Lahat ng Kabanata ng Once His Pawn, Now His Brother’s Obsession— Too Late, Ex!: Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

OPHELIA “I love you so much, Alia. You’re the prettiest, smartest, and bravest child in the whole world,” I said, planting kisses on her face. “Really?” “Really.”She let out that giggle that I was sure made everyone’s heart flutter. Afterward, she suddenly paused halfway and began to sniff herself.“What’s wrong?”She looked up at me again. “Alia’s stinks.”I couldn’t help the smile that lengthened my lips. A few minutes ago, I never thought that I would smile again.“You don’t stink. Your dress is just dirty.”“I don’t like it.”Before I could reply, Nova swept to our side and bent her knees so that she was head to head with the child.“Auntie Nova,” she called as if she was only just realizing that Nova was in the room. “Come on, Alia. I’ll get you a change of clothes. You should also let your Mama rest.”“Is Mommy sick?”I quickly replied. “It’s just a headache. Once I sleep, it will be gone.”Reluctantly, she whispered. “I’ll let Mama sleep then.” She let Nova carry her and

OPHELIA“I had a one night stand last night.”I spat out the mouthful of coffee I’d just gulped across the table. When the hotness glided wrongly on my throat, I slammed my fist against my chest and began to cough.“Are you okay?”She stood up from the couch and rushed toward me, offering me a tissue to cough on. I held it to my mouth and almost coughed my heart out, the coughs mixed with laughter. “What did you say?” After my laughter died, I asked, staring at her as though she’d grown two heads. She dropped that out of the most randomest place. Geez. We were just talking about what to do when Alia’s fourth birthday arrives. “Why are you so surprised? It’s not the first time I’m telling you I had sex.”“That was ages ago, Nova. Aren't you celibate? I mean, weren’t you celibate?”“Well, I broke my celibacy.”My mouth formed into a wide ‘O’ and a smile tugged at my lips. “Interesting. Who is this guy?”Nova shrugged and returned to the couch. She slumped on it and leaned her head on

The moment I stepped into the police station, it reminded me of the time I’d spent here months ago. I still remember the traumatic experience like it happened yesterday.“Miss Ophelia Valentino.” I turned around to find a chubby middle-aged woman walking toward me. When she reached me, she grabbed my hand and shook it.“Miss Ophelia, we meet again.”My brows furrowed. I looked at her thoroughly from her head down to her toes, trying to remember where I’d seen her. I didn’t need to wonder for too long as her face finally registered in my head.I chuckled. “Madam Ruth.”“You remember me. What are you doing here anyway? Can I help you with anything?”I tugged my hand away from hers. How pretentious. She must’ve seen the news these past few months and realized who I was.“I’m here for Selena Cassel.”“Oh, that child thief. Come this way.”She led the way, passing through a tiny hallway until we reached the prison. After passing three gates, we reached the fourth one and paused. Nova gru

OPHELIA“You drew this in a few hours? Oh my goodness.” I asked in awe for the second time as I stared at the painting in Alia’s hands. She lifted it so I could see it clearly, a proud grin settling on her face. She peered at me with her wide eyes as she waited for my response.My eyes roamed over the painting. She’d drawn something that looked like a car and then there was a doll inside it. Although the car she'd drawn looked incomplete and childish, it was the best I’d seen. I dramatically closed a hand over my mouth as I took the painting from her with my other hand.“How beautiful. You’re so talented, my child,” I praised. “Really?”“It’s so pretty. Now, I’m considering sending you directly to an art school instead of a kindergarten.”“Is that bad?”I crouched downward a bit and lightly flicked her forehead. “I was just joking. Don’t start getting ideas. Would you like to attend art classes when you’re a little bit older?”She nodded. “Then it’s done. This is so pretty.”I ent

OPHELIARonan had been strangely quiet and cold since the previous day.Even now as the car rolled over in front of the Whitmore mansion, his eyes remained fixed on the grand entrance as if preparing himself for something. I didn’t know what happened but I was certain it was something serious.The brightly lit mansion towered above us, windows glowing against the dark evening sky.“We’re here, sir, ma’am,” the driver informed before he climbed out of the car to open our doors.“The moment you feel a bit uncomfortable, we’re leaving.” For the first time since we began our journey, Ronan spoke to me. He angled his head so he looked at me. “Do not eat anything. Did you hear me?”“Yes. Noted.”Then he stepped out of the car. Lifting Alia into my arms, I climbed down the car and we began to make our way to the grand entrance where a few servants stood awaiting us.Alia wrapped her hands around my neck and looked around the large building, her neck turning every second to scrutinize the bui