran to me. I picked her up and kissed
Marcus' PovI almost fell face-first while walking, even though Aaron was still holding me up.“Damn it, Marcus! You acted so brave getting drunk, but now you cannot even walk properly,” he complained as he struggled to support me toward my house.“So what? Did I ask you to bring me home, idiot?” I snapped at him.When I looked up, I saw Natalia walking toward us. I smiled at her. My eyes were already starting to water from how drunk I was.“What happened to him?” she asked Aaron.“He has been drinking since this morning. One of my employees called me and said he was completely wasted, so I went to get him,” Aaron replied. My head was hanging low, and my arms were limp.“She is my wife… my Natalia,” I muttered.“Where is this guy’s room?” Aaron asked in an annoyed tone.“Come on, just follow me,” Natalia said, clearly fed up.Next thing I knew, I felt the softness of the bed under me. I closed my eyes as the room spun around me. But I smiled, imagining Natalia lying beside me, holding
"Mama, I am scared. Can we go back home?" he said as he hugged my waist tightly."Do not be afraid, sweetheart. Mama is here, and I will never leave you," I said to comfort him.“Mommy!” Belle shouted excitedly. I smiled as I saw her running toward me. She hugged me tightly. Toper tugged on my shirt."Mama, why is that girl calling you Mommy?" he asked, looking at Belle."Because I am her mother too. She is your big sister, your sister Belle," I said with a smile.The two children looked at each other. Toper hid behind me because he was shy."Hi, I am your sister Belle. I am your big sister," she said gently. Toper peeked at her, then quickly hid again."Toper, give your sister a hug," I told him. Slowly, he stepped out from behind me and hugged Belle. I smiled, happy to see them together at last.“Natalia.”I looked toward the voice and swallowed when I saw Marcus. He looked very handsome. He had a fresh haircut and was clean-shaven."Good day, Sir Marcus," I greeted politely."You d
Natalia's POVI do not understand Marcus. Why does he want us to stay at his house? I could have just visited our child instead. He was the one who wanted me to stay away from their lives. Still, I am happy that I will finally be with my daughter. He is not that bad since I am still known as Belle’s mother. I will make it up to my daughter. She is such a sweet and beautiful girl. Good thing she did not inherit her father’s attitude.I sat on the sofa, lost in thought. I was trying to figure out what I would say to Kelvin. He does not know Marcus is his real father. He does not even have any idea what his father looks like. He never asked, but I know deep down he wants to meet his real dad. I am really thankful to Leonardo for always being there whenever Toper needed him.“Oh sister, why do you look like that? Is something bothering you? You were just happy earlier after seeing Belle. Is there a problem?” Cassandra asked.“Sir Marcus suggested we move into his house. Belle wants that t
"Stand up, Sir Marcus. You should not kneel in front of me," she said, trying to get me to stand, but I stayed where I was. I wrapped my arms around her waist and broke down. I could no longer hold back my emotions. I needed her."Please, Natalia. Come with me. Belle needs you. She is in the hospital and she has been asking for you. Please, my Natalia, come with me," I pleaded, holding her tighter."Get up. I will go with you," she finally said.I looked up in surprise."I am only doing this for our daughter. Not for you," she added coldly.Still, I smiled and nodded.On our way back, Natalia remained quiet. I did not force her to sit in the front seat. I kept glancing at the rear-view mirror just to see her. She was not looking in my direction, so I took the chance to watch her quietly.I had missed her so much. And for now, I was just grateful that she agreed to come back—for Belle.When we arrived at the hospital, I offered to help her out of the car, but she refused. I followed he