"Ma'am, do you have an appointment?" Duex's secretary greeted me. I couldn't miss the way she glanced at me.I raised my brow. It was clear she was new here, as most employees already knew me—not just because I'm the daughter of the former owner, but because I'm the major shareholder of this company. She wasn't hiding, but she also wasn't overly familiar. Only employees and company partners were privy to such details. I handed over leadership to Duex because I needed to focus on my plans with Styx back then, but now, if it's true that Duex was the cause of my and my son's suffering, I won't hesitate to reclaim what's mine and make him pay for all the harm he's caused."You won't like it if I introduce myself," I replied coldly, giving her a stern look. She smiled nervously but persisted."Ma'am, an appointment is required—""Let her in." I was surprised when someone spoke behind me. His familiar scent immediately enveloped me. I kept my eyes on his secretary, trying to maintain my com
I woke up with swollen eyes and a pounding headache. I couldn't remember what happened last night. It was exhausting trying to piece it all together to understand what he said. I just wanted to bury myself in bed and let everything happen, but I couldn't allow that. I have a child who needs me. Plus, Styx's statement that I'm pregnant added to my determination to confirm it before taking any risky steps.I got up from bed and lifted the blanket off my son. He was sleeping soundly, cuddled with a pillow. I kissed his forehead and caressed his cheek before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.After bathing, I dressed in a two-piece suit and applied light makeup. I made sure the blush on my face was subtle before briefly styling my hair and slipping on two-inch heels. Since Zenith was still asleep, I waited for him to wake up before leaving. I planned to take him along since there would be no one to watch over him."Mommy? Where are you going?" He rubbed his eyes and looked at me with
"When we return to Manila, will anything change?" Styx's question caught me off guard.Will it? I mean, I've grown accustomed to his presence, and I know my son is the same way. It won't be easy for me to readjust, but whatever happens, happens. It's frustrating how quickly tears welled up as I struggled to fit Zenith's things into a bag. Our journey back to Manila starts now. I don't know what life awaits us there, but I want to face it head-on. Staying here and hiding won't solve anything.Things are okay between Styx and me now, and I know he has no intention of hurting me or our son."Maybe," I simply replied and continued packing.I felt his presence beside me, so I stopped and looked at him blankly. His eyes were full of emotion, almost pleading. I tried to avoid it, but he gently held my cheeks and turned my face towards him.A tear fell from my eye. I quickly wiped it away and looked away from him."Do you still love me?" he asked, his voice breaking. I bit my lower lip and av
I began to walk in the field of green and fresh grass as I stared at my son. He giggled and wrinkled his nose while holding a bouquet of flowers, with his father beside him, staring at me intensely and not averting his gaze.My cheeks flushed. I didn't say anything and continued walking until I stopped in front of them. I turned my gaze away, feeling nervous because of his presence. The beautiful view of the blue sky perfectly complemented the greenery around us.Styx was wearing his usual office attire, which made him even more intimidating and attractive. I gulped, clearing the lump in my throat, and held my breath when he touched my delicate hand."Beautiful," he murmured, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing it lovingly."Thanks," I replied, even though I felt the whole damn zoo inside my abdomen."Mommy, you're pretty." My attention was drawn to my son when he spoke. I smiled at him, tears welling up in my eyes."Thank you, mi amor."Styx pulled me down to a spread-out fabric
"Mommy! Please let's ride there! Daddy, please!" I chuckled as I glanced at our child, who was being incredibly persistent. I couldn't blame him; it was our first time back at the theme park, and he was beyond excited, unable to sit still."Sure, but let's walk around first. Is there anything you want to buy?" Styx asked Zenith, holding our child's left hand. I held onto Zenith's right hand tightly, afraid he might get lost in the crowd."I want cotton candy!" Styx bought Zenith cotton candy and insisted I take some too, even though I initially refused because I didn't eat it. He widened his eyes in persuasion."Which rides do you want to go on?" he asked our child. Zenith finished the cotton candy and grinned widely."I want to ride the carousel horse," he said excitedly. Styx glanced at me, so I raised an eyebrow at him. Crossing my arms, I stared at him blankly."Go with your son," I murmured. He furrowed his brows and looked at our son."Why me?""Why not you?" I retorted.He frown
It's been a week since Styx started staying here. I don't know how long he plans to stay, but I have no intention of asking. Our plan to go to the mall yesterday didn't push through because I wasn't feeling well. I spent the whole day locked in my room while Styx sold snacks and balot at night. He also took care of our son."Do you feel okay?" Styx asked and placed a plate full of food on the table. I just nodded and clung tightly to the blanket covering my body. I didn't have a fever, cold, or cough, I just really wasn't feeling well and often felt dizzy. He wanted to take me to the hospital, but it wasn't necessary because it was a minor issue for me."Eat a lot, you need to be healthy for our son." He sat beside me and handed me the food. I didn't say anything because I really didn't have an appetite today. I suddenly felt this way."Where's my son?" He fed me a spoonful of rice and food. I was hesitant at first, but I just shrugged it off.He wiped the sauce from the side of my lip