All Chapters of My Deceptive Heart: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

When my mother-in-law called one time and asked if I wanted to participate in the charity events she was helping with, I gladly agreed without hesitation. Helping doesn't only strengthen personal values, it also makes me feel good as a human being, so I never miss an opportunity to help and volunteer whenever I have time. The program also provided counsel on where to access social services and shared ideas about first aid. You could see happiness and appreciation on the faces of the people they helped. They looked so grateful for that simple kindness they were providing, and they appreciated it so much. It felt so heartwarming to be part of this program. I couldn't help but smile whenever my mother-in-law checked on me from time to time, asking if I was okay with the activity. She might not have known, but I was used to doing charity work when I was in Paris. It was around noontime when she asked me to take a rest, and that's when I got a chance to talk to her personally about her adv

Zeke picked us up from the center and brought us to one of the most beautiful fine dining restaurants in town. It was an elegant, romantic garden restaurant serving a fusion of vibrant French and Japanese cuisine, with modern, minimalistic interiors. The ambiance was perfect for a fancy, elegant dinner and it felt like the ideal place to unwind after a tiring day.This was my first time dining out with Zeke’s mom, and I was glad to share the meal with her after a tiring yet worthwhile day of community work. To my surprise, Zeke pulled out a chair for his mom first, then one for me, before settling in beside me. That gesture made me raise an eyebrow.Of course he’d act like a gentleman in front of his mother, I thought.Since I wasn’t familiar with Japanese cuisine, I asked my mother-in-law for recommendations and ordered pork katsu, harumaki, and vegetable tempura. For drinks, I got mango juice, and for dessert, hazelnut dacquoise. To return the favor, I suggested chicken confit, Frenc

"Finally, you came!" My mother-in-law happily stated then warmly embraced me, which I gladly responded to. Zeke then kissed and hugged his Mom after me."I was telling Zeke here, Mama, that the hacienda was amazing and this is such a beautiful home." I genuinely complimented."I'm glad you liked it.""Oh no, I loved it, Mama!" I enthusiastically replied."Well, feel at home because you are now a member of this family." The old woman stated, looking very pleased with what I said."Thank you, Mama.""Can we just go to our room first, Mom? It was a long drive and I wanted to rest a bit." Zeke suddenly said gruffly, interrupting them. With that, my wide smile vanished as my annoyance with my jerk of a husband arose again.See how inconsiderate and grumpy he was? Really irritating!"Oh yeah, I'm so sorry for being insensitive, son. I just got so excited about your arrival that I forgot that you got tired from your travel all the way here. You may go upstairs together with your wife and rest

"Y-Yes grandpa..." I managed to reply instead. "By the way, Ezekiel. Don't you have plans to buy a house or build a new one in the city? Don't you think that penthouse is uncomfortable and a bit small for the two of you?""It's more convenient to live there for the meantime since it's a few minutes drive from the office, grandpa," Zeke replied. "Is it fine with your wife to live there knowing she was used to living in a huge and more comfortable house with lots of maids to attend to her?""It's fine with me, grandpa. I can deal with that. Besides, Zeke and I agreed about it already." "But you will have children soon and that place you were living in is too small for a family.""That's what I told them, Dad." My mother-in-law commented then. "We will surely deal with that when we are in the situation so please don't worry about that. Our stay in that penthouse is just temporary and of course, I have plans for us to settle in a bigger and wider house soon." Zeke stated, trying to ass

"Pick up those pillows and comforters now and put them back on the bed!" I told Zeke in a panicked rush, my voice tight with alarm. I was terrified whoever was on the other side would see the mess scattered across the floor and assume we’d been fighting. That was the last thing we wanted anyone in his family to know. Thank god he didn’t argue; he just bent down and gathered the crumpled fabrics, tossing them onto the mattress before lying down. I took a deep breath and walked to open the door.Just as I’d suspected, it was my mother-in-law, a stack of soft-looking pillows tucked in her arms."I brought extra pillows for the two of you, just in case," she said, her face lighting up with a warm smile."Oh, thank you, Mama!" I exclaimed, taking the pillows from her. "I was just about to ask a maid, but this is perfect.""Need anything else? I’ll have someone come tend to you both right away if you do.""No, we’re all good, really." To my surprise, I felt Zeke’s presence at my side before