All Chapters of Pen & Passion: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

As we arrived home, I headed straight to my room to sort through the new clothes we’d bought. It felt surreal to have so many new outfits.I’d never had this much before, even when I was living alone. I happily folded each piece, admiring the various styles and colors. It was a luxury I wasn’t used to, but it felt nice.Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. I looked up to see Joaquin leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on his face."What's up?" I asked, returning his smile."I just wanted to see what you’re up to," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "Are you happy?"I nodded, still smiling. "Yes, I’m happy. I feel very spoiled, actually.""Good," he said, stepping inside and sitting on the edge of my bed. "You deserve it.""I almost feel guilty about all of this," I admitted, folding another shirt. "But since you keep reassuring me that it’s alright, I thought maybe I could abuse you more financially."Joaquin laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "It will never be an abuse

The hospital room was quiet, save for the faint beeping of the monitors. Joaquin lay in the bed, his face pale but peaceful, a bandage wrapped around his side.The doctors had assured us that the wound wasn’t deep, but he had lost a significant amount of blood, necessitating an overnight stay for observation. I sat by his bedside, holding his hand, my mind racing with everything that had happened.Ethan had worked quickly to block the news from reaching the media, preventing any commotion that might alert Joaquin’s father. He stood by the window, speaking in low tones with hospital staff and making sure everything was handled discreetly.I squeezed Joaquin’s hand gently, the events replaying in my mind. He had rushed to protect me without a second thought, and the thought of him being hurt because of me was almost too much to bear.I worried about the state Joaquin’s beloved bachelor pad, unsure if I had turned off the stove in the chaos. But Ethan had reassured me that the officers ha

Ethan already excused himself and went home. Ever since he left, I couldn’t help but think how in the hell did he “fall in love” with Jessy when they just shared one drunk make out session that she initiated!?‘Damn, Jessy—’ I thought, ‘—if you’re a love potion, you’re definitely a potent one!’I started making way to Joaquin’s room. We all agreed to keep it open so anyone can check up on him and help him whenever he needed. It’s just us anyway, and we can give him the privacy he needs when he requests for it.I peered through the open door and saw him awake, browsing his phone. Quite surprised to see him awake, I knocked on the wood, getting his attention.“Not able to sleep?” I asked, already making way to his bed. I sat beside him, the man settling his phone down on the bedside table.“Obviously,” he replied, having the difficulty to adjust his pillow behind him.“Let me,” I said, already fixing it for him. He then watched as I did and once I was done, he relaxed his back and initia

I woke up, the sun shining on me. Soon, I looked at my phone and noticed that it was around six in the morning. I let out a sigh as I put down my phone and rolled to my side, looking at Joaquin who was still sleeping soundly.I slowly sat up, stretching my arms and yawning as the sleepiness didn’t yet leave my eyes. But ever since being a working adult, I have grown used to waking up early in the morning to do preparations and it has forever become my body clock.Unless I get drunk, or have sickness, of course…I stood up from the bed and stretched my legs and arms further. I didn’t know why, but my body kind of ached. Maybe it was because of the turn of events that transpired yesterday?I got the hair tie from my wrist and then tied my hair into a messy bun. I decided to make breakfast for me and Joaquin since Ethan had already restocked the pantry and refrigerator yesterday before the incident happened.He said it had been a long time since Joaquin was here, so a restocking was in or

After what felt like hours of nonstop walking, trying on outfits, teasing each other, and draining what had to be at least four digits off Joaquin’s black card, Jessy and I finally waved the white flag.“My feet are about to fall off,” Jessy groaned, plopping into a chair at a nearby restaurant’s outdoor seating area. “I need carbs. Like, now.”“Agreed,” I nodded, placing our multiple shopping bags into the car earlier felt like unloading treasure from a heist movie.I glanced at the corner where my designated driver—Mark, was it?—stood dutifully near the parking area, waiting like a loyal sentry. “Hey, should we invite him to eat with us?”Jessy looked over her shoulder and made a face. “He’s been standing around all day like an NPC. Poor guy.”Without hesitation, I waved him over. “Mark! Come join us for lunch. You’ve earned it.”He blinked in surprise, visibly unsure, but walked over anyway with a grateful smile. “Ma’am, it’s alright. I can wait.”“Nope,” Jessy interrupted, scooting