The Socrates Express

Chastity Van Dyke has found her role in life. She’s going to become a nun. Despite the shock and disgust from her family, Chastity is forging ahead with her plan. Nothing is going to stop her – will it? Because of inconvenient circumstances, Julian Beaumont has to enlist the woman he hates the most to help him schmooze Italian businessmen. Of course, Chastity demands compensation – not for herself but for a small convent in Boston. After agreeing to make a sizable donation to the convent, Chastity helps him. Then it happened. His heart betrayed his better sense. Now, Julian has feelings for the Devil’s spawn. When he tries to express them, Chastity runs away. He knows she has a secret. And whatever that secret is it’s keeping them apart. Once he discovers it, it doesn’t deter him for long. Julian won’t rest until Chastity is his despite what his little harpy has planned for her life. “You’re not tired. You’re leaving because you’re uncomfortable with having a good time with me.” “What? I am not.” “You are to.” Julian let go of her arm. “I never figured you for a coward.” “I am not a coward.” “Then why do you keep running from me?” he asked seriously. “I’m not running from anything. I’m tired.” “Right. Chastity, I’ve decided not to stop.” She didn’t like the determined look in his eyes. “Not to stop what?” “Pursuing you. By the time I get finished with you, you’re not going to be a nun no more than I am.” Ire flared and before she knew it, she whacked Julian on the cheek as hard as she could. Chastity stormed off in a hurry.

“Daddy, kinuha nila ang anak ko! They took my son away from me! Darcio can't do this with me! Ako ang nagluwal sa anak naming dalawa. I accept his flaws and secrets even if it hurts. But why did he took our son!?” Humagulgol ang dalaga sa ama. “Rena, my daughter, your child is dead. They got into a car crash yesterday. Only Darcio and his wife survived.” Natulala ang dalaga sa ibinalita ng ama. Soon after, a loud howl she released. Verena didn't expect how her life became miserable. Ang tanging gusto lang niya ay makamit ang kalayaang matagal nang ipinagdamot sa kaniya. Running away from his father, Verena find herself wanted to escape from her life with a golden spoon on her mouth. She wants to express herself without the judgment of her father. Hindi naman niya inaakalang na ang kagustuhan niyang makawala sa kulungan na matagal ng ginawa ng ama ay ang magdadala rin sa kaniya ng higit pang miserableng buhay. She became a mistress and now, her child was dead. Is this her karma for being a mistress? Ito ba ang kapalit sa pagiging suwail niyang anak? She only wanted all her life to be free from the world she grew up in. But why does it feel like being free is more complicated than being surrounded by guards and maids? Her father was right, after all. The world was cruel and horrible. Hindi mo malalaman kung gaano kasama ang mundo kapag hindi mo naranasan maabuso ng mga taong nakapaligid sa iyo. But being brutal and horrific be wrong if she wants justice for herself and her son? Is it wrong if she wants to punish those people who belittled and betrayed her? Is it bad if she becomes a mistress again to achieve her mission?

No dia que deveria ser o meu casamento... a noiva não era eu. A cerimônia pela qual esperei durante cinco anos se transformou em uma piada quando Valentina, minha irmã, entrou pelo corredor de mármore usando um vestido de noiva branco. Seu braço estava entrelaçado ao de Luca, o homem que deveria estar me esperando no altar. — Sinto muito, Bianca. — Disse ela suavemente. — Mas hoje você não é mais a noiva. Então ela tocou a própria barriga, os olhos brilhando de triunfo. — Estou grávida do filho de Don Romano. Suas palavras explodiram dentro da minha cabeça, e o mundo inteiro mergulhou no silêncio. Como se temesse que eu não acreditasse, ela ergueu algo brilhante em direção à luz. Uma imagem de ultrassom em preto e branco. Nela, lia-se claramente: Idade gestacional — 12 semanas. Meus olhos arderam, as lágrimas queimando enquanto me virei para Luca, procurando desesperadamente qualquer coisa, uma negação, uma explicação, arrependimento. Em vez disso, ele apenas suspirou, cansado e resignado. — Bianca, me desculpa... — Disse ele, impotente. — Valentina não tem muito tempo de vida. Este casamento… era o último desejo dela. — Eu vou compensar você. — Acrescentou. — Podemos ter outro casamento depois. Meu pai, Moretti, estava atrás dele, usando a mesma expressão severa que carregou durante toda a minha vida. Nunca o vi sorrir para mim, nem uma única vez. — Bianca!! — Disse ele, ríspido. — Sua irmã está morrendo. Deixe que ela fique com isso. Meu irmão assentiu em silêncio, como se isso fosse uma resposta suficientemente sólida. Durante toda a minha vida, eles sempre a escolheram, as lágrimas dela, seus caprichos, suas necessidades, acima das minhas. Hoje não foi diferente. Algo dentro de mim se quebrou silenciosamente. Tudo bem. Se ninguém nesta família se importa comigo, eu vou embora.