I AlSO glanced down the windowsill where the small picture frame was. My lips twitched as I recognized the man in the photo. He smiled broadly as he hugged the woman from behind. Even a few shots had him there with wide smiles. I want to cloud my eyes because of the pain that is dying in my heart. My system would not accept it, even though I knew he was in good shape after all I still could not accept what his life had become now. I couldn't help but caress its face in the photo, at least here to relieve the pain in my heart that I have been hiding for several years. But suddenly I was startled by a sneeze so I looked up at the man on the third step of the stairs. I quickly returned the picture frame to its previous position as I realized here was his attention. "Ah, you got a good shot here." My hand is the sense that averted my gaze. I also avoided looking at the white T-shirt he was wearing and khaki shorts. It didn't answer instead it walked closer to me so I arranged for us. I smelled the shower gel is used, an indication that it had just finished taking a bath, so my plan to avoid it I haven't done it yet because it has paralyzed my strength. "Those photos are the most memorable moment of my life, meeting the girl I want to be with for the rest of my life." It barely lifted a frame in which he seemed to propose to Alessandra. "Beautiful," I said softly but I wasn't sure if I said it properly because of the vibration of my voice next to him. I didn't agree with what he said either. "Yes, she's the most beautiful person I've ever known in my entire life." He continued. I couldn’t help but bite my lips because of the rush of emotion that envelops me right now. "It's good to hear that from you, obviously you really love your wife?" That's one question I want him to answer. "Of course, I do love my wife!" he immediate answer. I smiled bitterly at him and shook slightly. "How about you? Are you single or married?" his question explicitly to me. I quickly raised my face to him full of emotion. I wanted to get angry at his question, I wanted to hurt him and slap him on his face because he didn’t know how much pain he was giving me right now. I can't seem to bear to pretend that I'm okay in front of him because my tears are already welling up in my eyes. "Hey, are you alright?" There was a hint of concern when he grabbed one of my shoulders. His pale eyes were questioning so I couldn’t move. "I'm just fine," I said slightly backing away causing him to let me go. There was a moment of silence between us as he saw me wipe a bead of tears from my eyes. I noticed his lips moved to speak but I was stunned to look behind me. "Dinner is ready!" Alessandra's voice awoke in the silence of the two of us. "Let's have dinner first," he told me as he left me to go to the dining room. I took a deep breath first before I stepped my feet into the dining room. "Sit down, I'm sorry if I only served fried chicken because I really don't have time to cook because of the event I'm rushing today." Alessandra started me and glance at Gabriel. "No problem..." I smiled. "What's your name? I'm sorry I forgot to ask earlier." Alessandra smiled wryly at me. “Emory Meredith Grant, my friends call me Meredith, who slightly glanced at Gabriel whose attention was still on the food. "Woah, nice name huh? I'm Alessandra and my husband Gabriel." Introduce her again. I barely nodded and turned my attention back to the food. "Where do you live here?" she asked again. "It's just in the village, I actually just moved here a week ago." "Hhmm, okay." She response. I glanced at Gabriel again as if no one wanted to ask about me. "I'm just here for a vacation," I added. "Ah, we're here for good as it's nice to live in a quiet place, away from the chaotic city and the noise of the cars." She smiled at me. "Yeah, you'd better be away from people," I agreed. "Oh, my God! You're married?!" Her eyes widened as she stared at my finger where I was still wearing the engagement ring and wedding ring that Hezekiah had given me. I grabbed it quickly and without saying a word glanced at Gabriel who looked down at me. "Come on may I see your ring?" she bothered me so much that even though I was embarrassed. I held out my hand to her and she held it from the other table. "Beautiful, look at mine?" She pressed her hand with the same ring as mine. I was devastated because the ring she had was obviously more expensive than mine. "Who's the lucky guy? Is he with you on vacation here today?" she asked me again. "No, I'm just alone here," my weak answer. I saw the slight shock on Alessandra's face so I decided to just drink the juice in front of me. She didn't ask any more questions about me because she turned to his husband while I was quietly listening to their conversation. I thought that Gabriel's formality brought him all the way here but when his wife was the one talking to him, his satisfaction came out and he smiled. It is also often a joke to her wife that even though it is corny on the outside he is still laughed at by the latter. "I'm sorry. This is how Gabriel and I really talk." Alessandra apologizes to me. "It's okay." I smiled slightly at them but when I turned my gaze to Gabriel I saw his strange look in my answer. "Really? One of these days I hope you can visit us again, bring your husband with you so we can meet, right dear?" She even grabbed the latter's arm who barely nodded at what she said. "I called mommy, and until now she still hasn't been able to find a maid here at home, because we're far from the city." Alessandra started with his husband again. "Is that so? I'll call Marcus maybe he has an acquaintance who can come in with us." Gabriel told to Alessandra. I straightened my back when I heard their conversation. Did I hear right? Are they looking for maids here at home? "All right, I'll call Ferry about that too," Alessandra replied to her husband. I gripped the cutlery tightly and gathered air in my chest before speaking. "Are you looking for a maid?" They glanced at me almost at the same time. "G-I would like to apply?" "I'm sorry?" Gabriel asked me with a frown. "I want to apply as your maid," I said boldly.
