I rechecked our things in the luggage for the nth time this morning in our living room while waiting for Patricia. Hank introduces her to me. She's a licensed caregiver with a six-year experienced local and international.I interviewed her via Zoom last night; luckily, she's available for a week, which I need. I glanced at Paris and mom, sitting on the kitchen stool while eating the breakfast Shiloh had prepared; he prepared a chicken salad for mom, a pizza for Paris, and a clubhouse sandwich."How many more times will you check that, Sydney? I'm getting tired of watching you." Paris complained. I stared at her and raised my left eyebrow. "Then stop staring at me, dumb." I zipped up mom's luggage after confirming that I didn't forget anything. I pulled out Paris' luggage and opened it up. My jaw dropped when I saw the mess she made after folding them. "Seriously, Paris?" she ran to me and snatched her luggage."Let it then." she closed it, pulled up the handle, brought it with her t
Hade's P.O.V. I walked out of my room to check what was happening outside; I woke up from a loud broken glass. As soon as I opened my door. Screams and breaking of things plangent. Our helpers keep running around— panicking. I held Arin's arm — one of our helpers, and her face full of fear, she stared at my eyes as if she was begging for her life. I'm confused. I was about to speak when Miss Sarah held my arms and pulled me to the living room; I instantly let go of Arin's arm. When we got there, I saw Hank talking on his phone. Honor was holding dad back as well as their mom. The television caught my attention when I heard Jarred's name. I walked near the Tv and listened to it intently. I saw Jarred and Jackson walking in the crowd of reporters with a policeman on their sides. "The president of Arrow Publishing Jarred De Verra turned himself last night at Quezon City Police Station and confessed that he and his dad —Jackson De Verra was behind the Connect Incorporation Chairman's s
Hank and Sydney came back to Europe last week. We decided to work separately. Hank came with Sydney since it would be safer if he was the one protecting Sydney than me. It's a shame, but I cannot agree more. It's Sydney and her family's, after all.I tried dialing Ricci's number for the nth time. "The number--" I stopped imitating the interactive voice response when it suddenly rang. "Hello?" I stood up and almost jumped."Ricci?" I gasped. The call suddenly became static. "I'm being tapped." and he ended the call. "Hello? Ricci, wait!" but he no longer could hear it. "Damn it!" I screamed and stumped my foot. They're all in the run. I instantly dialed Hank's phone number while I picked up my keys and ran towards the garage. He picked up the call when I was already in my car, starting the engine."I got a lead which matched Sydney's." he greeted. "Oh, well, no more hello's or what's up?" I joked."You still have the time for joking around?" I rolled my eyes."Of course, what if I su
Sydney's P.O.V.It was a long, tiring, and unnerving week. Jarred and I came to Europe together since his family was staying right next to our hotel room. I still can't believe that my theory was right. Although Hade was right that I don't have solid grounds, it all became solid when I heard Hank's. I wonder how they're feeling right now. I mean, it's their parents, after all; I feel bad for them. Especially for Honor, I wonder how he will take this. He's just twelve. I just can't imagine the horror they all felt. I sighed and looked at mom and Paris, who were talking in the living room. I breathed the air on the balcony before walking toward them. I sat on the sofa; they were seated on the carpeted floor, reading something at the low table. I sat behind mom and looked at the thing they were reading. It was a plant brochure, it is a company named Jangga Plants. "Do you want to start a flower shop, mom?" I asked. She turned behind just to look at me. She nodded."Will you help me?" s
Hade's P.O.V.I stood up from sitting on the wooden chair and walked back and forth, biting the nail of my right thumb. I crossed my arms to my chest and bit my lower lip as I stared at the door, waiting for the steps to grow louder. As the steps increased, the tempo of my heart synced with it. I gasped at the same time when the door opened wide. My mouth hung open as I stared at the man in front of me. He looked down, sighed, and shook his head. He looked defeated."I'm sorry, Hade, Haris still doesn't want to meet you.", the chief of the ward said. I sighed and let both of my arms feel on my side. I don't know what pains me more. Was it because dad kept trying to escape our reality, or was it because I already knew why he had done this to me.I let a loud sigh and weakly smiled at the chief. "Please tell him I'll be back; I won't stop going here unless he shows himself. Thank you, sir." I didn't let him cut me off, so I watched his mouth hang open with his eyes panicking. I heard th
Sydney's P.O.V.After Hade rode to the elevator without waiting for us, we waited for another five minutes before the elevator came down, with another set of students coming out. We step back to give them away."What's wrong with Hade this past few days?" I asked. Both of them shrugged, and a grin appeared on their face as I watched their reflection on the elevator wall. We walked inside the elevator, and they pressed the eighth and tenth buttons."Sydney, don't forget the party, okay?" Hank reminded. I nodded and checked my calendar on the phone. Damn, the finals were just around the corner. I actually didn't expect to be a deans lister. Mom was thrilled, and dad congratulated me through his long message on Messenger. Maybe Enzo did tell him. Mom and Paris baked me a homemade cake with Shiloh's help, and he baked me brownies too as a gift. I suddenly became anxious with the finals coming, and I still have a lot of things to do, especially at my organization. We planned to have contes
I clicked my car keys as I walked towards the cafe's entrance. I instantly saw Hade and Jarred sitting on our spot sipping their coffee as I pushed the glass door. Jarred waved at me as I walked toward them. Hade looked back and flashed a smile. He instantly stood up and sat next to Jarred. I sat on the sofa where Hade was seated first. "What's up?" I asked. Jarred pouted his lips, pointing to the four glasses in front of us. "That's a lot.""You're way too late, Ms. Soriano," Jarred said. I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. I leaned my back on the sofa and sighed."You're right, traffic.", I said in defeat as I put my arms down and sat straight, looking at my shoes. I just noticed that Jarred and Hade were wearing the same design of shoes. I smiled before looking at them. They were staring at me and a slight smile on their face. They seemed proud as they stared at me. "What?" I asked as I suppressed a laugh. They both shook their heads in unison, picked up their glasses, and sip
Hade's P.O.VAfter the party last night, I wasn't able to talk to Sydney, but I got the chance to speak with her mom. I was shocked when I heard that Sydney had been talking about me when we were chatting online. I was a bit scared when her mom started talking to me because I thought she was strict and didn't like me, but she was soft-hearted and comfortable to talk to. I knew where Sydney got the energy from.I was sitting on my balcony watching the sky. The morning breeze isn't cold or hot. It's perfect. I sighed as I looked at the formation of the clouds, isn't the day seem so perfect to have a date with the one you love? But what if Sydney would say no? She doesn't want to date anyone. I sighed and rested my head on one of the grill bars installed on my balcony.I have to think of an excuse to make her come with me without telling her I want to spend time with her. But what if she thinks I'm getting too clingy? I shook my head and shivered. I stood up, walked toward my bed, and sl