2.

"Ahhhh! Ahhh! Ahhhh!" the two cried out in unison as the man continued thrusting.

"Ohhhhh! I've never experienced something this pleasurable. Don’t hold back—go all the way!"

They both reached their peak quickly from the intensity of their encounter.

"OH! What you did to me felt incredible. I won’t forget this. I hope it happens again," Rica pleaded with the man.

"Sure, why not? Just always be ready. When I text or chat you, come to me right away. Understood?"

"Sure!" Rica replied, kissing him on the lips as they lay together, still feeling the warmth of their bare bodies.

(When the man’s phone rang)

"Is someone calling you?" "Okay, wait a second, I’ll just answer it."

Winson saw that the registered number was under the name Lorain.

"Rica, I’ll just step out for a moment to answer a call from my mom." he lied. Rica nodded.

"Honey, what time are you coming home? It’s late, and Shane has been looking for you." "I’ll be home soon, honey. I’m just wrapping up some work for tomorrow."

"Okay, please hurry! I need to tell you something about work tomorrow—maybe—"

Lorain didn’t finish her sentence because Winson hung up and returned to Rica.

"Rica, I have to go now. My mom called—some emergency. She said I need to come home ASAP. I’m not sure why. I’m really sorry." He kissed her on the lips and left, leaving Rica alone in the room they had entered.

(Back at Lorain’s house)

"Where is Rica? Why hasn’t she come by yet? It’s late already. Was her shopping that heavy that she couldn’t stop here and just went straight home?" she said with a hint of disappointment.

"And my husband isn’t home yet either. What time is it? Shane already fell asleep waiting for him."

"I should go inside—it’s getting cold. I need to sleep so I’ll have the energy for work in case Rica and I get accepted."

Lorain entered their home with a smile, thinking about Rica’s antics during the interview earlier.

"Good thing she’s not married. Poor wife of that guy if she ever finds out. Rica really doesn’t think things through."

DING DONG! — the doorbell rang.

"My husband must be home!" "Why are you just getting home now, honey? You look so tired. Have you eaten? I’ll prepare something for you."

"No need, I’m just really tired. I want to rest. Where’s Shane?" "He fell asleep waiting for you! Your son misses you. You should’ve explained to him about work."

"What else could I do? Of course I explained that you’re always busy with work, that’s why you’re always late."

"Thanks, honey. I’ll take a shower and then we can sleep. I have an early day tomorrow."

"But honey, I wanted to tell you something—"

"Tell me tomorrow, please. I just want to rest. I’m exhausted and really need to sleep."

Lorain could only nod and agree with what her husband wanted.

"Uhmmmmm… it’s been two days like this with Winson. He’s always tired and comes home so late. He never used to be like this."

"Here I go again, thinking something bad about my husband. He wouldn’t cheat on me… He loves me, and we have a child."

"Honey, aren’t you going to sleep yet?" "Yes honey, I’ll follow soon."

THE NEXT DAY

Winson left early without leaving a note or message for Lorain. He also didn’t tell her that he’d be working if he and Rica got accepted.

(PHONE RINGING)

"Hello, Durumio family? Who is this?" "It’s me, Rica. Sorry I wasn’t able to come by last night. It was already late when I finally checked my phone."

"Oh, it’s you! I thought it was the company we applied to calling." "Yes, Lorain. The boss called me and said that only I will be starting work for now. But don’t worry, I’ll try to find a way for you to get in too."

"I’m okay, Rica. It’s fine that you got accepted. I’m honestly okay with it. Besides, I have a child to take care of, so it’s really alright with me. Promise."

"Are you sure about that?" "Of course, I’m sure," she replied calmly.

"Alright, I’ll call again when I’m not busy. Bye!"

Lorain slowly sat down on their soft sofa. "I understand now. So this is how it’s going to be. But it’s okay."

"Enough sulking! I need to prepare Shane’s things for school."

Shane was only in Grade 2, so his mother still needed to drop him off and pick him up. Winson didn’t want to hire a nanny. He preferred Lorain to personally take care of both him and their son.

"Baby, wake up now. You have an early class today." "Okay, Mama. Where’s Papa?" he asked sleepily.

"Ah—he already left, son. He couldn’t wait for you to wake up because he had to leave early for work."

"Uhmmmmmm…" was all Shane said in response.

(AT THE OFFICE)

"Hi Sir! Good morning!" Rica greeted their boss with a flirtatious smile, adding a wink—something only the two of them understood.