Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once won't hurt : Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 29

Mira Standing on the too-familiar porch, I felt nothing—no rush of emotions, no longing, just a faint nerve reminding me I was about to see their faces. Laughter rang out—melodious and free. I heard my mom’s voice, faint but distinct, followed by another burst of laughter. I stood there, bag in hand, wondering how they would receive me. Taking a deep breath, I pressed the doorbell. It was mother’s habit to answer the door, no matter how busy she was. My grip on my bag tightened as I pictured her face. My heart pounded as soft footsteps approached. The glass door swung open, faster than I’d imagined. Nerves kicked in, and I wished the ground would swallow me whole. She stepped out, one hand on the frame, the other hanging loosely by her side. My feet stayed rooted; words failed me. She was exactly as I remembered—still beautiful, barely aged, just a little plumper. Her gray joggers and green T-shirt made her seem taller somehow. Her face shifted from surprise to a warm smile, one th

Mira The sound of arguments reached me from the porch. What was it this time? I rang the bell, and the voices went silent. Mother answered, smiling. I was tired of her smiling like things were perfect. I greeted her and walked in. Much to my surprise, Lizzy was there. Why?Adrian hugged me—something I loved. Lizzy stayed still on the chair while my dad remained standing."Hi Lizzy, congratulations.""Thanks," she said without looking at me.I walked closer. "How does it feel being married?""Great.""Being married is bliss, my dear. Besides, Ethan is a great man," my mother chimed in."Lizzy, you'll lend me some marital advice when I need it," Adrian teased."You left without informing me yesterday. You were to stay till the end," my dad started, already angry."I was exhausted and had emails from work.""Work. Is that why you abandoned your family?" He was almost fuming. I held my anger at bay."Darling, don’t be so hard on her," my mother’s pretentious voice cut in. I sat near Lizz

Ken She was breathtaking from the corner of my eye. She sat calmly, eyes on the road, hands folded neatly in her lap. I had taken in her appearance earlier, but even now, it struck me again—Mira was the embodiment of elegance and quiet beauty. She was the only reason I still lingered at Gigs, even though my mission there had already been accomplished. Bernard had been snooping around, eager to know if I had other assignments. The selection process was over. As for me, staying a week or two longer was simply time to cool off. Once I returned to my seat, there would be no leaving. Every trace connecting me to Voughan had been carefully concealed—except with Bernard so I had watched with mild amusement as Mira fantasized about her entry into my company. She called it the 'apex'. I had heard far more sublime descriptions, yet the word fit. Her joy over Voughan knew no bounds. I remembered how Bernard had considered replacing her with her Clara. Seeing how excited Mira was warmed som

KenNobles Restaurant. Her eyes widened, surprised I had brought her here."We are here," Smart announced.She tried to conceal her amazement, but I could tell her mind was racing. She probably wondered how an intern had access to such luxury.Mira shot me a questioning glance as she held my hand at the door. I wasn’t going to explain—and I hoped she wouldn’t ask."You really are full of surprises, Mr. Ken.""I told you."The restaurant was exactly as I had seen it yesterday—quiet and sparse. I led her to the table I had reserved at the farthest end. The waiter approached immediately. Mira’s eyes sparkled as they took in the space."I don’t know what to have." She scrolled the menu and flashed a nervous smile at the waiter.After watching her scan the meal options, I stepped in to help."This is super delicious," Mira murmured, her hand over her mouth. "Honestly, I haven’t tasted an appetizer this good." Her eyes roamed the three-course meal, arranged attractively on the table."You r