LOGIN“Dexter El Camino is here.”My entire body went cold. For a second, I honestly thought I had imagined it.But the loud applause around me said otherwise.People were still clapping and cheering. Everyone in that venue looked pleased to see him…Except me.Slowly…Almost against my own will…My eyes drifted toward the VIP section.Then I saw him.He stood from his seat, dressed in one of his perfectly tailored black suits.One hand rested casually inside his pocket while the other lifted in a polite wave toward the audience.The applause somehow became even louder.I couldn’t breathe.“Oh my God…” I whispered under my breath.“No…What is he doing here?”I swallowed hard in fear.Without thinking, I grabbed Blake’s arm so tightly my fingers almost dug into his skin.“Blake…” My voice shook. “This is bad.”He held my hands “Athena—”“This is really bad,” I cut in.“Calm down, Athena,” Blake whispered to me.“How can I be calm when Dexter is here? Why is he here of all the places on earth?”B
Blake wasn’t lying when he said it was a long drive.We’d already been driving for close to two hours.I rolled down the window and stuck my head outside, staring at the beautiful trees we drove past.The road wasn't busy, it just had a few cars and cyclists passing by now and then.I hummed along to one of my favorite songs playing through the speakers.Then it suddenly hit me.Blake had been playing almost all my favorite songs from back then.“Blake.”I pulled my head back inside the car.“How do you still have this playlist? Every one of my favorite songs is on here.”He smiled without taking his eyes off the road.“I just figured it would make the trip more fun if you listened to some of your favorite songs.”A big smile appeared on my face.“I’m jealous of your future wife already. She’ll be one lucky woman because you are such a gentleman.”“Who knows?”He finally glanced at me before looking back at the road.“You might be the one.”I burst into laughter.“You and your funny jokes
The alarm on my phone hadn’t even gone off before my eyes opened.A huge smile appeared on my face as I stretched lazily on the bed.It’s the twins’ entrance ceremony today. I’ll finally see my babies today.I threw the blanket aside and got out of bed excited.The time on the wall clock was just 6 a.m.I’d woken up three hours earlier to prepare the food and refreshments before going back to sleep. Looking back now, I was glad I did because there was no way I would’ve had enough time this morning.I walked into the kitchen where everything I’d prepared was neatly arranged.The fried rice had already cooled.I opened the refrigerator to check on the salad and drinks.Everything was still in place.What else was I forgetting? I tapped my chin thoughtfully.Then it clicked.“The grilled chicken.”I quickly opened the oven and carefully pulled it out.“Ouch…”I laughed, quickly switching it to my other hand.“It’s still hot.”I waited a few seconds before packing it properly into one of
The twins had a lot to say on the call. This was our first proper video call after they left. Work and their new schedules had made it hard for us to stay on the phone for long.“Athena,” July called out with a mischievous grin. “You won’t believe June already has a crush.”“You snitch!” She turned to her sister. “Why would you snitch?”“No secrets, remember?” July reminded her with a shrug.I laughed.“June, I’m not against you having a boyfriend. I just want you to be careful.”“I know, Sissy.” She nodded. “Trust me, it’s just a crush. Nothing serious.”“Alright.” I smiled. “I trust you, girls.”Just then, a knock sounded from their end.All three of us looked toward the door.“I’ll get it.”June stood up and disappeared from the screen.A few seconds later, she returned carrying two large shopping bags.My brows immediately pulled together.“Wait…” I pointed at the screen. “Are those shopping bags?”The twins exchanged excited looks.“Yes!”“Who gave you girls money to go shopping?”
“Sir…”I stopped again,Why was telling him no so hard for me to say?Not like I was scared of him, but you never knew what to expect from Dexter.He could just snap at me for refusing to come.I stood there for exactly three seconds, staring at Dexter.There had to be another way.My mind raced desperately for a solution without making him suspicious.If I outright refused, he would definitely ask questions.And if there was one thing I had learned these past few weeks Dexter hated excuses.Then suddenly…An idea popped into my head.A terrible idea but desperate times called for desperate measures.“Mia, you’ve been standing there the past few seconds staring at me like you’ve seen a zombie. I’ll take your silence as a yes.”I lowered my head slightly.“Sir…”I coughed.A fake cough, it sounded horrible.Dexter slowly looked up from the file in front of him.His brows pulled together.“Yes?”I coughed again. This time even louder.That was my idea to pretend I was sick.“I… don’t think…”
I hurried inside and took the fastest shower of my life.Twenty minutes later, I was already dressed in my usual corporate outfit.I wore a black pencil skirt and a blue long-sleeved blouse then did my makeup and took one last glance at myself in the mirror arranging my wig.Today was supposed to be my day off.Instead…I looked like I was heading into another Monday morning.I grabbed my handbag, looked longingly toward the kitchen where the fresh tomatoes still sat inside the basket, and sighed.“I’ll be back.”I wasn’t sure whether I was talking to myself or the tomatoes.***********The drive to the company was unusually peaceful. Weekend traffic was almost nonexistent.By the time I arrived at the company, it looked almost abandoned.Only a few security officers stood outside. One of them recognized me immediately.“Good morning, Miss Mia.”“Morning.”I smiled politely before walking inside.The lobby that was usually filled with employees rushing from one department to another was
The moment I said his name, I broke down immediately, Tears rolled down my cheeks freely. “I messed everything up,” I whispered brokenly. Blake immediately leaned forward. “Hey, hey.” His voice softened. “Look at me.” I shook my head, closing my eyes. “I can’t.” “Athena.” He held my sh
“You’re fired.” The words didn’t sink in at first. I just stood there staring at him, wondering if I had heard wrong. But deep down I knew I hadn’t. “Sir please…” I turned to him desperately. “This will be the last time. It will never happen again.” “I know it won’t happen again because th
As I sat there wondering if there was a way out of this mess,My eyes drifted to the drawer I had checked earlier today.The same drawer where I had seen the file with my parents’ names.My chest tightened.If today was truly my last day here, then I had to leave with something.Anything.I stood u
I turned slowly, scared to death, hoping it wasn’t Dexter at the door.“Ma, are you okay?”Sandra stood frozen at the entrance, her eyes wide with worry as she stared at me lying on the floor.Relief rushed through me so hard I almost cried.Thank God it wasn't Dexter.With trembling hands, I final