"Nice... I love the party..." His one hand was inside his pocket while the other was holding the glass of cocktail juice, sipping on it coolly. "I wanted it simple and solemn. I didn't invite big names and personalities," I said. "Is he invited? Did you inform him?" He asked smoothly. But before I could even answer him, my eyes caught that man walking inside the entrance of the gate. My heart was frozen by his surprise appearance. Looking so magnificently hot and seductive in his navy blue long sleeve polo that folded up to his forearms. He never failed to clutch my heart out and leave me breathless. I watched him cross the crowded people while his eyes never left mine. I wanted to stare at him more, but it was cut off when I heard Ellwood clearing his throat beside me. "Whatever speech you have boiling, I don't wanna hear it," I said through my tight lips. I heard him chuckled lowly before leaving me alone and greeting Hezekiah. "Dude, long time no see... I'm glad you came." E
I realized a lot of this when Alessandra and I had a talk. I left her with a light heart and there's no anger left inside. Even before, I already forgave her.I halted from my tracks when I felt something wet gushed on my thighs. Then my stomach rumbled in pain."Oh God!"I quickly walked to the car. My delivery seemed earlier than the due date? I thought I could still drive but I can't take the pain.I was left with no choice but to call Ellwood."What?! We... wait, where exactly are you?!" he frantically said.I told him the exact place and after only a few minutes, I heard his car nearing.I woke up in a child's loud cry. I slowly opened my eyes and looked for the baby."Hey, wonder woman."My eyes lifted to Ellwood. I can't help but to smile.Beside him was a man carrying a child. My tears started forming at that scene."You're here?" I uttered in my low and weak voice.Ellwood glanced at Hezekia
"Were not yet through, my wife," he spoke in a rough voice, making sure he has control over me."Please just fucking let go off me..." I thought it would come out as a hard tone, but it came out almost like a whisper in the wind."I know you've been dreaming of me last night, every fucking minute of your night. I know deep there inside, you wanted this much to happen as much as I want you..." His soft tone vibrated all over my nerves."No. I don't... I can't!" I sterntly said. Tears formed around my eyes but I didn't let it fall."As much as I wanted to be near you or being with you. I just can't... I couldn't, Hezekiah." I slowly shook my head."It's not that easy. Alessandra is alive and your child... your child you chose over me!" My voice already cracked but I still my managed myself."No, Sweetheart," he whispered softer now."Please..." I struggled to get off of his hold but he didn't let me."Just one more chance, sweeth
"What time is the ribbon cutting again?"I was talking about the opening of the Jewelry shop Hezekiah built. He also invited me to the mall in Manila that just got finished, but I couldn't go because it's too far. I decided to just go to the new branch of the company because it doesn't sit right that I couldn't attend this event, too."10 am in the morning, so may you still have time to think about it again." She rolled her eyes and stood up."Come on, Zuay! I know it's not you..." I teased. Even if she said that she hates Hezekiah, I know she's still hoping for us to get back together again."Tss... I better go back to work." She turned around and and left my office.After she closed the door, I leaned my back against the chair. I gently caressed my baby bump and closed my eyes.He shouldn't find out about my pregnancy. Not because I don't want to give him his rights as a father, but because I'm scared of the result once he found out.
I chuckled lightly, "We already talked, he went to Galla a few days before I flew black here. He asked for my forgiveness and a chance, but–""No, no, wait... you mean, you two talked and you didn't even mention your situation?"I slowly shook my head.My gaze lifted to him when he held my hand above the table."You should've told him that you are pregnant."My lips quivered while staring at him. I didn't expect him to say that. I know he didn't like Hezekiah for me even way before. Why does it seem like the world just turned upside down?"No, I can't..." I shook my head again.His eyes lingered on me. He slowly caressed my hand and looked darkly at me."I want to show you something..."We didn't finish our food because we quickly walked our way to his car.I didn't ask where we were going, but based on the path we're taking, I think I know where it will be.When his car stopped in front of Cervantes
Carrying the bottle of wine and long glass, I walked my way to his cabin. I know the risk of taking this chance, but I have to do this to clear things out. What's about to happen may exceed my expectations, but I don't want to worry about it now. Clad with the tiny speck of courage left in me, I raised my hand to knock on his door. The door opened and I saw shock registered on his face when he saw me but composed himself right after. "Uh, I–I ah..." I quickly raised the bottle of wine and the long glass. Instead of saying anything, he just got the bottle and glass from me. He pulled the door close which made me step back... "Didn't you enjoy your wine?" His voice flowed calmly. My breathing hitched as he stepped closer, not wanting to be inches apart. "Yeah, we need to talk." I finally said. We're now facing each other in front of the small table of his cottage. He poured himself a glass of wine and took it all in one g