Chapter Sixty-One: Light Heart

“You didn’t have to do this, Miss Minerva. This is too much,” Melanie said as I placed one box of pizza and a chocolate cake.“This is just something to celebrate your enrollment in the university. I also gave eight boxes and two cakes to the quarters of your family. They can eat there. You can join me now and then them later,” I said and smiled.Her innocent smile was fluttering my heart as she watched the pizza and cake. It made me wonder why I couldn’t be happy like this all my life when I have everything that I could ever need. Or maybe Timothy and the other people were right about me. I am an ungrateful bitch and a spoiled brat.“Are you okay, Miss Minerva?”I was snapped out of my intrusive thoughts when Melanie mentioned my name. I lifted my head, seeing her worriedly staring at me.“I’m sorry?” I muttered.Her innocent smile emerged on her face again. “I was just asking if you were okay. You suddenly look sad,” she concluded. “You know, if this is about Mr. Rodriguez, I would

Chapter Sixty-Two: A Price to Pay

“What is the meaning of this?” I asked the moment I opened the doors and confronted the scene.Glaidel looked up at me; shock and fear were on her face. Karlo’s arm was hanging around her neck. Melanie’s father was holding Karlo’s waist and shoulder because Karlo was almost dancing while they were trying to stand him up. They had all already stepped out of the vehicle, and my wrath was already lingering.“Miss Minerva!” Glaidel exclaimed, looking between Karlo and me alternately. “I was accompanying Mr. Rodriguez because he called me-““And why would he call you casually and not his own wife?” I muttered coldly, hovering my gaze all over her head and toe.“I… I don’t know, Miss Minerva. He just dialed my phone number and muttered things I don’t understand!” she explained, panicking at the moment. “He was talking gibberish, but I remember him talking about your parents. Dranreb Santiago. Erich Santiago. That’s what I can clearly recall, Miss Minerva!”Before I could even question her a

Chapter Sixty-Three: Scandalous Apology

While I was busy with my laptop in the office, I heard a knock on the door. Dara came inside.“Madame, sorry for disturbing you, but Mr. Rodriguez is outside,” she said monotonously.“Oh, really? You can let him come inside.”“Sure, Madame.”I cleared my throat and subtly adjusted my work dress. My eyes went to the small mirror on the desk. My makeup is still okay, thank goodness. The doors opened again, and I acted busy with my work on the laptop.“Minerva.”I looked at Karlo. He was in his business suit, holding a bouquet of roses. The memory of him choking me last night flashed in my mind. I didn’t like it.“Hey,” I greeted him. “I hope you don’t have a hangover.”Conscience fled across his face. He slightly bowed his head before speaking again.“I’m really, really sorry…” he slowly said, taking two steps forward with his sincere, apologetic pair of eyes. “I know I hurt you last night. I remember it. And I swear that every word and every action, I never meant it to say or do.”But

Chapter Sixty-Four: Know Your Place

I wanted to slap my forehead for the nth time. It was so stupid of me to doubt him. He is the only one I could trust nowadays besides Melanie, Timothy, and Glaidel. How could I suspect him of such unknown things I am even unsure about?I am surrounded by enemies, yes, but that does not mean I should not make any allies. Or else, I will be alone. “If you are still investigating the ambush that happened to my parents, why didn’t you tell me?” I asked and furrowed my eyebrows.“Minerva, I know your struggle and pressure. You are just very amazing at hiding it. That’s why I don’t want to add to your personal troubles,” he explained. “You are to become the Red Cartel queen. As your husband, I am here to support you, no matter what happens.”“Karlo…”“I promised your parents that I would take care of you. They didn’t tell me to love you, and yet I am here, desperately loving you.”I thought his words and his actions were corny to me. This time, it touched my heart. Maybe because I found t

Chapter Sixty-Five: I Am An Assassin Now

The meeting started smoothly. I sat in the capital chair. Taylor didn’t dare to look at me or talk in the meeting. I had to ask her some questions that relate to our agenda, but she would just give brief answers. She has become mute, and I am loving every second of it.“The meeting has adjourned,” I announced. “You can now dismiss.”“Thank you, madame,” they said alternately.I didn’t waste time standing and went to the door so I could go out. I heard Dara following me. I bet the managers stayed in the conference room so they could talk, while we went back to my office.“Dara, can you give me the summary of the meeting we had?” I asked her as soon as I sat in the swivel chair.“Sure, madame. I will send you via WhatsApp,” she said and pressed on her tablet.I lifted my focus to the laptop, waiting for her message to pop up. But as we were talking, the doors creaked open, revealing Taylor. She looked at me in shock before her eyes surveyed the interior. She then smirked devilishly, lik

Chapter Sixty-Six: To Be Worthy

“Wow…” Glaidel muttered and gulped as she ran her gaze from my head to toe. “You look… so magnificent. I can’t believe someone like you would be so beautiful, Miss Minerva.”“Oh, my goodness!” Even Melanie showed up from the corner with her mouth covered. “Miss Minerva, you are a lost goddess, I see!”I giggled at their astonished faces and even playfully shrugged. Both of them were in the living area as I elegantly went down the stairs. Glaidel was already wearing a black tube dress. She also had silver accessories. I used to see her with no makeup at all, but now that she has some on her face, I could see that she is indeed pretty. Her hair was in a bun with a huge silver clip on the side. We have on the same silver heels because hers is also mine, which she borrowed from me.“You’re here. Your classes are done?” I asked Melanie when I got down in the living area.She was still amused by my entire appearance, but she managed to nod. “Yes, Miss. I just changed clothes and helped my f