Semua Bab The Sin of Loving You: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Ilang araw na ang lumipas at balik-Manila na si Ainara. The Palawan project was progressing, her inbox was overflowing, and her calendar was packed. But that Thursday morning, habang nagre-review siya ng site reports, tumunog ang phone niya.Julie.She answered, still typing.“Hey, Jules.”“Hi, Ate Ai. Quick favor lang. My cousin Nico—remember him? The one I mentioned one time?"Ainara paused. “Yung taga Alabang?”“Yes! He’s renovating his house. Medyo lost siya sa layout and finishes. I told him you might be able to give advice.”Ainara leaned back. “Julie, I’m swamped.”“I know, I know. But he’s really nice. Just one meeting. Lunch break lang. He’ll treat you to coffee.”Ainara sighed. “Okay. Send me the address.”“You’re the best!”**By noon, Ainara was in Alabang, standing outside a modern but half-finished house. Nico greeted her with a warm smile, wearing a button-down shirt and slacks—classic, neat, and just a little old-fashioned.“Hi, Miss Del Carmen. Thanks for coming.”“Ca

The townhouse was quiet, wrapped in the soft hush of early morning. The curtains swayed gently with the breeze, letting in streaks of sunlight that danced across the hardwood floor. Ainara stirred beneath the sheets, her body warm and relaxed, curled against Andres’s chest.He was already awake, watching her with a sleepy smile.“Good morning,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.She blinked slowly, then smiled back. “Hi.”Neither of them moved right away. The silence between them was comfortable, like the kind that only comes after a night of shared secrets and skin. Ainara traced lazy circles on his shoulder, her mind still floating somewhere between sleep and the memory of last night.Andres leaned in and kissed her forehead. “You okay?” He was referring to their intimacy last night. First time ni Ainara at alam niyang nasaktan ito nang mapunit ang hymen. He felt proud as a man na s'ya ang una sa buhay nito at nangako s'ya sa sarili na itatama ang lahat pagdating

Isabella sat stiffly on one of the velvet lounge chairs near the pantry, her coffee untouched. She had just exchanged pleasantries with Ainara in the hallway — a simple “Hi” — and Ainara had responded with a polite nod, nothing more.But it was enough to set Isabella off.She hated how composed Ainara always looked. How she never seemed rattled. How she walked through the office like she belonged there.Pia noticed the shift immediately.She slid into the seat beside Isabella, all faux concern and glossy lips.“Oaky ka lang?” Pia asked, voice soft, syrupy.Isabella didn’t answer right away.Then, “She’s so smug.”Pia tilted her head. “Ainara?”Isabella nodded. “She barely looked at me.”Pia sighed dramatically. “Well… you know how she is. Always so… proper. But I get it. It’s awkward.”Isabella narrowed her eyes. “Why would it be awkward?”Pia leaned in, lowering her voice. “I mean… you and Andres used to be a thing. And now she’s practically glued to him.”Isabella’s brows furrowed. “

It was another Friday evening and one they both eagerly waited for. Sa sobrang daming ganap sa opisina at personal na buhay, pakiramdam nila ay nasa marathon competition sila palagi.Andres stepped into the townhouse, shoulders heavy, tie loosened, the scent of hotel coffee and boardroom tension still clinging to him. The meeting had dragged on longer than expected — too many egos, too few good ideas — and all he wanted now was silence, food, and Ainara.He dropped his keys on the console and kicked off his shoes.“Babe?” he called out.From the kitchen, a voice floated back. “Dining area!”He walked in — and stopped.Ainara was standing by the table, plating food. She had clearly showered, her skin still dewy, her hair a soft mess of waves tied in a loose bun that was already falling apart. She wore an oversized gray t-shirt that hung halfway down her thighs, sleeves rolled, neckline wide. No makeup. Just her.Andres stared.“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, not turni

Maagang dumating si Ainara sa opisina. Lunes, bagong linggo, bagong laban. Nakasuot siya ng cream blouse, high-waisted slacks, at simpleng makeup — sapat lang para magmukhang composed pero hindi intimidating. Bitbit ang laptop bag at isang tumbler ng kape, pumasok siya sa lobby na may kumpiyansang hindi sinasadya.Pagpasok niya, agad niyang napansin si Pia sa harap ng receptionist. Nakasuot ito ng fitted blazer, pencil skirt, at signature red lipstick. May hawak itong maliit na kahon na ibinibigay sa receptionist.“Pakisabi sa courier, pick-up mamayang 11:30. Confidential,” utos ni Pia, sabay kindat.Napansin ni Pia si Ainara at agad itong ngumiti — hindi yung genuine na ngiti, kundi yung tipong may laman, may tuso.“Well, well,” bungad ni Pia, “ang aga mo ngayon, Miss Del Carmen.”“Monday,” sagot ni Ainara, kalmado.Pia laughed softly. “Same. Pero iba ang energy ko ngayon. Iba kasi kapag may sariling office na may bintana.”Ainara raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Congrats.” Ainara remembered